The training field was eerily silent, save for the occasional crack of thunder echoing from the far sky—though the skies were clear.

  Kagami knelt at the center of a wide runic circle carved deep into the ground by Master Rivel’s staff. The air was dense with mana, humming and pulsing like a beating heart beneath the soil.

  Rivel circled him slowly, eyes narrowed. “Today marks a new chapter. You’ve grasped the raw spells of thunder and earth. Now, you will attempt what only a few mages dare—elemental fusion.”

  Kagami wiped a bead of sweat from his temple. “Thunder and earth together... that sounds like it’ll tear the ground apart.”

  Rivel smiled slyly. “Or it might tear you apart, if you’re careless.”

  Kagami ughed, half-joking. “Reassuring as always.”

  Rivel’s tone sharpened. “Fusion spells aren’t merely about yering two elements. You must understand their philosophy, their nature. Earth is patient and steady—like a mountain. Thunder is votile, ever seeking release—like a storm. Fuse them wrong, and the spell will reject itself.”

  Kagami closed his eyes and let the mana swirl. He visualized stone hardened with electric energy, a force that could paralyze and pulverize in a single strike. He whispered the incantation slowly:

  “Arx Fulgaris: Terrathunder Hammer!”

  The ground split beneath him as an electrified gauntlet of earth encased his arm. Lightning danced across its surface in glowing sigils. He staggered at first—his arm numb from the sheer power—but steadied himself.

  Rivel’s eyes widened slightly. “You actually formed a fused construct... impressive.”

  The gauntlet hummed, sparking arcs into the air. Kagami clenched his fist, testing the weight.

  “Feels like I’m carrying a boulder made of thunder.”

  Rivel stepped back. “Practice with it. Try shaping it into your own form. I won’t hold your hand beyond this.”

  Kagami trained until his arm was sore and the gauntlet faded. As the sun climbed overhead, Rivel finally called an end.

  “Enough for now. You’ve earned a break.”

  ---

  Later that evening

  Whimwood’s surrounding city of Gravemere came alive with light and color for the Festival of Fmes, an annual celebration honoring the Fire Spirits said to bless the nd with warmth and harvest.

  Kagami walked through the cobbled streets with wide eyes, his hands gripping roasted skewers as nterns floated into the sky. The air was thick with the scent of spice and smoke.

  “Don’t eat too fast, you’ll choke,” Mikay ughed, adjusting a new blue-and-gold cloak on Kagami’s shoulders.

  Zack leaned over and grinned. “Let the boy enjoy it—he earned it. That thunder-rock thing he pulled off? Never seen anything like it!”

  Kagami grinned between bites. “Still hurts when I try, though.”

  Minna and Iren soon found them near a crystal-apple booth.

  Minna twirled in her flower-patterned dress. “Kagami! Over here! Look what I won!” She held up a fiery-red plush samander.

  Iren chuckled, his dark hair swept to the side. “She beat the ring toss with water magic. Show off.”

  Kagami smiled. “Looks like I’m not the only one getting stronger.”

  Just then, a familiar, loud voice rang from the crowd.

  “Oi! Dragon b— I mean, Explode Kid! Wait up!”

  Leo Ferrowind appeared, panting, a caramel stick halfway in his mouth.

  Everyone blinked.

  “What are you doing here?” Iren asked, suspicious.

  Leo crossed his arms. “I live in this city too, you know. And maybe I came to see how you losers spend your festival.”

  Kagami smirked. “You mean you followed us.”

  “Wha—no! I didn’t! I just... heard about the fireworks show, and figured I’d see if your taste in explosions was as bad as your fashion.”

  Mikay leaned to Zack. “They’re definitely friends.”

  Zack nodded. “Definitely.”

  As the sun set, the crowd gathered around the pza for the Fire Spirit Pyre—an enormous bonfire lit with spells from local mages. Kagami watched in awe as enchanted fme danced like foxes and dragons, twisting into the night sky.

  He felt a warm tug on his arm. Mikay.

  “I’m proud of you,” she said gently. “But remember—it’s okay to be a kid too.”

  Kagami nodded slowly. “I know. Tonight... I’ll just enjoy this.”

  The firelight reflected in his eyes as he stood with his family—old and new—and his friends, watching a sky lit by magic and celebration.

  For a moment, the weight of jutsu, chakra, mana, and destiny faded.

  For a moment, he was just a boy.

  ---