Kenneth had spent days practicing, and though he was far from mastering his magic, he'd made noticeable progress. He'd finally managed to light some of the candles without snuffing them out—a small but important victory.

  Today, however, presented an entirely new challenge: his first practice match with the others.

  The match was a pair battle: two versus two.

  Teams were chosen by drawing lots, and Kenneth found himself paired with Aine. Across the field, Rika and Ash stood as their opponents, their synergy already palpable. Lucian would act as a referee.

  Kenneth gripped the wooden sword he'd been handed, a handicap meant to balance the match since his fire magic was still underdeveloped. He looked down at the blade, unsure if it was more of a lifeline or a reminder of how far behind he was compared to others.

  “Feeling nervous?” Aine asked, her voice playful yet encouraging. She leaned slightly toward him, her bright eyes full of excitement. “Don't worry, I've got your back. Just focus on doing your part”.

  Kenneth offered a faint smile. “I'll try not to drag us down,” he said, through his stomach churned with apprehension. The last time he'd seen Aine in action, she had been fierce and precise, like a whirlwind in the battlefield.

  He knew she would give her all today, and he didn't want to be the weak link.

  Across the field, Rika and Ash were already discussing their strategy, their calm, confident demeanor making Kenneth feel slightly out of place. They moved as if they'd done this a hundred times before, their partnership natural and unforced.

  He couldn't help but admire how effortlessly they worked together.

  “Focus, Kenneth” Aine said, snapping him out of his thoughts. She adjusted her stance, her tone still light but her expression now serious. “We've got this. Just trust yourself.”

  Kenneth nodded, gripping the sword tighter. He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to tune out the rising tension and focus on the match.

  “Start!” Lucian’s voice rang out, signaling the beginning of the match.

  Ash wasted no time, slamming his hand against the ground. The earth rippled and crackled beneath Kenneth and Aine, the shifting terrain throwing them off balance.

  Kenneth stumbled, barely keeping his footing.

  “Leave it to me,” Aine said confidently. She raised her hand and uttered a single line of incantation.

  Ventus alas, sustine nos!

  In an instant, a gust of wind swept around them, and translucent wings of air formed on their backs. Kenneth felt himself lifting off the ground, the dangerous tremors below now irrelevant.

  His eyes widened in amazement. “This is… advanced magic,” he murmured, struggling to stay focused as he marveled at Aine's effortless control.

  From below, Rika's voice rang out, playful but accusatory. “That's cheating! You used your bloodline spell!”

  Aine shot her grin, clearly unfazed. “Hey, it's not against the rules to use a Mistral spell,” she replied with a shrug, her tone teasing.

  Kenneth glanced at her, confused. “Mistral spell?”

  Aine tilted her head toward him as they hovered mid-air. “Mistral bloodline spells are unique—no incantations, just single command. Only those with a pure Mistral blood can use them,” she explained quickly before adding with a wink, “Perks of being me.”

  Rika rolled her eyes but wasted no time retaliating. With a sharp motion, she raised her hands, droplets of water materialized in the air, shimmering like glass. They hung suspended for a moment before shooting high into the area's ceiling. With a flick of her wrist, Rika transformed them into sharp, needle-like projectiles, and they began raining down in a deadly barrage.

  “Hold on!” Aine shouted, the wings of air on her back shifting as she maneuvered sharply to evade the attack. Kenneth gritted his teeth, struggling to keep up with her swift movements as the needles cut through the air.

  The duo darted through the arena, their wind-propelled flight allowing them to dodge most of the water needles. Still, a few managed to graze their arms and legs, leaving stinging cuts in their wake.

  Kenneth winced as one needle narrowly missed his face. “These are way faster than I expected!” he shouted, the strain of keeping up starting to show.

  “That's Rika for you,” Aine replied, her tone light despite the pressure.

  Kenneth gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling up. We can’t keep dodging forever.

  His hand tightened around the hilt of his wooden sword as he focused inward, summoning his fire magic. A weak flicker of flame appeared at the blade's edge, but he refused to let it falter. Pouring more pnevma into it, the flame grew brighter, the heat radiating from the sword warming his hand.

  With quick, deliberate slashes, Kenneth began cutting through the rain of needles, the heat from his sword evaporating the water on contact. Each strike sent droplets hissing into steam, but he could feel the strain—his magic wasn't as strong or steady as he wanted it to be.

  Despite his efforts, the assault didn't let up. The collision of fire and water filled the air with a thick fog, swirling around the arena and reducing visibility. Kenneth coughed, his breaths coming heavy as the weight of exertion settled on him.

  “My fire wasn’t enough,” he muttered under his breath, frustration gnawing at him.

  But giving up wasn't an option—not now, not ever. He clenched his jaw.

  “This fog… we can use it,” Kenneth said, his voice carrying a new edge of resolve. His mind raised as an idea began to take shape.

  If raw power wasn't enough, then strategy would have to carry the day.

  Aine glanced at him, catching the spark of intent in his eyes. “I'm with you. What's the plan?” she asked.

  Kenneth gestured toward the fog, lowering his voice. “Let's use the cover to split up. I'll flank them—try to draw Rika's focus. You stay overhead and wait for an opening.”

  Aine grinned, her wings adjusted for altitude. “Got it.”

  Aine dispelled Kenneth's translucent wings, letting him drop lightly to the ground. Kenneth crept through the fog, his heart pounding in rhythm with his quickened breaths. Each step was deliberate, his senses heightened as he closed in on his opponents. The dense mist swirled around him. Through the haze, faint silhouettes emerged.

  Ash was the first to spot him. His sharp instinct kicked in as his gaze locked onto Kenneth's shadowy figure. “Over here!” he shouted, slamming his hands to the ground.

  The earth beneath Kenneth trembled violently. A jagged barrier of stone erupted between them. Kenneth froze, quickly scanning the wall. The edges were uneven, the cracked glaring like weak links in a chain—a clear sign Ash acted in haste.

  There's the weak point, Kenneth thought, tightening his grip on his sword. He was about to strike when movement beyond the wall caught his attention. Peering through one of the cracks, he saw Rika raise her arms, her focus narrowing in on him.

  Water droplets began to materialize in the air around her, shimmering like suspended beads of glass. With a subtle gesture, the droplets merged and twisted into sharp, lethal projectiles. Kenneth's chest tightened. Her next move was aimed directly at him.

  Time to act. He raised his voice. “Aine, now!”

  Above him, Aine's translucent wings shimmering in the mist. With a graceful wave of her hand, she summoned a gust of wind that sliced through the air, sending razor-sharp wind blades toward Ash and Rika.

  The attack hit its mark. Aine's wind blades slammed into Ash's barrier, exploiting its weak points. The stone wall groaned under the pressure before shattering into chunks, forcing Ash to step back in surprise.

  The chaos gave Kenneth his opening. He dodged Rika's water needles, their sharp edge grazing his side but missing their mark. His movements were deliberate, his instincts driving him forward. Using the fog as the cover, he closed the distance, his flame-wreath sword glowing faintly in the mist.

  Rika caught sight of him too late. With a sweeping arc of his blade, Kenneth disrupted her concentration, forcing her to abandon her attack and retreat a step.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Above them, Aine maintained her relentless pressure, her wind attacks forcing Ash to stay on the defensive.

  Kenneth took the moment to steady his breathing, the adrenaline coursing through him like fire. For the first time, he felt like they were truly in control of the fight.

  Kenneth lunged forward his blade glowing faintly as the flames sputtered along its edge. Rika moved to counter, her water spell ready to strike, but Aine's wind magic descended like a whirlwind, scattering her focus. At the same time, Ash stumbled as the remnants of his crumbled barrier left him exposed.

  “Ash, focus!” Rika shouted, her frustration breaking through as she tried to regain control of the match. But Kenneth was already there, his sword sweeping in a deliberate arc, forcing her to step back and drop her spell.

  Aine swapped down, her wind-enhanced speed creating an unstoppable rhythm of attacks. The combination of Kenneth's persistence and Aine's relentless assault left Ash and Rika cornered, struggling to mount a proper defense.

  Ash gritted his teeth, bracing himself against the onslaught. “Rika, we need a new strategy—now!”

  But Rika's raised hand stopped him. She took a breath, straightened her posture, and gave Kenneth a measured look. “Enough,” she said, voice calm but decisive. “We concede.”

  Kenneth froze, his sword mid-swing, his breath coming in short grasp. He blinked, unsure if he'd heard correctly. “You… what?”

  Rika gave a faint smile, lowering her hands as the tension drained from her body. “We're done,” she said, glancing at Ash. “They've earned this win.”

  Ash exhaled, his shoulders relaxing as he dropped his stance. “Yeah, okay,” he admitted reluctantly. “You two played it smart. I'll give you that.”

  Kenneth exchanged a glance with Aine, who landed beside him, their translucent wings fading as her magic dissipated.

  ＊＊＊

  All four of them were quickly treated by the healers who had been on standby during their practice match. The minor injuries were easily healed, leaving everyone in good spirits.

  “It's your first practice match, and you pulled off a win! Not bad at all,” Ash said with a grin. He shot Kenneth with a playful look. “Though, I'm blaming that fog for giving you an upper hand.”

  Kenneth chuckled, holding up this wooden sword. “Well, I can't take all the credit. This thing definitely evened the odds. Without it, my fire magic is still… not exactly impressive.”

  “Maybe not yet,” Rika chimed in. “But your strategy? That was impressive. You've got an eye for reading the battlefield.”

  “Especially spotting the weak points in my barrier,” Ash added, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “I wasn't expecting that.”

  Kenneth smiled faintly. “Thanks, but it wasn't just me. Aine's wind magic carried the day.”

  “Oh, you mean the Mistral Wings?” Rika teased, raising an eyebrow at Aine. “You know that's technically a bloodline spell, right? Using it in a practice match is kind of showing off.”

  Aine shrugged, her grin unapologetic. “Hey, it's not against the rules, and you didn't hold back with your needles either. Besides, it worked, didn't it?” She flipped her hair dramatically, earning a groan from Ash and a laugh from Rika.

  “Aside your bloodline spell, your wind blades were something else,” Ash said, shaking his head. “It's scary how sharp they are. If I hadn't reinforced my barrier, I might've been in real trouble.”

  “Might've?” Rika smirked. “You were in trouble.”

  The group burst into laughter, the lingering tension from the match melting away.

  “As a celebration for Kenneth and Aine's victory, why don't we go out for dinner?” Rika suggested. The idea of unwinding after the intense practice match immediately sparked interest.

  “Count me in,” Ash said, cracking his knuckles. Then glancing over his shoulders, he called out, “Lucian, you coming?”

  Lucian, who had been quietly observing the group from a distance, shook his head, his expression calm but detached. “I have some matters to attend to with my family,” he said.

  Kenneth's gaze lingered on Lucian for a moment. Despite sharing the same classroom, Lucian often felt like a mystery—distant and enigmatic. Kenneth couldn't help but wonder if the weight of being the Luminel successor contributed to that aloofness.

  After all, even the novel, the Luminel family, was rarely mentioned in depth, their affairs cloaked in secrecy.

  “Guess it's just the four of us then,” Rika said, her voice light as ever as she steered the group back to the topic of celebration. “Let's pick a place we can all agree on this time. No fancy hangouts, Aine.”

  Aine rolled her eyes but grinned. “Oh, come one. One upscale dinner wouldn't kill you, Rika.”

  Kenneth chuckled quietly, the exchange easing the lingering tension from the match. He wasn't sure if he'd ever fully understand Lucian, but for now, he was content with the lively group he was heading out with.

  ＊＊＊

  In the heart of the bustling town stood a renowned gourmet restaurant, famous not only for its exclusivity but for its breathtaking views.

  Securing a reservation was near impossible, often requiring months of planning. Yet, thanks to Aine's connections as part of the influential Mistral family, the group found themselves seated on the balcony—a coveted spot with a stunning view of the town's lights shimmering against the night sky.

  As the group settled on the balcony, the warm glow of lanterns cast a cozy ambiance over their table. The town's light twinkled below them, offering a breathtaking view that added to the exclusivity of the experience. Servers brought out crystal glasses filled with sparkling water and plated appetizers to whet their appetites.

  Before the main course arrived, a tall man in a spotless chef's coat stepped out. His salt-and-pepper hair and confident stride spoke of years of mastery in the culinary world. Servers followed closely, each carrying a covered dish on silver trays.

  The man stopped at their table and bowed slightly. “Good evening,” he said, his deep voice resonating with practiced warmth. “I am Chef Francesco, and it's a privilege to have you dining with us tonight.”

  Aine smiled, her charm lighting up the moment. “The privilege is ours, Chef. Your restaurant's reputation preceded you.”

  Chef Francesco inclined his head graciously. “You flatter me, Miss Mistral. For this evening, I wanted to personally present our signature dish—a creamy polenta elevated with white truffle shavings, a hint of black garlic emulsion, ang garnish with edible gold flakes.”

  With a subtle gesture, the servers placed their dishes in front of them and lifted the covers simultaneously. The rich aroma wafted up, making their mouths water.

  “Please, enjoy.” Chef Francesco said warmly, stepping back to observe their first reactions.

  Kenneth took a bite, letting the smooth texture and balanced flavors envelop his senses. He hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “It's incredible. The truffle's earthiness pairs perfectly with the creamy base, and the garlic adds just the right amount of depth. It's indulgent but balanced, not overwhelming”

  Chef Francesco's eyes lit up, clearly pleased. “You've described it beautifully. It's rare to meet someone who truly understands the nuances of the dish.”

  Rika and Ash exchanged amused glances before bursting into laughter. “There he goes again,” grinning. “Kenneth, the food critic.”

  Rika joined in, nudging Kenneth playfully. “I swear, you make everything sound like it belongs in a gourmet magazine.”

  Kenneth smiled sheepishly, slightly embarrassed by their teasing. Aine, however, watched him with a thoughtful expression, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. His description of the dish reminded her of something, but she couldn’t quite grasp what it was.

  Chef Francesco, clearly enjoying the interaction, added, “Should you ever wish to explore the culinary arts, my kitchen would be honored to have you.”

  Kenneth chuckled, trying to brush off the attention. “I think I'll stick to eating for now, but thank you.”

  As the chef left them to enjoy the meal, the group fell in a relaxed atmosphere, savoring the dish and the serene atmosphere.

  Ash, ever the instigator, leaned forward with a grin. “You know, Kenneth, I still think we should start calling you ‘President’ again. Have you thought about running for student council president here?”

  Kenneth chuckled, shaking his head. “What kind of logic is that, Ash? I've barely been at this academy long enough to find the classroom without getting lost. Besides, I don't want to ride on the whole ‘Fireon successor’ thing yet. If I do something, I want to be on my terms.”

  Ash let out an exaggerated sigh. “That's a shame. You've got the ‘take charge’ thing down, though—I saw it during the match.”

  Aine tapped her finger on the edge of her glass, her eyes lighting up with sudden inspiration. “So why don't we just start our own club? No elections, no title—just us doing what we want.”

  Rika sat up straighter, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “I love that idea! We've never had the chance to form a club before. With the four of us—and maybe Lucian—we could actually make it happen.”

  Ash leaned back, crossing his arms as if deep in thought. “Lucian might be tricky, though. He's got all that family responsibility stuff going on, but he might still join if we pitch it right. The real question: what kind of club should it be?”

  “Magic research?” Rika suggested. “Or rune exploration? There's so much we could learn together.”

  Aine tilted her head, a playful smile forming. “What about something more adventurous? Like a mystery-solving club. We could dig into the academy's secrets.”

  Kenneth couldn't help but chuckle at first, but as her words sank in, he found himself intrigued.

  Back in his old world, he had always been drawn to stories about detectives and mystery-solving clubs, unraveling mysteries one clue at a time. Something about the idea of uncovering hidden truths resonated with him. Here, in this unfamiliar world brimming with magic and secrets, it felt even more compelling. His expression shifted as he straightened in his seat.

  “You know,” Kenneth began. “I've always loved the idea of solving mysteries. And with so much I still don't know about this world, maybe starting a club like that could be a great way to learn more. Plus,” he added, “it could help us train as successors. Investigating magical phenomena, solving mysteries—it all fits.”

  Rika's eyes sparkled with excitement , as she clapped her hand together. “That's perfect! We could even tie it into our studies—practical and theory combined.”

  Aine beamed. “I love it! It's decided—we're starting a mystery-solving club!”

  Kenneth blinked, surprised at how quickly his friends had latched onto the idea. “Well, that was fast,” he remarked.

  Ash grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Hold on, we still need to figure out who's going to lead the club. And don't forget we'll need an advisor.”

  Rika leaned forward, resting her chin in her head as a teasing glint appeared in her eyes. “Oh, didn't we already decide that Kenneth's going to be the president? I mean, the creation of this club started because of you.”

  Ash's eyes lit up, and he snapped his fingers in mock realization. “Yes! That means I can keep calling you ‘President’!” he said, his grin widening.

  Kenneth groaned, shaking his head with a laugh. “I walked right into that one, didn't I?”

  Rika waved her head dismissively. “And as for the advisor, there's only one obvious choice—Headmaster Nero. He's always drawn to unusual projects, and I'm sure he'd jump at the chance to help with something like this.”

  Kenneth considered her suggestion. Having the Headmaster as their advisor would lead credibility to the club and likely open doors to resources they wouldn't have otherwise. “That's actually a good idea. He'd probably enjoy it.”

  Ash clapped his hands together, clearly satisfied. “Then it's settled! We'll pitch the idea to Headmaster Nero and get this club officially started.”