Chapter 32 – The Beginning of Third Year

The fresh morning breeze swept through the halls of the Supreme Magic Academy. With the end of the break, a new cycle was beginning. Students returned with renewed energy, others with new goals, and some… with emotions they didn't yet know how to handle.

The team formed by Ares, Liana, Agust, Dana, and Tony gathered once more in front of the main building—but this time, they were not five.

A few meters away, walking with steady steps, was a young woman with long purple hair, fair skin, and a piercing gaze. She carried a staff carved with ancient symbols and wore a small crescent moon pendant. Her name was Emma, a half-human witch.

To most humans, Emma was an oddity. Half-humans were often viewed with suspicion or prejudice. But among the elves, her presence held almost sacred spiritual value. It was no surprise that Tony, the elf of the group, fixed his gaze on her with a mix of respect and curiosity. Without exchanging a word, the two greeted each other with a slight nod—like they shared a silent understanding the others couldn't yet grasp.

—So, you're the new member —Dana said, crossing her arms and eyeing Emma from head to toe—. Just don't slow us down.

Emma didn't respond immediately. She walked to the center of the group, looked each of them in the eyes without fear, then fixed her gaze on Ares, who remained serious and silent.

—I didn't come here to slow anyone down —she said calmly—. I came to learn. And to win.

Ares studied her for a few more seconds before turning his gaze away, though he felt a slight tension inside. He wasn't sure if it was her being a witch… or the strange spiritual energy that hovered around her. Blue, his dragon, even let out a low growl from the pendant hanging at Ares's neck. Their bond had grown stronger—and more sensitive to powerful presences.

Agust, who used to mock every new addition to the group, merely watched her seriously. Since training with Ares, something in him had shifted—not so much his arrogance, but the way he channeled it.

Liana, meanwhile, felt a sudden pang of discomfort. It was already hard enough dealing with Dana and her closeness to Ares… and now this new girl, with her enigmatic aura, was drawing attention without even trying.

—Emma —said Professor Trébol, who appeared behind them without warning—. You've been assigned to the most unstable team in the academy. Good luck.

They all looked at him with irritation, but Trébol only smirked and walked off. That was his usual way of provoking them.

The group—now six—readied themselves for a new stage. Third year would be tougher, more demanding, and the decisions they made now would shape their final path toward the Supreme Institute.

But as they walked toward their first classes, a new feeling settled among them. With Emma joining the group, not only would their battles change…

…their hearts would, too.