In the sunlit courtyard of Arclight Academy, a group of nobles gathered beneath the shade of a massive oak, drawing subtle attention even amid the bustling students. At the center stood Lucien Solari, the Hero of Light, tall and poised, blond hair shimmering in the sun. Light magic faintly pulsed around him, marking him as both powerful and noble. His presence radiated calm authority, a natural leader whose reputation reached across the continent.
Flanking him were his companions, each exceptional in skill. Ay, silver-haired with hints of fire and frost in his aura, bounced on the balls of his feet, grinning broadly. Dual magic flickered around his fingers as he flexed them impatiently. "So… have any of you noticed him?" he asked, eyes glinting with excitement. "The rainbow-eyed one from yesterday? The silent axes guy?"
Lyra's piercing blue eyes shifted to Kael, quietly training at a distance. "Yes. I've seen him. He moves differently—calculated, precise. Almost like he's watching everyone, not just the exam."
Ay's grin widened, sparks of fire and ice swirling around his hands. "Calculated? Sounds perfect! I want to fight him. Now." He slammed a fist into his palm, energy flickering at his fingertips. "Someone who doesn't need attention but could wipe out half the exam? That's exactly my kind of battle!"
Christine's crimson hair flickered with flames as she laughed. "You're obsessed with fighting anything that moves, Ay."
"Obsessed?" Ay shot back, still grinning. "I live for it! Combat, challenge, adrenaline—if it moves, I want it. And this one… he's a hidden storm."
Elene, golden-haired and calm, smiled faintly. "He's quiet, reserved, but there's strength in that silence. He could be dangerous… to others, or to himself if he underestimates anyone."
Blake, leaning on his ice-enchanted greatsword, smirked. "I like him already. Quiet, lethal, and unpredictable. We haven't had a proper challenge in a while."
Lyra crossed her arms, frowning. "Exactly. Someone underestimated this much is dangerous. We can't ignore him."
Ay bounced slightly on his heels, visibly vibrating with excitement. "And that's why I must test him! I'll be the first to go toe-to-toe. Nothing excites me more than fighting someone who hides their strength!"
Christine laughed, sparks dancing along her fingers. "I like your energy, Ay. But don't get ahead of yourself. We all want a turn observing him first."
The Hero of Light, Lucien, raised an eyebrow, light shimmering faintly around him. "He doesn't seek recognition, yet he draws attention. Students like him force growth. Observe, learn, and test him carefully. He could become a rival—or even an ally in the coming conflicts."
Elene nodded. "He's not here to impress. Most students crave attention or rankings. He's focused. That alone makes him interesting."
Blake chuckled. "Exactly. Someone like him isn't predictable. Quiet types are always fun to deal with."
Christine's grin widened. "I want to see his limits. If he's this strong already, it'll be a thrill to test him someday."
Lyra's gaze stayed sharp, watching Kael adjust his axes. "We must observe and be ready. He could tip the balance here… maybe even in the wars beyond the academy."
Ay's grin grew even wider, sparks of fire and frost swirling faster. "I can't wait. Whoever underestimated him—or me—will learn fast. Let's see who comes out on top first!"
The group laughed, teasing each other, debating strategies, joking, and speculating. Kael continued his quiet training, oblivious to their attention. Rainbow-colored eyes glinted faintly, the chain between his axes humming softly. He didn't seek recognition, but curiosity, whispers, and challenges were inevitable.
And the noble circle, bonded by skill, ambition, and Ay's relentless battle lust, had already decided: they would watch, challenge, and perhaps someday fight him.
The first seeds of rivalry—and tentative friendship—were planted.