The second year of military training was nearing its end. The cadets had spent months focused on accumulating internal Aura, strengthening their bodies, and honing their skills. But not everyone had made the same progress. Some were beginning to stand out, and among them, Isaki and Riku emerged as the most promising.

In those months, the training had been relentless. Every morning, the cadets ran through rocky hills and forests, constantly pushed to exceed their physical limits. However, the true challenge wasn't the physical exertion but rather the mastery of Aura. General Tora had imposed a strict rule: no one could advance in the levels of Aura without first mastering internal control, the fundamental basis for any future warrior or mage.

Aura, as it had been explained, was not just an energy that randomly flowed through the body. It was the expression of one's soul, a reflection of a person's very essence. The deeper the connection with one's soul, the more powerful the Aura that could be accumulated and controlled. However, for now, the cadets had to focus on strengthening their internal Aura, using it to enhance endurance, speed, and strength. The second and third levels of Aura—externalizing it and channeling it into an object—remained distant goals, except for a few rare talents.

Isaki stood in a small clearing, slightly apart from the other cadets. His body was tense, sweaty, but his eyes were focused. He could feel the flow of Aura coursing through his veins, a vibrant energy resonating with his spirit. Every day, he felt it with greater clarity.

Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching from behind. He didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"Still training by yourself, Ryo?" Riku's voice had a mocking tone, but beneath his apparent confidence, there was always an underlying challenge. Isaki had become his benchmark.

"You seem to have plenty of time to watch, Riku," Isaki replied without interrupting the flow of Aura through his body. "You should focus on yourself if you really want to surpass me."

Riku chuckled but didn't immediately respond. He stopped next to Isaki, observing him closely. There was a tension between them, a rivalry that had grown over time, but also mutual respect. Both knew that pushing each other was the only way to reach the next level.

"You're getting close, aren't you?" Riku asked, more seriously this time. "To the second level."

Isaki opened his eyes and turned to him. "And you?"

Riku didn't answer immediately, but the smile faded from his face. "Maybe. Or maybe not. But I won't stop until I get there."

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The two cadets locked eyes for a moment before both turned back to the field, ready to continue their training. However, something unusual happened that evening. During the last training session, as the cadets pushed their internal Aura to its limit, Isaki felt something shift.

As he gripped the hilt of his training sword, a faint blue spark appeared around his hand. It was weak, almost imperceptible, but it was there. His Aura, which had so far been confined within his body, was starting to manifest externally. Isaki's heart skipped a beat. It was the first sign of the second level.

But his moment of awe was interrupted by the instructor overseeing the area. "Don't get distracted, Ryo!" the commander yelled. "It's not enough to perceive it. You have to master it."

Isaki nodded, refocusing on himself. He knew that mastering the second level of Aura would be a long and difficult journey, but that first sign was proof that he was on the right path.

As he continued to practice, the sun began to set, painting the sky with shades of red and gold. The training day was coming to an end, but Isaki had no intention of stopping. He had a clear goal in front of him: to master the second level before the third year began. And he knew he wasn't the only one with that ambition.

While Isaki trained, his father, Izaku Ryo, watched him from afar. The veteran warrior had always been an imposing figure, respected and feared. But inside, Izaku knew that time was robbing him of his strength. His Aura was weakening. No one, not even Isaki, knew this secret.

Izaku had been one of the great warriors of his time, a master of the third level of Aura, capable of channeling his spiritual energy into weapons with unmatched precision and strength. But now, with each passing day, he felt his Aura slowly fading. Every time he watched Isaki train, his heart filled with pride but also growing concern.

"He's growing quickly," Izaku whispered to himself, watching the faint blue glow that for a moment had enveloped Isaki's hand.

Izaku knew that the weakness he felt inside could no longer be ignored. He had trained Isaki rigorously for this very reason. He could not afford to be weak when the world around them was becoming increasingly dangerous. Rumors about the possessors of the powers of angelic and demonic eyes were beginning to spread in the shadows, though common people remained unaware of the true nature of these powers. Only a few, like Izaku, knew the truth, and he understood that the days of apparent peace would soon come to an end.

Weeks passed, and the training became increasingly intense. The cadets were beginning to show the first signs of progress with Aura, but none seemed close to reaching the second level. Yet, the instructor was preparing a new challenge: a trial among the cadets to determine who was closest to mastering the first level.

The announcement of the challenge ignited a fire among the recruits. It would be an opportunity to stand out, and many aimed to prove their worth. Naturally, Isaki and Riku were among the most determined.

"I'll see you at the challenge, Ryo," Riku said with a provocative smile. "We'll see who's truly closer to the second level."

Isaki didn't respond, but he knew inside that this trial would not just be a simple competition. It was a chance to prove to himself how far he had come… and how ready he was for the future awaiting him at the Fate Academy.