Chapter 28 - Report

'How long has it been since I stepped through those doors?'

As the carriage slowly gets closer and closer to the tall, pale white tower that houses the greatest minds and secrets of the Magic Association, I'm suddenly reminded of the past.

'How long has it been since I stopped counting the years?'

The last time I remember celebrating my birthday was for my 100th, which also doubled as a housewarming party. Back then I was still just a tier 4 mage, just on the level of being a teacher at the academy.

It was a small gathering. A few of my friends who were also part of the academy faculty were there along with some of the household staff, though I was living in a much simpler place compared to the one I have now.

Martin, a mage who taught history but whose knowledge of the world was far greater than just his subject, Germaine, a swordsman instructor and the strongest teacher in the school, and Annabelle, a rune researcher who always came to show off her latest discoveries and discuss magic with me.

I was the youngest teacher to ever join the academy, so they had been teaching for far longer than I, yet they treated me like I was their own without any discrimination or prejudice.

I had even been Martin's pupil back when I was still a student.

…

*sigh*

Unfortunately, none of them managed to break through.

That's right, I think my butler at the time was George.

He was a man in his prime though he still had much to learn, understandable since I had hired him not too long before the celebration. All of the seasoned and well trained butlers and maids were in the service of long standing noble houses, so I was quite lucky to find him.

I still see his shadow in Lawrence sometimes.

Finally, there was the one who arranged everything.

The headmaster.

My teacher.

Thinking back on those days makes me realise how much I miss them.

Suddenly, the stopping of the carriage that heralds our arrival breaks me from my trance.

I hear my coachman get down from his seat as he hastens to open the door for me, letting in a cool breeze. Departing from the compartment I can feel the wind softly blowing against my hair and the warm, tender sunlight gradually warming up my skin.

Straight away I head to the double doors that lead into the confines of the huge, multi-turreted spire that pierces the clouds like a trident, built from the blood and sweat of our ancestors, opening by themselves as I approach.

The receptionist, in charge of greeting everyone who arrives, looks up from her work as the doors open, squinting slightly as her eyes adjust to the sunlight, before widening once more as I enter into the foyer and the light levels return to normal.

"M... Miss Serena! Welcome back!"

'Hmm, did they change the receptionist while I was away?'

"What happened to Sam?"

"Mr. Forester? Oh, he retired a few years after you left. My name is Frederica by the way! But you can call me Freddie if you'd like?"

Seeing her earnest expression, I'm left with no choice.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Freddie."

It seems like just hearing those words was enough as she gives me one of the most resplendent smiles I've ever seen, though she quickly snaps out of her daze and does her best to put on a business like expression as if she remembered something important.

"The Chairman wanted me to let you know that you should head straight to his office when you arrive."

'As expected.'

"Thank you for telling me Freddie, I'll head up there now."

"I'll tell him you're coming."

Giving her one last smile, I head towards the stairwell as Freddie uses a 'MESSAGE' rune to announce my arrival ahead of time.

One of the downsides of having your headquarters be in such a tall building is that getting where you want to go takes a long time.

Thanks to my mana the physical toll is almost nil but it would be dangerous if I ran or flew up the winding stairs and crashed into somebody with a tier 7's strength, so the only option left is to take my time and walk.

On the way I'm greeted by a few mages, however since I don't want to keep the Chairman waiting I continue on. Seeing this, they don't disturb me.

As I reach the higher levels, the frequency of people becomes lesser and lesser, until finally I'm almost at the top and the only sounds are the ones that come from below.

'Oh no.'

Just when I thought I might end this trip without an incident, I see another elder outside the Chairman's door. Though he looks middle-aged, he's also a tier 7 and has been alive for several centuries, being born slightly after the 500 year treaty.

500 years too long if you ask me.

As I spot him, so does he me, and his face gradually contorts into a disgusted look, though with a hint of lust in his eyes.

"So, if it isn't Mister Serena. Still dressing up like some harlot. It must be hard getting eyed up by every man on the street, or wait, I suppose you enjoy it, don't you?"

'How annoying. Doesn't he have anything better to do?'

Unfortunately for him, I've heard far worse than to let his words affect me.

"If you enjoy being with men so much, why don't you come visit me? I'll show you how a real man should act."

Though I'd love to hear what other totally original insults he has in store, I still have to meet up with the Chairman, and so I decide to cut our meeting short.

"Cut the crap Johnathan. I'm here to meet with the Chairman. Since you obviously don't have anything productive you want to say, be a good dog and stop blocking the road. Unless you want to get another beatdown like last time."

Though he does his best to hide it, I can still see the tiniest spark of fear on his face before he masks it once more.

*Tsk*

"You just got lucky the last time. Don't think things will turn out the same if we duel again."

He walks by and heads towards the stairwell but I can still feel his gaze lingering on my back as I enter the door to the Chairman's office.

Shutting the door behind me, I let out a sigh.

"Johnathan?"

I turn and see the chairman looking at me with a sympathetic gaze.

I nod.

With a sigh and an expression that says he's all but given up, he gestures for me to take a seat.

"Tea?"

I nod again.

Though there are no mana fluctuations the chairman calls for tea to be brought in, and not long after, a mage wearing the association uniform enters with a platter upon which sits a teapot, a small pitcher of milk, empty teacups and a plate of sugar cubes.

"Help yourself."

After sitting in silence for several minutes sipping on our beverages, the Chairman begins to speak.

"So, tell me about the boy."

"Cain is a very special child. He has a hunger for knowledge, not only for magic but in general. At the age of two his parents suspected he'd already learnt how to read despite never having formal schooling before, and by two and a half years old he was able to channel mana.

By three years old he'd read every book in the library ranging from fiction to history, philosophy to encyclopaedias, likely numerous times as he began asking for new books, and it was also at this time that he cast his first spell, I believe it was 'LIGHT'.

His mother said that he had never seen a rune word before, thus we can only assume he managed to see it elsewhere by coincidence or that it was a fluke."

I pause to take a sip and wet my throat before continuing.

"Despite his achievements, Cain is neither vain nor arrogant. He diligently practices with the sword every day, and there was even a period of time where the family took in a young Beastkin girl that ended up quite smitten with him.

Frequently in our lessons he asks very pointed questions that quickly get to the heart of the issue, and his learning speed when it comes to magic is frankly quite astonishing, coming up with unique methods of learning."

The Chairman looks at me, his eyes filled with warmth.

"You seem to be quite fond of him. It's been a while since I've seen you smiling so much."

'Do I usually not smile?'

As if he can read my thoughts, the Chairman simply gives me a knowing look but says nothing aloud.

"What would you recommend we do?"

"I've enrolled him at the academy and he'll be starting in the next year along with the rest of the first year students. With his level of knowledge I'm sure he'd be able to skip a few years, therefore he won't have to go through the entrance exam, but I think it would be best for his future to let him experience everything that school has to offer."

"Hmm."

He ponders over my words in silence for a few minutes until he comes to a decision.

"Alright, I trust your judgement Serena. How was the trip back?"

"We encountered orcs on our way back, but nothing I couldn't handle."

Silence descends once more as the Chairman furrows his brows, this time looking slightly worried as he mulls over what he's just heard.

After a few more minutes of describing the journey back, he sends me off.

I head down the stairs and find my way to my office. I have a lot of catching up to do.

*Sigh*

I'm starting to miss Remea.

-------------------------------

I'm reminded of the time by the dim orange glow of the sun shining through the window.

Time to go home.

Taking a long stretch, I get up from my seat and head down the stairs, towards the reception.

Freddie gives me a goodbye and I wave back, walking to the doors.

As they open, my carriage is already waiting for me. Somehow Lawrence always seems to know when I'm done for the day.

Hold on a minute.

Lawrence?

"Hello Aunty Serena."

Waiting for me in front of the carriage doors I see an adorable angel waiting for me, his red hair combined with the soft sunlight making him seem like a candle flickering in the wind.

Wanting to feel more of the flame's warmth I pull him into my embrace, not letting go until he taps my back, signalling his surrender.

"And what are you two doing here?"

Heading into the compartment, Lawrence closes the door behind us then moves to the front to take a seat next to the coachman.

"We wanted to surprise you."

The carriage slowly begins to move before settling at a steady pace, the rhythmic clopping of horse hooves on the stone road and rattling of the coach bearings forming a percussive melody.

"Surprise me you did. Now, tell me about your day."