End of Winter Break

The end of winter break swept in like a cold gust, a reminder that peace was fleeting and the rigors of academy life awaited us. Mythos Academy was a bustling nexus of future legends, each student with their own ambitions and aspirations, but today it thrummed with a special tension. Mid-year theory exams were no small feat, and as students filed into the grand hall, the air buzzed with nerves.

The exam room was state-of-the-art, with sleek, metallic desks arranged in neat rows, each equipped with built-in touch-screen panels for taking the test. A subtle, blue light lined the edges of the room, casting a glow that made everything feel more clinical. Large, reinforced glass panels stretched from floor to ceiling, providing a panoramic view of the academy grounds bathed in winter sunlight. The snow outside sparkled like scattered diamonds, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts inside.

Lucifer Windward, ever the epitome of confidence, sat to my right. His blonde hair shimmered under the artificial light as he adjusted his posture, leaning back with the practiced ease of someone who had conquered exams like this countless times. He glanced back briefly, our eyes meeting in a silent exchange of understanding before he turned back to his screen, fingers moving in a controlled rhythm.

Ren Kagu sat behind me, his purple eyes shining with focus as read the exam, his stoic face sometimes contorting in pain of someone who hated exams more than anything in the world.

Rachel Creighton next to Ren, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulder as she scrolled through the questions, pausing occasionally to tap her chin. The fierce determination in her blue eyes was unmistakable; she wasn't here just to pass—she was here to excel. Seraphina Zenith, with her silvery hair and calm demeanor, looked serene as ever, fingers gliding over the panel with an almost meditative grace. She embodied the calm before a storm, unflappable even in the face of the most complex scenarios.

Jin Ashbluff sat behind me, his dark eyes narrowing as he muttered under his breath, occasionally scratching notes onto the built-in digital pad. He shot me a slight smile midway through.

Ian Viserion, next to Jin, sighed as he read the exam like it was a will. His playful demeanour had long been replaced with seriousness as he focused on the exam.

Cecilia, with her ruby-red eyes sharp and focused, was all business. Her fingers tapped with rapid precision, and her lips pressed into a thin line as she scanned a question that seemed to require more thought. Despite her outward calm, a fire smoldered beneath, evident in the quick glances she shot at anyone who dared to disturb her focus.

The questions were formidable, as expected. They ranged from fundamental theories of mana manipulation to complex scenarios involving six-circle spells and their counter-strategies. I breezed through sections detailing the historical use of enhanced aura versus astral energy, my mind drifting momentarily to Valen Ashbluff's cryptic warning: 'How could I resonate my sword when my soul hadn't fully aligned with my body?'

It was a question that gnawed at me even now, mid-exam, as I read through an essay prompt dissecting the power dynamics between aura and mana in battle. The flicker of doubt tugged at my concentration, but I forced it back. 'Focus,' I told myself, pushing away thoughts of Valen's revelation and the larger implications that came with it.

Two hours ticked by, marked by the silent hum of technology and the occasional creak of chairs. The final chime sounded, signaling the end of the exam. There was a collective sigh of relief, a rustle of students stretching and exchanging nervous glances. The tension eased like a drawn bowstring finally released.

Rachel let out an exaggerated sigh as she stood, catching my eye with a playful grin. "Well, that was almost too easy. Makes a perfect score feel so mundane," she quipped, hands on her hips.

Jin scoffed from the corner, rolling his eyes. "Speak for yourself, Creighton. Some of us actually had to think."

Seraphina approached, a slight smile playing at her lips as she laced her arm through mine. "The real challenge will be tomorrow," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "Practical exams are where things get… lively."

"Arthur," came Cecilia's voice as she appeared at my other side, slipping her hand into mine and giving a conspiratorial squeeze. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer. "Think you'll finally dethrone Lucifer in the practicals?"

The question hung in the air for a moment. I'd seen Lucifer during the exam, felt the raw power emanating from him even in stillness. He'd grown stronger over the break, as had I, but the gulf between us had shifted. After facing Jack Blazespout, I knew where I stood. I was stronger than Lucifer now, but only just. My edge was a fragile thing, dependent on factors I couldn't yet fully control—like the Sword Resonance that continued to elude me.

"Confident enough," I replied to Cecilia, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth, masking the simmering concerns beneath.

Rachel's eyes softened as she took a step closer. "Good, because the entire academy is going to be watching."

"Especially after today," Jin added, coming up beside us. "Word travels fast when you've got the attention of the Emperor and a Medal for Merit to your name."

I chuckled, though my mind wandered to Valen's other, unspoken challenge: *How will you confront the truth when it stares back at you?*

The conversation drifted as we walked down the long corridor, sunlight spilling in through the glass and pooling at our feet. Students bustled around us, some laughing, others frowning at missed questions and whispered debates over exam answers. The warmth of my friends' presence pushed back the weight of uncertainty, if only for a moment.

As we reached the main hall, Seraphina let go of my arm, and I felt the absence of her touch like a chill. Cecilia's eyes met mine, her expression unreadable for a split second before softening. "We'll be there tomorrow," she said. "Watching you show everyone what you're made of."

"I wouldn't miss it," Rachel added, winking as she disappeared into the throng of students.

I turned down the hall to my room, the echoes of their voices fading behind me. Tomorrow would come, and with it, the true test of my strength, strategy, and resolve. But for now, as I lay on my bed and stared up at the ceiling, I allowed myself one moment of quiet before the storm.