The final bell rang loudly as the last few, 1st year Phoenix students funneled into their Affinity & Resonance applications class. The room was fairly large with multiple tables spread perfectly apart in the front and at the back was a long, open field. At the center was a desk and the Instructor for the course, Professor Issacs.

He stood there with a bored, stone faced expression as he waited for everyone to settle in. He stroked the short, black stubble on his chin and cleared his throat loudly, prompting the class to quiet down.

“Alright, now that the semester is almost over, I would like to give you all a preview of what to expect next year.” Professor Issacs bellowed with a deep tone.

“We’ll be focusing on Core Energy refinement.”

Once he announced his plans to the class, Professor Issacs approached his desk and picked up a spherical object. He palmed the bottom half with one hand and held it up for the whole class to see.

“Core Energy is present all around us in Alaira. From the clouds in the sky all the way to the very ground you walk on, Core Energy is within the very fabric of all things. But most importantly, it’s the power that allows Vestas to summon their Manifests and activate abilities.”

As he spoke, the orb in his hand started to glow a bright yellow hue. The color pulsed with a slow, yet consistent rhythm.

“With this being the case, A skilled Vesta can perfectly control the amount of Core Energy they have and utilize it in the most efficient way possible. Using just enough for the task at hand.”

Seconds later, he expelled a large amount of Core Energy outward, causing the orb to glow more intensely. The pulse of yellow sped up considerably until the orb shined so bright that the students had to look away from its sheer luminosity. Professor Issacs ceased his show of power and the orb quickly turned back to normal, no longer blinding those within the room.

“I will show you all how to refine your Core Energy so that you don’t waste the reserves you have. Practicing this will not only increase your efficiency, but will also strengthen your Strand. Which, as you know, is imperative for a Vesta to grow stronger.” Professor Issacs continued.

“However, before we start, I need you all to pair up with someone. The method to get things started will require two people.”

He placed the orb back on his desk and waited for everyone to heed his request. All of the students got to their feet and began pairing up with each other, eager to get started with his lesson.

Caleb made his way over to a close friend of his, however just as he made his presence known, someone took hold of his arm.

“Sorry boys, but I’ll be pairing with Caleb today.” Bridgette said with a cute smile, wrapping her arm around his and pulling him towards her chest.

Caleb sighed as he reluctantly agreed to be her partner, leaving his friends behind.

“Did you not have anyone else to be with?” Caleb asked with an almost annoyed tone.

“I did, but I wanted to play with you instead.”

Bridgette sent him a cheeky smirk as she giggled like a little school girl. Caleb rolled his eyes and the two made their way to the front of the class, awaiting further instructions.

Once everyone was gathered, Professor Issacs motioned for the students to follow him to the field at the rear of the classroom.

“Find an open spot and stand directly in front of each other. Then, one at a time, I want you to place your hand upon your partner's chest, like so.”

He approached one of his students and placed his large palm across their left pectoral.

“Close your eyes and begin visualizing the flow of Core Energy within their bodies. Feel how it circulates and shifts along their Strand. Once you have a grasp on its rhythm, try matching your Core Energy pattern with theirs.”

Professor Issacs’ palm began to glow as the student stood there with wide eyed wonder, feeling his Core Energy playfully moving throughout his body. Once his demonstration was over, he instructed the students to try it for themselves.

“Don’t feel discouraged if you can’t get it right away. This exercise is quite difficult to maintain, but it will help you have a better understanding of how Core Energy moves throughout the body. This is the first step to refining the power within you.” He added as he walked around, watching the students try and fail this lesson.

“Do you want to start?” Caleb asked as he stood in front of Bridgette.

She happily obliged and gently placed her palm on his chest. Bridgette closed her eyes and within seconds, Caleb felt her immense power circulating in the same manner as his Core Energy. At that moment, it felt as though they were the same person, their energy in complete sync and harmony.

‘As expected of our top student. Exercises like these should be child’s play for someone of her caliber.’

Professor Issacs showed a brief smirk while he admired Bridgette from afar, feeling proud that his teachings weren’t going to waste.

She slowly opened her eyes and stared back at Caleb with an alluring gaze. She removed her hand from his chest and smiled, patiently waiting for him to give it a try next. Caleb reached his hand out, but before he pressed it against her, he hesitated slightly. She noticed this and quickly grabbed his wrist, forcing his palm onto her left breast.

“H-Hey! You didn’t need to do that.” Caleb said with a shaky and embarrassed tone as his fingers sunk into the softness of her chest.

“It’s fine, silly. No need to be so scared around me.” She replied with a slight blush, letting go of his wrist so he could begin.

Caleb sighed and nodded before gathering himself, now focusing his senses together to perform the exercise.

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He closed his eyes and exerted his Core Energy, trying to get a feel for her flow. However, to his surprise, he could barely make sense of how her Energy moved throughout her Strand. Even though they had just been completely in sync mere minutes prior, this exercise was proving incredibly difficult to achieve.

Sweat began dripping down his face as he struggled to continue, expelling his Core Energy outwards in excessive fashion. After a few more attempts, he opened his eyes and removed his hand from Bridgette’s chest. Caleb stumbled back slightly and rested his hands on his knees, panting heavily in the process.

“This is way harder than I thought it would be.” Caleb said as he struggled to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“You think so? Hm, I thought it was pretty easy.” Bridgette replied with a chuckle and half shrug.

“Pfft, that’s no surprise. Everything comes easy to you, Bridgette.”

“Hey, that’s not true. I still have my struggles, same as everyone else.” She pouted while placing her hands on her hips.

“If you say so. Even when we were kids you stayed above most people. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you struggle with something.”

Caleb let out a soft laugh as he prepared to try the lesson again, placing his hand on her chest again.

‘You never looked my way, so of course you’ve never seen me struggle. Dummy…’

Bridgette had no response to give. She simply looked down and relaxed her body, allowing him to make another attempt at visualizing her Core Energy. The class continued on until the bell rang, prompting everyone to rush back to their seats.

“Try to practice this during the break and we'll proceed to the next part when you all return. You are dismissed.” Professor Issacs said with his dry, deep voice.

Just as Caleb finished packing up his things, Bridgette once again took hold of his arm and nudged him along.

“C’mon, let’s go to Laracia town! I want to see it before they take down all of their decorations.” She excitedly requested, once again enticing Caleb with her soft chest pressed against him.

“Sorry Bridgette, I don’t think I can go with you this time. I'm kind of seeing som–”

“Nonsense, this'll be the last time we see each other before our break. Surely you can make time for me. Besides, I’ll make it worth your while.”

Bridgette shot him another alluring blue eyed gaze as she giggled, gently rubbing her free hand on his sleeve.

At this point, many students were beginning to whisper and murmur about them, noticing how close the two were being.

“Caleb and Bridgette look so good together. Are they dating?” , “She always talks to him after class, they must be a thing.” , “I swear, Caleb’s so lucky!”

Could be heard from all around. Just as the excitement filled the air, Carmen was coming around the corner. Wondering why there was such a commotion, Carmen looked up and saw Bridgette chatting with Caleb at the end of the hall.

She immediately became annoyed by the sight of Bridgette's affectionate advances and quickly made her way over to them. Caleb noticed Carmen approaching and just before he could plead his case, she aggressively pressed her body against him with all her weight. Caleb was forced back into the wall as Carmen began to do something shocking.

Carmen passionately kissed him on the lips, not holding herself back one bit. It was as though she was possessed by lust itself. Bridgette and everyone in the hall was stunned by what was happening.

After a few moments, they stopped their passionate display of affection and Carmen looked over at Bridgette with a devious, yet cheeky smile. It became abundantly clear that she was marking her territory in front of all to see. Caleb was still taken aback by what just occurred, shocked by Carmen’s uncharacteristically forward demeanor.

She then took hold of Caleb’s hand and pulled him along, rapidly walking down the hall together. The students that witnessed everything were reeling and ecstatic with excitement.

“Caleb and Carmen!? No way!!” , “They have to be dating, did you see the way she kissed him!?” , “Geez, that was so hot. Holy, I didn’t know she was like that!”

The crowd of students jeered, wanting to get to the bottom of this scandalous situation.

‘Ugh, I can’t stand that red eyed bitch!’

Bridgette scowled and grit her teeth, feeling as though she had been made a fool in front of all these people. Everyone thought she was with Caleb, but now they all knew the truth. This situation would do nothing more than further fuel her hatred towards Carmen.

Carmen and Caleb made their way outside and quickly stopped to talk for a bit.

“That came out of nowhere, Carmen. I thought you didn’t want our relationship to be public yet?” Caleb asked, confused by her sudden and direct actions.

Carmen simply shrugged and smiled.

“I just wanted to piss off Bridgette. And no, I don’t really mind if people know we’re together. In fact, I think I prefer it if everyone knows now.” Carmen replied with a hefty laugh.

Caleb cocked his head to the side and noticed that Carmen seemed different than usual, her mannerisms not matching up at all.

“I see… Well, if it’s fine with you then I see no problem with that.” He replied with a smile.

The two chatted for a bit longer until it came time for them to depart. Caleb gripped Carmen’s waist and brought her in close, pecking her on the lips. They hugged and Caleb said his goodbyes, waving as he walked away in the opposite direction.

Carmen made her way to the library and just as she entered the building, she saw a girl from Harpy class coughing heavily before popping a small purple pill into her mouth. The girl washed it down with a bottle of water and continued to cough slightly.

‘What are those things? I keep seeing students take them around here. Olivia said it was a supplement or something, but what kind?’

Carmen eventually shrugged and continued on towards the receptionist desk, placing down some books to return. Once everything was checked in and accounted for, she walked past a few tables and saw Cassidy thumbing through a textbook.

“Hey, Cassidy!” Carmen said as she approached.

Cassidy glanced up from her book and smiled warmly, returning the greeting.

“I see you’re back in good spirits!” She replied as Carmen took a seat, noticing that she had a new glow to her.

“Yeah, I’ve had a lot of time to think and I feel like I’m finally back on my feet. I should be alright now.”

The two got to talking about various topics until a familiar voice called her name.

“Ah Carmen! It’s been forever!” Rivell said loudly, disturbing the silence of the library.

Carmen quickly turned around and smiled, motioning for him to take a seat. He joined them at the table and started to chat.

“I’ve been pretty busy with my school work. The alchemy program here is really intense! I feel like I don’t have the time for anything anymore.”He said with an awkward laugh as he adjusted his glasses.

Cassidy looked over at Rivell while he talked to Carmen and was enthralled by his simple demeanor. Even though they were both Siestians, she had never been around anyone like him before. Carmen noticed Cassidy’s interest and quickly introduced her to him. They greeted one another and Rivell took notice of the book she was studying.

“Ah, you like alchemic herbal processes as well!?” He asked with an excited cadence.

“Yeah, I always found this stuff so interesting. Though, I’ll admit, some of the concepts are a bit difficult to understand.” She replied, twirling her curly hair with her finger.

Rivell quickly got up and took a seat right next to Cassidy, pressing his shoulder against hers. He leaned in and began to explain some of the concepts in great detail, doing his typical excited word vomit and not letting a single sentence breath.

Despite the rapid flurry of information, Cassidy was holding onto every word and seemed to enjoy the verbal onslaught. After a few minutes, the two were fully engaged in conversations that Carmen had no hope of following.

‘What is happening? Why do I feel like a third wheel right now?’

Carmen felt left out as she saw her friends chatting and laughing it up without her. She eventually excused herself from the table and exited the library, now heading back to her dorm to finish packing for her winter break.