<< SVEN KLEINFELD >>

Sven finds herself walking alone while eating in the fields of Freya Academy. She knew that Myr and Finn are only teasing her but they went too far. They don't even believe in her even if she is hailed as the only child prodigy in the main branch of their clan. She always felt as if she is an outsider. She was never involved in any of her family's affairs.

It's not like she hates Fon. She's aware of how powerful and skilled she is but she wanted at least Myr and Finn to acknowledge her. She sits down on one of the benches and continues eating the breakfast she snatched before running away from their chamber.

Moments later, a group of giggling girls passes through with Ayin in their midst. It's still too early in the morning and yet, he flirts. This is the reason why Fon keeps on teasing him. Then Ayin says goodbye to the girls and runs away from them. Out of sight, the group of girls occupies a bench that is two meters away from her.

"Can you see that? He's still so accommodating despite the torture he went through from that freak during the challenges."

"Somehow, I wanted to take revenge for him."

"We can't. There's nothing we can do against her. She has no weakness."

"I believe she does," one of the girls says and points towards a girl with shocking red hair who is sitting a few meters away from them.

"We can't! You know she treasures that little thing."

"She is also an aberration. She always escapes the Academy. Who knows what she does in the Void."

"Don't you think she...?" the girl pauses. "Never mind, it's not possible."

"But I like the plan of making her suffer... a little. She's not a tattletale. The freak will never know."

Sven watches as the group of girls focuses their attention on the red-haired girl. She sighs and places the last bit of food in her mouth. This is plain bullying. Rather than hating Fon, they are simply scared and wary of her. Probably, because they can not understand the level of magick Fon has and that unknown scares them. She is certain that they are also envious of her.

Then she feels guilty. Hating Fon just because Myr and Finn are amazed by her magick level is not justifiable. Magick level is vital for a witch. An average witch can only stand toe to toe against a witch with a tremendous amount of magick, by polishing a single craft throughout the years. The kind of skill that can consider a witch a prodigy from a young age just like her. Somehow, she can understand a bit of why Fon acts as she does.

The problem is that people around her have high hopes for her talent. She is just an average witch, but she worked hard to be skilled in Sealing Circles, so much that she's now considered a prodigy in it.

However, all this time, she only studied the craft because of her admiration for her older sister. Myr is an amazing first teacher. In fact, she is already a skilled Sealer even before Myr became known throughout the witch world. She also knows that she already surpassed her older sister when it comes to sealing. Despite that, her sister is still more experienced and trusted by their family, especially with Finn's support.

Sven observes how the group of girls encircles the red-haired girl. She stands up and goes towards the group of girls.

"Fon will win the Great Search no matter what kind of underhanded tricks you do," the red-haired girl proudly announces while being pushed around the circle.

"And so? Are you saying that we should start to grovel at that freak's feet?" The girl pauses and adds, "Oh wait, there's one in front of us." Then it's followed by the other girl's laughter.

One of them starts to wave her hand, planning to use magick, but Sven catches her arm even before the girl activates her magick, or whatever spell she concocted in her head.

"Whatever you wanted to do. I advise you against doing it. That girl has nothing to do with your fear against Fon."

The girl scrutinizes her from head to toe. "Sven Kleinfeld. Another overly confident little bratty witch just because she is born in a long line of powerful witches," the witch girl says. "Though that is no longer true because of that cursed sister of yours, right?" Then, she turns her back on her. She did not even deny her fear of Fon.

Clearly, Sven is annoyed. She can ignore any taunts against her, but if it is against her sister, she loses control. She is about to strike the girl when a voice from behind stops her.

"Having a great time girls?" It is Alexander. One of the teachers in Freya Academy alongside Philomena. He is panting. He's wearing a simple shirt and shorts. His brown shoulder-length straight hair is tied to the back of his head. It looks like he is running around the Academy fields for exercise.

The group of girls curses before walking away and leaving her and Fon's friend.

"What are you doing?" the red-haired girl asks Alexander, and she remembers that she is only familiar with jogging because of Finn. It's curious though, that the girl acts as if no bullying is happening just a while ago. Is she too familiar with it that it's already an insignificant event for her?

"Just running around. You know each other?" Alexander asks while he wipes the sweat on his brows.

Sven remembers and introduces herself to the red-haired girl. The red-haired girl did the same, and she discovers that her name is Rissa.

"Is that a new wizard sport?" Rissa asks Alexander again after the introductions.

"No, it is just a common physical exercise in the Void," Sven answers for the teacher.

"It seems that you are knowledgeable about the aberrants," Rissa comments. "Is it because of that male aberrant that your sister keeps?"

"Seems like you girls have a lot to catch up on. I will just leave you here and continue with the running," Alexander informs and leaves the two of them.

As their conversation continues, they both realize that they share the same interest in the Void and Aberrants. She even invites Rissa to meet Finn. Rissa did the same and offers to formally introduce her to her best friend, Fon.

<< FON CARLSON >>

Ah hour before the third task starts, Fon is called to the Director's office. The office is in one of the buildings made of wood, as what Philomena wants it to be. There are chairs along the hallway and every time a student is walking, the rickety sound from the wood against the shoes will echo throughout the quiet place.

While waiting outside Philomena's office, Fon plays with her magick. She creates a series of lightning around her fingers and allows it to create a static sound. She is enjoying creating music with her lightning when the student assistant comes out to usher her in.

Philomena has her nose buried in the documents. So, Fon chooses to sit on the chair in front of her desk, as quietly as possible.

"I think you have an idea why you are here just before the task starts?" Philomena asks without looking at her.

She nods.

"The transportation of scepters, the fighting with the Cordajels in the forest, the snatching of prey and even riding a dragon. You know no bounds, don't you?" Philomena scolds. This time, her attention is solely on her

"I still have to find my limits so while I am in the Academy, I might as well make use of the strength of your barrier."

"Fon, we have guests. You need to hide what you can do. You can win the Search even without displaying the full capabilities of your magick."

"But it is a Search. Wouldn't you think it's unfair for the other candidates if I go easy on them?" she smiles. Earlier she is playing with her lightning, maybe she can make its sound to mimic that of their Academy song?

She starts to activate her magick, but Philomena admonishes her with a, "Cut it out!"

Fon stops thinking about it. However, she can't stop herself to materialize her grimoire so she can write it down. The grimoire is a book where the witches and wizards list down all the magick they learned, discovered, and created. It's given to each apprentice on their first day at the Academy.

"What are you doing?" Philomena asks.

"Before I can forget it, I need to write down a new skill I thought of while I am outside your office."

Philomena deeply sighs and she looks at her, confused at her anxiety. "I did not use my Beast Master voice so what is there to be wary of?"

"I never felt it outside. But knowing you, did you use your entire magick so that the dragon will succumb to you?" Philomena asks.

"I did. It's the fastest way and I'm feverish during the task so I have to finish it as soon as I can."

"That's even worse." Philomena massages her head. "I think I will have to educate you again."

"About what?" she asks, her eyes shining for the opportunity of learning new things. Her grimoire vanishes, and she focuses on the Director.

Philomena is in her late forties with straight, long, black hair tied to a bun. She is tall and slim and her eyes suggest the wisdom of someone already past sixty. And she is powerful. She is not even sure if she can win against her in combat using magick.

Then, Philomena stands up and goes to one of the shelves. She takes an old, worn-out book with its spine almost crumbling. "Here. You should read this."

She reads the title of the book, 'Limits and Taboos of all Time.' "I already knew about this," she says, dismayed.

"You have to read every detail and realize for yourself what is normal and what is over the top. If you go outside, no more barrier can hide you from the dark witches."

She pouts. She doesn't want to, but since it's Philomena who's ordering her, she has no choice in the matter.

Sensing her displeasure, Philomena adds, "Listen to me, Fon. Be wary of your own magick. You have to understand why it is dangerous."

She nods again. They already had this conversation multiple times. She also knows that dark witches can do nothing against her.

"For the third task, I will add another challenge for you," Philomena asserts.

"As a judge, is that even allowed?"

"This would only be between us. And it will be pretty hard."

"What is it?" she asks, but a smile is already forming. She's not the type to back down from a challenge.

"Win the third task using only half of your magick. You can manage that, right? Or are you afraid to try because you do not have the skill to maximize half of your magick?"

"Agreed, but Philomena, are you perhaps forgetting that I am not only proud of my magick level? I am also confident of my skill in utilizing it."

"I know but it is a trial nonetheless," Philomena says while thinking, 'That is why you are even more dangerous.'