In Si-Woo’s next class, he sat quietly at his desk, his eyes drifting to the empty seats where Mai and Ha-Yoon used to sit. Their absence was a reminder of how they had moved ahead, leaving him behind. He clenched his fists under the desk, a mix of determination and frustration brewing inside him. I will get there eventually, he resolved, silently vowing to catch up.

His thoughts were interrupted by whispers from a few students nearby. “Can you believe it? Ha-Yoon, Sol, and Mai—everyone’s calling them geniuses,” one of them said. Another snickered, “And then there’s Ha-Yoon’s brother… A real disappointment, isn’t he? Can’t even keep up.”

Si-Woo’s jaw tightened as he overheard their words. He looked down, trying to block them out, but they echoed in his mind. I shouldn’t take their words to heart, he thought, struggling to brush off the sting of their judgment. Yet, deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a kernel of truth in what they said. A heaviness settled over him, but instead of breaking, he steeled himself. I’ll prove them wrong. One day, they won’t be able to dismiss me so easily.

A few days later, a small celebration was held at Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon’s home to honor the achievements of Mai and Ha-Yoon. The air buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the warmth of friends and allies. Si-Woo managed to smile, genuinely happy for their success, even as he quietly promised himself that he would make his own mark soon.

The rest of the school year passed in a blur. Si-Woo poured himself into his studies and training, completing his first year as a fresh Level 2.

Meanwhile, Ha-Yoon, Mai, and even Sol successfully wrapped up their own year as fresh Level 3s, each earning praise and admiration.

Now, summer was on the horizon. The academy was quiet, students making plans and looking ahead. Si-Woo stood at the threshold of new challenges and opportunities. With determination burning in his eyes, he was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, knowing this summer could be a turning point for him.

During a mid-summer training session, Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon walked toward the training grounds with the warm sun overhead. Ha-Yoon dragged her feet slightly, a playful groan escaping her lips. "Ughhh, my tummy hurts," she complained, her bonds trailing closely behind her, a spade wolf nudging her arm.

Si-Woo smirked. "Maybe we need to enroll you in a rehabilitation program for Yoani cake addiction," he teased.

"But it was my birthday yesterday!" Ha-Yoon protested, a grin spreading across her face. "I had to go all out!"

Si-Woo shook his head with a mock look of disappointment. He couldn’t help but notice how quickly Ha-Yoon was advancing. Her bonds were now able to stay with her nearly all day—an impressive feat that underscored her rapid growth. Pride mixed with a tinge of worry as he thought of his own progress.

Their conversation was cut short by Minho’s commanding voice. "Today, we’re going to test the skills you've been learning, Si-Woo," he announced, his eyes sharp with expectation.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Minho turned to Ha-Yoon. "Go find your usual training partner," he instructed.

Ha-Yoon let out a dramatic sigh. "When will I finally be allowed to use my grimoire?" she asked, her fingers idly brushing the book at her side.

"You’re still far from ready," Minho replied firmly. Ha-Yoon groaned, rubbing her stomach one last time, before trudging toward another training arena, a determined light still in her eyes despite her impish complaints.

Si-Woo tilted his head curiously. "What’s going to be so different about today?" he asked Minho.

Before Minho could respond, a shadow passed over them, and Si-Woo looked up just in time to see Mai swooping down from the sky atop her bond—a majestic, brown, falcon-like Onyx. The creature circled gracefully before landing. With a quick hop, Mai dismounted, and the Onyx immediately took to the skies once more. She rolled her eyes playfully.

"Big baby," she muttered with a hint of fondness.

Si-Woo’s eyes widened in awe. "I've only ever heard you mention your bond in passing, but actually seeing an Onyx... it’s incredible," he said, still captivated by the creature's elegance.

Mai nodded, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Quincy’s shy by nature. That’s why most people have never seen any others from the same family."

"It’s nice to see you," Si-Woo replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"It’s nice to see you too," Mai said softly, her eyes sparkling as they shared a brief but meaningful moment.

Minho cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Ahem. Here are the rules," he announced, his voice firm but patient. "You may use your preferred weapon, and I will be monitoring closely to ensure safety. The first to submit loses."

Si-Woo’s expression shifted to determination as he drew out Eternity, his soul weapon, its kunai blade gleaming in the sunlight. Thoughts raced through his mind: Mai is incredibly talented in combat. No one at her level can compete with her. As the next prophetess, she relies on total concentration breathing for her future visions. He steeled himself, knowing that this would be no ordinary sparring session.

But that's not why I'm excited, Si-Woo thought, his jaw tightening around the hilt of the kunai. The reason I’m excited is because I get to see her skills up close—with her specialty weapon. He eyed the spear in anticipation. Just then, Minho tossed Mai her weapon, and in one swift motion, she caught it. The moment her fingers wrapped around the spear's shaft, her entire demeanor transformed—gone was the playful smile, replaced by a razor-sharp focus. Her eyes were intense, unwavering.

Mai shifted into a low stance, her body perfectly balanced, and spoke with calm confidence. "I hope we can learn from each other and gain insight today," she said.

Si-Woo nodded, a spark of excitement and nerves coursing through him as he mirrored her with his own stance. Minho’s voice rang out. "Let the match begin!"

Immediately, Si-Woo felt the weight of his disadvantage—Mai's spear granted her exceptional reach, and she wielded it with deadly precision. He’d have to close the distance if he stood any chance of overpowering her. Getting past her long reach won’t be easy, he thought, calculating his options. But if I can close the gap, she’ll be vulnerable to my close-combat techniques.

With a deep breath, Si-Woo steeled himself and began to channel his energy into a new technique he’d been honing—Wistful Halo. It involved projecting his serein in a gas-like state, allowing him to move with fluidity while maximizing his evasion. This technique, if executed correctly, would help him glide past Mai's powerful thrusts without compromising his footing.

Focus, he reminded himself, his eyes never leaving Mai as he prepared to engage. She moved first, lunging forward with precise control. Si-Woo's senses heightened as he activated Wistful Halo, ready to dodge, weave, and find his opening against the formidable opponent in front of him.