Chapter 14: Doubts That Burn in Silence

Chapter 14 – Doubts That Burn in Silence

Two trimesters had already passed since Ares, Liana, and Agust began their life at the Supreme Magic Academy. Time flew by amidst training, intense classes, and practical missions. The environment was demanding, and the competition was fierce. Some students broke under the pressure, others simply vanished, but the three members of Group 4 had managed to stay on their feet... though not at the same pace.

Ares had spent much of that time secretly training his blue fire. Every night after classes, he would lock himself in a small practice chamber he had discovered in the tunnels beneath the east tower. He cast spells, focused, even screamed. But the fire remained just as wild, just as uncontrollable. He could feel it burning inside him, like a sleeping beast that refused to fully awaken.

"Again…" he whispered, gasping after yet another failed attempt. The blue sparks faded as if mocking him.

Meanwhile, Liana kept progressing. Her control over nature magic grew increasingly refined. She no longer simply summoned roots or manipulated plants: now, she could even synchronize with the artificial forest environment on campus, amplifying her power in those areas. She reached level 49, just one step away from the threshold that separated average students from true prodigies.

Agust, on the other hand, seemed unstoppable. His ice magic became more lethal and precise with every duel. He had regained his pride after the wolfly hunt and soon resumed looking down on Ares. At level 55, he was one of the top-ranked students in the entire generation.

Ares, meanwhile, had barely reached level 29. While not a bad result, the difference was starting to show. Whispers in the hallways, doubtful glances, even Trebol began to focus more on Liana and Agust during training.

And though Ares tried to hold his head high, the truth was that each day, he felt smaller.