"Once the battle ended and the arena vanished, Professor Aveline Reinhart, a woman of imposing yet elegant stature, appeared. She had meticulously groomed silver hair framing a face with delicate yet resolute features. Her bright blue eyes held deep wisdom and a quiet authority. She wore a long blue robe. Her confident stride exuded an aura that commanded respect and trust. Her attentive gaze surveyed the scene, taking in the outcome of the battle. With an approving nod, she turned to the students.
"You have shown exceptional mastery of your skills, young mages," she declared in a calm yet authoritative voice. "However, it's time for us to begin our academic activities. Please follow me."
The students nodded, and led by Ms. Reinhart, they made their way to the designated classrooms. They traversed majestic corridors until they reached a large hall, where six individuals awaited, each emanating a distinct aura.
"Allow me to introduce the professors of your main subjects," Aveline announced with a clear voice. "Here is Professor Mr. Sylvestre, in charge of Invocation. Next to him is Professor Ms. Riven, a specialist in Curses."
The Invocation teacher was a man with messy black hair and sparkling emerald eyes. His tall, graceful figure seemed to reflect his deep connection with the summoned creatures.
The second professor, Ms. Riven, had ebony hair framing a calm yet attentive face. Her eyes appeared to be piercing blue, and she wore a dark scarf wrapped around her neck.
She continued introducing the other professors, indicating Professor Mr. Brimstone for Elementalism, his fiery red hair and eyes as vibrant as flames, his imposing stature accentuated by the ardent mana surrounding him. Then, Ms. Hélios for Theoretical Magic Studies, with pale luminous skin, silver hair cascading in soft waves, and deep blue eyes reflecting tranquility and wisdom. Mr. Faelan for Magical History, with wavy blond hair and sparkling green eyes. His regal presence was emphasized by intricately adorned clothing reminiscent of ancient mage lineages. Lastly, Professor Ms. Stelaris for Magical Combat, her tall and athletic figure in line with her subject. She had short brown hair and piercing icy blue eyes. Her imposing presence conveyed an unwavering determination and skill in magical confrontations.
"Each of them is an expert in their respective discipline. Respect them, learn from them, and you will progress in the path of magical mastery," concluded Aveline encouragingly.
The students respectfully bowed to their new teachers, ready to begin their learning in these crucial magical subjects.
"To determine everyone's level, we will start with a series of tests," announced Ms. Reinhart.
"First, let's take the attendance."
In a spacious and well-lit classroom, Ms. Reinhart stood before a list of students, ready to take attendance for the first time in the school year.
"Hello, everyone. Let's start with the attendance," she announced in a clear and confident voice.
She scanned the list and began: "Miss Addison Anderson?"
"Here, Madame," replied a young girl with braided blonde hair.
"Very well. Miss Bianca Bellamy?"
"Present," responded another student, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
"Next, we have Mr. Beomond Dusk."
"Present," answered Beomond, still sore from his duel.
Then, it was Erevan's turn:
"Mr. Erevan Marmaric?"
Eager to demonstrate his knowledge to his teacher, he spoke in Solesh:
"Raséna Solethéa," which could be translated as "Present, Madame."
Ms. Reinhart carefully scrutinized the documents, her eyes locked in deep concentration. Suddenly, her gaze shot up abruptly to meet Erevan's eyes.
"How... How do you know S...?" she stammered, incredulous. Her eyes were wide, betraying a mix of surprise and astonishment.
Silence filled the room, as if time itself had been suspended. A minute or two passed without a word breaking this strange silence. Ms. Reinhart, usually stoic, now seemed stunned, searching for answers in Erevan's gaze. After this initial astonishment, Ms. Reinhart slowly regained her composure, her expression shifting from surprise to measured reserve, regaining control of the situation with renewed confidence.
She continued the attendance and reached the last three names: "Miss Estelle O'Hara?"
"Present," replied a young girl with her black hair tied in a bun.
"Next, Mr. Benjamin Quinn?"
"Present," declared a boy with serious eyes and tousled brown hair.
"And finally, Miss Carmen Zephyr?"
"Present," murmured a young girl with curious eyes, attentively watching Ms. Reinhart.
"Very well, everyone is here. Wait for me at the entrance of the gymnasium, I'll be there," said the professor.
Erevan suspected that the teacher would report this incident with the headmaster because of his intervention in this forgotten language known only to about fifteen people.
This situation suited him; he would have to make less effort to be noticed.
Meanwhile, Ms. Reinhart had arrived at the headmaster's office.
"Hello, Mr. Cromwell," she said after opening the door to his office.
"Hello, Ms. Reinhart. Do you have any issues to report regarding your class?"
"No... Well, yes. To tell you the truth, I am currently very confused."
"Please, tell me what troubles you."
"A first-year student in my class..."
"Yes, what did they do? Are you simply reporting behavioral issues from a student?"
"No, Mr. Director, it's more... I'm perplexed."
"Tell me what's on your mind."
"A student from my class, a first-year student, he... he masters Solesh."
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I might have misheard your sentence."
"No, no, sir, that's exactly what I meant."
"Which student are you referring to? Is it the son of the Duke of Dusk or some noble member?"
"No, and that's what's incredibly surprising. The student at the center of my visit to your office is named Erevan Marmaric, and he comes from the small town of Aynor over 1000 Nirics away from here."
"Erevan Marmaric, you say? His last name rings a bell... Yes! His father is a great blacksmith who supplies weapons and armor to the imperial army. I didn't know his son mastered magic."
"What should I do, sir?"
"Finish the aptitude test, and if you judge that his performances are in line with his knowledge, bring him to me."
"It shall be done, then."