The next morning, finding my designated classroom turned into an unexpected odyssey. Midgard Magic Academy, with its twisting corridors and enchanted staircases, was more labyrinth than place of learning. It took an exasperated Lydia (bless her begrudging navigational skills) to drag me out of a room filled with talking suits of armor and into the right lecture hall.Professor Erwin, a wizened old mage with robes that had more patches than original cloth, peered at me over his spectacles. "Ah, Ard Meteor, is it? Late on your first day. Not a good impression."I shrugged. "Maps are for the weak?"A few titters rippled through the class. The professor's eyebrows hit his hairline. "Detention after class, for your cheek. Now, sit!" He waved a gnarled hand at an empty seat, conveniently next to Ireena.Ireena flashed me a brilliant smile, one that said, 'let the games begin.' I mirrored her grin. It appeared my ordinary life was about to get a whole lot less ordinary.Lectures, it turned out, were as tedious as I remembered from my demon lord days. When Professor Erwin droned on about the history of magical foci (yawn), I discreetly practiced levitating inkwells. A reprimand, several floating quills, and one very pink-faced Ireena suppressing giggles later, detention seemed inevitable.Thankfully, detention didn't involve scrubbing cauldrons. Instead, the Professor set me to organize the disaster that was the Academy library. Dusty bookshelves, grimoires piled haphazardly, the lingering scent of spells gone slightly awry…it was oddly comforting, reminding me of the chaos in my own old library."So, the mighty Ard Meteor brought low by a pile of books." Ireena materialized from behind a teetering tower of tomes, a smirk gracing her lips."Mighty? Me? Nah. Just a guy who knows a tornado cleans faster than a broom," I said, summoning a miniature whirlwind that obediently began re-shelving books.Ireena's eyes widened. "You control the wind element without a chant or focus? That's…that's unprecedented!""Is it?" I feigned ignorance. It was amusing to watch the gears turning in her brilliant mind.The rest of the week was a whirlwind. Ireena stuck to my side like an enthusiastic shadow, dissecting my spells and peppering me with questions. Lydia, bless her heart, alternated between beaming pride and bouts of fierce possessiveness. One particularly memorable lunch involved Lydia warding off a gaggle of admirers with a well-aimed fireball (who knew she hid that kind of firepower?).News traveled fast. By Friday, I was the subject of whispers echoing through the Academy halls – some in awe, others laced with fear, and a few…well, those were more of the lustful variety. Invitations piled up - study groups with noble ladies, training sessions with brawny warrior types, and even a few downright scandalous proposals that made even me blush slightly.One evening, amidst the chaos, a summons caught my attention. It was an invitation scrawled upon rich parchment and sealed with a crest I didn't recognize – a serpent entwined around a sword. Intrigued, I slipped away from a flustered Lydia and Ireena – a feat in and of itself – and followed the messenger to a secluded manor on the outskirts of town.A wiry old man with a curious glint in his eye greeted me at the door. "Master Ard, welcome. The Lady Olivia awaits you."Lady Olivia, it turned out, was no simpering noblewoman. A powerful aura practically crackled around her, her sapphire eyes sharp with… assessment? Appraisal? Whatever her motive for summoning me, it was clear this woman was not to be underestimated."Ard Meteor," she began, her voice cool and measured, "Your power is… unusual. And your control, for one so young... remarkable.""Thank you?" I replied cautiously."Let us be frank. Your presence disrupts the balance of this Academy, of this very kingdom. Your talents demand… a different stage."Her gaze bored into mine. Here it was, an offer? A challenge? Or perhaps something more sinister... Regardless, it was confirmation. I was a magical anomaly, a wildcard. My cover of normalcy was shredding faster than parchment in a bonfire. Well, time to roll the dice and see what fate had in store."Lady Olivia," I countered, a crooked smile playing on my lips, "Let's see just how big a disruption I can be."