8 The story behind (2)

With a huge sigh, Mr.Snow sat on his seat once again, reminiscing on where should he begin.

"Warford's Academy does not only caters scholarly students but magicians as well. You heard me right, magicians. The so called magic sorcery you've seen in the wide stream of the internet. Elementals, creatures and such are kept hidden within our territory, apart from the public. Even the government couldn't handle the massive power we hold against the entities. These entities calls themselves as the 'Dark Deception'. They too utilises magic."

"So what distinguishes you from these 'Dark Deceptions'? What are your goals as a university? Are you going to say that you'll be saving the world from now and then" Zero asks with a confusing face, making imaginary question marks above his head.

"if so, what are the benefits of sheltering the Nation? And are there any organisations out there which are similar to this academy?" Zero continues

"Answering your first question, their goal is to steal money, making it their own. gathering powerful troops who shares the same ambitions. Aside from those, it is actually a cult cultivating the so-called 'dark magic' which we wouldn't even dare to practise. Our magic involves aiding the people, sharing different knowledge to obtain peace and harmony; moreover improving our daily lives which involves money." the director makes a small grin

"but apart from the wealth we could achieve, we deal less harm from those who calls themselves as the Dark Deception. Wardford's academy is the only prestigious school that invites talented scholars, such as magicians, alchemists, and the like to be involved in this matter."

"which is? are?" Zero yet again inquires.

"You're quick to catch on, kid. Anyway, various countries has academy's like ours which serves to protect the people around them. For an example, is the famous Harshard University found in the Unitated States of America, Massachusettes. They too encourages mages to protect their vicinity which in return the students would be provided such annual loans and allowances for their services."

Mr.Snow folds his arms and gave him a stern gaze. Realising his actions, Zero stared back, waiting for a response.

"You know, brat., we kinda took an interest about you. I may be old but I myself is an honourable mage just like your friend over there" he points his finger towards Lilith which made her blush, making her face like the colour of the cherry blossoms blooming magnificently. Proud yet embarrassed, she nervously utters "it wasn't much".

Staring at his classmate who had just been complimented by the director, Zero shifted his gaze to mr. Snow and began inquiring a question that'll make everyone benumbed

"i want to join your league of mages, old geezer"

**** Mr.Snow's point of view ****

Zero took me off with his obnoxious yet appealing request. We will be surely grateful to accept talented mages, especially the kid right in front of me. He's really intelligent whereas he completly understood and accepted the story we had told him. Magic? Mages? I didn't believe in these idiotic ideas at first not 'til my master, Jane Flamesworth, invited me to this crooked... I mean spectral place.

Upon my personal assessment, this kid could be a fine fire elementalist; if he's smart enough, he could be a scholar, improving various techniques that would be later on cultivated. The possibilities are endless. Still, I need him to be reassessed, formally, in the 'emerald's den'.He is required to be tested whether his abilities as a mage could be manifested.

"sure, kiddo. But first, we need you to be assessed whether you could handle any deep pressure against magic particles. We will imbued your body a magic restoration device and a handful of items that'll later on be useful in your journey; how about it?" I needed to be sure just in case. This kid holds a lot of potential.

"sure. We should start right away" Zero stands up and directly exited the room alongside Ms.Sinclair.

"aah, youth~" I closed my eyes, recalling the memories I had first laid upon this magical academy. The school life that I had once thought to be a nest for demons and such, transformed me the director who I am today. I wasn't capable to do all this. My deceased best friend... passed the responsibilities, forcing me to be the director of this magical university.

opening my eyes, the two greeted me with beaming eyes, as we marched our way to the labyrinth, "The Emerald's Core"