Ugh! This month just flew by. It feels like everyone's had something keeping them busy. Kaya and Garm have been testing out his new leg everyday when they're alone, though it's pretty obvious what they're really doing.
Ren and Naja have been talking with the women in charge of the city's new trade routes. It looks like they're gathering ingredients for something. Probably that aphrodisiac in the book Ren left on our bed. Well, not like it would work on me with my poison resistance.
I still can't believe I have to teach a class at the magic academy. I've never even been to a real class since grade school in my past life, let alone this life. How the hell does my uncle expect me to teach a bunch of noble kids who are older than me? What was he thinking?
[Naja] Boss, it is almost time for you to leave!
Sigh. I guess there's no getting out of it now. I should at least give this a chance.
[Ren] Here you go. We packed your lunch. Remember, be nice to your students, and no bringing home anymore wives on the first day.
[Naja] And remember, do not be afraid to show dominance if the younglings misbehave. They must know that Boss is the strongest.
I feel like they're both worried about different things, but I'm already running late. I'm glad Uramasa's domain over shadows lets me take all my equipment anywhere without needing to wear it directly.
...
The royal magic academy loomed ahead, a fortress of white stone and soaring spires crowned with the kingdom's banners. Courtyards spread wide between the towers, their manicured gardens broken by stone paths where new students in crisp uniforms hurried to their first classes.
Sakyo walked through the main gate, feeling a few eyes flick towards him. The glances lingered, some curious, others skeptical, before they moved on.
Among everyone around emerges a tall, older gentleman with a regal grey beard.
[?] Excuse me, young man. Are you lost? Perhaps you require assistance in finding someone?
[Sakyo] Actually, yeah. I'm looking for the headmaster of this place.
[Headmaster] Well, you're in luck. I just happen to be the headmaster of this academy.
[Sakyo] Oh, good. I was told I'm supposed to start here today.
The headmaster looks over Sakyo's appearance, his sharp eyes narrowing at his attire.
[Headmaster] While I'm glad you seem to be comfortable here, all students are required to be in full uniform. We have some spares, but please try to remember the rules explained in the first year's orientation.
[Sakyo] Oh, I'm not a student. I was told I'd be a temporary instructor here.
The man froze mid-step, seeming convinced he'd misheard the boy standing before him.
[Headmaster] I-I beg your pardon?
[Sakyo] I'm the new temporary instructor. My uncle gave me a letter of introduction to prove it.
The headmaster takes the letter, reading the familiar writing he'd known all too well.
To Headmaster Varrien,
If you're reading this, you've already met my nephew. I can already imaging your face seeing him with that same bored expression he always has, probably not even wearing anything formal too. He's young, reckless, and a bit of a pain, but I can vouch for his abilities.
He may mot look like it, but he was able to keep up with the royal knight's training since he was just six years old. He's also the second person to ever complete the hundred battles trial, even beating that ice user, Handix, or something like that.
By the way, he's got an original bloodline, and my sister says he'll probably surpass her someday. Good luck.
-King Retsuro Wolfen
As he read the letter, the headmaster's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, and eventually to something like weary resignation. By the end, he let out a long, quiet sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
[Headmaster] Of course this was his idea. Well, it seems you really are the new instructor. Forgive my earlier assumption, I just didn't expect you to be so young.
[Sakyo] It's ok, I get that a lot.
[Headmaster] Allow me to introduce myself. I am Headmaster Varrien of the Solareth Royal Magic Academy.
[Sakyo] Nice to meet you. I'm Sakyo.
[Headmaster] Please, follow me. I'll show you to where you'll be teaching. Allow me to acquaint you with the academy while we walk.
They set off across the courtyard, the headmaster's robes sweeping neatly across the stone path. He spoke with the rhythm of a man who'd given the same speech a thousand times to noble parents and curious patrons.
[Headmaster] This academy was founded nearly two centuries ago, built to cultivate and nurture the talents of our students. Our graduates serve many positions in the kingdom. Some become knights, others choose to turn to adventuring, a few have even served as court mages.
Sakyo walked behind him, hands stuffed in his pockets while glancing around at the tall towers and rune-marked spires.
[Sakyo] Sounds like this place has a long history.
[Headmaster] Indeed, and I've seen it continue to grow over the past fifty years. In fact, I was a teacher while your mother and his majesty were students here.
[Sakyo] Really? They used to be students?
[Headmaster] Oh yes, his majesty was quite talented in all areas, though he was a bit of a troublemaker as well. Your mother...
[Sakyo] (That's surprising with how uptight he is now.) Was she a good student?
[Headmaster] ...No, not at all. She was horrible at everything except combat, never showed up to classes, and eventually dropped out before the end of her first year.
[Sakyo] (Yeah, I can see that.) So, what kind of classes do you have here?
[Headmaster] We offer a wide variety of courses for all of our students. From combat classes to magic enchantments, you can find just about everything here.
They pass a colonnade where young students are practicing magic attacks under an instructor's watchful eye. Sparks of fire, ice, and lightening fizzled into harmless bursts against protective wards.
[Sakyo] (Looks more like fireworks than an attack. No, maybe sparklers instead. Though, I guess I'm not one to talk. I still can barely use intermediate level magic.)
[Headmaster] Ah, I see you've noticed our students magic training.
[Sakyo] I've just never seen anyone use a wand to cast magic before.
[Headmaster] Wands help focus ones mana into a single point, thereby enhancing the effect while also reducing the cost. Most mages prefer to use staffs with larger magic stones to enhance and channel their own magic though. Those are our second year students. You'll be teaching our first years.
[Sakyo] (No wonder the guild buys all the magic stones I give them for so much.)
Their footsteps echoed as the headmaster pushed open a final set of reinforced doors, leading Sakyo into the vast combat training hall. The air smelled faintly of sand and scorched stone. The arena stretched wide and open at its center, while the surrounding walls were lined with racks of practice weapons, ruined dummies, and tall banners bearing the academy's crest.
[Headmaster] This is where you'll be teaching your class. You are in charge of the S-class's combat course.
[Sakyo] S-class?
[Headmaster] Indeed, the highest level class of our first year students. There are only five of them, but they've displayed far more talent on both the written and practical exams. They should be here any minute now.
Before Sakyo could reply, the heavy side doors open again. A group of five students filed in with crisp uniforms and confident postures. Their movements are sharper, prouder than any of the other students he'd noticed before. They carried a certain air around them as if they were born of expectation, clearly the sons and daughters of high noble houses.
Their voices quieted as they stood in front of the headmaster, a few of their eyes falling on Sakyo, the unfamiliar figure standing near their headmaster.
[Headmaster] Welcome to your first combat class of the year. As you know, I am the headmaster of this academy, and you may call me Headmaster Varrien. Before you begin your first combat course, I would like you each to give a demonstration of your current magic and skills.
[Sakyo] (I did a little research on these students. They're all the sons and daughters of high ranking nobles, but if they're the only five who made it to the S-class, they must have some skill.)
[Headmaster] When I call your name, step forward and fire a basic attack on the target. Alaric Von Veythron.
The first to step up is a tall young man with golden blonde hair and blue eyes. He raises his hand towards the practice dummy, his voice ringing with self-assurance as he recited his chant.
[Alaric] "Shine bright and strike true my sparkling holy lance, {Shining Javelin}."
A spear of pure light bursts from his palm and streaked across the arena, slamming into a warded target with a brilliant flash. The other students watching from the sidelines murmured in admiration.
[Sakyo] (This guy is definitely the leader of this class. Alaric Von Veythron, first son of the Duchy of Veythron. He ranked first on the practical exam, and second on the written. Their family has produced strong warriors for generations, all of which have made prominent achievements within the kingdoms army. Even among his family, he's said to have the most potential out of all his siblings. They say if the legendary demon king ever resurrects, he's the one most likely to be named the next hero. He's definitely got talent, but it's clear he lacks real combat experience. I shouldn't judge too quickly. I want to see all of what this class can do.)