After clearing up things with Sulong and starting a new page, built on cooperation, Zeke returned home and packed the necessary stuff he needed to take with him to the dormitory.By the time he ate a bit of food, he was feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue due to his brief confrontation with Vanessa.It took him a great deal of Aether as well as absolute concentration to stop her blistering cold aura and the icicles.He got to experience firsthand the gap between himself and one of the top students of Erys. Of course, Vanessa was a third-year and she had been training in Aether Manipulation since a young age, but that didn’t make Zeke feel any better.He had the System, which was-arguably- a much more efficient and fast method of progress. First, he had to catch up to his peers and climb the rankings, and, eventually, he was confident in reaching the apex and no longer having to worry about ridicule, bullying, or the constant comparison between himself and his successful siblings.
‘Huh? It’s spreading?’During Christopher’s long lesson, Zeke’s mind was preoccupied with the Rune of Life. The burning and stinging continued and, after a while, thin vein-like blue lines spread from the center of the circle-shaped rune. Panicking a little, Zeke excused himself to the bathroom and once he made sure no one was there, he pulled his sleeves and saw the lines going upwards, almost reaching his elbow.There were hints of the lightning originating from the ‘Aether Voltage Path’ appearing and vanishing around his hand, freaking out the youth even more.‘It appears to be going out of control? Or is it self-evolving?’If there was no pain, Zeke would have been celebrating over this unexpected occasion, however, with how mysterious and peculiar the Paths of Extinctions had been, he felt nervous and apprehensive, perceiving this development as a bad omen of sorts.At first, Zeke thought about going to Professor Nayro in an attempt to learn more but changed his mind later on. A
“I’m not a teacher, so I won’t pry any further.” The Dean eyed Zeke for a couple of breaths before standing up and opening the door. “Return to your dormitory and… no more nocturnal wandering or you will receive Black Stars.” Zeke and Emilia nodded and scurried away, soon finding themselves back in the forest. While he was in deep thought, she stole glances at him and tried to say something only to stop at the last second. The short trip back to the open campus was filled with nothing but a tense silence. However, before they separated, Zeke halted his feet and asked her, “What were you doing in the middle of nowhere?” Instead of answering, she apologetically bowed her head, “I’m sorry. Really really sorry!” “Huh?” Taken aback, he raised his eyebrow, not knowing how to respond. “I now know what I did wrong. I… I never wanted Amelia to die or for her parents to get attacked. Please believe me!” “It’s not me who you should apologize to. Still, at least you’re remorseful, unli
After the first two lessons, while Zeke was at the cafeteria, Julia walked up to him, seemingly in a slight rush. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be watching. “Watching what, exactly?” “Hm?” Then, the girl tilted her head in confusion and responded, “Your friend, of course. I heard that Rodrick challenged him.” “He did?” Zeke put down the utensils and, with Julia following him, headed straight into the arena situated in the First Year’s training facility. Surprisingly, there was a big crowd made up of many students from all First Year Classe, which was unexpected since the two fighters weren’t particularly famous. Fylard and his group were present too, standing near the entrance and spectating with huge grins. Unfortunately, by the time Zeke arrived, the fight was already over. He saw Samuel lying on the ground with a few minor cuts on his uniform and one on his left cheek. Professor Nayro intervened at the last second and ended the fight, declaring loudly, “The wi
“Why are you always talking to yourself?” While bandaging her chest to hide the hideous black crystal, Amelia asked Jonathan, who never pacing around the dimly lit basement and mumbling to himself. Her question, which came out of the blue, made him momentarily stop and look at her with half-surprised half-confused face. “It helps me concentrate… and it doesn’t concern you. Continue your training or else I will find someone else to use the Crown.” As crazy as he always seemed, Jonathan could sometimes be reasonable and calm. Now was such a time, which was why she mustered her courage and asked him. Then again, as they were allies, more or less, he wasn’t particularly harsh on her. “What even is the Crown? Is it just this crystal to my chest?” He stared at the thick bandages wrapped around her chest, barely hiding the crystal. After a slight hesitation, he sighed and fiddled with his yellow headband, “The Crown is an otherworldly artifact. It’s what will help me get what I want.”
“I knew you’d come.”The Dean beckoned Zeke, who stood at the edge of the open area and, flabbergasted, stared at Azmer.“Hm? I never said you’re the only one.”“...”Zeke had deliberated the offer’s for a whole day and finally decided to accept it as it was the safest way to train. However, never did he expect to find Azmer here too, but, unlike him, the latter still refused to acknowledge his presence and was minding his business.‘Why should I leave just because he’s here? It’s not like I’m afraid.’As he stood next to the shabby hut, the old man pointed at a poorly-made leather dummy.“This is better than mindlessly hitting trees. Suit yourself.”After saying that, he proceeded to ignore Zeke and busied himself with Azmer. He stopped behind the blond youth and, after a moment, raised his cane and hit the back of his knee, making him fall to the ground.“How many times do I have to tell you? Concentrate and don’t activate your ability immediately!”With gritted teeth, Azmer solemnl
“What’s the matter with that kid?”Celestia wasn’t happy at the end of her pointless conversation with Zeke. He left abruptly and was vehemently against lending any kind of assistance. “I found that strange.” Remarked James while pushing back his glasses and standing up.“He was relatively polite when we talked to him. Did you expect him to be like Edward?”Upon the mention of Edward Orland, the girl snorted and averted her gaze.“Apparently, before awakening, so to speak, he was getting bullied by two of his classmates. Maybe his unwillingness to help stems from that.”“And what, pray tell, does that have anything to do with me?”“You shouldn’t have threatened him.” Chirped Vanessa, also surprised by Zeke’s attitude. Although he was fairly outspoken, he was still a bit ‘docile’ when she talked to him.“I’ll try talking to him.”“What?”Celestia slapped her hand against the table, her anger rising, which was extremely rare as tended to things in a calm and responsible manner.“Out of
“This is not the right way, lad.” Instead of training with Julia, Zeke used another route while avoiding the patrols. It wasn’t that difficult, at least not until the Dean appeared nowhere. “Erys has been closed off and, barring a few exceptions, new students are allowed to leave the premises. I thought the notice made it crystal clear.” “I have to leave.” Resolutely said back the youth, his eyes defiant and fists clenched. He had to retrieve the Crown no matter the cost, because, at this rate, his condition would get worse, and, excluding the attention it might attract, he might not even be able to walk properly, much less train or attend class. “Have to? That’s the excuse everyone says in this situation. Don’t make things hard for yourself and ruin your perfect records by getting Black Stars.” “...” Seeing Zeke’s adamance, the old man stopped tapping his stick on the ground, he raised it ever-so-slightly as if about to attack. However, at the last second, he furrowed his brows