The two women locked eyes, the air between them crackling like a storm about to break. Their glares clashed like blades, sharp enough to silence the room.
The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing heartbeat. Disciples shrank back in their seats, teachers exchanged uneasy glances. One wrong word, one wrong move, and the classroom could turn into a battlefield.
But before the storm could break, a sudden chill swept the room. Frost crept across the desks, and in the blink of an eye, a thick sheet of ice sealed Maya and Katherine's hands where they pressed upon the table, locking them in place.
"That's enough," the words were calm, weathered, yet heavier than iron.
All eyes turned. Master Kunochi sat in his chair, eyes closed, both hands resting on the carved handle of his cane. He hadn't moved a step, yet the atmosphere shifted as though the world itself obeyed him.
Even Maya and Katherine froze—not from the ice, but from the weight of his presence.
"Maya. Katherine," Kunochi said evenly, opening his eyes at last. "This is a classroom, not a battlefield. Did I not once teach you both the three pillars of mastery—discipline, determination, delicacy? Tell me, did your teachers ever set the example of anger and ego you now display?"
The two women lowered their gazes, silence pressing down heavier than any scolding.
Kunochi rose, silver hair gleaming under the sunlight that cut through the windows, his robes flowing with quiet dignity. His cane tapped once against the floor, a sound that echoed like a final judgment.
He looked first to Maya.
"Maya, your fire is your strength. But if left untamed, it does not warm—it burns. Passion without patience leads only to ruin. Do not let your flame consume what you are meant to guide."
Then his eyes shifted to Katherine.
"And you, Katherine. Pride can steady the heart, but arrogance blinds even the wise. Do not sort disciples into higher and lower. They are all seeds—some bloom quickly, some bloom late, but all deserve soil and sun. Pride without compassion breeds only weeds of hatred."
Finally, his gaze swept between them both, and his tone softened yet deepened.
"You are no longer disciples—you are examples. What you do now becomes the lesson they will carry. If teachers bare fangs like rivals, what will your disciples learn—division, or unity? Show them balance. Show them strength without venom."
The room fell utterly still. Even Maya inclined her head, voice quiet.
"…Forgive me, Master."
Katherine's fists clenched at her sides, pride warring with shame. Yet under Kunochi's unyielding gaze, she too bowed.
"…Forgive me, Master."
Kunochi gave a single, calm nod. The ice melted away. The storm passed.
Shaun let out a long breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Then Kunochi walked to Shaun. A warm smile softened his aged face as he spoke,
"Young man, you remind me of myself in my younger days—timid, yet strong-willed, determined, and courageous. Forgive my former disciples, Maya and Katherine. Their convictions often make them… intense. But you are different. I can sense a steady fire and a warm heart within you. It would be my honour to teach someone who dares to dream of challenging the three mighty Supreme Mages."
He winked playfully, and for a moment, Shaun felt as though he wasn't speaking to a teacher but to his own grandfather. Kunochi rested his hand gently on Shaun's head, then his shoulder.
"Now, young man—finish your introduction."
Shaun straightened, the weight of doubt lifting from his chest. With renewed resolve, he addressed the class.
"I live with my family in Nuzzle Village. My ancestors were farmers, so I will be the first of my bloodline to walk the path of a magus. I will give everything I have, and I ask for my teachers' guidance," He drew a deep breath, his eyes steady.
"My dream is to challenge the three Supreme Mages and become the World's Strongest Magus. But I now have another dream—to change this unjust system of discrimination. I will create a world where both nobles and commoners can learn, grow, and live together as equals. I hope we can walk this path together… and become friends. Thank you," His voice grew firm, yet humble.
A hush fell over the room, then the commoner-born disciples erupted in cheers, their hearts reignited. The nobles, however, sat stiff, their pride pricked, though many still joined the applause. Even Katherine, after a tense pause, was forced to clap along, her smile bitter.
The teachers exchanged glances. Maya's eyes softened, while Sakura leaned toward her and whispered,
"A world where nobles and commoners are equal… do those words not sound familiar, Lady Maya?"
"Yes. He reminds me of Noelle. Just as unyielding, just as bright. It seems we have found the heir to her dreams," Maya's lips curved into a knowing smile.
Both women looked at Shaun with quiet pride, while Katherine muttered under her breath, her gaze filled with disdain.
After finishing his introduction, Shaun bowed respectfully to his classmates and teachers before returning to his seat. The next disciple rose to introduce himself, but before Shaun could even settle, Natasha grabbed his arm and leaned close, her eyes shining.
"Wow, Shaun! That was the best introduction I've ever heard. I never thought you'd pull that off—but you did. That's the Shaun I've known since childhood. You're the hero of the day."
Before he could respond, she planted a quick, warm kiss on his cheek. Shaun froze, blushing furiously, then scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"Y-Yeah… I guess so…"
From across the row, Sabastian smiled faintly at the scene, but his expression was troubled. His thoughts weighed heavy:
That was a brave introduction, Shaun. Thank you for standing up for us commoners… You really are courageous. But… I can't do the same. Not like you. With your words, you've drawn countless vicious eyes to yourself. I know what comes after—mockery, scorn, bullying. I've lived it all my life because of my fisherman's blood.
I don't want to endure that pain again. I just want a steady path, a quiet chance to grow strong in peace. So forgive me, Shaun, Natasha… but I must keep my distance. I'll chase my own dreams, even if it means walking another road.
Sabastian lowered his gaze, clenching his fists beneath the desk. Around them, applause still lingered, but beneath it, the seeds of division had already been sown.
After all the disciples had finished their introductions, Maya rose from her seat and stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the young faces before her.
"Good introductions, everyone. I could hear your determination in your words and see the confidence in your eyes. You've set great goals for yourselves—now hold onto that determination, not just today but for every day you walk these halls. I have high hopes for you."
"And remember this—your worth is not decided by your ancestors or the family name you carry. Many of the greatest legends of this region began with nothing but through effort, resilience, and will, they carved their names into history. Let your actions prove your worth to the world," Her tone deepened, carrying weight.
The class sat in silence, her words searing into their hearts. Then Maya's expression softened.
"Now, since the introductions are complete, you are free to take a tour of the academy and start making friends. Explore every corner—make this place your second home. Tomorrow, lectures will begin at 9 a.m. sharp and continue until 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays will be your rest days. At last, I will just say these things: Train hard, defy the impossible, and let your actions speak for you. Class dismissed."
With that, Lady Maya ended the session. The teachers began to file out one by one, their robes brushing softly against the stone floor. Once they were gone, chatter quickly filled the room, the tension of earlier forgotten.
"Come on, guys! While we're here, let's not waste time. Let's explore the academy and see just how big and beautiful it really is!" Natasha said brightly, grabbing Shaun's hand and tugging him toward the door.
Shaun blinked at her sudden enthusiasm, but a small smile tugged at his lips. Sabastian followed close behind, and together the three stepped out, ready to discover the vast world waiting for them within the walls of Silver Heaven Academy.
"And so, with hearts burning in different directions—some with pride, some with hope, and some with doubt—the new disciples of Silver Heaven Academy took their first steps into a journey that would change their lives forever."
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