The air in the instructor observatory was still, save for the hum of the projection crystals flickering around the room. Five figures stood in staggered silence, their gazes fixed on the scenes replaying in the air. The sound of the soft projection humming.
It was slowed down footage of the Elite Class's first lesson.
Jacob's calm step forward. His evasive sidestep. The tap on Korreth's shoulder.
Everything was there to see.
Korreth stood to the side, arms crossed, jaw set. Not angry, but in thought.
"He didn't just react," Tasha Renee said, her long coat brushing the floor as she stepped closer to the footage. "He knew what you were doing before you did it."
"More than that," added Jael. "He let himself be open, to bait the kick. He calculated your rhythm".
A pause.
"It's like he's watching data unfold in real time," said Mireya Varn, her voice cool as she stared at Jacob's focused stare.
Huff
Korreth exhaled, "He was trying. Just not in the way we teach."
Maerth Olin, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "A four-medium user. Potential through the roof".
"He's more controlled than I thought", Tasha added.
"Mmm"
Some of them sounded in unison.
A brief silence.
Then Mireya leaned back, "And the others? The Elite Class is strong this year. Even Veyna and Torin stirred something."
"You know how this goes," Korreth finally said, voice calm.
"It only takes one incident for cracks to show. Let's see how they hold."
They sat there, observing the others.
Breaking the focus.
Jael's eyes flickered toward the table's edge.
"Has there been any word... from the South Tower?"
The room fell still.
"About the boy?" Mireya asked, tone unreadable.
"Riven", Jael confirmed.
Tasha exhaled softly. "Nothing yet. The observers say he's alive. That's all."
Korreth said nothing. His eyes stayed fixed on the ceiling, like searching for something just beyond reach.
"It's strange." Mireya's voice lowered.
"No resonance. No reaction. And yet..."
She didn't finish.
---------
The halls of Eldris Academy stretch wide and pristine - walls of polished glass and silver-veined stone, reflecting the soft overhead glow of ambient lights.
Jacob strolled, his footsteps echoing gently, rhythmic, measured.
His blue hair shifting slightly with each step, catching glints of light. He didn't walk fast. He didn't need to.
Eyes trailed him.
A group of first-years paused mid conversation he passed.
Two girls lowered their voices, their giggles sharp and nervous.
One boy stiffened, adjusting his collar as if trying to seem taller.
His expression didn't change. A small smile ever apparent. Not smug. Just relaxed.
Practised. As if he was used to this by now.
"That's him."
A whisper - sharp and clear behind him.
"I heard he's A-Class in every medium"
"He beat Instructor Korreth..."
Jacob kept walking.
He didn't correct them. Didn't bask in glow either.
He just walked.
!
That was when the corridor darkened.
A cluster of upper-year students turned the corner. Moving in tandem, they were taller, broader and far more deliberate in their presence.
Their uniforms had sharp white stripes along the shoulder - designated for Second-Years.
One of them stepped forward.
He had a short fade, arms crossed behind his back. His gaze was calm, not friendly however.
"So..." the boy said, voice carrying down the hall.
"You're the new legend they've been talking about."
The murmuring stopped.
The hallway stilled.
Jacob's smile didn't fade.
He tilted his head slightly, hands in his pockets:
"And you are?"
The second year gave a faint grin.
"Someone who's not impressed yet."
A few gasps from the bystanders. Not from what was said, but how it was said.
"They say you've got all four mediums. I see a glorified first-year with fancy hair and a smug face."
Jacob's expression didn't shift. But he did blink slowly.
"Then you're watching with the wrong eyes."
The second year chuckled, but there was no warmth to it. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts once you get dragged into the real trials. Don't get too comfortable on your little throne."
"Wasn't planning to", he returned simply.
A brief silence.
The older student stared a beat longer, then stepped aside, letting Jacob pass; but not before muttering under his breath:
"They always shine early. Then they break."
Tap tap tap
Jacob kept walking. No response. No glance back.
But the small flex of his fingers...and a small smile curving on his lips said enough.
Watching the whole scene, standing nearby, was Caelun Redd.
Those bland features masked him the crowd of onlookers.
Nobody noticing he was part of the same cohort as Jacob.
His posture was still, arms folded, expression unreadable.
No cheer. No scowl. Just thought.
The crowd murmured. Whispers about Jacob.
He heard them - and ignored every one.
It seemed Jacob's presence filled the room, even as he was walking out. But Caelun didn't look impressed. He looked... precise.
"He's not just strong. He knows it."
His words were quiet, said to no one.
Then he turned away.
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**Author's Note:**
Let me know what you guys think so far! Drop a comment or leave a review - it really helps a lot.
And if you're enjoying the story, don't forget to add it to your collection!
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