Return to the Realm

"Good morning, everyone. I am Miss Veena, and I shall be your class head for the entire semester."

The moment she entered the classroom, an icy chill swept through the air, freezing even the bravest of hearts. Miss Veena was tall and commanding, her presence an immovable force that drew the eyes of every student. She had sharp, angular features, her high cheekbones casting deep shadows on her pale skin. Her gray hair, pulled back into a meticulous bun, seemed to shimmer under the warm glow of the sunlight streaming through the arched windows, a stark contrast to the severity in her dark eyes. They were piercing, almost like twin black holes, searching for any sign of weakness or disobedience.

The classroom itself was a masterpiece, mirroring the grandeur of the academy. Tall windows lined the walls, reaching from the polished oak floor to the ornate ceiling, their stained glass depicting swirling symbols of elemental magic that bathed the room in hues of red, blue, and green. The air was thick with anticipation, the faint scent of old parchment and ink mingling with the earthy aroma of the wooden desks. Each desk was equipped with a shimmering crystal, resting in a delicate silver holder, inviting curiosity yet radiating an aura of mystery.

As I stood at my desk, I caught sight of the boy who had entered with Miss Veena. His energy was palpable, a powerful presence that seemed to vibrate in the very fabric of the room. He sat confidently at the back, his tousled black hair catching the light, accentuating the sharp angles of his jaw and the intensity in his deep blue eyes. There was something mesmerizing about him—something that made my heart race and my thoughts scatter. Why did he have such a strong aura?

As I stared, the world around us faded. Our gazes locked, and I felt an electric current sizzle between us, a connection that transcended the mundane. The warmth in my cheeks contrasted sharply with the cold dread of uncertainty. What was I feeling? Before I could unravel the tangled web of emotions, he shifted his gaze, breaking the spell, leaving me alone with my chaotic thoughts.

"Now," Miss Veena's voice cut through the lingering tension, "there are different types of magic and different levels of magic as well. Types of elemental magic include light, dark, ice, fire, earth, wind, and thunder magic."

Each word resonated in my mind, a symphony of knowledge that both thrilled and terrified me. What kind of magic would I possess? Would I even belong in this world filled with such incredible power? My thoughts spiraled back to Akira—her deceit hanging over me like a heavy fog. How could she keep this world a secret? Did she not trust me? The betrayal cut deeper than I had anticipated, igniting a flame of resentment within me.

Miss Veena stood at the front of the classroom, her presence both commanding and inviting. "Alright, everyone," she began, her voice warm and engaging, "today we're going to explore the fascinating structure of magic and the different levels and ranks that define our magical community."

She walked slowly, making eye contact with various students. "Let's start with the Basic Levels.

Novice Magic: "This is where your journey begins. As a Novice, you'll learn foundational spells and the basic principles of magic. It's essential to build a strong base for what's to come."Elemental Magic: "Next, you'll focus on manipulating the forces of nature—fire, water, earth, and air. Understanding these elements is crucial for any magician."Rune Magic: "This involves using symbols to enhance your spells and create various magical effects. It's an ancient practice that can be incredibly powerful."

She paused, gauging our reactions before continuing. "Now, moving on to the Advanced Levels."

Adept Magic: "In this stage, you'll refine your skills and tackle more complex spells. Your growth will start to shine here."Mastery Magic: "Achieving this level means you have mastered multiple forms of magic. It's prestigious and requires dedication and skill."Archmage Magic: "At the pinnacle of magical achievement, Archmages can bend the very laws of magic to their will, and they are revered for their unmatched skill."

Miss Veena's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself leaning forward in my seat. "Now, let's talk about the ranks that every magician is divided into."

Arcane Novice: "This is you—the entry-level magician just beginning to unlock the secrets of magic."Spellweaver: "As you progress, you'll become a Spellweaver, skilled in crafting and intertwining spells for various effects."Mystic Adept: "With time, you'll deepen your connection to the mystical forces and become a Mystic Adept."Elemental Sage: "Those who specialize in elemental forces will earn the title of Elemental Sage, respected for their profound knowledge."Celestial Arbiter: "High-ranking magicians, known as Celestial Arbiters, channel the energies of celestial bodies for powerful spells."Arcane Overlord: "Finally, the Arcane Overlord represents the highest rank—an unrivaled master of magic and a leader among magicians."

As she finished, Miss Veena looked around the room, her expression a mix of encouragement and expectation. "Remember, each level and rank comes with its own responsibilities. The path of magic is not just about power; it's about growth, discovery, and making ethical choices."

The weight of her words sank in, pressing down on me like a leaden cloak. I had always dismissed the idea of gods as mere fantasy, but now, sitting among these extraordinary students, I began to comprehend the vastness of this world—a world filled with forces greater than I could imagine.

"Now, I want you all to place your right hand on the magic crystal at your desk. It will reveal your magical attributes."

I glanced at the crystal before me. It sparkled enticingly, its surface smooth and cool. Taking a deep breath, I placed my palm against it, feeling a rush of anticipation and dread. The classroom was alive with energy; my classmates eagerly placed their hands on their crystals, each one bursting forth with brilliant colors that illuminated the room.

I waited, my heart pounding in my chest, but nothing happened. Silence enveloped me, a stark contrast to the brilliant displays erupting around me. After what felt like an eternity, a faint red glow flickered from my crystal—a whisper of warmth that felt almost mocking.

"Looks like all of your crystals have lit up," Miss Veena remarked, her voice carrying an air of authority. She strode towards me, her expression unreadable as she examined my crystal. "Your element is fire," she concluded, her tone a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Fire? Is that...good?" I stammered, a knot tightening in my stomach.

Miss Veena's gaze sharpened, and she pulled out a larger crystal, its surface shimmering under the light. "This crystal is more powerful than the one on your desk. It will detect your magic affinity—how much potential you have for learning magic."

"Magic affinity?" My heart raced at the thought of what the crystal might reveal, a blend of excitement and fear swirling within me.

"It will indicate your potential to master magic," she explained, her tone leaving no room for leniency. "Put your hand on it."

I hesitated for a heartbeat, then placed my palm on the cool surface. As I did, a wave of energy surged through me, igniting a flame inside the crystal. It grew larger, filling the room with a brilliant glow that was both beautiful and terrifying. Miss Veena's face paled, her strict demeanor faltering as she gaped at the vibrant display.

The flame within the crystal danced wildly, flickering with traces of blue and white interwoven with the crimson hues. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, a breathtaking phenomenon that sent chills down my spine.

"How is this possible?" Miss Veena murmured, bewilderment etched across her face. "Your flame is unlike anything I've ever encountered."

"Is something wrong with me, Miss Veena?" I asked, a tremor of uncertainty lacing my voice. What did this mean for my future? Would I be seen as a freak, a danger to the academy?

"I'm not sure," she admitted, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But we need to consult the Grandmaster after class. You may possess a unique elemental magic that defies our understanding."

Her words hung heavy in the air, a mixture of intrigue and dread swirling within me. What awaited me at the hands of the Grandmaster? Would they see me as a potential ally or a threat? The knot in my stomach tightened as I contemplated the unknown. As the class continued, my mind buzzed with questions, my heart racing at the prospect of unraveling the mystery of my magic.