The next day, Aena had Instructor Rutherfield's class in the morning, where they started studying the curriculum earnestly. They were to be taught social and international relations, history, and technological engineering. These were the core classes that were required for every student to graduate.
Of course, the academy offered a diverse range of elective classes to suit the needs and interests of each student. For students of the Sigma class, there was one additional required practical class that was divided between either weapon handling or magic manipulation.
For the elective classes, students could choose from a variety of traditional subjects such as literature and math to life skills such as wilderness survival and the culinary arts. Aena didn't want to burden herself with external objectives due to the emphasis on combat ability, so she unceremoniously registered for a class named "Spiritual Attunement." The sole reason for her choice was that from the ambiguous description, the class seemed to be a freebie.
So for the afternoon, Aena headed for the new class which she honestly wasn't too aware about. Arriving in the classroom, she noticed that there weren't many who chose such a class. It was probably because the description was quite mysterious, and the name certainly did not refute the premonition it gave.
She didn't see anyone familiar from Class C taking the class, but that was to be expected. In Astral Academy there were over a hundred electives since they were shared across the entire student body, meaning that each person took niche classes that suited themselves or they held a fancy for.
Like her previous classes, Aena chose to sit in a secluded spot in the back. Even though she was trying to mind her own business, she saw a few students sending hostile gazes her way. She knew that there was a fierce rivalry between the different programs, but she didn't expect it to be this severe. She didn't bat an eye to such foolery. Their notion of competition was quite childish in her eyes.
At that moment, Aena saw Cassidy walk into the classroom. Although her visage remained stoic, internally she was surprised once again. It was completely out of the blue for someone of her caliber to take such an underlooked class. The girl's strange actions couldn't help but continue to pique her interest.
Cassidy in and settled into a spot somewhere in the back near Aena. Like Aena, she also paid no heed to the other students' unwelcoming attitude. Why did the lion need to acknowledge the rats?
A few minutes later, a light green-haired woman which Aena presumed to be the professor eased open the door. She had a curvaceous figure and a beautiful face that exulted womanly charm. In contrast to Instructor Rutherfield, she gave off a warm, motherly vibe.
"Welcome everyone. I'm Instructor Willowsage, the teacher for the first-year class Spiritual Attunement." She gave a pleasant smile.
"As usual, why don't everyone introduce themselves," she spoke sincerely.
At this point, Aena could clearly tell the dichotomy between Instructor Willowsage and Instructor Rutherfield.
One by one, they introduced themselves, again, with the exception of Cassidy. Instructor Willowsage noticed and momentarily furrowed her brows, but immediately put on a bright expression again.
"Can someone tell me exactly what Spiritual Attunement is?" she asked, looking around the classroom. No one answered. Seeing no response, Instructor Willowsage wasn't discouraged, instead giving a cute laugh.
"No worries. Spiritual attunement, in short, is the synchronization and resonation with the self. Much like the many strains of religion from the annals of history such as Buddhism and Daoism, spiritual attunement describes the state of understanding one's self on a deeper level."
"But unlike the goal of those religions which was to revoke otherworldly desires and achieve a state of nirvana, the benefits of spiritual attunement are numerous." Instructor Willowsage spoke with a gleam in her eye.
"With the discovery of 'the awakening' humans can harness power from within our blood. Dubbed the modest moniker of 'mana', it describes a power that from a glance, seems to break the bounds of known science."
"While I assure you that it isn't a paranormal spectacle, it does indeed come from within the body; therefore, spiritual attunement strengthens mana control, sensitivity, and potential." Many students including Aena gasped at this shocking news. 'If it was so beneficial, why didn't most people take the course?'
Instructor Willowsage, as if reading their minds, answered.
"While spiritual attunement can be very beneficial, the degree of improvement varies from individual to individual. For some, this route may not be as practical in terms of self-strengthening, and of course, those who haven't even awakened cannot begin to think of such a process."
Aena nodded again. That made much more sense. Otherwise, such a method would be arbitrarily broken.
"I won't blame any of you if you decide to switch classes," Instructor Willowsage said. The reason was obvious as she had just priorly explained it.
"Ah, but anyways, to begin we'll by pairing up with a partner right now to feel the mana in our bodies."
There was the shuffling and discussion of students as they formed pairs, but Aena just sat still. No one approached her.
When it seemed like everyone else had already found a partner, Mrs. Willowsage asked aloud.
"Who doesn't have a partner yet?"
Aena timidly raised her hand. She was the only one.
"In that case, please pair up with Miss Cassidy please," Instructor Willowsage instructed. Cassidy hadn't raised her hand, but Instructor Willowsage was pretty observant.
Left with no choice, Aena reluctantly dragged her feet to Cassidy's desk and sat down beside her.
As Instructor Willowsage began talking, Aena sneaked a quick sideways glance at Cassidy. With her usual taciturn expression, she was staring straight ahead listening to the instructions, not noticing Aena at all.
"... Feel the mana in your veins. It may help to close your eyes."
Finally turning her attention back to the front of the classroom, Aena followed the instructions and closed her eyelids. She tried to feel something in herself, despite the directions sounding quite silly. Aena knew she at least had some affinity for mana usage since she had awakened naturally, but how high exactly, she wasn't sure.
She gradually began to feel the tugging of power flowing through her body. Focusing on that feeling, she could sense a peculiar essence inside her veins. She submerged herself in that feeling and tried resonating with it. She imagined her body having motes of magicules in her bloodstream, nourishing her body.
She opened her eyes and looked up.