Chapter 21

After several dozen corridors, and as many "How to get to the cafeteria" questions, I finally managed to find it. As I opened the doors to the cafeteria, I was greeted by the clamor of the students and the aroma of the cafeteria food.

Standing in line and getting my food, I walked around the dining hall looking for empty seats, until I saw Arthur waving at me.

- What do you think of the dorm? - I asked, sitting down at the table.

- It's pretty good, I'm happy with everything. - Putting a piece of fried meat in my mouth, Art answered.

- By the way Aaron, where did they put you?

- In the senior dorm," I chewed a piece of pie with pleasure. - It was good. They put me up with Henry's son, so it's okay.

- Ah... tomorrow morning I have to visit the auditorium. The disciplinary committee will be officially announced tomorrow - Arthur rolled slices of vegetables and tried to serve them to Sylvie, who, of course, rejected them.

- So you're on that committee too. - I said affirmatively, catching Elijah's surprised look on my face.

- This committee?! - he exclaimed, raising his fork up. - You should be proud of that!

- So, tomorrow we'll meet the other members of the disciplinary committee," I continued speaking, ignoring Elijah. - I hope it will be interesting.

- Yeah - Arthur picked up a piece of meat and Sylvie stole it before he could get it to his mouth. With a grin, I continued eating.

We chatted about what club Elijah would join and what disciplines we would have. Turns out the committee would meet for planners every morning. And I was in agreement with Arthur-we wouldn't get much sleep.

After lunch, Arthur and I would have extra classes for the upperclassmen. They included magical theory for deviants and command and control mechanics.

Combat mages had more classes in the fall semester and academics in the spring semester.

Most students only take 3 or 4 classes a month, but I had a double load and my studies ended at 7pm like Arthur's, so we didn't have time for clubs.

Clubs for upperclassmen met in the afternoon, and junior classes in the evening after class.

"Maybe I should join a hand-to-hand combat club. I hear more and more spellcasters want to train in close combat, just in case," Elijah pondered as he picked up another piece of meat.

I finished eating when I saw a group of students approach our table. The leader of the group, a tall guy with wavy brown hair, held out his hand to me:

- My name is Charles Ravenpup. The second son of the famous Ravenpup family. I'm sure you've heard of her. I couldn't help but notice that you've been spending time with some scholarly magician. But today I am allowing you to be part of my entourage-his chin stuck out smugly. He was sure that Elijah and I were eager for his offer.

- Ha-ha-ha," I laughed. - The guys around here make too big a deal out of themselves.

Arthur and Elijah could barely contain their laughter as well, probably because of his last name.

- Look, Charles, I'm sorry, but we're not interested in your offer. - Stealing a piece of meat from Elijah I said.

- I deliberately took my mind off my business to invite you to my group, so that you do not have to deal with this problematic scientist garbage ... - Charles bellowed barely restrained.

- That's enough, you've said all you want to say," I frowned, looking at him. - So you can go.

I could tell he was trying hard to contain his anger, his hand kept reaching for his wand, but he just turned around, walking away quickly.

- Well, that's the way trouble haunts you, Arthur. - I grinned.

- You don't say..." We got up, sighed, and headed out of the dining room.

***

The morning came quickly, too quickly.

- Get up already, we have to hurry to the committee meeting. - Ethan was already changing into his uniform.

- Let me come to my senses, I need a few minutes to shake off the sleepiness..." I muttered as I lay on the comfy bed. - Okay...

I got up and washed my face and started to change.

The new uniform Cynthia had given me consisted of a white shirt with one black stripe and a light gray vest. The new vest and the dark gray pants were made of different materials, but judging by the special engravings, they had special protective properties. Instead of a pocket watch, I wore a scabbard with a silver knife near my heart. The gold armband was replaced by a red band around my collar, giving the outfit an even more regal look.

- I like it," I said as I finished examining myself in the mirror. - Let's go.

We were supposed to formally attend all the meetings with the committee members in a small room in the auditorium. I was even a little excited to think about my partners, seeing them live and on screen was different.

After reaching the auditorium, we went inside.

- No one else had come in?

But my guess turned out to be wrong.

- Oh, you're finally here Ethan! My name is Claire! Claire Bladeheart! I'm a sixth year combat mage with a double major in fire and wind, and I'm also the deputy head of the discipline committee! You are Aaron, the AA-rang adventurer, may I have your autograph! - This senior girl just oozed positivity and passion. She was almost as beautiful as Tessia or Caitlin, but had her own scarlet hair charm. Claire wore a military uniform, but instead of a gold belt like the Gliders, she wore gold epaulets on her shoulders. That, along with a light gray with gold ruffle skirt and knee-length boots, made her look regal compared to my simplicity.

- ...Ah, yes, of course..." I quickly signed her sheet.

The elfish girl, even with her good looks, was only a girl to me, and because of that I could talk to her quite freely. Here, it was just a girl, and quite beautiful, which made me feel a little uncomfortable...

Ethan and Claire started talking about their plans while I waited at the table for the others.

Another student, who looked only a couple of years older than me, walked through the door. He had rather dull light gray hair, almost white at the bangs. His narrow eyes seemed like slits in his face, and his smile was more of a sneer than a contented one. He was dressed in a dark gray oriental style robe and wide black pants belted with a gold belt. His robe bore the mark of a silver dagger, as did all the other members of the disciplinary committee. For some reason I didn't like this guy; I tried to remember something about him from the canon, but it was in vain; I only made a note to myself to be careful with him.

- My name is Kai Krestles, a fourth-year student! But just call me Kai! - His expression hadn't changed at all- his eyes were still squinted and his lips were still smiling-but he raised his hand in a welcoming gesture. His palms were wrapped in bandages, so it looked like he was wearing gloves.

- My name is Aaron. Nice to meet you . - I answered, shaking his hand.

After him, a guy about 17 years old walked into the room. He had lush mahogany-colored hair and looked like a lion. His fierce sword-shaped eyebrows and brown eyes were striking. His attire reminded me of an old-fashioned military uniform without a cap. It took me a couple of seconds to figure out who he was.

- Aaron? - his surprised voice sounded as he met my gaze.

- Prince Glider.

- I can hardly call myself a prince now, since the three kings and queens disbanded the former formation and called themselves the Council. Just call me Curtis," his charismatic voice carried a certain depth. He looked at me vaguely, which wasn't surprising, given my past problems with his sister...

- It's nice to see familiar faces. You must be in your fifth year now, right?" - I answered in a friendly way, which made me moderate his worried look a little bit.

- Yeah. Fifth year, fire enhancer, and beast tamer. Nice to meet you again," he shook my hand.

I looked back at the silent black-haired girl. Who bowed silently to me.

- Caitlin, it's nice to see you again," I bowed back. The stark contrast between her flawless porcelain skin and charcoal black hair, and her dark eyes with long lashes made her look like a doll.

- I'm glad to meet you, too, Aaron. I'm a freshman like you, studying to be a mage scholar. I use ice magic and am a spellcaster.

Curtis immediately took his sister to a vacant chair, as far away from me as possible...

Next up were a gnome girl named Doradrea; a tall, blond elf named Feyrith; and a big guy, two meters tall, Theodore. The latter, wanted to see if I could withstand the pressure, but ended up in a rather comical situation, when the big guy put his hand on my shoulder, but fell from the force of gravity himself.

After Arthur came in and introduced himself to everyone, Claire took the floor:

- I am excited about what this semester will bring us! From now on, guys, we're a team!" Claire exclaimed cheerfully again and put her hand on the table.

- I look forward to all of you - Ethan put his hand on top of Claire's.

- And I'm looking forward to it, too! - Kai placed his bandaged hand over Ethan's palm, still smirking.

- Looks like some pretty interesting times are coming! - Doradrea said and put her fleshy hand on Kai's palm.

- Ha ha! Yes! Let's give it our all! - Curtis put his hand in as well, and Katelyn silently followed suit.

- I'm sure it'll be cool - Arthur and Fayfei put their hands in the stack as well, though the former's look spoke of his fatigue.

- Good luck to us - my hand was the last one before me.

Theodore stepped closer and covered all the palms with his own. At his silent nod, Claire smiled confidently and shouted: "LONG LIVE THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE!!!"

"HOORAY!"

***

Before the club fever begins, the student council would like to formally introduce the students of this academy, whose group, has been personally convened by the principal in hopes of resolving and preventing disputes among students, as well as enforcing penalties for violators. This group is permitted to use magic to maintain the peace and safety of students, both between students and outsiders. Please welcome the disciplinary committee! - Tessia's voice rang out.

The assembly hall filled with applause and the red curtain rose. We stepped onto the stage. We probably looked pretty impressive, mostly because of our uniforms.

As we stood in front of the Xairus students on the stage side by side, we pulled out our knives and held them out in front of us, showing our special mark. After that, we did a short choreographed number and bowed out.

Ethan read a short speech on behalf of the committee before we left the stage, leaving the crowd with mixed feelings.

For some students, the disciplinary committee interfered with their depraved behavior. For others, it served as a shield from harm.