The training grounds of Arcane Academy were finally quiet. The magical wards dimmed, the duels were over, and the evening sun cast golden hues over the floating spires. Inside the dorm commons — a high-ceilinged lounge filled with floating candles and warm lamplight — the students gathered, buzzing from the day's battles.
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☕ Conversations Begin
Hibiki collapsed onto a velvet couch, arms stretched, a juice box dangling from his lips.
"Man, what a day! That ice guy nearly flash-froze my soul."
Across from him, Drake sipped tea without a word, as calm and cool as ever.
"You should learn to move smarter. Not faster."
Show sat nearby, flicking a small ember between his fingers.
"That Glacial Pulse you used? Kinda terrifying."
Drake raised a brow slightly.
"Your fire melted through it."
They locked eyes. No hostility — only growing mutual respect.
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🔥✨ Rivalry, Ego, and Ego-Check
Akito lounged on the armrest of a chair, cards floating lazily between his fingers.
"Heh. I'll give you credit, Show. You've got guts — and that fire trick wasn't bad."
"Wasn't bad?" Show smirked.
"You hit the ground like a meteor."
Chris, calm and quiet in the corner, looked up from his thick tome.
"Please don't blow anything up in here. The last guy who did had to clean the dining hall with a toothbrush."
From the window, Cyrus muttered, still irritated:
"I should've crushed that light brat."
Then came a voice — calm, sharp, and clear:
"Brute force only takes you so far."
It was Raelyn, walking in with his usual composed expression and glowing eyes that seemed to see through people. He crossed the room and sat down with perfect posture, quiet but not timid.
Cyrus scoffed.
"Tch. You think you're better than everyone?"
Raelyn didn't flinch.
"No. I know I am."
The room went still for a moment before Hibiki burst out laughing.
"Okay, okay! This academy's full of drama kings."
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💬 A Moment with Show
Later in the evening, as the noise died down, Raelyn approached Show, who stood alone by the balcony, staring up at the stars.
"Show, right? The loud one with no surname."
Show gave a small smirk.
"That's me. Just Show."
Raelyn nodded, his voice quieter now.
"There's something unusual about your mana. It's... unstable. Ancient."
Show blinked.
"You too, huh? You and Eldren both feel like you know something I don't."
Raelyn glanced at the moonlight.
"I don't know anything for sure. But if you're what I think you are... there are people who won't let you live freely."
"You threatening me?" Show asked half-jokingly.
Raelyn gave the faintest smile.
"No. I'm warning you."
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🌌 Legacy in the Shadows
That night, while others slept or studied, something deep beneath the academy stirred. Ancient runes flickered in the sub-levels. A sealed vault trembled softly.
And in the night wind, a whisper escaped — not a voice, but an echo of magic long forgotten.
The Arcane Legacy was beginning to awaken.
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