Rekindled Flames

As the days turned into weeks and Natsu's absence persisted, a growing sense of urgency hung in the air at Hinatachi Academy. The unity that Natsu had fostered was at a crossroads, and his friends felt the weight of their responsibility to keep the flames of unity alive.

Ryu, always the steady presence among Natsu's friends, stepped forward to take on a new role. With determination in his eyes, he addressed the commoner students who had gathered in the courtyard.

"Listen, everyone," Ryu's voice carried a sense of purpose. "Natsu's absence has left a void, but we can't let that stop us. Unity isn't just about one person—it's about all of us working together."

The commoner students nodded, their expressions resolute. Ryu's calm demeanor and his unwavering belief in unity had always been a source of inspiration for them.

"We have a few more weeks before the deadline," Ryu continued. "Our progress has slowed, but that doesn't mean we're defeated. We'll continue the training that Natsu started, and we'll work together to achieve our goal."

Hana stepped forward, her voice joining Ryu's with determination. "Unity isn't just an idea—it's a choice we make every day. We've come this far, and we won't let obstacles stand in our way."

Kaito's words were a testament to their shared commitment. "Natsu believed in us, and we can't let him down. We'll push forward with the spirit of unity in our hearts."

As the commoner students exchanged determined glances, Ryu's leadership began to take shape. The once-divided groups of nobles and commoners now came together under his guidance, their shared purpose binding them as they continued to train.

In Natsu's home, he rested in his bed, his strength slowly returning thanks to Ayame's care. With each passing day, he felt a growing restlessness, a sense that time was slipping away.

One evening, as the sun cast its warm glow through the window, Natsu's determination ignited once again. Despite his weakened state, he knew he couldn't remain idle any longer.

"I can't keep waiting," Natsu's voice was a whisper of resolve. "I need to return to Hinatachi Academy and join my friends. The unity we've built can't falter now."

Ayame's concern was evident, but she understood her son's determination. "Natsu, you're still recovering. Rushing back could make things worse."

Natsu's gaze was unwavering. "I can't let my friends and the commoner students down. Unity is worth fighting for."

With his mother's support, Natsu began to regain his strength, pushing himself to recover as quickly as possible. His flames, once dimmed by the effects of the poison, began to burn brightly once more.

Back at Hinatachi Academy, Ryu's leadership continued to guide the commoner students toward their goal. As the days grew shorter, a sense of urgency filled the air. With each passing moment, they felt the weight of the approaching deadline.

And as Natsu's strength returned, his resolve only grew stronger. The flames of unity, fueled by his determination and the efforts of his friends, were about to burn brighter than ever before.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Hinatachi Academy. The courtyard buzzed with activity as the commoner students engaged in their Essentia training, their determination evident in every movement. It had been a full month since Natsu's absence, and the progress they had made was nothing short of remarkable.

As Natsu stepped onto the familiar grounds, his heart swelled with a mix of emotions. Relief, joy, and pride all welled within him as he witnessed the unity he had worked so hard to foster. The commoner students, once divided, now trained side by side, their determination a testament to the bonds they had formed.

Ryu stood at the forefront, his guidance and leadership evident in the organized training sessions. Upon seeing Natsu, Ryu's gaze met his with a nod of acknowledgment—a silent confirmation that Natsu's trust in him had been well placed.

Approaching Ryu, Natsu's smile was genuine as he spoke. "You've done an incredible job, Ryu. I'm glad to see that the progress isn't as dire as I had imagined."

Ryu's expression held a mixture of relief and satisfaction. "Your absence was felt, but we knew that unity was bigger than any one person. We kept moving forward."

Surveying the commoner students, Natsu felt a renewed sense of purpose. "We have a few more weeks until the deadline. Let's give it our all and ensure that everyone reaches grade 3."

As Natsu rejoined his friends, his gaze fell upon them with pride. Their Essentia training had transformed them, their once-novice flames now burning with a newfound strength. Unbeknownst to them, the intense training had pushed them to reach grade 4—a level of power they had once thought unattainable.

Hana, Aiko, Kaito, and even Ryu—all of them stood as examples of the progress they had achieved. Natsu's heart swelled with a mix of happiness and gratitude. Their unity, their determination, had ignited flames that burned brighter than ever before.

Days turned into weeks, and the commoner students who had once struggled to harness their Essentia were now on the cusp of reaching grade 3. With Natsu's return and the guidance of his friends, their progress had accelerated in ways that exceeded their expectations.

As the deadline approached, a spirit of determination and camaraderie enveloped the commoner students. The bonds they had formed with each other and with Natsu's friends had become unbreakable, a testament to the power of unity.

The sun set on another day, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Natsu's flames danced with a renewed intensity, symbolizing the unwavering spirit of unity that had taken root within their hearts.

The day of reckoning had arrived—the culmination of months of dedication, training, and unwavering unity. The courtyard of Hinatachi Academy was abuzz with anticipation as commoner students gathered, each one carrying a mixture of hope and anxiety. The bet that Natsu had accepted, the challenge to transform the commoner students into grade 3 Essentia users, was about to reach its conclusion.

Natsu stood at the edge of the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the determined faces of his friends and the commoner students. The unity they had forged had brought them to this moment—a test of their shared strength and their commitment to a vision of equality and cooperation.

One by one, the commoner students stepped forward, their Essentia levels evaluated by instructors who bore witness to their progress. With each assessment, a hushed tension settled over the courtyard. Hearts beat a little faster, breaths held a little longer, as the outcome of their months of hard work hung in the balance.

Ryu, Hana, Kaito, and Aiko stood beside Natsu, their support unwavering. As the assessments continued, the crowd's excitement grew. Murmurs of relief and cheers of celebration filled the air as commoner students were declared grade 3 Essentia users.

Natsu's heart swelled with pride as he witnessed the transformation. The unity they had fought for had produced tangible results, leveling the playing field between nobles and commoners. The flames of unity burned brightly, casting a warm light over the courtyard.

As the last commoner student's Essentia was assessed, a sense of accomplishment settled over the group. The unity they had achieved had surpassed all expectations, proving that when hearts and Essentia converged, barriers could be broken.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and red, Natsu turned to his friends. "We did it," he said, his voice a mixture of awe and gratitude. "Unity prevailed."

Ryu's smile was wide, his gaze filled with pride. "And it's all thanks to your vision and determination, Natsu."

Hana's eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and relief. "We've proven that together, we're stronger."

Kaito's laughter was infectious, echoing through the courtyard. "This is just the beginning of something incredible."

Aiko's expression held a sense of fulfillment. "Unity brought us here, and it will carry us forward."

The commoner students who had once felt the weight of discrimination now stood as equals, their Essentia levels reflecting their shared strength. Natsu's heart swelled with happiness, knowing that the unity they had built would continue to shine as a beacon of hope in Ethyria.