"Oi, Aiden, I'll be heading to meet up with my teammates now. Try not to cause another scene, alright?" Elara smirked, hands on her hips, before turning to leave.
Aiden sighed. "Yeah, yeah, see you later."
As he turned back, he immediately regretted it.
Leon and Xaleth stood there, both with knowing smirks—though Xaleth's was more subtle, hidden beneath his usual aloof demeanour. Leon, on the other hand, looked way too amused.
"Oho? 'See you later,' huh?" Leon grinned, nudging Aiden's shoulder. "Didn't take you for a lady-killer, Aiden. Is she your childhood sweetheart?"
Aiden groaned, rubbing his temples. "For the last time, no."
Xaleth let out a soft chuckle, trying to cover it with his hands. "Your face says otherwise."
"Ugh, shut up. Let's just head to our dorms."
Leon chuckled but relented, and the trio made their way toward the dormitory section of the University of Higher Magic.
The dormitories were located on the far side of the university, surrounded by lush gardens and stone pathways illuminated by floating magical lanterns. The building itself was massive, crafted from enchanted stone that shimmered faintly in the evening light. Each team was assigned a shared dorm, a place where they would live and train together for the foreseeable future.
Their dorm room was spacious—far more than Aiden had expected. The interior had three separate bedrooms, a common living space with a cozy fireplace, and even a small training area at the back. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and an enchantment kept the temperature comfortable at all times.
Leon immediately flopped onto the couch in the common area, stretching. "Well, at least they know how to treat future legends."
Xaleth silently walked toward his room, inspecting it without a word. Aiden, still overwhelmed, dropped his bag near the door.
"This place is… insane," Aiden muttered, still taking it all in.
Leon raised a brow. "What, never seen luxury before?"
Aiden shot him a look. "Not really. My house was barely the size of this common room."
Leon paused before clicking his tongue. "Tch, well, you're moving up in the world, aren't you?"
Aiden chuckled, shaking his head before glancing at Xaleth. The noble stood near the window, looking out into the night sky. His silver hair reflected the moonlight, and for a moment, Aiden swore he looked almost ethereal.
"You good over there, Xaleth?" Aiden asked.
Xaleth turned his gaze toward him. "…It's quiet here. I like it."
Aiden blinked. "Oh. Well, yeah, I guess it is peaceful."
Leon sat up. "Alright, enough of the sentimental stuff. Since we're going to be stuck together, how about we talk strategy? You know, strengths, weaknesses, combat styles?"
Aiden scratched his cheek. "Uh… I don't really have much to say."
Leon smirked. "Right. You don't have magic."
Aiden rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the reminder."
Xaleth finally turned fully toward them. "Then why are you here?"
Aiden felt the weight of the question. It wasn't asked out of cruelty or mockery—it was genuine curiosity. Even Leon seemed interested in hearing the answer.
"…I guess I just don't want to be left behind," Aiden admitted. "I know I'm weak, but I won't stay that way forever."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Leon grinned.
"Hah. Fine answer." He leaned back against the couch. "Guess we'll see what you're made of soon enough."
Aiden exhaled, relieved that there wasn't more ridicule.
Xaleth simply nodded. "Then don't slow us down."
Aiden smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."
With that, the tension eased, and the three of them settled in for the night.
Tomorrow, training would begin.
And for Aiden, the path to proving himself was only just starting.