The sun climbed higher, casting warm light over Aqualis Village. Birds chirped, laughter echoed, and the scent of fresh bread drifted from the bakery. Another "ordinary" day.
Ocean Counter walked toward the schoolhouse, adjusting the strap of his satchel. Inside, children were already bustling around — some chatting, some practicing magic. He moved quietly to his usual seat by the window.
"Morning, Ocean!" Lyra Mistwind waved, her silver hair bouncing with the motion.
"Morning, Lyra," Ocean replied softly, a calm smile on his face.
Today, the class had a practice duel, a basic magic exercise for everyone. Students shouted incantations, sparks flew from fingertips, and elemental shields formed and dissipated. The teacher, a kind but strict mage named Eira Lumina, walked between the desks, watching carefully.
"Pair up!" she instructed. "Remember, it's about control, not power."
One boy, Kael Thorn, a confident student with dark red hair, stepped forward. "I'll duel you, Ocean. Don't embarrass yourself."
Ocean tilted his head. "As you wish," he said quietly, almost bored.
The duel began. Kael's fire spells shot straight at Ocean, flames crackling with intense energy. Ocean moved his hands slowly, tracing gestures that looked casual, almost lazy. The flames twisted midair, bending around him harmlessly. He barely flicked a finger — and the fire evaporated.
Kael's eyes widened. "How…?"
Ocean's calm brown eyes never wavered. "Just pay attention," he said softly. A ripple passed through the floor beneath them. Kael stumbled slightly, as if gravity itself had changed for a heartbeat.
The duel continued. Kael tried every trick, every spell, every maneuver he knew. Ocean countered without effort — not because he was attacking, but because the world itself subtly obeyed him.
Lyra whispered to a friend, "Why does he always… look like he's losing, but never actually loses?"
Ocean finished the duel with a gentle wave of his hand. Kael's fire fizzled harmlessly, his shield dissipated, and the class watched in stunned silence. He hadn't struck anyone, yet the outcome was undeniably his favor.
Eira Lumina cleared her throat. "Very good, Ocean. Control and awareness — that's what matters."
Ocean smiled faintly. "Thank you."
After class, the students spilled into the courtyard. Children chased each other, practiced spells, or argued over games. Ocean Counter walked slowly, observing. A few stray water droplets hovered near his hands, dancing in the sunlight. Only he knew why.
To anyone else, he was just an ordinary, clumsy boy.
To anyone who could see beneath the surface… he was a force no one could truly oppose.
And somewhere beyond the village, unseen by human eyes, the abstract presence of Kiyo Jian lingered, still curious about the boy who could not be touched.