The second day at Astra Academy began with Kael Phong, Draven Longfang, and Lania Snowveil receiving their official uniforms. Intricately crafted and tailored with remarkable precision, each uniform bore the distinct emblem of the student's chosen discipline. The sight of it filled them with anticipation and a hint of pride.
The first lesson of the day was "Principles of Magic." There, Kael discovered something that gave him a bit of relief: in this world, not everyone could form contracts with beasts.
Those unable to forge contracts trained in three alternative paths:
Warriors, who fought using pure physical strength
Assassins, agile and deadly, masters of stealth and speed
Mages, who cast spells directly using mana rather than summoning beasts
Even without contracted beasts, these individuals possessed powerful mana and remarkable physical prowess.
If I can't make a contract like the others, Kael thought, then at least I need to be able to defend myself. Maybe swordsmanship and a bit of magic will come in handy one day.
After class, Kael and Draven, stomachs growling, wandered toward the outdoor dining hall in search of food. But just as they arrived, a group of aristocratic students blocked their path.
The one leading them was a smug, well-groomed boy with golden hair slicked back and an ever-present smirk. He introduced himself as Tun, a descendant of one of Astra's most prestigious noble houses.
"Oh? Two beggars?" he sneered. "One looks like a noodle, the other from some lowly tribe? This academy's really gone downhill."
Draven clenched his fists but stayed silent. Kael, however, narrowed his eyes, voice cool and sharp:
"Those born in swamps only recognize the stench. Don't try sniffing flowers, you might choke and die."
The insult sliced through Tun's pride like a blade. His expression darkened. A boy so used to unchallenged dominance now stood stunned by a so-called "beggar's" calm defiance. His eyes gleamed with restrained hatred before he turned away, but the message in his glare was clear: This isn't over.
That afternoon, Kael and Draven met up with Lania at the library near the girls' dormitory. After some light chatter, the three decided to explore the northeastern forest just beyond the academy walls, a place rumored to contain ancient ruins and wild mana.
None of them realized that every step they took was being quietly watched.
By the time the sun dipped low, casting golden light through the trees, they reached the forest's edge. That's when five students, also in Astra uniforms, stepped out and blocked their path.
At their center was Tun. Leaning casually against a tree, his expression was one of smug cruelty.
"Out for a stroll and didn't invite us? That's not very polite, especially when the beautiful elf lady here could be in better company than a bunch of beggars."
Lania stepped forward, her voice ice-cold:
"I'd rather walk with rats than scum like you."
Tun's face twisted with rage. Without a word, he raised his hand.
"Lightning Fall"
A bolt of searing lightning struck down, exploding into the ground and leaving behind a smoldering crater.
Luckily, the trio reacted quickly and avoided the blast.
"Are you trying to kill us?!" Kael shouted in disbelief.
Tun shrugged
"So what if I am?"
He then ordered his lackeys to summon their beasts:
Shadowfang Panther – Common Tier: A swift beast capable of creating three mirror-like clones to attack from multiple angles using its skill Phantom Pounce
Thunderhorn Behemoth – Rare Tier: A massive creature nearly three meters tall, with a horn crackling with electric charge. Its skill Shock Surge releases waves of electricity to paralyze its foes
Kael's face went pale. Longlong, his summoned beast, was nowhere to be found. Vanished. And without Longlong, Kael truly was powerless.
Both Lania and Draven also noticed something was wrong
They couldn't feel their mana.
They had entered a zone of silence. A magic-sealing barrier.
"You're inside a null-field," came a shaky voice.
Behind the enemy group stood a frail-looking boy with glasses, his hands forming seals. Sweat trickled down his temples.
Kael quickly realized the boy was the one maintaining the anti-magic field. But his expression wasn't smug, it was fearful. Was he being forced?
Draven drew his Soul-Sever Blade and charged at the caster, but three of Tun's henchmen leapt forward to block him.
The ground trembled as Thunderhorn Behemoth stomped, electricity crackling in its crimson eyes. Mana visibly gathered at its horn, threatening to explode.
Meanwhile, Shadowfang Panther moved like smoke, weaving illusions that danced around Draven. It leapt first.
The three clones struck from all angles, claws slicing the air with eerie screeches.
"Swish...*"
Draven ducked low, sliding beneath the first strike, then spun like a storm. His blade gleamed under a flash of lightning.
A howl of pain rang out, he had slashed into the panther's left eye.
"You bastard" the beast's summoner roared.
Draven ignored the clones, stepping sideways toward the injured side of the panther. In a flash, he vanished from sight, only to reappear at the beast's flank.
One clean strike from shoulder to belly.
"BOOM!!!.."
The Shadowfang Panther was cleaved in two. Black blood sprayed in all directions. Its clones vanished with it.
For a moment, the forest fell silent.
Tun stood stunned.
"They're the ones who defeated the Lost Frost Dragon" one of his men screamed in panic.
Draven didn't wait. He lunged toward Thunderhorn Behemoth, but the giant was ready. Its horn lit up, firing a massive lightning bolt.
"BOOM..!!!"
The earth exploded. Draven was sent flying, crashing hard against a tree. He immediately stood up again, defiant, but blood trickled from his lips.
From afar, Tun sneered, raising his hand once more.
"Again"
This time, the attack came from two directions
Thunderhorn Behemoth stomped, creating shockwaves that unbalanced Draven, while electricity built up above his head.
"DRAVEN" Kael screamed, charging forward.
Too slow.
Draven braced himself, blade raised, but the electric force struck him head-on. His muscles seized, legs buckled.
The beast bared its fangs. White lightning gathered at its maw.
"DIE" Tun roared.
And then
WHOOSH
A breeze sliced through the tension
Silent. Invisible.
No one saw it coming. No one even knew what it was.
Leaves spun in the air. Dust swirled. The pressure changed.
Then came the sound
SLASH
Dozens of razor-thin cuts appeared across Thunderhorn Behemoth's massive body. Like silk threads pulled taut and suddenly severed, they split open all at once.
"BOOM.!!"
The creature wailed in agony before collapsing, torn apart from the inside.
In the swirling smoke stood a shadowy figure, cloak fluttering in the wind. A sword already sheathed. Only half his face visible.
He whispered
"Residual Wind Slash"
The magic barrier shattered instantly as the caster dropped the seal, hands trembling. Mana rushed back like a tidal wave.
Tun and his gang stood frozen.
Then Tun screamed
"Retreat! Now! Remember this, you trash! This isn't over!"
They fled, their pride shattered, fear thick in the air.
The mysterious figure disappeared with the wind.
The three friends stood silent, still shaken.
Kael exhaled slowly
"That's enough for one day. Let's go home"
[End of Chapter 10]
Next Chapter 11: The Invisible Blade in the Wind