Inside the Magic Aircraft
The Magic Aircraft hummed softly as it soared through the sky, carrying the students toward Kota Military Station. The seats were plush, enchanted to absorb turbulence, but Adarsh barely noticed.
Because sitting right beside him was Tanya Oberoi—the most breathtaking girl he had ever seen.
Her silvery-white hair rested against her shoulders, shimmering under the soft glow of the aircraft's lighting. Her arms were crossed, and she gazed out the window, completely indifferent to the chatter of their classmates.
Adarsh, however, had only one thing on his mind.
Operation Impress the Ice Queen.
He leaned back casually, flashing a confident smirk.
"So, Tanya… did you choose to sit next to me because I'm incredibly handsome, or was it pure fate?"
Tanya didn't even glance at him.
"All the other seats were taken."
"Ouch." Adarsh clutched his chest dramatically. "You wound me. Just say you like my company. I won't tell anyone."
Silence.
Tanya continued looking out the window.
Adarsh scratched his head. Damn, this girl is colder than an Ice Element spell.
Not one to give up, he tried again.
"You know, I've read about Ice Element magicians before," he mused. "They say their hearts are as cold as their magic. But I don't believe that."
Tanya finally turned her head slightly, her icy blue eyes meeting his.
"Why not?"
"Because," Adarsh grinned, "I'm convinced that deep down, beneath all that frost… lies a heart just waiting to be melted by my irresistible charm."
Tanya blinked.
Then, slowly, she turned back toward the window.
"Delusional."
Adarsh groaned. "Come on, at least laugh! Even a small chuckle would do. Do you have zero sense of humor?"
Tanya exhaled softly. "I just don't find you funny."
Adarsh placed a hand over his heart. "Wow. This is what rejection feels like, huh? Someone write this down in history—Adarsh dual element magician the man who made an Ice Queen roll her eyes."
He shot her a sideways glance.
And there it was.
For the briefest moment, he swore he saw the corner of her lips twitch—just the slightest hint of amusement.
Victory!
Well… almost.
A Clash of Elements
After a few moments of silence, Tanya finally spoke.
"You're a Thunder Element magician, aren't you?"
Adarsh raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Interested in me now?"
Tanya ignored his teasing. "Thunder magic is chaotic, unstable, and difficult to master. Yet, your mana flow is… unusually smooth."
Adarsh leaned back. "What can I say? I'm just talented."
Tanya gave him a blank stare.
"You nearly fried yourself during the awakening ceremony, didn't you?"
Adarsh coughed. "That's… unrelated."
Tanya shook her head. "Typical Thunder magician. All bravado and recklessness."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Adarsh smirked. "Meanwhile, Ice magicians just stand still and look pretty."
Tanya narrowed her eyes slightly. "Ice magic requires control. Unlike Thunder magic, which is just a wild storm of destruction."
Adarsh leaned in closer, grinning. "You're saying I'm dangerous?"
Tanya's gaze remained calm. "No. I'm saying you're an idiot."
Adarsh burst out laughing. "You're brutally honest, I'll give you that."
Tanya sighed and returned her gaze to the window.
Despite her cold demeanor, Adarsh could sense it—
She was warming up to him.
A little.
Maybe.
Mission Talk
After a few minutes of quiet, Adarsh changed the topic.
"So… demons, huh?"
Tanya nodded. "You've fought one before?"
Adarsh hesitated for a split second.
"Should I tell her about the demon I killed last night? About the Soul Remnant my pendant absorbed?"
He decided against it.
"Yeah, but it was a weak one," he said instead. "Nothing special."
Tanya studied him for a moment. "Demons are unpredictable. Overconfidence will get you killed."
Adarsh grinned. "And here I thought you were worried about me."
Tanya exhaled. "If you die, it just means I'll need to find a new seat partner."
"Ouch. Again." Adarsh shook his head. "You're really enjoying crushing my ego, aren't you?"
Tanya said nothing.
But there it was again.
A tiny flicker of amusement in her gaze.
"This girl is fun. Cold, but fun."
Approaching the Military Station
As the aircraft continued its journey, Adarsh glanced out the window. Below them, the city's outer border stretched toward the distant wilderness—a vast, untamed land where demons lurked.
Then, in the distance, a massive fortress came into view.
The Kota Military Station.
It was a sprawling defensive stronghold, fortified with anti-magic barriers and towering walls. Soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their weapons gleaming under the sun.
This was where they would be training.
And hunting demons.
A voice crackled through the aircraft's speakers.
"Attention, students. We will be landing at Kota Military Station in five minutes. Prepare yourselves."
The excitement in the cabin skyrocketed.
Adarsh smirked and glanced at Tanya.
"Looks like it's time to see what the Ice Queen is really made of."
Tanya remained calm. "Let's just hope you don't electrocute yourself before we even get started."
Adarsh laughed. "You know what? I think I'm starting to like you."
Tanya finally looked at him.
"Unfortunately," she said, "I can't say the same."
The aircraft descended, the engines humming louder as they approached the military station.
Adarsh grinned.
"This mission is going to be interesting."