The academy felt different when they returned.
News had already spread.
"A high-level beast…"
"Someone appeared in the forest…"
Students whispered everywhere.
But no one knew the full truth.
---
Leo walked into Class A like nothing happened.
Rin followed.
Ray dropped into his seat. "Yeah… we're definitely not normal students anymore."
Leo didn't reply.
He was thinking.
About the spell.
That cloaked figure.
"…Modified structure," he muttered.
---
The door opened.
The instructor entered.
Silence filled the room instantly.
---
"Today's lesson is canceled," he said.
Murmurs spread.
---
"Instead, we will discuss what happened."
---
Everyone straightened.
---
"The beast you encountered was not part of the test," he continued.
"It was forced into the area."
---
Students exchanged looks.
---
"And the figure you saw…"
A short pause.
"…is not a normal mage."
---
Rin's eyes narrowed.
"…Then what is he?"
---
The instructor looked at her.
"…Someone who changes magic."
---
Silence.
---
Leo looked up.
---
"…Like me," he said quietly.
---
The room froze.
---
The instructor didn't deny it.
"…Yes."
---
Whispers exploded.
---
"What does that mean?"
"He's the same as that guy?"
---
Rin stared at Leo.
Not shocked.
Not confused.
Just focused.
---
"…So you're not the only one," she said.
---
Leo nodded slightly.
"…Seems like it."
---
Ray leaned back. "Great. So now there's more of you."
---
The instructor raised his hand.
Silence returned.
---
"From today onward," he said, "your training will change."
---
His eyes locked onto Leo.
---
"…Especially yours."
---
A short pause.
---
"You will train separately."
---
Murmurs again.
---
Rin stepped forward slightly.
"…Why?"
---
"Because his ability is dangerous," the instructor replied.
---
Silence.
---
Leo didn't react.
---
"…Dangerous?" Ray said. "He literally saved us."
---
The instructor didn't argue.
"…Exactly."
---
That answer only made it more confusing.
---
Leo stood up.
"…When do I start?"
---
The instructor turned.
"…Now."
---
Rin's hand tightened slightly.
"…Wait."
---
Leo paused.
---
"…I'm coming too," she said.
---
The instructor shook his head.
"…No."
---
Rin frowned. "…Why not?"
---
"Because you're not ready," he said calmly.
---
That hit harder than any insult.
---
Rin didn't reply.
---
Leo looked at her for a second.
---
"…Focus on your control," he said.
---
Not harsh.
Not soft.
Just honest.
---
Rin clicked her tongue lightly.
"…Don't fall behind."
---
Leo almost smiled.
---
"…I won't."
---
He walked toward the door.
---
The instructor followed.
---
As the door closed—
The class remained silent.
---
Ray exhaled. "…This just got serious."
---
Rin looked at the empty doorway.
---
Her eyes sharper than ever.
---
"…Then I'll get stronger faster."
---
Because now—
It wasn't just about beating Leo.
---
It was about catching up—
Before he went too far ahead...