Chapter 27

See ya all in quite some time now. I am done for now. 

(Arthur Leywin)

The air hung heavy with tension, as if the very atmosphere itself was holding its breath. My heart pounded subtly in my chest as I stood my ground, my eyes scanning the Student Council members for any signs of movement. There was something amidst there, like a palpable tension that was awfully visible on their faces... everyone except Arisu, who had a smirk over her face, barely restrained from turning into a menacing grin. I was sure of it. I could feel it, like a presence lurking just beyond my sight.

"Attacking outside formal dual criteria and a potential attempt at seriously maiming a student on the first day. Not to forget, your stature as a battle mage who was mindlessly attacking a scholar mage would lead you in more than just a pinch, fufufu~" Arisu said as she looked at the human boy.

Tessia's emerald eyes glanced over in my direction for a slight fraction of a second before looking back at the human boy, "This shall be your last warning. Leave now."

The boy bowed nervously and then bolted off in the direction of the classes.

"He seems to know someone from the Student Council." One of the girls standing near a tree spoke.

"It can't be the student council president or vice president, right?" The other one was queried.

"And what do you think you were doing? Fighting on the first day of school?" Tessia spoke, taking a step closer to me.

"I was merely trying to stop him from seriously injuring the dwarf kid. You would have to deal with more than just a broken nose if I didn't step in." I replied, confused as to what conclusion she came to question and accuse me of.

Tessia narrowed her eyes, unconvinced by my explanation. "Stopping him by punching him in the face?" she retorted, gesturing to the red stain on the ground.

I simply shrugged my shoulders, keeping my expression blank. "He was being aggressive. I had to act."

Tessia sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. "Arthur, you can't just go around punching people whenever you think they're being aggressive. That's not how we do things here."

I frowned, not entirely understanding. "We don't?"

Tessia took a deep breath, trying to keep her frustration in check. "We talk to each other. We try to understand each other's perspectives. We work together to solve problems."

"Fufufu~ Oh my, you two look quite acquainted." Arisu interrupted an unholy grin over her face.

Tessia, who had walked quite close to me, suddenly realised what she had been doing and quickly put some distance between us, her face getting redder.

'Is she sick?'

'Sure, she got sick by having your face near her.' Sylvie remarked mentally, her tone carrying hints of mockery.

'I don't think my face can cause an infection which may instantly make her fall sick. I am not sick to begin with.'

I could feel Sylvie facepalm herself mentally before severing our connection.

"We all should hurry off to our office now. You have to tour the campus too, Arthur. Classes start tomorrow." Arisu said, grabbing Tessia by her arm and started to slowly walk away. Tessia seemed reluctant but decided to follow her regardless. Making a mental note of escaping from a scene like this next time, I made my way to my campus building for a quick tour.

(***********)

After the incident, all I did the whole day was to wander here and there and scan every nook and cranny of the campus. The school had separate dorms for both boys and girls. And every student a roommate. The reason behind this didn't seem meticulous as it had a plain reason of just allowing the students to know how to co-exist with others.

While everything done in ANHS in my past life had a definite, meticulously planned reason behind it, there was no such thing in this school. Everything was as simple as it seemed, with no additional layers.

As I got closer to my designated room, I hovered my hand over it. The artifact recognized my mana signature, and the subtle metallic grinding reached my ears as it opened.

Walking inside, I saw Director Cynthia as she sat on a rocking chair, her face carrying the typical smile she carried giving her a warm grandma like look.

But there was more to her than what meet the eye. She wasn't from this continent. That much was obvious about her. Although, she had blended in quite perfectly, it still didn't change the fact that the mana responded differently to her.

"Good evening, Arthur." Cynthia said. A moment later an owl came through the window and landed on her shoulder. "Oh, this is my bond, Avier."

"Good evening, director." I replied with a modest bow, before walking over to her and sitting in the chair in front of her. Sylvie looked at Avier through one eye while sleeping on my head but as soon she saw it, she woke up and jumped on the floor, her eyes focused sharply on Avier.

'He feels somewhat like a dragon. But not entirely.' Sylvie spoke through our mental link.

'Is it stronger than you?' I asked, not letting Cynthia know of my communication with Sylvie and sat down.

'Easily.' Sylvie responded confidently.

'Good. Go rest on the bed. I can handle things here.' I replied back to her and cut of our mental connection. Sylvie seemed to understand but instead of going to the bed she pounced on my shoulder.

"So, what brings the director herself here?" I asked, looking at her dead in the eye.

"Well, first of all I wanted to say that you really are a man of your words. Not agreeing to fight me all those years ago and proving that you're worthy of scholarship in this school by adventuring was a good idea on your part."

"Thanks for the compliment, director." I replied shortly.

"But I still want to ask, why did you refuse to fight me back then when you could easily put up a decent fight. Not to mention, even now you're wearing a core restrictor attached to your sternum limiting the information on your actual core stage. What is it that scares you?"

I stayed silent for a moment, letting the silence make the atmosphere heavy with anticipation and tension.

What scared me?

The idea never crossed my mind. Fear was a primal instinct of every living thing. However, fear was deeply related to one's own powerlessness.

I didn't feel that way.

"Nothing." I replied.

"Then why?"

"I have a question as well, Director." I countered her question with a question of my own.

"What is it?"

"You've worked endlessly to build a spot in this continent and to get a high status. Does the idea of all of it crashing down ever scares you?" I asked, noticing the subtle hints in her body language.

"Oh dear, who wouldn't be. But I can build it all up from the ground, so I am not scared... but I will be sad." She replied but the massive gulp of saliva gave it away.

She was lying.

"So, what is it that actually scares you, director?

"I think that is the exact question I asked that you so shrewdly dodged."

"Is it..." I paused letting the tension build up, "That your actual masters from the other continent will catch you for going rogue?" I asked and in the mere second, all color in her face vanished.

As she was about to get up from the chair, I hovered my hand above her and increased the gravity above her.

"This act will have serious ramifications, Arthur." She said and Avier took flight, changing forms as it grew in size and attacked me with its talons. Sylvie jumped and bit him on his neck, her teeth digging inside his neck. Blood oozed out of it but she didn't kill him but rather immobilized him.

"You're the one who should be worried about the ramifications, Cynthia. The runes on your back are going to be more than sufficient proof of you being from Alacrya."

"What do you want from me?" She asked, as I lifted the veil of gravity from her.

"Nothing much. I can keep your identity a secret in exchange for a peaceful, undisturbed year in this school."

"But how did you know about Alacrya?"

"Like I said, I desire a peaceful time. I don't want to get in the middle of a conflict between two continents."

She sighed and nodded as I motioned for Sylvie to release Avier. Avier broke free and flied towards Cynthia, sitting on her shoulder and touching his beak on her forehead.

"I really wished for you to join the Disciplinary committee. That was the main reason I came here but it looks like I won't be able to do so." Cynthia said.

This could actually help me.

"I can be a part of this committee," I replied and her face lit up, "But I won't be attending any ceremonies or wearing a special uniform."

Cynthia patted Avier and pondered over it for a few moments before talking, "Fine. Done. You can use the room and equipment for DC and will be given a warrant with my seal indicating your authority. Does that work?"

"It would." I replied as she smiled meekly. She had a lot of questions but she buried them in her heart. And so did I.

I will know everything... in the interest of time.

>> Time skip to his first class <<

The first class was practical mana manipulation. It was a bit underwhelming, but I decided to attend it regardless, thinking I could reap some benefits.

As I entered the classroom, my eyes scanned the space, taking in the intricacies of mediaeval architecture. The walls were lined with shelves, each filled with books and mysterious trinkets that glimmered in the soft light. A large fireplace flickered at the front of the room, casting a warm glow over the rows of desks that were arranged in neat rows.

I couldn't help but not feel a sense of awe as I took it all in. This was no ordinary classroom, yet it looked so... simple, however - this was a place of magic, of wonder and mystery. And it was supposed to be my privilege to be a part of it.

As I settled into my seat, the professor entered the room, a proud smile on his face. He strode to the front of the room, his robes trailing behind him, and cleared his throat.

"Welcome, class," he began, his voice ringing out with authority. "As you all know, this is not just any ordinary classroom. This is a place of magic, a place where the impossible becomes possible. And it is my job to teach you how to harness that power, to wield it with skill and precision."

As he spoke, he gestured to the shelves and the trinkets that adorned them, his voice laced with pride. "These are the records of the students who have achieved so much under my tutelage. So as long as you stay close to me," he said and gave a sly smirk to the girls in the frontmost row as they all blushed in tandem, "you will be able to achieve greatness too."

My interest in the class had somewhat revived but as the professor continued to speak, his pride began to border on arrogance. The repeated talk of his own accomplishments, of the spells he had cast and the feats he had achieved. He seemed to revel in his own power, taking every opportunity to remind us of just how skilled he was and taking no opportunity to go out of hand to hit on a girl half his age.

His demeanour until now showed that he had the ability to back up his claims. However, human nature is something that nullifies even innate talents.

A person too self-conceited and arrogant, despite having every advantage possible at birth would sooner or later crash down, the innate gifts being of no use to him.

As I gazed out the window, my mind drifted to the subject of privilege and its often-corrosive effects on human behaviour.

It seemed to me that those born into positions of power or wealth were often doomed to fall prey to the seductive siren call of arrogance.

They became so enamoured with their own success that they forgot the essential humility that kept the rest of us---humans, grounded. And it was this arrogance that eventually led to their downfall, as they became more concerned with maintaining their position than with doing what was right. In the end, it was their own pride that betrayed them, their refusal to acknowledge their own flaws and limitations that ultimately led to their demise.

It was a tragedy, really, to see so much potential wasted in a blaze of ego and hubris. But such was the way of the world, I supposed - the powerful would always be vulnerable to the allure of their own privilege, and it was up to the rest of us to keep them in check.

However, I didn't feel obligated.

The obligation of keeping others in check for a smooth functionality of society, I just couldn't picture myself like that. However, as I heard the professor talk arrogantly about himself, it piqued my interest in his abilities. From what I could feel from the aura around him, he was a fire attribute augmenter.

Since this class was called practical mana manipulation, it was no wonder that the professor would assert his dominance as well as try to impress the girls by giving a practical demonstration.

"Now that all is said, it's time for things to get done. I don't want you lads and lassies to think I am a chatterbox." He said as extended his arms sideways, "Since this is a practical mana manipulation class, all we are going to do is a practical demonstration. Now... I need a volunteer."

I sighed. His nature was too predictable. The same thing could affect his fighting style. A person with mysterious air in general is more effective in fights because of his unpredictable nature. However, someone with his thoughts written all over his face was worse enough, but there were others who couldn't even understand. what he was trying to do and started to cheer for him.

Observing the bustling cheers of boys and girls alike around me, I couldn't help but ponder on the predictability of human nature.

Despite the infinite complexities and nuances of the human mind, our behaviours and decisions often followed a distinct pattern, like clockwork. The comfort of routine and the safety of the familiar seemed to be a driving force for many, creating a sense of order and stability in a chaotic world.

Yet, the irony of this predictable nature was not lost on me, for it was often the unexpected, the unpredictable that truly kept us engaged and alive. It seemed that humans were bound by their own desire for safety, but at the same time, drawn to the unknown, the excitement of the unpredictable. It was this dichotomy that made our species both fascinating and frustrating to observe, our predictability and unpredictability in constant conflict.

As I was lost in thoughts, a certain hand rose up.

Golden Blonde hair and elven ears. Hair braided.

It was Frith Ivsaar IV. During my stay at Elenoir, I had crossed paths with him several times and each time he would throw his glove at me or at the ground in front of me---challenging me to a duel.

However, I cannot help but wonder why we feel so compelled to uphold customs and traditions. Is it because we are creatures of habit, always seeking comfort in the familiar? Or is it something deeper, something more primal, a need to connect with our ancestors and the roots of our culture? Perhaps it is both - a delicate balance between the safety of routine and the desire for connection. But as I delve deeper into these musings, I realise that there is another aspect at play, something more insidious. It is the fear of the unknown, the terror of stepping outside of our comfort zones and facing the uncertainty that lies beyond.

But I was not afraid or terrified of the unknown. Hence, every time Feyrith challenged me, I would either keep walking or just wave him off by using Virion as a shield. He belonged to a noble family. The accidental death of the youngest kid while having a human in their kingdom could lead to a lot of serious ramifications for me.

Snapping out of my complicated and tiring inner monologue, I looked at the open space in front of me. Beyond the desks, was an open space, enough for a friendly spar.

I leaned forward and rested my chin on my interlocked fingers. However, my attention was interrupted as I saw a pair of eyes looking at me. Looking down, I saw a petite girl with an expressionless face, her brown eyes looking straight at me, ignoring the spar that was about to begin.

One glance into her and I could tell who she was.

The only thing that changed about this girl was her size.

She was the human princess---Kathyln Glayder.

She was looking at me with a keen look before standing up and walking in my direction.

Everyone else was too concerned about the fight that they didn't even know about her. Once she reached by my side, she pointed at the empty seats behind me. Not knowing what to say, I just motioned my head and she sat down right beside me.

"Hi."

"Uhhh, Hi." I replied.

An Awkward silence ensued as I said that. My conversations with Arisu weren't exactly in any sense normal as every time we talked, it was a means of extracting the maximum amount of information from each other. A mutual attempt at monopolising as much leverage as we could over each other.

As I sat in my seat, awkwardly shifting my weight from foot to foot, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation.

Conversations have never been my strong suit - I was more at home with books and research than with idle chatter. But as the human princess beside me spoke, her words measured and emotionless, I felt a spark of something within me.

Perhaps it is the thrill of a challenge, the rush of trying something new. Or perhaps it was something deeper, a desire to connect with another human being on a level that goes beyond words. And so, I took a deep breath and forced myself to respond, my voice tentative at first but gaining strength as I spoke.

It was not the most elegant of conversations, but it was a start, a tentative step towards the unknown. And as I turned and looked into the girl's eyes, I cannot help but feel a sense of hope, a sense that perhaps, just perhaps, there is more to life than research and isolation.

I felt Sylvie wake up for a mere second before going back to sleep in my lap.

She looked down at Sylvie, her chest heaving rhythmically with her breath as her eyes widened.

"You can touch it." I said, motioning towards my lap.

For a moment, there was silence between us, and I found myself wondering if I had said something wrong. But then, to my surprise, she responded by shaking her head and then talking.

"Thanks," she said, her voice still measured but with a hint of curiosity in her tone. Her hand travelled atop Sylvie's head as she patted her slightly before receding her hand and curling it, her demeanour taking a full 180 from a confident and silently approaching girl to that of a shy one.

I wanted to make a remark or a joke but knowing my interaction skills, It would just make it more awkward so I didn't do it and instead started to look at the fight that had just started.

The Professor Geist had already dashed forward, flames dancing around him like little wisps.

As I observed the supposed friendly spar between Professor Geist and Feyrith, I was reminded of the sheer mastery of the former, whose proficiency in the manipulation of fire mana left the latter, who wielded water mana, floundering in his wake.

The professor's incandescent flames danced with a fluidity that spoke of years of dedication and diligent practice, while his opponent's attempts at using aqueous energies were swiftly quenched by the superior heat and intensity of the former's fiery spells.

Although, on the surface value it was a good fight, the humiliation was obvious. I was hoping for a fight that could intrigue me, but the sheer arrogance of Geist killed the fun as he continued to toy with him.

The jovial spar between the bumptious and loquacious professor, who boasted of his unmatched proficiency in harnessing the power of fire mana, and the unassuming yet determined student, who sought to showcase his acumen in controlling the fluidic currents of water mana, left me spellbound.

Alas, my amazement was short-lived as Geist, with his facile command over the incendiary energy, effortlessly vanquished Feyrith's water spell---turning it into steam, who despite his valiant efforts, was unable to counter the professor's fiery assaults.

One to look at it was a positive one since even after the obvious attempts at humiliating Feyrith, he put on a good fight. Although he emerged defeated, his unwavering spirit and tenacity in the face of such formidable odds won the hearts of all present as all of the students clapped in tandem for him.

"Anyone else wants to give it a go? We still have time. Why not the other members of the Disciplinary Committee---the elite student combatants, give it a go?"

I looked to my right.

The human princess was also wearing a black uniform. A uniform indicating that she was a member of the same committee.

'This was going to be interesting.' I thought to myself as I saw the human princess get up and look at me.

"Good luck?" I asked her rather than telling her, my voice more monotone than usual. She didn't respond and walked down the stairs towards the Professor.

Did I mess it up?