"Are you really certain?" Lily's soft voice carried an undercurrent of concern, barely audible over the hum of conversation as Class B students settled into their desks. She sat with her shoulders slightly hunched, trying to avoid the gazes of the classmates filing in around them. Her blue hair, neatly tied with a simple ribbon, fell across her cheek, highlighting the faint blush on her pale skin.

Beside her, Noah adjusted the glasses on his face. His dark brown hair fell into his eyes, one a deep, contemplative brown and the other a glowing silver, each tinted by the overhead sunlight seeping through the tall windows. "I am," he answered quietly, turning to give Lily a reassuring nod. "Pure Mana is a difficult path, but... it's the only one I have."

She lowered her gaze to her open notebook, fiddling with the edge of the page. "I just don't want you to push yourself too hard," she murmured. "I keep remembering how you collapsed that time..."

"That was my own fault," Noah replied, voice gentle. "I underestimated the toll that Pure Mana can take. I'll be more careful from now on."

A moment passed, the two aware of curious eyes from classmates who recognized them as part of the circle around Crown Prince Lucian. Lily forced a small smile and said, "Then I trust you."

Before Noah could respond, the chatter in the lecture hall intensified. The last few students hurried to their seats, and the hush that followed signaled the arrival of their professor.

"All right, everyone, settle down," came the firm but kindly voice of Professor Alden Marek. He made his way to the front of the room, his stocky build moving with surprising grace. His hazel eyes scanning the class to ensure he had everyone's attention. His earth-toned robes, practical yet carefully embroidered, brushed lightly against the wooden floor.

A ragged sigh sounded from somewhere in the back, followed by a murmured complaint. "Another lecture before the exam? Can't we have a break?"

A titter of laughter rippled across the rows of students. Professor Marek's lips curved in a mild smile. "I promise this will be worth your while," he said. "Our topic today is central to your upcoming Class Placement Exam. Please pay close attention."

He gestured to the blackboard behind him, and with a subtle movement of his hand, conjured a floating diagram of mana streams in the air. Lines of light glimmered in shifting colors, capturing the attention of even the most inattentive student.

"As you all know," Marek began, "mages are commonly categorized according to their skill level. We have five primary ranks: Novice, Adept, Expert, Master, and Legendary." He paused, letting the words settle. "Within each rank, there are sub-levels—Beginner, Intermediate, and High. This is to account for the gradual progression you will experience on your journey."

A few students scribbled notes hastily. One girl near the front raised her hand. "Professor, do we have any Master- or Legendary-level mages here at the academy?"

"Not presently," he replied, a faint curve to his lips. "Achieving those ranks requires not just talent but years—if not decades—of relentless dedication. Even finding an Expert among your professors is rare. Don't be discouraged, though; there is always room to grow."

A boy with curly brown hair piped up, "What about Elara Arden or Althea Arden? I heard they're strong."

Professor Marek inclined his head. "They are formidable in their own right, but even they'd humbly admit to not reaching Master-level. Growth continues throughout a mage's life."

He let the glowing diagram shift into a circle of swirling energy, symbolizing the concept of mana in all living things. "Now, let's speak of mana itself. Everything around us—plants, animals, humans, even the air—contains mana, albeit in varying amounts. Some races or individuals are born brimming with it; others have less. Regardless, the potential to wield magic exists in all, if properly nurtured."

Noah found his gaze fixed on the swirling motes, thinking of his own experiences channeling mana. He sensed Lily's eyes flicking to him, but she said nothing.

"All of you are aware that most people are born with a specific elemental affinity," the professor continued. "Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, Shadow, and so on. Some individuals even possess multiple elements, though it's uncommon. Such mages often rise quickly in their studies."

A purposeful cough sounded from the back row—someone was likely referencing Crown Prince Lucian's double affinity, but Marek chose not to elaborate.

"Alongside these usual cases," Marek went on, "there exist those born without any elemental affinity whatsoever. We call these individuals Broad Core users. Instead of channeling elemental mana, they manipulate Pure Mana, an unrefined, universal essence."

Marek's gaze swept across the room. Though he didn't openly single out Noah, a few students darted glances his way. There was a stir of speculation. Everyone knew Noah didn't demonstrate any elemental spells.

"Pure Mana," the professor explained, "is significantly more challenging to manifest into physical form. Elements, by comparison, are more accessible for shaping spells. However, Pure Mana, once mastered, can surpass many elemental techniques in potency and versatility."

Noah kept his expression calm, even as his thoughts drifted to his personal journey. He recalled the day he manifested the Pure Mana Orb, the raw surge of power that had nearly overwhelmed him. Lily glanced over and whispered, "You okay?"

He nodded once in silent affirmation, returning his focus to Marek's lecture.

A spindly boy seated near the center raised his hand. "Professor, is it true that people with multiple elements are the strongest?"

Marek pressed his lips together. "Strength is not determined solely by the number of elements one holds. A single-element mage can outclass a multi-element mage if they train diligently, strategize well, and hone their mastery. Power is a tapestry of skill, discipline, and the synergy between mage and magic."

The boy looked thoughtful, sinking back into his seat.

The professor's tone grew more serious. "Remember, in the upcoming Class Placement Exam, your rank will be evaluated based on both combat ability and theoretical knowledge. For those of you who aim to climb the ranks—Novice, Adept, Expert—this is your next step."

A ripple of chatter spread, some students murmuring nervously, others excitedly. A girl in pigtails asked, "Professor, will the exam focus on our elemental spells?"

Marek inclined his head. "Partly. You'll be tested on how well you can wield your element—or, in some cases, your Pure Mana. The exam is designed to measure your adaptability and innovation in real combat scenarios, as well as your comprehension of magical theory."

As he moved to set aside his notes, he concluded with a cautionary note. "I suggest you prepare thoroughly. The exam date is approaching faster than you think. And now"—his eyes flicked to the large clock near the door—"we must briefly touch on history before this period ends."

A few students groaned playfully, but Noah sensed their underlying determination. The promise of advancement fueled their dedication. As Marek segued into historical contexts (though not delving deep into specifics), the lecture gradually lost its tension. Even so, Noah's thoughts remained on his Pure Mana, the silent question echoing in his mind: What more can I accomplish if I push further?

Class ended, and as the mass of students dispersed, Lily lingered near her desk, collecting her notes. Noah stood beside her, offering a small, reassuring smile.

"You seem deep in thought," she observed softly.

He exhaled. "I'm just trying to put all the pieces together. Pure Mana isn't straightforward, and I'm not sure how the exam will rank me."

She set her notebook down, her pale silver eyes reflecting empathy. "We'll figure it out. Besides, you've done fine so far."

Noah nodded gratefully. "Thanks. And you? Feeling better about your Ice Magic?"

A timid nod. "A bit. I still freeze up—no pun intended—when trying advanced spells, but I'll keep practicing."

"Let's go to the training grounds," he suggested. "No time like the present."

She agreed, gathering her things. Together, they threaded through the corridors, ignoring the passing stares of curious classmates. Some whispered about Noah's Broad Core, others marveled at Lily's newfound confidence. Neither paid them any mind.

The training grounds were a wide-open space designed for honing magical techniques. Rows of practice dummies lined one side, while on the opposite end, sparring rings lay marked on the paved floor. Runes etched into the walls glowed faintly, absorbing stray spells and neutralizing potentially destructive magic.

Lily hesitated at the threshold, her memories of previous humiliations weighing on her. She recalled a time she had tried to cast a large-scale Ice Shield, only for it to shatter under minimal pressure. But Noah's calm presence behind her spurred her forward.

"Let's pick a quiet spot," she said, scanning the area.

They settled near the back, where a few practice dummies were spaced out. The faint sound of spells crackling and occasional bursts of flame from other trainees echoed in the background. Lily took a breath to steady herself, turning to Noah.

"You go first," she offered. "I'd like to watch how you handle your mana."

He nodded and closed his eyes briefly, centering his focus. The academy uniform he wore rustled in the gentle breeze that drifted through the open-air courtyard. He inhaled, feeling the current of mana within him—a broad, elemental-less force that demanded discipline.

Raising a hand, he called forth the orb of Pure Mana. It appeared slowly, taking the form of a swirling sphere of faint luminescence. Lily observed intently, her eyes reflecting the shifting patterns in the orb.

"You've gotten faster," she noted softly.

"A little," Noah admitted. "Still not as quick as an elemental conjuration, but I'm improving."

He concentrated, trying to shape the orb. The sphere elongated, warping into a short cylindrical form. Suddenly, it flickered, collapsing into a spark of light that vanished.

Noah let out a frustrated breath. "It's easier in combat when adrenaline is high. Doing it calmly is harder."

Lily approached, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You're forcing it," she reminded him, echoing her earlier advice. "Just let it flow."

He closed his eyes again, this time focusing on maintaining a steady breath. Gradually, a faint hum of mana gathered in his palm. A warm tingle spread through his arm, as though the magic recognized his intention. The orb glowed more brightly, retaining its shape even as he tried to stretch it. For a fleeting second, the mass of mana resembled a short blade before flickering out once more.

While not perfect, it was progress. Noah looked at Lily, relief and mild pride mixing in his eyes.

"That's better," she said with an encouraging nod. "You'll master it soon."

He exhaled slowly, a sense of possibility growing within him.

Now it was Lily's turn. She stepped up to a training dummy carved from oak. Closing her eyes, she channeled her Ice Magic, seeking the calm within her that allowed her to mold the frost. Her breathing steadied, and a soft swirl of cold air gathered around her feet. Slowly, a shimmering barrier formed around her body—thicker than usual, more stable.

Noah stepped forward and tapped the barrier, feeling the cool, slick surface. It resisted his initial push, cracks forming only when he applied more pressure. Lily winced at the sound but kept her concentration steady, preventing the structure from collapsing entirely.

"Good," Noah remarked, pulling his hand away. "It's a lot stronger than before."

Lily opened her eyes, a shy grin lighting her features. "It's still not where I want it to be, but... progress is progress."

They continued in this manner for some time, alternating between Lily's defensive spells and Noah's attempts to refine his Pure Mana manipulations. Occasional classmates strolled by, some of them stopping to offer a word of encouragement or shoot a curious glance. A few recognized Noah from the whispers about his Broad Core status, but none interrupted.

As the sun descended, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the training grounds emptied. Some students left for dinner, while others called it a night to study. Lily and Noah, however, stayed longer.

Lily sat on a bench beneath a lantern that lit up at dusk, hugging her knees. She gazed at the burnished sky. "This exam... I'm a little scared," she confessed in a moment of vulnerability.

Noah took a seat beside her, the fading light glinting off his glasses. "You're not the only one. But we'll get through it."

She glanced at him, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Thank you. For being here."

He shrugged, a small, modest gesture. "We help each other, right? That's how we get stronger."

She rested her chin on her arms, looking contemplative. "I keep remembering how I used to be terrified of even small spells. Now I'm attempting these bigger shields. It feels... surreal."

"You've come a long way," he said, a note of pride in his voice. "Just keep pushing."

They shared a companionable silence, the evening air cooling around them. The chatter of distant students had died down, replaced by the distant chirping of night insects. In the hush, their unspoken resolve formed a quiet bond.

Noah eventually rose, extending a hand to Lily. "Let's try one more thing before we call it a day."

She accepted his hand, curiosity in her pale silver eyes. "What do you have in mind?"

He guided her back to the training dummy. "Block one of my attacks. I'll attempt to coat my strike in Pure Mana."

She blinked, a jolt of concern passing through her expression. "All right. But go easy on me."

He nodded, stepping into a steady stance. Closing his eyes briefly, he summoned his mana. This time, he aimed to channel it along his arm rather than form a separate orb. A sensation like liquid warmth spread from his core to his fingertips, and a faint shimmer of white-silver energy began to outline his hand.

Lily inhaled sharply, summoning an Ice Shield around herself. The swirling frost condensed into a thick barrier, edges gleaming under the lantern's glow.

Noah brought his hand forward in a controlled thrust. The Pure Mana around his arm collided with Lily's shield, sparks of frost and light scattering in tiny bursts. The shield held, though hairline cracks spread across its surface. Lily gritted her teeth, focusing on keeping the barrier stable.

A final push from Noah's mana-empowered strike sent spiderweb fractures racing through the ice, but Lily managed to deflect it enough that the structure didn't shatter completely. With a relieved exhale, she let the shield dissolve.

"That was... more intense than I expected," she admitted, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.

Noah shook off the lingering tingle in his arm. "Same here. You held up really well."

She offered him a bright smile, one that spoke of newfound confidence. "You too."

They packed up their things in companionable silence, hearts still pounding from the exertion. The stars were bright overhead, dotting the sky like scattered diamonds. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, bringing a breath of cool relief after their rigorous practice.

"Shall we head back?" Lily asked softly, voice tinged with exhaustion.

Noah nodded, adjusting his glasses. "Yeah. We've earned a rest."

They left the training grounds, the echoes of distant activity fading behind them. As they walked through the academy's pathways, glowing runes in the lampposts guided their steps. A few lingering students passed by, offering polite nods or brief greetings.

Neither Lily nor Noah spoke much on the way, content to reflect on the day's progress. A mutual sense of quiet determination accompanied them, an unspoken promise to push their magic further.

At the final turn before the dormitories, Lily hesitated, turning to face Noah. "Good night," she said, her voice tinged with a warmth that mirrored the lantern light.

He inclined his head, returning the soft tone. "Good night, Lily. See you tomorrow."

She parted with a small wave, her slender frame disappearing down a corridor lined with wooden doors. The quiet click of a latch signaled her retreat into her room.

Alone now, Noah stood for a moment longer, gaze drifting to a window where the moonlight spilled onto the polished floor. 

(Please comment any criticism)