Crimson Phoenix Guardian- Aspiration to the Heavens: Becoming the Supreme Mage 4

Episode 96: Graceful Legs

*Huoyin*

I stretched my legs as I waited for dance class to begin. That goofball had yet to arrive, giving me some quiet time in the mostly empty room. Only the boys and a few girls remained. Like our teacher said last week, only a few could cut it. To think that irksome blondie would be one of the few to stay. Although, it was also surprising to see Katsuo stayed, given how much he complained during our first class.

Lidia grunted as she tried to stretch.

"You know, you didn't have to join me," I said.

She grumbled. "I didn't do it because of you. I'm doing it because I want to dance like Mom used to."

My eyes widened. It had been a while since she had spoken about her. Felt she was closer to her late father.

I chuckled. "I too have to defeat that annoying old man of mine." The image of his back reappeared in my eyes. The words from my dream rang in my head. I had no idea how my training was coming along. I'd spied on Renshu teaching Carter, but I'd yet to apply a thing. Maybe I could sneak off tonight and do so. But where? Trying out my magic in the forest was a bad idea when I was barely learning how to use it. However, I didn't want Carter to see me either, so the plaza was out of the question.

"What's wrong, Huo?" Lidi asked, glancing at me.

I shook my head. "It's nothing."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "You sure?"

I glanced at the other students. They all seemed more flexible than either of us. Compared to them, we were stiff.

"Oh, are you comparing yourself to others again?" she asked.

I looked at my legs and continued stretching. Comparing myself to others wouldn't help me reach my goals. Although, I couldn't help it. I lacked the talent of those like Nat. Even the annoying blondie had his points. What was I good at? Being a human encyclopedia? I was proud of being knowledgeable, but I didn't want to be a one-trick pony either! I had to improve. Else, I would be left in the dust by everyone else.

"Hey, don't overdo it," Lidia said, patting my shoulder. "You're going to hurt yourself!"

I gritted my teeth and moved back. Being weak sucked. I was a good dancer, but my body couldn't keep up. T-that's why Grandma gave up on me.

Lidia sighed. "Let's stand up."

"Okay," I said, getting off the floor. My legs felt funny.

"See? You're going to hurt your precious legs one day if you keep doing stuff like that."

My cheeks reddened. I prided myself on them. They were nice and slender and had a bit of muscle to them. But they were both a blessing and a curse.

"I've endured worse," I mumbled. Grandma had pushed me to do more than this. Some days, my body would become like a pretzel. Sadly, all of those lessons were wasted on me. I could never live up to Dad's talent.

"Warming up?" a voice called out. Lidia and I turned to see Enkai. The muscular blue-haired boy waved at us.

I sighed. "Yes."

He blinked. "You alright? You seem tuckered out."

I turned away. "You're imagining things. Anyway, what do you care? We're rivals."

"Rivals?" He chuckled. "I guess we are! But, I don't want to beat a guy who looks like his legs might give in at any moment."

I grumbled. This guy wasn't as annoying as Carter or Aurelius, but he was pretty close to the latter.