The Beginning of Friendships and Rivalries

After a few minutes, Instructor Takeda returned to the room with a serious expression. "Very well, students, please take your seats."

Ryu looked around and saw that Hana was already seated with Aiko and Daisuke. He nodded for Kenji to join him, completing the row of five chairs next to them.

The tables were long, and the chairs were extremely comfortable. Ryu felt a mix of anxiety and excitement as he waited for the first class to begin, knowing that there would be many opportunities in the coming days to get to know his fellow students better.

"Now, as our first lesson at Arcane Institute of Yamato, we will begin with the mana cores—this little organ is what defines the strongest individuals in our world."

Takeda pressed a button, and a hologram of a mana core appeared. The tables lit up with small diagrams showing cores in eight different colors, prompting murmurs of admiration among the students.

"Each color represents a stage of refinement," Takeda explained, pointing to the transitions in the image. "The lighter the core, the greater its efficiency and control."I watched, intrigued, trying to imagine how my own progress might look.

He then pointed to the first stage—a completely black core."All humans begin with a black mana core. This core absorbs elementals, the particles that contain the elements. As you practice and absorb these elementals, the core begins to lighten, passing through a series of colors—gray, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and eventually white."

After a brief pause, the teacher turned his attention to a student on my right. Her hand was raised, and her long, light brown hair lent her an admirable aura of tenderness."Please, go ahead, Rei," he said in an inviting tone.

"I just don't quite understand how the evolution of the core works," she replied.

Turning and picking up a remote control from his desk, Takeda continued,"It's quite simple—there are three ways to do this." With a press of the remote, the image changed.

"As you can see, here we have a man meditating. When he concentrates on nothingness, particles automatically accumulate in his core."

He pressed the button again and, this time, an image of a man in a fighting stance appeared. "The second method is through combat. But there are significant differences compared to meditation. First, the intensity of the fight is decisive—battles that push you to your limits promote greater evolution. Second, unfortunately for you, it is still necessary to meditate to solidify that evolution; combat by itself only paves the way."Just as he was about to press the button again, Takeda paused briefly, as if recalling something."Well, there is a way to make the progress achieved in battle permanent—evolve your core to another color; that is the only way."

"The third method is something you will probably never do—and I sincerely hope that remains so."The image then showed a man lying down, with several tubes connected to the center of his chest."Forcing evolution artificially is extremely harmful in the long run. You might be able to use more mana, but you run the risk of ceasing to be mages if your core cannot handle it. Moreover, it is prohibited by law."

"Thank you, professor, that was very enlightening," Rei said, her smile visible even from where I sat.

"If there are no further questions, I will continue," Takeda said as he resumed displaying the holograms of the cores.

"Now, let's discuss the differences between them."

"For example, a dark blue core indicates that the mage has good control over his elements—this is the goal for you this year. In the initial stage, with a black core, you can only control the elementals in their physical state. When you reach a more advanced level, you will be able to control the elementals themselves. One note: the more refined the core, the longer it will take to evolve to the next stage."

Takeda looked at the class with a confident smile. "Now, let's do a demonstration. Everyone, please pay close attention."

The students leaned forward in their chairs, eyes fixed on him. Takeda positioned himself in the center of the room and raised his right hand, beginning to channel his mana. A faint bluish aura enveloped his hand, gradually intensifying. "This is the type of mana density that a solid blue core can generate. This sphere represents the elements in their pure form—elementals—before they are transformed into their respective substances."

Murmurs of admiration rippled through the room. Some students exchanged excited glances, while others furrowed their brows in concentration, trying to absorb every detail.

"Controlling and manipulating mana is essential for any mage. You need to feel the energy flowing through you and shape it to your will," he explained as the aura stabilized. Suddenly, he directed the aura toward the students with a burst of water. There was no time to react; everyone instinctively raised their hands toward their faces, yet the water never reached them.

"Wow!" exclaimed one student, while others sighed in relief and surprise. The water wave froze in mid-air. The students were mesmerized, their eyes fixed on the impressive demonstration.

"How did he do that?" whispered a student to her neighbor.

The wave of water then dissipated, reverting to a spherical form in the teacher's hand. "This is a more advanced technique. Perhaps by your third year, the best in the class will be able to do something similar."

The students watched in fascination as Takeda, with a smooth movement, allowed the blue aura to dissolve back into his core, which shone in a beautiful color. "When you reach a higher level, you will be able to harness not only the elements refined by your core, but also those found in nature, just as I have done here. This requires precise control and a deep understanding of the elements."

"Impressive…" murmured a student in the front row, never taking his eyes off Takeda.

Then, with a gesture, he dispelled the light from his chest, the energy fading into the air. "Mastering multiple elements is a difficult task. Having an affinity for multiple elements does not mean it will be easy to control them. Each element has its own characteristics and demands."

Takeda paused, looking at the clearly impressed students. Some still wore expressions of astonishment, while others whispered among themselves about what they had just witnessed.

"Those with lighter cores, closer to white, will naturally have an advantage in terms of control and mana storage capacity. But remember, even those with cores one or two stages lower can achieve great power if they use them in the best possible way through training and dedication."

Then he turned to the class. "You will see that, as you progress, mastering multiple elements and the various ways to use them will be crucial. And even if you only have one affinity, don't assume it's predictable—the elementals are intelligent as well. Keep practicing and pushing your limits. Remember, the strength of your core is only one part of what makes a great mage, albeit a very important one in a social context. Dedication and persistence in other areas are equally essential."

Takeda paused to let the information sink in. Some students could be seen attempting to replicate what he had demonstrated, though nothing happened.

After a short while, he continued,"Each core has three phases within its color. Let's use green as an example. First, the color appears as a very light green as a base. Then, this green gradually darkens until it becomes a solid green. As the transformation continues slowly, the core begins to acquire traces of the next color—in this case, yellow. The transition to the new color is difficult, but when the mage finally reaches the next stage, an abrupt change occurs, and the cycle repeats. However, let me warn you: if the change is forced too far, it can have serious consequences for the user."

The students exchanged curious and anxious glances. Ryu felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He knew he had a long way to go, but he was determined to progress.

"Then, professor, what is the color of your core?" I heard a boy behind me ask. I couldn't see him, but Takeda did not seem pleased.

"First of all, who allowed you to ask that? I will permit it only once—either raise your hand or ask for permission," Takeda said sharply. The atmosphere in the room cooled; perhaps the teacher had seemed too friendly just a moment ago.

"Secondly, if you want to know the color when you reach the next core, gray—I will show you how you can see the color of others' cores, so you may see mine."

As if nothing had happened, he changed the subject. "This is a basic introduction. Over the years, you will learn to master your mana cores and use your power efficiently and safely. Now, I'll give you a moment to discuss and process this information."

With the practical demonstration concluded, Takeda stepped back, allowing the students to discuss their own abilities and affinities. Ryu, still at the center of the room, began talking with his peers.

"It's amazing to see how each of us has a different affinity," Ryu said with a smile, looking around. "I'm sure everyone will use them in unique ways. I can't wait to see."

Aiko smiled shyly. "I already know what I want to do with mine, but I'm still learning to control Darkness. I have to work harder so that when it's time to fight, I can do what I want. For now, I think I can do some cool things with the other two."

Daisuke, his eyes gleaming, added, "I have Water and Light. I've heard that these are the basic elements needed for healing magic, but I've never felt drawn to that path—ever since I was a kid, I've preferred combat. I want to see how I can combine them."

Kenji crossed his arms confidently. "Earth, Water, and Light... Each element has its own uses. I'm eager to see how I can mix them."

All eyes turned to Hana, who had been quiet until then. She straightened up and, with a determined look, said, "I have complete confidence in my control. I believe that this is the way to become the most powerful. I spent the last seven days training hard to improve my control. I can show you some of my skills, if you'd like."

The other students nodded enthusiastically, curious to see what Hana could do. She closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating, and then raised her hand. A bright flame emerged from the tips of her fingers, dancing with intense light. The flame grew and transformed into a sphere of pure fire.

Then, with a graceful gesture, she dissipated it and created a sphere of light that filled the room with a warm, inviting glow.

Hana's classmates looked on, impressed by the demonstration. "That's amazing, Hana!" exclaimed Ryu. "Just as I imagined, your control outside that exam room would be even better."

Hana smiled, a little embarrassed yet pleased by the compliment. "Thank you. Even though it's only been a short time, I trained hard to reach this point. I hope to learn even more here at the Institute."

The conversation continued as each student shared their experiences and expectations, forging a stronger bond among them. The room was filled with a palpable energy of determination and enthusiasm, as the students prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Takeda, having observed the interaction with a satisfied look, interjected, "You are beginning to understand the importance of knowing and mastering your abilities. Work together, learn from one another, and always strive to improve. You are the future of mages, and I look forward to seeing what each of you will achieve."

"You're quite the show-off, aren't you, girl?" A rough, aggressive voice echoed from the back of the room.

Everyone turned to see who had spoken. Kenji even stepped back into a defensive stance. It was a tall young man with jet-black eyes and matching hair, his slender frame standing tall. Next to him was a young woman with bluish hair, looking excited by the unfolding scene.

The young man advanced, his eyes fixed on Hana, his expression serious and challenging. "Impressive, Hana," he said, his tone mixing admiration and provocation, "with that demonstration, you're probably the strongest person in the room, but since you seem to love showing off, that position will be overtaken in no time."

The girl stepped forward, her bright smile contrasting with his aggressive tone. "Let's see if that arrogance holds up in battle," she retorted, her gaze determined.

Before Aiko could interject, Hana maintained her upright posture, her eyes shining with confidence, and said, "Good luck to both of you. I'll be waiting for it—by the way, may I know the name of the person who will be my shadow for the next three years?" Her expression was both serious and assertive. When it comes to magic, she was supremely confident, Ryu thought.

"Lee Min-Jae, and this is Li Mei—I look forward to seeing that arrogance in the future," the young man replied, turning to return to his seat.

Hana smirked with a hint of arrogance. "Good luck, Lee Min and Li Mei. If you truly believe you can surpass me, I'll be delighted to prove you wrong. But be prepared to lose, because I don't lose easily."

The other students watched the interaction with interest and a touch of tension, aware that the rivalry would only push everyone to strive even harder. The atmosphere in the room was charged with determination and competitiveness, setting the stage for intense future battles.

rotect the portal, the region may be invaded by wild creatures and chaotic energies, leading to devastation and death." Each image showed progressively greater destruction, with cities reduced to ruins.

The students' faces turned pale at the sight of the devastation. "In the end, intervention by Lances from other countries was necessary to contain the threat. A mission involving twelve Lances resulted in four being lost."

"Is that real?" someone murmured, their voice trembling with disbelief. A shiver ran down Ryu's spine as he imagined the creatures that might emerge from the portals, but the determination in his eyes burned stronger than ever. Aiko swallowed hard, her fingers nervously clutching her notebook.

A nervous murmur passed through the room as the students exchanged worried glances. The professor raised his hand to quiet the room. "These portals are a serious and unpredictable threat. They can appear at any time, in any place, unleashing unknown creatures and energies."

Leaning forward to emphasize the gravity of the situation, he continued, "Moreover, despite the peace and stability we have achieved, there is always the possibility that extremist groups and rogue mages may act. Although rare, given our constant surveillance, we cannot underestimate these risks."

"Some of these groups seek to overthrow the government and establish a new magical regime, while others believe that the portals are the key to an ancient power and will stop at nothing to control them."

Outside, the wind howled, carrying a chill that seemed to intensify the weight of Takeda's words.

The professor concluded his explanation, leaving the students with a deep sense of responsibility and a newfound understanding of the dangers ahead, "Remember, preparation and vigilance are our best weapons. Always be ready for the unexpected. Protecting the portals is crucial to maintaining the peace and security of the realm. If they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic. The future of the realm depends on the strength, bravery, and intelligence of our future military mages."

Takeda then led the class along a winding stone path that descended to a vast training field. To the left, a dense forest rose, its canopies casting ominous shadows. To the right, an open plain stretched to the horizon, crisscrossed by sparkling streams that reflected the sunlight. The air carried a distinct freshness, mixed with the scent of freshly turned earth.

The forest appeared mystical, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The air was cool and humid, filled with the aroma of pine and soil. Small streams meandered through the terrain, and the sounds of birds and other animals echoed softly in the background. It was said that in the forest, centuries-old trees glowed with a gentle light at night, guiding lost students back to the main path. These trees were believed to be the homes of ancestral spirits that protect mages in training.

The plain, in contrast, was open and clear, with a gentle breeze sweeping across the field. Here, students could practice direct combat, open-field tactics, and large-scale maneuvers. The contrast between these two environments offered a variety of challenges and opportunities for training.

"This is our training field," Takeda announced with a sweeping gesture, "and you will spend a great deal of time here, learning to work as a team and mastering your abilities in various environments."

The students watched in awe, their eyes wide as they took in the enormity of the area. They approached the training field with hearts pounding, knowing that this was the place where they would be forged into the military mages the realm needs to face the encroaching darkness.

"Here, you will embark on your first mission."