EPISODE 16: Imperius Academy
-Edryan Queendom. Year 7290, Season: New Beginning
Simra steadied her breathing and repositioned her sword as taught by the class instructor. She channeled her mana and attempted to form a spell while also repeatedly swinging her weapon in an overhead slash. Yet as Simra’s mind wandered once again the spell collapsed. The construct fizzled out before it could even take proper shape.
“Student Simra, perhaps you should meditate as your thoughts are preventing the proper execution of your actions. Take a rest as this first week is only a chance for me to understand your measure. If you are not doing your best, then I cannot instruct you to your greatest.”
“Yes, Instructor Aurora,” Simra responded to the woman.
Simra returned her training sword to the rack and crossed the large classroom to join others who were meditating. The events of the past two days ran through her thoughts. So much had gone on lately that today in her third period, Spell-Blade Combat and Dissertation 101, Simra finally received a chance to just think.
Think about everything. On her opportunity to attend the highest rated academy in the queendom. On her goals and her life. On her friendship with Law, Lawruthian or the Crown Prince of the very queendom she wanted to serve.
Only one burning question ran through her thoughts. Why? Yet she couldn’t bring herself to talk to Law. Even with pestering from Karla. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have told her.’
Simra allowed her thoughts to finally recede to the background as her mind fell into meditation. Imperius Academy took everything she thought she knew and shoved it to the side. Her magic casting, the way she meditated or held a sword. Even her walk and breathing patterns were completely rearranged by the Imperius Instructors. They said her techniques were adequate but at Imperius Academy they learned (Imperius Combat Arts). A martial style that was developed slowly for the students of Imperius Academy and the followers of His Highness.
Her classes were… different. Instructors would lecture before having students apply the knowledge they learned or the beginning stages of it. It was up to her to comprehend what was taught. Although there was time for questions and other such matters, the instructors would not wait for you to fully understand or catch up before moving on. Because of her ranking, she was with what was called High Ranking Instructors at the academy. These instructors held reputations for teaching and only students within a certain range could take their classes.
Simra opened her eyes to the grey walls of the classroom as the bell announced the end of this class and the start of lunch. She stood up from the soft grass that covered the floor, brushing off the dust and debris that clung to her skirt. She hurried out of the classroom not noticing the pair of eyes that followed her. Or the steps of the person who rushed to catch up with her.
Her steps slowed in the hallway as Karla came bounding up to her. A pleasant smile on her face. The young woman barely gave her greetings before she began talking.
“Hi Simra! You should see the way the girls swoon over the Crown Prince in the classes we have together. Actually, I’ve talked to him, and he seems like a really nice guy. Anyway, today we went over advanced runic combinations and what sort of effects they have on enchantments. I always found it a wonder how runes will work one way for spells and entirely different when it comes to inscribing and applying them to other things. Did you hear that Koa Indrian beat up some brat who tried to feel her up? So, the 72 base runes becoming all things under the Prime Sun is such a wonder. Madris be Praised… is that who I think it is approaching us right now? Oh, he’s looking directly at you. Quick let me fix you up real fast!”
Karla hurriedly brushed some of the small debris that Simra missed off the young woman. Straightening out Simra’s jacket as a finishing touch. The girl hurriedly put it on when leaving her third period. “There now you’re presentable.”
Simra’s eyes met those of Lorde Drumian and her heart skipped a beat. The young man held her gaze as he arrived in front of her. Next to him was Ade Oni, a prominent glare seemed to be on his face. His long fiery red dreadlocks shifted like a medusa’s snakes.
“Hello, Simra, right? And you must be Karla. I’m Lorde Drumian,” saying so he gave both girls a slight bow. His green eyes returned their focus to Simra.
“Anyways,” Lorde began a wry smile on his face. “I figured since we’re following the same main path, we could exchange pointers sometimes.”
Seeing Simra’s confused look Karla hurriedly whispered to her. “Exchange pointers means he wants to practice together. It’s a noble thing,” she said as she rolled her eyes before continuing. “You really should have read Bright Red Lips: A Noble Boy and His Stableman. They exchange pointers all the time in it!”
Simra struggled hard to keep her composure. Her hand inching upward and pinching Karla in her side. As she did this she smiled at Lorde.
“I think it would be great! That way we can apply what we learn outside of the classroom too.”
“Awesome! This is Ade Oni by the way. He wants to excel in physical combat. Only he’ll be giving up the Mind Attribute for the Chi. Can he join us? Don’t mind his mood, he’s been like this ever since the rumors of him and Lawruthian spread around.”
Ade gave a curt nod as his name was mentioned to the two young ladies. The glare on his face lessened. Rumors of his challenge to the Crown Prince were currently the hottest gossip in the academy. Without even knowing the Crown Prince's physical capabilities, the students of Imperius Academy rated Ade as the underdog. This put the young man in a bad mood.
Karla took one look at Ade and rolled her eyes. Chuckling to herself as she was the one to spread those rumors. Externally she kept a straight face but another of Simra’s hard pinches halted her internal cackle.
“That would be fine. We should start soon. If I’m understanding these will be the only days, the combat facilities are free without using points to open them.”
“Ohhh Simra, we need to discuss points and how they are allocated to the combat classes. I’m assuming it’s similar for you guys in receiving daily points for showing up to class and stuff. Anyhow, artisan paths can earn points by…”
----------------------------------------
The smell of cooked food wormed its way into my nostrils as dinner began for students. I walked through the outside paths. The chill of winter still hugged the airtightly. Fortunately, there was little snow this year. The small group of girls behind me in what I suspected was a developing fan club were giggling and laughing loudly to themselves. Discussing who knows what about me. Students at the academy hurried by some pausing as they recognized me while others bowed in my direction. The holiest usually came up to me and sang my praises. That was something I did not enjoy. When they saw me as a gift from Madris or an extension of Her Will.
My steps took me to the large first-year café. Interactions between first and second-year students were not common. Those of us who were first years were still a least a year from having a class and could not exchange pointers or really do much with second years as most held their first classes. Against students who are in third years, however...? That and Imperius College would be a different story.
As I entered the café, the loud chattering of students gave me a nostalgic feeling. It reminded me of my life as Lawrence Brown. Back in my high school days with Brock. Discussing comics, anime, and cartoons. My eyes harden as my mind returned to the present. Those days were gone.
It didn’t take long for me to grab a meal and find a seat on the second floor near the large glass windows. The view of the small lake and the chill of nature gave me a refreshed outlook. Several of the nearby tables were immediately filled with students. None approach my table. Although plenty glanced my way but were seemingly hesitant to approach. My thoughts drifted to the past two days and the explanations given to the students on how Imperius Academy worked.
Imperius Academy was a culmination of ideas. Most started by me with help from my mother's ministers and various notable figures such as Margret Musa and Liana Drumian. When the idea was first proposed I didn’t believe it would turn out the way it did.
Imperius Academy is structured on a point-based system tracked by an (Adaptive Learning Algorithm). Each student is assigned a band and that band is connected to Hero Educator and Training Overlord. Better known as Heto. In my original plans, I did not know I would create what is now being considered to be classified as a ‘Living Spell.’ Things that only the greatest of mage schools have to help operate their towers. Living Spells were something that was knowledge of the highest order. I only knew of them because I am who I am.
The taste of my meal brought a smile to my face as the chatter of the students continued around me. I sat at a small table with only room for a few. The three soft café chairs across from me remain empty as I mopped up the juices from my meal with some naan-like bread. The chatter died down as two figures beeline straight for my table.
Madria and Amaya gazed at me their food floating slowly with them as they approached my table. I let out a rue smile knowing what was coming. The two approached my table and their plates settled in front of the two nearest chairs.
“Hello Lawruthian, …wow you have such an approachable aura around you.”
“Amaya! Do not pester the Holy Son.”
“Hello Madria and Amaya. It is a pleasure to see you both today.”
Wherever I was and if there was free time. Madria would be there shortly after. Amaya as her best friend was just a bonus. Together they both spent their time occupying my days. The two young ladies sat down and began munching on their food. The silence became loud between us as they silently chewed. Noble manners having them eat with perfect grace. As it became nigh unbearable, I decided to speak.
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“How hav-.”
“You give off an aura like Queen Titiana,” Madria began.
We spoke at the same time, yet I paused my words to listen to her. “Do I really give off that aura…,” I asked. Slightly shocked at Madria’s words.
“Finally someone said it! Even when I first approached you, you gave off this cold distant attitude like the Queen. Yet the moment someone talks to you the illusion is dispelled! Also, you should probably attend at least one sermon if you want Madria to ever stop bothering you. You know she sees you as an idol of sorts. I think we all do.”
“Ahhhh-MY-YAAAH,” Madria growled. Turning her head to glare at the girl. “Don’t say stuff like that and refer to the Queen with respect. She is not cold and distant but regal and reserved.”
Amaya stuck her tongue out and gave her head a light knock. Yet the smile on her face and in her voice could not hide her true feelings. “Oopsies.”
Just like that the cold aura around me was dispelled as a genuine laugh erupted from my mouth. Pausing the chattering around her as people gawked. The group of girls who began following me sighed in admiration. As I recovered, I turned a warmer gaze to the young ladies and tried to make actual conversation with them. Something that I was sorely out of practice with.
“Why would you see me as an idol,” I asked. I was slightly confused, but my tone and gaze were gentler. I hadn’t realized I subconsciously held myself like my mom.
After my question, both girls turned to look at each other. Some sort of silent message was sent between them before Madria smiled and Amaya burst out giggling. I sat there confused until Madria spoke up.
“You are the Holy Son and Crown Prince of Edryan. I grew up hearing your praises and seeing them change the queendom. Seeing and meeting you in person is…”
“Is an experience,” Amaya picked up from Madria’s trail. “You are not like the rumors or stories. The golem batteries, Imperius Honey, and all the other things you’ve done since birth. We’ve met several times at your birthdays, but you were always cold and distant like your mother.”
A soft thump was heard under the table and Amaya’s face contorted in pain. She glared at Madria who glared back.
“It’s ok,” I reassured. Attempting to defuse the situation. “My mom is cold and distant, not to me of course but that is the way she rules. She is the Iron-Blooded Queen, we all know that title was not gained from being happy-go-lucky.”
“Even still Queen Titiana and you are to be addressed with respect. Queen Titiana is the ruler of our nation and is not to be addressed with any such term even by the nobility.”
Although Amaya didn’t respond verbally, she did give Madria a nod in understanding. The black and golden hair girl gave her a smile in return before a whispered apology.
“What do you think of Imperius Academy,” I asked. Sensing a lull in the conversation. I was genuinely curious as it took great thought and effort into making Imperius Academy a thing.
“I think it is a ploy and a plot on the noble houses and those with power,” Madria said without hesitation. Her eye contact never broke from my own.
“I believe you are making an attempt to gather the queendom's talent and do something with it. I just haven’t figured you out,” Amaya popped up. Her bubbly personality returned.
“Oh, and what makes you believe that,” I asked with genuine curiosity. Not refuting the girls’ answers but I wanted to hear their reasoning.
Amaya spoke up first, her eyes alit with interest. Yet she looked around us before quickly casting a spell. The wind picked up around us as a translucent barrier formed. The spell blocked the sound from entering and leaving.
“The rumors and from my understanding, the unique classes students can achieve by attending the school. I heard of [Imperius Combat Trainee] as a starting class or a bunch more variations of [Imperius XXX]. Classes are being established by the system in the past few years because of Imperius Academy. Just like the mage schools and knight orders scattered throughout the queendom. Plus, each of our families holds countless numbers of rare, unique, or higher classes.
Each teacher here is specifically teaching something that is very deliberate. Mages are taught (Imperius Casting) and those who wish to become knights are taught (Imperius Combat Arts). Both are two new skills that have been developed because of the great number of people being taught the same thing. All nobles know that if you gather a lot of people and have them follow a set path, the system will develop a skill if it is basic. Something of this magnitude has generated new classes!
I just can’t figure out what you’re doing it for and why.”
As Amaya spoke, I became more and more impressed at her deduction. It reminded me of the protest that sparked a few years ago from various mage schools, knight orders, and other establishments. Yet they realized the implications of my schooling system too late.
“I can see that you are both curious. However, I want to hear Madria’s reasoning before I say anything.” A wide grin was on my face. I never expected to have a conversation like this with the two young women.
----------------------------------------
Madria composed herself. Pushing the near-empty tray away from herself. She studied the face of Lawruthian for a moment. Noticing the excitement in his voice and gaze. ‘So this is what you’re passionate about. Yet why do you show no interest in Goddess Madris when her teachings can guide you to the same results?’ Her brows furrowed a bit at her thoughts before she dismissed them, ready to answer his question.
“My reasoning is simple. First, remember that my aunt is a vice principal here. That has allowed me a bit more insight into the background of Imperius Academy,” Madria began her eyes never leaving Lawruthians. ‘A little more insight into you.’
“However, with my own deduction and looking at your accomplishments thus far, some things began to unravel to my sight. After a prayer to Goddess Madris, I received my answer.
You are attempting to dismantle the old power structure. Something your mother did partially but never truly finished as she knew no other way of life. Queen Titiana is titled as the Iron-Blooded Queen for a simple reason. She was able to put the Old Power to rest.
The Old Power was well established, and the duke houses and the old king ran things in a fixed structure. Their bellies grew fat, and their sights glazed from wealth. Since the establishment of Goddess Madris’s third domain and the benefits brought to the queendom by it. The Old Powers lost sight and choked Edryan from the inside.
You are attempting, no not attempting. You are finishing what Queen Titiana began, only this time without bloodshed and a civil war at hand. You made your move with the momentum of the Holy Son and Crown Prince of Edryan,” As Madria spoke more of her thoughts aloud. Her gaze only began to widen as she stared into the red-gold eyes of the Holy Son. She began to talk not to the Holy Son but more to herself as she reasoned and deduced the Holy Son Lawruthian’s intentions.
“You made your move so quick and fast that the noble powers were completely blindsided. Ahhhh, you are truly a Holy Son, a gift from Goddess Madris without equal. Not in this world or the next.
That’s why the six families scrambled to join Imperius Academy. Head Principal Camilla Romus left her territory to become the principal of your academy. She was the first to reach out. A Mage of her magnitude becoming the principal of a new academy even if it's related to the royal family didn’t make sense. Now it does,” Madria finished as her focus fully returned. She stared into the brilliantly shining eyes of Lawruthian. A bright smile on her face and a look of reverence in her gaze.
----------------------------------------
Brilliant, both of these girls are brilliant! My eyes were shining as I gazed into Madria’s own. Ignoring the look of reverence she was giving me. I turned to Amaya and also gave her a smile.
“You both are correct but there is more. Now we can play some real chess.”
“Chess,” Amaya asked confused.
It took me a quick moment of thinking to remember the Edryan word for it and not the English that I said earlier.
“Chess,” I said correcting myself.
“Life is a game of strategy and computation. Two days ago you said I started learning at one, Amaya. Do you want to know what I studied first?”
Amaya gazed at me intently as she pondered my question. She responded with several subjects but eventually gave up as I denied them all. Wrinkling her cute button nose after she failed to come up with an answer. Confirming that she gave up I decided to enlighten the girls about the first thing I studied once I turned one.
“History.”
Amaya’s head jerked back in surprise. A look of confusion appeared on her face and Madria’s. While a confident smile was plastered on my face.
“History…,” they both exclaimed at once.
“History,” I repeated. My expression took on a more serious tone. “Edryan history is written well with wonderful tales. Of the Kings and Queens of Edryan and great Edryani heroes. Of Madris’s journey to becoming a Goddess and the protector of our queendom. Tales of the Iron-Blooded Queen and her ploy in removing the Old Powers. It was all there, all with different but similar patterns, only with new names and faces as the centuries went by.
Do you know there have been at least 6 to 8 civil wars since the founding of Edryan? My mother putting an ending to the previous one.”
The girls shook their heads and Madria spoke. “I’ve studied the history of Edryan. Not in… the greatest of detail but enough to recognize and recite plenty of famous figures and their accomplishments.”
“Mhmm, but have you ever taken a deeper look into the history of things? Have you ever asked yourself why Judd Gamal, the man who started your family, chose not to betray Madris? Or when the Musa tribe first emigrated to Edryan as refugees. When the coast was attacked and pillaged by the sea titans and King Darius slayed Oogoon in their defense. Edrya was only once a city-state. With only small territories just outside of the capital.
There have been 6-8 attempts to take the throne. Usually started in a ploy for the throne by an Edryani. While they rally support from the various houses. In an attempt to prevent this, my mother slayed all of the remaining Edryani who were still alive upon her return to the capital. Leaving just her and me left. It was not just Edryanis. All the old magi humans clinging onto their power and the old ways were put to death. The royal family has not held such power, might, prestige, and momentum for centuries if not a millennium.”
“Yet even with such power and weight in the hands of the royal family, what was the reason behind Imperius Academy?”
I gaze at the bright eyes of Amaya as they radiated curiosity. Yet Madria leans forward as well causing her assets to accentuate. I blushed internally, thanking all the years of etiquette training I went through. It was only now that I truly noticed just how beautiful and proportioned both Madria and Amaya were. I shook my head and regained my focus. The bright eyes of the young women still gazing at me with intensity.
“My mother did all of this, yet nothing was really changed. Or rather, the structure that allow the negligence to grow in the first place remained,” I paused here and drank the last of my beverage while Madria voiced a question.
“The structure? What do you mean by that?”
“Houses.”
“I’ve targeted all of the Houses including mine.”
I stated my final piece just as Amaya’s magic wore off. I gazed around us as most of the tables were nearly empty. The day grew late as students hurried back to their assigned rooms or to practice/study.
As I gazed toward the first floor striking red hair drew my eyes over. They landed on a table with four laughing figures present. My eyes narrowed as they landed on Ade Oni and Lorde Drumian. Who are they sitting with?
Simra’s eyes met my own as the young woman gazed up. For a scant few seconds, our gazes held before she looked away ignoring me. Laughing as Lorde finished speaking while she gently touched his arm.
Unknown to me my face grew sullen, and a bitterness entered my throat.
“If you’ll excuse me,” I said to the still-pondering girls. “I’ll be taking my leave,” saying so I quickly turned and left. Briskly walking out of the lunch hall.
The chill of Final End and New Beginning was biting tonight.
System Unlock:
417 Days
12 Hours
15 Minutes
9 Seconds