The afternoon sun spilled golden light across the academy courtyard, warming the stone benches where Alex, Riven, Kael, Saphira, and Edrin lounged after a long day of classes. Mana lamps flickered lazily in the breeze, not yet needed against the glow of the sky. For once, there was no instructor barking orders, no upperclassman showing off. Just quiet.
Riven leaned back, arms behind his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You know what, Cupcake?" he drawled, eyes flicking toward Alex. "It's been way too long since I've drawn my mana blade. I'm starting to feel… rusty."
Alex, sitting gracefully with his polished black nails catching the sunlight, tilted his head in mild agreement. "True. We've let the academy's lessons dictate our pace. Back home, I trained every day, with or without a teacher."
Kael stretched, cracking his knuckles. "Same. If I didn't, I'd fall behind—and I couldn't afford that."
Saphira perked up, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Wait, you all trained outside of lessons? Regularly?"
Riven's smirk widened. "Of course. You think muscles like this"—he wiggled his fingers, showing off his purple obsidian nails—"just happens overnight?"
Edrin leaned forward, earnest but a little hesitant. "So… you're saying academy lessons aren't enough?"
"They're a foundation," Alex replied smoothly, "but foundations mean nothing if you don't build on them. Without discipline, it crumbles."
Kael nodded firmly. "Exactly. I used to spar in the old yards back home. I also cultivated my Mana alongside Alex. The academy pushes theory and drills, but if you stop there, you'll never outgrow the rest of the crowd."
Saphira exchanged a glance with Edrin, both thoughtful. "Then… maybe we should train too," she said slowly.
Edrin nodded, determination softening his usual shyness. "I'd like that. If it helps me keep up… I want to try."
That's when Kael leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly as though sharing a secret. "I've heard there's a training ground for upperclassmen. Bigger, harsher, meant for real combat and cultivation. Not just the tame drills they run us through."
Saphira frowned. "For upperclassmen? Then how would we—"
Kael shrugged. "I don't know if there are rules. I just know most freshmen don't even try. They go to class, do what's assigned, and never push further."
Riven gave a lazy laugh. "Sounds like cowards to me. Or sheep. Either way, not my style."
Alex smirked, eyes glittering. "Then perhaps we should confirm it. If it's truly open, why limit ourselves to mediocrity?"
So they asked. An upperclassman, amused by their curiosity, confirmed it with a shrug: the training grounds are open to anyone. No one forbade freshmen from entering—most simply didn't bother.
When they regrouped, Edrin's expression was a mix of nerves and excitement. "So… it's possible."
"It's more than possible," Kael said firmly. "It's necessary."
Riven leaned forward, his grin sharp and daring. "Then it's decided. After classes, we go. No excuses. Let's see what we're really capable of."
Alex brushed a strand of hair from his face, voice cool yet electric with promise. "Good. Because if we're going to stand out… we'll need to earn it."
The air between them felt heavier, not with dread but with anticipation—the first step toward something greater than the academy's rhythm, a choice that would set them apart from every other freshman.
Author's Note
Uh-oh 👀 looks like the gang is unlocking a new stage… training arc incoming! 💪✨ Do you think they're ready for what's waiting at the upperclassmen grounds? Comment your guesses, vote if you enjoyed, and follow for more updates! 💜