Instructor Zephyr's class continued as she explained the complex nature of essence. The students watched her intently, many captivated not just by her knowledge but by her appearance. Her slender figure and slightly pointed ears gave her an otherworldly beauty that made it hard for some to focus on the lesson. But for me, knowing she was a Truthseeker who could read minds was enough to keep my attention strictly on her words. Experience more tales on m v|l e'-novelhall.net
"Now that we understand what essence is," Instructor Zephyr said, turning toward the board, "we must learn about essence vessels." She raised her hand gracefully, and the words "Essence Vessels" appeared on the board as if by magic.
The chalk floated in the air, writing each letter with perfect precision.
"Essence is the energy that flows through everything," she explained, creating glowing images in the air. A human figure materialized first, followed by a tall tree, a quick rabbit, and a swimming fish. Each had a bright green outline filled with swirling blue energy that seemed to pulse with life.
"We call the system that holds this energy an essence vessel," she continued, making the images circle around her as she spoke.
The movement was hypnotic, like a dance of light and shadow.
"Every species has its own special organs or structures that work as vessels."
She pointed to each floating image in turn. "Humans store essence in their hearts. Trees use their veins like a network of vessels. Fish have special spheres inside them, and land animals often use their brains. Each vessel is perfect for that creature's needs."
With a gentle wave of her hand, she created tiny blue particles that floated through the air. "When a vessel runs empty," she explained as the particles flowed into the floating creatures, "the body naturally fills it again. Land creatures draw essence from the air, while water creatures take it from the water around them."
I watched in amazement as she controlled these complex illusions. Few mages could create such detailed displays and maintain them while teaching. She had to be at least a 6-star mage - among the most powerful instructors at the academy.
"Your essence vessel is like a muscle," she warned, her emerald eyes serious as she scanned the room. "It needs regular exercise and careful attention." To demonstrate her point, she showed us an image of a vessel cracking, precious blue essence spilling out like water from a broken glass.
"If you misuse it or treat it carelessly, you can damage it forever. Some people can never use essence again because their vessels are broken."
The entire class sat silently, absorbing every word. Even the usually distracted students were paying close attention.
Before the silence could grow uncomfortable, Lyssandra's hand rose. She stood with her usual grace, her face calm and composed. "It's because humans can adapt to anything," she said clearly.
A warm smile spread across Instructor Zephyr's face. "Excellent! That's exactly right." She waited for Lyssandra to sit before continuing. "As your classmate said, humans have an incredible gift for adaptation. They can change themselves and their surroundings to overcome any challenge."
She waved her hand, and new images appeared. "When we first discovered Paradise, our essence vessels were much weaker than they are today. Human hearts at that time could barely refine essence, and they could store very little of it." The images shifted, showing humans studying magical texts.
"But they found a way forward. They learned - or some might say 'borrowed' - essence techniques from the other species that live in Paradise."
The scene changed to show humans building houses while other species something like a weremen taught them spells. "They traded their skills in construction for knowledge. The weremen taught them spells to gather essence from the air, and humans practiced these arts in secret places, improving bit by bit."
Her words brought the past to life in our minds. I could almost see those humans, determined to master essence despite their limitations. It reminded me of my own struggles, though I kept that thought carefully guarded.
"This change didn't happen quickly," she continued. "Year after year, generation after generation, humans grew stronger. Today, we stand on the same stage as all those all species that reside in paradise. This is why no one underestimates humans - we always find a way to adapt and overcome."
The bell's sharp ring cut through her words, but no one moved. We sat still, waiting for her to finish.
"Each of you has potential you haven't discovered yet," she said softly, her voice carrying to every corner of the room. "You're like uncarved stone, waiting to be shaped. Whether you become a masterpiece or remain rough depends entirely on your choices and dedication."
"That's all for today. I'll see you in our next class," Instructor Zephyr said. With those final words, she vanished in a flash of golden light, leaving only a slight shimmer in the air where she had stood.
I remained in my seat as other students gathered their things, talking excitedly about the lesson. It seemed all our instructors had adopted this dramatic way of leaving - disappearing with magic instead of walking out the door like normal people.
But as I finally stood to leave, I couldn't help thinking about her words. Even someone like me, with all my secrets and past failures, might have a chance to master essence. The trick would be learning without revealing too much to our mind-reading instructor.
The empty classroom echoed with my footsteps as I headed toward the door, my mind full of possibilities and dangers in equal measure.
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