Beast Lord's Cub

"Hmm? Is there something wrong with Max? He's very handsome and talented, even the headmaster was impressed by him. Aren't you happy that I'm marrying him?" Kathleen asked Sophie in return.

Kathleen didn't want to deceive Sophie, but she couldn't reveal her lack of interest in Max, especially with Rowena present.

Since Rowena was a member of the imperial family who kept tabs on the Duchies, Kathleen didn't answer Sophie's question directly, instead posing a question in response.

Sophie maintained a neutral expression as she spoke, "As long as you're content with the arrangement." Rowena looked dissatisfied but she quickly pushed aside her thoughts.

The group finished their meals and left the cafeteria.

In the afternoon, the classes were all about practicals. They were taught different types of magical spells and magical beasts, and their uses were explained to them.

They headed towards a wild forest located south of the academy, where the first year students of the magus academy were lining up in an orderly fashion.

An instructor was leading them deeper into the forest, where they would be shown different types of Magical Spells or Magical Beasts in practical classes.

The academy is massive, and it offers a wide range of professions beyond combat-related ones. For instance, students can learn how to become Potion Masters, Alchemists, Blacksmiths, Apothecaries, or even Magical Array Masters.

The Magus academy provided limitless opportunities for its students, making enrollment a great achievement.

Kathleen felt overjoyed, breathing in fresh air filled with mana for the first time, free from the polluted air of the city.

A whisper came from behind Kathleen, "Hey Kathleen, is that Instructor new? The usual one who teaches us about magical beasts seems to be absent today." They were walking in a long line, separated into four rows, and it reminded Kathleen of her school days. Rowena was behind her, while Sophie was in front, and Lily was behind Rowena.

Kathleen remained silent in response to Rowena's question since she didn't have any knowledge about the matter. However, Sophie's voice could be heard speaking in their ears.

"The usual Instructor got injured by a magical beast during an expedition with 2nd year students to the Dark Witch Forest. The new instructor's name is Aaron Redwood, from the Redwood family in the capital.

He usually teaches to only 4th year students, but the headmaster requested him to teach all one to four year students from now on," Sophie said, still looking ahead as they marched into the forest.

After hearing Sophie's words, Kathleen and Rowena nodded in agreement. Rowena then followed up with a question, "So, where exactly are we headed now?"

"We're heading to see a cub of a Beast Lord. The forest we're in right now is relatively safe, but there are still some dangerous areas."

"The Academy has restricted access to certain areas and warned students not to go too deep into the forest, as there are reports of 6-star and 7-star Magical Beasts occupying the core areas. We're going to see a cub of a Beast Lord that accidentally appeared in the Academy's area." Sophie replied, as she was familiar with the surroundings.

"Oh, Kathleen, do you happen to know what type of beast cub it is?" Rowena's curiosity seemed insatiable.

"Sorry, Princess Rowena, I'm not privy to that information," Kathleen replied politely.

"We'll find out soon, Kathleen. And you don't have to use any honorifics when we're in the academy, just call me by my name. Same goes for you, Sophie," Rowena said, sounding hopeful.

Kathleen and Sophie both agreed to Rowena's suggestion. After walking for half an hour, they arrived at a large transparent dome. Instructor Aaron halted in front of the entrance to the dome.

"Listen up, all of you. I am Aaron Redwood, your new instructor who specializes in teaching about magical beasts and their bloodlines."

"Our purpose for coming here today is to observe the cub of a beast lord known as the flaming tiger. This creature is a 7-star beast that typically resides in the deepest parts of the serene forest's core."

"We're uncertain how the cub got so far away from the core region of the forest, but the academy wants to return it to its mother to avoid any hostility between the beasts residing in the core region."

"The students of the Academy frequently journey into the forest to undertake missions and other tasks. If the beasts were to remain hidden in the shadows and launch attacks against any student who entered the forest, the Academy would be powerless to prevent it."

So, we have an agreement with the 7-star beasts, or beast lords, to not inhabit the outer regions of the forest and allow humans to use it as needed. However, humans are prohibited from entering the inner regions of the forest to avoid conflict."

Instructor Aaron briefed the students that they were returning the cub to its mother and decided to let them see the beast before doing so.

With his red hair and black pupils, he appeared to be in his late twenties, but being a mage, his lifespan was much longer and would increase as he advanced in magic ranks.

Legends speak of a 9-star mage, known as the Legendary Wizard, who is said to have nearly unlimited lifespan, but even they are not considered to be immortal.

After the instructor Aaron's explanation, they entered the dome located at the edge of the forest's outer layer.

This place was specifically designed to showcase rare types of magical beasts to the students, as well as allowing them to exchange contribution points earned by completing missions.

They arrived at a massive cave, which seemed quite daunting. "This is where the flaming tiger cub is being held.Even though it is considered a cub, it's already a 2-star magical beast. But this isn't surprising, given that its mother is a 7-star beast." the instructor explained without pausing.

Roar~ Roar~

Just as Instructor Aaron was speaking, roars began to echo from within the cave.