The next morning, the entire academy buzzed like a storm.
Every hallway, training ground, and cafeteria table echoed with one name — Lee Shin.
"Did you see the match yesterday? That light—what even was that?"
"They're calling him the Golden Shadow of Class D."
"No way someone from D can use power like that. The instructors must be hiding something."
Whispers followed Shin everywhere he went. Some were awed, others suspicious, and a few laced with envy. Even the upper-class students now gave him wary glances — a far cry from the contempt that once shadowed him.
But Shin didn't bask in it. He moved quietly through the halls, keeping his hood up, eyes focused straight ahead.
Inside, though, he felt the weight of every word. He'd fought for survival, not fame. And yet fame had found him.
When he entered Class D, the room went silent for a moment — then erupted.
"Shin! That duel was insane!"
"You actually beat Hyun! His face—oh man, I'll remember that forever!"
"Class D's pride, baby!"
Shin smiled faintly, but said little. His classmates' excitement was genuine, and for once, they didn't see him as the weak link.
Instructor Rho entered soon after, her sharp eyes scanning the class. "Settle down."
When the noise faded, she looked directly at Shin. "You've done well. But now your performance will define how others see this class. Don't get complacent."
He nodded. "Understood, Instructor."
Her gaze softened slightly. "Good. Because Class A isn't taking that loss quietly. Expect retaliation during the next assessment."
A ripple of unease spread across the students. Shin only tightened his grip on his desk.
He'd expected as much. Hyun wouldn't let this go easily.
Later that evening, Shin found himself walking through the central garden — the same place where he'd first met Arin. The soft glow of mana lamps shimmered against the wet cobblestones, and the faint scent of rain lingered in the air.
She was there again, sitting by the fountain, legs crossed, eyes reflecting the moonlight.
"You knew I'd come," Shin said, approaching.
Arin smiled faintly. "You're predictable that way."
He chuckled quietly and sat across from her. "You said something yesterday — about the Guardians of the First Era. What did you mean?"
She hesitated, eyes tracing the ring on his hand. "That light you wielded wasn't normal mana. It was divine energy — long thought extinct. The Guardians were ancient warriors chosen by the gods to maintain balance between humans and beasts. Each bore a ring like yours, containing fragments of celestial will."
Shin frowned. "Then why me?"
"That's what's strange," she admitted. "Those rings shouldn't exist anymore. And yet, here you are."
A silence settled between them, heavy and thoughtful.
Finally, Arin said softly, "You're walking a dangerous path, Shin. Power like that… it attracts both hope and fear. Some will want to control it. Others will want to destroy it."
He looked up at the sky — the stars scattered like forgotten embers. "Then I'll just have to become stronger than both."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "You sound like someone who's already decided his fate."
"I have," he said quietly. "I won't run again."
The next day, the academy's great hall held an assembly — a rare event called only when something significant occurred.
Students filled the massive chamber, whispering as the headmaster stepped onto the stage. His voice, amplified by mana, carried across the hall.
"Yesterday's duel has reminded us that talent exists beyond rank. However, it has also disturbed the balance between classes." His eyes briefly met Shin's across the hall. "Starting next week, a Class Evaluation Tournament will be held. Each class will select representatives to compete. The results will determine class standings for the next term."
Excitement rippled through the students.
Hyun smirked from the Class A section, his eyes locking onto Shin with burning hatred.
"You got lucky once, bastard," he muttered under his breath. "Next time, I'll crush you in front of everyone."
Shin met his gaze calmly from afar, expression unreadable. But deep inside, he felt the spark ignite again.
He would not lose. Not again.
That night, the moon hung high over the academy's training grounds. Shin stood alone, practicing until his arms trembled and his mana ran dry.
Each swing of his blade traced light into the air, sharper, steadier. His body screamed in protest, but he pushed harder.
He could feel the ring resonating with him — its pulse syncing with his heartbeat. Each thrum whispered fragments of forgotten power.
Balance. Flame. Blood.
He didn't understand the words, but they burned into his mind like truth.
The wind shifted, carrying the faint sound of footsteps.
"Still awake, huh?" Nonna's voice came softly from behind him.
He turned, surprised but smiling faintly. "You shouldn't be out here this late."
"I could say the same," she teased, stepping closer. Her academy uniform looked regal under the moonlight — Class A's golden crest gleaming on her shoulder.
"You really beat Hyun," she said, pride and sadness mixing in her tone. "You did what I never could — stood against Father's expectations and won."
Shin lowered his sword. "I didn't do it to defy him. I did it because I had to."
Nonna smiled. "That's why it mattered."
For a while, neither spoke. The quiet hum of night surrounded them, peaceful yet fragile.
Then Nonna sighed. "Hyun won't stop. He's angry… and Father's pride took a hit. He'll use the next tournament to test you — maybe even to break you."
Shin sheathed his sword. "Then I'll give them reason to regret it."
Her eyes softened. "Just… don't lose yourself in the process, little brother."
He looked at her, really looked, and for a moment the walls he built began to crack.
"Thank you, Nonna."
She smiled and turned away. "You've grown, Shin. Mother would be proud."
The mention of their mother froze him for a heartbeat. He swallowed hard, watching her silhouette fade into the night.
When she was gone, Shin turned back to the training field, gripping his sword tighter.
"Mother… I'll make sure they remember your name," he whispered.
The ring pulsed once — warm, almost like an answer.
Far away, deep beneath the academy, unseen eyes watched through an enchanted mirror.
A hooded figure murmured, "So the ring of the First Flame has awakened again… in him."
Another voice replied, cold and amused, "Then our plans must accelerate. The heir of the traitor has returned — and fate is circling once more."
The mirror's surface rippled, showing Shin training alone under the moonlight.
"The game begins," the shadow whispered.
And somewhere in the distance, thunder rolled — soft, distant, yet full of promise.