He didn't know how to use the hoverboard.
'I should probably ask him.'
Thinking so, Aziel called out to Zephyr, who was about to head ahead.
"Wait… Zephyr, do you actually know how to use the hoverboard?"
Zephyr froze mid-step, his expression unreadable.
He turned, placing his left hand on his chin, eyes narrowing as he studied Aziel.
After a pause, he pursed his lips.
"You… really want to know? Or are you just testing me?" His voice was calm but carried an edge.
Aziel's face turned serious as he replied,
"It's not like I don't know. I just… wanted to see if you still do."
Zephyr let out a long, quiet sigh, the kind that carried both annoyance and resignation.
"Fine. Listen carefully" He said, his tone sharpening.
"First, you have to channel your mana to your feet. The board absorbs it and stays afloat. But one mistake and it shuts down. Keep it steady. Keep it constant. Understand?"
Aziel's grin widened slightly, though he kept his tone serious.
"I do. Looks like you haven't forgotten the theory either. I was honestly wondering if you'd remember after all this time."
Zephyr shook his head, lips twitching in the smallest hint of a smirk. "Some people never stop doubting me, huh?"
After that, Aziel told Zephyr to go ahead, promising to follow right after.
"All right. Now that he's gone… I can figure this out myself," he muttered, clenching his fist in determination.
He stepped onto the hoverboard, which hovered a few inches above the ground without mana.
Closing his eyes, he tried to feel the mana flowing inside him.
Nothing.
He tried again.
Failed.
Again.
Failed.
Again.
Failed.
…
On his thirteenth attempt...
A warmth began to pool inside his chest, spreading slowly through his veins.
It was like a current, pulsing with energy.
His skin tingled, humming as the mana flowed, familiar yet alien.
The sensation was liquid, molten light moving with the rhythm of his heartbeat.
Each pulse sharpened his senses, heightening his awareness.
He felt an electric rush, a subtle hum beneath his skin as the mana filled every fiber of his body.
Then, deliberately, he directed the flow toward his feet, like water finding its path.
The hoverboard reacted instantly, its black outline glowing gold.
It levitated higher and shot forward at speed [80 km/h].
Aziel wobbled initially, struggling to balance, but gradually, his body synchronized with the board.
"Okay… I think I've got it," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
Now that he had mastered it, he was ready.
Slowly, he retrieved his phone and called a certain person.
Ring. Ring.
No answer.
Ring. Ring.
—Hello, what's the matter, Aziel?
—I can't explain over the call. Come home. It's urgent.
—Okay.
Click.
Zephyr immediately sensed from Aziel's tone that something serious had happened.
He turned halfway through the academy and headed back.
…
'Besides, I don't even know where the academy is.'
"Hehehe," Aziel said softly, ruffling his hair, a nervous laugh escaping.
Right before him stood Zephyr,
His gaze sharp, cold, assessing Aziel like a predator sizing up its prey.
"So," Zephyr said slowly, voice low and clipped, "why exactly did you call me back?"
"I thought… it would be better if we went together, hahah. Safer," Aziel replied, trying to sound casual, but his eyes betrayed the tension.
Zephyr's sigh was long, deliberate, almost like a warning.
"Fine. Whatever. Let's go. And don't do anything reckless," he muttered, his tone carrying both authority and restrained impatience.
"As you say, commander," Aziel said, letting out a small chuckle, though his heart pounded.
…
Aziel now stood in front of the establishment.
He couldn't believe his eyes.
The Arcanum Academy—a.k.a. one of the top academies on the continent.
It was as large as a city.
Towering spires and a grand, castle-like central structure dominated the skyline, surrounded by uniquely styled smaller buildings.
Cobblestone streets wound through the area, with floating islands, trees, and a river cutting across the ground.
The academy bustled with students and instructors, all bathed in a magical glow.
It housed everything—from living quarters to entertainment areas.
Not to mention game stations and shopping malls.
While Aziel looked around what he considered paradise,
The digital wristband on his left hand flickered, a holographic screen emitting a blue light.
He raised his wrist and read the information displayed.
—Aziel Frost
—1st year
Class: Y113
Rank: 117th
Elements: Wind, Earth
Exclusive Elements: None
Arcanum Points: 10,000
---
'Wait… what is this about Arcanum Points?'
"Aziel…?"
He snapped his head toward Zephyr, pursing his lips.
"Aziel, which class are you in?"
"Uhmm… I am in Y113."
"Oh? Same here."
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Then… let's go together."
As Aziel stepped forward, he halted—and Zephyr probably did the same.
A black holographic screen flickered into existence.
TARGET FOUND.
"INITIALIZING…"
ERROR.
"INITIALIZING…"
COMPLETE.
"DOWNLOADING FILES…"
COMPLETE.
"INSTALLING…"
COMPLETE.
LOADING… 10%… 40%… 80%… 100%…
—
Thanks for reading
--
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