The morning sun bathed the castle's study in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows across the grand room. The study was filled with ancient tomes and arcane manuscripts.
At the center of the room stood a long mahogany table, cluttered with parchment and magical implements.
Luna was already seated at the table, her demeanor a blend of eagerness and subtle condescension.
Luna, a young maiden with striking features, possessed beautiful silver hair that flowed like freshly fallen snow and golden eyes that sparkled with a mixture of warmth and disdain.
Her delicate beauty contrasted sharply with her haughty attitude, a combination that often masked her underlying competitiveness.
Across from her stood the private tutor—a striking figure whose presence filled the room with an unusual blend of authority and reluctance.
Lady Morgana, an older woman with a voluptuous figure and a somewhat disheveled appearance, had been recruited from the prestigious Imperial Academy at a great expense.
Her long, unkempt hair cascaded around her shoulders, and her glasses perched precariously on her nose.
Despite her rather unrefined appearance, there was an undeniable allure about her, a mixture of wisdom and experience.
"Good morning, Lady Morgana," Luna greeted with a forced cheerfulness, her voice dripping with an insincere sweetness. "I'm so glad you could join us today."
Lady Morgana gave a curt nod, her eyes—dark and gloomy—reflecting a hint of disdain. "Morning. I trust this session will be as productive as it is financially rewarding."
Leon observed the exchange with a knowing smile. "Good morning, Lady Morgana. I'm looking forward to today's lessons."
Lady Morgana's gaze lingered on him for a moment, assessing his demeanor. "We'll see how it goes. I'm here primarily to fund my research, so let's keep this efficient."
With that, Lady Morgana began outlining the day's lessons, her tone clipped and professional.
Despite her apparent lack of enthusiasm, her expertise was evident as she delved into complex spell theory and practical exercises.
Luna, for her part, played the role of the dutiful student, though her eyes occasionally flickered with annoyance as Lady Morgana's critical comments were directed at her.
Unlike Luna, Leon's insights impressed Lady Morgana, revealing a depth of understanding that even surprised her.
As the lesson progressed, Leon took his turn to demonstrate his spellcraft.
His mastery was evident in the potency of his magic.
He stepped to the center of the room and raised his hand, calling forth a [Fireball] spell. The flames roared to life with a vivid intensity that made the room's air shimmer.
Next, he executed a [Lightning Spear], the arcane energy crackling through the space with a formidable force.
The tutor's eyes widened with a mixture of grudging admiration and irritation.
"Very impressive, Leon," Lady Morgana said, though her tone was more begrudging than complimentary. "You certainly have a flair for the dramatic."
Luna's smile was thin as she watched Leon's performance, her earlier façade of sweetness now marred by a subtle edge of frustration.
"Oh, Leon, that was quite something. But don't you think you could use a bit more refinement? Even the best need to polish their skills."
Leon met her gaze with an even expression, though his eyes betrayed a hint of amusement. "Perhaps. But the effectiveness of a spell is often a matter of context, don't you think?"
Luna's eyes narrowed, her composure starting to slip. "You know, Leon, it's not just about power. It's about efficiency and precision. Something you clearly lack."
Leon's expression hardened, his patience wearing thin. "Is that so? Perhaps you should demonstrate your superior skill then."
Luna's eyes flashed with anger. "Fine. Watch closely."
With a swift gesture, Luna began her spellcasting. Her silver hair gleamed with an ethereal glow as she channeled her magic.
She started with a [Frost Bolt], sending a shimmering projectile of ice hurtling towards Leon. He deflected it easily with a barrier spell, though the impact created a frost-covered section of the wall.
"Such a waste of energy," Leon remarked casually, watching Luna cast her spell. "The point of a bolt spell is to penetrate and freeze from the inside. You'd be better off using [Frost Wave] if you want to freeze a large area."
Luna's face twisted with frustration. "You! What do you know about magic!?"
Leon raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with amusement. "A lot, actually. The reason your father adopted me was because of my magical talent... or maybe because you're lacking in that department? Did you forget?"
With a wave of his hand, Leon warmed up the wall she had frozen using [Heat Wave], then casually manipulated the melting water into a neat ball, which he sent floating out the window.
"Is that all?" Leon taunted, a smirk playing at his lips. "Why don't you try and attack me?"
Luna's eyes narrowed further, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Fine! If that's what you really want, I'd be more than happy to oblige!"She then invoked her [Blinding Radiance], a spell that released a burst of intense light.
Leon braced himself and used [Shield of Shadows] to absorb the brunt of the attack. Though his defensive spell was effective, the radiant burst caused a shimmering distortion around him.
"Not bad," Leon conceded, though his tone remained steady. "But let's see what else you've got."
Luna's frustration began to bubble over. "You think you're so superior! Let's see how you handle this!"
With a determined shout, Luna cast [Celestial Barrage], summoning a rain of divine light that fell upon Leon like a storm. Leon, feigning vulnerability, staggered under the onslaught. He allowed the beams to strike him, only partially mitigating the damage, and the divine light left him visibly injured.
"Take that!" Luna exclaimed triumphantly, her golden eyes flashing with a mix of anger and satisfaction.
Leon staggered back, clutching his side where the divine light had struck him. His expression was a mix of pain and mock resignation. "It seems I underestimated your resolve, Luna."
Luna's triumph was short-lived as she saw Leon's condition. The sight of him injured, though partly an act, seemed to push her over the edge. Her composure shattered, and her frustration boiled over. "Even with all your tricks, you're nothing but an amateur!"
Her outburst was interrupted as Lady Morgana stepped in, her demeanor shifting from detached observer to concerned healer. "Enough, Luna. This is a lesson, not a stage for your personal vendettas."
Luna's face flushed with a mix of anger and humiliation. "But he—"
Lady Morgana cut her off with a firm wave of her hand. "I'll handle this."
With a practiced gesture, Lady Morgana began to heal Leon's wounds. Her magic flowed over him, soothing the burns and injuries inflicted by the Holy Light spell. Despite her grim demeanor, her touch was surprisingly gentle and effective.
Leon's gaze lingered on Lady Morgana, a hint of appreciation in his eyes. "Thank you, Lady Morgana."
Lady Morgana's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained curt. "You're welcome. Just remember, Leon, that you should manage your talents more wisely. This is not a display for entertainment."
Leon gave a small, appreciative smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
As Lady Morgana finished her healing, she gave Luna a pointed look. "You need to focus on improving your skills rather than engaging in personal vendettas."
Luna's shoulders slumped in defeat, her pride wounded. She shot a venomous glance at Leon, her resentment palpable. "Whatever."
As Luna stormed out, her frustration and anger palpable, Leon's gaze followed her departure with a hint of satisfaction. With the tension of the confrontation fading, he turned his attention to Lady Morgana, who was now gathering her belongings.
"Lady Morgana," Leon began, approaching her with a calm, composed demeanor. "If you have a moment, I'd like to discuss something with you."
Lady Morgana looked up from her work, her expression guarded but curious. "What is it, Leon?"
"I couldn't help but notice your reluctance to be here," Leon said, his tone casual but laced with genuine interest. "You mentioned earlier that you're here for the financial support for your research. I'd like to understand more about it."