Bishop IV

Before Viktor and Aden could step into the class, a voice came from behind them, growing louder with each step. "You!" she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "I will beat you," she declared loudly, her words ringing in the ears of everyone present.

Aden turned to Viktor with a bewildered expression, silently accusing him of some unseen mischief that had incurred the girl's wrath. "What have you done to this poor girl to make her suddenly want to beat you?"

Viktor shook his head in bemusement, equally perplexed by the unexpected confrontation. "I have no idea," he replied honestly, his confusion mirroring Aden's.

As Celtic drew closer, her anger palpable in the air, Aden and Viktor recognized her as one of the top candidates from the Selection. The tension crackled between them as Celtic's fury intensified.

Fueled by Aden's incredulous thoughts, Celtic seized him by his clothes, her grip tight and unyielding. Aden's shock was palpable as he realized the girl was addressing him directly. "What do you mean?" he managed to sputter, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Before Celtic could respond, Esme intervened, her presence commanding and authoritative as she stepped between them, slapping away Celtic's hand from Aden's cloth with a swift and decisive motion. The sudden interruption brought a momentary pause to the escalating confrontation, leaving the air thick with unspoken tension.

As the four of them stood at the entrance of the class, Agatha approached them from behind, her presence commanding attention. "What happened here?" she inquired, her keen eyes surveying the group.

Their eyes briefly met, and an unspoken agreement passed among them. They decided not to disclose the details of the confrontation to Agatha. Celtic, however, took it upon herself to explain the situation before entering the class, leaving Aden puzzled by her actions.

Esme followed, entering the class with a confident stride. Aden couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity as he observed her protective intervention. Her smile, directed at him, hinted at a shared history, a connection he couldn't quite grasp.

Viktor, ever observant, noticed Esme's gesture and couldn't resist teasing Aden. "Looks like you're quite famous with the ladies," he whispered. Aden, unfazed, responded with a deadpan expression. "Girls are scary," he muttered, echoing a sentiment that Viktor found amusing.

Agatha followed them into the classroom, her imposing figure garnering the attention of the students. Standing before the four, she began to address them. "From today onward, I shall be your instructor, guiding you in the intricacies of the art of flow and various other crucial subjects," she declared with authority.

She emphasized the importance of seeking guidance not only from her but also from the educators scattered throughout the Academy. "While I will impart valuable knowledge, do not hesitate to approach the other educators for additional insights. A well-rounded education will be crucial for your growth," she added, her words carrying the weight of experience.

Before we delve into our lessons, there is another individual whom I wish to introduce to your esteemed company," Agatha announced, her gaze sweeping across the four students before settling on Viktor, who couldn't conceal his curiosity.

Without waiting for further inquiries, Agatha continued, "I understand that you were under the impression that only four were selected for this special class, and under normal circumstances, that would indeed be the case."

She paused, letting a moment of intrigue settle over the room. "However, the circumstances surrounding your new classmate are... unique. You will understand why shortly." Agatha signaled to the knights standing by the door, instructing them to bring forth a peculiar addition to the class – an iron cage.

As the knights wheeled the cage into the room, the students exchanged perplexed glances. What awaited them, shrouded in the confinement of metal, was a mystery yet to unfold.

Agatha, undeterred by the potential risks, commanded the knights to unlock the iron cage. The knights, uneasy and cautious, exchanged wary glances. One of them, hand resting on his sword hilt, sought confirmation from Agatha, "Are you certain about this, Instructor Agatha?"

With a composed nod, Agatha affirmed her decision, "Yes, proceed."

As the creaking sound of the cage door echoed through the room, a palpable tension gripped the air. The knight, his hand poised on the sword hilt, stood ready for any unforeseen developments, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.

As the cage door groaned open, revealing the confined space within, the eyes of the onlookers fell upon a boy confined within the iron enclosure. His age, not markedly different from that of Viktor and his companions, presented a mystery that hung in the air like a heavy shroud. The boy, clad in worn and tattered garments, looked up with curiosity, his gaze meeting those of Viktor, Aden, Esme, and Celtic.

The atmosphere in the room grew denser, laden with unspoken questions and a sense of anticipation as Agatha addressed the perplexed students. "Allow me to introduce your new classmate, someone with unique circumstances that brought him here. His name is Fenrir."

Agatha took a moment, measuring her words before responding to Viktor's inquiry. "Fenrir, as you now know him, was originally a prisoner of one of the lords. When the king decreed the collection of servants, this particular lord found himself short of manpower. In a questionable arrangement, he offered Fenrir as compensation to meet the king's demand."

Viktor's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and concern etching across his features. The revelation added a layer of complexity to the dynamics within the newly formed class. The others exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the unexpected addition to their ranks. Fenrir's eyes, although guarded, reflected a mixture of resilience and an unspoken yearning for acceptance.

Viktor's inquiry pierced the tension, prompting Agatha to offer insight into the mysterious newcomer's circumstances. "He's in the cage because of a rather unfortunate turn of events," she began, her voice steady and measured. "Fenrir was one of the unfortunate souls ensnared by the lord's decree to provide servants for the Academy. However, the lord found himself short of manpower and decided to offer Fenrir in compensation."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the room, the revelation casting light on the boy's predicament. Viktor's brow furrowed with concern as he processed the information, his thoughts racing ahead to the implications of such a fate. "What did he do to deserve this?" he ventured, a touch of indignation lacing his words.

Agatha, recognizing the need for her students to understand the harsh realities, continued with a solemn expression. "Viktor, Esme, Aden, Celtic, you are still too young to fully grasp the complexities of human nature and how our kind sometimes treats those who are different. Hybrids, like Fenrir, often face even harsher treatment than that of a common slave."

Agatha's gaze softened with empathy as she regarded her students, each grappling with their own reaction to Fenrir's plight. "Sometimes, fate deals us a cruel hand, and innocence becomes entangled in the webs of power and privilege," she explained, her tone tinged with sadness. "But it is our duty, as those blessed with opportunity, to extend a hand to those less fortunate."

Amidst the curious atmosphere surrounding Fenrir, Aden's attention was unexpectedly drawn to his god-send book. Its ethereal glow pulsed softly as Aden opened it, revealing a new choice – a choice that sent ripples of uncertainty through his mind. "Exterminate or Pet The Stray."