Upon arriving at Heiss Magic School, Robert changed back into his normal form behind a cluster of flowers near the entrance. He walked out from behind it, and as he approached the gates, he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be an eyeball peeking out from the flowers. The eyeball piqued his curiosity for a moment, but he decided not to dwell on it. He was in a new environment - a magical one, at that!
Robert walked into the school, and his breath caught in his throat as he took in the magnificent environment, a sight he had barely registered during his hasty first visit the day before.
Heiss Magic School's centerpiece was a majestic stone structure, its towering facade accommodating classrooms and likely offices, including Dean Siege's, which Robert had visited before. Intricate runes of varying colours shimmered in different sections of the building, culminating in a radiant triangular embelm that gleamed at the building's peak.
Robert's gaze shifted to yet another stunning structure - a dazzling, brown-coloured edifice embellished with vibrant runes that gleamed across its upper facade, forming a crown-like design. The structure was separated from the imposing stone building by a lush, expansive compound, it's purpose shrouded in mystery, at least to Robert.
With a shake of his head, Robert tore his eyes away from the mysterious building and refocused on the imposing stone structure in front of him.
"Now, off to class," he said to himself as he started walking. Wait - where was he going?
"You should meet with Dean Siege," Poison suggested. "I believe he's the one who can guide you to the appropriate class."
"Of course," Robert responded, lightly smacking his forehead. "How did I manage to forget about Dean Siege?"
He didn't need directions this time, and even if he had, it wouldn't have mattered since all the other students were in their classrooms. The school grounds were deserted, with the only indication that others were present being the sounds coming from the classrooms. Robert then proceeded into the building, navigating the stairs without much trouble.
Shortly afterwards, Robert found himself standing before the familiar brown door. He straightened his shirt and knocked gently.
"Come in!" he heard Dean Siege's deep voice calling from inside. He entered slowly, feeling a bit nervous.
"Well, hello, Robert!" Dean Siege greeted with a smile. "What a pleasant surprise! Aren't you supposed to come for night classes only?"
"I thought otherwise," Robert replied with a confident smile.
"I see," Dean Siege said. "So, are you ready for the next phase of your awakening?"
At that moment, the Wizard eye suspended from the ceiling arrested Robert's attention, instantly recalling the unsettling eyeball he'd spotted amidst the flowers outside the school's gates. But Dean Siege's expectant silence snapped him back to the present. "I actually wanted to know where I'm supposed to go for my classes." He replied quickly, dismissing the thought.
"Oh, well, that's easy," Dean Siege said good-naturedly. "We'll come back to that shortly. But first, I need to teach you how to release your magic energy and cast a spell."
Robert flashed a proud smile. "I've mastered that already," he blurted confidently.
"And what makes you so sure?" Dean Siege asked, his brow rising in gentle skepticism as he appraised Robert. "Learning to cast magic spells takes a lot of practice. It doesn't happen overnight."
"Alright," Robert said. "How can I prove it to you?"
"Okay," Dean Siege muttered, the movement of his massive frame causing the chair to shift under him. "Why don't blast me with one of the spells you think you know?" His eyes narrowed as he watched Robert closely.
He was expecting the boy to laugh it off and admit he was just kidding. But to his surprise, Robert's aura soared menacingly and purple magic energy gathered in his hand. The air around him seemed to crackle with electricity, and a long, thin bolt of lightning began to take shape in his right hand.
CRACK
A blinding flash of lightning shot across the room, and Dean Siege just barely had time to summon a Water blanket that blocked the bolt. In fact, Dean Siege was a 3rd-ranked Legendary Water wizard, and he could tell that the magic energy behind Robert's lightning bolt was no joke.
Dean Siege's exclamation of "Holy cow!" was accompanied by the chair's soft creak, straining to support his considerable weight as he rearranged his frame. "Where and when did you learn to cast a Lightning strike spell?!" He asked, bewildered.
Robert's response was a wide smile.
Dean Siege's shocked expression only intensified. "That's... incredible. Did you receive private tutoring or something?" He hesitated, shaking his head. "No, that's impossible. Only super-wealthy students can afford private magic tutors."
"Or something," Robert muttered under his breath, still smiling.
"I'm really surprised," Dean Siege said, clearly still in awe. "I know it usually takes students at least two days to learn how to meditate, let alone to visualize and control a spell. But you, you learned in just one day! Who does that?!"
Poison cut in telepathically - Only Robert could hear him though, "Actually, it only took him two hours."
"Robert, I am impressed beyond expression. I knew Manhawk wouldn't recommend you for no reason," Dean Siege iterated. Then, after an intense gaze of admiration at Robert, he continued. "Right, your class. You can ask the other students about the location of the Elite lightning class and they'll direct you there. Instructor Sedgwick is expecting you." He dismissed Robert.
"Thank you, sir," Robert said, turning and leaving the office.
Upon exiting the office and re-entering the corridor, Robert was startled to find Zack, the blond boy from the other day, lingering outside Dean Siege's office, his ear pressed to a peculiar blue device that looked like a miniature megaphone.
Robert quickly closed the distance between them. "Zack? What are you doing here?" He asked, his expression tinged with annoyance. This was the same guy who had charged him two gold coins just to bring him to an office!
"Hey, Robert!" Zack greeted enthusiastically. "Check out my new invention. I've named it Zack's Magic Sound Amplifier. It makes sounds louder by utilizing Sound magic. Cool, right?"
Robert's response was a raised eyebrow.
"I used it to eavesdrop on your conversation with Dean Siege," Zack continued, "and I'll charge you only two gold coins to take you to the Elite lightning class. But wait a minute, the Elite class? That's typically only for students who demonstrate outstanding talent this far into the session. Wait a minute..." He sensed Robert's aura. Robert merely scowled at him, his face betraying no sign of emotion.
"But... you're already a peak 1st rank Common wizard!" Zack exclaimed, disbelief written all over his face. "I thought you'd just awakened yesterday! It usually takes an average of two days for a newly awakened wizard to learn how to meditate and cast spells, but you - you did it in less than a day! Colour me impressed, Robert!" he continued, "Anyway, if you give me two gold coins, I'll take you to the Elite lightning class."
"Didn't you say you'd give me a discount the next time I ask for directions?" Robert asked, his expression neutral.
"I might have said that," Zack grumbled, "but I'm not in the best mood today. Some kid from the Fire class was giving me a hard time."
As Zack spoke, Robert abruptly noticed a burn mark on the side of his neck.
"Hey, are you okay? That's a nasty burn you've got there," Robert said, carefully examining the injury.
"Don't worry about it," Zack said, "once the Light students are done with their classes, I'll have it healed up."
Robert's face hardened as he asked, "Who would do this to you, and why?"
"Well, I was working on a class project in the garden when I accidentally connected two magic nodes of opposing elements. This caused my device to explode and an irritating smoke to spread. After the smoke cleared, I apologized to everyone present and tried to pick up the scattered pieces. That was when Marvin from the Fire class used a Dragon Breath spell on me and scorched my neck," Zack explained. "I couldn't do anything, so I just left."
"Take me to the moron," Robert growled.
"No way!" Zack exclaimed. "That guy's one of the best students in the Fire class, and he's already a 4th rank Common wizard. If you confront him, he'll turn you into a piece of charcoal!"
Robert's fist clenched. "The way these students act like they can do whatever they want, say whatever they want, and hurt whomever they want - it's not right!" Robert's voice was soft, but the resentment was obvious. "Tell me his name, and where to find him. I've been hoping for a chance to test out my spells on someone in this school." Robert's interactions with Heiss Magic School students had bred a growing disdain, fueled by their pervasive sense of privilege and arrogance. Even now, Alexander's boys' cruel treatment still stung, like a hot ember burning in his chest.
"Um, Parker Marvin is his name and he usually hangs out in the garden with his friends after class, but I really don't think it's a good idea..." Zack's words were abruptly interrupted by Robert.
"I'll pay you two gold coins to take me to the Elite Lightning class," Robert said firmly. "After I'm finished, I'll seek you out again and you can show me to the garden."
"That'll be four gold coins..." Zack blurted, earning a glare from Robert.
_
In the Elite lightning class.
The classroom's sleek, modern design was evident in its precise layout: four rows of four sleek, silver-framed seats each, facing a spacious area at the front. In one corner, a cluster of motionless mannequins stood poised, their blank faces and stiff postures exuding an unsettling aura. The walls, painted a rich, plum-like purple, seemed to envelop the room in a sense of luxury and innovation. Suspended from the ceiling, a massive, crystal-like sphere pulsed with erratic bursts of electric blue energy, casting flickering shadows across the room. The overall effect was unmistakably futuristic, as if the classroom had been plucked straight from a cutting-edge research facility.
"Silence, class!" The instructor's authoritative voice sliced through the hubbub of the classroom as Robert stepped inside. "We have a new student joining us. Everyone, this is Robert Shade Manuel. Robert, I am Carace Sedgwick, Magic instructor for this class."
Carace Sedgwick, the Magic instructor for the Elite lightning class, was a man in his early thirties. He had a clean-cut appearance and poised confidence. His tone commanded respect, yet his eyes sparkled with warmth and approachability. He had the aura of a ninth-rank Mystic wizard.
No sooner had the instructor finished speaking than a hand sprang up. "Excuse me, Mr. Sedgwick," a female student said, her tone had a hint of disdain. "Don't students need to be at least third-rank to qualify for the Elite class?" She was dressed in a purple robe like everyone else in the classroom, but she had an interesting appearance, with a neat black hair and bright green eyes.
"He just awakened yesterday," Instructor Sedgwick replied calmly.
"So we're just going to go back to basics?" the girl asked, her voice tinged with annoyance. "And spend time helping him learn to cast a simple spell that's more suited for the ordinary lightning class? By now, everyone in the ordinary lightning class can probably already cast a spell."
"Suzy, he can already cast a spell," Instructor Sedgwick said with a hint of impatience in his voice.
"You've got to be kidding me!" She exclaimed, disbelief written all over her face. "How could he possibly be able to cast a spell already? He just awakened yesterday!"
"That's why he's in the Elite class, now shut up!" Instructor Sedgwick snapped. He pointed to an empty seat in the back row, next to a silver-haired boy. "That's your seat, Robert."
Poison's voice suddenly echoed in Robert's mind. "Isn't that the handsome Alexander kid?"
Robert's eyes instinctively shifted to the seat next to his assigned one, and his stomach knotted when he saw Alexander slouching in it. His apathetic expression sent a chill through Robert, who felt his unease intensify as he approached his own seat.
As soon as Robert settled, Instructor Sedgwick commanded attention with a deliberate clearing of his throat. "Today, I'll be introducing a new spell called Lightning Arc. However, for the benefit of our new student, allow me to briefly explain the concept of magic," Instructor Sedgwick announced as he walked around the room. "Magic, in all its various forms and manifestations, relies on a unique atom known as 'Mana Magica', commonly referred to as magic energy."
"The new kid probably believed magic was all about waving wands and shooting sparks," Suzy said mockingly, causing the class to erupt in laughter. All except Alexander, who sat with a blank expression on his face. Robert could also hear Poison's laughter ring out in his mind, but he kept a straight face.
"Miss Suzanne Hart," Instructor Sedgwick spoke with a level and authoritative voice. "If you interrupt me again, you will be spending the rest of the semester serving detentions."
The laughter ceased and the classroom fell still. Instructor Sedgwick continued his lesson.
"Magic energy is basically a versatile and highly adaptable atom that can mimic the characteristics of other atoms when influenced, and can also manifest various qualities. Humans have learned to utilize different methods to acquire the ability to store magic energy within themselves in a specific form - this is known as Awakening. Magic energy can take on 13 known forms and properties when influenced, such as fire, water, wind, earth, ice, lightning, light, darkness or shadow, space, plant, dead cells for necromancy, and living or blood cells. Collectively, they are known as the fundamental elements of magic. Once a person has undergone Awakening, they can control the element to which they have attuned using only their thoughts and body gestures. These individuals are known as Wizards. They often yell the name of their spells to enhance concentration and amplify effects."
Instructor Sedgwick took a breath and continued. "Prior to the invention of the Awakening Orb by Ophias Benframe, which marked the end of the Age of Sorcerers and the beginning of the Age of War, the only way for humans to awaken or develop the ability to control magical energy was through intense meditation and strange rituals. Why each person can only control one element, acquired at random, has always been a source of great curiosity..."
"Maybe it's because they've never tried to choose," Poison whispered in Robert's mind.
"...However, we are aware that magic energy can be harnessed using the human mind, magic machines, potions and runes. When a set of runes is arranged in a specific pattern, it creates a magic matrix," Instructor Sedgwick paused, glancing around the classroom and noticing the bored expressions and drooping eyelids of his students. "I believe this covers everything you need to understand, Robert," he finished swiftly.
"About time!" Suzy muttered under her breath.
"Now, back to our Lightning arc spell." Instructor Sedgwick began, rolling up his sleeves, "It's a remarkably penetrative lightning spell that can be very useful in combat. Now, watch me carefully as I demonstrate." He stood facing a mannequin, a few feet away. Magic energy gathered at the tip of his right index finger, swirling with purple light. Then, he threw his arm forward in an arc, and a brilliant bolt of lightning erupted from his outstretched finger, tracing a path through the air and striking the mannequin. The mannequin exploded in a shower of splinters, the deafening sound echoing through the room.
A warm, self-satisfied smile spread across Instructor Sedgwick's face as he basked in the awestruck gazes of his students. "You'll need to be at least a third-rank Common wizard to make a decent impact with this spell," he said, glancing briefly at Robert. However, just as he shifted his attention back to the debris, a voice echoed from the last row.
"Can I try it?"
Heads turned, and the class looked to see who had spoken.
It was Robert.
"Hey, new kid!" Suzy instantly shot up from her seat. "A spell isn't something you can just pick up in an instant. It takes time and practice to learn." She scowled at him. Who does he think he is, a first-rank Common wizard acting so cocky around elites?
"Suzanne, sit down," Instructor Sedgwick ordered. After the complied, though clearly unwillingly, he turned his attention to Robert. "Robert, it is necessary for you to grasp this spell before you can try it in class," he said seriously. "We can't have any mistakes that could endanger anyone here."
"But, Mr. Sedgwick, I asked if I could try," Robert persisted. He wasn't sure what had come over him, but he felt strangely confident. He believed that in order to gain respect among the students of this school, he needed to prove himself, and he saw this class as the perfect opportunity. Poison's influence only strengthened his resolve.
"No mistakes will be tolerated," Instructor Sedgwick declared, gesturing for Robert to come forward. He thought to himself; this kid doesn't understand that he's in the Elite class now, where a single mistake could get him demoted to the ordinary class, where he'd be forced to listen to endless lectures on theories without any practical application. Well, once he messes up, I'll have to send him there. Shame, really - he shows promise.
Robert took a deep breath as he stood in front of the mannequin. He'd realized that one of the perks of housing Poison's soul was that he could learn new spells with ease.
"Can you walk me through the steps again, please?" Robert thought to Poison as he assumed his casting posture.
"Alright, listen up, kid," Poison began. "Raise your right hand and focus your magic energy at the fingertip. Now, gradually transform it into lightning – this is crucial. Pause, then release the energy in a sweeping arc, increasing its intensity as you swing forward."
"Okay," Robert muttered, taking a deep breath, and then...
Nope, still no then.
"Lightning Arc!" Robert shouted, following Poison's instructions. As he threw his arm forward, a blazing arc of lightning crackled through the air, blasting a mannequin's head clean off. Instructor Sedgwick had been able to destroy a whole mannequin because he was a Mystic wizard, and his spell was therefore, more powerful. However, the instructor hadn't expected Robert to cast the spell at all, let alone with enough power to blast the mannequin's head off. The Lightning Arc spell was extremely taxing on magic energy, hence only third-rank Common wizards or higher could hope to muster sufficient energy to blast off a mannequin's portion.
"How did you learn the spell so quickly? I hadn't even explained the steps yet!" Instructor Sedgwick exclaimed with a look of astonishment. "And how did you release that much magic energy at the first rank? Incredible!" Instructor Sedgwick clapped his hands in admiration, but the other students in the class remained silent, glowering at Robert.
"Pfft. If he could do it, then so can I," Suzy scoffed, standing up from her seat. "After all, apart from Alex, I'm the top student in this class." She said confidently as she walked to the front of the class.
Robert felt her aura - she was a fourth-rank Common wizard! But wait, Robert thought, If Suzy thought Alexander was better than her, that meant he must be at the peak of the fourth rank, or even at the fifth rank! How was he supposed to teach Alexander and his boys a lesson without exposing Poison's power?