-chapter 6: A Class of Chaos
The Academy's sprawling grounds bustled with life as students rushed to their classes. The sound of laughter, chatter, and the occasional burst of magic filled the air. Amidst the crowd, Ryu trailed behind her peers, clutching her books tightly to her chest.
Scene: First Magic Class – A Test of Patience
The classroom was a grand hall with shimmering walls that pulsed faintly with enchantments. Rows of students sat at desks carved with intricate runes, their faces lit with excitement—except for Ryu, who looked more like she was being marched to her doom.
At the front, the mentor, Master Zhu, a tall man with a perpetually exasperated expression, addressed the class.
Master Zhu: "Today, we'll start with basic elemental manipulation. Even a novice should manage this." (his eyes land on Ryu) "Let's hope that holds true."
A few students snickered.
Classmate 1 (whispering loudly): "Even a novice? He's setting the bar too high for her."
Classmate 2: (grinning) "Maybe she'll accidentally set herself on fire. That'd be fun to watch."
Ryu ignored them, her cheeks flushing as she sat down.
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Scene: The Practice Begins
Master Zhu demonstrated a simple spell, summoning a small flame in the palm of his hand before extinguishing it with a wave.
Master Zhu: "Now, your turn. Focus your energy. Feel the element. It's not difficult."
The students began trying the spell, and small flames appeared across the room—except at Ryu's desk.
Ryu furrowed her brow, her tongue sticking out slightly in concentration. She waved her hand, muttered the incantation… and nothing happened.
Classmate 3: (leaning over) "What's wrong, Ryu? Forgot to charge your magic battery this morning?"
Kai (from across the room): (snickering) "Leave her alone. She's clearly conserving her vast reserves for something important—like tripping over her own feet later."
The class erupted in laughter.
Ryu clenched her fists, her face burning. She tried again, this time waving her hand with exaggerated focus. Instead of a flame, a puff of harmless smoke appeared, sputtered weakly, and then fizzled out.
Classmate 4: (mocking applause) "Ladies and gentlemen, the mighty magician!"
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Scene: Mochan's Taunts
Suddenly, the door to the classroom creaked open, and Mochan sauntered in. He wasn't technically supposed to be there—mentors didn't appreciate his habit of disrupting classes—but that didn't stop him.
Mochan: (leaning casually against the wall) "What's this? A fire-starting lesson? Ryu, let me guess—you've mastered the art of summoning smoke signals?"
Ryu: (scowling) "Go away, Mochan."
Mochan: (grinning) "Aw, come on. Don't be like that. You're the most entertaining thing in this room. It's not every day you see someone fail so spectacularly."
The students roared with laughter again. Even Master Zhu struggled to keep a straight face.
Master Zhu: (clearing his throat) "Enough, Mochan. Either take a seat or leave."
Mochan: (mock saluting) "Yes, sir." (he winks at Ryu) "Don't worry, little one. We all know you're just saving your true power for… oh, never."
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Scene: Ryu's Retaliation
After class, Ryu stormed out, muttering angrily under her breath. Kai jogged up beside her, grinning.
Kai: "Hey, don't take it personally. Mochan's just—well, Mochan."
Ryu: (glaring) "One day, I'm going to prove all of you wrong."
Kai: (raising an eyebrow) "Oh? And how are you going to do that? Conjure up a magical sneeze?"
Ryu spun around and jabbed a finger at his chest.
Ryu: "You just wait. When I finally figure this out, you'll all be eating your words."
Kai: (laughing) "Sure, sure. Let me know when that happens. I'll be over here, not holding my breath."
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Scene: A Hint of Power
Later that evening, Ryu stayed behind in the practice hall, determined to make the spell work. The room was empty, the only sound the faint crackle of magic in the air.
She closed her eyes and focused, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Ryu (to herself): "Why can't I do this? What's wrong with me?"
Her mark began to tingle faintly, a warmth spreading from her waist. She didn't notice it at first, but when she opened her eyes, a faint red glow surrounded her hands.
Suddenly, a small, bright flame burst to life. It hovered in her palm for a moment before vanishing as quickly as it appeared.
Ryu stared at her hand, wide-eyed.
Ryu (whispering): "What… was that?"
Unbeknownst to her, a shadowy figure watched from the doorway. Mo Tianzhi's eyes gleamed with interest as he turned and disappeared into the night.
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