Alexander's class returned to their homeroom, where the professor was writing on the chalkboard about World Energy Manipulation.
"World energy manipulation or essence, is a powerful and mysterious force." the professor said, placing down his chalk as he turned from the board. "It comes in many forms and is used differently from species to species.
It's an incredibly deep and complex thing, something we'll no doubt discuss later in the year.
But today, we're focusing solely on external manipulation, your test will be creating a few orbs of light."
The professor reached out a hand as he continued. "If everyone will direct their attention to my hand, I'll demonstrate first."
Alexander sat forward with his eyes narrowing.
He already knew how to perform the trick thanks to a maid from home.
Plus, with Zara and the shaman's help, he fully unlocked his mana nodes, so in truth, there was no need to pay attention.
But Alexander was paying attention not because he didn't know how to do it, but because he wanted to know how much to hold back.
The professor held out his hand as a faint, white light began emerging from his palm. The light formed into an orb before quickly being followed by a second and third orb.
When the third orb emerged, the professor began to do a few parlor tricks.
First, he made them orbit around each other, with one in the center acting as a sun, and the others as planets. Then he began to juggle them with one hand, a subtle grin on his lips as his eyes twinkled with joy.
After a few other tricks, the professor quickly threw his hand into the air. In a sudden flash of light, the orbs popped like fireworks, followed by embers of light raining down.
The class erupted with applause and laughs.
Of course, some students looked aloof, while others had eyes wide with awe.
The professor gave a sheepish chuckle as he rolled his shoulders. "I'm a bit rusty, but back in the day I used to be somewhat of an entertainer." He said, "Those days are long behind me now, but the principle remains the same."
He dusted his hands as he looked out over the class. "Now it's your turn, focus on your palm and essence, use precise control to draw on that essence, and then will that essence into a shape of light."
As the professor reached for a clipboard and pen, he continued. "But, if you can manage more than one orb of light then feel free to do so because I'll be watching."
Students quickly began murmuring amongst themselves as they attempted the trick. Alexander meanwhile, knew exactly what to do.
It was likely that he could form more than a dozen of those small orbs, but that would now doubt raise suspicion.
And while Alexander had no qualms about showing off, even he knew some secrets were best kept hidden.
Around the room, students began generating orbs of light, some students creating three with ease while others struggled to summon just one.
And a few had none at all.
And then there was Jules.
Jules summoned about six large orbs of light, three in each palm, and bustling with unstable energy.
"Behold, Sir Alexander!" Jules exclaimed with a confident laugh, "The power of the heir to House Leclaire! I am no mere mortal, but a prodigy of grace, elegance, and sheer genius!"
Then, with a show of light so bright Alexander was nearly blinded, Jules popped the orbs like a balloon, creating a light show that could rival any firework.
The students near him, Alexander included, all covered their eyes and averted their gaze from the grand display.
Alexander groaned as he massaged his eyes. "Gah, Jules… you idiot." He muttered under his breath.
"Now, now Sir Alexander, insults are no way to compete." Jules said as he pointed a finger at Alexander, before giving a smug smirk, "though your anger is understandable, for I am better than you, better than most."
"That's it." Alexander snapped as he held out both his palms, "I'll show you who's better!"
Alexander didn't know why but he had to shut Jules up, he had to prove he was better!
With flared nostrils, Alexander began to draw on his world energy.
His essence flowed like a warm stream from his chest, through his arms, and settling in his palms.
Orbs of light quickly began to pop up and grow in size as Alexander narrowed his eyes.
First one orb, then two and three. "You like this Jules!" Alexander exclaimed as he turned to look at Jules, only to be met with a smug smirk. "Oh, you bastard!"
Alexander called on a fourth orb of light and soon went to create a fifth.
Oh, I'll show you Jules, you smug asswipe!
But as the fifth orb sputtered to life, Alexander felt a hard poke to his neck, breaking his consecration and killing his orbs of light with a dim whimper.
Quickly turning around to see who poked him, he was greeted by Louise leaning over her table with a pen in hand.
"Louise—" Alexander began to call her name in confusion, but she quickly silenced him.
"Shut up, idiot, you would've killed us all!" She scolded, her tone cold and stern.
Alexander raised an eyebrow as Jules laughed.
What is she talking about, I'm not anywhere near my limit!
"No, I—"
"You can barely control three." Louise barked, cutting him off as she sat back in her chair, "Don't embarrass yourself or the family name."
Alexander clenched his jaw as he squinted his eyes. It wasn't out of frustration, but confusion.
Louise has no doubt seen his training with Béatrice, she knew how strong he was.
So why did she stop him, why was she humiliating him in front of everyone?
Alexander was soon snapped out of thought by the professor. "Alright everyone," he began, clapping his hands together. "It's time to rein in the showboating and talk about what's next."
Alexander grumbled frustratedly as he turned to look at the professor, but not before glancing at Jules, who sat beside him with his arms crossed.
"First, I want to say a lot of you performed well today, especially with your world energy manipulation.
It's common to fail at something like this, especially if it's your first time, so in that regard, I'd say all of you passed this portion of the exam."
The professor then raised a cautionary finger, "but even so, if you've failed the written portion you will be sent home regardless of your ability here."
A few students shifted uncomfortably, but most remained silent.
"That aside, there are a few… exceptions." The professor said with an amused glance at Jules and Alexander.
The professor then ended the session with a nod, before opening the classroom door and holding it. "This concludes today's exam, so please make your way to the academy dining hall, and enjoy your evening."
Alexander sighed as he gathered his things and rose from his seat.
— — —
Following the stream of students out of the classroom and into the halls, Alexander couldn't help but notice Jules smiling at him.
Alexander felt his skin crawl under his gaze, "you got a reason for staring at me?" He asked frustratedly.
Jules chuckled as he stepped in line with Alexander. "Indeed I do, Sir Alexander." He answered, "I've noticed you're different from what your appearance suggests."
"What the heck is that supposed to mean?" Alexander asked as he and Jules turned a corner.
Jules's smile grew. "Oh nothing, I just expected you to be more… difficult, but you've proven quite reactive, you know?"
"What, you thought I'd be like Louise or something?"
Jules nodded. "Precisely, so consider how surprised I was to find an adequate rival in you."
Alexander rolled his eyes. "We aren't rivals, I barely even know you."
Jules grabbed his chest as he faked a pained expression. "Oh the wound is deep, your words cut like daggers Sir Alexander, unfair play."