A Day Before the Entrance Ceremony – Vanessa Academy
The day before the official entrance ceremony, James, Silvia, and Kayle moved into their assigned dormitories.
At Vanessa Academy, the dormitories were divided into four tiers based on entrance exam rankings:
Top 10 students were given individual dorms—more like small mansions—with a personal maid available 24/7.
Ranks 11 to 50 stayed in Ophollo Hall, where each had a spacious private room with an attached bathroom.
Ranks 51 to 100 were placed in Elona Hall, sharing a room with one other student.
Students ranked below 100 resided in Plora Hall, where four students shared a single room.
Thanks to their outstanding performance, both Kayle and Silvia earned their own private dorms. James, who ranked 10th in the practical exam but barely scraped by in the written with a 99th place, received a single room in Ophollo Hall.
After settling into their new dorms and unpacking their belongings, the trio gathered once again.
"I can't believe I have my own dorm!" Silvia said, spinning in place as she admired her new home. "It's so spacious—I even get to redesign the interior however I want. It's not as grand as Sir Jackson's estate, but still… it's amazing."
"You both got private dorms while I ended up in Ophollo Hall," James muttered. "I really should've taken the written exam more seriously."
"That's what you get for slacking off!" Silvia scolded him, crossing her arms. "Still, you're lucky you made it to Ophollo Hall. If your practical score hadn't been high, you'd be crammed into Plora Hall with three other guys. So study harder next semester, Big Bro."
"Yeah, yeah… I got it."
Kayle watched them bicker with a faint smile, feeling a sense of peace as they adapted to their new lives.
"Let's go out and eat," Kayle said. "Tomorrow's the start of a whole new chapter."
"Finally! I'm starving," James said excitedly.
"Not again, you glutton," Silvia replied with a sigh, rolling her eyes as she followed them.
And just like that, they stepped out together—ready for the beginning of their journey.
Vanessa Academy – First day
James, Silvia, and Kayle stood before the towering white gates of Vanessa Academy, their hearts beating with anticipation. On either side of the entrance stood two monumental statues—guardians of legacy and knowledge.
To the left, a knight carved from pure marble sat astride a rearing horse, his sword raised high toward the sky. The craftsmanship was so intricate, one could almost hear the thunder of hooves and clash of steel.
To the right stood a mage, her long robes flowing with magical detail, a wide-brimmed hat shading her serene face. In her right hand, she held a radiant staff, and in her left, an open spellbook pulsing with arcane energy. Just being in their presence stirred something deep within the trio, a thrill of magic and valor coursing through their veins. Their eyes gleamed with silent determination—bright like stars glowing in daylight.
As the gates opened, they stepped forward into a world unlike any they had ever known.
Kayle and Silvia, dressed in the elegant blue-and-white uniform of the Magic Department, walked with quiet grace. James, clad in the dark crimson and black uniform of the Knight Division, moved with the casual power of a warrior born.
The front yard stretched wide before them, paved in shining stone and lined with life. To the left was a quiet field dotted with trees and patches of grass where students lounged, laughing and chatting. To the right, a vast training ground rang with the sounds of sport—rivalries forming, friendships born.
At the center stood a magnificent marble fountain, its crystal-clear waters dancing in the air, surrounded by benches where students shared stories and dreams. It was a place alive with ambition, beauty, and the promise of greatness.
Beyond it all rose the heart of the academy—a castle-like main building that touched the sky, its white spires gleaming like moonlight on water. To its left were the knight facilities: the swordsmanship arena, gym, personal training zones, and sports hall. To the right stood the arcane sanctums: the alchemy labs, magic library, and lecture halls.
The trio paused, taking in the sheer grandeur of it all.
They were not the only ones watching.
All eyes turned toward them—curious, awestruck, and captivated.
James walked at the front, the picture of confidence. His deep brown eyes matched the earthy warmth of his tousled hair. The knight uniform fit him perfectly, accentuating the chiseled muscles of his chest and arms—each movement revealing the strength of a seasoned warrior. His sharp jawline and boyish grin made heads turn, and whispers rippled through the students around him.
"Look at those muscles—did someone sculpt them from marble?"
"Even second-years aren't that well-built…"
"That face, that body—he has to be from a noble house."
"Do you think he's single?"
"I want to ask him out… Just once…"
Silvia, walking beside him, was grace incarnate. Her long black hair flowed like silk behind her, fluttering gently with each step. When she tucked her strands behind her ear, her eyes were revealed—deep crimson, like burning embers beneath the snow. Her pale, flawless skin seemed to glow beneath the Academy sun, and her mage uniform hugged her figure with elegant restraint. The contrast of red, black, and white made her look like an ethereal goddess, descending from the stars.
"Who is she…?"
"She's too beautiful to be real."
"An angel… no, a fairy. A queen."
"I'd give anything just to talk to her…"
Even the noble girls stared in stunned admiration.
And then there was Kayle.
He moved with a quiet, almost unreal presence, as though the world bent gently around him. His silver hair caught the light with every step, flowing backward like moonlight in motion. His dual-colored eyes—one a deep ocean blue, the other a vibrant emerald green—shone like rare jewels. His skin was pale and smooth, untouched by the sun, and his magic department uniform fit him like a royal mantle. But what truly stunned onlookers was the way his calm demeanor balanced with a quiet strength that radiated from his broad shoulders and lean muscles.
He wasn't just handsome—he was captivating, the kind of beauty that silenced crowds.
"He's… he's perfect."
"Which noble family is he from?!"
"I think I just fell in love…"
"Please tell me he's single…"
"Let's go ask him! We're seniors—we can show him around!"
"Yes! He's from the magic department too. We have the same uniform!"
The trio, too experienced with trouble to be unaware, caught the wave of whispers. Silvia's fiery eyes narrowed as she heard a group of upper-year girls giggling and planning to approach Kayle.
Her clenched fist twitched.
Kayle and James immediately noticed the dangerous spark in her gaze. Before she could explode, they each grabbed one of her hands and quickly led her through the academy gates.
"Let's go before she turns someone into a frog," James muttered under his breath.
Kayle smiled faintly.
Silvia, flustered but quiet, let herself be pulled along—her red cheeks now matching her blazing eyes.
And just like that, the three of them stepped into the legendary halls of Vanessa Academy
James and Kayle quickly led Silvia into the building before she could explode on the group of girls eyeing Kayle.
"Phew… They should thank us," James said with a dramatic sigh. "We just saved them from being turned into grilled kababs."
"Yeah," Kayle added with a small chuckle. "It could've been a disaster."
Silvia narrowed her eyes, arms crossed. "Excuse me? Disaster? Do you take me for a fool? I know exactly how to handle situations like that."
James leaned closer to Kayle and whispered, "Yeah… we all know how well she handles them."
Silvia's ears perked. "What did you just say?"
"Who said what?" James replied innocently, already looking away.
"Both of you—quiet," Kayle interjected quickly. "Let's head to the auditorium."
"Yeah, let's move." James nodded, hurrying forward before Silvia could interrogate him further.
As James walked ahead, Kayle moved to follow—but suddenly felt a hand grab his. He turned to find Silvia holding onto his sleeve, her eyes downcast but troubled.
"What's wrong, Silvia?" Kayle asked gently.
She hesitated, then looked up at him. "Do you… do you think I'm over-possessive?"
Kayle blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"
"You know what I mean," she said, her voice trembling with frustration. "Just answer me."
In that moment, Aeon—buried beneath Kayle's name and smile—felt like the hallway was closing in on him. He could fight monsters, break through magical traps, face death without blinking… but this? This was far more terrifying. One wrong word could shatter something fragile.
He didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want her to feel abandoned again.
He had read Silvia's story back in the orphanage's mysterious library—the pain of losing her brother and the lover she never truly had. It made her guard her heart with iron walls. Yet, beneath it all, Aeon saw himself in her. Two broken people, learning how to feel again.
He made up his mind.
Without another word, he stepped closer and gently took her face in his hands. The hallway around them seemed to vanish.
"You," he said softly, his voice warmer than she'd ever heard it, "are very precious to me. Always close to my heart."
Silvia froze.
Her heart thundered in her chest, her breath caught in her throat. The walls she'd built began to crack. She could feel his warmth, his sincerity. She stepped closer, slowly, her face inching toward his. Their breaths mingled. Their eyes locked.
And then—
"Okay, lovebirds!" James's voice rang out like a siren. "Now who's not behaving according to place? You're still standing in the hallway, you know."
Silvia and Kayle jumped, their faces turning crimson as they whipped around.
"Wha–what are you doing here?!" Silvia snapped, clearly flustered.
"What do you mean, 'what'? You guys weren't behind me, so I came back to check… But apparently, you were busy. I didn't want to interrupt your moment," James teased with a dramatic smirk. "Though I didn't expect you to start the romance right in the middle of the hall—"
THUMP!
Silvia punched him hard in the stomach, cutting off the rest of his sentence. James groaned and doubled over, wheezing.
Red-faced, Silvia stormed off toward the auditorium.
Kayle stifled a laugh. "Serves you right."
James glared at him between coughs. "Now don't you start…"
"Come on," Kayle said, turning with a smile. "We'll be late."
"Wait up!" James called after him, hobbling after them with exaggerated pain. "My stomach! My pride!"
Silvia stormed off toward the auditorium, leaving James and Kayle to follow behind her.
The moment they entered, their breath caught in their throats.
The auditorium was nothing short of majestic—a grand ballroom that could accommodate over a thousand students. The floor was made of translucent marble, so polished that students could see their reflections beneath their feet. The vaulted ceiling was painted a lustrous silver, and when sunlight streamed through the arched windows, it shimmered like crystal rain.
James and Silvia gazed in awe. Even after everything they had seen so far, this place continued to overwhelm them.
As the trio stepped further in, every pair of eyes in the hall turned to them.
"Hey, isn't that the trio we saw in front of the main building earlier?" one boy whispered.
"Yeah, that's them," another replied. "They look like they walked straight out of a noble family portrait. Look at how perfectly those uniforms fit them!"
"That silver-haired guy... I swear, he outshines even the Saint of the Libra Temple—the Goddess of Light herself."
"I'm envious. How can someone be that handsome?" a student muttered under his breath.
On the other side of the hall, a girl clutched her heart. "Oh my god... I think this is what love at first sight feels like."
"Forget it," her friend replied. "That black-haired girl next to him must be his girlfriend."
"Are you sure?"
"Come on, look at them! You really think people who look like that are single?"
"You might have a point... Wait—I recognize her! She's the top student in the Magic Department. And the Silver-haired guy is ranked third in the Magic department."
"Oh wow... I was so mesmerized by his looks I forgot he was a top ranker too!"
Just then, a commanding voice cut through the chatter.
"Silence."
Everyone turned their attention to the stage, where four faculty members stood: Professors Lucy, Mark, Olivia, and Orlando.
And A man holding a sword. Professor Lucy, from the Magic Department, stepped forward.
"Welcome to Vanessa Academy, new students," she began, her voice clear and composed. "I am Professor Lucy from the Magic Department. Our headmaster is currently attending to important academy matters, so I will be speaking in her place."
Her gaze swept across the sea of students.
"You are the 400 chosen among 1,200 applicants—congratulations. You've earned the honor of standing here today. Over the next four years, you will hone your skills under the guidance of some of the most accomplished scholars, warriors, and mage in the empire.
"Some of you will become great knights or legendary mages. Others may excel as alchemists, engineers, or scholars. And yes, some of you may not last—there will be failures, and there will be dropouts."
A hush fell over the hall at her words.
"But remember—by reaching this point, you've already overcome your first obstacle. We believe this year's batch holds more potential than any before it.
"To those of you who ranked in the top ten—do not rest on your laurels. Your privileges are not permanent. Rankings will change every semester. If you grow complacent, others will surpass you.
"So work hard. Push your limits. Never forget why you are here."
She paused, then gestured to the side of the stage.
"Knight Class students, please follow Sir Nicholas. He will take you to your assigned training halls. Magic Department students, follow Sir Mark for orientation and schedules."
James turned to Kayle and Silvia with a smile. "Let's meet after class."
"Take care, big bro," Silvia said sweetly.
James smirked and teased, "Don't let anyone snatch your darling while I'm gone."
But this time, Silvia didn't punch him.
Instead, she smiled calmly. "You don't have to worry. I already know my place in his heart."
With that, she walked ahead with Kayle, leaving James frozen.
"…She's changed," James murmured, watching them go. Then he smiled softly. "Well, if they're happy… I'm happy."
Kayle and Silvia, along with eight other top-ranking students, proceeded toward the Star Class section.
At Vanessa Academy, students were divided into four classes based on rank:
Magic Department Classes:
Star class: Ranks 1–10. Students here receive elite privileges—personal training with professors, 24/7 library access, a weekly day off, and full scholarship eligibility.
Moon class: Ranks 11–50. Similar privileges to Star Class, though slightly limited. They may also apply for scholarships and serve as assistants to professors.
Sky class: Ranks 51–100. Students have limited access to facilities—restricted library hours and no time off except during holidays.
Ground class: Ranks 101–200. Minimal privileges. No scholarship options or leave except on official academy holidays.
Knight Department Classes:
Dragon class: Ranks 1–10. The elite knights-in-training. They share all the same privileges as the Star Class in the Magic Department.
Beast class: Ranks 11–50. Strong contenders with access to advanced training, scholarship opportunities, and one day off per month.
Wolf class: Ranks 51–100. Restricted access to training grounds and facilities. No leave except on academy holidays.
Stone class: Ranks 101–200. Basic-level privileges with a strict schedule, limited access to training resources, and no scholarship eligibility.
Each class was a reflection of talent and potential—but also a challenge to grow beyond one's limits.
Silvia and Kayle stepped into the Star Class classroom. It was elegant and pristine, designed to reflect the prestige of its students. Large crystal-clear windows lined the side walls, each adorned at the top with an intricate phoenix engraving—a symbol of rebirth and power. The furniture was crafted from polished redwood, exuding a warm glow under the sunlight pouring in. The entire classroom shimmered faintly, as if imbued with subtle enchantments.
A man with soft blue hair, scholarly glasses, and a calm but confident presence walked to the front and placed a stack of books on the lectern.
"Good morning, students," he began. "I am Professor Mark, your homeroom teacher. I'll be guiding you through Arcane Fundamentals this semester."
He adjusted his glasses and continued, "You are the top-ranking students of this year's Magic Department at Venessa Academy. I expect you to approach your studies with the same dedication and excellence that earned you your place here. Let's begin."
He paced gently across the room, his voice resonant and clear.
"Arcane Fundamentals is the backbone of all magical studies. In this class, we will explore the basic laws of magic, mana circulation, spell construction, casting flow, and the theory behind incantations. Mastering these principles is essential for any aspiring mage."
Silvia leaned toward Kayle and whispered, "Isn't this class a bit too big for just ten students?"
Kayle glanced around the spacious room. "Yeah... there's a lot of space."
"Feels like a waste," Silvia muttered under her breath.
Across the room, a girl with long violet hair and sharp violet eyes narrowed her gaze as she overheard Silvia's comment. Her expression was unreadable, but the tension in her eyes suggested she didn't appreciate the remark.
Just as she began to approach Silvia, another figure stepped forward.
A tall boy with neatly combed blond hair and piercing black eyes cut in smoothly between them. He wore his Star Class uniform with pride and ease, exuding confidence. His name was Jack Harolan, ranked 4th in the Magic Department.
He smiled charmingly at Silvia and said, "You're Silvia, right? Top of the entrance exam. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Silvia looked up at the boy standing before her. He was watching her with curiosity and subtle confidence.
With a polite smile, Silvia said, "Hello, nice to meet you. And... who are you?"
Jack blinked, surprised. He couldn't tell if she was genuinely unaware or just uninterested.
"I'm Jack," he said after a pause. "Ranked 4th in the Magic Department."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't check the ranking list, so I wouldn't know," Silvia replied casually.
Jack was stunned. As a member of the Harolan family—one of the five founding clans of the Atheliya Empire—he was well-known among the noble circles. Most people, especially commoners, would recognize him instantly.
Trying to recover, he smiled. "Well, no worries. Silvia, right? You're powerful... and beautiful. I assume you must be from a noble house?"
"Oh, no. I'm not from any noble family. I'm just a commoner," Silvia answered with ease.
Silence swept through the room.
Everyone in the class froze.
The girl who had ranked first in the entrance exam. The one who defeated Sara Vaviniya, and whose looks could rival royalty... was a commoner?
Jack's smile stiffened.
"You're... kidding, right?" he asked.
"Nope. Why would I joke about that?" Silvia replied calmly.
Jack looked from Silvia to Kayle. "Then... is he also a commoner?"
"Yeah. Kayle and I are both commoners."
"Seriously?" came a sharp voice from behind.
Everyone turned. It was the violet-haired girl who had been sitting behind Kayle and Silvia. Her striking violet eyes narrowed.
Sara Vaviniya.
"You're saying both of you are commoners?" she asked coldly.
"That's what I said," Silvia replied without hesitation.
"Well, that's interesting," another voice chimed in. A tall boy with sky-blue hair and eyes stepped forward—Rames Rothanic, ranked 6th.
"I can't believe it. This must be a first in Venessa Academy's history—a commoner making it into the Star Class," he said, half in awe. "But honestly? You earned your place. Let's get along."
Jack smiled again, this time more genuinely. "Yeah. Doesn't matter where you're from. You've proven your worth." He extended a hand.
Silvia shook it with a smile. "Looking forward to it."
Just then, the next class began. Professor Orlando entered, and the students quickly returned to their seats.
"Good day, students," he greeted. "I'm Professor Orlando, and I'll be teaching Elemental Theory and Manipulation. But before we begin, a quick announcement—each professor is allowed to choose one assistant from their class. If you're interested, submit an application. I'll choose based on performance."
He said this while briefly glancing at both Silvia and Kayle.
Sara noticed the glance and clenched her jaw.
This commoner… she thought, burning with quiet fury. Let's see what you've really got.
Later, in the Academy corridor
"Hey! Stop right there!"
Sara's voice rang out, stopping Silvia in her tracks.
Silvia turned, walking alongside Kayle. Both came to a halt.
"What?" Silvia asked, brow raised.
Sara stepped in front of her, eyes blazing. "Spar with me, commoner."
"Why should I?" Silvia replied evenly.
"Oh? Are you not the top student? Then what's the problem? Don't tell me you're scared."
Kayle stood silently, watching the tension build. Just like the original story… he thought. Sara Vaviniya, heir to one of the five great clans, known for her extraordinary magical talent—hailed as the greatest prodigy of the Vaviniya line in over a century. She's never faced defeat... until Silvia. Ever since then, she's been obsessed with surpassing her.
"I'm not scared of you," Silvia said firmly. "But I don't have a reason to fight. And the academy has strict rules against dueling outside formal exams."
"Oh, so now you're hiding behind the rules?" Sara scoffed. "Expected of a commoner."
Silvia met her eyes, unfazed. "Think what you want. I'm not interested in your childish provocations."
"Coward. I'll prove your rank is a mistake. Commoners like you don't belong here."
Silvia stepped closer. "Whether I belong or not—my ranking says I do. If you think you're stronger, prove it in the exams."
"You—!"
"What's going on here?" a sharp voice cut through the air.
Everyone turned. Professor Olivia was standing a short distance away, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the scene.
"You're supposed to be in your dorms. Class ended a while ago," she said sternly.
"We were just... talking," Kayle said quickly.
Olivia didn't look convinced. "Is that true?"
"Yes, ma'am. Just a casual chat," Silvia replied.
Sara hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Professor."
Olivia gave them one last glance before sighing. "Very well. But keep your 'chats' inside the rules. Now head back."
The group dispersed, but tension lingered in the air.
"What's her problem? Just because she's from some noble family, she thinks she can do whatever she wants. Hmph." Silvia crossed her arms in frustration.
"Don't think too much about her," Kayle replied calmly. "She's just someone who doesn't know how to accept defeat."
"Yeah, you're right. Just thinking about her makes me mad. Let's go—my brother's probably waiting for us."
Silvia and Kayle continued walking down the dormitory path, lined with tall, rustling trees on both sides. The soft afternoon breeze made the leaves dance, and for a moment, the academy grounds felt peaceful.
Suddenly—
Whoosh!
A surge of mana sliced through the air. Kayle reacted instantly, pulling Silvia close and dodging the attack by inches. A blast of water magic struck the tree behind them, leaving deep gouges in the bark.
They spun around—and saw her.
Sara Vaviniya, standing calmly with water swirling around her fingertips.
"You've got good reflexes," she said with a cold smile.
"You?!" Silvia's eyes flared. "Why did you attack us?"
Sara tilted her head slightly. "Why?" she echoed. "I don't know... just felt like it."
"You psychopath," Silvia snapped. "You seriously want to do this? If a professor finds out, you know what'll happen to you!"
Sara's expression darkened. "Oh? And who's going to report it?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "What if there's no one left to report it?"
"So you're saying you'll kill us?" Kayle's voice turned cold.
Sara chuckled. "Kill? No, no. I'm not that reckless. I'll just make sure you're in bed for a few months. And when it's over, I'll tell the academy it was... a mana explosion."
Silvia froze. Kayle's eyes narrowed.
Mana explosions—rare but plausible accidents that occurred when unstable mana spiraled out of control, usually due to overexertion or failed spell control. They were often used as a cover story... especially in attacks no one survived to explain.
"As expected from Sara. She'll do anything to prove herself—even if it means breaking the law." Kayle thought grimly.
"You bitch. Like I'd let you harm us!" Silvia growled.
"Oh?" Sara smirked. "'Us'? Looks like you care about him more than you let on. Then let's start with him."
With a sharp flick of her wrist, FWOOOSH!—a blast of water magic ripped through the air, hurtling toward Kayle.
Silvia acted instantly. BOOM! A fireball exploded against the water spell, steam hissing between them.
"You dare to try and hurt Kayle? Looks like I need to teach you a lesson your parents never did."
"Don't mention my parents with that filthy mouth of yours!" Sara screamed, unleashing another torrent of water. CRASH!
FWOOM! Silvia met it with another blazing fireball, the impact shaking the nearby trees and sending leaves flying.
"Kayle, run! I'll handle her!"
"No," Kayle replied firmly. "I'll protect you."
"You promised you'd listen to me!"
Aeon clenched his fists. Silvia could win, but if things got out of hand, this fight would trigger a full-scale incident. Not on day one.
"Silvia, let's do this together." Kayle reached for her hand.
"You dummy. Don't hold me back," Silvia muttered.
"I'm not here to stop you... I'm here to stop her."
They stood shoulder to shoulder as Sara raised her hands again.
WHOOSH! Another water cannon blasted toward them—louder, faster.
BOOM! Silvia's fireball intercepted it midair, and the clash sent a shockwave rolling down the path.
Sara gritted her teeth. "Let's see how you handle this!" She summoned a powerful gust of wind.
WHIRRRRL! The air twisted into a spinning cyclone—an intermediate spell: Hurricane.
SLASH! Kayle's wind magic sliced through it with a crisp crack, dispersing the storm in an instant.
Sara's eyes widened. "He cut through my intermediate spell?!" In a fit of rage, she cast Hellfire.
FWOOOOOM! Flames exploded outward, roaring as they surged toward Kayle and Silvia.
THRUMMM! Kayle's mana shield materialized just in time, the fire crashing into it with a deafening sizzle.
"Silvia!" Kayle called out. "I'll distract her—when I say go, knock her out!"
"Got it!"
He stepped forward, another shield glowing around him. Meanwhile, Silvia flanked Sara, her steps light, calculated.
Sara saw her coming and began pouring even more mana into the Hellfire. WHOOOMMMP! The spell swelled with unstable power.
"This is bad," Silvia murmured. "That kind of overload could destroy the whole road."
Kayle glanced around quickly. Then—SHHHHHHHHHHHHUNK!—he drove his hands into the ground, casting a pair of gigantic mana shields on either side of the road.
The air shimmered as the shields rose high, glowing blue and humming with energy. VMMMMMMM!
Sara's jaw dropped. "How is he casting that kind of barrier?! At this scale?!"
"Silvia, go!"
FLASH! A burst of light magic exploded in Sara's face. She cried out, "Argh!", shielding her eyes.
BOOOOM! Silvia's fireball struck the ground beneath Sara. The shockwave sent her flying backward.
When the smoke cleared, Sara was on the ground—unconscious, her pride as scorched as the earth beneath her.
Kayle approached and knelt beside her. "You didn't kill her, right?"
"Do you think I'm like her?" Silvia huffed. "I hit the ground, not her. The blast just threw her off."
"Alright. Let's get her to the infirmary."
"Yeah. That's the least we can do."
They lifted Sara together and walked off, unaware that from behind a tree, someone had seen everything.
Professor Olivia stepped into view, her arms crossed, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
"Hmph. I knew they were talented, but this..." She looked at the scorched road and glowing remnants of the mana shield. "Precise spell coordination, battlefield awareness, restraint... and that barrier. That scale... that control..."
Her eyes sparkled with interest.
"Geniuses, both of them. I've made my choice." She turned away, her smirk widening.
"They'll be my assistants."