Kazu followed Garlock's directions and soon arrived at the Scholar's Wing. The building was impressive, with tall windows and a grand entrance. He walked through the main gate, down the corridor, and up to the second floor.
When he reached his floor, he found his room by spotting his name on the door: "Kazu Gonomiya." He smiled and opened the door.
The room was simple but cozy, with a bed, a desk, and some shelves. A window let in the afternoon light. Kazu stepped inside, took a moment to enjoy the quiet, and lay down on the bed for a brief rest.
After relaxing for a few minutes, he got up and did push-ups in a clear spot on the floor to keep his energy up. The exercise helped him clear his mind and stay focused.
Feeling refreshed, Kazu looked around his new room with satisfaction. It was starting to feel like home. He lay back on the bed, eager for the journey ahead at the academy.
After Garlock's brief lecture, the students went to their rooms in the Scholar's Wing to relax. Kazu, feeling refreshed, decided to take a stroll outside.
He stepped out and was amazed by the academy's beauty at night. The buildings were bathed in soft golden light, and lanterns lined the pathways, creating a warm glow.
The grounds were lush with well-kept gardens and sparkling fountains. The tall buildings were highlighted against the dark sky.
Kazu walked to a large courtyard where a fountain glowed softly, its water shimmering in the light. The peaceful scene left him excited and eager for the days ahead.
As Kazu strolled through the academy grounds, he was drawn to a garden illuminated by the soft glow of the evening lights. The flowers, vibrant and radiant, were bathed in a gentle, warm light.
He was admiring the colorful blooms when he noticed Krisha nearby, wandering through the garden. Her silver hair shimmered in the soft light, and she seemed lost in thought.
Kazu felt a bit shy as he approached her. "Hi, Krisha," he said, trying to sound casual but feeling his cheeks warm. "It's a really nice evening, isn't it?"
Krisha looked up, her cheeks slightly flushed. She smiled awkwardly. "Oh, hi, Kazu. Yes, it's beautiful here. I was just... taking a walk."
There was a moment of awkward silence as they both looked at the flowers, unsure of what to say next. Kazu fidgeted slightly, feeling a bit self-conscious. "I thought the flowers looked really nice in this light," he added, trying to keep the conversation going.
Krisha nodded, her smile a bit more relaxed. "Yeah, they do. It's nice to just enjoy the quiet."
Kazu and Krisha stood in the garden, enjoying the peaceful evening. After a moment of silence, Kazu asked, feeling a bit shy, "Hey, Krisha, if you don't mind me asking, why are you going for the scholarship? Seems like a big deal."
Krisha looked a bit surprised but smiled. "Oh, well, I guess it's because I want to prove something to myself. I want to see if I can make it on my own, without any extra help."
Kazu nodded, understanding. "That makes sense. It's cool that you're challenging yourself like that."
Krisha's smile widened. "Thanks, Kazu. I appreciate that."
As Kazu and Krisha walked back through the garden, the soft glow of the evening lights cast a gentle halo around them. The conversation had been pleasant, but now the sky was darkening, signaling that it was time to head back.
When they reached the edge of the garden, Kazu glanced at Krisha one last time before they parted ways. Her silver hair gleamed in the dim light, and her silver eyelashes made her look almost ethereal. He admired the sight quietly, without realizing he was staring.
"Alright, Krisha, I guess it's time to go," Kazu said, trying to sound casual as he looked away.
Krisha smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's getting late. See you tomorrow, Kazu."
"See you tomorrow," Kazu replied, as they both turned to head toward their respective dorms.
As they went their separate ways, Kazu kept his eyes forward, but the image of Krisha's silver hair lingered in his mind.
Kazu returned to his dorm room, the stillness of the night wrapping around him like a gentle embrace. As he lay on his bed, the soft light from the window cast a faint glow on the walls. He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting to Nozue and Rosalia. A wave of longing and concern washed over him.
He pictured Nozue diligently working on his quests and Rosalia managing the orphanage with her usual kindness. He missed them deeply and wondered if they were managing well without him. The thought of them brought both comfort and a pang of sadness.
Kazu took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He knew he had to stay focused on his goals and make them proud. With a heavy heart but determined spirit, he pulled the covers over himself.
As he closed his eyes, the quiet of the room was a soothing contrast to his restless thoughts. He let the warmth of the bed ease him, slowly surrendering to sleep. In his dreams, he hoped to find a sense of peace and reassurance, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.
In the next morning
Before the sun was up, Kazu was out running in his academy-provided physical activity uniform. The grounds were quiet, lit only by the soft glow of lanterns. He ran steadily along the paths, his breath visible in the cool morning air.
Garlock Misoha, out for his own early workout, noticed Kazu running. He smiled, pleased with the student's dedication.
Elias Marlowe, busy in his office, looked out the window and saw Kazu running. He raised an eyebrow, curious about the student. "Who's that kid running so early?" Marlowe wondered, intrigued by the early dedication.
As Kazu finished his run and headed back to his dorm, both professors were left with a sense of approval. Garlock admired Kazu's effort, and Marlowe's curiosity was piqued, both feeling positive about the student's commitment.
A few hours after Kazu's rest, the five students gathered in the common area, their breakfast trays set aside. Each student received a small envelope, bearing the mark of Professor Elias Marlowe.
Kazu opened his letter, curious about the message. Inside, the note read:
"Dear Students,
I am looking forward to meeting you today. Please come to the Grandhall at noon. We will be covering the basics of the Air, Light, and Dark affinities.
Best regards,
Professor Elias Marlowe"
Kazu read the letter, his anticipation growing. He looked around and saw the other students—Krisha, Roderick, and the two others—also reading their letters with interest. Excitement was palpable in the room.
Before heading to the Grandhall, they all decided to enjoy their breakfast. The meal was simple but satisfying, and they ate quickly, their conversations buzzing with speculation about the upcoming lesson.
With their plates cleared and their hunger satisfied, the students stood up, ready to make their way to the Grandhall. Each of them was eager to learn more about the Air, Light, and Dark affinities, and they left the common area with a shared sense of purpose and anticipation.
After finishing their breakfast, the five students made their way back to their dorms. The morning air was crisp, and a sense of anticipation hung over them as they walked through the academy corridors.
Kazu, Krisha, and Roderick walked together, their conversation lively.
Kazu glanced at Krisha. "So, Krisha, what do you think we'll learn about Air, Light, and Dark? I've heard they're pretty complex."
Krisha smiled. "I'm curious too. I've read a bit about them, but seeing them in practice will be something else. I'm especially interested in the Dark affinity. It sounds like it has a lot of depth."
Roderick chimed in, "I've always found Light magic fascinating. I'm hoping to get a better understanding of how it works. I've heard it can be used in some pretty impressive ways."
As they reached their dorms, Krisha stopped to adjust her academy uniform. "I'll be ready in a few minutes. I want to make sure I have everything I need for the lecture."
Kazu nodded. "Same here. I just want to be prepared. It's going to be interesting to see how Professor Marlowe teaches these affinities."
Roderick gave a thumbs-up. "Definitely. I'm looking forward to it. See you guys in the common area in a bit?"
"Sure," Krisha said, heading into her room. "I'll meet you all there."
Kazu and Roderick entered their respective rooms, quickly getting ready. A few minutes later, they reconvened in the common area, all set to head to the Grandhall.
As they walked together, Kazu remarked, "It's nice to have some company. Makes the anticipation a bit easier to handle."
Krisha laughed softly. "Absolutely. We'll make the most of it. Let's go and see what Professor Marlowe has in store for us."
With that, the group made their way to the Grandhall, excitement and curiosity guiding their steps as they prepared to learn about the Air, Light, and Dark affinities.
The students arrived at the Grandhall, their chatter quieting as they took their seats. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and large windows letting in the morning light. The walls were lined with shelves containing ancient books and magical artifacts, hinting at the depth of knowledge held within these walls.
As they settled in, the door to the Grandhall opened, and Professor Elias Marlowe walked in. He was a middle-aged man with a commanding presence. His dark hair was streaked with gray, and his sharp eyes held a depth of experience and wisdom. A subtle but powerful aura surrounded him, giving off an air of authority and respect.
Marlowe scanned the room with a thoughtful gaze before stepping up to the front. He wore a robe with intricate patterns, and his demeanor was calm yet confident.
"Good morning, everyone," Marlowe said, his voice rich and resonant. "I'm Professor Elias Marlowe, and today we'll delve into the basics of the Air, Light, and Dark affinities."
The students straightened in their seats, their attention fully on Marlowe. The atmosphere in the room shifted as the professor began to speak, his strong presence filling the space.
"As you may know, each affinity requires a different approach and understanding. Today, I'll give you a brief overview of each."
"Let's start?" Malowe asked the students.
"Yes professor!" The student answered.
Professor Marlowe stood at the front of the room, his presence commanding attention. He began his detailed explanations with the Air affinity.
"Air magic," Marlowe said, his voice steady, "is about control and manipulation of the wind and atmosphere. It's one of the more versatile affinities because it affects everything around you. You can use Air magic to create gusts of wind, generate tornadoes, or even manipulate air pressure to enhance your agility."
He demonstrated with a wave of his hand, causing a small breeze to swirl around the room. "For instance, a simple spell like Gale Force can push objects or people away, while Wind Blade focuses air into a sharp, cutting edge. Mastering Air magic requires precision and an understanding of how air moves and interacts with other elements."
Next, Marlowe moved on to the Light affinity. "Light magic," he began, "is often associated with healing and illumination, but it's far more complex. It involves harnessing the power of light to either brighten an area or to focus it into powerful beams. It can be used to heal wounds or to create blinding flashes that can disorient opponents."
He conjured a soft, glowing orb of light to illustrate. "One of the most basic spells, Light Orb, can light up dark areas. Radiant Heal uses concentrated light to mend injuries, while Blinding Flash can temporarily blind your enemies. Mastering Light magic requires an understanding of energy and how light can be both a force for good and a weapon."
Finally, Marlowe's expression grew more serious as he turned to the Dark affinity. "Dark magic is often misunderstood and feared. It involves manipulating shadows and the unseen, which can be incredibly powerful but also dangerous. It's not just about casting illusions or shadows, but about tapping into a deeper, often darker energy."
He raised his hand, and the room's light dimmed slightly, casting elongated shadows. "For example, Shadow Cloak allows you to blend into the darkness, making you nearly invisible. Nightmare Shroud can induce fear and hallucinations, while Void Strike channels dark energy into a devastating attack."
Marlowe's voice took on a more somber tone. "Dark magic requires a disciplined mind and a strong will. The power can be overwhelming, and if not controlled properly, it can consume the user. It's crucial to maintain balance and not let the darkness overpower you."
He looked around at the students, his gaze steady and serious. "Each affinity has its own strengths and challenges. As you delve into them, remember to respect their power and understand their nature. Mastery comes with practice and a deep understanding of the forces you wield."
The room was quiet as Marlowe finished his explanations. The students absorbed the information with a sense of awe and determination, ready to explore these powerful affinities under Marlowe's guidance.
"Watch as I demonstrate the power of these three affinities" Marlowe said with courage.
As the students watched, Professor Elias Marlowe prepared to show them the practical applications of the affinities.
First, he demonstrated the power of the Air affinity. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a sharp gust of wind that sliced through the air. To illustrate its potency, Marlowe turned the wind towards himself, creating a small, controlled cut on his arm. The students gasped as the wound appeared, but Marlowe remained calm.
Next, he used Light magic to heal the injury instantly. Marlowe raised his hand, and a soft, glowing light enveloped his arm. The cut vanished in moments, leaving his skin unblemished. The students marveled at the quick and effective healing.
Finally, Marlowe demonstrated the Dark affinity. He summoned a swirling shadow that filled the room with an eerie, pulsating mist. The darkness seemed almost alive, shifting and twisting with a menacing presence.
The students were stunned by the display, seeing firsthand the powerful and diverse capabilities of the three affinities. Marlowe's demonstrations had clearly shown the immense potential and versatility of each magical element.