Kayson groaned, head panging. His entire body, as expected, throbbed. What happened? He was fighting the channicaenth and got flung into the water right? What happened after? Blinking away the haze and dizziness still plaguing him, he was met with... a face?
"What the fuck."
Jolting and shoving Huey away, the black haired boy stepped back a couple inches. Kayson sat up and looked straight into crimson with a variety of emotions. Mainly confusion, and exasperation. Huey crossed his arms. His expression was a bit like a mix between smug bewilderment, relief, and enlightenment.
Pleased, he remarked, "So it does work."
Kayson found himself gaping a little, because literally what the hell? He wakes up from his dream, feeling like he has a hangover from just consuming tap water and warheads, to see Huey-fucking-Astaseul's face inches away from hisâlike a fucking ghost or whatever those things are in Gm^dâand said fucker just said "so it does work" WHAT. Thank goddess that he was too tired to move, because he might've accidentally smacked him on reflex.
Blue eyes twitched. "What?"
"When you stare at someone while they sleep they'll wake up." Ok, he takes it back, now he just wanted to punch his friend. That's so creepy don't try that on him, do it on someone else.
"....Did you watch me sleep or something?" The male scowled.
Huey scoffed, "No. I came in like twenty seconds ago." He instantly refuted. Wrinkling his nose and eyeing him with that look. The head turned, squinted eyes, and slightly parted frown in judgment kind of look. Kayson made an equally ugly face in return.
"Anyways, welcome back. You scared me so bad yesterday by the way." Huey clapped, ooing and wowing. "Congratulations on awakening magic too! It was horrible."
"Yesterday?" He shut his eyes. What happened after he fell into the water? Uhm, there was blue and bubbles..? Then uh pew pew water pshhhh... wait, did he use magic? He used magic?! Realization hit him like a truck. Whatever events unfolded a couple hours ago came rushing back into his brain rather smoothly like a videotape. He finger-snapped. "Oh! Ohhhhh! So it wasn't a dream!"
"Of course it wasn't, and about what you said at the end.." Huey's lips pursed, the Kayson in front of him was definitely Kayden. Should he really ask?
"Hm? What'd I say?"
'Does he not remember?'
"You swore at Mr. Joseph, and called him a gorilla from hell." Huey lied without hesitation, only his mom can see through them. He felt a bit bad, but if his suspicions were true then he didn't want to sow panic and fear in his friend. He knows he'll probably need to reveal it one day, but not now, the timing isn't right.
"...I said that out loud?" Kayson smiled wistfully, Huey nodded. "Shit."
"Anyways get up and get ready, Mr. Joseph wants you at the training grounds."
Groaning, "Nooo~ I just almost died and we have to train again??"
He flopped back down (ignoring his complaining muscles) only to have the blanket cruelly snatched away. Huey threw it at the end of the bed, far out of Kayson's reach.
"You know complaining won't work. If you don't know the way, just ask a servant, I'll be waiting over there."
"Yes yes." Floppily waving him away, he stared straight into the ceiling. Magic... huh.. he used magic and defeated a sea monster huh... oh. Palms immediately shooting up to cover his face, Kayson squealed and rolled around the bed side to side. He could feel his face heating up from pure joy and disbelief. Magic, he used magic! Magic! "My childhood dreams are becoming real!!"
Shrieking once again, he proceeded to get ready for the day, much too gleeful considering his muscles hurt like hell. After getting directions from some maids, he arrived. The fire thing Kayson saw when he entered the space was Joseph, standing in the shade for once, conversing with Huey. Fortunately, It didn't seem like much, probably just idle chatter from their relaxed expressions.
"I'm here." He called out. The two's heads turned to look before beckoning him over. Complying, Kayson walked over with a jump in his steps. It was like he just won a lottery, despite this world supposedly having a lot of magic users.
"Well, aren't you happy?" Huey remarked with a smile.
He laughed softly, "Of course, I just reawakened my magic."
Joseph cleared his throat, successfully drawing both of their attention. "It's good you managed to reawaken your magic, but," uh oh. "It's too crude."
The blunt words made Kayson almost choke on his own saliva. He thought it looked pretty okay, but in the eyes of a veteran guess not. Suppose first-times can't always be perfect. Each word the man said were like arrows striking into him, the imaginary blood of his pride dribbling from his mouth.
"Your strength and output is good, but your control and form is lacking. It's hardly refined and very unstable. Water magic is supposed to flow smoothly so that it can switch between tranquility and tempestuous. Furthermore you completely went past your limits yesterday and got mana exhaustion. You're lucky you didn't experience a mana relapse. Any more and it could've been fatal, for you and dangerous for us. Because of the attribute's finicky nature, that level of power you showcased requires precise control lest the destructive force spiralsâwhich is exactly what you were about to do had you not fainted. The moment you felt a sense of fatigue or pain from using magic you should've stopped. I understand you wanted to save Huey, but what am I for? I promised I'd save you two if things got too rough, and I never go back on my word." Not anymore.
"...I'm sorry." Lowering his head, unbridled shame was all he felt. The man was right, he could hardly control his power and although he spared the channicaenth what about next time? What if he accidentally hurts someone? Hurt his family or friends? What if... he shivered.
Joseph sighed, "The past is the past, and we're all alive so it's fine. How are you feeling?" His tone was comparably softer than the previous lecture. The side of his eyes wrinkled.
Kayson rolled a shoulder. "Aside from my sore muscles, I feel fine."
"Then let's start with an easy magic exercise. Bring it in." Motioning somewhere, a servant came in with a tray of water just like yesterday. A jug surrounded with a couple cups already filled and empty ones. "Try to control the water in the jug to fill one of the empty cups, no splashing."
"Alright."
He moved towards the cart, heart thumping. The water jug was glass, glistening, adorned with water droplets, and the ice cubes inside clinked together. Kayson gulped.
Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.
He stretched out a hand.
...
And nothing happened.
"I uh," Scratching his cheek, he bashfully turned back. "I forgot how..."
...
"I mean it was so weird yesterday so I-I didn't really understand the uhm feeling? I uh sorry! I justâAAHH!" With a splash, he was soaked. Turning around with a terrifying glare just to see Huey holding an empty cup. The cup, which held ice cold water that was dunked on him. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!"
"Whoops, impulsive thoughts. I mean, you ended up using magic last time when you were thrown in the water, so maybe being wet is the key." He half-assedly explained. "Who knows? MaybeâEEAGH!" Huey shrieked. Something had jet streamed and doused him in water so strong it knocked him down. Water, from the entire jug. "Aha! I told you it works!"
"What are you..." Kayson stopped, finally noticing the translucent blobs floating around him, only for it to drop and splatter on the ground a second later. "Oops."
"You two, stop playing around." The looming figure of Joseph cast a darker shadow than the shade they were in over them. Ice blue eyes glaring. Kayson felt cold sweat germinating on his back. Any sort of softness he saw was a mistake!
""Sorry sir."" Kayson moved to help Huey up while they listened to Joseph.
"Kayson, you seem to be able to use magic fine. Remember that feeling and try to separate any liquid from your clothes. Both of your clothes." He emphasized, and in response Huey slowly turned to look at the pink haired male. Simply look, no other emotions evident, no expressions, but Kayson still felt like there laid an underlying threat somewhere; asking what Mr. Joseph meant.
"I'll try." He nervously frowned and closed his eyes. Remember the feeling... hmmm. It was subtle, like a flex of a hand, no wonder magic was described as a natural thing to those who can use it. However, there was also a brief coolness like hovering his hand above the sea. Sensing the temperature and jumping fizzles on his palm. Yeah... yeah it was like that. Kayson suppressed a bubbling excitement to focus on his concentration, directing his attention to his own soaked clothes.
There was a slight pull, and burbles clear as a chime sounded. The water floated up, leaving zero residue in his clothes. It wasn't difficult perse to keep it up rather it was more like at the very edge within manageable. He felt like his body was partly on autopilot, doing it so naturally his brain couldn't keep up. It was admittedly weird, but not unwelcome.
Baby blue eyes twinkled with fascination when looking at the water floating out from his clothes. It didn't take long before he was completely dry and as an extra he diverted the floating blobs back into the jug. The speed was moderate, fortunately. After finishing the same process with Huey, Kayson turned to face Joseph as if asking what's next?
The man hummed, eyes gleaming. "As we don't have a lot of time left until you leave, let's focus on a quick magic lesson. I'm quite intrigued by the children of the famed Nevoid and Astaseul houses' potentials."
Kayson was ecstatic. Magic lessons with the Rear Admiral Vortex?! Sign him up! Huey on the other hand, albeit excited, could not hide his unease. Not liking how his voice quivered, he asked, "Wait, can you not mention this in the monthly reports to my uncle?"
Silence. Kayson peered at him with lament and pity while Joseph simply gazed at him, gesturing to go on. "It's just.. I haven't exactly told him about my...." He blushed and looked away, "Awakening... yet."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Alright." Joseph acquiesced and Huey widened his eyes, swerving his head back so fast it hurt. He beamed, delighted. A bit taken aback, it took a couple seconds for Joseph to continue, "But unlike Kayson, I'm not sure I can be of much help aside from the basics if our attributes are too different."
"Oh right, mine's electricity." The boy quickly explained.
"Hm, I think I'll be able to work with it somewhat."
"Why am I the exception?" Kayson interrupted from behind Huey, raising an arm.
Joseph huffed and explained, "Simple, because water and air are similar. I'm sure you both know of my old title, and vortexes apply to both of these elements. Both are calm and peaceful with a fierce destructive force, if water flows so does air, if there are tornados then there are whirlpools, and so on. So I'll be able to teach you the majority of what I know, but it's your job to integrate and make it yours."
Kayson ohhh-ed while nodding like one of the wooden toys he used to have.
"But will we have time? There's only around two months until we go back to the academy." Huey cut in, still rather vexed at that fact. Why did he have to regress when he was about to enter second year? He probably already committed multiple illegal acts that somehow got covered up. The entire student body definitely despises him, with good reason too. At least he didn't get involved with the demons yet.
"Two months is more than enough if I'm your teacher." The duo's faces paled, recalling yesterday's torturous events. Everything? Even if it's just the basics, within two months? Just how arduous is the near future gonna be?! At least Kayson could skip out on some lessons as he lives elsewhere, but Huey could already feel the pain and throbs. At least his future didn't seem bleak strength wise.
Joseph cleared his throat and pointed at Kayson with his eyes. "You work on your control and form by finishing the previous task while generating a rotating ring of water, once you've accomplished that, try to form a definite shape," He then turned towards Huey. "And you, show me what you can already do."
Kayson left to do his assignments while the remaining two moved a couple feet away. Huey kicked at the dust on the ground nervously while turning over his palm. "It's not much, but I've been experimenting a bit. This is a basic attack spell but has distraction capabilities."
A blazing orb materialized instantly with a crackle in his palm, quickly expanding until it was about the size of a soccer ball. The sound was like a hum that belonged in a sci-fi motor, occasionally crisp sounds would erupt similar to a skater doing a sharp turn on ice. With a flick of his wrist the ball catapulted towards the ground further away and exploded upon contact with a loud BANG.
Kayson dropped all the water again, scared shitless by the sound. It was as if a small firework (but tuned down) just fired nearby. Yelling an apology, Huey then summoned a long strand of electricity, snaking together and intertwining ominously.
"Its intensity is smaller than usual, so I can use it as a rope, whip, and other stuff." It then shrunk and disappeared before reappearing with a flash. The only warning beforehand being the brief shine and star shape before a beam shot out and charred the ground below. "This is sort of a projectile attack, it's offence isn't very good yet, but that flaw is filled as it's mainly used with multiple attacks in quick succession. It does take up a lot of mana though. There's others aside from the basics, such as a defensive skill where I summon small bouts of lightning or static to divert attacks, but it's a bit of a hassle to show."
Of course, with the aid of his first life he was able to recreate and even invent new skills. Although a good chunk is locked behind a power gap.
Joseph held a hand to his chin in thought. "You have a strong control and understanding despite having only been awakened not too long ago." For some reason his voice came out suspicious.
Huey's mind spun and he quickly blurted, "I like to study."
Technically it was true, the old Huey never slacked off on his studies and always arrived as one of the top in the class or year. Despite the fact he'd be considered a black list criminal in the modern world, he was uncharacteristically focused on his education.
"Everything seems to be fine, but you said some of these spells drain a lot of mana?" For some reason the question invoked a deep sense of foreboding and dread. He began cold-sweating.
"Yes...?"
A flick switched.
"Then you must work on your body! The stronger the foundations the taller the tower can be built. Kayson, albeit not having a good understanding in magic for some reason, has a large mana pool precisely because of that. Huey, you have major potential, but you need to put in more effort."
Oh.
"Go through yesterday's routine, twice fold."
His brain shattered. It's too late, Joseph lost him. The boy's surroundings faded into black and white and he began imagining himself flattening and drifting onto the ground like a deflated balloon.
"...What?" He slurred.
"Thrice." If this was a cartoon, there'd definitely be a scheming gleam and shadow overcasting the man's face.
"Ok ok I'm going!" Huey cried, and started to run. That man, so cruel! His body's already so sore from yesterday and having been chased, attacked, dangled, nearly eaten, and thrown around! Ignoring the burning building up in his exhausted limbs, Huey could not wait until the two months were up.
Kayson shivered watching Huey run, once again grateful he transmigrated into Kayson Nevoid's body. Then again, this whole transmigration business did cause him quite a lot of trouble regarding his reawakening. Wetting his lips, come to think of it, why did Mr. Joseph help them escape then?
"Hey Mr. Joseph?" He tilted his head back, barely catching a glimpse of the middle aged man's head. "Why did you help us escape?"
Joseph considered the words for a bit, gazing softly at the sky. Words coming out breathy. "The wind carries words."
Celestial blue eyes widened, pointing accusingly at the old veteran Kayson gasped and exclaimed, "Ah! So you were eavesdropping!"
Joseph instantly refuted, "Of course not, I have no control over what the wind tells me." Yeah, no control over how he looked away in he-was-caught-spot-on. "What are you doing chatting, have you finished?"
The boy grumbled, "Diverting the topic.." Before resuming. The whole thing continued for an hour or two before a servant came to inform them that one of his family's carriages came to pick him up. Leaving poor Huey alone to the mercy of his (their) stern coach. Before he left though, Kayson curiously asked his friend who looked like he might collapse from a breeze.
"Where's Owen? I didn't see him and he or that maid is usually always near you."
Huey grimaced at the question, opening and closing his mouth in uncertainty. "He's still angry that we snuck out. Especially because we came back with you unconscious. Thank goddess you didn't have any obvious external injuries or else I think he might've died from a heart attack or anger." Patting his chest in relief, his friend chuckled and smiled wryly.
"You should apologize, didn't you finally manage to start a positive relationship with your servants?" That was true, especially in regards to Owen's case. The imbalance was just beginning to tilt, he couldn't have this thorn set back all his efforts.
Sighing, Huey smiled melancholically, "Yeah, I'll do that. Have a safe trip." He waved slowly, his hand occasionally lolling that rather than a wave it was more like a flap.
Kayson gave a thumbs up and boarded the caravan adorned by The Nevoid symbol.
He beamed, "See you next week."
"See you next week."
The carriage door clicked close and the coachman whipped the horses with a jockey stick. Quickly, they departed. Huey watched the cart grow smaller and smaller for a moment longer, as if trying to stall the inevitable before forcing himself back inside. Where was Owen anyways?
~ð©ðª ⧠â¦~
Sorry if the chapter seemed a bit rushed because it was, busy week lol
I expect there to be like two more chapters until we get to the academy arcs, FINALLY ð
I went to anirevo yesterday, anyone else? ð
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