The classroom buzzed with whispers as Priyam held the glowing crystal in his hand. The soft golden light flickered like a candle flame, casting faint shadows on the walls. The students, who had been mocking him moments ago, now stared in stunned silence. Even the instructor, a stern woman named **Professor Elara**, seemed momentarily at a loss for words.
"Fascinating," she finally said, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied Priyam. "A human with no inherent mana, yet capable of channeling energy through a focus crystal. This is... unprecedented."
Priam lowered the crystal, the glow fading as he released his concentration. "So, does this mean I can learn magic?"
Professor Elara adjusted her glasses, her expression unreadable. "Perhaps. But do not mistake this for talent. What you just demonstrated is raw, uncontrolled energy. Without proper training, it is as likely to harm you as it is to help you."
The students erupted into murmurs, their earlier shock giving way to skepticism. Priyam ignored them, his mind racing. For the first time since his summoning, he felt a glimmer of hope. If he could learn to control this energy, maybe he wouldn't be so powerless after all.
Evelyne, who had been watching from the back of the room, stepped forward. Her violet eyes were cold, but there was a flicker of something else—curiosity, perhaps. "Professor, if I may, I would like to oversee his training. As his master, it is my responsibility to ensure he does not embarrass me further."
Professor Elara nodded. "Very well, Princess Evelyne. But remember, the academy's resources are not to be wasted. If he proves incapable, you will bear the consequences."
Evelyne's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Priyam could tell she wasn't happy about this arrangement, but she was too proud to back down.
---
### **The First Lesson**
After class, Evelyne led Priyam to a secluded training area on the academy grounds. The space was small but well-equipped, with practice dummies, wooden weapons, and a chalk-drawn magic circle on the ground. The air was thick with the scent of earth and ozone, a reminder of the countless spells that had been cast here.
"Stand in the center of the circle," Evelyne ordered, her tone sharp.
Priam hesitated. "What are you going to do?"
Evelyne's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I'm going to teach you the basics of mana control. If you're going to be of any use to me, you'll need to learn how to harness your energy without blowing yourself up."
Priam stepped into the circle, his nerves on edge. "And if I can't?"
Evelyne's smirk widened. "Then you'll be of no use to anyone."
She raised her staff, and the runes on Priyam's hand began to glow. He felt a surge of energy flow through him, his body tingling as Evelyne's mana coursed through his veins. It was an odd sensation, like being filled with electricity.
"Focus," Evelyne said, her voice firm. "Feel the energy within you. Imagine it as a flame, small and controlled."
Priam closed his eyes, trying to do as she said. He pictured the energy as a tiny flame, flickering in the darkness of his mind. At first, it was difficult to hold onto the image, but gradually, he began to feel a sense of control.
"Good," Evelyne said, her tone softening slightly. "Now, try to channel that energy into your hand."
Priam opened his eyes, focusing on his palm. The runes on his hand glowed brighter, and a small orb of golden light began to form. It was faint and unstable, but it was there.
Evelyne's eyes widened in surprise. "Impressive. For a commoner, at least."
Priam grinned, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "Thanks. I guess I'm not completely hopeless."
Evelyne's expression hardened. "Don't get ahead of yourself. This is only the beginning. If you want to survive in this world, you'll need to be stronger. Much stronger."
---
### **A New Threat**
As the days passed, Priyam's training intensified. Under Evelyne's harsh but effective guidance, he began to learn the basics of mana control and combat. It was grueling work, but he was determined to prove himself.
One evening, as he was returning to his dormitory, he noticed a figure lurking in the shadows. The person was cloaked in darkness, their face obscured, but Priyam could feel their gaze on him.
"Who's there?" he called, his voice echoing in the empty corridor.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, slender man with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes. He wore the uniform of a noble, but there was something off about him—something dangerous.
"You're the summoned familiar, aren't you?" the man said, his voice smooth but menacing.
Priam tensed, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. "Yeah. What's it to you?"
The man smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I've been watching you. You're... interesting. A human with no mana, yet capable of wielding magic. Tell me, how does it feel to be a pawn in someone else's game?"
Priam's fists clenched. "I'm not a pawn."
The man chuckled. "Aren't you? You were summoned, bound, and forced to serve. Sounds like a pawn to me."
Before Priyam could respond, the man turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows. Priyam stood there, his heart racing. Who was that guy? And what did he want?
---
### **The Gathering Storm**
The next morning, Priyam told Evelyne about the encounter. Her expression darkened, and she immediately took him to see Headmaster Alaric.
"This is troubling," Alaric said, his tone grave. "If someone is targeting you, it could mean they know about your connection to the Void."
Priam frowned. "What does that mean?"
Alaric's gaze was steady. "It means you're in danger. The Void is a powerful and mysterious force, and there are those who would do anything to control it. You must be careful, Priyam. Trust no one."
Priam's mind raced. Trust no one? How was he supposed to survive in a world where everyone seemed to have their own agenda?
As he left the headmaster's office, he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming. The academy, once a place of learning and safety, now felt like a battlefield. And he was right in the middle of it.
---
### **End of Chapter 5**