After leaving the Adventurers' Guild, I hopped into the car next to Khrom, and we kicked off our journey back to the academy houses. We discussed various things along the way, with me mostly bombarding Khrom with questions about all the stuff I'd seen during our drive.
When we pulled up at the mansion, Khrom said his goodbyes without even coming in. I walked in and saw Winston standing there, waiting for me. A servant came over to grab the shopping bags and take them to my room.
"Young master. Master Hartley wants you in the library. Please follow me."
"Sure thing."
I trailed behind Winston, my mind racing with all the things I needed to ask the headmaster.
Before I knew it, we were standing in front of the library. Winston bid me farewell and left me on my own.
"Come in."
Just as I was about to knock, Headmaster Hartley's voice echoed from inside. I walked in and saw him reading a book.
"Have a seat. I know you must have a lot to talk about."
I plopped down in a chair across from him.
"Alright, ask away."
"Headmaster, what's the deal with me learning swordsmanship when I'll be becoming a mage?"
Headmaster Hartley chuckled, like my question was a punchline he'd heard before.
"Well, Alex, you have to understand that monsters in this world aren't gonna sit down and chat. You need some physical skills to fight them. Plus, it's not that uncommon for mages to learn some combat moves. All the mages learn physical combat before they start monster-hunting."
"Okay. So, I guess I'll be practicing my sword moves. Oh, and what about artifacts and beastfolk? Are there potions, pills and oh also are there other races as well?"
The headmaster waved his hand like he was telling me to slow down.
"Easy there, Alex. You'll learn all about that in due time. For now, just focus on your training and the books I gave you."
I gave a sigh that basically meant, "Okay, I'll be patient."
"Sure thing, but what about swordsmanship classes when I'm officially at the academy?"
"Don't sweat it. Academy classes start at eleven in the morning, so you'll have time to practice before. Oh, and get ready for the party. You'll be heading out with Sia and Lynda soon."
"Alright, guess I'll head out. Thanks again, Headmaster."
After a quick clean-up and slipping into my new suit, I headed downstairs to the lounge. Both of them were dressed up for the party and chatting about the event.
We exchanged greetings and hopped into a super fancy car for the city. Man, this thing was like the king of cars. Smooth ride, luxurious seats—the whole VVIP package.
As we cruised along, Sia and Lynda were chatting about the event.
"I can't believe we're gonna be at Amber's place," Lynda blurted out.
"Yeah, wonder what it's like in there," she added.
"And the Stone family will be in attendance," Sia chimed in.
Lynda leaned in and said, all serious-like, "And don't forget, General Mike will be there as well…"
Sia chimed in, "Wait, really? I didn't know that…"
Turning towards me and seeing no reaction from me, she asked, "Hey, Alex, why are you not surprised that the Beast Slayer will be attending the party?"
Feeling awkward, I replied, "Because, I don't know him or for that matter anybody you mentioned."
"Really, how can you not know any of them? Three years ago, General Mike was the one who led the adventurers and soldiers to stop the largest dungeon outbreak we have faced."
Pausing for a moment, she said, "Forget it, if you don't even know General Mike, you won't know anybody at the party."
"I think so too," Lynda agreed. "I guess he can get to meet some famous people."
I was still feeling a little nervous. This was a whole new world for me, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
Alongside Lynda and Sia, we arrived outside a pretty big mansion. It was even bigger than Headmaster Hartley's house, making me wonder whose party we were attending. I was somewhat uncomfortable going to parties, and seeing this mansion, I started to think the party might be more than I could handle.
The trio quickly stepped out of the car and onto the red carpet leading up to the entrance. Excitement pulsed through our veins as we entered the ornate gates and stepped into the opulent mansion. A girl around Sia's age was waiting there; the guard had previously contacted her, and she was aware that we had arrived.
"Welcome!" She greeted us warmly. Describing her as stunning would be an understatement. Her red hair cascaded down her back in straight strands, and she wore a regal purple dress, her neck adorned with a diamond necklace.
"WOW!" Sia exclaimed, her enthusiasm uncontainable. "You look stunning!"
"Thank you!" Amber replied with a gracious smile. Observing her, I found myself agreeing that she was indeed beautiful; my heart skipped a beat, but I kept my thoughts to myself. Lynda also complimented Amber on her appearance.
"Wow," Lynda said, her gaze fixed on the towering mansion. "This is going to be amazing."
Amber turned to me, her inquisitive gaze fixed on my face. Caught off guard by her sudden attention, I managed a polite smile, my nerves tingling in response to her striking presence. It wasn't often that I found myself in the spotlight, and her directness only added to my sense of surprise.
Sia, with her usual grace, took the lead. "This is Alex," she introduced me with a cheerful tone. "He's the apprentice my grandfather took under his wing. Alex, meet Amber."
Amber's lips curved into a welcoming smile, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity as they lingered on me. "Ah, the headmaster's new apprentice. Quite the surprise, considering he's taking on a student with Sia as his granddaughter. Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Alex."
I returned her smile, my unease giving way to a growing sense of comfort. "Likewise, Amber. I've been hearing about this party, and I must admit, I'm genuinely looking forward to it."
She chuckled softly. "Good to hear. Well, the party's just getting started, so dive right in and enjoy yourself."
Crossing the threshold of Amber's grand mansion alongside my enchanting companions, I was immediately engulfed by the overwhelming opulence that enveloped us. The walls were adorned with masterful artwork, and the marble floors gleamed softly beneath the gentle glow of the suspended chandeliers.
The expansive ballroom beckoned, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the centerpiece—a massive chandelier hanging from the lofty ceiling. Its crystal and gold composition caught and refracted the light, casting a mesmerizing display across the room.
The ballroom itself was a marvel of architecture, boasting towering pillars and intricate embellishments that spoke of no expense spared in its construction. The air was alive with the hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses, and the sight of elegantly dressed guests added to the air of sophistication.
On a raised platform, a man and his wife stood, their smiles warm and welcoming. He was clad in a sleek black suit while she radiated elegance in a gown that shimmered with every graceful movement. Amber's parents—hosts of the evening.
As the night unfolded, notable figures began to fill the ballroom, each exuding an air of influence. Among the crowd, I recognized General Mike, a man of both renown and honor, responsible for leading the city's defense during a crucial dungeon outbreak. His formal military attire was adorned with gleaming medals that testified to his valor.
Elsewhere, Max engaged in animated conversation, his presence commanding attention as he navigated through the social landscape. As I mingled with my companions, Sia and Lynda, I couldn't help but marvel at the presence of famed adventurers, esteemed ministers, ambassadors, and local luminaries.
Yet, amidst the grandeur, a wave of unease washed over me. Amber's father, the mayor of the city, seemed to fix his gaze on me from the stage, intensifying the sensation of being a fish out of water in this sea of refinement.
While General Mike's entry was awe-inspiring, the sudden hush that fell upon the ballroom was almost palpable. A procession of individuals in military attire followed him, and among them was Maximilian, a figure whose presence never failed to draw attention.
With each step, General Mike exuded an air of commanding authority. His purposeful strides conveyed an unmistakable confidence and competence, a testament to a man who had faced and conquered adversity. He carried himself with an aura that commanded respect, having earned his place as a revered figure through his valorous actions during the dungeon outbreak.
Approaching the raised platform, General Mike's keen gaze swept across the room, sizing up the crowd with the precision of a seasoned leader. His blonde hair was cropped short, and his vibrant green eyes seemed to pierce through the shifting lights of the ballroom.
As the night progressed and the party's energy intensified, I found myself immersed in a world that was equal parts enchantment and unease. The opulence that surrounded me was awe-inspiring, yet the weight of unfamiliarity lingered. Amidst the conversations, the laughter, and the mingling of extraordinary individuals, I couldn't shake off the sensation that this was only the beginning of a journey into a realm where magic and reality intertwined in ways I was yet to fathom.