Just as Luna had finished praising us, the principal of Stormhaven Academy arrived.
It was Valeria Stormhaven.
She walked toward us while clapping slowly, a faint smile on her face. When she reached
"Well… that was quite impressive," she said.
Her gaze then shifted toward the four team captains standing nearby.
With a teasing smile, she added,
"Maybe you four should learn something from these two."
The captains exchanged awkward looks.
Before anyone could say anything, Mira suddenly spoke,
"Principal, they're still just new kids."
Valeria let out a light laugh.
"Yes… that's exactly why it's impressive."
Then she turned slightly toward Kyron.
"Kyron, take Ray and Leo and show them their room."
Kyron nodded respectfully.
"This way."
Ray and Leo followed him inside the academy.
The moment they stepped through the massive gates, Leo's eyes widened.
The academy was enormous.
Tall marble pillars, shining floors, massive halls, and luxurious decorations filled the place.
Leo couldn't help but speak out loud.
"Wow… this place is amazing. It's so big… and luxurious."
It was obvious.
Leo had never seen something like this before.
But Ray walked beside him silently.
His face showed no excitement.
For him, places like this were normal.
He had grown up surrounded by wealth and luxury.
Kyron continued leading them through long corridors until they finally stopped in front of a room.
Leo's excitement returned.
He imagined the room would be just as luxurious as the academy itself.
Kyron opened the door.
Leo stepped inside.
And instantly…
his excitement drained away like water.
The room was extremely simple.
Two beds.
One table.
And a cupboard.
That was it.
Leo looked around the room carefully, trying to process it.
Kyron crossed his arms and explained calmly,
"You two are new students. So this is the kind of room you'll receive for now."
He continued,
"But as you become seniors and earn more Silver and Gold badges, your facilities will improve."
Then he turned toward the door.
"You should rest for now. Your classes start tomorrow morning."
With that, Kyron left.
The room became quiet.
Ray and Leo placed their bags on the floor.
Leo immediately dropped onto the bed and stretched his arms.
Ray looked at him for a moment before walking closer.
"Leo… can I ask you something?"
Leo turned his head slightly.
"Hmm?"
"How are you so good with a sword?" Ray asked."Your combat skills are amazing. And earlier, when Ryan and Ethan attacked you… how did you sense their attacks so quickly?"
Leo slowly sat up and leaned against the wall behind the bed.
He thought for a moment.
Then he answered honestly.
"I've trained in combat and sword fighting since I was a kid. I just worked really hard at it."
Then Leo looked at Ray and smiled.
"But Ray, you're amazing too."
Ray blinked in surprise.
"You can use two elements — fire and lightning. That's incredible."
For a moment, Ray didn't say anything.
But inside…
he felt happy.
It was the first time someone had praised him.
After a moment, Ray spoke again.
"You know my full name, right?"
Leo nodded.
"Yeah. Ray Moir."
Ray looked at him carefully.
"So… you know about the Moir family?"
Leo shook his head.
Ray sighed slightly and explained,
"My family is the second richest family in Norvia."
Leo's eyes widened.
"My father is a major businessman. He supplies armor and weapons across four or five continents."
Ray continued,
"Our family has always been known for powerful magic. My father wants me to become a Magic Knight Captain, just like my older brother.
Leo immediately leaned forward.
"Wait… your older brother is a Magic Knight Captain?"
Ray shook his head slightly.
"No. He's the Vice Captain of the Fifth Squad."
"He uses the same elements as me… fire and lightning. But he can control them at a much higher level."
Ray looked down at his hands.
Right now… I can only use one element at a time properly."Maybe that's why I'm so weak when it comes to using elements…Because of that, my family has always ignored me.The only person who ever cared about me… was my sister, Lyra."
Leo stayed quiet for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"Still, Ray… you're awesome."
"At least you can use elements. I can't even do that."
Leo rubbed his chin, thinking.
Then suddenly he snapped his fingers.
"I have an idea."
Ray looked at him.
"What?"
Leo grinned.
"Why don't we teach each other?"
Ray raised an eyebrow.
Leo continued,
"You teach me how to use elemental power… and I'll teach you how to use a sword."
Ray thought about it.
Then slowly…
he nodded.
"Deal."
Leo immediately stretched his hand forward.
"Partners?"
For a moment, Ray looked at the hand.
Then he smiled.
And shook it.