The Academy’s Rejected Mage

The Tables Have Turned

Kai's POV:

As early as the next day, I’m already summoned to the teachers office.

“Kai Blackwell, do you know why you’re here today?”

I look at them. “Yes. I used the void magic.”

The headmaster seems to flinch. “And do you know it is considered a forbidden magic?”

“Not to the best of my knowledge. I haven’t been studying well, that's why I’ve been failing.” It’s a lie but that’s what they get.

The man looks amused for a moment. “Okay. You do know it is considered impossible too?”

“So I’ve heard.”

“So how did a failing student manage to do that?”

“I don’t know, sir. It just happened to me. I have no control over what magic comes out of me.”

His eyes darken at me. “Fine. You may leave.”

As I walk to class, I notice a change in the hallway. Unlike when I first came when they all had something to laugh about, it is quieter now.

“That’s him,” one whispers.

“Wait, the student-mage with the void power?”

“Yes. He absorbed a D-Rank spell.”

“That’s impossible.”

“I saw it. The fire literally disappeared into his body.”

I keep walking. Yesterday, they laughed but today, they don’t even dare look me in the eye.

Before I enter my classroom, a boy I don’t know blocks my path with a smile. “Hello, Kai….” He stretches his hand forward. “I’m Jafser. Just want to say you were incredible yesterday.”

I stare at him. “Okay…nice to meet you and thank you.” I try to leave but he blocks me again.

“Was that really Void magic?”

Why does he want to know? “I don’t know,” I lie.

He looks down, disappointed. “Alright. But you’re in Professor Alden’s class, right?”

“Yes.”

“Can I sit with you at lunch?”

I pause. “Why?”

“Come on, you don’t want friends?”

“You weren’t interested in being my friend yesterday.”

“Yeah, because I wasn’t in school. I just resumed and heard about the cool stuff you did.”

I stare longer. I’ve seen him once and then someone called him a talkative. Clearly they didn't lie. But he doesn't look like he’s lying. “Fine. I can do lunch.” I walk in before he can say anymore.

As I enter the classroom, something quickly catches my eye. The empty seat beside me is now being fought over by three different students.

“I got here first.”

“It doesn't matter. I’m a girl. You really think he would prefer sitting with a boy over a pretty girl?”

“You know what I think? I believe he will prefer to sit with a smart person rather than either of you,” the third person says, and they all start throwing words at each other.

Well I can’t go there. I let out a deep breath, looking around. Different people are offering me their seats. Some are practically even begging me. I don’t pay attention to any of them until my eyes land on her. Orin’s girlfriend.

Surprisingly, she points to an empty seat beside her without saying anything but I see the quiet confidence in her eyes. I look away and take another empty seat, far away from her.

Yes, she did talk to her boyfriend to stop. Once. She watched as I was dragged away by them and she probably knew the destination. Why should I pretend that didn’t happen just because she kept an empty chair for me.

I know people are staring. Perhaps, no one has even treated the princess of Aureum that way. That’s their damn business.

Professor Alden walks in. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Sir,” we all greet.

MAGICAL THEORY — SPELL ABSORPTION.

The professor writes on the board, his eyes falling on me as if he has something to say, but doesn’t. Students start whispering among themselves about the possibilities of me being in trouble. One raises his hand, flinching as he takes peaks at me. “Sir, did Kai use forbidden magic at the contest?"

Another voice follows. “I heard it was demon magic. No one should be able to absorb magic.”

Professor Alden slams the chalk down. “Enough, everyone.” He looks at me but still says nothing before turning back to the board. When Vazaroth told me he opened a fraction of my power, I had no idea what he meant. But now I know and I also know it’s going to be a problem. Void magic should really be impossible to do.

I turn and see my brother by the door just staring at me. He kind of looks worried. But for the first time, I don’t wonder why because I don’t care.

When class ends, Jafser is already waiting for me outside.

“Let’s go.”

I stare at him. “Why are you doing this?”

“I’ve decided we’re friends.”

“I don’t remember agreeing.”

“Oh come on, everyone is fighting over you. Is that what you want me to do? I can do it.” He grabs a student to argue with over me and I completely hate the attention.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

We step into the lunch room and I hear my name. “Kai.”

I turn and see Aelia with two girls. She looks a little nervous. “Can we talk?”

Jafser tries to leave but I hold him back. “Stay. I never agreed to talking to her,” I say, staring into her eyes.

“Oh come on, I know you’re angry. You have a right to be. I just want to talk.”

Jafser leans close, whispering, “Come on men, just listen to her. She’s a hot cake. Do you know how many guys want her?”

I eye him sharply. I really don’t care how many guys want her. She’s free to go to them. “Let’s go.”