One Week After the Dungeon Incident
The warm sun bathed the academy grounds as Arthur and his friends strolled toward the entrance. The air buzzed with chatter, the usual morning liveliness filling the air.
Felix, walking beside Arthur, suddenly broke the silence. "Arthur, that technique you used in the dungeon… what was that?" His voice carried curiosity, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Arthur scratched the back of his head, his expression a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Uh… It wasn't really a technique, more like a reaction. You see—"
Felix leaned in. "Explain it in more detail."
Arthur sighed and held up three fingers. "Alright, so normally, water puts out fire, right? But when electricity is added to water, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen. And when flames are introduced…" He clapped his hands together. "Boom. It causes an explosion! It's called electrolysis."
Felix's eyes widened in amusement. "That's insane! You figured that out mid-fight?"
Before Arthur could respond, Leo scoffed, arms crossed. "Hmph. I could've done better than that."
Riven turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "You were with us the whole time and got beaten up just like we did."
Leo's eye twitched. "I had a plan, okay? But Arthur ruined it when he barged in with his stupid ice wall."
Arthur smirked, placing a hand on his chest dramatically. "Is that any way to speak to your hero, you ungrateful peasant?"
Leo's face darkened. "Huh? Who the hell are you calling a peasant, you nerd?! You wanna fight?!"
Arthur's smirk grew. "Bring it on. I'll take you anytime."
Ronan let out a tired sigh. "Guys, calm down."
But both Arthur and Leo snapped in unison, "Stay out of this!"
Leo cracked his knuckles. "Tch. You wanna die?"
Before things could escalate, Nathaniel appeared behind them like a shadow and grabbed both their ears in one swift motion. "Enough, you two. You're giving me a headache."
"Ow ow ow! Let go, damn it!" Leo gritted his teeth.
Arthur flailed. "I surrender! Uncle! Uncle!"
Nathaniel ignored their protests, dragging them all the way to class as the rest of their friends followed, stifling laughter.
---
In the Classroom
The moment they entered, Nathaniel finally let go. Arthur and Leo rubbed their sore ears, grumbling.
Arthur spotted Seraphina sitting by the window. Without hesitation, he walked over. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
She looked up at him, blinking before offering a small smile. "I'm fine."
His gaze then shifted to Callista sitting nearby. "Callista, thanks."
She tilted her head. "For what?"
Arthur smiled. "If it wasn't for you, Riven and the others could've died."
Riven, standing behind Arthur, nodded in agreement. "She's right. You saved us."
Callista glanced away, rubbing the back of her neck. "You don't have to thank me. I just did what I had to do."
Nathaniel cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Now that we're all here, let's begin."
The class fell silent.
Nathaniel folded his arms. "As you all know, the tournament is approaching, and we will soon welcome the students from the Velundria Kingdom." His gaze swept over the class. "You've all learned the basics. Now, your focus should be on refining your techniques and making them stronger."
The students responded with a unified "Yes, sir!"
Nathaniel continued. "For the next week, you'll be sent home to train and prepare for the tournament."
At that, the room erupted into cheers. Excitement filled the air as students whispered about their plans.
But Arthur remained quiet. Home, huh…?
A sharp thwack landed on his head.
"Ow—" Arthur turned, only to see Hyorinmaru perched lazily on his shoulder, his small dragon form smacking him with his tail.
Hyorinmaru yawned. "Stop sulking. You have a home, remember? When we first met in my domain, you proudly declared you would protect them. 'Home' isn't a place—it's where your loved ones are."
Arthur blinked. Then, a soft smile formed on his lips. "Yeah… You're right."
Hyorinmaru nodded approvingly, then smacked him again. "Now stop acting like a child and get ready to leave."
Arthur groaned. "Alright, alright! Geez, why are you so aggressive?"
Nathaniel dismissed them. "That's all for today. Now go. Train hard. The next time we meet will be at the tournament."
With that, the students packed up and left, their spirits high with anticipation.
---
Arthur & Riven's Room
Arthur tossed his belongings into his bag, glancing at Riven, who sat on his bed, staring at the floor.
"I wonder what kind of students Velundria has," Arthur mused, fastening his sword to his waist.
Riven remained silent. Then, suddenly, he clenched his fists. "Arthur… I'm sorry."
Arthur looked at him, confused. "For what?"
Riven's shoulders trembled. "I was a burden in the dungeon. We separated to complete the mission, but I failed…" His voice cracked as tears welled in his eyes. He turned to Arthur, his gaze burning with determination. "I won't let that happen again. I'll get stronger—strong enough to surpass you. I promise."
Arthur's lips curled into a smirk. He extended a hand. "Then I'll just have to get even stronger than that."
Riven let out a shaky chuckle before shaking his hand firmly. "Deal."
---
At the Rose Hall
Seraphina folded her clothes into her bag, her mind clouded with thoughts.
Her vision flashed back to the dungeon—Arthur standing between them and the enemy, his ice blade gleaming. Then, another image—Arthur next to Callista, smiling.
She quickly shook her head. "Ugh… Why am I thinking about that now? Control yourself, Seraphina."
Her grip on her bag tightened. Then another thought crept in.
She had been too weak.
Arthur had fought off both enemies. And she…? She had been knocked to the ground, useless.
She clenched her fists. "I won't let that happen again."
A fire burned in her golden eyes. "I will get stronger. I'll win this tournament. Next time, I'll fight beside him—not behind him."
With renewed determination, she picked up her bag and left the room.
---
Outside the Academy Gates
Arthur stood at the entrance, looking back at the towering academy walls.
Hyorinmaru curled up on his head. "Are you going to miss it? You haven't even left yet, crybaby."
Arthur chuckled. "We came here knowing nothing. But now… with friends, rivals, and everything we've been through, we've made it this far."
Hyorinmaru sighed. "Ugh, enough with the melodrama. You're making me sick."
Arthur smirked. "Hey, don't ruin my moment! I was getting to the emotional part."
Hyorinmaru kicked him. "Just go already."
Arthur laughed. "Alright, alright." He took a deep breath, then turned toward the path ahead. "When I come back, I'll be stronger. Let's all get stronger together."
With that, he walked away—toward home, toward the future."Farewell for now, everyone".