Chapter 03: Bubbles and Affinities

Zephyr's PoV

Rrrriiinnnggg!!

I slowly woke up as I noticed the morning sun striking vividly into my windowpane. I was half-awakened when I stopped my clock from ringing, listened to those hummingbirds outside chirping, then stared at the ceiling for a moment-

"Oh crap, it's my first day of school!"

I hurriedly ran down the stairs towards the kitchen as I saw Mrs. Serene- my mom, who was busy cooking our breakfast. I sighed in relief, realizing that everything is okay and I'm not too late enough.

"Good morning sweetie. Why the rush? Have you already forgotten that we'll be going to your academy together?" My mom giggled as she carefully placed that omelet rice on the table and gave me a big hug.

"You should eat first before taking a bath. My, you won't be leaving this dish I made for you uneaten, will you?" She said as I decided to sit down and started eating cheerfully.

Yup, this is my new life. I am currently a college student and it's my first then at Alfeim Academy, an academy where my mother worked as a nurse in an infirmary. They should say that as a school clinic, right? And yes, my father also worked there as an academy guard, that's why he left a few hours ago to prepare for the academy's opening.

After a hearty breakfast, we prepare ourselves for the opening ceremony. I'm currently wearing a white uniform with a green blazer. The blazer was so comfy that it has two pockets outside and even inside for convenience, a tag of Alfeim Academy on the right side, my surname embedded on a bronze plate, pinned on the left side of my shoulder, and detachable buttons that you can open or close depending on your style since it's not stated on the school rules.

My mother's just wearing her white and pink nurse uniform- that made me curious, are nurses like that here? I thought nurses only wear white nurse uniforms. And that gold rod thingy on her pocket though- it scares me.

We rode my mom's car to school- to think cars in this world existed, I can tell that we're not in a medieval era of something farther than that. My mom is the one who's driving, but she said she will be teaching me soon so that I could learn to drive one for myself. We spend 20 minutes on the road until we finally arrived at the entrance of the Alfeim Academy.

"Good luck on your first day sweetie! Don't be afraid to meet new friends here. And if anything happens- just anything, feel free to meet me in the infirmary okay?" I slowly open the car door and went out, as my mom spoke those words and smiled at me. Even though I'm their child, I still need to follow the rules of walking at the entrance and presenting my identity card to my father.

I was about to show my card to my father when I saw a girl- about the same age as me, who was uneasy and kept on walking here and there near the entrance. I thought she's lost, so I quickly present my card and went toward her.

"Um, excuse me miss? You seem lost. Can I help you-"

I was stunned when she slowly looked at me- is she a goddess descended into this academy? She has blonde hair, green sparkly eyes, and white, soft skin. She's wearing the same uniform as mine, though she's wearing a green skirt with a netted pattern all over it. As I saw the bronze plate on his blazer with her surname on it, I can tell that she was a freshman like me- oh wait, she was crying!

"At last! Someone is kind enough to help me!" She suddenly sprung forward to hug me- though I dodged it and managed to hold her hand to prevent her from falling.

"Whoa, take it easy there, Ms. Fellomina! For starters, maybe you should tell me what's the matter before you hug me like that." I weirdly laughed, but I was making sure that no one's watching- man. this is just too embarrassing- I dodge that blessing in front of me.

"Oh yes, I apologize." She straighten herself up and reached her hand out. "My name's Princess Bubble Fellomina. It's my first time here, and I was afraid that no one will reach out since I'm afraid to enter inside without any companion..." Her smile was contagious. The aura around her was so lively that I can conclude her name fits her personality.

"Nice to meet you Bubbles. I'm Zephyr Lincoln Gonzales. I'm also new here, but I'm already familiar with the place since my parents work here. Well, if you don't mind- I can accompany you inside if you like to." I understand what she felt though- being alone in an unfamiliar place sure is a hassle.

"That would be great! Take me with you Zephie!" I suddenly snorted out of shock-

"Wait, Zephie? Calling me that makes me feel like a child!"

"But you're calling me Bubbles rather than Bubble or Princess, so we're even."

I sighed. Rather than complaining, I just accompanied her inside the campus, though I feel weird that my first friend was a girl- an elegant princess to be précised. While walking with Bubbles, I noticed something unusual- some students have swords and bows hanging on their backs, and some have the same rods on their hands as my mother's.

Wait, I never saw this while I was wandering here a few months ago! I also noticed an unusual bracelet on Bubbles' arm. It was white and grey with a bubble-like appearance in the middle, and it was somehow shining. Wait, did I miss anything-

"So, you're Mr. Gonzales and Ms. Fellomina. Welcome to the Academy." Suddenly, a manly posture appeared before us. He's a middle-aged man, with those scornful eyes yet he's really a friendly dean, with blue eyes, and he's currently wearing a blue suit, plain green blazer, brown office pants, and cream-colored robe with green and orange lining on it. He was holding an unfamiliar book and I just don't mind it.

"Good morning Dean Chronos!" I greeted him and Bubbles just smiled. From the looks of her, she knew Dean Chronos but she was just too nervous to speak. "We were about to visit you at your office, Sir Dean. But it's shameful for me that you found us on the way." I have my respect for him since he is the founder of the academy and known to be the powerful dean amongst other academies- what does it mean, like wealth? Position? Well, whatever that is, he's still worthy to be respected.

"No need to feel ashamed about it Zeph. I just happened to meet you here so we might as well walk together to my office. I need to talk to you both before the ceremony starts." Dean Chronos smiled at us as I just straighten myself-

"Wait- both of you, stop!" Suddenly, an unfamiliar gust of- wait, fire?! And it came from that student with a sword who was busy slashing when she accidentally released it. Before I could even move to dodge it-

"I order you Time, cease thy presence!!"

Suddenly, everything froze in spot- even that gust of fire stopped mid-air that almost hit us. Bubbles also stopped moving while she was grabbing my hand. I was even confused- Dean Chronos is the only one moving?! What kind of sorcery is this?!

Dean Chronos was about to lift us from our spots but he suddenly raised his left eyebrow when he saw me moving- oh wait, how come I'm still moving?! Am I supposed to remain immobile after Dean Chronos used this... time freeze thingy?

"Wait, Zephyr you're unaffected?" He asked as I saw the confusion embedded in his face.

"So, should I freeze as well- wait, I should ask the same thing, Dean Chronos! Why am I unaffected? In the first place, what is this incredible magic? I didn't even see you used that nor even know you have powers!" I was still in shock yet Bubbles' hand was still stuck with my arm, making me unable to move away.

"No need to be afraid Zephyr. For now, just lift Ms. Bubble so that you will not be struck by Rose's magic. I'll explain everything in my office later. Also, this unaffected state of yours from my time freeze has something to do with your ability." Dean Chronos said as I tried to lift Bubbles and- oh wait, I carried her like a princess! I suddenly blushed out of embarrassment. Though I think Bubbles will never remember this, so I'll keep this a secret. This is the best day of my life!

As I carefully placed Bubble in a safe spot, Chronos quickly closed the book he was holding, and everything just went back to normal and that gust of fire quickly extinguished as soon as it hits the ground. I can hear that student apologize- her name was Rose, right?

"What happened Zephie? Where's that gust of fire that almost hit us? Aww... That's my only chance to show you my power..." I- wait, Bubbles also has powers?! So that means everyone here has powers while I don't?

But after that incident, we went straight to the Dean's office, which is located on the topmost part of the academy. I still couldn't what happened though since my parents didn't even tell me about this phenomenon inside this academy- but one thing's for sure, only Dean Chronos can answer these questions that kept on swirling in my mind.

Upon entering, Dean Chronos quickly rushed near his office desk and placed a stone tablet with a large polished crystal embedded in it. I don't have any idea about his plan, but let's just trust him for now.

"For starters, can you place your hand on this crystal Zephyr? This will determine your affinity- and it will be our information of what your ability is. And I know you're confused so let me explain briefly. There are five affinities, and this crystal will define your affinity. Red for fire, Blue for water, Green for nature, Yellow for light, and Purple for dark. Don't worry, you will not feel anything throughout the process." Dean Chronos said in a serious tone and I quickly followed what he said.

As soon as I touched the stone- something strange happened. Instead of those colors Dean Chronos mentioned, the crystal shone silver- it's vivid that it looks like the color of polished steel. A faint of wind swirled around it and it never stopped. Dean Chronos nodded in curiosity, as Bubbles suddenly leaned toward the stone as she was mesmerized by the crystal's appearance.

"It's really rare to see people with a null affinity- but the silver color looks so pretty!" She leaned at me as I tried not to fret- I could feel her chest pressed against me- but I tried to remain calm not to make any fuss.

"Null affinity? I thought there were only five affinities Dean Chronos? Any explanations?" I tried to lift my hand from the crystal, but Bubbles suddenly pressed my hand with her palm back to the crystal and it shone in a silver-blue color, making Bubbles impressed even more. I guess Bubbles' affinity is water- oh wait, this situation is indeed weird!

"This doesn't explain it Zephyr. Null affinity users are talentless. They can't use magic or anything- but how come? I must investigate this ability of yours even further." Dean Chronos suddenly rubbed his chin, but I ended up feeling disappointed as Bubbles was still busy looking at the crystal with our hands on it.

So I'm talentless eh? Too bad.

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