The mist clung stubbornly to Grey spire's cobblestone streets as Kevin Storm-heart adjusted the straps of his worn backpack. The towers of Stone leaf Academy rose ahead, their grey stones slick with dew, towering like ancient guardians. Despite the early hour, a soft murmur of students echoed through the courtyard. Some were laughing, others whispering. All eyes, Kevin suspected, were judging him.
He tightened his grip on the wooden practice sword strapped to his back. It was old, chipped, and hardly worthy of a noble heir—but it was all he had. This is it… the start of everything, Kevin thought, swallowing the knot in his stomach.
The name Storm-heart should have opened doors. It should have inspired awe. Instead, it felt like a target stamped on his back. His father's warnings echoed in his mind:
"The world is harsh, Kevin. Trust no one fully, and never show weakness."
First Clash
"Hey! Look who decided to show up!"
Kevin froze. A tall boy with broad shoulders and an expensive academy robe stepped into his path, smirking. Behind him, a small crowd of upperclassmen laughed, their voices sharp and cruel.
"I'm… Kevin," he said, voice trembling slightly.
The boy laughed. "Kevin Storm-heart, huh? Heard of your family. Too bad the name doesn't help you now. Ready to be humiliated?"
Kevin's hands twitched nervously. He wasn't strong. Not yet. But he had a stubborn spark in him—a streak his father had praised, even when his skills were weak. He drew his wooden practice sword, knees shaking.
The bully lunged recklessly. Kevin barely managed to raise his sword in time, blocking the first strike. The impact rattled through his arms. Pain shot through his shoulder. He stumbled, almost falling, but his feet found the ground.
The courtyard went silent. A small part of him—embarrassed and terrified—wanted to run. But another part… stubborn, unbroken, remembered his father's words: Never show weakness.
He swung clumsily, not aiming to hurt, only to buy space. The wooden swords clashed again. A scrape, a wobble, a stumble. It wasn't graceful. It wasn't impressive. But Kevin stood. And standing was the first victory of all.
From the balcony above, an older instructor leaned against the railing, arms crossed. Silver-streaked hair shimmered in the early sun, her eyes calculating as they studied Kevin.
Interesting… weak, clumsy, and yet persistent, she murmured. A dangerous combination.
Nearby, a noble girl whispered to her friend. "He's pathetic… but there's something strange about him. I want to see how far he'll go."
Kevin didn't notice either of them. He only felt the weight of the letter his father had left him, folded neatly in his bag:
"Your mother and sister… one day you will find them. But the world is harsh, and their world is harsher. Be careful."
He didn't know where they were. He didn't know their faces. And yet he felt a strange pull—a promise to himself that he would find them one day, no matter what it took.
First Impressions at the Academy
Stone leaf Academy was both majestic and intimidating. Grey towers stretched skyward, their windows reflecting the pale morning sun. Students moved with confidence, their uniforms neat, their swords polished. Kevin's robe was frayed, his shoes scuffed, his sword battered. Every glance reminded him of how far behind he truly was.
He wandered toward the training yard, trying not to draw attention. A group of students snickered. "The poor Storm heart heir," one muttered. "I can't wait to see him fall flat on his face."
Kevin clenched his fists, forcing himself to ignore them. One day… I'll show them. One day they'll all remember the name Storm-heart.
Lunchtime Solace
By noon, Kevin found a quiet corner in the cafeteria, his lunch simple bread packed by his father. As he ate, a voice spoke softly beside him:
"You're Kevin Storm-heart, right?"
He looked up. A petite girl with bright green eyes and sunlight-kissed hair smiled warmly. "I'm Lyra. Don't mind the others—they're cruel, but they don't understand people like you yet."
Kevin blinked. "Th-thanks…"
She chuckled. "I'll help you survive your first week. Maybe even longer."
Kevin's cheeks flushed. Maybe… this won't be so lonely after all, he thought.
After lunch, Kevin wandered to the edge of the courtyard. His fingers brushed the carved Storm-heart emblem on a stone wall. A strange tingle ran up his arm. Why does this feel… familiar?
The sensation was fleeting, almost imperceptible. Yet in that moment, Kevin felt a faint pull of power he didn't understand—a whisper of Thunder, dormant in his bloodline. And shadows seemed to twitch in the corners of his vision, subtle and teasing.
He shook his head. Just imagination… right?
But somewhere deep within him, both Thunder and Shadow waited, patient and coiled, waiting for the day Kevin Storm-heart would finally awaken them.
That evening, Kevin lay on his cot, staring at the ceiling of the dormitory. His arms ached, his pride stung, and his mind buzzed with thoughts of family he had never truly known, powers he had yet to discover, and rivals he had yet to face.
One day… one day I'll awaken the bloodline my father warned me about, he thought. And when I do… Stone leaf Academy won't forget my name. Kevin Storm-heart.
Outside, the wind whispered through the academy towers. Rumors of the weak first-year had already begun to spread. Kevin was nobody now—but every legend begins with a single step.
And this was his first.