All the students took their subclasses. Bridget received her class outside by a small garden filled with colorful flowers surrounding the white gazebo. Bridget sat near the table and listened to what her instructor had to say.

The instructor introduced herself as Cynthia. She had light brown hair tied into braids, wore a short light green dress, a mini light brown jacket that matched her hair, dark brown boots, and a headband made from flowers.

Cynthia spun around as the wind carried pollen out from the flowers as they drifted off into the skies.

“Your name is Bridget, correct?” She spoke up. “You can learn different elements in many unique ways depending on the type of person you are.”

The woman extended her hand out to her student. Bridget held out her hand as well, which prompted Cynthia to check and feel her pulse.

“Ah, you have some potential in you,” Cynthia told her. “I can feel the energy synergizing in your body.”

Bridget smiled, pretending to understand what she was talking about.

“Thanks so much, ma’am.”

Various colored orbs materialized and hovered beside Cynthia, each representing an element.

“So, which element would you like to study? There are so many possibilities for using magic. There's the tranquil powers of water and the infernal blazes of fire!” Cynthia’s voice grew sharp upon speaking the last line.

Bridget’s mouth stayed agape for a while as she glanced at Midoricha. I picked an interesting teacher, that’s for sure.

“Would you like me to give you a suggestion, or do you prefer trying out a quiz to see which would suit you best?”

“It’s fine; I already have something in mind. I’d like to give Earth and Ice magic a try.”

“Excellent choices,” Cynthia said as she clasped her hands together. “Surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature, crushing or freezing your foes in place. There’s a lot you can do with that kind of power...”

Bridget and Midoricha stayed silent and exchanged glances again.

“I’m thinking this is a bad idea, after all.” Bridget leaned in and whispered to her companion.

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“I don’t know what you’re talking about; she seems rather nice.” Midoricha pointed out.

“Ok, if you say so.”

.-.-.-.

Benjamin took his class inside the school, in one of the dark rooms. Shelves of potions and spell books covered the area. A cauldron bubbled up rhythmically in the middle of the room. The instructor, named Eris, lit the lamps up and walked closer to calm the pot down, keeping the contents from getting too high and spilling all over.

Eris wore a long black dress; her long purple hair covered one of her eyes as she stared intensively below. Her familiar, a black Pilkon with red eyes, kept a watchful eye on Harry and Chi-Chi.

Although impressed by the atmosphere and décor, Benjamin tapped his foot impatiently.

When are we going to start lessons?

“We’ll begin momentarily,” Eris replied without looking at him. “You need to be patient.”

“Huh? How’d you know what I was thinking?” Benjamin asked, taken aback by her comment.

“I don’t have to tell you. Also, don’t think this will be easy either. Despite the name, these spells are hard to master.”

“What? I thought you said it was easy to learn!”

“If you’re the type that’s not impatient and imprudent, then yes.” Eris turned to her partner. “Isn’t that right, Scarlet?” The Pilkon nodded in approval.

Wow, what a name. Benjamin thought. He shook his head in frustration. “That’s beside the point! I wanna see what you can do, so I know what to expect!” He crossed his arms. “Unless you can’t perform them, as you say?”

Eris shrugged. “If it’ll get you to stop talking for a little while, then fine. Scarlet, I’d like your help.”

“You got it.” She replied.

Eris closed her eyes and let out her hands. A purple aura enveloped her. Scarlet’s body slowly morphed into a long black staff with a glowing red gem at the top. Eris pointed up at the chandelier and changed the colors of the flames, including the fire from the wall lamps.

“So, you were saying?” Eris asked, as Scarlet changed back into a Pilkon.

“No way...” Benjamin muttered, his mouth gaping. “You can shape-shift into weapons too?”

“That’s right. We can also turn into other things.”

Benjamin bit his lip, knowing full well that he’s lost the battle. He hated to admit defeat after starting the fight, but he might not get any lessons if he didn't apologize. Harry and Chi-Chi lowered their ears and covered their eyes, unsure how this would turn out.

Benjamin sighed and bowed his head. “I’m sorry I doubted you. Please teach me the ways of shape-shifting!”

After thinking about it, Eris replied, “Ok, I don’t see why not.” Her eyes shifted toward the familiars.

“My familiar seems to like yours as well, it seems.”

Benjamin raised his head and peered over. Harry, Chi-Chi, and Scarlet chased each other around the vast room like they were playing a game.

Huh, is that so? Well, how about that? The magician turned his attention back to Eris. “Well, thanks, I won’t let you down!”