t was an age when shyntara was the pulse of life-the greater the power, the closer one came to victory and glory. From the age of seven, every child would undergo the Rite of Determination, a check to gauge how strong the current of Veyra was within them.
Veyra, the natural magical current that flows from the roots of life, is humanity's ultimate source of power. It grows with the soul, can be strengthened through practice and experience. However, those with Veyra below level 5 were considered untalented-their destinies were split into only two paths.
The first: to become commoners, living a simple life without shyntara.
The second: strategic education, to later contribute to planning and decision-making-they lack the power to fight, but have a higher standing than commoners.
In this world, magic is everything. And those who are born without enough Veyra, must find other ways to survive in the shadows of the great wizards.
-
"There's a new student?"
"Seriously? In the second week of the semester?"
"And went straight into Syntara A? Crazy... who the hell is she?"
Mantra-like whispers echoed in the crisp morning air. The Syntara A Level 7 classroom-the most prestigious room at Syntara Academy-was filled with curious gazes that led to the tall wooden door carved with the royal coat of arms.
Sunlight slipped through the large glass windows, sweeping across the neatly lined dark wooden tables, creating a classic silhouette that wrapped the atmosphere of the room in an elegant and mysterious aura.
The first bell had just stopped tolling, when the door opened slowly.
A girl stepped inside. Her steps seemed hesitant, yet firm. Her black hair was shoulder-length, her uniform was still too new - it looked unfamiliar amidst the long-established atmosphere. Her expression was flat, but the look in her eyes... held an almost untouchable anxiety.
"Please introduce yourself," Mrs. Verra, the homeroom teacher, said from the front desk. Her voice sounded flat, as if this was just a small routine in the middle of a long day as a teacher at the Academy.
The girl stood up straight. For an instant, time seemed to freeze.
"My name is Yurelin Yurei. You can call me Liyn," she said in a clear voice. There was a faint tremor at the end of her sentence-enough to make a few students turn to each other.
"Yurei?" whispered one of the students.
"Lower class clan, right?" continued another, his tone half scornful.
"How did she get into Class A?"
Liyn looked down for a moment, then raised her face again. "Please cooperate," she said briefly.
Ms. Verra nodded. "Well, please meet Liyn. Please take a seat on that empty bench."
Liyn walked towards the designated seat, trying to ignore the judgmental gazes that showered her. She remained silent, hiding her feelings behind a calm face.
I don't like this introduction... she thought softly.
Suddenly, a gentle touch on his shoulder interrupted his reverie.
A girl sat on the next seat, thrusting out a hand with a warm smile.
"Hi! I'm Myra. Myra Storm," she said cheerfully while thrusting out her hand.
Liyn turned her head quickly. Storm? Her eyes widened slightly.
Storm... a noble clan. One of the highest in Arkana. Wasn't Erlic Storm, their prince, a great hero in the Second Arkanan War?
"Thank you..." Liyn whispered quietly to herself. "I won't think too much about them."
"Let's be good friends, huh. Please cooperate, Liyn."
Liyn welcomed the helping hand. Her smile this time felt a little looser.
For the first time that morning, there was warmth settling softly in her heart.
I didn't expect it... the god of fortune is on my side. Meeting someone like this might help me understand the world of Syntara more deeply. Yosh, Liyn, cheer up!
A few weeks passed. The academy began to feel more familiar to Liyn, Liyn spent a lot of time with Myra. She learned quickly-understanding the class system, the students' habits, the power structure, even the secret passage to the old library that only a few people knew about.
But one question kept lingering, nagging Liyn every morning...
Why did I get into Class A?
Why, among dozens of Syntara children of the same age, was I chosen?
The answer came on a seemingly ordinary morning... but it changed everything.
The classroom door opened. The steps of black leather shoes echoed through the silence.
A young man stepped inside. His body was well-built, silver hair falling neatly down the right side of his face. His gaze was sharp-not an intimidating sharpness, but a stripping one. It was as if he could read everything inside a person... just from one glance.
Her smile was thin, barely visible.
He stood next to Ms. Verra. Mrs. Verra pointed at the man beside her.
"Introduce, my name is Orien Leith."
A small commotion spread quickly.
"Uh, that's Leith? The one who participated in the Second Arkanan War?"
"She is a legend. Said to be able to control Veyra's energy without an intermediary."
"Why is she teaching here?!"
Amidst the cacophony, Liyn remained silent. Her gaze was fixed on the man's face. However, it was not admiration that dominated. Nor was it respect.
What she saw... was fatigue.
A blank stare-like someone living in a place she didn't want to be. Just like she was feeling right now.
"Is she... alright?" murmured Liyn softly, almost inaudibly.
But Myra heard her. "Who's not okay?" she asked confused.
Liyn didn't answer. Her eyes were still fixed on Leith.
And the more she stared, the harder her heart beat... beat... beat... beat...
So hard. Until she could feel it herself.
Their gazes locked together. For just a moment. But it was enough to make Liyn's heart race.
Liyn reflexively turned her face away. Her breath caught, and her cheeks warmed. She bit her lip, trying to hide the sudden awkwardness.
"Myra, what are we talking about?" she asked nervously.
"Huh? Huhu, it's nothing. Just a big mosquito," Myra replied with a giggle, her teasing tone clearly audible.
"What the heck... I didn't notice..." Liyn retorted calmly, but her voice was not convincing.
It wasn't long before Mrs. Verra broke the silence.
"Kids, I just want to say one thing today..."
Instantly the class became silent. Even Arno, who was usually noisy, immediately shut up.
"I will be resigning as your homeroom teacher."
Some mouths dropped open.
"Huh?"
"Seriously, Mom?"
"Why?"
"Didn't we just start this semester?"
Ms. Verra smiled a little, but her eyes glazed over. "Sometimes, time teaches us to know when to step back. And I'm sure you're strong enough to move on without me."
Nirell looked down. "But no one can replace me."
Ms. Verra came over to her, patting her on the shoulder. "If you miss me someday, turn to the first page of your Syntara Elementary School textbook. Mom's name is there."
Some students chuckled, while others quietly wiped away tears.
"I will hand over this class... to her."
A silver-haired man entered. His gaze was sharp, yet calm.
"He will be your new homeroom teacher-Orien Leith."
There was no applause. Just curious looks mixed with confusion.
Before leaving, Mrs. Verra turned her head once more.
"Take care of each other. That's the most important thing."
And as the door closed slowly, the classroom felt even quieter than usual.
Leith stepped to the front of the classroom. Her gaze swept across the room...
"Alright, all students. Please work together for the next three years."