25-26

Entering the lobby of the Academy, I looked around the spacious hall, filled with various scrolls and portraits.

𝒾𝖓𝓷r𝐞𝘢𝒹.𝒄𝗼𝙢

Lining the long crimson carpet leading towards a large set of double doors that were wide open were over two dozen people dressed in long, flowing black robes.

Each person had some colored tassel hanging from their belts, and they nodded to us as we passed.

Someone stepped forwards, Jahi and I widened our eyes in surprise when we saw a familiar figure, her long black hair pulled into a braid, one sleeve of her robe torn off to reveal the coiling snake tattoo that seemed to writhe on her pale skin. The last striking feature was her green slitted snake eyes, filled with mirth as she looked at us.

"My, how much have you two grown? It feels like just yesterday you were both just up to my knees~"

Jahi chuckled as she approached Arch Mage Kolia, looking down at the woman as she said "Yeah, it's been awhile Miss Kolia!"

Wrapping her in a hug, Kolia swayed side to side as she held Jahi, before releasing her and looking at me.

Smiling, she repeated her action, pulling me into an embrace before holding me by my shoulders.

Looking me up and down, Kolia smirked at me, whispering "You've turned out into a fine woman… I guess the little brat already hooked her claws into you huh?"

Raising a brow, I nodded to her, Kolia turning to look at Jahi before sighing.

"Well, as long as she hasn't been keeping you from your studies…"

Chuckling, I nodded again, holding my palm up as an albeit simple ritual circle appeared, rotating above my palm with a blue glow.

Kolia grinned, looking over the ritual circle before pursing her lips.

"Ah… that rune there isn't needed… oh, and this one can be changed to this…"

Widening my eyes, I listened intently to her explanation, recreating the ritual circle with the new configuration, instantly feeling the difference in strength and mana needed to keep it activated.

Kolia grinned at me, laying a hand on my shoulder as she said "I best see you in all the magic courses Katherine."

I nodded, looking at Leone, chuckling at how the vampire was staring at both Kolia and I with wide, sparkling eyes.

Following my gaze, Kolia tilted her head at Leone, before saying "Ah yes, Lorelei's daughter! You were studying summoning spells were you not? Very interesting stuff, that."

Leone nodded, but before Kolia could continue one of the other robed people approached, looking almost identical to Kolia except for the normal robe and the blue snake eyes.

"Sister, they need to get inside to listen to Orientation."

Kolia just sighed, looking at the woman who called her sister with a pout.

"Why's it matter? That old bat doesn't change anything year after year…"

"Sister…"

Kolia sighed again, slumping her shoulders as she looked back at us.

"Sadly Liako dislikes fun… hah…"

Slapping her sister on the back of the head, Liako just stared at us, her face serious as she said "Lady Asmodia, Lady Presa-Ash, Lady Sera, Miss Zara… please, go inside. Orientation starts in just a few moments."

We all nodded, and Jahi grinned over at Kolia before leading us inside.

Walking behind the tall demoness, I found myself admiring the way she confidently walked into the loud room, ignoring the gazes of teachers and students, new and old.

Leone and Anput glanced around the room, looking at the various people with interest.

A teacher walked forwards, leading Jahi, Anput, and Leone towards a sectioned off area.

However, as I tried to follow them the teacher looked at me with narrowed eyes, a slight sneer on his lips as he said "Commoners sit on that side of the room."

Before he could finish his sentence Jahi had him by the throat, growling at him as she lifted him from the ground.

"Did you talk to MY maid like that? Who gave you the permission?!"

He started clawing at her hands, however she just chuckled at his attempt to remove her grip on his neck.

Writhing in her grasp, a few teachers surrounded us, looking at Jahi warily as some of the students gasped and screamed.

"Lady Asmodia… please release Professor Suckthon…"

Peering over her shoulder, Jahi smirked at the female teacher who was slowly approaching.

"I thought that the Academy was meant to be impartial, uncaring of a students origins?"

Leone nodded, her lava like eyes narrowed as she looked at the surrounding teachers.

"Indeed. That is exactly how MY MOTHER dictated that this Academy would be run…"

The surrounding teachers shivered as they looked between the golden eyes of the Asmodia Heiress and the calm, elegant figure of the Princess.

Jahi just yawned, dropping Professor Suckthon to the floor before saying "Besides, what I do with my maid, where I take my main, is dictated by me and me alone. Not some idiotic Professor who can't even protect himself."

She sneered down at man before gesturing for me to follow.

I bowed slightly to the teachers before walking behind Jahi, my heart racing as she ignored the incredulous gazes of the students.

Anput just chuckled, looking at the students with a wide grin, making them turn around.

Reaching the small section with three velvet chairs set out, Jahi, Anput, and Leone all sat, looking at me with pursed lips as I took my spot beside Jahi.

I didn't even need to look down at her to know that her hand was snaking towards my waist.

Stepping back, I turned to look at the servant in the corner, narrowing my eyes at them.

"I can take care of them all."

Swiftly nodding, the servant stepped off of the small platform we were resting on, and I set about making tea.

Jahi sighed, and Anput just chuckled, saying "Aww, are you upset that you can't have your maid warm you up~?"

Looking at Anput, Jahi just grinned at her, patting her lap as she ordered "Come here."

I glanced over my shoulder, chuckling as Anput got up with a shiver, only to be pulled onto Jahi's lap.

Shaking my head, I poured three cups of tea, placing them on the tables beside the girls.

Leone nodded to me, instantly taking a sip from it before looking over the large crowd.

Some students and teachers were looking at Jahi with wide eyes, unsure of what to think as she stroked Anput's ears as the Jackalkin sat in her lap.

I sighed, standing behind Jahi as I started looking through the crowd, noticing some familiar faces.

There were six other platforms like ours, with one seating Jillian Sariel and Ulysses Gragori, both of whom were glaring over at the smirking demoness.

Another platform was occupied by Draka, two maids standing behind her as she talked to a seductive looking Lamia, wearing little to cover her olive skin that complimented her emerald scales.

They both looked over at Jahi, nodding to her.

Seeing the familiar face of Fresca behind Draka, I nodded to the maid, who grinned at me.

The other four platforms were occupied by older students, some looking on in disinterest while others talked among themselves, discussing things with teachers.

I turned my gaze towards the large platform in the back of the room, a podium in the center of it.

Time slowly passed, Jahi flirting with Anput as Leone and I talked in hushed voices, discussing magic as she showed me various ideas she's had, tracing them onto the armrest of her chair.

"… that is why this rune here should be switched out. If you left it as is, that rune conflicts with this section he-"

"All rise!"

A booming voice echoed around the room, slicing through the various conversations happening.

Turning our gazes to the podium, we saw an old man stroking his white beard as he slammed a staff into the floor.

Standing up, I shook my head slightly when I saw Jahi keep a hand on Anput when they rose.

"I am the Vice-Headmaster, Bijilo of the Winds. For the new students, I am the person you will be seeing the most of; I hold the general magic studies. However, that's not what I am here to discuss; please welcome our very own Headmaster, Weskalan Nekonama!"

The stage was covered in smoke as the room rumbled.

All the new students let out yelps and shrieks, looking at the stage with afraid gazes, while the older students and teachers shook their heads, wry smiles on their lips.

A figure could be seen in the smoke, raising their arms as they silenced the room.

With a flick of their hand, the smoke on stage dispersed, revealing a tall, lanky old woman.

Her long, flowing grey hair was pulled into a loose braid, draped over her shoulder.

Popping out of her hair were two triangular ears, which twitched slightly as she looked over the assembled students with curiosity filled grey eyes.

On her sunken cheeks were three whiskers, and they trembled slightly as she scrunched her nose, taking a sniff of the air.

Her eyes were creased, and her skin was weathered.

Draped in a heavy robe, the woman, Weskalan Nekonama, looked every part the old scholar, what with the giant tome in one hand, the binding made from stretched leather.

Stepping up to the podium, Weskalan coughed, laying her tome on the podium before using it to support herself.

"As Bijilo said, I am the Headmaster of Vulcan's Royal Academy, Weskalan Nekonama."

Her voice was surprisingly silky and youthful, contrasting her older appearance.

Looking around the room, the older Catkin stared at certain individuals, her grey gaze stopping on our platform as she looked between Jahi, Anput, and Leone.

"Here at the Royal Academy, we, your teachers, will help any and everyone develop as best we can. You are all geodes; rough to look at, but hiding something beautiful and valuable underneath your surface.

Everyone assembled in this hall are the future leaders of our Empire; be it Nobility or talented commoners. You all deserve to be here, in this Academy, because of the potential you hold.

However, do not let that muddle your mind; just because you have potential, do not become complacent. You may be from the strongest family, you may have come from somewhere where everyone told you you were the greatest, but here?

Everyone is talented; everyone is capable of becoming a powerful person in any field here. So let me repeat myself; do not become complacent. Work hard at your craft; learn something new. This Academy holds great knowledge, open to anyone; you just need to seek it yourself.

For the new students joining us today; your first year is a standardized course, set to refine your rough edges with what we deem common knowledge. If, for some reason, you find that these courses are too difficult… either study harder, or leave. This will be the easier year of your long tenure as students at Vulcan's Royal Academy."

Taking a breath, she narrowed her eyes as she surveyed the students again, a slight smile on her lips as she saw a few shuffling nervously in their seats.

"Now that that is out of the way… you all will be making your way to your classes for an introduction to your professors, and given a rundown of the curriculum for that class. Today is short, as we want you to learn your classes locations and professors before truly starting tomorrow."

Sighing, Headmaster Weskalan lifted her tome off of the podium, looking back at Bijilo with a nod.

"Now, since it isn't a specialized course, all the first years will share the same classes; You have Magic Theory and History before noon, and Physical Combat in the afternoon. Those three classes will cover a broad range of topics, from learning about the different fields of magic to the history of not only our Empire, but of the world itself. Physical Combat is a conditioning course, meant to keep you in… some shape, before switching to how to handle different kinds of weapons and fights."

Headmaster Weskalan turned, stepping away from the podium and slipping behind the large curtains, disappearing form sight.

Chuckling, Vice-Headmaster Bijilo took her place, saying "Well, all first years are to follow me; I will be your Magic Theory Professor. As for the other students, you are dismissed. Don't be late now!"

Stepping down off the stage, Vice-Headmaster Bijilo gestured for the students to gather around him, using his magic to create the runes for his name above his head.

Looking between the three Heirs in front of me, I tilted my head when I saw Jahi pursing her lips together, while Anput just yawned.

Leone sighed, her gaze on the two women as she said "Did… you listen at all?"

Jahi turned, saying "Kinda? I zoned out… it was rather boring and simple…"

Anput nodded, laying her head on Jahi's chest as she added "Besides, I just learned that I'll have to sit through boring morning classes everyday…"

The Princess turned towards me, a wry smile on her lips as she shook her head.

Gesturing towards the large gathering of students in the center of the room, I asked "Well, should we get going?"

Sighing, Jahi nodded, stepping off the platform as she looked around.

"I have a feeling this year is going to be rather boring…"

Her amethyst eyes fell on a some of the students, her lips curling in distaste.

Anput just grinned up at Jahi, purring "Well, we'll just have to make it fun, hmm~?"

The demoness returned her grin, before sighing when Leone and I stared at her.

"Fine, fine… Hah… Let's go…"

Jahi dejectedly led the way towards the Vice-Headmaster, only to hear "Jahi~"

We all turned to see Draka making her way towards us, the Lamia and her two maids following behind her.

Nodding to the Ducal Heiress, Jahi tilted her head as she asked "Did you need something Draka?"

Shaking her head, the white Dragonkin replied "Nah, just felt like I should introduce you to them. Mainly since I feel like I'll hate my time here if I'm forced to associate with Ulysses."

Chuckling, Jahi looked over the Lamia with curious eyes, nodding to the woman.

"Lady Asssmodia… It'ssss a pleasssure~"

Lifting the hems of her dress slightly, the Lamia gave Jahi as good a curtsy as she could, making Draka laugh.

"This is the future Countess of Meduso County, the small land down south where most Lamia's live. Her name is Rialo Meduso, and she is my wife~!"

The Lamia's olive skin flushed slightly as she looked down at Draka, her slitted tongue flicking out as she covered her face.

"SSSStop it Draka~"

We all chuckled slightly at her flustered expression, only for Anput and Leone to become flustered as Jahi said "Come on Draka, only one? I have two wonderful wives, with a third on the way~"

Draka looked over the stiff figures of Anput and Leone, before looking at me.

Nodding to her, she chuckled as she turned back to Jahi.

"Well, this is a… hunting grounds, of sorts. I've already found a few interesting women in the crowd… Anyways, we should go; maybe we'll be able to grab seats together~!"

Walking besides Jahi, they started talking to one another, Rialo slithering besides them with a shy expression.

Fresca and the other maid walked with me, and I gave Fresca a small smile.

"So, how's life with your new Mistress~?"

She turned red, biting her lip as she muttered "Wonderfully demanding…"

Chuckling, the other maid, a tall, lithe woman with golden hair and droopy eyes, said "Yes, it's been quite entertaining with Lady Draka… Fresca and I have enjoyed ourselves immensely. Ah, I should introduce myself, hmm? I'm Poshka."

"Katherine."

She nodded at me, her emerald eyes filled with mirth as she looked down at the slight trembling, flustered figure of Fresca.

"Come now sister, surely you've grown past being embarrassed by this?"

Fresca glared up at Poshka, saying "No, I haven't! Why are you so-"

"Fresca?"

Hearing Draka call her name, the short brown haired maid whipped her head towards Draka, only to blush furiously as she looked at the floor.

The Dragonkin walked up to her maid, gently lifting her head by the chin.

"What has you so uptight, dear?"

I smiled as I saw Poshka cover her lips, mirth in her eyes as she watched Fresca squirm under Draka's intense gaze.

Not getting an answer, Draka released Fresca, looking at Poshka with narrowed eyes.

"Don't tease your sister so much, Poshka."

The tall blonde maid nodded, her face serious as she said "Of course Mistress."

Rolling her eyes, Draka walked back to Jahi and Rialo, resuming the conversation.

Chuckling, Poshaka looked at the red Fresca with amusement, before saying "Katherine, isn't her blushing face just so cute~?"

I nodded, making Fresca clench her fists as she pouted at us.

We chuckled, before finally reaching the Vice-Headmaster.

"Ah, is that everyone? Hmm… Yes, it looks like it. Alright now, follow me; the Academy is large, so please stick close. Some rooms are… dangerous to enter unsupervised."

We all nodded, before walking out of the large auditorium.

The halls were lit from golden sconces on the walls, magic crystals glowing from the edges, creating a rainbow light.

Various doors could be seen on either side, small plaques denoting their occupants.

'Professor Cramsa; Alchemy'

'Professor Fishka; Swordplay, Magic Theory IV'

'Professor Liako; Swordplay II – IV, Combat Theory, Monsterology I – III'

Seeing the name of Kolia's sister, I chuckled at how different they appeared; Kolia was a tried and true mage, likely teacher of the more advanced magic classes, while her sister taught Physical classes.

Reaching the end of the hall, I saw that the door we stood before was more ornate then the others, and the plaque was larger.

'Vice-Headmaster Bijilo; Magic Theory I, Ritual Circles I – IV, Advanced Wind Magic'

Opening the door, Vice-Headmaster Bijilo gestured for us to enter the large room, smiling at us.

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