Chapter 1: Magic of Beginnings (1)

Eighth of Libra, Year 168 - Michael POV

Yes, I did say I was bored

Yes, I did say maybe I’d like to try something more exciting.

But this… this was not what I had in mind!

“Damn it Edward!”

Julia walked up to Michael’s bed and looked down at him with a mildly concerned, yet subtly contemptuous expression. “What’s wrong? We’re heading to the academy in a few minutes so no more lazing around,” she ordered before leaving the room.

I lied, that was a fully contemptuous expression. Michael closed his eyes and sighed, sliding off his bed. Well, I guess it’s better than her being needlessly worried for me.

Michael looked over at the wall terminal located beside his bed. At the corner of the display, small text reading ‘0800’ indicated the time of day. “What’s she talking about? We still got half an hour before the entrance ceremony.”

Ever since Edward adopted the two of them three years ago, they’ve been living together. Studious and ever yearning for knowledge, Julia was a trustworthy and reliable friend, when she wasn’t being an asshole.

“You just thought something insulting didn’t you?”

“I did not.”

Michael stepped out into the hall, finding Julia waiting by the door fastening her bag to her waist. Her long purple-violet hair flowed down the sides of her head, leaving her eyes clear of any obstruction, and rested straight along her thin back.

By the time they left the building, the dome’s day phase was already in full throttle. The harsh light coming from the sky panels above reflected off the pavement and bathed the city in a comforting warmth.

“Hello Julia, Michael, I have been sent by Sir Edward. Please allow me to accompany you to the academy.”

Waiting for them outside was a woman who looked like she worked for some sort of secret service. Well, the type of secret service that drives you to school in the morning. With her navy blue hair tied up into a neat bun, she donned simple narrow sunglasses and a notably emotionless expression.

Michael sighed internally as he reluctantly sat in the car. If that sly old man sent her then I don't trust this one bit. The car slowly rose off the ground, moving down the street in suspended aerial travel.

Michael leaned against the window lazily, gazing at the glamorous streets of Sunimert as they flew by. During the recent expansion of the town, the inner ring was renovated, now harboring some of the most advanced technology even amongst the other sectors. From the Holotech that guided public transportation and travel to the autonomous Vigor Bots that maintained order and safety, life has never been more simple and efficient.

The car slowed down and followed the guiding holograms on the road, pulling into a narrow street beside the academy building. Michael and Julia exited the car and straightened out their uniforms.

The lady rolled down the window and started typing something on her datacard. “I’ll be here at 1800 to pick you up.” She rolled the window back up and promptly drove away.

“It couldn’t have hurt to say good luck,” Michael muttered.

Julia punched his shoulder lightly. “Shut up, this is why no one likes you.”

“Hey, It’s not like you have the greatest personality either.”

Julia ignored his reaction and silently started ahead of him towards the curb. Ordinarily, Michael might have thought she was mad at him, but then he remembered that she was always a stick in the mud regardless of what mood she was in.

The street leading to the entrance of the school was adjoined with a long row of four story domains, as well as small cafes and restaurants. The school provided these living spaces for those who couldn’t find or afford a private domain. Though convenient, Michael would absolutely dread living this close to the academy.

Huugh, I’m getting the creeps just thinking about it.

As they walked towards the gate, Michael noticed students exiting their homes. There were clusters of students surrounding them and Michael peered around curiously.

“It’s crazy how many students are here to study magic.”

Julia waved her hand dismissively “This much is normal. Magic theory was only discovered seventeen years ago so it’s practically a gold deposit for aspiring physicists.”

“Really? Magic isn’t really all that interesting in my opinion.”

“Well, do you see anyone here asking for your opinion? Everyone has come here in search of wealth and knowledge. Your mindset won’t change anything.” Michael glared at the back of Julia’s head, but to his dismay, she continued forward.

They walked through the gate into the academy courtyard and were greeted by a few staff members that looked to be some of the professors. They directed all the freshman students past the lavish gardens and monuments decorating the front courtyard, and gathered them by the side of the building where a stage and podium awaited them. The freshman group alone appeared to number 200 people at the least.

As the last few students were trailing in and the chattering died down, a tall man wearing a flashy white suit appeared on the stage—walking with a relaxed, confident stride. His clothing was perfectly tailored for him, revealing his lean physique, and emphasizing his height at a towering six foot four.

Wait, is that?… of course it is.

Michael face-palmed as their guardian, Edward, stepped up on the podium. His sunny blonde hair was styled lightly, sweeping evenly above his eyes and around his head as he looked over the students. He flashed a youthful smile towards the two of them, earning a not-so-subtle squeal from the girls in the area. Michael made sure not to react in any way to his gaze. I really don’t want anyone thinking I know that shameless guy.

“Gross,” Julia remarked. “No matter how he looks, he’s still an old man in his thirties. Could it hurt for him to show some self-control?” The girls in the area shrunk at Julia’s harsh attitude, as if her statement was directed at them.

Edward turned away from them and faced the crowd with a wide smile. “Welcome my promising freshmen, to Lyre Magic Academy! I am your principal and the person who will be leading you to success throughout your four years in this academy.”

Michael smirked at the sight before him. “How’d a clown like him become principal?” Julia instantly elbowed him in the side, as if she didn’t say something similar just a few seconds ago. What are these double standards?

“Your acceptance here means that you are one of the most talented elites in the country. As I’m sure you all have heard, this academy is one of the best institutions for magic research, and we provide a multitude of courses on the various fields necessary for fledgling scholars such as yourselves. You have all come in search of a new field of science and discovery and here is where you will find it!”

Everyone in the crowd began clapping their hands, and while Michael wasn’t particularly amazed, he played along so as to not stand out. After a few more words about the school’s long magnificent history that Michael filtered out, Edward stepped down from the podium and another man walked up.

Just how many people do we have to listen to? My ears are already bleeding damn it.

Michael grumpily watched as a man wearing a gray vest over a black button up and trousers paused in front of the podium. With brown hair that was slicked back to barely stop above his nape, he exuded an aura of dignified urbanity. He was the polar opposite of Edward in both fashion and demeanor.

“Thank you Principal Edward for your inspiring speech. My name is Albert Melwood and I will be the lead professor for the freshman class. Our academy…”

Michael was nearly incapacitated by all the following gibberish about the school system and regulations. Melwood talked for what felt like hours, most of which Michael missed.

He would soon realize that was a mistake.

“On your ID page you will see your assigned lecture hall. All students please relocate to your classrooms and await further instructions there.”

My ID page? What ID page? I don’t remember being told about this! As Michael fumbled desperately through his pockets, Julia started walking to her hall. After a moment, he noticed that all the other students and teachers were all gone as well.

Oh fuck, now I’m lost. But what should I do now? If I start randomly walking into classrooms, I’ll just look like an idiot.

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With no destination in mind, Michael started walking down one of the halls while looking at the different classrooms. “The ceiling in this place is huge…” Chandeliers made of a golden material hung from the high ceiling, and a flat red carpet ran along the length of the hallway. Michael couldn’t help being amazed by the interior designing, but this much was expected of an inner ring institution.

Michael continued wandering the halls while observing the various paintings and murals, when he saw Professor Melwood traveling towards him with a tablet in hand.

Oh, thank god I found one of the professors! Julia would never let it go if she heard I got lost on the first day.

“Professor!”

The man looked up, surprised by Michael’s sudden yell. “Aren’t you one of the freshmen? Skipping class won’t serve you well in the future.”

What is this guy’s impression of me? 

“Umm, I don’t know which class I’m in. I need some help finding it.”

“Sure, let me see your student ID.”

“Well, uh, I don’t seem to have gotten one…”

The teacher narrowed his eyes. “You don’t have an ID?”

“No…” Sweat gathered on his face as Michael silently cursed the guy who thought that not giving him his identification was a good idea.

Professor Melwood eyed Michael for a few more awkward seconds, before relaxing his eyes and exhaling. “Well, you have the uniform of the academy and don’t seem to be an intruder. Here, let me see your datacard.”

Wow, he’s surprisingly understanding. I expected him to be more overbearing.

Michael walked one pace behind the professor, who was searching up his schedule.

“Oh, it seems that you’re assigned to my group. What a pleasant surprise.” 

Michael couldn’t decide if the statement was sarcasm or otherwise. He rubbed his neck and laughed awkwardly. “Nice to have you, I guess.”

They approached a door that had the words ‘Lecture Hall 1B3’ beside it. Michael took a breath of relief.

Now I can just act like I was talking to a professor.

Then, a sudden thought came to him.

Wait, won’t that make me seem like a suck up? Coming to class with the lead professor on the first day?

They're gonna think I’m getting chummy with him or something.

No, no one cares enough to-

“Watch out!”

Michael snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see what had happened. The very next moment after the classroom door opened, a chair was spiraling directly towards his face.

Michael’s reflexes kicked in, instantly releasing essence from within his body and forming a magic script. A torrent of whirling blue energy enveloped his right hand as he swung his arm to the side, redirecting the course of the chair. It jerked rightward and smashed into the back wall, crumbing on impact.

A moment later, Michael realized what had occurred. After confirming that he was out of danger, he relaxed his shoulders and lowered his arm. It had all transpired in an instant, Michael only now realizing that he had been holding his breath.

What the hell? Why are wooden chairs flying towards me before I even get in the room? I thought this was the freshman lecture hall, not the shooting range.

Professor Melwood grabbed Michael’s left shoulder from behind. “Are you okay?” He checked to make sure Michael had no injuries then checked the room, quickly locating the remains of the piece of furniture. He turned his attention to the class. “Who launched that chair towards him?”

A few students started whispering amongst themselves while occasionally peeking in Michael’s direction. Now I’m officially the teacher's pet. Fuck my life. Michael cried a little inside as a slim girl with wavy yellow hair called out to them.

“I'm so sorry! I lost control of my magic and it flew over there!”

The professor turned toward the girl with a stone-cold glare. “You all should know that magic use is prohibited outside of lessons and exercises.” He started towards the head of the room. “Return to your seat. We’ll discuss your punishment after class.”

Chair girl quietly returned to her seat with a sullen look, and Michael—with no friends to his name—took a vacant spot by the back.

All I wanted was to quietly slip into the class unnoticed. Why’re so many bad things happening today?

Professor Melwood walked over to the lectern on the far left of the room and placed his bag and clipboard down. He looked at us with a stern expression.

“As you can see, you guys are nothing but amateurs. Even those of you who possess prior magic knowledge still know nothing of how to use it properly.” Professor Melwood paused and leaned toward us. “That being said, it is our job to instill that knowledge into your minds before you leave the gates of this academy. Until then, you all will follow directions, and focus diligently on your studies.”

At the man’s heavy words spoken with unwavering authority and expectation, the rowdy students quieted down and settled in their seats. It was made clear.

Class was now in session.

“Good.” Professor Melwood pressed a button on the lectern and a screen began to slowly descend from the ceiling. A simple diagram of the human body was then projected on it and Professor Melwood began his lesson.

“Today we will be reviewing the history of magic, why it is important in the present day, and briefly go over the basics of magic theory.

“As you all know, everything in the world possesses a scalar property called essence. Does anyone here know who discovered the method of utilizing essence, known as the magic system?”

A rather tall and well-built boy raised his hand. He had long umber brown hair tied into a ponytail, and a youthful yet handsome face. From the air of dignity he exuded, you could conclude that he was from some noble family.

“Ah, if it isn’t the young Belrick heir.” Melwood smiled courteously.

“It’s good to see you remember me, Mister Albert.”

Some of the students gasped at this proclamation. From what Michael knew, the Belrick family played the biggest role in governing the sector domes after the Dawn of the Modern Age.

“I'm known as Professor Melwood these days, so please refer to me as such. If you don’t mind, I’ll be addressing you as Arthur as well.”

“Of course not.” Arthur returned Melwood’s smile.

“Now then, if you could answer my question from before.”

“Yes. In Year 148, a scientist by the name of Kelvin Magus discovered the existence of magic, an application of essence to change one’s environment. He worked alongside his colleagues at the INWE to develop his research, and in the following years collaborated with the governing family to swiftly implement the results into modern day technology and lifestyle.”

Melwood nodded his head. “Well said, Arthur.” Right before the professor was about to move on, the chair girl interjected. 

“Didn’t magic exist before that?”

Melwood paused and considered her words.

“That’s a good point,” He finally said. He pressed a button on the lectern once more and the projection changed slides. “While rudimentary methods of using essence existed before Year 147, those techniques were very crude and are not condoned by the Magic Charter due to their severe risks. Therefore, those methods are not considered magic, but rogue techniques of an older generation.”

“We’ve now improved our knowledge of magic, and consequently essence. For example, we now know there are three cardinal forms of magic, an example being the form Michael used earlier being vector form magic.”

Now he’s calling attention to me. So much for sleeping through classes.

“Vector Magic can change the direction and speed of matter, as well as create force. You will be studying it in more detail in the coming days so be prepared with the proper materials. From now on, In this class we will be discussing the different laws and functions of magic. Today’s lesson will be cut short due to the club ceremony this evening, so I’ll be seeing you all tomorrow. Dismissed.”

The bell rang and everyone began to pack their bags. Michael stood up and headed for the door when he was stopped by the chair girl.

She faced towards him but averted her gaze. “So, I wanted to apologize again for what happened earlier. Even though it was an accident, I shouldn’t have been using my magic. Sorry.”

Wait, wait, is this what I think it is? The girl, full of guilt, wishes to repay her victim, and begins to fall in love along the way?

I’m not so dense that I would miss such an amazing development! Don’t worry. I’m a very nice man with a very nice soul. I’ll accept you and your feelings with open arms!

…is what Michael was thinking when he realized he had a slightly questionable grin on his face. The girl noticed his expression and retreated back a few steps. “Well, that’s all I had to say, bye.”

“No- wait!” Michael called out desperately as she grabbed her stuff and rushed out of the classroom.

Ugh. Such is the reality of social interactions. Michael slumped out of the classroom and noticed Julia waiting across the hall. She spotted him and walked over.

“There you are. What took you so long to finish up?”

“Oh nothing, just talking to some classmates and stuff.”

Julia widened her eyes. “Are you really Michael?”

Look here you…

“So? What’d you come here for? You wouldn’t talk to me unless you had to.”

“Well, you're not wrong. I received an email from Edward telling me to meet him in his office after school. He said to bring you along.

“Did he say what he needed?”

“No”

Shit, this is bad. Why would he invite us to his office? Is he going to put me through some hellish training again? Michael shivered at the mere thought of it.

Julia gave him a suspicious look, “Did you do something?”

“Of course not, It’s the first day! What do you take me for?”

“Someone who can’t control his childish impulses.”

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Now, let’s get going or we’ll be late.”

Did she just casually admit to purposely hazing me?

After passing on the news, Julia turned around and started down the hall. 

Man, first Edward forces me to move sectors, then admits me into this academy.

Julia has given me an attitude all morning, and I almost died before the first class of the day even started.

Michael shook his head, baffled by all the crazy things that have happened in the past week. His lifestyle up until then was stagnant, progressing quietly day after day. Now, he was suddenly thrown into a maelstrom of absurd and unpredictable environments and occurrences, all of which made his mind twist and turn incessantly.

But when Michael expected himself to feel indignant, when he thought he’d get sick of the unexpected change of pace, he suddenly realized something that surprised him more than anything, even though it was the most normal reaction he could have.

He was smiling.

Michael watched Julia’s receding back as she walked along the vibrantly decorated hallways populated by students coming to-and-fro. He gazed upon that scene before him, one he would have never seen cooped up in his room, and a single thought came to mind.

This isn’t so bad after all.

This moment marks Michael’s first step into the world and the start to a long journey of challenges and tribulations within Lyre Magic Academy. Alongside many allies, Michael will move forward, leaving his apprehensions behind him.