Episode 7: The Red Pearl's Legend
Scene: The Embarrassment in Class
The next morning, Ryu trudged reluctantly to Master Zhu's class. After yesterday's disaster, she felt like every pair of eyes was watching her, waiting for her to mess up again.
Master Zhu, standing at the front, stroked his long beard, his stern gaze sweeping across the room.
Master Zhu: "Today, we'll be practicing a beginner's spell for summoning protective barriers. This is a simple technique, provided you have the focus and discipline."
The class began murmuring excitedly as Master Zhu demonstrated, summoning a shimmering, translucent barrier that hovered protectively around him.
Master Zhu: "Now, let's see who's paying attention. Ryu, step forward."
Ryu froze.
Ryu (to herself): "Why me? Why is it always me?"
Reluctantly, she shuffled to the front, feeling the weight of her classmates' smirks.
Ryu: "Um… okay. I just… wave my hand and… focus, right?"
Master Zhu: (impatiently) "Yes, yes. Proceed."
Ryu took a deep breath, waved her hands, and muttered the incantation. Instead of a barrier, her feet slipped on the smooth floor, and she tumbled backward, arms flailing.
The class erupted in laughter.
Kai: (shouting) "Nice defense mechanism, Ryu! Very effective against gravity!"
Even Master Zhu couldn't hide his amused smirk as Ryu scrambled to her feet, her face beet-red.
Ryu: "I—I'll do it again!"
Before Master Zhu could respond, a faint white light flickered briefly on her hand. For a split second, a tiny spectral snake coiled around her wrist—but no one seemed to notice.
Master Zhu: (shaking his head) "That's enough for now. Everyone, back to your seats."
---
Scene: The Story of the Red Pearl
Once the class settled, Master Zhu's tone turned grave.
Master Zhu: "Now, listen carefully. Today, I will tell you the legend of the Red Pearl—a power so great, it is said to transcend the limits of magic itself."
The students leaned forward, their curiosity piqued.
Master Zhu: "The Red Pearl is not just an artifact. It is a fragment of an ancient force, capable of granting unimaginable power to its bearer. It is said that those chosen by the Pearl bear a mark, but the mark is invisible to all except the most enlightened."
Ryu's heart raced. Her hand instinctively brushed against the mark on her waist, hidden beneath her robes.
Master Zhu: "Many have sought the Pearl, but few have even glimpsed its true power. It is both a blessing and a curse, for it has the potential to save worlds—or destroy them."
As Master Zhu continued, Kai leaned over and whispered to Ryu.
Kai: "Hey, you think this Red Pearl thing is real? Maybe you're hiding it in that disaster of a spell you just tried."
Ryu: (hissing) "Be quiet! I'm trying to listen!"
Their whispered exchange caught Master Zhu's attention.
Master Zhu: "Kai. Ryu. Do you find this lesson unworthy of your attention?"
The class snickered as the two of them froze.
Kai: "N-no, Master Zhu. We were just—"
Master Zhu: "Silence! Both of you, out of my class. Now."
---
Scene: Bullied Outside the Class
Ryu and Kai shuffled out of the classroom, their heads hanging low.
Kai: (grumbling) "Well, that went great. Thanks a lot, Ryu."
Ryu: (snapping) "Me? You're the one who wouldn't stop talking!"
They didn't notice the group of older students lounging nearby until it was too late.
Student 1: (mocking) "Look who got kicked out of class. The Academy's finest!"
Student 2: "What's the matter, Ryu? Couldn't handle a simple lesson?"
Kai: (stepping forward) "Hey, back off. We don't need this right now."
Student 3: "Aw, look. The little reject has a bodyguard."
The older students circled them, their laughter echoing in the corridor.
Ryu clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Ryu: (muttering) "I don't have time for this…"
As the bullies closed in, a faint warmth spread from her waist. Her mark tingled, and for a brief moment, the air around her seemed to shimmer.
Kai: (noticing) "Ryu… what's happening?"
Before she could respond, the strange sensation vanished, leaving her disoriented.
Student 1: (laughing) "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"
Kai: (grabbing Ryu's arm) "Come on. Let's just get out of here."
They hurried
away, but Ryu couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing—something she didn't fully understand.