Elian pushed open the door to the Healing class, the familiar scent of lavender and antiseptic greeting him. He blinked in surprise. The once vibrant classroom, usually bustling with students, was eerily empty. A lone figure stood at the front, her back to the door, fiddling with a glass vial filled with a shimmering blue liquid.
"Ms. Acame?" Elian called out cautiously.
The woman turned, a surprised smile lighting up her face. Her hair, the color of sun-bleached wheat, was pulled back in a loose braid, revealing kind eyes that crinkled at the corners. "Ah, Mr. Aetheris," she said, her voice warm and welcoming. "I see you received the memo."
Elian nodded, a hint of self-consciousness creeping in. "About the… individual course adjustments?"
Ms. Acame chuckled, her smile reaching her eyes. "Indeed. It seems you're the only Battle Mage brave enough to venture into the restorative arts for this term."
Elian rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide a blush. "Well, I figured having a handle on healing magic wouldn't hurt. You know, just in case."
Ms. Acame raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "A wise decision, Mr. Aetheris. A Battle Mage needs to be more than just a walking arsenal. But fear not, even with you alone, I promise this won't be a dull lecture."
She gestured towards a nearby table, laden with vials of colorful liquids, strange plants with iridescent leaves, and a collection of smooth, polished stones.
"Today's lesson," she announced with a flourish, "is a crash course in the fundamentals of healing magic! We'll explore different methods, from the basic mending charm to the more advanced techniques used by seasoned healers."
Elian's apprehension melted away, replaced by a spark of curiosity. He spent the next hour fully immersed in Ms. Acame's passionate explanation. He learned about channeling restorative energy, the properties of various herbs and minerals used in potions, and the fascinating world of magical plants that thrived on the very essence of life itself.
He practiced simple healing spells on practice dummies, the sensation of warmth flowing from his fingertips as he recited the incantations a stark contrast to the crackling energy of his offensive spells. Ms. Acame, a patient and encouraging teacher, meticulously guided him through each step, answering his questions with a depth of knowledge that left him impressed.
The class flew by in a flurry of information and practical exercises. By the end, Elian couldn't deny a newfound respect for the art of healing. He might be a Battle Mage at heart, but Ms. Acame had shown him that understanding the power of restoration was a vital tool in any mage's arsenal, one that could mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.
"Thank you, Ms. Acame," Elian said as he gathered his things. "This was a lot more… interesting than I expected."
Ms. Acame smiled warmly. "Remember, Mr. Aetheris, true strength lies not just in offensive power, but in the ability to mend and restore. A skill that will serve you well on your path as a Battle Mage."
Elian nodded, a newfound appreciation for the balance between destruction and creation blooming within him. He might be the only Battle Mage in a Healing class, but the knowledge he'd gained wasn't a lonely pursuit. It was a necessary addition to his skillset, another step on his journey to becoming a true master of magic.
Elian shuffled into the Defense Against Dark Magic classroom, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach. This irony wasn't lost on him. Here he was, a Battle Mage with a burgeoning affinity for a source of magic most viewed with suspicion – darkness. He scanned the room, a sparse collection of students compared to his usual bustling classes. This wasn't a popular elective, perhaps due to the dark magic's stigma.
The instructor, a wiryman with eyes that seemed to hold ancient secrets, greeted the class with a curt nod. "Professor Abrahams," Elian mumbled, taking a seat in the back corner. He kept his head down, hoping to blend in amongst the other students.
Professor Abrahams began the lesson with a dry recitation of dark magic's history, its corrupting influence, and the dangers it posed. Elian tuned him out, the knowledge echoing what he'd already gleaned from forbidden texts found deep within the academy library. His fingers twitched, a surge of dark energy coursing beneath his skin. He needed to get a handle on it, learn to control it before it controlled him.
He leaned forward, his voice barely a whisper. "Professor Abrahams?"
The professor's lecture halted, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. "Yes, Mr. Aetheris?"
"Is there… any specific training for those of us who…" Elian hesitated, the word sticking in his throat. "Who possess an affinity for dark magic?"
Professor Abrahams' eyebrows shot up in surprise. A flicker of understanding replaced the initial shock. "Ah," he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Dark magic is uncommon, but not unheard of. There are indeed specialized techniques for those who walk this path."
A wave of relief washed over Elian. He wasn't alone.
The professor cleared his throat and addressed the class. "Mr. Aetheris raises an interesting point. While the dangers of dark magic are undeniable, there are ways to harness its power responsibly. Perhaps, Mr. Aetheris, you could share your insights with your fellow students?"
Elian's cheeks flushed. He hadn't intended to become the center of attention. But glancing at the other Battle Mages, their faces a mixture of curiosity and wariness, he saw an opportunity.
Taking a deep breath, he walked to the front of the class. "Alright," he began, his voice surprisingly steady. "Here's a simple counter-spell for basic dark magic attacks. It focuses on channeling light energy to disrupt the dark magic's flow." He carefully explained the incantation and the hand gestures, demonstrating the spell on a practice dummy shrouded in a faint, simulated dark aura.
As the light energy pulsed from his fingertips, dispelling the darkness, a murmur of impressed whispers rippled through the class. As small smile tugged at his lips but he regained his composure. Elian spent the next few minutes guiding the other students through the practice, patiently answering their questions. He realized that while his affinity for darkness might set him apart, it could also be a valuable tool – both for himself and his fellow Battle Mages.
By the end of the class, the initial awkwardness had melted away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. Elian wasn't just learning about dark magic defense; he was teaching it, sharing his unique perspective and knowledge with those who might one day face its corrupting touch.
As he left the classroom, Professor Abrahams stopped him with a knowing smile. "A well-taught lesson, Mr. Aetheris," he said. "Remember, darkness isn't inherently evil. It's the intent behind it that matters. And you, young mage, seem to have the right intentions."
Elian nodded, a newfound confidence blooming within him. His path as a Battle Mage with darkness as his companion might be unconventional, but he wouldn't walk it alone. He had his friends, his knowledge, and now, perhaps, a growing respect from his peers. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but Elian was ready to embrace them all, darkness and light intertwined.