Baffled by the birth of a monster, both the director and instructor stood in complete silence. Meanwhile, in the arena, after having defeated such an imposing foe, the injuries sustained earlier in the battle finally caught up. "My heart is throbbing, my chest is on fire, there"s a weird scythe on my palm, my body feels like it"s about to fall apart. Is adrenaline the only thing keeping me from pa.s.sing out? Where is the robot, why do I smell dust, something is off, my eyelids are getting heavie…"
*BAM,* Staxius dropped, the adrenaline was used up. The sight immediately snapped both the instructor and the director out of their daydream. "Bring in the medical team this instant," the lady took charge, "-we have an applicant who"s gravely injured." The message flew through the general communication channel. This network linked every department around the school and thus the medical team was notified.
Within less than a minute, doctors accompanied by their a.s.sistants rushed inside from the entrance - an ambulance was called. Luckily, the academy was very strict about the safety of its students. Having one of the best hospitals among the country within its campus was a must if one wanted to achieve greatness.
The broken-down wreck of bones and limb was put onto the stretcher. It rolled out of the arena - blood continuously dripped. Soon, the boy was admitted. Sophie and director Josiah had a private meeting about the fate of said monster.
"Instructor Sophie," they sat in the booth, "-you"ve always had the gift of distinguis.h.i.+ng the talented from boasters. This was one of the main reasons for your recent transfer. However, this time you"ve uncovered something that should have remained dormant. Do you realize the magnitude of this problem we could face if that monster was to stay alive?" he spoke out in anguish.
"Director," she voiced, "-I"m also stunned about him. Usually, you can tell a person"s motives and personality through their eyes and how they present themselves. Sadly, this time I was shocked to see that the boy didn"t have an opening for me to exploit. The eyes were completely emotionless, the way he moved was almost mechanic. The way he spoke felt somewhat soothing; the voice gentle and calm. It put me at ease thus I went with my gut and decided on giving the boy a chance." Josiah didn"t seem impressed to which she followed up with, "-from a logical perspective, what could a guy who barely scored a D-rank in the exam accomplish?" The motives were clarified – the director"s face tightened.
"I see your point," he sighed, "-but awakening an element is something sacred. Not many people have the luxury to get access to something so extravagant. If left unchecked, a wild sorcerer could wipe out an entire city, they"re walking bombs. This is why we never awaken someone who hasn"t even pa.s.sed the physical tests." The frustration came from the repercussion for it would surely bring chaos onto the central branch. The committee who supervised and kept stray mages in check was going to be furious. Such a blunder could have never been allowed to happen.
"Director Josiah," sick of the reactions, Sophie spoke sharply, "-I"ll take full responsibility for correctly educating this so-called monster." From tensed, the director could not believe her words. "I have faith that this boy has nothing malicious planned." A deep breath in, her eyes lit with determination,"-as from this moment, I, Sophie Mirabelle, an SSS-ranked mage hereby takes Staxius Haggard as my apprentice." Out of guilt, she put forward something unexpected; an idea, a goal to teach the young man.
"What are you doing," shocked, he spoke out, "-Sophie, this will ruin your entire life," the voice turned serious, "taking in an apprentice means to become their parent for four years. Said apprentice will be under your care until he graduates. Any mistakes or financial trouble will be covered by the master. Are you sure you want to pledge four years to that freak of nature?" The initial reaction subsided; Josiah"s face relaxed a little. A hint of excitement was portraited on the visage. The youngest and most talented SSS-rank sorcerer finally took in a student. The air within the viewing booth remained static and filled with doubts. Josiah wasn"t convinced though the face said otherwise.
"I fully comprehend my actions, sir," her tone sincere, "-but I"ve also ruined that boy"s life. I can"t remain quiet anymore." She paused and stared outside, "-I"ve fully thought about my personal life, seeing that marriage is not going to happen, why not take in a student?" she smiled. "Let me be a mother," the voice changed from serious to friendly. She was happy and meant every word uttered.
"Sophie," the expression on the man changed, "-you"ve always been such a rash and spontaneous niece," it grew to friendly and approachable. "I hope you don"t come to regret this. Form a blood-contract with the boy as soon as he wakes, then we"ll decide about lodging and where he will study," a smile surfaced.
"Thank you, uncle, for the next four years, you will witness the birth of a G.o.d among men. I hope you"re ready." With a quick wave, she left the booth. Josiah turned to face the bloodied arena; a feeling of nostalgia whelmed inside. "A monster being trained by a demon; this will be interesting. Tempest Haggard, it seems like your stories held some merit. I may be persuaded to change my thoughts about what kind of person you are." Josiah wondered with a gleam of happiness.
"It"s the beginning of March. After a month of preparation, all the magical academies around the country are ready to welcome their new students. It was customary for apprentices to enjoy at least a month with their family or recover from any injuries sustained during the exams. For many, this was the opportunity to start a new life; away from their old self as trainee sorcerers. Maybe find love, deep bonds with new friends or just going through these four years in hopes of securing a future. However, here I am, a boy who remained in a coma for two weeks. Getting my jawline wreck by some robot I didn"t even know existed," he sighed, the eyes opened to a white ceiling, "-the sad part is that I don"t even know if I have a future much less a place to call home."
The head turned right, "- the only entertainment was staring out of the window and making shapes out of the clouds. At night, it would be stargazing. I"d see shooting stars and sometimes hear couples outside being all cute. Who comes to a hospital to flirt?" A little chuckle later, he sat upright. "I"m going to miss this place. Thanks to the staff I"m able to stand on my feet once again. Guess it"s time to say goodbye, probably going to have to get a part-time job now. One month inside a hospital does take it out of you." The door to the room closed. The hands held a plastic bag with a change of clothed provided by the hospital. The normal attire, an oversized brown s.h.i.+rt with dirtied old ruined pants. The bloodstains didn"t come off either, only the pants were wearable. Rather than the normal oversized s.h.i.+rt, he now wore a plain white s.h.i.+rt that reeked of alcohol.
With nothing to his name, Staxius left the hospital after thanking everyone who helped his recovery. None was spared, from doctors to nurses to cleaners and helpers, he thanked everyone personally. Whilst recovering, the staff grew attached to his personality. Something felt as if it forced them into liking him; something unnatural.
*Inhale.* "The smell of fresh air," the arms stretched, "-the sun tingling my skin, the breeze caressing my cheeks, this is heaven. I guess it"s time to leave Claireville Academy, it was a good dream but I must face reality - food is the priority. My brain doesn"t work on an empty stomach." As he left, staff members rushed out and gave a warm farewell; they waved and yelled. Without looking back, the famished Staxius waved sharply and continued taking in the fragrance of the trees scattered around the premises.
Central Claireville Academy in of itself was a town. One could get access to anything one desired or sought after. On top of that, being next to Rosespire, the capital of Oxs.h.i.+eld, which is south from Dorchester, made it simpler to get supplies. The inhabitants of Oxs.h.i.+eld were wealthy, with the academy"s help, life here wasn"t that hard. Considering that the continent of Hidros was divided into six provinces with one larger than the other, there were bound to be disparities. Nevertheless, thanks to the equality brought in by the Order, the risk of civil war breaking out remained slim.
The sun shone; the scorching heat was balanced with the wind blowing across regularly. Staxius"s walking pace slowed, he had left the academy grounds. "Should I stay in Claireville or move to Rosespire and look for a place to live?" he thought about what to do next, "-life in the academy will be expensive thanks to the n.o.bility. A shady lodging in the darkest corner of the capital is perhaps the best choice. From here to the capital, the distance is quite vast. I can"t take the train nor can I take the airs.h.i.+p. On foot, it"s going to be four days to six days. Well, it"s already noon, I"ll just snoop around town, maybe do some odd jobs, get some food, sleep with the night sky as my roof and head towards Rosespire." He continued towards the town square, finding a job where merchants did business wasn"t that hard. He hoped for someone in need of a pair of hands to unload merchandise.
On the way into town, something poked his back. It slowly got onto his nerve, the one responsible was the wind brus.h.i.+ng his s.h.i.+rt against his back. Out of spite, he sharply turned around to be left completely speechless.