The next day,
A deep bell sounded throughout the academy, letting everyone know it was time for the first semester to start.
Students lined up in a big lecture hall with this cool tech that projected the teacher's image onto the walls, so everyone could follow along, even those sitting at the back.
Ms. Serena walked in, her steps calm and confident. Her wavy hair falls over her shoulders, and her gaze is sharp, as if she is weighing each student with a single glance.
"Good morning, first-years," she said in a clear voice.
"I'm Serena Azulis, your advisor for Basic Elements. Don't worry, that doesn't mean we're going to start throwing fireballs from day one."
The students started laughing a little, and even Dan smiled a bit.
"First, we'll understand the elements and their divisions. As you know, there are
three main categories:
Here are the basic elements: Fire, water, wind, earth.
Branched elements: lightning, ice, iron, toxins, and so on.
Special elements: Extremely rare, such as time, space, or even gravity. These elements are difficult to control... and sometimes dangerous to the user."
"We're here to find and polish yours talents. It's not about what you're born with, but how you use it."
She held up a thin magic wand and waved it in the air, and up popped a map of the elements in the form of an energy circle.
"Each element interacts with each other differently. Fire is weak to water, but superior to wind, iron cuts, but lightning melts... and space?"
She paused, then smiled lightly.
"Space messes with all the rules, but that's not the focus of this class."
Marin whispered to Dan:
"Did she say... space? No way, I heard that only crazy people can use it."
Dan didn't say anything. He just clinched his fist a bit under the table.
I've heard a lot of warnings about special items, but my talent is high, so I should at least try to use it later, despite the risks.
Ms. Serena kept going, pointing to the magic circle:
"What you possess isn't the whole story, but how you understand it is what makes a difference. There are two types of Awakened: the sorcerer, which is my specialty, and the fighter, which comes in various forms. Some elements are more suited to the sorcerer than the fighter, and vice versa.
The magic circle slowly disappeared as she turned to them with a serious look.
"Tomorrow, practical training is going to start in the Eastern Arena. You'll take some tests to see how much control you have over your element. Don't worry, you won't be asked to fight, yet."
There was a bit of a buzz in the air, with some folks looking excited and others a bit nervous. Marlin let out a sigh:
"Gee, I wish I could fight... at least I know how to throw a punch."
Dan laughed softly, but he wasn't looking at him. He was taking another look at the info about the special elements.
So, does this mean that someone could come back to life like he did, or is he somehow involved in knowing what happened to him?
His thoughts were interrupted by the professor's words:
"Today I'm going to give you a simple task: Find out where your element came from and how it's been used in major wars. Please submit a brief report within three days. Don't be late."
Then she turned and went to the door, leaving the classroom full of silence and questions.
After class, students started to gather in the hallways and courtyards.
Marlin turned to Dan and said with a smile:
"Imagine... the first day, and you ask us to write a report? The academy will never be easy."
Then he added in a serious tone:
"Dan, it's not like you to stay quiet all the time. Is there something wrong?"
Dan looked at him for a second, then said:
"I just need some time to get used to things."
Before Marlin could say anything, a skinny student came over with a big book, his hair as white as snow.
"Are you Dan Noctine?"
Dan nodded.
The student said in a polite tone:
Ms. Serena said you should go to her in the side hall.
"Sure, I'll catch up with you later,"
Then the student took off.
Marlin looked at Dan, totally surprised.
"You're Dan?"
Dan gave a short, frosty response.
"Yeah, and you're marlin?"
Marlin laughed and said
"No, I mean you're the famous Dan Nocturne."
Dan smiled a little.
His reputation is well-known.
"I'm sorry if I misled you."
Marlin just gave a casual shrug.
"Actually, you're quite different from what the rumors say."
Dan let out a sigh.
"I know I've done some bad things in the past, but I'm trying to make amends."
Marilyn responded, amazed.
"Oh... that's good, although I can't imagine you apologizing to the Hartners' daughter."
Dan froze for a moment, worried about what he might hear, whispering
"Why do you think she won't accept my apology?"
Mariln asked, keeping a playful smile.
"Man, didn't you try to assault her?"
Dan tried to keep his composure as many insults flowed through his mind.
That damn Dan Noctein... why do I have to put up with him? All I want to do is go back to my world
Marlin finally said with a laugh:
"Anyway, she's in class with us, but I'd advise you not to try to talk to her, even if you're remorseful. Who knows, she might even kill you herself if she gets the chance."
He and Marlin parted ways, and I found myself reflecting on a lot of things.
That's great. I didn't even survive the assassination attempt, and now there might be another one, but I'll save that for later.