Beyond Phantasia

“Aaahnn!” I yawned.

That was an awful night. I hadn’t had that dream in ages, but whatever that humming was, it helped me. The soft melody was so relaxing that I felt as if I had been transported to another world.

I pondered.

However, that other part... What I saw — it was definitely the final boss, Destruction. Why is it targeting me, or rather, Lucien? More problems just keep piling up, and it hasn’t even been two full days.

“Ridiculous. Actually ridiculous,” I mumbled.

"Settle down, everyone," Instructor Cefin told the class.

The class became mute.

"The Socrilium Trials have been scheduled for the end of this week," Instructor Cefin announced. "Remember, your goal is to bond with a socrilium so that you may advance in your other courses. If you're not able to, unfortunately, you will be dropped from S-Class."

I could sense the tension in the room.

Clap!

"I know that you guys are worried, but remember, you're all S-class for a reason. Now, let's start focusing on improving our affinities. Please grab your aethergauntlets that were given to you yesterday during combat class.”

Everyone pressed their datachrons, and their aethergauntlets materialized onto their hands.

When did we do that?

I scrolled through my datachron until I found the button and clicked it — the gloves materializing onto my hands.

Must’ve been when I was unconscious.

Snap!

The room began to fluctuate, its solid walls warping and shimmering before transforming into an open field.

"Don't be alarmed. Each classroom has a designated warp to their respective training fields," Instructor Cefin reassured us. "Now, let’s begin with simple meditation. By next week, your affinity should be attuned enough for combat.”

The class gathered around, sitting in a meditative posture as instructed by Cefin.

“Affinity is something you must allow into yourself. It’s not something you can force. Let the natural order of the universe guide you. Once you feel that pull, hold onto it.”

The top students were already deep into their meditation, as expected, while the rest of us were still listening and trying to follow the instructions.

Alright, let's give this a shot, I thought while scribbling this down.

I closed my eyes.

…

…….

………

So how is this supposed to work?

I opened one eye to see the rest of the class meditating.

Tsk.

Let’s just clear my mind and go with the flow.

Twenty minutes went by and nothing happened.

“Good work, Novian,” Instructor Cefin called out. “If you continue at this rate, you might be the fastest Songstar to progress their affinity."

I peeked an eye open and noticed blue-static energy swirling around Novian's body. His signature lightning ability was considered one of the strongest natural elements in the game. However, he was currently going easy on the class. All of the top five students should have already mastered their affinity and were merely focused on further honing their skills.

I wonder if being rich is an affinity.

I closed my eyes once more and continued to meditate.

Thirty minutes passed.

Tick.

Forty minutes passed.

Tock.

Twenty minutes passed.

Tick.

Was a clock in the room necessary?

“How are you doing, Lucien?

I opened my eyes.

“Not well, that’s for sure. By any chance, is it possible to not have an affinity?” I asked.

“No. Everyone naturally has one — that’s the rule of the universe. However, some people might take longer than others. Keep focusing, and you'll be able to find yours,” Cefin replied before making his rounds to the other students.

Hah...He’s a good instructor. Reminds me of basic training, except without the yelling.

For the rest of the class, I did nothing but focus on meditating.

Snap!

We were back in class.

“That will wrap up class for today. Focus on your meditations and get accustomed to your affinity. This will help you prepare for the trials. Good luck," Instructor Cefin announced.

I leaned back in my chair.

Damn. I felt like I just wasted my time.

As if on cue, the status screen appeared in front of me.

[Affinity Progress: 0.3%]

Now, of all time? It actually does things?

I Inspected the screen.

"…"

This...this was it?

The fruits of my labor for a measly 0.3%. This body...Lucien’s, it’s really lackluster. On top of my already weak constitution, I needed to make preparations to meditate consistently.

“Sigh...I have a long way to go. At least I know I’m making progress.”

“Hey! Rank 4000!”

What’s that buzzing in my ear?

“Stop ignoring me this instant!”

Maybe he’ll go away if I don’t respond.

Slam!

A fist landed in front of my desk.

Let’s calm down. They are kids. I’m an adult. Be reasonable. No more outbursts.

I turned my head.

“Can I help you?” I asked.

“It’s Gallagher peasant.”

“Mhm, mhm. So how can I help you?”

“Nothing! I noticed you couldn’t even form an affinity after all that class time! Ha!”

“I see. Were you paying attention to me because of my face? I know I had that effect on girls, but I didn’t know it worked on guys.”

His face brightened red.

“N-no! Y-you! Why would—!”

“Unfortunately for you, I don’t swing that way. I’ll have to decline the offer.”

“Bastard! Brian, teach this rude imbecile some respect!”

The kid standing next to Gallagher approached me. He stood around six feet tall.

"...Are you really in the same grade as us?"

With a blank face, he winded up his fist.

Whoosh!

A tail wrapped around Brian’s wrist.

Aaaaghh!

“Are humans always this loud?”

A green-haired boy with lizard-like eyes was staring at us. It was Kaeygo, rank four and one of the main characters, but was this his personality for real?

“Here I was, enjoying my nap until some inferior species started running their mouths amok,” He said.

“Y-you! You're nothing but a mangy lizard!” Gallagher exclaimed.

Kaeygo unwrapped his tail and flickered his eyes to Gallagher.

“And I wonder what this 'mangy' lizard can do to your weak ass.”

Hiss!

“B-B-Brian!”

The lizard tail lunged at him.

“Both of you stop!” A female voice exclaimed.

A pair of hands caught Kaeygo’s tail while a different pair caught Brian’s fist. It was Elara and Novian.

“I would also advise you from trying to do anything else, Gallagher,” Novian added.

"We are still in a school environment. There should be no reason for indoor violence of any kind, especially towards those weaker than us,” Elara stated.

She was referring to me, wasn’t she?

“Do I make myself clear?” She said.

Kaeygo pulled back his tail.

"Hiss…You’re lucky us Lakertans are in your domain right now, princess, or else your head wouldn't still be attached," Kaeygo said before taking his leave.

“Ha! Why should I listen to you fools! Novian is nothing but a lowly baron, and you’re not even first in line for the throne!”

Novian’s brows slightly curled before returning to normal.

"Because I still hold authority, or would you like to explain the situation to the Dean?" she retorted, her voice steady and commanding.

Gallagher's defiance wavered at her words.

“L-let’s go," He said.

He took one more look at me.

“We’re not done with you, 4000.”

Finally, Gallagher and his posse left.

I stretched my arms.

“Thank yo—.”

"You, Lucien Crow, ranked 4000 — the lowest of the low in the freshman year attending S-Class simply through the Dean’s recommendations. Behave yourself. Someone like you should not be acting up, especially with your constitution and skills."

Tsk.

I was left speechless.

“Did you just click your tong—?”

“Force of habit. I understand," I told her.

“Sigh…Fine. Good,” She said.

With that, Elara left the class.

“She’s normally not that strict, I think?” Novian said, offering me a sympathetic smile before he and Iris left the classroom.

I was about to click my tongue but caught myself.

This really is a bad habit.