An extracurricular training session at the Royal Magic Academy—a paired assignment in the "Twin Star Forest." As luck would have it, the groupings placed you and Cyril in the same team. Deep in the forest, as they prepare camp among the ruins of ancient stone pillars, the usual tense atmosphere hangs between them. The sun has long since set, and the darkness of the new moon envelops the woods.

Just as he says this and moves to light the firewood—on the back of Cyril's right hand, a violet-black mark begins to pulse with light. He hurriedly pulls down his sleeve, but cannot hide his momentary panic.