The sun rose from behind the distant mountains, but Kashikari was already awake. The morning light that touched his eyes felt like any other day, yet something about this morning was different: Dorum had managed to persuade him.
Kashikari was the bearer of Jinwi. Only one person knew this—Dorum. Whether he liked it or not, he was no longer completely alone. Dorum hadn't adopted him, but he was the only one keeping him alive. And today, he was determined to enroll Kashikari in a magic academy.
The name of the school was Arcanis Tempest. A place known for raising powerful mages, supported by the empire, and accepting only those with exceptional potential. Its headmaster, Selvan, was an old friend of Dorum. Known for his strict nature, he had accepted Kashikari without waiting for exam results, unable to refuse Dorum's request. However, his official placement would still depend on the entrance exam.
When the bell rang, the classroom broke into chaos. Some students ran out shouting, others continued discussing what they had learned in the previous magic lesson. A few remained quiet, reviewing their notes alone. Kashikari belonged to the third group.
He leaned against the wall, his bag resting in front of him, his eyes fixed on a single point within the crowd.
Jinwi's voice still echoed in his mind.
"Why are you hiding me, bearer? Why do you run from power?"
"Because this power isn't mine…" Kashikari whispered inwardly. "I'm just a… shell."
"You are my choice. I chose you. If your clan was destroyed… that is not your fault. You are the one who survived."
Those words seeped into him like poison. Because Jinwi's greatest curse was feeding on the emotions of its bearer. And every time Kashikari felt pain, Jinwi grew stronger.
After the break, the class gathered again. This time, an elderly man entered the room. He had long gray hair, slightly narrowed eyes, yet his gaze remained sharp. A black cloak rested on his shoulders.
"I am Instructor Gravis. Today, we will speak in depth about the true forms of magic."
The class fell silent instantly. Gravis snapped his fingers, and a magical map appeared on the board. The entire world—continents and centers of magic—was displayed.
"Magic is like the blood of this world. It flows, nourishes, and shapes. But not everyone uses the same kind of magic. As you have learned, there are four fundamental elements: Fire, Water, Nature, and Air. But these are only the beginning."
Some students murmured. Gravis smiled.
"Gravity magic, known as Granyus, alters pressure within a localized field, leaving your opponent vulnerable. It is rare and closely tied to mental strength."
A figure drawing black vortexes appeared on the board as he continued.
"Light magic, known simply as Light, shatters shadows. It includes blinding effects, high-speed attacks, and illusions. It is less rare, but difficult to master. Because its source lies in the clarity of the user's heart."
Then he drew two symbols on the board. One blue, one black.
"And… the Orbs. Ninhim and Jinwi. These are not magic. They are fragments torn from the core of existence itself."
A few students scoffed. "Orbs? Aren't those just old myths?"
Gravis continued seriously.
"The Orbs are beyond magic. They respond to will. Not everyone can wield them. Ninhim represents growth. Jinwi represents purification. Only certain bloodlines can carry them. Otherwise… the bearer is destroyed."
Kashikari lowered his head slightly. For a moment, Gravis's gaze rested on him.
"If there were a bearer in this class…" Gravis thought. "His eyes would look like that."
Toward the end of the lesson, Gravis allowed questions.
A girl raised her hand. "Have you ever seen someone with gravity magic?"
"Yes. I knew one. But he is no longer alive. Granyus magic destabilizes the user's mind quickly."
Another student asked about Light magic.
"Light is often favored by 'noble' families. But even under light, a dark heart can still be lost."
Then it was Kashikari's turn. He hadn't raised his hand, but Gravis pointed at him.
"You. Do you have a question?"
Kashikari lifted his gaze.
"Does magic make us more human… or does it take our humanity away?"
Silence.
"Some questions can only be answered by the one who asks them."
When the break began again, students were no longer hesitant. Everyone started revealing their surnames, openly talking about their magic types. Some even demonstrated their abilities.
Kashikari remained alone.
Jinwi spoke again.
"If you keep hiding yourself… then why are you alive?"
"Because I'm waiting. When the time comes… I won't speak. I'll show."
"But by then… you may no longer be yourself."
A black-blue ring flickered briefly in his right eye.
No one noticed.
But he did.
Chapter 6 – The Game Begins
Kashikari felt uneasy. He couldn't use Jinwi. Orb users would attract too much attention in this academy. Even if he used it, there was a risk of losing control. So he chose to demonstrate only a basic technique: Physical Enhancement.
The exam consisted of:
Decision-making under pressure Tactical thinking Reflexes Agility Magic ability
He scored nearly perfect in everything except magic.
On purpose.
His results placed him at Enchanter level.
Hundreds of students gathered in the grand courtyard.
The Student Council President stepped forward.
"Welcome to Arcanis Tempest.Here, you will shape not only your magic, but your character.Your past does not matter here—only what you become."
Kashikari listened.
Something shifted.
Slightly.
Class assignments were announced.
He entered.
Most students were nobles.
Arrogant.
Loud.
"Fifth Circle family."
"Elemental lineage."
He ignored all of it.