Master Honor Spellcasters

Chapter 2: Runes

"Alright! Books out, mouths closed, and Landon's butt in a seat," Mr. Sparse begins.

It's always the same introduction to something not very pertinent to my day-to-day life.

Teacher: Mr. Alan Sparse
Gender: Male (he/him)
Spellset: Terrakinesis
Class Rank: High Average
Main Skill(s): Ground Movement

"Everyone, open their notebooks back to page 343 where we discussed the types of runes used during the colonial era. Be sure to take notes on a separate sheet of paper to use as a reference for future assignments."

The book is very old and crinkly. Each page feels as if it was etched by a quill on worn-out parchment paper. Without much other option, I peel open the pages to 343 and sit ever-so patiently for the learning to commence.

"Now Jay, Since you're so eager to read, why don't you reread starting from the first paragraph?"

"Runes," I immediately begin, "were an integral part of the colonial era starting from the early 700s. Runes, which appear in many shapes and sizes, allow an honor spellcaster to infuse their kinetics within it and allow for emphasized and remote usage."

Sounds like fun doesn't it? Your powers are just being increased by something not much more flattering than a rock. Runes nowadays are locked in government buildings anyway because of their power.

Mr. Sparse continues to lecture his way throughout the remainder of the book slower than it takes someone just to read it. He talks about random points about runes including where they're found and some sort of rune inscription ability for senior spellcasters. Fortunately, or unfortunately for him, all that lecturing led him to the end of class an hour and a half later.

Ring ring, the bell goes.

I usually stay behind and pack my things. Not only to avoid the herd of other schoolchildren's fashionable exits, but so I can have a few moments of peace without the mockery of other students. Except today, I won't be the only one that stays.

"Jay," a voice calls for me. "Did you finish the homework?"

It should be mentioned that this is an advanced honors spellcaster's class, or AHSC that I like to pronounce 'Aw, SICK!' So, with that, you'll be paired with the best of the best. I was the luckiest to sit next to the valedictorian.

"No, I didn't, Eli," I respond.

Student: Ellis "Eli" Taylor
Gender: Male (he/him)
Spellset: Hydrokinesis
Class Rank: Valedictorian Honors
Main Skill(s): "Water Bending" (Water Extraction)

He pulls out his homework from his nice and neat notebook pocket and places it into the turn-in basket. It has an iridescent glow to it.

"You gotta get that done then. It's due by the end of the next class, so you're lucky for today."

He's so sarcastically supportive to the point where I can never be entirely sure. Compared to his number one rank, I'm sitting at the bottom of the barrel. It's just his study habits anyway, they're better than mine, but I just can't get into them.

Eli is a valedictorian honors. It only means that he is a valedictorian at a school and he is considered one of the best people in town with his Spellset. Not that everyone would be useless, but it'd just be best to keep "the best" on your side. I personally hate the system. Most of it is just because teachers like you so suddenly you're the best around.

I'm just bitter. I want to be able to reach the spot that he has, but I'm far behind anyway. Plus, there's barely anything I can do to even get up there. The seat's taken.

I sigh, reach for my bag, and walk out the doorway like the regular human that I am, rushing my way over to my next class.

General Spellcasting. General Spellcasting is a class that teaches skills that everyone with a magic-bearing ability can do. Simple tasks like teleportation, energy conservation, and common stances.

This class does help with fine-tuning my skills as a Spellcaster, but I never have a use for these skills anyway. Also, teleportation means a lack of exercise, and I gotta stay lean.

I made my way through the halls, down the stairs, through more halls, and finally one small trip across the entire school and towards my classroom. What a boring class this will be.

Then...I pause.

Everyone and everything around me is at a standstill.

The hell?

But it couldn't be someone's power. Nobody else wouldn't go to this school if their powers were this significant, right?

I thought time-related abilities were outlawed.

But wait...why am I not frozen?