CHAPTER 136: SUMMER

The summer sun bathed Glory Academy in a golden radiance, turning every corner of the sprawling campus into a scene worthy of a painting. The towering white spires of the academy shimmered like polished ivory, their tips glinting whenever the sunlight struck them at the right angle. The walls, adorned with ancient carvings of legendary heroes and mythical beasts, seemed warmer, almost alive, under the brilliant blue sky.

A gentle breeze rolled through the academy grounds, carrying with it the scent of blooming summer flowers. The gardens, carefully maintained by both mages and nature spirits, were in full bloom. Roses of crimson, tulips of soft violet, lilies with pure white petals, and even exotic mana-infused blossoms that glowed faintly in daylight decorated the pathways. Their colors were so vivid that they seemed to hum with life, and small crystal butterflies—summoned familiars of the gardening department—fluttered from bloom to bloom.

The academy’s central fountain became a gathering place for students. Its crystal-clear waters danced upward in graceful arcs, scattering droplets that sparkled like tiny diamonds in the sun. Around it, cadets lounged lazily on benches, some chatting in low voices while others studied or simply closed their eyes, enjoying the warm touch of summer on their faces.

The training fields, vast stretches of green grass bordered by enchanted trees, also seemed livelier than ever. The leaves overhead swayed gently, casting playful patterns of shadow and light on the ground. Occasionally, the hum of magic filled the air as cadets practiced spells, their elemental energies casting colorful bursts against the bright backdrop. Blue water orbs shimmered, golden lightning cracked, and swirling winds rustled the long summer grass.

In the distance, the academy lake was like a polished mirror reflecting the endless summer sky. The surface glittered with silver light, disturbed only when someone dove in or when wind rippled across it. On its banks, wildflowers painted the landscape in a thousand shades, and the air was thick with the sweet scent of clover. The more daring cadets used the lake as a spot for elemental training, sending small waves rolling or freezing patches of water for balance practice.

Birdsong filled the academy grounds, joined occasionally by the soft chime of wind bells that hung from some of the buildings. The air itself felt lighter, freer—every breath tasted fresh, tinged with the floral sweetness of the season. Even the usually stern instructors seemed less tense, pausing in their duties to take in the beauty surrounding them.

Night during summer in Glory Academy was just as breathtaking. When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the sky melted into shades of violet and gold before deepening into a rich midnight blue. Fireflies emerged, their soft glow drifting lazily through the gardens and along the cobblestone paths. The moon, enormous and silver-bright, hung low over the spires, casting an ethereal glow that made the white marble glisten.

Under the summer moonlight, the academy took on a dreamlike quality—tranquil, yet alive. Conversations quieted to soft murmurs, and the warm air carried the faint scent of night-blooming flowers. The entire campus seemed to rest under the stars, like a great beast gathering strength for the next day’s challenges.

In this season, Glory Academy wasn’t just a place of learning and training—it felt like a sanctuary, where even amidst the looming threats of the outside world, beauty and peace still thrived.

°°°

"Ah! I feel alive. I’ve completely recovered." Nero stretched lightly, savoring the feeling of strength returning to his body. Today was the day of his discharge. Lux had been the first to leave the infirmary, followed by Khione, then Elreth, and finally Nero himself.

The moment he stepped outside, he was greeted by Adam and the others.

"Good to see you back on your feet, little Nero!" Adam grinned, already swinging a hand toward Nero’s shoulder in his usual overly affectionate greeting—only for Nero to sidestep nimbly, as always.

"Tch!" Adam clicked his tongue in mock annoyance, his hand left hanging.

Ignoring Adam’s exaggerated disappointment, Nero turned to the other two.

"Good to see you fine, Nero," Lux said warmly.

"Good to see you too, Lux." Nero returned the smile.

Blake, true to his lazy nature, simply lifted a hand in a half-hearted wave.

"You’re looking well too, Blake. Hoh! Seems you’ve stepped into the next realm as well." Nero’s sharp eyes had already picked up on it—like Lux, Blake had broken through to the next stage. He was now an Adept Mage. Adam, on the other hand, wasn’t far from reaching the Red Knight stage himself.

"Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s go celebrate." Adam, sticking to his nature, got straight to the point.

"I guess you’re right. Let’s drink to our hearts’ content. I’ll be paying." Feeling generous and in high spirits, Nero made the offer.

That suggestion earned appreciative looks from Lux and Adam—though Blake merely tagged along. He’d much rather be back in bed, lazing the day away, but even he knew this was a moment worth sharing.

The group of four made their way toward the entertainment district of Glory Academy, a lively section of campus that seemed to have its own pulse—one that beat faster in the summer evenings. Rows of brightly lit shops and restaurants lined the stone-paved streets, each spilling warm light onto the cobblestones. The air was rich with the mingling scents of grilled meat, freshly baked bread, and sweet pastries. Students wandered between venues, laughing in groups, while musicians played gentle tunes on the corner, their melodies weaving into the background hum of the district.

They eventually stopped at a popular restaurant tucked between two large tea houses. Its wide glass windows revealed an inviting interior: sturdy wooden tables polished to a warm sheen, soft lantern light casting golden hues across the room, and the faint scent of sizzling spices drifting from the open kitchen. The low murmur of conversation filled the air, accompanied by the occasional burst of laughter from other diners.

It was bustling around here.

’’The atmosphere here is pretty good.’’ Adam said while looking around. The others nodded in response.