Director Goodsky

|Arthur|

After we had finished using our aetheric powers, we returned to our original positions and deactivated them, unfreezing time. We had used aevum to freeze time, so nobody had noticed what we had done, which was expected.

We had a tacit understanding about not revealing our aether powers to the world until we were strong enough to handle the consequences. Despite being young, the two of us were already likely near the top of the world, but being careful didn't hurt.

Lancelot was looking at us weirdly, but I believed he hadn't caught on to what we did judging from his expression.

Gary asked, "Why did the two of you come here, Lancelot, Rachel?"

"Rachel came here to meet her friend, Lilia, but we also came for another reason. We are to meet our new mentor, Cynthia Goodsky, the Director of Xyrus Academy," Lancelot replied.

I was surprised, 'These two are going to be taught by Director Goodsky?'

Gary questioned, "Didn't you two have competent teachers already?"

Rachel frowned, and Lancelot explained, "Our new mentor is an expert in mana manipulation outside of one's body and conjuring. Plus, the two of us are a bit too advanced for our old mentors to continue teaching us."

I nodded in understanding, the two of them were too strong for most mages, and only someone of Goodsky's ability would be capable of teaching them.

"So, you two are entering Xyrus Academy a year earlier?" I asked.

Lancelot shook his head, and Rachel answered for him, "No, we are going to go through private training under Goodsky. There are two other mages training with us for a year until we enter Xyrus Academy at the normal age of twelve."

'That makes sense,' I thought, 'I didn't want to go early either because of the age difference that would make it cumbersome.'

The adults soon excused themselves and left the five of us alone. Lilia and Rachel also separated from us, leaving the three of us boys awkwardly together.

"So, do you guys want to talk about adventuring?" Gary spoke after clearing his throat.

Lancelot and I lit up as we discussed mana and adventuring.

|Lancelot|

After spending several hours at the Helstea mansion, Rachel and I departed for Xyrus Academy. While the beginning of my conversation with Gary and Arthur was tense, things began to flow smoothly under Gary's lead. It was a learning experience, especially since I gained insight into the Beast Glades from the stories they shared.

'I suspect that Arthur and Gary recognized each other from being on the same team during the Death Talon Dungeon dive,' I theorized.

"How was your time with Lilia? Was it worth it?" I asked Rachel, who was sitting across from me in the carriage. The orange rays of the sun reflected off her golden hair, making her look almost ethereal.

I quickly averted my gaze, feeling my cheeks grow warm. Thankfully, she responded before I could embarrass myself further. "It was quite fun. I hope you weren't bored talking with Arthur and Gary."

I shook my head, grateful for the change of subject.

As the carriage passed through the main gate of the Academy, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight before me. The sprawling campus was home to numerous white buildings adorned with intricate runes. It was an impressive sight, but not overwhelming to me.

However, Rachel appeared giddy with excitement, which was a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.

As Rachel and I walked into the building of Xyrus Academy, a voice resounded in front of us, introducing itself as Cynthia Goodsky, the Director of the academy and our master for the next year. I looked around but there was no one in sight, indicating the use of sound magic.

"Walk in to the building. The other two students are already here," Cynthia's voice instructed us.

We followed her directions and soon came across two elves, a boy and a girl around our age. The boy had snow-white hair and crimson eyes, while the girl was strikingly beautiful with gunmetal hair and turquoise eyes. Both of them had an elegant bearing and walked with a graceful cadence, indicating their likely noble background.

"Hello, I am Princess Tessia Eralith. Nice to meet you two!" the girl greeted us warmly.

"Greetings, I am Prince Alistair Eralith. It's good to meet you two," the boy greeted us more formally.

I introduced myself and Rachel followed suit, each of us bowing respectfully. Just as I was about to ask them a question, Alistair interjected with a surprising revelation.

"Both of us are not siblings, we are engaged," he said with a knowing smile.

Tessia blushed and lightly punched him on the arm. It was clear they were a couple and their love for each other was palpable. Rachel looked shocked but I couldn't help but find it endearing.

|Rachel|

raining under Cynthia at the Xyrus Academy was a dream come true for me. She was one of my favourite characters in TBATE, and her untimely demise had always left me with a sense of longing. Now, I finally had the chance to learn from her, and I was determined to make the most of it.

As for Tessia, I had mixed feelings about her. While I couldn't deny her beauty and talent, her actions during the War had left a bitter taste in my mouth. Nevertheless, I was willing to put that aside and give her a chance.

What I wasn't prepared for was the existence of Alistair, Tessia's fiancé. As a die-hard fan of TBATE, I had always shipped Arthur with Tessia. The thought of her being with someone else was hard to swallow.

My shock must have shown on my face because everyone seemed to notice. I quickly composed myself, but it was too late to hide my initial reaction.

Excitement coursed through me as the sound of wing magic heralded the arrival of Cynthia Goodsky, my childhood idol and now my master for the next year.

Cynthia was a tall, elegant woman with soft facial features, grey hair and brown eyes. Her wand was strapped to her white robe, and a matching circlet rested on her head. As she greeted us, her warm smile instantly put me at ease.

"It's an honour to meet you, Master Goodsky," I said with reverence, and the others echoed my sentiment.

She chuckled, "Please, call me Master Goodsky. No need for formalities between us."

Her eyes scanned us, and a look of approval crossed her face. "You've all come a long way to reach this level of strength. I understand why Princess Tessia, Rachel, and Lancelot are here, but why do you seek to learn conjuring, Prince Alistair?"

The question was directed at Alistair, the only augmenter among us. He replied with confidence, "I have reached the silver stage, and my grandfather advised me to learn more about conjuring. At this stage, the gap between augmenters and conjurers almost ceases to exist."

I was impressed. 'Already at the silver stage? Even Lancelot isn't there yet.'

Cynthia nodded in agreement with Alistair's explanation. "Well said, Prince Alistair. At the silver stage, it's essential to have exposure to both types of casting magic to properly deal with enemies of your level. I commend you for your foresight."

With a quick clap of her hands, Cynthia spoke up, "First, I want to see some sparring. Lancelot and Alistair, you two will be facing off."

Tessia couldn't help but voice her confusion, "Why these two specifically?"

Cynthia's response was short and to the point, "They are the closest in strength here, one being an augmenter and the other a conjurer."

She then led us to a spacious battle stage, instructing us not to hold back but promising to intervene if necessary.

As Lancelot and Alistair readied themselves, the air around them grew tense with anticipation.

|Alistair|

With scarlet eyes attuned to detail, I meticulously analyzed his physique, observing the ebb and flow of blood coursing through his veins, the luminous yellow core radiating within him, the tautness of his muscles, the quickening of his pulse, and even the graceful dance of mana through his mana veins and channels as he readied himself for our upcoming spar.

From the depths of my spatial ring, I retrieved Faithkeeper, a legendary blade infused with the essence of plant and wind magic. Its emerald-hued blade shimmered with a vibrant and mesmerizing glow.

Lancelot, a formidable opponent, conjured an array of wind blades in varying sizes, hurling them toward me with a formidable spell known as "Gale Arrows."

Swiftly planting my right foot forward, I wielded my blade as if it were a supple whip, shattering the incoming wind blades before they could draw near.

Undeterred, Lancelot charged towards me, stepping upon solidified air as he closed in with his gleaming silver blade. His advanced swordsmanship technique showcased the countless hours of dedication he had invested. However, close-quarter combat had always been my forte, particularly against opponents possessing a similar core stage as mine.

As the world seemed to slow around us, I flawlessly calculated the trajectory of his sword strikes, positioning my own blade with precision to deflect his attacks.

Frustration etched upon his countenance, Lancelot struggled to unearth an opening in my defense. It was the opportune moment for me to seize control. Seizing the chance, I swung my blade towards an exposed vulnerability, only to find my wind mana being mysteriously manipulated, as if under his control.

Brimming with adaptability, I promptly shifted my focus to the element of fire, channeling its essence into my blade. Brilliant blue flames flickered to life, obediently following the cadence of my movements as I pressed my offensive against Lancelot. While he possessed a lower core stage than mine, his ability to command the surrounding wind mana leveled the playing field in terms of sheer energy. Nevertheless, my superior sword technique proved insurmountable, tipping the scales of this battle in my favor.

With an explosive clash, my fiery blade collided with his gale-infused sword, unleashing a deafening blast that sent Lancelot sprawling to the ground, defeated.

"Prince Alistair emerges victorious!" announced Director Goodsky, his voice ringing throughout the arena, confirming the outcome of our intense duel.