Miss. Isabella

"Now, everybody knows that Qi is everywhere in our surroundings," Miss Isabella began.

Qi is a fundamental energy. This energy can be detrimental to our human body if improperly absorbed. However, when guided and utilized correctly, this energy becomes the very essence of our power," Isabella continued.

"Now, everyone,"

"Can anyone explain what role Qi plays in executing techniques?"

"Miss, Qi acts as the vital force or energy source required to perform techniques. Without sufficient Qi, a cultivator can't manifest their abilities, and the complexity or power of a technique usually determines how much Qi is needed."

"Very good, Elric," she said, her sharp eyes scanning the rest of the class.

"That's the basic principle. But it's only the surface. Qi is not just a fuel—it is also a medium, a bridge between inner focus and outer manifestation." She turned and drew a flowing spiral on the blackboard with her fingertip, the lines shimmering faintly with emerald light.

"Now," she said, tapping the center of the spiral,

"let's go deeper. When you execute a technique, what truly happens within your body and mind? What channels the Qi? Anyone?"

There was a moment of silence before a hand hesitantly rose.

"Yes, Lira?" The silver-haired girl cleared her throat.

"Um… our Dantian absorbs ambient Qi, and then we circulate it through our Qi channels. The technique is shaped by our mental focus—or the technique pattern we visualize."

Miss Isabella smiled faintly. "Excellent. That visualization is critical. Even with abundant Qi, a poorly-formed mental focus leads to a failed—or worse, unstable—technique." A low murmur passed through the students, a few of them exchanging nervous glances. "Which brings us," Miss Isabella said, her voice lowering slightly, "to Qi deviation. Does anyone remember what causes it?" A boy in the back, wearing a worried expression, raised his hand. "If you force Qi through blocked or damaged channels… or if you absorb too much too quickly, your body can't harmonize with it." "Correct," she confirmed. "And that's why we train. Control is everything. Not raw power. Not sheer quantity. Control." She let the words hang in the air for a moment. "Now, open your Qi cultivation manuals to page 47. Today, we'll begin the basic form of the Blazing Palm, and I expect no uncontrolled bursts of heat." A few students groaned. One in the front row muttered, "Last time my eyebrows didn't survive the uncontrolled heat..." Miss Isabella smiled slyly. "Then perhaps you'll learn to respect the Blazing Palm this time."

Miss Isabella was a Fire Elementalist, so everyone who had affinity with fire practiced it, including Victor. After the lecture, the other elemental arts instructors arrived and introduced themselves.

After the thirty-minute class, other instructors also came to teach their respective elemental arts basics. First came Master Thorne Virell, who taught about Earth Manipulation. Then came Lady Selene Aerwyn, who taught us Wind Manipulation. Then came Master Nyra Seaborne, who taught us Water Manipulation and Ice Manipulation. At last came Professor Aldric Fenmoor, who taught us history and the Aerian script. The written language used on this continent was called Aerian. Victor turned around to look at the girl beside him. "You were sneaking some glances at me, weren't you?"

'How did he know?!' She inwardly became flustered but didn't let it show on her face.

While she was about to say something, he said: "Haha, it's alright, I'm just kidding, and even if you did.... it makes us even now." Victor laughed and then smiled.

"Want to have lunch together? Let's go to the refectory."

"Y- Yes." She said.

'Why is this guy making my heart pound in my chest. Hmph, it must be because he is handsome, nothing else.'

They headed to the refectory, grabbed their meal, and sat next to each other at a corner table.

"It's quite rude to keep staring at a lady all the time, you know," Evelynn said, catching Victor's eyes lingering on her again. Victor smirked, unfazed.

"You know what... You never actually told me about your background."

"Hmph. And why should I?" Evelynn replied, sounding annoyed—but the playful smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. Victor leaned back slightly, his grin widening.

"Didn't I already say it before? Let me remind you—while you're at this academy, don't even think about other boys. I've already marked you as my territory."

Evelynn raised an eyebrow, a mix of curiosity and mock offense on her face. "So I'm your territory now?"

"Well, yes. Until I officially claim you, that is…" Victor said with a mischievous glint in his eye. Evelynn blinked, caught off guard. A faint blush colored her cheeks.

"Wh-what…?"

Victor chuckled. "Of course. Didn't I make it clear I'm interested in you? So naturally, once I learn more about you, I might just make a move to become your... b-o-y-friend." He stretched out the last word teasingly, watching her reaction.

Evelynn turned her face slightly, trying to hide the deeper blush spreading across her cheeks.

"...You're insufferable."

"And yet, here you are, still sitting beside me."

She scoffed but didn't deny it.

"Don't get too full of yourself, Victor."

"No promises," he said, taking a bite of his food while still watching her from the corner of his eye.

Victor leaned on the table, resting his chin in his hand.

"So… Lady Evelynn of the Cold Glares and Sarcastic Smiles. Tell me—who are you?"

Evelynn rolled her eyes but gave in with a small smirk.

"Fine. Since you're so desperately curious... I'm Evelynn Silverbane. My family holds the title of Viscount under the Crown of this kingdom. We oversee the northern provinces, near the Frostvale Ridge."

Victor's brows rose slightly.

"Silverbane… I've heard that name before. Aren't they known for their martial lineage?"

She gave a proud, if slightly guarded, nod.

"My father is Commander of the Third Legion. My mother runs estate affairs and manages several trade routes. We're not nobles who sit on gold—we work for our status."

Victor smiled, genuine interest flickering in his eyes.

"Impressive. No wonder you've got that whole 'don't mess with me' aura."

"And what about you?" Evelynn asked, leaning forward slightly. "You talk big and act like the world belongs to you. What's your story, Victor?"

Victor's playful grin faded into something more thoughtful.

"I'm from the House of Chronis. Not of this kingdom. We're from the northern continent—Borealis. My father is the current head, and… well, we didn't come here to gain favor with your crown."

"Then why did you come here?"

Victor looked out the refectory window for a moment before answering.

"The Forsaken Expanse—those lands abandoned by humanity? We've established a foothold there. My family's goal is to restore it. Build a new kingdom from what was lost. Reclaim what was discarded."

Evelynn blinked, caught off guard.

"You're serious?"

He nodded.

"Dead serious. The world sees it as a cursed land, but we see potential. My family believes in legacy—not just preserving it, but forging one."

There was a pause. The air between them shifted, heavier with meaning.

"…That's kind of admirable," Evelynn said softly.

Victor glanced at her.

"Coming from a Silverbane, I'll take that as high praise."

She chuckled.

"Don't let it go to your head."

He leaned closer.

"Too late."

"Hey Evelynn.." said Victor.

"What?" she said while taking a sip of water.

"Will you accompany me on a date?" said Victor with a serious expression.

"Wh- WHAT? Aren't you being rather swift with your intentions?" said Evelynn, her blush an undeniable crimson.

Seeing this, Victor smiled with satisfaction and said, "I can't have the other boys looking at you with such undisguised interest, you know." He glanced around, noticing a few male students who quickly averted their gazes.

Evelynn possessed a beauty that could stir the heavens, and with her striking white hair, she drew considerable attention. It was best to make his intentions clear before others entertained any foolish notions.

"O-oh. Alright," said Evelynn, her head bowed, a subtle heat radiating from her face.

"Alright, then I shall call for you at your residence tomorrow, as it is a day of rest."

'Evelynn! Why did you just agree to a date with this… this individual? You barely know him!'

'But I can become acquainted with him on that day, and it's not as if I will be doing anything untoward. It's merely a date! Just a date… phew.' If one could peer into her flustered thoughts, they would hear such internal debates. It was Evelynn's way of rationalizing her decision, a sight Victor would have found utterly endearing.

Soon, the sessions concluded, and it was time for the students to return home. Victor and Evelynn exited the academy gates and addressed their attendants:

"Sir Eclipse Knight, please have my carriage brought forth."

"Yes, Young Master," the attendant replied upon hearing Evelynn speak to her own attendant.

"Aliya, please bring my car-", Evelynn began, only to be interrupted by Victor.

"What are you doing?" he inquired.

"Me? Simply summoning my carriage?" she responded, a hint of confusion in her voice.

"Didn't I already take care of that?" he said with a smirk.

"What do you- Huh?" she questioned, before comprehension dawned on her.

"You- what do you imply?!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing anew.

"I intend to escort you to your home, and furthermore, I shall be the one to bring you to the academy daily… do you perceive any issue with this arrangement?" Victor stated in a commanding tone, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

"Of course, my Lady will-", Aliya interjected before being cut off.

"Alright," Evelynn managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Aliya turned to look at her mistress, whose face was flushed a deep crimson, as if she were about to burst.