A loud brass bell rang, its deep, resonant tones reverberating through the grand halls of the prestigious academy, signalling the students to head to their classes. The hallways, adorned with intricate tapestries and illuminated by the morning sun streaming through vast stained glass windows, came alive with a throng of students, each moving with purpose and excitement. The air was filled with a cacophony of laughter, chatter, and the rustling of papers, a testament to the vibrant life within these ancient walls.
Ari and her younger brother, Farah, walked side by side, a striking pair amid the bustling crowd. Ari's uniform was impeccable: a crisp white shirt beneath a dark blue top, paired with a matching long skirt that gracefully swayed just below her knees. Black stockings and polished shoes completed her ensemble, exuding elegance and poise. Farah's attire mirrored hers, though his uniform included long trousers and a jacket that highlighted his defined shoulders. Their bags, filled with neatly arranged sheets of paper and writing tools, were slung over their shoulders.
As they walked through the academy hallways, their presence was magnetic. Ari, in particular, drew admiring glances from all around. Her reputation as a beautiful highborn, bearing her family's heritage and the weight of great responsibility, made her a figure of admiration and envy among both men and women. Her short, flowing hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her confident stride exuded an aura of grace and nobility.
The other students, dressed in similar uniforms, added to the lively atmosphere. Groups of friends chatted animatedly, discussing their latest lessons or upcoming exams. Some students, lost in thought, hurried to their classes with books clutched tightly to their chests. The air was filled with the scent of old parchment and ink, mingling with the faint aroma of blooming flowers from the academy's meticulously maintained gardens visible through the large windows.
Their path was suddenly obstructed by a young, slim man with an air of confidence and arrogance. His open shirt revealed a hint of his sculpted chest, and his long blonde hair, tipped with reddish ends, was swept back in a stylish manner. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he stood with a posture that demanded attention. Beside him stood a timid woman, clutching his bag and avoiding Ari's gaze, her eyes downcast and shoulders hunched.
"Long time no see," he greeted with a smirk.
Farah stepped forward, offering a handshake. "Yeah, I missed you too."
Both laughed, though it was clear to everyone that the young man's attention was on Ari.
"Our paths simply didn't cross, Phoenix," Ari replied, her calm aura enveloping her words as she stepped closer to her childhood friend.
"And that's what I don't like. Remember how we used to—"
"Grow up," Ari interrupted with a mature tone, brushing past him and continuing toward her classroom.
The girl accompanying Phoenix let out a deep breath, relief washing over her. Farah, catching up to his sister, chuckled at Phoenix's dismissal, noting how he was cast aside like rubbish. Phoenix, clenching his fists, then calming himself with a few deep breaths, was not ready to give up.
Matching Ari's pace, walking beside her, he continued, "Why do you have to be this cruel? Is it weird that I missed my friend?"
"No. But remember, we live next to each other. If you felt lonely, you could simply knock on my door."
Phoenix waved his hands in denial. "No way, it's too risky to meet that witch."
"Astra is more calm and steady now," added Farah, meeting Phoenix's yellow-red eyes. "She won't bully you anymore."
The girl carrying Phoenix's bag, still ignored and trailing behind, looked up at Ari's back. A thought that should never occupy a loyal heart began to fester in her mind. "She is my rival, a nemesis that... I cannot match," she thought, her gaze filled with envy. Even from behind, Ari emanated a grace beyond reach, a beauty unparalleled, a lineage far superior, and a talent unattainable. Deep down, she believed that while Ari might be just like her, she was a thousand times better. With every step Ari took, the urge to trip her up grew stronger.
The hallways of the academy, adorned with rich tapestries depicting historical victories and legendary heroes, bore witness to this silent, simmering conflict. The students moved like currents in a vast sea, their laughter and chatter a mere backdrop to the intense undercurrents of ambition, rivalry, and unspoken desires. The grandeur of the academy, with its towering archways and meticulously carved statues, stood as a testament to the legacy and prestige of the institution, a place where destinies were shaped and legends were born.
"Maybe we could go somewhere after class?" Phoenix suggested, his voice tinged with casual hope.
"No. I have important things to attend to. Sorry." Ari's response was curt, her tone leaving no room for argument. She turned on her heel, the fabric of her uniform swirling elegantly as she entered her classroom, leaving the trio behind.
"Burned." Farah laughed, the word echoing off the marble walls as he left Phoenix and his female companion standing alone.
Phoenix sighed, shoulders slumping as he retrieved his bag. "Another failure." His voice was barely above a whisper, his head bowed as he walked away, heading towards his own classroom.
Left alone, the girl carrying Phoenix's bag couldn't help but smile softly, a flicker of something hopeful in her eyes.
Inside Ari's classroom, the scene was lively with anticipation. She joined her friends at the edge of a long, polished mahogany table. Fierce ginger-haired Asuka, her green eyes always alight with mischief, and chubby black-haired Marika, her large round glasses perpetually slipping down her nose, greeted her warmly. Ari took her seat by the window, where the sunlight poured in, casting a celestial glow on her smooth, marble-like skin.
The classroom was a blend of old and new. Ancient tapestries depicting grand battles and legendary creatures adorned the walls, while modern magical apparatuses hummed softly in the corners. The scent of parchment and ink mixed with the faint, earthy aroma of spell components.
Moments later, Professor Maius entered with a flourish, scrolls tumbling from his grasp as he approached his desk. His presence was as commanding as ever, his robes trailing behind him like those of a wizard from ancient tales. One of the other students, ever diligent, hurried to gather the fallen scrolls, earning a grateful nod from the professor.
"Good to see you kids," Professor Maius began, his voice rich and sonorous. He scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Ari. "Lady Ari, I noticed your absence and hope you are doing well." Ari answered with a polite smile, her mind elsewhere.
Today's lesson was a continuation of their previous study: intermediate expertise in rune magic. Professor Maius delved into the mechanics of advanced spells, their summoning techniques, and their potential outcomes. He also touched on the main categories of magic—Rune Magic, True Magic, and Crystal Magic—and their subcategories such as destruction spells, enchanting, and restoration. As a master of destruction magic and an ardent admirer of fire lore, he couldn't resist demonstrating a few advanced fire spells. The classroom bore the marks of his passion: charred desks, scorched walls, and the iconic fern on his desk, long since reduced to a charcoaled husk.
As always, Ari found value in the lessons on rune magic, yet today, she was particularly distracted, her thoughts miles away. Professor Maius noticed her disorientation but said nothing, understanding her preference for healing over destruction. Many times, he had heard from his colleagues about her prowess in restoration magic. Ari's gaze wandered to the window, the lush greenery of the academy grounds a stark contrast to the turmoil in her mind. She observed the meticulously manicured lawns, where students practiced various spells, their laughter and chatter forming a harmonious symphony. The towering oak trees, ancient and wise, stood guard over the academy, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.
It wasn't until Professor Maius mentioned something peculiar that she snapped back to attention.
"Excuse me, could you please repeat that?" she asked, her voice breaking the silence.
Professor Maius smiled kindly and repeated, "Of course, where was I: Forming of temporary rock formations. Despite being one of the elements, earth must sometimes be used on either a destruction base or an enchanting base…"
Ari held her chin thoughtfully, then raised her hand. "How long can something like this last? Is it possible to do this without a rune?"
Professor Maius settled into his chair, setting aside his glasses. "It depends on the strength of the spell, and it can be done with True Magic... I believe." An uncomfortable pause ensued, the weight of unspoken questions hanging in the air. "Do you have something specific in mind?" he asked gently.
"Ehhhh... what do you mean by that?" Ari's voice faltered, her cheeks flushing slightly as she averted her gaze.
"I met a guard sorcerer the other day. He told me about newly found rock formations in Hirako's temple in one of the dormitory rooms and was deeply concerned about its origin and creator."
Ari's eyes widened, her pupils dilating in surprise. She looked down, avoiding the professor's eyes as a flush of embarrassment crept over her.
"Let's get back to the topic..." Professor Maius continued, sensing her discomfort. He resumed his lecture, but Ari's mind was elsewhere. When the brass bell finally rang, signalling the end of the class, Ari lingered behind.
As her classmates filed out, Ari approached the professor, clutching her bag tightly. "Could we talk about that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Professor Maius gestured for her to sit. Taking a deep breath, she confessed, "I was there."
Maius stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I don't want to cause you any distress. If you prefer, I won't tell anyone about this conversation."
"Please do," Ari requested firmly, her eyes meeting him with an intensity that brooked no argument.
"So how were these pillars done?" he asked, leaning forward.
"He did some hand movements, gestures I guess, and they simply grew out from the floor," Ari explained, her voice steady.
The professor stood and walked to the whiteboard, sketching as they brainstormed. "And no rune magic involved?"
"I didn't see any, and he did it twice."
"He summoned pillars twice?"
"He blocked the window hole, just like he did with the pillars. But while they were spiky, the window was a solid, smooth wall."
Professor Maius continued sketching, connecting dots, but eventually, he was stumped. "It might be True Magic, but summoning different-shaped things with one spell would be extremely difficult considering that he shaped it like he wanted. There isn't any school of magic that teaches something like that… at least, none that I'm aware of."
"So there is no way to find him?" Ari asked, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.
"The world is a huge place after all, maybe there are some that can teach that, but I don't know any. And besides, you want to find him? . . . Oh forgive me, I shouldn't pry into this," the professor said, sensing the depth of her concern.
After a bit more discussion, they bid each other farewell. As Ari stepped into the bustling academy corridors, her mind whirled with thoughts. Her posture regained its usual grace and composure. Merging with the sea of students, she disappeared into the crowd, returning to her stoic facade as she navigated the labyrinthine halls of the academy.
It was afternoon, and Ari had just ended her last class for the day. She found herself unable to focus, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her mysterious saviour and his remarkable earth magic. Wandering through the academy hallways with her friends, Asuka and Marika, it was clear to them that something was amiss. Ari's usual lively demeanour had been replaced with a stoic silence.
"Something happened?" Marika asked, peering at Ari through her glasses, her voice gentle yet probing.
"Oh, not really… I just didn't sleep well." Ari scratched her cheek, her eyes darting around the bustling students. The hallways were alive with chatter and laughter, students exchanging notes and rushing to their next classes.
"So, you were in Hirako Temple that day!" Asuka exclaimed, her eyes widening with curiosity. She stopped Ari with a firm grip on her shoulder, her enthusiasm nearly bruising.
"Yes, I was. How do you know?" Ari's voice was calm, but a hint of surprise flickered in her eyes.
"The whole of Kar-Ah knows. There were rumours everywhere when you were absent."
"Your brother told us," Marika added, adjusting her glasses. Her tone was matter-of-fact, but her eyes betrayed her concern.
Asuka sighed, her grip loosening. Ari gently stroked her friend's hand, sensing her worry.
"Were you worried about me?"
"We heard that you jumped out of a window on the second floor. Of course, we were afraid." Asuka's voice was soft, almost a whisper.
Asuka took Ari's hand and pressed it to her cheek, which Ari caressed softly. The gesture was intimate, a silent promise of support and friendship.
They sat in the academic square, a modest green area in the centre of the academy, with benches and a single sapling growing in the middle. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of blooming flowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of the ancient stone buildings surrounding the square. Students milled about, some relaxing on the benches, while others sat on the grass, books open on their laps.
"I was saved by someone. I don't know who he was or what his name is." Ari's voice was barely above a whisper, her gaze distant.
"You want to find him," Asuka stated, her eyes brightening with excitement.
"That's why you asked Professor Maius about that earth magic, right?" Marika looked deeply into Ari's eyes, her concern evident. She placed her hands on her thighs and added, "Maybe there's something in the library about that. Professor Maius isn't all-knowing, after all."
"I was planning to go there after class…"
"We'll go with you!" Asuka stood up, trying to pull her friends up, but they remained seated.
"I want to go alone. I need to think it all over again." Ari stood up and left her friends, heading toward the library, hoping to find something that could bring her closer to the man who saved her life.
The library was the largest room in the academy, a vast space filled with the scent of old parchment and leather-bound tomes. The main floor was lined with rows upon rows of bookshelves, each one meticulously organised. Above, the second floor was crisscrossed with smaller and larger bridges, connecting different sections of the library and offering a view of the lower level. The ceiling was high and vaulted, with large stained-glass windows that bathed the room in a kaleidoscope of colours.
Ari immediately turned left toward the librarian's office. Leaning on the front desk, she noticed a figure searching for something on a lower shelf.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for a book about earth magic."
"Ouch," a woman behind the desk muttered, hitting her head as she tried to stand up. Rubbing her head to relieve the pain, she looked up and met Ari's stoic gaze. It was the same girl who had been carrying Phoenix's bag earlier.
"Yes, we have something. Please, follow me," the timid girl whispered, turning away and covering her mouth with her hands.
As they walked, Ari broke the silence. "You shouldn't let him treat you like that."
The girl froze, as if struck by lightning, but something inside her ignited.
"You don't understand. This is the only way he notices me!" They stopped walking, standing in the middle of the library as more people began to stare.
"I'm not like you! I'm not clever, pretty, or talented. I'm not from a noble family nor do I have anything that could impress him! This is…"
"He won't treat you right."
The girl turned to Ari, her face red with anger. Her eyes blazed with a ferocity that could intimidate anyone.
"What do you know about treating people right?! You're so delusional that you don't even notice how deeply he is in love with you."
"I'm not delusional. I know that he loves me, but no matter how many times I've told him we can't be together, he never listens."
Ari stepped closer, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"Do me a favour, kill his love for me… with yours."
Ari hugged her, and the girl began to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks and onto Ari's uniform.
"I will help you," Ari whispered, looking into the girl's eyes. Suddenly, Ari burst into laughter, a noble and genuine sound."I will even invite you two to my wedding." The tension in the air seemed to dissipate, replaced with a sense of understanding and camaraderie.
"No. I don't have any dress suitable for such an occasion… I'm struggling even to pay the academy's fees." The girl's voice was small, tinged with embarrassment.
"Don't worry," Ari said, patting her shoulder reassuringly. "You can choose some of my dresses."
The girl laughed softly at the idea, her eyes glancing over Ari's figure. Silently, she compared their body shapes.
The library was a haven of quietude within the bustling academy, a sanctuary of knowledge with towering shelves that stretched toward the ceiling, filled with the accumulated wisdom of centuries. As Ari and the girl reached the section dedicated to elemental magic, they were surrounded by the soft rustle of pages and the faint scent of old parchment.
Ari's eyes scanned the spines of countless tomes, her fingers brushing lightly against the bindings as she searched for anything related to earth magic. The girl beside her, still timid but now more determined, mirrored her actions.
"There is something, but it covers every element," the girl said, her voice barely above a whisper, breaking the silence.
Ari pointed to a book high on a shelf, its cover dusty and well-worn. "There is something. Can we reach it?"
The girl nodded and fetched a small ladder. Climbing up, she reached for the book with some effort. "Art of Creation: Secrets of Earth Magic and Its Ability to Create and Destroy, written by Tal'shen," she read aloud, handing the book to Ari.
"Tal'shen, don't disappoint me," Ari murmured, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"You know him?" the girl asked, curiosity piqued.
"I've never met him personally, but I've heard he is the court archwizard for the emperor," Ari replied, her voice filled with a mix of reverence and hope.
With the book in her hands, Ari walked to the librarian's desk, where the girl quickly noted down the rental in the library records. As Ari turned to leave, the weight of the book in her arms felt both promising and daunting.
Passing through the hallways, Ari's mind was awhirl with thoughts. The corridors were filled with students hurrying to their next classes, their chatter a backdrop to her introspection. She clutched the book tightly to her chest, its presence a comforting reminder of her newfound resolve.
"In the worst case, I won't be bored during the passage, and in the best case, I will…" she thought, her mind drifting to the possibilities. A smile played on her lips, and a faint blush coloured her cheeks, unnoticed by those around her and even herself.