Mai, noticing the exchange, approached Si-Woo with a tentative smile. "Congratulations," she said softly. "You're doing so well." Her voice sincere.

Si-Woo returned the smile, "Thanks, Mai. You didn't do too bad yourself." he said, trying to downplay his own feelings of inadequacy. He knew that Ha-Yoon's success was no fluke; she had worked tirelessly to get where she was. But a part of him couldn't help but feel a twinge of incompetency.

Mai's eyes flicked to the scrolls, her expression unreadable. "It's not a competition," she murmured as if reading his mind. "You're both doing incredible things."

Si-Woo nodded, his thoughts racing. He knew that deep down, she was right. The siblings had come to Ondur to live a better life. Competition with Ha-Yoon was the least of his worries. "Thanks, Mai," he said, his voice hoarse. "You're pretty amazing yourself."

Mai's smile grew genuine, and she punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Let's go get some Yoani cakes sometime," she suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, to celebrate making it through the first part of our journey."

Si-Woo cringed inwardly at the mention of Yoani cakes. Ha-Yoon had an uncanny ability to detect whenever they were available and always ordered them without fail. The sickeningly sweet taste was something he could do without, but he knew it was her favorite, so he never complained. "Sounds good," he said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

The headmaster's voice echoed through the hall as she announced the highest-scoring level one student. "With a record-breaking score of ninety-seven percent, Ha-Yoon Hu," she paused for dramatic effect, "has set a new precedent for first-years!" The room erupted into applause, and Ha-Yoon felt a wave of exhilaration wash over her. She had done it. She had proven herself in a place where she had always felt like an outsider.

With the ceremony concluded, the students were released into the city of Ondur. The week of intensive testing had left them all drained, but the excitement of the results fueled their spirits. Ha-Yoon's friends surrounded her, eager to celebrate and hear every detail of her success. They talked about the thrilling battles and the mind-bending puzzles that had pushed them to their limits.

Meanwhile, since Minho said there would be no training after the academy yesterday, Si-Woo found himself craving solitude amidst the festive atmosphere. He had always felt a bit detached from the fae, and the stark reminder of Ha-Yoon's rapid advancement had left him feeling introspective. He wandered the cobblestone streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The warm glow of the fae lanterns cast a magical light on the faces of the passersby, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a sense of camaraderie that he envied.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

He stumbled upon an armory, its gleaming weapons and armor displayed in the windows like a treasure trove. The shop was nestled between two grand buildings, the metalwork shimmering in the twilight. Above the door was an intricate emblem depicting a hammer striking a fiery anvil, surrounded by an inscription in archaic fae script that he couldn't quite make out.

As he was admiring the craftsmanship, a figure materialized behind him, casting a long shadow on the cobblestone street. He turned to find Mai, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is one of the most popular armories in Ondur," she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's owned by Hemeraldo, the legendary blacksmith!"

Si-Woo raised his eyebrows, "Legendary?"

Mai nodded vigorously. "Yes, it's said his direct bloodline were apprentices of the ancient beings at the apex of the Mu era that had created the soul weapons that can even harm the gods themselves!"

Si-Woo couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. Despite his weariness, he allowed himself to be drawn into the excitement. "Soul weapons? Like my Kunai of Eternity?"

Mai is surprised and nods, her eyes shining. "Exactly like that! Only seven soul weapons were ever created, I heard you had Eternity, Breaker of Mercy, but it still surprises me the weapon chose an owner, for them to choose an owner is rare. It's said that the weapons can sense the nature of one's heart and spirit. To have one means you're destined for great things."

Si-Woo looked down at the gleaming Kunai Eternity in his pocket, feeling a sudden weight in his chest. "Well, I'd say it's chosen well, then," he said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood.

"Anyways, why are you wandering around Ondur alone? You know you have a tendency to get lost.

Si-Woo's response was nonchalant. "It doesn't matter; I'm sure I'll get kidnapped sooner or later," he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Mai giggled, the sound light and carefree despite the seriousness of the situation. "You and your wild adventures," she said, shaking her head. "But really, Si-Woo, you've got to be more careful."

"You don't need to worry," Si-Woo said with a shrug, keeping the concern out of his voice. "I can handle myself."

Mai's smile faded. "I know you can," she said, her voice serious. "But the city isn't as safe as you think. And with the whispers of the Level Four's interest in you, I just want you to be careful."

Si-Woo's eyes grew dark at the mention of the Level Fours, but he nodded. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, his voice solemn. "But for now, let's go inside. I'm sure Hemeraldo would love to show us around."

Mai's smile grew playful as she placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. "Actually," she said, "I just stopped by to say hello. I have some business to attend to, but I'll see you later, okay?"

Si-Woo's expression fell a bit, but he nodded. "Sure, have fun," he said, trying to keep the disappointment from his voice. He watched as she turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd, her silver hair fluttering behind her like a flag in the wind.

Entering the armory, he was immediately struck by the smell of hot metal and the rhythmic clanging of hammers on anvils. The air was thick with the essence of craftsmanship, and he felt a strange comfort in the familiarity of it. He approached the counter, where an ancient fae with a wild beard looked up from his work, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he took in the young earthling.