A full year had gone by since Varek, Vikas, and Keiran became part of the Gold Rank Academy.
They hadn't reached the apex.
Not in the number one spot.
Not the mightiest in the academy.
But they were recognized.
Acknowledged. Valued.
Keiran – The Tactical Light Mana User
Renowned for his clever strategies in combat.
Utilized his Light Mana not only for strength but also for control and deception.
Admired for his sharp mind and leadership abilities.
Varek – The Relentless Bronze Swordsman
Known for his formidable sword skills.
Even with Bronze Mana, his exceptional talent with a blade made him one of the toughest fighters in the academy.
Whispers circulated about him, dubbing him "The Unbreakable Blade."
Vikas – The Steady and Resolute Ice Warrior
His strikes were accurate. Fluid.
He never wasted a move. Never faltered.
With his blue hair, slightly layered and brushed back, he exuded a sharp and calm demeanor.
Many respected him not only for his appearance but also for his effectiveness in battle.
Their names now held significance.
But they weren't the only ones gaining strength.
Golden sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the Gold Rank Academy, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden floors of Classroom 5A—a space designated for the academy's brightest combatants.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a blend of tension and anticipation.
The Silver Rankers of Yesterday Are Now...
At one desk, Midlo Fruijui stretched lazily, a faint glimmer of String Mana dancing at his fingertips.
Opposite him, Praper Saqui carefully folded a thin sheet of paper, his Paper Mana subtly strengthening its edges.
By the window, Jug Loori sat with his arms crossed and eyes shut—not out of fatigue, but because he didn't need them. His Blind Mana gave him the ability to obscure others' sight.
Leaning against the wall at the back of the room, with a smirk on his face, was Hull Culrizy, a slight smell of decay surrounding him, a result of his Curse/Decay Mana.
Soon enough, the door swung open again.
Varek, Vikas, and Keiran stepped inside.
A brief silence fell over the room.
Then, Midlo broke the quiet with a whistle. "Look who decided to join us."
Hull smirked, his voice slow and teasing. "The supposed rising stars of the academy."
Vikas bypassed them, heading straight for his seat. Keiran remained silent, his gaze taking in everyone present.
But Varek locked eyes with Midlo, sensing the challenge in his grin.
Midlo laughed. "What's up? Looking for a fight?"
Varek didn't respond. His hand instinctively found a resting place near his sword.
The room was filled with potent individuals. Gold Rankers.
This was only the beginning.
And soon—
They wouldn't just be students. They would become warriors.