Chapter 195: A Small Step To Go!
Beside him, Veyla stirred faintly in her sleep.
A few students snickered at the sight of the two sleeping through the lecture.
Kael hid a small smile as he opened his notebook, pretending to focus while his mind replayed Selena’s words.
For the first time that day, despite the exhaustion dragging at his body, Kael felt a spark of excitement.
The classroom buzzed with quiet chatter as the students copied down the last few notes from Professor Orwen’s lecture.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the wide windows. Kael felt the weight of a gaze on him before he even turned his head.
Cecelia.
Across the class, Cecelia’s bright eyes were fixed on him, and though her lips remained pressed into a polite line.
Jealousy.
Kael caught it for a brief moment, an unguarded look, before she quickly looked away and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
(Why is she looking at me like that?) Kael wondered.
He forced himself to look forward again, pretending not to notice.
On Cecelia’s side of the bench, Elysia sat with a very different kind of tension.
Her hands rested on the table, but every few seconds she lifted one to brush her hair back over her shoulder, then dropped it again, only to repeat the gesture moments later.
Her movements were impatient.
Professor Orwen, who was reviewing a set of practice scrolls at the front, finally looked up.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the restless motion.
"Elysia," he said, "what’s wrong? You’ve been brushing your hair for the last five minutes. Is something bothering you?"
The entire class went silent. A few students looked up with faint curiosity.
Elysia froze for half a heartbeat before lowering her hand to the desk.
"Nothing, sir," she said quickly.
Orwen tilted his head, studying her for a moment longer.
He gave a short nod.
"Very well," he said simply.
"Remember, focus is as important as mana control. Distraction will only hold you back."
"Yes, Professor," Elysia and all others replied.
Kael glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Something was definitely on her mind.
(I should make a move... I should do something,) Elysia thought to herself.
Watching Selena talk to Kael earlier, seeing the way Kael seemed almost comfortable with her—it was like a small thorn twisting inside her chest.
She didn’t understand why it bothered her so much, but it did. More than that, there was something else brewing inside her, (I need to grow stronger since he started too.)
(I can’t just sit here and train like a child while others pull ahead).
Then the bell rang and Mr.Orwen class was over.
Ding—ding—ding!
Chairs scraped against the wooden floor as the students began packing their scrolls and notebooks.
Conversations erupted instantly, everyone was eager to leave for their next activity and grab a quick snack before evening practice.
But Elysia didn’t wait for anyone.
Before Kael could even stand, she was already out of her seat, her boots clicking sharply against the floor as she strode to the door with a speed that made Cecelia glance up in surprise.
"Elysia?" Cecelia called, but Elysia didn’t stop.
Kael watched her go, a small crease forming between his brows.
(Where is she rushing off to?) he wondered.
Elysia didn’t slow down until she reached the staff corridor.
Her heart beat faster from the decision she was about to make. She followed the familiar path to the staff room, her mind rehearsing her words over and over.
(I have to do this. I can’t keep waiting for someone else to push us)
At the door to the staff room, she paused, smoothing her uniform and taking a steadying breath.
From inside came the low murmur of voices—professors discussing class schedules, upcoming tests, and training plans.
"This is it."
Knock. Knock.
The conversation inside paused.
"Come in," called a feminine voice.
Elysia pushed the door open and stepped inside. The scent of parchment and faint mana ink filled the air.
A few professors looked up in mild surprise, but it was Madam Sylvia.
"Elysia?" Sylvia said with a small smile, setting down the book she had been discussing with another professor.
"What brings you here so quickly after class?"
"Madam," Elysia said, bowing her head politely.
"I... I have a request."
Sylvia’s eyebrows lifted in mild curiosity.
"A request? That sounds serious. What is it, dear?"
Elysia hesitated only a heartbeat before speaking.
"Madam... apart from the regular training and lessons, I would like to request that among the first-year students, we also hold duels. Friendly duels. To test our combat skills against one another."
The other professors exchanged surprised looks. A few raised their brows, intrigued by the idea.
Sylvia leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand.
"Dueling, hmm?" she said thoughtfully. "That’s quite the proposal."
"Yes, Madam," Elysia continued, gaining confidence.
"We spend hours running, memorizing mana theory, and practicing spells... but we haven’t had many chances to face each other in real combat. I believe dueling would help us understand our strengths and weaknesses. It would prepare us better for real missions in the future."
One of the professors said on the side of the table, "Bold words, young lady. And not wrong. Combat experience is the best teacher."
Sylvia tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, considering the request.
"I was thinking about this very matter myself," she admitted with a slight nod.
"Practical combat is essential, and duels could reveal hidden talents—or weaknesses—among the first years."
Elysia’s heart leapt with a quiet thrill. "Then... does that mean—?"
"If you and your classmates are willing," Sylvia interrupted gently, "I will announce the start of a dueling program tomorrow. We can organize weekly matches, with proper safety measures in place. It will be optional, but strongly encouraged."
Elysia’s eyes brightened.
"Thank you, Madam! I promise, we’ll treat it seriously."
Sylvia gave a small laugh at the girl’s enthusiasm.
"I have no doubt you will. Your determination is clear enough. But remember—dueling is not about pride. It’s about learning. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Madam," Elysia said firmly, bowing her head once more.
Sylvia’s gaze softened.
"Good. I’ll prepare the announcement. Now, off with you—you’ve earned a bit of rest before tomorrow’s training."
Elysia allowed herself a small smile as she stepped back toward the door. "Thank you, Madam. I.... we... won’t let you down."