"Here we are with breaking news. A massive energy beam just hit our planet. Although nothing was harmed, there were some mysterious phenomena happening all around the Earth that were deemed to be effects of said beam. Many people have reported something mysterious happening to them or to their companions. They seemed to be similar and connected to each other. This involved some kind of glowing effect in their bodies. Some reported physical changes in their body, and a very painful process at that. The authorities and experts are still investigating the cause of this massive energy outburst but they'd decided to call it the ‘Mana's Calling.’"
"Upon encountering such a mysterious phenomenon, the authorities had suspended school activities for the time being." (Miss Gina)
The group gathered in the river as they would do in the weekends or holidays. This time around, Alice was there too.
"Seiya, how have you been?" (James)
"Um, I'm okay... How about you? James? Jessie? Ron?" (Seiya)
"You won't believe this, but we got superpowers!" (James)
Going back to the awakening of James and Jessie.
"Phew, the glowing stopped. What just happened?" (James)
"I don't know either, the fireball- " (Jessie)
[Fireball]
"Woah! I just launched a fireb- fire in the ceiling! I’m screwed. I'm definitely gonna get a scolding after this." (Jessie)
"...It's burning! If I just had that water bubble from earlier I would've-" (James)
[Water Bubble]
"Quickly point it at the fire!" (Jessie)
"Okay, okay! Steady... Steady... Launch!" (James)
James launched the water bubble into the fire. He successfully extinguished the fire before it spread. Their parents, who did not become awakened, was deeply worried about them.
End of Flashback.
"W-What? Y-You have powers?!" (Seiya)
"Yeah, mine's fire and James has water. Isn't it awesome?" (Jessie)
"Oh, yeah. Totally…" (Seiya)
Seiya had flashbacks of his first encounter with magic, not really a wonderful experience.
"The magic and martial arts shook the whole dimension. Alice and Seiya couldn't believe what they were seeing today. A massive fist derived from Sei's Qi. In the end, they were still stuck, and there was no declared win over the two."
“Dammit, another draw. Why doesn't anyone win, I don't want to end this all with a draw!” (Sei)
"..." (Seiya)
"I-If you two got powers, then Ron..?" (Seiya)
"I don’t know, I was sleeping back then. I just didn't had any dreams that night. I usually have something to dream about every night." (Ron)
"Oh." (Seiya)
"...Do you happen to have one too?" (James)
"I think not. Haven't really felt anything new." (Seiya)
"Hey, it's Alice! Have you seen the news?" (James)
"Oh, yeah... I think it was called Mana's Calling or something." (Alice)
"Yep, and guess what, we got powers!" (James)
"Ooh, I think I have one too." (Alice)
"Eh?! Can you show it to us then?" (Jessie)
"Well, it's not a particularly a safe power to casually take out. I might even hurt you guys..." (Alice)
"We understand. But why would only the few of us have powers?" (James)
"Maybe it only worked for a few people... I guess?" (Alice)
"Hmm, m-maybe it was." (Seiya)
A few months later...
The world had adapted quite nicely with the effects of the Mana's Calling and the appearance of awakeners and other creatures who got affected by it. There's also something called mana temples that have been popping up lately but rarely so.
The education system had also changed a lot with a special subject included to the curriculum. This subject was divided from the basic knowledge of mana and the awakeners. There's also special classes for awakeners to hone their capabilities not just for combat but rather leans on how to use their powers in everyday life. Although this did not affect the distribution of students. A class still has a mix of awakened and non-awakened students.
"Hey! Seiya over here! Let's eat lunch at the canteen like last time." (James)
"Yeah, why not?" (Seiya)
"You seem to have changed a lot Seiya, you grew taller and your physique and posture seems to have improved too." (Jessie)
"Well... I guess I just hit that growth spurt a little bit late." (Seiya)
Actually for the past few months, Seiya and Alice had to go through more intense training from their future selves. Even going as far as sacrificing their remaining free time.
Flashback.
"Greetings, my disciple. Now that you are in the stage where you have perfected your foundation, it's time for you to learn the basics of the Sage's Heavenly Techniques." (Seiya)
"What's up with this old man today?" (Seiya)
"How ignorant of you, my dear disciple. You should know that with great power, comes great responsibility. And I am your mentor, so I should be a good example for you." (Sei)
"Good example, my ass. Oh? Isn't that Miss Alice with those chains with thorns again?" (Seiya)
"Where is she?!" (Sei)
"Yeah, a good example all right." (Seiya)
"Isn't that Alice with a rose whip?" (Sei)
"Come on, do it with originality, my master. If you're caught by a joke, don't try to use them back. In this case I should be the mas-" (Seiya)
"Yo, Seiya. I just got back from training with Miss Alice... Could you let me see how I improved now?" (Alice)
"Who brought this battle-crazed bastard here?! Run!!" (Seiya)
"Hey, Sei. What have you been doing to that kid these past months? She's already like your clone." (Sei)
"Well, it was her curiosity and eagerness. I can't believe I was that crazy before." (Lei)
"I guess the past and the future doesn't matter if you're the same person anyway." (Sei)
"Where are you going, Seiya? I just want a simple duel, you know." (Alice said with a straight face while firing spells at Seiya)
"Yeah right, that killing intent you're spraying all over checks out. Anyways, now that we got in a more open space without our future selves, let's do this!" (Seiya)
"Finally!" (Alice)
[Magic Boost Twofold]
[Physical Attributes Twofold]
[Mana Armor]
"Are you perhaps leaning on close-combat now?" (Seiya)
"I'm just trying a few self-buff spells, so feel free to go all-out." (Alice)
"Well if that's what you want, then I'll stop goofing around now... Heavenly Steps." (Seiya)
[Breath of Qi]
[Heavenly Stride]
"What is that-" (Alice)
"Boulder Strike." (Seiya)
[Boulder Strike]
A big dust cloud formed, followed by a crater spanning a few meters wide and deep.
...
...
"Ke, just kidding! Binding Chains!" (Alice)
[Binding Chains]
"So you're able to keep up huh, I guess the doubled attributes made you more alert. But... in terms of close-combat, I will always win. Clear the Path for the Sage... Mountain Strike." (Seiya)
[Mountain Strike]
"So he's able to use your more advanced techniques huh, impressive." (Lei)
"Kyaaa!!" (Alice)
"Got you! That was a great spar, but try to do your specialty next time." (Seiya)
"Ngh... cut it out idiot.... A-and stop that habit of princess carrying me!" (Alice)
"..." (Seiya)
"..." (Alice)
"Why is there a line before Mountain Strike though?" (Lei)
"I guess he's still dumb enough to spout nonsense." (Sei laughed)
"I guess like master, like disciple." (Lei)
"Huh?! You wanna go?!" (Sei)
"Hmph, I'd never turn down your offer, dear." (Lei)
"Wait, not again!!" (Seiya and Alice)
End of Flashback.