"Although you all look tough, I know you will die at this rate, so go get some rest for today, reflect on your today's performance and meet me tomorrow, now GO."
They all headed towards to their dorms. By the time they all freshened up after having dinner, the sun had begun its descent, casting a golden glow over the vast campus of the University of Higher Magic. The evening breeze was crisp, carrying with it the distant sounds of students training, laughing, and settling into their new lives. But in one particular dorm room, an unusual silence lingered—only to be shattered by Leon's exasperated sigh.
"Are we just gonna sit here and stare at each other, or are we gonna do something?" Leon Aaldric leaned back against the couch, arms crossed, his signature smirk playing on his lips. "I swear, this is the most awkward team bonding I've ever experienced."
Xaleth, seated near the window, simply shrugged. "I didn't come here to bond. I came here to get stronger." His silver eyes remained distant, focused on the stars that had started to peek through the twilight sky. He was always like this—aloof, distant, yet strangely present.
Aiden, sitting on the floor with his back against the bed, sighed. "Not my fault we got stuck in the same dorm. You guys are free to go do your own thing."
Leon scoffed. "Oh, come on, Aiden. We're teammates now. And besides, I already have to deal with nobles at home—don't make this place just as boring."
Xaleth turned his gaze toward them, a hint of amusement flickering in his otherwise impassive expression. "You're the only noble here, Leon."
"Exactly! And that means it's my duty to keep things interesting!" Leon grinned, standing up suddenly. "Alright, new rule—no one sleeps tonight until we learn one thing about each other. No exceptions."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "And what if I refuse?"
Leon smirked. "Then I'll start by revealing something embarrassing about you first."
Aiden groaned. "Fine. But if we're doing this, you go first."
Leon dramatically placed a hand over his chest, as if wounded. "Me? Fine, I'll be generous." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I hate weak commoners—except for you, Aiden. Happy?"
Aiden rolled his eyes. "Not even remotely."
Xaleth sighed, shaking his head. "Is this supposed to be bonding?"
"Shut up, Xaleth, it's your turn," Leon shot back.
Xaleth hesitated. Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke. "...I like stargazing."
Leon blinked. "That's it?"
Xaleth nodded.
Aiden chuckled. "Somehow, that fits."
Leon sighed dramatically. "Alright, your turn, Aiden."
Aiden thought for a moment. "I... honestly didn't think I'd make it this far." He looked down, his fingers tracing invisible patterns on the floor. "I've spent my whole life thinking I was at a disadvantage. No power, no noble lineage, nothing that made me stand out. And yet, here I am, stuck with two of the strongest students from the tournament." He let out a small chuckle. "I don't know if that's a miracle or a mistake."
Silence filled the room for a brief moment. Then, surprisingly, it was Xaleth who spoke.
"You don't need to be born special to become strong." His voice was quiet, yet firm. "You made it here for a reason."
Leon nodded, grinning. "Yeah. Even if you're weak now, you're still our teammate. And, if anything, I refuse to let my teammate embarrass me in front of the world."
Aiden blinked in surprise, then smiled. It was a small, genuine smile.
"Thanks... both of you."
Leon stretched. "Alright, I think we've bonded enough for one night. We start training tomorrow, so don't die in your sleep, Aiden."
Aiden scoffed. "Same to you, rich boy."
Xaleth simply nodded before returning to his stargazing.
Later That Night
After the trio had gone their separate ways for the night, Aiden found himself walking through the academy gardens. The moon shone brightly overhead, casting silver light over the tranquil pathways. He had always enjoyed the quiet of the night—it was one of the few times he could let his thoughts roam freely.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Aiden turned to see Elara, sitting on a stone bench under a large tree. The soft glow of magic lanterns illuminated her face, making her dark purple eyes stand out even more.
He sighed. "Too much thinking, I guess."
Elara smiled slightly. "I figured. You always were like that back in the academy." She shifted, patting the spot next to her. "Sit."
Aiden hesitated, then joined her.
A comfortable silence settled between them before Elara spoke again. "So… how's the team?"
Aiden chuckled. "Well, Leon's an arrogant noble who somehow decided I'm an exception to his hatred for commoners. Xaleth is... complicated. But we're figuring it out."
Elara smirked. "Sounds fun."
"It's something," Aiden admitted. He glanced at her. "And you? How's your team?"
She sighed, leaning back. "They're strong. Probably stronger than me. I have a lot of work to do if I want to keep up."
Aiden frowned. "Don't talk like that. You're already incredible."
Elara blinked at him before looking away. "...Thanks."
Aiden stretched his arms. "We've all got a long way to go. But hey, at least we made it here."
Elara nodded, her expression soft. "Yeah... we did."
For a moment, they just sat there, watching the stars. No words were needed—just the quiet understanding that, no matter what came next, they weren't alone.