Chapter 34

Although I had completed my introductions with the other kids, I hadn't had a chance to speak with the teachers.

I scanned the training ground, my eyes darting between students sparring with practice weapons, others chasing a ball enchanted to bounce unpredictably, and teachers observing from the sidelines.

Then, I spotted Bargue again.

Grinning, I made my way toward him, my steps quick and light. He was talking with another teacher, completely unaware of my approach. As soon as I reached him, I poked his shoulder.

He flinched slightly before turning around, his expression cycling between confusion and apprehension.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice hesitant.

I flashed him my brightest smile.

"I wanna play!"

"Huh? Then go play with the other students. There's still some time until the next class starts," he said, his tone a mix of exasperation and relief.

"Okay!" I chirped, skipping away casually.

I glanced around. Most of the students were chasing after the bouncing ball, shouting and laughing. But ball games weren't really my thing. Then, amidst the chaos, I spotted someone familiar—Gale, the boy who'd been with Bargue the other day.

He was crouched on the ground, completely absorbed in drawing something on a sheet of paper. Curiosity got the better of me, and I snuck up behind him. With a sudden shake of his shoulders, I asked,

"What are you doing?"

He jumped up like a startled rabbit, clutching the paper close to his chest. When he realized it was me, his tense shoulders relaxed.

"I-I was just making some magic circles," he stammered, his voice soft but steady.

"Magic circles?" I tilted my head, pretending I didn't already know what they were. I'll let him explain. Kids like him love to explain things anyway.

"Yes!" he said, his tone growing more confident. "They let you cast magic beyond your affinities. Like, if I can't use fire magic, it lets me cast it!"

He pulled out another piece of paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and poured a bit of magic into the circle. A small fireball shot out, sizzling through the air before dissipating.

I clapped my hands, feigning amazement.

"Wow! That's so cool!"

Gale, however, looked unimpressed with himself. His lips pursed as if he were critiquing his own work. He's serious for a four-year-old, I thought.

"By the way," I said, switching topics to introduce myself, "I'm Aleena! Nice to meet you!"

"I'm Gale. It's a pleasure to meet you too." His reply was so formal that I almost laughed.

"Can I help you make more magic circles?" I asked brightly, already sitting beside him without waiting for a reply.

"Sure!"

We started drawing circles together, though he mostly led the way, muttering about runes and sigils. His focus was impressive, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the activity. But as we worked, I couldn't help but notice something off about him. His shoulders slumped slightly, and his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"You look sad," I said bluntly, tilting my head. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Huh? No, it's not that," he replied quickly, but his hands fidgeted with the edge of his paper. After a moment, he hesitated, then looked at me with wide, curious eyes.

"Miss Aleena?"

I blinked. Miss? Why is he calling me that?

But his next question truly caught me off guard.

"Are you really a little girl?"