"This meeting is now underway." Seated at the head seat within the conference room of the academy, Aleister glazed over those present. There was Professor Fergus, Gregory, and Eudora.
There was also Professor Melisande; she had a head of long, flowing light green hair styled into a single ponytail. Her face was round, with a cute button nose and large eyes where green orbs sat. She did not at all look her age; her clothes consisted of a simple, elaborate lime green dress. All in all, she did not look like one would expect an alchemy teacher to look like.
Then there was Professor Eugene, a sculpted face with a permanent frown. He had a head of neat black hair and emerald eyes. He was dressed in a simple yet decorative black suit with gold outlines and a lilac undershirt. The professor who was responsible for the various wards that defended the academy as well as the professor responsible for ward practice.
And of course the guest, King Thordan, the seventh's very own court mage, Guinevere Fae. All were seated at the table.
"So out with it, Vixen." Of course, Professor Fergus was the second to speak as he directed his gaze at the court mage. "What was so bloody important that you needed young Aleister to hear?"
"Do you have to be so uncouth?" Professor Eudora could not help but comment, brushing a strand of her purple hair out of her face.
"I must agree." Professor Gregory chimed in. "It would not do well to speak to the court mage in such a savage manner."
"I-I agree?" Not wanting to feel left out, Professor Melisande spoke out.
"WHATS WITH YA BASTARDS GANGING UP ON ME ALL OF A SUDDEN!" Obviously annoyed, Professor Fergus shouted out.
"Now, now let's get back on track." Aleister tried but failed to hide the smirk that stretched onto his face at seeing Professor Fergus being so riled up. "Now, Guinevere, was it? I suppose you're here because of that demon attack, no?"
"Well, that is only partially why I am here." She stated. "The geezer Thordan wanted me to confirm if the relic was still safe."
"Rest assured it is." Professor Eugene spoke up. "The wards I placed on it are different from the ones I created for the academy and even the forbidden section of the library. I won't bore you with the details, but it would take a considerable amount of effort to reach the relic." He explained.
"Then I'll take your word for it." Guinevere hummed. "But still, it is strange for more than one Chaosmaw to present itself." She murmured.
"You've got that right, Vixen." Professor Fergus agreed.
"It's possible they've been in hiding for awhile. The words of one of the Chaosmaw's attest to that." Professor Gregory inputted.
"Could it be possible that there are more than two?" Professor Melisande questioned, not at all liking the prospect of more than two roaming around.
"It may be possible." Professor Eudora started. "Chaosmaw's may be rare, but anything is possible. And from the way the one who battled Professor Gregory spoke, they may have an organization."
"S-seriously?" Professor Melisande blurted out.
"A troublesome thought." Professor Eugene murmured before turning to Guinevere. "But you stated you had more business you wanted to disclose." The court mage nodded her head.
"Two things, to be exact." She clarified as she continued. "The first is regarding the upcoming festival for Octavia."
"You no doubt want Lucinda to participate again, no?" Aleister quickly surmised.
"Indeed, her cooperation ensures Galadriel's victory. With her being the spawn of Octavia as well as an Inheritor, she will be instrumental in combating the other Inheritors of Verdantis." Guinevere explained. "But my reason for bringing up the festival was not mainly for young Lucinda."
"Then out with it." Professor Fergus spoke slightly impatiently.
"As of now, we only have four participants, including me, General Mai, the Stark prodigy, and the Crown Princess. I'm sure you can see the issue here." Guinevere spoke as Professor Gregory followed suit.
"Too few." He stated. "Are last year's participants out of commission?" He questioned.
"Indeed, barring me and Mai." She answered.
"I can see where you are going with this." Aleister interrupted. "You wish for more of my students, correct? To participate in the festival." Guinevere nodded her head as Professor Eudora frowned.
"I mean, no disrespect, Lady Guinevere, but most of the other students in the academy would only be a hindrance. Most lack any real battle experience." She argued.
"Then recommend to me those who can adapt quickly. This was a direct request from the king; we only need one more victory. But as do Verdantis and Vel'ryr, and I am sure you do not harbor weaklings at this academy." Guinevere shot back, only deepening Professor Eudora's frown.
"Headmaster...." She threw a glance at Aleister, who seemed to mentally mull over something.
"Well, true, I suppose." Aleister started. "We are on our way to winning the big prize. So Galadriel must pull out all the stops. With that said, I'd recommend Princess Mirabella. As inexperienced as she is, her raw magical output should prove useful, especially if she is paired up with her elder sister. Now then, how about you, lot? Have any recommendations for the festival?"
"The Gregory brat." Professor Fergus was the first to speak up. "For an inexperienced whelp, she knows her way around a battle. And that masked brat, Mikoto."
"You can not be serious." Professor Gregory furrowed his brows as he addressed his colleague. "You would recommend that buffoon? He is not even a spawn."
"Ah? Since when has that mattered?" Professor Fergus huffed. "Spawn or not, that mask brat managed to keep up with your daughter in today's training." That tidbit of information left Professor Gregory looking slightly appalled.
"Absurd." He merely uttered out; he had more words, but he was interrupted as Guinevere spoke up.
"Mikoto, yes, I would very much like him to participate." She murmured. Her interest seemed a mystery to most at the table safe for Professor Fergus. "But you no doubt have more to recommend."
"W-what of Victoria?" Professor Melisande meekly recommended. "Compared to the others, she is experienced and smart to boot."
"The spawn of the god Almeric, no? With her innate knowledge, she could prove useful." Guinevere stated that as Professor Melisande looked proud of herself now for the recommendation. "But still, we're short a few. Though unless the spawn of Isadora and Aragorn are Inheritors, we would not need the extra manpower. But considering their age, I am guessing they're not."
"I do have two in mind." Professor Eugene spoke up. "But still, they must still need further assessment before I can make a concrete choice."
"So it is settled; those we recommend..." Headmaster Aleister spoke up. "Mirabella, Elijah's heir, Mikoto, Victoria, and the two professors Eugene will look into."
"Hold on." Professor Eudora quickly interrupted. "While I cannot speak for Mikoto, the others mentioned are skilled and powerful in their own right; however, as I mentioned, they lack experience. Mirabella and Agatha were beaten by that Chaosmaw despite working together. Should they participate in the festival, they would be facing opponents on par or stronger than the Chaosmaw."
"Your opinion is noted, Elizabeth. That is why I've come up with the perfect solution." Aleister stated, drawing a confused look. "A curriculum."
"Curriculum?" Professor Eudora questioned, and Aleister was quick to clarify.
"A simple training regime. The few recommended students will receive the experience they need."
"And how is that?" Professor Eugene questioned.
"Take them outside of the academy, hell, the region itself. Have them battle any enemy they come across." He explained. "The best way to gain the experience they need is to battle."
"While there are holes in this 'curriculum' of yours, I agree this could be of help. The festival is still a good while away, so this is as good a chance as any. And I have just the problem these children could work out." Guinevere spoke.
"But who will accompany the children on this journey?" Professor Melisande asked, slightly concerned. "We're already stretched thin at the academy."
"I can." Professor Eugene spoke up. "With all the wards repaired, there is not much need for me to be at the academy. I can look after the children."
"Alone?" Professor Melisande questioned.
"As you've said, We are stretched thin here at the academy." Professor Eugene stated this as Aleister spoke up again.
"While you have my trust, it would be prudent to send someone with you. Mayhap Fiona? She is an assistant after all; she can afford to leave."
"Yeah, Fiona will be great!" Professor Melisande announced.
"Alright, then I and Miss Fiona will keep an eye on the children as they go through with this curriculum."
"Bah! All is settled then, yeah?" Professor Fergus asked, having long since grown annoyed at the endless conversation.
"Indeed." Aleister announced. "Tomorrow we shall speak to those recommended and sort out the new curriculum. Also, Professor Fergus, make sure to keep an eye on 'her' with Eugene's absence. You know what your duty is."
"Of course I do."