The scene shifted dramatically, revealing a sprawling training yard bathed in the golden light of an early afternoon. It had been a half a year since Subaru had first stepped into the Academy, and the boy had grown noticeably. His once hesitant steps now carried a steady confidence, though his playful smirk remained as sharp as ever.
The yard buzzed with activity as students honed their skills. Shouts of exertion, the clash of wooden weapons, and the faint hum of mana charged the air. At the center of the commotion, a sparring match had drawn a small crowd. Subaru stood face-to-face with none other than Johnan Belvoir, their wooden swords at the ready.
Johnan smirked, his posture perfect as he held his weapon in a precise guard. "You've improved, Natsuki," he said, his tone condescending but tinged with genuine acknowledgment. "But don't think for a second that you can keep up with me."
Subaru chuckled, twirling his wooden sword casually. "Keep up? Please. I'm just getting started."
Their match was anything but casual. Johnan lunged first, his movements sharp and calculated, his sword cutting through the air in a blur. Subaru parried, the impact of the wooden blades sending vibrations through his arms. He spun to the side, narrowly avoiding a follow-up strike, and countered with a low swing aimed at Johnan's legs.
Johnan jumped back, his eyes narrowing as he studied Subaru's stance.
"You've gotten faster," he muttered, his grip tightening. "But speed won't save you if you can't read your opponent."
"Good thing I'm pretty good at reading," Subaru shot back, stepping forward with a sudden burst of aggression. His strikes came rapid and unrelenting, forcing Johnan to retreat as their swords clashed again and again.
The crowd murmured in excitement, the energy building as the match continued. Tekka, now taller but still as brash as ever, watched from the sidelines with his arms crossed. "Get 'im, Subaru!" he hollered, his Kagaragi accent cutting through the noise. "Show Fancy Pants who's boss!"
Renwald stood beside him, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "Johnan's precision is impressive, but Subaru's unpredictability is giving him trouble," he observed. "This could go either way."
Back on the field, Subaru pressed his advantage, his movements fueled by a mix of instinct and experience. But Johnan wasn't about to let him dominate for long. With a sharp pivot, Johnan sidestepped Subaru's swing and brought his sword down in a heavy arc.
Subaru barely managed to block, the force of the blow making his knees buckle slightly. Gritting his teeth, he pushed back, their swords locking together as they glared at each other.
"You're tougher than I expected," Johnan admitted, sweat beading on his brow. "But raw determination won't beat technique."
"Maybe not," Subaru replied, his grin widening. "But it makes things a hell of a lot more fun."
With a sudden burst of energy, Subaru disengaged, spinning to the side and swinging his sword in a wide arc. Johnan dodged just in time, but the movement left him slightly off-balance. Subaru seized the opening, driving forward with a flurry of strikes that forced Johnan to retreat once more.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the match reached its climax. Both boys were panting now, their movements slower but no less determined. Subaru's grin never faltered, even as sweat dripped from his forehead. He could feel the weight of the crowd's attention, the thrill of the fight coursing through his veins.
Finally, Johnan raised his hand, signaling a pause. "Enough," he said, lowering his sword. "This isn't over, but you've earned my respect—for now."
Subaru straightened, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Respect? From you? I must be doing something right."
The two exchanged a nod, their rivalry momentarily set aside as they returned their swords to the rack. Tekka and Renwald approached, Tekka clapping Subaru on the back.
"Not bad, mate!" Tekka said, grinning. "You almost had him."
"Almost?" Subaru asked, raising an eyebrow. "Pretty sure I had him running for his life."
Renwald smirked faintly, his voice calm as ever. "Don't get cocky. He's still got the edge on technique. But you're closing the gap."
Subaru shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Guess I'll just have to train harder, then."
As the boys walked off the field, the crowd began to disperse, the buzz of excitement lingering in the air. Subaru couldn't help but smile as he looked ahead. He had come a long way in the past year, and he knew this was just the beginning.
Just as Subaru and the others were catching their breath and basking in the aftermath of the spar, the familiar chaotic presence of Professor Thaddeus Elron swept into the training yard. His wild hair was even more unkempt than usual, and his glasses perched precariously on the tip of his nose as he strode toward the group, his metal baton swinging idly in one hand.
"Well, well, well," Elron said, his voice carrying over the chatter of the dispersing students. "A spirited match, I see. Wooden swords clashing, youthful egos colliding… it's all very theatrical."
Subaru turned, grinning. "Theatrical? I'd say it was pretty impressive."
Elron raised an eyebrow, tapping his baton against his palm. "Oh, impressive, was it? And tell me, young Natsuki, how much mana did you channel during that impressive performance?"
Subaru blinked, his grin faltering. "Uh… none?"
"Exactly," Elron said with a flourish, his tone suddenly sharp. "None. And that, my dear boys, is the problem. Sparring and swordplay are all well and good for building stamina and reflexes, but if you can't channel mana effectively, then all the flashy moves in the world won't mean a thing."
Tekka groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "Aw, c'mon, Teach! We just got done runnin' laps this morning, and now you want us to sit around and focus on… what? Breathing?"
"Precisely!" Elron said, jabbing the baton in Tekka's direction. "Breathing is the foundation of mana flow. Without control over your mana, you're like a sword without a blade—a useless hilt."
Renwald folded his arms, nodding thoughtfully. "He's not wrong. Mana channeling is the cornerstone of everything we'll be doing here."
"Thank you, Mr. Kerrigan," Elron said, pointing at Renwald as if he'd just solved an ancient mystery. "Finally, someone who understands. Now, gather 'round, boys. We're going to work on the basics of mana channeling, and by the end of today, even you"—he pointed at Tekka with a sly grin—"might manage not to faint from overexertion."
Tekka muttered something under his breath but reluctantly joined the group as Elron gestured for everyone to sit on the ground. Subaru followed suit, his curiosity piqued despite his lingering exhaustion.
Elron began pacing in front of them, his baton waving dramatically as he spoke. "Mana channeling is the art of drawing energy from within and directing it with precision. It requires focus, discipline, and a connection to the very essence of life itself. Close your eyes, all of you."
Subaru glanced around to see the others obeying, so he closed his eyes too, his breathing steadying as he waited for further instructions.
"Feel the mana within you," Elron said, his voice taking on an almost melodic tone. "It's there, just below the surface, like a river waiting to be tapped. Draw it out slowly, gently. Let it flow through you."
Subaru frowned, trying to sense the so-called river of mana. He could feel… something, a faint warmth deep inside him, but it was elusive, like trying to catch smoke with his hands.
"Don't force it," Elron continued, his tone soothing but firm. "Mana doesn't respond to brute strength. It responds to harmony, to intent. Now, channel that energy to your hands."
Subaru furrowed his brow, focusing as hard as he could. Slowly, the warmth began to rise, tingling in his fingertips. He opened one eye to peek and was startled to see a faint shimmer of light dancing around his hands.
"Not bad," Elron said, his voice startling Subaru back to full attention. "But don't lose focus. Keep it steady."
Subaru grinned, his confidence growing. Maybe this mana thing isn't so bad after all.
As Subaru sat cross-legged on the frosty ground, his eyes closed and his focus on the faint shimmer of mana in his hands, a thought crept into his mind. His fingers instinctively brushed against the cool, smooth surface of the blue pendant around his neck. He opened one eye, glancing down at it, the faint glint of the crystal catching the sunlight.
Right, he thought, his focus momentarily wavering. This thing's holding me back.
He remembered Irene's serious expression when she'd handed it to him all those months ago, her voice firm but tinged with a rare softness. "This pendant will suppress your mana output. It'll make things harder, yes, but that's the point. You need to blend in, Subaru. Be careful—don't draw attention to yourself."
Subaru let out a quiet sigh, closing his eyes again and steadying his breathing. Blend in, he repeated in his mind. No big flashy moves, no showing off. Just enough to keep up, maybe stand out a little, but nothing too crazy. That's the plan.
Still, it was frustrating. He could feel it—the vast well of mana deep within him, a swirling storm just out of reach. The pendant dulled it, contained it, like a dam holding back a roaring river. Subaru clenched his fists, his determination flaring. Alright, fine, he mused. Let's see what I can do with what I've got.
He refocused, directing the faint warmth in his chest toward his hands again. Slowly but surely, the shimmer returned, a faint glow forming around his fingers. It wasn't much—certainly nothing compared to what he'd seen the doctor or Irene do—but it was enough. For now.
"Good," Professor Elron said, his voice cutting through Subaru's thoughts.
"Keep that flow steady. Remember, control is more important than power."
Subaru nodded, though his eyes remained closed. Control over power, he thought, repeating the mantra to himself. It wasn't the most exciting idea, but he knew Irene was right. If he let even a hint of his full potential slip, it could draw the kind of attention he couldn't afford.
No point in getting carried away, Subaru mused, a small smirk tugging at his lips. Guess I'll have to save the big moves for another day.
For now, he would play the part of the diligent, unremarkable student. And as much as it rankled him to hold back, Subaru reminded himself that patience was part of the game.
As the lesson wound down and the afternoon chill seeped into their bones, Professor Elron clapped his hands sharply, drawing the boys' attention back to him.
"All right, that's enough mana channeling for today," he announced, his baton tapping rhythmically against his palm. "I expect most of you managed at least a flicker, and if you didn't…" His glasses glinted as he surveyed the group. "Well, better luck next time."
Tekka groaned as he flopped backward onto the frosty ground, arms splayed out dramatically. "Finally! My fingers are frozen, my toes are frozen, and I think my soul is frozen."
Renwald adjusted his scarf, his expression as calm as ever. "Perhaps if you focused less on complaining and more on your breathing, you'd feel warmer."
"Warm this," Tekka muttered under his breath, earning a faint chuckle from Subaru.
The professor waved his baton toward the academy building. "Inside, all of you. You've got a big day tomorrow."
The boys exchanged curious glances as they rose to their feet, brushing frost off their uniforms. Subaru, ever the curious one, spoke up. "What's happening tomorrow, Professor?"
Elron's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Tomorrow, my dear boys, you'll be summoning spirits."
The room collectively tensed, the weight of the announcement sinking in. Even Tekka stopped his usual banter, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Spirits?" Renwald asked, his tone steady but his expression thoughtful. "You mean the real thing, not just theory?"
"The real thing," Elron confirmed, his grin never wavering. "Your first true test as spirit arts students. Connecting with a spirit is more than just a technical skill—it's a bond, a partnership. One that will define your path in this academy."
Subaru felt a twinge of nervousness beneath his usual confidence. He glanced down at the blue pendant around his neck, its weight suddenly feeling heavier. Summoning spirits, huh? he thought, his mind drifting back to the small red and yellow orbs that had saved him so long ago. I've done it before… but can I do it again?
The professor motioned them forward, leading the way back into the warm embrace of the academy building. The air inside was a welcome contrast to the chill outside, the faint scent of parchment and ink filling the hallways as they made their way to their dorms.
As the boys huddled together, Tekka broke the silence with his usual grin. "Spirits, huh? Guess that's where the fun really begins."
Renwald nodded, his tone measured. "It'll be interesting to see who connects with what. Spirit affinity varies greatly."
"Yeah," Subaru added with a smirk, though his mind was racing. "Should be… interesting."
As they reached their room, the weight of the next day hung heavily in the air. While Tekka and Renwald chatted about their expectations, Subaru stared out the frost-covered window, his thoughts lingering on the spirits he had met before.
Tomorrow, he thought, gripping the pendant around his neck. Let's see if they still remember me.
The warm glow of the dorm's lanterns welcomed the boys as they returned to their room. Subaru kicked off his boots and flopped onto his bed with a sigh, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling above him. Tekka followed suit, sprawling across his own bed with his arms stretched out wide, while Renwald, ever composed, settled into his chair by the desk, arranging his books and notes neatly.
For a moment, the room was quiet, the boys letting the weight of the day settle over them. Then, as expected, Tekka broke the silence.
"So, spirits tomorrow," he said, grinning despite the fatigue in his voice. "Think we'll actually pull it off, or is this another one of Elron's cruel jokes?"
Renwald glanced at him, unimpressed. "It's not a joke, Tekka. Summoning a spirit is a foundational skill for any spirit arts user. If we can't manage it, we don't belong here."
"Yeah, yeah," Tekka replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't act like you're not nervous, Ice Stick. It's not like spirits are gonna line up to shake hands with us."
Subaru chuckled, sitting up on his bed. "I dunno. Maybe you've got a fire spirit somewhere out there just waiting to team up with the fastest kid in Kagaragi."
Tekka sat up, grinning. "Damn right I do. They'll probably be blown away by my natural charm and rugged good looks."
"Or they'll be terrified of your ego," Renwald muttered, earning a laugh from Subaru.
The mood in the room lightened, the tension from the day slowly fading. Tekka leaned back against the headboard of his bed, his grin softening into a thoughtful smile. "Man, can you believe it's been a whole year? Feels like just yesterday we were all standing in that stupid field, freezing our asses off while Elron yelled at us to run laps."
Subaru smirked, leaning back on his hands. "Yeah, and you could barely make it through without tripping over your own feet."
"Hey!" Tekka protested, pointing an accusing finger at Subaru. "I've improved, alright? I'm practically an athlete now."
Renwald raised an eyebrow. "Athlete might be a stretch, but you're certainly less of a disaster."
"Gee, thanks," Tekka muttered, though his grin didn't waver. He turned to Subaru, his expression curious. "What about you, Subaru? Think you've changed since we got here?"
Subaru tilted his head, his gaze drifting toward the pendant around his neck. "Yeah, I think so. I mean, when I got here, I didn't really know what I was doing. It felt like I was just… pretending to fit in. But now?" He smiled faintly. "Now it feels like I'm actually part of something. Like I belong."
Renwald nodded, his tone softer than usual. "You've adapted well. Better than most."
Tekka grinned, throwing an arm over Subaru's shoulder. "Damn right you belong, mate. The Three Musketeers of Dorm 5—unbeatable."
Subaru laughed, shoving Tekka's arm off. "Unbeatable, huh? Let's see how unbeatable you feel after tomorrow."
"Hey, I'll summon a spirit so cool, you'll all be jealous," Tekka declared, puffing out his chest dramatically.
Renwald sighed, shaking his head. "Just don't set anything on fire."
As the three boys continued to banter, the weight of the year seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of camaraderie that had grown stronger with each passing day. Subaru lay back down, staring at the ceiling again, a small smile playing on his lips.
Yeah, he thought, listening to the voices of his friends. This year's been tough, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
The next morning, the boys stepped out of their dorm to find a distinct tension in the air. The usual lively chatter of the academy was muted, replaced by hushed whispers and furtive glances. Subaru and Tekka, always curious, slowed their pace as they passed two teachers standing by an archway, their voices low but urgent.
"…southeastern border," one said, his expression grim. "The organization struck again. Another town was wiped out."
"Another?" the other replied, her tone sharp. "What's being done to stop them? If this keeps up, they'll push further north. The council can't afford to wait any longer."
Subaru exchanged a glance with Tekka, the seriousness of the conversation making their stomachs churn. But before they could linger, the teachers noticed them, and Tekka gave Subaru a subtle nudge.
"C'mon," Tekka muttered, his voice lower than usual. "Let's get outta here."
They moved quickly to the outside field, where the morning sunlight did little to chase away the unease lingering from what they'd overheard. As they approached the gathering group of students, Tekka's usual energy returned, though his sarcasm was sharper than usual.
"Well, isn't this just the highlight of my week," he said, gesturing to the small crowd. "Guess who's joinin' us today?"
Subaru raised an eyebrow, following Tekka's gaze to the opposite end of the field. A group of girls, all dressed in their academy uniforms, were approaching, their confident strides contrasting with the boys' more casual attitudes.
"Perfect," Subaru said dryly, crossing his arms. "Because what we needed was more competition."
Johnan, standing nearby with his usual smug expression, scoffed. "Competition? Don't make me laugh." He stepped closer to Subaru and Tekka, lowering his voice just enough to sound conspiratorial. "Those girls probably aren't even half as capable as the boys."
Tekka smirked, leaning toward Subaru. "Hear that, mate? Fancy Pants over here thinks we've got this in the bag."
Subaru chuckled but shook his head. "Careful, Johnan. Pride comes before the fall."
Johnan straightened, his confidence undeterred. "It's not pride—it's reality. You'll see soon enough."
As the girls joined the group and the field began to buzz with murmured conversations and sizing glances, Subaru couldn't help but feel the weight of the morning settling over him again. Whatever was happening at the southeastern border, it wasn't far from his mind. But for now, the task ahead demanded his focus, and he knew better than to underestimate anyone—especially the girls who now stood across the field, their expressions sharp and determined.
This day just got a whole lot more interesting, Subaru thought, his smirk returning as the instructor stepped forward to begin the lesson.
The sharp, commanding voice of a woman cut through the morning air like a blade, silencing whatever conversation the boys were having.
"Thaddeus Elron, get your lazy butt in gear! If we're going to make this mess of students into something resembling spirit arts users, we need to get started. Stop lollygagging!"
The source of the voice stepped forward, her presence as imposing as her tone. She was tall and broad-shouldered, her tightly pulled-back silver hair glinting in the sunlight. Her sharp green eyes scanned the students like a hawk searching for prey, and her long, dark coat billowed behind her as she strode toward the center of the field. She carried herself with a mix of military precision and unshakable authority, making it clear she tolerated no nonsense.
This was Instructor Maera Vess, a renowned spirit arts expert with a reputation for her no-nonsense approach to teaching. She was often paired with Thaddeus to balance his chaotic methods with her unyielding structure.
Behind her, the girls of her class were huddled together, barely containing their laughter as they watched the boys scramble to attention. Their giggles and whispers carried just enough to be heard, their teasing comments aimed squarely at the boys.
"Look at them," one of the girls said, her voice dripping with amusement. She was tall and elegant, with long blonde hair that fell in soft waves down her back. Her pale blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she smirked at the boys. This was Celeste Arven, a confident and sharp-witted girl from a noble family in Glacia.
"Honestly," another chimed in, rolling her violet eyes dramatically. She had short, choppy pink hair and a wiry build, exuding a restless energy. Her grin was sly as she nudged Celeste. "I bet they couldn't even summon a candle flame between the lot of them." This was Lirra Feldon, a spirited and quick-tongued girl from the borderlands of between Lugnica and Gusteko.
The third girl, a petite figure with auburn hair tied into twin braids, covered her mouth as she giggled. Her warm brown eyes twinkled with humor, though her teasing was gentler. "Be nice," she said softly, though her tone carried a hint of mockery. "Maybe they'll surprise us." This was Tessa Morrow, a kind but quietly mischievous girl from a merchant family.
Tekka, who had been trying to stifle his irritation, finally muttered under his breath, "They're laughin' now, but just wait. I'll summon a fire spirit so big, they'll forget how to giggle."
Subaru, standing beside him, chuckled. "Yeah, sure. Just make sure you don't set yourself on fire in the process."
Renwald, ever composed, glanced at the girls with a raised eyebrow. "They're baiting us. Don't let it get to you."
Before anyone could respond, Instructor Maera clapped her hands sharply. "Enough chatter! Boys, line up. Girls, stop giggling and show me you've got the focus to match your confidence."
The field grew silent, the playful atmosphere giving way to a tense anticipation. Whatever was coming, Subaru could tell it was going to be a challenge—and one that the girls were more than ready for. Time to step up, he thought, straightening his posture. Let's see how this goes.
As the sharp words of Instructor Maera echoed across the field, the students—both boys and girls—snapped to attention. Professor Thaddeus Elron, who had been leaning casually against a nearby post, straightened up with a sheepish grin.
"All right, all right, Maera!" he called back, twirling his baton in one hand. "No need to yell. I'm already on it."
Maera's piercing green eyes narrowed. "Good. Because we don't have all day to waste on your usual theatrics. The summoning ritual is today, and these students need to be ready. I'm not about to have anyone lose their mana to a poorly executed attempt."
The girls behind her snickered, their laughter aimed squarely at the boys across the field. Celeste Arven, the tall blonde with an elegant smirk, tilted her head and spoke just loud enough for everyone to hear. "Honestly, they look like they're barely holding it together after that warm-up. Are we supposed to take them seriously?"
"Maybe they're saving their strength for the ritual," Lirra Feldon chimed in, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or maybe that's just wishful thinking."
Tessa Morrow, the petite girl with auburn braids, stifled a giggle behind her hand. "Be nice," she said lightly, though her tone carried a playful edge. "They'll need all the help they can get."
Tekka, standing with Subaru and Renwald, bristled instantly. "Oi! 'Help'? That's rich comin' from the lot of you. Bet you've never even lifted a proper staff, let alone done any real training."
Renwald, ever the calm one, placed a hand on Tekka's shoulder. "Let it go. They're baiting you."
But Subaru, ever the quick-witted one, couldn't resist. "Hey, Tekka," he said, smirking. "Didn't you say you were going to summon a fire spirit so big it'd make everyone jealous? Now's your chance to back that up."
Tekka puffed out his chest. "Damn right! You girls better watch out—I'll have spirits lined up just to work with me."
Celeste raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "How charming," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "We'll be sure to bring a bucket of water in case you overdo it."
Before Tekka could fire back, Professor Elron stepped forward, clapping his hands to draw everyone's attention. "Now, now! That's enough pre-summoning banter. Let's focus." He gestured dramatically toward the center of the field, where circular summoning sigils had been drawn into the ground, glowing faintly with magical energy. "Today, my dear students, is the day of the summoning ritual. It's your first chance to connect with a spirit, to establish that crucial bond that will shape your journey here."
The chatter among the students died down, replaced by a tense anticipation. Maera stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping across the group. "Listen carefully," she said, her voice carrying an edge of authority. "Summoning a spirit isn't about brute strength or flashy techniques. It's about connection, focus, and respect. If you fail to respect that balance, you'll lose more than the chance to summon—you could lose control of your mana entirely. Understood?"
A collective nod rippled through the group, though a few students shifted nervously. Subaru, standing quietly beside Tekka and Renwald, glanced down at the blue pendant around his neck. No showing off, he reminded himself. Just enough to succeed without drawing attention.
Elron clapped his hands again, breaking the tension. "Good! Now, each of you will take your place at a summoning circle. Follow the instructions you've been given, focus your mana, and let's see who's got the spark."
The students began moving toward the circles, each glowing faintly with its own unique hue. Subaru, Tekka, and Renwald found themselves next to each other, Tekka muttering under his breath the entire time.
"You're gonna see something amazing today," Tekka said, grinning despite his nerves. "Biggest fire spirit this academy's ever seen."
"Let's focus on not fainting first," Renwald replied, rolling his eyes.
Subaru smirked, kneeling at his assigned circle. "Good luck, boys. And don't freak out if I actually summon something cooler than all of you."
Tekka snorted, but before he could respond, Instructor Maera's booming voice cut through the air. "Begin!"
The field fell silent as the students began channeling their mana, the air tingling with energy. Subaru closed his eyes, his hands hovering over the glowing circle as he focused on the warmth within him.
This is it, he thought. Let's see if they still remember me.
The tension on the field reached a boiling point as the students struggled to channel their mana into the summoning circles. Subaru's fingers twitched in frustration as he stared at the faintly glowing sigil before him. No matter how much he focused, nothing seemed to happen.
Beside him, Tekka was gritting his teeth, his Kagaragi accent slipping through as he muttered to himself. "C'mon, ya stubborn thing, show up already! Fire, flame, spark, anythin!"
Subaru sighed, his own frustration mounting. "You're talking to it like it's gonna listen. Spirits aren't puppies."
"Well, at least I'm tryin', mate!" Tekka snapped, his irritation finally boiling over. "What about you? Too busy bein' Mr. Cool to even focus?"
Subaru's eyes narrowed. "I'm focusing! Maybe if you weren't yelling, I'd actually get somewhere."
"Yellin'?" Tekka stood up, his face flushed with anger. "I'm yellin'? You're just sittin' there actin' all smug, doin' nothin'!"
Subaru stood as well, his own patience gone. "Smug? You're the one making a scene! Maybe if you put half as much effort into your summoning as you do into complaining—"
Before he could finish, Tekka shoved him, and Subaru shoved back. Within moments, the two were grappling, a flurry of fists and frustrated grunts. The other students gasped, some laughing nervously, while the instructors shouted to break it up. In the chaos, Tekka's hand grabbed at Subaru's pendant, and with a sharp snap, the cord broke, sending the blue crystal tumbling to the ground.
Neither of them noticed.
"Enough!" Instructor Maera's voice boomed across the field, silencing the commotion. She stormed over, her piercing gaze locking onto the two boys. "What in Odglass's name do you think you're doing?"
Professor Elron, who had been watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and concern, stepped forward, clapping his hands. "Break it up, boys. Plenty of time for brawling after the ritual."
Subaru and Tekka pulled apart, both panting and glaring at each other. "He started it," Tekka muttered, but Maera's glare silenced him.
"Both of you, back to your circles," Maera ordered. "One more outburst, and you're both out of this academy. Understood?"
Subaru muttered an apology, brushing himself off as he returned to his circle. His pendant, now lying in the grass a few feet away, remained unnoticed. The energy suppression it had provided was gone, but Subaru was too focused on salvaging the ritual to realize it.
"Alright," Subaru muttered to himself, kneeling back at the circle. "Focus. Just focus."
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The warmth of his mana surged, stronger and more potent than it had ever felt before. It was like a floodgate had been opened, the energy flowing freely through him. Subaru frowned, the intensity catching him off guard, but he pushed forward, channeling the mana into the summoning circle.
At first, there was a faint glow. Then, it grew brighter. And brighter. And brighter.
The air around Subaru shimmered as countless orbs of light began appearing, one after another. Reds, yellows, blues, greens—all colors imaginable—filled the field, their tiny, glowing forms swirling around Subaru like a living galaxy. The once-muted field erupted into a blinding light as tens of thousands of spirits appeared, their soft hums and voices filling the air.
The students froze, their mouths hanging open in disbelief. Even the instructors were stunned. Maera's usual sharp composure cracked as she stared, her eyes wide. "This… this isn't possible…"
Professor Elron, for once, was speechless. His glasses slid down his nose as he watched the overwhelming display of mana and spirits. "Oh… oh my…"
Tekka, now lying on the grass in a daze, gawked at the sight. "Holy… mate, what did you do?"
Renwald, though equally shocked, managed to speak. "This… this is beyond anything a novice should be able to do."
Subaru, in the middle of the dazzling storm of spirits, was frozen in place, his heart pounding. His mind raced as the realization hit him: Crap. This is bad. This is really, really bad.
The spirits swirled around him, their voices faint but excited, as if they were thrilled to see him. "He's here," one whispered. "The one we remember."
"The Spirit King," another said, its tone reverent. "He's calling us."
Subaru's face paled. Oh, no. Not that. Anything but that.
He glanced around at the stunned faces of his peers, the instructors, and especially Maera, who now looked like she was about to demand answers.
Yeah, Subaru thought, swallowing hard. This is definitely bad.
Subaru stood frozen, surrounded by the dazzling display of spirits. His face, flushed bright red, gave him the appearance of someone caught in the act of something incredibly embarrassing. His hands flailed awkwardly as he tried to wave off the overwhelming situation.
"Uh, yeah! Totally not a big deal!" he stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "It's all… uh… Renwald's fault!" He pointed dramatically at his calm, blond-haired friend, who blinked in confusion.
"Mine?" Renwald asked, raising an eyebrow. "What—"
"Yup! Definitely your fault!" Subaru interrupted, forcing a laugh that came out more as a wheeze. "Anyway, gotta go! Things to do, people to see! Later!"
Without waiting for a response, Subaru turned on his heel and bolted. His feet hit the ground in rapid succession as he sprinted away from the field, his hastily shouted "Good luck!" barely audible over the sound of his hurried retreat.
The spirits around him began to flicker and fade, their forms dissolving into the air as they giggled or whispered faint goodbyes.
The stunned crowd, including the teachers, watched in silence as Subaru disappeared into the distance. Tekka, still sprawled on the grass, muttered, "He always knows how to make an exit, doesn't he?"
Renwald sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "He's going to get himself into trouble one of these days."
Meanwhile, Instructor Maera, her sharp gaze now free of distraction, caught sight of something glinting faintly in the grass. She walked over, stooped down, and picked up the object—a small, blue pendant, the cord still frayed from where it had snapped. She studied it closely, her green eyes narrowing as the pieces began to fall into place.
"What's this?" she asked aloud, her tone carrying an edge of suspicion. She turned to the remaining boys, holding up the pendant. "Do any of you know what this is?"
Tekka, sitting up and dusting himself off, glanced at it and waved dismissively. "Oh, that? That's just Subaru's stupid necklace. He's always fiddling with it."
At his words, Maera's eyes widened, her expression shifting from confusion to alarm. She turned the pendant over in her hand, her fingers brushing against the smooth crystal. "This… this isn't just a necklace," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. "It's a mana suppressant. A powerful one at that."
Elron, finally regaining his composure, stepped closer, his glasses perched precariously on his nose. "A mana suppressant? For a child? That level of enchantment is unheard of…"
Maera's jaw tightened as she gripped the pendant. Her gaze snapped back to the boys, her tone sharp. "Who gave this to him?"
Tekka shrugged, clearly unconcerned. "Dunno. He's always had it. Said it was important or somethin'."
The tension in the air thickened as Maera exchanged a glance with Elron. The implications were clear, but neither spoke them aloud. Instead, Maera stood straighter, her voice calm but firm. "We'll need to speak to him about this. If that pendant was suppressing his mana, then what we just witnessed…"
"…was only a fraction of what he's capable of," Elron finished, his voice tinged with awe and concern.
As the instructors processed the magnitude of what they'd just seen, Subaru, completely unaware of the trouble brewing in his wake, dashed through the bustling streets of the city. His heart pounded as he weaved through crowds and skidded around corners, his goal clear in his mind: Irene's apartment.
She's gonna kill me, Subaru thought, his face still burning with embarrassment. But at least she'll know what to do.
Subaru skidded to a stop in front of Irene's apartment, his chest heaving from the frantic sprint through the city. The door loomed before him, plain but sturdy, a small brass knocker glinting in the afternoon light. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and banged boldly, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway.
"Irene!" he shouted, his voice tinged with panic. "Open up! It's me, Subaru!"
A muffled groan came from the other side of the door, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Irene, her bluish-gray hair slightly mussed, and her piercing blue eyes narrowed in a mix of curiosity and irritation.
"Subaru," she said, folding her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. "Do you have any idea what time it is? What's got you all worked up?"
Subaru practically pushed his way inside, flailing his arms dramatically. "I messed up, Irene. Big time. Like, big time big time!"
Irene blinked, closing the door behind him. "Okay, okay," she said, her tone shifting to something more calming. "Take a breath. Whatever you did, I'm sure it's not that bad."
Subaru spun around, his orange eyes wide with panic. "No, no, you don't get it! I summoned spirits! Not just a few! Thousands! Tens of thousands! The whole field lit up like a festival, and now everyone's freaking out, and I think I might have accidentally revealed something really important, and—"
Irene's face paled as realization dawned. "You what?" she interrupted, her calm facade slipping. "Thousands of spirits?"
Subaru nodded frantically. "Yeah! And it wasn't even on purpose! My pendant got torn off during a fight with Tekka, and I didn't realize it until after everything went nuts! Irene, what do I do?"
Irene rubbed her temples, muttering under her breath. "Odglass preserve me," she said, before looking sharply at Subaru. "You mean to tell me you've been wandering around with that pendant off? Do you have any idea how bad this is?"
"That's what I'm saying!" Subaru wailed, throwing his hands up. "It's bad! Like, really bad!"
Before Irene could respond, a soft but deliberate knock sounded at the door. Both Subaru and Irene froze, their eyes darting toward the sound.
Irene moved cautiously, her expression hardening as she approached the door. She opened it a crack, peering out—and immediately stiffened. Standing on the other side was none other than Instructor Maera Vess, her imposing figure framed by the dim light of the hallway.
Maera's sharp green eyes flicked from Irene to Subaru, her expression unreadable. She raised her hand, revealing the blue pendant dangling from her fingers. "Irene," she said, her tone measured but firm, "mind explaining this?"
Irene's eyes widened slightly, though she quickly masked her surprise with a composed smile. "Maera," she said smoothly, stepping aside to let her in. "It's been a while. What brings you here?"
Maera stepped into the apartment, her gaze shifting back to Subaru for a moment before landing on Irene. "You tell me. I just witnessed one of your protégés summon enough spirits to light up the entire academy. And then I found this." She held up the pendant again, her tone growing sharper. "A mana suppressant of this caliber? Care to explain?"
Irene sighed, closing the door behind her. "It's a long story."
"I've got time," Maera replied, her gaze unwavering.
Subaru, feeling the weight of both women's attention, swallowed hard. "Uh… should I…?"
"Stay," Irene said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She turned to Maera, her expression grim. "Let's talk."
The tension in the room was thick as Irene crossed her arms, leaning against the table with a heavy sigh. Her sharp blue eyes flicked to Maera, then back to Subaru, who stood awkwardly to the side, still processing the weight of the situation.
"There's no hiding it now," Irene began, her voice steady but laced with resignation. "Maera, the truth is… Subaru isn't just any spirit arts user. He's been bestowed the Divine Protection of the Spirit King."
Maera's usually unflappable composure cracked, her green eyes widening in disbelief. "The Divine Protection of the Spirit King?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "That's… impossible. That's a myth, Irene. No one—"
"It's not a myth," Irene interrupted firmly. "The boy can summon spirits with ease, communicate with them in full sentences, and earlier today, he brought forth thousands of them without even trying. If that isn't proof, I don't know what is."
Subaru, who had been quietly observing the conversation, tilted his head curiously. "So… that's a good thing, right?"
Irene shot him a look that clearly said, Not now. She turned back to Maera, her expression serious. "We've been hiding this because the consequences of the truth coming out are too dangerous. If Sugona—"
"—the Holy King of Gusteko," Maera interjected, her voice heavy with understanding.
"—if he finds out," Irene continued, "he'll either see Subaru as a threat to his rule and have him eliminated, or worse… he'll turn him into a weapon. A tool for Gusteko's dominance. Either way, this boy loses his freedom, and I won't let that happen."
Maera was silent for a long moment, her fingers brushing the edge of the pendant she still held. Her gaze shifted to Subaru, studying him as though seeing him for the first time. The boy blinked back at her, his orange eyes wide with curiosity, clearly more interested in their conversation than alarmed by it.
"If what you're saying is true," Maera said at last, her voice softer but no less serious, "then Natsuki Subaru may very well have the potential to rival Lugnica's Sword Saint."
Subaru blinked, surprised. "Rival? Me?"
Irene frowned. "Reinhard van Astrea isn't someone I want him compared to. This isn't about rivalries or power—this is about protecting him."
Maera let out a deep sigh, running a hand through her silver hair. "I can't believe I'm hearing this from you, Irene. You, of all people—a member of Odglass's Holy Church—hiding something this monumental from the public? From the Crown?"
Irene straightened, her voice firm. "I'm not a blind servant of the church, Maera. I'm doing what's best for this boy, and for now, that means keeping him safe and out of sight."
Subaru shifted uncomfortably, his gaze bouncing between the two women. "So, uh… what happens now?"
Maera looked at him, her sharp green eyes softening ever so slightly. For a moment, she seemed to weigh her options, her expression unreadable. Then, to the surprise of both Subaru and Irene, she let out a resigned chuckle.
"Well," she said, tossing the blue pendant back to Subaru, who barely managed to catch it, "it's not like I can change the past. If I've already been dragged into this mess, I might as well help keep it under wraps."
Irene blinked, her disbelief clear. "You're agreeing to keep this secret?"
Maera crossed her arms, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "Don't look so surprised. I don't like the idea of the Holy King getting his hands on the boy any more than you do. Besides…" She glanced at Subaru again. "If he's as strong as you say, maybe he'll even survive all this."
Subaru stared at the pendant in his hand, then back at the two women. "Wait. So… you're not gonna, like, turn me in or anything?"
Maera rolled her eyes. "No, but you'd better start working on not drawing attention to yourself. That mess you caused at the academy? It can't happen again."
Subaru nodded quickly, clutching the pendant to his chest. "Got it. No more giant spirit parties. I'll keep it subtle."
Irene shook her head, letting out a relieved sigh. "Subtle would be a good start." She turned to Maera, her expression softening. "Thank you."
Maera shrugged, her smirk returning. "Don't thank me yet. If this goes sideways, I'm blaming both of you."
Subaru grinned nervously, slipping the pendant back over his neck. "No pressure, right?"
The three of them stood in uneasy silence, the weight of what had just transpired settling over the room. Whatever lay ahead, Subaru knew one thing for sure—his life was about to get even more complicated.
When Maera and Subaru returned to the academy, the air inside the halls buzzed with anticipation. As soon as Subaru stepped through the doors, the chatter stopped, and heads turned in unison toward him. In a matter of moments, the silence gave way to a flurry of voices.
"There he is!"
"Subaru, what happened out there?"
"Did you really summon that many spirits?"
Even the girls, who had been quietly observing from across the room, pushed forward, their curiosity outweighing any sense of decorum. Celeste, her pale blue eyes sharp with interest, raised an eyebrow. "Care to explain, Natsuki? Or was this some elaborate way to show off?"
"Bet it was just luck," Lirra chimed in, her smirk teasing but her violet eyes betraying genuine intrigue. "No way he could've pulled that off on purpose."
Tessa, more reserved, spoke softly but still leaned in. "It was impressive… whatever it was."
Subaru, already overwhelmed by the barrage of questions and comments, raised his hands defensively. "Look, I—uh—well, it's a long story, okay?"
Before he could even attempt to formulate an excuse, a familiar voice cut through the noise like a blade.
"Enough."
Professor Thaddeus Elron stepped forward, his baton tapping rhythmically against his palm as he approached Maera and Subaru. His perpetually messy appearance and crooked glasses did little to diminish the authority in his tone. He adjusted his glasses, his sharp eyes narrowing on Maera.
"Maera," he said, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern. "Care to explain what exactly happened out there? And don't give me any of that vague 'boys will be boys' nonsense."
The room fell silent as everyone turned to Maera, their attention fixed on her. She stood tall, her green eyes calm but unreadable, as if she'd already prepared her response.
"It was a fluke," she said simply, her tone firm. "A one-in-a-thousand occurrence. I confirmed it myself."
Thaddeus raised an eyebrow. "A fluke?"
"Yes," Maera continued, crossing her arms. "It's high season for spirits in Gusteko. The area was saturated with them. It was pure coincidence that they happened to converge on Subaru's location when he channeled his mana. Nothing more."
The explanation seemed to satisfy most of the students, who exchanged glances and murmurs of understanding. After all, it wasn't uncommon for spirits to be more active during certain times of the year, especially in a spirit-rich region like Gusteko.
Even Professor Elron seemed to accept the answer, though his expression remained skeptical. "Hmm," he muttered, tapping his baton against his palm. "If it's a fluke, it's one hell of a fluke. We'll need to keep an eye on him regardless. Fluke or not, it's clear the boy has potential."
Maera nodded, her voice steady. "Agreed. But as I said, he's only slightly above average for his age. Nothing to be concerned about."
Subaru's jaw dropped slightly. "Slightly above average?" he muttered under his breath. "What does a guy have to do to get a little credit around here?"
Tekka, standing among the other boys, caught Subaru's muttered complaint and smirked. "Guess you're just not as special as you think, mate."
Renwald, ever composed, gave Subaru a knowing glance. "Better to be underestimated than overestimated."
Subaru sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever keeps everyone off my back."
With Maera's explanation seemingly accepted, the crowd began to disperse, though the buzz of curiosity lingered in the air. Subaru, now under the watchful eyes of not just the instructors but his peers as well, couldn't help but feel like the calm before the storm had officially ended.
This is gonna be a long semester, he thought, pulling his scarf tighter as he made his way back toward the dorms.
As Subaru trudged through the hallways, his scarf loosely hanging around his neck and his thoughts swirling, he heard the familiar sound of hurried footsteps behind him. Turning his head, he spotted Tekka and Renwald catching up to him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Oi, Subaru!" Tekka called out, his usual grin plastered across his face. "That was some stunt you pulled back there. You planning on explaining it, or do I have to bribe it out of ya?"
Renwald, more composed, adjusted the strap of his satchel as he walked beside Tekka. "Tekka's exaggerating, but he's not wrong. That display wasn't exactly normal. Care to share what really happened?"
Subaru sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, feigning innocence. "Didn't you hear Maera? It was a fluke. A one-in-a-thousand chance."
Tekka rolled his eyes, jabbing Subaru lightly in the arm. "C'mon, mate. You expect us to believe that? I've never seen anything like it, and I've seen a lot of weird stuff back in Kagaragi."
Renwald nodded, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Fluke or not, you handled it differently. Most people would've panicked or fainted. You didn't."
Subaru shrugged, his grin a bit forced. "What can I say? I'm just good under pressure."
Tekka squinted at him, his expression a mix of skepticism and amusement. "You're hiding something. I can smell it."
Subaru laughed nervously, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Look, it's not a big deal, okay? I just… got lucky. Like Maera said, high spirit season or whatever."
The three walked in relative silence for a moment before Tekka spoke up again, his tone lighter this time. "Alright, fine. I'll drop it. For now. But seriously, that was insane. Spirits everywhere, the girls freaking out, even Johnan looked like he was gonna wet himself."
Renwald smirked faintly at that. "It was quite the scene. You've managed to put yourself on everyone's radar, whether you wanted to or not."
Subaru groaned, rubbing his temples. "Great. Just what I needed—more attention."
Tekka clapped a hand on Subaru's shoulder, grinning. "Hey, look on the bright side. At least now they know you're not some ordinary scrub."
"Yeah," Subaru muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Bright side."
Renwald glanced at Subaru, his tone softening slightly. "For what it's worth, I think you handled it well. Whatever the truth is, you kept your cool, and that says a lot."
Subaru looked at Renwald, surprised by the rare compliment, and smiled faintly. "Thanks. I guess."
Tekka threw an arm around Subaru's shoulders, steering him toward the dorms. "C'mon, mate. Let's grab some food before Elron decides to give us another lesson in 'practical endurance.' You've earned a break after that spectacle."
Subaru laughed despite himself, letting his friends guide him. For now, the weight of what had happened could wait. At least with Tekka and Renwald around, things felt a little less overwhelming.