Stanley strolled through the crowded hallways of Tulip High School, keeping his head low to avoid unwanted attention. The chatter of students filled the air as they laughed, complained, and exchanged gossip. To them, this was an ordinary Wednesday. For Stanley, every day felt like an intricate stage play, with mortals acting out their small but meaningful roles.
He stopped by his locker, fiddling with the lock. Mia passed by, waving cheerfully. "Morning, Stanley! You ready for that science quiz today?"
Stanley smirked, shaking his head. "Not even close."
She laughed. "You'll be fine. You're secretly a genius, I'm sure of it."
If only she knew. In truth, Stanley could recite the entire history of Earth's sciences from memory, but he preferred to keep his scores average it was better to blend in.
As the first bell rang, the day unfolded as usual. Lessons blurred together as Stanley went through the motions. By lunch, he was outside under the large oak tree at the edge of the school grounds, enjoying the peaceful breeze.
That's when he felt it.
A strange ripple passed through the air, almost imperceptible to anyone else. Stanley froze, his senses alert. A fracture in the magic that shielded the Earth a disturbance in the balance of power.
He closed his eyes, tuning into the world as only he could. In a quiet alley behind the school, something shimmered. His curiosity piqued, Stanley stood and casually made his way to the source of the anomaly, careful not to attract attention.
When he arrived, he found a scene straight out of a fantasy novel.
A shadowy figure clad in dark robes hovered a few feet off the ground, a swirling portal of energy pulsating before him. His hands moved in precise patterns, channeling power Stanley immediately recognized. Ancient magic.
Stanley leaned against a wall, his arms crossed. "You're not supposed to be here," he said calmly.
The figure turned, surprised. "Who dares interrupt me?"
Stanley sighed, stepping into the light. "Someone who doesn't appreciate interruptions during lunch. Now, close that portal and get out of here before you make me mad."
The robed man laughed, a low, menacing sound. "And what will a mere mortal like you do? Run along, boy."
Stanley tilted his head, annoyed. He hated being underestimated, but he also knew revealing his power unnecessarily would attract unwanted attention. He considered his options for a moment before deciding a small demonstration was in order.
With a flick of his wrist, the portal vanished, the swirling energy collapsing into a faint wisp of smoke. The robed figure staggered back, eyes wide in shock.
"W-What are you?"
"Just a guy trying to enjoy a peaceful lunch," Stanley replied nonchalantly.
The figure hesitated for a moment before retreating, disappearing into the shadows. Stanley watched him go, his expression unreadable. This wasn't the first time someone had tried something reckless near him, and he knew it wouldn't be the last.
As the commotion settled, Stanley sighed and leaned back against the wall. The balance of Earth's magic was more fragile than he thought. Maybe staying hidden would be harder than he'd anticipated.
Just then, Mia called from across the school yard. "Stanley! What are you doing back there?"
Stanley turned, his usual easygoing smile returning. "Just taking a breather."
"Come on! Lunch is almost over!" she shouted, waving him over.
"Coming!" Stanley called back.
For now, his secret was safe, but he knew this was only the beginning. Something bigger was brewing, and like it or not, Stanley was going to have to face it.