Zedric is taking the bus again, on his way to Azure Sky Academy.
He wore his earphones and he's currently listening on a podcast.
Infrastructure after infrastructure passed by his field of vision.
Since the vehicles are mana powered, there is no air pollution. The breeze as it dances on Zedric's face is fresh and soothing. The window beside his seat is opened wide, thus Zedric could fully enjoy the sceneries as they passby.
The bus stopped on the same bus stop again.
The doors of the bus parted and several passengers exited the bus. Zedric was among them.
He walked along the path going to Azure Sky Academy. The sky high gates of the academy greeted Zedric's sight. Skydon is standing by the gate, fiddling with his phone. When Skydon casually lifted his gaze, he saw Zedric wearing earphones walking towards the gate.
Skydon waved his hand to signal Zedric of his existence.
Zedric waved back. As he walks toward Skydon, he took off his earphones and pocketed it.
Skydon and Zedric greeted each other and walked side by side. This has been a sort of routine for the both of them.
"Did you watch "Soul Planet" yesterday? The first episode was amazing. They actually kept the animation exactly the same as the novel's plot... "
"Really?"
"Yeah. I've been following the novel since time immemorial and I like how they did justice to the plot and made everything exactly to my liking. I love them for doing that..."
Zedric and Skydon talked as they walked to their classroom.
By the time they arrived in front of their classroom, a few of their classmates are already inside. Most of them are in pairs or in groups, with a few loners on the corners.
Their conversations vary from philosophy to cosmetic products.
Zedric and Skydon took their seat.
They continued their conversation as they waited for the teacher to arrive.
Then, she arrived. Teacher Vela Persiana. Her presence made all the students quiet and so, they behaved themselves.
"Today we will be talking about the Dragons Arise Program. All Senior High Students are qualified to join the competition for the membership of Dragons Arise Program."
"The Dragons Arise Program will have ten slots for membership, which means that only ten students among the entire Senior High School would become part of the program."
"The competition for the membership slots would have three stages. The first stage would be held on the school plaza, the contents of the contest would be announced there too. The competition will take place after lunch break."
"For now, we will give you free time to prepare yourselves before the competition."
"That would be all, I'd take my leave first."
With that, Ms. Vela Persiana exited the classroom.
The students erupted with clamor of voices.
"What do we have to prepare? She should've at least gave us a clue about how will the first stage of the competition will proceed."
"I think it's definitely related to either the Blue Psyche Magical Art or the Telepathy Spell."
"Why do you say that?"
"It's because these two are the only magics taught to us, First Years. If not, then wouldn't it be unfair for us?"
"The Second Years would have an advantage over us no matter what, don't they?"
"Yeah.They learned more spells than us and their Blue Psyche Magical Art is cultivated one year ahead from us."
"..."
Meanwhile, Zedric and Skydon are also communicating their thoughts through telepathy.
[Zedric, what do you think the first stage of the competition will be like?]
Skydon asked first.
[I don't know. Maybe it's something that is related to the specialty of Azure Sky Academy or Moondragon Corp.]
Zedric replied in a guessing tone.
[Specialty? What do you mean?]
Skydon asked, confused.
[Azure Sky Academy specializes in mind related magic, while Moondragon Corp. specializes in bloodline magic. The first stage of the competition might have something to do with these two. It's only my speculation though.]
Zedric said, quite unsure about his answer.