Chapter 4 – The Roommate

That night, after their long conversation in the dorm room, silence settled in. Only the chirping of crickets outside the window filled the air. Zareen lay staring at the ceiling, still thinking about Gino’s words: “In that case, you’re my rival.”

“Rival, huh? We just met, and he’s already talking about competition,” Zareen muttered under his breath.

Gino, meanwhile, sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Isn’t it better that way? Life’s more interesting when you have direction. I couldn’t stand sharing a room with someone boring.”

Zareen snorted. “I haven’t even unpacked my clothes, and you’ve already decided I’m boring.”

“My instincts are sharp,” Gino said, tapping his chest proudly. “And they’re usually right.”

Zareen nearly laughed. “You talk like some kind of fortune-teller.”

“Not a fortune-teller,” Gino replied with a wide grin. “A genius.”

Zareen sighed deeply. Great. I’m sharing a room with someone who thinks he’s a god-tier genius.

---

The First Night in the Dorm

Both of them busied themselves with arranging their belongings. Zareen put his academy robes neatly in the wardrobe, while Gino carefully lined up his notebooks, quill pens, ink bottles, and even a miniature alchemy set on his desk.

Zareen blinked. “Did you bring an entire stationery shop with you?”

“Of course,” Gino replied casually. “I can’t rely on the academy’s basic supplies.”

“What do you mean basic? This is supposed to be the top magic academy,” Zareen said incredulously.

“Exactly why I have to be prepared,” Gino said, holding up a thick notebook filled with scribbles and formulas. “This is my practice record from the last two years. Don’t be shocked if I level up quickly.”

Zareen swallowed. Beneath the arrogance, he could feel genuine dedication.

“So you really are a hard worker?” Zareen asked.

“Hard worker? More like… I can’t stand not knowing the answer to something. If there’s a question, I dig until I find it. People say I’m overly ambitious,” Gino replied with a small smirk.

Zareen stayed quiet for a moment. Okay, so he’s not just full of hot air. He actually works for it.

---

The First Morning

The next morning, the sun had barely risen when Zareen felt his blanket yanked away.

“Wake up, Zareen! First day of magic class—you can’t be late!” Gino barked, already fully dressed with a notebook in hand.

“Five more minutes…” Zareen groaned, still half-asleep.

“No way! If you’re late, I refuse to share a room with a slacker!”

Zareen rolled over lazily. “You’re so noisy. Like a human alarm clock.”

“More like a genius alarm clock,” Gino replied smugly.

Zareen shoved a pillow over his face. “A genius alarm clock that makes you want to smash it.”

Despite his grumbling, he eventually got up. Having a roommate like Gino meant there was no room for laziness.

---

Breakfast in the Cafeteria

After getting ready, they headed to the cafeteria. The large hall was already buzzing with chatter. Long tables were filled with new students—some laughing loudly, others sitting stiffly and silently.

Zareen grabbed a simple breakfast: bread and vegetable soup. Gino, on the other hand, loaded two plates full of meat and rice onto his tray.

“You’re going to eat all of that?” Zareen asked, wide-eyed.

“Of course. A genius brain needs fuel,” Gino said with a grin.

Zareen laughed. “Classic excuse.”

They sat down, and even while chewing, Gino couldn’t resist talking about the day ahead. “Today we’ll be learning basic magic. I’m going to show everyone just how much of a genius I am.”

Zareen raised an eyebrow. “Your life really is one big show-off competition, isn’t it?”

“If you want to be strong, you can’t be afraid to show off,” Gino said seriously. “The world only respects those who dare to prove themselves.”

The words struck Zareen. They sounded arrogant—but also true.

---

The First Class

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. The students gathered in the training hall. Their instructor, Master Ardian, entered—tall and calm, wearing a grey robe and carrying a large wooden staff.

“Welcome to your first lesson,” he said in a steady voice. “Today, you will demonstrate your innate magical ability.”

One by one, the students stepped forward. Some conjured tiny fireballs, others summoned little splashes of water, and a few even formed delicate ice crystals. Each successful attempt was met with cheers of admiration.

Then it was Gino’s turn. He walked to the front confidently, lifted his staff, and chanted a short incantation. A bright surge of red flame burst forth, crackling spectacularly. The students gasped and applauded.

“Excellent,” Master Ardian said with an approving nod.

Gino returned to his seat with his chest puffed out, shooting Zareen a look that clearly said: See? This is what your rival looks like.

Zareen’s heart pounded. He knew his name would be called next.

“Zareen,” Master Ardian called.

His legs felt heavy as he walked to the front. All eyes were on him. He gripped the borrowed staff tightly, hands trembling.

Come on… at least make some light. Anything. Don’t let it be nothing.

He raised the staff high. “Uh… light, appear!” he shouted.

The staff glowed softly, emitting a faint lavender light—no brighter than a flashlight.

The room went silent. Then a few giggles broke out.

“That’s it?”

“Ha! Looks like a nightlight.”

Zareen’s face burned. He wanted to sink into the floor. But among the laughing students, he caught Gino’s expression—

A small smile.

Not a mocking one, but the kind that said: Good. A worthy rival always starts from the bottom.

---

Zareen’s first day at the Magic Academy ended with laughter at his expense. But somewhere deep inside, beneath the sting of embarrassment, a tiny spark of determination flickered to life.

Maybe—just maybe—he could grow into someone worthy of carrying that Black Card.