Crowds of students gathered at the gates, and droves of people came inside the academy. This was the end of the two-month break, classes would normally start from now on.

  Despite the boredom, Erik had been enjoying the time he had to train and meet with his new friends, which would likely become harder now. However, he was still glad that he could meet some old faces.

  “Hey,” Erik waved as his gaze fell on Aria.

  She strode through the crowd with her usual confidence, her bronze skin glowing beneath the sunlight. Her tan was deeper than before, evidence of time spent under Victor’s blazing sun.

  “You look like you’ve been in for an adventure,” he teased, his grin widening.

  She smiled as she got closer. “You know how it is, I had a lot of time for myself, so I went to the sea for a bit,” she said, bringing her fist forward.

  Erik bumped it with his own. “The sea, huh? Honestly, I’ve never been there. It's like a big lake, right?”

  At those words, Aria could only laugh softly, her golden eyes exuberating the sun's glow. “Well, something like that. I’ll show you the sun next summer if you want.”

  “That sounds great!” Erik’s grin widened, but before he could say more, a sudden thud landed on his head.

  “Guess who!” came a familiar voice, laced with mischief.

  Erik grabbed the soft object—someone’s pillow. Before even turning around, he could guess who it was.

  “It seems you still love messing with me, right, Emilia?” Erik held up the pillow like a trophy before turning around.

  “Eh, it's bearable, honestly,” she crossed her arms, a playful glint in her eyes. “Consider this my welcome gift for you!”

  “But you’re the one coming back to the academy.”

  Emilia shrugged, dismissing his remark with a wave. Her attention shifted almost instantly as she glanced over at Aria. “So, Aria, how was Victoro? Did the sun turn you into molten gold or what?”

  Aria chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s just Victoro. Hot days, cool sea, and plenty of sunburns. Nothing you couldn’t handle.”

  Emilia smirked. “I might take that as a challenge,” she leaned in slightly. “But first, we should grab some lunch before everything decent is gone. What do you say?”

  Erik frowned, stepping forward. “Wait, what about Clara? Shouldn’t we check if she’s around first?”

  For a moment, Emilia didn’t respond, busy adjusting her bag. Then, without turning, she replied nonchalantly, “Clara can handle herself. Besides, she’s probably off with her books somewhere.”

  Aria glanced at Erik but said nothing, the corner of her lips turning into a small smile.

  “Well, I’m going to find her,” Erik said. “Enjoy your lunch.”

  “Don’t get lost!” Emilia called after him, her teasing tone returning.

  Erik made his way to the main gates, scanning the crowd for Clara. It wasn’t long before he spotted her, clutching a pile of books in her arms, already looking like she was carrying more than she could handle.

  "Clara!" Erik said, walking towards her.

  Her gaze shifted, and for a moment, it seemed like she hadn’t heard him. Then, she looked up, her expression blank.

  “Oh… Erik,” she said, he could feel some uncertainty in her tone.

  Erik stepped closer, instinctively offering to take some of the books from her. “You’re carrying way too many. Let me help you.”

  She hesitated, her gaze briefly flicking down to the pile in her arms before she took a small step back. “I’ll be fine. I’m busy right now, so... don’t bother.”

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Erik blinked, surprised by her dismissal. He stood there for a moment, hands still raised, before they dropped to his sides.

  She turned away, walking to where she had to be.

  He watched her retreating figure, his chest tightening slightly. How had things changed so much between them?

  Memories flashed in his mind—when things had been easier, when she had been the one to pull him aside with a soft smile, and they had laughed together without any walls between them. He thought of the time he had accepted that date, so sure it was the right thing to do, not understanding the weight of her feelings. If only he had understood her, this could have been prevented.

  Now, it was too late.

  He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He wanted to reach out, to fix it, but he didn’t know how.

  With a heavy heart, he turned and made his way back to the others, wondering if he'd ever be able to rebuild what they once had.

  The auditorium hummed as students filled the seats. All 800 students from the academy waited, their eyes fixed on the center stage. Erik sat next to Aria and Emilia, both of them exchanging glances with a mix of curiosity and impatience.

  The red curtains parted, revealing Director Margaret. The room fell silent at once, all attention on her.

  She took a moment, letting the quiet settle before speaking. "It is with great pleasure that I announce the 108th session of the academic festival," her voice carried across the room, amplified with magic.

  A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd. Some students exchanged eager looks, others sat up straighter.

  "As you all know, our academy is vast, and there are still areas of this campus left untouched. Soon, work will begin to prepare for this monumental yearly event." She paused, letting the words linger. "This is not just any festival. This is your chance to show the world what you're capable of."

  Director Margaret’s gaze swept over the room. "In November, you will demonstrate your talents to those who can shape your future. It’s your moment to make a mark."

  Erik’s pulse quickened. This was the festival Arthur had mentioned to him. By participating, he could fight him and anyone else who would join—this was Erik’s opportunity to put his training to the test.

  "We will have three main events this year, though the details remain undisclosed for now. However, I urge you all to hone your combat skills, your quick thinking, and your mana control. You will need all of these to succeed," Margaret said.

  She gave the crowd a final, sharp look. "Good luck to all of you."

  With that, a few murmurs filled the room before the director turned to the side and nodded to someone out of sight.

  Erik looked up, surprised to see Princess Elizabeth step onto the stage. She was dressed formally, her expression poised, and her movements poised. Why was she there? Because of her royal blood?

  Erik glanced at Aria and Emilia. "Did you two get asked to speak too?" he asked.

  They both shook their heads.

  "Nope, although I guess it's for the better. None of us gives the same royal feel she does if we were to go on the stage,” Aria said.

  Erik chuckled in response. Half the time, he couldn’t even think that these two were royals from other nations. They were completely different from the expected. It made him question why they were so far from it, but no matter how much he thought, he couldn’t reach a satisfying conclusion.

  Elizabeth inhaled, her eyes sweeping over the crowd before she began. "It is my honor to stand before you today, as we prepare for this great festival. This is our opportunity to showcase the skills we’ve cultivated, to shape our futures through dedication and perseverance,” she said, her voice unwavering, each word resonating with authority.

  Erik blinked, his eyes wide. Her composure was striking—there was no hesitation, no hint of uncertainty. She spoke with such ease as if these words were woven into her very being. This was what he expected from royalty.

  "As some of you may know, this year, three princesses are joining the first-year class," Elizabeth continued, her lips curling into a slight grin. "This means the public attendance is likely to increase significantly. Please, make sure to give the people of Draac a show they won’t forget."

  Her smile lingered before she bowed gracefully and exited the stage. The applause surged, echoing through the auditorium, and even Erik found himself clapping, caught up in the surge of energy. The rush of excitement spread like wildfire. She had pretty much told everyone to go all out, after all, to show the people what the students of the prestigious academy could do.

  Erik hadn’t realized the festival would attract so many spectators, but it made sense. The chance for the public to witness their abilities firsthand would heighten everything—there was no better stage to prove themselves. It only added to the stakes.

  As the ceremony wrapped up, students began to file out, their voices rising in eager conversation. Erik felt a tightening in his chest. This wasn’t just a festival. It was an opportunity to change everything.

  “I’m excited,” Erik said, a grin wrapped in his face.

  “Really? Well… I guess you would be, but I’d rather sleep,” Emilia said as they walked out, yawning while clutching her pillow to her chest.

  Aria laughed beside them, her eyes alight with anticipation. "I honestly can’t wait to face some strong people. That’s what keeps me going right now."

  Erik turned to her, he studied her for a moment, then smiled.

  “I know I’m pretty, but you don’t have to stare at me like that,” she teased.

  Erik laughed at her reaction. “No, it's not like that. You’re just one of the people I want to fight the most."

  Aria raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk hinting at her lips. "Oh? Can’t wait to see what you’re made for, hope you worked your ass these last months."