*
But as a somewhat supreme being, she felt the need to maintain her reliable facade.
* * *
At least until Arion became like her 'follower' back at Vyshara, where even after she made mistakes or made a fool of herself, they would repeatedly praise her and concoct reasons that she had done it to test their loyalties.
Remembering that made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She felt lucky that Arion couldn't read her mind; otherwise, all her dignity as the supreme avatar of the Celestial of Nature would crumble in shame.
Two minutes later, Richard began to slow down as his strength enchantment magic, which had also boosted his agility and reflexes, started to run out of Ether – the fuel for his powers.
This spectacle had successfully roused the students watching from the back.
"He dodged all of it. What the heck?" one student exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief.
"It feels like Richard is a fraction away from hitting him. But somehow, he always goes unscathed. How did he do it?" another wondered aloud.
"It's weird. Don't tell me Arion is also learning some kind of magic?" a third student chimed in.
"How is that possible? We all know how poor he is. He only eats what's served in the cafeteria's free section. I heard he worked part-time at a store nearby during the holidays. Where the hell did he get money from? Robbing banks?"
"Who knows? With that face, maybe he has a fat sugar mommy," another student joked.
"Jealous b*stard. Why don't you all just die? He is a genius, alright. You all common people won't understand," a girl shot back.
"What is wrong with you? We're not even talking to you!" another boy retorted.
"It's clear you all are the ones with rotting brains. Jealous much?" another girl replied, crossing her arms defiantly.
"Okay, I've had enough. Do you think we won't hit you just because you're all girls?" one of the boys challenged.
"Yeah, you think this father won't do it?" another boy chimed in, puffing out his chest.
"Oh, I want to see how you all dare to do it. I'll scream and accuse all of you in front of the teachers of harassment. Go on. Go ahead," the girl taunted, a smirk on her face.
"F*ck," the boys groaned in unison, realizing they were outmatched. After the attack that night, most of them finally realized as to why this academy seemed to favor women. From the treatment to the punishments, even the dormitory arrangements – it was all because their principal was a f*cking woman.
* * *
"What do you all think?" Ms. Arabella asked, her eyes flickering with a hint of amusement and pride.
"… Amazing," Sarah replied, her voice filled with astonishment as she stared at Arion movement.
"How is he capable of doing this art? Even for Weavers, not everyone can use it. Is this the reason he survived the attack that night? Or maybe he had some sort of realization and enlightenment on how to use it? But I've never heard of anyone learning it like that," Marekh frowned, suspicion etched across his face.
The technique in question was known as the Flow of the Air, a notoriously difficult skill to master that required a fine understanding and control over Ether and the wind elements.
The official news had informed them that this art came directly from the Temples of Nature, created by their renowned Priestess years ago, who was now rumored to be missing.
This art was supposed to be taught as a learning material for second-year students across the realms and was also a graduation assessment for third-year students before they were finally recognized as warriors at the rank of Initiate.
But now, before even arriving at the Academy in the capital, they had discovered a student from their own academy who managed to use it.
It was, quite frankly, inconceivable.
"With his talent, I think our kingdom might have some hope of getting into the hundred's rank, right?" Arabella said, her voice laced with optimism.
"Don't joke around, Captain. I think that's impossible. You still remember the people from the other realms, don't you? They're monstrous! It's just impossible for us Humans to win anything – unless we regain back the Spirits' trust," Marekh responded, shaking his head as if he were trying to dislodge a stubborn thought.
"See? You only know how to ruin the mood. Virgin," Sarah retorted, rolling her eyes at Marekh.
Marekh could only keep his mouth shut, his expression a mix of annoyance and resignation.
Yet, inside Arabella's mind, she found herself pondering the peculiarities surrounding Arion.
It wasn't that much of a surprise for someone to learn something without formal teaching, much like how their ancestors had created countless Combat Techniques and Magic Matrices through their own enlightenment.
However, this art was complicated, and the rumors suggested it came directly from the Vysha'ra Primeval.
Moreover, to perform this technique, one needs sufficient strength and mental capacity.
Even for Arabella, it had taken slightly more than three months of repetitive training and the guidance of a reliable mentor to master it.
But Arion? Who had he learned it from?
There was something strange about this boy. How could his physique keep up with it too? There was no way someone who had just awakened his Magic Sense could be this strong.
Arabella couldn't shake the feeling that Arion must be keeping some secrets.
Meanwhile, Shera, who was nestled inside Arion, noticed the peculiar gaze from the woman on the rooftop – the one she had dubbed the little helper from that night.
'Is she suspicious of Arion? Nah, there's no way. It's normal to learn this. It's one of the easiest techniques I created, after all,' she thought, completely forgetting that she was a Celestial, not a Human, who was known to be ahead of other races when it came to the systematic study of the physical and natural world – or what they called science.
The leading figures in all realms when it came to technological advancement often worked with the dwarfs, natives of the Underworld – The 6th Realm. But among all the other races in the 13 realms, Humans were known to be rather average in comprehension when it came to magic.
* * *