The alarm clock rang with a crushing sound from the table disturbing my hard-acquired sleep. I woke up, shutting the clock; I got inside the bathroom and freshened up.
I was excited about today. Based on how today goes it will mark the beginning of a new page in my life. A smile broke down my face as I imagined meeting up with new people. I wore my neat and shiny white uniform. It sure made me look very smart.
I got out of the room and began my way out of the building. I did not get a good chance to check out the location of the dormitory yesterday and this was the first time I was getting out of the building. So my amazement was honest when I scouted the area. It was a secluded location with a hexagonal paved footpaths surrounded by dense forest. No wonder I heard cicadas and crickets buzzing all night, not to mention a few occasional hoots from owls. These sounds were what helped me to sleep last night.
I had my admit card turned identity card with me since I was not given any instruction on where my room was I figured the academy had already installed the necessary information on it.
To my surprise the admit card now functioned as a mobile device. It was thin and white as a paper but nonetheless hard and strong.
There were 3 pre-installed apps that showed in my former admit card but now what looked like a strong thin piece of paper, one was contacts, other was Academy's app and the last one was a tutorial app.
I tapped on the tutorial app.
(Welcome, Master Dinnar)
Immediately I heard a voice ring in my mind, which was odd. I did not hear it I just knew I heard it.
(What the hell!)
I thought.
(I am sorry if I startled master, we are having a conversation through telepathic links)
The voice explained.
(Oh! That explains a bit, thank you)
(I am called Qi and after being bathed in master's mana for some time, I am able to connect with the master through this link)
Oh, so she is a Qi. I have read about them. Just like Artificial Intelligence in my previous world, Qi here serves a similar purpose but the only difference is that they are made by extracting pure souls either from plants or holy beasts, and by bathing them in mana they will be able to operate.
The Qi feeds on data collected and recorded by the academy and provides the students with the necessary information, be it the layout of the school, buildings, students, or recent news and notices. But the downside is, the information to be released is controlled by the academy, so we can only know what the academy wants us to know.
(What does the master wish to know?)
(Can you show me where the first years are supposed to go?)
I telepathically asked her.
(Of course, the master is supposed to be at the Main Hall in five minutes. Does the master wishes to see the directions?)
(Yes and the estimated time to reach the Main Hall)
The top surface of the paper-like device glowed and a simple map was displayed. There were two different colored dots, one was black and the other was red.
(The black dot is master's current location and the red dot is the destination, the estimated time to reach is ten minutes)
Ten minutes!!
The academy sure is big but I had no time to think about it. Even if I ran at my full speed it will take me 7 to 8 minutes to reach. And I did not want to mess up on the very first day by showing up late. The only way it is possible is if I fly my way through.
I need to see what spells I have right now that can remotely help me fly.
(If master needs to check up on the current spells in master's Soul Slot Qi can check that up for master)
Qi replied as if reading my thoughts.
(You can do that?)
I asked surprised.
(Of course, after Qi bathes in master's mana, Qi replicates information on master's soul and will)
There was something I had no knowledge about. I did not know Qi could do such things. Well, there is always a new thing to learn every day.
(Okay, can you make it fast?)
(Of course)
Until she's done I decided to make a run for; at least I could cover some distance and save some time.
(Done)
The reply came much sooner than I had expected.
The display on the paper-like device split up where the right section showed the map, the left showed me the spells I could currently use and my mana amount. It was very efficient.
[Timed Spell]
[Dream World]
[Complete Invisibility]
[Devour]
[Body Double]
[Dimensional Storage]
[Nullify]
[Nihillity]
These were the spells that I could use now and as I checked through them, none could help me fly. I do know a spell that could but it will take some time to actually bring it in my Soul Slot. And I was not in a position to spare any time, I only had 3 minutes in my hand.
Think Ricardo, think, what you can do in 3 minutes to cover a long distance.
While I was lost in my thought and running as fast as I could, I did not see who was in front of me. There was a sudden strike and I lost control over my body before I could regain my control I collided with the person with a loud thud.
'What the-'
I heard a very familiar female voice that shook my heart. She was the last person I wanted to stumble upon today.
'M-Ms. Hikki'
I stood up getting off of her body and immediately bowed my head, apologetically.
'Please forgive me,'
'You bastard, are you blind?'
She scolded, still lying down flat on the ground. I could see that her cheeks were slightly flustered like she was embarrassed. She hurriedly got up after me.
Suddenly an idea struck me. I remembered that Ms. Hikki could use [Magic Chamber] which can help me reach my destination in just a matter of seconds. Although I do not want to go back in that dark, weird and haunting Altzec dimension and I was not sure if Ms. Hikki would accept my request, I had no other option left.
'Ms. Hikki, please I have a request for you,'
I asked.
'Oh, and what makes you think I would accept that request?'
She gave an evil sneer.
I gulped.
This might be the last thing I say today.
'Please can you help me reach the Main Hall, I am supposed to be there in about two minutes, please help me,'
I begged, still lowly bowing my head.
'I refuse, students are expected to follow rules and regulation perfectly, it is your fault that you woke up late, I can't help,'
She coldly denied.
'I wasn't late, I just got lost, and the academy is huge,'
'Not my problem,'
She was enjoying my situation.
'Please I beg you,'
'I refuse,'
'I will do anything if you help me this time,'
I tried to strike up a deal. It was my last resort. I was losing valuable time. Her eyes lit up with my response.
'Kufu, now we're talking my language,'
She licked her lip.
'What can you do?'
I have to play my cards right, I don't wanna do anything insulting on the first day or worst I don't wanna end up being Ms. Hikki's pet. But from what I observed on Ms. Hikki I think I can get my way out here.
One minute left!
'Anything as long as it is permitted by Kalinga,'
I answered.
'I refuse'
Dammit! She saw through my scheme. Well, it wasn't particularly a clever ruse. I suppose Ms. Hikki is not as stu[id as she looks.
'Are you trying to pull one on me, boy?'
Ms. Hikki glared.
'No Ms. Hikki I swear,'
I lied.
50 seconds left!
'I ask again, what can you do?'
Damn, she's one sadistic lady!
I had little time to lose and a face to save, so I finally gave what she wanted to hear.
'I'll do anything'
I sighed. I ended up with the worst possible end, Ms. Hikki's pet.
'Good, Kufufu,'
She sneered.
I don't like where this is going but I had no time to think and very little choice. Oh, well what's done is done; I can't go back on my words.
[Magic Chamber]
She cast her spell and I was taken back to the neverending darkness. With just 35 seconds to spare Ms. Hikki left me outside the entrance of the Main Hall.
'Don't you dare go back on your words, boy?'
She glared.
'I wouldn't dare,'
I said.
After thanking her, I rushed to the Main Hall, dreading what future has in store for me. When I entered the hall it was 15 seconds left till nine, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Inside the Main Hall a huge crowd was gathered for the morning assembly, students with both black and white uniform were present. Obivously, people with white uniform stood seperately from the people with black uniform. What surprised me more was among white uniformed students too, there were various clusters of groups but on the black side there weren't any clusters or groups. This scenario itself said out loud how narrow minded the nobles were.
But who am I to judge.
I noticed that some people from both black and white uniforms were staring at me. I had no idea which side to go so I decided to quitely stand near the entrance door.
Fortunately for me, at exactly 9 AM, a huge bell rang signalling the start of the day. The doors of the entrace were closed shut which startled me since I was standing close to it and the assembly progressed. Students who were late were left outside. The crowd that was hushing and buzzing just a second ago fell silent in an instant.
A short cute blond got on the stage and took her position behind the podium.
'Good morning, Fellow classmates, seniors and juniors. I, Amiyo Hukashi, will be conducting today's morning assembly. Without further ado, I would like to call upon the Director of the Academy, Sir Harry to welcome the new comers,'
Amiyo was speaking with confidence and enthusiasm like a professional showhost.
A middle-aged man with a stern look on his face and a black neat and clean suit took over the mic.
'Thank you Amiyo,'
His voice was surprisingly high pitched which came as a blow. I tried my best to stop myself from laughing. His appearance and his voice did not match at all. If I was blind-folded I would have mistaken him for a slightly masculine girl.
Apart from his voice completely unmatching his appearance, his body language was telling a completely different story. His actions reflected power and authority.
Director of the Academy was quite an interesting person.
I noted.
'It is my good fortune, to welcome new aspiring talents to this academy. Welcome dear students both old and new! This day and this time will mark the start of a journey you will embark towards developing their talents and skill as a magician and achieving your goals and targets, to be eveything you have ever wished for. Remember students without hardwork, perseverance and discipline, a soul will not live a fulfilling life worthy to be called a Canaanite and worthy of the blessing of our protector Canaanim.'
The speech went on for five minutes more where he explained what being a proper Canaanite meant. I wasn't particularly interested in his views because it painted a picture where future seemed dark and hopeless. A future where one side had to fall down against the other's might. And I truly hated that image.
I simply could not understand why Canaanites and Vendorians had to fight; can't they co-exist peacefully in the same world? Why to look each other as sworn enemies? I used to ponder these things even when I was a child. My mother and father used to tell me stories about how the spirit of Vendor unleashed her wrath upon the Canaanites and how we lost hundreds of brethrens. The story of The Age of Sorrow was very well-known all over Canaan.
Then he got to the actual business of informing the newly joined students about the rules and regulations of the academy.
The rules were fairly normal like any other school, but the academy had non-toleration policy against, rule violaters. But the thing that interested me the most was legal ways of settling a fight. We could settle misunderstanding and fights through a Duel. It was a permitted fight where the participants were allowed to use their spells in an alternate space. The fight should be initiated and fought under a teacher's supervision. The rules were all explained on the Carborater.
Turns out the paper-thin device had a name after all, it's called a Carborator. Also, the recent news and notices and schedules could be accessed by the Carborator after a student enters the Main Hall for the morning assembly. If the student was late for the assembly, they would not receive any information.
I got lucky to have excaped that fate today by an inch. All thanks to Ms. Hikki although I am pretty sure I will come to regret that decision later.
Don't know why but Ms. Hikki just gives me a scary vibe more so than that bald guy I saw at the entrance exam day.
And with all the necessary information dealt out the assembly was adjoured and the students went about their respective destinations. The assembly took exactly 15 minutes which was unbelievable considering that we had to endure a very long speech from the Director.
I checked my Carborater. I had received some new notices which were displayed on the apps icon.
I tapped it open and I heard Qi speak telepathically.
(Welcome Master, new news and notices have been received)
(What is my schedule for today?)
I asked.
(Master has five classes to attend today starting at 9:30 till 3:30. Master is Ranked 7th so, Master's class will be on the Round Table Building, the map will show master the direction)
Qi really is very efficient in her work.
I glanced at the displayed map, the distance between the red dot and the black dot wasn't far this time which calmed my nerves.
That reminded me I had to add a flying spell on my Soul Slot tonight.
(Does master wishes to be reminded about editing the Soul Slot?)
I was amazed how Qi could read through my thoughts.
(Yeah, that would be a great help, thanks)
I say it again, Qi is really efficient.
The Round Table Building was not far from the main hall. It was a short walk. The environment of the academy was beautiful with trees lined up neatly and paved footpaths with automatic magical street lamps, overall it seemed peaceful. The lamps were an interesting topic to look. When I was small and was just starting to learn magic I would often dream of creating a solar panel in this world. Back in Gaberu we still depend on magical energy and spells for light, it costs a lot of mana and the performance is not good. So I had wanted to research on the sources of energy in this world. That was when I stumbled upon the concepts of Sunstone and Sunstone Lamps.
The core concept is similar to a solar panel but it depends on magic gem to store sun's light as energy. In this world there are many stones that possess unbelievable energy which can be harnessed. Sunstone is among such gems. As far as theory goes Sunstone could be said to be similar to Silica, a major component in Solar Panel, it is just that Sunstone needs sawdust and pixie dust to function. The advantage of Sunstone powered lamps over Solarpanel is that Sunstone could store Sun's energy even in a cloudy and rainy day and it could do so with full potential.
Academy sure is well-funded to afford this many Sunstones, the cost of only one Sunstone is round 20,000 gold coins and developing Qi takes a lot of labor, time and money. Qi is an artificially made existence so it must cost nearly one platinum coin to create one Qi, which makes me wonder how the academy managed such huge funds. Of course, having affiliations with the Royal Family does makes sense but still, does our country have so much money that it can afford to spend loads of platinum coins on students. One platinum coin is worth one billion gold coins which is lot of money to throw away at students considering the fees it is taking.
Kyaa!
I was pondering such questions when I heard a girlish scream. I rushed to see what was up. The sound came from the direction that I was heading, The Round Table Building.
I rushed to see what was up, passing by a junction and taking the immediate left, I came upon a large clear area with a statue of what looked like a beautiful angel in the middle.
There I saw a pink-haired girl falling on the ground beside the statue while a black haired well built boy was laughing maniacally, holding his baton. There was clusters of group again, whispering, pointing and hushing.
I noticed that the girl was wearing a black uniform while the boy was in a white uniform, which gave a vague idea of what was going on. All of the students present in this spot were in white uniforms.
'Foolish girl, if you had just done what Young Master Valkyrie asked you to do, you would not have been in this situation,'
The black haired guy scoffed.
Who the heck was this idiot?
'He is Satou Fause, third son of the Fause Noble Family,'
Somebody responded to my thought. The whisper like voice came from my left.
Startled I immdediately turned to my side and saw a boy wearing black and white stripped bearskin cap on a white uniform, he was grinning.
I took a defensive stance; I felt an omnious vibe from him which felt dangerous but not evil.
'No need to be cautious, I am not here to do you any harm, yet?'
He specifically stressed on the last part.
'Who are you?'
I asked, glaring at him.
'HAHAHAHA!'
'Kyaaa!!'
I heard the sound of blasts followed by a scream and a manic laugh. The scream was heart wrenching.
But I focused on the boy in front. I grew cautious of him, he read my thoughts instantly, which meant he could use Mind Manipulation magic, but I was not sure how he had managed to cast a spell on me.
He waited for the sounds to drown down and calmly answered my question.
'Just a fellow classmate,'
He sneered.
I did not like the vibe he was giving. It was eerie.
'Don't mess with me,'
I warned.
He gave a big smile that was way creepier, seriously what is wrong with me, meeting all weird and sketchy characters. An image of Ms. Hikki came to mind.
'I wouldn't dare,'
I heard the girl scream again as that arrogant bastard Satou, threw spells after spells at her, mercilessly, while laughing loudly. The surrounding people were gladly sneering and enjoying the torture-show, which disgusted me.
How thick and disgusting can they get?
'They are pretty disgusting alright,'
The boy in front of me replied.
'Stop reading my mind, when did you even cast a spell on me?'
I was seriously creeped out.
'Aren't you going to save your pink haired friend?'
'My friend? What are you talking about?'
'The girl, at this rate she is gonna collapse you know,'
'I know but my friend? How can you possibly know that?'
It was true, although she was not my friend per say but I recognized her. She was the girl who bumped on me on the entrance exam day.
'We will have plenty of time to chat but if you will not hurry, Satou will take advantage of her,'
The boy smiled.
I turned to acess the situation and Satou was not slowing down his attacks on the girl. She looked weakened and frail covered in dust and bruises, her knees and elbows were bleeding.
I could not control my anger.
Who treats a girl that way!???
I promised myself to give Satou exactly what he deserves.
But first I had to know the identity of the creep who was in front of me.
'Tell me who really are you and why do you want me to help that girl?'
Even if he had not said so, I would have gone and help her, so his suggestion seemed wasted. If my guess is correct then he came here to introduce himself to me. As if to say, be aware of me.
The boy turned his back to leave.
'In time you will know,'
I did not see his face but I could bet that he was grinning.
Then he vanished without a trace in thin air.
His departure took me by surprise. His presence had completely vanished.
'Hahahaha'
I heard Satou laugh.
There was less time to lose; I made up my mind to teach Satou a lesson.