One Year Later

A full year had passed since Varek, Vikas, and Keiran joined the Gold Rank Academy.

They weren't at the top.

Not Rank 1.

Not the strongest in the academy.

But they were known.

Recognized. Respected.

Keiran – The Strategic Light Mana User

Known for his brilliant tactics in battle.

Used his Light Mana not just for power, but for control and deception.

Respected for his intelligence and leadership skills.

Varek – The Unyielding Bronze Swordsman

Feared for his relentless swordsmanship.

Despite having Bronze Mana, his sheer skill with the blade made him one of the strongest fighters in the academy.

People whispered about him, calling him "The Unbreakable Blade."

Vikas – The Calm and Unshakable Ice Warrior

His attacks were precise. Smooth.

He never wasted movement. Never showed hesitation.

His blue hair, slightly layered and swept back, gave him a sharp and composed appearance.

Many admired him for his looks and battle efficiency.

Their names carried weight now.

But they weren't the only ones rising in power.

The sun shone through the grand windows of the Gold Rank Academy, casting golden streaks across the polished wooden floors of Classroom 5A—a room reserved for the academy's most promising combatants.

Inside, the air was filled with a mix of tension and anticipation.

The Silver Rankers Before Are Now...

At one of the desks, Midlo Fruijui lazily stretched his arms, the faint shimmer of String Mana running along his fingertips.

Across from him, Praper Saqui meticulously folded a thin piece of paper, his Paper Mana subtly reinforcing its edges.

Near the window, Jug Loori sat with his arms crossed, his eyes closed—not because he was tired, but because he didn't need them. His Blind Mana allowed him to blind people with blind mana.

And at the back of the room, leaning against the wall with a smirk, was Hull Culrizy. The faint scent of decay lingered around him, a byproduct of his Curse/Decay Mana.

It wasn't long before the door opened again.

Varek, Vikas, and Keiran entered.

A moment of silence passed.

Then, Midlo let out a whistle. "Well, look who finally decided to show up."

Hull grinned, his voice slow and amused. "The so-called rising stars of the academy."

Vikas ignored them, walking over to his seat. Keiran remained quiet, but his gaze analyzed everyone in the room.

Varek, however, locked eyes with Midlo, recognizing the challenge in his smirk.

Midlo chuckled. "What, you looking for a fight?"

Varek didn't answer. But his hand instinctively rested near his sword.

The room was filled with powerful individuals. Gold Rankers.

This was just the beginning.

And soon—

They would no longer be students. They would be warriors.