Chereads / The legacy of Powers / Chapter 29 - Call Me Ignis

Chapter 29 - Call Me Ignis

As Ignatius stepped into the Headmaster's office, he couldn't help but be awestruck by the grandeur of the surroundings. The room seemed to exude an air of wisdom and authority, with shelves lined with ancient tomes and artifacts adorning the walls.

"Welcome, Ignatius," greeted Headmaster Cliff, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "Please, take a seat."

Ignatius settled into the chair opposite the Headmaster, his nerves tingling with anticipation as he awaited the start of their conversation.

"I must apologize for the events that transpired with the artifact," began Headmaster Cliff, his tone sincere. "Could you tell me more about its origin?"

Ignatius hesitated for a moment before responding, his mind racing with memories of the mysterious gift. "It was a gift from someone," he explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

The Headmaster nodded thoughtfully, his gaze probing as he moved on to the next topic. "And your parents? Do you know anything about your father?"

Ignatius's brow furrowed as he considered the question. "I don't know much about my father," he admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "But my mother's name is Amara, and the one who enrolled me in the academy is the Old Monk."

Headmaster Cliff's eyebrows shot up in surprise at this revelation. "The Old Monk admitted you into the academy?" he repeated, his curiosity piqued. "That is quite unexpected."

The conversation continued, with Headmaster Cliff delving deeper into Ignatius's background and experiences. With each question, Ignatius found himself reflecting on the journey that had brought him to this moment, grappling with questions of identity and purpose.

As Headmaster Cliff inquired about the meaning of Ignatius's name, a flood of memories washed over him, each wave carrying the weight of unresolved emotions. Ignatius hesitated, his mind a tempest of conflicting thoughts and buried truths. The mention of his father ignited a firestorm within him, consuming the facade of indifference he had carefully constructed.

In a moment of raw vulnerability, Ignatius's voice cracked as he recounted the abandonment he and his mother had endured. The words hung heavy in the air, each syllable a testament to the pain etched into Ignatius's soul. 

Ignatius spoke, his voice laced with determination and a hint of defiance. "My father left me and my mother," he confessed, the words a bitter pill to swallow. "I don't want to keep his name with me anymore."

In that pivotal moment, Ignatius shed the weight of his past, casting aside the name that bore the mark of abandonment and forging a new identity from the flames of his resilience. With a resolute gaze, he declared, "From this day forth, call me Ignis."

Headmaster Cliff further asked, "How did you survived the attack of that beast? ", after a pause He continued, "How did you unleashed such power after losing your hand at that moment?".

As Headmaster Cliff posed his final question to Ignis, the air in the office seemed to crackle with anticipation. Ignis felt the weight of the inquiry settle upon him, each word a challenge to confront the truth that lay hidden within him.

With a thoughtful pause, Ignis considered his response, the wheels of his mind turning as he weighed his options. "If I reveal the truth about the ring's suppression," he thought to himself, "I'll be subject to even more scrutiny. But if I fabricate a tale of newfound power, perhaps I can avoid further interrogation."

Summoning his resolve, Ignis met the Headmaster's gaze with steady determination. "Well, Sir," he began, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him, "I discovered my abilities under duress, in the heat of the moment. My body moved on its own." His words held a hint of vulnerability, a carefully crafted facade to shield him from further scrutiny.

Headmaster Cliff nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed Ignis's explanation. "Ah, I see," he murmured, his tone tinged with curiosity. "It's remarkable what one can achieve under pressure."

Rising from his seat, Headmaster Cliff extended a hand in farewell, the weight of his authority palpable in the room. "It's time for me to attend to other matters," he announced, his demeanor a blend of warmth and authority. "Until next time, Ignis. Take this time to rest and recuperate before your classes resume next week."

As Headmaster Cliff departed, Ignis felt a wave of relief wash over him, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He made his way back to his dorm room.

As Ignis was walking toward his Dorm room, he found students looking at him.

Student 1 (Whispers) : Look That is the student that fought the wolf, such a fluke He can't even use magic.

Student 2: That must be some effect of the artifact.

Student 3: He must have bribed the wolf

Student 4: You fucking serious?

Ignoring the voices, Ignis kept walking. Mockery was a common thing for him now.

--

As Ignis turned the handle to his dorm room, he was met with an unexpected sight.

There, amidst the soft glow of lamplight, stood a stunning girl in the midst of changing her clothes. The gentle curve of her silhouette caught his eye, drawing him in with an irresistible allure. 

"AAHHHH"

Caught off guard by Ignis's sudden entrance, the girl's startled scream filled the room, her delicate features etched with surprise. Ignis's heart raced as he took in the sight before him, his breath catching in his throat at the sheer beauty before him.

In a moment of panic, Ignis slammed the door shut with a resounding crash, the force of his actions shattering the door.

Through the splintered wood, he caught another glimpse of the girl, her form bathed in moonlight filtering through the makeshift opening.

A startled cry escaped the girl's lips as she recoiled from the unexpected intrusion, her hands moving to shield her modesty.

"PERVERT"

Ignis's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he stumbled back, his heart pounding in his chest with a mixture of shock and desire.

Before Ignis could utter a word of apology, the girl's reaction turned from surprise to indignation, her fists clenched in a show of defiance.

*BAAM*

With a swift motion, she lashed out, her hand connecting with Ignis's nose in a sudden burst of pain.

As Ignis staggered back, blood trickling from his nose, he felt the room spin around him before darkness enveloped him in its embrace. With a soft thud, he crumpled to the floor, his consciousness slipping away as the world faded into oblivion.

--

Ignis blinked, his vision swimming as he slowly regained consciousness. As he glanced around the room, the soft light filtering through the curtains illuminated the figure of the girl who had knocked him out. She hovered nearby, her expression a mix of concern and frustration.

Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, a silent understanding passed between them. But before Ignis could speak, the girl's features hardened, her brows knitting together in a fierce scowl.

"What were you thinking, barging in like that?" she snapped, her voice sharp with indignation. "You scared the life out of me!"

Ignis winced at the accusation, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry," he stammered, struggling to find the right words. "I didn't mean to intrude. It was an accident."

The girl's glare softened slightly at his apology, but her frustration was still evident in the rigid set of her shoulders. "Well, you certainly have a funny way of showing it, your pp is making me feel uncomfortable" she retorted, her tone laced with shyness. 

Ignis's cheeks flushed crimson at the girl's blunt remark, her words hitting him like a cold splash of water. "I-I'm sorry, It get like this sometimes" he stammered, mortified by her observation. "I didn't mean to... um... I'll leave."

He scrambled to sit up, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to compose himself. But before he could make a move, he caught sight of the girl's flushed cheeks and averted gaze, and a pang of sympathy washed over him.

"Wait," Ignis said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"

The girl hesitated, her lips pursed in uncertainty. "I... I'm fine," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Ignis could see through her facade, the tension in her posture betraying her true feelings. "You don't look fine," he insisted, his tone gentle yet firm.

He realised something, "What's going on? And why are you in my room?"

"This is my dorm room," the girl insisted, her voice laced with frustration. "You barged in without knocking!"

Ignis shook his head, his brow furrowing in disbelief. "No, this is my dorm room," he countered, his tone firm. "I have the key and everything."

They continued to argue back and forth, their voices rising with each passing moment, until finally, the girl's frustration boiled over. "Fine!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with anger. "What's your name, then?"

Ignis hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden question. "Uh, my name is Ignis," he replied, his voice softening slightly.

The girl's eyes widened in surprise, her lips parting in astonishment. "Ignis?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ignis nodded, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks as he met her gaze. "Yeah, Ignatius, actually. But I go by Ignis," he explained, his words tinged with uncertainty.

A smile spread across the girl's face, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, well, well," she teased, her tone playful. "Looks like we're roommates, Ignis."

Ignis couldn't help but return her smile, his heart pounding in his chest as he took in her radiant expression. "I guess we are," he agreed, a sense of warmth washing over him.

The girl flashed Ignis a mischievous grin, her eyes dancing with playful intent. "You know, Ignis," she began, her voice laced with flirtatious charm, "you really should knock before barging into a girl's room, especially when she's in the middle of changing."

Ignis felt a flush creep onto his cheeks at her teasing words, his heart fluttering in his chest as he met her gaze. "I-I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I promise I won't do it again."

The girl's smile widened, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "Good," she purred, her tone dripping with flirtation. "Because next time, I might not be so forgiving."

The girl's playful tone caught Ignis off guard, and he couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in his chest at her flirtatious remark. He nodded eagerly, a sheepish smile spreading across his face.

"Of course, I promise," he replied, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I'll definitely knock next time. I didn't mean to barge in like that."

"What is your name?" Ignis asks The girl,

"The Name is Ivy, Ivy Stephanova." The girl replies with a smug smile,

Ignis couldn't help but be drawn in by Ivy's captivating presence, her name rolling off her tongue like a melody. "Ivy Stephanova," he repeated, savoring the sound of her name. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ivy."

Ivy's eyes sparkled with amusement at Ignis's question. "You catch on fast, Ignis," she remarked, a playful grin tugging at her lips. "Yes, my father is John Stephanova, the king of the Marksman Kingdom."

Ignis's mind raced with recognition as the pieces fell into place. "Of course," he exclaimed, a flicker of realization lighting up his features. "I've heard of your family before."

As Ivy leaned in closer, Ignis felt his heart skip a beat, her touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through him. "Wait, you know my mother?" he asked, unable to conceal the surprise in his voice.

A smile danced across Ivy's lips as she nodded. "Oh yes, Mrs. Amara," she replied, her eyes shimmering with admiration. "She's my idol, so beautiful, so graceful, so smart."

Ignis's heart swelled with pride at Ivy's words, a warmth spreading through him at the thought of his mother. "Yes, she's incredible," he agreed, his voice filled with affection. "And yes, Ivy, she's my mom."

But as Ivy's expression shifted, Ignis's heart sank, her words cutting through the air like a knife. "You're her son?" she exclaimed, a hint of disbelief coloring her tone. "You're that weak Harizama, haha, nice to meet you."

Ignis winced at Ivy's words, feeling a pang of hurt deep in his chest at being labeled as the weak Harizama. But he pushed the discomfort aside, determined to maintain his composure in front of Ivy.

"Why did they allow a girl and a boy to be roommates?" Ignis questioned, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Ivy shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. "I guess I was the last to ask for a dorm room," she explained with a playful smirk. "And you were the lucky one without any roommates, so the academy made an exception. Maybe they trust you," she added, a hint of teasing lacing her words.

Ignis chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at Ivy's playful banter. "Well, they sure do," he replied with a grin. "After all, I did save a teacher. I think it was worth it, though," he added with a wink, his gaze lingering on Ivy's face.

Ivy's cheeks flushed with color at Ignis's compliment, her heart fluttering at the unexpected praise. But before she could respond, Ignis found himself smacked unconscious by Ivy's playful retaliation, leaving her to wrestle with the flurry of emotions swirling inside her.