“The past is never dead. It's not even past” ( part 1 )

[ Host, please. ]

"Call me Csendes."

[ Very well, Csendes. ]

"So, can teachers also see this data?"

[ Not exactly. We can modify the information they receive. I sent the numbers, but the details in parentheses remain private. Those are part of your personal records—I will not share them without your consent. ]

"Hmm... I remember you were also the one who measured me during the admission evaluation. Did they see this data back then?"

[ No. I only transmitted the numbers, without mentioning the state of your soul. ]

"You're quite diligent."

[ We will be together for a long time. I must know whom I serve. ]

The phoenix smirked in amusement. She removed the ring from her finger and tossed it into the air.

"Come out."

The ring gleamed blindingly, and a humanoid figure emerged. It was the height of a four-year-old child, with a dark gray body. Its face resembled a droplet of water, and where eyes should have been, there were copper-colored diamonds. Their many facets caught and reflected passing light. On its head, it had short golden hair, with strands that occasionally lifted like antennae.

This was a small Damianus - a system designed specifically for young students at the academy. This species had always been subjugated by others, yet somehow, the entire universe feared them and regarded them as the most powerful.

Csendes studied it curiously. In the superior clans, there were countless discussions about the Damianus species - some good, some bad, possibly truths and fabrications alike. Having never encountered one before, her eagerness to examine it thoroughly was evident.

Although she claimed to be studying it, she did not approach. She merely watched, her gaze unwavering. A barely perceptible red glimmer flickered in her eyes.

The small system, standing on the floor and testing its material body, felt a shift in the surrounding energy. Before it could comprehend what was happening, thousands of tiny energy threads emerged and re-entered its form. There was no pain - not even a sensation. Had it not seen them with its own eyes, it would have never known they were there. It looked down at itself, then back at the girl sitting on the couch. Dismissing the matter entirely, it focused on taking its first steps.

For a being that was meant to reside in the souls of others to survive, having a material body was a death sentence. Yet, for the Damianus species, it was an unattainable dream.

Experiencing the world through others was one thing, but they had desires too. They wanted to live their own lives, to feel for themselves, to be free - even if only for a moment.

And so, the little being began to jump and run around the apartment. Their physical bodies lacked mouths, but their skin shifted in color depending on their emotions. Normally, young Damianus were strictly trained to remain calm, void of emotion or external influences.

This system seemed different.

Or perhaps all the systems assigned to the academy this time were like this.

Just as the children from superior species were sent here at an early age, before their families had taught them too much, so were the systems.

This was likely the director's doing. A miracle, even, that he had convinced the Alpha System to allow untrained young systems to roam freely.

The phoenix, who had been silently watching the Damianus all along, suddenly smirked. She rose to her feet and walked toward the door, sensing a presence approaching.

The small gray figure instantly reverted into a ring and flew back onto her hand.

The stranger outside was just about to knock when the door swung open. Standing in the doorway was a girl with her hair tied back, still dressed in her academy uniform, a polite smile on her face.

The visitor bowed slightly in greeting and stepped aside, revealing several large and small boxes being transported on floating leaves.

"I apologize for the intrusion. I am responsible for the administration of this building. My name is Skoni. I am a forest faun. I will be at your service for any housing-related matters."

Csendes observed the 'faun' standing before her. He was only slightly taller than she was. The rumors about fauns being short were false, after all.

These beings were naturally timid, lovers of nature who rarely interacted with other species. The one in front of her seemed young, yet the phoenix sensed immense power beneath his youthful appearance. His horns bore a few scars—an indication that he might not be as young as he looked.

She glanced at the packages before her and remained silent.

The faun had likely encountered this reaction before, as he was unfazed.

"Along with administration, I also handle correspondence. Every morning on Veneris, I deliver letters and packages. If you have anything to send, you may give it to me on that day."

With a flick of his wrist, the packages behind him floated toward the phoenix's doorway, his intention clear.

However, she blocked the entrance.

The faun hesitated, then placed the packages down for now.

"Miss?"

"I will only accept packages from the academy. Anything from external sources should be discarded. Do not send them to me again—throw them away immediately if they arrive during my stay here."

The faun was momentarily surprised, but understanding flickered in his eyes. He lifted only two boxes this time—brown ones marked with the academy's emblem. This time, Csendes allowed them inside.

Glancing at the remaining stack of golden boxes, she scoffed mockingly.

The faun carefully placed the rejected packages back onto the floating leaves.

"Understood, Miss. I will remember this. Do you have any preferences regarding cleaning schedules? Do you require servants?"

She seemed to consider it for a moment before shaking her head.

"I want no cleaners or servants. No one but me will enter my apartment."

The faun nodded and took out a small notebook, jotting down her requests.

"Final question. How often would you like food deliveries? Any dietary restrictions?"

"Once a month. Anything is fine, but primarily raw meat. For drinks, I want cold beverages only. No foods or drinks that generate heat."

He noted her preferences, then bowed politely again.

"Thank you for your time. I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused. I wish you a comfortable stay and wonderful memories at the Academy."

Csendes did not respond, and the faun did not wait for one. He was already walking away.

"I will."

Whether she was answering herself or the faun, who could no longer hear her, she did not know. She re-entered her apartment, where the two academy-delivered boxes sat by the door.

The ring on her finger warmed slightly.

Without looking, she removed it and tossed it behind her. The small figure reappeared, now circling the boxes eagerly. Its curiosity and desire to interact with tangible objects were palpable.

"Bring the boxes to the couch and open them. I'll tell you where to put everything."

She settled comfortably as the small system moved around, placing objects from the boxes in their designated spots. One box contained books required for her mandatory courses—magic fundamentals, diplomacy, etiquette, law, and history.

She set aside only a single history book, intending to read it while the system continued organizing.

As it arranged academy-issued uniforms for combat, casual wear, and training, Csendes retrieved her personal belongings from her private storage.

She had not brought much—just a few notebooks, some clothes she liked, and plenty of pajamas. However, among her items were a small human skull, several strange stones, frames containing failed paintings, and a black dagger with visible cracks.

She placed them on a bookshelf in the living room.

Then, with a final glance at them, she sat down and began to read.