Zero Langham
The temple was behind us now. My body ached, sore in ways I hadn't realized were possible. But there wasn't time to dwell on it. Classes were still in session, and apparently, we were expected to attend. Walking through the Academy halls felt strange. Students passed by, laughing, chatting, moving about their day as if nothing had happened. I had seen death up close. I had buried a man in the woods. Yet here, life carried on.
The first class was a theory class: sorcery regulations and the ethics of combat. I half-listened, my mind drifting. Toho sat next to me, scribbling notes quietly, still pale from the temple ordeal. His pen moved steadily across the page. He caught my glance and gave a slight nod. That simple gesture felt like reassurance. Later, we had practical training. Students sparred in pairs, their weapons and magic flashing. I kept my distance, watching, conserving my energy. Toho followed my lead, hesitant at first, then moving with more confidence. I couldn't help but feel a slight smile tug at the corner of my mouth. We were still alive, still learning, and that mattered.
After classes, we met with Gohan. The man's presence filled the room, commanding attention without shouting. He scanned us carefully.
"You completed the mission," he said, voice calm but serious. "I expected obstacles, but you surpassed expectations. From this point, you will take on smaller, sanctioned side missions. They are not official, but you will work as a team. Handle these carefully."
My chest tightened with anticipation. Side missions meant responsibility. And more importantly, it meant forming a team.
"You will be allowed to form student teams or join one. If you decide to form a team and pick a student, that student must be approved by me, that is, unless you choose to pair with each other since you all already completed the mission..." Gohan rambled on and on. My eyes were already drifting, and I met Toho's. We gave each other a grin along with a sheepish laugh.
Lucian smirked, arms crossed. "I've got someone in mind."
I turned to Toho, fist-bumping each other with a smile on our faces. It wasn't much, but it felt right. A small step, yet it mattered. Terra, on the other hand, still looked lost in thought. Her eyes lingered on the window, far away. She hadn't decided whether to form her own team or join another. Something about the hesitation in her gaze made me think she was weighing more than just strategy.
***
Terra Kincaid
That evening, I invited Zero to my dorm for dinner. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in soft gold and orange. My stomach twisted with nerves.
Zero moved about, setting the table, laughing softly. "You didn't have to do all this," he said.
I shrugged, trying to appear casual. "I wanted to."
The conversation started cautiously. We talked about the mission, the aftermath, small victories, and mistakes. I found myself opening up in ways I usually didn't, revealing doubts I kept hidden even from myself.
"You did well," he said softly. "Even with what happened to the sorcerer, you handled it better than I expected."
My chest tightened. "I just had to try. I didn't want anyone else getting hurt." He smiled at my response, warm and genuine. That smile, so rare, so real, made my heart race. I thought of more questions while he talked to keep this conversation going: "Zero, what are your goals? Like, I mean... what do you want to accomplish when you become a Sorcerer?"
"To be the best, obviously." He chuckled slightly, but in the back of my head, I couldn't help but think:
'That's it?' Zero interrupted my thoughts:
"But I'm not like others who fall for this trap. I know I can do it, and I'm not doing it for fame, but to change this world." The silence was heavy. It lasted a few seconds before I could think of something,
"What's so wrong with this world that it needs to be changed?" I asked. I was interested. Zero's expression was serious, but his smile returned:
"Maybe that's for another time. Dark topics aren't the best for a first date..." His eyes grew wide.
'First date? First date?!' The words ran through my mind, 'Is this a date?'
Zero laughed it off, embarrassed, "I-I meant dinner." He tried playing it off. After a moment's pause, he continued: "But… would you like to grab dinner again some other time?" He smiled.
"Y-Yes," I whispered. My mind immediately scrambled, second-guessing. Zero's grin made me laugh despite my embarrassment.
***
Zero Langham
Morning came soft and clear. I requested an excused absence from classes, my bag light, my mind heavy with anticipation. Today, I'm taking an excursion to a village on the outskirts of Celestiala. The paved paths stretched vast, green fields on either side, dotted with large plots of farmland. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of grass and soil. Birds sang overhead. The world felt vast, alive, and oddly peaceful compared to the temple's chaos. Small streams cut through the land, shimmering in the sunlight. Trees swayed gently in the wind, their leaves rustling in a rhythm that almost felt like a heartbeat. I could see mountains in the distance, their peaks brushing the clouds. It was a world that made me feel small, but alive. If I turned around, I could still see the massive walls around Celestiala stretching far across past the sight.
I passed farmers tending their fields, children running along paths, and women carrying baskets, smiling at me curiously. None of them knew what I had seen or done. None of them cared. And maybe that was a blessing. The village came into view, small and rustic. Thatched roofs, cobblestone streets, and a stream running through the center. People moved about their routines, tending gardens, carrying goods, living a life untouched by sorcery politics, yet still protected by Celestiala. If I continued past this village, far past, I would step into Cado. Cado is the second-largest city in Elor, our planet, and Celestiala is the largest and therefore the capital.
I spotted them near the edge of the village. A couple, chuckling as they worked the fields. The man's hands were strong and skilled. The woman's eyes are soft. They moved together with a rhythm.
***
The Previous Day
"So... you need recommendations for your team?" Gohan talks, his voice more silent, almost sleepy.
I already had Toho on my team, but I haven't gotten to know many of my classmates due to my absences. I could use some help, so I thought I'd go to Gohan. The full moon dipped below the clouds. Its shine is visible through the glass window in Gohan's office. Neat furniture is placed carefully, and the carpet spreads throughout. Gohan slumped behind his desk.
"Yes. I don't care about someone who is just strong, but easy to work with." I said urgently.
"Haven't you thought about Terra? You two seem like a good duo."
"I have, but I don't know if Terra has made up her mind about wanting to join or form a team. I'd rather let her decide before giving the option to join."
"Well... in the case..." Gohan reaches down into his desk drawer, pulling out a file. He places it neatly on his desk, "Meet these lovers, Julius, or Juju for short, and Gia. Two second years in the Academy; however, they were recently placed on suspension for some... unprofessional behavior on school grounds. Nevertheless, I see potential in them."
***
Present
I hesitated. They didn't know me. I didn't know how they'd react to a sorcerer showing up unannounced. I took a step forward, heart pounding, the sun climbing higher, casting long shadows over the green fields. I took a deep breath, putting on a confident persona, and spoke with a smile:
"Hey! I've been looking for you."