The 3 companions moved into their dormitory the very next day…

“K, after hearing your explanation yesterday, I want to know how you’re planning to get first place?” Davis curiously inquired

K nodded, “As you already know the upcoming competition consists of 2 different types of tests, a written test, and a practical test…”

“The written test is focused on your Magical knowledge and understanding of its foundation, as for the practical test, it will focus on the student's ability in real-time scenarios and our adaptability.” K continues his observation from the comfort of Davis’s head

K let out a sigh filled with worry, “The problem is the group battle, our fate

With a furrowed brow, Davis questioned, “I believe you have a plan that will somehow help us through it?”

With a playful glint in his eye, K replied, “Of course, I’d have taken care of all of the tests myself if I could, but I can’t overuse your physical body it could damage both our soul and your body, SOOO…”

“The test will be held for 7 days… the first days will be the written test and the practical test will take place after the written test is completed, so you will take the written test with me as your little advisor, albeit through your eyes. And I’ll take care of the practical test” K then flew onto the table

“You’re going to spend all your remaining time learning everything starting from the foundation” With a flap of K’s wing many books related to magic theory and spells of this world appeared on the table in front of Davis, “And I’ll be your teacher starting now”

Davis was flustered after seeing the numerous books on the table, “D-Do I have to learn them all?”. K giggles at his question, “Why of course, and don’t you worry, Skye and I will be with you every single second of it” K stood on the table, miniature glasses appeared on his beak and he was wearing a white lab coat that don’t fully fit his bird form

“Woof” Skye barked, “You said it boy” K followed after,

“C-Can I start after I get something to eat?” Davis awkwardly asks as his body slowly tilts at the exit,

Click* Click*

The door of their room locked by itself, “Laugh* come along now Davis, procrastination is a sin in of itself, good things come to those who work hard” K jokingly refuses Davis’s attempt to escape

“Damn it” Davis muttered as he forcibly takes a seat.

“Let's start with this one” K pointed at the biggest book on the table

On the other side of the Academy, a young lady sits at a luxurious table, her actions are filled with the elegant of nobility

“I have gathered all of the information you’ve asked, your Highness” Karla handed her a white envelope

“Thank you for your hard work, Karla” Her Highness smiled beautifully after receiving the envelope

“Oh, Rachel? I didn’t expect to see you here” A tall muscular man with pitch-black hair and brown eyes spoke arrogantly, the scar on his right cheek along with his Academy uniform made him seem like a veteran soldier coming to a high-ranking meeting

He walked towards their table but his moment was halted by a sharp blade pointed at his chest.

“You’re talking to her Royale Highness, please watch your tone Mr. Aaron” Karla pointed at Aaron's chest

“Dogs that don’t know their place tend to die early, now be a good guard dog and stay quiet” Aaron angrily warned her

The two let out a powerful aura that competes with one another, the power of their aura is so fierce that it starts to affect the students around them

“Please calm down Mr. Aaron, Karla is only doing it out of habit, things such as titles have no meaning in the Celestial Academy, here we are just students who seek enlightenment” Rachel replied with an unwavering smile and gentle voice

“If you’re acting like this, what would others think of your family? The genius son of the Blackthorn family who oppresses others using his power? We wouldn’t want that now, would we?” Her words hinted at a way out for the both of them without damaging their image

With a reassuring smile, Aaron said, “You do live up to your title as the Royale Family’s prodigy, I’m only here to say hello but if some people don’t know their place well…” His explosive aura dissipated and he took a seat at the same table

Karla fell back and remained silent behind Rachel's back, her gaze staring at Aaron closely

“What pleasure do I owe this visit?” Rachel inquired with curiosity

“Both You and I already know about the upcoming competition so I’ll be blunt, don’t get in my way…” Aaron spoke firmly

Rachel, undeterred by his warning continues, “If you’re talking about the first-place prize that the head principal has prepared then I too am aiming for it"

“Then you better be prepared to lose” Aaron stared at Rachel intensively

Rachel smiled at him, and replied with confidence in her tone, “Likewise, Mr. Aaron”

As the 2 were conversing with one another, another man joined in the conversation, “What a fascinating combination this is, I would have never imagined seeing you two together”

“Fuck off, Kane” Aaron yelled out in dissatisfaction after seeing this new arrival

The newly arrived Kane turned his attention to Aaron. His glassy green eyes and gentle smile are amplified by his tall frame and vibrant green hair

“It saddens me that you would push me away” Kane replied to Aaron's hostility with friendly words

As he extended his greeting to Rachel who was seated across from Aaron, “I hope my presence isn’t of inconvenience to you dear princess”

Rachel, the ever-observer responded with an unbothered smile, “Of course not, it’s an honor to sit at the same table as the prodigy of the Magic Tower”

Kane humbly rejects her compliment, “You’re exaggerating my ability”

“At least you know your limit” Aaron chimes in, his voice filled with mockery

Kane raises an eyebrow at Aaron's words, “Are you still holding it against me for embarrassing you when we were young”

Aaron was reminded of the path when he first met Kane

The young Aaron who followed his family's path of swordsmanship was known within his family as the youngest prodigy of the Blackthorns family, Aaron held his head high with pride as he bathed in the sweet words of those around him.

One particular day, he found himself in the presence of someone of the same age as him, someone who was also praised as the youngest prodigy of the Magic Tower, Kane

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Aaron didn’t show Kane any respect or attention and continued his training, “Why are you tirelessly swinging that stick?” The young innocent Kane asked with innocent intention

Aaron answered with annoyance, “Because I need to train my body and mind… only then will I be able to reach the top”

Kane laughed at him, “I agreed with you on training your mind but your physical body as well. It just seems pointless when you can just use Magic”

Aaron stopped his training and turned all his attention to Kane, “What would a magician like you know about the path of a swordsman” Aaron spoke with anger as he got closer and closer to Kane

Kane tried to explain his meaning, “No, I didn’t mean to anger you, I just think that someone such as yourself would’ve made a great mage and stand with me at the top of the path of Magic one day”

The young Kane desperately tried to appease Aaron, who was raised in the Magic Tower his whole life and finally got a chance to see the world outside in his eyes, he wanted to make friends with this boy in front of him

But to Aaron, he mistook his words for criticism and ridicule, he who has lived in a hole filled with praise and sweet words sees it as unacceptable, “Who are you to criticize me? If you’re so confident then why don’t we see which of us is better” Aaron yells at Kane as he forcibly pushes Kane to the ground

Kane who had never experienced this kind of attitude was furious and accepted Aaron's request for a duel, and so the fight began

Aaron threw everything he had learned at Kane but no matter how hard he tried none of his attacks landed, Kane with his magical prowess mop the floor with the young Aaron

“I hope you can see your pointless pursuit, no matter how hard you train your swordsmanship skill will never help you against someone like myself” Kane casually commented on his skill,

Aaron looked at Kane as was lying on the ground and saw Kane condescending look at him, Kane then left Aaron in his thought

Aaron sat tired and defeated, he stared at his sword for a long period and his eye was angered, from then on, Aaron hated being called a prodigy and lashed out at anyone who did so

In the present time

Aaron clutches his fist, “I’ll beat you this time for sure”

Kane looks at him with pity, “I’m honored to be this… wall that you must strive so desperately to overcome, but I said it before and I’ll say it again, your blade can never beat my magic”

Aaron stared at Kane with both anger and excitement, “Keep up your high and mighty act, I’ll savor the taste of victory after I beat you and show the people that the path of the sword is far better than the path of magic”

“You and your sword? Haha, keep dreaming. Your path of swordsmanship is a disgrace to even be considered as one of this Academy courses” Kane aggressively commented

The tension in the air became thicker and thicker with each passing moment.

“You arrogant asshole, why don’t we settle it right now?” Aaron angrily grabbed Kane's robe, and his aura soared

“Aaron oh Aaron, I suggest you calm down, we wouldn’t want to shed blood now, would we?” Kane calmly warns Aaron, he doesn’t back down and releases his magical energy to match Kane's rampaging aura

Aaron could sense multiple attack magic aiming at his back, A fight could break out at any moment, Karla was on guard against the two her hand gripping her sword ready for any movement.

The students in the room could feel the tension between the 2 and were smart enough to not get close, just in case a fight broke out.

Rachel got up unaffected by their ferocious energy, and with a calm smile commented, “If you wish to settle your difference, might I suggest doing so during the competition and not in the Academy Cafeteria?”

The two stared at her for a moment, before calming down. Aaron let go of his grip on Kane's robe, and Kane canceled his magic. After sharing a silent glance, they went their separate ways

During the whole ordeal, a peculiar black crow perched on the roof watching the whole situation unfold, “Interesting… a three ways battle between the mind, sword, and magic” K thought to himself, his eyes were filled with unimaginable wisdom

“The notion of diversifying Magic and Aura is nothing but foolish and idiotic, Magic and Aura are 2 sides of the same coin. However, I wonder how this little group of new competitors will fare against Davis and me” K’s eye twinkled with mischief followed by playful giggles. He then disappeared into the shadow

K reappeared in Davis’s dorm room, “Where the hell have you been” Davis asked in annoyance while still holding a gigantic book about Magical theories

“Just going out for some fresh air” K laughs mischievously

“Davis, my friend may I ask you something?” K flew onto Davis’s head

Davis scratched his head, a gesture of puzzlement, and asked, “What do you wish to ask me about?”

K the embodiment of whimsy asked, “If I recall correctly, this place is known as the Academy of Magic. So why is it that during my little walk earlier I found a swordsmanship class?”

Davis thought for a bit before answering, “In the past, the Academy was not known as a magic Academy but the Celestial Academy of Sword and Magic, it’s founded by the heroes that were summoned 300 years ago during the war against the Demon race”

“Over time, the advancement of Magic and invention involving the use of magic crystal became more and more popular, about 100 years ago the 4 leading factions agreed to change the name of the Academy to what is it now” Davis continues recalling Celestia's history

K carefully listens to Davis’s answer

“The Academy is still teaching swordsmanship, but not many students attend that course and it’s not mandatory for students to take swordsmanship classes either”

“This is rather confusing even for someone like me, sigh* looks like it not going to be an easy road ahead of us,” K said

Davis questions him further, “Why would you say that? The swordsmanship courses aren’t that popular among the students either, so there wouldn’t be any problem for us in that area”

K let out a sigh of frustration, “It's not the course that I’m worried about, but the students attending them this year. To keep it short, you’ll lose in a 1 on 1 battle without a shadow of a doubt”

K's usual carefree attitude returns, “Oh well, nothing we can do about it… now then, you’ve been reading for almost 3 hours, shall I test how much you’ve learned so far?”

K proceeds to ask Davis 10 questions relating to the basic theory about Magic, and Davis fails spectacularly

“2 out 10 questions are answered correctly… look like I’ve to increase the difficulty a lot more” K laughs

“Please, just a 5-minute break, please” Davis begged but was rejected

K giggles, “There is no time to waste, my friend let start our learning trail right away”

“For crying out loud…” Davis shouted

The whole time, Skye came to cheer Davis on from time to time, and with K's strict teaching and tests. Davis soon adapted to his situation and soon Davis fell into the zone

The difficulty of K’s tests increases every time he tests Davis

He’s so focused on learning and getting 10/10 scores on K’s tests that he lost track of time, day turned to night, and night turned to day and soon 5 days passed

“Congratulations, my friend, you’ve got 10/10 on your answer good job” K complimented Davis wholeheartedly

“Thank you, teacher” Davis replied with pride, feeling a sense of accomplishment

Woof woof* Skye barked happily as if he were saying “Good job”

In the moment of celebration, Davis looked at the two in front of him and felt something in his heart. Something he had never felt before, he got up and hugged Skye warmly, “Thank you, Skye”

Davis joyfully turned to K, “You too teacher, come here” he went for a hug but K flew away, “I know you’re happy right now, and you wanted to celebrate it with me as your teacher. But, go take a shower first…” K jokingly said

“Ah right” a mischievous smile plastered across Davis’s face, “Come on don’t be shy, teach” Davis rushes toward K

Seeing this K frantically flew away, “Hell no, get away from me”

Mistaking the situation in front of him, Skye playfully ran after K trying to catch him, “Yeah get him Skye” Davis laughed his heart out as he and Skye tried to catch K

This went on for a while, and for once the 3 fellow travelers who came together under the expected twist of fate felt a sense of companionship for the very first time

Time passes by quickly when you’re happy and in the blink of an eye, the day of the Celestial Academy competition has arrived.

A young man wearing the Celestial Academy uniform was checking himself in the mirror, his movements were as calm as the summer breeze,

“What a beautiful morning this is… wouldn’t you agree so too my friend?” K asked as he hummed a beautiful melody

“Yeah, it sure is, my friend” Davis replied with a slight smile

Davis leaves his dorm room, the excitement of the upcoming battle plastered on his face through his carefree smile, K lands on Davis’s shoulder

“Oh, this is going to be fun” K smirks as he continues to hum his soothing melody.