{Chapter: 105: Sparks of Resolve}
"Hey, Charles," He whispered, holding it out. "This thing tastes amazing. It's a new alchemy-baked snack from the northern tower. You've got to try it!"
Charles blinked, hesitated—then took it with both hands, surprised by the warmth of the treat.
"Thanks..." he said quietly, the weight on his shoulders lightening just a bit.
Saya gave him a quick wink. "Don't think too much. Just chew. Sometimes that's enough."
Charles blinked as he stared down at the little treat Saya had just handed him. It was warm to the touch, slightly sticky on the edges, and fragrant in a way that awakened his appetite without him even realizing it. He brought it to his lips and took a small bite.
A rush of sweetness spread across his tongue—honey, a dash of almond, and something citrusy tucked within. His eyes lit up slightly as he savored the unexpected yet pleasant flavor. It reminded him of simpler times, of a home he barely remembered, and of the small joys that still existed in a world bracing for war.
He turned to Saya with a curious look, his thoughts wandering beyond the classroom walls and impending competition. He watched the way Saya grinned, carefree and bright as usual, the kind of smile that could chase away gloom like sunlight piercing through clouds.
"Hey… Saya," Charles asked after a pause, still chewing thoughtfully. "Do you… do you have any goals in life?"
"Goals?" Saya echoed, blinking in surprise.
He tilted his head and rubbed the back of his neck, thinking it over more seriously than Charles expected. His expression shifted from casual mischief to genuine contemplation, his bright eyes focusing on a distant point in space as if he were imagining the peak of some invisible mountain.
"…If I really had to say," Saya said slowly, "then I want to stand on a high place—no, the highest place I can reach—and look at the world from there."
Charles turned fully toward him, now intrigued.
"My father, the King, and my mother, the Queen, they raised me with a single message: climb," Saya continued, his tone softening. "Climb as high as you can. Don't settle, don't stop. It doesn't matter if the climb is painful. That's the only way you'll know you've lived a life without regrets. So I guess that's my dream."
He looked down, then smiled faintly.
"If I can stand at the top of the world for just one second… just one… then everything would've been worth it."
Charles was quiet for a long moment. The classroom noise around them—the murmurs of other students, the sharp tapping of the instructor's cane on the marble floor, the hum of magical wards in the ceiling—all faded into the background.
"I see," he said at last.
Then, with a steadiness that surprised even himself, Charles nodded. "I'll help you reach it, Saya."
Saya raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
"I'll help you climb. Even if I can't see that view with you," Charles added, his eyes unwavering, "I'll do everything I can to make sure you get there."
'Since I don't have any real goals of my own… no burning desire to reach the top or change the world… I'll help someone who does,' Charles thought. 'If Saya reaches his goal… if he achieves his dream… then maybe I'll find joy in that, too. Maybe that's enough for someone like me.'
Saya chuckled lightly and patted Charles on the back. "Well, thank you then! That's pretty serious of you."
But inside, he didn't dwell on it too deeply. In his mind, lofty goals were for dreams, not daily realities. He figured Charles was just trying to be supportive, saying the kind of thing a good friend would say. He never imagined, not for a second, that Charles meant every word.
But Charles did. That small promise had carved itself into his heart, anchoring him with a purpose for the first time in his life.
From that moment forward, something changed.
The way he listened in class shifted. The way he practiced became more intense, more methodical. He began rising before sunrise, pushing his limits quietly, silently, with no audience but himself.
Saya noticed the change, but only in passing.
"Huh? What's with that serious look? That guy really is too into it today…" Saya mumbled once, peeking over at Charles as he scribbled pages of notes during a lecture. "Well, whatever. It's good to be diligent."
He shook his head and tried to focus, but the thought kept nagging at the back of his mind. There was something different about Charles. Something heavier. More determined.
Saya had no idea what was brewing beneath the surface.
---
Three Months Later
The day of the academy's internal tournament arrived like a tidal wave—sweeping over the students with excitement, anxiety, and fierce competition.
A sprawling stadium had been conjured on academy grounds, wide enough to accommodate duels, enchanted beasts, and spellcraft warfare simulations. Banners bearing the sigils of each department fluttered overhead, while magical scoreboards hovered in mid-air, tallying points and victories in glowing runes.
From the spectator stands, Saya leaned forward, gripping the railing as he watched the final match play out. His eyes were locked on the tall figure standing at the center of the dueling platform.
Charles.
He was no longer the slightly awkward, hesitant boy Saya had known three months ago. His stance was steady, his robe billowed with magical pressure, and his eyes were calm—piercing even.
With a final sweep of his wand and a surge of energy that cracked the ground beneath his feet, Charles silenced his last opponent with a beautifully executed binding spell that chained the defeated student in glowing threads of light.
Silence fell over the stadium for a breath.
Then came the applause.
A booming roar of cheers erupted from all corners. Charles had done it. He had won first place in the tournament, securing the highly coveted spot to represent the academy at the upcoming [Wizarding World All-Academy Unified Competition].
Saya stood in stunned silence.
He blinked slowly.
'…What happened?'
He rubbed his eyes and looked again, but the reality didn't change.
'Wasn't he still below me just a few months ago? When did the gap grow this wide?'
But even as confusion rippled through him, he felt no bitterness. Only pride.
A deep, genuine pride in the person who had once hesitated, once doubted himself—but now stood as a beacon of effort and transformation.
'He really meant it… He really worked for my dream…' Saya realized.
And suddenly, his own shortcomings became glaringly obvious.
"Perhaps I've gotten too comfortable," Saya whispered to himself. "I've been too lax… I forgot that being a wizard means walking the razor's edge of constant growth."
He clenched his fists, not out of envy, but out of determination.
Watching Charles receive his medal, Saya made a vow—not to be left behind, not again. He would catch up. He would climb, too.
Because that's what friends do.
*****
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