Episode 2 – Dorm of Beginnings
As Fayron wandered through the hallways of Nova Inn, his eyes scanned the doors until he found it—Room 107. He hesitated, then pushed the door open.
Inside, chaos.
Sparks of lightning crackled in the air as a white-and-blue-haired boy, Inazuma, hurled bolts with playful aggression. Opposite him, a violet-haired teen, Magnet, controlled a whirl of spinning metal keys around his body. It looked like a fight… but somehow, it felt more like a game between brothers.
They both turned the moment Fayron entered.
Magnet: "Oh hey! The third roommate's finally here!"Inazuma (grinning): "Sorry about the mess. That's just how we say hello around here."
Fayron: "Uh… thanks, I guess. I'm Fayron."
Magnet pointed at an empty bed across the room.
Magnet: "You're one of the Rareborns, right?"Fayron: "Yeah, I am."Inazuma: "That explains it! You can't even enter Nova unless you're Rareborn and have a primal element."
Magnet: "So, when did you arrive from your planet?"Fayron: "About… eight hours ago."
Inazuma thought quietly: He came straight here? Doesn't he have a home? Is this his first time on Earth?Fayron thought to himself: If I say yes or no, he might get suspicious. What should I do?
Magnet broke the tension casually.
Magnet: "Eh, who cares. What matters is that we show you the ropes around here."
Suddenly, the door swung open again. A tall man with a sharp suit and a strict expression stepped in—it was Professor Seadro.
Seadro: "Aren't you supposed to be in bed by 8 PM?"Inazuma: "We usually sleep at 10 during break!"Seadro: "Tomorrow is the first day of the school year. The rules have completely changed."
Magnet: "Why now? The rules haven't changed in two years."Fayron: "It's fine. This is my first night here anyway."Seadro: "Enough talking. Lights out. Sleep—now."
He flicked the lights off and left. Silence took over—at least, for a moment.
Inazuma (whispering): "Why the sudden changes, Magnet?"Magnet: "Could be because we've got way fewer new students this year."Fayron: "Why are there fewer freshmen?"Inazuma: "It's complicated. You'll understand later. Just sleep well—you're gonna need it. Tomorrow's packed with training."Fayron: "What do you think the test will be like?"Inazuma: "Probably minor changes."Magnet: "Nope. Professor said it's completely revamped."Fayron: "Sounds tough."Magnet: "I doubt it."
Fayron: "Either way… goodnight. And thanks for being helpful."Inazuma & Magnet (at the same time): snoring loudly
Early Next Morning
The alarm buzzed. Inazuma got up rubbing his eyes. Magnet was already awake, phone in hand, livestreaming.
Fayron, confused, leaned over.
Fayron: "People actually watch you live through your day?"Magnet (smirking): "My dad's a top news reporter. I learned from him—so I started my own page. I vlog my life. It earns me cash too."
Suddenly, Magnet shoved the phone toward Fayron, the live feed still rolling.
Magnet: "Hey, followers! This is my new roommate, Fayron! Say hi, Fyron!"Fayron (nervous): "H-hi…"
Magnet: "Alright guys, wish me luck today. Catch you later!"Fayron: "Ugh… that was so embarrassing. How do you talk to people that confidently?"
Before Magnet could answer, Seadro barged in again.
Seadro: "Lineup has started. Get on the school shuttle. Now."
Nova Academy Gates
Fayron stared in awe at the massive, glowing towers and floating bridges of the campus.
Fayron: "Wow…"
He turned to Seadro.
Fayron: "Why am I late?"Seadro: "Because you woke up late."
As the trio arrived, Magnet went off chatting with groups of students. Inazuma, however, walked silently to a bench and sat alone. Fayron noticed and followed him.
Fayron: "Why are you sitting here alone?"Inazuma: "Because of my power. No one wants to be near me."Fayron: "What's your element?"Inazuma: "Lightning. A primal element of the Wind Planet."Fayron: "And that's… bad?"Inazuma (coldly): "You'll understand later."
Suddenly, a cocky voice broke in.
Greener: "Well, well. Up for another 'friendly' match, Inazuma?"Fayron: "another?"Inazuma: "You'll lose like last year."Greener: "Last year? You weren't even here last year."Inazuma: "In my calendar, you lost last year."Greener: "Let's see how much pain I return to you this time."
Inazuma: "I accept the challenge."Greener (shouting): "A match against Inazuma! This time, I will win!"
Students began chanting:
"Greener! Greener! Greener!"
Magnet watched the scene unfold, clenching his fists.
Magnet (in his head): They all need to change. You better win, Inazuma…
A tall woman in a violet cloak stepped forward. Professor Alsys.
Alsys: "One friendly duel is allowed today. Do you all want it to happen?"Students: "YES!"
She glanced at Inazuma thoughtfully:
He didn't show up last year. If he loses now, in this mood, it might break him.
Fayron turned to Magnet, whispering:
Fayron: "Why do they all hate Inazuma? His power is rare!"Magnet: "Back in 2023, he got in a fight with a bully named Kobe. Inazuma went into his Higher State… and hit Kobe with a lightning strike that put him in the hospital."Fayron: "Wasn't it self-defense?"Magnet: "Yeah. But the other students sided with Kobe. They envied Inazuma. Lied. He got expelled and missed the rest of the year."Fayron: "That's awful…"Magnet: "He was allowed to come back last year, but didn't."Fayron (thinking): If they envy powers like that, what'll they think when they see what I can do…?
A booming voice echoed across the academy:
"Prepare for the match! Lightning vs. Nature begins shortly!"
To be continued…