As the class settled into their seats, the teacher, Professor Meridian, stepped to the front of the room. He was a tall man with graying hair and a stern expression, his presence commanding the attention of all who sat before him.
"Good morning, class," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "I trust you all had a restful night, as today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your magical education."
There was a murmur of excitement among the students, each eager to delve deeper into the world of arcane arts.
"Now, as you all know," Professor Meridian continued, "magic is a complex and multifaceted discipline, requiring both skill and dedication to master. Throughout this semester, we will explore various aspects of magic, from elemental manipulation to astral projection."
He paced back and forth at the front of the room, his gaze sweeping over the sea of faces before him.
"But before we get ahead of ourselves, let me remind you of the fundamental principle of magic: balance," he emphasized, his voice echoing off the walls of the classroom.
"Magic is a force of nature, and like any force, it must be wielded with care and respect. Failure to maintain balance can have dire consequences."
There was a solemn hush that fell over the classroom as Professor Meridian's words sank in. Magic was a powerful force, capable of great wonders, but also great destruction if not handled properly.
"Now, onto today's lesson," Professor Meridian said, gesturing to the chalkboard behind him. "We will begin by discussing the basics of elemental manipulation."
He launched into a detailed explanation of the four primary elements—fire, water, earth, and air—and their respective properties and associations. The students listened intently, taking notes and asking questions as they sought to deepen their understanding of the subject.
After the lecture, Professor Meridian announced the first assignment of the semester: each student would be paired with their seating mates to develop a new technique combining their respective magical abilities.
But interrupted by a loud scoff from the back of the room. I turned to see Thalira, her expression one of disdain as she rolled her eyes.
"Is there something you find amusing, Miss Darkthorn?" Professor Meridian asked, his tone laced with a hint of warning.
Thalira smirked, her gaze locking onto mine. "Just the thought of having to work with someone as incompetent as Eileen," she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I bristled at her words, but before I could respond, Professor Alden intervened. "I expect all students to treat their peers with respect," he said firmly. "This project is an opportunity for collaboration, not conflict."
Thalira's smirk only widened, but she fell silent under the weight of Professor Alden's gaze.
As the class continued, I couldn't shake the feeling of tension between Thalira and me. But despite her antagonism, I was determined to focus on the task at hand.
Lunch break finally arrived, and as the students filed out of the classroom, I found myself hesitating. Thalira lingered by the door, her expression unreadable.
"Are you coming, Eileen?" she asked, her tone cool and detached.
I hesitated for a moment, weighing my options. But then, with a resolute nod, I followed her out of the classroom and into the bustling corridors of the university.
As we walked, Thalira remained silent, her strides long and purposeful. I couldn't help but feel a pang of unease in her presence, like I was walking on thin ice.
Finally, we reached the courtyard, where students gathered in groups, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their lunch. Thalira glanced around, her expression one of disdain.
"I can't stand eating in that crowded mess hall," she muttered, her lip curling in disgust. "I prefer to eat in peace."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode away, leaving me standing alone in the courtyard.
I watched her go, a knot forming in my stomach. Despite her cold demeanor, there was something about Thalira that intrigued me. She was powerful, confident, and utterly unapologetic about it.
As I made my way towards the cafeteria, my mind buzzed with thoughts of the morning's class.
Professor Meridian's words about balance and the fundamentals of magic echoed in my thoughts, mingling with the tension that lingered from my interaction with Thalira. Despite her arrogance, there was an undeniable allure to her confidence and power.
The cafeteria loomed ahead, a bustling hub of activity where students congregated to refuel between classes. Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, I was greeted by a wave of sound and motion.
The aroma of freshly prepared food mingled with the cacophony of voices, creating a lively atmosphere.
The room was spacious, with rows of long tables stretching out beneath the vaulted ceiling. Sunlight streamed in through tall windows, casting warm pools of light onto the polished wooden floor. Students moved about in a flurry of activity, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
I made my way to the food counter, where a variety of dishes awaited. The selection was vast, ranging from hearty stews to crisp salads and decadent desserts. I scanned the offerings, my stomach growling in anticipation.
I passed my student card to the attendant, who swiped it with practiced efficiency before handing it back to me.
With a nod of thanks, I collected a plate and began to fill it with a sampling of dishes. Roast chicken with savory herbs, steamed vegetables glistening with butter, and a slice of warm bread slathered in creamy butter adorned my plate.
Balancing my laden tray, I searched the room for an empty table. Spotting one near the corner, I made my way over and settled into a chair, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I took in the relative quiet of my surroundings.
Just as I began to eat, a figure caught my eye. A woman approached, her appearance disheveled and her demeanor uncertain. Her hair was a wild tangle of curls, framing a face marked by smudges of dirt and faint streaks of paint. Despite her unkempt appearance, there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes as she hesitated before me.
"Um, excuse me," she said tentatively, her voice soft yet hesitant. "Is it alright if I sit here?"
I studied her for a moment, intrigued by the contrast between her messy exterior and the curiosity that seemed to flicker within her. With a slight nod, I gestured to the empty seat opposite me.
"Of course," I replied, my voice calm and welcoming. "Please, have a seat."
As she settled into the chair opposite me, her gaze met mine, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"My name is Xada," she said, her voice carrying a hint of warmth despite her nervousness.
"Nice to meet you, Xada," I replied, returning her smile. "I'm Eileen."