Chapter 150 - Saint Tiffania, the h Elf
"My name is Sebastian Bke, and I e from a lineage of Sky Knights from the royal family's army." His words echoed with fidehe education here is so prestigious that even members of royalty choose to study here instead of the academies in their own kingdoms. Yes, there’s the treaty that obliges high-ranking o attend this academy, but the truth is, the excellence of this pce attracts the elite from all three kingdoms."
He smiled, pointing at us, the udents. "When you graduate, you will automatically be ied into the military of the kingdom to which you belong. You will leave here as trained soldiers, with a guaranteed job and a position in the army. However, this is not mandatory. We uand that each of you has your own goals, and many of you have political or family responsibilities. But know this: as a representative of the royal army, I’ll be watg the potential of each mage here. Those who stand out may have the honor of riding an Asalon iure."
Sebastian paused, letting the weight of his words settle in the air. "Each kingdom has its military representatives here, ready to talk to you. It doesn't matter whether you're a bat Mage or a Builder Mage. Every tribution is valuable."
He stepped back, and I noticed that some students were excited by the news. For many there, especially from smaller noble families or lineages without mufluehis was a unique opportunity. As for me, I was relieved that this wasn’t mandatory. The st thing I wanted in this life was to find myself in an army again, serving another ruler.
Some students were visibly excited. I uood; not everyone here was the heir to great titles or had signifit political positions. For many, this academy represented a ce to build a bright and prestigious future. In my case, I already had a defined path: I wasn’t the maio my duchy, but I would have a political role in my family’s administration and military force. Being a great army mage or a Sky Knight in the human kingdom’s army wasn’t something I desired.
If I dared to mount another creature and fly in the sky, I’d pity the poor beast that would feel Cyl’s wrath…
I never rode on Cyl’s back to fly, even when she had stabilized in her dragon form. Although she had carried me to her ir so we could practice synized spell casting, we never dared to risk a flight. If a dragon flew around, the entire region would go on high alert, and I would be discovered. My options were limited. The only way to make her fly without raising suspi would be to take her to the forbidden region in her phoenix form a her revert ton form there. But with her body still iabilization process, switg between forms exhausted her quickly.
When Cyl ehis process of bodily transformation, she bees as vulnerable as a Moon Panther cub. The fusion with the serpent had been pleted, but the traits of her progenitors were turning her into something unique: her final dragon form. Even outside her beast form, her body suffered the sequences of the transformations. Every detail, from the growth of a ooth to the appearance of ara spike oail, deeply exhausted her. It was the same with Kinue when we were children, f her into periods eive sleep.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, Princess Era began to speak.
"There are a series of rules you must follow. Remember, fighting among yourselves is not allowed, and any viotion will be severely punished. If someone is willing to attack a fellow student, they must be prepared to be attacked back. We, the Student cil, have the authority to punish you with force if necessary. You are no longer uhe prote of your families; here, you will be treated like military mages and will receive punishments accly. We even have a prison for those who cross the line. Be warned: it doesn’t matter your st name; all will be equally punished if you break the rules."
She paused, taking a deep breath.
"This also applies to your tamed magical beasts. If your familiar its any infra, they will be punished, and the owner will be held atable as well."
I gave the sleepy gray y p a gentle nudge.
"Did you hear that? I'll be punished if you cause trouble."
Cyl opened her eyes briefly, gave me a drowsy look, and then closed them agaiurning to her nap without a care.
The High Elf Tiffania gracefully moved to the ter of the stage. I noticed a few students leaning forward, as if trying to be closer to her somehow.
"I am truly honored by the presence of all of you, udents. gratutions on being part of our academy," Tiffania said, a soft smile.
"She's so beautiful," someone whispered from nearby rows.
"I hope we work together to build a better future. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to e to me. I’m not only a student, but also your selor. I have my limitations, but I promise to do my best to make this academic journey as light and enjoyable as possible for all of us." Tiffania opened her arms warmly, and at that moment, her skin seemed to emit a soft, almost ethereal glow, as if she was radiating light.
"Her smile is amazing!" audent excimed, clearly captivated.
Soon, there were a few timid cps, but within seds, the entire auditorium erupted in appuse, drawn in by the enting presence of the High Elf. I remembered rofessor Adrihna had once mentiohe 'mystical presehat High Elves could ma. Now, I was seeing it live.
Ohe appuse died down, Tiffania returo her pce, and Princess Era stepped fain.
"There are still many things you will discover about how this institution works, and that’s iional. The academy prefers that you experiehese surprises and lessons firsthand. Even if you ask senior students, they are not allowed to reveal certaiails. So, good luck… and wele to the Apsalon Magic Academy," Era said with a firm gaze.
With that, the silence was repced by murmurs of excitement and anticipation, along with appuse.
