The first duel invitation happened the next day after their arrival at Genvah, at breakfast, approximately around 15 minutes the moment the boys had arrived.
Morning at Genvah Academy began with the usual hum of excitement as students gathered in the dining hall for breakfast. The first-years, seated at the long central table, were buzzing with energy, their conversations a mix of awe and speculation about what the day would bring. The sunlight spilled through the stained-glass windows, painting the room in streaks of colour.
"It says," Sevan began, waving the first-year timetable in the air. "We have Mystical Botany with Professor... Ylang-Ylang."
"That's a strange name." Adrian replied.
"I hope she gives out good grades."
"Good grades when we're in the middle of going to war with Nillufer?"
Aiden wasn't in on the conversation, opting to stay quiet and keep to himself. It has been a month since he had left Earth, and while it was easier for him to loosen up (while Mr. Caleena was teaching him how to use his powers, Mrs. Caleena was helping him on his emotions), the thought of someone knowing he is a Chase aside from the Headmaster and Adrian, is making him anxious.
What would happen if someone will tell? What will happen to him?
Will he be an outcast by the very people who he thinks as his family now?
Aiden stared at Emmeranne. It was the first time he saw her face as yesterday, she was wearing a cloak.
Emmeranne sat near the middle of the table, her plate neatly arranged with food that she ate methodically, piece by piece. Her long, wavy black hair fell past her shoulders, the soft waves framing her face. Her dark brown eyes, dull and indifferent, scanned the pages of a book she had propped against a cup. She ignored the chatter around her, her full focus on the book.
The buzz of conversation faltered as a figure stood up from the other end of the first-year table.
It was Shiloh.
Aiden nudged Adrian.
"Hey! You almost spilled my-" Adrian hissed but stopped and stared at where Aiden was telepathically telling him to look. "...What's he to do now?"
"Emmeranne," Shiloh said, his voice carrying easily across the hall.
At the sound of her name, Emmeranne slowly looked up from her book, her expression impassive. She regarded Shiloh for a moment, then glanced around at the room full of curious onlookers before raising an eyebrow.
"Yes?"
Shiloh's smirk widened. "I want to duel you."
The room erupted into murmurs. The first-years' gazes flicked between Shiloh and Emmeranne, wide-eyed and eager to see how this would unfold.
Aiden stiffened, glancing between Adrian and Sevan. "Is this guy serious?"
"Completely," Sevan replied, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "Look at him. That's the walk of someone who's been rehearsing this moment in front of a mirror."
Emmeranne stared at Shiloh for a moment, her face unreadable. She slowly closed her book and rested it on the table. "You want to duel me?"
"Yes."
Why?"
Shiloh folded his arms, his confidence unwavering. "You're at the top of the first-year Top 10, and I'm second. I think it's only fair I see how far apart we really are. Don't you?"
Emmeranne leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "You want to fight me to satisfy your curiosity?"
Shiloh shrugged.
Emmeranne tilted her head slightly, studying him. Then she gave a small shrug.
"Sure. Why not?"
Shiloh blinked, briefly caught off guard by her casual agreement. "Just like that?"
"Just like that."
His smirk returned. "Tomorrow, after breakfast, in the training courtyard."
"I'll be there," Emmeranne said simply, picking up her book again.
Shiloh lingered for a moment, clearly expecting more of a reaction. When none came, he muttered, "See you there," and turned to walk back to his seat.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Adrian let out a low whistle. "Well, that was bold. Stupid, maybe, but bold."
"He's trying to make a name for himself. Typical show-off."
A girl, who had coily red hair and radiant dark chocolate skin, leaned toward the boys. She had the ears of an elf, and had multiple piercings in each ear full of studs. She had green eyes just like Aiden, albeit a bit darker and had angular features.
"Oh, Ivara." Sevan said, and turned to Aiden and Adrian. "This is Ivara, she's an elf and is our classmate."
"Hello." Aiden held out a hand. Ivara stared at Aiden's hand before smiling warmly and shaking his hand.
"You're Aiden, right? How great manners you have." She laughed. "And you're... Adrian? I think it is?"
Adrian nodeed and smiled at Ivara.
"So, you're the ninth and tenth in the Top 10. How lucky."
"You weren't a part?"
"I was, but I haven't killed much to maintain my spot."
"Oh, that's unlucky. A lot were coming at us we almost lost to the timer." Adrian laughed.
"It must be because of Aiden." Ivara said.
"Excuse me?"
"Yeah, I think it's Aiden." Sevan replied. "Creatures can smell your aura, which is why you're like a creature magnet."
Aiden stared down at his shoes, deep in thought.
"Oh no, I'm sorry... I-I didn't mean it like that, Aiden," Ivara quickly applogized. "It's just... elves are sensitive beings, and I meant to say was that, you know, you have really strong aura."
"And smell." Adrian snorted.
Aiden side-eyed Adrian. "Yeah, I've been helped by a lot but it seems I need to work hard more if I want my aura controlled.
"Alright, gentlemen," Ivara said, trying to change the subject. "So what do you think of the spectacle? Does he stand a chance against Emmeranne?"
Adrian smirked, shooting her a glance. "You want the honest answer, or the nice one?"
"I'm not here for politeness," Ivara said, grinning. "Hit me with the truth."
"Then, no," Adrian said bluntly. "He doesn't stand a chance. Emmeranne will mop the floor with him."
"Harsh," Ivara teased, though she didn't seem surprised. "But why do you think that? Shiloh's got brains and power like Emmeranne."
"Sure, but Emmeranne's got something better," Sevan chimed in, his tone as casual as ever. "She's got composure.
The moment Shiloh tries to show off or gets emotional, she'll already have won."
After breakfast, as they made their way out of the dining hall, Aiden glanced at Sevan. "What's our first subject today, again?" he asked.
Sevan pulled out the small schedule card from his pocket again and handed it to Aiden. "We've got Mystical Botany at eight," he replied. "It's at the Genvah Botanical Garden."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Professor Ylang-Ylang? That's... a name, alright."
"That's what I said this morning!" Adrian smirked faintly. "Let's just hope she's nothing like Sir Bernard Carp."
Sevan let out a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, no thanks. I'm not ready for another morning of sheer terror."
Adrian shook his head, shuddering at the memory. "Seriously, who even greets students at the gates holding a massive weapon like he's ready for war? That guy looks like he enjoys terrifying people."
"Or maybe he is terrifying."
Before they could dwell too long on the ominous Mr. Carp, a cheerful voice interrupted their conversation.
"Are you guys talking about Professor Ylang-Ylang?"
A fourth-year student had joined them, walking briskly to match their pace. He was tall and lanky, with a wide grin and an energy that was almost overwhelming.
The three exchanged brief glances before Sevan nodded hesitantly. "Uh, yeah. We were just wondering what she's like."
The senior's grin somehow widened further. "Oh, she's amazing! You're in for a treat. Professor Ylang-Ylang is the best girl you'll ever meet. She's a total genius with plants- not just the usual stuff, but mystical plants, ancient techniques, all that fascinating stuff."
He leaned closer as if about to share a secret. "And she's beautiful. Like, she doesn't just teach botany; she embodies it. Her hair is this perfect cascade, her voice is soothing, and-"
The senior launched into an impassioned description of the professor, gesturing animatedly about how her elegance was unmatched and how just being in her presence was an experience in itself.
Aiden, Adrian, and Sevan stood there awkwardly, exchanging glances as the senior's monologue continued without pause. Aiden shifted his weight, glancing at Sevan, whose raised eyebrows seemed to ask, Is this guy serious?
Adrian cleared his throat, clearly struggling to hold back laughter. "Uh, yeah. She sounds... great."
"She's more than great!" the senior insisted, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. "She's-"
"Right," Aiden cut in, nudging Adrian slightly. "We should get going if we don't want to be late."
Sevan nodded quickly. "Yeah, thanks for the... insight."
Without waiting for a response, the three of them turned and walked off in the opposite direction. Behind them, the senior's voice could still be heard enthusiastically extolling Professor Ylang-Ylang's virtues.
Once they were out of earshot, Adrian let out a quiet laugh. "Well, that was... unexpected."
Sevan shook his head. "If she's even half as good as he says, we might actually enjoy this class."
"Or," Aiden said, his tone even, "we just met her biggest fan, and our expectations are about to crash and burn."
Adrian grinned. "Let's just hope she's not secretly another Sir Bernard. I don't think I can handle someone terrifying us about plants."
"Let's not jinx it," Sevan muttered with a chuckle.
With that, the three of them made their way toward the botanical gardens, their curiosity about Professor Ylang-Ylang growing.