"That's… an interesting approach," said Brown, momentarily unsettled by the answer. "Capitalizing on speed rather than pure strength. Very unique."
Most of the class was still dumbfounded. Vael's response had introduced an angle they hadn't considered.
"I really like your thinking, Serpes. You'll refine those decision-making instincts further in your Battle Strategy class."
Brown stepped down from the podium, pacing slowly as if weighing every student's answer.
"As you've seen, multiple solutions exist. The key is finding the one that works for you."
BONG. BONG.
Glancing at his pocket watch, Brown announced, "That will be all. Good day, students. See you tomorrow."
Chairs scraped back. Students lined up to exit, eager for the freedom of the dorms. Vael more than anyone.
Just as he reached the doorway, Kiera's voice cut in through their link:
You have a fight scheduled. Where do you think you're going?
'Ahh, right,' Vael remembered, halting mid-step. The spar with Arconis.
Spotting the man in question in the distance, Vael blinked forward to catch up.
"So, when are we sparring?" he asked.
Arconis didn't hesitate.
"After dinner. Training rooms. I'll be waiting."
Without missing a beat, he walked off — not in the direction of the dorms.
Fair enough. Problem is, I don't even know where the training facilities are.
Shoving that issue onto future Vael, he rejoined Kiera, heading for the cafeteria.
It hadn't been long since their last meal, but the duo decided to get ahead of the crowd.
On the menu this afternoon: fish fillet with vegetables. A solid, balanced meal.
They collected their food, which Vael promptly stored away, for later.
Now, off to the dorms. Vael was eager to show Kiera his new ability.
They set up in his room — closer than hers. Upon entering, however, they were greeted by chaos.
Slightly embarrassed, Vael scrambled to scoop up dirty clothes from the floor, shoving them aside in a rushed cleanup.
"Right… I saw that ability in your dream," Kiera said, arms crossed. "Let's see it, then."
Without a word, Vael settled cross-legged on the floor, closed his eyes, and began to focus.
The space around him started to ripple, bending in strange distortions. At first it seemed random, then gradually converged, sucked toward a single point, forming something just shy of tangible—
—before collapsing. Pathetically.
PANT. "So…" PANT. "See anything that might be throwing me off?" Vael asked, hopeful despite his failure.
Kiera didn't hesitate.
"Nah. Looks fine to me. But… maybe try it less with instinct, more with calculation."
What sounded like a casual tip struck Vael like a revelation.
"Calculation… that's it!"
His pulse quickened. That was the missing piece. He couldn't just yank mana from the air and will it into a sword. This whole process was a spell. One he had to design himself.
And he was already halfway there. After all, he'd been trying to build an entire dimension. The principle was the same—just scaled down.
"Thank you, Kiera. You helped me a lot. More than you know."
Kiera blinked, dumbfounded. Had her offhand comment really been that helpful?
"Ahh, right—the spar," Vael said suddenly, snapping out of his excitement.
Vael began undressing right then and there. The Academy didn't seem to have a proper sports uniform—or maybe his just hadn't arrived yet.
For now, his usual clothes would have to do.
He peeled off his uniform shirt, tossed it into the corner, and slipped into his long coat. Its familiar tightness was oddly reassuring.
Then came the pants, leaving him in nothing but his underwear.
It had been almost a year since he and Kiera started traveling together. By now, they were comfortable around each other. Some might say too comfortable.
Vael never thought twice about showing some skin in front of her. Still… a certain tension passed between the two as they locked eyes.
Vael tugged on his boots and hurried to the door, suddenly all too aware of the situation he'd put himself—and Kiera—in.
"Uhum. I guess I'll see you later? You want your food?" he asked, voice a touch too casual.
She nodded.
Vael pulled her meal from his Pocket, steam curling from the tray, still warm and aromatic.
"All right, I'm off, then."
"Yeah. See you."
He closed the door behind him, exhaling long and slow.
On the other side, Kiera stood frozen, tray in hand. Her cheeks? A faint shade of pink.