The morning sun spilled through the arched windows of Valenhold Academy's grand lecture hall. Ethan leaned back in his seat, a faint smirk playing on his lips as the instructor, a stern-looking elf with flowing silver hair, introduced the day's topic: The Fundamental Laws of Mana Manipulation.
"Now," the instructor began, her melodic voice cutting through the murmurs of the students, "mana is not just a tool; it is a language. Learn to speak it, and it will listen."
Ethan found himself only half-listening. His attention wavered, not because the topic was uninteresting, but because the students around him provided their own entertainment.
Seated two rows ahead was Alyss Serath, diligently taking notes while occasionally shooting annoyed glances at Kael Drakos, who had decided to turn his mana quill into a dart, flicking it at unsuspecting classmates.
Kael's antics drew chuckles from a few nearby students, but Alyss turned sharply, her violet eyes narrowing. "If you spent half as much energy studying as you do being obnoxious, you might actually learn something," she hissed.
Kael grinned, unrepentant. "Why study when I've got raw talent? Besides, you're here to take notes for me, right?"
Ethan couldn't suppress a laugh, which earned him a sharp glance from Alyss.
"And you," she said, her voice low enough to avoid the instructor's attention, "should focus instead of encouraging his idiocy."
Ethan shrugged, leaning forward on his desk. "Don't blame me for finding this more entertaining than the lecture." He winked, adding, "Besides, I'm pretty sure I could ace this class in my sleep."
Alyss rolled her eyes, muttering something about "insufferable narcissists," but Ethan noticed the faint twitch of a smile on her lips.
---
As the class progressed, Ethan couldn't help but notice a girl sitting across the aisle stealing glances at him. She was petite, with golden hair cascading over her shoulders and bright green eyes that darted away every time he looked her way.
During a break, Ethan stretched leisurely, catching her gaze directly this time. "Can I help you with something?" he asked, his tone teasing.
The girl flushed, shaking her head. "N-No, I just… wanted to thank you. For standing up to that Shadow Arachnid during the trials."
Ethan smiled, his voice smooth. "Ah, no need to thank me. I'm just naturally heroic."
Kael, who had overheard, barked a laugh. "Heroic, my ass. You just like showing off."
Before Ethan could retort, a shadow loomed over their group. A tall, aristocratic boy with slicked-back blond hair and an air of superiority stood there, glaring at Ethan.
"Maxwell," the noble boy said, his voice dripping with disdain. "A word."
Ethan tilted his head, unfazed. "Oh? To what do I owe the pleasure, Lord…?"
"Alaric Veythorne," the boy snapped. "And you would do well to remember it." He turned his glare toward the golden-haired girl, who seemed to shrink under his gaze. "I don't appreciate commoners like you speaking to Lady Celeste. She's far above your station."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Commoner, huh? I prefer the term 'self-made legend.' Has a nicer ring to it."
The classroom went silent as students turned to watch the confrontation.
"You dare mock me?" Alaric hissed, his hand reaching for the hilt of the jeweled rapier at his side.
Ethan stood, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Relax, Alaric. No need to get your feathers ruffled over a simple conversation." Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "Besides, if you're worried she might like me better, that sounds like a you problem."
A collective gasp rippled through the room.
Before Alaric could draw his blade, the instructor's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Sit. Down."
Alaric froze, his face red with a mix of anger and humiliation, before begrudgingly returning to his seat. Ethan sat back down as well, but not before winking at Celeste, who stifled a giggle behind her hand.
---
The day took an even stranger turn during the afternoon class on elemental summoning. As students practiced basic summoning circles, a loud explosion shook the classroom.
Smoke filled the air, and when it cleared, Kael stood coughing, his circle scorched and a small, fiery creature sitting smugly on his desk.
"Well," the instructor said dryly, "it seems Mr. Drakos has summoned a Salamander… albeit an unstable one."
The Salamander belched a small flame, setting Kael's notes ablaze. Ethan couldn't hold back his laughter as Kael scrambled to extinguish the fire.
"Careful, Kael," Ethan called out. "Maybe stick to simpler summons. Like a rock."
But before anyone could respond, the Salamander grew agitated, its flames intensifying. Ethan's instincts kicked in, and he extended his hand, summoning a controlled gust of wind to smother the flames.
The instructor raised an eyebrow. "Impressive reaction, Mr. Maxwell. But perhaps next time, don't encourage your classmates to push their limits irresponsibly."
Ethan shrugged, unbothered by the reprimand. "What can I say? Chaos follows me everywhere."
---
By the end of the day, Ethan found himself back in his dorm, reflecting on the whirlwind of events. His system pinged with a new alert:
[Social Interaction Bonus: Charisma +5]
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, at least the system appreciates my charm."
As he prepared for bed, a faint knock sounded at his door. Opening it, he found Alyss standing there, her expression unreadable.
"What's up?" Ethan asked.
She crossed her arms, her tone serious. "You have a habit of making enemies, don't you?"
Ethan grinned. "What can I say? It's a gift."
Alyss sighed. "Just… try not to get yourself killed before you figure out what's going on with those hidden factions."
Ethan nodded, his smirk softening. "Don't worry. I've got this."
But as the door closed behind her, Ethan's playful demeanor faded. Alaric's threat, the Salamander incident, and the lingering mysteries of the academy all weighed on his mind.
Whatever came next, one thing was certain—Valenhold Academy was never boring.