Lost Saint

Alex swung his wooden sword. Ajax blocked, but the impact knocked him back. He immediately conjured earth magic to break his fall. 

For what seemed like an eternity of hardship, collapsed in mere seconds. Ajax's attempt to keep his other elements hidden failed. 

They were marveled at his revelation. Arrow, prouder than ever, decided to help Ajax hone his earth magic firsthand. 

The Romanov family visited. Wanting to know more about the revelation. As Alex and Athena entertained them, Arrow dragged Ajax out to the training ground. 

"Come on, and stop hiding behind me," she said, hands on her hips, golden hair flickering. 

"I'm not hiding! I just… I just want to sleep." Ajax replied, sounding listless and completely uninterested. 

Arrow smirked, "Stop being like that. Let's have fun."

Ajax sighed, "Okay." In his eyes, this was unnecessary. Arrow is a prodigy; she must spend time on herself, not him. 

"You will surpass me one day, you know?" Arrow said with a firm and steady voice, "I must make good use of the pedestal before you finally claim it." 

Signed

Arrow straightened and pointed at a target in the distance and blew it up with conjured earth magic. 

She held her waist proudly and grinned, "Do that, and I will surprise you." 

"You know I just turned three, and my earth magic isn't that strong, right?" Ajax said with a bored tone. 

"Can you learn to appreciate my presence?" Arrow asked. 

Ajax took a look at Arrow and smiled, "She's such a proud sister." He thought to himself. 

Ajax took a deep breath and picked a target from a distance. He shook his head and picked up his wooden sword and with force and precision, threw it at the target. 

Arrow glanced at him and the target and smiled, "Well done, Ajax." 

With the look Ajax gave her, she knew he wanted his surprise. Arrow reached into her pocket and removed a handmade red bracelet. "Come closer," she said. She placed it on his wrist.

"I will leave for the academy soon, and I want you to remember me with this," she said with a faint smile. 

"Really?" He asked. This came as a surprise to Ajax—he hadn't expected her to leave this early. 

Initially, Arrow wished to leave with Ajax once he turned six, but Alex and Athena refused. It was said, she must leave when she turns eight. 

This was hard on her; she wanted to spend more time with Ajax. So, she decided to use the year left before she finally enrolled to make up for the time she would be missing. 

"Naturally, you will be strong by the time I get back, but don't let it get into your head. I will still be your older sister." Arrow said with a smirk. 

"Okay…Okay." Sighed 

Ajax had known Arrow would be leaving for the academy eventually, but he had never felt the weight of her departure like he did now. 

Alex and Athena will be around, but none of them will be able to fill in the void Arrow will leave behind. 

"Who will be annoying him?" "Who will be boosting their superiority over him" 

Endless questions swarmed through his mind. But there was a thing he could do before Arrow finally left. Making sure their one year is worth it. 

Each academy in the Sacred Nation specializes in a particular field, primarily research, business, politics, and philosophy. However, magic and physical activities also play a fundamental role.

Academics are held for twelve semesters before a student graduates. Students are allowed home for a brief time after each semester. Ranks, badges, and levels are assigned to excelling students based on the academy's curriculum. 

Arrow's academy, Duskwood Academy, emphasizes earth magic. To not feel left behind in her academy, Arrow started to train tirelessly. 

This fresh step made the Romanov family visit more often—especially their grandparents. Spars between Ajax and Arrow were mere entertainment for them. 

Despite the obvious, they demanded Arrow show superiority in their duels. Ajax would sometimes go easy on Arrow. With the help of Lucius, they would craft a convincing strategy to make Arrow win their duels.

It was a tight difference, but it had become clear that Ajax had surpassed his sister. They hardly went beyond their estate, but whenever Arrow went out, there were glances and giggles towards her.

The comparison became overwhelming, yet Ajax and Arrow found comfort in each other's presence. 

Training became their shared escape from noble life. Where others might have felt bitter about being outshined, Arrow took pride in Ajax's growth. 

Protecting his sister became his primary goal. He tried his hardest to keep his fire magic hidden. Through the hardships and possibilities, he stood firm.

Before long, Arrow's eighth birthday arrived. Alex and Athena, alongside the Romanov family and trusted companions, hosted a casual farewell party for her. 

It was filled with laughter and gifts. For a brief moment, they felt at ease and found warmth and joy, forgetting about the day that lay before them.

The night was calm but sudden. A carriage prepared to head to Terrace. Ajax couldn't bring himself to say goodbye. He stood frozen as Arrow prepared to leave. 

Lucius tried to assure him and insisted that everything would be okay after Arrow left. 

That night, Athena had to hold him tight until he fell asleep.