The Tutu Dilemma: Balancing Magic and Fashion

As Arabella walked down from the raised platform, stepping away from the podium, she was taken by surprise to find Arion and Nesa making their way toward the rows of teachers.

She also couldn't help but notice the pair of resentful eyes glaring at her from the old academy vice principal, who had once been her teacher.

He was incredibly old, unable to stand for long periods, and had a particular disdain for long-winded speeches. This was precisely why he often refused to let his former student, Arabella, take the stage for too long.

The other teachers and even the guards seemed to share his sentiments, their eyes rolling in unison at the thought of another one of her oratories.

Despite the palpable tension in the air, Arabella appeared blissfully unconcerned.

*

With a casual flick of her hair, she decided to make a swift exit from the vice principal's piercing gaze.

She approached Arion and Nesa, who seemed to be scanning the crowd for her.

She then raised her hand dramatically and called out, "Hello there, students! What are you two looking for? Me?"

Of course, she had known about Arion and Nesa.

Arion was the genius of the academy, the one who had snatched the highest scores in the entire kingdom. It made her swell with pride, especially considering those pompous folks from the capital who always looked down on the Fellows.

She – herself had been a civilian once, after all. She harbored a deep-seated disdain for those who believed they were more privileged than others simply because of the circumstances into which they were born.

As for Nesa, well, she practically embodied the same spirit as her.

Just a bit less brain and a lot more muscle. Though she had to admit, Nesa was a genius when it came to martial arts. It was a pity, though, that like her, Nesa was locked in a woman's body, which was a huge disadvantage in itself.

But all was well now since Nesa had proven to be attuned with Ether.

As for Arion's failure to be attuned with Ether… well, she had planned to give him a special recommendation to become a Scribe.

This was a unique team organized specifically to gather countless smart individuals from all realms, whether they were Weavers or Fellows, to research, create, or find formulas for magic circuits that would serve as conduits for Ether, where it manifested from.

…

Bowing his head, Arion then asked Ms. Bella, "I'm sorry for the intrusion, headmistress. But I have a request."

"Oh, what is it, Arion?" she replied, her curiosity piqued, her eyebrows arching like a pair of surprised caterpillars.

"I wish to be once again tested as a Weaver," he stated, his voice steady despite the weight of his request, as if he were asking for a second helping of dessert rather than a life-altering test.

"Huh? Come again?" Ms. Bella looked at him, a mix of confusion and intrigue crossing her features, her head tilting slightly as if she were trying to decipher a particularly puzzling riddle.

Arion took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he launched into his carefully crafted tale.

He explained how, just the night before, he had felt a surge of energy coursing through him while he was fleeing from the creatures that had been trying to attack him.

The memory of that moment was vivid in his mind, and he could still feel the remnants of that power, like the aftertaste of a particularly spicy meal. Well, at this part, he wasn't even lying.

"After that experience," he continued, "I can also see countless colors in my dreams, just like any other Weavers after passing the ceremony."

His eyes sparkled with a mix of hope and determination – as if he were auditioning for a role in a dramatic play.

This was a decision he and Shera had made together.

She was still weak and needed countless resources and items to strengthen herself as the avatar of Kyshera.

Arion knew that the academy in the capital, a special school for countless novice Weavers, was a good place to hide in plain sight while he trained himself. Plus, it had a cafeteria that served the best pastries in the whole kingdom, which was a significant bonus.

Moreover, it was not uncommon across realms for those who found themselves on the brink of death to tap into the well of their soul, allowing them to use Ether. Though rare, such occurrences were still part of the fabric of their world, much like the occasional sock that mysteriously disappeared in the laundry.

From Shera's explanation, Arion understood that he needed much help, information, and connections from various individuals to reach the 2nd Realm, Vysha'ra.

He needed to investigate what had happened to that realm after the loss of connection with their Celestial, weighing the dangers he would face later like a tightrope walker considering whether to wear a tutu.

And also, to contact Vysha'ra Primeval.

Kaylessa, The Verdant Guardian.

"Alright then, come with me…" Ms. Bella said, her tone shifting to one of hope.

*

After ensuring that Arion's experience was as real as it could be and not merely a figment of his imagination, Ms. Arabella quickly gathered the Weavers from the capital, along with the strongest Weavers among the teachers and the academy's guards.

They prepared a simple ritual for Arion, one that would test his abilities and confirm his potential.

A few hours later, after the ritual had concluded, Arion found himself added to the list of those who would embark on the journey to the capital of Moonglade Kingdom. The weight of this new responsibility settled on his shoulders, but he felt a sense of purpose driving him forward.

As he left with Nesa, the two shared a brief moment of camaraderie before they parted ways. Arion made his way to the temporary sleeping quarters, which were conveniently located close to the academy.

In the quiet of his room, he subsequently continued his training in his mind with Shera, focusing on harnessing the energy and exploring the depths of his newfound abilities, The Soul Flame.