The Letter (1)

Six months before Ciaran attends the academy.

(Ciaran- age 15)

As I sat at my desk, going over reports sent by Axton. I couldn't help but sigh with exhaustion. Things were going as expected over at the guild. Once Lucia became recognized as the vice guild master, the pressure started mounting on my guild. Thankfully, Axton was able to recruit the individuals we needed, which eased the burdens.

The plan for building a city around Ades's World was in motion. Although it will take time and mainly happen during my time at the academy, I already had 'Gulliver' provide the necessary funds to help bring people to the town and the building materials. So, the only thing was to step back and let Axton do what was required. Although it felt like I didn't have a choice as it seemed as if Axton had intentionally pushed me off to the side

"Let me take care of the guild and the plans for the city." That was all he told me the last time I saw him.

Most of my plans for the academy were complete, making me nervous. So much so that I went back over every plan I had thought up to survive what was to come.

My main goal was to become powerful, and I did become powerful. The only thing was that I had to be careful when I used my magic. Shadow magic hasn't been seen since the time when the gods and goddesses walked the realm. So, I could trick the students into believing I still had dark magic, but what about the professors? Lucia was able to tell I had shadow magic. What if another teacher was able to tell?

Everyone assumes I am some wealthy playboy who spends all his time with ladies of the night and partying and uses his position as the heir to House Maxamus to get what he wants. How could I explain it if I showed up as a mighty warrior at the academy?

Now that I think about it, I regret that I didn't combat the rumors about me at the time.

So, now I had an important question that I needed to answer. How was I going to present myself when I entered the academy? Was I going to follow the script from the game and play the bad guy that harasses the protagonist, or would I play the wealthy playboy and act as if I didn't care about the academy or anyone in particular?

Unsure of the next move, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. The scent of lilies instantly calmed my mind, and I could help but smile ad blush like a schoolgirl.

Since our trip to the shadow realm, Cas and I have gotten closer than before. So did our relationship, we finally crossed the line between master and aide, and Cas sure didn't have any problems as every day since then, she has gotten bolder than before.

If before, we would joke and have fun but keep a certain distance between us. Now, whenever we were alone, she would drop her aide attitude, and a whole other side of her would emerge. Take right now, for example…

As I opened my eyes, I saw Cas on my lap, facing me with her arms around the back of my neck and her looking deeply into my eyes.

"You're working too hard, my darling." She spoke in a tender voice.

How she said, darling reminded me of a particular anime character wearing red with horns on her head and whose name was a number.

"I'm fine." I lied, "Just making sure everything is ready before we attend the academy." I finished as I wrapped my arms around her waist.

"Don't push yourself too hard." She began as she brought her head close to mine. "Remember that your goal is to survive; it doesn't matter how you achieve it." She finished as she kissed me

"I know, Cas." I said as I returned the kiss.

Our relationship had indeed gotten close. But we still hadn't crossed the line as men and women. Even though it was tough, I had to keep an iron will when it came to that situation. I needed my virginity for the foreseeable future.

Suddenly a knock sounded on my door, and like a gust, of wind, Cas disappeared from my lap and reappeared by the desk, standing at attention like a good aide.

"Enter." I said with irritation creeping into my voice

"Apologies, young lord." Head maid Paula said as she bowed, "Your father requires your presence in his office, and he said it was a matter of urgency." She finished as she bowed again.

"Nothing to be sorry about." I said as I got up and turned to leave, with Cas behind me.

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"We've been summoned to the capital." Father said as I entered his office

"For what?" I asked

Not saying anything, my father handed me a letter, which I read, eyes filled with shock.

Who knew this letter would challenge me in a way I never thought possible?