The headmaster's office was a place of quiet grandeur. Towering bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. A large, ornate desk sat at the center of the room, its surface cluttered with strange artifacts and glowing crystals. The air smelled of parchment and incense, and the faint hum of magic permeated the space.
Priyam stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, his hands clenched at his sides. The mark on his hand still pulsed faintly, a constant reminder of his bond with Evelyne. The headmaster, Alaric von Eldrin, sat behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes studying Priyam with an intensity that made him feel like a bug under a microscope.
Evelyne stood to the side, her arms crossed and her expression a mix of irritation and curiosity. She had been silent since they entered the office, her gaze flicking between Priyam and the headmaster.
"So," Alaric began, his voice calm but commanding, "you are the one Evelyne summoned. A human from another world, devoid of mana, yet capable of wielding magic through the binding seal. Fascinating."
Priyam shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't ask for any of this, you know. I was just... pulled here."
Alaric leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Indeed. The summoning ritual is a complex and unpredictable spell. It draws upon the void, a realm beyond our understanding. That it brought you here suggests that you are... special."
"Special?" Priyam repeated, his tone skeptical. "I'm just a normal guy. I don't know anything about magic or this world."
Alaric's lips curled into a faint smile. "And yet, you managed to cast a fireball, albeit uncontrollably. That is no small feat for someone with no inherent magical ability."
Priyam glanced at Evelyne, who was glaring at him. "Yeah, well, it wasn't exactly on purpose. I don't even know how I did it."
"That," Alaric said, "is precisely what makes you intriguing. The binding seal is designed to channel a master's mana through their familiar, but in your case, it seems to be drawing out something else entirely. A latent potential, perhaps."
Priyam frowned. "What are you saying? That I might have magic after all?"
Alaric's smile widened. "Perhaps. Or perhaps something even more extraordinary. Only time will tell."
Evelyne stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Headmaster, with all due respect, this is highly irregular. A familiar is supposed to be a servant, not some... anomaly."
Alaric raised a hand, silencing her. "Evelyne, I understand your concerns. But Priyam's presence here may be more significant than you realize. The void does not act without reason. There is a purpose to his summoning, and it is our duty to uncover it."
Evelyne's jaw tightened, but she said nothing. Priyam could tell she was frustrated, but even she knew better than to argue with the headmaster.
Alaric turned his attention back to Priyam. "For now, you will remain at the academy as Evelyne's familiar. However, you will also undergo training to better understand your abilities—or lack thereof."
Priyam raised an eyebrow. "Training? What kind of training?"
"Magic, combat, history—everything you need to survive in this world," Alaric replied. "You may be a familiar, but you are also a guest in our realm. It is only fitting that you learn its ways."
Priyam wasn't sure how he felt about that. On one hand, learning magic sounded exciting. On the other hand, he had no desire to be Evelyne's servant or anyone else's pawn.
"Fine," he said reluctantly. "But I'm not going to be some obedient dog. If I'm going to stay here, I want to be treated like a person, not a tool."
Alaric's smile didn't waver. "A fair request. I will ensure that you are treated with the respect you deserve. However, you must also uphold your end of the bargain. As Evelyne's familiar, you are bound to her. That is not something that can be easily undone."
Priyam glanced at Evelyne, who was still glaring at him. He could tell she wasn't happy about this arrangement either. But for now, it seemed he had no choice.
"Alright," he said with a sigh. "I'll play along. But don't expect me to like it."
Alaric chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Evelyne, show Priyam to his new quarters. And try not to set anything on fire this time."
Evelyne's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she nodded. "Yes, Headmaster."
---
### **The Dormitory**
The dormitory was a sprawling building located on the eastern side of the academy grounds. It was divided into sections based on rank and house, with the nobles occupying the most luxurious quarters. Priyam, being a familiar, was given a small room on the lower floor, far from the opulence of the upper levels.
The room was simple but comfortable, with a bed, a desk, and a small window that overlooked the gardens. Priyam sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the mark on his hand. It had stopped pulsing, but the runes still glowed faintly, a constant reminder of his bond with Evelyne.
Evelyne stood in the doorway, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable. "This is your room. Don't get too comfortable. You're still my familiar, and I expect you to be ready when I call."
Priyam looked up at her, his expression weary. "Yeah, I get it. I'm your servant. Lucky me."
Evelyne's eyes narrowed. "You should be grateful. Most familiars are beasts or spirits. You, at least, have the privilege of being treated like a human."
"Gee, thanks," Priyam said dryly. "I feel so honored."
Evelyne's lips tightened, but she didn't respond. Instead, she turned and walked away, leaving Priyam alone in his room.
He sighed, lying back on the bed. This world was so strange, so different from anything he had ever known. Magic, nobles, familiars—it was like something out of a fantasy novel. And yet, it was all too real.
As he stared at the ceiling, his mind wandered back to the fireball incident. He had felt something then, a surge of power that had come from deep within him. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but it had been there. Was that his latent potential? Or was it just a fluke?
Before he could ponder further, there was a knock at the door. Priyam sat up, frowning. "Come in."
The door opened, revealing Astrid. She stepped inside, her silver hair glinting in the light. "I thought I'd check on you. How are you settling in?"
Priyam shrugged. "As well as I can, considering I'm basically a prisoner."
Astrid's lips curled into a faint smile. "It's not so bad. The academy has its perks. And you might find that you have more freedom than you think."
Priyam raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Astrid adjusted her glasses, her golden eyes gleaming. "The headmaster is interested in you. That means you have value. And in this world, value equals power. If you play your cards right, you might just find a way to turn this situation to your advantage."
Priyam frowned. "And how do I do that?"
Astrid's smile widened. "By learning. By growing. By discovering what makes you special. And if you need help... well, let's just say I'm always willing to lend a hand."
Priyam studied her, trying to gauge her intentions. She was clearly intelligent and resourceful, but he couldn't tell if she was genuinely trying to help him or if she had her own agenda.
"Thanks," he said cautiously. "I'll keep that in mind."
Astrid nodded. "Good. Oh, and one more thing—be careful around Evelyne. She's not as in control as she likes to think. And when she loses control... well, let's just say things tend to explode."
With that, she turned and left, leaving Priyam alone once more.
---
### **The Training Grounds**
The next morning, Priyam was awakened by a sharp knock on his door. He groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. "What now?"
The door opened, revealing Evelyne. She was dressed in a tailored robe, her hair tied back in a neat braid. "Get up. We have training."
Priyam blinked, still half-asleep. "Training? It's barely morning."
Evelyne's expression was stern. "And? You're my familiar. You don't get to sleep in. Now, get dressed and meet me in the training grounds in ten minutes."
Before Priyam could protest, she turned and walked away, leaving the door open. He sighed, dragging himself out of bed. This was going to be a long day.
---
**End of Chapter 3**
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