The three months at Alamcaran Academy passed in the blink of an eye. But for Samson, it had been anything but easy. Every day was a lesson—not just in magic, but in resilience. Surrounded by prodigies like Eva and Siddhartha, and constantly under the scrutiny of his peers, Samson felt the weight of judgment pressing down on him.
He carried that weight without complaint. Samson was no stranger to hardship, and though the academy was a far cry from the battlefields of his past life, he was determined not to falter.
---
From the first day of classes, Samson made it clear—if only to himself—that he wouldn't be intimidated. Eva's sharp, calculated glares and Siddhartha's dismissive smirks were ever-present, but Samson learned to block them out.
He immersed himself in his studies, showing a particular aptitude for the theoretical aspects of magic. Professors often singled him out for his insightful questions, and it didn't take long for Professor Eldric to take notice. Eldric, a stern but encouraging figure, occasionally stopped by Samson's desk after class to ask about his progress or offer additional reading material.
"Raw mana capacity isn't everything, Samson," Eldric had told him one day after class. "Remember, knowledge and creativity can often compensate for what others might see as a disadvantage."
Those words stuck with Samson, serving as a quiet source of motivation.
Despite their disdain, Eva and Siddhartha couldn't entirely ignore Samson's potential. Lightning magic was rare, and his improvement in controlling it in small, precise ways hinted at his hidden capabilities.
---
Midnight Training
What no one, not even Pedro, knew was that Samson's real progress happened at night. Pedro was a deep sleeper, his soft snores filling the dorm room shortly after lights out. Slipping out unnoticed was easy for Samson, and he took full advantage of it.
Once the academy was silent and still, Samson would make his way to the training arena. The expansive hall, lit only by the faint glow of magical sconces, became his sanctuary.
Lightning Magic: He started small, summoning brief sparks from his fingers and channeling them into controlled arcs. Over time, those sparks grew into short bolts, crackling with energy.
Fire Magic: The flames from the watch felt wild and unpredictable, but Samson practiced shaping them into precise bursts. He learned to summon heat without letting it consume him.
Ice Magic: Cool and calming, the ice magic was his favorite to practice. He formed shields, blades, and intricate sculptures, testing his control over both defense and offense.
Each night, Samson pushed himself to his limits, often collapsing on the arena floor from exhaustion. But he didn't stop. The memories of his past life, the weight of the watch, and the quiet determination to prove himself drove him forward.
Sometimes he imagined the watch itself guiding him, as though its powers resonated with his desire to grow stronger. Other times, he felt like he was fighting against it, wrestling with forces that seemed to want to overwhelm him.
But no matter how tired he was, Samson always returned to the dorm before sunrise. Pedro never noticed his absence, his deep slumber shielding him from Samson's secret efforts.
---
As the days grew warmer, a sense of excitement filled the academy. The promise of summer vacation hung in the air, and students couldn't stop talking about their plans. Even the usually aloof Eva and Siddhartha seemed livelier, their perfect smiles and quiet conversations hinting at grandiose plans in Hexagon City.
Pedro, too, was brimming with excitement. "I can't wait to see my parents!" he said one evening, grinning as he packed his bag. "They're going to be so proud. I mean, I'm here! Alamcaran Academy! Who'd have thought?"
Samson smiled at his roommate's enthusiasm. Pedro's joy was infectious, but it also reminded Samson of what he lacked—a family waiting for him, a place that felt like home.
"You got any plans, Samson?" Pedro asked, pausing in his packing.
"Not really," Samson replied, forcing a smile. "I'll probably just spend the break preparing for next term."
Pedro frowned. "That doesn't sound like much of a vacation."
"I'll make do," Samson said lightly.
---
On the morning of departure, the academy was a flurry of activity. Students wheeled suitcases through the halls, exchanged hugs, and made plans to meet up over the break. The cheerful chaos was a stark contrast to the quiet Samson had grown used to during his nightly training sessions.
Pedro stood with Samson at the gates, his suitcase in tow. "Don't work too hard while I'm gone, alright?" Pedro said, clapping Samson on the shoulder. "You'll make me look bad if you come back a prodigy."
Samson chuckled. "I'll try to hold back."
Pedro laughed and turned to leave, waving over his shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Samson. And don't forget—you've got me in your corner."
Samson watched him go, a small smile lingering on his face. Pedro's optimism was something he admired, even if he couldn't always share it.
---
The train station was bustling with students, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Samson boarded quietly, finding himself a seat near the window. The carriage was crowded, but the noise around him faded as the train began to move.
Through the window, the landscape blurred—a patchwork of green fields, distant mountains, and the occasional village. Samson leaned back in his seat, his thoughts drifting.
The past three months had been transformative in ways he hadn't expected. He had faced judgment, pushed himself to his limits, and begun to unravel the mysteries of the watch. But there was still so much he didn't understand.
As the train sped toward Hexagon City, Samson allowed himself a rare moment of peace. For now, he didn't have to fight or prove himself. For now, he could simply watch the world pass by, the hum of the train lulling him into a quiet calm.
The summer break lay ahead, and with it, new challenges. But Samson wasn't afraid. He was ready.