Chapter 53: The Semester's End
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Five months had passed since Dabi had first stepped foot in Astral Heaven Academy. The once unfamiliar halls and towering structures now felt like a second home to him, though his path had been far from easy. His growth had been substantial, and with each new level, his power increased. But there was still a nagging unease in his mind—a sense of something unfinished.
His siblings, Eli and Mira, had also changed. Both of them were now a year older, their skills and understanding of the world slowly growing as they trained under the care of the academy's best tutors. Though he visited them often, Dabi couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Every choice he made was to ensure their safety.
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Recalling Ferrin's Words
It was a quiet evening when Dabi found himself alone, sitting by the window in his dorm, staring out at the distant mountains. His thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Headmaster Raghnall Ferrin just one day ago. Specifically, something Ferrin had said still puzzled him.
"I've informed someone about your clash with the Vantores," Ferrin had said cryptically. "They may step in to solve the problem."
Dabi clenched his fists at the memory. Who? He had no allies, no one besides his siblings who truly cared about his well-being. Why would someone want to help him, especially against a powerful family like the Vantores? It didn't make sense. Dabi had been an outcast, a lone figure with no support system outside of Eli and Mira.
"Who is the headmaster talking about?" Dabi whispered to himself, feeling the familiar frustration build up inside him. He hadn't seen any signs of outside intervention, and the Vantores hadn't made any moves recently. But the headmaster's words lingered like a shadow over him. Could someone really be watching over him?
Shaking his head, Dabi pushed the thought aside. He couldn't waste time on mysteries he couldn't solve yet. He had something far more pressing ahead of him: the upcoming semester exams.
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The 1st Semester Exam
The next morning, Dabi's teacher, Professor Allora, strode into the classroom with her usual calm confidence, her long robes swaying as she moved. The students hushed immediately, sensing something important was about to be announced.
"As most of you know," she began, her voice clear and authoritative, "the first semester exams are approaching. These exams will test everything you've learned since the beginning of your time here. For some of you, it will be a simple test of skill. For others..." her gaze swept across the room, "it will be a wake-up call."
Dabi's focus sharpened. He knew he couldn't afford to fall behind. His recent clashes with the Vantore family had put him on the map, but if he failed to excel in the exams, it would only give his enemies more ammunition against him.
"The exam will determine not only your placement for the next semester," Professor Allora continued, "but also whether or not you are eligible to enter the advanced courses and earn specialized training." Her eyes lingered on Dabi for a brief moment, as if silently reminding him of the stakes.
The class buzzed with quiet excitement and anxiety. Everyone knew how crucial this test would be.
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Preparation for the Exam
That night, Dabi returned to his dorm with a renewed sense of purpose. He spent the next few days reviewing all the lessons from the past five months, refining his techniques and practicing his magic combinations. His mastery over elements had grown significantly since he first arrived, but he knew the exams would push him to his limits.
The looming presence of the Dimension Key weighed heavily on his mind as well. He had discovered the key months ago, unlocking a portal to a mysterious dimension. However, he had decided to put the key aside for now. The semester break would be a better time to explore its secrets. There was too much at stake right now with the exams on the horizon.
"I'll deal with the Dimension Key after the exam," Dabi muttered to himself, locking the key away in his storage space. For now, his focus needed to remain on the present challenge.
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The Calm Before the Storm
As the first semester drew to a close, the atmosphere at the academy grew tense. Students could feel the pressure of the upcoming exams weighing down on them. For many, this would be the moment that defined their futures.
Dabi, however, felt calm. He had faced worse before—monsters, betrayal, even death. This exam was just another obstacle to overcome, another test of his resolve. And if there was one thing Dabi had learned in his time here, it was that he thrived under pressure.
His mind was set. He would pass this exam, earn his place in the advanced classes, and continue to uncover the secrets of his past. The Dimension Key could wait for now, but soon, very soon, he would unlock its mysteries.
And as for the Vantores… Dabi knew their time would come. Whether or not someone was helping him behind the scenes, he would
face them head-on. He would not run from his fate.
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