Picking up my backpack, I shoved the spellbook aside and switched off the light, leaving the room dimly lit by the faint glow coming in from the small kitchen window. I wanted to avoid as many students as possible, so I took the balcony, skidding carelessly down the railings. I chose a longer route to the academy to avoid anyone who might be affiliated with Draven.
How long did I really plan to keep this act up? I soliloquized as I strolled down the dusty path, completely unaware of my surroundings.
Meanwhile, Elowen had been calling my name from a distance. When I didn't respond, she picked up her pace, sprinting toward me while still shouting.
"Mo...ses!"
Her voice cut sharply through my thoughts, dragging me back to reality. I turned around in surprise, and she bumped straight into me. Embarrassed, I steadied myself and apologized quickly.
"Sorry about that, Moses. Are you alright?" she asked, her tone soft as usual.
"I'm alright, Elowen. How are you doing?" I replied, trying to divert her attention from what just happened.
"Well, I'm okay, but you don't seem to be," she said gently. "I've been calling you for a while, and it seemed like..."
"I'm fine, Elowen. It's nothing much," I cut in, the pretense clear even to myself.
"Like you were lost in thought," she finished, smiling. "But it's okay if you say so." The worry still lingered in her expression.
"Let's be on our way," I said, quickening my pace. "The morning bell will go off soon."
She smiled cheerfully and followed beside me. I was glad she seemed less worried. Elowen had always been one of the most cheerful people in the academy... selfless, kind, and somehow always smiling. Seeing her smile gave me a small glimmer of hope.
A couple of minutes later, we arrived at the hallway.
Every single student's eyes were fixed on me.
It felt like I was some sort of wanted criminal. A wave of discomfort rushed through every vein in my body. I forced myself to keep my composure. I didn't want to look weak in front of Elowen, so I stayed calm, at least on the outside.
As we walked further down the hall, Elowen ran into a group of girls and stopped to talk to them. I kept walking, alone now, heading toward my class.
As I got closer to the classroom, Professor Selene suddenly called out to me in an unusually husky voice.
"Moses… Principal's office. Now."
I froze.
What could possibly be wrong? Did she find out about my issue with Draven? Or worse, last night?
Confusion washed over my face. I had never been summoned to the principal's office for anything other than my admission into the academy. I gulped, then answered calmly, trying not to sound nervous.
"Yes ma'am. I'll meet you there."
I dropped my backpack and followed behind Professor Selene until we reached the principal's office. She placed her hand on the doorknob and initiated an unlock spell. I watched the door open in quiet astonishment. I had seen it during my admission, but it still amazed me every time.
We stepped inside. Professor Selene gestured for me to sit while she alerted the principal of our arrival. My mind raced, running through countless possibilities. Why had I been summoned?
Before I could settle on any answer, a voice broke through my thoughts.
"Moses."
I flinched slightly, snapping back to reality. The principal stood before me.
"Do you know why you were summoned here?" he asked.
"No sir, I have no idea," I replied, forcing a bit of confidence into my voice. Strangely enough, beneath the fear, I felt a spark of excitement. Why?
"Well," he began, folding his hands, "we've received reports concerning how well you're coping with creation magic, and honestly, it's not encouraging."
A frown settled on his wrinkled face. Principal Bennet was clearly aging on the outside, but his presence still carried immense strength. His magic prowess hadn't diminished in the slightest.
I didn't know what to say. I was just as disappointed in myself as anyone else.
But… I had used creation magic last night.
What if I told him?
No. I couldn't. Something about last night felt wrong, dangerous. I couldn't just explain it now.
"Moses," Professor Selene called gently, tapping my shoulder.
I straightened quickly, forcing my expression to settle.
"Principal Bennet," I said, "I'm just as unhappy about my inability to use magic as you are. I've done everything I can. I honestly don't know what else to do."
The old man looked at me with pity.
"It's unusual for student mages to take this long to grasp their delegated magic sect," he said. Professor Selene patted my head softly as she noticed my expression fall.
"But…" he paused, taking a deep breath, "…we've thought long and hard about this."
He took a sip of water before continuing.
"We've decided to create an intensive magic training scheme for you."
My heart skipped.
"According to early mages and ancient research dating back to the era of the warlocks," he continued, "creation magic "Vulcanis" has always been the peak of magic. From it came the other two forms: Tech, known as Aetherion, and Strength, known as Titanar. Hence the dorm names."
He paused again, letting the information settle.
"I'm sure your lecturers have shared this with you. So, straight to the point, we've created a training scheme involving the best students from each sect."
My breath caught.
"You'll be training with the highest-rated students, selected based on academic performance, combat ability, and extracurricular achievements."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Do you have anything to say before I proceed?"
I was stunned. This sounded serious, almost overwhelming. But what choice did I really have? It was for my own good… right?
"It's okay with me, sir," I said, answering before I could overthink it.
"Well… I didn't expect you to agree so easily," Principal Bennet said, sounding mildly impressed. "But that shows your willingness to improve."
He continued, "We've assigned you three student mages from the three different sects. Lyra from Aetherion, Reyna from Vulcanis, and Eamon from Titanar."
My breath caught.
"They'll be working under official Academy orders," he went on, "teaching you ancient and basic spells, as well as proper creation magic conjuring methods."
As he spoke, he lifted an old, ragged book, its texture disturbingly similar to the one I had hidden at home.
Suddenly, flashes of last night flooded my mind. Darkness crept over my vision.
What is going on?
A voice echoed from somewhere deep within.
Lyra.
Did he say Lyra?
Adrenaline surged through my veins. I would be training with Lyra. My chest tightened as excitement drowned out everything else. I started picturing moments we'd spend together, laughing, practicing, talking, completely forgetting the actual purpose of the assignment.
I was hopelessly crazy about this girl.
Unbeknownst to me, the principal was still talking.
"So your assignment begins immediately after the Academy's closing hour," he said. "Your delegated trainer will meet you after class sessions, and you'll proceed to the Academy's training grounds together. Is that clear?"
The last sentence snapped me back to reality.
I jolted upright. I hadn't heard half of what he said, I'd been too busy daydreaming.
Principal Bennet raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for a response.
"Yes," I replied quickly, scratching my grubby hair.
He smiled faintly and handed me a small checkbook. From its look, it was clearly meant for training expenses.
"You may leave now," he said, standing up to return to his paperwork.
Professor Selene and I rose, thanked the principal, and exited the office.
I would be training with Lyra.
That alone made my entire day.
I felt nervous, terrified, even. I'd barely spoken to her outside class, let alone spend one-on-one time training with her. Still, I couldn't hide my excitement.
I'd also be training with Reyna and Eamon, the coolest couple in school. They were top-ranked in their sects, incredibly skilled, and somehow still adorable together.
Maybe they could give me relationship tips.
I laughed quietly at my own thoughts.
By the time I got to class, the first period had ended. The hall buzzed with student mages casually displaying spells. Energy crackled everywhere.
I spotted Lyra writing at her desk.
I wanted to walk up to her and tell her everything, but I hesitated. She probably already knew. Principal Bennet wouldn't assign tutors without their consent.
I turned toward my seat...
...and nearly ran into Draven.
A cold shiver ran down my spine.
He tilted his head, glaring at me. I stepped back. He stepped forward.
My heart began pounding. Was this it? Was he going to get revenge for yesterday?
"Order in the class," Professor Selene called from the doorway.
Students scrambled to their seats.
Draven immediately stepped back, plastering on a fake smile as he greeted her casually. As he passed me, he pointed two fingers from his eyes to me.
I'm watching you.
Phew. That was close.
Professor Selene saved the day...again.
I quickly returned to my seat and slipped on my goggles as she began her lecture.
Magic Chemistry.
The class went on for a couple of hours, filled with experiments involving magical chemicals and natural elements. Surprisingly, it was fun.
Ding! The closing bell shot through the hallway.
I began arranging my things, getting ready to leave. After scrambling for a minute or two, I looked up...
...and locked eyes with Draven.
He stood right in front of my seat, looming over me like he was ready to pounce.
"Hey, loser boy," he sneered. "I heard you're having some kind of special training at the grounds. Tell me about it."
My throat went dry. I stuttered, torn between running and wondering how he even knew about the training the principal assigned me.
Kael stepped closer, gripping my chin and forcing my face up. "Speak when you're talked to."
Before I could react, Lyra moved.
She'd been watching the whole thing.
The moment Kael laid hands on me, she shoved him away without hesitation. Draven's expression twisted instantly, he couldn't let this slide. Not again.
He grabbed Lyra's wrist. "Why are you interfering again, Ly..."
She snapped her hand free.
In one swift motion, so fast it barely registered, she slammed him into the wall.
I froze.
A Titanar mage… pinned with one arm?
I stared in disbelief. The force. The speed. The control.
Lyra stood there, brows furrowed, eyes sharp.
"He's under my jurisdiction for now," she said coldly. "So I'd advise you to avoid violence...unless you want the principal involved."
She glanced at Kael. "By the way, I've changed my mind."
Kael grunted in frustration. His plans had been ruined.
Then she nodded at me. "Pick up your things. Let's go."
For the first time, Draven looked shaken. Anger burned in his eyes, but there was fear there too.
Why is she protecting him?
Why this loser?
I didn't wait. I packed my bag as fast as I could and slipped out the door, Lyra following closely behind.
The hallway was quiet between us. Awkward.
"I hope you're okay," she said gently.
"I'm… fine," I replied. "Thank you...for earlier. I owe you one."
"It's nothing," she said with a small laugh. "Draven's just a bully who hasn't met his Waterloo yet."
Then she added casually, "You've been informed about the training, right? We'll head to the grounds, but first, my dorm. I need to grab the vests and equipment."
Her dorm?
My mind raced. Boys weren't allowed there. Maybe she had a plan. Or maybe I'd wait outside.
But then again… Draven and his goons were probably roaming around, waiting for a chance.
I swallowed.
Trust her.
We kept walking until we reached the Aetherion dorm gate. Suddenly, Lyra stopped and stepped back.
I turned, confused.
"Integralis Flux," she said calmly.
"Nexum Apertum."
A portal tore open in front of us.
Before I could react, a powerful pull dragged me forward. My feet slid across the floor...and then everything shifted.
In the next instant, I landed in a dimly lit room.
I spun around, heart pounding.
This wasn't my room.
I scanned the space, my eyes adjusting to the darkness...
...and then I saw her.
Lyra stood a few steps away, completely calm.
"Welcome," she said softly, "to the inside of the Aetherion Dorm."