Ash And Dust

Kaelen took a deep breath and, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, spoke up. "How did the war with the demons end?" he asked, fixing his eyes on Edric's face.

Edric was silent for a moment, his gaze slightly distant. "The demons... haven't been seen in a long time," he said slowly. "But that doesn't mean they're gone. They hide in the shadows, waiting. The rifts are still open, and sometimes creatures slip through. That's why the Mirakels must always remain vigilant. The threat is never truly over."

Kaelen nodded slightly. There was a sense of unease inside him, but he couldn't fully identify the cause. Maybe it was because he hadn't fully grasped the threats of this world yet.

Lyra, eager to break the tension, spoke up. "But there are powerful warriors, right? The High Academy trains them after all."

Kaelen furrowed his brow. "The Academy?" he asked, intrigued.

Lyra's eyes widened, and she quickly shut her mouth, but it was already too late. Edric gave Lyra a meaningful look before turning back to Kaelen. "Yes, there are magical academies. Places where the Mirakels train. Young ones awaken their abilities at the age of 12, and when their magical powers are discovered, they are accepted into the academies. They undergo years of training to hone their skills."

Kaelen lowered his head in thought. "I... can't go to the academy, can I?"

Edric's face tightened slightly. "No, Kaelen. Your magical ability never manifested. That's why you can't enter the academy."

Kaelen fell silent for a moment. He felt a sense of emptiness inside, but he couldn't quite understand why. It was as if he had always wanted to go to the academy, but now... it was impossible.

Edric took a deep breath. "But right now, what matters is not the past. The academy entrance exams are approaching, and young Mirakels like Lyra need to work hard."

Lyra frowned slightly. "I am working hard!"

Edric smiled and shook his head. "It doesn't seem like it. You know, in the academy, talent isn't enough. Hard work matters too. Especially for someone like you, a light mage."

Kaelen looked up. "Lyra's a light mage?"

Lyra smiled. "Yes! I'm really good at healing magic. But I'm not as good with offensive spells, unfortunately..."

Kaelen felt something stir inside him. He felt incomplete. It was as if he had lost something he once had...

But he would need time to unravel the mystery. For now, he needed to focus on understanding this new world around him.

After that, he would decide what to do next.