I left the Headmaster's office quickly, happy I made her almost piss herself.
As I turned down the hall, I saw the others standing nearby, along with Terra and Nate, the head of the commoner dorms.
Nate seemed to be talking with Terra and trying to figure out why she was there.
Orin, Araki, and Aaron were watching the display, while Zek and Ark were sitting on the ground.
As I walked over, I noticed Zek was teaching Ark some basic mana control by having him make a ball of mana in one hand and slowly move it to his other.
Ark seemed to be understanding the basics but was clearly distracted.
I took a slightly louder step and caught everyone's attention.
Ark looked up and almost instantly started running to me.
I saw him motion to go and hug me before catching himself and slowing down.
He stopped in front of me and shyly asked, "D-Did everything go okay?"
I smiled and put a hand on his head, rubbing it slightly, causing him to freeze.
"Everything is fine. She won't do anything to me and fears me too much to try anything on you guys," I said as everyone else walked over.
Araki tilted his head. "Are you sure? You did yell, and I quote, 'Fuck off. No, you crazy b*tch,' in front of the entire school."
I smiled. "It's fine. I have something of value she won't risk going to another academy."
Almost everyone showed signs of understanding. I knew only Terra was thinking of the right thing, but the others weren't wrong either.
"What do you have that she doesn't want to lose?" Nate asked.
I smiled. "Me. I'm a spirit summoner."
Nate went wide-eyed in shock, while the others showed signs of confusion, then realization as they understood.
"...Y-You're a summoner?" Nate asked.
I nodded.
"Holy shit! T-There's only like ten others, right?" he asked excitedly.
I nodded.
Orin, confused, asked, "What do you mean only ten others?"
I smiled. "I have already explained what I am to you guys, but I didn't mention how rare people like me are.
Throughout Primus, there are over 200 kingdoms, countries, and lands, but when it comes to true summoners like me, there are only about 50 of us known publicly. And of that 50, only around ten of them are spirit summoners, and of those, 4 of them are part of the elven main kingdom." I explained.
Everyone stared in shock as they realized how rare I was.
Smiling, I added, "Now, although you guys and the Headmaster know, I want to keep this between only us for now. I don't want to have to deal with thousands of marriage proposals from half the women here and the surrounding kingdoms.
She knows my wishes, but I want to make sure you all know," I finished while pointing back at the Headmaster's office.
They all nodded, but Terra asked, "The Headmaster isn't someone who stays quiet about things she wants. You saw her attempt to tie you to her with the marriage proposal. She will try again."
I nodded. "I don't doubt she will try again, but after some... persuasion, she won't do it so publicly again."
Terra glared at me and asked, "What did you do?"
I smiled. "Nothing bad. All I did was threaten her with exposing her secrets and summoning a spirit to destroy everything she has."
Terra gave me a blank stare, Aaron seemed excited, Orin, Zek, and Araki seemed shocked, and Ark seemed worried.
"Y-You threatened her? Don't you think that is a bit much?" Araki asked.
Both Terra and I turned to him.
"No," I said.
She turned to me, sighed, and said, "Jack, why do you always do stuff like this?"
"I don't always do stuff like this," I argued.
She raised an eyebrow. "You punched a priest in the face last year and threatened to deconsecrate the church he worked at."
I turned to her and defended my self, "You know I don't like the Holy Church. Plus, he tried to forcefully convert me and make me take the purification ritual. You know what would happen if I did."
She glared at me.
I rolled my eyes. "Look, I wasn't about to let her make me a pawn of hers or marry someone I don't like or even know."
"Fair," Orin said. "But you did just make her your enemy."
I crossed my arms. "She was already my enemy. The only difference is that now she knows and won't screw with me or my friends."
Orin smirked. "Gotta admit, I liked seeing her squirm."
Terra exhaled. "You're impossible."
I shrugged. "You knew that already."
I turned back to Ark, who was still tense.
I nudged him slightly. "Hey."
He flinched again. "H-Huh?"
I gave him a small smile. "Are you doing okay? You seemed a little worried."
His ears twitched, his tail flicked slightly, and he hesitantly nodded. "Yeah, I-I'm okay. I... I just didn't want to lose a friend."
He definitely had something else on his mind, but this was good for now.
I didn't know why he was so anxious today, but at least he was still talking to me.
That was enough for now.
We all spoke a bit about the ceremony for a bit longer, and I eventually asked why Terra and Nate were there.
Turns out both of them said they were preparing to vouch for me in case the Headmaster wanted to expel me.
Terra, being high nobility, and Nate, being close to a prominent merchant organization, made it very likely they could change her mind after some 'persuasion.'
After talking for a bit, Nate said he had to leave as he had something else to do and left.
Terra decided to help us with registering for classes.
Terra led us back to the Great Hall.
Inside the hall were a few tables and boards for registering and choosing classes, while the boards showed what was available.
Terra stepped in front of the group and explained, "The second- and third-years were informed about the changes last week and are responsible for assisting in it this year, so I can give you all the basics.
Normally, you would have to pass six classes in total—two educational, two combat, and two optional classes—every year, and only members of your class, being 1-10, are a part of it. But this year, the educational classes are optional, and the combat classes are required. You must select any class you want, from magic to swordsmanship,
and during the afternoon classes, you will be mixing with other classes of the same year. Though it will only be the lower classes for you, like 1-9 to 1-7 at most... I hate this system, but nothing can be done right now... though considering how strong each of you is, I wouldn't be surprised if you are the strongest students of your year, so an exception might be made for you.
Every other month, you will head into the forest for a field exam and complete challenges set up by the teachers. These can be navigating to locations in the forest, hunting a specific monster or animal, etc.
The recommended class schedule is two theory classes in the morning and two to three combat classes in the afternoon.
For the morning, I would recommend basic magic theory for beginner mages so you can learn how to use basic magic and how it works, and alchemy so you can learn potion making.
The afternoon classes are more physical classes like combat training and spell casting, but what you choose is up to you.
Each class is held every day, multiple times a day, so if you want to coordinate with your friends to be in the same class on certain days, feel free. Each class is one hour long and starts from 9 AM to 6 PM, with ten minutes in between, from Monday to Friday. Weekends are free. You don't need to fill in each class, but feel free to do what you want.
If you need any help, please let me know." Terra finished explaining.
We all nodded and went out exploring the options.
After about half an hour, we all got back together and coordinated our schedules.
On Monday, we would all take History and Math in the morning and Physical Combat in the afternoon. Zek wasn't so sure about that, but after some convincing from me, by pointing out that if an opponent was right next to him, he couldn't cast spells, he agreed.
Tuesday was Mana Manipulation and Alchemy, then Spell Casting, with the later hours free. Orin agreed to take Mana Manipulation so he could use magic items and would volunteer as a sparring partner for Spell Casting since he could get paid for it.
Wednesday, we all agreed to keep it free for midweek adventuring.
Thursday was the same as Tuesday for now so we could help Ark get better at spellcasting, but we added Geography instead of Alchemy.
Friday was Alchemy and Crafting classes—Blacksmithing for me and Orin, Enchanting for Araki and Zek, and Tinkering for Ark and Aaron. Then, in the afternoon, we had Mixed Combat classes, allowing mages and physical fighters to train, spar, and learn how to work together and counter each other.
Overall, we were happy with our options.
We registered them and were told our schedules would be available tonight at 8 and to ask Nate for them then.
We thanked them and headed out.
We got back to the dorm hall with no problems and sat in the lounge.
Ark seemed to be a little braver now and sat next to me, causing me to smile.
We talked for a bit and enjoyed our time, but sadly, our happy mood wouldn't last long.
Knock-knock.
I paused, then glanced at the others. They all looked just as confused.
We weren't behind a door yet heard knocking.
I looked at the corner and noticed someone.
The moment I saw them, I sighed in annoyance.
They were wearing the noble student uniform. (The school has a uniform, but it isn't mandatory. It is very expensive, and many nobles wear it to help show status. However, those like Terra, who side with commoners, don't wear it.)
The one in front was a tall, well-dressed guy with sharp features and an arrogant smirk. Behind him, two other nobles stood, both looking equally smug.
I already didn't like them.
I looked at this group of clearly privileged assholes and tried to ignore them. Of course, they wouldn't let me.
"Jackson Drovas, was it?" the lead noble said, crossing his arms.
I glanced at him and said, "That depends. Who's asking?"
The noble's smirk widened. "Leon Orander. First-year."
Orander… The name was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't remember.
Seeing I was trying to remember him, Ark nudged me and whispered, "He was the one badmouthing Orin during the exam that Terra humbled."
I turned back to him and thought, Great. This asshole.
Leon tilted his head. "I saw your little display today. Thought I'd introduce myself."
I raised an eyebrow. "You traveled all the way to the commoner dorms just to say hi? I'm honored." I said the last part very sarcastically.
One of the nobles behind him snickered while a vein on Leon's face bulged.
He looked back at the chuckling one, and they shut up.
Leon chuckled and turned back to me. "Not quite." He stepped closer, eyes gleaming. "You see, a lot of people are talking about you, Drovas. Some think you're interesting. Others think you're a disgrace for rejecting the Headmaster's offer."
I didn't respond. I just waited.
Leon smirked. "Personally? I think you need to be put in your place."
Ah. There it is, I thought.
I sighed. "So let me guess. You're challenging me to a duel."
Leon grinned. "You catch on quick."
I stared at him for a moment, then shrugged. "No."
"Good. Now we wi—...What?" he said, confused.
"No," I repeated, turning away. "Not interested."
Leon's smirk faltered for the first time. "What, are you scared?"
I rolled my eyes. "No, I'm not interested in petty fights with people who need an ego boost by beating up commoners. No matter what you say, fighting you isn't high on my list of priorities."
Leon's jaw clenched. "Coward."
"Sure." I yawned. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
One of his lackeys stepped forward. "You commoners are all the same. No backbone."
I stared at him. "Buddy, I just told the Headmaster to fuck off. You really think I care what you have to say?"
The noble scowled.
Leon exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to stay calm. "You're not getting out of this, Drovas. Whether it's tomorrow, next week, or next month, I will make you fight me."
I gave him a lazy salute. "Good luck with that."
He huffed and stormed away.
Aaron sighed. "You really love making enemies, don't you?"
Orin snorted. "It's definitely a talent you got, Jack."
Araki laughed and added, "At this rate, half the academy's gonna hate you by the end of the week."
I shrugged. "Not my fault nobles are obsessed with status."
Zek laughed from Orin's shoulder. "Hey, at least it's entertaining."
Aaron groaned. "For now."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
*Thud.*
"Leon, wha...t...!" a voice said before another *thud* followed.
"What's hap...en..in?" the final voice said before *thud*.
We all turned to look down the hall.
Each of them was lying on the ground, passed out.