Rosanna's P. O. V:
"The first step to becoming an Elementalist is to acquire the skill of sensing the elements. As you all know.
And our teaching series for today is; Breathing Techniques- Section one in Assimilating Mana.
Assimilation simply means absorption- and Assimilation of mana simply means absorption of mana. Dumbly put, soaking up the Mana in the air.
The trade mark of an Elementalist is the ability to absorb Mana for their use.
Mana is the source of creation. It is the essence of life.
Now therefore, to begin to absorb Mana, we must first open our spiritual eyes, mind, heart and sense the existence of Mana."
Ms. Ava came to a stop, writing certain things on the white board. Just as she controlled the virtual projection to show an imagery of something.
A figure in a cross legged position with several colored highlights on the body.
If I didn't have prior knowledge to this, these words would've been completely flowing from one ear right out the other.
Cause sincerely, it felt like gibberish. But it was far from that.
I listened attentively.
"The image you see on the board highlights the flow of Mana absorption. Starting from the opening of the mind which brings one into an astral dimension. After which you get a spiritual body capable of seeing. That is the opening of the spiritual eyes.
Your spiritual eyes enables you to see the various elements of Mana. And please note, students: The colors of your elements are the colors that showed when you first awakened.
Seeing those colors grants you the ability to choose the correct element for Assimilation. In correspondence to your talent. Trying to absorb a different Mana element than that of your talent will either A; kill you or B; be fruitless attempt.
On the final stage of Mana Assimilation, we have the heart. The degree of elements being absorbed is based off on the stability of the individual's heart. You must first be free, from worries, disturbances and anything that elicits intense emotions from you. The rate at which you're purely stable and focused attracts these elements better into your body."
"And..." Ms. Ava continued speaking.
I feel like eating ice cubes. Or ice cream. I miss chocolate. I'm so hungry. WAIT. Since I disappeared, are you telling me so did my secret stash of sweets?!?! Why would anyone be so cruel-
Clap!
I heard a loud clap, jolting me out of my thoughts.
"I assume it wouldn't be too difficult to start practice, yes?"
Ms. Ava asked as the class gave out affirmative answers.
Huh?
Okay, maybe I zoned out midway but I still understand!
First step, go to the astral realm!
Second step, see and identify your corresponding element.
And thirdly, keep a still mind and grab em all.
Simple.
I thought so too.
Few minutes into the class and I was on the brink of frustration.
Everyone except me seemed to be getting it right. Like, how-
Each individual was seated in a deeply meditative position with glowing multicolored lights surrounding them. Some greener than others, some one colored, others of various degrees but all a warm glowing hue.
Truth be told, it freaked me out. What are they? Aliens?! Well, to me, yes.
And what's even more frightening was Ms. Ava's eyes which have been stuck on me ever since I started sticking out like a sore thumb. Her voice repeatedly aimed at me in an attempt to get me into the 'mood'.
"To sense Mana and use the breathing technique... an individual must remember to relax. Take your mind off everything and inhale for a suspended time of three seconds then exhale.
Continue to do so until you feel a connection- a warm light coming up within then reach out to it. It's instinctive- just relax and reach into the peaceful depths of your mind."
Well, I'm sorry if you've mentioned this for the tenth time and I'm the only one who still hasn't gotten it.
I grumbled in my mind.
"Girl on the right, black hair, grey jacket, please come forward."
I winced. Damn she did not just mention me-
Goodness, no. No. No.
"Five seconds."
I heard her snap and I hesitantly opened my eyes, meeting her pointed stare.
I stood up slowly and made my way over to the front, barefooted. Making sure to avoid shaking or disturbing the students who were engrossed in their world.
Ms. Ava was standing by the board and watching me approach.
I stood before her as she started talking. Waves of awkwardness rolling in the atmosphere.
"After class lesson, 4pm every Saturday and Wednesday. But we'll have one for today. Understood?"
I nodded in embarrassment, somewhat wishing to run away into my castle of pillows and- oh, they exist no more.
Perhaps noticing my shifty eyes and obvious nervousness, she smiled. A genuine warm smile.
It was very small though. And it felt like she was doing it for the first time in years.
"It's inevitable to feel pressured. Certain times, students feel pressure here. And it's understandable. There is pressure. Necessary pressure. But we'll ensure everyone is able to do their best. So as a teacher, I advice you to chill. It's better than worrying"
I swallowed, "Yes, thank you."
"Good. Anyways, have there been a different issue on your mind? Normally it's easy for people to connect to the astral realm because of our evolved spiritual body but it seems something's really disturbing you."
Responding was difficult. "Well, ma, I... It's... A personal issue."
I barely made a sentence due to my rampaging thoughts. Almost biting my tongue in the process.
I don't speak out without being asked but when I am asked, I can't shut up. I'd blurt everything out but this, this whole situation, I have to shut up.
Ms. Ava gave an understanding nod before replying.
"Understood. I don't know how serious it is, but do try your best to not let it affect your academics."
"Yes." I gave a wry smile.
As usual, shoving problems to the back of your head is just that- a distraction. And it's so easy to want to face it. But end it? Nay.
She gestured for me to return and I went back to my seat, sighing as I leaned my head against the window.
I'm suddenly not anticipating learning magic again.
.
Class went by in a flash. For the most part, I simply dozed off or listened half-heartedly to the lesson. It was all about breathing techniques and connecting to the Astral realm. I assume Ms. Ava gave me a break when she noticed I was just not able to get in on it.
It's not like I didn't understand, but my body doesn't.
She didn't single me out or made obvious attention to my direction. Simply focusing on the other students who were mostly in another dimension.
And for that, I was grateful.
The crowd of students made their way to the exit and I and Ms. Ava exchanged eye contact, seemingly understanding the untold words.
The meeting after class.
I stepped out the class, exhaling and inhaling slowly as my nerses began to run a clown show within.
The thing that gave me stability was that I could accomplish the task and leave this world. But it's unsettling if I fail- and failing anywhere on this mission is like a chain reaction of one certain ending.
Death. And pain.
With all certainty, I am freaking out.
Magic class did not go as planned. I should've expected it. Nothing have been going as planned since the begining.
Something important concerning my life is once more going out of control and I'm helplessly wishing- no, Jael. You can do this.
Ms. Ava told me she'd teach me. I just need to relax and learn. That's it.
Yes, that's it.
I have thirty minutes to go take breakfast and prepare for my next class.
The Cafeteria was large, gorgeous and more of a classic hotel than an actual cafeteria.
And I'm more than okay to get used to this luxury. Even if I feel like a loner or alien in the midst of all these students.
I leaned on the wall of the hallway, close to the entrance of the Cafeteria. I brought out my phone out and messaged Aniysa.
R: Hey, Ani. You good? I'm at the Cafeteria. Wanna meet up?
Almost immediately I received a response.
A: Sure. I'm already in here. Come to the left side near the upper stairs.
R: Kay. Coming.
I shoved my phone back into my pocket and went on the que.
Soon getting my meal and moving over to the location Ani informed me of.
I recognized her red head from afar. Truthfully, I thought it was dye at first but this really might be her natural hair color. It's a strange world after all.
She sat on a table with two other people. Who I did not recognize at first but almost tripped when I did.
The first person by her left was Naiyah Saritine- and it occured to me about the plot I forgot. There was no one who looked just as similar as Naiyah to this girl.
It should be her.
Be it the looks, aura or the blue markings on her left cheek. I am so darn sure.
Then I remembered the nagging feeling of familiarity I ignored. All clicking at once.
Aniysa. Aniysa Campbell. That's why her name is familiar! She's the love rival of Karissa Newman. And friend, or ex-friend of Naiyah.
But she barely had any scene in the novel. Just a little paragraph in the whole long story and she's off from everyone's life.
Well, damn. I did not expect that.
The guy who sat opposite Aniysa- I did not know. He had black hair and a tingling premonition made me feel he was also some important character.
But his back was turned to me. For a second there, I contemplated running back and going somewhere else but that's when Aniysa whistled at me. Alerting a section of the cafeteria.
Gosh, damn.
"Hey momma! Whatchu doing dawdling?"
This girl... Sigh.
I put on a pained smile and walked closer, taking a seat closer to Aniysa and further away from the duo.
Taking a swift glance at them and trying to seem normal and uninterested.
"Hey Ani." I'm dying inside.
Would've been my complete sentence.
Her green eyes flickered with an unknown expression and I wondered if she felt something was off from me. If she did, then I'm loving her more.
I tried ignoring the burning stares from two other creatures. Namely The Naiyah of Kairos and some freakishly fine person.
"Who's this?" Naiyah Saritine asked and I locked eyes with the girl who was staring at me.
Way too beautiful to be human. Light blue wavy hair, ocean blue eyes and cute features. Not to mention the light blue lines on her fair skin. By her left cheek area, the swirls seemed like the work of an artist to portray his imagery on fairies.
Doe big eyes, button nose and alluring red pouty lips. The typical female lead look. If I ignore the hidden ruthlessness in her eyes, blank expression and flat tone.
She looked like a doll with a dark soul.
And I understood her way more than she probably did herself.
Aniysa grinned, seeming oblivious to the weird atmosphere.
"Bestie, meet future bestie. Future bestie, meet Bestie."
She gestured to us and I withheld the urge to smack the redhead. But her statement made my lips twitch with a smile.
Future bestie?
Possibly.
First time vibes never fail, 80% of the time.
"Oh." Naiyah's lips parted in a small circle.
Adorable.
I waved my hand awkwardly with a smile. And the tense atmosphere lasted for a bit while Ani glanced at her phone, engrossed with whatever.
"Mind introducing? Or do I not exist, Rebecca?"
A deep voice came from my side. I turned my head to the icy blue eyed fellow.
With brown hair and a sculpted face. Sculpted, must. Impossible if it isn't.
Now, doesn't this seem like-
"First of Draco Malfoy, don't call me Rebecca. That's reserved. Pretty sure you don't exist in my life though. And Patty, meet Drake. Drake, meet Patrica."
Drake Colby.
Its obvious. The universe hates me.
I squeezed out a smile once more and stared at his false facade.
An amiable expression, nice aura and good everything. Yet holding one of the most ruthless personas in the novel.
Always the nice guys.
"For the record, I'm Rosanna. Rosa for short."
"Ah." He smiled, spring blooming in the background.
"Nice to meet you, Rosa."
My smile fell off and I stared blankly, contemplating life in that split second.
Who am I? What am I? Where am I?
"P-pleasure." I stuttered. Guilty pleasure. This girl is dumb in the face of beauty. It lasts for 3 seconds and I recover my brain after.
I adverted my eyes when my senses came back. Not missing the slight smirk on Drake's face.
Tch. It's natural, okay? Don't go all hyped about it.
Aniysa stared at me with twinkling eyes and Naiyah continued to evaluate me with a dead expression.
I sighed and began to dig into my food. Preferring to savor my meal than their beautiful faces. It's not like I could actually eat their beautiful faces- eating their lips is possible.
Shut up you stupid pervert!
I scowled at my thoughts and I somehow knew Ani was raising a brow at my expression.
Yep. Saw her.
"Later." I mouthed at her. Knowing full well I might lie to my friend when the time comes.
Sigh.
Maybe if they were normal I'd consider being relaxed and just enjoying the pleasing sight of their beauty. No matter how oppressing their main character halo seems to be.
But no. One is a certified sadist/masochist and the other a psychopath.
Mercy me.
Come to think of it, I might ship these people. It'd make an interesting sight