Varek And The School Days ( Part 1)

Varek and Keiran dashed toward the giant demon, their footsteps kicking up dust as they closed the distance. The demon roared, swinging its massive sword in a wide arc. Keiran leaped first, his Light Mana flaring as he narrowly avoided the blade, countering with a concentrated blast to the demon's shoulder. The impact left a burning mark, but the creature barely flinched.

Varek watched Keiran's movement carefully, noting his speed and precision. While Keiran continued to harass the demon from above with quick strikes, Varek circled around, analyzing its movements. The demon's attacks were slow but devastating. If they mistimed a dodge, they'd be crushed in an instant.

Keiran clicked his tongue as he landed back on the ground. "Tch. Annoying."

Varek smirked slightly. "You're telling me."

The demon roared again, raising its sword high. This time, Varek made his move. Channeling his Bronze Mana, he reinforced his body, dashing forward with increased durability. As the sword came crashing down, he rolled to the side, avoiding the brunt of the attack but still feeling the shockwave shake his bones.

Keiran took advantage of the opening, launching another concentrated blast of light directly into the demon's face, blinding it momentarily. "Now, Bronze boy! Do something!"

Varek exhaled, focusing on his Shadow Vault, the dark energy coiling within him. He couldn't reveal it—not yet. Instead, he enhanced his speed with his mana, darting toward the demon's exposed side. He jumped, using his reinforced fists to slam into the creature's knee. A small crack formed where he struck, and the demon stumbled slightly.

Keiran grinned. "So you do have some bite."

The demon roared in anger, swinging wildly. Varek barely ducked in time, but Keiran wasn't as lucky—the back of the demon's hand struck him, sending him flying across the battlefield.

"Keiran!" Varek called, but there was no time to check on him. The demon turned its glowing red eyes toward him now, raising its sword once more.

Varek clenched his fists. He had to end this. He could feel the Shadow Vault pulsing inside him, tempting him, but he resisted. Instead, he focused his Bronze Mana once more, waiting for the right moment.

The demon brought its sword down again, and this time, Varek didn't dodge. He ran straight toward it.

At the last second, he leaped onto the blade, using the momentum to propel himself higher. The demon's eyes widened in shock as Varek reached its face and delivered a reinforced punch straight between its eyes.

A loud crack echoed as the impact sent the demon stumbling back. It screeched in pain, its massive form beginning to waver.

Keiran, despite the bruise on his face, smirked as he got back up. "Not bad. But don't think that makes us friends."

Varek chuckled, shaking his sore hand. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The demon let out one last, agonized cry before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into dark mist. The battle was over.

The teachers and other students rushed forward, ensuring everyone was safe. Varek and Keiran stood side by side, breathing heavily, knowing that this was just the beginning.

Varek glanced at Keiran, seeing a flicker of something different in his eyes. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't entirely alone in this school after all.

---

The morning sun bathed the Silver School park in a soft golden hue. Before class started, Varek wandered through the quiet space, taking in the crisp morning air. His body still ached slightly from the intense battle the previous night, but his mind was sharper than ever.

As he walked past a shaded bench, he noticed Keiran sitting casually, drinking from a water bottle. Unlike his usual arrogant stance, Keiran seemed relaxed—almost at peace.

Keiran glanced up, immediately spotting Varek staring at him. With a smirk, he leaned back and said, "Hey, Bronze boy. Why are you still not going home?"

Varek felt a familiar pang of disappointment settle in his chest. Just yesterday, they had fought side by side, risking their lives against demons. And now, Keiran was back to his usual mockery.

Varek sighed, shaking his head as he turned to walk away. He should've expected this.

But before he could take another step, Keiran's voice called out again. "You're strong… but not as strong as me."

Keiran let out a short laugh, full of his usual arrogance, but something about it felt different. It wasn't just condescension—it was acknowledgment.

Varek paused, glancing back. He wasn't sure if he should be irritated or amused. Despite the mocking tone, Keiran had admitted something rare—he recognized Varek's strength.

Varek let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. He was still disappointed, but somewhere deep inside, a small part of him felt… acknowledged. A faint smile played on his lips as he continued toward class.

"Tch. Annoying." Keiran muttered under his breath, watching Varek leave.

And with that, the school day began.

The classroom was filled with the usual hum of students murmuring as the teacher continued the mana lecture. Varek sat in his usual spot at the back, listening intently while occasionally glancing around at his classmates.

The teacher posed a question about mana theory, scanning the room for a student to answer. As Varek's eyes wandered, they landed on a student with striking blue hair sitting near the front. Unlike Keiran's smug confidence, this student had a calm, composed aura. His presence alone demanded attention.

Keiran, noticing Varek's lingering gaze, leaned slightly toward him. "You're looking at Vikas, aren't you?"

Varek blinked and turned back to the lecture. "Vikas?"

Keiran smirked. "Second-ranking Silver student. Ice mana. He's strong… but not as strong as me." He let out a short, amused chuckle.

Varek nodded. "Okay."

Keiran stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. "You don't have any humor in your body, do you?"

Varek sighed. "I just don't see what's funny."

Keiran groaned dramatically. "Tch. Annoying."

The teacher, oblivious to their quiet conversation, continued explaining the intricacies of mana flow. Varek refocused, but his mind lingered for a moment on what Keiran had said.

So there were other strong students besides Keiran. Vikas was just one of them. How many more were there?

Varek exhaled, gripping his desk lightly. This school… was going to be more interesting than he thought.

As the school day ended, students flooded out of the gates, eager to return home. Varek walked down the stone path, adjusting the strap of his bag. The sun was setting, casting a soft golden glow over the Silver District.

Suddenly, a chorus of excited screams echoed through the air. Varek flinched, thinking for a brief moment that they were calling for him. Confused, he glanced around—only to realize he wasn't alone.

Beside him, walking with a casual stride, was Vikas.

"They are so loud, am I right?" Vikas said with a sigh, running a hand through his neatly styled blue hair.

Varek blinked. "You mean the girls?"

"Yes." Vikas nodded as if it were obvious. "I have a girlfriend, and they still try to flirt with me. I must be too handsome." He smirked.

Varek paused for a second. "…Okay." He nodded in agreement, though his tone was flat.

His expression, however, betrayed a slight disappointment.

Another student… full of himself.

And not just about strength—this time, it was about handsomeness.

Varek sighed quietly to himself, lowering his gaze to the ground as they continued walking.