Felix's Determination – The Common Realm
The forge burned hot, embers drifting through the air like tiny fireflies. The sound of hammering metal echoed through the small workshop as Felix wiped the sweat from his brow. He rolled his shoulders, stepping up to his father, Orin, who was unloading a heavy sack of raw materials from a cart.
"Here, let me get that," Felix said, grabbing the sack before Orin could protest. His arms strained under the weight, but he pushed forward, carrying it inside with steady steps.
Orin leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. "Shouldn't you be training with Ronan? Word is you two haven't stopped preparing for the Sage Academy exams."
Felix set the sack down with a thud and stretched his sore arms. "I am. Just thought I'd help out before heading over."
Orin chuckled. "You'll never make it if you keep running around doing chores. Exams are in two days."
Felix grinned, already heading for the door. "That's why I need to train even harder!"
Before Orin could reply, Felix was off, sprinting through the village streets. He wove between carts, dodged merchants, and leaped over a stray barrel without slowing. His destination was clear—Ronan's house.
He knocked twice. The door creaked open, revealing Mrs. Elara. She smiled warmly. "Felix! How's your father?"
Felix, still catching his breath, gave a quick nod. "He's good! Is Ronan home?"
Before she could answer, Ronan's voice rang out. "I'm right here!"
Ronan emerged, fastening his training gloves, smirking like always. His dark hair was still damp from an earlier workout, and his eyes burned with the same fire Felix had seen countless times.
"You took your sweet time," Ronan teased, cracking his knuckles.
Felix smirked. "Had to make sure my muscles were warmed up before I embarrassed you."
Ronan snorted. "Oh, you are getting embarrassed today."
Without another word, they took off toward their training ground—a quiet clearing at the forest's edge, where the golden sunlight cut through the trees. The air felt heavier as they took their stances, hands gripping their blades tight.
Ronan's smirk faded. His stance sharpened. "Ready?"
Felix exhaled, body loose but focused. "Always."
And then, they clashed.
---
The Duel – Felix vs. Ronan
The clang of steel on steel echoed through the clearing. Felix twisted his wrist, deflecting Ronan's strike at the last second. The impact sent a jolt up his arm, but he didn't let up. He pressed forward.
Ronan was fast—too fast. His blade cut through the air in quick, precise arcs. Felix barely ducked in time, feeling the breeze of Ronan's sword just inches above his head.
He's getting stronger, Felix thought. But so am I.
Felix countered with a low sweeping strike. Ronan jumped back, narrowly dodging, before lunging again. Their swords met with a fierce clash, sparks flying.
Felix's arms burned, but he pushed past the pain. Sidestepping another blow, he twisted, aiming for a clean hit—only for Ronan to block at the last second.
They broke apart, both breathing hard. Felix wiped his forehead, glancing up at the sky.
"Two days left, huh?"
Ronan smirked, just as exhausted. "No time to slack off."
Felix let out a sharp chuckle and thought to himself, am sure he too is training to become stronger and I can't loose, rolling his shoulders. "Alright—again!"
With renewed fire, they charged at each other once more.
---
Leo's Trial – The Valley of Death
The Valley of Death stretched before Leo like the gaping maw of a beast—jagged cliffs rising like fangs, molten rivers carving deep scars into the land. The heat was unbearable, the air thick with the scent of burning rock. Sweat drenched his body, but he refused to show weakness.
Atop a blackened boulder stood Magnus Ironheart, his father. The strongest warrior Leo had ever known. His mere presence was overwhelming, like standing before a living inferno. His sharp gaze cut into Leo, cold and unreadable.
"This is where warriors are forged," Magnus said, voice deep and steady. "The weak perish here. The strong endure."
Leo swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew what this trial meant.
Magnus raised his hand. "Manifest your blade."
Leo inhaled sharply. Flames erupted around him, swirling like a living inferno. His mana surged, responding to his call. In an instant, his sword materialized—a crimson blade engulfed in raging fire. The ground beneath him cracked.
Magnus remained unimpressed. "Attack me."
Leo didn't hesitate. He roared and lunged forward.
---
The Duel – Leo vs. Magnus
Leo's blade came down in a blazing arc, aiming straight for Magnus's chest.
And then—
Magnus caught the sword with his bare hand.
Leo's eyes widened. "What—?!"
The flames around Magnus's palm flickered and vanished, as if snuffed out by sheer will alone. With a single motion, he shoved Leo backward.
Leo stumbled but dug his heels in, regaining balance. His heart pounded. What kind of monster…?
Then, Magnus finally decided to show his sword . He raised his hands slightly, eyes burning.
"Rage—Kagaribi."
The world seemed to shift.
A monstrous heatwave exploded outward, shaking the ground. The air wavered like rippling glass, suffocating in its intensity. Leo gritted his teeth, standing his ground.
"Tch!" He spat. Close-range won't work. Then…
He took a deep breath, mana surging. Fire coiled around his sword, burning hotter.
"Fire Magic—Spiral Flames!"
A raging inferno spiraled toward Magnus, roaring like a dragon.
For a second, Leo thought he had him.
Then—
SWOOSH!
Magnus slashed through the firestorm with a single swing.
Leo's stomach dropped. "No way…"
The flames split apart, fading into nothing. And then—
Magnus disappeared.
Leo barely had time to blink before—
WHOOSH!
Magnus was right in front of him. His blade hovered just inches from Leo's throat.
"You're dead," Magnus said flatly.
Leo's body trembled. His knees gave out, and he collapsed, drained of every ounce of strength.
Magnus watched him for a long moment before sheathing his sword. "Your power isn't enough. Not yet."
Leo clenched his fists, frustration burning hotter than his flames. The gap between them was massive.
Then—a firm hand gripped his arm, pulling him up.
Magnus met his gaze. "But," he said, voice softer now, "you did well. I'm proud of you."
Leo's breath hitched. His father had never said that before.
As Magnus carried him back, Leo, despite his exhaustion, let out a faint smile.
He would get stronger.
He had to.