COMING FOR ME

     I kept quiet for a while, then sat on a bench near the window where she had been watching me. To her right, there was an empty classroom with only a teacher inside, carefully placing a magical rock into a glass casing. If things went sideways, I could scream for help and get the teacher's attention.

I crossed my legs and maintained a neutral expression, showing no emotion, no hint of what I was thinking. I needed to keep her guessing, unsure of what I might do next.

"I didn't die." I lied effortlessly. "I used a spell that distracted the guards. I was long gone when my duplicate died."

"Duplicate?"

"Uh-huh."

She moved closer to me. "Is that a spell? How did you use a spell if your mana is close to zero?" 

"Close to zero, not zero, just like you said. I can still use spells." I answered. "Because –"

"Why not just show me?" She asked, smiling. "Use that same spell right now. Or I'll rat you out to the authorities."

'Okay, time to try that new ability I got…'

[Dark Reflection Activated.]

A swirling mass of smoke began to form beside me, coalescing into a shadowy duplicate of myself. It looked just like me, moving and breathing as if it were alive. It looked around, smiled and waved at me. Then, it began walking toward the girl.

[Warning: The duplicate touched the light. It will be erased in three seconds.]

Just as the thing had warned, the duplicate flickered as it came into contact with the magical light emanating from one of the lantern-like objects on the wall, and then dissipated into nothingness, leaving no trace behind.

"That is a weird spell." The girl commented, raising an eyebrow. "And I took you for an amateur. My bad, I guess."

"Now, my turn to ask. What's your name?"

"Haruko Yamne. Nice to meet you, Axel Min." 

"Hmm. I'd say likewise but I'd be lying." 

She smiled. "That harsh… Oh, by the way, where's that artifact?" She asked. "I just want to take a look at it. That's all."

"I fenced it off in Rusty Chalice. I take it you know the place since you're a thief."

"Shame." 

"Are we done here?" I rose to my feet, ready to end the conversation.

"Yep. Don't worry, I'll keep your secret."

"You have to. Because if you breathe a word to anyone about this, I'll rat you out too. You attempted to steal Mia's corpse. That's messed up."

She laughed loudly, the sound echoing in the empty corridor. "Hypocrisy is a bitch, I guess."

"Yeah," I said, taking my first step down the stairs. "I guess…"

I descended the stairs and reached the training grounds, a vast open space designed for students to practice their skills. The area was expansive, with plenty of room to move freely. Rows of seats surrounded the grounds, providing enough space for visitors to observe what was going on in it.

Spotting Sura waving at me, I quickly walked over to her and stood by her side. Just as I was about to speak, Mr. Vlad arrived and raised his hand, drawing the attention of all the students.

"Hello again, class," Mr. Vlad announced. "We're going to start practicing basic spells today. Let's begin without any further delay. Now…"

Mr. Vlad gestured for the students to spread out, ensuring everyone had enough space. He demonstrated a simple spell, casting a small orb of light that floated above his hand.

"This is the Lumina Orb," he explained. "It's a basic light spell that can be useful in dark places. You can cast it with a quick snap of the fingers, and it requires minimal mana. Watch closely."

He repeated the spell slowly, emphasizing the hand movements. The students watched attentively, some already mimicking the motions. While snapping his fingers, he slightly tilted his hand, as if picking up an invisible flame on his palm.

"Now, it's your turn, students. Focus on the spell. Remember, it's all about channeling your energy."

I glanced at Sura, who was already practicing the Lumina Orb.

Taking a deep breath, I focused on the spell. Not to my surprise, I wasn't able to cast it. I tried multiple times, snapping my fingers until they hurt… Well, it's not like I would have used that Lumina thing anyway. My skill set worked only in the shadows, not in the light.

Mr. Vlad walked among the students, offering guidance and encouragement. When he reached me, he paused and watched my attempt.

"Good effort, Axel," he said, nodding. "Keep practicing. It's all about control and focus. I'm sure you'll be able to cast it in no time!"

Nearby, Mira was already creating a bright orb of light, her face glowing with pride. She glanced at me and smiled, giving me a thumbs-up. 

     The lesson went on for about an hour, and I couldn't cast a single spell. The other students whispered behind my back, watching my pathetic attempts with eyes full of pity. Mira and Mr. Vlad were the only ones who tried to help me. They kept encouraging me, saying things like, "Practice makes perfect," and "You'll get it eventually if you keep trying." Their words felt empty, and the more they insisted, the more frustrated I became.

I sat on the rows of the training grounds and shut my eyes. A slight breeze stirred the air, making it feel colder.

"Hey," Mira said, sitting next to me. "How are you doing?"

"Good. You?"

"Same," she replied. "Would you like to practice a bit more with me? I can try to help you."

"Nah, thanks. I'll practice at home."

"Are you still worried about James?" she asked, sighing. "You should be glad he's dead. That bastard had it coming, trust me. Even my father hated him, and my father doesn't hate people easily."

"Uh-huh," I nodded. "Let's change the subject. Those are the last two names I want to hear right now, Mira."

"Okay, okay… hey, would you like to –"

A siren-like sound pierced the air, echoing through the training grounds and the school corridors. It was so loud that I had to cover my ears.

The sound emanated from a series of enchanted crystals strategically placed under the school. These crystals, known as Resonant Alarms, were designed to alert everyone in the vicinity to danger. When activated, they emitted a powerful, pulsating tone that could be heard clearly across the entire campus, their magical vibrations carrying the alarm far and wide.

"Everyone, calm down," a guard shouted as he entered the school grounds, his voice struggling to rise above the siren's wail. "The Shadow Dancer has escaped and was last seen heading toward this school. Everyone inside the building right now. Don't panic!"

"Ah, shit…" I muttered to myself. "Is he… coming for me?"

[New Quest: Kill James.

Upon completion: 10AP, 1500g.]