The new Instructor

The Duke laughed and asked his servant to bring the robe. "Excellent. I knew you wouldn't disappoint. I have arranged the robe Alexander will be wearing and a place in the city. It's modest, but comfortable. Kaelen escorts them to the city once they are ready."

Kaelen stepped forward. He nodded curtly to Haku, Yue, and Alexander. "I will be waiting for the news. Please let me know when you are ready, but I must say I'm surprised Alexander's eyes seem more like those of a swordsman."

Alex didn't even say a word, but you could see that that statement made his day, as his smile was so bright that it could conquer the darkness that showed on his face.

'Dude, just how much do you like swords?'

As they walked through the manor, Haku thought back on the words of the Duke. "Certain qualifications"... what could they possibly mean by that?

'Maybe I can do theoretical lessons like chemistry if they know how the elemental makeup of things is, it should help them in their research, right?'

A few days later, as they went to Constalia and looked around the city, they arrived at their temporary place in the city.

The House was small, but bigger than the bar, so that was a plus. Constalia was very busy. It was a far cry from even Oakhaven.

Once settled, Haku gathered Yue and Alexander. "Alright, new plan," he announced, pulling out the map of Constalia once more. "Alex, once you start attending classes at the Red Tower. Focus on learning as much as possible about their politics, no matter where you go, if an organisation is big enough, then there will be factions. Don't draw any unnecessary attention to yourself, but also make friends and allies."

Alex, expecting this, just nodded. "Understood. I will find out everything I can."

Haku turned to Yue. "Yue, you're my eyes and ears. The Duke knows we threw ourselves to the wolves, and somebody will eventually find out who we are. Keep a close watch on things, any unusual activity in the city. We need to know if someone is investigating us. Don't get into any fights unless necessary and... try please not to be too obvious."

Yue pouted. "Being obvious is more my style!" as she punched into her palm, " But fine, I'll try to be gentle."

'damn cultivators always wanting to show off'

Haku sighed. "Just... try."

"What will you be doing? " Alexander asked. 

Haku grinned, showing confidence.

"I will do my own thing, you don't need to know yet."

I first need to find a lifeline, someone who can help me fake it without realizing it; each school has them. I never thought that I would go looking for a teacher's pet.'

 Alexander noticed the sweat on Hakus' forehead. "Are you su-"

"Trust me," Haku interrupted, with a smile that he hoped was convincing. "I have a plan." Even if that plan was mostly comprised of pretending he knew what he was doing.

The next day, Haku found himself standing before the imposing gates of the Red Tower. The academy was bigger than any school he had ever seen, and what's more, explosions could be heard and smoke was coming from somewhere, but no one reacted to it, clearly being just another school day to these students.

He walked through the gates, looking around to see if anyone stood out. He knew he was a fraud, but just like the magicians from his old life, the magic itself is the deception of people, and he would show that he is the greatest at this school.

"Excuse me," a voice spoke, startling Haku from his thoughts. "Are you perhaps the new instructor?"

Haku turned to see a young woman with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes. She wore the uniform of the Red Tower, red like fire, and had a badge just like the one Kaelen gave him before coming here, but different in colour.

"Yes, I am," Haku replied, extending his hand. "Haku is the name."

"Professor Lyra," she said, shaking his hand firmly. "Welcome to the Red Tower. I've been assigned to show you around."

As Professor Lyra led Haku through the academy, Haku asked her what she teaches and what is expected of him. She answered that special instructors can teach whatever they want as long as it has application in magic, and that she was the Fire magic instructor, this being the red tower, seen as one of the most important classes one can take.

"So, what exactly will you be teaching?" Professor Lyra asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Haku hesitated for a moment. "I'll be... focusing on practical applications of magic," he said. "Helping the students to develop their control and finding innovative ways to use their abilities."

Professor Lyra raised an eyebrow, obviously skeptical. "Innovative ways? I'm looking forward to seeing that. Our students are quite... traditional."

Haku smiled. "Don't worry, Professor. I'm sure we can find common ground."

As the tour came to an end, Professor Lyra led Haku to his assigned classroom. It was a spacious chamber filled with desks, bookshelves, and a large, circular platform.

"This is where you'll be holding your classes," Professor Lyra said. "I'm sure the students will be eager to learn from you." She spoke in a tone that implied the exact opposite.

'Oh, look at her, is she against me already? Let's see if we can change that.'

As she turned to leave, Haku stopped her. "Professor Lyra," he said, his voice serious. "I need your help."

Professor Lyra raised an eyebrow. "My help? With what?"

"I may not have the same background as the other instructors here," Haku admitted. "But I'm determined to make a difference. The students deserve that. But I can't do it alone. I need someone who knows this academy, someone who understands the students, and someone willing to help me."

Professor Lyra stared at him for a long moment, her surprise. After contemplating for a while, she finally sighed. "Fine," she said. "I'll help you. But don't expect me to hold your hand. You'll have to prove yourself."

Haku grinned. "That's all I ask, thank you."

'Look at that weak to those coming for help, good quality of a teacher'