A few months later, after enrolling at the academy...

Keyla sighed in boredom. For days now, Cẩm Đan hadn't come to school, and as a result, no one was sitting next to her to talk to. Since the start of classes, she'd been unable to focus, and her mood had been gloomy and exhausted—even after school. She wandered in a daze, muttering to herself:

Ugh, I'm so bored I could die.

Cẩm Đan, when are you coming back to school?

I wish you'd come back tomorrow.

That way, I won't have to sit alone anymore!

And I'll have someone to talk to again.

Sigh... just please, please come back soon!

Distracted by her own thoughts, she wasn't paying attention and accidentally bumped into someone. Startled, she quickly bowed and apologized.

Ah! I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention and ran into you. I sincerely apologize!

The girl she bumped into was clearly annoyed, and her group of friends glared at Keyla with hostile eyes. The girl, now fuming, grabbed Keyla's collar and yelled:

You think saying sorry is enough?!

Look what you did to my shirt!

What are you going to do about it, huh, Keyla?

These girls were in the same class as Keyla, known for being nasty and constantly picking fights without reason. That morning, they had been scolded by the teacher for causing trouble and not studying, which led to them getting low scores and being forced to stand in the hallway. Their bad mood needed an outlet—and Keyla just became the perfect target.

The girl raised her fist, ready to punch Keyla.

Maybe I should punch you and let off some steam!

Keyla: No—please don't! Violence won't solve anything. That's not right!

But the girl ignored her and was about to strike when suddenly—a swift, powerful kick came out of nowhere, slamming into her head and sending her flying, unconscious. The person who delivered that kick was none other than Cẩm Đan.

Keyla was stunned. After days of not seeing Cẩm Đan anywhere, she suddenly appeared in front of her. Standing protectively in front of Keyla, Cẩm Đan glared at the group with eyes burning red, her expression darker than ever. Her presence radiated deadly intent as she threatened them:

Listen up, you bunch of bastards . If you don't want to end up like the pig lying over there, then get lost. And don't you dare bully her ever again!

Hearing that, the girls turned pale with fear and bolted.

Aaaah! She's terrifying!

Run! Hurry!

Once everything calmed down, Keyla turned to ask:

Hey! Why haven't you come to class lately?

Cẩm Đan: Look—my arm's still wrapped up like this. How am I supposed to hold a pen?

Keyla: Oh, I see! Are you feeling better? Does it still hurt?

Cẩm Đan: Not really. It's not a big deal to me.
Actually, I've been through worse. Like last month—I fell down the stairs, hit my head, and was unconscious for days. Still fine! Haha!

Keyla (thinking): What the heck... How is that normal? But she sounds so calm about it.

Haha, I see...
And thank you, seriously. I didn't expect you to help me like that. Every time I need someone—you're there.

Cẩm Đan: It's nothing. You don't need to make a big deal out of it.

Keyla: Why not?

Cẩm Đan: Because helping someone who's being bullied is just the right thing to do.
I can't stand people who use power to hurt those weaker than them.

That's why I've always had a dream...

As she spoke, her eyes lit up with determination. You could tell—her dream was everything to her.

I want to become the strongest mage. So I can destroy those who abuse their power, and protect those who are oppressed.

At that moment, Keyla smiled softly and said:

You know what, Cẩm Đan?
You and I... we're the same.

Cẩm Đan: What do you mean?

Keyla: We share the same dream!

Cẩm Đan: Really?! Are you serious?

Keyla: Absolutely. That's why we need to work together to make it come true!

Cẩm Đan: Yeah!

From that day forward, their bond became even stronger.

As they were enjoying each other's company, a loud scream suddenly rang out—and then a painful punch to Keyla's head made her jolt awake.

Ow! What just happened?!

Looking around, she realized she was lying on the ground, and nearby, Cẩm Đan was grilling a fish.

Wait a second... Did you just punch me?!

Cẩm Đan: Yep, that was me.

Keyla: What the heck! Why'd you hit me out of nowhere?!

Cẩm Đan: Because if I didn't, you probably wouldn't have woken up until next fall.
I called you a hundred times—you didn't budge! You almost scared me to death!

Keyla: Oh... I was just having a dream...

Cẩm Đan: What dream?

Keyla: Uh... Never mind. It's nothing.

Right then, the fish was perfectly grilled. Cẩm Đan handed one to Keyla.

Here! Eat it while it's hot—it won't taste as good cold.

Keyla: Huh? Where'd you get this?

Cẩm Đan: I woke up early and went out to find food while you were still sleeping.
I found a big lake full of fish and caught a few. So I grilled them for us.

Keyla: Wow, thanks! You worked so hard for this.

Cẩm Đan: No big deal. Eat up quickly—then we've got to get moving.

Keyla: Got it! Thanks a bunch.