The classroom hummed with energy as students from the Material Magic and Elementalism divisions gathered for the combined session. The walls of the expansive hall were inscribed with glowing runes, creating an environment saturated with mana to aid in experimentation. Tables were set up with materials ranging from mundane metals like iron and copper to enchanted gemstones and magical alloys.
Professor Elowen, a stern yet graceful elf, stood at the front, her silver hair catching the light. She gestured to the assortment of materials.
"Today, we'll examine how elemental magic interacts with different materials. Elementalists, you will channel your magic, while the Material students will analyze and record the effects. Collaboration is key."
Kalem was stationed at a table, carefully examining a chunk of obsidian. He was already sketching runes for containment when a sharp voice broke his concentration.
"You're overcomplicating it," Nara said, her tone dripping with confidence. The tall she-orc stood across from him, arms crossed, her green skin seeming to glow faintly from the residual magic she exuded. Her amber eyes narrowed at his work.
Kalem looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You're trying to contain elemental magic with runes? That's like trying to leash a storm," she said, shaking her head. "Elemental forces are meant to flow freely. You're stifling their potential."
Kalem frowned, setting down his chisel. "Containment isn't stifling—it's refining. If you don't control the energy, you risk instability."
Nara smirked, leaning forward. "Instability is where the real power lies. You can't harness the full force of fire or lightning by caging it like some tame pet."
Their exchange drew the attention of nearby students, who whispered among themselves.
Professor Elowen intervened with a calm but firm voice. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order. Nara, Kalem, show us your methods with the same material—this enchanted steel."
The two moved to the center of the room, each handed a bar of shimmering steel imbued with latent magical energy.
Nara went first, channeling fire magic through her hands. The steel glowed red-hot, and flames danced along its surface in mesmerizing patterns. She manipulated the fire effortlessly, creating arcs of energy that swirled and pulsed without consuming the material. The class murmured in awe.
Kalem took his turn, etching runes into his steel bar with swift precision before infusing it with controlled bursts of mana. The runes activated, glowing blue as the steel absorbed the energy and began resonating with a soft hum. Instead of raw power, the bar displayed enhanced durability and a faint, steady glow.
"Impressive," Professor Elowen said, nodding to both. "Nara's approach highlights the raw potential of elemental magic, while Kalem's method demonstrates precision and utility. Both have merit, though they stem from very different philosophies."
As the class ended, Nara gave Kalem a parting smirk. "Not bad for someone who thinks magic is all about rules."
"And not bad for someone who thinks breaking rules is a virtue," Kalem shot back, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.
Later That Day
Kalem and Lyra strolled through the academy grounds, the sun dipping low in the sky. Onyx trailed behind them lazily, occasionally stopping to munch on patches of grass.
"You really have a knack for making friends," Lyra teased, nudging Kalem with her elbow.
"She started it," Kalem grumbled.
"Of course," Lyra said, laughing softly.
As they passed the central courtyard, a familiar figure caught Kalem's eye. Jhaeros was seated on a low wall, sharpening a blade that gleamed in the fading sunlight. His movements were deliberate and fluid, his feline tail flicking lazily behind him.
Lyra tilted her head, curious. "Who's that?"
"Jhaeros," Kalem replied. "We sparred the other day. He's... different."
Jhaeros looked up, his golden eyes locking onto Lyra's. He stood gracefully, the sharpness of his features softened by a polite smile.
"And who is this?" Jhaeros asked, his voice smooth and measured.
"Lyra," she introduced herself, extending a hand. Jhaeros studied it briefly before shaking it with surprising gentleness, his clawed fingers careful not to scratch.
"Pleasure to meet you," Jhaeros said, his tone sincere. "Kalem mentioned you. He said you're the sharpest mind he knows."
Lyra raised an eyebrow at Kalem, who avoided her gaze. "Did he now?" she said, smirking.
Jhaeros' feline ears twitched as he regarded Lyra with curiosity. "You have a precise aura about you, though your scent suggests you work with chemicals."
Lyra blinked, slightly taken aback. "That's... accurate."
"Ilvaar senses," Kalem said. "He does that."
Jhaeros inclined his head. "Alchemy is a fascinating art. Perhaps you could enlighten me someday."
Lyra chuckled nervously. "Maybe. If you don't mind my questions about your... Ilvaar senses."
The three continued talking, their dynamic still new and untested. While Kalem and Jhaeros had mutual respect from their sparring match, Lyra's sharp wit seemed to intrigue Jhaeros in a different way. Kalem watched the interaction silently, wondering how these personalities would blend—or clash—in the future.