A boy was standing on something that resembled a training ground, the morning breeze bringing a familiar smell of sea and land. He closed his eyes and put his hand on his chest, wanting to feel something beyond his heart.
“Ryu, hurry up or you'll be late,” shouted a woman inside the house.
“Today's the day,” he muttered to himself, clenching his fist.
There in that place, he began to remember, the tireless training he did was never enough. He saw himself, a small boy, facing the harsh gaze of his grandfather, Kenjiro. Each lesson was a battle, each success just a pause before the next test, even if he succeeded, a simple congratulation never seemed to come.
“You'll never be strong enough that way,” Kenjiro used to say, his voice laced with disdain. “If you don't become a wizard, you'll be kicked out of this house. You must be better. Stronger. More disciplined.”
Ryu opened his eyes, determination burning in his gaze. “I'll prove you wrong,” he thought. ”I'll win your approval, just like in the old days.”
With one last look at the horizon, he headed into the house, where Miss Sora was waiting. “Ready to face that little challenge, don't worry, this family has always passed.”
“The problem is that I'm not family,” muttered the boy.
After arriving at school, Ryu saw his classmates in high spirits. It seemed that everyone was hoping to become a wizard today, although they were people that the general population knew almost nothing about, everyone admired them for protecting us from the mana beasts.
With no one to talk to, Ryu wasted no time getting on the bus that would take them to the exam site. Sitting in the back of the vehicle, he stared out of the window, letting his thoughts wander. He could have taken me to the exam. But what bothered him most were his grandfather's cold words: “If you don't become a wizard, you'll be thrown out of the house.”
At school, the atmosphere was completely different. Anxiety was in the air, but not in a negative way. The teenagers were excited and expectant. Most of the boys were talking animatedly about their military aspirations, “Look, I'll have all the elements and I'll become the strongest!” they shouted, it was as if they all had this goal of dreaming of becoming one of the “Six Blades”, the title given to the six strongest people in each country. This was a goal that many aspired to, a position of honor and power.
Ryu, however, stood apart. Introverted in the crowd, preferring to observe rather than take part in the effusive conversations around him. He had had a few friends, but had recently changed schools and was now alone. Despite this, he felt a spark of excitement seeing the happy atmosphere in the classroom.
Arriving at the building, everyone was amazed. The exam was being held at one of the eastern nation's two magic schools, the Yamato Arcane Institute. As it was a very restricted school, only strictly authorized people could enter. From what little they saw, they knew that the structure was on another level, the institute had to make up everything a student wanted, so it looked like a city. When they got off the bus, the instructor who was driving the bus warned them: “Even though this is a school, it's a military area and you should stay close and only walk where I guide you”. So they headed towards the school. A colossal structure, white walls mixed with blue, everyone was speechless.
When they entered, they followed a corridor and started down the stairs, in the meantime they didn't see anyone who looked like a student or even a member of staff, but the excitement kept growing, with each flight of stairs the students seemed more anxious.
When they finally left the corridors and entered a door, the instructor announced that they had arrived at the exam venue, they were in a large place that looked like a classroom, long tables that should fit about 5 people in each, but what really caught the eye in the room was only one man, Ryu noticed that he must be an instructor, he had a hard look and a scar next to his lip, thin black hair and was tall, like the other instructor he wore a black overcoat without giving any details of his body. When the students were quiet, he welcomed them and introduced himself:
“Welcome to the Yamato Arcane Institute. I am instructor Takeda Haruto. This is your first time at this school and it will probably be your last. Only 1% of the population is a mage. The first test will begin when everything is ready. If you don't make it, you're out.”
“It doesn't matter! I know I'm in the 1% and I'll become the strongest and then...”
“Stay quiet, this is a military institution, you're already 15 years old, I think you know how to behave with your superiors,” he said in a stern voice.
This guy is scary, I think I'd better straighten my posture, he's going to pick on me.
Suddenly the door opened, it was a woman bringing in a girl, quickly the instructor left the room, leaving the girl there “The first test will begin, I'll just decide the order”
After that, instructor Takeda looked at everyone with a strange look, there seemed to be a gleam in his eyes. After activating a hologram that had the faces of everyone in the room in alphabetical order, he began to change the order at will. There didn't seem to be any sense in the order he was doing it, so Ryu thought it was random. He did everything so slowly that the students were getting tense, especially those who had their faces moved. In the end, Ryu was second to last, with only the girl who had just entered the room behind him.
“Katsu Yamamoto, come forward.” As he said this, the floor began to open up and something quickly began to rise from the ground.
There was now a machine behind the instructor: a round glass about 3 meters in diameter, with a chair in front of the machine. The instructor told Katsu to sit down, but as he was still a little way away, he hurried his step and almost fell. After sitting down as if to calm down, he declared cheerfully, “I'll be in front, everyone.”
“Basically, the machine will send all kinds of elementals into your body. If your core can hold any of these, you've passed.”
Katsu sat back in his chair with a confident look on his face. Takeda pressed a button and magically several bright spots of various colors began to appear on the glass dome.
“These are the elementals,” the instructor explained.
It was possible to see the elementals moving, and in an instant heading for Katsu's mana core. His chest glowed like a rainbow, but suddenly all those lights left his body, spreading throughout the room and, after a few seconds, quickly returning to the sphere.
Katsu didn't understand what had happened, so he asked: “What are my elements?”
In a manner so dry that even Ryu felt annoyed, the instructor replied: “None. You failed. Next.”
Katsu, unable to believe what he had heard, stood still, clearly shaken. The room was completely silent, which was broken by Katsu's sobs. Tears streamed down his face, and he asked in despair: “What about my dream?”
“It's just a dream now. It's time to wake up.”
The atmosphere in the room, once cheerful, was now heavier. Everyone was visibly upset by the situation, including Ryu, who knew that the chances were low, but after seeing someone's dreams come to an end so quickly. But there was no time to think; the next one was called.
“Ling Wei to the front. Even after what had happened she seemed confident, but after the machine was switched on, the elementals found no resonance with its core. The lights quickly went out, leaving her in a state of shock. With tears in her eyes, she got out of her chair and made her way silently to the back of the room, without saying a word.
It's that quick, that dry, what am I going to do if it happens to me?
Lost in thought, half the room had already gone forward, but no one had succeeded. After so many failures, the atmosphere was so heavy that no one seemed to be able to cope. When they failed, not everyone cried, but they were clearly sad and disappointed.
“Ethan Wilson to the front” At that moment, the call sounded like a sentence
Ethan tried to keep his composure, but when the elemental lights faded, his expression of determination crumbled into despair. He got out of his chair, muttering softly, “This can't be happening,” as he joined the others at the back of the room.
Faster and faster, the students began to show that they lacked confidence and the instructor's gaze looked increasingly disappointed.
At that moment, Ryu stopped looking around him, all he could think about was: if he didn't pass, where would he live, what would he do? Without realizing it, another call echoed through the room.
“Ryuji Takeshi Iwahara, come. It's your turn.”
Those words seemed to herald the end of his dreams.
It's so strange to walk, feet I can only tell I have because I'm looking at them. I walk towards the chair with my head down.
The next thing he knew, he was standing in front of the chair. Trying to forget his nervousness, he quickly sat down. Cold ? how can it be so cold in here? Looking to the side, he sees Takeda, his gaze the same since the beginning of the test. How can anyone be that cold? In this chair, in this machine, this man had shown reality, taking away the dreams of 28 until now.
He seemed cruel, tyrannical, the worst person in the world, and I was on his side. As the machine began to turn on, a memory surfaced.
When Ryu was 9 years old, his uncle, Hiroshi, was the only one in the family who visited his grandfather. Most of them were too focused on their military careers and Ryu had never seen them. When Hiroshi was at home, he was the one who taught Ryu.
Hiroshi was teaching him how to use a sword, using a wooden one for demonstration, but Ryu wanted to know about something else. "Uncle Hiroshi, why can't you or Grandpa teach me how to train my mana core?" he asked.
"It's because it's extremely dangerous. Since your core is still growing, it could explode due to a lack of control. That's why it's illegal to teach you or anyone who hasn't awakened yet, but I can teach you sword techniques. Historically, our family's weapon is a sword, so it will be very useful for you." Ryu looked up in admiration and asked, "When will I get mine then?" Gently, Hiroshi replied, "At the right time."
Just as they were about to resume practicing, an alarm began to sound throughout the entire city: "Silver-level monster identified!!! Silver-level monster identified!!!" Frightened, Hiroshi tried to calm Ryu. "Don't worry, Ryu. My unit and I will take care of it. When I return, I'll teach you more. But if you get nervous, remember that I am the strongest and will always protect you. See you someday."
For several hours, the alarm blared until the news was announced that the monster had been eliminated. I wonder if Uncle is okay. When he comes back, I'll show him this new move I invented... When will he return... what happened to him?
After a month, Ryu had lost hope. His grandfather wouldn't talk about it until one day, Miss Sora said there was a message for Ryu. She activated the message, and Hiroshi's voice was heard, "Hello Ryu, I managed to defeat the monster. Because of this, I've been called to the main headquarters and won't be able to return soon. I'm sorry I can't be there, but my final gift to you is this: keep these words deep in your heart, believe in yourself." Relieved that his uncle was alive, Ryu wondered why this was so important, but only one thought crossed his mind, "I will fight by your side."
Returning to that chair, Ryu came back to himself. I cannot disappoint him. It doesn't matter if the other children couldn't do it; I will. With this thought hammering in his mind, Ryu's chest began to glow. As if no time had passed, he saw elementals going everywhere. The fear of failing returned, but he noticed some colors were missing, and when he looked down, his chest was still glowing, a smile spread across his face.
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He heard the instructor's voice, which this time seemed so comforting: "Congratulations, you passed."
That light in my chest took away my sense of time after the instructor's words. I could see four different lights that disappeared out of nowhere. When it stopped glowing and that sensation passed, I stood still. I looked around and saw looks of admiration and envy directed at me.
"Stand up, there's still one more person to go," said the instructor.
I wanted to ask what my elements were, but nothing came out of my mouth. The feeling of relief and euphoria combined, finally realizing I would have a future with what I always dreamed of, absorbed me. Moving away a bit, I stood near the chair. The instructor didn't seem to mind.
"Hana Eversong, step forward." So that was her name.
A girl, she had long black hair, was much shorter than me, and her skin was so fair it was almost pale. When she got closer, it was possible to see her eyes, a light red, noticing more that her gaze seemed not to have been affected by the previous atmosphere of the room. Maybe it was because I succeeded, but she seemed very sure of herself.
She sat in the chair, and the procedure began. As soon as the elementals reached her core, they were all sent flying, or so I thought. Her core shone intensely with a fiery red, and just below, a glow like that of a lamp.
If that surprise wasn't enough, something incredible started happening: her hair was changing color. The hair, which was black before, now was a very strong red. Why didn't mine change too? That's so cool.
When her core stopped glowing, I could see how beautiful she was. But with no time for shallow thoughts, the instructor said, "Congratulations, now you two go to the other room. The rest, goodbye forever." He said this pointing to a door behind the machine.
The room's silence remained. My peers couldn't say anything. Only the strongest survive. I turned my back on them, probably wouldn't see them again anyway.
"YOU TWO... BECOME GREAT MAGES," said Katsu with tears in his eyes before being the last to exit through the door.
"You got it."
Ryu and Hana were guided by Instructor Takeda through a narrow corridor illuminated by a soft light. Each step echoed on the metal walls, mixing a tense silence with growing anticipation.
They finally arrived at a double door that opened automatically, revealing the next testing room.
The room was spacious and circular, with a high ceiling that gave a sense of vastness. It seemed a harmonious mix of the appearance of when we entered and elements of nature. In the center of the room, there was a large magic circle drawn on the floor, with glowing runes pulsing in various colors, constantly changing as magical energy flowed through them.
The walls of the room were lined with polished metal panels, each containing a series of holographic monitors displaying real-time data. Sensors and cameras were scattered everywhere, capturing every movement and magical fluctuation of the candidates. In various parts of the room, there were crystal pillars glowing with different colors, each representing one of the elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Electricity, Darkness, and Light.
Near the wall opposite the entrance, there was a control table where several instructors were on standby, manipulating control panels and closely monitoring the screens. Each instructor seemed highly focused, adjusting parameters and analyzing the data appearing on their displays.
Around the magical circle on the floor, there were several technological devices, such as a machine that seemed to measure the intensity of magical auras, another that analyzed the purity and resonance of the controlled elements, and a third that projected holograms of previous tests for comparative analysis.
Upon arrival, Ryu and the red-haired girl noticed there were only a few other people in the room—specifically, five other girls and three boys. Takeda was gathering information from the other instructors and then announced: "The first test is over. Today, more than 2,000 people took this test; only you ten passed. This means you are automatically accepted into the Seiryu School of Magic. Though you come from different cities in the southern part of the Eastern Union, don't expect many new classmates."
He divided the students into groups of two for the next test. Ryu ended up paired with the red-haired girl. When this was announced, she introduced herself.
"Hello, although you probably already know, I'm Hana Eversong," the girl said confidently. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can learn a lot together, Ryuji." Upon hearing that name, Ryu thought, she probably has mixed ancestry, just like me. She had a striking presence, seeming strong and fearless, which was evident in her posture and gaze as well.
Following the instructor Takeda, he explained, "Ryuji, since you seem to have tuned in with four different elements, it wasn't very clear which ones you have affinities for. We need to be sure you can actually control these four elements. Meanwhile, it's obvious that Hana has affinities for Fire and probably Light, so we'll start with you."
"With your core awakened, you can minimally disturb all the elements," Takeda said, "but the ones you can truly control, whether by shaping them, enveloping them around your body, or doing anything you want with them, will be the ones you have affinities for."
Reaching a part of the room with seven crystals, clearly representing all the elements, Ryu took a deep breath and positioned himself in the center of the magical circle. Quickly, a red crystal moved in front of him. He focused, remembering his Uncle Hiroshi's words: "Believe in yourself."
Next, Ryu focused on the red pillar, seeing the elementals taking the path from the crystal to his core. A flame appeared, and instinctively, he managed to control it, though with some difficulty. The flame danced and grew as he directed his energy.
"Fire," Takeda murmured, "don't use up all your energy, move on to the next one."
The next crystal appeared in front of him, blue like the sea. He tried to control Water; the same process of the elements moving to his core happened, but this time he only managed to create small undulating movements on the surface of a container. With Air, he only managed to lift small dust particles from the ground. Electricity was even more difficult; he generated a few sparks but nothing significant. When Ryu had no affinity, the instructor said nothing besides indicating the next test.
This time, the crystal was brown. He looked at it and felt comfortable with that crystal, trying to manipulate the Earth element. He concentrated, feeling the connection with the ground under his feet. Gradually, he managed to lift a small column of stone from the ground, shaping it with his will.
"Well done," said Takeda. "You have a good affinity with Earth." Ryu was amazed that so little effort brought such a significant reaction from his instructor.
Now it was time for Light. The white pillar shone brightly, and Ryu felt a deep connection. He created a sphere of light that floated above his hand, shining with a pure and steady intensity.
"Excellent control of Light," Takeda commented, with a rare smile.
Finally, Ryu tried to manipulate Darkness. The black pillar shone, and he felt the dense, difficult-to-control energy. Despite all his efforts, he only managed to move the Darkness elementals in his hand like living shadows, but in an unstable and uncontrolled manner.
"You have an affinity with Darkness, but you clearly struggle with it."
Takeda observed all of Ryu's efforts and, after the tests, commented: "You demonstrated good elemental control capabilities with Earth, Fire, and Light, with Earth being your standout. Darkness is a few levels lower. However, don't get too full of yourself for having affinities with four elements. It's not that rare to have awakened individuals with so many elements, and there are also some challenges you'll face. Remember, true mastery comes from practice and focus."
"Now, Hana Eversong, you can begin."
Hana positioned herself in the center of the magical circle, and the pillars began to shine again. First would be the fire test. As Hana prepared for the test, Ryu felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity; she would be the benchmark to see if he did well or poorly on the test. When she started, her skill was evident. She manipulated Fire with impressive grace and control, creating complex shapes and maintaining a stable and powerful flame. Light seemed to flow naturally, creating illusions and brilliant shapes with an ease that left Ryu in awe.
Next, she focused on Light. Her ability was graceful, creating luminous shapes and figures that floated in the air with an almost supernatural elegance. Ryu watched, impressed, admitting to himself that Hana was incredibly talented, probably even more than he was. This made him think that she might be the first barrier he would have to overcome if he wanted to stand out.
"Congratulations, Hana," said Takeda. "You demonstrated exceptional control over Fire and Light."
Ryu realized that Hana was not just proud; she was a formidable opponent. He knew he would have to work hard to reach her level, but this new motivation only increased his determination. Ryu approached Hana after her test. "You were incredible, Hana. Even though you started ahead in terms of skill, I'll work hard to catch up to you quickly."
Hana smiled, a gleam of determination in her eyes. "You can try, Ryu, but it won't be easy. I work hard and don't intend to let anyone surpass me. But I'll enjoy watching you try."
As they left the room, Hana turned to Ryu with a confident smile. "Since we're both here, I'm sure we'll see each other soon. I hope we're in the same class. Get ready, because I won't make things easy for you."
Ryu smiled back, feeling the healthy competition forming between them. "Don't worry. I'm ready for the challenge."
After finishing all the tests, the instructors gathered the ten students who passed. Among them, Ryu noticed that one of the boys had his hair changed to a clear blue, but he had to stop thinking about it. Instructor Takeda took the floor. "Well, now that the tests are over, I would like to ask: which field are you going to pursue?"
Ryu, without hesitation, replied, "Obviously the military." But the instructor asked for silence, waiting patiently. After a while, a girl timidly raised her hand and announced that she didn't want to pursue that career. Ryu was astonished, as everyone he knew, whether male or female, wanted to pursue a military career. The instructor asked if anyone else wanted to go into another field, and a boy stepped forward, saying he would pursue a different field. The girl, with short brown hair and green eyes, seemed determined but shy, while the boy, who was tall and thin, had an intellectual air with round glasses and a serious expression.
"So I want you two to stay with me; the rest of you will go home and return in a week. When you're here to stay, remember this is not a camp; it's a military school that will ensure the future of our country. Think about that. You are dismissed." The eight students were escorted to the corridors they had passed through for the first exam, and Ryu and Hana went back together.
On the way, Ryu commented, still intrigued: "It's strange, with the possibility of defending people, that they don't want to pursue a military career. I think it's a waste of talent."
Hana replied calmly, "Not everyone wants to die for others or for a government. We can't judge." These words left Ryu perplexed. When they arrived at the room for the first exam, they were escorted separately. Hana gave a brief wave goodbye and said, "Well, in the end, I chose the same path as you, so I'll see you later, Ryuji."
Ryu didn't return by bus like on the way there; he was taken by car by men who seemed to wear the same clothes as the instructors. He felt the elementals being disturbed in the area and, curious, asked, "Why are you escorting me?"
"You might be the future of the nation. We have to be careful. Even though we've been at peace for 400 years, there are risks in neglecting new talents. During this week, we will monitor your house, or at least that was our job, but here in Tokyo, students who pass usually don't need that. For example, your grandfather is a military veteran; he probably won't like sensing people around."
Hearing his grandfather's name, Ryu finally realized that what his grandfather always asked was for him to become a mage. Will Grandpa be a little kinder to me now? That would be great. Starting to imagine various scenarios of his grandfather being kind to him, Ryu didn't notice the time passing.
Upon arriving home, the agents talked to Ryu's grandfather. The conversation was brief and direct. "Sir, we are here to ensure your grandson's safety during this week."
Ryu's grandfather, with a stern look, responded, "I don't need anyone around my house. Leave."
He spoke with such an intimidating aura that the agents had no desire to argue.
After the agents left, the grandfather addressed the meeting room, where Ryu reported his academic and training life once a month. "So, you passed," he said, emotionless.
"Yes, I passed," Ryu replied.
"They only told me you have four affinities. Let's see if they are useful," ordered the grandfather, pointing to the garden. Ryu felt strong anxiety, but when he reached the place where he always trained, he managed to calm down more easily. That familiar place where he had always been since childhood made him feel confident. Facing his grandfather, he began to concentrate, and quickly a flame appeared in front of him, the size of his head. It was easier to control there than in the laboratory, but still smaller than Hana's. "Put it out," his grandfather said harshly. With some difficulty, Ryu managed to extinguish the flame.
Ryu waited for his grandfather to ask him to show the other elements, but that didn't happen. As if it didn't matter, his grandfather, without changing his expression, said, "Come here." When Ryu approached, his grandfather tried to punch him. Ryu ducked down, but a knee came towards his chest. It was impossible to dodge, so he just braced himself and defended, yet he flew about 2 meters back, although managing to stay on his feet, feeling intense pain in his arms.
"At least you have enough instinct to defend yourself with pure mana," said his grandfather coldly. Pure mana, what is that?
Ryu, not fully understanding, attacked again. He created an orb of light and made it stay in front of his grandfather's eyes, then quickly attempted a spinning kick. His grandfather easily caught the kick and threw Ryu away. "You think too highly of yourself, using dirty tricks just like your father," he said. For the first time, Ryu heard something about his father, but before he could think, his grandfather cast a fire spell. It was the same size as his, but came at an incredible speed.
With no time to think, following only his intuition, he stomped on the ground with all his might, raising an earthen wall and leaning on it. The fireball hit hard, pushing Ryu back a bit, but the wall held. When the dust settled, Ryu's grandfather said, "What a disappointment. The talent went to that inferior elemental."
Suddenly, Kenjiro did something he had never done while training Ryu: he moved from his usual spot with incredible speed and got close to his grandson. Desperately, Ryu tried to punch, but when he tried to use his core, he felt great pain. With no time to think about it, he pushed to the limit, fire starting to appear around his fist, but in vain. Without knowing if he was even touched, Ryu felt an impact on his chest, his fist dropped, and so did his entire body.
The shock and exhaustion made Ryu pass out. When he woke up, he was in his bed, treated.
"Did Miss Sora take care of me?" he wondered. Feeling hungry, he went to the kitchen, where he found a plate of food. After heating it in the microwave, he was surprised by the taste. When he was finishing the food, he found letters at the bottom of the plate. "Congratulations on your success."
Ryu was moved. "Thank you," he said with tears in his eyes, feeling that at least someone cared about him.