Chapter 2: Rival?
As laughter and excitement filled the classroom, the sudden loud bang from outside caught everyone's attention. Students rushed to the windows to see what had happened.
"Oh, he did it again, hayst!" one student snickered, pointing at the commotion outside.
"Mike, come out! Or do you want me to storm into your classroom and cause a ruckus?" shouted Shan, a notorious bully known for his aggressive behavior. His wealthy background seemed to shield him from any consequences, fostering his arrogance.
"What's going on? Shan, can't you see we have an important event this afternoon? Why are you causing chaos?" Zylen, the class president and one of Mike's friends, reprimanded him firmly.
Shan sneered, "So what? Right now, I want an explanation from your precious Mike! Mike, are you hiding behind this girl?"
Jek, another friend of Mike's, quickly approached him, shaking him awake. "Mike, wake up! Shan is looking for you again!"
"Ugh! Not again," Mike groaned, stretching. "I just want a peaceful life. What's wrong with that guy?"
"Now you're here!" Shan taunted, his arrogance evident.
"What do you want? I was sleeping," Mike replied lazily, trying to brush him off.
"I just want to challenge you to see who will awaken the excellent mana heart later!" Shan said, his creepy smile unnerving everyone around.
Mike raised an eyebrow. "What? That's it? Ugh, fine, you win! Just go back and don't waste your time here."
Shan responded quickly, "Don't be in such a hurry! This is a challenge to prove I'm better than you! Jane will accept my proposal after—HA HA HA!"
Jane, the campus beauty, was the object of Shan's affections, but she also had an interest in Mike, creating a tense rivalry. Mike, however, remained oblivious to Jane's feelings.
"Wait! Is this why you're acting like this? Because you got rejected?" Jek shot back, laughter erupting among the students. Even Mike couldn't help but smirk at the scene.
"QUIET!!" Shan shouted, his face turning red. "It's not like that! How could she reject me? I'm the best! She just said if I outshine Mike, then she'll give me a chance!"
Mike was known as one of the top students at school, but he preferred to keep a low profile, believing that fame brought unnecessary trouble.
Sighing, Mike finally said, "You know what? I give up. This is just too much. I surrender!"
"That doesn't count!" Shan protested angrily.
"I don't care!" Mike shot back.
Just as the tension escalated, a deep voice echoed through the hallway. "STOP!"
A shadowy figure emerged; it was Teacher V, a powerful dark mage known for her strict discipline. Students shivered at her presence, as she was feared for punishing those who broke school rules.
"Back to your classroom, now!" she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.
But it seemed she was in a good mood today, perhaps because of the upcoming awakening ceremony.
As the students filed back into their seats, Jek leaned over to Mike. "What's your deal with Jane? Why does she always make you her scapegoat?"
Mike snorted, "That's not my problem! We've known each other since junior high. It's just that now we're in different sections in senior high."
"But you don't like her? She's the campus beauty, bro!" Jek said, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
Mike replied with annoyance, "You really don't know me? I don't like her! I only have eyes for one person."
"Oooooh, okay! I won't disturb you then," Jek laughed.
Mike sighed, reflecting on his thoughts. "I only promised to one person. I just want to awaken peacefully, do well on my exams, and then join her."
"That Shan is really troublesome. He makes me eye-catching. I just want to focus on the awakening ceremony and not deal with all this drama," Mike thought as he prepared for what lay ahead.
Suddenly, a student yelled, "The teacher is coming!" The classroom fell silent as everyone sat up straight.
The teacher entered and addressed the class, "This afternoon is a momentous occasion for all of you. You will awaken your abilities and become full-fledged mages to start your magical journey. I know you're all nervous and excited. Some may not awaken, but don't worry; everyone has a chance. Stay calm and look ahead. Please prepare to head to the auditorium for the ceremony. Good luck, everyone!"
As the teacher exited, excitement surged through the classroom. "Oh my God, this is it!" a student exclaimed.
"Go, go, go! Fight! We can do this!" a trio of voices cheered in unison, filling the room with energy.
Mike sat quietly, preparing himself for the challenge ahead, determined to face whatever the awakening ceremony would bring.