Shadow_Rein

The haunting silence left by Ray's vanishing act echoes through Aquacriddle Rein's life, forcing him to shoulder the weight of their family's legacy. Driven by a desperate hope and an unwavering resolve, Aqua enters a renowned academy, a crucible where he must forge his own strength. Here, amidst relentless trials and the forging of deep friendships, Aqua's journey becomes a testament to resilience. He must not only master his skills but also confront the haunting absence of his brother, proving that even in the face of loss, the human spirit can endure, and that even silence cannot extinguish the hope of reunion.

Shadow of Rein

In another part of the academy, the expansive training ground designated for the magic course stretched beneath the clear morning sky. The course was highly popular, with 86 students choosing it as their main focus. Among them was Claire Arsia, who walked into the quiet grounds, her composed demeanor a stark contrast to her brother Casial's carefree nature. She arrived early, the crisp morning air brushing against her, and found only a handful of students scattered about.

As Claire stepped into the field, her presence drew glances—part curious, part awed, and part envious. As a princess of the imperial family, she naturally attracted attention. A few students, eager to make a favorable impression, greeted her with formal "Good mornings." Claire returned their greetings with a polite smile, her social grace carefully honed. Though not as openly charismatic as Casial, she had an understated charm that allowed her to navigate interactions with ease.

A number of male students attempted to approach her with less-than-noble intentions, hoping to curry favor with the princess. However, Claire deflected their advances skillfully, her calm yet firm responses leaving no room for misinterpretation. She managed the situation with such elegance that they couldn't feel slighted, further accentuating her composed demeanor.

Curious about her peers, Claire extended her mana senses to gauge the students' mana levels. Most registered as third-circle—a respectable level for first-years—yet one student stood out. Drawn by this anomaly, Claire's gaze fell on a shy girl surrounded by a small crowd. The girl had a visible wind spirit flitting around her, a rarity that explained the attention she attracted. Spirit summoners were few and far between, making her abilities a subject of fascination.

Approaching with quiet confidence, Claire smiled warmly and greeted the girl. The girl, though initially hesitant, smiled back. They recognized each other—though their interactions had only been formal—because the girl was Emilia Serus, the heir of House Serus, one of the three duchies of the Arsia Empire. Emilia's demeanor, soft and reserved, was a stark contrast to her noble heritage.

They began chatting casually, their conversation light yet genuine. Gradually, the students surrounding Emilia dispersed, unwilling to risk appearing rude in front of two high-ranking noblewomen. As they spoke, Claire learned that Emilia's course schedule closely aligned with her own. Despite her status as a duchy heir, Emilia was shy and withdrawn, her only close companions being the spirits she summoned. Claire took note of this, her interest in Emilia growing as she sensed the potential for a deeper connection.

Their conversation paused as a figure entered the training ground—a woman whose aura commanded respect. She had an otherworldly air, her violet robes flowing gracefully as if moved by unseen winds. This was Venustusia, the head of the academy and the instructor for the magic course. Her arrival silenced the murmurs, the students instinctively straightening as they felt the weight of her presence.

The Shy Summoner and the Princess