[Training Hall #1]
...
Symbols were hastily drawn on practice slates all across the hall. The results were immediate and divisive. Most attempts fizzled into nothing—a sparkless [Fireball], a crumbled [Ground Wall]. Frustration was the most common yield.
Then, there was Hua Ruyan.
While others struggled, her movements were fluid and assured. A perfect [Fireball] rune ignited a small, controlled flame that danced obediently above her palm. She was the benchmark, the living proof that this impossible new art was achievable, drawing gazes of both admiration and sharp jealousy.
Amidst the crackling failures and hushed whispers, a calm voice cut through Shen Liang's concentration.
"Making any progress, Shen Liang?"
It was Hua Ruyan herself. The so-called cold princess of the prestigious Hua family had unexpectedly crossed the training floor to stand beside him. Her expression was unreadable, but her question was directed solely at the boy who resembled a phoenix—burned and reborn from his trials.
He flinched, the half-formed [Stone] rune he was focusing on dissipating into a wisp of inert mana. He turned to find her standing there, her composed presence a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the room.
"...Ah! Well, I'm... trying. You see how that's going," he managed, gesturing vaguely at the empty space where his spell had failed. A part of him wondered why she of all people was bothering with him right now.