Come to me...

  He awakens from a strange dream, sitting up in bed as cold sweat runs down his forehead and his breathing remains unsteady.

  — What…? — he murmurs, staring at the palm of his hand as he slowly opens and closes it. — What happened to me?

  The door opens, interrupting his thoughts. Asami steps inside.

  — Ah, you’re already awake — she says, approaching and taking his arm to check his pulse. — I’m glad you’re better. You were asleep for three days.

  — Three days? — his voice rises for a moment before he calms himself. — But why? I thought my body had regenerated.

  — I did regenerate it, but I didn’t restore your energy. My ability only allows physical regeneration — she explains, sitting beside him. — Want me to summarize what happened?

  — I guess so… I was asleep for quite a while, after all — he replies, lying back down.

  — Well, let’s see… Lavin and I ranked first in the mission. You and Ingrid finished seventh.

  — That’s more than I expected — he says in relief, resting an arm over his head.

  — That’s because you helped defeat the boss, so you earned a spot in the top ten.

  — Was there anything else? Like… classes?

  Asami averts her gaze, clearly concerned.

  — About the classes… you left Ingrid alone in some that required partners. So don’t irritate her. You never know what she might do…

  — I guess I’ll have to pray a lot. My head might come off the moment I see her — he jokes with a crooked smile.

  She laughs, the sound almost melodic.

  — Hey, what are you doing here? — he sits up, folding his legs. — Shouldn’t I be under the care of a nurse or someone from the medical club?

  — I’m part of the medical club too — she replies, standing up and showing her badge. — My ability specializes in healing, so I joined the infirmary.

  — I see… so I can go?

  — Of course. Your only problem was exhaustion.

  He gets up, nearly stumbling, but Asami catches him and helps him walk.

  — Thanks.

  — It’s normal. After staying still for so long, it takes time.

  She lets go once he regains balance.

  — Can you walk properly now?

  — Yeah, I feel much better — he says, walking in small circles.

  — Then let’s go. You still have classes today.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  She walks to the door, waiting for him to leave so she can close it. As he steps out, he waves goodbye.

  — I still have class? School is nothing but suffering…

  Walking through the academy, he realizes it’s still too early for the next lesson — and that there’s something he needs to show someone.

  Arriving at the director’s office, he knocks. The secretary answers.

  She has dark blue hair, round glasses over gray eyes, and wears a typical secretary’s outfit: a suit bearing the academy’s emblem.

  — Hm… who are you? — she asks, adjusting her glasses.

  — I’m Dark Fiore. I came to speak with the director about something important.

  — Would you like to come in for some tea? I can explain what’s going on.

  — Sure, I’d like that.

  She steps aside and invites him in, pointing to a chair in the corner. He sits as she prepares the tea, serving it carefully before breaking the silence.

  — So, what brings you here?

  — I’m sorry, but that’s something I need to tell the director directly… — he takes a sip of tea. — And I don’t even know your name yet.

  — Ah, my apologies. I’m Kaine Iliard. Forgive my rudeness — she says, placing a hand on her chest and bowing.

  — It’s fine. Sorry if I sounded arrogant — he says lightly. — Could you tell me what the director is doing, at least?

  — Of course. He’s at the Council.

  — Council?

  — A meeting where all academies gather to discuss important matters — she explains, adjusting her glasses. — During the last exam, an issue occurred that the director needed to report.

  — Seriously? What happened?

  — Unfortunately, that information can’t be shared with students. At least, not with most of them.

  — I understand… — his gaze lowers. Without the director, he won’t learn more about his sword. — Thank you for the hospitality. I should be going.

  — Of course. You have class soon, don’t you? Take care.

  She escorts him to the exit, where they part ways.

  As he walks through the academy, students pass by in all directions. Lost in thought, he brings a hand to his chin.

  What is this weapon that was given to me?

  Suddenly, he feels a smack on the back of his head.

  — Hey! Who did that?!

  Turning around, he sees Ingrid.

  — I did. Got a problem? — her gaze is serious and heavy.

  — No, not at all… — he laughs nervously. — So… this new uniform… — he glances around at the other students. — Everyone’s wearing it.

  She wears a dark blue school suit and a short glove. She spins once, showing off the outfit and briefly revealing the tight shorts beneath her skirt. He quickly looks away, blushing.

  — This is our school uniform. Sorry, I forgot you were asleep the whole time — she says with obvious sarcasm.

  — Right… Asami said you had some trouble. I’m sorry.

  — It’s fine — she sighs, rubbing her head. — You should put yours on. We need to get to the next class.

  She grabs his hand and pulls him down the corridor. Malicious glances follow them.

  When they reach the classroom, they sit side by side, with Lavin right behind them.

  — Hey, finally woke up from your nap? — Lavin laughs. — You okay?

  — Yeah… wow, you look great in that uniform.

  Lavin wears his more casually, with the blazer open and no tie.

  — I know. Haven’t gotten yours yet?

  — Didn’t have time… didn’t even know about it.

  — We got them after the exam. Only those continuing at the academy receive them — he sighs, resting his head on the desk. — At least until the next exam…

  The teacher enters the room, scanning the class.

  — Looks like everyone’s here… — he notices someone missing. — As usual, Asami is the only one late. Lucky her, being in the medical club.

  He’s tall and well-built, with short red hair and gray eyes. His rolled-up sleeve reveals a red mark stretching from his wrist halfway up his forearm. He wears a black suit with red details and a fire crest representing his family.

  His gaze turns to Fiore.

  — I see you’re finally better, Mr. Fiore. Be aware that classes won’t be as simple as before.

  — Of course, professor… Igneel? — he asks uncertainly.

  The man sighs, tired.

  — Ignis. Ignis Deflaire.

  — Right… close enough, yeah?

  — Just focus on the lesson.

  Asami rushes in.

  — Sorry for being late, professor. I was handling some issues and putting on my uniform.

  — It’s fine. Sit beside your partner.

  She takes her seat with Lavin as the professor writes on the board.

  — Today, we’ll be making a mana restoration potion. It’s simple, but tedious due to the steps. Everything you need is in the cabinets.

  Ingrid turns to him.

  — We can’t mess this up. We need points to stay here — she points at his chest. — So don’t ruin it.

  — I’ll try…

  She gathers the ingredients and places them on the desk.

  — We mix everything in the cauldron.

  Water, mana-rich herbs or a mana core, and a bit of alcohol are poured in.

  — Now… — she reads the book. — Heat it to between thirty and thirty-five degrees Celsius.

  — How do we control the fire?

  — Using mana. It’s simple if you think about it.

  She heats the cauldron with fire magic.

  — Oh… right — he scratches his cheek. He doesn’t have mana at all.

  — Be quiet. I’m concentrating.

  A few minutes later…

  — It’s done — Ingrid says, exhausted.

  — Already? The book said six minutes.

  — They passed. You were too busy reading to notice.

  She raises her hand to call the professor. Takumi does the same.

  Ignis inspects the potion, tossing a leaf into the glowing blue liquid.

  — It’s good enough. Drink some, Ingrid.

  The professor heads toward Takumi.

  — Glad we made it — he stretches.

  — We? You barely did anything — she smiles faintly. — But fine.

  — Sorry… I don’t control mana well.

  — Exactly. Better this way.

  After class, he walks with Lavin, feeling sleepy.

  — Now it’s a real class?

  — Minori Tsukihana.

  — Damn… I hate her class…

  A poke in his back.

  — Please tell me that’s Ingrid or Asami…

  — Unfortunately not — Minori says, pulling him along.

  — Lavin! Help me!

  — Relax, I’m coming too!

  Later, Lavin enters the room. Fiore lies face-down on the desk dramatically.

  — What happened?

  — She scolded me… and gave me extra lessons…

  — How tragic…

  Minori stands up.

  — Today, we’ll talk about the war from centuries ago… The War between Demons and Humans.

  Both immediately pay attention — one excited, the other uneasy.