History class ended in the blink of an eye. Nefari had to admit, Mr. Allard was a nice teacher. Now next on her list was theory of Mana Configuration and Assimilation. But nothing could erase her tiredness!
Just as she was about to leave the history class, Elan came in front of her. His figure towering over her. And that pissed Nefari.
She felt intimidated. And yes, Nefari was that petty.
"What?" She asked looking up at him. Nefari was tall but only on the female side. Plus, her lean figure. The thought occurred to her that she could easily be manhandled by this dude. But being a mage, an icicle could slash him right? Her thoughts wandered off…
"Which class are you having next?" Elan's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Theory of Mana Assimilation." The name was too long so Nefari cut it short.
"Ah… I see. Different from mine. Welp, we'll meet up anywhere! And during lunch too."
Nefari stared blankly. Before replying.
"…Okay…" Maybe.
"Great!" Elan flashed a smile and left. Nefari following after to her own direction.
****
As in the History class, Nefari introduced herself in the same bland manner.
Nothing different happened during the class, Nefari just spent her time doodling on her notebook while giving partial concentration to the lectures of her teacher. There was nothing wrong with the lesson or her teacher… she was just halfheartedly concerned. Besides, she could claim to know most of the basic theories and facts that the Teacher- Ms. Anne told.
But a specific part grabbed her attention. The theory class was to explore but it wasn't all theories.
"…the larger the Mana seed, the more difficult it is to advance. And while sometimes, it's just the individual's vessels being incapable to absorb Mana, that is something you cannot ignore. The cause for abnormalities in physiques of every creature is based on how they evolved from the order of creation…"
Nefari pondered upon the first statement. Could it be why she found it extra difficult to level up? But even so, she was more powerful than the average people on her level. Huh.
Nefari followed in on the teacher's words.
"…Some of their traits may include abnormal power that gives them a boast between normal people regardless of the power level. Genetic Variation of the elements like Ice, thunder, lava, stone and etcetera. Thirdly, little bottlenecks, and fourthly… special talents. Anyways, the remaining traits are classified and needs higher authority to unlock or by being a Variant yourself."
While Nefari's thoughts began to run around, pieces of distorted memories floated in her head, incurring a heavy migraine.
Slowly resting her head upon the desk, Nefari took a pill from her spatial ring to mediate her mind. After which she raised her head up, letting out a sigh as she erased any abnormalities in her actions.
*****
Meditation class was beautiful. The location was in a wide hall with soft cushions placed on the neat brown spirit wood. Nefari slept off halfway through in a butterfly pose with the calming voice of Ms. Millicent who introduced them to effective meditation session. Said to be good for gaining optimal mental state and fast recovering. Sleeping was actually allowed apparently. As long as you successfully completed the meditation for some time.
And finally! The long awaited lunch break.
The Academy's cafeteria was divide into three levels based on your… social status. Third floor for commoners and average people. Second for nobles and third for royalties or people of special identity.
Such divisions weren't uncommon and no one was bothered about it. If you had the money, it wasn't impossible to get a special class card or simply become a noble's follower. Still, people with the assets to afford those luxuries were often nobles. Adding to that, the foods being sold were from magical beasts. Which family's wasteful son would acquire such useful assets for things that were most valuable during bottlenecks? Not regular food. Unless, of course, you're that noble's wasteful son. And could spend till your heart's desire.
Nefari had access to only the third floor but that was enough for her. The prices were already exorbitant enough. One silver coin for a cup of coffee! That could feed her for a day or two outside.
While she stared at the options wondering what to get, she saw Elan wave from afar. He gestured for her to come at the entrance of the second floor. Nefari calmly shook her head no and he let out a depressed expression. But that didn't make her bulge an inch. Soon anyways, he was dragged by his fellow friends as they went up the stairs to the second floor.
Nefari ordered her food and sat with some other students who she didn't bother initiating a conversation with. So brunch passed by uneventful.
Herbology class was spent in the Academy's greenhouse where Nefari and other students listened to their herbology teacher. Ms. Astria Who gave a detailed documentation on various plants, flowers, grasses and herbal concoction. Mages affinated to nature, light or water could buff up the medicinal properties in them or simply manipulate mana to create their own medicinal vials. Healers are mages.
Next was enchantments class. For the first part, it was rune making- An advanced definition of maths in basic school but with magic. And for the second it was about curses and blessings. Plain boredom.
Well, for the written work it was boredom. Maybe the practical would blow her mind. Literally. Enchantments were dangerous to be honest. Making runes could cause severe casualties. So as cursing people and giving the wrong 'blessings'.
Nefari exited the Enchantment class and went to a shade underneath a tree for her break.
Bringing out darkened day as usual, she read the book until she was approached by a girl. It was the red headed girl from yesterday.
'K… kathy? Klara? Kas? K-something yaman!' That should be her name.
The strange girl sat underneath the shade on the grass besides Nefari.
"Friendly warning. Stay away from Elan Novak." She said, eyes clashing with Nefari's.
'Wow, what a great conversation starter.' Nefari fought the urge to roll her eyes.
"Who are you?" Nefari asked, feigning ignorance. At the very least they had a formal introduction yesterday but who was she anyways?
Looking a bit irked, the K-girl replied. "Karissa Newman. From the House of Newman, the crown prince's vassal surbodinate. And… fiancée of Elan Novak. Look, I didn't come with evil intentions. Just wanted that scum to keep his hands off innocent girls."
With a raised brow, Nefari responded. "I… see." Nefari was unbothered but she would thread more consciously then. Or as simple as her plan since ever, watch from the sidelines.
"I'm Nefari Silverheart. Do tell me more about Elan, if you may."
Nefari's eyes twinkled with amusement- she had a slightly twisted sense of entertainment. And this, was interesting.
"Of course! Now, that prick-" Karissa paused in her sentence before changing her words.
"Elan, the infamous douche is a stereotypical playboy and nouveau riche. Unfortunately he's played many girls and the numbers are not reducing at all! It pisses me off that that bitch gets away with it. I keep trying to warn them but I get tagged as a jealous fiancee. But honestly, so what if I am?! He's not theirs and he doesn't own anyone."
"Mhm." Nefari played along like the cunning girl she was. Although uncaring of the fictional like story, nonetheless finding it entertaining.
.
"He usually targets new girls and hops from one person to another like an animal in heat. I heard recently that he's been coming around a new girl. I don't know how true that is but staying away from Elan is a note for all. He's a delinquent too just so you know. Plus.. "
What started out as a little story turned into a rant, cursing, venting and… Nefari just listening to the red haired girl till break was over.
"…and maybe next time I'll pluck-"
"Karissa." Nefari's voice cut off the girl's, glancing at her digital wristwatch once more.
Being far from the classrooms, ensuring she arrived early was solely each student's responsibility. There were no bells here.
The red haired paused for the first time, turning to look at Nefari sheepishly.
"I'm sorry! I got carried away and-"
"Relax." Nefari ordered with a chuckle. And Karissa exhaled loudly.
"Break is over. I did enjoy our conversation though it was mostly one sided. I don't mind continuing the story next time. Do you?"
Karissa grinned, "Same time tomorrow! Under this tree."
"Sure." Nefari nodded, reaching out to pat her head. Her hand freezing just as it was about to reach. With a light cough, Nefari retracted her hand.
Karissa ignored the confusing gesture.
"Sorry Karissa. Your cuteness made me want to pat you." Somewhere along their chat, Nefari grew fond of the red haired girl. She reminded her of dumplings in tomato sauce and she loved it.
"Thanks, Ari! Oh yes, call me Karis if you may."
"Sure." They both smiled at each other.
***
The final classes for Nefari for the day was War Defense Strategies by General Luther and The Simulation Test room by Ms. Emeralda.
Classes which passed by in a breeze, nothing quite new, easily adaptable and understandable.
The War Defense Strategies were simply that- lessons on war strategies. And according to General Luther, the 'real' lessons would start by next week. Supposedly including practical physical experience.
Finally the simulation room- which although gave Nefari a bit of fright, was not enough to have her running.
The Simulation room for training was different than that of the testing room with different mechanisms and mode of operation. That assurance gotten from the fact Mrs. Donavon wouldn't save Nefari to throw her back into a trap according to logic. At least, not in the open. And not with Ivan backing Nefari up.
Fortunately for Nefari, at the end of it all, there was no reason to worry. It was simply a virtual reality game mode with no death routes-- the students getting familiar to one of the many different regional areas; the Forest. With the explanation and guidance of Ms. Emeralds on how to survive.