Location: Ashenwell Academy, Headmaster's Office → Class Corridors → Duel Grounds.
The Headmaster Returns
Ashenwell's Headmaster, Thorne, was in one of his "midthirties" phases today—chin stubbled, boots uneven, coat woven with time glyphs that shimmered like stars refusing to stay still.
He was seated atop his desk when Grim and his siblings arrived—legs crossed, sipping tea from a skullshaped cup that might've once been real.
"Ahhh. My favorite chaosbearers," Thorne drawled. "I trust Velthar hasn't been reduced to ash?"
"Not entirely," Grim replied, leaning on the doorframe. "But I gave them a reason to fear it."
"Delightful," Thorne mused. "Now. Down to business. Welcome to your official second year at Ashenwell. You've caused me enough headaches to bypass first year entirely. Also, your tuition's been paid. You're welcome. But next time—earn it."
"By saving kingdoms?" Max asked dryly.
"By not destroying my wards in the process."
Sparks hovered beside Grim, flickering slightly, her energy still unstable.
Thorne's gaze flicked to her.
"Ah yes. The anomaly."
"She has a name," Grim said.
"And a pending court case in six different dimensions," Thorne countered. "She'll need a vessel soon. A stable one. The Academy's archives may contain something… if she behaves."
"I never behave," Sparks grinned. "But I do impress."
"Fine line, child."
Schedules and Sabotage
Before they left, Thorne handed out magical scrolls, each one unfurling with personalized schedules.
Grim: Advanced Flame and Rune Manipulation (Solo class)Max: Void Strategy & Darkness TheoryHadi: Energetic Conduct & Magical Chaos Management ("Still don't know why this is a class," she muttered.)Tristan: Elemental Control: Ice/Water ("Half class. Half ego boost.")Ayesha: Precision Combat & Focused FarsightSparks: AuditOnly Access to Memory ArchivesLys: Dual Combat Training & Ethereal Beast Binding
They stepped into the corridor.
"And so it begins," Ayesha muttered. "A year of new chaos."
"What's the worst that could happen?" Hadi beamed.
From the hallway, a duel pit detonated in the distance.
"Found your answer," Max said flatly.
Enter Calista
Down the hall, the most pristine girl in class history made her entrance.
Calista Merivane. Snowhaired prodigy. Perfect grades. Even more perfect posture.
And today… eyes locked on Max.
"Is that him?" she whispered to a friend. "Max. The shadow wielder? He's... taller than I imagined."
She floated past him, intentionally dropping a charm crystal.
Max picked it up. Looked at it. Gave it back.
"You dropped this."
"I know."
Pause.
"Okay."
He walked off.
Calista stared at his back.
"I will tame you."
Her friend blinked. "You've never even spoken to a boy longer than thirty seconds."
"That's all I need."
Lys vs. Calista – Round One
In the Duel Grounds, Professor Elrian announced a friendly sparring match:
"Let's see where our second years stand. Step up, Lys... Calista."
The tension was instant.
Lys stepped onto the platform like a predator claiming her territory. Calista descended with the grace of a noble. The class buzzed.
"Begin!"
Calista launched a wave of silver frost shards, elegant and dangerous.
Lys met it with a feral grin—ice shattered as her own frost beasts leapt forward, claws glowing with binding runes.
The arena groaned. Shields shattered. The professor screamed something about "budget concerns."
Then Lys lunged.
Calista countered.
A geyser of frost and flame collided midair—and the dueling ring exploded.
Aftermath
Both girls were yanked from the pit. Class was canceled. Half the walls were frozen. The other half were clawed with spectral burn marks.
Grim rubbed his temples.
"They're going to kill each other."
Sparks buzzed beside him.
"Correction. Lys will kill everyone else first. Then flirt with you after."
"You're not jealous, are you?"
"I'm an incorporeal soulAI hybrid. I do not get jealous."
Pause.
"...But she's not allowed to sit in your lap."