The golden sun rose above the horizon, casting a warm glow over the academy grounds. Yuto Kisaragi stood at the edge of the vast marble courtyard, feeling the crisp morning air brush against his skin. Beside him, Noa Kanzaki tightened the grip on her wooden training staff, her pink hair fluttering slightly in the breeze.
It had been three months since their engagement ceremony — the moment when their old life had officially blended into their new one. Their memories of the modern world remained intact, but their hearts beat now with the thrilling pulse of this magical new world. They were no longer just childhood sweethearts — they were adventurers in training.
Today marked the first day of their real magical training.
"Ready, Yuto?" Noa asked, her emerald eyes sparkling with excitement.
Yuto grinned. "I've been ready forever."
The instructor, a towering woman named Master Elena Viridis, clapped her hands sharply. "Pair up! Today, we awaken your elemental affinity to its next stage."
Noa stepped closer to Yuto, who looked confident but a little nervous. Around them, other young warriors buzzed with excitement. Among them stood Aya Nishimura, now a recognized wind mage, and a few new faces: Leonhard Stahl, a swordsman from the north, and Sarina Velrose, a silent girl whose magical aura was chilling to feel.
The instructor gestured at the open field. "First, feel the elements. Invite them into your soul."
Yuto closed his eyes. He focused, breathing deeply, reaching inward — and outward.
Crack!
A spark danced on his fingertips. Blue lightning surged around his arm, the power raw and sharp. At the same time, droplets of water from the morning mist gathered around him, spiraling gracefully.
He opened his eyes, amazed. Lightning and water, just like he remembered.
Noa smiled at him proudly before focusing herself. She extended her palm, and a warm flame flickered to life. Simultaneously, the wind around her lifted the loose strands of her hair gently, as if greeting an old friend.
Wind and fire.
The two of them had retained their soul's magic affinity — stronger, richer now than ever.
But before they could celebrate, Master Elena pointed at a large, hollow tree. "Test your control. Destroy the target."
Yuto nodded and charged forward. Sparks crackled from his feet, boosting his speed, while water formed a spinning blade in his hand. With a swift motion, he slashed the blade forward — Boom! — the tree exploded in a burst of mist and smoke.
Noa followed, using the wind to amplify her speed. Fire danced along her staff, and with a single powerful strike, she sent a swirling pillar of flame into the air.
Cheers erupted around the field.
But not everyone clapped.
From across the courtyard, Leonhard Stahl narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms. His gaze locked on Yuto with something close to envy. Sarina Velrose also watched Noa silently, an unreadable expression on her face.
A rival was brewing — one that neither Yuto nor Noa had fully noticed yet.
As the sun climbed higher, they continued training together, sweat dripping from their brows, magic swirling around them.
They had no idea how important these early days would be for what was coming.