The morning sky shimmered a pale gold as sunlight poured through the arched glass ceiling of the Astral Lecture Hall. Today's lesson was unlike the raw combat of yesterday.
This class was led by Professor Caelith, a slender, ageless man with stardust in his eyes and a soft, echoing voice. The lecture was on Elemental Affinity and Soul Synchronization.
"Naturally all species have an innate affinity with a specific element. But few can unlock it's ability, for us cultivators we unlock that ability when we reach the world saint rank " Caelith began, "is not solely in strength. But in harmony—between soul, element, and spirit. What you are… determines what you can become."
His words resonated through the massive amphitheater, causing several students to instinctively touch the hilts of their weapons or feel the energy pulsing in their cores.
" For now none of you are at the level of a world saint but few of you are very close" his eyes briefly pass over Leo's group and a few others. " So today we will test all of you to see your possible resonances to see your path forward "
At his gesture, a massive arcane glyph unfolded midair, displaying elemental wheels and celestial sigils. Everyone in the class would be scanned, their soul resonance briefly exposed to help refine their training path.
One by one, students stepped forward to be evaluated.
Leo was calm, watching the light dance around others. Sandra's soul shone a deep brilliant white with shades of dark at the ends, her bond with illusions flawless. Kevin's spark flared violently—almost too much for the circle to stabilize. Seth's reading was chaotic, flickering between dark purple and strange temporal distortions.
Then came Arthur
His resonance gleamed like moonlight across still water—graceful, reflective… but tinged with something cold and determined. Leo watched him as he stood in the glyph's glow. When their eyes met , just for a moment, it was as if the light deepened. Caelith paused, clearly intrigued.
After class, the group lingered in the garden courtyard to breathe.
"Did you see Kevins's scan?" Seth joked, "The damn thing nearly exploded."
"Better too much power than none," Kevin shot back with a grin.
June was scribbling in her notebook, muttering, "Moonlight fluctuation… linked to Leo?"
Sandra walked beside Leo in silence.
They stopped under a blooming tree, the shade casting patterns on their faces. She glanced at him, hesitant.
"Did you see mine?" she asked quietly.
Leo nodded. "It was beautiful."
Sandra lowered her gaze. "Sometimes I think I'm just... reflecting everyone else. Never sure what's really me."
He turned to her. "You're stronger than you think, Sandra"
She looked up. Their eyes locked. For a heartbeat, the world narrowed. A breeze stirred the petals around them.
Then—
"Oi! Leo!" Seth's voice shattered the moment. "We're grabbing food. You in?"
Leo sighed, offering Sandra a small smile. "Later?"
She nodded. "Later."
---
In the dining hall, the group was lively as ever. Alec sat between June and May, his scowl softening as they talked about beast anatomy. Summer and Alex argued playfully about sword forms versus wind based mobility. The others found themselves walking the glowing path above the reflecting pool. The night was clear, stars glimmering above like whispers of destiny.
Lucia nudged Arthur. "You still think too much."
Arthur blinked. "I'm... thinking about formations."
"Liar." She smirked. "You're thinking about how to fix things with your brother."
He didn't reply. But the silence said enough.
Behind them, Leo and Sandra had drifted again into a shared rhythm. No words—just proximity.
Sandra hesitated… then gently brushed her fingers against his.
He didn't pull away.
Seth and Veronica cuddled while watching the others with small smiles
---
Meanwhile…
In a dark, smoke-filled chamber far away from the school grounds, a group shrouded in darkness gathered.
A towering figure stood in the center, his voice low and grating. "The threads are weaving. The chosen are awakening."
Another figure, seated and masked, laughed. "Let them grow stronger. They'll only burn brighter when we break them."
From the shadows, a lean woman stepped forward. "The one called Leo… he is not what he seems."
"None of them are," the leader said. "But we will remind them… who holds the true balance. I think it's time we visit our friends at Sky Crest" he says with a savage smile crossing his lips.
They raised their hands toward a black flame burning on a pedestal. Thirteen shadows. Thirteen oaths.
And the war drew closer.
******************************
Starcrest's atmosphere had shifted.
In the days following the combat sessions, Leo's group—now unofficially dubbed "Team 13" by other students—became the talk of the Academy. Their performance in the combat classes had shaken the hierarchy, placing them squarely in the crosshairs of attention, admiration… and resentment.
Leo walked toward the east training wing, flanked by Seth and Arthur. The sun dipped low, casting warm gold across the academy's white stone walls.
Seth let out a low whistle. "You feel that tension in the air?"
"You mean the glares?" Arthur muttered. "Yeah. Like a pack of wolves sniffing blood."
A second-year named Garren leaned against the railing ahead, arms crossed. His crimson uniform band signified the Disciplinary Wing—students tasked with keeping order.
"Leo, Seth and Arthur," Garren said smoothly. "Heard you've been causing waves."
"Just existing," Leo replied casually, hands in his pockets.
"Well, waves invite tides. And tides sometimes drown the unprepared," Garren said, stepping forward. "Fancy a little... sparring session? I've been curious."
Arthur arched a brow. "You're challenging all three of us?"
"No," Garren said. "Just you, Leo. Unless you need backup."
Seth snorted. "Careful. That confidence has a high cost."
Leo stepped forward, his violet eyes unreadable, yet underneath desire burns . "I'll
- Moments Later
Word spread fast. Students flooded the stands around the eastern arena. A spontaneous match between Leo and a Disciplinary Officer wasn't something to miss.
Sandra and the others arrived just as Leo entered the ring.
"He's doing it again," Lucia muttered, arms crossed.
"Let him," Arthur said calmly. "It's time people understood he's not just a fluke."
Across the ring, Garren flexed his fingers. His ability: Pyroblades—constructs of razor-sharp fire that slashed like living swords.
The whistle blew.
Garren surged forward, flaming daggers circling him like a swarm. He slashed and stabbed with impossible speed, flames trailing behind each strike.
But Leo was abit faster.
He weaved through the blades, dodging with practiced grace. Purple flames danced at his fists—small, focused, and unshaking.
With one clean movement, Leo stepped into Garren's guard and landed a blow to his gut. Garren reeled, gasping.
"Too slow," Leo said.
Garren snarled and unleashed a barrage of flaming tendrils, scorching the tiles around him. The air shimmered with heat. Students in the front rows backed away.
Leo raised one hand. Space shimmered around his palm. The attack dissipated—blinked out of existence.
A hush fell.
Then Leo blurred forward, his fist connecting with Garren's chest. The flames extinguished. Garren crumpled to his knees, coughing smoke.
Leo turned to the stunned crowd. "Anyone else?"
No one answered.
---
Later That Day
The group sat around the garden courtyard, enjoying a rare moment of peace. May had brought snacks. Summer and Veronica were arguing about something Kevin was asleep, back against a tree.
Lucia fed a small vine-beast on her shoulder as June spoke in soft riddles, her eyes half-glazed. "The shadows are watching us more now… but not all shadows are enemies."
Arthur glanced at her. "Cryptic as always."
"I prefer 'mysterious,'" she replied with a smile.
Sandra walked over to Leo, handing him a chilled bottle. "For the burns you didn't get."
Leo smiled faintly. "Thanks. You jealous you missed the show?"
"Hardly." Her tone was teasing, but her eyes were thoughtful. "You're changing."
"Is that bad?"
"No," she said after a pause. "But don't forget who you are underneath all of that fire."
Before Leo could answer, a small commotion stirred near the gate.
A girl with golden hair tied into twin braids approached. She wore a cloak over her uniform and had sharp amber eyes. Beside her was a tall, wiry boy with a stoic face and sleek silver hair.
"New challengers?" Seth asked.
"No," Arthur muttered, his expression darkening. "That's Erina West Sandra's sister and. ..."
" Anthony Maxwell.... My cousin " Leo cuts in his tone icey.
After assimilating all his former memories Leo was able to distinguish friends and foe and Anthony was definitely not a friend.
The air around the group shifted.
Sandra stepped forward. "Erina?"
"I heard you were getting cozy with a little warband," Erina said. "Thought I'd see it for myself. Also… got invited to transfer into the core class. Seems the school wants a little balance."
Anthony said nothing, but his eyes locked on Leo. There was unspoken weight there—old wounds, unsaid words.
Sandra crossed her arms. "This isn't a contest."
"It always is," Erina replied, flashing a confident grin. She turns and looks at Alec " To think you would bend so easily"
" Shut the hell up, baka"
" Ohh fisty " she giggles and turns away leaving with Anthony .
---
That Night
Master Ren stood in his office, watching a slow projection of the duel between Leo and Garren.
Behind him, the new teacher, Professor Kaelis, entered silently.
"They're developing rapidly," Kaelis said.
"Too rapidly," Ren muttered. "Someone's accelerating the process."
Kaelis tilted his head. "Are you worried?"
"No," Ren said, turning to face him. "But I know how fast things break when they rise too quickly."
Kaelis smiled faintly. "So do I."
Outside, the moon hung low—its glow pale and distant.
But within Starcrest's walls, the flames of rivalry, love, and danger had only begun to burn.