Three days had passed since the protective dome had been established, and Axel, sitting in his room, was looking out from the windows. It was evening currently as the sun had set completely. Typically, in the academy, after sunset, all activities and movements would cease, and students would retire to their chambers or various special training areas within the academy. But today it was different.
There were activities everywhere around the main campus of the academy. Small balls of magical lights were hovering above and illuminating the whole area. All the students were wearing fancy dresses, laughing and chatting with their friends. The academy officially had a bit less than 1200 students if you discount those from the minor kingdoms who had disappeared and the 20 killed by Axel himself. 1100+ students remained, and by now, most of them had reached the stage of peak 1st phase powerhouse.
Axel could see the joy in their faces. Before setting up the spatial dome, a few students would disappear every day. However, for the past three days, no disappearances had occurred, and they had forgotten all about those who had disappeared. Letting themselves enjoy the moment. Such was the nature of humans, as long as the problem doesn’t affect you. It’s not your problem. Not that Axel had anything to say against that. It was pretty natural for any living organism to prioritize its own survival and benefits over those of others.
He did the same after all, he was no herald of justice, never wished to be one either. But the place looked wonderful, he had to admit. All those colors of light pulsing rhythmically in the sky. A knock was heard on the door. He smiled and went to open it, knowing who it was.
Just as he opened the door, a punch headed straight towards his face. But he caught it quite easily; it was Heinz, obviously.
"Tch, so you’ve regained your strength?" Heinz commented in a displeased tone.
"Why... do you want me to stay weakened?" Axel laughed. It was the first time he had seen Heinz in almost seven days, despite their apartments being right next to each other. Because Heinz didn’t come out of his apartment for that duration of time, Axel didn’t want to disturb him. The experience of being beaten by Lucien must have hit him quite hard. Without a doubt, it made him overthink everything about himself.
Despite his desire weighing more towards being a warrior, he had the Sage aspect, the most potent magic-based aspect. Heinz’s lack of interest in the path of magic made him much less talented in the magical field. Perhaps it was because he himself did not believe he could excel in magic. Follow current novᴇls on ɴovelfire.net
But now...Axel could see that the guy had a new shine in his eyes, and a great resolve was written all over his face. Axel asked him, "So, what’s up? You didn’t even come out once in all these days? Are you ok?"
"Well..." he sighed. "I was feeling a bit troubled about my lack of talent in the magical field. I’m already seen as a thorn by those coming from prestigious families for getting the four-star sage aspect. And I have been barely able to use it. Ever since gaining the aspect."
"Compared to its true potential, I feel I’m lacking."
Axel raised an eyebrow and looked towards Heinz’s hand, the finger that was cut off. It seems it was reattached perfectly with no problem. There wasn’t even any sign that the finger was cut off. That was one of the good things about the magical field. Having the capability to heal others to such a great extent is genuinely remarkable.
Axel chuckled, "Since when have you worried about what others would think of you. Since when have their opinions mattered? Would it make you anything less, just from the talks of some nobodies who were handed everything with a silver spoon?"
"Heinz, you have risen from the place where they would not even survive. Don’t let some nonsense make you think otherwise. So, what if you’re having trouble progressing as a mage? Since when has it been easy? It’s always been difficult, and it’s going to be more difficult."
A genuine smile donned on his lips as he said, "But we will make it through anyway. Isn’t that right, Brother?"
Heinz’s complicated expression eased, he looked at Axel’s eyes deeply and laughed, "That’s right. We will make it through all of it. No matter what."
Axel nodded, the smile still on his lips. He looked outside the window one more time and suggested,
"Well, I also haven’t gone out for a few days. Should we go and check it out?"
Heinz nodded with a tired yawn, "Yeah, obviously."
They both went out and saw the many stalls, each offering various kinds of foods cooked by the staff members of the academy. But this wasn’t just something they were ordered to do. But this was the one occasion on which everyone was genuinely enjoying and doing everything, out of their own free will. After all, a human can only experience this celestial event a few times at most in their entire lives.
Not only were there food stalls, but also stalls offering card games and various other unique types of games, with many students competing in a friendly manner. There were some areas where student couples preferred to spend their time, such as a magic-operated Ferris wheel and many other attractions. In fact, there were so many more little games and fun events being hosted through the use of magic that he didn’t think it was even possible.
Elements and numerous colors of light danced around the entire academy, making it hard to recognize it as their campus, which was usually filled with stoic students who thought only of how to get stronger, or a place filled with various academy politics. Students who were forming multiple groups and planning against one another. But in this moment, there was no such thing.
They both stopped at a store and got themselves two cups of special mana-infused drinks. Taking each sip slowly, they walked around the campus, witnessing more of the magical spectacle.
Even Heinz seemed awestruck by the scenario, for the first time seeing all these noble heirs genuinely enjoying themselves with no agendas, "Damn...this is almost..."
Axel finished that sentence with a smile, "Breathtaking..right?"
Heinz smiled as well, "No, I think a better word would be....Magical."
But as they reached the very center of the campus, where a large stage had been set up. Most of the students had also come, leaving everything else for a moment. Even the academy staff who were operating each of the small makeshift shops had also come. Heinz asked in confusion, "So, what’s going on?"
"Nothing much. Just a historical spectacle by Professor Regina. You’ll see, I guess," he answered.