Life Gallery 35 - Talentless Magic

Scene: Doggo Cheer

INT. LYSANDER'S APARTMENT – AFTERNOON

Lysander lies sprawled across the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling, the weight of his sadness pressing him down. A gentle knock on the door breaks the silence. He sighs and calls out, barely loud enough to be heard.

Lysander "Come in."

The door opens, and Kimhyun steps inside, his usual bright energy filling the room. But as soon as he sees Lysander's expression, his own face softens with concern.

Kimhyun (quietly, approaching the sofa) "Hey… I came to hang out, but... what's going on? You look miserable."

Kimhyun kneels beside Lysander, positioning himself at eye level. His gaze is steady and kind, as if he's searching for some hint of what's wrong.

Kimhyun (softly) "Tell me. What happened?"

Lysander (avoiding his gaze, sighing) "It's nothing… just one of those days, I guess."

Kimhyun studies him for a moment, then, without a word, takes Lysander's hand and places it on top of his head. In an instant, his wolf ears and tail appear, twitching slightly as if they sense Lysander's mood.

Kimhyun (grinning, with a wag of his tail) "Then pet me. I guarantee you'll feel at least 50% better."

Lysander (cracking a smile despite himself) "Just 50%?"

Lysander's hand rests on Kimhyun's head, feeling the softness of his ears beneath his fingers. He starts petting, slowly at first, then with more focus, his fingers sinking into Kimhyun's hair. A sense of calm begins to seep into him, warming his chest.

Lysander (thinking, with a soft smile) "He doesn't even ask what's bothering me... He just shows up and tries to make me feel better… Like he's tuned into every little shift in my mood. Loyal… a true good boy."

Kimhyun's eyes close as he leans into Lysander's touch, his tail wagging gently behind him, a silent rhythm of comfort.

Lysander (murmuring) "Ahh… this is actually really nice."

Kimhyun (grinning, his voice playful) "Good! So keep going. Pet me more."

As Lysander continues to scratch behind Kimhyun's ears, the tension in his own body melts away bit by bit. The room feels warmer, safer, as if all the sadness has faded into the background. For a few minutes, they stay like that—Kimhyun leaning into Lysander's hand, Lysander letting his worries drift away in the soft rhythm of his friend's breathing.

Lysander (sighing, a bit of his humor returning) "You're really just a big puppy, huh?"

Kimhyun (laughing) "Maybe. But a big puppy who knows how to cheer you up, right?"

Lysander (grinning) "Yeah… you're good at that."

Kimhyun's eyes open, glancing up at Lysander with a smile that's both teasing and sincere.

Kimhyun "That's what I'm here for. Now, should I get you something to drink, too? Maybe make you some tea? Or we can watch that cheesy movie you like. Whatever you need."

Lysander chuckles, feeling the remnants of his sadness start to fade.

Lysander "Tea sounds good. And maybe some popcorn… if you're offering."

Kimhyun "Consider it done! Just don't get too cozy without me. I'll be right back."

Kimhyun jumps up, his tail giving one last happy swish before he disappears into the kitchen. Lysander leans back against the sofa, feeling lighter, his heart a little fuller. He hadn't expected anyone to show up today, let alone someone who seemed to understand him without needing words.

As Kimhyun's cheerful humming drifts in from the kitchen, Lysander closes his eyes, letting himself feel the comfort of having a friend who knows exactly how to make him feel like himself again.

Scene: Mona's Magic

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – LIBRARY – AFTERNOON

The day after their training session, Hugo, Fenix, and Shizuka meet Mona in the academy's library, a quiet sanctuary lined with shelves full of ancient spell books and magic tomes. They gather around a table piled with books, discussing magic theory and exchanging ideas.

Mona, seeming more confident since their last meeting, smiles as she explains some of her research findings. Her hands move animatedly as she talks, her passion for magic shining through even as she describes her limitations.

Mona "So you guys want me to help you about magic?" 

Shizuka "Yeah, after my loss against Reina's team. I just have to know more to beat her." 

Fenix (smiling) "Hehe, the Sea Witch is now full of hot steam as she finally got defeated by one of her classmates. The one whom she defeated before in 1v1." 

Shizuka "Hey, that's different!!"

Hugo "Yeah, that's different. 1v1 and dungeon raiding are different. Magic sure got more advantage in dungeons than fighting." 

Mona (smiling): "That's right, Hugo. People think of magic as just casting spells, but it's more than that. Magic is the art of bending the world's rules to create an effect. And the thing is… this world doesn't like being bent."

Shizuka (intrigued): "Wait, what do you mean?"

Mona: "Think of it like this. Just like our society has laws and people enforcing them, the world itself has rules and... let's call it 'resistance' to keep those rules intact. So when we use magic, we're actually fighting against that resistance. It takes energy—mana—to push through and make a change. That's why spells usually cost more and take longer to cast than innate abilities."

Fenix (curious): "Okay, so if that's true, then how come you and Professor Roderick can cast spells so fast? I saw you cast that arrow rain spell yesterday like it was nothing."

Mona (holding up her pen with a small smile): "It's because of this little tool. It's a magic projector."

She clicks the pen, and a faint, intricate circle glows, projected above the table.

Mona: "To change the world's rules, you need a way to communicate what you want. That's what magic circles are for—they're like the 'language' that tells the world what spell you want to cast. This projector lets me draw complex circles instantly, so I don't have to draw them from scratch every time. Professor Roderick's rings do something similar. His rings store fully-formed magic circles, so he just has to say a quick chant to activate them. Mine's simpler—it just projects the shape of the circle, and I still have to fill it with mana. So, I'm slower… just not that slow."

Hugo (wide-eyed): "Mona, that's… amazing! You're combining science with magic!"

Shizuka (nodding): "You're practically inventing your own version of spellcasting. That's impressive, Mona!"

Mona (blushing): "I-it's nothing that special… But I have to rely on things like this because my mana pool is… well, pretty limited. The arrow rain I cast yesterday? That was about all I had in me."

Fenix (with a playful smirk): "Then why not try sacrificial magic?"

Mona (surprised): "Sacrificial magic?"

Fenix: "Humans may not be the most magical species, but they've got tons of clever tricks to make up for it. Like Professor Roderick's rings, or Mrs. Griffin's enchanted hair at Cloud Tower. Humans figured out how to boost their magic with tools and techniques, and they're at the top of the magic game because of it. That's why all the grand mages nowadays are human."

Everyone stares at Fenix in surprise, impressed by his knowledge.

Mona: "Wow… Fenix, I had no idea you knew so much about magic history."

Hugo: "So there were grand mages from other races in the past?"

Fenix: "Yep! Merlin, the one from the Arthurian legends? He was half-elf, half-vampire—an incubus. He was a grand mage, too."

Shizuka (whispering, amazed): "That's… incredible…"

Fenix: "Anyway, my point is that people have used tricks to get around their limits for ages. Sacrificial magic is just one option. It doesn't have to be anything extreme—most spells just need a drop of blood or something."

Mona (hesitant): "Well… maybe. But my innate power is called Perfect Cycle. As long as I'm in perfect health—no injuries, no sickness—I get a 25% boost to my magic. Even a tiny cut could break that cycle and make me weaker overall. Sacrificial magic would work against me."

Fenix (raising an eyebrow): "Man, you've got a power boost for staying healthy, but you barely have any mana to use it… that's rough."

Mona (smiling softly): "Yeah… it's a bit ironic. But that's why I rely on tools and study as much as I can. If I can't rely on pure strength, I'll rely on creativity."

Mona takes a deep breath, regaining her focus as she looks at her friends.

Mona: "Anyway, you all came here to learn, right? I can show you a few things. Even if you have plenty of mana, understanding these principles can help you control it better."

Shizuka (leaning in excitedly): "Yes, please! I need all the help I can get!"

Fenix (grinning): "Bring it on, Professor Mona."

Hugo (smiling): "We're ready, Mona. Lead the way."

Mona: "Alright, let's start with the basics. Magic isn't just about force—it's about finesse. The more you understand how to work with the world, rather than against it, the more effective your spells will be."

Scene: Thoughts of Talent

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – RODERICK'S PRIVATE OFFICE – AFTERNOON

Professor Roderick's office is a grand, dimly lit room with towering shelves filled with ancient tomes and magical artifacts. A large mahogany desk dominates the space, scattered with meticulously organized papers and a crystal ball that shimmers faintly. Framed accolades and certificates hang on the walls, evidence of his distinguished career in magic. The atmosphere is silent and intense, as if every item in the room demands reverence.

Assistant Yaya Burmie enters, carrying a stack of thick folders and a tablet with video recordings. She sets the materials down carefully on the professor's desk, her expression respectful but efficient.

Yaya: "Professor Roderick, here are all the files and footage from the mid-term exams."

Professor Roderick (nodding, his eyes fixed on the files): "Thank you, Yaya."

He takes a seat and begins reviewing the videos, watching each student's combat scenes with a critical eye, his face a mask of cool detachment.

Professor Roderick (murmuring to himself as he watches): "Yue… Lysander… Angela… These Gentoshi heirs truly are something. Yue's sheer raw power, Lysander's calculated, almost ruthless tactics… Talent, despite their arrogance. Privileged and entitled, yes, but undeniably talented."

Yaya (raising an eyebrow, slightly amused): "They must be exceptional if they're getting praise from you, sir."

Professor Roderick (murmuring to himself as he watches): "Why, yes… Yue almost managed to destroy the entire simulated city while Lysander easily defeated a professional hunter with bait. That's real talent. Angela's role might be small but… using only a mirror to support Yue and forcing John Carter to retreat… That is something else."

Yaya (surprised): Wait, she can do that?"

Professor Roderick gives a noncommittal grunt, continuing to watch the footage as he clicks through different battles.

Professor Roderick: "The royals… they've improved, especially after their defeat by the Gentoshi brats. Ludociel's starting to adapt her strategy, moving beyond that rigid, outdated knightly code her guild tries to drill into her. She's got real potential, but that stubborn idealism holds her back."

He shakes his head slightly, as if in disappointment, before switching to the footage of the first-year students.

Professor Roderick (leaning forward, intrigued): "Ah… the first years…"

Yaya: "Yes, sir. There are some impressive talents among them. Hugo Gentoshi's Hell Blaze technique was powerful enough to obliterate an entire swarm of rats and bats. Shizuka Maidono is strong too. Despite being a first year, she managed to get to the fourth place in terms of solo combat of our school after the Jack, Kimhyun. Isn't that amazing?"

Professor Roderick (nodding thoughtfully): "Impressive indeed… Hmm. And who is this… Mona Mineru?"

Yaya (glancing at her notes): "Ah, her. She's… unusual. Sponsored by the Knights of Orleans, even though she wants to be a mage."

Professor Roderick (frowning): "The Knights of Orleans? They're known for training knights, not mages."

Yaya (shrugging): "It's odd, isn't it? She mentioned that her greatest wish is to become your student, Professor."

Professor Roderick's face twists slightly in surprise, but his expression soon shifts to one of critical disdain as he watches Mona's performance in the exam.

Professor Roderick (scoffing): "Pathetic. She faints after casting a simple Arrow Rain spell? Hardly the mark of a talented mage."

Yaya (defensively): "True, but… her understanding of magic theory is exceptional. Here, take a look at this. Professor Velorum was so impressed by her report that he gave her full marks."

Yaya hands him a neatly bound report. Professor Roderick picks it up, skimming through the pages, his initial scorn shifting to mild intrigue as he reads.

Professor Roderick "This is interesting... I need time to read this. Can you go do other things?" 

Yaya "Yes, sir." 

Yaya discreetly begins tidying the office, sorting through files and stacking the documents neatly, allowing the professor his thoughts.

Professor Roderick remains seated, staring at Mona's report with a distant, pensive expression, as if weighing something deeply.

Professor Roderick (thinking): "This… is interesting. Her theory on mana conservation… a method of using mana without completely depleting herself. She's trying to work around her limitations rather than push through them. Hmph… talentless in practical magic, yet stubborn enough to devise methods to compensate."

Professor Roderick (thinking): "This girl… so lacking in the raw talent required for the art of magic. And yet… she's determined to find a way, even if it means compensating with theory over raw power. She wants to be my student, with this kind of potential?"

The room falls silent, the only sound the faint rustling of papers as Yaya finishes her task. Professor Roderick continues to contemplate, his fingers lightly tapping the report, the faintest hint of curiosity in his steely gaze.

Scene: The Seed of Rose

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – RODERICK'S PRIVATE OFFICE – AFTERNOON

Professor Roderick is engrossed in reading Mona's report, eyes scanning each line with focused intent. The room is quiet, save for the faint ticking of a clock. Suddenly, a soft knock disrupts the stillness.

Yaya glances at Professor Roderick, who gives a brief nod. She walks over and opens the door, only to find Angela standing there with a warm smile.

Angela (softly, with a polite smile): "Good afternoon, Yaya. Good afternoon, Professor Roderick. How are you both today?"

Yaya blushes, slightly flustered by Angela's radiant presence.

Yaya (nervously): "Uh… I'm fine, thank you…"

Professor Roderick straightens in his chair, his expression unreadable.

Professor Roderick: "Angela? What brings you here?"

Angela (smiling as she steps inside): "Well, since my family has completed the funding for your new lab, I thought I'd stop by and… check things out. And I must say, your office is quite lovely, Professor."

She gracefully makes her way to a nearby sofa, settling in comfortably. Professor Roderick offers a polite, businesslike smile—the same one he reserves for the wealthy patrons who fund his work.

Professor Roderick: "Yes, well, thank you for your family's generosity. This wouldn't have been possible without it."

Angela: "So, what are you working on, sir? Crafting new spells?"

Professor Roderick (shaking his head): "Nothing quite that exciting, I'm afraid. Just reviewing the midterm results of our superpower branch students."

Angela: "I see… I imagine there were some impressive performances."

Professor Roderick (nods, with a touch of pride): "Yes, quite impressive."

As they talk, Professor Roderick's gaze briefly shifts to Yaya, who is pouring tea with a quiet efficiency. She finishes and brings a cup to Angela.

Angela (softly, with a gracious smile): "Thank you, Yaya."

Yaya (beaming): "My pleasure, Angela."

Professor Roderick's face grows more serious, and he shifts his tone.

Professor Roderick (firmly): "Yaya, could you give us a moment, please?"

Yaya's eyes widen slightly, caught off guard by the request, but she quickly nods.

Yaya: "Uh… yes, sir."

Yaya exits, leaving the two alone in a sudden, tense silence. Professor Roderick leans back in his chair, letting out a quiet sigh as he watches Angela with guarded eyes.

Professor Roderick: "Alright then, Miss Angela. What is it this time?"

Angela (her tone shifting, syrupy sweet with a hint of something sharp): "Why, Professor, can't a student visit her favorite professor without a hidden agenda?"

Professor Roderick (raising an eyebrow): "Really? That's all?"

Angela (smiling innocently): "Yes, of course. But if my presence bothers you, I wouldn't want to intrude."

Professor Roderick: "If you wouldn't mind, then, please do. It's nothing personal—I simply have grades to finalize. It wouldn't look right to have visitors lingering… some might get the wrong idea."

Angela (smiling sweetly, but with a faintly amused glint in her eyes): "Oh, I apologize, Professor. I wouldn't want to cause any misunderstandings. I'll take my leave."

Angela stands and exits gracefully, the lingering hint of her perfume wafting through the room. In the hallway, she exchanges a nod with Yaya, who watches her leave before re-entering the office.

Yaya glances at Professor Roderick, who now looks thoroughly exhausted, his shoulders slumping slightly.

Yaya (concerned): "Professor, is everything alright?"

Professor Roderick (sighing heavily): "Yes, Yaya… just the usual. Dealing with these 'rich brats' takes more energy than teaching ever does."

Scene: Brotherly Justice

INT. HUGO'S APARTMENT – EVENING

Alexei and Floria step into the modest apartment. Andrea is waiting, arms crossed, his expression icy and guarded. The small space is barely furnished: a single bedroom, two mattresses on the floor, a tiny kitchen crammed into a corner, and a narrow bathroom. Alexei glances around with mild distaste.

Alexei (smirking): "Wow, big brother. Didn't you go back to GGG? Why put up with this shoebox when you could just move back to the estate?"

Andrea (coldly): "You mean the estate that Lysander 'repaired' by firing every single one of our old staff?"

Alexei shrugs dismissively.

Alexei: "Someone had to take care of it. And with our parents gone, living in a huge estate far from school doesn't make much sense… right, babe?"

Floria, sitting beside Alexei, gives Andrea a gentle, sympathetic smile.

Floria (softly): "I understand Alexei can be a little… direct. But he's right. We're just looking out for you, Mr. Andrea. We want what's best."

Andrea's lips curl into a cold smile.

Andrea: "Your 'goodness' is… quite the burden. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to handle it."

Andrea glances around his small apartment—the shared mattresses, the makeshift kitchen—and then looks back at Alexei and Floria.

Andrea: "Sorry, but I'm not interested in stepping on others just to make my life easier. After Lysander fired all our old staff just to 'fix' the house, I can't live there… not without making things right with them."

Alexei's smirk widens, a flash of something dark in his eyes.

Alexei: "Oh? So the bastard's playing god by bringing back our dead parents is fine by you, but Lysander firing a few people is unforgivable?"

Andrea (steadily): "That's different."

Alexei: "How? The bastard's tearing our family apart to prove some twisted point of his. At least Lysander's thinking about our future now that Mom and Dad are gone."

Andrea holds his brother's gaze, unflinching.

Andrea: "Whatever his faults, Hugo isn't using people as tools. Lysander firing our staff—people who served our family for years—wasn't about necessity. It was convenience. And I don't think any future we build by tossing people aside is worth having."

The tension in the cramped apartment is thick, with Andrea facing down his brother Alexei and Floria. Alexei's smirk doesn't waver, but there's a challenge in his eyes that's growing sharper. Floria, seated beside him, tilts her head, giving Andrea a pitying look.

Floria (softly): "I'm sorry, Mr. Andrea, but… that's just hypocritical. Yes, Lysander uses people like tools, but he has a clear, realistic goal. His methods may be cold, but they don't harm society at large. Hugo's ambitions, though—they're ambiguous, dangerous… disgusting. He acts like a god, deciding when his own parents should live or die, raising them from the grave like toys. And you just… accept it?"

Andrea stiffens, but he keeps his composure, meeting Floria's gaze, though his expression falters slightly.

Andrea: "That's…"

Alexei's smirk widens, a dark satisfaction in his eyes.

Alexei: "Big brother, is that your twisted sense of justice? Dismissing a clear, achievable plan and accepting this… abomination… all because it's your precious brother doing it?"

Andrea opens his mouth to respond, but no words come out. He's visibly shaken as Alexei and Floria press him. Alexei leans forward, his expression growing fiercer.

Alexei (taunting): "Tell me, brother. What kind of justice is that, huh? Defending a monster who plays god with our parents' bodies, while turning a blind eye to someone actually trying to secure our future?"

Andrea begins to tremble slightly under the intensity of his brother's words, but he finally forces himself to answer, a glint of desperation in his eyes.

Andrea (shaking): "Is this… is this about revenge for you?"

Alexei lets out a low, humorless chuckle.

Alexei: "Revenge? Oh, Andrea, you don't even know what real vengeance looks like. You think this is it?"

Andrea's face hardens, a spark of anger flashing in his eyes.

Andrea (angry): "Then why are you interrogating me like this?"

Alexei (equally angry): "Because we want to know! Big brother… you were always the one we respected. You know that, right? Dad wanted you to inherit his legacy. That's why he trained you with all those hardships, while he spoiled us. That's why big bro and big sis always looked up to you and looked out for you. We don't want to watch you crumble under the weight of this twisted loyalty to a… a demon."

There's a beat of silence, Alexei's anger settling into something more vulnerable, almost pleading.

Alexei: "We need to understand. So tell us, Andrea. Why him? Why do you stand by Hugo, even after he's torn our family apart and turned our parents into… into playthings?"

Andrea looks down, absorbing his brother's words. Slowly, his trembling stops, and he raises his head, meeting Alexei's gaze with a newfound resolve.

Andrea (calmer): "You're right… it is hypocritical of me. I know that. Still…"

He takes a deep breath, then looks at both Alexei and Floria, his expression softened but determined.

Andrea: "I want to believe in a world where we can be a family again. A world where we don't have to shun or betray each other. Where no one is discarded or deemed unworthy. That's why… that's why I'm willing to accept it, however flawed it may be. Whatever punishment you feel I deserve… I'll take it. But I won't abandon that hope."

Alexei's face flickers with surprise, a mixture of frustration and something almost like understanding. He clenches his fists, clearly grappling with his emotions, but he's left momentarily speechless.

Alexei (whispering, shaken): "Andrea…"

The tension in the small apartment lingers heavily, thick and nearly suffocating. Floria takes a steady breath, gathering herself, then fixes Andrea with a calm, unreadable gaze.

Floria (sighs): "I still don't understand it... No, more like, I doubt I could ever fathom that vision of yours, Andrea."

With a quiet resolve, she stands up, brushing off invisible dust from her clothes. Her expression is one of finality.

Floria: "Hey, babe, let's go home."

Alexei blinks, surprised.

Alexei (startled): "Huh? Now?"

Floria: "There's nothing more for us here. It's best to leave."

Alexei hesitates, clearly conflicted, a faint shadow of vulnerability passing over his face.

Alexei: "But…"

Floria places a firm hand on his shoulder, her voice resolute.

Floria (firm): "Babe, do you have anything more to say?"

Alexei (uncertain): "Uh… no?"

Floria: "Neither do I. We're done here. We've said all there is to say, and from now on… it's war time."

Floria's voice grows colder, her words a solemn promise as she directs a steady, unyielding gaze at Andrea.

Floria: "I'm sorry, Mr. Andrea, but you should prepare yourself for what's coming. We'll show no mercy from this point on."

Andrea holds her gaze, his expression hardening, though a flicker of sadness lingers in his eyes as he takes in her words. He knows this declaration marks a point of no return. Floria turns back to Alexei, who stands there, torn, the conflict clear on his face. She reaches out and takes his hand, grounding him with a caring yet determined look.

Floria (smiling softly, but with strength): "Babe… let's go."

For a moment, Alexei's eyes linger on Andrea, the weight of years of memories and familial bonds pressing heavily on him. But Floria's grip steadies him, pulling him back to his own convictions.

Alexei: "Yeah… let's leave."

With a last glance around the apartment—the humble space where his older brother chose to make his stand—Alexei nods, steeling himself. Together, he and Floria turn and walk out, their footsteps echoing as they leave Andrea alone, standing in the silence they've left behind.

As the door closes, Andrea lets out a slow breath, his expression a mix of resolve and melancholy.

Scene: Mona's Magic 2

EXT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH TRAINING GROUND – EVENING

The sun is beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting warm, golden hues across the open training grounds. A cool breeze rustles through the nearby trees, adding a tranquil contrast to the magic-filled air. Shizuka, Hugo, and Fenix stand around Mona, who is guiding them through one of her experimental spells.

Shizuka (awestruck): "Whoa, so I can do this with my water?"

Shizuka marvels at the beautiful icicle lances she has formed. The lances hover, glistening in the evening light, and with a flick of her hand, she launches them toward a target. As they impact, they explode into a flurry of snowy dust, sending delicate snowflakes floating through the air.

Mona (nodding): "Yes… that's exactly it. By destabilizing the structure of the spell just before you release it, you can create a burst effect. It uses less mana than fully stabilizing each projectile and gives you more impact on your target."

Hugo (grinning, impressed): "That was incredible, Mona. Really."

Mona (smiling shyly): "Thank you. It's still in the experimental phase, though… I don't have enough mana myself to test it at full power, so I thought you guys could try it for me."

Fenix smirks, crossing his arms as he looks at her with mock suspicion.

Fenix (teasing): "Ah, so we're your lab rats, are we? That's sneaky of you, 'Professor Mona'~"

Mona (blushing): "Hey… it's not like that!"

Her face flushes with embarrassment, and she lowers her gaze, fidgeting with her magic projector pen. Hugo, Shizuka, and Fenix chuckle, enjoying her reaction. Mona's blush only deepens, but a small smile tugs at her lips as she glances back at them.

Shizuka (grinning): "Well, if we're your lab rats, I'd say you're doing a pretty good job as our mad scientist."

Hugo: "Yeah, if these experiments keep giving us cool new tricks, I don't mind being a test subject."

They share a laugh, the camaraderie growing stronger between them. Mona's initial shyness fades, replaced by a spark of pride and excitement.

Mona: "Alright, alright, let's get back to work, shall we? There's another technique I want to try out with you all. It's a bit more advanced, though… think you're up for it?"

Shizuka (determined): "Absolutely. Bring it on, Professor Mona!"

Fenix (smirking): "Show us what you've got."

With newfound confidence, Mona raises her pen, projecting another intricate magic circle in the air. The glow of the circle reflects in her eyes, revealing a glint of determination as she begins explaining the next step.

Mona: "This one's all about control. Instead of focusing on raw power, we're going to work on precision. The goal here is to manipulate the mana flow so precisely that you can 'shape' the explosion or impact exactly how you want. It's useful for complex spells, especially in close combat."

She glances at each of them, gauging their readiness.

Mona: "Imagine it like… sculpting with magic. You're not just launching a spell—you're shaping it as it moves. It's a lot harder to pull off, but if you get it right, it can be devastating. Shall we give it a try?"

Hugo (excited): "Absolutely. Show us how!"

Shizuka: "I'm ready. Let's do this."

They gather around, each of them focusing on forming their spells with the same precision Mona has described. Under her careful guidance, they attempt to control the mana flow, shaping the spells to respond to their will.

Mona: "Good, good! Remember to keep your focus on the core of the spell. Feel the mana pulsing there, and think of it like molding clay. Every slight adjustment changes the shape, the strength, the direction."

The trio concentrates, each of them forming their own unique variations of the spell. As Shizuka shapes her spell into a spiraling water lance, Fenix crafts a flame whip, its fiery tendrils twisting and bending with his control. Hugo manages to create a glowing orb of energy that pulses steadily, a miniature sun hovering above his hand.

Fenix (whistling, impressed by Hugo's work): "Look at you, Hugo. That's some serious finesse right there."

Hugo (grinning): "Thanks! I never thought I could shape my magic like this. It's a whole new way of thinking about it."

Shizuka: "This is amazing, Mona. I never knew magic could be this… flexible."

Mona beams, her earlier blush replaced with pride as she sees her friends mastering the techniques she's spent so long studying.

Mona: "You're all doing great! Remember, it's about working with the flow of mana, not against it. Once you get used to it, controlling spells like this will feel natural."

They continue practicing, each of them pushing their limits and learning from Mona's careful instruction. As the sun dips lower, casting long shadows across the training ground, it's clear they're not just growing stronger—they're growing closer.

After a while, Fenix pauses, wiping sweat from his brow.

Fenix (grinning): "Alright, 'Professor Mona,' I think we're going to have to take you out for a meal after all this. We owe you one."

Shizuka: "Yeah, you're the best teacher we could ask for."

Caught off guard by their gratitude, Mona blushes again, this time with a shy smile of genuine happiness.

Mona: "You guys don't have to… but… maybe that would be nice."

Hugo (smiling): "Then it's settled. After training, dinner's on us."

The group laughs, the bonds between them strengthened through both magic and friendship. As the evening settles in, they continue their training, with Mona guiding them every step of the way, their laughter echoing through the grounds.

Scene: Bonds and Ideologies

INT. HUGO'S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Hugo steps through the door, feeling content and a little tired after the meal with his friends. The warm glow of the lamps contrasts with the quietness of the house, a stark difference from the lively conversations and laughter he'd just left behind. As he moves into the living room, he notices his older brother, Andrea, sitting in a chair by the window, staring out into the darkness with a heavy expression.

Andrea, usually composed and confident, looks drained—his shoulders are slumped, and there's a sadness in his eyes that Hugo has rarely seen. For a moment, Hugo hesitates, sensing the weight of his brother's mood.

Hugo (softly): "Andrea?"

Andrea doesn't respond at first, lost in his thoughts. Hugo steps closer, concern growing on his face.

Hugo: "Andrea… is everything okay?"

Andrea blinks, pulling himself out of his thoughts. He turns to look at Hugo, and a faint, forced smile crosses his face.

Andrea: "Ah… Hugo. You're back."

Hugo sits down across from his brother, studying him carefully. The sadness in Andrea's eyes is still there, barely hidden behind his weak smile.

Hugo: "You look… troubled. What happened?"

Andrea sighs, running a hand through his hair as he gathers his thoughts. His voice is quiet, almost a whisper.

Andrea: "Alexei and Floria were here earlier."

Hugo's eyes widened slightly. 

Hugo (shaking, startled): "Oh… How did it go?"

Andrea chuckles bitterly, looking down at his hands.

Andrea: "About as well as you'd expect. They came to tell me… no, to remind me, that I've chosen my path. That they've chosen theirs. And there's no turning back."

He pauses, as if grappling with the weight of his own words.

Andrea: "They looked at me like… like I was already lost to them. And maybe I am."

Hugo's face softens. He reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on Andrea's shoulder.

Hugo: "Andrea… this is all my fault."

Andrea looks up, startled by the sudden confession. He blinks, taking in Hugo's hunched posture and downcast gaze.

Andrea: "What are you talking about?"

Hugo sinks into the chair across from him, unable to meet his brother's eyes.

Hugo: "If it weren't for me… if I hadn't come up with this insane plan, to revive our parents… They might not have look at us like monsters and planned this revenge…"

Andrea watches him quietly, a sadness filling his own eyes. But he quickly softens, reaching across the table and placing a firm hand on Hugo's shoulder.

Andrea: "Hugo… this isn't all on you."

Hugo (shaking his head): "No. You just went along with it because of me. You were just trying to support me, and look where that's gotten us. I dragged you into this… into this whole nightmare."

Andrea sighs, squeezing Hugo's shoulder reassuringly.

Andrea: "Listen to me, little brother. You didn't 'drag' me anywhere. I chose this path. I made my own decisions. I knew what we were doing wasn't… normal, but I still went through with it. I could've said no."

Hugo's eyes brim with unshed tears, guilt gnawing at him.

Hugo: "But… you're suffering because of it. I've torn our family apart. And Alexei—he hates you because of me. He'll never forgive us for what we did."

Andrea shakes his head, a sad but understanding smile forming on his face.

Andrea: "Alexei's anger… his disappointment… that's not just because of you. I made my choices, too. I knew there would be consequences, and I accepted them. But, Hugo… I don't regret supporting you. Not for a second."

Hugo looks up, surprised by his brother's words.

Hugo: "But… how can you say that? You've lost everything."

Andrea's expression softens even more. He shifts his chair closer, looking Hugo directly in the eyes.

Andrea: "Because you're my brother. And because, deep down, I still believe in you. You wanted to do something remarkable—something no one else had the courage to even dream of. And yeah, maybe it was reckless, maybe even… unforgivable. But you had a vision, Hugo. And I saw something in it, something worth risking everything for."

Hugo's gaze drops, still wracked with guilt, but he's listening.

Andrea: "I knew from the start that there was a chance things could go wrong. But I was willing to face those risks. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. For you. For us."

He lets out a small, rueful laugh.

Andrea: "I guess that makes me reckless, too, doesn't it?"

Hugo looks up, a small, tearful smile breaking through.

Hugo: "But… I just feel like I've ruined everything for you. You're stuck in this mess, and it's all because of me."

Andrea: "We're both in this mess, Hugo. And as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather be here with you than anywhere else. We're family. And no matter how much Alexei or Floria resent us… we still have each other. That means something, doesn't it?"

Hugo stares at him, the guilt in his eyes slowly being replaced by a faint glimmer of hope. Andrea gives him an encouraging smile.

Andrea: "Don't carry this burden alone. I chose this, Hugo. Just like you did. So let's see it through together, alright?"

Hugo swallows, nodding as he wipes his eyes.

Hugo: "Alright… together."

Andrea pulls him into a tight, reassuring embrace, and for a moment, Hugo feels a weight lift off his shoulders. Even if they're both lost, they're lost together—and somehow, that makes all the difference.