"I expected this to happen eventually with the dragon class, but I'm surprised it happened in the first week of the semester."
Kabuto, Alan, and I were standing in Chancellor Melissa's office, anticipating the punishment we were likely to face for the commotion.
"Mr. Kabuto, the school rules clearly state that using weapons and magic outside of lessons and training is strictly forbidden, especially when it harms fellow students."
"I am disappointed,"
"This kind of behavior is unacceptable. You are supposed to be setting an example for the rest of the academy, not causing disruptions."
As Chancellor Melissa scolded him, Kabuto could only lower his gaze, guilt written all over his face.
"And you, Mr. Alan, I expected better from you."
"B-but Miss Melissa, Brian, he—"
"Brian Icarus will face expulsion for his actions. At Calleimus, we have a zero-tolerance policy for student harassment."
"While Brian's behavior was clearly unacceptable, there are proper procedures in place. You could have alerted a teacher, but instead, you took matters into your own hands. Remember, this is an academy, not a colosseum."
"Lastly, Mr. Lam, I trust you understand that intentionally attempting to harm a fellow student is a serious offense that may result in severe consequences."
"Tsk... He's not going to die, probably just left magicless for the rest of his life."
"Mr. Lam, neither you nor I have the right to play God here. Magic is a gift from the gods, and no one deserves to have it taken away from them."
"Yeah, I was wrong. I'm sorry, Miss Melissa."
Miss Melissa nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Thank you for acknowledging your mistake, Mr. Lam. However, apologies alone won't suffice. There will be consequences for your actions, as well as for Mr. Kabuto and Mr. Alan."
I glanced at Kabuto and Alan, who both wore expressions of remorse.
"Penalty will be assigned for all three of you," Miss Melissa continued. "And I expect each of you to reflect on your behavior and consider how you can contribute positively to our academy community moving forward."
With that, the meeting concluded, and as we left her office.
As I was about to leave, Kabuto called out to me with a stern voice.
"Wait," Kabuto called out, halting my step.
I glanced back at him, meeting his gaze. "What do you want?"
"Who are you really, Lam Hoffman?"
Kabuto's question caught me off guard. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much to disclose.
"Well," I started slowly, "I'm just a student here at Calleimus Academy, like you and everyone else. But..." I trailed off, searching for the right words. "There's more to me than meets the eye, I suppose. I have my reasons for being here, just like you have yours."
"Don't bite off more than you can chew, Kabuto Tsuginumi."
After making sure Kabuto understood my message, I turned my back and began to walk away, leaving them standing there.
***
"Ugh, I thought my arm was going to fall off. I can't believe I had to write that long report as penalty!"
The sun had been down for hours by the time I finished writing the 400-line incident report. By the end of it, I couldn't even hold a cup properly.
As I walked towards the dormitory, the stars had already filled the sky above.
As I walked toward the dormitory, the stars were already scattered across the sky. The scent of damp soil and the cool night breeze tingled my senses. At least for tonight, I could sleep peacefully.
But, It seems like I spoke too soon...
As soon as I opened the door to my room, I was left speechless.
"Someone's on my bed..."
I quickly entered the room and swiftly pulled back the blanket covering the figure beneath.
Under the blanket, I discovered a girl sleeping soundly, softly purring. She was still dressed in her uniform, her turquoise hair partially covering her face.
Realizing the blanket had been taken off her, the girl blinked sleepily, brushing her eyes as she looked around, momentarily confused.
Not long after, with her eyes still half-closed, she glanced in my direction.
"Uhmm... hi there..." she greeted me, brushing her hair off her face.
As I saw her face clearly, I recognized her as one of my classmates, Theresia Valeriee.
"You're Theresia Valeriee... What are you doing in my room?" I asked, still puzzled by her presence.
Theresia let out a small yawn, her eyes struggling to stay open.
"Yawn...Oh..is this your room? i thought this room is empty since no one else is here..."
"No, this is my room. How did you even get in here?"
She then pointed to the open window.
"Ughh... alright, then what are you doing here?"
"I didn't have anywhere to sleep, so I was wandering around. When I saw the lights on in your room and your window open, I decided to come in."
"How did you even manage to get up here? It's the freaking fifth floor!"
In response, she simply snapped her fingers, summoning a small hovering cloud beneath her.
"Okay, but what do you mean you don't have anywhere to sleep? Don't you have your own room?"
I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "You forgot to assign yourself a room?"
Theresia nodded sheepishly. "Yeah... I know, it sounds ridiculous. But by the time I woke up, all the rooms were already taken, and I didn't want to bother anyone."
"So, where have you been staying until now?"
"In an empty classroom... or on a bench outside," Theresia replied with a hint of embarrassment.
She might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but if I kick her out, she'll end up sleeping outside again...
"Tsk... Fine, you can sleep here."
She brightened up a bit. "Yeay... thank you, Lam... Yawn..."
With my approval, she instantly crashed back onto the bed.
"Sigh... Aren't you scared of me?"
Theresia looked up at me with her sheepish eyes. "Scared? Why?"
"Uhmmm, haven't you heard what people say? Wyvern Killer, I eat humans, that I could turn you into stone, all that stuff?"
She shook her head. "I can see it. Your mana, if you really wanted to, you could kill everyone here, but you don't. Besides, you helped Kabuto, Lam, and that girl today."
"First, i'm not helping them, I have my reasons. Second, You put your trust in me just like that? And do I have to remind you, I'm a man. What if I do something to you in your sleep?"
Theresia chuckled softly. "I trust my instincts,"
"And besides, I know you wouldn't do anything like that."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her unwavering trust.
"Oh really? You'd never know.." I asked sarcastically.
"Really," she replied with a smile. "Now, if you don't mind, I think I'll finally get some sleep." Theresia settled back onto the bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin.
As I watched Theresia peacefully drift off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of annoyance mixed with amusement. Despite her seemingly naive and airheaded demeanor, there was something oddly endearing about her unwavering trust and carefree attitude.
With a sigh, I resigned myself to the fact that I now had a roommate, albeit an unexpected one. As much as her presence might disrupt my routine, I couldn't bring myself to kick her out into the night.
"This girl, she's a total airhead, isn't she?" I thought to myself. "Ughh, whatever. I guess I've got a roommate now."
If it were a guy, I would've kicked his butt from the fifth floor!
With Theresia sleeping peacefully on the bed, I walked over to my desk and switched on the study lamp.
Reaching into my purse, I pulled out pieces of paper and a fountain pen. As I sat down at my desk, I began to draw runes and sigils on the paper.
Making talismans was a habit of mine when I had nothing else to do; it helped me relax and calm my mind. Besides, it was important for me to conjure some of my spells, so I made sure I always had some in stock.
Eventually, I was so engrossed that I didn't realize hours had passed until it was already midnight.
Choosing to call it quits, I switched off the light and grabbed a few blankets from the wardrobe.
The room was originally spacious enough to accommodate four beds, but since I was alone and didn't expect any other occupants, only one bed was provided.
As I was about to settle for the floor, Theresia suddenly opened her eyes and called out to me.
"Yawn... Are you going to sleep?" Theresia asked drowsily.
"Yeah, I'll settle on the floor. You can use the bed freely."
When I was about to lay down, Theresia tugged on my shirt. I turned around, and she was smiling at me with both arms open.
"What? No, no, no, don't make it weird."
Despite my hesitation, she insisted, her pouting face tugging at me as she continued to hold her arms open.
"Sigh...You're making this hard for me, you know?"
That smile could melt any man's heart.
Finally, I gave in and slipped into the bed. Theresia immediately drew me into an embrace.
As I lay in her embrace, she began to hum a song into my ears. Her soothing voice immediately made my eyelids heavy.
The fact that I know the song was enchanted to make me fall asleep, I allowed her to continue humming it to my ear.
In the twilight's gentle glow,
Where stars begin to softly show,
Close your eyes, let dreams take flight,
In the realm of sleep, you'll find delight.
Hush now, little one, drift away,
In the moon's soft embrace, you'll sway,
Through enchanted lands, you'll roam,
In the quiet of night, find your home.
Whispers of the breeze will sing,
As the night's magic begins to bring,
Dreams of wonder, dreams of light,
Guiding you through the velvet night.
Hush now, little one, drift away,
In the moon's soft embrace, you'll sway,
Through enchanted lands, you'll roam,
In the quiet of night, find your home.
Fairies dance in silver streams,
In your dreams, they'll weave their schemes,
With a sprinkle of stardust, so divine,
Sleep, my darling, the stars align.
Hush now, little one, drift away,
In the moon's soft embrace, you'll sway,
Through enchanted lands, you'll roam,
In the quiet of night, find your home.
So sleep, my love, in slumber deep,
In the realm of dreams, forever keep,
For in this lullaby's gentle spell,
Magic whispers, all is well.