Chương 5: End of the day

Yukio and Kai were still feeling the sting of their encounter with the vampire students as they sat in the canteen, poking at their food. Their bodies ached from the scuffle, but it was the bruised egos that hurt the most. Yukio glanced around, noticing that some students were still eyeing them, no doubt whispering about the fight.

"Well, that didn't exactly go how I imagined our first day," Yukio muttered, pushing his tray aside.

Kai sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, getting into a fight with vampires wasn't on my to-do list either. But what were we supposed to do? Let them walk all over us?"

Before Yukio could respond, they noticed a familiar figure approaching their table. It was Haruto, the student council member who had stepped in and stopped the fight. His presence was immediately commanding, and the students nearby quieted down as he walked by.

"Mind if I join you?" Haruto asked, his tone polite yet authoritative.

Yukio and Kai exchanged glances, then nodded. "Sure, go ahead," Yukio said.

Haruto pulled out a chair and sat down, setting his tray on the table. "I'm Haruto. Sixth-year, final year, and a member of the student council."

"Yukio," Yukio introduced himself, then nodded to his friend. "And this is Kai. Thanks for stepping in earlier."

"No problem," Haruto replied, giving them a small smile. "It's my job to keep things under control, especially on the first day. But I'm curious—why didn't you back down? Most first-years would've just walked away."

Kai's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "We didn't come here to be pushed around. I wasn't going to let them treat us like we didn't belong."

Haruto nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. But you need to be smart about it. Those vampires have been here longer than you, and they know how to get under your skin. Picking a fight with them isn't going to help your situation."

Yukio leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. "So what should we do? Just let them win?"

"Not at all," Haruto said, shaking his head. "There's a better way to handle this. At the end of each school year, Valewood hosts a Magic Contest. It's one of the biggest events here, where students from all years compete in various challenges. It's not just about magic—it's about strategy, teamwork, and resilience. Humans and vampires alike compete, and everyone has a chance to make an impact."

Kai frowned, still a bit confused. "We can use magic, but. How are we supposed to compete against vampires who are stronger and have more experience?"

Haruto's eyes gleamed with a hint of challenge. "True, vampires have certain advantages—strength, speed, longer lives—but magic is the great equalizer. The contest isn't just about raw power; it's about how you use what you have. You'd be surprised what a well-thought-out strategy can achieve, even against opponents who seem stronger."

Yukio's eyes widened as he considered the possibilities. "So, you're saying we could enter this contest and actually stand a chance?"

Haruto smiled, pleased that they were catching on. "Exactly. It's a chance to prove yourselves, to show that you belong here. And maybe, just maybe, you can settle the score with that vampire in a way that doesn't get you both expelled."

Kai's frustration started to fade, replaced by a flicker of hope. "You really think we could do it?"

"It won't be easy," Haruto warned, "and you'll need to train hard, work together, and think outside the box. But if you're serious about it, you might surprise yourselves—and everyone else."

Yukio and Kai exchanged a determined look. The idea of the Magic Contest was daunting, but it also felt like the perfect opportunity to turn things around.

"We're in," Yukio said firmly, and Kai nodded in agreement.

"Good," Haruto said, standing up. "I'll keep an eye on you two. If you need any help or advice, find me. And remember—stay out of unnecessary trouble. Save it for the contest."

As Haruto walked away, Yukio and Kai sat in silence for a moment, processing what had just been offered to them. The idea of competing in the Magic Contest was intimidating, but it also filled them with a newfound determination.

"Can you imagine the look on that vampire's face if we beat him in front of the whole school?" Kai said, a grin spreading across his face.

Yukio grinned back. "It's worth a shot. We've got nothing to lose."

With a renewed sense of purpose, they finished their meals and headed to their next class: Practical Magic. Unlike the earlier theory class, this one promised hands-on experience with magical creatures and artifacts. Even though vampires had certain physical advantages, humans were just as capable of wielding magic, and this class was where they would learn how to apply it effectively.

The Practical Magic classroom was located in a large, open space that looked like a miniature enchanted forest. Trees and plants of all shapes and sizes filled the room, their leaves shimmering with magical energy. The air was thick with the scent of earth and the faint crackle of power, making the atmosphere feel alive.

The instructor, a tall vampire with silver hair and piercing eyes, stood at the front of the class, waiting for the students to settle down. As soon as everyone was in place, he began to speak.

"Welcome to Practical Magic," the instructor announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the room. "Today, we will be learning about basic magical beasts. These creatures are harmless if you understand them, but they can be dangerous if you don't. Mastery over these creatures is an essential part of your magical education, whether you are human or vampire."

Yukio and Kai exchanged a glance, feeling more at ease. Magic was something they could do—something they were good at. The fight earlier had left them doubting themselves, but this class was a reminder of why they were here.

The instructor waved his hand, and several small, glowing creatures appeared in the air around him. They fluttered like birds, their bodies radiating light and energy. "These are Lumi, a type of magical beast that feeds on ambient magic. They're harmless, but they can be a nuisance if left unchecked in areas with strong magical fields. I want you to observe their behavior and practice controlling their movements using your magic."

The students watched in awe as the Lumi danced around the room, their lights twinkling like stars. Even Yukio and Kai, who had been feeling the weight of the earlier fight, couldn't help but be captivated by the creatures.

"Now, pair up," the instructor continued. "Practice guiding the Lumi with your magic. Remember, control is key. If you let them get out of hand, they'll scatter and disrupt the entire room."

Kai and Yukio paired up, both eager to prove themselves. As they extended their hands, small pulses of magical energy radiated from their palms, forming invisible threads that connected with the Lumi. The challenge was to guide the creatures gently, without startling them.

As they focused on the task, Alya approached them with a playful smirk. She had clearly been waiting for an opportunity to talk to them.

"Well, well, if it isn't the dynamic duo," she teased, leaning against a nearby tree. "I heard about your little scuffle in the canteen. Trying to take on a vampire on your first day? That's gutsy."

Yukio, trying to keep his concentration on the Lumi, glanced at her with a wry smile. "Yeah, it didn't exactly go as planned."

Kai, who was focusing intently on controlling the Lumi, shrugged. "We weren't looking for trouble, but we weren't going to just stand there and take it."

Alya laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. But maybe next time, pick your battles a bit more carefully. Vampires don't play fair, you know."

"We're starting to figure that out," Yukio replied, recalling the painful lesson they had learned.

Alya's expression softened slightly, though her teasing tone remained. "Still, it's not every day you see humans standing up to vampires like that. I have to admit, it was pretty impressive, even if it was a bit reckless."

Kai grinned, feeling a bit of his confidence returning. "Reckless is kind of our thing."

"Clearly," Alya said, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "Just try not to get yourselves killed before you've had a chance to make things interesting around here."

Yukio raised an eyebrow, catching the hint of amusement in her voice. "You almost sound like you're rooting for us."

Alya shrugged, her grin widening. "Maybe I am. Or maybe I just like having something to keep an eye on. Either way, don't disappoint me."

Asiha, who had been observing the Lumi from a distance, finally turned her attention to the group. Her expression was as unreadable as ever, her red eyes betraying little of her thoughts. She glanced briefly at Yukio and Kai, then returned her focus to the magical beasts without saying a word.

Yukio noticed the glance and felt a mix of emotions—curiosity, uncertainty, and maybe a hint of something else. Asiha was a mystery, and her aloofness only added to the intrigue.

Alya noticed Asiha's lack of interaction and rolled her eyes. "Don't mind her," she said with a smirk. "Asiha's not much for small talk. But if you ever need someone to give it to you straight, she's your girl."

Yukio nodded, though he wasn't sure how to respond. "Good to know."

The rest of the class passed quickly as they practiced controlling the Lumi and took notes on their behavior. Despite the earlier fight and the challenges of the day, Yukio and Kai found themselves deeply engaged in the lesson, eager to prove that they belonged at Valewood Academy.

As the class ended and the students began to disperse, Yukio and Kai lingered for a moment, watching the Lumi disappear into the magical foliage.

"Looks like we've got a lot to learn," Yukio said quietly, more to himself than to anyone else.

Kai nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, but at least now we have a goal. The Magic Contest... I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually looking forward to it."

"Me too," Yukio agreed, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was uncertain, and the challenges were many, but for the first time since they arrived at Valewood, they felt like they had a real chance to prove themselves.

As they walked out of the classroom, they knew one thing for sure: this was just the beginning.