Kiato's Dream
Shaking, trembling, and worn out, Kiato stood—Hinoyuki in hand. A mixture of sweat and blood rolled down his body. His breath came fast and ragged, like he struggled just to draw air.
Before him stood a dark, high-ranking Flame Knight. Cloaked in noble garb, his hair was tied into a perfect bun. The heat radiating from him scorched the air like the sun itself. His blade was drawn, poised directly at Kiato.
The ground beneath them resembled a boxing arena, surrounded by jeering, hot-blooded spectators who laughed and mocked at Kiato.
"He walked to death and called it love," someone muttered.
Others simply hailed one name, echoing like thunder:
"Fire Lord!"
Beside the battlefield, a plate overflowed with gold—a silent, mocking offering that seemed to pity Kiato.
Then, the Flame Knight's voice boomed, furious and inhuman.
He had no face, no mouth—just a head cloaked in darkness—but somehow, he spoke:
"You chose to be useless. I'll evolve that goal for you."
Flash Step.
The dark figure vanished—then reappeared in front of Kiato, blade swinging toward his neck.
Kiato tried to move, but his body was paralyzed. Thoughts crashed through his mind, overwhelming him:
"Why did I ever choose you?" —Hinoyuki
"You are a waste product." —Gundrick
"You killed me." —Vera
"You're not worth the sacrifice." —Merlin
"Who's this loser?" —Gosen
"I curse the day love was created." —Azura
Reality
Kiato thrashed in bed, struggling in his sleep.
Smack!
Veylor hit him repeatedly with a pillow.
Kiato gasped awake, chest rising sharply before collapsing in a whoosh of breath. He shot upright, realizing—it was just a dream.
"You idiot. So you're daydreaming now?" Veylor scolded, his tone sharp but his gaze slightly worried.
Kiato buried his face in his hands.
"You got a problem?" Veylor asked.
No response.
Veylor sighed, stepping away. "Just make sure you're on time for class."
The door closed, leaving Kiato alone.
He clenched his fists.
"None of that is happening!" he roared, slamming his hands onto the bed. "I'm not useless!"
"Azura..."
The name fell from his lips. He paused, recalling something from the dream.
"Who was that dark figure...?"
He stayed quiet, lips pressed together as he tried to make sense of it. The ticking clock reminded him—he was late.
He shot up.
"Whoever I'm up against—I'll win. I'll prove them all wrong."
He grabbed his towel, cast a glance at Niva still sleeping, smiled briefly, then headed for the bathroom.
From the shadows, a pair of golden eyes shimmered. A voice, cold and otherworldly, whispered:
"That's it, Kiato. Reach for more power. Mature. I can't wait to eat you."
And then, it vanished—unseen, untraceable.
In the Classroom
Everyone chatted restlessly, waiting for Mr. Gosen. Kiato entered, a few minutes late, only to find the class unusually rowdy.
"Where is Mr. Gosen?" he muttered. But his focus wasn't on the noise—it was on his goal. To grow stronger.
Drawn by instinct, he walked up to the pulpit. There, he found a note, clearly signed by Master Gosen.
"Attention, please," he called.
The class quieted. All eyes turned to him.
"This is a note from Mr. Gosen."
"You had that all along?!" Ravien snapped.
"No—I just found it here," Kiato replied calmly.
"What's it say?" Lior demanded.
Before Kiato could begin reading, someone shouted from the crowd:
"If you're reading Mr. Gosen's note, try to sound like him!"
Laughter rippled through the room.
Kiato smirked, embracing the moment. He stepped behind the pulpit, bent his knees to mimic Mr. Gosen's height, cleared his throat dramatically, scanned the class, and spoke with Gosen-like authority:
To All Gallus Frostblades,
I've been called to an urgent meeting at Squad One District regarding a serious matter. I expect each of you to act with the discipline and responsibility becoming of future magic knights in my absence.
This is not a time for idleness or play. Take this opportunity to reflect on your potential, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and strive to bring balance to your power. Whether it's physical drills, aura meditation, sword practice, technique cooking, or elemental control—train in some form.
When I return, I expect progress. Don't waste this chance.
Signed—Master Gosen
Applause burst through the room.
"Nice job, Kiato!" someone called.
It was Seraphina.
She approached with a bright smile. Others began heading to the Glacien Yard, ready to train or duel.
"You sounded just like him," she praised.
Kiato chuckled. "You're in a good mood today."
"Yeah—but my tummy isn't."
"Actually, I'm starving too." He paused. "We're both Azure crest owners, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then let's go eat."
"Alright," she said, smiling. But inside, she whispered to herself:
It's now or never.
As they headed out, Veylor intercepted them.
"I was looking forward to training with you. And where are you going with her?"
Kiato glanced at Seraphina, then answered,
"We're just going to the Azure Dining Hall."
Veylor's eyes narrowed. Kiato could guess his thoughts:
You denied me that position.
"Don't worry. I'll bring you half my rations," Kiato offered.
Veylor smirked faintly. "Have it your way."
But his gaze lingered on Seraphina.
She's always on him, he thought, then pushed the thought aside.
I have more important things to focus on.
Azure Dining Hall
The hall was strangely silent. Empty. No voices, no clatter, no scent of fresh meals. Only the dim blue glow of lanterns near the kitchen.
They walked together to the far end. The faint aroma of roasted herbs still lingered.
Their silence wasn't awkward—it was peaceful. Kiato noticed how Seraphina's eyes glimmered when she looked at him. There was something warm there… something unspoken.
At the counter, they served themselves. Kiato chose fireroot stew and golden-baked bread. Seraphina selected roasted turkey glazed with frostberry honey, sage rice, and lemon zest.
They sat by the frosted window, moonlight pouring through stained glass.
Kiato dipped his bread into the broth, quiet.
Then Seraphina leaned forward, offering him a bite of turkey from her spoon.
He froze. It felt personal. Intimate. He hesitated, but her eyes made it impossible to refuse. He took the bite with a soft nod.
Still, something tightened in his chest.
Azura.
Her name echoed through him like fire and frost. The promise. The vow. To protect. To return. To love only her.
And here was Seraphina, offering more than food—offering her heart in silence.
She glanced at him again.
"Do you ever think about time, Kiato? Not clocks or calendars… but the kind that slips between moments. Like this one… when you're not sure if you want it to move forward or just… freeze."
Kiato looked up, startled by her tone.
She continued, "Some days, I just want to hold time still. To stay in moments like this. With you."
Kiato blinked, heart stumbling. He wasn't ready. Not with Azura's memory burning behind his eyes.
He clenched his fingers around the bowl, unsure what to say.
Seraphina's gaze held his.
The silence grew heavier.
Full of questions.
Kiato looked down, torn.
What will Kiato say?