5 A.M

Back in the lab, Phoebe leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, her cat-like tail flicking lazily behind her. She gave Kael a sly glance.

> "Alright then, if you're serious about learning how to draw mana circles, meet me here tomorrow at 5 a.m. sharp."

Kael's eyes widened.

"Wait 5 a.m.? Are you serious?"

Phoebe raised an eyebrow and gave him a smug look.

"What, you thought you'd master the foundations of runic geometry by brunch? The concept seems easy, but it's a lot of memorization, discipline, and precision. Especially if you're as hopeless as you say."

Kael let out a deep sigh and looked up at the ceiling as if begging some invisible force for patience.

"Yeah… sure. 5 a.m. it is."

Phoebe nodded in satisfaction and turned back to her notes.

Kael muttered under his breath as he turned to leave, "If I survive this, someone better carve a statue of me."

---

Later that evening...

Kael finally made it back to his S-rank dorm. The moment the door slid shut behind him, he collapsed onto his bed, groaning.

> "5 a.m... I can barely wake up for 8 a.m. lectures."

He stared at the ceiling, dreading the ungodly hour he'd just committed to.

He sat up quickly and grabbed his holo-watch, typing a message.

Kael:

> Yo Belle.

Within seconds, a glowing reply appeared.

Belle:

> What's good, little bro?

Kael:

> Uh, random question. Do you… by any chance… have a Black VIP World Rankers Association card?

Belle:

> LOL of course I do. I am the most talented person on the planet, after all.

Kael rolled his eyes but smiled.

Kael:

> Great. So can I… maybe… borrow an Arcane-grade Mana Crystal?

There was a brief pause before her next message popped up.

Belle:

> WHAT???

Why the hell do you need something like that??

Kael:

> Uh… no reason?

Belle:

> Kael Vernier. I swear, if you're trying to summon a demon just to get out of doing homework again

Kael:

> No no no. Just… let's call it a personal project.

Belle:

> Mhm. And what do I get out of giving you something worth that much.

Kael smirked and typed quickly.

Kael:

> My birthday's coming up, isn't it? Consider this an early birthday gift from you to your beloved little brother?

There was a long pause.

Then finally.

Belle:

> …You got me there, you scumbag.

Fine.

Kael:

> Deal. You're the best, Belle.

Belle:

> You know damn right I am. Now don't get yourself killed with it.

Kael smiled to himself, tossing the holo-watch aside and laying back.

"Perfect. One Arcane Mana Crystal on the way… and a 5 a.m. torture session tomorrow. What a perfectly balanced life I live."

He turned to the side and sighed.

"Let's hope Phoebe doesn't make me write a thesis on magical vectors next."