Valiance looked at the professor, his eyes flickering as a slight sneer grew on his face. "It seems that I've won the bet, Prof. Rombuss," he said. "You're not going to back down, are you? I should be given 200 points."
"I haven't even cast my spell yet," Rombuss retorted with a tone of confidence, though his face betrayed him with slight hesitation.
"Yeah, according to our bet, it should be when I conjured a better fireball spell than you," Valiance said, nodding his head exaggeratedly, tilting it up and down extremely fast. "Then it's your turn, Prof. Rombuss."
The moment those words left his mouth, Valiance saw Rombuss's expression turn dark. The professor seemed to be thinking hard, as though caught in a dilemma between upholding his pride as the revered professor of Orith and his fear of being humiliated by casting an inferior spell.
"What are you hesitating for, Professor?" Valiance asked, his confused expression feigned to hide his amusement.
Rombuss's eyes suddenly lit up, as if struck by a brilliant idea. A carefree smile spread across his face as he said, "I'm a benevolent professor. Since you've been late enrolling in class by a month already, I'll reward you 200 points to help you catch up. This way, you can relax knowing you've crossed a huge gap between you and your classmates."
Brilliant answer, Valiance mused, his pleasant surprise clear in his eyes. It was probably the best possible outcome. Instead of risking humiliation by defeating or being defeated by a student, Rombuss chose to reveal his "good" side, earning better impressions from the bystanders.
Naturally, there was no need to pursue the matter further. Valiance could simply accept the 200 points the professor offered and let the issue end here. It was unnecessary to blow this situation out of proportion. In essence, both of them benefited from this event, a silent agreement formed between them to let it rest.
"Thank you," he said enthusiastically, "for giving me this opportunity to get closer to my classmates."
Rombuss nodded. "Of course. I don't want my students to struggle."
Valiance tilted his head slightly, glancing at the people around them before raising his hands. "Now, let's have a lesson, shall we?"
The other students agreed readily, returning to their seats. Valiance began walking as well, but Steve popped up beside him.
"Awesome!" Steve said with a thumbs-up. "Where did you learn to do that?"
"Do what?"
"That awesome-looking fireball," Steve said, pointing at the site of destruction.
Valiance's expression darkened as he followed Steve's finger. He had destroyed academy property. He could only hope he wouldn't get into too much trouble for it. Glancing at Professor Rombuss, who was now glaring at him, he chuckled nervously.
Looks like I've earned the wrath of the revered professor.
The most probable outcome would be that Rombuss wouldn't protect him. Even though the matter had been settled quietly, the professor seemed to still hold a grudge. Unavoidable, Valiance thought, shaking his head.
He could only pray that the academy staff or whoever investigated the wall's destruction would understand his side. If not, he might find himself kicked out of the academy.
Sitting in his chair, Valiance ignored Steve's blabbering about some nonsense noble issue he didn't care about. His attention shifted to Eira, who sat quietly, focused on the professor's lesson. This time, however, Rombuss's voice was quieter and less arrogant.
"Probably learned that even bastards with poor talent can thrash him," Valiance snickered, imagining Rombuss's current expression as he kept his back turned to the class.
Once again, his gaze landed on Eira.
That girl doesn't like me for some reason. Could it be that she was one of those privileged people ingrained with noble superiority? Brainwashed since childhood, probably like Rombuss, he mused.
Valiance chuckled silently, thinking about how most students at the academy likely came from noble families. They all had probably been raised to believe in the outdated ideology of talent.
With those thoughts, Valiance returned his attention to Rombuss's lecture, even though much of it contradicted the mathematically correct principles of magic. Still, at least he gained some insight into how most students thought.
---
An hour later, Rombuss slammed a book on his desk.
"Alright, class, take a break," he announced, scanning the room.
When his gaze landed on Valiance, it lingered for a moment. It was probably intentional.
"Valiance, come with me," Professor Rombuss said coldly.
"Where?" Valiance blinked, though he knew where this was heading.
"Although I am impressed by how you've truly mastered the fundamentals and structure of the basic fireball," Rombuss said, "I think you should take responsibility for the damage you caused."
Valiance sighed, not bothering to argue. Denying it wouldn't change the fact that he was the one who caused the damage. Many of his classmates could confirm what they saw to the disciplinary officers—if such a position existed at the academy.
"Dude," Steve muttered behind him. When Valiance looked back, Steve's expression was unusually serious. "Good luck."
Valiance nodded before stepping forward to follow the professor. Rombuss stared at him coldly for a moment, then turned and walked out of the room. As Valiance left, he caught Eira's gaze.
"We're not finished yet," he mouthed.
Without waiting to see her reaction, he stepped out and followed Rombuss down a long corridor.
The sun had risen by now, casting its light across the academy and signaling the start of a new day. For Orith Magical Academy's students, however, their day had already begun long before sunrise.
Valiance kept his distance as they walked, trailing slightly behind the professor. Despite his experience with people, he couldn't shake the tension building between them.
Eventually, they reached the end of the corridor and descended a long staircase leading to another part of the academy. As they stepped outside, the heat of the sun hit him, and he raised a hand to shield his eyes.
After walking for what felt like ages, they arrived at a grand, palace-like structure. It was eerily quiet, with more professors wandering around than students. They ascended another staircase and entered the lobby, turning left until they stopped in front of a massive wooden door carved with dragon motifs. Above it was a metal sign that read: Headmaster's Office.
Valiance's face darkened as he read the sign. He turned to glare at Rombuss, who knocked on the door with a smug smile.
"I already informed the headmaster about what happened while we were on our way," Rombuss said. "So I'll leave you here. You're on your own now."
Valiance blinked in surprise. "When did you—?"
"Communication magic," Rombuss replied smugly. "What are you waiting for? The headmaster's waiting."
"Uh, alright," Valiance stammered, laughing nervously as he stepped forward.
The door creaked open, and he stepped inside.
As Valiance stepped into the office, his eyes widened at the sight before him. The room exuded elegance, with ornate shelves stacked high with ancient tomes and an enormous desk that seemed to radiate authority. But what caught his attention most wasn't the room—it was the woman sitting in the high-backed chair behind the desk.
She was calm, almost serene, as she gazed at him with a faint smile. Her long, flowing hair cascaded over her shoulders like a golden waterfall, and her emerald-green eyes sparkled with an unsettling clarity. She didn't look young, but neither did she seem old—just ageless, in a way that felt unnatural. Despite her simple white dress, her presence carried an undeniable weight. Hanging from her neck was a triangular necklace, and at its center was a carved symbol that resembled an eye, half-hidden in the sunlight streaming in from behind her.
But it wasn't her beauty or her attire that made Valiance freeze. It was because he recognized her.
"3027 days, 13 hours, and 22 minutes," the woman said suddenly, her voice smooth and graceful.
"What?" Valiance replied, blinking.
"That's how long it's been since we last met," she said, her tone casual but her words carrying an edge of certainty. "Based on your expression, I take it you remember me?"
Valiance's posture stiffened as his mind raced. He nodded slowly. "Yeah… The Witch of Zerika. One of the strongest Archmages of the current era. Agnes Zerika, if I remember correctly?"
The woman smiled faintly at his answer. "Correct."
The Witch of Zerika.
The name brought a flood of memories. Over sixty years ago, a young girl named Agnes Zerika had been born with a deadly curse. Anyone who gazed directly into her eyes would die instantly. Her family, the prestigious Zerika bloodline of healing and holy mages, believed they could cure her condition. They were wrong.
At the age of ten, Agnes lost control of her curse, wiping out her entire family in a single night. When she awoke, she found herself surrounded by the bodies of her loved ones. The massacre of the Zerikas sent shockwaves throughout the magical world. Many called for her execution, labeling her an abomination.
But instead of facing the noose, she was taken in by the second headmaster of Orith Magical Academy. He declared he would train her to master her powers and prove that she could live without endangering others. Public doubt was rampant, but the headmaster's reputation shielded her—temporarily.
Years passed, and Agnes grew into one of the most dangerous mages alive. She gained complete control of her curse and ascended to the rank of Archmage. Yet the trauma of her childhood left her merciless, especially when dealing with those who violated the Mage Union's laws. To many, she was a monster—a fearsome enforcer of magical discipline. But to others, she was a necessary force. Eventually, she rose to the headmastership of Orith, where her legend only grew.
Valiance felt the corners of his mouth twitch. For someone with such a brutal history, she looked far too composed, far too… human. It was almost disconcerting.
"I certainly didn't expect that old man to let you go and ask me for a recommendation," Agnes said, leaning back in her chair.
"Yeah," Valiance said, his voice measured.
"What changed his mind? I recall him being extremely stubborn. I doubt it was easy to convince him."
Valiance frowned internally. Something about her words didn't sit right with him.
"Well," he replied carefully, "he said I needed to gain some experience living on my own."
It wasn't exactly a lie. Before his mentor—Kalli—had vanished into the ether, those had been his parting words. Valiance had spent many sleepless nights wondering what the old man had meant.
Agnes tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharpening. For a moment, Valiance thought she would press the matter further, but then she smiled faintly.
"Sounds like he's finally preparing for retirement," she said, her voice tinged with amusement.
She doesn't know the truth, Valiance realized. Good.
"Yeah," he said with a shrug, matching her tone. "He's getting on in years, after all."
Agnes's grin widened, though there was a hint of something darker in her expression. "I imagine you've already guessed why Rombuss brought you here."
Valiance's face darkened. "The wall."
"Yes," Agnes said matter-of-factly. "I was informed you demonstrated a rather… destructive version of the fireball spell. Rombuss described it as 'impressive'—though I suspect he wasn't entirely sincere."
Valiance sighed. "Look, I didn't mean to cause any damage. I just—"
Agnes raised a hand, silencing him. "Save the excuses. I'm not interested in hearing them."
He frowned but held his tongue.
"I have no intention of expelling you, if that's what you're worried about," she continued, standing up from her chair. Despite her simple attire, the air around her seemed to grow heavier as she moved. "However, I also can't let this slide. Orith is an institution with a reputation to uphold. Actions have consequences, Mr. Valiance."
Valiance clenched his fists. "So, what's my punishment?"
Agnes smirked. "Punishment? No, no. Think of it as an… opportunity."
His brow furrowed. "Opportunity?"
"You'll be working under me for the next three weeks," Agnes said, her tone almost playful. "Helping with various tasks around the academy, including repairing the damage you caused."
Valiance stared at her. "You want me to be your assistant?"
"Exactly," she said, her smile widening. "Consider it a chance to learn directly from the headmaster. A rare privilege, wouldn't you agree?"
He opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself. Refusing her would likely make things worse.
"Fine," he said reluctantly.
"Excellent," Agnes said, her emerald eyes gleaming. "Your first task begins tomorrow. Report here at sunrise. Don't be late."
Valiance nodded stiffly and turned to leave, his mind racing. As he stepped out of the office, one thought stood out above the rest.
This is going to be a nightmare.