The Academy and the Source of Power

Argentum Academy:

Argentum Academy isn't just any school; it's the pinnacle of education for those gifted in combat, strategy, and magic. 

Founded centuries ago, the academy was built on the ruins of an ancient civilization known as the Arcanum, who were masters of both technological and magical sciences. 

The academy's purpose was twofold: to train the next generation of warriors and tacticians and to safeguard the knowledge of the Arcanum, ensuring that their power would never again be misused.

The academy's structure is divided into several divisions, each specializing in different forms of combat and strategy, such as the Mecha Armored Division (MAD), Martial Arts Division (MARD), and the Strategic Operations Division (SOD), etc. The students who attend Argentum are not just the best in their fields; but also the future leaders and protectors of their world.

The Source of Magic:

Magic in this world isn't an abstract force; it has a tangible source known as the Luminara. 

This energy originates from the planet's core, channeled through ancient crystals left behind by the Arcanum. These crystals, scattered across the world, are both a source of power and a key to unlocking deeper levels of magic. 

Students at Argentum are taught to harness this energy, drawing from the Luminara to enhance their abilities, whether through spellcasting, strengthening their mechas, or improving their combat skills.

The Luminara is more than just a power source; it's a living, breathing entity that responds to the user's emotions and intentions. 

This connection means that those who use magic must have just skill, but also control over their inner selves, as the energy can be volatile if misused.

The Shadow Games:

The Shadow Games are not merely a tournament; they are a tradition rooted in the academy's history. 

The games were created as a way to simulate the real-world threats that graduates would face, testing not just their physical prowess but also their strategic minds and moral fiber. 

The stakes are high, as the outcome of the games often determines the future paths of the participants, whether they will become elite warriors, master strategists, or something else entirely.

However, there's a deeper, more mysterious reason behind the Shadow Games—a secret known only to the highest-ranking members of the academy. 

The games are not just a test but a ritual, one that is said to appease the spirits of the Arcanum, ensuring that their ancient powers remain in balance and do not fall into the wrong hands. This is why everyone at the academy, from the students to the staff, takes the games so seriously; they are not just fighting for victory but for the future of their world. (Even if they don't know. since for them is an important exam like the CSAT in S. Korea)

Ryker's Team and Their Bond:

At first glance, it might seem like Ryker's team has formed an unusually strong bond in a short amount of time, but there's more to their connection than meets the eye. 

Each member of the team has a past that intertwines with the others in subtle ways, whether through shared experiences, family histories, or even unspoken destinies.

Ryker and Lyra, for example, have known each other for longer than the academy's walls—they grew up together, training and dreaming of becoming heroes like their parents. 

Their friendship, forged through years of shared challenges, is the foundation of the team's unity.

Kaid's role as a strategist naturally brought him closer to Ryker, as they shared mutual respect and strengths. 

Kaid's quiet nature masks a deep understanding of human psychology, allowing him to connect with his teammates on a level that isn't immediately obvious. 

He sees their potential, even when they doubt themselves, and helps bring out the best in them.

Zara, though mysterious and reserved, feels a sense of belonging to the group that she hasn't found elsewhere. 

Her connection to the Luminara and her knowledge of the academy's secrets give her a unique perspective, and while she keeps much of her past hidden, she's beginning to trust her teammates with more of her true self.

This combination of shared history, mutual respect, and a growing sense of trust has allowed Ryker's team to bond quickly. 

Their unity isn't just about friendship; it's about survival, as they navigate the increasingly dangerous and unpredictable Shadow Games together.