Raiden guided Atsuki through the grand halls of the Zealstriders dorm. The moment they entered, the entire atmosphere shifted. Elders and members paused their conversations, their eyes drawn to the newcomer. Whispers broke out like ripples in a pond.
"Is that him?" one murmured.
"The one Raiden personally brought here?" another asked, disbelief lacing their tone.
The weight of their gazes didn't faze Atsuki. He kept his expression calm, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. However, he could feel their awe, fear, and curiosity radiating toward him. It wasn't new—he was used to being seen as something more than human. Yet, here in the heart of the Zealstriders, it felt different, like an unspoken challenge hung in the air.
Raiden led him through the dorm with purpose, heading toward a corner where a lone figure stood. A girl, probably the same age as Atsuki, was speaking with one of the elders. Her silver hair shimmered in the dim light, flowing down her back like a cascade of frost. She had a striking presence, her piercing blue eyes betraying her unease as she spoke. Despite that, there was a subtle strength about her, like the calm surface of a frozen lake hiding untold depths.
Raiden stopped beside her, his towering presence causing her to stiffen slightly. She turned toward him, her gaze flickering between Raiden and Atsuki.
"This is Aoi Mizuhara (水原葵)," Raiden said, gesturing to the girl. "She's one of our most promising Arcane Warriors. She hasn't been here long, but her mastery of water and ice has already caught the attention of the elders."
Atsuki remained silent, observing her. Her posture was firm, but there was a faint hesitation in her eyes, as if she was fighting off nerves.
"She's not just a water mage," Raiden continued. "Her abilities extend to ice as well. A dual-element controller. While her powers are connected—water and ice stemming from the same core—her control over them is extraordinary for someone her age. That's why she's here. Unlike you, however, her abilities are tied to one elemental source. Your powers…" Raiden paused, glancing at Atsuki with a knowing smirk. "...are in a league of their own."
Aoi shifted uncomfortably, stealing a quick glance at Atsuki before looking away. Her hands clenched at her sides, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.
Raiden turned to her again. "Aoi, I want you to show Atsuki around the dorm. Guide him, explain how things work here, and ensure he's familiar with the space."
Aoi's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of panic crossing her face, but she nodded. "Y-Yes, sir."
She turned to Atsuki, her voice quieter. "Follow me."
As they walked through the dorm, Aoi explained the different areas—the training grounds, the dormitories, and the common spaces. Her voice was steady, though a little reserved. Despite her initial shyness, she warmed up, her tone growing slightly more confident.
Atsuki, however, wasn't paying attention to her words. His eyes were drawn to her face—the way her silver hair framed her delicate features, the way her blue eyes lit up when she talked about the training areas. He didn't know why, but something about her captivated him. Her presence, her voice, her very existence—it stirred something within him.
A strange emotion bubbled in his chest, one he couldn't identify. It wasn't anger, fear, or sadness. It was something entirely new.
As Aoi finished her explanation, she glanced back at him, her expression softening. "Do you… have any questions?"
Atsuki shook his head, his gaze lingering on her face. "No."
But inside, his thoughts were a storm. Why can't I stop looking at her? For the first time, he felt an emotion he couldn't name, a quenching, almost painful feeling that burned in his heart.
Some might call it love at first sight, but who could truly say what was going on inside him?