Raii stepped into the classroom, his face calm but serious.
The students immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere.
"Today, we will practice magic control," he announced.
"You will learn not only how to feel the flow of mana but also how to shape it to your will."
"Okay, sir! We are ready!"
the students shouted together, their voices full of anticipation.
Mana rippled faintly around them, some sparking with energy in the dim morning light.
Everyone followed Raii to the training ground, eager yet nervous.
Whispers and excited chatter filled the air.
Then, a tall figure appeared at the far edge of the field. He moved with a slow, deliberate grace, his presence commanding attention without a word.
The students froze.
Mana tingled against their skin as if the air itself had thickened.
Raii stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Everyone, let me introduce someone important," he said, his voice reverent.
"This is the Headmaster of the academy… Lord Omon."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
"The Grand Master himself…?"
one student whispered.
Omon's gaze swept over the students, sharp and assessing, like a predator scanning its surroundings. A faint shimmer of mana surrounded him, bending the sunlight slightly, making the air feel heavier.
Even the bravest felt a flicker of fear.
"Sit down," he commanded softly, yet his voice carried a weight that made even the loudest chatter die instantly.
The students lowered themselves one by one, sensing the authority radiating from him.
Omon began scanning their mana with methodical precision. One by one, he checked the students—some were ordinary, some above average—but all paled in comparison to what he found next.
When it was Horobi's turn, Omon stopped. His eyes narrowed, and the faintest crease appeared between his brows.
Grand master omon feels somthing strang.
This… is not ordinary mana.
Omon could feel it—a roaring, almost chaotic power that pulsed beneath Horobi's calm exterior. Yet something restrained it, a hidden seal that blocked the natural flow of his magic.
"Do you have trouble controlling your magic?"
Omon asked, calm but sharp enough to make Horobi's heart skip a beat.
"Yes… Master," Horobi replied honestly, his voice steady despite the sudden tension.
Omon closed his eyes briefly, a subtle exhale escaping him.
Then—suddenly, a surge of raw, blinding mana burst from his hand.
BOOM!
The force of the spell struck Horobi squarely, sending him flying across the training ground. He crashed to the earth, leaving a shallow crater where he landed. Dust and mana swirled around him, crackling in the air.
"MASTER!!"
Mio and Liora ran forward, fear and fury blazing in their eyes.
"Are you okay?!"
they shouted, kneeling beside him to help him to his feet.
Their anger turned to glare as they looked at Omon.
"What was that?!
How could you attack him?!"
Omon watched silently, his expression unreadable, almost distant.
Raii, pale and uneasy, finally stepped forward.
"Lord… why did you do that?"
Omon's voice was calm, almost detached, yet every word held immense weight.
"There is something inside him… blocking his mana. My spell has weakened the seal restricting his power. From now on, he will begin to access the true magnitude of his abilities… slowly, carefully."
Raii's eyes widened. "Even with the seal… he has reached top rank. He exceeds even my expectations.
There is something extraordinary about this boy."
Omon's gaze shifted toward Mio and Liora, watching their protective stances.
"You may take him home,"
he said quietly, the aura of authority lingering long after the words.
Later – Horobi's House
Horobi returned home, battered but conscious. Mio immediately knelt beside him, channeling healing magic to mend his wounds.
Warm light surrounded her hands as she worked, her brow furrowed in concentration.
While healing, her mind replayed Omon's words.
So he wasn't just strong… he was restricted by a seal.
That's why he struggled… but even then, he reached the top.
A small smile curved her lips.
"I knew it… Master is amazing,"
she whispered softly, a sense of awe mixed with affection.
Meanwhile, Liora had prepared soup in the kitchen and returned quietly.
She sat beside Horobi, her eyes lingering on him with a mix of gratitude and tenderness.
"Thank you,"
she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.
"You accepted me… gave me a place to stay. I don't want to leave anymore. I want to stay here… forever."
Horobi, already awake, caught every word. A faint smile played on his lips.
"So… you'll stay here from now on?"
"To be honest,"
Liora admitted, blushing faintly,
"I wanted that from the very first day."
Before Horobi could respond, she hugged him tightly.
"Yes… we'll stay together now. No matter what happens."
At that moment, Abyss appeared, letting out a small puff of fire aimed teasingly at Liora, as if trying to assert dominance.
"HEY!"
Liora shouted, laughing despite herself.
"Mio wasn't enough, and now you're trying to steal Horobi from me too?!"
Horobi chuckled, shaking his head.
"Relax. He's just a summon. Don't take it personally."
Liora puffed her cheeks in mock irritation.
"Fine…"
Horobi's gaze drifted out the window.
"It's late. You should sleep."
Liora shook her head.
"No. I'll stay here. You should rest. Right now, think only about yourself."
Horobi nodded slowly.
"…Alright. Good night."
Outside, Mio stood silently, unseen.
Her heart swelled with conflicting emotions. She felt happy for Horobi and Liora, yet a flicker of jealousy and sadness lingered.
What if Horobi drifts away from me…?
She clenched her fists, determination blazing in her eyes.
"No… that will never happen. Master belongs to me."