Six months had passed since Blackthorn's departure, and the academy buzzed with whispers of Owen and Valeria's remarkable progress.
Owen, once timid and unsure, had risen through the ranks to become tied with Valeria as the academy's strongest student. However, his newfound strength came with a price—moments of intense rage that seemed to engulf him, leaving only Valeria and those who reminded him of his former self to witness his gentler side.
Valeria, on the other hand, had transformed into a figure of quiet authority and strategic brilliance. Her presence was a stabilizing force amidst the academy's shifting dynamics, where rumors swirled about higher-level institutions scouting talents from their midst.
Her features had matured and sharpened over time. Steely-blue eyes, reflecting keen intellect and unwavering determination, gazed out from beneath a chiseled jawline and defined cheekbones, subtly revealing a blend of sophistication and strength.
Her raven-black hair fell in tousled waves, adding a subtle and stylish look to her effortlessly.
After long days of rigorous lessons and training, Valeria and Owen could often be found in the academy's training grounds, pushing themselves to their limits.
"(Panting) I think I've reached my limit for today," Valeria confessed, wiping sweat from her brow as she gasped for breath.
Owen grinned confidently, giving her a thumbs up. "Maybe, but you know that I'm probably stronger than you now. Your grades are the only thing keeping you ahead," he teased, a playful glint in his eye that softened his imposing stature.
Valeria chuckled softly, shaking her head. "How did you become so strong in such a short time?" she wondered aloud. "Did Blackthorn see this potential in you from the beginning?"
Owen scratched the back of his head thoughtfully. "I don't know, but I'm not complaining. It's time for me to get back to training," he declared, his smile widening. Yet, as he spoke, his eyes flickered with an unsettling intensity, his pupils dilating slightly as they became red, and a vein pulsing across at each side of his temples respectively.
Watching Owen, Valeria sighed inwardly. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration for his progress and concern for the darker edges of his newfound strength.
Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough—the day she would finally reunite with Evelyn and Dante, her friends from the high-level academy.
Owen, too, had heard stories of Evelyn and Dante, and anticipation simmered beneath his stoic demeanor.
As the sun set over the academy grounds, casting long shadows across the training field, Valeria and Owen completed their final drills for the day.
---
The next day dawned with a sense of anticipation as Valeria and Owen prepared to meet Evelyn and Dante. The training grounds hummed with activity, students bustling to and fro as they went about their daily routines.
Valeria adjusted her training gear, her mind racing with thoughts of the reunion. Owen, ever the picture of determination, paced back and forth, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of concentration.
Finally, the moment arrived. Across the courtyard, Valeria spotted Evelyn and Dante approaching, their confident strides and easy familiarity marking them as seasoned warriors of the arcane.
"Evelyn! Dante!" Valeria called out, a smile spreading across her face as she waved eagerly.
Evelyn's eyes lit up with recognition, and she returned Valeria's wave with equal enthusiasm. "Valeria! It's so good to see you," she exclaimed, her voice carrying across the courtyard.
Dante, grinned mischievously as he caught sight of Owen. "Ah, look who it is—the rising star of the academy," he teased, nudging Evelyn with an elbow.
Owen's cheeks flushed slightly at the attention, but he held his ground, a determined glint in his eye. "Nice to meet you, Evelyn, Dante," he replied with a nod, trying to match their easy banter despite his inner nerves.
Dante chuckled, clapping Owen on the shoulder. "Relax, kid. We're not here to challenge you... yet," he added with a wink, earning a laugh from Evelyn.
Valeria couldn't help but chuckle at Owen's discomfort. "Don't mind Dante, Owen. He's just jealous that you're catching up to me," she teased.
Owen managed a sheepish grin, grateful for Valeria's support. "Thanks, Valeria. It's great to finally meet you both," he said earnestly, his earlier tension easing in the presence of newfound camaraderie.
As they exchanged stories and caught up on recent events, Evelyn and Dante shared tales of their own adventures at the high-level academy—epic battles against mythical beasts, intricate spellcasting challenges, and the occasional mishap that had them all in stitches.
"So, Owen," Dante began with a twinkle in his eye, "what's your secret? How did you manage to climb the ranks so quickly?"
Owen scratched the back of his head, a bashful grin spreading across his face. "I guess I just had good teachers," he uttered.
Evelyn nodded knowingly. "Well, Valeria always did have a knack for bringing out the best in others," she remarked with a warm smile.
Their reunion continued late into the afternoon, filled with laughter, shared memories, and plans for future collaborations.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the training grounds, Valeria felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
"We should spar sometime," Evelyn suggested, eyeing Valeria and Owen with a challenge in her gaze.
Valeria grinned, her competitive spirit reignited. "You're on, Evelyn. But first, let's celebrate our reunion with a feast. My treat!"
Owen chuckled, feeling a sense of belonging among his newfound friends. "Sounds like a plan," he agreed, eager to continue forging bonds that transcended mere alliances.
As they walked back towards the academy, laughter echoing in their wake, Valeria couldn't help but glance back at Owen.
Despite his rapid rise and the shadows that sometimes clouded his demeanor, she knew that he still remained the person he was.
As they gathered around a table in the academy's dining hall, the atmosphere buzzed with animated conversation and the clatter of utensils. Valeria took a deep breath, steeling herself to broach the topic that had weighed on her mind for months.
"So, there's something I've been meaning to tell you both," Valeria began, her voice steady despite the lingering uncertainty. "It's about Blackthorn."