Evo wore a tense expression — but for reasons different from those around him. The people nearby looked shocked, refusing to accept the reality before their eyes. The one most shaken was the instructor, who knew the true value of Ancient Elements — powerful yet dangerous forces if not handled properly.
Damn it… where did that cursed stone go? Those things cost a fortune, and I didn't bring that much money with me!
He began to worry about the situation, but Elizabeth stepped closer, speaking softly.
– Student Eylam, did you awaken the Time Element?
Evo turned his attention to her and replied:
– No, Instructor. I thought I did, but apparently, it was just a mistake. – He spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. Soon, everyone accepted his words — even the skeptics like Lívia and Blanche, who preferred believing him rather than accepting that he had awakened something extraordinary. Little did they know that Evo had lied on purpose to divert their attention.
– Hmm… Then what was that light? It usually happens when the stone resonates with the one holding it. – She commented, stepping even closer.
Please, don't ask too many questions, or they'll start focusing on me again, he begged silently, hoping she'd stop talking — or at least lower her voice.
He waited until she was close enough to whisper.
Evo shrugged. – Hmph! I don't know. That stone turned to ashes… maybe it wasn't even an elemental stone.
Elizabeth leaned closer and asked in a whisper meant only for them:
– Why did you lie, Evo? You clearly awakened the Time Element.
Evo, still glancing around in vain for the missing stone, replied calmly:
– I don't want attention during my three years at this academy. I just want peace while I'm here.
– Then what do you think would happen if people found out you awakened an element straight out of myth?
She studied him, trying to understand the young man before her.
Turning toward the students — who had already forgotten him and gone back to their own affairs — she said:
– Well… you'd probably become the center of attention. You'd be harassed, envied, even targeted by people who fear you might become dangerous. Political marriages would be thrown your way constantly. In short, your life would turn into a nightmare — and that goes against what you want, right?
– I'm glad you're a smart, perceptive, and very attractive instructor. Three wonderful traits.
Elizabeth smiled, a little flustered. She hadn't expected such a direct compliment and was momentarily speechless. But she didn't have to reply — Evo spoke again.
– People who are always in the spotlight attract trouble, confusion, and all kinds of headaches. So... – he turned to face her and finished, – can I count on you to keep this secret from the other students and instructors?
Elizabeth understood his logic — and he was right. Still, a part of her wanted to show how incredible this young man truly was. But she respected his decision and nodded.
– All right. I promise to keep my lips sealed about this. – She placed her finger over her lips in a gesture of promise. – If you want, we can perform the Ancient Oath, just to be sure.
– No, it's fine, Instructor. I trust you.
She felt genuinely happy about the trust he showed her. But what she didn't know was that Evo could see the truth in people — their emotions, their real selves. His eyes revealed any hint of deceit or falsehood.
What he saw in her was pure and genuine. There was nothing to fear.
– But what about the Headmistress? You know there's no hiding anything from her. She probably already knows.
Evo scratched his head, sighing in frustration.
– Yeah, I know. Hiding something from that woman is pointless. I'll deal with her myself later.
Elizabeth looked at him, unsure what he meant by "deal with her," but decided not to ask.
– By the way, Evo Eylam... what happened to the elemental stone?
– Huh?
..................
A little before Evo's awakening, in a distant room, Freya and Ravina were discussing a rather delicate matter.
– Ravina! Do we have any information about those pests' hideout? – Freya asked, her icy eyes far from the warm ones she showed around Evo.
– Ahh… still nothing. Those bastards must be using some powerful artifact to conceal themselves. – Ravina sighed, resigned.
Freya nodded. – I figured as much. And the people they've infiltrated into the academy — there are probably nobles involved too. Have you found out who they are?
– I have some suspicions, but you know we can't act rashly. Picking a fight with noble houses would be a massive headache… and a waste of precious time.
– Hmph! As if I cared about those greedy nobles. I wouldn't mind getting rid of those parasites if needed. – She shrugged indifferently.
Freya was, in many ways, just like Evo — two sides of the same coin. Both proud, both indifferent to anyone outside their inner circle. Perhaps that's why they got along so well.
Ravina knew she meant every word. They had known each other for millennia and shared the same nature — the same race. Witches.
Witches had no defined lifespan. If nothing killed them, they would live forever. To some, that was a curse; to others, a blessing.
Long ago, in the Mythic Era, the few witches that existed were nearly wiped out in a great war, caught in the crossfire. Ever since, a rule had been etched into the world itself: every thirty thousand years, one or two witches would be born — no more. It was the world's way of keeping balance, preventing the rise of too many of their kind.
Freya and Ravina were practically sisters. Born in the same era, they'd been inseparable ever since they met. Ravina deeply idolized Freya — so much that she built the academy four thousand years ago and entrusted it to Freya to become the Headmistress.
She created the academy after Freya helped the Empire through a great crisis, becoming its protector and earning immense gratitude — especially from the Emperor, who even proposed marriage. But Freya flatly refused, saying only "never," before turning her back and walking away.
People theorized that for both women to have ruled the Academy for four millennia, they must have ascended to the existence of demigoddesses. After all, the highest known rank — Paragon — lived no longer than three thousand years. But no one had the courage to ask and confirm it.
– So? What should we do about those infiltrators? – Ravina asked, tired of the constant problems.
– Don't worry. I have an idea… and I know exactly who can help me with this. Hihihihi… – Freya's cold expression melted into a mischievous smile.
– He's going to be furious! Hahaha!
Ravina watched her friend laugh like someone plotting mischief. Curious, she asked:
– And who might that person be? – She adjusted her glasses, tilting her head.
– The person in question is–
But she never finished the sentence. Both women suddenly felt an ancient shiver crawl down their spines. Being witches, they were among the most sensitive to mana — second only to dragons. And what they felt just then was an ancient power. More precisely:
– Someone is awakening an Ancient Element! – Ravina gasped, her eyes wide.
Then she added, in a trembling voice: – That feeling of indifference… arrogance… disdain...
– The Time Element, – Freya completed her thought.
– And you know what?
– What?
– Hahahahah! – Freya leaned back in her chair, laughing loudly while holding her stomach. – Hahaha! The one awakening that element… ahhh haha… is the very person who's part of my plan!
Ravina stared at her friend, baffled by her laughter. She ran through possible names in her mind — until one struck her like a tidal wave. The only person who had ever caught Freya's attention throughout her long life.
– Evo Eylam… – she whispered, stunned.
So that boy really is someone special… Did Freya already know this, or was it just coincidence?
Freya noticed her thoughts and spoke before she could ask.
– I know what you're thinking. And the answer is no! I didn't know… until yesterday.
– What do you mean, until yesterday? No! First we have to handle this issue. If people find out–
– Don't worry. He'll handle it just fine.
Ravina looked at Freya with a questioning gaze. Why? Why does she have so much faith in him…?
She pondered for a moment, and a theory flashed through her mind — and vanished just as quickly.
Maybe… No. No way. There's no way Evo could be like Freya… right?
Author's Note:
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