All my comrades are obsessed with me?

Zani and Farah stand side by side, their eyes betraying both tension and determination. Across from them, Myreni stands calmly, her sword resting lightly in her right hand while her left glimmers with faintly glowing Mana circles

"I want to see how well you two can work together" Myreni says, her voice low and commanding "Don't think this will be easy. Attack with everything you've got"

Zani doesn't wait for another word. She charges forward, her sword engulfed in radiant Mana, delivering a powerful strike toward Myreni

Clang!

With a simple movement, Myreni raises her sword and effortlessly deflects the attack. In a flash, she counters, forcing Zani to retreat

Farah seizes the opportunity. She swiftly draws a Mana circle in the air, conjuring a blazing stream of fire that hurtles toward Myreni

But Myreni only smirks. She lifts her left hand, summoning a water Mana circle that extinguishes the flames before they can reach her

"Coordinate better" Myreni says, her sharp gaze fixed on her two students

Zani and Farah exchange glances, silently agreeing they need a different approach

Zani charges again, this time unleashing a flurry of rapid slashes. Her blade not only targets Myreni but also sends out Mana shockwaves, forcing Myreni to step back

"Now!" Zani shouts

Farah quickly draws another circle, this one combining wind and water. A small, razor-sharp vortex spirals toward Myreni

But just as the two think they've cornered her, Myreni infuses her blade with Mana and swings it with precision, shattering the vortex and sending Zani tumbling backward

Without missing a beat, Myreni draws a complex Mana circle in the air. Beneath Zani and Farah's feet, the ground trembles as Mana-formed pillars of stone erupt, forcing them to leap aside

Zani grits her teeth and rushes forward again, this time zigzagging to throw off Myreni's focus. Meanwhile, Farah stands back, concentrating as she crafts a larger, brighter Mana circle

A massive fireball, infused with wind, surges toward Myreni with explosive force.

Myreni's eyes glint with a hint of challenge. She drives her sword into the ground, channeling Mana into it. A towering Mana barrier materializes, absorbing the fireball before it can detonate

Zani uses the moment to close the distance, delivering a decisive slash aimed at Myreni's shoulder. But with a graceful sidestep, Myreni dodges the attack effortlessly

In one fluid motion, she spins around, kicking Zani away, then traps Farah in a swirling wind created from her Mana circle, forcing both to halt their attacks

"You've done well" Myreni says, stepping forward, her gaze sharp as a blade

Farah gasps for breath, sweat glistening on her forehead. Zani grips her sword tightly, but deep down, she knows they've lost

Then, Myreni's figure starts to fade, dissolving into thin air. Kaiser, watching from the sidelines, stares in shock

"Wait… from the start, it was just…" Kaiser stammers

A familiar voice speaks beside him "I wasn't even there" Myreni says, her tone regal yet tinged with amusement

He turns to see her sitting casually next to him, resting her head on her hand

"They were fighting nothing more than an illusion of mine" she explains with a sly smile. "So, did you notice the difference between my illusions and Farah's?"

"That's so unfair" Kaiser grumbles

"Aspect abilities are always like that. That's why they're so coveted" Myreni replies

"Well, I hope my Aspect turns out to be just as powerful" Kaiser says

"That's what we'll find out before you join the academy" Myreni states, standing up with her usual composed elegance.

She turns to the others and calls out, her tone lightening "Clean yourselves up. I'll go prepare dinner!"

—

Time flows by peacefully as Kaiser and those around him share quiet, happy days. A year later, Farah and Zani officially join the Vesillian academy, devoting most of their time to honing their skills and advancing their talents. The years pass quickly, and before they know it, three years have gone by. Farah and Zani graduate from the academy the same year Kaiser turns 14

During this time, Farah and Zani often return home for the winter holidays and New Year's celebrations. These reunions are filled with laughter, joy, and their animated stories about life at the academy. Yet, most of Kaiser's time is spent at home with Myreni. Under her patient guidance, he steadily begins to unravel the mysteries of his Aspect

Now, at 14, Kaiser has transformed. He has matured not just in character but also in appearance. A pair of slim, round glasses now often rests on his face, adding a sharp, intelligent air to his demeanor. His sharp eyes, partially hidden behind the lenses, radiate confidence and resolve, leaving those around him in awe of his striking evolution.

On the day of Farah and Zani's graduation return, Myreni pulls them aside for a private conversation. The subject of their conversation was something Kaiser was aware of - What Myreni's been doing. Though curiosity burns inside him, Kaiser chooses not to interfere, trusting that Myreni has her reasons for keeping him in the dark

During their discussion, Farah and Zani are informed about Kaiser's current mastery of Mana.

"Kaiser... how did you even reach this level?!" Zani exclaims, her voice tinged with disbelief

"This is... This level of Mana control is something even the best in the academy struggle to achieve!" Farah adds, her eyes filled with admiration

Kaiser responds with a faint smile. "It's just a result of consistent practice. Although, I owe a lot to Myreni for guiding me these past years"

Myreni, standing nearby, offers a satisfied smile but says nothing. She knows that Kaiser's potential extends far beyond what they've witnessed so far

Later that afternoon, as everyone gathers around the dining table, Farah turns to Kaiser, her curiosity piqued

"Next year, you'll be enrolling in Vesillian Academy with Amelia, right?" she asks

Kaiser nods "That's right. We'll both be turning 15 next year"

Farah grins, her smile playful yet sincere "With your abilities, I'm sure you're going to be famous there. Not just in the academy but probably across the entire empire"

Kaiser shrugs, a faint smirk gracing his lips 

"We'll see. But let's hope they don't set their expectations too high"