Kael spent the morning exploring the first floor of the tower, taking in its bustling energy and peculiar charm. Merchants called out to passersby, offering everything from enchanted trinkets to freshly baked bread. He stopped at a food stall, purchasing a warm loaf and some dried fruits before continuing his wandering. The aroma of spices and roasted meats filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and occasional bursts of magical light.
As he ate, Kael couldn't resist experimenting with his newfound mastery over fear. A group of students nearby had been casting sidelong glances at him, their expressions ranging from disdain to outright hostility. One of them muttered something under their breath, loud enough for Kael to catch—a crude remark about his commoner status. Without hesitation, Kael focused on the speaker, planting a seed of dread deep within their mind. The student froze mid-sentence, their face pale as if they'd seen a ghost. Their friends noticed immediately, shaking them by the shoulders as they stammered incoherently.
Kael smirked faintly, brushing crumbs from his hands as he walked away. It wasn't malicious—just a bit of fun while he adjusted to life in the school. By the time he reached the central courtyard, whispers were already spreading among the students. Someone had dubbed him "the scary student," and the nickname seemed to stick. He overheard fragments of conversations as he passed—"Did you hear about that guy?" "Yeah, apparently he can make you feel like you're staring into the abyss." Kael chuckled softly to himself. If rumors kept people at a distance, all the better.
Elsewhere, Elira navigated the polished corridors of the tower with practiced grace, tending to what she referred to as "noble business." She exchanged pleasantries with other highborn students, her silver hair and regal demeanor drawing admiration—and envy—from those around her. Some sought her favor, hoping to align themselves with the Valmere name, while others watched her warily, waiting for any sign of weakness. Elira handled it all with poise, her crimson eyes calm but calculating.
She visited various corners of the first floor, gathering support subtly. A nod here, a kind word there—it was all part of the intricate dance expected of someone in her position. While she appeared composed, inside she wrestled with frustration. These obligations came naturally, almost instinctively, but they felt stifling compared to the freedom she craved. Still, she reminded herself why she was here—to prove she could carve her own path without abandoning her responsibilities entirely.
By late afternoon, both Kael and Elira returned to more personal pursuits. Kael found an empty alcove near the library, where he sat cross-legged, delving into the void once again. He tested the limits of his abilities, shaping illusions so vivid they made nearby students flinch visibly. Each success brought a flicker of satisfaction, though the cost weighed heavily on him. Pieces of himself chipped away each time he tapped into the abyss, leaving behind emptiness that gnawed at his resolve.
Elira retreated to a quiet corner of the merchant district, observing the interactions between students and vendors. She marveled at how easily alliances formed—or dissolved—in such a competitive environment. Though tempted to reveal her artifact-based skills, she resisted, knowing it would draw unwanted attention too soon. Instead, she focused on blending in, learning the unspoken rules of this new world while planning her next move.
As night fell, the contrast between their experiences became clear. Kael thrived in chaos, using fear and intimidation to carve out space for himself. Elira, on the other hand, relied on diplomacy and strategy, navigating the delicate web of noble politics with care. Both were adjusting in their own ways, finding footholds in a place designed to test even the strongest among them.