Lucian blinked at the chaos unfolding around him, unable to process what exactly had just transpired. The classroom, which was previously filled with curious and disinterested glances, had transformed into a chaotic mix of wide-eyed awe and gasps of disbelief. The previously subtle, almost amused expressions on his classmates' faces had been wiped clean, replaced by unfiltered shock and… was that fear?
What the hell is going on? Lucian thought, his mind racing. The students in the room looked like they were staring at some untouchable god. Even Arthur, his supposed guide and mentor, was looking at him as though Lucian had just performed a dark ritual.
"System, what the fuck is going on?! Come out and explain this to me!" Lucian screamed internally. He didn't care about the students who were cheering at the top of their lungs now; that wasn't even his concern. Arthur's face, pale and tense, was what bothered him. He said something about forbidden words. What did I just do?
Ding.
The familiar ding of the system echoed in his mind, but instead of reassurance, it only made Lucian more nervous. He had learned from experience that the system never offered good news.
"[Host, those words you spoke… well, they were one of the many forbidden spells famous in this world.]"
Lucian's heart stopped. "Forbidden spells? What do you mean by that? You'd better explain this right now, and don't play games with me! You know I have zero knowledge about magic or anything!" His mind was a whirlwind of frustration, panic, and pure rage at the system's usual cryptic behavior.
"[Alright, alright, calm down, host,]" the system chimed in, its tone irritatingly casual. "[Forbidden spells, words, chants, whatever you want to call them, are spells that are... well, forbidden. Mostly because they have dangerous effects on the user, the target, or sometimes even the world itself. They're despised by society because of the sheer risk involved. It could be good for some people, bad for others, but as far as society's concerned, they're too dangerous to be used.]"
Lucian took a moment to absorb this information. His hands started to sweat. "Wait... you're telling me those short words you recommended... were forbidden? What was the effect? And if it could hurt me in any way, I swear, I'll curse you and your ancestors." His voice was tight, his frustration growing.
"[Relax, host,]" the system said, far too cheerfully for Lucian's liking. "[I wouldn't have suggested it if I thought it would harm you. But yes, they were forbidden words. If you'd spelled even one syllable wrong, you'd be looking at some pretty nasty side effects. We're talking destroyed magic veins, permanent disability, or worst case scenario eternal torture without the possibility of dying.]"
Lucian felt his blood freeze. His body trembled as the reality of what he had just done sank in. I could have died... Or worse. He swallowed, his throat dry, trying to push back the creeping terror threatening to overtake him. No wonder everyone had been so scared, staring at him like he'd just signed a death contract.
"System, are you trying to kill me?"
"[No, no, no,]" the system responded quickly, "[as I said, you only faced danger if you got the words wrong. That's why I gave you the perfect version. If you didn't have it, I wouldn't have risked suggesting it. This particular spell is more for show used in ancient times to demonstrate one's guts. Over time, it got forbidden because people kept dying while trying to show off. But since you spoke it flawlessly, you don't need to worry.]"
Lucian groaned, feeling his legs grow weak. "You gave me a spell that could've killed me, just to look cool? Do you want me dead, or are you just messing with me?" He rubbed his temples, exasperated. Never trusting the system again.
"[Oh, come on,]" the system protested, "[you asked for the best and easiest way to make an impression. Fear makes people respect you. Now, look around. You wanted to seem badass? Well, congratulations, you've got everyone shaking in their boots and admiring you. You're welcome.]"
Lucian sighed deeply, unable to refute the system's logic but still fuming with anger. "You could have told me beforehand, system."
"Kid, what the hell were you thinking?!" Arthur's voice snapped Lucian out of his internal argument. Arthur's fist connected with Lucian's head in a quick punch, leaving a throbbing bump.
"Owww! What was that for?!" Lucian growled, rubbing his sore head.
"I told you to protect your life, not risk it! And what's with that dazed expression? You nearly killed yourself for the sake of theatrics!" Arthur scolded, glaring at Lucian like a disapproving parent.
Lucian bit back the snarky retort that bubbled up in his throat. Right, this guy probably thinks I'm some kind of reckless idiot now. "Okay, okay, I get it! I won't do it again."
Kevin, always the opportunist, took this moment to sidle up to Lucian, giving him a wide grin. "Well, that was something! Quite an intro you had there, Lucian. I must say, even Arthur couldn't pull that off as smoothly as you did."
Arthur's face darkened further, his glare promising a slow and painful retribution if Kevin didn't shut up.
Kevin just smirked, "Or could you, Arthur? Seems like the kid's got more guts than you, huh?"
Arthur's lips twitched, the muscles in his neck straining as he fought to keep his composure. "No need to feed into his idiocy, Kevin. The kid's just lucky, not smart. Playing with forbidden spells is the last thing anyone with a brain should be doing."
Kevin, unfazed, shrugged. "Lucky or not, I think he just earned himself some serious reputation points with the class."
Lucian's gaze flickered around the room, scanning his new classmates. He saw groups of boys whispering among themselves, occasionally glancing at him with something that resembled admiration or fear. A few of the girls looked impressed, their wide-eyed stares filled with a mix of curiosity and awe.
Then his eyes landed on the silver-haired girl sitting by the window. She was alone, as if her aura had created a barrier no one dared cross. Her expression was as cold and distant as ever, but her eyes… they were narrowed slightly, focused on him. Lucian quickly looked away, not wanting to be on the receiving end of whatever unspoken power she radiated.
Arthur coughed beside him. "Pick a seat, kid. We don't have all day."
Lucian's heart sank. The real challenge begins now. Choosing where to sit was no easy task. It was a delicate game of social survival, especially on the first day of school. Picking the wrong seat could doom him to being an outcast, or worse, put him in the crosshairs of the wrong group.
His eyes darted between options. There was a group of boys near the back of the class, all huddled together. They looked like they'd be friendly enough, but Lucian doubted he'd fit in with them.
Then there was the silver-haired girl by the window. She was alone, yes, but the air around her screamed 'stay away or die.' Lucian couldn't quite tell if it was her cold expression or the dangerous aura she exuded, but something told him sitting with her was a terrible idea.
As he mulled over his options, his eyes landed on another familiar face a girl with icy blue hair sitting at the very back, her posture relaxed, but her gaze sharp.
Lucian blinked. Wait… is that Aria? Just as he was about to move, Arthur's voice rang out in his mind.
"Boy, dare you even think about sitting with my ice cube and I'll make sure you're expelled from this academy faster than you can blink."
Startled, Lucian glanced at Arthur, who was glaring at him with a look that could kill. Oh, right. That's his daughter… well, protective much?and what with this icecube Nickname Lucian smirked internally, tempted to push Arthur's buttons but deciding against it. He had already risked his life once today; no need to poke a protective dad with a death wish.
His eyes moved again, landing on someone else a person hehe quite a familiar person to see here lucian gave a mocking laugh inside his head
-----
yooo guys got late ....my WiFi go a problem