NOVEL WEB Chapter 35: Fish
Ares sat cross-legged on his bed, doing his usual morning meditation. This was the one thing he'd made a habit of, and by now, any day he didn't meditate felt like something was seriously wrong with the world.
Roul had left the room early this morning, leaving Ares completely alone. Right now, Ares was taking Roul's warning about Vael very seriously. He had zero intention of getting tangled up with that particular snake.
"Alright! Here's how today's gonna go," he said, jumping to his feet after finishing his meditation.
"First is roll call, since Sylas apparently has something important to tell us." His face twisted into an annoyed expression. "Though I bet he just wants to use this as a chance to rub his new position in our faces."
The look on his face screamed one thing: 'That bastard!'
"After that, I'm heading straight to the Echovault to train for the rest of the day." Ares was absolutely determined to get stronger. The thrill of battle, winning or even losing, was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. He'd spent most of his life stuck in a hospital bed, so there was no way he wasn't going to want more of this feeling.
He got up, took a quick bath, changed into his uniform, and headed out the door.
– – –
The classroom had nice walls and clean floors, with four tables and chairs arranged neatly. Three people were already there, Lysandra and Maelia sitting in their chairs, and Sylas standing at the front like he owned the place.
The room was dead quiet, like everyone was waiting for someone specific. Then footsteps echoed from the doorway, and a boy walked in.
He was about 4'7" tall, with long jet-black hair that fell to his shoulders and bright emerald green eyes. His skin was pale and smooth, and calling him handsome would be putting it mildly.
This was none other than the man of the hour, the talk of the entire second-year class captain selection match. Ares Eisenklinge. He'd had to wait in line forever just to get a turn at the general bath, which always happened because his morning meditation took up so much time. He had daily goals he refused to skip.
Ares walked straight to his seat and plopped down. The others around him had looks on their faces that screamed pure jealousy. Anyone could guess what they were all thinking: 'Show off!'
After a few minutes, the classroom returned to its normal atmosphere, and Sylas cleared his throat before speaking.
"Now that we're all here, I met with the Matron yesterday, and she gave me all the details about our curriculum for the entire second year."
He started pacing around the room like a teacher giving a lecture. "We're going to have three major tests this year. The first will be a group-style match, the second will be a battle royal, and the third will be facing an intermediate-rank beast."
He paused to catch his breath before continuing. "After these tests, we'll get one final promotional exam before we can move up to third year. Details about the first test will be announced in a week, and the Matron strongly advised that we keep up our strict training until then."
After Sylas finished delivering his message, the group chatted for a few minutes before finally heading off to their various hangout spots.
– – –
The courtyard leading to the Echovault was soaked in warm afternoon sunlight, the pale stones heating up under Ares's boots as he walked toward the training facility. He'd come straight after lunch, planning to get in at least two solid hours of elemental practice before lights-out.
But as he got closer to the arched entrance, he spotted someone already there - leaning casually against a stone pillar like he owned the place. The guy had white hair that sparkled like silk in the sunlight, and his eyes were closed in a weird way that somehow made him look more aware, not less.
Ares's instincts started screaming danger, and he slowed down.
The white-haired boy opened his eyes just as Ares reached the stairs. They were pitch black, bottomless things that didn't even blink. "Well, this is a nice surprise," he said, his voice soft and strangely friendly. "You're Ares, right? The sixteenth son."
His smile was polite but impossible to read. "I'm Vael. Fifth-year finalist. I was just finishing up my training when fate decided to bring us together. The Echovault must really love coincidences."
Ares frowned, his whole body tensing up like a coiled spring. "Nice to meet you," he said carefully, keeping his voice neutral. "I'm just heading in for some solo practice."
He started to walk past, but Vael smoothly shifted to the side in a way that looked casual but felt very much on purpose.
"Training's always better with someone to guide you along," Vael offered with that same unreadable smile. "I've picked up quite a few tricks over the years - if you're interested in a helping hand."
"Thanks for the offer," Ares said, his voice staying polite but getting colder, "but I think I can handle it myself."
This time he stepped around Vael more firmly and walked into the vault without looking back. Behind him, Vael stayed put for a moment longer, that same mysterious smile stuck on his face like a permanent mask.
He let out a slow breath, turned around, and walked away with the same lazy, confident stride.
"No matter," he murmured to himself, quiet as a whisper. "There's always more than one way to catch a fish."
– – –
A/N – Was it fire or mid? Don't just vanish—powerstone, comment, review. Let me feel your presence.