Starless Reincarnation

The sun filtered through the tall, arching windows of the academy's lecture hall, casting long beams of light across the room. The students were gathered in their seats, excited for their next class. Today's lecture would be unlike the previous ones, focusing on the different types of mana users—Conduits, Manifesters, Dualists, and Variants—and their unique ways of channeling their magical abilities.

Miss Lysque, their professor, stood at the front of the room, a cool, calm presence. Her long brown hair was tied neatly into a bun, and her light purple eyes held a sharp focus as she prepared to begin. With a flick of her wrist, she set down a clear crystal orb on her desk, and it began to glow faintly.

"Good morning, everyone," Miss Lysque began, her voice steady. "Today, we're going to delve into the four primary classifications of mana users. Understanding your role and strengths is crucial to developing your abilities and mastering your craft. First, we'll begin with Conduits."

The class hushed, and Raven sat up straighter, her katana resting against the side of her desk. She knew all too well that this subject would resonate with her, considering her own proficiency with her weapon.

"Conduits," Miss Lysque continued, "are individuals who channel mana into objects, typically weapons, tools, or artifacts. Conduits can imbue these objects with magical properties, turning mundane items into powerful conduits for their mana. This type of magic requires a deep connection to both the object and the mana, allowing them to enhance physical strikes with magical energy or transform ordinary items into powerful weapons."

Raven's eyes gleamed at the mention of Conduits. She had been training with her katana for years, and her skill in combining physical and magical strikes was something she'd always worked toward. Her affinity for dark magic could make her even more dangerous as a Conduit, blending shadow energy with her swordplay.

Miss Lysque picked up a dagger from the desk and infused it with a faint glow. The weapon glowed bright, pulsing with mana.

"Take this dagger," she said, holding it out to the class. "Now, imagine imbuing this weapon with fire, lightning, or even a barrier that could block incoming attacks. For Conduits, the power lies in the mastery of their weapon. The stronger the weapon and the more refined the mana, the more destructive the result."

A few students nodded, clearly understanding the significance of such an ability. Raven, though, felt a surge of pride. She had trained hard to reach the level of Conduit she had now, but it was clear there was still so much to learn.

"Next," Miss Lysque said, placing the dagger back on her desk and moving to a different part of the room, "we have Manifesters."

Raven's interest piqued, though she wasn't as drawn to this category. Manifesters were skilled at externalizing mana, creating spells or elemental phenomena directly from their essence. They could summon fireballs, create barriers of water or ice, or even heal wounds. They were experts in ranged combat and strategic battles, often excelling in controlling the flow of mana to form defensive or offensive spells. However, they often struggled with physical combat since their mana was more focused on creating constructs rather than enhancing their own physical capabilities.

"A Manifester," Miss Lysque continued, "does not rely on an object, but instead channels their mana directly into spells or phenomena. For example, a fire Manifester can summon flames to scorch their enemies or create a shield of fire to defend themselves. They excel in long-range attacks and are extremely effective in battle situations where physical contact is unnecessary."

One student raised their hand. "So, what would a person like that do if they were up close to an enemy? Could they still fight without their mana?"

Miss Lysque gave a slight smile. "Good question. While they can certainly rely on their abilities to create barriers or distractions, in close combat, a Manifester can struggle. Their best advantage is in the range and power of their magic, but it takes intense focus and energy to maintain."

Raven couldn't help but glance toward Celia, who sat a few rows over. Celia was a natural-born swordfighter, certainly more of a Conduit than a Manifester, but Raven understood how the ability to control mana could offer great strategic advantages.

"Now," Miss Lysque said, her voice drawing the class's attention back, "let's talk about a rare but fascinating group: the Dualists."

Raven perked up at the mention of Dualists. This was a category that seemed like it could blend the best of both worlds—the ability to wield both physical prowess and magical attacks seamlessly.

"A Dualist is someone who can balance both Conduit and Manifester abilities," Miss Lysque explained. "They have the unique ability to switch between physical combat and magical offense in the heat of battle. It is incredibly rare and requires years of intense training and focus to maintain both types of mana control. While many Dualists struggle to excel in both fields, a few manage to perfect their combat style and utilize both seamlessly."

Raven thought about her own potential. Though her darkness affinity wasn't the same as other magic users, she could feel the dark energy flow through her, especially when she wielded her katana. Could she become a Dualist? Could her dark magic be a part of the perfect blend?

Miss Lysque's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she sensed Raven's thoughts. "In fact," she said, locking eyes with Raven for a moment, "some of you may already possess the potential to become Dualists. It will depend on your growth, your understanding of your magic, and your ability to merge both physical and magical combat."

A hushed excitement ran through the room at the mention of Dualists, and Raven's heart raced. Could she become one? The idea of fusing her dark magic with swordsmanship was tantalizing.

"Lastly, we have the Variants," Miss Lysque said, pulling the class back into focus. "This term refers to individuals with unique or unpredictable magical abilities that fall outside the typical roles of Conduit or Manifester. Variants are often seen as anomalies—some may have a mixture of elements, others may possess unusual powers that defy classification. Raven, for example," she added, her gaze locking onto Raven again, "might be considered a Variant, given her unique dark magic affinity. Such individuals are rare, and their powers are often difficult to control or predict."

The mention of Raven's dark magic made her feel a bit uneasy, but she remained composed. Variant was a term she had heard before, and it seemed to fit her rather well. Her affinity with dark magic, though considered rare and dangerous, was something she would come to embrace.

"Any questions?" Miss Lysque asked, her gaze sweeping over the class.

A hand shot up from the back of the room. It was Lumina Aurelis, her royal bearing still clear even in the classroom. "What if someone doesn't fit into any of these categories? What if they possess abilities that belong to more than one type?"

Miss Lysque smiled faintly. "That's the beauty of mana. Its possibilities are endless. As you continue your studies, you will all discover the paths that best suit your talents. Remember, the categories are just guidelines, not limits."

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class, but Raven couldn't shake the feeling that today's lesson was just the beginning. She had so much to learn, and her future as a student—and as a potential Dualist—was wide open

Raven was on her way to the garden for her lunch break, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the academy grounds. Her mind was still buzzing with the details of the class, particularly the lecture on mana affinities. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she barely noticed the figure approaching her until a light tap on her shoulder broke her from her reverie.

She spun around, expecting to see Celia charging toward her, but to her surprise, it was Lumina Aurelis standing there with a soft, almost amused smile on her face.

"Lumina?" Raven asked, the hint of surprise evident in her voice. It wasn't every day that Lumina Aurelis, the bright, royal beauty and light magic user, approached her.

"That's me, and you're Raven, the academy's only dark magic user," Lumina replied, her voice calm and smooth, with a warmth that was almost like the sunlight itself.

Raven raised an eyebrow. "Yes, that would be me. And I'm guessing you're the academy's only light magic user?" she asked, curious if the rumors were true.

Lumina nodded, but there was a slight shake of her head that caught Raven off guard. "Not quite," Lumina said. "One of the professors here wields light magic, although it's not their primary affinity. They simply have the ability to use it. But, yes, I am the only one whose primary affinity is light magic."

Raven thought that was interesting. She had heard whispers about professors who could wield magic outside their affinities, but to hear it confirmed was a different matter.

Lumina smiled softly, the glint of curiosity in her eyes. "I was thinking… since we're both in the same year and share such unique affinities, why don't we have lunch together in the garden and talk for a bit?"

Raven blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected an invitation from someone like Lumina. They hadn't really spoken much before now, and their magic affinities were polar opposites—dark versus light. Still, Raven didn't see the harm in it. After all, they were both students at the same academy.

"Okay, sure, why not?" Raven agreed, a bit cautiously, but with a curiosity that piqued her interest.

The two of them walked toward the academy's lush garden, a tranquil place filled with vibrant flowers and the scent of earth and leaves. The sound of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves in the breeze made the atmosphere peaceful, a sharp contrast to the intensity of the academy's halls.

As they reached a shaded bench near a small fountain, Raven sat down, glancing up at Lumina. The sun reflected off Lumina's long, silky hair, giving it an almost ethereal glow. Her eyes, a light turquoise flecked with gold, were warm and inviting. There was an undeniable radiance about her, both in her magical affinity and her demeanor. Raven couldn't help but think how beautiful she was, but quickly averted her gaze, trying to hide the faint blush that had crept up her neck.

"Is there something you wanted to talk about, Lumina?" Raven asked, keeping her tone neutral but curious, trying to focus on the conversation instead of the way the sunlight seemed to embrace Lumina's every movement.

Lumina leaned back slightly on the bench, her smile softening as she met Raven's gaze. "Yes, actually. I wanted to talk about our magic affinities. Even though they're… well, quite the opposite, I think it's important to recognize that we don't have to be enemies. There's no reason we can't both be friends, right?"

Raven was taken aback by her words, blinking at the sincerity in Lumina's voice. For a moment, she felt a flicker of something—warmth, maybe—mix with the confusion of the day. She had heard so many whispers and rumors about dark magic users being feared or even shunned, so Lumina's words felt oddly comforting.

"Hmm?" Raven asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone less defensive now. "You really think so?"

"Of course," Lumina said with an easy smile, her eyes sparkling. "I've never understood why people feel the need to separate others based on their affinities. Just because we wield different magics doesn't mean we can't share a bond. The academy has enough room for all kinds of magic, and that includes both light and dark."

Raven looked at her, a little stunned by the openness in Lumina's words. She had expected Lumina to be like everyone else—polite but distant, maybe even condescending. But this was different. Lumina seemed genuinely kind, without a hint of judgment or superiority.

"I don't see any reason why we can't be friends either," Raven said, her voice softening. It wasn't something she had expected to say, but the idea of friendship—true friendship—was something Raven had always longed for.

Lumina's face brightened even more at that, her smile widening. "That's wonderful! You know, our families have always been pretty close with each other. Well, not in the sense you're probably thinking," she added with a small laugh, "but they're 'partners' in a way, so I suppose we can call them friends. It would make sense for us to follow suit, don't you think?"

Raven chuckled lightly, feeling a bit more at ease. "I see. Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get along. And if our families are 'partners,' then maybe it's not as strange as I thought."

"Exactly!" Lumina agreed, leaning back and crossing her arms behind her head. "We should support each other, even if we're different. Magic isn't meant to divide us, it's meant to strengthen us."

Raven nodded slowly, the weight of the conversation settling in. There was a sense of camaraderie here that she hadn't expected, and it felt like a small, yet important step toward finding her place in this academy. For a moment, she forgot about the pressure of her dark magic affinity, the stares, and the whispers. Here, she wasn't the outcast, she was simply Raven, sitting with someone who understood the importance of friendship.

As they continued talking, the quiet buzz of the garden seemed to fade into the background, and for the first time since arriving at the academy, Raven felt a small but genuine sense of belonging.

"Wait...earlier you said we're the same year. Did you...?"

"Yes, you're correct. Just like you, I was able to skip straight into the second year."