As they walked through the corridors, Shiiyo couldn't help but be curious about the magical world surrounding him. Glancing at the teacher, he decided to satisfy his curiosity.
Shiiyo curious "By the way, it's nice meeting you. I didn't catch your name."
The teacher replied "My sincere apologies for that oversight. I am Professor Althea, fulfilling the roles of both teacher and assistant to the esteemed Great Sage of our academy."
Shiiyo, impressed "Great Sage? That sounds pretty important. Nice to meet someone of such stature."
Professor Althea smiled warmly "The pleasure is entirely mine, Mr. Shiiyo. Now, in what manner may I be of further assistance to you?"
Shiiyo, still curious, couldn't hold back his questions about the academy "This place is incredible. What kind of magical studies do you offer here? And, uh, what's the Great Sage like?"
Althea, pleased by Shiiyo's interest, began explaining "Within our hallowed halls, we offer an expansive array of magical studies, ranging from elemental magic to advanced spellcasting. The Great Sage herself is a formidable mage, possessing unparalleled knowledge. Students from distant lands come to glean wisdom from her."
Shiiyo, intrigued "Sounds fascinating. Are there any famous alumni from this academy?"
Althea, nodding "Indeed, many accomplished mages have emerged from these venerable halls, contributing to magical research, spellcraft, and even gracing royal courts. Our academy boasts a truly rich and storied history."
Shiiyo, absorbing the information "Wow, that's impressive. I bet the students here get to experience some incredible magical moments."
Althea, chuckling "Absolutely. The pursuit of magical knowledge is a journey adorned with wonders. Should you ever express interest, we occasionally extend invitations to outsiders for select lectures or events."
Shiiyo, with a grin "I might just take you up on that offer someday. Thanks for sharing, Professor Althea."
Althea, leading the way "You have my gratitude, Mr. Shiiyo. Now, let us ensure those boxes find their way to their intended destination."
As they approached the Sage's chamber, Shiiyo braced himself, anticipating a spectacle of magical wonders. He envisioned hovering books, owls gliding through the air, and bottles of magical potions awaiting his arrival.
Althea knocked on the door, announcing their presence to the Great Sage. To their surprise, there was no response. Althea exchanged a perplexed look with Shiiyo before deciding to enter.
Opening the door revealed a scene quite contrary to Shiiyo's vivid imagination. Instead of gracefully floating books, there was a clatter of books scattered on the floor. In place of an elegant owl, a crow fluttered about, and, most noticeably, the Great Sage was nowhere to be found. Bewildered, Shiiyo couldn't help but mutter, "This is not what I expected, straight out of a potter movie."
Glancing at Althea, felt a red, menacing aura emanating from her, and her expression indicated clear frustration. Nervously, Shiiyo asked, "Althea-sensei, is there something wrong?"
Althea, seething with anger, called out, "Astralynn!" The force behind her voice conveyed not just irritation but a sense of urgency and concern. Shiiyo, now thoroughly bewildered, wondered what unexpected twist awaited them in the Sage's chamber.
Amidst the chaotic scene in the Sage's chamber, Shiiyo couldn't help but express his bewilderment, muttering, "What the hell happened here?" He surveyed the mess, attempting to make sense of the disarray.
Suddenly, a subtle movement caught his attention from one of the piles of books. Curiosity piqued, he approached cautiously. As he neared the source, he heard a soft moan emanating from beneath the books. Without hesitation, Shiiyo set down the box he carried and began to uncover the hidden figure.
As he revealed the last book, a hand emerged, and Shiiyo exclaimed, "Althea-sensei! I think I found her."
Althea swiftly joined him, and together, they unearthed the person buried beneath the pile of books. Shiiyo found himself staring at a woman in a lab coat, possessing a curvy figure, silver hair, and porcelain-like skin.
Althea, still visibly annoyed, scolded the woman, "How many times must I implore you not to indulge in slumber while on duty? Do you comprehend the inconvenience you've caused us today, Great Sage Astralynn!"
Shiiyo, shocked by the revelation, stammered, "Uh? Eh? That's?" Althea nodded in confirmation, "Yes, this lazy person here is the Great Sage, her name is Astralynn Stellarsong." The discrepancy between Shiiyo's grand expectations and the reality before him left him utterly astonished.
Althea and Shiiyo began to clean the sage room, Althea was thankful for Shiiyo's help "Your assistance is truly appreciated, Sir Shiiyo, even though this wasn't part of the initial request," Shiiyo replied "It was nothing anyway" on the background Astralynn having the listless personality and half a sleep on the table called out for Althea "Althea, darling, mind passing me my glasses? It appears they've pulled a disappearing act on me." Althea sighted "Astralynn, my dear, it seems your glasses have embarked on a brief adventure of their own. Now, do sit still and refrain from initiating any further chaos. I'll retrieve them presently."
As Shiiyo found himself seated in front of the drowsy sage, he couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. From his perspective, her blue eyes sparkled, her silver silky hair flowed gracefully, and her skin seemed to glow. Sensing a strange and unfamiliar feeling, Shiiyo abruptly got up from his seat, bid his farewell, and walked briskly towards the door.
However, Althea, with a hint of persuasion in her voice, tried to halt his departure. "Mr. Shiiyo, might you consider lingering for a while? Your presence is always appreciated, and it would be delightful to have you stay a bit longer."
Shiiyo, adjusting his glasses with a slightly white-tinted gaze, responded, "I already delivered the request, and there's nothing else for me to do. So, adios." Despite his attempt to leave, Althea persisted, "But wouldn't you care to join us for afternoon tea? Do come; I've already prepared a selection, especially for your enjoyment." Sighing, Shiiyo reluctantly agreed, "Fine, I'll stay for a while."
The trio then changed their surroundings, making their way to the balcony for what promised to be an interesting afternoon tea.