As the class bell rang, Tobias and Felix emerged from the classroom, their minds buzzing with Professor Ashford’s lessons. The sun streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling corridors of Calderon Academy. Students milled about, excitedly discussing their magical studies and making plans for the afternoon.
“Can you believe we’re in the same class together?” Felix said, a broad grin on his face. “This place is amazing! I just wish Elara was here to experience it with us.”
Tobias nodded, though his brow furrowed slightly as concern crept in. “Yeah, it’s strange not having her around. But if anyone can handle themselves, it’s her. She’s basically Ms. Larkin Jr.”
Felix laughed, the sound light and carefree. “True! If anyone can handle the pressure of this academy, it’s definitely Elara.”
As they approached the cafeteria, Tobias felt a wave of determination wash over him. “See you at lunch?” he asked, forcing a smile.
“For sure!” Felix replied, waving as he joined a group of people he had familiarized himself with.
Once alone, Tobias took a deep breath and stepped outside, letting the warm sun wash over him. The laughter and chatter of students faded into the background as his mind spiraled into a storm of thoughts.
I need more power, he thought, grappling with the chaos that had upended their lives. The night they faced Sarkathis replayed vividly in his mind, every detail as haunting as the last. Power… If I were stronger, if I had been faster, I could have done more—more for myself, for Elara, for everyone!
He recalled the moment the serpent man barreled toward him, the fear that had gripped him like a vice. How I had been too slow to evade the strike that sent me crashing through the walls of the orphanage. My body was stiff, unyielding; I couldn’t move in time. Those injuries… I shouldn’t have succumbed to such fatal damage. I should have been able to protect them!
Tobias clenched his fists, fire igniting in his chest, determination surging through him like electricity. I won’t let that happen again. I refuse to be weak. I refuse to stand by while others suffer, while others die!
Thank you, Ms. Larkin, he thought, the gratitude mingling with a newfound resolve. You prepared me for this. You taught me the fundamentals of magic—how to wield it, how to combine it. But I need to do more. Right now, out of me, Elara, and Felix, I’m the only one who can use all three forms: Manifestation, Infusion, and Enchantment. Elara can manage Manifestation and Enchantment, but without her full capabilities, she’s limited. Felix? He’s still struggling with Infusion, and that’s even a challenge for him.
He paused, reflecting on his strengths and weaknesses. Lightning affinity, huh? My speed is my main advantage, but it’s not enough to save me. When Sarkathis attacked, I was too slow to react. I should have trained harder, pushed myself further. I could have evaded that blow, avoided the pain, the shame! But instead, I’m here, grappling with my own inadequacies, nursing wounds that cut deeper than flesh.
A chill ran down his spine as he recalled Professor Ashford’s words. “Magic is a powerful tool, but how you wield it will define your future.” The weight of those words settled on him, pressing down as the reality of his situation sank in.
Determination swelled within me, he thought fiercely. I won’t let fear dictate my actions any longer. I will train relentlessly! I’ll push my limits beyond what I thought was possible. I’ll become stronger, faster, and better than I ever dreamed. I’ll master my affinities and learn how to combine them, just like Professor Ashford demonstrated. I refuse to be just another student in this academy; I refuse to fade into obscurity!
And Akuma? The name burned in his mind like a brand. I won’t let that monster—his darkness, his obsession with power—consume me. If I can’t even defeat one of his minions, then how the hell will I stand a chance against him?
There are people all around us who are undoubtedly stronger than we are right now. If this is all the strength I have, then I should just pack it up and go back home to Ms. Larkin. But she’s counting on me; she needs me to avenge her. Akuma is still out there, and if I don’t grow stronger, I’ll just be another victim in his twisted game. I won’t allow it!
With each thought, Tobias felt his resolve solidify. I will train like I’ve never trained before. I will not sell myself to any god or devil for power; I will earn it through sheer will and hard work. Life has thrown me into darkness, but I will find my light. This is just the beginning, and I will rise to meet the challenges ahead.
As he steeled his resolve, he took a deep breath, envisioning the path that lay before him. No more hesitations. It’s time to become the mage I was meant to be. No more excuses.
With determination ignited in his heart, Tobias made his way to the training grounds.
As he approached, he marveled at the expansive area dedicated to physical and magical training. The grounds were a blend of natural beauty and carefully designed spaces. Tall trees framed the perimeter, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. In the center, a large open area featured various training equipment—dummies for combat practice, obstacles for agility drills, and designated sections for elemental magic training. The ground was firm and packed, ideal for running and movement.
Tobias stepped onto the training field, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. He took a moment to absorb the environment, letting the sights and sounds ground him. He glanced down at his uniform, feeling the weight of it—a reminder of the expectations and challenges ahead. With a determined breath, he peeled off his jacket and shirt, folding them neatly and placing them aside. He was left in a simple undershirt and pants, ready to push himself to the limit.
After warming up with a series of stretches, Tobias inhaled deeply, focusing his mind and body. He felt the energy welling up within him, his affinity for lightning stirring in anticipation. With a powerful exhale, he infused his body with lightning magic, feeling the familiar crackle of energy envelop him.
He began to move, running laps around the training area. The lightning coursing through his body felt electrifying—each step resonated with power, making him feel alive. This is it. This is where I’ll find my strength, he thought, pushing himself harder. His goal was to acclimate his body to the stress of having lightning magic flowing through him constantly, transforming him into a vessel of power.
For over thirty minutes, he sustained the infusion, his muscles burning and straining against the onslaught of energy. But with every passing moment, the intensity grew unbearable. He pushed himself to the brink, running until he could feel the electric energy writhing in his veins like a double-edged sword. Then, with a sudden collapse, he fell to the ground, gasping for air, the world spinning around him. I will not let my body fail me! he gritted through clenched teeth, willing himself to rise again.
Determined, he infused his body with lightning once more. This time, he could only hold it for ten minutes before he collapsed again, frustration boiling over. Tobias punched the ground, a mix of anger and despair flooding through him. “MORE!” he shouted, infusing himself again.
Pushing through the overwhelming stress, he managed to hold the infusion for a mere fifteen minutes before his body finally succumbed. This time, he lay there immobile, the grass cool against his skin, thoughts swirling chaotically in his mind. Maybe I should just pack it up and go home. If this is all I can manage…
Stolen story; please report.
Suddenly, a powerful force rippled through the air, drawing his focus. Tobias struggled to lift his head, a chill running down his spine as he sensed the vast amount of mana approaching him. It felt immense, far greater than the power of Sarkathis. No… could it be even more than Ms. Larkin’s?
As the presence drew closer, Tobias managed to turn his head just enough to catch a glimpse of the source. Standing before him was the same elderly man who had intervened in his confrontation with the bulky student the day before. He was shirtless, a towel draped around his neck, and Tobias couldn’t help but notice the man’s ripped physique, muscles honed from years of experience. The old man exuded an aura of strength and wisdom that resonated deeply within the training ground.
Tobias blinked in awe. This old man is the source of all this mana?
The elderly man chuckled warmly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ah, I remember you! You’re the young lad from yesterday, the one who was about to get into a fight on his first day.”
Tobias clicked his tongue, preparing to defend himself, but the old man waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, yes, I know you were just defending your friend. No need to explain. I saw the whole thing, actually.” He laughed lightly, the sound rich and comforting.
“Uh, yeah,” Tobias managed, still trying to process the sudden appearance of such a powerful figure. “But… what are you doing here?”
The old man smiled knowingly, taking a step closer. “I saw you training and figured I’d check on you. So, why are you on the floor? Did you overexert yourself trying to train?”
Tobias nodded, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his cheeks. “Yeah, I guess I pushed too hard.”
“Well then, here,” the old man said, pulling out a small vial filled with a vibrant green liquid. He tilted the vial, pouring the contents into Tobias’s mouth before he could protest. “Drink this. It’ll help.”
The moment the liquid slid down his throat, Tobias felt a surge of warmth coursing through him. The fatigue began to lift, and he could move again. “What was that?” he asked, wide-eyed.
The old man chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. “A healing potion, made by the healing mages. I always carry a few just in case my old body gives out on me.” He patted his own toned abs, laughing at his own statement.
Feeling reinvigorated, Tobias took a breath, ready to resume his training. But before he could stand, he felt unsatisfied with the conversation. The aura of power emanating from the old man had sparked something within him, a burning desire to push his limits even further. “Hey, old man!” Tobias shouted, his voice cutting through the quiet. “Spar with me!”
The old man paused mid-step, turning slightly with a raised eyebrow. “Do my old ears deceive me, or did this child really challenge me to a fight just now?”
“I felt that mana you had earlier, and I want to see it up close and personal,” Tobias replied, determination lacing his words.
The old man’s eyes sparkled with intrigue. “Well, well, well. Aren’t your senses sharp? I could have sworn I masked my mana fairly well, but you still felt it, hmm?” He chuckled softly, a glint of amusement dancing in his gaze. “Alright, I’ll indulge you. But know this: I will only hold back to the extent that I don’t kill you.”
“Fine by me,” Tobias said, his heart racing with anticipation.
They took their positions, and without hesitation, Tobias manifested his sword, its blade gleaming in the sunlight. He infused both his weapon and his body with crackling lightning, energy surging through him like a live wire. He felt invigorated, ready to unleash his full potential.
The old man, however, remained unmoving, his arms folded behind his back, watching Tobias with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. “Come at me when you’re ready, young man,” he said, his tone almost mocking.
With a battle cry, Tobias surged forward, lightning coursing through him, propelling him faster than he thought possible. He swung his blade with all his might, aiming for the old man’s torso. But to his shock, the old man sidestepped with a fluid motion, as if he hadn’t moved at all. Tobias barely registered the dodge, his swing meeting only air.
“You have the power of youth on your side, young man,” the old man said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You should really be quicker than that.”
Tobias gritted his teeth, taking the criticism to heart. He pushed himself to the very max, pouring more lightning magic into his body. This time, he lunged again, swinging his sword with renewed ferocity. But again, the old man effortlessly dodged, as if he could predict Tobias’s every move.
“Is that all you’ve got?” the old man taunted, a smile creeping onto his face. The words stung, igniting Tobias’s determination. He couldn’t let this happen. Not again. He had to show the old man he was stronger than this.
With a fierce shout, Tobias charged again, feigning a swing to the left before pivoting to kick the old man in the face. But the old man’s reflexes were sharper than any blade; he grabbed Tobias's foot mid-air and twisted, sending Tobias tumbling to the ground.
“Okay, kid,” the old man said, a gleam of seriousness in his eyes. “Time for me to get serious. Don’t cry now.”
With that, he enveloped his body in a cloak of shimmering white lightning, illuminating the training ground in a blinding brilliance. Tobias’s eyes widened in awe, realizing that the old man’s mastery of lightning magic was on a whole different level. With a sonic boom, the old man shot forward, moving at a speed that made even sound itself struggle to keep up.
Before Tobias could register what was happening, the old man struck him square in the chest with an open palm, sending him flying backward through the air. The force of the blow was staggering, leaving Tobias breathless and disoriented. Just as he was regaining his senses, another open palm strike connected from behind, knocking the wind out of him and altering his trajectory once more. He crashed into the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through his body.
Tobias struggled to comprehend the onslaught. The old man had not only hit him but had done so with such speed and precision that he still hadn’t seen the man move. He lay there, gasping for breath, and felt a surge of white lightning headed straight toward him.
Before he could react, it connected with him, exploding into a brilliant flash that lit up the training ground like a nuclear blast. The sheer force sent waves of electricity crashing around him, and Tobias found himself half-conscious, staring up at the old man, who had come to a halt, looking down at him with a mixture of amusement and respect.
“This is true lightning magic mastery, young man,” the old man said, his voice steady. “If I wasn’t holding back, you would be dead after just the first hit.”
Tobias managed to groan in response, still reeling from the intense power he had just experienced. The old man reached into his pocket and pulled out a green vial, pouring the contents down Tobias’s throat. The moment the liquid hit his system, he felt an overwhelming wave of energy wash over him, restoring his strength and clarity. He pushed himself up, bewildered yet grateful.
“Your power is indeed good,” the old man continued, his tone serious yet encouraging. “But if you really want to make a name for yourself at this academy, your power is nowhere near good enough.”
He studied Tobias intently, as if trying to gauge the very essence of his spirit. “I’ve seen many young warriors like you—filled with ambition but lacking the discipline and focus needed to harness that ambition into real strength.”
Tobias shifted uncomfortably, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and self-doubt. Did he really have what it took?
The old man continued, “However, there’s something different about you, something that draws me in. You remind me of myself when I was your age—hungry, eager, but still a bit lost.”
Tobias felt a flicker of hope. “What do you mean?”
The old man’s eyes twinkled, and he took a step closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “You see, strength isn’t just about raw power. It’s about understanding your limits and knowing how to push beyond them. When I fought you just now, I felt that passion within you—raw, unrefined, but promising. If you can channel that into focused training, you’ll not only stand out here but you’ll also become a force to be reckoned with.”
Tobias nodded, feeling the weight of the man’s words. “I want that strength. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
The old man smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. “Then here’s the deal: If you place first in the special exam, I will personally take you under my wing as my disciple and train you myself.”
“For real?” Tobias exclaimed, his heart racing with a mix of disbelief and exhilaration.
The old man nodded in approval, a grin breaking across his face. “Absolutely. I see a will of sheer determination in you. More importantly, there’s a great power within you that seems to be just begging to be unlocked. But it won’t be easy; you must be prepared to face the darkness within as much as the challenges ahead.”
“I will not fail,” he whispered to himself, a promise sealed within the depths of his heart. The memory of that night—of being on the brink of death—fueled him further. He could no longer afford to be weak.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds, the old man started to depart. Tobias not knowing his identity asked for his name and the old man's response was “Refer to me as Master Kael.”