The Elemental Class of Misfortune
The relentless sound of clicking continued to echo in Marina's ears, testing her patience. She fought the urge to let out a frustrated scream as Crystal persistently flicked her fingers, causing the lights in their dorm room to turn on and off.
Crystal was captivated by her newfound ability, thrilled to have the power to illuminate the room just like Marina always did.
"Crystal, please," Marina pleaded, her voice tinged with exasperation. "We need to get some rest. Tomorrow is a crucial day, and we have much to learn."
Crystal, caught up in her own excitement, looked momentarily disappointed. "But Marina, it's incredible! I can control the lights now. Isn't it amazing?"
Marina took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I understand your excitement, Crystal, but we have a long journey ahead of us. Learning to control your powers takes time and focus. We need to conserve our energy and be ready for the training tomorrow."
Crystal's expression softened, understanding the gravity of Marina's words. She was just trying to help. She then chucked thinking about how nervous Marina was just months ago, looking at her for the first time and now she was scolding her. "You're right. I guess I got carried away. I'll try to calm down and save my exploration for tomorrow. I do understand the importance of pacing ourselves."
Marina nodded, appreciating Crystal's willingness to listen. "Thank you, Crystal. I know it is tempting, but rest is crucial for our growth. Tomorrow will present new opportunities to practice and expand our abilities. Let us make the most of it."
Crystal mustered a smile, her enthusiasm tempered by understanding.
...
In the bustling southern ground of the academy, the first-year fae students gathered for their elemental summon class of Professor Fluctus.
Crystal, feeling a mix of nervousness and uncertainty, decided to conceal her true abilities.
As the focus of the class shifted to summoning the fire element, she pretended to struggle, faking her attempts to conjure flames.
Amidst the class activities, Crystal carefully controlled her powers, withholding letting out the true extent of her abilities. Each flicker of her fingers, each gesture, was a carefully staged act to make it seem as if summoning fire was beyond her capabilities.
However, within her, a fire burned bright, yearning to be set free.
As the class progressed, Crystal's show faltered. Suppressing her magic grew increasingly difficult while casting the spell, and a surge of fire erupted from her palms, catching both herself and her peers off guard. The flames danced in the air, casting flickering shadows across the room.
Panic flashed in Crystal's eyes as she quickly regained control over her unruly powers. The sudden burst of fire had revealed a truth she had hoped to keep hidden.
Crystal felt a surge of fear, realizing that none of the first-year students were expected to possess such advanced fire magic unless they were fire faeries themselves. To add to her unease, she had also unintentionally summoned an unusual amount of water element during the same class last time, which could rise more questions about her powers.
Marina could sense Crystal's nervousness in summoning the fire element, and her own nerves started to spike in response. She knew her friend needed support, and she also wanted to divert the attention away from Crystal.
In a split second decision, Marina's eyes narrowed as she focused her energy on the water element. With a graceful flick of her hand, she sent a powerful surge of water toward another fae student, catching them by surprise. The water hit its mark, creating a splash and drenching the unsuspecting fae.
The classroom erupted in laughter and gasps as the fae student, now soaking wet, stared at Marina in shock. That student was a storm fae, she summoned her own powers, launching the target at Marina but Marina slipped out of the way and another fae student was hit, and without missing a beat, other fae students started summoning their own powers, joining in the chaos. Bolts of lightning crackled through the air, gusts of wind swirled around, and small flames danced on fingertips.
In this spontaneous battle, no one sought to cause harm or inflict serious injuries. It became more like a magical playground, where the students showcased their elemental talents while giggling and playfully challenging each other.
The southern grounds echoed with laughter and cheers as bursts of light and color filled the air. Professor Fluctus watched in a mix of horror and surprise as her class descended into an unexpected battlefield of harmless magic.
Crystal, momentarily distracted from her initial mishap, felt a sense of relief as Marina's diversion took the attention away from her. She silently thanked her friend for the support, grateful that the focus had shifted from her own struggles.
Suddenly, Professor Fluctus raised their hands, commanding silence in the classroom. The fae students, still caught up in their playful elemental display, froze in their tracks, their expressions shifting from excitement to apprehension.
With a stern expression, Professor Fluctus addressed the students, her voice filled with a mix of disappointment and concern. "Enough! This is not how a summoning class is meant to be conducted," she reprimanded, her tone cutting through the air.
...
Crystal and her friends gathered in the botanical garden once again, their laughter filling the air. Aurelius couldn't contain his amusement as Crystal recounted the events of Professor Fluctus's class. His laughter echoed through the garden, a delightful sound that made the flowers sway in rhythm.
"Marina, the most cautious one in here, unleashing her mischievous side in front of Professor Fluctus? That is truly remarkable," Aurelius chuckled, wiping away tears of laughter from his eyes. "Moreover, to imagine that Professor Fluctus, who possesses a disposition even grumpier than the goblins themselves, had the opportunity to observe this delightful spectacle!"
Marina blushed, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, Crystal was about to lose her consciousness with dread, I deemed it necessary to intervene."
Ambrose's eyes sparkled with amusement as he interjected, " The first-year elemental summon classes consistently prove to be quite eventful. I recall an instance when I was subjected to an assault with the water element, and now it appears that the current situation has escalated to the extent of transforming the entire room into a veritable battleground. Undoubtedly, it must be a truly captivating spectacle to behold!"
Crystal's face flushed with embarrassment as she sheepishly muttered, "Sorry about that, Your Highness. I didn't mean to drench you."
After their fit of laughter subsided, Crystal and her friends shared a determined look. It was time to get back to their training.
Aurelius straightened himself, wiping away the last traces of laughter from his face. "Sufficiently entertained as we may be, it is imperative that we now refocus our attention. Let us seize the opportunity to utilize our time effectively and proceed with our practice without further delay."
Marina nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on Crystal. "
Crystal, your progress has been remarkable thus far. Let us focus on honing your control over your powers."
Crystal took a deep breath nodding her head, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and excitement.