Dakota: "This day was the most intense So far… I'm really worried about the future."
He wasn't lying. The battles they had fought today were only the beginning, and deep down, Dakota knew it. He already had an idea of what the future held, but things weren't going as expected. In fact, he'd already noticed some significant changes that weren't supposed to happen.
Dakota (thinking): I really changed the future... Actually, we've all changed the future just by existing. Franklin and Duke were never supposed to have a daughter or a son, and the others' parents weren't supposed to have them either. Our very existence is rewriting everything. But I know one thing—that dungeon will still appear. I have two years left before it does. Two years to get as strong as I possibly can.
Henry: "Yeah, the future is going to be nothing but trouble… and probably a lot of suffering."
Ava: "Well, I just hope we don't suffer too much. We've got to get a lot stronger than we are right now."
Lucas: "That's true. Anyway, I think we've rested enough. It's time to head back."
The group nodded in agreement. They gathered their belongings and prepared to leave the sinister forest that had challenged them in ways they hadn't imagined.
---
As they approached the academy gates, they spotted Edward waiting at the entrance. His expression shifted immediately when he saw their condition. Cuts and bruises were visible on all of them, but Dakota and Henry looked particularly worse for wear. Edward hurried over, concern etched on his face.
Edward: "What happened to you all? You're injured! Someone call the staff to summon their parents!"
Without waiting for a reply, Edward began healing Dakota and Henry as best as he could. His hands glowed with magic as he worked quickly to stabilize their injuries.
Within minutes, their parents arrived in a flurry of worried expressions and hurried footsteps. Dakota's father was the first to speak.
Father: "Dakota! I heard you were in trouble. Are you all right?"
Mother: "How do you always manage to get into these situations?"
Despite their worry, Dakota smiled and tried to reassure them.
Dakota: "Don't worry, I'm fine. We'll explain everything… but prepare yourselves—you're going to be shocked."
Mother: "Oh no. What happened this time?"
Dakota: "Something big."
Father: "Son, I doubt you can surprise me anymore. You've already done it so many times, I'm starting to get used to it."
Dakota chuckled at that. "Well, let's see about that."
As Edward continued his healing, Dakota stretched his limbs experimentally, letting out a relieved sigh.
Dakota: "Phew! I missed moving like this. Even an hour without full mobility feels too long."
Once everyone was treated and back in stable condition, Dakota addressed the group.
Dakota: "All right, now that we're all patched up, let's head inside. We'll explain everything."
The group followed him to a private room within the academy, a space reserved for confidential discussions. Once they were seated, Dakota began recounting their experience in the Evil Forest. He described their encounter with the high-ranked Djinn, the fierce battle, how close he and Henry had come to death, and the final moments where they had managed to kill it.
When Dakota finished, the room fell silent. The weight of his words seemed to hang in the air, leaving everyone in stunned contemplation. Finally, his mother broke the silence.
Mother: "You're insane, Dakota. How could you risk your life like that? You should've called for help!"
Dakota: "Even if I had, it would've been too late. By the time reinforcements arrived, it would've been over—one way or another."
Father: "That's true… but killing a high-ranked Djinn at your age is… extraordinary."
Franklin: "It's not just that. You fought while injured, held him off for so long, and still won. You and Henry saved everyone's lives—my daughter included."
Dakota shook his head humbly. "Don't give us too much credit. We couldn't have done it alone. If the group hadn't been there, we would've died for sure."
Ava looked down, guilt evident on her face. "…I can't believe you went through all that while we were unconscious. We were useless."
Dakota: "You weren't useless. You helped in the end, didn't you? This was a team effort. What matters is that we survived and killed the Djinn. That's what counts."
Sophia, one of the parents, smiled softly. "You kids are something else. I wonder just how strong you'll become in the future."
Everyone seemed to share the same thought. The potential of this group was limitless.
Dakota: "All I can say is this—we're going to be the strongest group in history."
Father raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Stronger than our group?"
Dakota smirked. "Yes, even surpassing your group. They say the new generation always outshines the old, right?"
Father chuckled. "That's true. I can't wait to see it happen."
After a few more words of encouragement and pride from the parents, Dakota spoke again.
Dakota: "Actually, can I have a moment with my group alone?"
His mother hesitated but nodded. "All right. We'll leave you to it."
The parents and Edward exited the room, leaving the five of them alone.
Henry: "So? What did you want to say, Dakota?"
Dakota crossed his arms and addressed them seriously. "I want all of you to train as hard as you can during the summer break. When we return, I expect every one of you to be on a completely different level."
Henry smirked. "That's a tough order, but it sounds like you're making yourself the captain of this group."
Dakota blinked. "Captain?"
Lucas grinned. "You sounded like a captain just now, so we'll listen to you, Captain Dakota."
Ava laughed. "Yeah! Let's live up to our captain's expectations."
Dakota couldn't help but laugh along with them. Their lightheartedness after such a heavy day was refreshing.
The group left the academy together, standing at the entrance one last time before parting ways for the break.
Dakota: "I hope you all remember my words. In three months, when we come back, I want to see just how much stronger you've gotten."
Henry: "Don't worry, Captain, we'll be ready."
Dakota smirked. "Good. Let's train our asses off and get even more powerful."
With that, they went their separate ways, each determined to grow stronger before their next meeting.
[End of volume one: the first year of the academy]