Chapter 2: A System? (1)

Chapter 2: A System? (1)

The sounds of birds chirping, singing their beautiful melodies, served as an alarm for the beginning of the day for many. The serene symphony of nature harmonized with the first light of dawn, casting a soft golden hue across the landscape.

As early as 5:30, the streets of various towns and cities around the world were already bustling with people going about their daily lives. In a rundown street in Eldershire Town, one of the most prosperous towns in Rivermark City, a boy stumbled out of a small, weathered house. The house, though old and worn, exuded a certain charm, with its ivy-clad walls and creaky wooden porch that groaned with each step.

The boy's appearance was striking. His white hair hung in messy bangs over his eyes, leaving everyone wondering if he could actually see through them. His pale skin glowed faintly in the dim light of the early morning, making him appear almost ethereal. Despite the rough start to his morning, he moved with a practiced ease, as if his routine was the one constant in his life.

He began his day with a series of warm-up exercises, stretching his limbs and preparing his body for the physical exertion to come. After five minutes of stretching, he started to jog around the small house. The morning air was cool and crisp, filling his lungs with each breath. The rising sun cast a soft glow on the quiet street, illuminating the dewdrops on the grass and the delicate spider webs spun between the bushes.

The world seemed still, wrapped in the embrace of morning tranquility, save for the rhythmic cadence of his footsteps. He continued his exercises for an hour, sweat glistening on his pale skin, making him look like a marble statue brought to life.

This was Zephyr Sinclair, a fifteen-year-old with a determined expression. His eyes, hidden behind the veil of his hair, were sharp and observant. Returning inside, Zephyr navigated the modest interior with familiarity. Photos adorned faded walls, each capturing moments of a quieter past. He took a quick, invigorating shower before checking on his younger brother, Mac, whose gentle breathing filled the dimly lit room.

In the room, a younger boy, about five or six, sat up on the old bed, rubbing his eyes with his tiny hands. He yawned widely, his light blonde hair sticking out in all directions like a halo. His eyes, still heavy with sleep, blinked up at Zephyr with a mixture of confusion and trust.

"Brother, is it morning already?" Mac's voice, sleepy and trusting, broke the silence.

Zephyr's touch was tender as he ruffled Mac's hair, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yep. Better get up now, or you'll be late for school."

The two siblings could easily be mistaken for twins if they were the same age. The only noticeable difference in their appearance was that the younger boy didn't have his hair covering his eyes. Apart from that, they might as well have been the same person. Their bond was evident in the way they interacted, each movement and gesture filled with unspoken understanding.

After a couple of minutes, the two were finally dressed. Their clothes were simple but clean, a testament to Zephyr's care and responsibility. They had a modest breakfast of rice, sitting together at a small wooden table. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the scene.

Zephyr, with his pale skin and almost ethereal appearance, seemed to glow under the morning sun. His white hair caught the light, making him look like a figure from a fairy tale. First, they dropped the younger boy off at his pre-elementary school. The school was a quaint building with colorful murals painted on its walls, and the sound of children's laughter echoed in the air. The younger boy quickly reunited with his friends after the holiday, his face lighting up with joy.

Next, Zephyr continued his journey to his own school. It was a forty-minute walk to Eldershire Mixed High School, but taking the bus was not an option for someone like Zephyr, who didn't have the money for fare. Besides, the walk was calming, and the trees and small animals along the way provided pleasant distractions. The path was lined with ancient oaks and vibrant flowers, the air filled with the scent of fresh blooms and the occasional rustle of small creatures.

******

Eldershire Mixed High School greeted Zephyr with its bustling grounds and lively chatter. The school's architecture, a blend of blue and wine hues accented by climbing ivy, stood as a testament to its history and vibrancy. Students gathered in anticipation of the new school year, their energy palpable in the morning air.

Zephyr shook his head, thinking about those who procrastinated until the last minute. He felt a pang of sympathy for them but was also relieved that he had completed his admission procedure during the holiday. The memory of the administrative chaos was still fresh in his mind.

By 8a.m., the first bell of the day rang, its sharp tone cutting through the morning chatter. Those who were already students of Eldershire Mixed High School, EMHS for short, made their way to their respective classes. Zephyr was registered as a student of Class 3D. The classroom was spacious, with ten desks arranged in five rows, two desks in each row. The walls were adorned with posters of famous figures and motivational quotes, their colors faded but still vibrant.

When everyone was settled, a girl dressed in the school's uniform—a wine-colored pleated skirt, blue button-down shirt, black leggings (for girls), or trousers (for boys), and black shoes—stepped to the front of the classroom. She immediately caught everyone's attention with her presence. Her hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

"Hello everyone, it's nice to meet all of you," she said with a big, bright smile that made her eyes shine like stars.

She received a chorus of "hi's," "hello's," and "nice to meet you's" from her new classmates. Encouraged by the warm reception, people began talking to each other. The room buzzed with the excitement of new beginnings and the promise of friendships.

"Hey, let's get to know each other before the teacher comes in," someone suggested loudly, drawing everyone's attention. The suggestion was met with nods and murmurs of agreement.

"I'll go first. My name is Sam McCarthy, and I'm sixteen. I'm hoping to awaken an ice attribute, unlike the rest of my family who are all fire attribute awakened. I hope we get along well," Sam said, ending with a small bow. His confidence and determination were evident in his posture and tone.

Zephyr shook his head slightly. 'Your whole family are fire attribute awakened. How could you possibly awaken an ice attribute?' he thought. However, he knew this world was full of strange things. It wasn't entirely impossible for the boy to awaken an ice attribute.

The introductions continued, each student sharing their hopes and dreams.

"Hi, I'm Emily Carter, and I'm fifteen. I hope to awaken a magic attribute," said a girl with curly hair and a shy smile.

"Hello, my name is Miles, and I'm going to be a dual awakener of magic and fire!" proclaimed a boy with a confident grin.

.....

Finally, the whole class turned to Zephyr, who was seated at the back. Zephyr slowly stood, feeling the weight of their gazes. He knew this moment would determine if he made friends in the class or ended up being the weirdo.

"Hello, I'm Zephyr Sinclair, and I'm fifteen. I hope to awaken a time and space attribute. I hope we get along well and all awaken the attributes we want and make the school and our parents proud."

Zephyr made ensured his voice didn't sound too aloof or quiet. He kept a light smile on his face and maintained a relaxed posture. His calm demeanor seemed to resonate with his classmates.

As if sensing his sincerity, the students clapped. Zephyr was taken aback by the applause, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. He didn't understand why they were suddenly clapping, but he appreciated the gesture.

"Let's get along well," a boy named Conner O'Malley said. After that, others echoed similar sentiments, their voices warm and welcoming.

The classroom door opened, and a woman walked in. She had an air of authority about her, with sharp eyes that missed nothing. Her presence commanded immediate respect, and the room fell silent.

"Okay, since the introductions are over, back to your seats, everyone," she said, walking straight to the long desk in front and placing her belongings on it. Her movements were efficient and precise, reflecting her experience. "We'll start with the attendance. Zephyr Sinclair, come to the front and take the attendance while I prepare for the lesson," the woman said with a calm, patient voice.

Zephyr blanked out for a second before making his way to the front. This woman seemed familiar to him for some reason. *Why do I feel like we've met before?* he wondered.

As he approached the desk, his fingers lightly brushed its surface. He paused for a moment, sensing the eyes of the class on him. "I'm sorry, miss, but can someone else do it?" he asked quietly, ensuring only she could hear.

Miss Lauren frowned slightly. "Why?" she asked.

Zephyr hesitated, aware of the growing curiosity around him. "Please come closer," he finally said with a sigh.

A few seconds later, he returned to his seat, and Miss Lauren called up another name. "Conner, you take the attendance. From now on, you'll be Zephyr's assistant."

Conner O'Malley stood up and walked to the front. Without questioning picked up the attendance book from the table, opened the first page, and scanned the names. Since the students had just introduced themselves, he didn't have to call out names again. He simply ticked everyone present and turned to the teacher, who was writing something on the board in neat, flowing script.

"Ms, everyone is present," he said, his voice steady but curious.

The teacher nodded. "Okay. Keep the attendance book with you. Every morning, by 7:30, take record of everyone present in the class and add 5 points to the space for points in front of their name. At the end of the term, I shall collect the book." She turned to him and then to the rest of the class. "From today on, Zephyr Sinclair and Connor O'Malley will be the class captain and assistant respectively. If you are not okay with this, please signify by raising your hand."

No one raised their hand. Instead, they all seemed pleased with the decision, a few even nodding approvingly. Zephyr lips upturned into a small smile as he felt the familiar weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders.

"My name is Miss Lauren Hills, and you may all call me Miss Lauren. I'll be your class teacher for the year," she said, turning back to the board.

Zephyr couldn't shake the feeling that he'd met her before. Her voice, her mannerisms—they all felt familiar, yet he couldn't place where or when. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present.