CHAPTER 6 - Soaring through doubt

The teacher fell silent, her expression an unyielding mask as she resumed her lecture. The weight of her scrutiny pressed down on me like a heavy cloak, amplifying the swirling anxieties in my stomach. The boy in the back, with those striking eyes, continued to stare at me, his gaze unwavering and intense. It felt as though he could see straight through me, peeling back the layers of my soul to expose my innermost fears and uncertainties. Why did he find me so fascinating?

As the lecture drew to a close, Miss Veena approached, her presence both intimidating and commanding. Rhyshe and Celvia exchanged curious glances, their expressions mirroring the intrigue that had captivated the rest of the class. I searched for that boy again, but he had vanished into the sea of students, leaving behind a haunting absence that tugged at my mind.

"Teacher, who is this Grandmaster? Will he be able to tell what's wrong with me?" I ventured, my voice barely steady.

"The Grandmaster runs this academy. He is one of the most powerful mages on earth," she replied, her tone clipped, revealing little of her own thoughts.

"What kind of person is he?" I pressed, a knot tightening in my chest.

"You shall meet him yourself and decide," Miss Veena said, the finality of her words leaving no room for further inquiry.

As we made our way to the outer court, my heart raced with anticipation and dread. The vast expanse unfolded before us like a painter's canvas splashed with colors—brilliant greens mingling with vivid flowers in full bloom. Students sparred in the distance, their laughter ringing like chimes in the gentle breeze, a melodic backdrop to my swirling thoughts. Here, magic felt palpable, like electricity in the air, thrumming with life.

"Have you memorized the flying spell yet?" Miss Veena asked, her gaze piercing through my distracted thoughts.

"The flying spell? Oh, the one you taught in class? Yes, I have it memorized," I replied, my confidence flickering like a candle in the wind.

"Good. Now try saying the spell and channel your magic through your entire body as you speak. Concentrate on the flow of magic in your veins. One distracting thought, and you will not be able to use the spell," she instructed, her voice steady and authoritative.

I closed my eyes, blocking out the sights and sounds of the world around me. The moment I focused inward, I felt the magic stir within me—an awakening of something ancient and powerful. It coursed through my veins like a river, swirling and eddying with vibrant energy. My heart beat in time with the pulse of magic, and I envisioned it as a warm glow, radiating through every fiber of my being.

"Placium Tha Uronowill," I chanted, my voice ringing with newfound determination. As the words left my lips, I felt a jolt, as if I had pulled the lever of a great machine. My body lifted off the ground, suspended in midair like a feather caught in an updraft.

Elation washed over me, a surge of joy and disbelief that made my heart race. I was floating! The sensation was exhilarating; I soared upward, the ground falling away beneath me. The air enveloped me, cool and crisp, invigorating my senses as I glided effortlessly through the sky. It felt like pure freedom, the weight of my worries dissolving with every heartbeat.

Yet, even in this moment of triumph, uncertainty crept in like shadows at dusk. The world below blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, a reminder of the bustling academy filled with expectations. What if I failed? What if my magic faltered? I felt the familiar tug of anxiety, gnawing at the edges of my newfound exhilaration.

"Concentrate, Mira," Miss Veena's voice broke through the haze of my thoughts, steady and commanding. "Feel the magic. Guide it."

I drew a deep breath, feeling the warmth of her presence grounding me. The magic felt alive, intertwined with my essence. I visualized it flowing like a gentle stream, winding and curving through the landscape of my mind. With each moment, my confidence grew. I shifted my weight, angling my body, ready to dive and twirl like a leaf caught in a whirlwind.

As I executed a gentle turn, the world below opened up before me, revealing the sprawling gardens and vibrant flora, each petal a splash of color against the emerald green. My heart soared in tandem with the exhilaration of flight, but fear still lingered at the back of my mind, whispering doubts that threatened to shatter this fragile moment.

"Excellent, Mira! You've learned to use the spell on your first try," Miss Veena called, her voice filled with an unusual warmth. "Many students struggle with these basic spells."

"Thank you, teacher, but how am I supposed to change my direction and speed?" I asked, the excitement mingling with my lingering apprehension.

"Flying is no different from walking. You just have to move your body while channeling magic to change direction. To accelerate, channel more magic into your body. The more you increase speed, the more you will exhaust your magic. Only those who are advanced and above can reach the highest speeds," she explained.

I nodded, absorbing her words like a sponge, but I knew my limitations. I was only at the primary rank; the thought of pushing my abilities felt daunting. "Eh, don't be sad. You still have a long way to go," she encouraged, starting to fly alongside me.

As we ascended higher, the academy stretched below us in all its glory. The outer court was a riot of activity—students sparring in the arena, their movements a graceful dance of power and skill. I caught glimpses of students helping one another, laughter punctuating the air as they practiced the flying spell. Creatures that resembled fantastical beasts scampered beside them, each bond between mage and companion a testament to their shared journey.

The inner court loomed ahead, a majestic structure that resembled a castle straight from a storybook, its towering white marble walls gleaming in the sun. The grand entrance beckoned, promising wonders beyond imagination, but Miss Veena pulled me in another direction, leading me away from the grandeur.

We walked through an enchanting garden, the flowers vibrant and alive, their colors dancing in the breeze. The scent of jasmine and rose wrapped around me like a warm embrace, calming my nerves and heightening my curiosity. At the center of this garden stood a quaint cottage, its brick walls rustic yet charming, with ivy climbing lazily up its sides. It felt like a secret haven, a place where dreams could unfold.

As we approached, the door swung open on its own, revealing a cozy interior filled with the scent of aged wood and herbs. A crackling fireplace illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows on the walls lined with books and curious artifacts. Each item seemed to pulse with its own history, a whisper of the past echoing through time.

"What lies ahead?" I wondered aloud, my excitement mixed with trepidation.

"You're about to meet the Grandmaster," Miss Veena replied, her voice low and serious as she gestured for me to step inside.

As I crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted, thick with an unspoken power. The Grandmaster was rumored to be a figure of immense wisdom, a force of nature in the realm of magic. I imagined a man clad in flowing robes, his hair white as snow and eyes that sparkled with the mysteries of the universe.

What would he see in me? Would he be able to unravel the tangled threads of my fears and doubts?

"Breathe, Mira. He can sense your emotions," Miss Veena said quietly, her voice a gentle reminder to ground myself.

I took a deep breath, steeling my resolve as I prepared to meet the Grandmaster, my heart racing with a blend of excitement and apprehension.