The morning sun filtered through the stained glass windows of the Material Magic lecture hall, casting colorful patterns on the stone floor. Professor Althen stood at the front, a wiry old man with a perpetually curious glint in his eye. His voice carried with authority as he paced in front of a large chalkboard covered in diagrams of enchanted materials.
"As some of you may have heard, the cultural festival is just around the corner," he began, clapping his hands together to quiet the low murmurs of students. "This is not just a celebration, my dear students. It is an opportunity—no, an obligation—to demonstrate the very best of what we, as scholars and craftsmen, have to offer. Do not underestimate the eyes that will be watching."
Kalem leaned forward in his seat, his brow furrowed in thought. He scribbled notes in his notebook, glancing occasionally at the diagrams on the board.
Professor Althen continued, "The festival will feature crafting and enchanting exhibitions, competitions, and showcases. For those of you ambitious enough, this is your chance to gain recognition not just within the academy but across the city and beyond. Now, let's discuss our division's contribution..."
The lecture shifted into a detailed explanation of the techniques students might explore for the festival, but Kalem's thoughts wandered. Recognition? Competitions? These words stirred something in him—a mixture of excitement and pressure. He knew he had the skills, but the stakes felt higher now.
Later, during lunch, Kalem, Lyra, and Jhaeros gathered at their usual spot beneath the shade of a large oak tree in the academy's courtyard.
"So, the festival's a big deal, huh?" Kalem said, breaking the silence as he unwrapped a piece of bread.
"It's more than that," Jhaeros replied, his feline eyes narrowing thoughtfully. His tail twitched slightly as he leaned back against the tree trunk. "For the Beast Studies division, it's a chance to showcase what we've been working on all year. We'll be presenting magical creatures and demonstrating how they can coexist with people. It's... personal for us."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Personal how?"
Jhaeros hesitated for a moment before answering. "The Ilvaar have always had a strong bond with nature, but it's not something everyone understands. This festival is a way to show that bond—to prove its worth."
Lyra nodded slowly. "That sounds... meaningful. My division, on the other hand, is all about potions. We're supposed to create something unique and culturally significant. The professor even hinted we might have to incorporate ingredients from other races' traditions."
"Sounds like a headache," Kalem said with a smirk.
Lyra shot him a glare. "It's called creativity, Kalem. You should try it sometime."
Jhaeros chuckled softly, his sharp ears twitching. "And what about your division, Kalem?"
Kalem sighed and leaned back against the tree. "Material Magic and Elementalism are supposed to collaborate on some kind of project for the festival. Something about showing how elemental forces interact with crafted materials. Honestly, it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen."
"Why?" Jhaeros asked, tilting his head.
"Because it means working with her," Kalem muttered, his tone sour.
"Her?" Lyra asked, intrigued.
"Nara," Kalem said flatly. "The Orc with a chip on her shoulder the size of Onyx. We've been paired up before, and let's just say our methods don't exactly... align."
Lyra grinned. "Oh, this I have to see. Finally, someone who can put you in your place."
Kalem rolled his eyes but said nothing.
Later that afternoon, Kalem and Nara stood in the Material Magic workshop, staring at a large table covered in raw materials—metal ingots, shards of enchanted crystals, and elemental stones. The air between them was thick with tension.
"So," Nara said, crossing her arms. "We're supposed to make something that represents the 'perfect balance of craftsmanship and elemental energy.' Got any brilliant ideas, genius?"
Kalem glared at her. "We could start by not melting the table this time."
Nara smirked. "Maybe if you stopped being so afraid of a little heat, we'd actually get somewhere."
Their bickering was interrupted by the arrival of Professor Althen, who raised an eyebrow at the pair. "I see you're off to a promising start," he said dryly. "Remember, this project isn't just about your skills. It's about collaboration. I expect you two to set aside your differences and create something extraordinary."
As the professor walked away, Kalem and Nara exchanged a look.
"This is going to be a nightmare," Kalem muttered.
"Agreed," Nara said with a grin.
By the end of the day, Kalem was back under the oak tree with Lyra and Jhaeros, recounting his latest clash with Nara.
"She's impossible," Kalem said, throwing his hands up in frustration.
Lyra laughed. "You've finally met your match. I can't wait to see how this festival turns out."
Jhaeros, meanwhile, seemed more focused on the bigger picture. "The festival isn't just about competition," he said quietly. "It's about understanding—about showing how different cultures and skills can come together. Maybe that's something you and Nara should think about."
Kalem sighed, leaning back against the tree. "I'll think about it when she stops trying to set everything on fire."
The others laughed, but beneath the humor, there was an undercurrent of anticipation. The festival was coming, and it would test them all in ways they couldn't yet imagine.