Even in the darkest of times, one can still find light. They just have to look at the stars.
Humans have been blessed by the Divines. For centuries, civilization has flourished, and mankind has rapidly progressed with the use of innate magical power...
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"All right, everyone gather around!" Khohn shouted at the Newbies scattered throughout the Practice Field B's dreadful remains.
Despite fall being in full swing, late October had brought an unexpectedly warm day to Spiritfield. The visible heat rays shimmered up from the desert-like field. The heat forced most of the remaining students to rip their sweatshirts off and toss them to the sideline before finishing their warm-ups. Sweat trickled down their skin, glistening in the red disc of a sun peeking over the pointed tops of the trees.
The thick woods at the back end of the field had shifted from a deep forest-green to a mix of red, orange, and yellow. The colorful leaves, plucked tenderly from their branches by passing winds, littered the dusty and beaten grass field.
Riarshi stood from his seated leg stretch, stifled a stiff groan, and brushed the dust off his pants.
As he turned toward the sideline, Tabito strolled from behind and tapped his shoulder.
"Partner again?" he yelled back, continuing his track toward Khohn and the crowd forming in front of the professor.
"Yeah, of course," Riarshi responded.
In the last few weeks, a variety of grueling assignments and mock duels had unceremonially eliminated the Newbies struggling to keep up with the rest of the pack, reducing the class' remaining total to ten.
Thanks to Hara's sudden - and largely unexpected - commitment to Riarshi and Tabito's after school training group, neither of the three had become an unfortunate victim of expulsion. Wishing to heighten their chances of surviving the upcoming tryout, the trio had stayed after every day for an hour and trained before strolling to Merino's for a hearty meal.
Riarshi, however, had a hint of guilt stuck in the back of his mind. It was obvious to nearly everyone in the class that he was benefiting from his partnership with the strong duo of Hara and Tabito.
He especially heard this grief from Leon, who - as expected - harassed Riarshi any chance he got. Insults, cusses, and the occasional dirty look were thrown at Riarshi throughout each day.
Riarshi ignored it all. He would be lying, however, if he claimed that the guilt slowly and meticulously nibbling at him didn't exist.
But today, with his shoes crunching the rock-riddled dirt beneath his feet; he swallowed this guilt, suppressing it from his mind.
Students gathered along the sideline. Khohn peered at them through his thick-lensed glasses. He didn't have to move his head much to look at everyone. The circle which engulfed him at the semester's beginning was now just a small line.
"All right, everyone!" Khohn shouted, waving his arms over his head. "I have a very important announcement today, so listen up!"
Riarshi took his place in line. Unfortunately and unknowingly, he stood next to Leon, who looked at him with a look that combined the feeling of disgust and amusement.
