The morning bell rang across the Magic Academy grounds. Students gathered in the central courtyard where flags fluttered in the air. Professors stood on a raised platform, papers in hand.
The results of the final first-year exams were about to be announced.
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Announcement of Results
Professor Elrin's voice rang out clear and sharp.
"The top student of the first year... Princess Alisa of Class A! Highest marks in both the written and practical exams!"
A wave of applause swept through the courtyard. Class A students clapped proudly, and Alisa stepped forward, bowing gracefully. Her golden hair shone in the sunlight.
"Second and third places are shared by students from Classes A and B: Ryuto Yuzen, Saria Elcrest, and Rei Nocturne. All achieved marks well above average."
Excitement buzzed through the crowd. Class B students cheered for their representatives.
Finally, the professor continued, his tone returning to normal.
"And lastly...Kuro. He scored exactly 50 points in every subject and every exam."
Silence fell. Students blinked and whispered in disbelief.
"He did it again?!"
"How can he always get fifty?Not one more, not one less?"
"Is he some kind of hidden genius?"
Even Ryuto, Saria, and Alisa looked surprised. Rei's purple eyes narrowed, suspicion pulling at her.
Kuro adjusted his uniform collar and smiled faintly, as if the whispers didn't reach him.
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Declaration of the Holiday
Professor Elrin raised a hand.
"And with that, the first year concludes. Students will receive a three-month holiday. When the academy reopens, the second year will begin. Until then, rest well and return stronger."
The crowd erupted again, filled with relief and joy.
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Plans for the Holiday
That evening, the main group discussed their holiday plans.
Saria said cheerfully, "I'll spend the holidays with my family here in Valerion. My mother must be waiting."
Princess Alisa nodded firmly. "I... will stay at the palace and assist my father. The kingdom needs its princess more than ever."
Ryuto said calmly, "I'll stay in the academy dormitory. It should be quiet enough for training."
He turned to Kuro.
"And you? Where will you go?"
Kuro's gaze drifted into the distance. "To the house where my parents lived. It's still there."
Ryuto's chest tightened. For the first time, he felt a pang of sympathy. The boy had been carrying his grief alone all this time…
Then Ryuto noticed Rei, silent as always, her eyes fixed on Kuro. He understood faintly. She would follow him. She wouldn't let him walk alone.
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Evening – Shujin's Mask
That night, snowflakes drifted gently over Valerion's rooftops.
A figure leapt from one building to another. A black suit and mask gleamed faintly under the moonlight. Shujin moved through the night like a shadow.
Unbeknownst to him, a pair of eyes followed.
From an upper-floor academy window, Ryuto saw the figure and froze. His heart pounded.
"That aura... that presence. It's him."
In a flash of light, Ryuto moved to intercept Shujin directly. The rooftops blurred—suddenly, both stood in a boundless white space, filled with bright, holy light.
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The Confrontation
Ryuto's voice trembled with anger and resolve.
"Finally...we meet. The Darkness Lord Shujin."
Shujin stood, his mask reflecting Ryuto's face. His tone was calm, almost mocking.
"Well then...the Second Summoned Hero. I've been wondering when you'd appear."
Ryuto clenched his fist. Holy magic radiated around him like a burning sun.
"I don't know what you're planning,but I will stop you here. For humanity, for the Goddess Elmyria!"
Shujin tilted his head slightly.
"For humanity?For Elmyria?"
He let out a cold laugh.
"Ryuto...you're not my equal. You're not even as strong as she is. After all, isn't Elmyria also here?"
Ryuto's eyes widened. "You... you know about her plans?!"
Shujin's voice was sharp, cutting through the pure light. "I know far more than you think. You're wasting your time, Ryuto. Worse, you're wasting your Goddess's time. Neither of you... can stop me."
The words struck harder than a blade. For the first time, Ryuto felt an uncertain scratch on his conviction.
But he raised his hand and summoned his light sword.
"Even if I'm weak...I must fight. I will stop you, Shujin!"
Shujin formed a blade of pure dark magic, its aura devouring the white light around them.
"Then come,Hero. Let's see how brightly your light shines... before the darkness swallows it whole."
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The scene freezes as pure light and darkness clash, two destined fates about to collide.
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✦ To be continued...