Lessons of Power

The academy's grandiose library served as a sanctuary of wisdom, where towering shelves housed countless tomes filled with the knowledge of Nexans and their powers. This quiet haven was the ideal retreat for Marilyn, whose love for fantasy novels led her to explore the nooks and crannies of both Aetheria and the written word.

On this particular day, Marilyn occupied her usual corner, engrossed in a tale of enchanted realms and mythical creatures. The pages transported her to another world, one where her worries and responsibilities could momentarily evaporate.

Beside her, Kokoro slouched in his chair, head tilted at an odd angle, and his snoring provided an unusual soundtrack for the library's peace. He'd claimed that reading put him to sleep, but Marilyn suspected it was more about the art of snoozing than the content of the books.

As Marilyn turned a page, the arrival of a familiar figure disrupted Kokoro's dreams of comic interludes. Mr. Serapis Vale, the Aetherial Manipulation instructor, strode into the library. The room's aura shifted as if acknowledging his presence.

Serapis was a tall, imposing man, renowned for his strict demeanor. He had a penchant for reprimanding students over the slightest missteps, and his stony expression rarely wavered. He cleared his throat loudly, and the librarian, a petite woman with a gentle disposition, hurried over.

"Mr. Vale," she greeted, her tone a stark contrast to his. "How may I assist you?"

Serapis scanned the room, his gaze finally settling on Marilyn and Kokoro. "I seek two novices, Marilyn Hartley and Kokoro Raisa. They ought to be here."

Kokoro, rudely awakened by the disruption, blinked groggily and sat up straighter, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed. His messy hair added to the disheveled charm of his appearance. "Huh? Marilyn, did we get a summons for naptime?"

Marilyn, bookmarking her novel, sighed. "No, Kokoro. It's Mr. Vale."

Serapis approached their table, his voice carrying the weight of his strict reputation. "Marilyn, Kokoro, I trust you have been diligent in your studies."

Kokoro rubbed his eyes with feigned exhaustion. "Mr. Vale, we've been working hard, too hard in fact. I believe I need a nap after all that learning." He let out a faux-yawn for emphasis.

Serapis's eyebrow twitched. "Naptime is not on today's schedule, Kokoro."

Marilyn interjected, sensing the impending danger of Kokoro's delulu antics. "We've been focused on our abilities, Mr. Vale. Is there something specific you need from us?"

Serapis regarded Marilyn with a scrutinizing gaze, almost as if attempting to gauge her sincerity. "Very well. The principal has authorized a specialized lesson in Aetherial Manipulation for both of you. This is a rare opportunity, and I expect you to show the utmost dedication."

Kokoro, seemingly awakened by the mention of a unique lesson, leaned forward, suddenly alert. "Specialized lesson? What's that, Mr. Vale?"

Serapis sighed, clearly impatient with Kokoro's antics but retaining his composed demeanor. "Aetherial Manipulation is a delicate art. Today, I will guide you through advanced techniques. Do you have any questions before we begin?"

Kokoro raised his hand like an eager student. "Yes, Mr. Vale, are you secretly a magician?"

Serapis pinched the bridge of his nose, a sign of increasing exasperation. "No, Kokoro, I am not a magician. Now, let us proceed."

Marilyn suppressed a chuckle at Kokoro's antics, but she couldn't help but admire how he lightened the mood, even in the presence of the stern instructor.

As their lesson progressed, Kokoro displayed a surprising level of focus and aptitude, his delulu tendencies momentarily forgotten. Serapis, though stern, showed a hidden passion for the subject, revealing the elegance and intricacy of Aetherial Manipulation.

Meanwhile, in another part of the academy, Miss Yuka Barakud supervised a group of novice students during their outdoor training session. Her love for cats was well-known, and she often brought her feline companion, a sleek black cat named Midnight, with her.

Miss Yuka was a stark contrast to Mr. Vale. She exuded warmth and enthusiasm, which made her a favorite among the students. Her approach was both kind-hearted and motivating.

As the students practiced their Aetherial powers under her watchful eye, Miss Yuka couldn't help but smile. "Good job, everyone! Remember, Aetherial Resonance is about connecting with the energy around you."

A novice student, wide-eyed and eager to please, approached her. "Miss Yuka, what's it like being a Nex

ans user? Is it as amazing as they say?"

Miss Yuka's eyes twinkled with a mixture of fondness and determination. "Being a Nexans user is a gift, but it comes with responsibilities. We must use our powers wisely and protect Aetheria."

As the day unfolded, the academy's corridors echoed with the laughter of students, their unique journeys of discovery weaving the fabric of Aetheria's future. In the world of Nexans, where powers, personalities, and humor converged, a new chapter in their destiny was being written.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the academy grounds, Marilyn and Kokoro found themselves in the classroom of Mr. Serapis Vale, their stern and formidable instructor for the afternoon. The room buzzed with anticipation and a hint of trepidation, for Mr. Serapis was known for his strict demeanor and unwavering demand for excellence.

Mr. Serapis, a man of mature authority and precision, had a reputation for maintaining a disciplined environment. He entered the room, his gaze sharp and discerning, instantly quelling any whispers or fidgeting among the students. His voice, when he finally spoke, carried the weight of experience.

"Good afternoon, Novices," he began, his tone crisp and unforgiving. "You stand here not just as students but as future nexans who will carry the burden of our world's balance on your shoulders. To wield your powers effectively, you must first learn control."

Marilyn, sitting near the front, listened attentively, her gentle and understanding nature well-suited to absorbing the knowledge that Mr. Serapis imparted. Her quiet demeanor and love for reading fantasy novels had made her a quiet presence in the academy. Yet, beneath that soft exterior, her inner strength and empathy were undeniable.

Kokoro, on the other hand, reclined in his chair toward the back of the room, as if the very act of sitting up straight was an affront to his laid-back philosophy. He was the class clown, the teenager who found humor in every situation and never hesitated to crack a joke, even when it was wildly inappropriate. He was relatable to his peers, and his unique brand of humor endeared him to many.

"Today," Mr. Serapis continued, "we will begin with a lesson on controlling the flow of aether, an essential skill for nexans. Remember, even the slightest error can result in catastrophe. You must master this."

As the lesson progressed, Marilyn diligently followed Mr. Serapis's instructions, her focus unwavering as she concentrated on manipulating the aether around her. Her powers of Aetherial Empathy allowed her to connect with the energies of the world, and with patience, she honed her abilities, ever the dedicated student.

Kokoro, however, seemed to struggle to maintain his concentration. He absentmindedly swirled his pencil between his fingers, his mind drifting to his latest delulu—a vivid fantasy of a dramatic romance with an enigmatic partner he had yet to meet. His comically exaggerated sighs punctuated the otherwise quiet classroom.

This did not go unnoticed by Mr. Serapis, who possessed the patience of a saint but a fierce intolerance for disruption. With swift precision, he reached Kokoro's desk and delivered a stinging slap that echoed through the room. The other novices gasped in shock.

"Focus, Mr. Raisa," Mr. Serapis warned, his voice sharp. "Daydreaming may serve your fantasies, but it will not serve you here."

Kokoro, rubbing his cheek with an exaggerated pout, couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Tough love, Mr. Serapis, I appreciate it."

Marilyn couldn't help but suppress a laugh, her soft chuckle barely audible. Kokoro's antics were a source of amusement for many, even in the sternest of moments.

The lesson continued, with Marilyn excelling in her control over aether, while Kokoro, despite his occasional lapses into delulu, showed undeniable progress. Mr. Serapis, though a strict taskmaster, couldn't help but acknowledge their determination.

As the class concluded, the novices filed out, their minds filled with new knowledge and Kokoro's witty remarks. They moved on to their next class, taught by the fiery and relentless Miss Yuka Barakud. Known for her short temper and brutal honesty, Miss Yuka was a force to be reckoned with.

In Miss Yuka's class, novices were pushed to their limits, both physically and mentally. Her training regimen was rigorous, designed to instill discipline and resilience in her students. But despite her stern exterior, she had a deep love for her students, especially the feline companions that often accompanied her.

Marilyn and Kokoro knew they were in for another challenging lesson, but they also knew that beneath Miss Yuka's tough exterior was a kind heart, ready to guide them toward becoming powerful and responsible nexans.

As they entered her classroom, they couldn't help but exchange knowing glances, bracing themselves for another round of lessons that would test their mettle and, undoubtedly, make them laugh in the face of adversity.