Chapter 12

School of Life

Kael was guiding Raphael through the school corridors, showing him the various classrooms where lessons took place, as well as the rooms used for workshops. He explained what went on in each room, and whenever a door was ajar, they peeked inside for a moment so Raphael could see what it actually looked like.

The corridors themselves were lined with tall arched windows and intricate tapestries that shimmered faintly as they passed — enchanted threads depicting mythical scenes, celestial creatures in flight, and swirling symbols Raphael couldn’t yet interpret. Between the windows stood polished wooden pedestals bearing artifacts: old relics encased in glass, magical instruments, even a few items that seemed to watch him back. Students passed them occasionally, some nodding to Kael in quiet recognition, others too absorbed in levitating books or carrying supplies glowing faintly with magic.

And the workshops varied greatly — from regular calligraphy, which was later needed for drawing runes, to more unusual ones, like self-control during levitation.

In one room, a group of students floated several inches above the ground in a meditative pose, their robes gently fluttering in an unseen breeze. Another door revealed someone practicing elemental weaving — strands of fire and water intertwining in mid-air, controlled by a student’s focused gestures. Raphael couldn’t help but slow down at each one, eyes wide with curiosity, heart beating a little faster at the realization of how vast this world truly was.

Eventually, they reached the common room, and Raphael came to a sudden halt, clearly impressed. It was an enormous space that seemed to have everything: billiards, darts, chess tables, card tables, and several other game setups he couldn’t even identify.

It didn’t feel like a school space at all — more like a luxurious lounge nestled deep within a castle, with hanging lanterns floating lazily near the ceiling and cushioned alcoves designed for chatting, napping, or watching others play. The soft background hum of music drifted from invisible speakers, shifting tones depending on where you stood.

The room also had its own mini bar with a counter, which surprised Raphael the most. When he asked about it, Kael answered with a grin:
– Don’t forget that most students at our school are already of age. And this is the perfect place where we can organize parties or events.

He winked, as if hinting at memories not meant for formal discussion. Raphael raised an eyebrow, amused but not entirely surprised. There was something oddly mature about the atmosphere — playful, but with a layer of quiet dignity.

As they continued through the next floors and made their way downstairs, Kael led him to an area Raphael hadn’t even noticed before. He was quite surprised to see that the school even had its own indoor pool — and a massive one at that. There was even a class going on there at the moment.

The room shimmered with reflections from the water, flickering light dancing across the ceiling. The pool had no ordinary tiles — its surface was framed with deep sapphire stones that pulsed gently with magic, and at one end a small waterfall flowed soundlessly into the basin. A few students were moving through synchronized motions, guided by an instructor who stood barefoot on the wet stone edge, her voice carrying softly across the water.

Next, they stepped out into the park behind the school to get a bit of fresh air.

The gardens stretched farther than Raphael expected. Pathways meandered between flowering hedges, strange trees with golden leaves, and marble statues that looked almost alive. A breeze stirred the foliage, carrying the scent of something sweet and unfamiliar — a mix of lavender, ozone, and something faintly metallic. Somewhere farther off, birds sang in a tone that felt… otherworldly.

Finally, Kael said:
– You know, Raphael… Honestly, you surprised me with what you said to Liam. No offense, but it really caught me off guard how mature it was.
– No offense taken. I actually hear that pretty often — that I’m responsible and unusually serious for my age. Though that doesn’t mean I don’t like to have fun – he added with a wink to Kael.
– But yeah — he continued, growing more serious – when I lost my parents as a young child, and then was raised by different people — I have to say, wonderful people — and travelled basically all around the world, I guess I had to grow up a bit sooner than most. – he paused, thoughtful.
– What’s more, those travels taught me a lot. I watched how people live, observed their everyday routines, listened to their philosophies. And it showed me that life can be lived completely differently. I’ll never forget, during one of our journeys through India, I saw people who had almost nothing — and yet they were happy. It was… thought-provoking and, in a way, refreshing.

It was clear from his expression that his thoughts had wandered back to those moments.
– I later talked about it with my guardians, and that’s when they explained to me that for many people, what matters isn’t what you have on the outside — material things — but what you carry inside.

His eyes now shimmered with a kind of inner glow.
– That’s why it’s worth collecting knowledge, experiences and memories. Because those are the things we can always take with us — even if we had to pack up and leave our home in five minutes.
– You’re right, actually – Kael replied. – And I’m glad that’s how you see it all.
– All right – he added in a more relaxed tone – I think we’ll wrap up our tour for today. You probably want to freshen up before lunch – he smiled warmly, which looked very unusual on his pale and always serious face.
– So… see you later at the Grand Hall. – Raphael smiled.

The Great Hall was alive with movement and sound — the soft clinking of cutlery, the chatter of dozens of students, and the hum of floating trays that weaved between tables like trained birds. Dishes sparkled with subtle enchantments; steam curled from bowls of fragrant food, and laughter rippled from one corner of the hall to another like sunlight on water.

During dinner, they acted normal — joking, talking about silly things, anything to avoid mentioning the upcoming event. Their group sat at one of the long wooden tables near the middle of the room, plates full, drinks half-sipped, a performance of everyday life carefully staged. Raphael smiled, Liam exaggerated his usual gestures, and Kael added dry commentary at just the right moments. It was almost convincing.

Even Elara joined them that day, trying her best not to look concerned. When the news about the planned “trial” reached her, she was speechless. She had no idea what to think. That boy kept surprising her at every turn, even when it seemed like he couldn’t possibly do it anymore. She was worried — she had to admit it to herself.

What are you up to, Raphael? What kind of strange game are you playing? Agreeing to a trial of strength with the strongest werewolf in school? Have you lost your mind, or do you have some kind of plan? Why do you even want this?
Thoughts swirled in her mind like a swarm of frenzied bees.

She watched Raphael out of the corner of her eye as he reached for a piece of roasted vegetable, casually flipping it onto his plate. There was no tension in his fingers, no hesitation in his voice — and that disturbed her even more. He looked calm. Too calm.

She felt uneasy. But the truth was, she didn’t really know whether she should be worried about Raphael… or about Ethan.
What else are you going to surprise us with? she wondered.

There was a tightness in her chest she couldn’t quite place. She knew both boys, though in very different ways. And something about this clash — something unspoken, simmering just beneath the surface — made her feel as though they were all standing on the edge of something none of them fully understood.

Later, in his room, Raphael finally had a moment to himself.
A thought surfaced: What the hell have I gotten myself into? Do I really need this?

The silence in the room was almost sacred compared to the buzz of the school corridors. The late afternoon light filtered in through the tall window, casting warm streaks across the wooden floor. The air carried a faint trace of old parchment and something sweet — like spiced tea and the faint memory of distant places.

He undressed calmly and studied himself in the mirror. He wasn’t some bulky gym rat — his body was lean, but muscles were clearly outlined beneath his skin.

– Well, time to prove yourself again – he said to his reflection.

There was a flicker of irony in his voice, but also a quiet determination. His gaze held for a moment longer, steady and unsentimental, as if trying to read something hidden just beneath the surface of his own expression.

He stepped into the shower, and his mind became a whirlwind of thoughts.
Ever since I got here, it’s been like a carousel from some psychedelic dream.

Hot water streamed down his back, and steam began to fill the small room. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting it all wash over him — the noise, the tension, the fragments of faces and voices still lingering in his head. Nothing seemed “normal” anymore — at least not by the old definition of normal.

He found himself wondering if maybe this was all just a twisted dream, and he was actually still asleep in his little apartment in Warsaw. What does all of this even mean? Why did I end up here?

No answer came — only the hiss of water and the slow rhythm of his breath.

His thoughts drifted back to the challenge ahead.
Oh well, he thought. Worst case, I get my ass kicked again. Not the first time, and probably not the last.

Was he afraid?
Maybe a little.
Of course he didn’t like pain. But on the other hand, at worst he’d hurt for a while and then move on. Pain was just another form of sensation — it passed.

What’s the worst that could happen? That guy probably wasn’t going to kill him in front of the entire school. He’d just prove to everyone that he was still in charge — and maybe even gain a little respect for Raphael not running away with his tail between his legs.

Besides, what was his name again? Ah, Ethan  didn’t really look like a bully. Raphael didn’t blame him for the challenge.
That’s life. We all play our roles, he concluded.

The water slowed to a trickle, and Raphael stood there for a moment, letting the last drops fall from his hair. The room was fogged up, the mirror blurred. He stepped out of the shower and began to get dressed. Loose grey sweatpants, a light T-shirt, and comfortable sneakers.

The clothes felt soft and familiar, like something from his own closet — not stiff or borrowed, but truly his. He found himself wondering how Professor Igneel had managed to get him all the necessary clothes so quickly — in his size, and even in his style.

Magic, he chuckled inwardly.

He pulled the shirt over his head and glanced toward the window. The sky outside had begun to shift — a blend of fading gold and deepening blue. It wouldn’t be long now.

Word of the coming showdown spread with unnatural speed. Murmurs grew into waves of conversation, laughter and disbelief mingling in the air. Students drifted toward the gymnasium in clusters, like moths drawn to fire. The thrill of spectacle was irresistible.

They came with wide eyes and whispered bets, speculating in hushed tones, the scent of adrenaline already hanging thick in the air.

Amaltea was watching.

On his way, he ran into Liam and Kael, who were already waiting for him. He thought he saw a glimpse of Elara in the distance.

The corridor was unusually quiet for this time of day. A soft light filtered in through the stained-glass windows, casting shifting patterns on the stone floor. The colorful reflections danced across the walls and over their faces, creating a strangely solemn ambiance — like the hush before a storm.

Kael stood with his arms crossed, leaning against one of the carved pillars, his expression unreadable but his eyes following Raphael’s every step. Liam, on the other hand, shifted nervously from foot to foot, clearly struggling to keep his composure.

– Be honest – Liam asked – are you scared? You know it’s not shameful to be afraid, right? Honestly, I’m terrified myself, even though I’m not the one stepping into that. I can’t forgive myself for letting you go through with this.

– Let it go, Liam – Kael cut in – you’re really not helping.

Raphael wasn’t terrified, because he knew how to defend himself. There was a time when he had been involved with an abusive man, and before he managed to get out of that relationship, he’d taken some serious hits.

After it was over, he made a vow to himself — never again would he allow anyone to treat him like that. So he signed up for a self-defense course — and he’d done pretty well. He even enjoyed it enough to later join martial arts classes too.

A faint breeze moved through the corridor, catching the hem of Raphael’s shirt. Somewhere nearby, the sound of distant voices echoed — muffled, indistinct — as if the school itself were holding its breath.

He exhaled slowly, grounding himself.

This wasn’t the first time he’d had to stand up for himself.
And it likely wouldn’t be the last.