Morning…
As the sun slowly rose behind the mountains, Kashikari was already awake.
But this wasn't truly waking.
Because in truth… he hadn't slept at all.
Lately, sleep had stopped being rest.
It had become the beginning of memories he couldn't escape.
Every time he closed his eyes, the same scene replayed.
Flames.Screams.And silence.
He stood at the doorway.
The village hadn't woken yet. That fragile, fleeting moment of peace in the early morning…
The moment when people were at their most vulnerable.
But there was no peace inside him.
Only emptiness.
"We're leaving today."
Dorum's voice came from behind him.
Calm… but firm.
Kashikari didn't turn.
"Where?" he asked, his voice flat, emotionless.
"The city."
A brief pause.
"…School."
Kashikari's brows furrowed slightly.
"That's not my concern."
Dorum let out a quiet laugh.
But there was no amusement in it.
"That's exactly why you should go."
Kashikari turned.
His gaze was sharp.
"I have to fight."
Dorum's expression hardened.
"No."
He stepped closer, locking eyes with him.
"You have to survive."
Silence.
That sentence…
hit harder than expected.
Kashikari looked away.
"There…" Dorum continued, his voice lower but heavier,"there's knowledge… control… and a place where you can hide."
Kashikari thought to himself.
Hide…
He didn't like that word.
It felt like weakness.
But…
It made sense.
Jinwi trembled faintly.
"Go…"
Kashikari flinched.
The voice was no longer unfamiliar.
But it was still unsettling.
"It's… the beginning."
A brief silence followed.
Kashikari took a deep breath.
"…Alright."
Arcanis Tempest Academy
Massive gates…
Towering stone structures…
And inside…
Hundreds of people.
Kashikari stopped.
His eyes scanned everything.
Every face.Every movement.
This place…
Wasn't ordinary.
This place was dangerous.
"Everyone here is strong," said Dorum.
A short pause.
"But not everyone is smart."
Kashikari smirked faintly.
"That works for me."
Exam Day
The crowd was dense.
The air was tense.
Everyone was trying to prove themselves.
Kashikari stood in line.
But he was different.
They…
Wanted to show their power.
He…
Wanted to hide it.
"Begin!"
First test: Reflex.
Attacks came at him instantly.
Fast.Sharp.
But for Kashikari…
They were slow.
His eyes read the movements.
His body responded.
He dodged.
Calculated.
Used minimal movement for maximum efficiency.
99% success.
Whispers spread.
Second test: Strategy.
A simulation appeared.
A battlefield.
Others attacked immediately.
Fast… but careless.
Kashikari stood still.
Watched.
Then, in a single move…
He won.
"Interesting…" muttered an instructor.
Third test: Endurance.
It lasted for hours.
Muscles burned.
Breathing grew heavy.
But Kashikari…
Didn't stop.
Until the final test—
Magic.
He paused.
Jinwi was inside him.
But…
He didn't use it.
Only a small, controlled display of energy.
Deliberately limited.
"Enough."
The results were announced.
Level: Enchanter
The crowd was stunned.
"Who is this kid?"
Kashikari…
Remained silent.
Classroom
Students talked.
Laughed.
Boasted.
But Kashikari…
Was alone.
"State your name."
The teacher's voice.
It was his turn.
"I am Kashikari…"
He paused.
Hyuga.
That name…
Was heavy.
"…Lior."
A lie.
But necessary.
Inside, he whispered:
"Forgive me…"
The class ended.
Kashikari sat at the back.
Jinwi spoke:
"You lied."
"I survived."
"That's not the same."
Kashikari closed his eyes.
"I'm not that child anymore."
Night.
The tower.
The wind howled.
Kashikari stood alone.
He looked up at the sky.
"I don't belong here…"
Jinwi whispered:
"You don't need to belong."
A brief pause.
"Just… destroy."
Kashikari opened his eyes.
"…Not yet."
But that "not yet"…
Felt like a promise.