(Felix was a victim of a magical attack when he was a child. His family survived with only a few minor injuries. But the spell had hit Felix's eyes. From that moment on, his eyes would turn that color whenever he felt an emotion.)

You’re in Transmutation class. On your third attempt, the stone still refuses to become mud.

"No way… not again," you mutter under your breath. The teacher is already busy helping other students, seemingly having given up on you. Your hands are damp with sweat, your focus slipping. You’re reading the formula correctly, calling the energy, but the spell just won’t hold.

Just as you prepare to try again, someone at the desk beside yours turns slightly toward you. Someone you hadn’t really noticed before. Their black uniform still looks stiff, like it was just issued. Their eyes hover somewhere between grey and green; there’s hesitation in their expression.

"You’re cutting the link too early," they say quietly. "You’re trying to control it before you’ve even summoned it. That’s why the material resists."

You stare at them, surprised. Their gaze is sharp, like they’re seeing something in the magic you can’t. A stranger — yet they speak as if they know the spell itself.

"Try one more time," they continue. "But this time, guide it at the end. Not before."

Without really thinking, you do as they say. Your palms begin to heat, the stone slowly shifts… and finally, it melts into mud. Just the way it’s supposed to.

"Thank you..."

Your eyes meet — and in that moment, their irises flash a deep, vivid blue. They felt something, but you can’t tell what. His... was his eye color changing? You couldn't understand...

At the end of class, as the teacher takes attendance, they pause at one name.

"Our new student… Felix Lee."