The chronicles of embodiment

Chapter 12

Ruhe woke up, remembering the events of the previous day, but this time he felt less excited. After seeing his mother's state when he came home, he was afraid to leave the house in case something happened to her while he was away.

Nevertheless, Hasbisis stood at the door, urging Ruhe to get up, which he quickly did. Ruhe opened the door and grabbed the freshly cleaned uniform from Hasbisis' hands, following the same preparation routine as the day before. He walked downstairs and noticed his mother, gazing into empty space. Although concerned, Ruhe was quickly escorted out of the house by his transporter, Kapiro.

As Kapiro created the hallway vortex, Ruhe took a moment to look back at the house. This prompted Kapiro to ask, "What's the problem now?"

Ruhe looked at Kapiro and replied, "She's acting different, that's all. You've just met her, so you wouldn't understand. I grew up around her, and she's just becoming less and less..."

Suddenly, Kapiro pushed Ruhe into the hallway vortex. "Please continue, I don't want you to be late," Kapiro told him. Ruhe nodded, now recalling the comments from Mrs. Vasinaldo. Hoping to avoid further embarrassment, he hurried to the classroom.

Relieved to see fewer people than on the first day, with some already entering the room, Ruhe walked in and quickly took his seat from the previous day. He looked behind him and realized he arrived before the twins. So he sat there until he heard Ascaha's voice. He turned quickly to see the two twins walking in, with Ascaha riding on Ascavein's back. Ascaha glanced over and noticed Rune sitting there. She quickly slapped her brother's back, urging him to go faster, but he intentionally slowed down, irritating Ascaha. She got off Ascavein's back and said, "You're no help." Her brother seemed indifferent. Ascaha then ran up to Ruhe and exclaimed, "Hi Ruhe, what's up!" Her voice was loud, although they were already close enough to have a conversation in a normal tone indoors.

"Do not yell in this classroom, Ascaha," Mrs. Vasinaldo began scolding her. "Clearly, you haven't been taught the difference between an indoor and outdoor voice. You are well past the age where you should be able to control your tone. You're not a toddler. Do you not respect this learning environment? Is that it? Then you might as well ask your parents to transfer you to a less prestigious institution if you don't respect the Faction and its work." Ascaha stared for a moment, unable to believe she had just been spoken to like that.

She quickly snapped out of it and said, "I'm really, really sorry. I feel terrible for my mistake. I respect everything and everyone here. My excitement got the best of me, and I lost control of my tone. I shouldn't have done that." She looked at Mrs. Vasinaldo.

The teacher thought for a moment and replied, "I accept your apology. Consider this a warning, and make sure to watch your tone next time." Ascaha sat down.

Ruhe smiled and said, "You handled that situation so well."

Ascaha smiled back and whispered, "She likes it more when you make it seem like you feel worse."

Ascavein looked at her and commented, "It was so exaggerated; you sounded annoying."

Ascaha frowned and said, "I did a good job, though!" She placed her hands on her hips.

Ascavein laughed and replied, "Sure, you did." By now, all the students should have been in class. Mrs. Vasinaldo started taking attendance and ordered everyone to be silent. Those who disobeyed received stern looks. Once attendance was finished, she allowed students to speak again.

Ascaha quickly started making fun of the teacher's seriousness, which earned a judgmental look from Ascavein. Ascaha noticed his expression and said, "Ascavein, she deserves it. She's so mean!"

Ascavein shrugged and replied, "Okay, I guess."

Ruhe looked at the two siblings and wondered what it's like not being the only child, to grow up with someone besides a parent. After a moment of thought, Ruhe asked, "Ascavein, Ascaha, do you have both of your parents?"

Ascavein was taken aback by the question and responded, "Yeah, why do you ask?"

Ruhe shrugged and said, "Oh, I don't know. It just came to mind." Ruhe felt disappointed as he wished he could relate to them in some way. He was too afraid to even tell them that he's a commoner, as he was the only one in the faction filled with nobles.

Ascaha sighed and said, "Ruhe, I asked for books that contain spells of magic for peace. But it seems it's a new magic, and there are no spells you can cast! That means everything will be much harder for you."

Despite Ascaha's exaggerated tone, Ruhe wasn't really bothered. "I'll be fine, Ascaha. I have both of you, as well as supportive loved ones at home," he said with a warm smile on his face. It seemed that among people his age, he had become more mature.

Ascavein just laughed and said, "If you fail, I'll laugh, and Ascaha will help you back up."

Ruhe gave a thumbs up and replied, "Then I'll thank Ascaha and ignore you. For about ten minutes." He smiled mischievously.

Ascaha smiled and said, "Dang, he's good." She began to laugh.

Ascavein looked annoyed at her and exclaimed, "Because you taught him that! You had no need to!" Ascaha shrugged.

However, just like Ascaha, Ascavein received a scolding for yelling. "Are you two serious? Is this how your parents act? I'm absolutely baffled. Watch your tone, both of you."

Ascavein seemed clearly offended and mumbled, "How dare she talk about our parents like that?"

Ascaha sighed and said, "And I got lumped in too. Hey, at least now you understand." She laughed joyfully as the bells for the next class rang.

Ruhe looked at them and said, "Race you!" He ran out towards Magic Development. Ascavein wanted to be the mature one between the two, so he walked through. Ascaha grabbed his arm and quickly ran towards Ruhe, looking at her brother with a smile.

"I read the book about my magic. I've totally mastered this!" Ascavein looked confused until Ascaha began to cast her magic, causing him to try to pull away. "Sanctuary of Blitz," she said, becoming uncontrollably fast while still holding onto her brother. When they passed Ruhe, he looked shocked but quickly covered his eyes, realizing what was about to happen as the two slammed against the wall.

Now both of them were on the ground, with Ascaha giggling and looking dazed while Ascavein got up and walked into the Magic Control class, remarking, "You need this class, Ascaha."

Ascaha quickly snapped out of her dazed state and pointed at Ruhe. "I beat you!" she exclaimed with a big smile. She got up and skipped into the class, though Ruhe was just happy that she and her brother were okay. He shrugged and walked in as well.