Powerless Boy is reborn as Lustful Elf
Chapter 90: First confrontation

Chapter 90: First confrontation

Alex’s stomach tightened, the specificity of the task making his focus narrow. First, second, and fourth? That was trickier, like juggling with his brain.

He took a breath, picturing his tendrils again, aiming carefully.

The first ball lifted, then the second, but the third started to rise instead of the fourth.

"Come on," he mumbled, trying to redirect his power, but the strain was too much, and all the balls dropped, clattering softly against the desk.

Alex’s shoulders slumped, a flicker of irritation crossing his face, but he didn’t dwell on it, Sir Orion’s calm vibe kept him grounded.

Before he could try again, a clear, melodic bell rang through the room, its chime soft but firm, cutting through the quiet.

Sir Orion straightened, his expression shifting to one of mild disappointment. "Our time’s up for today," he said, his voice steady, his dark eyes still holding that spark of fascination as he looked at Alex.

Alex’s red eyes flashed with determination, his voice firm as he leaned forward in the cushioned chair, the blue light orb casting a tranquil glow across the cozy tutoring classroom.

"I want to master it before I leave," he protested, his words directed at Sir Orion, who perched on the desk, his dark hair and goatee framing a knowing smile.

Sir Orion’s laugh was warm, a low rumble that filled the space, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement as he waved off Alex’s insistence.

"It’s okay if you don’t get everything in one day," he said, his voice reassuring, his smile softening the rebuke. "Mastery takes time, Alex. Practice when you get home or when you’re free, use stones, small objects, anything you can see."

His tone was encouraging, his gesture toward the door a gentle nudge, his goatee shifting as he grinned, radiating a calm confidence that clashed with Alex’s urgency, the blue light catching the faint lines of experience on his face.

Alex’s shoulders slumped, frustration knotting his chest, his red eyes narrowing as he processed Orion’s words.

He wanted results now, to walk out with telekinesis sharp and controlled, ready for hoverball or any challenge.

Reluctantly, he rose, the chair creaking softly, his boots sinking into the indigo rug as he crossed the room, the shelves’ glowing orbs pulsing faintly, as if echoing his lingering resolve.

He opened the crystal door, its rune-etched surface cool under his hand, and stepped into the corridor, the classroom’s cozy glow giving way to the brighter, sunlit bustle of Starhaven

Academy, the air warmer, scented with parchment and distant elixirs.

Outside, the corridor hummed with students, their tunics flashing as they moved between classes, their voices a lively buzz under the high, arched ceiling, where sunlight streamed through crystal panels, casting prismatic flecks across the marble floor.

Alex’s steps were heavy, his red eyes downcast, his frustration a weight that dulled the hall’s vibrancy, his mind replaying Orion’s advice, practice, patience, words that felt like a delay, not a solution.

He barely noticed the figure approaching until a familiar voice broke through, bright and teasing.

"Yo, blondie, why’s your face so dejected?" Bastian asked, his blue eyes narrowing, his lopsided grin tinged with concern as he leaned closer, his empathy catching the depressing energy wafting from Alex. "You’re radiating gloom, man."

Alex sighed, his red eyes meeting Bastian’s, his voice low, tinged with frustration. "It’s nothing much," he said, shrugging, his hands slipping into his pockets. "Just finished ability training."

The words felt inadequate, his disappointment sharp,

Bastian’s grin softened, understanding dawning in his blue eyes, his head tilting as he clapped Alex’s shoulder, his touch light but grounding.

"Yikes, I get it," he said, his voice warm, empathetic. "I remember when I first started ability training, left every class feeling like I hadn’t learned enough, like I was miles behind."

His tone was light, but his eyes held a flicker of sincerity, his own struggles a bridge to Alex’s frustration. "You’ll get over it, man," he added, his grin widening, a spark of mischief returning. "Let’s hit the café, grab a quick drink to get your mind off it. They’ve got this berry elixir that’ll blow your head off."

Alex nodded, his expression still morose, his red eyes flickering with a mix of resignation and gratitude, Bastian’s offer a small lifeline from his spiraling thoughts.

"Yeah, okay," he said, his voice quiet, falling into step beside Bastian as they navigated the corridor, the stream of students parting around them, their chatter a lively hum, the sunlight casting colorful patterns across their path, lifting Alex’s mood slightly, his confidence stirring beneath his frustration, ready to tackle the next step.

They hadn’t gone far when a short, fiery girl stormed up, her brown eyes blazing, her auburn hair bouncing as she stomped toward Bastian, her small frame radiating fury.

"You’ve got a lot of explaining to do, Bastian!" she snapped, her voice sharp, cutting through the hall’s noise, drawing curious glances from passing students.

Her hands were on her hips, her glare unrelenting, her presence a stark contrast to the corridor’s easy flow.

Bastian’s blue eyes widened, his grin faltering, and he shot Alex an "uh-oh" look, his expression a mix of sheepish amusement and mock dread, his shoulders hunching slightly as if bracing for impact.

The girl grabbed his arm, dragging him away with surprising force, her voice trailing as she berated him, Bastian’s protests... "Okay, okay, let’s talk!" ... fading into the crowd, leaving Alex alone, a faint chuckle escaping as he watched the exchange, his red eyes glinting with amusement, the scene a brief distraction from his earlier disappointment.

His amusement lingered, a smile tugging at his lips, until a familiar voice cut through, sharp and taunting, from behind. "Lost without your boyfriend, huh?" Vaelen called, his tone dripping with scorn, each word a jab meant to sting.

Alex sighed, his smile fading, his red eyes narrowing as he turned to face Vaelen, who stood a few paces away, his angular face twisted into a scowl, his dark hair swept back, his gray eyes glinting with the same contempt they’d held at the assembly the previous day, the bad blood between them crackling anew.