Episode 25: The Magic Practical Mishap
The next day, the academy grounds buzzed with excitement as Master Zhu gathered all the students in the open training field. It was time for a practical session in magic—a test of their growing skills and abilities.
"Today," Master Zhu began, his voice commanding attention, "you will demonstrate your magical prowess. This is not merely about power; it is about control, precision, and creativity. Let's see who among you has truly been paying attention."
The students murmured amongst themselves, some excited, others nervous. Tanji stood confidently at the front, his expression calm as always. Ryu, however, lingered at the back, fidgeting nervously.
As the practical began, students stepped forward one by one to perform their magic. Some summoned bursts of fire, others created gusts of wind or manipulated water with ease. When it was Tanji's turn, he moved gracefully, conjuring an elegant display of shimmering light that left the audience in awe.
Master Zhu nodded approvingly. "Excellent work, Tanji. Precision and grace."
Then it was Ryu's turn. She hesitated, glancing around nervously as the other students smirked. Determined not to be outdone, she stepped forward.
"Ryu," Master Zhu said with a raised eyebrow, "show us what you've learned."
Ryu swallowed hard and focused. She decided to cast a playful spell—a harmless trick to lighten the mood. She aimed her magic at Tanji, intending to make him slip humorously. But as she cast the spell, something went wrong.
The magic ricocheted off Tanji like a rubber ball and backfired onto Ryu. A gust of wind swirled around her, lifting her into the air for a moment before gently plopping her onto the ground. Her hair stood on end, frizzed like she'd been struck by lightning.
The field erupted into laughter.
"Ryu!" Kai doubled over, laughing so hard he could barely stand. "What kind of spell was that?"
Even Master Zhu couldn't hide the faint smirk on his face as he shook his head. "Ryu, while creativity is admirable, control is equally important."
Ryu's cheeks turned crimson as she scrambled to her feet. She shot a glare at Tanji, who stood there, completely unaffected and trying to suppress a grin.
"I swear, you did something to make it backfire!" Ryu accused him.
Tanji raised his hands innocently. "I didn't do anything. It's not my fault your magic likes you better."
This only made the students laugh harder.
Humiliated but determined, Ryu clenched her fists. "I'll get better! Just you wait!"
Master Zhu sighed, though there was a trace of amusement in his voice. "Ryu, focus on your fundamentals. That is how you'll improve. Dismissed."
As the students dispersed, Ryu sulked, muttering under her breath. Kai patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"Don't worry, Ryu," he said with a grin. "You're great at making everyone laugh. That's a skill too, right?"
Ryu groaned, burying her face in her hands as Kai's laughter echoed around her.
Meanwhile, Tanji walked away, his usual calm demeanor unshaken, though a faint smile lingered on his lips. There was something about Ryu's unpredicta
ble antics that he found oddly refreshing.