Chapter 106: The Unwanted Spotlight
The moment of softness, a shared vulnerability, was gone. It dissolved like mist under the morning sun, replaced by the familiar friction of instruction and effort. For Eirin Luxfield, it was hardship once again, though now infused with a strange, developing satisfaction. She stood opposite Shade Cromwell, the back of the library her makeshift training ground, the wind swirling around her in increasingly controlled gusts.
"You’re doing well."
Shade’s compliment felt like a rare jewel. Eirin could feel her face heating up in embarrassment, a rosy blush, creeping up her neck, hearing Shade Cromwell’s approval.
’I don’t know how, but ever since I drank that bitter tea, it became easier to control the wind,’ she thought to herself as she stared at her hands, watching air currents obey her silent command with surprising fluidity.
"I should say your teaching method is great," Eirin said, a huge, genuine smile blossoming on her face as she gazed at Shade.
The young man raised a brow, his usual expression of disdain mixed with a hint of challenge. "Of course, who do you think I am?" His tone held its customary arrogance, but now, Eirin had grown accustomed to Shade’s remarks. All she did now was shake her head, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. The barbs, once sharp, felt duller, cushioned by their shared vulnerability.
"Do you think I’ll be able to survive the sports festival this way?" Eirin stretched her arms above her head, the muscles aching from the continuous exertion. Despite the massive improvement in her Flair control, she still couldn’t shake the idea of humiliating herself in front of the whole school, of failing spectacularly in a public display. "I mean, I’ve been trying combat skills, but maybe I should learn defense or, you know—just other things."
Shade crossed his arms over his chest, his posture radiating unyielding conviction. "Why would you need to defend yourself if your opponent’s already down with your offense?" His dark eyes held a pragmatic, almost brutal logic.
Eirin winced. ’Fair point,’ she thought, shaking her head. His logic was irrefutable in a combat scenario. "But you know, what if I don’t want to hurt them? Can’t I just protect myself?" She envisioned a more graceful, less destructive application of her powers.
The young man kept his brow raised, an expression of exasperated patience. "If you want that, then learn how to use the element of water and earth. The wind is often used for offensive magic, for striking and sweeping, not for protection or healing. It’s use often for offensive magic."