University — First Day
The morning sunlight spread across the academy grounds in a soft golden hue.
Tiny magical dew drops shimmered like crystals over the lawns of Vairon Magic Academy.
Students gathered in the open ground, laughing and chatting with excitement.
Wei arrived quietly with Hao, her presence as calm as the morning breeze.
---
The moment Wei stepped onto the field, the air itself seemed to shift.
Where moments ago there had been cheerful chatter, now there were whispers — all about her.
> "Look, Wei showed up today! She's been missing for three months," one boy whispered.
"She wasn't missing — she was weak. I heard she was on the verge of death," another replied.
"Really? She doesn't look like that," a girl murmured beside them.
> "You don't know about her, do you?" a boy asked.
"No, I'm new here," she said.
"Ah, that explains it. You see… in this realm, it's believed that only twins can marry twins."
"Right, that belief exists in our kingdom too. But there are only two twin pairs in the world, right?"
"Exactly. And one of those pairs is this brother and sister — Wei and Hao."
> "That's supposed to be a blessing," a girl said. "I heard twin pairs grow stronger when they hunt together."
"That's just a myth. Wei's always been weak — her potential barely reaches C-level," a boy scoffed.
> "Last year there was a rumor," another added, "that the twin prince's might marry Wei and Hao someday."
"After that, every noble princess started hating her. They never missed a chance to torment her."
"You probably don't know," a girl interrupted, "but Wei was sick for months because of them."
"What?!"
"They forced her into a dangerous dungeon. She was found unconscious outside, barely alive."
"We're just regular students," one boy whispered nervously. "If we go against nobles, they'll crush us."
---
Wei and Hao stood apart from the crowd, silent — but they heard every word.
And because Wei heard them, Hao heard them too.
His anger flared, eyes darkening. He turned, ready to confront them, but Wei caught his arm.
> "Where are you going?" Wei's voice reached him through telepathy.
"To find out who hurt you," Hao replied sharply.
"No… you can't. This is my matter — I'll handle it."
"How?"
"Just watch. I'm not the same Wei who used to fear them."
A faint, mischievous smile curved her lips.
"Fine," Hao said at last. "Then let's see."
---
By then, the instructors had arrived.
In Aurathiel, the world they lived in, every mage was classified by elemental affinity.
"Students," Instructor Geyu announced, "today you'll be selecting your elemental classification."
"You already know what that means. Instructor Ren will explain the process."
Ren stepped forward, her tone steady and composed.
"As you can see, there's a dummy placed here. You'll attack it using the element or elements you possess."
"Ma'am, can we use more than one element?" a prince asked.
"Yes. Use all the elements you command," Ren replied. "But first, collect your number passes."
The students lined up to receive their passes.
---
"Hao, can you explain this again?" Wei asked softly.
"There are four main elemental categories," Hao began.
"One — Offensive elements: Fire (red), Dark (black), and Water. These are used for attacks.
Two — Defensive elements: Earth or Green magic, used for shields and healing.
Three — Supportive elements: Light magic, useful for both attack and defense.
Four — Mobility elements: Air or Wind magic, for speed and adaptation."
"Got it," Wei said with a nod, taking her pass.
---
Classification Test
One by one, students performed their tests, sorted into classes based on their elemental response.
Some chuckled quietly, mocking Wei — certain she wouldn't be able to summon even a single spark, just like last time.
Then came Princess Saren Aurel. Her wind magic struck the mithril dummy with such force that it trembled.
> "Saren managed to dent a mithril dummy!" someone gasped.
"That's the advantage of an advanced Wind user," another whispered.
Saren stepped away from the platform, her gaze landing on Wei.
Wei met her eyes once, then looked away — calm, uninterested.
That single gesture was enough to ignite Saren's temper.
"You dare ignore me when you're this weak?" Saren snapped.
"Do I know her, Hao?" Wei asked, still facing forward.
"No," Hao said dryly.
"Do you have a problem, Saren?" he added coldly. "Or are you just here to annoy my sister?"
"Oh, look who's talking — The brother who always act like her shield," Saren mocked.
Before Hao could respond, Evelyne approached.
> "You became a shield to protect your sister again." Evelyne sneered.
"You don't even have a brother. How is that my fault?" Hao replied with a faint smirk.
Wei chuckled softly at his comeback.
> "Who said she doesn't have a brother?" another voice called.
It was Darian, walking toward them.
"Oh great," Hao muttered, "the sister's lapdog joins the show."
The air thickened between the two boys, tension crackling.
> "What's going on here?" Instructor Liang appeared suddenly.
> "Master," Leon said loudly, "don't you think a weak caster like her doesn't belong here?"
"Who are you talking about, Leon?" asked Jin, arriving beside Liang.
"Her — Wei. She's too weak to be an adventurer," Leon said.
"Wei, what did you do?" Jin asked.
"Me?" Wei blinked.
"Yes! She's so weak we always have to save her!" Saren added.
Liang and Jin exchanged glances.
They had both joined the academy after Wei's injury — no one knew the truth about their connection.
> "Master Liang, disqualify her!" the students demanded.
"She hasn't even taken the test yet," Liang said, anger rising. "And you want to destroy her career?"
> "Master Liang, please," Wei said gently, stepping forward. "Let me handle this."
Liang studied her face for a moment, then sighed.
> "Alright. Show them."
> "How can you listen to her?" Evelyne shouted.
"Enough," Hao's voice cut coldly through the noise. "Say one more word, and I'll shut your mouth myself."
> "What did you just say?" Darian and Leon stepped forward.
> "Quiet!" Liang's command silenced them all.
"Evelyne, enough. Wei is my sister. Of course I'll listen to her. Now, back to your place."
The entire field went still silent.
No one had ever imagined they were related — Liang and Wei looked nothing alike.
> "You two… are siblings?" Saren asked, stunned.
"Why can't we be?" Wei replied.
"I wasn't talking to you! I was talking to Master!" she yelled.
> "How dare you raise your voice at Wei!" Liang's tone thundered. "I've never spoken to her that way myself!"
> "Forgive her, Master," Leon stammered, "but how are you two siblings?"
"I'm a formal Red-element user," Liang said. "My hair color's different, that's all. But yes — I'm their elder brother, Wang Liang."
"Anything else you'd like to know?" Jin added calmly.
> "Yes," Saren said boldly.
"What?" Jin asked.
"You're an instructor — you shouldn't take a student's side."
"Before I'm an instructor, I'm her brother," Liang said, voice low and sharp. "And if anyone dares touch her… I'll cut off their hands."
"Liang, enough," Jin warned. "You're a teacher."
"Then call the principal," Liang snapped. "Let's see who dares bully her again."
> "What's even happening right now…" Wei muttered under her breath.
"Brother, I told you — I'll handle it."
"But Wei, they started it," Liang said.
"We'll settle that later. Let's finish the test first," Jin interjected. Wei nodded in agreement.
> "Hahaha, you?" Leon laughed. "You won't even make that dummy flinch."
"And what if I do?" Wei folded her arms.
"Then I'll serve you for a whole month," Leon said.
"Brother, did you hear that?" Wei asked.
"He said he'll be your servant for a month if you move the dummy," Liang confirmed.
"Then it's a deal. I'll hit it with every element I have," Wei said.
"Every element? Try one first," Darian mocked.
"Don't get too confident, Wei. Pride can drown you," Saren sneered.
> "Wait — let's make it fair," Leon added. "If you move it, I'll serve you for a month. But if you fail, you serve me. Deal?"
"Deal," Wei said without hesitation.
> "Wei, don't waste your time," Jin tried to stop her.
"No," Liang said, smiling faintly. "I want to see this."
> "Alright," Liang ordered. "Everyone form a line. Saren, Evelyne, Darian, Leon — you'll go first. Wei and Hao, you'll go last."
"Yes, Master!" the group echoed.
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