Episode 19 - The Sky and the Stranger
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Scene 1: Morning Lessons Begin
The day begins in the Heaven Academy, where students gather in the expansive training courtyard. The sky is bright, and excitement buzzes through the air. Today's lesson: Flight Magic.
Master Ju, standing tall with his signature stern expression, addresses the students.
Master Ju: "Flight magic is fundamental for your survival in the upper realms. Mastering it is not optional—it is necessary. Now, focus!"
The students break into groups, eager to learn.
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Scene 2: Ryu's Struggles
Amidst the groups, Ryu stands awkwardly on the sidelines, her face scrunched in concentration as she observes others taking off into the air.
Kai, already hovering a few feet above the ground, notices her hesitation.
Kai (grinning): "Ryu, you're supposed to move, not just stand there like a tree."
Ryu: "I'm not a tree! I'm… I'm analyzing."
Kai bursts out laughing and does a slow loop around her.
Kai: "Analyzing? Is that what you call it when you don't even try? Come on, flap your arms or something!"
Ryu glares at him but reluctantly mutters the incantation. Nothing happens.
Kai: "Maybe you're overthinking it. Imagine you're a bird—light as a feather."
Ryu sighs and tries again. This time, she lifts a few inches off the ground… before tumbling back down with a loud thud.
Ryu (grumbling): "Stupid magic. Stupid feathers. Stupid everything."
Nearby, other students snicker at her failed attempts.
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Scene 3: A Series of Mishaps
Determined not to be the only one left grounded, Ryu tries again.
She accidentally shoots herself sideways into a nearby tree.
Her robe gets tangled in a gust of wind, flipping her over mid-air.
She lands headfirst into a pile of hay meant for cushioning falls.
Master Ju, observing from a distance, pinches the bridge of his nose.
Master Ju: "Ryu, if your intention is to entertain us rather than learn, you're succeeding marvelously."
Kai struggles to stifle his laughter while helping her up.
Kai: "You're really making this lesson memorable, Ryu."
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Scene 4: A New Student Arrives
As the lesson wraps up, Master Ju steps forward, silencing the chatter.
Master Ju: "Before we continue, I have an announcement. Today, we welcome a new student to our academy. He comes highly recommended, and I expect you all to treat him with respect."
He gestures toward the entrance. The courtyard falls silent as the new student steps forward.
Ryu's jaw drops.
It's Tanji, the mysterious man she met in the Human World marketplace—the one with the tall frame, shiny black hair, and piercing eyes.
Tanji bows politely to the group, his voice smooth and calm.
Tanji: "I am honored to join the Heaven Academy. I hope to learn and grow alongside all of you."
Ryu feels her face flush as memories of their brief encounter flood her mind.
Kai, standing beside her, notices her reaction.
Kai (whispering): "Hey, isn't that the guy you—"
Ryu (hissing): "Shut up!"
Master Ju continues.
Master Ju: "Tanji will be joining your class. Make sure to assist him in adjusting to our ways."
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Scene 5: Ryu's Awkward Encounter
As the students disperse, Tanji approaches Ryu and Kai.
Tanji: "We meet again."
Ryu's mind races, but all she manages is a weak, "Uh… hi."
Kai, ever the protective friend, steps forward, his smile sharp.
Kai: "Small world, huh? What brings you to our academy?"
Tanji's gaze shifts to Ryu for a brief moment before answering.
Tanji: "Let's just say… I was drawn here."
Kai raises an eyebrow, but before he can ask more, Master Ju calls everyone back for the next part of the lesson.
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Scene 6: Ryu's Inner Turmoil
As the day progresses, Ryu finds it impossible to focus. Every time she glances at Tanji, he seems to be excelling effortlessly in every task, from flight magic to combat techniques.
Kai, noticing her distraction, nudges her.
Kai: "You're staring."
Ryu: "I am not!"
Kai: "Oh, you are. And it's hilarious."
Ryu glares at him, but her blush betrays her.
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Scene 7: Tanji's Mysterious Behavior
Later, during a break, Tanji is seen speaking with Master Ju in hushed tones. The other students speculate about his origins, but no one knows for sure.
Ryu overhears snippets of their conversation: something about "ancient energy" and "an unusual connection."
Her curiosity grows, but she decides to keep her distance for now.
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Scene 8: A New Rivalry?
By the end of the day, Kai seems to have made up his mind about Tanji.
Kai: "I don't trust him. He's too… perfect."
Ryu: "You're just jealous because he's better at magic than you."
Kai (mock offended): "Me? Jealous? Never."
Despi
te her teasing, Ryu can't shake the feeling that Tanji's presence isn't a coincidence—and that their fates are somehow intertwined.
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End of Episode 19