Chapter 21 (The Diamond Mage Academy)

The next day, Drake srawled out on the blanket, lazily trying to clench his fist to stretch his arms, and suddenly he felt something soft, large, and succulent in his hand. He squeezed again, confirming his suspicion. He stood to check; his eyes widened in shock as he realised he's holding Xena's right breast. Goosebumps erupted on his skin. He quickly lifted the v-neck of her gown to replace her breast. As he tried to put it back in place, Xena woke up, rubbing her eyes with her hands.

She looked at Drake, who was frozen in place. "Ah-aa-ah." She yawned, "My Crux, you're awake. Are you waiting for me to wake up?" Her head lowers slightly, and her gaze falls on Drake's hand, her eyes widening, as yesterday's event flashes through her mind. "Whaaat." She pulled herself back, yanking her breast free from Drake's grasp, and shoved it back into her gown. "Wait, I can explain. I don't know what really happened." Drake stammered, his voice shaking, as he waved his hand defensively.

Sudden Xena mood shifted. She burst out laughing, clenching her fist, and raising her face up. Her sudden reaction was related to a change in her body. Similar to humans experiencing food indigestion, dragons experience indigestion when it comes to mana. As they have a high affinity for mana, it essentially acts as their food. Dragons often eat little to no regular food as it's provided minimal benefits beyond entertainment. They can also experience constipation after excessive mana consumption. Thanks to Drake's massage, all the undigested mana had fully integrated into Xena's body, making her sixth mana ring foundation strong and steady.

She threw herself at Drake, hugging him tightly. This surprised him, causing him to mutter to himself. "Is this how the script should be?" He signed out in relief. "Anyway, it walks out for me better this way."He freed himself from Xena's grip. "We need to start moving in order not to be late." Drake folds up the tents. Xena gripped Drake's left hand around her chest, smiling at him as they continued the journey.

*****

After several hours, they finally get to the south part of the Greenland, the Diamond Mage Academy. Before reaching the main academy, there were several tall and short shops lining both sides.T he shops are run by merchants from the city of Steel and some academy professors who either wish to sell or haves ome students materials, such as alchemy potions, weapons, and clothes, and auction other students related materials. These professors also take the opportunity to meet and know genius students they wish to take as their disciples, as long as they meet the requirements. Drake's eyes continue to scan the area as he finds his way to the academy.

After scrolling through the shops for a few minutes, Drake finally reached The Diamond Mage Academy. One of four prestigious academics boasted sprawling facilities with distinct areas for various purposes. All are exteriors painted in deep blue, while the interiors are white.

The academy has two sections, which are the junior section and the senior section. Several teenagers, like Drake, are also vying for admission. There are two men at the entrance, checking admissions tags. Drake approaches them, presenting the tag he received from the Kaldris kingdom. He was directed to the right, alongside the others, observing the buildings.

His observation was interrupted by a commotion at the gate. Xena is trying to force her way in. Drake signed and walked back to the gate. He retrieved the second tag, handling it to Xena."Please, she's with me." Xena turned to the men, her lips slightly parted, her eyes twinkled playfully, sticking out her tongue at them as Drake gently pulled her away.

They finally reached their destination area. There are several students like Drake who are waiting. Before them stands a large circular platform with a radius of 11 meters. At the centre of the platform is a tall, transparent Cristal, about 3.35 meters and 8 inches thick. Drake and Xena's immediately attracted their attention, and buzzes of whisper filled the air. "Who is that handsome guy with black hair and broad chest?" A lady in blue attire, directly opposite them, said, "Don't you also notice the beautiful lady, gripping his hand at his chest?" "I wonder where they both come from to have such unique features." Drake's cheeks turned red as they joined the crowd.

A young man of Drake's height, well-built muscles, and blue short hair approached him. "Hello, my name is Mark Fist of the Fist clan. You can call me Mark." He extended his right hand for a handshake. "Hi, my name is Alexandra Drake from the Kaldris kingdom. " Nice to meet you." Drake responded, shaking Mark's hand.

"May I ask why your hair is black and maybe your fiance has red hair if you are from this continent?" The unexpected question hits Drake, but comes up with an idea. "I wasn't born yet when my parents migrated to Kaldris kingdom, so I don't know much about it. But, I'm curious, about the relationship does hair colour have to do with the continent?" Drake inquired,

Mark smiles with a slightly twinkled in his eyes. "You see, each province has their own unique hair color. Those from the north have white hair but we from the Greenland Plane have deep blue hair and those from the south have sky blue hair. However, that doesn't mean these colours are strictly limited to these respective provinces." Mark explained. "Thanks for your time. And about this lady...."

Drake was about to deny the relationship when a man in his late thirties wearing a blue and white striped coat, standing on the platform across them, interrupted their conversation. "My name is Leo, one of the professors in this institute and also in charge of your Mana text qualification. You can call me professor Leo."

He turned his back at them, walking towards the transparent crystal. "This crystal is called a mana tablet detector. You don't need to worry about not being able to channel your mana. This tablet will draw out your mana from your mana pool and give a corresponding colour to your mana." He paused. And moves to the side of the crystal. "You see, at the side of this crystal tablet, there are 8 star symbols. The number of stars your mana activates shows the number of your mana rings." He stepped closer to them. "Now let the text begin."