As the days passed, the trio settled into their routines at the academy. Valeria continued to excel in her studies and training, her determination never wavering as she pushed herself to new heights.
"(Enthusiastically) I can't believe how much I'm learning here! It's like a dream come true." Valeria mused.
"(Proudly) You're a natural, Valeria. Keep up the good work." One of the instructors for physical activities or classes, whose name was Clorent Bryan praised.
Meanwhile, Owen struggled to keep pace with the rigorous demands of the academy. His shy demeanor made it difficult for him to assert himself in class, and his lack of magical prowess only added to his insecurities.
"I wish I could be as confident as Valeria. She seems to excel at everything." He mumbled.
Despite his struggles, Owen remained determined to prove himself, silently pushing himself to improve with each passing day.
"(Grimacing) I'll get there eventually... I just need to keep trying." He thought.
As for Blackthorn, he seemed to float through his classes with a casual indifference, his mind often elsewhere as he pondered his next move.
"(Nonchalantly) This place is alright, I guess. But it's not like it matters much to me."
"(Concerned) Blackthorn, don't you care about your future? You have so much potential." Valeria inquired.
"(Shrugging) I'll figure it out when the time comes. Right now, I'm just taking it one day at a time. And besides, don't forget I'm still the strongest in Duskfall, and I don't have a future here, this is the past." He replied.
"But even this past is interwoven with the present and future, isn't it?" Valeria said, her gaze fixed on Blackthorn.
"(Sighs in defeat) I knew you were gonna say that, by the way, don't worry about me, just get stronger, I don't want you to end up beaten by another loser like X," Blackthorn uttered.
"Humph! Now you are teasing me isn't it?" Valeria pouted, with an embarrassed expression.
Despite his laid-back attitude, there was a hint of uncertainty in Blackthorn's eyes, a feeling that he couldn't shake no matter how hard he tried.
"Maybe there's more to this place than meets the eye..." Valeria wondered.
As the days passed and the trio settled into their routines, anticipation built for the special and intensive training day that only occurred once a month. Valeria's excitement was perceptible, her determination shining brighter than ever as she eagerly awaited the opportunity to test her skills in a new environment.
"(Excitedly) I can't wait for the intensive training day! It's going to be such a great opportunity to challenge ourselves and grow even stronger." Valeria exclaimed.
"(Nodding in agreement) Indeed, it's a chance for us to push our limits and see what we're truly capable of." Owen chimed in, his eyes gleaming with determination despite his usual shyness.
However, Blackthorn remained indifferent, his casual bearing unchanged as he glanced at the calendar.
"(Disinterestedly) It's just another day to me. But if you two are looking forward to it, then I suppose it can't hurt to tag along." Blackthorn remarked.
Valeria and Owen exchanged a knowing look, understanding Blackthorn's reluctance but also hoping that the intensive training day would help him see the value in their efforts.
Finally, the day arrived, and the academy buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the special training session. However, instead of the usual expeditions or beast-hunting tasks, the instructors announced that today would focus on practice and explanation sessions due to the presence of new faces like Blackthorn, Valeria, and Owen.
"(Disappointed) No beast-hunting today? I was looking forward to testing my skills in a real-world scenario." Valeria sighed.
"(Shrugging) It's fine. Practice is good too, I guess." Owen murmured, his disappointment evident even though he was a little scared, however, his determination was still strong.
Blackthorn simply nodded, his expression unreadable as he listened to the instructors' explanations and demonstrations.
As the day progressed, Valeria threw herself into the practice sessions with ardor, eager to make the most of the opportunity despite the change in plans. Owen followed suit, his determination unwavering as he focused on honing his skills.
"(Observing the others) They seem so determined. Is there more to this training than I thought?" Blackthorn muttered to himself, a flicker of interest sparking in his eyes as he watched Valeria and Owen push themselves to their limits.
As the sun began to set on the intensive training day, the trio returned to their dormitory, tired but satisfied with their efforts. As they prepared for bed, a sense of camaraderie and unity filled their rooms, a bond forged through shared experiences and a common goal to become stronger.
As everyone slept peacefully, unaware of the unfolding events, a figure moved swiftly through the darkness, his movements silent and precise. Flickers of shadows danced around him, hinting at his mysterious abilities as he pursued his target.
In the dimly lit corridors of the academy, the figure chased after an instructor who moved with panicked haste, though it was clear he couldn't shake off his pursuer. As they neared a particular room, the instructor realized he couldn't hide any longer.
"(Cursing under his breath) Tsk! There's no escaping him..." The instructor muttered, resigned to his fate as he braced himself for what was to come.
With a swift motion, the door to the storage room was flung open, revealing a tense standoff between the silhouette at the entrance and the instructor within.
In the eerie silence that followed, the silhouette's voice cut through the darkness, its tone dripping with malice.
"Look who we've got here..."
The instructor could only watch helplessly as the figure advanced, his heart pounding with fear and uncertainty.
"You werewolf! Grimshaw! You can never look different in my eyes, I know it! That yellow eyes that retain a certain intensity, your athletic physique, and strong jawline... Now tell me, do you remember me or not?" The voice inquired, its coldness sending shivers down the instructor's spine as it drew nearer.