10 Chapter 10 - End of Prologue

In the end, Class Chamomile garnered the most wins in the joint class fights. The children were ecstatic from their first experience of combat classes. Starting now, it was going to be the norm for them. The sheer enjoyment of using their powers freely made all the students forget that they were all fighting each other a moment ago. Any bad blood formed within the week dissipated like smoke. Mr. Zi and Class Jasmine's instructor huddled all the students together.

"You all did a very good job!" applauded Mr. Zi, "The grades for this week will be finalized and handed out next week. It is almost time to go home, so enjoy your weekend for now. Dismissed!"

"Icarus, what are you writing there?" Claude asked as he caught up to Icarus and Violetta, making their way out of the school.

"I'm just wrapping up on my own personal journal for the Essences I've seen today. It's pretty cool learning about them. Each Essence has their story...and weakness," answered Icarus as he grinned menacingly.

"Ugh, quit that. Everyone's looking at us funny." Violetta playfully chopped at Icarus' skull. "By the way, we're all riding my limo today. We're going straight to Ike's house to celebrate with Miss Yanne."

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"Woohoo! I knew you kids would kill it!"

Yanne jumped with joy to hear the news. She was proud to have such overachieving students. Well, maybe she was stretching the truth for a bit. She already knew that Claude and Violetta were a cut above the rest in their age group. What really made her happy was her son being able to win without the use of Essence.

"Hehe, it wasn't much!" bragged Claude.

"Hey! Maybe it was easy for us but it wasn't a cakewalk for Ike!" sighed Violetta.

"Yeah, hehe... I'm so proud of my son!" Yanne started to cuddle with Icarus in front of the two.

"That was a fluke..." corrected Icarus.

Icarus pushed his mother away, unfazed by the happy atmosphere.

"It won't change the fact that I'm..... a Husk."

The whole mansion fell silent. Throughout their time together, it was the first time Claude and Violetta have seen Icarus doubt himself. He always convinced himself that he was just a late-bloomer and they believed this as well. Because of his unwavering optimism, they've never doubted that he was a latent Essence User.

"But..." Icarus continued and forced himself a wide smile, "that doesn't mean I can't be happy for you guys! Haha!"

"Y-yeah," mumbled Claude.

"Why are you all so sad? I may be a Husk but I got something out of today too. Now, everyone totally thinks that the reason why I fought without an Essence was because I was purposely hiding it. Now, I don't need to worry about people doubting if I'm a Husk or not," reminded Icarus.

"Y'all heard what he said!" barked Yanne. "This is a celebration. Let's have fun! I bought a new video game yesterday for all of us to play!"

They enjoyed the entire night like there was no tomorrow. Behind the joyous smiles, they knew that a dream was shattered. Yet, they knew that they had to delude themselves just for this night. A promise between the three of them was reduced to two.

After Claude and Violetta left, Icarus cleaned up the mess they've started and gone straight to his room. He closed the lights and covered himself with his blanket. He won't cry this time. He'll look toward a new future instead of moping in sadness. He'll make a name for himself by being rich instead.

Yanne unexpectedly intruded into the room without knocking. She stood over the door, leaning back with her arms crossed. A look of disappointment was visible from her face.

"Ike, my son... have you given up?"

Without hesitation, Icarus looked at his mother, dead in the eye, and smirked.

"No, I've simply adjusted due to circumstances."

"That's what I like to hear."

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Mr. Zi stayed up late on the teacher's office along with Class Jasmine's instructor. He scratched his head in irritation as he flipped the papers that contained the grades of his students.

"Master Zi, something wrong?" the younger male instructor inquired.

"Bah! don't call me that! Things would be different if this was Orientia but "Mr." will suffice," corrected Zi. "But regarding your question, it's just that one of my students is in a weird predicament, that's all."

"I see, who is it?"

"You know Icarus Vermillion? The student who exploited the rules to win against your student who held the Essence of Sobek?" reminded Mr. Zi.

"Ah, Ms. Yanne's son! Yes, that was quite impressive. One would be lucky to get even two hits in Zeke Malek if they didn't use their Essence. That child has already a solid background in martial arts and one of the best prospects in my class yet his martial arts skill was outclassed by your student even with the strength gap."

"It's not that he did not 'use' his Essence, it's that he 'can't'. Unfortunately, he's a Husk. His talent is on par with the princess and Claude from your class, but alas, it is wasted," Mr. Zi shook his head.

"What? But if he's a Husk, how is he going to be graded for the latter half of this special program?"

"The child was ready to get a zero for its worth. But the head principal personally came to me just a few hours ago and told me to make an exception. Something about one of the Pillars asking him a favour," disclosed Zi.

"Is Ms. Yanne using her status to stick up for her son?" the younger teacher seemed rather intrigued.

"No. That woman has never even stepped foot in this school let alone talk to the principal. It was another one of them. Daedarius Astyrea."

"Hmm...and the plot thickens," chuckled Class Jasmine's instructor. "Are they expecting something out of this kid or what?"

"I have no insight into that. However, no matter what happens to that child in the future, it'll be rather interesting."

Mr. Zi then proceeded to check every mark on the current page he was working on: Icarus Vermillion. Full Marks.

"Let us see how this one overcomes his destiny."