Nox rolled his shoulders, wincing as his joint creaked in protest. He shouldn’t have spent too much time training, but what was he to do? He woke up earlier than planned, and as always it was difficult to return to sleep once his mind started thinking.

Still, it wasn’t really a bad thing. He needed more training, to get stronger for this year’s intra-school competition. He wanted to be the champion this time.

A tall order, but not impossible if you just do what I told you last year.

No.

Breakfast was lively in the dining hall, even though it’s only a tenth full for now. He was one of the few dozens who arrived early at the Academy, intending to do some research and training before the school year officially started.

Most of his classmates would be arriving today, but Erian was already there, eating at the table while reading a book. As soon as Nox came within view, he looked up with a smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Nox replied, sitting down with a tray. As he sliced into his sausage, he noticed the book’s title. History of Celestials. He arched an eyebrow and asked, “Is that even accurate?”

Erian glanced at him and shrugged. “Well, it’s part mythology book, part historical.”

Nox’s lips curved upward. “A historical fiction, then.”

He chewed on his food, then quirked an eyebrow at Erian’s amused expression. Nox frowned, swallowed his food, and said, “What?”

The Wind Wielder chuckled. “I’m just finding it really odd that you’ve changed so much since the first time we sat together at this table.”

Nox snorted. “Thanks to Ella.”

“Yeah. Back then you were anti-social and kept snapping at everyone.” Erian smirked. “I guess it’s true that love changes people, huh?”

How cheesy.

Ignoring that comment, Nox smiled. “How about you? Have you ever fallen in love?”

It was Erian’s turn to snort this time. “A few crushes, but nothing too serious.” He shrugged. “I want to focus on my studies for now. I don’t have time for that.”

“Want to focus or told to focus?” Erian was a good student, studious and attentive in classes. But Nox started to notice how the Wind User lacked the drive he had during the early months of their first year. It was as if Erian was simply performing in his studies without thought.

“I want to focus,” Erian said firmly in a steady voice, though Nox could detect a hint of resignation.

He regarded his fellow senior for a moment, then shrugged and continued to eat without saying a word.

***

Thirty minutes after breakfast, the Grand Hall was nearly full.

Orientation was often the noisiest day during the first month of any school year, and Nox was glad that he was no longer bothered by the various sounds as much as he had been during his childhood. He could still remember wincing at the cacophony of conversations, scrunching his face in displeasure to the point that many students thought to avoid him.

It had worked, and he often got the peace and quiet he always wanted. Even last year, he would always sit or eat alone, only interacting during group studies. It wasn’t until Estella chose him as her Squire that he once again reveled the company of others, especially her company.

He smiled at the memories for a moment, then focused his attention on the raised platform ahead where the teachers were gathering. Lady Lyris was talking with Sir Balor, her pointed hat weaving in the air as she shook her head at some comment the balding Warfare instructor had made. Lord Rafias was standing nearby in silence, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd, no doubt doing a headcount.

To the right of him were the other teachers engaged in conversation, and there was Headmaster Garion with his ever-present staff approaching the podium, a broad smile on his aged face.

The hall fell silent at once, the last echoes of murmurings dwindling down as the Headmaster spread his arms and thus spoke: “Welcome, Wielders, old and new, to another school year. For the returnees, I’m forever grateful that you’ve chosen to remain enrolled in the Favenian Academy of War and Magic to hone your talents. For the enrollees, thank you for choosing this school to begin your journey as Wielders of our proud nation.

“The Favenian Academy’s history is as rich and as long as my beard, of which I will not bore you.” There were a few snickers from the crowd, particularly from Erian and some of Nox’s classmates; the Headmaster’s history lessons were often dull and boring. “However, I will reiterate our mission of providing excellent education to our students. We are always seeking talented educators who are willing to impart their knowledge to the Academy. As such, there will be some changes in this year’s lineup of teachers.”

Nox frowned and glanced at Erian, who shrugged, equally clueless. He leaned toward him and whispered, “Do you think we’ll get a new teacher?” It was the only explanation.

“Maybe?” Erian sounded unsure. “I mean—“

“And now I would like to introduce you to your new Animarta instru—“

He felt her before the Headmaster finished. Before he even saw her.

Silence descended upon the crowd as the footsteps echoed in the Grand Hall. Nox turned, following the gazes of the whispering students, his eyes wide.

Hair like liquid starlight, her strides measured and graceful as always, approaching the stage with a sense of purpose. His eyes tracked her, but Nox wasn’t seeing. Instead, his thoughts drove in her direction. He had to be sure his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him.

“No way,” Erian muttered, all but confirming it.

As she passed in front of Nox, their eyes met and she smiled.

And the force of their Resonance slammed into him.

The connection, one he had not felt for three months, nearly drowned his mind. Nox stifled a gasp, his breath hitching as thoughts and sensations and memories flowed between them—between two minds, two souls.

Two Wielders.

He watched as she climbed the stage, greeting the Headmaster warmly before falling in next to her fellow instructors. And even as the Headmaster continued his speech, Nox was already opening his mind to her, broadening their link.

How are you, my beloved Squire?

Her voice, sweet and pleasant and seductive, stirred his heart awake, sending fire and electricity coursing through his veins.

Ella?