Chapter 8 (Part 2)

Chapter 8 (Part 2)

After finishing Mrs. Edward’s general knowledge class, Alena made her way to her next lesson, following Aria through narrow, winding corridors that stretched on forever.

The air grew cooler as they descended into the depths of the campus, and the stone walls seemed to whisper with the secret of knowledge.

Aria, her feet light and sure, led the way, her wings brushing the air with each step. Alena envied her ease—Aria never seemed to get lost, no matter how confusing the corridors became.

Unlike Alena, who felt as if she were walking in circles.

By the time Alena arrived, she was out of breath and disoriented.

The large greenhouse loomed before her, its glass walls glowing with a warm, golden light.

Unlike the rest of the school’s rigid stone structure, this space radiates life, as if the building itself were a living creature.

Inside, the earthy scent of plants mingled with faint aromas of potions and herbs, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Tiny motes of light floated lazily through the air, pulsing faintly in tune with unseen rhythms of nature.

A few students were already seated at their desks,engaging in their own conversation.

The classroom was small—only eight students in total, including Alena.

A quiet murmur drifted between them, but the moment she stepped inside, the conversations hushed slightly.

In Elandria, light mages were rare, so the class remained intimate, designed to foster close-knit learning.

Alena adjusted her cloak and stepped inside, eager yet unsure of what to expect.

Light mages were healers and caretakers of plants, channeling magic that nurtured and restored. While the Alderin oversaw them, their power was not that of pure light itself, but rather a magic entwined with nature and vitality.

If Alena had been a pure-blooded Alderin, she would have taken "special classes" with Evergale.

However, after much deliberation, the professors at Arcanum decided she would join the light-affinity students.

The professors held late-night meetings to discuss it.

“Even though Arcanum operates independently, we cannot ignore the atmosphere of magic realm.”

“If Alena attends classes with the light-affinity students, it shouldn’t be a major issue. I asked a few freshmen, and they didn’t feel intimidated by her.”

“She grew a spirit tree in the human realm instantly. To have such power yet not intimidate others is surprising.”

As a professor, Celyn Ridan spoke up.

“The Alderins communicate with nature. Unlike other guardian families, they’ve always gotten along well with other mages, though Roland Alderin was difficult.”

Professor James Willowbrook, who had been silent until now, spoke with concern.

“If we don’t include Alena in special classes for that reason, it could cause trouble. The Alderins will complain, especially Meredith Alderin.”

Professor Horrison Thorne suggested,

“What if we have the children of the guardian families attend regular classes with students of the same magic affinity, in addition to their special classes? It would be a good experience for everyone.”

“That’s a good idea. And since they’re light-affinity students, they won’t treat Alena rudely, so the class atmosphere should remain positive.”

The idea was approved, and it was decided Alena would join the light-affinity class.

Though Alena entered the class nervous, the children didn’t treat her with hostility.

The air in the greenhouse was thick with humidity, the scent of soil and life mixing with a faint, sweet yet strange aroma.

Professor Petal Dewlight stood before a table, her sleeves rolled up and hands dusted with earth.

Neatly arranged beside her were saplings of a peculiar plant.

Their harp-shaped forms, with white bark gleaming softly in the diffused light, stood out. The red leaves fluttered gently, as if breathing.

"Today, we’ll work with the Duskfall," she announced, her voice laced with excitement.

"These magical plants heal wounds caused by fire spells—an essential remedy for those just starting spellwork."

She flashed a mischievous smile.

"But be careful! They’re not as docile as they seem."

She reached for one of the saplings, her fingers brushing over its delicate stem.

"The Duskfall absorbs magical energy from wounds, speeding up healing, but it has a unique defense mechanism."

Her tone turned serious.

"If it feels threatened, it releases a lullaby—so soothing it can send you into an enchanted slumber. And if you’re not awakened in time..."

Lullaby?

She let the warning linger before picking up a small enchanted knife.

Without further preamble, she made the first cut.

A soft, eerie melody drifted into the air—slow, calm, hypnotic.

It pulsed like a heartbeat, threading through the classroom.

The students stiffened.

Some blinked sluggishly, their breathing slowing as the melody wrapped around them.

A few swayed slightly, as if caught in a dream.

With practiced precision, Professor Dewlight pressed the trimmed piece against a prepared mixture of enchanted Redburn soil and powdered Moonstone, sealing the cut with a flick of her wand.

The moment the wound closed, the melody wavered, then faded into silence.

The hypnotic’s grip loosened, and the students jolted awake, some exchanging uneasy glances.

"That," Professor Dewlight said with a wink, "is why you must be cautious. Listen to that lullaby for too long, and you might never wake up again."

She dusted off her hands.

"Thankfully, as long as you handle it properly, you’ll be fine."

Then she clapped her hands together.

"Now, pair up and work with the saplings."

The students quickly formed pairs, but Alena found herself alone.

She hesitated before stepping forward, her fingers brushing the bark of her sapling.

A shiver ran down her spine as the soft melody filled the air, but she steeled herself.

Don’t let it lull you...Don’t let it lull you... she reminded herself.

As the class continued, one student, distracted by the song, leaned too close to their plant.

The Duskfall’s lullaby grew louder, and before anyone could react, the student collapsed, eyes fluttering shut as if sinking into a deep sleep.

Professor Dewlight was on her feet instantly.

"Excetare!" she cast a spell, a pulse of magic rippling through the air and gently struck the student's forehead.

The student stirred, waking with a startled gasp.

"See what I mean?" Professor Dewlight chuckled.

"The Duskfall’s lullaby isn’t something you want to fall under. A bit of this herb heals fire spell wounds—just make sure to handle it correctly."

The students exchanged nervous glances, suddenly aware of the plant’s danger.

They quickly returned to their saplings, working with renewed caution.

As they worked with the saplings, a soft, melodic hum filled the air—like a lullaby carried on the wind

It was gentle, soothing—drifting through the room like mist, wrapping around their senses.

Alena worked in silence, her hands trembling slightly as she carefully separated the leaves, fighting against the melody’s pull.

Others were not so disciplined.

Some blinked drowsily, their movements slowing as the lullaby curled around them.

A few students shook their heads, struggling to stay alert, while others exchanged uneasy glances, fighting to keep their focus.

Finally, the last Duskfall was safely prepared.

A collective exhale passed through the room as the hum faded, leaving behind an eerie stillness.

"Excellent work, everyone!" Professor Dewlight’s voice broke the silence, clear and strong.

"You’ve handled the Duskfall well. Remember, even the gentlest melody can be treacherous if you lower your guard."

A small smile played on her lips, though her words carried a note of caution.

"And the stronger the lullaby, the deeper the sleep. Never underestimate it."

Alena dusted the pale residue from her fingertips, glancing around.

Some students still blinked sluggishly, shaking off the last traces of the lull’s effect.

She rubbed her temples, trying to clear the lingering heaviness in her head.

The lesson had been tougher than she expected, but there was no time to rest—another class and another task awaited.

Over the next few days, the relentless pace of Arcanum’s classes left little room for anything else. Even if she had friends, there simply wouldn’t be time to socialize.

Endless test announcements, assignments due before the next class… and on top of that, she was learning about the magic realm and plant cultivation for the first time.

Ugh… Is it this hard because I wasn’t born in the magic realm?

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