Night had fallen over the academy.
The training grounds were silent.
The air was cool.
Lanterns flickered gently along the stone corridors.
Knock. Knock.
A messenger bowed slightly.
"Headmaster Aldaric requests the presence of Iren, Kael, Riven, and Sylven."
---
A few minutes later—
The four stood before the tall wooden doors of the headmaster's office.
Kael adjusted his spear on his back.
Riven clicked his tongue lightly.
"Called at night? Hah… sounds serious."
Sylven folded his arms calmly. "Or important."
Iren said nothing.
Why now…?
---
Creaaaak…
The doors opened.
Inside, candles burned low. Shadows stretched across the room. Behind the large desk stood Headmaster Aldaric, hands clasped behind his back.
His sharp eyes observed them.
"You may enter."
They stepped forward.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then—
Aldaric spoke.
"First… congratulations."
His voice was steady. Heavy.
"You have earned your place as the top four representatives of this academy."
Kael bowed slightly. "We are honored, Headmaster."
Riven smirked faintly. "It was fun."
Sylven gave a respectful nod.
Iren simply met Aldaric's gaze.
---
Aldaric turned and walked toward the large window behind him.
Outside, the moon shone over the academy towers.
"The Inter-Academy Matches will follow the same rules as your recent tournament."
He paused.
"Each academy will send its five best students."
Five.
The word lingered.
"You will compete individually… and as a team."
Riven crossed his arms. "So it's not just about strength."
"Correct," Aldaric replied.
"Teamwork will determine victory."
---
Then his expression darkened slightly.
"Our academy has not won… for several years."
The room grew colder.
Even Riven stopped smiling.
Aldaric's gaze shifted — and rested on Iren.
"But this year… I have expectations."
Something flickered faintly within Iren's chest.
The Fire Ring remained silent.
But it listened.
---
"The matches will begin in two months."
"Two months ?" Kael repeated quietly.
"You will use this time to refine your coordination. Understand each other's rhythm. Strength alone will not secure victory."
Sylven nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need synergy."
"Exactly."
---
Then Aldaric stepped closer.
"And after one week…"
A faint pause.
"You will meet your fifth member."
The air tightened.
Riven's eyes sharpened. "So it's decided?"
"Yes."
Aldaric's tone was unreadable.
"The runner-up selection will conclude after one week. Once decided… your true training begins."
---
Ding— Dong—
The distant bell of the academy rang.
Dinner time.
Aldaric straightened.
"You are dismissed."
They turned to leave—
But just before Iren stepped out—
Aldaric spoke once more.
"Iren."
He stopped.
"Yes, Headmaster?"
A brief silence.
"…Control your fire."
Just that.
Nothing more.
---
The doors closed.
Thud.
The four walked down the corridor together.
Riven broke the silence first.
"Two months , huh? Guess we'll be living in the arena."
Kael smiled slightly. "As long as we win."
Sylven glanced at Iren.
"You're quiet."
"I'm thinking."
About the fifth member.
About expectations.
About the fire.
---
They reached the mess hall as laughter and chatter echoed from within.
Warm light spilled through the doors.
Normal. Peaceful.
But above the academy towers—
The moonlight felt sharper than before.
And somewhere in the darkness—
The wind shifted.
---