Saruto hurried out of the hospital room, his eyes following Star's shadow as she walked away down the quiet academy corridor. In an instant, he reached out and gently grasped her arm, saying firmly, "Stop."
She froze, turning slowly to find Saruto standing before her, his eyes shining. She looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected him to follow her. He took another step closer and said in a low voice, "Why were you looking for me? Is there something you want to say?"
She lowered her head for a moment, then looked up at him with soft seriousness. "Yes… this morning you weren't well. I was watching you; you looked very tired… what happened?"
Saruto froze for a few seconds, thinking to himself, "So you noticed… I thought I'd kept it a good secret."
He took a deep breath and moved even closer. He smiled warmly and unexpectedly, then opened his arms and embraced her lightly. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to worry you. There's nothing to worry about."
Her face suddenly flushed red, her heart pounding, and she was too embarrassed to reply for a moment. Sensing her confusion, Saruto calmly stepped back, smoothing his hair as he said seriously, "Believe me, nothing serious happened. I was just... busy with training, that's all."
She looked at him intently, then slowly nodded. "Okay... if that's what you say."
They turned to leave, but she stopped abruptly, as if remembering something. "Ah, I remember! Where are Camellia and Eliza? I haven't seen them at the academy lately... Has something happened?"
Saruto smiled reassuringly, raising his hand as if to dispel her anxiety. "Don't worry. Everything's fine... there's nothing to be concerned about. They'll be here soon."
She glanced at him for a moment, as if searching his eyes for a deeper answer than his words, then breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay... I'll trust you."
She smiled shyly and left, leaving Saruto standing in the middle of the corridor, watching her disappear before he sighed slowly and left as well. Night fell at the academy, and Saruto and Lucien went to their shared room to sleep. As Saruto tried to fall asleep, Void spoke to him telepathically, saying, "If we continue like this… Lucien won't develop as quickly as he needs to."
Inwardly, in his spiritual world, Saruto opened his eyes and replied in a bewildered voice, "So, what do you suggest, Void?"
Void's breath rose in the darkness like the sound of a dormant volcano awakening, and then he said firmly, "Give me control over your body." "Let me train him…that way, he'll develop faster."
A short silence followed, then Saruto nodded in agreement. "Very well…I'll count on you." Morning arrived, and the two entered the Warrior Realm. Lucian stood with an enthusiastic smile, holding his spear. "Then, let's begin today's training!"
But Saruto suddenly raised his hand and said in a mysterious tone, "Hold on, Lucian. Today…I'm not the one who will be training you."
Lucian was taken aback, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean? Is someone else going to train me?"
Saruto approached slowly, his voice quiet but heavy. "You'll see him now. But remember…you're the first person I've told this secret to, so never let this knowledge leave your lips."
Lucian smiled confidently. "When have I ever confided in you, Saruto? Well then, show me what you've got."
At that moment, Saruto closed his eyes and unleashed his power. The atmosphere around them changed abruptly… The aura surrounding Saruto ignited violently, weighing down the air until even the sky seemed to bow. His eyes opened again, but they were not Saruto's eyes… rather, they were the blazing eyes of a dragon, radiating awe. Lucian, involuntarily startled, raised his spear in self-defense: "Who are you?!"
A deep laugh escaped Saruto's lips, but it wasn't his usual voice: "Fear not… I am not your enemy. I am the one who will train you from now on."
Lucian's anxiety deepened, and Void spoke: "It is an honor to meet you… Heir of Ice."
Lucian's breath quickened, and his veins froze for a moment, as if this being knew a secret buried deep in his blood. But before he could speak, Void continued confidently: "I am Void… the dragon that dwells within Saruto." "From now on, I will be both your opponent and your trainer."
Lucian slowly lowered his spear, astonishment still etched on his face: A dragon?! So all this time… a creature of such power resided within you?
Void chuckled softly, then raised Saruto's hand, forming his two swords, from which terrifying sparks flew: Don't waste your time being astonished. If you want to become stronger, you must follow my instructions. Now your true training begins.
Lucian raised his spear again, cold sweat trickling down his forehead, but the gleam of defiance never left his eyes. And so… the first direct confrontation between Void and Lucian within the Warrior Realm began.