The days went on like that continuously—as they always do.
Clide and Eris gradually became more acquainted, slowly becoming friends. Each school day, Eris helped Clide learn the basics—and even some advanced topics—he had no clue about. In their spare time, they'd meet on the roof, and each time, Eris would teach Clide something new.
But today, Eris wanted to teach Clide something… special.
Eris: "Clide! Come on, hurry!"
Clide: "I'm coming! These stairs aren't easy to climb, you know!"
Eris—who was already rushing upstairs—beckoned Clide to follow. And Clide did, trying his best to keep up.
There was something Eris really wanted to show him… and Clide was eager to learn.
Eris: "Finally! Gosh, you're slow." (giggles)
Clide: "Come on, I'm not slow—you're just stupidly fast."
The roof of Hollow Academy was the only place they could find even a bit of privacy. It was plain, sure, but it worked—for both Clide and Eris.
Clide: "So what is it you wanted to show me so badly that you had to drag me out of class the moment the lecture ended?"
Eris: "I just learned it yesterday and couldn't wait to show you!"
Clide: "So… what is it?"
Eris: "It's something I discovered while doing… something. Ah, it doesn't matter. Just let me show you."
Eris stood at the center of the roof, placing both hands to his chest. Clide watched, intrigued.
Eris: "First, I hold my hands like this, as if channeling a ball of Void energy…
Then, I focus that energy inward—into my own Void. Think of it as making a fake soul."
Clide: "A fake soul?"
Eris: "Yes. Then you use the Void arts I taught you to generate the energy for it. When you can do that… something special happens."
Clide: "Come on, show me already!"
Eris smiled at Clide, then began channeling his energy. His feet lifted off the ground as he levitated, Void power swirling in his hands. The energy became more intense. Suddenly, the air grew wild. The aura around Eris turned radiant and powerful—tinged with gold.
Void energy spiraled around him, erupting into a kaleidoscope of gold and darkness.
Clide braced himself against the railing, the pressure so immense he nearly lost balance. The sight reminded him of when he had lost control, back in Sanchez's training room.
Worried, Clide held on as Eris floated higher, the energy raging stronger.
Meanwhile, in the town near the academy, Sanchez sat in an old tavern—one he alone frequented—nursing a drink.
Suddenly, he paused.
He could feel it. A huge surge of Void energy.
His eyes narrowed.
"Don't tell me he lost control again…"
Without hesitation, Sanchez rushed toward the academy.
Back on the roof, Clide still clung to the railing, watching as Eris finally began descending. As his feet touched the ground, the aura faded—and his new form was revealed.
His short black hair had turned a flowing white.
His eyes were now a glowing gold.
His hands, coated in a dark aura, looked dipped in ink.
His face softened, delicate, with two small wings on either side.
And from his back stretched a pair of glowing white wings, shaped like those of a butterfly, unfurling with grace.
Clide was stunned.
Eris: "So? What do you think?"
Clide: "You're… a show-off."
Eris: "Huh?!"
Clide: (laughs slightly) "I'm joking. It was really cool. You kind of look like a butterfly."
Eris: "Oh… ahh… yes, thank you. Haha."
Clide: "You know, Eris… I never realized until now—"
Eris: "Realized what, exactly?"
Clide: "How much you look like a girl."
Eris's eyes widened. He immediately turned away, trying to hide the blush spreading across his face—and awkwardly changed the subject.
Eris:"So?... Do you want to try? It's easy to learn, I swear."
Clide:"Well… I guess I could give it a try. But how do I emulate this 'fake soul' thing?"
Eris:"Remember what I told you."
Clide:"Oh right—first I hold my hands to my chest, then I concentrate void energy, right?"
Eris:"Yes, just like that."(He nods encouragingly.)
Clide extended his hands to his chest, closing his eyes as he began to channel his void energy. A dark pressure filled the air around him. Black lightning crackled in his palms, streaking like tendrils as he increased the output.
Eris smiled.Clide's body began to levitate slowly, surrounded by a faint shimmer of shadowy energy.
But then—Snap!
The aura shattered.
Clide suddenly dropped back to the ground with a thud. His void output dissipated completely like smoke in the wind.
Eris quickly ran to his side.
Eris:"What happened? Why'd you stop?"
Clide, breathing heavily, looked up with confusion in his eyes.
Clide:"I didn't stop. I can't… I can't use it anymore. It's like the void just—cut off."
Eris frowned.
Eris:"Try again. Just relax and focus."
Clide nodded and closed his eyes once more. He reached inward, searching for that same power… but when he extended his hands again, the void energy only flickered—weak, unsteady—and then faded completely.
Silence filled the rooftop.
Both stood still for a moment, unsure of what just happened.
Eris looked down, expression darkening. He took a step back and let the golden glow fade from his body. His form returned to normal—short black hair, brown eyes, soft posture.
Eris (softly):"…Maybe… maybe you don't have any talent at all."
Clide remained kneeling, his fists clenched on the ground, the crackle of lightning no longer sparking in his hands.
Some time later, after both Clide and Eris had left the rooftop, the wind gently swept across the open space—quiet, still, and empty.
Then came the soft tap of footsteps.
Sanchez arrived at the roof, his coat billowing slightly as he stepped into the open area, scanning the surroundings with sharp, calculating eyes.
Sanchez (muttering):"Hmph... they were here."
He looked around slowly, taking in every detail. No lingering aura. No residual pressure.
No one.
Nothing… except—
His eyes narrowed.
Near the center of the rooftop, just a few feet from the railing, was a faint burn mark scorched into the floor—circular in shape, barely the size of a palm, with thin cracks around its edges like veins of black lightning.
Sanchez walked over to it, kneeling.
He extended his gloved hand and touched the edge of the mark, then pulled out a small vial from his coat and carefully scraped a sample into it.
Sanchez (quietly to himself):"This residue... It's not from Clide."
He held the vial up to the light, watching as the black particles shimmered faintly with hints of gold.
Sanchez:"Void… infused with Light Energy? That shouldn't be possible."
He stood, placing the vial safely in his pocket.
The wind picked up again, carrying a faint sense of unease.
Sanchez (turning to leave):"Looks like I need to keep a much closer eye on my students , Ill find out who is able to do this..."
And with that, he vanished—his figure dissolving into a blur of black mist as the rooftop returned to silence once again.