As night enveloped the academy, Kazu returned to his dorm, wearied by the day's events. The once-bustling hallways were now silent, with only the soft whisper of the wind filling the stillness. Seeking rest, Kazu settled into his room, trying to shake off the day's exhaustion.
A few hours later, a soft knock broke the quiet. Kazu opened his door to find a letter waiting for him, and the same message had been delivered to the other scholars. The letter, neatly penned and signed by Garlock Misoha, conveyed an important directive:
"Tomorrow at dawn, Professor Marlowe and I will teach you how to cast spells using your chosen two affinities. Be ready at the central courtyard of the academy when the sun rises."
The words on the page were clear. The upcoming lesson would focus on spellcasting with their selected affinities. Kazu's pulse quickened at the thought of learning directly from such esteemed professors.
The next morning
In the early hours before the sun had fully risen, the academy grounds were still and quiet, shrouded in a soft, gray light. Kazu woke up, feeling the cool air through his open window, and stretched out of bed with purpose. He quickly dressed in his workout gear, ready to start his day.
The chill of the morning greeted him as he stepped outside. The world was just starting to wake up, with only the occasional rustle of leaves or distant bird call breaking the silence. Kazu began his jog, the crisp air refreshing and energizing. As he ran, he thought, "Today's going to be busy, but these early workouts help clear my mind and get me ready for whatever comes next."
After his run, he moved to a grassy patch and started doing push-ups. The dawn light slowly revealed his well-toned physique, a result of his hard work and dedication. Each push-up was done with focus, his movements strong and steady.
Kazu's Perspective
"All this effort is worth it if it means I'm improving. It's good to see the progress I'm making. These early mornings are tough, but they keep me on track."
Little did Kazu know, Krisha Grega had also risen early. Curious about his routine, she had followed him quietly, staying hidden behind a cluster of trees. As the morning light began to illuminate the academy grounds, she saw Kazu's form and was struck by how fit he looked.
Krisha's Perspective
"Wow, he's in great shape for someone his age. I didn't expect him to be so… impressive. His dedication really shows."
"He's so focused. I didn't realize he was this committed. Guess I underestimated him."
Realizing she had been watching for a bit too long, Krisha's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She quickly looked away, feeling awkward. "I hope he didn't see me. This is so embarrassing. I should head back to my dorm before he notices I was spying." With that, she hurried back to her room, her face still red as she tried to shake off the awkwardness.
Krisha's Perspective
"I hope he didn't catch me. This wasn't exactly how I wanted to start the day. I'll have to figure out what to say if we run into each other later."
Back at his workout spot, Kazu finished his exercises and stood, catching his breath as he took in the now brightening academy grounds. Feeling satisfied with his morning, he prepared for the day ahead, unaware of the impression he had left on Krisha.
After 30 minutes
As dawn began to light up the sky, Kazu and the other scholars arrived at the central courtyard. The academy grounds were tranquil, bathed in the soft, early morning light. The courtyard had been meticulously prepared, with its surface adorned with intricate circles and glowing affinity symbols.
The students entered the courtyard and immediately noticed the symbols on the ground, their curiosity piqued. Each symbol shimmered faintly, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the morning fog.
"What are these symbols?" one of the students asked, their gaze fixed on the radiant markings.
Professor Marlowe and Garlock Misoha approached, their commanding presence drawing the students' attention. Professor Marlowe's serious expression and Garlock Misoha's calm demeanor set the tone for the day's instruction.
"These are affinity symbols," Professor Marlowe explained, his voice steady and authoritative. "Today, each of you will choose one of the two affinities you have selected to focus on first. The symbol of your chosen affinity will light up as you step into it."
The students exchanged thoughtful glances, considering their choices. The symbols on the ground seemed to pulse with potential, their glow intensifying as the morning light grew stronger.
Garlock Misoha added, "Kazu, since you have chosen six affinities, you will need to select one to begin your learning with today. The symbol for your chosen affinity will glow when you step into it, indicating your choice."
Kazu took a moment to reflect on his options. After some consideration, he decided to start with Air, feeling its versatility would provide a strong foundation for his magical studies. As he stepped into the Air symbol, it immediately brightened, its glow illuminating the space around him.
Each student carefully chose their symbols and stepped into the circles. As they did, the symbols glowed more intensely, marking their chosen affinities for the day. Kazu felt a surge of anticipation as the Air symbol beneath him radiated with a soft, shimmering light.
Professor Marlowe and Garlock Misoha moved among the students, observing their choices and providing guidance.
As Kazu stepped into the glowing Air symbol, the intricate runes beneath him brightened with a soft, ethereal light. He moved with practiced precision, channeling the swirling currents of Air with effortless grace. The magical display was both mesmerizing and inspiring.
Krisha watched from the side, her focus shifting from her own practice to Kazu. Her mind wandered back to the early morning, recalling how she had seen him jogging with intense determination and then performing push-ups with remarkable strength. The memory of his disciplined routine and impressive physique resurfaced vividly in her thoughts.
A warm flush crept up her cheeks as she remembered the sight of him, his determination and physical prowess leaving a strong impression. Her gaze lingered on Kazu, her heart racing slightly as she recalled how he had looked in the early light, his focused expression and the effortless ease of his movements.
As each student stepped onto their chosen affinity symbol, they felt a strange, pleasant tingling in their bodies. The symbols glowed brightly, and suddenly, the magic felt easier to grasp.
Kazu, standing on the Air symbol, sensed a new clarity. The Air magic seemed more natural, and he felt he could control it with greater ease. The same ease spread to the other students, who also felt their chosen affinities become more intuitive and manageable.
A notification suddenly appeared.
Notification
"No—notification?!", Kazu thought in mind of shock.
[New Active Skill Acquired: Whirlwind]
[New Skill Acquired: Wind Slash]
Kazu glanced at the notification, feeling a surge of excitement at the new skills he had received.
STATUS
Level: 83
Name: Kazu Gonomiya
Age: 13
Job Class: God
Passive Skills:
Divine Knowledge
Infinite Mana
Maximized Self Healing
Sword Play
Active Skills:
Blink
Explosive Blink
Bloodlust
Blood Steal
Rage: Locked
Quick Wield
Whirlwind (New)
Wind Slash (New)
Fist authority
Magic Spells:
Fire Pierce
Fire Spirit Flare
[???]
Unique Skills:
Exploration Level: 95
Assassin Level: 92
Cooking Level: 8
Mining Level: 1
Smithing Level: 1
Strength: 34
As Kazu scanned his status, he noticed something odd—[???] listed under Magic Spells.
"What is this?" he wondered, confused. No matter how hard he tried to understand it, the meaning remained a mystery.
"Why is it hidden?" he asked himself, feeling more puzzled. This unknown entry only added to the confusion he was already feeling about his growing list of skills.
After the students had chosen their affinities, Professor Marlowe and Garlock Misoha gathered them around for the spellcasting session.
"Now that you've selected your affinities," Professor Marlowe began, his voice steady and firm, "it's time to learn how to cast your first spells. Pay close attention, as this will be the foundation of your magical training."
Garlock Misoha stepped forward, addressing the students with a calm, yet authoritative tone. "Now, I want each of you to close your eyes," he instructed. "For those of you who use incantations, focus your mind on the spell you wish to cast. As you do, extend your right hand with your palm open, and let the words flow naturally. For those who practice silent incantations, there's no need for words—just channel your energy directly."
Kazu, along with the others, closed his eyes. He could feel the weight of the moment as he prepared to tap into his chosen affinity, Air. While he didn't need to speak the incantation, he concentrated on the flow of energy, sensing it gather in his open palm.
The courtyard was filled with a quiet intensity as the students followed Garlock's instructions, each one connecting with their affinity in their own way.
As the students focused on their spellcasting, Garlock and Marlowe moved quietly among them, observing their progress. Their attention was soon drawn to Kazu. With his eyes closed, he effortlessly summoned a powerful, controlled aura of Air around him.
Garlock's eyes widened in disbelief. "He's already connected with his affinity," he whispered to Marlowe, astonished. "And he did it almost instantly."
Marlowe's gaze was fixed on Kazu, his usual composure giving way to sheer amazement. "This is remarkable," he said, unable to hide his astonishment. "Typically, it takes students several minutes to connect with their affinities, but Kazu has achieved it in seconds. And considering he's a God class… it's even more impressive."
The breeze swirling around Kazu was vivid and precise, a testament to his extraordinary control over Air. The energy seemed to flow effortlessly from him, demonstrating a mastery that was beyond ordinary expectations.
Marlowe exchanged a look with Garlock, both recognizing the significance of what they were witnessing. Kazu's rapid and seamless connection with his affinity was not just a display of skill but a clear indication of his exceptional potential.
Kazu's Perspective
As Kazu stood still with his eyes closed, he thought about activating one of his new skills: Whirlwind. He envisioned a powerful, wide-range gust of wind. The skill's sudden impact would affect the nearest target, creating a swirling vortex that could hit with force.
Focused and excited, he concentrated on bringing this skill to life. The breeze around him began to intensify, growing stronger as he harnessed the power of Whirlwind. The air swirled into a dynamic force, ready to make its mark.
Garlock Misoha's eyes widened in alarm. "Marlowe, look at Kazu! He's about to unleash a powerful wind attack. We need to stop him before it's too late!"
Professor Marlowe's expression tightened as he assessed the situation. The gravity of the moment demanded quick action.
Garlock moved swiftly, conjuring a barrier of water that enveloped Kazu. Just as the barrier solidified, he added a layer of ice, creating a shimmering dome that encased Kazu completely. Meanwhile, Marlowe used his Light affinity to cast a healing barrier over the four other students, ensuring that even if they were caught in the wind's impact, they would remain unharmed and heal swiftly.
Kazu's Whirlwind crashed against the barriers with a tremendous force, and as the powerful attack dissipated, the ice surrounding him cracked and shattered. Kazu, surprised and disoriented, blinked open his eyes and looked around at the remnants of the destroyed barriers and scattered ice.
Confused, he turned to Garlock. "Why is there ice everywhere? What happened?"
Garlock's expression mixed relief with concern. "You unleashed a very powerful wind attack, Kazu. It was much stronger than expected. You need to control the intensity of your skills."
Kazu was taken aback. "But I didn't think I was actually using it. I just imagined using Whirlwind. I'm sorry if I caused any trouble."
Garlock's tone was firm but understanding. "It's crucial to manage the force of your abilities. Practice with care."
The other students, having noticed the chaotic change in their surroundings, looked around in confusion.