Chapter 37: Choices and Paths
Argus made his way back to the Noble Dorm after his morning meeting with the headmistress. The academy was coming to life as students buzzed about the grounds, their excited chatter filling the air. The sun was now climbing higher, casting soft shadows as the morning wore on, but there was still a long day ahead.
Entering the common room of the Noble Dorm, Argus was greeted by a lively scene. Students were scattered about, some standing in small groups, others seated at long tables poring over class selection sheets. The energy was palpable—an interesting mix of excitement, anticipation, and for some, uncertainty about the choices they were making.
The room itself was elegant and spacious, designed to accommodate the academy's most prestigious students. The large windows allowed sunlight to stream in, illuminating the finely carved wooden furniture and high ceilings adorned with intricate designs. Yet, despite the grand surroundings, the students were focused on the lists before them, their conversations buzzing with curiosity about the year ahead.
Argus quickly spotted Valerie and Elara sitting at a table near one of the large windows, deeply engrossed in conversation as they reviewed their class options. Valerie looked up and waved him over, a grin already on her face.
"There you are! Took your time getting here," she teased. "We're still deciding classes."
Elara glanced up, offering a small nod of acknowledgment but refraining from asking where Argus had been. Instead, she simply smiled and motioned to the papers in front of them. "There are so many options. It's hard to choose."
Argus joined them at the table, looking over the class lists. Mandatory classes were highlighted: Power Control, Basic Combat, Survival Skills, and Runes—the core foundations every student had to master. Alongside these were the electives, where the real decisions had to be made.
"Well, I've decided," Valerie said, her confident grin returning. "Swordsmanship, Beast Mastery, and—" she paused for dramatic effect, "Social Etiquette."
Argus raised an eyebrow. "Social Etiquette? I didn't take you for someone interested in politics and court life."
Valerie chuckled. "Someone has to keep up appearances, don't they?"
Elara rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of amusement. "It's more than just appearances. Learning how to navigate social circles could be vital one day."
Argus smirked, leaning in slightly toward Valerie. "If you want a real advantage, you should consider Alchemy. With your flames from awakening, you'd have a natural edge."
Valerie tilted her head, intrigued but not fully convinced. "Alchemy? Me? I don't know... sounds a bit dull. Lots of bottles and mixing things, isn't it?"
Argus shrugged. "It's not all explosions and fireballs, but it's valuable. With your natural affinity, you could become really skilled at it. I'm taking it, and I'm sure we'd make a great team."
Valerie grinned, clearly more tempted now. "Well, if you're taking it... maybe I'll give it a shot. Just don't let me blow anything up."
"Don't worry, I'll keep you in line," Argus teased, exchanging a knowing look with Elara, who simply smiled at the playful exchange.
Elara, always more thoughtful, added quietly, "I'm going with Formations, History, and Musical Arts. And maybe Artifact Refining."
Valerie nodded approvingly. "Musical Arts, huh? I didn't know you played anything."
"I don't, but I've always wanted to learn," Elara admitted, her eyes glinting with excitement. "It could be a nice change of pace from all the combat training."
Argus glanced at his own list again, finalizing his choices in his head. He would be taking five electives: Swordsmanship, Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Formations, and Beast Mastery. A bit more than most students, but he knew the value of broadening his skills.
Valerie raised an eyebrow as she glanced at his list. "Five electives? That's a lot, Argus. You sure you're not overloading yourself?"
Argus shrugged. "I can handle it."
Elara smiled, her voice calm but approving. "If anyone can manage, it's you. You're covering all the bases—combat, technical skills, and strategy."
As they talked, the room around them was alive with similar discussions. Some students were excitedly comparing electives, while others seemed more serious, debating their options with friends or peers. There was a palpable sense of competition in the air, especially among the nobles. Everyone knew their choices would shape their future, and no one wanted to fall behind.
Argus's gaze drifted across the room, where Nerissa Drakthorn stood, reviewing the lists with her usual intensity. The dragoness had challenged him just the day before, and her presence commanded attention, though it seemed she was focused solely on her own path. There was something fierce and untamed about her, and it was clear she was driven to push herself as far as she could go.
"She's really serious about this," Argus mused aloud.
Valerie nodded, watching Nerissa. "Do you think she's taking every combat class they offer?"
Argus smiled faintly. "No doubt. She's not one to back down from a challenge."
Elara, always the voice of reason, glanced between them. "Just don't patronize her. She clearly takes this seriously."
"I'm not patronizing anyone," Argus replied, amused. "I find her determination... interesting."
Valerie raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Interesting? Is that what you're calling it now?"
Argus ignored the comment, focusing instead on the choices before him. Swordsmanship was a given, but there was also the technical side of his training—alchemy, formations, artifact refining. And then there was Beast Mastery. It wasn't just about choosing a beast companion; it was about learning the skills to form a true bond, to work with a creature in harmony.
"So, what kind of beast are you hoping to form a bond with in Beast Mastery?" Valerie asked, leaning forward with curiosity.
Argus shrugged. "I have no idea yet. It's not really about choosing a specific beast, is it? It's more about learning how to create a connection, about earning their trust."
"True," Elara agreed, her voice thoughtful. "The bond between a beast and its master is built on trust and mutual respect. It's about partnership, not control."
"Of course," Valerie said with a grin. "But having a powerful beast by your side would be impressive."
As they finalized their choices, students around the room began to wrap up their discussions. A sense of anticipation filled the air as the reality of their selections began to sink in. The year ahead would be shaped by these choices, and everyone knew it.
"I think that's it for us," Valerie said, stretching as she stood up. "We've got our classes, now what? Lunch?"
Argus nodded. "Sounds good. I could use a break."
Elara glanced around the room, noticing that the other students were beginning to filter out as well. "It's not even noon yet, and it feels like we've done so much already."
As the three of them moved toward the dining hall, the conversations continued. They passed other groups of nobles, some still deep in discussion, others already speculating about what the rest of the day would bring.
"Do you think they'll give us the day off?" Valerie asked. "It's just picking classes, right?"
Argus shook his head. "I doubt it. There's probably more to come before classes start tomorrow."
Elara nodded. "I heard there might be some kind of competition between the dorms later today. A chance to win certain benefits for the year."
Valerie's eyes lit up. "A competition? Sounds fun. Think we can win it?"
Argus smiled faintly. "We'll find out soon enough."
As they entered the dining hall, the air was filled with the scent of freshly prepared food. Tables were laid out, and students were already beginning to gather, enjoying a moment of respite before whatever the academy had planned for the rest of the day.
Argus knew that whatever came next, it would be important. The academy wasn't just about classes—it was about competition, status, and forming connections. And he was already beginning to see how those dynamics would play out among the noble dorm.
But for now, he allowed himself to relax. Lunch was a welcome break, and soon, the real fun would begin.