Chapter 6 — A Rival Appears: Sparks and Tension
The morning sunlight bathed the Royal Academy of Magic in a warm glow. The air still hummed faintly with residual mana from yesterday's Trial of Elements, but today felt different. Something—someone—was about to disrupt the calm.
Rorio lazily stretched on the balcony railing, tail wagging and sending minor wind gusts through the courtyard. "Master, you look unusually excited. Did you… Invent a new snack flavor or something?"
Lucien tilted his head, eyes sparkling. "Better. A new player. A prodigy, someone ambitious, perhaps a little… dramatic. And I do enjoy drama."
Rorio barked once. "Mostly fun. Snacks later. Excellent ratio."
At the Academy gate, a tall figure appeared. Dark hair, icy blue eyes, and an aura that practically screamed control and arrogance announced his presence before his words did. Students nearby instinctively stepped back, sensing a natural rival.
The newcomer strode confidently through the courtyard, robes swirling like controlled shadows. "I am Darius Vey, elemental prodigy from the Western Tower. I've heard rumors of this Academy… and its instructors. Curiosity demanded I see it for myself."
Lucien floated lazily above, arms behind his head. "Ah! A formal introduction is always nice. Welcome, Darius. I hope you like surprises… and a touch of mischief."
Rorio barked, tail wagging like a miniature hurricane. "And snacks! Maybe! Possibly! Mostly fun though."
Darius's eyes narrowed at the talking dog. "A talking… dog?"
"Yes," Rorio said cheerfully. "I talk. I judge. I occasionally steal glory. And I'm terrifyingly cute."
Kellen whispered to Myra, "Does… everyone here have talking companions, or is that just normal?"
Aria snorted. "If this is normal, then I'm terrified for our future lessons."
Lucien waved casually. Curiosity is good. Observation… even better. And now, a new dynamic has entered our little experiment."
Darius' gaze swept over Aria, Kellen, and Myra. "So these are the students I'll… encounter frequently?" His tone was neutral but sharp, his posture exuding discipline.
Aria's flames flickered lightly. "Depends. Encounter or… challenge? I don't share the title of 'best fire manipulator' lightly."
Lucien clapped slowly. "Oh, marvelous. Rivalry already brewing. Excellent. Keep it lively, everyone!"
Rorio barked. "Mostly rivalry. Minimal heartbreak. High entertainment. I approve."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "I see… instructors here delight in theatrics."
"Exactly!" Lucien said, floating closer. "Teaching should be fun. Entertaining. Sometimes mildly terrifying. But always… instructive."
Rorio wagged his tail furiously. "Mostly entertaining! Snacks afterward!"
Lucien decided it was time for a casual introduction to Lucien-style mentorship.
"Darius," he said, voice smooth and teasing, "let's have a friendly spar tomorrow. Just to see how well your skills adapt outside structured trials."
Darius tensed. "A sparring match? Very well. But I do not lose easily."
"Perfect." Lucien snapped his fingers, creating a floating platform in the courtyard. "Tomorrow, then. A test of skill, wit, and creativity. Optional theatrics… though I highly recommend them."
Rorio barked enthusiastically. "Mostly fun! Optional theatrics mandatory! Excellent ratios!"
Kellen and Myra exchanged glances. They had survived the Trial of Elements, but this felt different. This wasn't a lesson orchestrated by Lucien—it was a personal challenge from someone who clearly wanted to dominate the Academy hierarchy.
Aria smirked. "Finally. A worthy opponent. Ice cube, you'll regret underestimating me."
Darius' icy eyes narrowed slightly, but there was… curiosity there. He hadn't expected the trio to function so smoothly together, or that their instructors were so… unorthodox.
Lucien floated above, watching the tension build like a cat observing mice. "Ah, yes. Rivalry. Growth. Mischief. Tomorrow promises entertainment on multiple levels."
Rorio yawned. "Mostly entertainment. Possibly snacks. Optional chaos. Excellent ratio."
Later, Lucien gathered the trio near the Academy gardens. The students were exhausted but buzzing with adrenaline.
"Relax, relax," Lucien said, hands behind his head. "Darius is merely an obstacle… for growth, amusement, and minor dramatic moments."
Aria raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you enjoy this too much."
"Of course! Why would I not?" Lucien replied, floating onto a bench that hadn't existed five seconds ago. "A new student, undiscovered potential, and a hint of arrogance? Perfect ingredients for fun."
Rorio wagged his tail. "Mostly fun. Snacks afterward. Definitely fun."
Kellen swallowed nervously. "I just… hope we can survive his… presence."
Myra nodded. "We'll manage. We have each other. And… Lucien."
Lucien grinned, dark eyes glinting. "Exactly. Growth comes in steps, mortals. Beginner Realm, Adept Realm… and onward. Darius may challenge your skills, but he also challenges your teamwork, creativity, and ability to enjoy life while barely controlling disaster."
Aria laughed softly. "Barely controlling disaster… sounds like you."
"Indeed," Lucien said, leaning back, "but I get to have fun. You all are the students. And now, Darius is part of the show."
Rorio barked one last time. "Mostly fun. Definitely show. Snacks afterward."
That evening, the Academy settled into a quiet hum. Students whispered about the newcomer, about his potential, and about the sparring match that Lucien had promised.
Above them, Lucien and Rorio floated lazily. Lucien's eyes gleamed with playful mischief. "Tomorrow, the playground expands. New rival, new opportunities, and new lessons. Let's see if Darius can keep up—or if we get to create… memorable chaos."
Rorio wagged his tail. "Mostly fun. Snacks. Possibly minor injuries. Excellent entertainment ratio."
And with that, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Academy, hinting at the challenges, rivalry, and laughs that awaited the students—and their undeniably mischievous mentors—in the days to come.