The War of Class is just around the corner, and honestly, I was hoping today's announcement would confirm that I wouldn't be joining—mainly because Elysia's still in the infirmary.
Sir Arsene stepped into the classroom, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
"Good morning, class. The War of Class is approaching, so we'll be making some team changes," he announced, and I leaned in, eager to hear more.
"Since Elysia is still in the infirmary and I heard Tetsu has awakened, Theo will now be paired with Nao. Tetsu, since you're no longer under supervision, you'll be paired with Selene."
"But I already have a partner," Selene spoke up.
"Your partner Valen is still suspended, so I hope you'll accept this arrangement," he replied firmly.
Sitting at the back, I was getting increasingly frustrated—nothing was going the way I wanted, even though Theo, one of the strongest first years, was now my partner.
Seriously?! Does the world just hate the idea of me living a peaceful life?
"So, train hard for the War of Class and aim to represent this class well."
Honestly, I thought this competition would be easy. I have Theo on my team, which pretty much guarantees victory. That means easy gold—five coins, just like that. I just need to play my part and act normal. Plus, Elysia's sick and out of the picture, so I can't rely on her wallet for now.
I can't wait for the games to start.
===
Now I'm at this insanely huge place packed with books—the Academy Library. It's so big, it feels like something out of another world. The shelves seem to go on forever, neatly arranged by genre. This place is not only beautiful but also super peaceful.
I took a deep breath and exhaled. Seriously, the air here feels way better than the noisy, boring, and annoying classroom.
I came here to find something fun to read. While browsing the shelves, a red book with golden patterns caught my eye. The title? MAGIC. I grabbed it and made myself comfortable in a cozy seat to read.
Page after page, the book explained the basics of magic and the elements that exist in this world.
There are nine elements:
1. Eno (fire)
2. Aqa (water)
3. Iwa (earth)
4. Kor (ice)
5. Vyn (wind)
6. Hao (leaf)
7. Lux (light)
8. Nox (darkness)
9. Fuln (lightning)
Lux, Nox, and Fuln are considered rare elements, on a different level from the rest. If someone possesses one of these, they're at the top, and their power is likely beyond ordinary.
Talented people can control two or more elements. Regular folks usually only master one. But even then, perfecting a single element can make someone incredibly strong.
In fact, this book says it's better to focus on depth rather than breadth. Going deep into one element gives a clear edge in strength and skill. Still, those genius types? They tend to have multiple elements and even rare ones like Lux, Nox, or Fuln.
After taking in all that info, I closed the book. My head felt full. This stuff was kind of familiar since I learned some of it at home—though we used different names for the elements. Truth be told, I've never seriously studied magic. My uncle only ever trained me in physical strength.
"Um… excuse me, can I ask you something?" a girl's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I glanced over to see a short-haired girl with big round eyes—kinda cute, honestly.
"What do you want?" I asked.
Her face turned red, clearly shy. "Could you give this letter to Theo?"
My eyebrows twitched as irritation flared. Why the hell do I need to be someone's love messenger?
"Nope," I replied bluntly, and she looked completely shocked.
"Can I ask why?" she stuttered, still wide-eyed, which made me even more annoyed.
"If you really like him or love him, just go tell him yourself," I said flatly.
"But I'm scared of being rejected…" she mumbled, looking downcast.
I stood up and said, voice low but sharp, "If you already think you'll be rejected, then try harder to get close to him."
And with that, I walked away.
Seriously, is this school just a giant dating site?
As I walked down the corridor, still annoyed, I caught sight of Theo getting love letters… in a damn line. Like some kind of idol.
What the hell am I looking at?
"Boom!" Tetsu suddenly appeared, startling me. "Lucky, good-looking guys have it easy," he said, slapping my shoulder.
I shot him a look and kept walking—I wasn't interested in any of this.
"Wait up, Nao!" Tetsu called out, chasing after me.
===
Somewhere dark, lit only by flickering lanterns. The light revealed a woman sitting with her face hidden in shadows.
"Is everyone here?" she asked.
"Yeah," grumbled K', clearly annoyed.
"Yeah," came a deep voice from a muscular man, also hidden in shadow.
"Yeah," said another man, his voice cool and charismatic—face also hidden.
"Yeah," said a soft voice, clearly from a young woman.
"Hmm," Zepr replied casually. Unlike the others, his face was fully visible, drawing everyone's stares with his laid-back vibe.
"Since everyone's here, I'll say this—the purpose of this meeting is to ensure our king is revived on the date I've mentioned."
"And until that day comes, don't cause any trouble," she said, her eyes landing squarely on K'.
"Tch," K' scoffed.
"It's time we all grow stronger—and make sure our identities stay hidden. Use wealth or whatever to manipulate people and draw them in."
"I've said everything I need to say. Use your damn brains. If not, I'll be forced to 'fix' them myself."
Everyone felt a strong cursed aura that made their skin crawl.
"Well then, see you all on the agreed date," the woman said before vanishing, and the heavy tension lifted.
The rest left silently, except Zepr and the young woman.
"Oi, what's your name, asshole?" she asked.
"Zepr. Pretty sure I'm famous enough already, cheap woman."
"What did you just say?!" she lunged at him and grabbed his neck.
She had white hair, red eyes, two sharp fangs, and wore a black dress with white patterns.
"I think you need a little taste of death," she said, drawing a knife and running it slowly across his cheek.
"I'm not into this kind of game," Zepr muttered, shoving her off him hard.
"You're Sophie, right?" he asked, already walking away.
"So what if I am?" she growled, still pissed.
"Well then, see you" he said before vanishing like a puff of smoke.
"Damn it…" Sophie gritted her teeth, frustrated at her loss.
===
"Master" an elderly maid spoke.
"Did you get the information?" Zareth asked, sipping his hot coffee while enjoying the view.