Ring! Ring! Ring!


    The sound of the first bell echoed through the air, which means our first class of the day has ended. I sighed, leaning back in my seat, observing students rushing out of the classroom. Another day not standing out – just how I liked it.


    This is just another routine day, for Ryn Ashford.


    "Ryn! Let''s get going!" Lilli''s cheerful voice broke through the noise of the students leaving the classroom. I turn from my seat to see her standing near the door waiting for me, her golden fox ears twitching impatiently. "Are you coming or what? We are going to be late!"


    Lilli, the ever-excitable fox girl. Her fluffy tail swayed as she smiled, and her energy was infectious. She thrived on attention from me. I normally preferred to fade into the background, and have no friends but she was different.


    "Yeah, yeah, I''m coming" I gave a half-hearted smile as I walked out of the classroom with her.


    Standing beside Lilli was Alex, my roommate. Tall, sharped-eyes, always smirking. He knew way more about me than anyone else in this world which was a bad thing. "You looked thrilled, as usual." Alex teased we started walking toward the practice field.


    "Oh, you know just trying to get through the day" I muttered


    "You always say that, though! You''re like the strongest one in our class Ryn!" "You could show off just a little". Alex replied giving me a side glance while we walked. "One of these day''s I''ll get you to stop hiding if that''s just for one class".


    Hide it? More like trying to not cause a scene. I''d learned that in my past life.


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    As we made our way toward the field, Alex leaned in slightly lowering his voice. "Hey, isn''t that your brother"?


    I glanced up. Sure enough their was Alaric, my older brother, walking around in his gleaming armor. Just Great...


    His distant gaze swept over me for a moment, cold and sharp before turning away, acting like I didn''t exist. How childish.


    Same old Alaric. Always finding something to hate me for.


    "Yep, that''s him" I muttered, unbothered by his presence. I could feel his envy even from here. He always had a chip on his shoulder when it came to me. Not because I''d done anything wrong but because what I could do. I wasn''t just a knight in training like him. I was a Spellblade, capable of wielding both magic and a blade — something he lacked.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "You know, it''s odd for him to watch you during practice", Lilli added as her ears drooped down.


    "It doesn''t bother me any", I replied brushing Alaric''s presence aside. Let him watch.


    Lilli''s ears perked up. "Your brother is still annoying as ever"


    "Right?" I said simply.


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    We reached the open practice field, where dummies lined up in the distance, which waited for us to unleash our spells on them. I kept my focus forward, pushing aside Alaric''s gaze.


    I could just get through this and not stand out. But seeing Alaric pissed... would be so amusing.


    Suddenly, Professor Redwood appeared, clapping his hands to gather attention from everyone. "Alright, class! Today, we''ll be practicing some bigger spells that''s why I have us outside today. Everyone line up, and remember control is key."


    Control. Right.


    Thanks, teach for the reminder. I thought. I took my place in the lineup, keeping my attention toward the dummies. Alright today''s goal is simple hit the dummy, and don''t blow it up. Just like any other day.


    As it became my turn I felt it again – Alaric''s eyes watching me like a viper looking at its prey.


    As I unsheathed my silver sword, I could feel the magic building up inside of me coiling like a spring ready to be released. Normally, I would hold back to avoid attention. But today... today, I was feeling like doing something different.


    What if I just try a little harder than normal?


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    I don''t need to go all out, just enough to make Alaric twitch. I could feel his envy simmering under his fa?ade, and to be honest a part of me just wanted to see him angry.


    I aimed at the closest dummy and let the fire spell fly. The burst of magic shot from my sword and a large fire ball appeared. I expected it to hit the nearest target, but instead, it went through the dummy and veered off, smashing into the farthest most difficult dummy with an explosion that sent debris flying across the field.


    Ah crap...


    The entire class went silent.


    Lilli''s eyes widened, her tail flicking in excitement. "Ryn! That was so cool! You totally destroyed it!"


    Alex chuckled. "I guess you decided to stop holding back for today, huh?"


    I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral.


    But inside, I could feel the ripple of satisfaction. I hadn''t meant to show off–well, maybe a little—but the look on Alaric''s face was worth it. Alaric was standing there, fist clenched, his jaw tight with barely contained rage. He didn''t say or do anything he just continued to stare at me.


    That''s right, Alaric. Drown in your envy.


    Professor Redwood, who was oblivious to the tension clapped his hands. "Ah excellent work, Ryn! Incredible power, but your control lacks look at your sword." "However, you''re setting a fine example for the other kids today."


    As I glanced down at my hands the silver sword I was using was broken in half.


    I could almost feel Alaric''s composure snapping. He didn''t stick around to listen much longer. Without a word, he turned around and stormed away his metal boots clinking as he marched.


    Guess that did the trick.


    Lilli and Alex were still full of excitement, but I stayed silent, I wasn''t trying to stand out anymore.


    "Alright, everyone let''s continue!" Professor Redwood called out. "Ryn, great job today".


    I nodded and took a step back, blending into with the class once more. If all goes according to plan Alaric should challenge me to a duel today since I took a bit of his pride.