"Old fool, you thought you could run from us! What the heck are you-"

Fay was livid. All this while, after all, she had been on a wild goose chase. However, when she saw the damage around her, she couldn't help but shut her mouth and stare blankly.

"Natural energy, and-" A chill went down Kylian's spine as he added, "Is that… Divinity? Old man what happened?" Asked the boy.

"None of your fucking business, that's what! For now, just hurry back to the academy." He dismissed the inquiring eyes with a fierce glare. Then, his expression turned grave as his gaze fell upon the youth in his arms, "He needs immediate medical attention!"

...

Darius woke up groggily and still in pain. He opened his eyes and saw a familiar ceiling… Surely enough, he was in a hospital room. Needless to say, it was the same one he had been waking up in for the past week or so. As he sat up with a grunt, he felt nature's beckon reminding him that some things should be taken care of first and foremost. He quickly moved himself into his wheelchair and hurried to the bathroom, the urgent tug of his companion down there a bittersweet reminder that, somehow, he was still alive.

On his way over, he couldn't help but once again pay attention to the sheer number of people, as well as the size of the ward. Patients clad in white rested in their rooms on pristine, white sheets, whereas the workers in their neat uniforms moved to and fro in the corridors. This was the medical wing of Ethereal Forge Academy, and just like the academy, it was top class. The doctors and healers, some were imported from elsewhere, while many more had studied at the academy themselves, graduating splendidly after many years of being top of their class. It was safe to say, they were among the best in their field. Similarly, the technology available was the best money could buy... and with the money at the Academy's disposal, visitors couldn't help but gulp at the sight of flickering screens and the exquisite design of the medical automatons moving about: they were the latest machinery, some even prototypes that had yet to be disclosed to the public. With everything so pristine and polished, it was like walking in a palace of the gods, up in the clouds, where everything was a sea of white, gold, and azure holographic panels.

Still, no matter how wonderful of a first impact, eventually people would become numb even to the greatest sights the world had to offer. And frankly speaking, Darius was starting to get a bit annoyed at the sight. Blame Pavlov and his dog for it, but just looking at that combination of white, gold and pale blue would occasionally make his stomach upset. He just wanted to recover already and leave.

Darius took care of what needed to be taken care of, washed his hands, and then set course to the cafeteria. On his way, he bumped into a more than familiar face.

"Darius! Great to see you so lively." Exclaimed Fay with a bright smile. Everyone continued on working, but there was no denying that her presence was affecting the atmosphere in some unseen manner...

"Come now. Oh, where you heading to the cafeteria?" She acted as if she hadn't been waiting all this while just for that one chance, "Not to worry child! I will have some food sent to your room in a bit. We need to discuss your future here at the academy after all!"

None other than the School Dean took the wheel, taking over his wheelchair. Before he could say even a single word, he had made a u-turn and was picking up speed. He grimaced at the sight of her satisfied smile, but was powerless. In no time at all, they were back in his room.

...

Darius was sitting comfortably on his bed while some people came in with gifts in tow. Some were packaged, but obviously books. Their shape and size gave them away despite being neatly gift-wrapped. Others were things he could actually use, like a fancy, highly technological chair that hovered soundlessly a few feet above the ground. Darius was thrilled!

"Just like Professor X!" Darius muttered these words under his breath.

"Mmm? You called me, child?" Fey looked over from the stack of presents, "I was making sure these were the right things so I couldn't hear. What did you just say?"

Darius' face went from happiness to confusion, "I...I don't know. I can't remember. Ah!" Darius felt a headache and held his head in pain.

This wasn't the first time he had experienced this odd sensation. It has been happening for as long as he could remember. It was extremely rare, and only occurred in moments of weakness. When the curse was first applied it happened more often than usual due to fatigue. It was as if for that brief moment of time, he was someone else.

Fay did nothing and watched on with a knowing expression, "This is what happens when divine energy and natural energy are forced through an unprepared vessel. Nothing unexpected about it, you can expect the migraines to continue for the next few days." She assessed calmly.

Once the youth's headache seemed to have subsided, she handed Darius some folded clothes, "This is your school uniform. Lessons have already started, but we have made an exception for you due to your circumstances. I registered you for smithing theory and spirit art theory as per your teacher's request. No practical classes in your first year was also included in your teacher's demands. Ridiculous, if you ask me. However, at the end of things he is your master, so we'll have to follow his instructions."

Fay was indeed a bit bummed, but she was still very happy: she still had three whole years to mould the boy!

'Who knows! Perhaps he might have a change of heart after some time spent under the academy's wing.'

As she thought this with a smile, Fay was confident she could manage to achieve this in his first year, let alone the three! Especially with the obnoxious old man up and leaving the youth alone for the following few months.

"As your teacher instructed, I placed you in classes usually attended by the less... Privileged. Nevertheless, rest assured that the teaching standard will remain the same! I run a tight ship! This year, any and all expenses will naturally be on me, so long as they are for your cultivation!" She waved her hand in dismissal, "No need to be grateful, it's just our duty at the academy to nurture talent!"

As he realized what had happened, Darius wanted to snicker, 'Clever old man... He knew she would try to win me over like this, but he also knew I would never budge. This way he doesn't need to lose any resources at all, while I'll have everything at my disposal.'

Darius naturally wanted to stay on her good side, so he put on his best 'happy boy' face and said, "Thank you Dean, you are much kinder than Master. He almost got me killed, sigh."

There were two things that Darius had a talent for. Running and acting. If he was on earth, he would have the potential to be nominated for the Oscars multiple times, as multiple different actors.

Unaware as she was of the master-disciple duo's stingy intentions, Fay was actually pleased: she was confident her image in the boy's mind ought to have just improved by leaps and bounds, whereas Didier's had fallen!

"Don't worry child, he is a good man, on the inside. You will realize this after you spend some time with him..." Her pleased eyes betrayed her image of an understanding senior as she reassured him. "Now, unfortunately, I am very busy exactly because school has started. I can't wait to see you in class. Read some of these books. They will help you understand all the basics you will need to make full use of your time here. With that said, do excuse me."

Fay smiled and left the room in a hurry, all the while upholding a dignified expression. Unfortunately for her, her eyes had the appearance of a hunter stalking its prey, cautiously, patiently. Darius could feel her intention to bag him even without having to look into them. It sent chills down his spine. Darius loved the chair and food he had received free of charge, but everything else was actually useless. He opened his communicator and looked for a free online book.

"The Properties of Materials for Smithing, Metallurgy for Idiots, Controlling Power, Spirit Arts in Essence, and Smithing Chemistry 101. Martial Arts for beginners Deluxe Edition."

The last book was not electronic, but hidden under his pillow. The cover was plain and grey, with only a stylized fist, a palm, a leg, and a hammer placed on the front. The title above them was written in pitch-black, striking characters.

'Thunder in a Clear Sky!'