Chapter 7: Stardust Control Practice
The classroom had become a place of quiet tension. Tang Yue, standing gracefully at the front, had instructed the students to focus entirely on controlling the stars of stardust, the essential foundation of elemental magic.
"Concentrate, and feel the stardust in your palms," Tang Yue said calmly. "Every spark, every particle is part of your magic. Even the slightest misalignment can disrupt your spell. Focus, control, and balance your element."
The students bent over their desks, eyes half-closed, hands outstretched, as tiny specks of glowing stardust hovered above their palms. Each student tried to align the sparks into small, controlled formations.
Han Sen sat near the back, expression calm and indifferent. His Thunder Element hummed faintly within him, but he didn't release even a spark. Instead, he silently mirrored the motions Tang Yue demonstrated, pretending to focus on stardust control.
Next to him, Mo Fan was a little more nervous. He could feel the first-level Thunder Magic stirring faintly inside him, but he kept it hidden, moving his hands as if struggling with the stardust.
Tang Yue walked between the rows of students, observing closely. Her gaze was sharp, catching small mistakes and subtle misalignments in the stardust streams.
"Good… good… control is all about harmony between your mind and your element," she said. "Keep the stardust flowing steadily. Do not let your thoughts wander."
All around the room, students' stardust glimmered, some forming intricate orbs, others only managing trembling sparks. The atmosphere was quiet but full of energy—everyone's concentration was absolute.
Han Sen's eyes followed Tang Yue carefully. Even while hiding his true strength, he was analyzing the technique, storing every nuance for future practice. He could already see how a 2nd-level mage would manipulate stardust for combat—though today he wouldn't show a single spark.
Mo Fan struggled a little more, faking uncertainty as he mimicked the movements of Tang Yue's demonstration. The others glanced at him, not noticing his secret skill, thinking he was just a slow learner.
Tang Yue paused at the front and raised a hand. "Remember, controlling stardust is the foundation. Before you can summon elements or form real spells, you must master this first stage. Even a single misalignment can ruin the flow of magic."
The students nodded, redoubling their focus.
Half an hour passed in silence, broken only by the soft hum of stardust streams and the occasional sigh of frustration. Tang Yue moved between the students, occasionally giving a word of advice or gently correcting a hand position.
Han Sen and Mo Fan continued to blend in perfectly with the class. Han Sen's 2nd-level Thunder Magic and Mo Fan's 1st-level Thunder Magic remained completely hidden. Neither revealed their talent; they simply played the role of ordinary students, concentrating on controlling the stardust as Tang Yue instructed.
By the end of the session, Tang Yue clapped lightly, her voice calm but authoritative:
"Excellent work today, everyone. Controlling stardust is just the beginning. Keep practicing, and soon, your elements will obey you as naturally as breathing."
The students sat back, some tired, some exhilarated, their hands still tingling from the subtle energy of the stardust.
Han Sen leaned back in his chair, quietly noting every technique Tang Yue had taught. Mo Fan exhaled, relieved that he had successfully hidden his ability.
Both boys knew that their true strength must remain hidden for now. Displaying their magic too early could draw unwanted attention—from Tang Yue, other students, or even the school's instructors.
The practice session ended, but for Han Sen, the real lesson had just begun: observing, analyzing, and preparing for the day he could unleash his true Thunder Magic.