It’s now been a month since the Academy resumed classes for the new year, and also a month since he arrived. A crow’s head fallen from the nest, half-human, half-Entity, from an unknown Domain and a member of the special class, just like me.

  At first glance, he seems ordinary, but upon closer inspection, something radiates from him. Something peaceful? Reassuring? Or perhaps calming? In any case, despite his often-impassive expression, there is nothing cold or threatening about him.

  He’s remarkably an early riser. Between his morning warm-ups around the Academy and his early exchanges with the Nephilim of War, even before breakfast, he far surpasses the ordinary traits of a human.

  At first, he attended classes like any other student. But little by little, he started skipping morning classes to head to the Grand Library, where he immersed himself in the study of Ilnolian biology and the workings of the mind. When he isn’t devouring those treatises, he browses books about the different Domains and Entities, and even indulges in romance novels, though the meaning of those sentimental tales often escapes him, as evidenced by his frequent pauses to jot down notes. The half-dragon girl who sometimes accompanies him tries to explain certain concepts, but even she seems puzzled at times, struggling to find the right words.

  In the afternoons, he resumes practical classes and training alongside the Nephilim of War, the half-dragon, and Professor Ezekiel. They retreat to the woods, far from prying eyes, for sessions that are far from child’s play, as he always returns covered in bruises and small cuts, while his companion emerges almost unscathed. One might wonder whether it’s really combat training or just a disguised beatdown. In any case, he systematically ends his day at the infirmary.

  I feel sorry for the healer Quevdorl, who cherishes his peace to prepare remedies and tend the Academy’s plants with Harold. Yet lately, both he and Professor Sylvia have been unusually joyful, as if something has changed. And what to say of Vice-Director Nalinaya, lost in thought during every spare moment? Some say it’s not the first time she’s acted this way, thinking back to the time of the disappearance of the Divinity of Life…

  After classes, he goes off to train alone, likely in the Ethereal Plane, where he won’t be disturbed. Once, I caught him trying to create an etheric messenger in the shape of a dragon, a rather challenging endeavor. Shaping a stable form is already difficult, but infusing enough ether to keep it from disintegrating before it reaches its destination is a real challenge. And yet, he managed it on his own. Clearly, he’s in the special class for a reason...

  _________________________

  It’s now been a month since classes began, and for just as long, she’s been watching me, without realizing that I noticed long ago. The upperclassmen told me her name is Nahira, that she’s a talented magician, a third-year student, and like me, a member of the special class.

  Her slender figure and graceful gait immediately draw attention. Her skin, a golden brown with warm undertones, catches the light like the ancient stones of the Grand Library, turning each glimmer into a soft, gilded halo. Her jet-black hair falls in natural waves down to the middle of her back, swaying with each movement.

  But it’s especially her almond-shaped eyes, deep brown flecked with amber, that are the most intriguing. They seem to see beyond appearances, always alert, scrutinizing, analyzing, deciphering, as if searching for the world’s secrets… or simply mine.

  Every time I leave the dorm, I feel her gaze on me from the Grand Library. From the start of the day’s classes, I notice her. She always sits at a table close enough to remain in my field of view, but never too close, as if pretending indifference. Even when Arimélia is with me, her gaze persists.

  What is she looking for? What does she want from me?

  _________________________

  On a radiant spring morning, Elwyn finally decided to approach her. Classes had just begun, and Arimélia had chosen to attend, not wanting to leave Princess Sylaria too long with Loyd, who was notoriously inattentive.

  The young boy climbed the steps of the Grand Library and wandered through its various levels, passing researchers and curious visitors exploring recent findings. Upon reaching the first block, he finally found her.

  “Nahira...“

  The young woman didn’t seem to be hiding at all. Seated on the terrace, along the stone railing, a book in hand, she appeared serene. A vacant chair seemed to invite him, and without a word, Elwyn approached and sat down.

  His gaze settled gently on her, seeking a reaction. Nahira delicately closed her book and slowly set it on the table, revealing her full golden-brown face, intense gaze, and the red ribbon of a third-year tied around her neck.

  — Hello. I don’t think we’ve introduced ourselves. My name is Elwyn, and you? What’s your name?

  The young woman blinked, surprised by Elwyn’s calm demeanor.

  — My name is Nahira, and I’m… pleased to meet you, she replied with slight nervousness.

  — Likewise. Now that we’ve introduced ourselves, could you tell me why you’ve been watching me for about a month?

  Surprised by his frankness, Nahira slowly looked away and let out a nervous laugh.

  — Oh no… I wasn’t watching you… I… I was just gathering information… well, you know… she stammered.

  — Information? About what, exactly?

  Visibly uneasy, she fidgeted with her hands, searching for an excuse, while Elwyn mentally reviewed the past month, every moment he had felt her gaze in every place and activity, and finally noticed the white armband she wore.

  — By the way, aside from you, Arimélia, and myself, I haven’t seen any other students from the special class at the Academy. Are we the only ones?

  She nodded, disheartened.

  — Yes, it’s just the three of us… she replied sadly.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  — I see… So, you don’t really have anyone to talk to outside of your classmates?

  A bitter smile crossed Nahira’s face as her eyes drifted toward the book in front of her.

  — That’s right… but even among them, it’s hard to connect. I seem to surpass them in many ways, which makes them ignore me.

  A gentle breeze lifted her long hair as Elwyn continued his train of thought.

  — I suppose the solitude bothers you, and you were looking for someone to talk to. Since we’re both in the special class, I imagine you were trying to get my attention, is that it?

  Nahira nodded vigorously.

  — Yes, that’s exactly it.

  — Then why not come talk to me directly? And why me, and not Arimélia, who’s also in the special class?

  The young woman turned her eyes away, visibly embarrassed.

  — Because… it’s hard to approach a stranger. You always seem so busy, and I didn’t want to disturb you. As for the half-dragon, she seems quite reserved with others, so I didn’t dare approach her either...

  — I understand. In that case, if that’s what you want, would you like to be friends? he asked, gently extending his hand.

  Nahira’s face lit up, and blushing, she delicately took his hand.

  — With great pleasure.

  A brief silence settled between them. Nahira continued to hold Elwyn’s hand, which he didn’t seem to mind, until she snapped out of it and let go.

  — Sorry for holding your hand so long… I was lost in thought.

  — It’s fine. I noticed your skin was soft and smooth, and also that you went from nervous to calm.

  Nahira’s face lit up in genuine astonishment.

  — How… how could you tell?

  — I simply focused on the sensation in your wrist, felt your heartbeat, and noticed it slowing as you relaxed.

  — Incredible! Can I try it too? she asked, excited to learn.

  — Of course, Elwyn replied, offering his wrist.

  Nahira placed her fingers on the inside of his wrist, awaiting instructions.

  — Place your fingers just below my thumb and press gently. You should feel something soon.

  She carefully followed his lead.

  — Oh! I feel it… it’s like “boom… boom…”

  — Exactly. A fast heartbeat means nervousness or physical effort, while a slow one indicates calm and relaxation.

  — But how do you tell what’s fast or slow?

  — On average, the heart beats between sixty and a hundred times per minute, and it can drop to forty for highly trained individuals.

  — I see… I’ll try to count then. One, two, three...

  A minute passed.

  — So, how many did you count? asked Elwyn.

  — Exactly sixty. Like a clock… How did you learn that?

  — My adoptive mother is a healer, and by watching her, I picked up this skill.

  “Not to mention the knowledge from my Domain…”

  — That makes much more sense now.

  A light pause settled in, and Elwyn’s gaze, though gentle, continued to calmly hold Nahira’s, which made her blush slightly, a bit flustered by the moment.

  — What is it? he asked.

  — Nothing, it’s just… you really are a half-Entity, aren’t you?

  — What makes you say that?

  — You’re… different from the others.

  — In what way?

  — Watching you, I noticed you can meet someone’s gaze without fear, stand up to nobles, even high-ranking ones, and never let emotions get the best of you, not even in failure.

  — You’re right, I am. I don’t always react like others. I don’t know shame or embarrassment. As for nobles, someone has to hold them accountable when they make mistakes, and that’s part of an Entity’s duty. As for failure, it’s a natural step in learning. Everyone fails when trying something new. What matters is learning from it and continuing to move forward and improve.

  A sense of wonder lit up Nahira’s face.

  — So, since you are a half-Entity, what’s it like to go to the Ethereal Plane?

  — It’s… different from the Material Plane. There’s no life, only the land of Ilnolia, the water of its rivers, and a pervasive violet hue from the ether.

  — Isn’t that a bit too sad of a landscape?

  — Sad? How so?

  — Well… Isn’t it depressing or boring to see only that violet everywhere, when this world is so full of life and color?

  Elwyn paused to think.

  — At first glance, the Ethereal Plane isn’t visually very interesting. However, Entities can observe the Material Plane from the Ethereal one, though the perception is imperfect. So, it’s not really worth questioning what the Ethereal Plane is made of. It simply is what it is.

  — I see, very interesting. So, you don’t bother with superficial things, if I understand correctly.

  — It’s more that I think there are already many important things to consider instead of worrying over details that won’t change anything.

  — Then what, to you, is important right now?

  — I’d like to improve my ether mastery enough to send my letters to my adoptive parents on my own.

  A spark of surprise flickered briefly in Nahira’s eyes.

  — I saw you training to send an etheric messenger. Could you tell me how it’s going?

  — I’m not sure yet. I sent a message two days ago. The previous one was returned by a magician from Estal wishing me “Good luck.” So I’m hoping I’ll manage soon.

  — You’ll succeed, I’m sure of it. But if you want, I can help.

  — That’s very kind, but it’s something I want to be able to do on my own.

  — I understand, she replied with a big smile.

  — And what about you, what do you like to do in your free time?

  — I really love magic. Since I’m an exceptional girl, I even managed to make my own catalyst and set my own etherite crystal in it.

  — Oh, impressive. What does it look like?

  With a mischievous smile, Nahira quickly flicked her left arm, revealing a slightly curved dagger hidden in her sleeve.

  This refined weapon had a slightly curved steel blade adorned with subtle gold engravings of a snake running its full length. The hilt was set with a perfectly round, smooth etherite crystal, about the size of a hazelnut.

  — So, what do you think? she asked, clearly proud to show off her creation.

  — It’s a beautiful piece. Almost too nice to use and risk damaging.

  — If I use it, it’ll be as a last resort. I much prefer casting spells from afar than risking close combat.

  — Smart of you to take advantage of your magic, but you still need some physical conditioning if you want to handle long or repeated confrontations.

  Nahira sighed.

  — I know that perfectly well. And for your information, I train every day. I don’t want to end up like some blob who can’t move because they ate too much in the dining hall.

  Elwyn’s gaze quickly scanned her form.

  — I believe you. Your body matches your words.

  At those words, and his gaze having just wandered over her, the young woman suddenly blushed, while Elwyn turned his gaze toward the horizon, in the direction where Eriana was likely located.

  — By the way, Nahira, what’s your homeland like?

  She turned to the same horizon.

  — At home, in the south, the sun never forgets to shine. The summers can be scorching, with endless days, or mild and caressing in spring and autumn. We have varied landscapes, warm sand dunes and lush oases forming true havens of coolness. And, of course, majestic mountains watching over our valleys.

  — Quite the opposite of here, then.

  She smiled.

  — True, but at least here… I have a friend.