Secrets of Arcane Theory

Elian and Res entered the classroom, feeling the weight of hostile gazes upon them. Whispers and hushed conversations ceased as the duo made their way to an empty pair of seats. The room, once alive with subdued murmurs, fell into a tense silence.

Ignoring the judgmental stares, Elian and Res took their seats and exchanged troubled glances. The atmosphere was palpably unwelcoming, but they leaned in, seeking solace in whispered words.

"This place is colder than I expected. Did we do something wrong?"

"I don't know, Res. It's like they're judging us just for being here."

"Well, let them. We're here to learn, not to make friends with everyone."

"True, but I didn't expect such hostility. It's like they've already made up their minds about us."

"Let's focus on our studies. We don't need their approval."

As they exchanged thoughts in hushed tones, the class continued to cast disdainful glances in their direction. The whispers lingered like a haunting melody, but Elian and Res remained resolute, determined to rise above the unwarranted judgment.

The door creaked open, revealing a trio of students entering the classroom with an air of entitlement. The girl, flanked by two boys, sauntered toward Elian and Res with a smirk playing on her lips.

"Excuse us, losers. These seats are taken. Find somewhere else to squat with your poor asses," the girl sneered, her tone dripping with condescension.

Elian and Res exchanged incredulous glances but chose not to engage in confrontation. The boys accompanying the girl joined in, taunting with mocking laughter.

"Look at them, probably don't even have enough gold coins to afford decent clothes," one of the boys jeered.

"Yeah, who let these peasants into the academy? Probably a mistake," added the other boy.

Elian felt a surge of indignation, but he held his composure. Res, however, wasn't one to back down without a retort.

"Funny, I thought this was a place of education, not a playground for bullies," Res shot back, her eyes flashing defiance.

The insults escalated as the tension in the room grew thicker.

"Peasants like you should know your place. You'll never fit in here," the girl spat, her disdain evident.

"Maybe if you spent less time insulting people and more time studying, you'd actually belong here," Elian retorted, a touch of sarcasm in his tone.

The verbal sparring continued, the exchange fueled by animosity and disdain. The rest of the class watched the spectacle unfold, unsure whether to intervene or enjoy the drama from the sidelines.

The door swung open, interrupting the heated exchange. A woman with an air of authority entered the room, silencing the commotion with a stern gaze.

"Enough of this bickering! Class, settle down," she commanded, her voice cutting through the tension.

The girl, boys, Elian, and Res reluctantly took their seats, their eyes avoiding the gaze of the newly arrived teacher. With a composed demeanor, she approached the front of the class.

"Good morning, everyone. I am Professor Lenora Evergreen, and I'll be your instructor for Arcane Theory," she announced, her tone firm yet composed.

The class greeted her with a mixture of hushed whispers and curious glances. Professor Evergreen continued, unfazed by the earlier disturbance.

"In this class, we will explore the fundamental principles of magic, its history, and the underlying theories that govern our abilities. Whether you come from esteemed magical bloodlines or more humble origins, here, you will all be judged based on your dedication to learning," she declared, her eyes scanning the room.

The mention of backgrounds caught Elian's attention, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of scrutiny from his peers. Professor Evergreen pressed on, undeterred by the earlier disruption.

"Now, let's start with some basics. Can anyone tell me the primary components of an effective spell?"

Eager students raised their hands, but Elian hesitated, still feeling the weight of the earlier confrontation. After a moment, he decided to participate.

"Intent, incantation, and visualization," Elian answered, his voice clear but measured.

Professor Evergreen nodded approvingly, acknowledging his response. As the class delved into the complexities of magical theory, Elian found himself immersed in the subject, gradually forgetting the earlier confrontation.

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as Professor Lenora Evergreen, their Arcane Theory instructor, began the introductory class. With an air of expertise, she navigated through the fundamental principles of magic, captivating the students with her insightful explanations.

"Now, let's discuss your future ambitions. What do you hope to achieve with your magical abilities?" Professor Evergreen inquired, her eyes scanning the room.

As hands hesitantly rose, Elian felt a sense of unease. When the question finally reached him, he replied, "I'm Elian Aetheris."

A sudden hush fell over the classroom, and eyes turned toward Elian. It seemed as if his name carried a weighty significance that echoed through the room. Professor Evergreen, perceptive to the shift in atmosphere, maintained a composed demeanor.

"Well, Elian Aetheris, it's a pleasure to have you in our class. Now, tell us about your aspirations as a mage," she encouraged, breaking the awkward silence.

Elian, feeling the weight of scrutiny, spoke earnestly about his desire to understand the intricacies of magic and to become a battle mage also to contribute positively to society, and perhaps uncover hidden truths within the magical realm. His words, however, lingered in the room, met with a mix of curiosity and suspicion from his classmates.

The awkward silence that followed was eventually broken by Professor Evergreen, who skillfully transitioned back to the lesson, easing the tension in the room. The class resumed its focus on the basics of magic, but Elian couldn't shake the feeling that his name had set him apart, creating an unspoken barrier between him and his peers.

As the introductory class continued, Elian listened attentively, determined to prove himself through his dedication to learning. The challenge lay not only in mastering the complexities of magic but also in navigating the subtle currents of social dynamics within the academy.

The bell signaled the end of their Arcane Theory class, and Elian and Res gathered their belongings, preparing to navigate the bustling halls of Arcana Academia for their next session.

As they walked to their next class, Res couldn't help but notice the weight on Elian's shoulders. She gently nudged him and asked, "What's on your mind, Elian?"

Elian sighed, his expression revealing a mixture of frustration and concern. "It's this family name, Res. 'Aetheris' seems to carry more weight than I anticipated. Back there in class, when I said my name, it felt like the room went silent. I fear it might be a problem."

Res, understanding the complexities of societal expectations, replied reassuringly, "Don't let it get to you, Elian. Your family name shouldn't define you. Just focus on proving yourself through your actions and abilities. We're here to learn and grow, not to be hindered by preconceived notions."

Elian nodded, appreciating Res's support. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, he was determined to forge his own path within Arcana Academia, proving that his capabilities surpassed any assumptions associated with his family name.

As they entered their next class, Elian carried a renewed determination, ready to face whatever obstacles lay ahead. The academy, with its complexities and social dynamics, would be a testing ground for not just their magical abilities but also their resilience and ability to overcome societal expectations.