Just like that, two months had passed since the harrowing battle against the Level 7 beast. In that brief span, everything had changed.
Grey and his classmates were no longer wide-eyed first-years struggling to find their footing—they were officially second-years now.
And with that elevated status ca fiercer challenges, more dangerous missions, and an even heavier weight of expectations.
These past two months marked a full year since they'd entered Lunaria Academy—a year brimming with chaos, growth, and unforgettable events.
For Grey, it had been a whirlwind of transformation. He had endured grueling training sessions, braved life-threatening encounters, and ascended to heights of magical prowess he hadn't imagined when he first arrived.
It hadn't been easy. Nothing about this place was. But sohow, he adapted. He ca to the academy to rise above—to sharpen his abilities and stand among the elite.
Now, standing at the threshold of his second year, Grey could say with certainty: he had begun to achieve that goal.
But among the power and the battles, sothing unexpected had taken root within him—friendship. At first, he never imagined he'd grow close to anyone.
Yet over ti, despite the argunts, banters, and occasional petty fights, Grey had built bonds he now held dear. They weren't just his teammates—they were his friends.
Even if they didn't say it aloud, most of them felt the sa. Especially Scarlet. Ever since the dungeon raid, she had begun to look at Grey differently.
Her gaze lingered longer, her reactions grew sharper whenever soone else got too close to him. She tried to hide it, but her feelings were becoming harder to conceal.
In the wake of their most recent mission, they had been rewarded for their efforts and elevated to the Interdiate Squad, which officially marked them as second-years.
Though they had technically t the requirents two months ago, the academy only made it official after a waiting period.
Now, they were recognized as full-fledged second-years of Lunaria Academy.
The forr second-years, anwhile, had either advanced to the Advanced Squad, or were striving to do so.
But what Grey and his friends didn't yet know was that beyond the Advanced Squad lay a hidden tier—the Elite Squad.
This exclusive group was comprised of the most powerful and capable students, handpicked by Captain Amir himself.
Only the strongest made it in, and mbers sotis accompanied the principal on perilous missions.
Students who reached their third year were given a choice: pursue their own path outside the academy, or aim for the Elite Squad. But those who entered it… never left.
Within that secretive unit, fierce competition brewed, and many sought to rise through the ranks to beco either captain or vice-captain.
(Back to the present…)
After all the trials and achievents, Grey and his classmates had stepped into their second year with pride.
The feeling was electric. There was excitent, ambition—and just a touch of lancholy.
Instructor Von, who had guided them through so much in their first year, would no longer be their main teacher.
They had been assigned a new instructor—one better suited to teach them the advanced concepts awaiting them.
Horoom classes, once mandatory, were now rare.
Instructor Clark still presided over them, but with the students in the Interdiate Squad being called out frequently for various missions—often at unpredictable tis—they no longer adhered to a fixed schedule.
However, in light of their promotion, they had been granted two weeks of dedicated training ti before diving headfirst into their new responsibilities.
One major reason for the students' excitent was the introduction of a long-awaited topic—Breakthrough Magic.
Even Grey couldn't contain his anticipation. He had seen glimpses of breakthrough magic in action—witnessed its overwhelming power used by those far above his level—and ever since, he had been obsessed with learning it.
"Arg! I can't believe we finally made it… together," Raze exclaid, practically glowing with enthusiasm as the newly promoted second-years gathered in the upper-level canteen.
This wasn't the sa ss hall they had grown used to during their first year. This one was larger, classier, and reserved exclusively for second-years and above.
A privilege they had once been denied. Now, they had earned it—and with it ca other perks, like upgraded rooms and a noticeable improvent in the quality of their als.
While the first-year food wasn't bad, this was on another level. If they once got a piece of at, now they got two. Juicier, tender, and seasoned to perfection.
The only downside? They still had to share rooms with their original roommates. At least the new rooms were more spacious and comfortable.
"Yeah, I can't believe it's been that long already," Arthur said, his voice tinged with awe.
"For real! A whole year flew by in the blink of an eye," Vanica added, her eyes distant as she reminisced on their shared mories—the exhausting training, the life-threatening missions, the quiet conversations under starlit skies, and the laughter they shared during peaceful monts.
'And in this whole year… I still haven't seen Mum.'
Grey's thoughts drifted howard.
'Though I send letters nearly every day, the academy only lets
receive one letter from her each month… and even then, it's limited. Maybe that'll change with the new privileges we've gained.'
He sighed quietly and shook the thought away.
"Will you all just shut up and eat already? We need to get to class early," Greg snapped, shoving food into his mouth with chanical speed.
"Better slow down or you'll choke," Scarlet said, amused.
"Whether I choke or not isn't your business, now is—kuh! Kuh!" Greg's eyes bulged as he began coughing violently, reaching out for a glass of water with desperate urgency. He downed it in gulps.
"Is it too late to say I told you so?" Scarlet teased, chuckling as she took a dainty bite of her food—only to imdiately start coughing herself. "Kuh! Kuh!"
"Ha! Hahaha!" Jay burst out laughing. "The arrogant queen is choking!"
"Don't—kuh!" Scarlet struggled, grabbing her glass. After a gulp, she scowled at him. "Don't call
that. Only one person has the right."
Her gaze instinctively darted to Grey, who was calmly eating his al, seemingly oblivious—or maybe just pretending not to notice.
Minutes later, with bellies full and spirits high, the group stood and made their way toward the large lecture hall. Today was the day. The start of a new chapter.
The day they would begin learning Breakthrough Mode—and take their first step toward mastering a power that could change everything.
___
{A/N}
The previous year had been a rollercoaster of events and trials for Grey and his friends. But you see this new year, this new phase, it will be so tough and daunting for them all.
The challenges Grey will face this new year, this new arc, it will either make or break him. When I'm saying break, I an shatter him completely. So let's keep reading to see if he can overco this problem.
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