The break following the second semester came as a welcome relief to most cadets, but for Taro Blaze, it was a wake-up call. Watching Yujin win the practical exam and witnessing the growth of his peers had lit a fire within him—one that refused to burn out.
Taro stood on the edge of a mountain cliff in the volcanic region of Pyrrha Ridge, a place where few dared to tread. Beneath him, rivers of molten lava glowed ominously, and the air shimmered from the heat. This was where the Flame Monastery resided—the sacred ground of the ancient martial monks who practiced Infernal Arts, the true origin of Taro's bloodline.
As he stepped into the temple grounds, a bald monk dressed in deep crimson robes greeted him. His name was Master Arvahn, the current Flame Keeper of the monastery.
"So, you finally return, child of the Blaze," the monk said, his voice echoing with calm authority. "Are you here to temper your fists with true fire?"
Taro bowed. "I want to become stronger. I want to master the Infernal Arts completely—no more holding back."
Master Arvahn studied him carefully. "Very well. You shall walk the Path of the Burning Soul. But know this—it may consume you."
And so, Taro's training began.
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Day 1 to 5: The Body's Trial
Taro's body was put through intense physical conditioning. He carried massive stone torches up cliffs, submerged his body in lava-heated springs, and sparred with monk warriors who struck like living flame. Every movement was painful, but Taro endured it with gritted teeth. Bruises turned to callouses. Muscle tore and rebuilt. He was forging himself anew.
At night, he meditated while sitting over an open flame pit, allowing his body to adapt to heat and channel fire energy through his mana circuits. His fire affinity had always been powerful, but now it began to refine.
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Day 6 to 14: The Flame Spirit Awakens
Master Arvahn taught Taro the ancient breathing techniques that allowed monks to commune with elemental spirits. Deep in the Flame Chamber, Taro faced the trials of the Infernal Wyrm—a spiritual manifestation of an ancient fire dragon.
Within his mindscape, Taro confronted the massive creature, its body a swirling inferno. It questioned his resolve, tested his mind, and forced him to relive his past mistakes. When Taro stood firm, unshaken, the Infernal Wyrm acknowledged him.
A crimson sigil flared on his back—the Mark of Inferno. With it, Taro gained the ability to temporarily merge with the spirit of the dragon, greatly enhancing his flames, strength, and agility. He had taken the first step toward true mastery.
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Day 15 to 21: The Dance of the Blaze
With his body hardened and spirit awakened, Taro began learning the Forbidden Flame Forms—lost martial techniques passed down only to those chosen by the Infernal Wyrm. Each form mimicked the motion of flames: twisting, unpredictable, yet deadly.
His favorite became "Scorching Spiral," a technique that combined spinning kicks with explosive flame bursts, capable of burning through even elemental shields. Another, "Ashen Surge," allowed him to rush forward in a burst of embers, catching opponents off guard.
Master Arvahn watched his growth with a rare smile. "You are no longer a brawler. You are fire itself."
Taro trained from dawn till dusk. His fists no longer glowed—they blazed. The monastery's flame crystals would dim whenever he unleashed his full aura. The monks began calling him "The Young Flamekeeper."
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Day 22 to 28: The Final Test – Fire Against Fire
Master Arvahn summoned Taro on the 22nd day to the heart of the volcano, where the Flame Colossus—a golem forged from lava and ancient runes—awaited. "Defeat it, and you shall inherit the title of Infernal Successor."
The battle was brutal. The colossus towered over Taro, slamming molten fists that left craters in the stone. Taro dodged, blocked, and countered with every ounce of strength. He activated the Mark of Inferno, and his body erupted in dragon flames.
His Scorching Spiral cracked one leg, but the colossus retaliated by hurling lava waves. Taro used Ashen Surge to get above its head, then unleashed his newest creation—"Infernal Comet."
Gathering all of his mana and channeling the dragon spirit, he wrapped his body in fire and dove like a meteor. The impact shattered the colossus into chunks of blackened rock. When the dust settled, Taro stood victorious, surrounded by fire that didn't burn him.
Master Arvahn approached and placed a crimson headband into Taro's hands. "You are ready."
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Day 29: Return and Reflection
Taro stood once more at the temple gates, dressed in a sleeveless crimson gi and a dragon-marked headband. His aura pulsed with heat, but his eyes showed calm wisdom. He bowed one last time to Master Arvahn.
"Thank you for everything."
"You carry our flame now, Taro. When the time comes to face darkness, you will light the way."
Taro smiled. "I'll make sure of it."
He began his descent down the volcano, the fire within him now balanced. He was no longer just a brute force fighter—he was a refined flame master, the successor of the ancient Infernal Arts.
And when he returned to Star Academy, the others would feel the difference.
He was ready for whatever came next.