17. The First Class
The next morning, Emma headed to her first class at Arcana Academy of Magic with Sophia. Students clad in colorful robes bustled about the campus.
The first-year students, including Emma, had their Magical Creatures class in the woods located southeast of the Arcana Academy of Magic. Following an old cobblestone path, they found the professor waiting deep within the woods. The tall professor, stroking his white beard, began the class in a solemn voice.
"Today, we will learn the basics of taming wild magical creatures. Our subject is a creature called the Claw Cat. It resembles a normal cat, but if angered, it can swell to several times its size and become a threat. Handle them with care."
Looking around, Emma saw several black, cat-like creatures gathered nearby. Their golden eyes glinted sharply as they warily watched the students. Emma felt a little intimidated by their piercing gazes, but her curiosity outweighed her fear.
"The spell to tame a Claw Cat is this," the professor intoned slowly, reciting the incantation.
"Calendia Seris. More than just the words, a calm heart and the will to accept the creature are crucial."
One by one, the students approached the Claw Cats and attempted the spell. However, most of the cats just growled lowly in displeasure and kept their distance.
Next was Kai's turn. He calmly faced a cat and confidently chanted the spell. The cat tensed for a moment, but soon relaxed its guard and rubbed against Kai's leg.
"As expected of Kai!" voices of admiration rose from the surrounding students.
Then, it was Emma's turn. Emma met the Claw Cat's eyes and gently crouched down. She tried to recite the spell the professor had taught, but for some reason, the words wouldn't come out. Instead, Emma naturally reached out her hand.
"It's okay, you don't have to be scared."
Perhaps sensing Emma's gentle voice and soft smile, the Claw Cat stared intently at her, seemingly surprised.
The next moment, the cat narrowed its eyes slightly and nuzzled its cheek against Emma's hand.
"Without a spell...?!"
The surrounding students gasped in astonishment.
As the class neared its end, the professor guided the students to a large building. It was a facility for raising magical creatures, where various beings were safely managed. The students looked around excitedly.
Deep inside the facility stood an elderly man who looked like a keeper. He wore a tattered hat and had a somewhat carefree air about him.
"Did you tame that Claw Cat without using magic?"
The old man approached Emma with a smile.
Suddenly, a bird-like creature covered entirely in flames leaped onto the old man's hat. The hat instantly burst into flames.
"It's burning!" Emma cried out in panic.
"Oh dear."
The old man calmly took out his wand and pointed it at the hat. The flames vanished in an instant, and the hat was restored to its original state. The bird chirped happily and flew in circles above the old man's head.
"This little one's my pet, but he just loves playing with fire," the old man chuckled wryly.
"Anyway, you seem to have a mysterious talent."
Emma smiled shyly at the old man's words, but felt a strange warmth inside.
