"Stop yawning, guys!" Nico snapped, glaring at Chast and Luke as they yawned for what felt like the tenth time.
"Did you even sleep? You both look terrible!" he added, crossing his arms with a raised brow.
The two only stared back lazily, their eyes bloodshot and rimmed with dark circles.
"Late-night fun?" Nico teased.
Luke let out a weak chuckle. "More like late-night talking."
Chast slumped forward, resting his chin on his arm. "I'm exhausted. My brain isn't working."
Nico snorted. "Then brace yourself, idiot. The real lesson starts today."
Both Chast and Luke groaned in unison.
Neither of them wanted to attend class today; they'd practically been dragged there by force.
Luke sank into his cushion. "This is the elves' fault," he muttered between yawns, ruffling his hair.
Chast and Nico yawned right after.
"Your yawns are contagious!" Nico snapped, pursing his lips.
Chast and Luke rolled their eyes and ignored him, groaning inwardly as they regretted not sleeping earlier.
As all the Enigmatic students filled the room, the firefly-like creatures began to hum, their soft glow pulsing in rhythm. Slowly, the plain room began to shift—the walls shimmering, the air thickening with heat. In an instant, their surroundings transformed into a vast desert.
A blazing sun emerged above them. Its rays struck their eyes, forcing many to squint or turn away. The dry air grew hotter by the second, and beads of sweat formed on their foreheads as a warm wind swept through, carrying fine grains of brown sand that brushed against their skin.
Their three professors appeared before them, each astride a camel.
A few students whistled in amusement, clearly impressed, while others groaned and fanned themselves, already complaining about the scorching heat.
"Welcome to your first real lesson," Professor Morrwynn announced, her voice steady yet commanding.
"This lesson will determine how well you can command your magic," she continued, her gaze sweeping across the students. "Remember this—control is the foundation of every spell, every victory, and every downfall. Without it, magic consumes rather than serves."
"Today, you will learn not only to wield your magic... but to master it," Professor Valkiery added, stepping forward. With a snap of her fingers, a cool breeze rippled through the air, brushing against their skin and easing the desert's oppressive heat.
The students straightened, exchanging nervous glances as they wiped the sweat from their faces. The blazing sun roasted them from above, forcing many to remove their heavy robes, which were far from suited for the weather.
Professor Vrynth raised his wand and chanted, "Man linya kayo!"
The command carried through the air, and the students swiftly shifted into a straight line as glowing Aether Crystals materialized before them, each hovering in place.
"What's with these Aether Crystals?" Chast whispered, leaning closer to Luke.
Luke only shrugged, his tired eyes fixed on the crystal floating in front of him.
"You all know what the Aether Crystal can do," Professor Vrynth said, pacing behind them atop his camel. "It not only reveals the magic running through your blood and soul, but it also helps you control it."
Professor Valkiery tapped her camel gently and moved forward. "Now, place your hands on the crystal in front of you."
The students followed her instructions obediently.
They gasped as the Aether Crystals began to react, just like what had happened yesterday during their crystal judgment.
Though it wasn't their first time witnessing the crystals' response, the sight still left them in awe. No matter how many times they saw it, the living beauty of their magic never failed to amaze them.
But Chast's Aether Crystal shattered into pieces again, just like yesterday. His sleepy soul jolted awake, frustration replacing exhaustion.
Shit! he cursed inwardly, clenching his teeth.
Not again.
He groaned softly, his arms tightening as his eyes flickered, unknowingly.
"Do not take your hands off!" Professor Valkiery commanded sharply. "You must control the Aether Crystal's reaction. Once you do, it will subside."
Her gaze stayed fixed on Chast's shattered crystal. She snorted quietly.
It hadn't even begun, yet his crystal was already in ruins.
"You're hopeless," Nico muttered, shaking his head as he stared at the shards.
Chast sighed in defeat. What should I do now?
Without his knowledge, Professor Valkiery summoned a new Aether Crystal for him.
His face brightened instantly, hope flickering through his tired eyes. Professor Valkiery smiled inwardly.
"Close your eyes and connect your mind to the Aether Crystal," Professor Morrwynn instructed, her tone low and deliberate. "Reach for the crystal not with your hands, but with your essence. Regulate your breathing. Channel your energy toward it—slowly. Let your magic answer it, or fight it. Either way, you'll learn which one controls the other."
The students closed their eyes and followed her command.
Chast sighed, silently praying his crystal wouldn't embarrass him again. He closed his eyes and felt it tremble uncontrollably beneath his palms.
Shit! Again?
As expected, it shattered once more. He opened his eyes, frustration burning.
What should I do!?
He tugged at his hair and groaned.
Damn this stupid crystal! Fucking useless!
He looked around at his classmates. Their eyes were closed, their faces calm and focused. Even those struggling managed to remain composed.
Chast exhaled deeply and glared at the crystal that reformed before him.
Pointing at it, he muttered, "You better fucking cooperate with me," glaring daggers as beads of sweat raced down his forehead.
He pressed his lips together, placed his hands back on the surface, and closed his eyes.
The three professors chuckled quietly as they watched him. Unbeknownst to Chast, he was thoroughly entertaining them.
"This is getting interesting," Professor Vrynth said with amusement.
"This is going to be hard for him," Professor Morrwynn added.
Professor Valkiery smirked. "Oh dear... my poor nephew. His frustration will eat him alive."
Damn it!
Bullshit!
Fuck!
Shit!
Every curse escaped Chast's lips as his crystal shattered again and again. His fists clenched tightly as anger flooded through him. He wanted to punch the next Aether Crystal that appeared and call it a day.
Bit by bit, his hope was slipping away. He was this close to giving up entirely. Every time he tried, the crystal would shatter within minutes. He just wanted to return to his dorm, curl up beside his mother, and sleep. Anything was better than sitting here, looking like a complete fool.
"How is he?" asked Zayn, who had arrived without anyone noticing.
The professors turned to him with faint smiles.
"His crystal keeps shattering," Professor Vrynth replied.
As he spoke the word shattering, Chast's crystal broke again.
They all snorted—except Zayn, who remained stoic as ever.
"How many times now?" Zayn asked, watching Chast glare at the shards scattered before him.
"Quite a few," Professor Valkiery chuckled. "I don't think there's much hope for him. His magic is stubborn—it doesn't connect with him." She snapped her fingers, summoning another Aether Crystal for Chast.
Zayn nodded silently, his eyes never leaving the boy.
He observed every detail—Chast's movements, his breathing, the way he cursed, every flicker of frustration across his face.
After over ten failed attempts, Zayn finally stood and muttered, "I'll deal with this stupid kid." His tone was sharp, edged with irritation, and as he strode forward, the professors couldn't help but laugh.
It had been a while since they'd heard Zayn sound so frustrated—finally showing emotion.
Professors Vrynth and Valkiery dismounted their camels, checking on the other students, while Professor Morrwynn followed, still riding hers.
The students sat cross-legged on their cushions, beads of sweat racing down their faces as they focused on controlling the crystals. No one dared to lift a hand to wipe the sweat away.
Except Luke—who was snoring softly in his seat.
As soon as he'd closed his eyes, sleep had claimed him completely.
"Luke Valkiery!" Professor Valkiery's voice boomed, carried by the wind.
Luke jolted awake and hit his head on the crystal.
He immediately sat upright, rubbing his face and muttering, Wake up, Luke! Wake up!
When his eyes met his aunt's deadly stare, he gulped and looked away quickly, returning his attention to the crystal with renewed focus.
Meanwhile, Professor Vrynth was quietly impressed by the two Valvrynths—Sean and Hunter. Their crystals glowed faintly, pulsing in rhythm as if responding to their calm energy.
"Valvrynths indeed," Professor Vrynth said proudly.
The two brothers slowly opened their eyes, joy lighting up their faces.
Sean and Hunter exchanged a quick glance before grinning and high-fiving, pumping their fists into the air. They'd done it. They finally did it.
"Congratulations on controlling your magic!" Professor Morrwynn said, clapping her hands with delight. "You may now step away and observe the others."
Meanwhile, Zayn stood silently before Chast, who was still trying to steady his breathing and focus.
"You're not focusing enough," Zayn snapped, his voice cutting through the heat and hum of magic.
Chast's eyes flew open, startled. His brows furrowed the moment he saw Zayn standing right in front of him.
What is he doing here? he thought, confusion flickering across his face.
Chast grimaced and just stared at Zayn.
Zayn raised an eyebrow. "Getting angry won't help you focus," he said coldly. "You're just wasting your time here."
His voice was deep and sharp enough to cut through the air. The tone carried an edge of authority that made Chast's skin prickle. Goosebumps crawled up his arms as Zayn's gaze bore into him, calm yet terrifying.
Chast clenched his jaw, forcing himself not to look away. "Then what do you want me to do?" he muttered, frustration lacing his voice. "Every time I try to control it, it just—" Before he could finish his words, the crystal trembled violently, then shattered once again. Its fragments scattering across the growing pile of shards.
Zayn sighed through his nose, his expression unreadable. "Exactly that," he said flatly. "You're trying but your anger dominated instead of focusing."
Chast slumped back onto his cushion, his shoulders collapsing under the weight of frustration.
"You need to understand your magic and focus on it." Zayn added, his gaze narrowing."Magic doesn't bend to fear or anger, Chast. It bends to clarity."
Chast snorted inwardly. How can I understand my magic if I don't have one!?
Zayn heaved a breath and massage his temple. "You hold the ECLIPSE OF SOVEREIGN AETHERIAN. You are not powerless, Chast."