The unexpected help

The following day, Aira woke up with a renewed sense of determination. Despite the setbacks, she was more resolute than ever to change her fate. She had faced ridicule, and her attempts to bring Sophia and Asahi closer had fallen flat, but she wasn't one to give up so easily.

As she prepared for another day of classes at Eden Academy, her thoughts were focused on one goal—improving her magic.

Aira and Sophia arrived at the main hall for their first class of the day, which was focused on advanced mana theory and application.

The room was filled with students eager to prove themselves, and Aira couldn't shake the lingering whispers from the previous day. She knew her reputation was in shambles, but she also knew that she needed to prove herself if she was to survive in this world.

As the students settled into their seats, the instructor, a tall, silver-haired woman named Professor Lenora, began the lesson. She was known for her strict teaching methods and her ability to push students to their limits.

"Today, we will be delving into the complexities of mana synchronization," Professor Lenora announced."This is a critical skill that will allow you to enhance your spellcasting abilities and work in tandem with other mages. It requires not only a deep understanding of your own mana flow but also the ability to sense and align with the mana of others."

Aira listened intently, determined to grasp the concepts being taught. As the lesson progressed, the students were instructed to pair up and practice synchronizing their mana flows.

Aira's heart sank slightly as she realized she didn't have a partner. Sophia had already paired up with another student, and Aira found herself standing alone in the middle of the room.

Just as she was about to approach someone, a quiet voice called out to her from the back of the room. "Lady Aira." Aira turned to see a tall, slender boy with striking blue hair and equally intense blue eyes standing by the door. He was dressed in the same Academy uniform as the others, but something about him was different. There was a calm, almost ethereal aura surrounding him, and his eyes held a depth that seemed to see right through her.

It was Eclis, the enigmatic second male lead of the game. Aira's breath caught in her throat. In the original storyline, Eclis was a mysterious and reserved character, known for his exceptional magical abilities and his aloof nature. He rarely interacted with others, and when he did, it was with a cold, detached demeanor. But there was something about him that had always intrigued Aira, both in the game and now, in this strange reality.

Eclis approached her with measured steps, his gaze never leaving her. "Would you like to partner with me for this exercise?" Aira blinked in surprise, not expecting him to approach her so directly. "Y-Yes, of course. Thank you," she stammered, trying to maintain her composure.

The two of them found a quiet corner of the room, away from the prying eyes of the other students. Aira couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Eclis was an unknown variable, and she wasn't sure how this encounter would play out.

"Let's begin," Eclis said softly, holding out his hand to her.

Aira hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. The moment their hands touched, she felt a strange, tingling sensation. It was as if his mana was reaching out to hers, seeking to connect with it on a deeper level. "Focus on your mana flow," Eclis instructed. "Don't force it. Let it flow naturally, and try to sense the rhythm of mine."

Aira closed her eyes, trying to concentrate. She had always struggled with controlling her mana, but under Eclis's guidance, she felt a subtle shift. His mana was calm and steady, like a gentle river flowing through her, and she found herself instinctively aligning with it. As they continued to synchronize their mana, Aira felt a strange warmth spreading through her chest. It was a comforting sensation, unlike anything she had experienced before. The connection between them was growing stronger, and for the first time, she felt like she was truly in control of her magic.

"Good," Eclis said quietly. "You're doing well." Aira opened her eyes and looked up at him, surprised by the praise. Eclis's expression remained neutral, but there was a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her heart racing.

Eclis nodded, releasing her hand. "You have potential, Lady Aira. Don't let the opinions of others cloud your judgment. Focus on what you can achieve, not on what they expect of you." His words resonated deeply with Aira. She had been so consumed by the negative perceptions of those around her that she had forgotten to believe in herself. Eclis's encouragement, though subtle, gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

As they completed the exercise, Aira couldn't help but feel a growing sense of admiration for Eclis. He was different from the other students—calm, composed, and unyielding in his beliefs. There was an air of mystery about him that drew her in, and she found herself wanting to learn more about him. The lesson ended, and the students began to disperse. Aira and Eclis stood in the corner, a comfortable silence between them. Just as Aira was about to thank him again, Eclis spoke up.

"Lady Aira, if you ever need assistance with your magic, feel free to seek me out," he said, his voice soft but sincere.

Aira looked up at him, surprised by the offer. "I… I will. Thank you, Eclis."

He nodded once more before turning to leave. As he walked away, Aira couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were destined to cross again.

Eclis was an enigma, but he had shown her a kindness that she hadn't expected.

He was a character who also loved Sophia but always lived in shadow protecting her and never expressed his feelings.

As she watched him disappear into the crowd, Aira felt a renewed sense of hope.

The road ahead was still uncertain, but with allies like Eclis, she knew she wasn't alone. There was still much to learn, but she was ready to face whatever challenges came her way.

As Eclis walked away, a translucent window appeared before Aira's eyes, displaying his favorability rate: +10.

Aira's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Unlike the others, Eclis's favorability rate was positive from the start, which was both reassuring and intriguing.

This small but significant gesture of approval lifted Aira's spirits. It seemed that not everyone viewed her through the lens of her past mistakes.

Eclis, despite his aloof demeanor, had recognized her potential and had already shown her more kindness than most at Eden Academy. The fact that his favorability was in the positive range, and so early on, gave Aira a sense of accomplishment she hadn't felt in a long time. She made a mental note to herself to keep nurturing this connection. Perhaps, with Eclis on her side, she could find a way to change not only her fate but also the dynamics of this world she was thrust into.

After the class, Aira decided to focus on improving her relationship with her brothers. She knew they were the key to unlocking the first quest and improving her overall standing in the Arima family. She found them in the training grounds, practicing their swordsmanship. Taking a deep breath, Aira approached them. "Brothers, I know we haven't had the best relationship, but I wanted to apologize for my past behavior. I realize now that my actions were wrong, and I want to change."

Dain and Ray exchanged a skeptical glance, their arms crossed. "And what makes you think we believe you, Aira?" Dain questioned, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I know it's hard to trust me after everything, but I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused. I want to prove to you that I've changed. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness," Aira replied, her voice steady.

Ray scoffed. "Spare us the act, Aira. We've heard it all before." Aira's determination faltered slightly, but she didn't give up. "I understand if you don't believe me right away, but please give me a chance. I promise I won't let you down."

Dain and Ray exchanged another look, their expressions unreadable.

Finally, Dain spoke up. "Fine, we'll give you a chance. But if you screw up again, don't expect us to be so forgiving."

Aira nodded, relieved. "Thank you. I won't let you down."

As Aira walked away, she checked their favorability rates. To her surprise, both had increased by one point. Dain's was now -8 and Ray's was -6. It was a small step, but it was a start.

Aira knew she had a long way to go to earn her brothers' trust, but she was determined to succeed. She had to prove to them that she was no longer the spoiled, arrogant villainess they remembered.