The days following the incident were a blur of medical visits and sleepless nights. It took Ryu three days to walk normally again, but his determination grew stronger with each passing day. He used this time to study more about mages and their powers, devouring all the books he could find, even though everything seemed like made-up stories.

When he finally felt ready, Ryu began to prepare for his journey to the Yamato Institute. The training resumed with full force. The day of his departure arrived quickly, a week had passed, and the wounds from the fight had healed at an impressive speed, probably one of the advantages of being a mage. Since that day, Ryu had not managed to exchange a single word with his grandfather. Vague phrases wandered through his mind, wondering why he would be like his father or what pure mana was.

“I tried several times to use that on myself, but nothing seemed to happen, maybe it was just adrenaline that made me withstand that attack more easily.” While lost in how to use his power, he wondered aloud, “Why do we never know anything about mages? Even now that I am one, I don’t understand my own powers. They always act outside the city, always full of secrets...” Ryu sighed, frustrated, as his thoughts wandered. Well, I’ll have the answers as soon as I get back to that school, the boy thought.

After that, he approached the window and looked at the garden where he had spent countless hours practicing his skills. He took a deep breath and, with determination, whispered to himself, “When I return, it will be different.”

With his suitcase packed, Ryu went down to the living room. His grandfather was sitting in his usual chair, staring at the fireplace, with his usual severe look. Ryu stopped in front of him and, with a bow, said:

“I’m leaving now, sir.”

His grandfather raised his eyes, only nodding, maintaining his unyielding expression. Ryu straightened up but, before grabbing his suitcase, decided to make one last attempt. He closed his eyes, concentrated, and invoked the fire element. A bright, intense flame appeared in his hand, dancing with a vigor that he hoped would demonstrate his progress.

“See, sir,” said Ryu, with fierce determination in his eyes. “I am getting stronger.”

Kenjiro looked at the flame, the light reflecting in his cold eyes. He remained silent for what felt like an eternity to Ryu before finally speaking in a cutting voice.

“Fire tricks change nothing, Ryu. True strength is not shown by displays. Stop trying to impress me with useless things and start being someone real.”

The words were like a blade, cutting any hope of recognition. He closed his hand, extinguishing the flame. He grabbed his suitcase and left the house with one last look at that man.

“I promise that when I return, you will be proud. Everything will be like the old times.” Words spoken so low that they never reached the man.

As the door closed behind him, Ryu felt the weight of his grandfather’s words. But he vowed to himself that he would keep trying, no matter how hard it was. The flame in his heart burned stronger than ever.

With his suitcase in hand, Ryu got into the car that would take him back to the Yamato Institute. During the journey, he got lost in thought, focusing on his mana core, trying to understand how it worked. Although he still had no concrete results, the practice helped calm him.

Time passed without him noticing, and soon the car stopped in front of the institute. Ryu got out of the vehicle, and his eyes widened as he observed the grand architecture of the place, which seemed even more impressive than the first time he saw it. The institute’s towers rose majestically against the blue sky, adorned with intricate details that told stories of legendary mages. The surrounding gardens were filled with exotic plants, some emitting a faint magical glow.

When he went to get his suitcase, the driver stopped him, saying, “No need to worry, I will take your luggage to the dormitories, for now, you should wait here.” After this brief conversation, Ryu saw more cars starting to arrive, one after another, students were appearing. Once everyone was there, a very old-looking man appeared, “Follow me,” he exclaimed.

Ryu and the other ten students who passed the initial test were led through wide, well-lit corridors until the man stopped by a door.

“This is your classroom, feel free to enter,” the man said and quickly left.

Entering the classroom, Ryu felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The walls were lined with shelves full of old books, and large windows let the sunlight illuminate the room. Several students were scattered around the room, talking animatedly. A girl with green hair was showing a levitation trick to a group of colleagues, while another student with red hair was reading a thick book attentively.

Professor Takeda was at the front of the room next to a large crystal table emitting a soft light. He observed the students with an attentive look, waiting for everyone to settle down. The atmosphere was full of vibrant and expectant energy, as if something grand was about to happen.

“Welcome to the Yamato Institute, this will be your classroom for this year,” said Takeda with a rare smile. “Before we begin, I will introduce your new colleagues who came from other cities in the Eastern Union.”

The students watched attentively as the new colleagues entered. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and curiosity. Takeda continued to speak.

“You are the students who will be part of this school from now on, but before anything else, those who will go to another area, please introduce yourselves.” With this call, four students started to move, two of them having taken the exam with me, but who were the other two?

When they got close to Takeda, he instructed them to stand by his side and then resumed speaking. “This is Alexei Volkov, from the city of Kazan. His affinity is with water, electricity, and light.”

Alexei, a tall and confident boy with blond hair and bright blue eyes, made a brief nod. His presence dominated the space, and Ryu felt a slight sense of competition grow within him.

“These are Boonma Sukhum, from Bangkok.”

A shy girl with brown hair and green eyes raised her hand hesitantly. Boonma had a gentle air and a serene presence that strongly contrasted with Alexei’s.

“Niran Prasert also came from Bangkok.”

The boy, who was tall and thin, had an intellectual air with round glasses and a serious demeanor.

“Arisa Thongchai who came from Chiang Mai.”

The girl, with short brown hair and green eyes, seemed determined but shy when she noticed everyone’s gaze.

Takeda continued, “These four will follow non-military careers and will be directed to the appropriate sectors. Now, the other nineteen of you who opted for the military sector, prepare for an arduous journey.”

The four timidly waved as they went to the exit to be escorted to their respective sectors. Ryu remembered Hana’s words about the fact that not everyone wants to protect others directly. Watching them leave, he wondered. What do they do in these other sectors? Without much interest but reflecting on people’s different motivations.

It was possible to see that Takeda was about to speak again, with his imposing posture and penetrating gaze, he positioned himself in front of the students. He waited a few moments until the murmuring ceased, creating an atmosphere of expectation.

“Welcome to the Arcane Institute of Yamato,” he began, his voice echoing through the hall. “You now belong to an institution with a rich history and an even greater responsibility.”

He paused, observing the attentive faces before him. “This institute was founded by Yamato, a great mage who lived about 200 years ago. He was not just a powerful mage; he was also a visionary who believed in the limitless potential of magic when well-taught. His legacy lives in every stone of this institution and in each of you.”

“The Arcane Institute is not a place for just anyone. It is a training ground for those who wish to become the guardians of our world. Here, you will learn to master your abilities, strengthen your bodies and minds, and understand the true essence of magic.”

He began to walk slowly, his boots echoing on the marble floor. “The tradition of this institute is forged by a commitment to excellence and honor. Many of the most powerful and respected mages of the Eastern Union have passed through these halls, facing the same challenges that you will face. Remember, each of you carries the potential to become a legend.”

Takeda then turned to a large crystal that was on the wall of the room, touching it lightly. “This crystal is not just an ornament. It represents the purity and clarity we expect from each of you. Like this crystal, you must strive for perfection in your skills and character.”

He paused, letting his words resonate. “You will have the honor of training and learning from the best. The instructors here are masters of their respective arts and are committed to guiding you every step of the way.”

With a rare smile, he concluded, “Today will be a day to prepare yourselves, so get to know your colleagues, explore the campus when allowed, and prepare for the journey ahead. You will face challenges that will test your skills and character. And remember, the true power of magic comes from the heart and mind working in harmony.”

The students listened in silence, absorbing every word. After the presentation, Takeda made a gesture indicating that the students should settle down.

“I will make preparations for the first class. In the meantime, take the opportunity to get to know each other better,” he said before leaving the room.

Ryu looked around and noticed the mix of excitement and nervousness on his colleagues’ faces. I can’t just stand here, he thought, then quickly approached a group of students who were chatting animatedly.

“Hi, I’m Ryu,” he introduced himself with a friendly smile.

A tall, muscular boy with a shaved head responded, “Nice to meet you, Ryu. I’m Kazuki.”

Beside him, a girl with long, wavy hair and expressive eyes added, “And I’m Aiko. Pleased to meet you!”

The conversation began to flow naturally, with everyone sharing their origins and expectations for the year at the institute. Ryu felt more at ease and confident in his decision to be there. The Yamato Institute seemed to be everything he had hoped for and more.

"Well, as our first lesson at the Yamato Arcane Institute, we will start with mana cores. This small organ defines who the strongest people in our world are."

Takeda pressed a button, and a diagram appeared, with a smaller version on each of the desks, illustrating a mana core in its basic form. "Mana cores are the center of our magical power. They have different colors, each indicating the level of refinement and power of a mage. The clearer the color, the greater the user's ability to manipulate complex elements and store mana."

He pointed to the first stage, a pure black core. "All humans start with a black mana core. It absorbs elementals, which is the name given to particles containing the elements. As you practice and absorb elementals, the core starts to lighten, going through a series of colors: gray, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and eventually white."

"For example, a dark blue core indicates that the mage has good control over their elements. This will be your goal this year. At this point, you can only control the elementals in their physical state. When you reach this level, you will be able to control the elementals themselves. Just a note, the more refined a core is, the longer it will take to move to the next phase."

Takeda looked at the class with a confident smile. "Now, let's do a demonstration. Everyone, pay attention."

The students leaned forward in their chairs, their eyes focused. Takeda positioned himself in the center of the room and raised his right hand, beginning to channel his mana. A faint bluish aura enveloped his hand, gradually intensifying. "This is the type of mana density that a solid blue core can generate. This sphere represents elementals in their pure form before being transformed into their respective elements."

Murmurs of admiration spread through the room. Some students exchanged excited glances, while others furrowed their brows in concentration, trying to absorb every detail.

"Controlling and manipulating mana is essential for any mage. You need to feel the energy flowing through you and shape it to your will," he explained, as the aura stabilized. Suddenly, he directed the aura towards the students with a burst of water. Without time to react, everyone tried to raise their hands to their faces, but the water never reached them.

"Wow!" exclaimed one of the students, while others sighed in relief and surprise. The wave of water stopped in the air, motionless. The students were amazed, their eyes fixed on the impressive demonstration.

"How did he do that?" whispered a student to her colleague beside her.

The wave of water dissolved, returning to a spherical shape in the teacher's hand. "This is something more advanced. Maybe in the third year, the best in the class will be able to do something similar."

The students watched fascinated as Takeda, with a smooth gesture, made the blue aura dissipate and return to his core, which glowed in a beautiful color. "When you reach a higher level, you will be able to use the elements in nature, not just those refined by your core, as I just did. This requires precise control and a deep understanding of the elements."

"Impressive..." murmured a student in the front row, never taking his eyes off Takeda.

He then dismissed the light in his chest with a gesture, the energy dissipating into the air. "Mastering multiple elements is a difficult task. Having an affinity for multiple elements does not mean it will be easy to control them. Each element has its own characteristics and demands."

Takeda paused, looking at the students who were clearly impressed. Some still had expressions of astonishment, while others were already murmuring among themselves about what they had just witnessed.

"Those with clearer cores, close to white, will have a natural advantage in terms of control and mana storage capacity. But remember, even those with cores one or two phases lower can achieve great power if they use it in the best possible way with training and dedication."

He then turned to the class. "You will see that, as you progress, mastering multiple elements and ways to use them will be crucial. Even if you only have one affinity, don't be predictable. Beasts are also intelligent. Keep practicing and exploring your limits. Remember, the strength of the core is only part of what makes a great mage. Although very important, dedication and persistence in other areas are equally important."

Takeda paused, allowing the information to settle. Some students could be seen trying to do what the teacher did, but nothing happened. After a brief period, he resumed speaking. "Each core has three phases within its color. Let's use green as an example. First, the color is lighter, a very light green as the base. Then, this green becomes darker until it turns into a solid green. Continuing with the slow transformation, the core will have traces of the next color, in this case, yellow. After that, the transition to the new color is difficult. But when the mage finally reaches the next stage, an abrupt change occurs in the color, and thus the cycle repeats. But I warn you, a forced extreme change can bring serious consequences to the user."

The students exchanged curious and eager glances. Ryu felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew he had a long way to go, but he was determined to progress.

Instructor Takeda concluded the explanation. "This is a basic introduction. Over the years, you will learn to master your mana cores and use their power efficiently and safely. Now, I'll leave you a moment to discuss among yourselves and process this information."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

With the practical demonstration concluded, Takeda stepped back, allowing the students to discuss their own abilities and affinities. Ryu, still in the center of the room, began to talk with his colleagues.

"It's incredible to see how each of us has a different affinity," said Ryu, looking at everyone with a smile. "I'm sure everyone will use them in unique ways. I can't wait to see it."

Aiko smiled shyly. "I already know what I want to do with mine, but I'm still learning to control darkness. I need to work harder so that when the time comes to fight, I can do what I want. For now, I think I can do some cool things with the other two."

Daisuke, with a sparkle in his eyes, added: "I have water and light. I heard these are the basic elements needed for healing magic, but I feel my vibe is more combat-oriented. I want to see how I can combine them."

Kenji crossed his arms, looking confident. "Earth, water, and light... Each element has its own uses. I'm eager to see how I can mix them."

Everyone looked at Hana, who had been quiet until then. She straightened up and, with a determined look, said: "I have great confidence in my manipulation. I think this is the way to become the most powerful. I spent the last seven days training hard to improve my control. I can show some of my skills if you want."

The other students nodded enthusiastically, curious to see what Hana could do. She closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating, then raised her hand. A bright flame emerged at her fingertips, dancing with intense light. The flame grew and turned into a sphere of pure fire.

She then dissolved it and, with a smooth gesture, created a sphere of light that illuminated the entire room with a warm and welcoming glow.

Hana's colleagues watched, impressed by the demonstration. "That's amazing, Hana!" exclaimed Ryu. "As I thought, your control outside that room would be even better."

Hana smiled, a little embarrassed but happy with the compliment. "Thank you. Even in a short time, I trained hard to reach this point. I hope to learn even more here at the Institute."

The conversation continued, each sharing their experiences and expectations, creating a stronger bond between them. The room was filled with a palpable energy of determination and enthusiasm as the students prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Takeda, who had observed the interaction with a satisfied look, intervened. "You are beginning to understand the importance of knowing and mastering your abilities. Work together, learn from each other, and always strive to improve. You are the future of mages, and I am excited to see what each of you will achieve."

"You're quite the show-off, aren't you, girl?" A harsh and aggressive voice echoed from the back of the room.

Ryu, Aiko, Daisuke, Kenji, and Hana turned to see who was speaking. It was a boy with black eyes and matching hair approaching. Beside him was a girl with blue hair, looking excited about what was happening.

The boy stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Hana, his expression serious and challenging. "Impressive, Hana," he said, with a tone that mixed admiration and provocation. "With that demonstration, you're probably the strongest person in the room. But it looks like you just like to show off. That title will be dethroned quickly."

The girl stepped forward, her animated smile contrasting with the aggressive tone. "Let's see if you'll have all this arrogance when you're fighting," she said, crossing her arms, her look determined.

"What are y..." Aiko was interrupted by Hana, who maintained her upright posture, her eyes shining with confidence. "Good luck to you both. I'll be waiting for it. Can I know the name of who will be my shadow for three years?" Her expression was serious and arrogant. When it comes to magic, she is very confident, Ryu thought.

"Jun Nakamura, and this is Li Mei. I want to see that arrogance in the future," the boy replied, turning to return to his seat.

Hana smiled with a touch of arrogance. "Good luck, Jun and Li Mei. If you really believe you can surpass me, I'll be happy to show you otherwise. But prepare for defeat because I don't lose easily."

The other students observed the interaction with interest and a hint of tension, aware that the competition between them would only push everyone to strive even harder. The atmosphere in the room was charged with determination and rivalry, setting the stage for intense future disputes.

Takeda resumed speaking, this time with a more serious tone. "Now, let's talk about the challenges you will face as military mages. Many of you already know that we will face animals with powerful mana cores, creatures that appear in wild regions and represent a constant threat. They can be extremely agile and resilient, with unique magical abilities that vary by species."

He paused, observing the students' reactions before continuing. "But there's something more that most of the population doesn't know. In remote places, unknown portals appear. Sometimes they are low-level and can be managed by regular teams. Other times, only elite units, like the Lances, can solve these problems."

"A hundred years ago, a group of mages encountered a very powerful portal that released a horde of voracious creatures, requiring all their skill and teamwork to just survive." He paused again, and images began to appear on the board. The room was dimly lit, with beams of natural light creating a contrast with the dark images projected on the board. The air seemed heavy, laden with the growing tension as Takeda spoke. "If the military mages fail in their mission to protect the portal, the region can be invaded by wild creatures and chaotic energies, causing devastation and death." Each image showed greater destruction than the previous, with cities in ruins.

The students' faces turned pale as they saw the images of destruction. "In the end, it required the intervention of Lances from other countries to contain this threat. A mission with twelve Lances ended with four of them dead."

"Is this real?" someone murmured, their voice trembling with incredulity. A chill ran down Ryu's spine as he imagined the creatures that could emerge from the portals, but the determination in his eyes shone stronger than ever. Aiko swallowed hard, her fingers nervously gripping her notebook.

A nervous murmur spread through the room as the students exchanged worried glances. The teacher raised his hand to silence the room. "These portals are a serious and unpredictable threat. They can appear at any time and anywhere, releasing unknown creatures and energies."

He leaned forward, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "Additionally, despite the peace and stability we have achieved, there is always the possibility of extremist groups and illegal mages acting. Even though it is rare due to constant vigilance, we cannot underestimate these risks."

"Some of these groups wish to overthrow the government and establish a new magical regime, while others believe the portals are the key to an ancient power and seek to control them at any cost."

The wind outside whistled, bringing a chill that seemed to intensify the gravity of Takeda's words.

The teacher concluded his explanation, leaving the students with a sense of responsibility and a new understanding of the dangers that awaited them. "Remember, preparation and vigilance are our best weapons. Always be ready for the unexpected. Protecting the portals is crucial to maintaining the peace and security of the kingdom. If they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic. The future of the kingdom depends on the strength, bravery, and intelligence of future military mages."

The teacher Takeda leads the class to a vast and impressive training area. As the students follow a stone path, they see an immense training ground stretching out before them. The location is divided into two distinct parts: to the left, a dense forest with tall trees and an intricate understory; to the right, a vast plain covered in lush green grass that stretches to the horizon.

The forest looks mystical, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating patterns of shadow and light on the ground. The air is fresh and humid, scented with pine and earth. Small streams meander through the terrain, and the sounds of birds and other animals echo in the background. This environment is ideal for training in ambush tactics, stealth, and teamwork in confined terrains. It is said that ancient trees in the forest glow softly at night, guiding lost students back to the main path. These trees are rumored to be home to ancestral spirits that protect mages in training.

The plain, on the other hand, is open and clear, with a gentle breeze sweeping across the field. Here, students can practice direct combat, open-field tactics, and large-scale movements. The contrast between the two environments offers a variety of challenges and opportunities for training.

“This is our training ground,” Takeda announces with a sweeping gesture. “You will spend a lot of time here, learning to work as a team and mastering your skills in different environments.”

The students watch with wide eyes, impressed by the magnitude of the location. They approach the training ground with their hearts pounding. They know this is where they will be shaped into military mages the kingdom needs to face the impending darkness. Takeda continues, “To begin, you will be divided into groups of five. Battle squads are usually formed by this number of people, which is why the desks in the classroom accommodate a maximum of five students. Working in small groups is crucial for developing cooperation and coordination skills.”

He then begins calling out the students’ names, forming the groups. As expected, Ryu, Aiko, Daisuke, Kenji, and Hana are grouped together. Other students start forming their own groups, chatting animatedly as they organize themselves.

Takeda observes as the groups form, his expression serious. “Remember, the key to success in any mission is cooperation. Each of you has strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to learn to work together to overcome challenges.” Takeda instructs the students to explore the northern part of the forest, an area known for being inhabited by low-level magical creatures. It has been reported that some of these creatures are out of control.

“You must identify what they are and return here. It’s just a reconnaissance mission. The time limit for the mission is one hour, and the groups must return to the training ground before nightfall.” Once all the groups are finally formed, he speaks again.

“Now, let’s start with a simple reconnaissance and communication exercise. Each group should explore a part of the forest and return with a detailed report on the terrain and any potential dangers encountered.”

The students feel excitement and tension rising, even though it is just a class exercise; it is their first real mission. Ryu and his group exchange determined looks. “Let’s do our best,” says Ryu, and the others nod in agreement.

As the groups prepare to enter the forest, Takeda watches closely, giving final instructions and words of encouragement. He reminds the students of the importance of communication, teamwork, and trust in their companions.

With the groups formed and instructed, the students begin exploring the forest. Ryu’s group moves cautiously, discussing strategies and observing their surroundings. The sound of their feet crunching on dry leaves is the only disruption to the forest’s quiet. Sunlight filters through the treetops, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. The air is fresh and humid, filled with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers.

“Follow me and watch your step; there are some roots on the ground,” warns Ryu.

To advance, they decide to move in a line, with Ryu in front, followed by Hana, Aiko, Kenji, and Daisuke.

“So, what kind of monster do you think is in the forest?” Aiko asks.

“I have no idea. To be honest, I’ve never seen one; I’ve only read about them in books,” replies Ryu.

“Living in the capital has its advantages, huh?” Kenji comments.

“So you’ve seen some, right Kenji? What were they like?” Ryu asks.

“Well, I’ve only seen them from a distance, but in Nara, sometimes one that looked like a pig would show up. They usually appeared in the city and were quickly dealt with. I don’t remember anyone getting hurt by them, so they must be pretty weak.”

“And you, Hana, have you seen any?” Ryu asks, turning back.

Hana, with her keen senses, notices a faint rustling among the leaves. She raises her hand, signaling for silence from her companions. The sound intensifies, and soon everyone can hear the melodious song of an unfamiliar bird.

“Everyone, wait; I think I heard something,” Hana alerts them.

They all become alert, and in a few moments, they can hear noises. The thick trees block the path, but it’s clear something is heading towards them.

However, they soon encounter Lee Min-Jae and Mei Ling’s group, accompanied by three other members, a boy and two girls.

“So, this is the famous Hana’s group,” Lee Min-Jae comments with a disdainful smile. “Do you really have the skills to be beside her, or are you just her sycophants?”

Mei Ling, with an amused expression, adds, “You must have just seen her was skilled and are hiding behind her fame.”

Ryu, remaining calm, replies, “We’ll prove our skills in the field. We don’t need words for that. Let’s go, everyone,” he says, starting to walk in the direction they need to go.

Lee Min-Jae steps closer to Ryu with an arrogant smile, his eyes sparkling with challenge. The tension is palpable in the air, and members of both groups exchange apprehensive glances.

“Calm down, kid, trying to run away?” Lee Min-Jae taunts.

“Wait, we also have to do the mission, right Mei?” One of the girls following them comments timidly.

A pause occurs, but they continue to glare at each other, especially Lee Min-Jae and Ryu. “Shut up, Yuki. I think this kid here is getting too full of himself. I want to teach him a lesson.”

At this moment, Ryu’s group goes on high alert, looking ready for a confrontation. Ryu feels his blood boil, but he knows he cannot give in to provocation. He takes a deep breath, seeking to control his anger, and responds calmly and firmly.

“We’re on a mission right now. When we return to school, I’m ready to accept that challenge.”

Aiko clenches her fist tightly, her eyes fixed on Mei Ling. She can sense the hostility from the girl and knows a confrontation is inevitable.

Suddenly, a group of four animals emerges from the shadows of the forest. They look like pigs but are larger and more ferocious, with glowing eyes, sharp tusks, and what appear to be spikes on their heads. They advance between the two groups, but everyone manages to dodge. The wild boars roar fiercely, echoing through the air, and members of both groups prepare for battle.

Ryu feels the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he prepares to face the boars. He knows he needs to be strong and quick to protect his friends. “These are the beasts I was talking about. Look,” Kenji says, pointing to their glowing bellies.

“We can’t fight here against these creatures; it’s too cramped. We’ll end up hitting each other,” Ryu shouts.

“We need to split them up,” Hana shouts to Lee Min-Jae’s group. He seems calm and soon responds, “You’re right, two for each; let’s see who kills these little things faster.” A challenge is proposed, but no one from Ryu’s group takes it seriously.

“Okay, let’s get ready to draw the attention of two of them. There’s a small clearing to the right; let’s head there,” Daisuke shouts.

The two groups quickly organize. Daisuke and Lee Min-Jae stay behind to attract the beasts, each ready to run in the direction their groups have set up. The boars are charging at full speed.

Focusing, the two start using light magic in their hands, pointing at the beasts. It seems to work, as they start following whoever is causing them discomfort.

The two begin running in separate directions. After a few moments, Daisuke notices his companions. “They’re coming, get ready.”

Hana is scared but also determined to help her companions. She focuses her mind on fire magic, visualizing the flames incinerating the enemies. Hana steps forward and begins forming a fireball, the size of her torso. Everyone can feel the heat it emits. When Daisuke passes by her, the fireball is launched towards the animals, but something strange happens. They begin to glow and run side by side. When the magic hits them, they pass through as if it were nothing.

Hana’s shock leaves her immobilized; her best spell has been dispelled like nothing. But the boars don’t stop and come at considerable speed. “Hana!” Ryu jumps and pulls Hana out of the way.

“Come on, we need to think of something to kill these things,” Ryu says with a smile.

After that, Hana seems calmer, but the situation hasn’t improved. Looking at her colleagues, it’s clear they are only managing to dodge the two boars.

“Do whatever it takes to separate them. I have an idea,” Ryu shouts while placing his hands on the ground and concentrating. “Cover me, Hana. I think only the two of us can kill them.”

“Give us time, Kenji,” Aiko shouts. She takes a deep breath, channeling the wind into her lungs. She knows she needs to be precise and powerful to take down the boars.

Hearing this, Kenji tries to create a stone wall between the two, but it fails. It was shattered as if it were nothing. “Tsk.”

Without stopping, they are heading towards Aiko and Daisuke. “As we agreed,” the two say simultaneously.

They stand still, in a state of intense concentration, waiting for the two beasts to come into contact with them. When they get close, something can be heard: “Now!” Aiko shouts and the two strike simultaneously.

Daisuke clenches his fist tightly, concentrating his energy to create a powerful stream of water. He wants to show everyone what he’s capable of. He punches the boar on the right, which, when struck, is pushed by a water current that comes from the boy’s fist. Meanwhile, Aiko, with a powerful kick, uses an extremely strong wind even before touching the animal. Daisuke’s water current slices through the air with a hissing sound, hitting the boar with force and knocking it to the ground. Aiko’s wind howls like a hungry wolf, throwing the boar aside. Both fall to the ground, but this combination causes them to be separated. However, one is directed towards Ryu and Hana.

“I hope you’re done there, Ryu,” Hana exclaims.

That shout didn’t reach the boy. “It needs to be stronger, sharper, more resistant.” Extremely focused, the boy thinks until he finally manages to stand up. From the ground, a stone knife is being pulled out. It should be about 15 cm long; it looked like a feline claw but was very sharp.

When he opened his eyes, he saw Hana preparing another fire spell. Hana’s fire burned with intense heat, illuminating the clearing with an orange light. The smoke spiraled upward, suffocating the air. But quickly, Ryu got up and said, “Follow me; let’s finish this thing.”

Feeling absorbed by this extremely calm and confident speech, Hana dispelled the spell and decided to follow Ryu. The boy ran towards the beast, stamped the ground forcefully, and created an elevated platform in front of the animal, which stepped awkwardly, fell, and slid across the ground due to its speed. At this moment, Ryu was already directing his dagger towards the animal’s eye, which was writhing in pain. But without hesitation, he withdrew the dagger and used fire on the wound, directing it into the creature, which spewed fire and quickly fell to the ground.

“As I expected, inside it’s quite fragile. I’m going to need you now, Hana. I’ve used all the magic I could on this one.” Ryu pointed to the other beast. He had started running towards them, ignoring Aiko and Daisuke, who were much closer.

“Leave it to me.” She took the boy’s dagger with a smile and said, “Now it’s time for my revenge. Kenji, do the same thing Ryu did to slow it down.” After saying that, she began running towards the beast.

Kenji focused and created the same platform to hinder the animal, but this time it jumped as if it were expecting this magic. Hana was caught off guard but remained unfazed.

She collided with the beast, which began dragging her backward. Hana clung to the beast’s tusks, and as if it were nothing, fire began to envelop them so intensely that even Aiko and Daisuke felt the heat. “AAAAAAAh,” Hana’s screams could be heard.

Suddenly, Ryu jumped onto the animal’s back. Ignoring the fire, he took Hana’s dagger and drove it into the animal’s eye. The fire began to be directed into the wound, melting the dagger. Thus, the beast fell, and Ryu was thrown off it.

“Are you all okay?” Kenji started running towards Hana and Ryu.

After some calm, they began to get up.

“Wow, this is the first time I’ve exhausted my mana core. It hurts so much; I think I also injured my leg with that impact,” Aiko complained.

“Don’t even mention it. Besides my fist, my whole body aches. Good thing we managed to kill it now; otherwise, we’d be in trouble. Anyway, let’s go; lean on me,” added Daisuke. He was limping, with a deep cut on his leg. He knew he would need to rest, but he was happy to have helped save his friends.

After getting up with Daisuke’s help and heading towards Hana and Ryu, Aiko exclaimed, “Thank you. I hope they’re okay; otherwise, it’ll be a difficult trip back.”

When Kenji arrived to help the two, the beast was indeed dead, but it was on top of Hana, who was unconscious. Removing the animal from her, he noticed she had no serious injuries, only cuts and some light burns.

“What happened?” Ryu got up and saw Kenji next to Hana. “Is she okay?” When he tried to walk, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and fell to the ground, coughing. Kenji ran to him.

“Calm down, Ryu, try to stay calm. If you keep moving so much, it will hurt even more.” Not knowing what to do, he concentrated and made Ryu drink water he had transformed.

“I’m feeling a bit better; I think I can make it back to the meeting point. We need to prioritize Hana; she’s unconscious.” He thought with regret, “I was too reckless; I should have gone with her.”

“It wasn’t your fault... Man, we... fought as a team,” Daisuke said with difficulty.

“You’re right. Kenji, you’re the only one who can carry Hana. We need to get back to the training ground,” Ryu said. That’s the only thing we need to focus on now, getting out of here safely.

With much effort and several injuries, they managed to defeat the boars and are now heading back.