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In the weeks leading up to the mid-term placement tests, Si-Woo had poured himself into studying, often spending long hours in the Yohen public library. Ha-Yoon was a constant presence by his side, providing insights and light-hearted jabs to keep him focused. Occasionally, Mai would join them, her infectious energy lifting their spirits and her challenges pushing Si-Woo beyond his comfort zone.

When the day of the test finally arrived, Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon walked side by side toward the academy gates. The air buzzed with anticipation as students gathered to prove themselves. Just before Ha-Yoon stepped inside, Si-Woo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Blessings, Ha-Yoon,” he said, his voice soft but resolute. “Show them everything you’ve got.”

Ha-Yoon met his gaze with unwavering determination. “I will.” She walked a few steps forward, then paused, glancing back over her shoulder. A warm smile broke across her face, full of encouragement and affection.

Si-Woo’s heart swelled; her smile alone made his decision feel less burdensome.

He lingered near the entrance, deep in thought, when he felt a familiar hand grab his arm. Startled, he turned to find Mai standing beside him, eyes alight with expectation.

“What are you waiting for? Let’s go in!” she said, tugging on his arm. But Si-Woo didn’t budge, his expression serious.

“I’m not going in,” he admitted, his voice low.

Mai stopped pulling, her brows furrowing. “Wait… what?” she asked, her grip loosening. “You’re not taking the test?”

Si-Woo looked away, guilt and determination warring within him. “I’m not ready,” he said quietly. “It doesn’t make sense to force it when I know I need more time.”

Mai's eyes softened, worry flickering across her face. “You could’ve told me,” she said, her voice laced with a mix of hurt and understanding. She stepped closer, her presence a reassuring warmth. “But...you’ll get there, you’ve got more strength than you give yourself credit for.”

Her expression shifted, a teasing smile lifting the corners of her mouth. “Just don’t fall too far behind, okay?”

A faint smile broke through Si-Woo’s seriousness. “I won’t,” he promised.

As Mai turned to head inside, she cast him one last glance over her shoulder. Si-Woo stood rooted in place, determination hardening in his chest. He wasn’t ready now, but with their faith in him, he knew he would be when the time was right.

Minho, who had been observing from a distance, stepped closer. He placed a reassuring hand on Si-Woo’s shoulder. "It's not about rushing to the top," he said. "It's about building a foundation so strong that when you're ready, nothing will be able to shake you. This is your journey—walk it at your own pace."

Si-Woo nodded, determination replacing any lingering doubts. He stepped back from the entrance as the doors closed behind the test-takers. He might not be ready today, but he knew one day he would be—and when that day came, he would face it without hesitation.

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Before leaving the academy grounds, Si-Woo made a brief stop to check in with his homeroom teacher. They exchanged a few words—his decision to skip the test this year was met with understanding and an encouraging nod. With that formality out of the way, he set off on foot, venturing into the heart of Ondur.

Si-Woo loved moments like this, where he could wander alone and let his thoughts drift. The cobbled streets, lined with ancient stones and whispering winds, seemed to invite reflection. He moved with no particular destination in mind, his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the familiar sights of the bustling town. The world felt alive around him, each sound and movement offering a fleeting connection to something greater.

As he walked, fragments of conversations floated to him from nearby market stalls and street corners. Most were mundane—a baker advertising fresh bread, children laughing as they played—but one recurring topic caught his attention: the new Rankers' family being established.

“It’s about time,” one man said, voice gruff but thoughtful. “If the anomalies keep spreading unchecked, we need someone regulating them.”

“Maybe,” replied a woman, adjusting a bundle of herbs on her shoulder.

“But it’s not just anyone they’re bringing in. Mutstushiro Amreen and his lot… they’re skilled, but you can’t deny their power is intimidating.”

“They’ve saved more lives than I can count,” another chimed in defensively. “People forget too quickly. We need them.”

Si-Woo continued to walk, his ears tuned to each shift in tone, each ripple of tension or hope. When the conversation turned to the fae, it grew even more layered.

“Fae or Ranker, what difference does it make?” someone muttered, bitterness in their tone. “They don’t care about us common folk.”

“That’s not true,” a gentler voice countered. “I’ve seen fae fighting alongside us. I’ve seen the sacrifices they make.”

Si-Woo absorbed every word. The opinions of the townspeople, their hopes and fears, painted a vivid picture of the shifting dynamics within Ondur. The rise of the Rankers' family was changing everything, and people were grappling to understand what that change would bring.

Lost in thought, Si-Woo slowed his pace. He wondered how he and Ha-Yoon would fit into this evolving world—if they would ever rise to play a part as pivotal as those they now heard tales of. He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The journey was far from clear, but it was one worth contemplating.

With that, he pressed on, the murmurs of the town following him like a distant, shifting tide.

As Si-Woo wandered through the streets of Ondur, he let the sounds and sights of the bustling city wash over him. His gaze lingered on shops and buildings advertising goods crafted from Serein stones—items that glowed faintly with a soft, inner light. He knew Serein stones well enough; they were highly valued for their energy-conducting properties and mystical qualities. Yet, until recently, he hadn’t realized they had practical applications beyond magic.

His thoughts drifted back to a recent conversation with Minho during training. They had taken a rare break, seated on a low stone wall, when Minho had picked up a Serein stone and tossed it to him.

“Bet you didn’t know this makes some of the finest armor out there,” Minho had said, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Si-Woo had caught the stone, turning it over in his hands. “Armor? I thought it was just used for enhancing unique abilities and channeling energy.”

Minho nodded, a touch of pride in his voice. “It is. But when refined properly, it becomes strong, flexible, and surprisingly resilient. Not many can shape it without losing its magical properties, but those who do… their work is unmatched.”

As Si-Woo walked on, he passed display windows showcasing gleaming suits of Serein armor. The light played across the polished surfaces, casting iridescent hues. Merchants touted the superiority of their wares, extolling the benefits of Serein-forged armory to passing customers.

One set of armor, sleek and layered with shimmering scales, caught Si-Woo’s eye. He paused, imagining himself clad in such protection—something that might serve him well on the dangerous paths he knew lay ahead. The idea sparked a sense of anticipation and curiosity.

He continued on, the chatter of townspeople drifting past him.

Conversations about the new Rankers’ family and differing opinions about the fae filled the air. Si-Woo listened absently, but his thoughts lingered on Minho’s words and the shimmering armory. It was another piece of knowledge to hold onto, another step in understanding the world he was determined to navigate and protect.