Chapter 66: New Beginnings

The day had finally come for Kael and his friends to leave and begin their training at their chosen guilds. It was a bittersweet moment. The World Ascension Tournament was behind them, and the next chapter of their journey was about to unfold.

The group stood together outside the academy, their bags packed and their futures ahead of them. It felt like just yesterday they had all arrived at the academy, strangers to one another, unsure of what the future would hold. Now, they were leaving as seasoned warriors, each having faced their own challenges and grown stronger in the process.

Hana was the first to speak, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and sadness. "I'm going to miss you all. But we're going to be even stronger after this, I just know it."

Tetsu nodded, offering her a smile. "We'll make sure to keep in touch. It's only a few months. And besides, when we're all stronger, we can take down even bigger threats."

Ryuu, as always, was quiet, his gaze intense. But he gave a small nod of agreement. "Don't slack off, everyone. I expect a challenge when we meet again."

Kael's eyes met Ryuu's for a brief moment, and a small smirk appeared on his face. "You'll have one. Just don't get too comfortable."

Kael walked over to Ryuu, his hand outstretched. Ryuu looked at him for a moment before reaching out to shake his hand. But this wasn't just any handshake. No, this was the kind of handshake reserved for rivals. Their hands gripped each other with enough force to show the intensity of their rivalry—no words needed. It was a bond that had been forged through competition, respect, and their shared journey. The pressure in their hands felt almost like a battle in itself, as if they were silently promising each other that the next time they met, it would be on the battlefield.

"Next time we fight," Kael said, his voice low but filled with determination, "I'll win."

Ryuu's lips twitched into a smile, albeit a small one. "We'll see about that."

With that, the handshake ended, and they stepped back, the tension between them still palpable. Kael could feel his heart racing, the fire of competition igniting once again. But for now, they had to part ways.

Eri walked up to Kael, giving him a quick hug. "Be careful out there. Don't overdo it, okay?"

"I won't. You take care of yourself, too," Kael replied, smiling softly.

Then, it was time for the final goodbyes. Each of them hugged one another, exchanging encouraging words, knowing that they would soon be walking their own paths. As they all said their farewells, there was a feeling of bittersweetness hanging in the air. Their bonds were stronger than ever, and even though they would be separated for a while, they knew they would meet again, stronger and ready for whatever the future would throw their way.

Once the farewells were said, they all turned to face the new journeys awaiting them. They walked toward their designated transport, ready to meet the leaders of their guilds.

Kael, Ryuu, Tetsu, and Hana were the first to board their vehicle, the engines roaring to life as they set off for their guilds. The wind blew gently through their hair, and each of them couldn't help but feel the weight of what was coming. They would be pushed beyond their limits, trained by the best, and tested in ways they couldn't yet imagine.

The ride was mostly silent, each of them lost in thought as they headed toward their respective guilds. They knew that this time apart would help them grow, but they also knew it would be difficult to remain apart for so long.

Kael looked out the window, watching the scenery pass by as his thoughts drifted back to the tournament. I've come a long way, he thought, but I still have so much more to learn. The guilds are just the beginning.

When they arrived, the group was greeted by the leaders of their respective guilds. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation as each of them stepped off the vehicle, ready to face whatever training awaited them.

Kael's guild leader was a tall, imposing figure with dark hair and piercing eyes. He had an aura of power around him, and Kael could sense immediately that this man was no ordinary trainer.

"I'm Darius, your mentor for the next few months," the man introduced himself, his voice gravelly but filled with authority. "Prepare yourselves for the hardest training of your lives. You may have passed the tournament, but here, you're starting from the bottom again."

Kael nodded. He was ready for this challenge. He was determined to push his limits and become stronger.

Next, it was Ryuu's turn to meet his mentor. A woman with flowing silver hair and an air of elegance stepped forward. "I'm Aeliana. You'll learn the art of combat here. I expect nothing less than your best."

Ryuu's expression didn't change, but Kael could see the fire in his eyes. This was exactly what he needed.

Hana's mentor was a man with a calm demeanor but a sharp gaze. "I'm Kaito. Focus, speed, and precision. We'll work on your agility and teach you how to become the perfect weapon."

Tetsu's mentor was a mysterious figure who wore a cloak that seemed to ripple with energy. "I'm Sylas. You'll learn tactics, strategy, and how to outsmart your opponents."

Each of the group members exchanged glances, and with that, their separate journeys began. There was a sense of finality as they split up, but they knew this was just the beginning of something even bigger.

As Kael and the others walked away, they glanced at each other one last time before parting ways to begin their training. The future was uncertain, but they were ready. They would grow stronger, and when the time came, they would reunite, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And, for Kael, the rivalry with Ryuu wasn't over. It had only just begun.