The afternoon classes went by normally. At the end of the last class, the students were free until curfew at nine o'clock at night. Karlo used this time to take a look around the campus. When the bell rang, all students were required to go to their dormitories. The boys' dormitory was located to the left of the main building, following the same path that led to the coliseum, while the girls' dormitory was to the right of the building, behind the auditorium. Karlo headed toward his room. All rooms consisted of two bunk beds, one on each side of the room. There were four small lockers to the right of the door, and two desks—one to the left of the door and another on the opposite side, next to a large glass window. When Karlo entered, he found the people who would be his roommates for the entire school year already there.
One of them was Gabriel, sitting on one of the lower bunks, and the other was the brown-haired boy who sat next to Karlo during classes. He was in front of Gabriel, upside down, using only his legs to support himself on one of the upper bunks.
(???): Hey, did you hear about yesterday's match? If Felas had scored that kick, he would've taken Manxis to the championship finals.
(Gabriel): Yeah, but once Dominik from Reol raises his barrier, there's not much you can do…
The two of them notice Karlo entering the room.
(???): Hey, man. Welcome to the group.
(Gabriel): Welcome.
(Karlo): Hey. What are you guys talking about?
(Gabriel): Yesterday's match between Manxis and Reol.
(???): What did you think of the game?
(Karlo): I don't really follow Futemago. All I know about the sport are the rules and a few teams—nothing more.
(???): You're the first person I've ever met who doesn't follow Futemago. It's the most popular sport in the country.
(Karlo): Well, I'm not from around here, so I obviously wouldn't know what's popular and what isn't.
The boy jumps down from the bed and walks up to Karlo.
(Luen): Fair enough, then. It's always good to meet people from other places. Nice to meet you—I'm Luen, and that over there is Gabriel. Gabriel simply waves his hand. I hope we get along.
(Karlo): My name's Karlo. If you're not jerks, then I can already consider you good friends.
They shake hands, and soon after, Karlo puts his things away in his locker.
(Gabriel): Hey… now that I think about it, I've seen you before. You're the guy who wiped out one of the dummies during the entrance exam, right?
(Luen): Wait, that was you? I wasn't really paying attention at the time, I only heard people talking about it.
(Karlo): Yeah, that was me. I admit I might've overdone it a bit. I should've just blown off an arm or something.
(Luen): Just an arm? You know you could pass just by getting through the barrier and hitting the dummy, right?
(Karlo): I knew. But my mom told me not to hold back, so… you know how it is.
(Gabriel): That thing you used was dark magic, wasn't it? After the "Hunt for Darkness," I thought there wasn't anyone left in the country who could use it.
(Karlo): Well, like I said before, I'm not from here, so in a way, you're not wrong.
The three boys keep talking until bedtime. At sunrise, Karlo gets out of bed and puts on some random clothes he brought with him. Without waking the other two, he opens the window and climbs out. As soon as he steps outside, stone pillars rise from the wall, forming a staircase for him to descend safely. After reaching the ground, he heads toward the coliseum.
(Karlo): Alright… let's try one more time.
Karlo closes his eyes and stretches his arms forward. A moment later, a portal opens—but Karlo simply stands in front of it. A few minutes pass, and the portal closes.
(Karlo): It didn't work again… Am I doing something wrong?
He takes an old book from inside his bag and opens it to a specific page.
(Karlo): I thought that if I applied the same principles as summoning magic, I'd get some kind of result. After all, the two have some similarities… but apparently not. Well, since it didn't work, I'll just train a bit before classes start.
He conjures two magic circles in the palms of his hands. Suddenly, three black spheres of magic rush toward him, but he dodges them without much difficulty. Right after that, a pillar of earth erupts beneath Karlo, launching him into the air. One of the black spheres tries to hit him midair. He then casts a spell that creates a massive block of stone, which shoots forward and collides with the black sphere, canceling both spells. Karlo begins to fall. On the ground below, there is a large black puddle. During the fall, he summons a portal beneath himself to avoid it. Seconds later, another portal opens, and Karlo leaps out of it. A black sphere charges toward him, but he easily avoids it by jumping over it. He runs toward the arena wall and sprints up it, dodging several stone fragments that try to hit him along the way. When he jumps off the wall, another stone fragment flies toward him, but he reinforces his arm and punches the spell, shattering it without much trouble.
After spending some time training, Karlo is already back in his classroom, and the second day of classes is about to begin.
Whiler enters the room, and everyone immediately falls silent.
(Whiler): Good morning, everyone. You may recognize me from the practical exam, but I'll introduce myself anyway. My name is Whiler Pascal, and I'll be your teacher for "Common Spells." Unlike many teachers, I prefer teaching through practice rather than staying in the classroom writing on the board. Of course, if you have any questions, I'll answer them. Since our class time is short, I won't waste time. Follow me to the coliseum so we can begin.
Everyone silently follows Whiler to the coliseum.
(Whiler): Very well. I believe most of you can use at least one common spell, correct?
Some students nod.
(Whiler): Good. We'll begin with the simplest of the "Common Spells": the "Barrier" spell.
A gray magic circle appears in Whiler's palm.
(Whiler): Make your magical energy gather around you and solidify, forming a sphere that covers your entire body. Use as much magical energy as you can to make the barrier as durable as possible.
As he speaks, white particles begin to swirl around him, transforming into countless hexagons that come together to form a polygonal sphere around Whiler.
(Whiler): You there—what's your name?
He looks at the tan girl with blonde hair.
(Lara): L-Lara!
(Whiler): I want you to come here and cast a barrier.
She steps beside Whiler and starts casting the spell.
(Lara): Obex! "Barrier!"
Energy gathers around her and starts to form a barrier, but she loses focus and the spell shatters.
(Lara): Ah!
(Whiler): You lost your focus. Keep casting until you can stabilize it. Actually, I want everyone to practice the spell. I'll check you one by one to make sure you're doing it correctly.
Lara returns to her spot, and the blue-haired girl tries to cheer her up.
(Lara): Nyua…
(Nyua): It's okay. You just need a little more practice.
As Whiler instructed, everyone begins casting the spell. Some students manage to perform it without much difficulty.
(Luen): This isn't that hard.
Whiler easily destroys Luen's barrier with a simple earth spell.
(Whiler): You call that a barrier? I hope you take this more seriously—for your own sake.
A chill runs through Luen's body.
(Whiler): Sighs Just use more magical energy. A strong barrier can save your life countless times.
Whiler continues checking the students, including Karlo, who is standing still and staring at the sky. There is no visible barrier around him, but Whiler knows there is one, due to the massive amount of magical energy radiating from him.
(Melyssa): Obex! "Barrier!"
Melyssa plants her sword into the ground, and a barrier forms around her.
Whiler observes her carefully.
(Melyssa): Is something wrong, professor?
(Whiler): Yes. The purpose of this class is to evaluate your magical level. You are supposed to use only your own mana and not rely on magical tools. You won't always have one available.
(Melyssa): I see…
She puts her sword away and tries to activate the barrier using only her hands. She manages to cast the spell, but it lasts only about fifteen seconds before fading.
(Melyssa): H-How did I do?
(Whiler): It was acceptable. Keep practicing without the magic sword.
(Melyssa): Okay. (Thank goodness that was enough…)
After that class, they moved on to the next one, and the morning period came to an end without any major incidents.
It is the last class, and Karlo has dozed off.
(Professor): Karlo!
He jolts awake.
(Karlo): S-Sorry—yes?
(Professor): Could you tell me the answer to this question? After all, if you're sleeping during the explanation, you must already know the subject, right?
He looks at the board and manages to understand a little.
(Karlo): Uh… minus six?
(Professor): Hmph. You're correct, but just to be sure, could you answer the nex—
The bell rings, ending the class.
(Professor): You won't escape tomorrow.
All the students head toward the cafeteria.
(Luen): Ugh… and we still have afternoon classes. I just want to graduate already.
(Gabriel): It's only the second day of class and you already want to leave? Why did you come to the academy?
(Luen): I didn't really have much of a choice. Anyway, what are you having for lunch today?
(Karlo): I think I'll get whatever's cheapest. Lunch in this damn place is way too expensive.
(Luen): Yeah… I have to agree with you on that.
They arrive at the cafeteria, but a long line has already formed in front of the counter.
They wait patiently until they can get their food, and then sit down at a table that is miraculously empty.
(Luen): Finally. I thought I was going to starve. It's not fair that nobles get to serve themselves first.
(Gabriel): It's not that nobles are supposed to go first. It just happens that their classrooms are closer to the cafeteria than ours. But at least we still manage to get something.
(Karlo): When you say that, you're only talking about the two of you. Yesterday, I didn't even get lunch.
(Luen): Oh right, that's true. I saw you arguing with some nobles and then running off before one of the coordinators arrived.
(Gabriel): The year barely started and you're already getting into trouble.
(Karlo): I couldn't just let it slide. Those guys were a bunch of entitled jerks. But honestly, they were more spineless than I expected. One light shove and one of them fell over, and the others backed off immediately. Nobles are like dogs—if they bark, they don't bite.
A heavy atmosphere spreads through the air. He has just offended every noble sitting nearby at once. They all begin glaring at the table where Karlo and his friends are sitting.
(Gabriel): Whispering Hey, pick a fight with whoever you want—I don't care. Just don't drag me into it!
(Nyua): Sounds like a fun conversation you're having. Mind if we join you?
Melyssa, Lara, and Nyua approach the boys' table.
(Lara): Nyua, I think it'd be better if we sat somewhere else…
(Luen): It's fine. You don't need to worry about anything.
Nyua sits down, and the other two reluctantly join her.
(Melyssa): I guess this is actually the first time we've really talked, even though we're in the same class.
(Gabriel): It's only the second day. It's normal that we still don't know each other very well.
(Melyssa): If I remember correctly, you're Gabriel, Luen, and Karlo, right? At least that's what I heard during roll call.
(Karlo): That's right. Karlo keeps eating.
(Gabriel): So, what do you think of the classes so far?
(Lara): W-Well… some classes are kind of difficult. When they told me things here were advanced, I didn't think it would be this much.
(Melyssa): You're just getting used to it. You'll get the hang of it soon.
(Nyua): I don't know… if the first algebra class was like that, I don't even want to imagine what's coming next.
(Luen): Wait, that was an algebra class? Sighs Looks like I'm already in trouble.
Karlo stands up.
(Luen): Leaving already?
(Karlo): I'm just going to the bathroom. I'll be right back.
Karlo reaches the restroom door, but runs into Estevan and his group.
(Estevan): Tsk. You again.
(Karlo): Unfortunately, it's unpleasant for me to see you again too.
(Estevan): Don't think I'll let this go. I'll make you pay soon.
(Karlo): Really? When? You know we're only going to spend four years in this academy, right? Or should we repeat a few years to give you more time?
(Estevan): Angrily Why, you—
Estevan looks around to make sure no coordinators are nearby.
(Estevan): Today, after classes, at the end of the afternoon, meet me behind the coliseum. Just you and me. Let's see if you'll still be so arrogant after that…
Estevan and his group walk away.
(Karlo): "Just you and me," huh… as if I were stupid enough to fall for that. Not to mention it would only cause me more trouble. But if I don't go, he'll never leave me alone… I'll think about it later.
Karlo goes into the restroom and, a few minutes later, returns to the table.
After classes are over, Karlo heads to a small clearing behind the coliseum. When he arrives, he sees Estevan waiting for him.
(Estevan): You actually came. At least you've got some courage.
Karlo notices Estevan's followers hiding behind a few trees around the clearing.
(Karlo): Let me guess—you're going to keep me busy, and when the chance comes, your lackeys jump me from behind. That's your plan, right?
(Estevan): Relax. Like I said before, it's just you and me. The others are only here to watch the show. I'm more than enough to deal with you.
(Estevan): Telum Glacielum! "Ice Projectile!"
Estevan casts a spell, and three ice projectiles fly toward Karlo, but they collide with something and shatter before reaching him.
Estevan becomes irritated.
(Noble 3): Boss, there's a barrier around him, but it seems to be hidden.
(Estevan): You think I didn't notice? How else would my attack have been neutralized if not by a barrier?
(Estevan): (Let's see if you can block this…)
(Estevan): Dens Glacialis! "Ice Fang!"
Karlo feels magical energy gathering behind him, and a massive, sharp block of ice suddenly forms. Karlo dodges and immediately counterattacks, firing several stone projectiles.
(Estevan): (No incantation?!)
(Estevan): Obex! "Barrier!"
Estevan quickly tries to cast a barrier, but he fails to reinforce it in time. It is destroyed, and several fragments hit him, leaving a few scratches.
Karlo casts a physical enhancement spell on his legs to increase his agility and rushes toward Estevan, landing a punch to his stomach and knocking him to the ground.
(Estevan): Urgh!
(Noble 1): Lord Estevan!
One of the nobles aims at Karlo and begins casting a spell.
(Estevan): Don't interfere! This fight is mine. How many times do I have to say it?!
(Noble 1): But, my lord—
(Estevan): Just be quiet and watch…
He stands up.
(Estevan): This isn't over yet.
(Estevan): Telum Glacielum! "Ice Projectile!"
More ice projectiles fly toward Karlo, but he dodges them easily.
(Estevan): Cavea Aquae! "Water Cage!"
Before he can react, Karlo is engulfed by a massive sphere of water.
Estevan quickly backs away to what he considers a safe distance.
(Estevan): Hehehe… there's no point resisting. Once someone is trapped in this spell, there's no way out. So, will you surrender and bow before me, or will you keep being stubborn until you die?
Without any warning, stone pillars erupt beneath Estevan, pinning his feet and hands. He loses focus, and the spell trapping Karlo is immediately dispelled.
(Karlo): I'll keep being stubborn—but without the dying part. I'm not really a fan of that. Oh, and before I forget… thanks for washing my clothes. You wouldn't happen to know a wind spell to dry them too, would you?
(Estevan): Struggling to break free Damn you… I should be outside your zone! How did you manage to cast a spell from that distance?
(Karlo): Simple. You're still inside it.
(Estevan): Impossible! I was at least fifteen meters away. No matter how skilled you are, someone our age could only expand their zone to about eight or ten meters at most.
(Karlo): Then you've never met someone as good as me.
Karlo suddenly rushes forward and lands another punch to Estevan's stomach.
(Estevan): Ugh!
(Karlo): That was a good fight.
The spell releases Estevan's arms and legs, and he collapses to the ground.
(Noble 1): My lord!
The boys quickly rush to Estevan's side.
(Noble 1): Lord Estevan, are you alright?
(Noble 3): Crying D-Did he die?
(Noble 2): Of course not, you idiot. He's just unconscious!
(Karlo): Nervous (Did I overdo it? I didn't use that much strength… did I? Damn it. I should at least offer some help.)
Karlo takes a small vial of medicine out of his bag.
(Karlo): Here. Make him drink this. It'll help him recover.
The boys look angry, but they still accept Karlo's help.
(Noble 1): Thank you. You can go. We'll take care of him.(Karlo): Alright…
The boys help Estevan to his feet and head toward the dormitory, carrying him by the shoulders.
(Silvia): Looks like I didn't need to do anything after all.
(Karlo): Yeah. I honestly thought they were all going to jump me. Not that I couldn't handle it, but I would've needed someone to back me up in case things got out of hand. Though… maybe he really did intend to kill me with that water spell.
(Silvia): You can't really talk. That punch of yours probably broke one or two of his bones. It seems you still have trouble controlling your strength.
(Karlo): Yeah, I know I went too far… but you know I wasn't going to kill him, right?
(Silvia): Of course I know. Even if everyone accused you of killing someone, I still wouldn't believe it. After all, you'd rather die than kill someone.
(Karlo): You don't have to exaggerate. I just choose other options when my life is in danger. Anyone decent would do the same.
(Silvia): (Anyone decent, huh… It would be nice if everyone were like that.) It was just a joke, relax.
She ruffles Karlo's hair.
(Karlo): Hey, stop that!
The curfew bell begins to ring.
(Silvia): It's time to go back to the dorms. Let's go.
(Karlo): Sighs Honestly… what a tiring day.