The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 35: Shadows of the Past

Scene 1: Lost in Thought

The sun streamed through the windows of the Royal Magic Academy's classroom, casting a golden glow over the rows of students. The room was filled with the steady murmur of the professor's voice, lecturing on the fundamentals of magic. But Lyka wasn't listening.

Sitting by the window, her chin resting in her hand, Lyka stared blankly outside. Her mind was elsewhere, filled with thoughts of Alex—his face in the market, the pain she had seen in his eyes. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about him, and the questions haunted her:

Why had he run? What had happened to him over the last four years? Could she still save him?

The professor's voice droned on in the background, but it barely registered in her mind. Lyka's thoughts swirled around Alex, her heart aching with the memory of his broken expression. She clenched her fists under the desk, filled with a growing determination.

Lyka (thinking):
"I have to help him... I won't let him suffer alone."

Suddenly, the professor's voice cut through her thoughts.

Professor (calling out):
"Lyka Nirvalen!"

Lyka jolted upright, her heart racing as she realized everyone in the room was staring at her. The professor raised an eyebrow, arms crossed.

Professor (sternly):
"Since you seem to be daydreaming, perhaps you can answer the question. What are the fundamentals of magic?"

Lyka blinked, her mind scrambling to catch up. Despite her distraction, she instinctively knew the answer.

Lyka (nervously, but confidently):
"The fundamentals of magic are mana manipulation, spell structure, and intent. Each of these components must be balanced to achieve a successful spell."

The professor regarded her for a moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied.

Professor (approvingly):
"Good, Lyka. Perhaps next time you'll also pay attention to the lesson."

The classroom erupted into soft whispers. Her classmates exchanged glances, some in awe, others in shock that Lyka had answered so well despite not paying attention. Lyka offered a weak smile, but her heart wasn't in it. Her mind was still on Alex.

Scene 2: Confessions to Mira

After classes ended, Lyka hurried back to her dorm room, her thoughts racing. She had to do something—she couldn't just sit by while Alex was out there, suffering. When she entered the dorm, Mira was already there, tidying up the room.

Lyka's footsteps were quick, her face set with determination. She grabbed her suitcase and began rummaging through it.

Mira (watching her, confused):
"Lyka? What are you doing?"

Lyka didn't answer right away. She pulled out her Shadow Raven suit—the black, sleek outfit that concealed her identity and came with a voice changer. She held it up, showing it to Mira.

Lyka (serious, but determined):
"I'm going to find Alex."

Mira's eyes widened in shock as she dropped the cloth she was holding.

Mira (worried, stern):
"Lyka, you know you can't do that! It's against the academy's rules to go off-campus for personal missions, and you know how dangerous it is out there. What if something happens?"