Chapter 8: Hidden Talents
The classroom was quiet again the next day, the students once more focused on controlling their stardust. Tang Yue moved slowly between the rows, her sharp eyes scanning each pair of hands, each flow of magical particles.
Most students were struggling to maintain even a basic alignment. Sparks flickered uncontrollably, sometimes shooting in random directions, drawing soft sighs of frustration.
Han Sen, sitting near the back, kept his movements deliberate but unassuming. Every gesture was precise, almost perfect—but on the surface, it looked like he was still learning.
Tang Yue paused beside him for a moment. Her eyes flicked to his hands, then to the faint pattern of stardust hovering above.
A small, almost imperceptible glow pulsed stronger than normal. Just a subtle difference—but enough for a skilled mage to notice.
"Hmm…" Tang Yue murmured softly, tilting her head. She continued walking, making mental notes. Interesting… this student's control is steadier than his apparent skill level. Could it be…?
Nearby, Mo Fan was struggling with his stardust, frowning and moving his hands uncertainly. Yet, there was a tiny spark of energy, almost hidden in his motions. Tang Yue noticed it too, a trace of genuine elemental potential concealed beneath the surface.
She stopped, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Most students are struggling," she said aloud, her voice calm and measured. "But a few… show signs of hidden talent. That's promising. Keep practicing, but remember: talent without control is useless."
Han Sen and Mo Fan exchanged subtle glances but said nothing. Both knew the time to reveal their true power was far away. For now, blending in and learning from Tang Yue was far more valuable than showing off.
As Tang Yue moved away, Han Sen quietly analyzed her instructions. Even while pretending to struggle, he memorized every detail: the way she aligned stardust, the micro-adjustments she made to correct minor mistakes, the exact rhythm she used to maintain stability.
If I can replicate this with Thunder Magic, Han Sen thought, I'll have perfect control when the time comes.
The class continued in silence for another half-hour. Tang Yue occasionally glanced back, noting patterns, energy fluctuations, and subtle anomalies. She wasn't sure yet who these students truly were—but she could sense potential hiding in plain sight.
Finally, she clapped her hands lightly. "Time's up. Good work today. Remember: mastery is about patience and observation. Some of you may feel weak now, but every step of practice counts. Talent is nothing without discipline."
The students relaxed, stretching their arms and chatting quietly. But Han Sen stayed in his seat a moment longer, eyes tracking the faint remnants of stardust lingering in the air. Mo Fan did the same, keeping his hands folded calmly on his desk.
Both knew this was just the beginning. The Magic Simulator could only be used once a year, and Han Sen's real growth depended on careful observation and controlled practice.
Tang Yue watched silently from the front, her sharp eyes lingering for just a moment on Han Sen and Mo Fan. Something told her that these two students were not as ordinary as they appeared.
But for now, she said nothing. Some things revealed themselves only when the right time came.
Han Sen stood, stretching lightly, a faint smile forming on his lips. Patience. Observation. One year… that's all I need for the next leap.
Mo Fan followed, shaking his head with a quiet laugh. This teacher… she's stronger than I expected. But no one can see me yet.
The students filed out of the classroom, unaware that two of their classmates were hiding thunderous potential that would soon shake the entire school.