As night enveloped the academy, I returned to my dorm, deeply wearied by the day's events. The once-bustling hallways were now silent, with only the soft whisper of the wind filling the stillness. Seeking rest, I settled into my room, trying to shake off the day's exhaustion.
A few hours later, a soft knock broke the quiet. I opened my door to find a letter waiting for me on the floor, and I could hear that the same message had been delivered to the other scholars. The letter, neatly penned and signed by Garlock Misoha, conveyed an important directive:
"Tomorrow at dawn, Professor Marlowe and I will teach you how to cast spells using your chosen affinities. Be ready at the central courtyard of the academy when the sun rises."
The words on the page were clear. The upcoming lesson would focus on spellcasting with our selected affinities. My pulse quickened at the thought of learning directly from such esteemed professors.
The Next Morning
In the early hours before the sun had fully risen, the academy grounds were still and quiet, shrouded in a soft, gray light. I woke up, feeling the cool air through my open window, and stretched out of bed with purpose. I quickly dressed in my workout gear, ready to start my day.
The chill of the morning greeted me as I stepped outside. The world was just starting to wake up, with only the occasional rustle of leaves or distant bird call breaking the silence. I began my jog, the crisp air refreshing and energizing.
Today is going to be incredibly busy, I thought as I ran along the cobblestone paths, but these early workouts help clear my mind and get me ready for whatever comes next.
After my run, I moved to a grassy patch and started doing push-ups to maintain my high stats. The dawn light slowly revealed my well-toned physique, a direct result of my hard work and dedication. Each push-up was done with absolute focus, my movements strong and steady.
All this effort is worth it if it means I'm improving, I reminded myself. It's good to see the progress I'm making. These early mornings are tough, but they keep me on track.
Little did I know, Krisha Grega had also risen early.
Krisha's Perspective
Curious about her rival's routine, Krisha had followed Kazu quietly, staying hidden behind a cluster of trees. As the morning light began to illuminate the academy grounds, she saw Kazu's form and was immediately struck by how fit he looked.
Wow, he's in great shape for someone his age, Krisha thought, her silver eyes widening slightly. I didn't expect him to be so… impressive. His dedication really shows.
She watched as he moved through his exercises without a single break. He's so focused. I didn't realize he was this committed. I guess I severely underestimated him.
Realizing she had been watching him for a bit too long, Krisha's pale cheeks flushed with deep embarrassment. She quickly looked away, feeling highly awkward. I hope he didn't see me. This is so embarrassing. I should head back to my dorm before he notices I was spying. With that, she hurried back to her room, her face still burning red as she tried to shake off the awkwardness. I hope he didn't catch me. This wasn't exactly how I wanted to start the day. I'll have to figure out what to say if we run into each other later.
The Central Courtyard
Back at my workout spot, I finished my exercises and stood up, catching my breath as I took in the now brightening academy grounds. Feeling highly satisfied with my morning, I prepared for the day ahead, completely unaware of the impression I had just left on Krisha.
Thirty minutes later, as dawn began to fully light up the sky, the other scholars and I arrived at the central courtyard. The academy grounds were tranquil, bathed in the soft, early morning light. The courtyard had been meticulously prepared, with its stone surface adorned with intricate circles and glowing affinity symbols.
We entered the courtyard and immediately noticed the symbols on the ground, our curiosity piqued. Each symbol shimmered faintly, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the morning fog.
"What are these symbols?" Roderick asked, his gaze fixed on the radiant markings.
Professor Marlowe and Garlock Misoha approached, their commanding presence drawing our attention. Professor Marlowe's serious expression and Garlock Misoha's calm demeanor set the tone for the day's instruction.
"These are affinity symbols," Professor Marlowe explained, his voice steady and authoritative. "Today, each of you will choose one of the two affinities you have selected to focus on first. The symbol of your chosen affinity will light up as you step into it."
The other students exchanged thoughtful glances, considering their choices. The symbols on the ground seemed to pulse with potential, their glow intensifying as the morning light grew stronger.
Garlock Misoha turned to me and added, "Kazu, since you have chosen to pursue all six affinities, you will need to select just one to begin your learning with today. The symbol for your chosen affinity will glow when you step into it, indicating your choice."
I took a moment to reflect on my options. After some consideration, I decided to start with Air, feeling its sheer versatility and speed would provide a strong foundation for my magical studies. As I stepped into the Air symbol, it immediately brightened, its glow illuminating the space around me.
Each student carefully chose their symbols and stepped into the circles. As they did, the symbols glowed more intensely, marking their chosen affinities for the day. I felt a massive surge of anticipation as the Air symbol beneath my boots radiated with a soft, shimmering light.
Professor Marlowe and Garlock Misoha moved among the students, observing our choices and providing guidance.
As I stood in the glowing Air symbol, the intricate runes beneath me brightened with an ethereal light. I moved with practiced precision, channeling the swirling currents of Air with effortless grace. The magical display was both mesmerizing and inspiring.
Krisha's Perspective
Krisha watched from the side, her focus shifting from her own practice back to Kazu. Her mind wandered back to the early morning, recalling how she had seen him jogging with intense determination and then performing push-ups with remarkable strength. The memory of his disciplined routine and impressive physique resurfaced vividly in her thoughts.
A warm flush crept up her cheeks as she remembered the sight of him, his physical prowess leaving a strong impression. Her gaze lingered on Kazu, her heart racing slightly as she recalled how he had looked in the early light, his focused expression and the effortless ease of his movements.
The First Spells
As each of us stepped onto our chosen affinity symbols, we felt a strange, pleasant tingling sensation wash over our bodies. The symbols glowed brightly, and suddenly, the magic felt infinitely easier to grasp.
Standing on the Air symbol, I sensed a profound new clarity. The Air magic seemed perfectly natural, and I felt I could control it with much greater ease. The same comfort spread to the other students, who also felt their chosen affinities become more intuitive and manageable.
A blue system notification suddenly appeared in my vision.
No—a notification?! I thought in a mild state of shock.
[Notification: Environmental Mana Amplification Detected] [New Active Skill Acquired: Gale Force] [New Skill Acquired: Wind Slash]
I glanced at the glowing text, feeling a massive surge of excitement at the new skills I had just received.
[STATUS] Level: 83 Name: Kazu Gonomiya Age: 13 Job Class: God
Passive Skills:
Divine Knowledge
Infinite Mana
Maximized Self-Healing
Sword Play
Active Skills:
Blink
Explosive Blink
Bloodlust
Blood Steal
Rage (Locked)
Quick Wield
Whirlwind
Gale Force (New)
Wind Slash (New)
Fist Authority
Magic Spells:
Fire Pierce
Fire Spirit Flare
[???]
Unique Skills:
Exploration (Level 95)
Assassin (Level 92)
Cooking (Level 8)
Mining (Level 1)
Smithing (Level 1)
Strength (Level 50)
As I scanned my status, I noticed something incredibly odd—a [???] listed under Magic Spells.
What is this? I wondered, completely confused. No matter how hard I tried to mentally click on it or understand it, the meaning remained a total mystery.
Why is it hidden? I asked myself, feeling even more puzzled. This unknown entry only added to the confusion I was already feeling about my growing, unpredictable list of skills.
After we had successfully synchronized with our affinities, Professor Marlowe and Garlock Misoha gathered us around for the actual spellcasting session.
"Now that you've selected your affinities," Professor Marlowe began, his voice steady and firm, "it's time to learn how to cast your first spells. Pay close attention, as this will be the absolute foundation of your magical training."
Garlock Misoha stepped forward, addressing us with a calm yet authoritative tone. "Now, I want each of you to close your eyes," he instructed. "For those of you who use spoken incantations, focus your mind on the spell you wish to cast. As you do, extend your right hand with your palm open, and let the words flow naturally. For those who practice silent incantations, there's no need for words—just channel your core energy directly into your hand."
Along with the others, I closed my eyes. I could feel the heavy weight of the moment as I prepared to tap into my chosen affinity, Air. While I didn't need to speak an incantation, I concentrated deeply on the flow of my infinite energy, sensing it gather rapidly in my open palm.
The courtyard was filled with a quiet, focused intensity as the students followed Garlock's instructions, each one connecting with their affinity in their own way.
As we focused on our spellcasting, Garlock and Marlowe moved quietly among us, observing our progress. Their attention was almost instantly drawn to me. With my eyes closed, I had effortlessly summoned a powerful, highly controlled aura of Air around my body.
Garlock's eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "He's already connected with his affinity," he whispered to Marlowe, astonished. "And he did it almost instantly."
Marlowe's gaze was fixed on me, his usual composure giving way to complete amazement. "This is remarkable," he said, unable to hide his shock. "Typically, it takes students several minutes just to connect with their affinities, but Kazu has achieved it in seconds. And considering he possesses the God class… it's even more impressive."
The breeze swirling around me was vivid and highly precise, a testament to my extraordinary control over Air. The energy seemed to flow effortlessly from my core, demonstrating a mastery that was far beyond ordinary expectations.
Marlowe exchanged a loaded look with Garlock, both recognizing the terrifying significance of what they were witnessing. My rapid and seamless connection with my affinity was not just a simple display of skill, but a clear indication of my unprecedented potential.
The Accident
As I stood perfectly still with my eyes closed, I decided to test one of the skills I had unlocked. I thought about activating Gale Force. I envisioned a powerful, wide-range gust of wind. The skill's sudden impact would affect the nearest target, creating a swirling vortex that could hit with massive force.
Highly focused and excited, I concentrated on bringing this skill to life. The breeze around me instantly began to intensify, growing violently stronger as I unknowingly harnessed the raw, infinite power of the spell. The air swirled into a highly dynamic, destructive force, ready to make its mark.
Garlock Misoha's eyes widened in sudden alarm. "Marlowe, look at Kazu! He's about to unleash an incredibly powerful wind attack! We need to stop him before it's too late!"
Professor Marlowe's expression tightened as he assessed the situation. The sheer gravity of the moment demanded quick, decisive action.
Garlock moved blindingly fast, conjuring a massive, thick barrier of Water that completely enveloped me. Just as the watery barrier solidified, he added a layer of freezing magic, creating a shimmering dome of solid ice that encased me completely like a vault.
Meanwhile, Marlowe used his Light affinity to cast a brilliant golden healing barrier over Krisha and the other three students, ensuring that even if they were caught in the wind's catastrophic impact, they would remain completely unharmed and heal swiftly.
Inside the dome, my Gale Force finally activated.
BOOM!
The massive gust of wind crashed against the inside of the barriers with a tremendous, deafening force. As the highly powerful attack finally dissipated, the heavy ice surrounding me cracked and violently shattered outward.
I stumbled, completely surprised and highly disoriented. I blinked open my eyes and looked around at the remnants of the destroyed magical barriers and the thick chunks of ice scattered across the entire courtyard.
Highly confused, I turned to Garlock. "Why is there ice everywhere? What just happened?"
Garlock's expression was a complicated mix of profound relief and deep concern. "You unleashed a very powerful wind attack, Kazu. It was much, much stronger than expected. You need to control the intensity of your skills."
I was completely taken aback. "But I didn't think I was actually using it! I just imagined using Gale Force in my head! I'm so sorry if I caused any trouble."
Garlock's tone was firm but highly understanding. "With silent casting, your imagination is your incantation, Kazu. It's crucial to manage the force of your abilities. Practice with the utmost care."
The other students, having noticed the chaotic, explosive change in their surroundings, dropped their own spells and looked around at the shattered courtyard in utter confusion and awe.