"I'm a wizard," Jung replied. "Most of the time, that power belonged to my father. Now… I carry it."
"Oh," Tai said simply.
Kacey's eyes lit up.
"Now that's interesting."
Jung looked at Tai closely.
"Do you sense anything?"
Tai blinked.
"Sense what?"
"Mana," Jung said.
Tai frowned.
"Mana? What's that?"
Jung raised an eyebrow.
"You ask me what kind of magician I am, and you don't even know what mana is?"
He smirked.
"That's funny."
"Oh… I don't really know much about this," Tai admitted. "But I've seen a lot of magician stuff. So… what exactly is mana?"
Jung crossed his arms.
"It's the body's energy source," he explained. "When someone has a high amount of energy, we call it mana."
He glanced at Tai.
"Right now, your body has almost zero."
Tai blinked.
"Zero?"
Jung gestured around the room.
"But this place is filled with mana. It's everywhere, surrounding us."
He continued calmly,
"How much mana someone has depends on their body—how it's designed. Some are born to hold it. Some aren't."
"So… tell me," Tai asked, "how much mana do you have?"
Jung shrugged.
"As I said, it depends on the individual."
He stood up.
"Anyway, we're wasting time here. We should go and sleep."
Tai blinked.
"Sleep? Already?"
He made a funny, confused face.
"It got night so fast."
Jung paused.
"But where would we sleep?"
Tai nodded.
"You're right…"
Kacey looked around and pointed.
"I think we can sleep there."
Jung narrowed his eyes.
"Will they allow that?"
Just then, a waiter approached them with a gentle smile.
"I can help you. You all look exhausted. Come with me."
"Oh, really?" Tai said, brightening up.
Jung hesitated.
"…I have my doubts."
Tai laughed and patted Jung on the shoulder.
"Come on. He's a good man."
The three of them followed the waiter down the hall.
Tai looked around as they walked.
"Hey, waiter… what is this place? Sometimes it feels really weird."
The waiter smiled softly.
"It's a good place—if you experience it yourself, young man. And the challenges you'll face here will be… different."
Jung's eyes sharpened.
"Tell me something. Are you a waiter… or a traitor?"
The man chuckled.
"That's a very nice question. I'm simply a guide here."
Jung nodded slowly.
"I see. Then I suppose we can trust you."
They continued walking.
Tai suddenly spoke up.
"By the way… do you know where that Sacha guy is? I haven't seen him in like four hours. Is he… something?"
"Oh," the waiter replied, "he's the right hand of Kamjio."
Tai blinked.
"Kamjio? Who's that?"
The waiter glanced ahead.
"You don't know? He's the leader of this academy."
"Oh…" Tai muttered.
They stepped outside—the magic academy was vast, stretching endlessly. As Tai moved forward, his eyes drifted upward.
On a distant tower, two figures in black coats stood floating in the air.
One spoke quietly.
"My lord, what should we do about that boy?"
The other replied coldly.
"Nothing."
smile forming.
"Soon… you will lose that power, Blue Beast azure "
He smiled.
From the shadows, another voice appeared.
"So… you've come, Konsoon."
Sacha stepped forward, smiling calmly.
Konsoon returned the smile—but said nothing.
The screen faded to black.
Konsoon smiled faintly.
"This game… is going to be fun."
Jung suddenly slowed his steps and looked back.
There was no one.
"Tai," Jung said quietly.
"Huh? What happened?" Tai asked.
"…Nothing," Jung replied after a pause.
They kept walking.
"How long will it take?" Jung asked. "We've been walking for hours."
The waiter smiled. "Hmm… that depends."
He stopped.
"Here we are. Your residence."
Tai blinked.
"…This is a house?"
Before them stood a massive mansion, towering and elegant.
Tai's jaw dropped. "This is a mansion!"
Jung crossed his arms. "Hmm. Does everyone get something like this?"
"Yes, gentlemen," the waiter said calmly.
Tai's eyes sparkled.
"Wow!"
He rushed to the bed, grabbed a pillow, and jumped onto it.
"Lan! Look at this!" he laughed.
"Tai—!" Jung said sharply. "We shouldn't do that."
Tai waved him off. "You just don't know how to enjoy things. Admit it."
The waiter chuckled. "You're funny."
He turned toward the door. "If you need anything, press that button."
With that, he left.
The door closed.
Jung's expression darkened.
"…Did you notice?" he said quietly.
"Notice what?" Tai asked.
"He didn't laugh at first. But just now—he did."
Jung narrowed his eyes. "Something about him is strange."
Tai laughed lightly.
"You two are thinking too much. After all, this is a magic academy."
Jung frowned. "Don't say that if something bad happens."
"Nah, nah," Tai said playfully. "Everything will be fine. I'm exhausted anyway. Can I sleep?"
Soon, all of them fell asleep.
Hours later—
The walls began to soften.
The floor turned heavy, sticky—clay.
They were sinking.
"Hey! Wake up!" Tai shouted. "What's happening?!"
Jung jolted up. "Sit tight."
He drew his blade and slashed. The clay split apart.
"It's too sticky," Tai said, struggling.
Jung cut again, freeing them, and they rushed outside.
Tai looked up at the sky. "How did afternoon turn into night so fast?"
"It's a trick," Jung said coldly. "Most likely the servant… the waiter."
A voice echoed.
"You're right."
The waiter appeared, smiling.
"I'm here to bury the three of you—with my clay."
The clay around him pulsed and bounced like living spheres.
Jung narrowed his eyes. "As I expected… a clay‑art user."
The waiter laughed. "Correct. But sadly, you'll die here—like many others."
He hurled a clay mass.
BOOM.
It exploded, clay flying everywhere.
Tai stepped forward, gripping his sword.
"I thought you were good… but you're just like the people I met in my childhood."
"Tai—don't!" Jung shouted. "If you rush in without a plan, you'll get us both killed!"
voice echoed from above.
"…Quite impressive."
Sachan stood silently on a tree branch, watching.
Jung glanced around, eyes sharp—but saw no one.
"What is it?" Tai asked.
"…You don't feel that?" Jung said. "Like someone's watching us?"
Tai shrugged. "Who? That clay guy? We already killed him. I don't see anyone. You're probably hallucinating."
Jung smirked. "Relax. I'm joking, you idiot."
Tai scowled playfully.
"Hey! Don't call me that!"
He turned to his sister. "Are you okay, Lan?"
"I'm fine," she replied calmly.
Tai glanced around. "It's already afternoon… we should move on."
The three of them continued walking through the academy.
Ahead, Sachan was standing in front of a wall, striking a formal pose.
"Congratulations, you three," he said. "You've passed this stage. Are you all okay?"
Tai nodded quickly. "Yeah, we're fine."
"glad to hear," Sachan said with a small smile.
Sachan frowned slightly.
"Did something go wrong? I designed that trial to be easy for you. There were supposed to be three opponents, right?"
Tai stared at him.
"Easy? What are you even talking about? There was only one—and he was trying to kill us!"
Sachan's eyes widened.
"…What?"
"I didn't set anything like that," he said quickly.
Jung crossed his arms. "Then someone else interfered."
Sachan exhaled slowly. "Yes… you're probably right."
He straightened himself. "Anyway, for now, you should head to the academy hall. The selection ceremony is about to begin."
He gestured, and academy uniforms appeared.
"One more thing," Sachan added. "Wear these."
Kacey received the female academy uniform, neatly tailored.
Tai and Jung were given long blue coats with gold lining, matching the academy's formal style.
Tai looked down at himself, eyes shining.
"…Wow. This actually looks awesome on me
Tai and the others walked away, Sachan remained behind.
A faint smile crept across his face.
"…Fools," he murmured.
"They don't even know—I was the one who altered the trial."
Tai leaned closer to Jung as they walked.
"Hey… do you think we can really trust that Sachan guy?"
Jung nodded calmly. "Yeah. You should. He's the co-leader of this academy."
Tai relaxed. "Oh… then I guess it's fine."
Ahead of them—
Sachan suddenly rushed forward, throwing open massive doors.
Light poured out, blinding and grand.
"Welcome," Sachan announced loudly,
"to the Selection — Second Stage."
Candidates talked among themselves—some confident, some nervous, some already boasting about their power.
Tai looked around, eyes wide.
"…Wow," he muttered.
He stared at the massive space before him—the arena, vast and overwhelming.
"So this is where it starts… the arena?"
His heart raced—not from fear, but excitement.
This was real now.
Tai pointed ahead excitedly.
"Hey, mister! You'll be my challenger, right?"
The man scoffed. "Get off me, you brat!"
Tai frowned. "Hey—that's rude."
Then he tilted his head, grinning. "But wow… you look strong."
Lan tugged gently at his sleeve.
"Brother… where can I rest?"
"Oh—wait a second," Tai said quickly.
He turned toward Sachan. "Hey, Sachan, can you help her?"
Sachan smiled warmly. "Of course."
He stepped forward and gently guided Lan away. "I'll take care of her."
Tai watched them go, relieved.
Tai grinned widely.
"Hey, Jung—tell me something. If you get selected, will you stay here?"
Jung glanced at him. "Depends. Actually… I want something."
Tai blinked. "Weirdo."
Jung smirked and pointed at Tai's face.
"That would be you, with that expression. Mr. Weirdo."
Tai crossed his arms.
"That would be you."
Jung scoffed. "I'm only here because I need to be. Otherwise, I wouldn't care about a loser like you."
Tai laughed. "Hey—don't say that again!"
He stepped closer, mock-fighting. "Wanna go right now?"
They bumped shoulders, arguing like idiots.
Suddenly—
"HEY!"
A scream echoed across the arena.
"You don't belong here!"
Tai and Jung stopped instantly.
They turned.
A huge guy was standing over a thin, nervous-looking boy, shoving him back.
"Get lost," the big guy snarled.
Tai's smile vanished.
Jung's eyes narrowed.
The big guy lifted his fist, ready to punch the glass guy.
"What do you think you're doing?" Tai snapped.
The big guy laughed and turned toward him.
"And who are you supposed to be?"
He glanced back at the glass guy with a sneer.
"Your friend? You really hang around weak trash like him?"
Tai stepped forward.
"I'm giving you one last warning."
Jung moved beside him.
"I'm warning you too," he said calmly. "We shouldn't fight here."
Flames ignited in Jung's hand.
The big guy clicked his tongue.
"Tch."
He shoved the glass guy aside.
"This time, you got saved."
Then he turned his back. "I'm leaving."
He glanced over his shoulder once more before walking away.
Outside the arena, the big guy leaned casually against a wall.
"Well done, master," he said quietly.
His body shimmered.
The rough, bulky form dissolved—his appearance shifting, warping.
In its place stood Fuko , one of Konsoon's servants.
The glass-goggles guy lay on the ground, then slowly pushed himself up, half-sitting.
"Hey—are you okay?" Tai asked.
"Yeah," the guy replied. "I'm fine."
Tai nodded. "Good to hear. By the way… who are you?"
He gestured around. "We're new here. Kind of a team."
Jung added casually, "More or less. Anyway—who are you?"
The glass-goggles guy smiled gently, eyes closing for a moment.
"My name is… Kon."
"Kon?" Tai repeated. "Nice name."
Kon shook his head lightly. "I don't really have a name. That's just what I was given."
"Oh," Tai said, then smiled. "Well, my name's Tai Yang."
He pointed to the others.
"That's Jung Wong. And her name is Kacey."
Kon opened his eyes again, still wearing that quiet smile.
Kon adjusted the glass goggles resting on his face.
"…Nice name," he said softly.
Tai tilted his head. "By the way—how old are you?"
"Eighteen," Kon replied.
"Oh," Tai said, surprised. "I'm fourteen."
"Same," Jung added.
"Me too," Kacey said.
Kon gave a small smile.
"…I see."
He hesitated, then spoke again.
"Because of my condition… I was rejected by the magic academy twice."
Tai blinked. "Oh… that's rough."
Kon looked down.
"I'm weak," he said quietly. "I can't even perform magic at all."
For a moment, the noise of the arena felt far away.
Kon adjusted his glass goggles.
"Oh… I guess the magic selection has to happen."
Kamjio appeared on the stage, calm and regal.
"Dear people, dear students," he began. "This Magic Castle Academy was one of my great father's creations. From that time, I have trained many magicians and tested them. I hope you are ready to face the second stage. But for now… choose your teams, gentlemen."
Tai's eyes sparkled. "This is gonna be fun, gramps Kamjio!"
Kamjio smiled at everyone. "Good luck," he said, then vanished as mysteriously as he had appeared.
Tai grinned. "Wow… he's an amazing guy. I hope I can challenge him someday."
Jung shook his head. "Don't be a fool. He's not someone who loses easily, Tai."
Tai turned to him with a mischievous grin. "Guess who's saying that, huh?"
Scene shifted.
Sachan stood in a quiet room, watching over the kids.
"Okay," he said gently. "You can sit here with my sister and the other children, Lan. I don't have a problem with you… but I can't guarantee your brother will survive."
He gave a calm, unsettling smile. "But don't worry. You'll be okay."
Sachan chuckled lightly. "This battle is going to be fun."
Scene shifted.
Tai looked at the group. "Hey… so we're going to be a team, right?"
Jung raised an eyebrow.
Kacey shrugged. "I've got no problem with that since we already know each other. But for now… otherwise, I don't really care."
Tai grinned. "Alright, sounds good."
Then he looked at Kon. "What about you? Don't you have a team?"
Kon shook his head. "No… nobody has made me their friend, and honestly, I don't like talking much."
Tai's smile widened. "Well, you can join us!"
Jung frowned. "Wait… we can't have four people on one team."
Tai waved it off. "So… we'll just let him be with us, like this."
Jung hesitated. "I don't know… the rules say we can't. You wanna get disqualified?"
A familiar voice echoed from behind them.
"No, it's fine," said Sachan, appearing with a calm smile.
Sachan smiled calmly. "It's possible. According to the rules, you're allowed to have a backup member—so having four doesn't break anything."
Tai's eyes lit up. "Sachan!"
Sachan chuckled. "Even better, having him on your team could be good for all of you. But only if the three of you have no problem with it."
Tai pumped his fist. "I'm fine with it!"
Jung shrugged. "Okay… for now."
Kacey nodded. "I'm fine too. No problem."
Sachan nodded in approval. "Alright then. It's settled."
Tai bounced in excitement. "All-rightth!"
Everyone suddenly felt a tug, and in the blink of an eye, they were teleported to a strange land—a vast island surrounded by sparkling water.
Tai's eyes widened. "Wow… where are we?"
Jung rolled his eyes. "In the second test, obviously, silly."
Kacey glanced around, frowning. "Wow… now my makeup is going to get ruined."
Tai looked at her, amused. "Seriously?"
Kon, adjusting his glasses, scanned the surroundings. "This place… I'm very familiar with it."
Tai perked up. "Oh? Really?"
Kon nodded. "We should head this way, but stay alert. There are many teratas here."
Tai tilted his head. "Teratas?"
Jung grinned. "Those are some of the monsters that live in the forest here. Huge things, very dangerous."
Tai whistled. "Oh… is that so?"
Kon's expression remained calm. "Yes. Move carefully."
Kon see the area. "Where's Kacey gone?"
Tai's eyes widened. "Yeah! Where did that girl go? She was just here!"
Jung frowned. "Wait… she was here, right?"
Suddenly, a massive Terata tree monster loomed, gripping Kacey high in its branches.
Kacey shouted, "Hey! I'm over here!"
Tai's jaw dropped. "How did you even get there, you moron?"
Kacey shrugged. "How do I know?!"
Jung held up his hands. "Wait a sec… Tai, Kon, can you help me?"
Kon shook his head. "I don't have any magic. I can only use my sword."
Tai grinned. "It's okay. We can still handle this."
Jung exhaled. "Guess I have no options left…"
Tai leapt forward and slashed the tree's leaves with his sword, but they were thick and tough. Kon charged in, barely scratching the monster with his strikes.
The tree swung a massive branch at Konsoon.
Jung acted fast. "Here you go!" He unleashed a burst of fire, scorching the tree and weakening its grip.
Tai moved quickly, slicing again. The Terata finally recoiled.
Kacey landed safely on the ground, wiping her hands. "That… was a relief."
Tai wagged his finger at her. "Next time, you should be more careful."
Kacey grinned sheepishly. "Trust me, I didn't see that coming either."
Tai turned to Jung. "I really have to say… that was dangerously close."
Jung scanned the area. "Where could there be more?"
Tai looked at Kon. "Are you okay?"
Kon nodded. "Yeah… I'm fine. But like I said… I'm not really good enough for this
Tai shook his head.
"Don't say that. I'm new too. I'm not that good either."
He smiled softly.
"And even old man Luang Pho used to say—never give up on your dreams, no matter what."
Kon looked up. "Luang Pho…? Who is that?"
Tai replied, "A priest. I remember him. He could make demons vanish—seal them away and stuff."
Jung's eyes narrowed. "You mean… sealing magic?"
Tai nodded. "Yeah. Something like that."
Kon went quiet for a moment. Then he spoke, his voice low.
"I see… I lost my family the moment I was born. People hated me because of it. I was never great at anything. In the end, my own villagers chased me out."
Tai's expression changed. "That's… really sad. I've never seen people act that cruel."
Kon looked away. "You wouldn't understand. You can't know what it's like to go through that."
Tai paused, then said softly, "Maybe not exactly… but kind of."
He stepped closer and extended his hand.
"Come on."
Kon hesitated—then took it.
Tai pulled him up.
For the first time, Konsoon felt something unfamiliar.
Not power.
Not fear.
…but warmth.
Jung suddenly raised his hand.
"Stop. All of you—stay there. Don't make a sound."
The ground trembled.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the forest as massive Teratas moved nearby, their bodies shaking the land itself.
Tai swallowed. "Woah… that was close."
Jung glared at him.
"If you don't want to die, follow my orders."
Tai frowned. "Since when did you become the leader?"
Jung didn't even look back.
"Listen. If we lose here, it won't just be defeat. We don't even know what happens next."
Tai paused… then nodded. "Alright."
They moved carefully—slow, silent—until a large house appeared in the distance.
Jung stopped again.
"Don't trust it. It's definitely an illusion."
Tai blinked. "You think so?"
Jung replied coldly, "After what that waiter did? Yeah. Don't fall for it."
Tai looked around. "Hey Jung… you think other teams are here too?"
Jung nodded.
"They are. And eventually, they'll fight us."
Tai's eyes lit up. "Wow. That sounds fun."
Jung turned sharply. "Fun? Are you serious?"
He continued, voice low and tense.
"Some of them are skilled swordsmen. Others are powerful magicians. This isn't a game."
Kon finally spoke.
"…You're right."
They both looked at him.
"There's a man here," Kon said quietly. "His name is Akhos. I've seen him before."
Jung stiffened. "Akhos…? He's here?"
Kon nodded.
"He's powerful. Last year, my entire team was wiped out by him. I was the only one who escaped."
Jung clenched his fist.
"Then we should do the same. Avoid him."
Tai shook his head. "No."
They both looked at him.
"He's the same as us," Tai said firmly. "If we try our best, we can beat him."
Jung's expression darkened.
"You don't understand."
He turned to Tai and spoke slowly.
"Akhos is out of our league. He's known as the Blade Eater."
Jung swallowed.
"His sword has slaughtered millions."
Silence fell.
The forest seemed to breathe.
Kon spoke quietly, eyes scanning the forest.
"We should stay alert."
Tai nodded. "Yeah… but what do we do about that house?"
Jung's gaze stayed fixed ahead.
"As I said before—it's most likely another trick. Just like the waiter's illusion."
Suddenly—
A cold breath brushed Jung's ear.
A voice whispered from right behind him.
"Well… well… did you miss me?"
Jung's eyes widened.
"What—?"
calm voice echoed through the trees.
"Well then… gentlemen. Here I am."
Jung's eyes widened.
"…It can't be."
Before anyone could react—
BOOM.
The ground exploded.
Black screen