Chapter 25: Disciplinary Committee

ARTHUR LEYWIN'S POV:Both Gawain and I followed Rosa Barlowe as she led us through a side gate that opened into a different area, far from where I had originally planned to enter the hall. The realization dawned on me as we approached a passageway behind the stage, hidden from the view of the students already gathered in the auditorium.Now, it was beginning to make sense. I could feel the pieces coming together in my mind as we moved closer to the back of the stage. The uniforms, the director wanting to see us—this wasn't just about being students. We were being singled out for something specific, something that would place us in the spotlight in front of the entire academy.Standing at the forefront of the group of students was an older lady with an air of authority and wisdom. This was Cynthia Goodsky, the director of Xyrus Academy. She wasn't wearing the oversized hat that conjurers normally wore like she did the last time we met almost three years ago. Instead, she wore an elegant white circlet that matched her white robe, appearing much more refined than the witch-like impression she had given off on our first encounter.By the time we reached the director had already spotted us, "Arthur, Gawain, it has been a while since we met, and I see that you both have already met," she greeted both me and Gawain who was walking just beside. "Good morning, Director Goodsky," both Gawain and I said at the same time.Nodding she said, "Well, unfortunately, I don't have much time as I have to go to the stage for the speech. Claire will tell you about everything related to your different uniform and roles," saying that she disappeared in the air.As Cynthia Goodsky disappeared going to the stage, we both shifted our attention to the group that was standing there. "My name is Claire! Claire Bladeheart. I am considered a sixth-year battle mage with fire and lightning deviant augmentor, I am also the leader of the disciplinary committee!" A scarlet red-haired girl introduced herself as she took half a step towards us. She wore a military-style uniform as well with both her shoulders having gold epaulettes, which were basically ornamental shoulder pads along with an embellished collar that went up around her neck. That, along with her light gray and gold-accented skirt with knee-high boots gave her uniform a much more royal feel compared to my simple one."Disciplinary committee?" Gawain asked her in a tone of surprise."Well long story short, there are two types of mages, battle mage or scholar mage here, as you know. That being said, most of the battle mages, senior students, or students who come from noble families tend to bully scholar mages, new students, or commoner students, respectively. And our job, as members of the Disciplinary Committee is to make sure not to let these things happen and stop racial discrimination at the academy ground." Claire told him."I see, Well my name is Gawain Ariosto, I am a first-year mage as you know, with Earth and Gravity Deviant. I am also an augmentor, and this is my bond Demitrius," Gawain introduced himself along with Demitrius."My name is Arthur Leywin and I just started attending this academy as a scholar mage student. I am a dual-elemental attribute augmenter capable of wind and earth. This here is my bond Sylvie" I also introduced myself, and pointed toward the white fox atop my head."Well, Gawain, Arthur, let me introduce you to the rest of the group," saying that she pointed to a tall student, "This is Theodore Maxwell!" "Hmph! It seems like the disciplinary committee has stooped low enough to recruit twerps. " I swore I thought he was a bear. He stood at about two meters high at least. His uniform was just a vest that was unbuttoned, revealing his bulging muscles. By the tear marks on the arm openings of the vest, I could assume it wasn't originally designed as a vest."Anyway," saying that Claire shot Theodore a fierce look as he turned his head away, "This, here is Kai Crestless, a fourth-year." She introduced us to a lean and tall guy with very dull, light-grey—almost white—hair that reached over his brows. He had narrow eyes that were virtually slits and a smile on his face that didn't come off as pleasant but more so mocking."This is Doradrea Oreguard, a first-year like yourself," Claire pointed towards the last member who was, a female dwarf that came up to my chest with limbs as thick as tree trunks. The only indications that told me she was female were her long brown hair and high-pitched voice, neither of which suited her masculine appearance."Well, actually there are three more members but they have not arrived yet. Hopefully, they will arrive before we have to go to the stage." Just as she said that a sudden voice of a male came from behind us, "Long time no see, Arthur Leywin, Gawain Ariosto" A tall blonde elf that looked to be a couple of years older than me walked up, crossing his arms while he looked down at me."I apologize... Do I know you?" I really had no idea who this elf was until Sylvie mentally transmitted who he was. "Ah! You're Feyfey!" I pointed at him in surprise. Gawain beside me burst out laughing. Boy, did he get big? He was at least a head taller than me and he turned out to become quite the pretty boy.Feyfey's face instantly turned beet red as he placed both hands on my shoulders. "It's FeyRITH...Feyrith Ivsaar III. And although I'm a second year, I'm still a couple of years older than you so don't call me by nicknames. I'm a water specialist conjurer, by the way. " I could see veins popping from his forehead.(A/N: I know Feyfey was the first year in the original, but let's make him a second year.)"Haha, long time no see, Feyrith Ivsaar III," Gawain said in between his laughter. "You know him?" I asked curiously, I had met Feyfey because of my stay at Elenoir, but I didn't expect another human to know him."Well, Our grandfathers are great friends, so during noble meetings about the union of all kingdoms, we meet and had the chance to spar," Gawain answered, "Anyway, how did you come to know him?" He asked me back. "Well, that's a long story, but in short we both spared when we were kids," I said dismissively.I could tell he wanted to ask more but, everyone's attention shifted towards the entrance again as two other people entered. Both of which I instantly recognized, They were Prince and Princess of Sapin, Curtis Glayder, and Kathyln Glayder followed by a two-meter-high World Lion and a cute icy blue-almost white wolf cub sitting on top of its head. Even though her form is different I knew she was Nehir."Hey, Everyone! It's good to see you." Curtis exclaimed as he spotted the group. "Curtis, Good to see you too," Claire replied and looked at the girl beside him. "and you must be Kathyln Glayder?""Kathyln Glayder, I am a first-year as well, coming in as a scholar-mage student. I am a single specialist conjurer in ice attribute magic. " Kathyln introduced herself to everyone while bowing her head a little. I see... She's a deviant!"Well Curtis already knows most of us, I will introduce you to the rest."Saying that Claire told everyone's name, when Claire was about to introduce me to Curtis eyes landed on me as he exclaimed, "Arthur?!""Long time no see, Prince Curtis, Princess Kathyln," I said, keeping my tone formal. "I can hardly call myself a prince now ever since the three kings and queens dismissed their titles and became The Council. Just call me Curtis. " He spoke very charismatically, his deep voice carrying a certain depth. His expression was a bit troubled though, no doubt because his father's guard did cause some problems for me the last time we met."Anyway, This is Grawder, my bond and the sitting on his head is Nehir, my sister's bond." "Ahh, Grawder must be the world lion that your father acquired at the auction several years back." "Oh, Look Director's speech has ended. Now, it's the Student Council's turn!" Doradrea exclaimed. Everyone's attention shifted towards the stage. ——introduce to you the Student Council that represents this academy and takes part in making important decisions along with me. Please give them a warm welcome. "The director waved her raised hand and one by one, members of the council started walking out I first saw Jarrod walking confidently, looking straight ahead, his pretty boy face eliciting a wave of shrill screams from the girls in the audience. Behind him, a very playful, cheery guy came out waving at the audience and beaming a bright smile.Behind him was Lilia, her shy demeanor was nowhere to be seen as she walked calmly towards the center of the stage, where she gave small bows in each direction.Behind her was someone, I hadn't expected to see, It was A-class adventurer, Elijah Knight. Behind him walked out a tall student with long, parted bangs. His face was frozen into what looked like a stern grimace with a sharp gaze that seemed to be looking down on everyone, giving him a rather pompous appearance. While the cheers for him wasn't as loud as it was for Jarrod or the cheery guy, he, nonetheless, strode with practiced grace.Finally, the last to arrive actually made the crowd silent. The unmistakable gunmetal silver hair that reflected the lights in the auditorium gave her a serene glow as her peachy-cream complexion made the boys around me gape. She turned to face the audience so that her round, turquoise eyes captured the hearts of every boy in this auditorium."My name is Tessia Eralith, and I am honored to stand here as this academy's Student Council President. "The director suddenly appeared around us out of nowhere, "Well, are you ready? Once Tessia completes her speech, you guys are next." "Yep! We are ready director!" Claire exclaimed, enthusiasm evident in her voice. Nodding Cynthia took the chance, as everyone's attention was shifted towards the stage, to come and stood beside me, "So, do you like my gift, Arthur?""Well, I am certain you didn't expect me to do with without anything in return, right?" I said, looking at her."Hoho, Of course! What do you take me for?" She laughed in a witch-like manner. We continued our conversation as she informed me, about how she had a mana-enriched training room prepared specially for me. Soon, Tessa's speech come to an end, as our turn to go to the stage came.The auditorium filled with applause as the red curtains we stood behind were raised. We stood there, shoulders square and hands glued to our sides. I had to admit that with people like Curtis with Grawder behind him, Theodore, Claire, and even Feyrith, we were an impressive sight in our color-coordinated uniforms As we stood in front of the students of Xyrus on the stage, side by side, we pulled out our knives and held them out in front of us so the insignia showed. Unsheathing our knives, we proceeded to do a small, choreographed routine before saluting the crowd.Claire spoke out on behalf of the disciplinary committee with a short speech before we all headed out towards the back of the stage, leaving the crowd with mixed emotions.For some students, the disciplinary committee meant to serve as a shackle that prohibited their spoiled behavior. For others, the disciplinary committee served as an aegis, protecting them from the threat of harm.Either way, it would be an interesting school year.~~A/N: I know, you would be like, 'Where is Ignatius?' don't worry, he will be introduced in a later chapter. (It was definitely not me forgetting about him.)