Zenyph nodded before placing his palms together. He concentrated intensely on his inner mana reserves. His mind went blank as he focused entirely on gathering mana within his body. He channeled his mana throughout the entirety of his entire frame. He could feel the mana coursing through every vein and fiber of his muscle tissue. His skin tingled slightly as it absorbed the energy flowing through him.
The sensation sent chills up and down his body. His heartbeat accelerated rapidly as his body temperature elevated dramatically.
After a few seconds he opened his eyes revealing his azure colored irises glowing with a bright light.
He took a deep breath and exhale slowly. His orange mana turned into dark mana
Norena watched him intently observing every action he performed. A slight blush spread across her pale cheeks. The way he concentrated so deeply fascinated her.
Zenyph extended his hand outward and pointed his index finger at the boulder. He channeled his mana through his arm and shot a a ball of darkness directly at the boulder.
The blast created a hole straight into the boulder destroying it instantly. The debris scattered across the field. Norena whistled in awe at the scene in front of her. Zenyph smiled slightly before collapsing onto his knees due to exhaustion.
"Brother... Did you just use dark magic the same you would with water magic? How?" questioned Norena bewildered by the fact he managed pull it off without knowing the basics of dark magic.
"I used my imagination. I imagined myself using water and it worked." said Zenyph as he panted heavily trying to catch his breath. He didn't realize how much mana he used until now.
"You're incredible Zeny!" exclaimed Norena happily as she wrapped her arms around his torso. "I've never seen anyone use dark mana like that before..."
"Thanks sis. It was nothing really. Now can you teach me the basics? I want to be strong enough for the event." asked the silver haired boy
"I guess. Let me think of an explanation for a sec." said Norena as she tapped her foot repeatedly while humming loudly. After a couple of minutes passed she came up with something.
"Ok so imagine yourself standing on top of a cliff looking into a deep abyss." said Norena.
Zenyph nodded. "Got it."
"Now imagine there's a hole at the bottom of the cliff and you are trying to jump into the hole." continued Norena as she leaned her head against Zenyph's shoulder.
Zenyph imagined the scene clearly in his mind. "Alright."
"But instead of jumping you fall slowly into the hole. You have no control over your body and you keep falling until you hit the ground." said Norena.
Zenyph closed his eyes imagining himself falling into the abyss. "Yeah."
"That's basically how dark magic works. You don't control the darkness you let it consume you." explained Norena with a smile on her face. "You got it?"
Zenyph nodded slowly. "I understand nothing. I still don't get how I'm supposed to do that." admitted Zenyph with a frown on his face.
Norena giggled lightly as she shook her head. "You'll get the hang of it eventually Zeny. It takes practice."
"Ok thanks Nori." thanked Zenyph as he stood up from the ground. "Can I practice more?"
"Sure." agreed Norena cheerfully. "I'll be here to help you if you need anything."
"Thanks. I appreciate it." said Zenyph gratefully.
They spent the next hour practicing together. Norena guided him step by step helping him master the basics of dark magic. It was strange learning how to manipulate the energy within his body. Everything was new to him and challenging to grasp. But each time he succeeded he grew stronger.
Zenyph spent the next three days completely focused on training with Norena. They trained nonstop from sunrise to sundown. Norena encouraged him constantly praising him whenever he achieved a new milestone.
Norena taught him every single aspect of dark magic. Every single technique. Every single skill. It was a lot to learn within a short time frame but Zenyph did it.
Norena was surprised by his talent and determination. She rarely met anyone who was as dedicated and passionate as her when it came to learning magic. Most people that weren't born with a talent for dark magic weren't interested in pursuing it. The effort required to master the art was extremely taxing.
Today marks the day of the event. The sky is clear. Not a single cloud in sight. The wind is calm and light. The scent of flowers fills the air.
Zenyph stretched leisurely as his eyelids flutter open. He yawned loudly as his vision adjusted to the bright rays from the lamp.
Lynette was sleeping peacefully beside him snuggling closely against his side. She slept soundly with a soft expression plastered upon her beautiful face. Zenyph gently stroke her cheek affectionately.
"Morning Lynnie." murmured Zeny softly pressing his lips lightly against her forehead.
Lynette stirred slightly but remained asleep.
"It's time wake up Lynnie~" cooed Zenyph playfully.
He gently brushed the strands of silky smooth hair away from her face revealing the delicate features. Zenyph marveled at the flawlessness beauty presented in front of him. He kissed her lips tenderly.
Lynette moaned softly as her eyes fluttered open revealing her gorgeous crimson irises.
"Morning master" yawned Lynette as she leaned against his body.
"Good morning sleepyhead." chuckled Zenyph kissing her temple lovingly.
Lynette smiled sweetly before climbing out of his bed.
"We have breakfast with Alice and Audrey. Go brush your teeth and wash your face." instructed the maid as she hurried into her own private bathroom.
"Alright alright." complied Zenyph. He followed her advice and freshen up.
"I'll meet you outside." shouted Zenyph before exiting his room.
He knocked on Alice and Audrey's door.
"Who is it?" inquired Alice's melodic voice.
"Me." answered Zenyph.
Alice opened the door revealing her enchanting appearance. Zenyph's breath caught in his lungs at the breathtaking sight. Alice was surprisingly only wearing a cute pink panty and matching bra.
Noticing his gaze Alice blushed furiously.
"Z-zenyph." stammered the elf embarrassed beyond belief.
"Hey Alice. Ready for breakfast?" asked Zenyph forcing his gaze away from her scantily clad figure.
"J-j-just give me a m-moment." squeaked Alice before slamming the door shut.
"Take your time." called out Zenyph amusingly.
Audrey peek out from the other bedroom. Her appearance was stunning. She wore a plain white tank top and gray sweatpants. Her hair was neatly tied in a bun revealing her dainty ears.
"Morning Zeny." greeted Audrey cheerily.
"Morning Audrey. Sleep well?" quipped Zenyph
"Pretty good. Slept like a log." admitted Audrey stretching her limbs lazily.
"Same."
Alice stepped out wearing a baby blue sweatpants and a black sport hoodie. Zenyph couldn't help thinking how adorable she looked.
"You guys still aren't ready?" complained the second princess of the Bloodthorne family.
"Asura were not vampires that only need a few hours of sleep every day." retorted Audrey crossing her arms defensively.
"Whatever. Let's go."
Zenyph and his three roommates descended and walked to the open field where the portal was located.
Many students of all four classes were already gathered awaiting the portals to activate.
Professor Gareth flew above the crowd addressing the students of the academy. His voice was booming loud and commanding drawing attention to his person.
"Good morning students and staff of Nexus Academy. Today is the day that marks the beginning of your academy career. This event will let us know whether or not you have what it takes to succeed in the future. If you pass this event you will receive a ranking based upon your performance. The higher your rank the better opportunities will await you. However failure means certain death. We will be monitoring your progress but there will be zero help given in any situation. Good luck and may the odds be in your favor." finished Professor Gareth.
The portal activates. Bright lights fill the surrounding area. An array of different colors illuminate the morning sky creating a dazzling spectacle.
Several portals form around the open field leading to unknown locations.
Zenyph looked at Lynette who nodded at him.
"Stay safe Lynette. Protect yourself at all costs." instructed Zenyph solemnly.
Lynette tear welled up in her eyes as her throat tightened. She could feel the anxiety gnawing inside her stomach. She was terrified of losing him.
"Of course master. Please don't die. Or I'll summon a demon to bind my soul to yours." threatened the half vampire maid seriously.
"Promise. I'll come back alive." vowed Zenyph reassuringly.
Asura, Alice and Zenyph stepped through the portal.
Zenyph found himself in a dark forest surrounded by towering trees. The temperature was cold and damp. Frost covered the ground beneath his feet.
In the distance he saw a half eaten skeleton slumping against a tree stump. Based on it's fangs you could tell it was a vampire.
"Look. A dead vampire." observed Alice pointing at the remains.
Zenyph's gaze shifted towards the decaying corpse.
"Yeah. Poor guy." answered Asura in an emotionless tone.
"Let's go. We have to find a place to hide from them. These woods aren't safe." advised the vampire princess.