“Perhaps the Fire Phoenix Empire and Hellemi Theocracy have reached a level where the Sages of Pollonti aren’t as scary as they used to be, but they are still very influential. Pollonti is still the most powerful Empire by quite a bit, after all, and everyone respects their knowledge and contribution to getting us out of the Age of Darkness,” Professor Tenami answered a student’s question patiently.

“I heard there is a famous academy there as well, does it have the same status as Cyalis Academy has on Shiora?” The same students asked.

“There is an academy there much grander than Cyalis Academy,” Professor Tenami nodded, “But it is slightly different. And the other powers of Quemer all have numerous academies of their own that can at least compete slightly with Sage Academy. Quite different from the other academies here on Shiora, but that is to be expected. The Empires and Kingdoms of Quemer are a lot older.”

“Are the mages there a lot more powerful?” Another student asked.

“Yes,” Professor Tenami nodded, “But the peak is still Pure Soul mage as far as I know. They just have more mages with that kind of strength.”

Professor Tenami clapped her hands and looked out of the rest of the students, “We will end it there for today. I will see you all next week. Don’t forget to study the books I’ve mentioned in your free time.”

With that, all the students got up from their seats. Adion was seated next to Sell as usual, so they headed out together.

“Do you want to grab something to eat?” Adion asked her.

“Sure,” Sell nodded, “But do you have the time? Maybe the Headmaster will call to see you?”

“He’ll call me when he calls me,” Adion said with a shrug, “I’ll just carry on as usual until then.”

He had said it casually, but the truth was that he was quite nervous.

When he found out that he would receive some help from the Headmaster, he never expected he would be approached by him in person.

Adion knew that with this meeting, most of his secrets would be revealed. If they weren’t already.

I’ll just have to make sure I can get something out of it. If someone is to realize that I’m not a fire mage, it might as well be the Headmaster. If he stands by my side, I won’t have to worry about anything going forward. It will be worth it to reveal my space element for that.

I just don’t know what his intentions could be. I doubt he is part of Heavenly Light, as they would have no trouble taking over Shiora if that was the case. But he could be allied to other powers I know nothing about.

Adion had tried looking up as much about the Headmaster as he could ever since he appeared in front of him the day before. But he wasn’t able to find anything useful in such a short amount of time.

I’ll just have to go with my gut. If I feel like I can trust him, I’ll reveal my space element to gain his trust and support. If I feel like he is a bad person…I’ll have to think of something.

Adion let out a sigh. The truth was, if the Headmaster wanted to find something out, there was nothing Adion could do to stop it. There was no higher power to turn to. He could not only threaten Adion, but he could also threaten Sell and his family. Adion would have no choice but to comply.

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. If it does. I’ll just have to obey until I’m strong enough to take revenge.

“Adion,” Relmon grabbed his attention, “Are you sure you have a handle on the situation? It’s been almost a week since you said everything would go away.”

“It will be fine after today,” Adion assured.

“Are really meeting with the Headmaster about it?” Felicia asked, “I doubt he’ll get involved.”

“Well, I guess we’ll see after today,” Adion said.

By now, everyone was well aware that Adion had managed to anger Elder Kilth. Plenty of people in his class seemed pleased with the situation, as it gave them confidence that Adion wouldn’t grow stronger for much longer. But there were also people who seemed genuinely worried about him, such as Relmon and Felicia, which made Adion see them in a slightly better light than before.

“Why don’t you join us for lunch?” Adion suggested.

“Really?” Felicia asked, surprised.

“You’re the one suggesting it?” Relmon questioned.

“It’s fine if you don’t want to,” Adion muttered. He just thought he should ease it on always trying to be alone with Sell. He did prefer it that way, but it would be too rude to continue declining people’s attempts at friendship.

Adion had to admit that he had pretty much been ignoring everyone but his family and Sell ever since he got to the Academy. He found Felicia and Relmon tolerable on a good day, annoying on most.

Through no fault of theirs, really. He felt the same way towards his dormmates and every other acquaintance he had made so far. He just had too many secrets and troubles that he couldn’t let them in on. That made it difficult to see them as friends. And unlike the situation with Benji, Sahra, Rufus, and Lomin; Adion wasn’t in need of a comforting ear willing to listen. He had his family and Sell already.

But he didn’t want to push people away more than necessary. He also didn’t want to pull Sell away from her friends all the time. Even though Sell told him that Felicia annoyed her, Adion believed she actually liked her.

Besides, we can’t do anything more than talk at lunch. As long as me and Sell continue to practice just the two of us, I’ll be happy.

“Of course, we want to join you for lunch,” Felicia said, “I just didn’t think you’d be willing to let go of your dear Sell without a fight.”

“Will you cut it out, Felicia,” Sell muttered unhappily.

“So sensitive,” Felicia muttered, rolling her eyes.

Just as they began climbing down the stairs from the floor where the history class was held, a Diamond mage in scholarly clothes approached Adion from below.

“The Headmaster wants to see you,” The old man said in a neutral voice.

“Oh, right,” Adion nodded. He had expected something like this to happen, so he wasn’t surprised. “Lead the way.”

“You knew you wouldn’t be able to have lunch with Sell all along, didn’t you?” Felicia questioned.

“I admit it turned out well,” Adion said with a smile.

“Good luck, Adion,” Sell said, clenching her fists.

“It’ll all work out,” Adion said with a reassuring smile.

He separated from the group and followed the Diamond mage outside, where a carriage was waiting to take him to the Old Academy.

Adion stepped inside the carriage and closed his eyes. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm down.

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There is nothing to worry about. Whatever happens, happens.

The carriage continued driving through the gates to the Old Academy and didn’t stop until it arrived in front of the Tower of Cyalis.

I wonder how tall it is? Adion thought as he stepped out of the carriage and looked up. It was the first time he was so close to it.

“Follow me,” The old Diamond mage said. He then turned around towards the entrance of the tower and started walking. Adion followed close behind.

They were not stopped by any of the guards at the entrance, and Adion soon found himself climbing a long spiraling staircase.

How high up are we going?

It took them almost 10 minutes to reach what assumed was close to the top floor. He thought himself as someone in quite good shape, but he was breathing pretty heavily as he took the final step.

How is that old man not exhausted? Is a Diamond mage’s body so different?

Adion wasn’t given any time to rest, however. The old man continued walking without stopping, and Adion had no choice but to follow.

It didn’t take long before they reached a wooden door on metal hinges. No one was standing guard outside, and the door was slightly ajar. But Adion knew that this should be the Headmaster’s office, as he could feel a powerful aura inside.

“Go ahead,” The old man said, nodding to the door, “The Headmaster is waiting for you.”

“Thank you,” Adion bowed slightly to the old Diamond mage and headed inside.

The office was not very large. It was about the size of Adion’s and his roommates’ shared dorm room. The walls were covered with pieces of art, very expensive art if Adion had to guess. There were also several bookcases filled to the brim with books that Adion felt a great urge to read through.

Behind a large wooden desk at the far end of the office, Adion saw the Headmaster. He was standing up, facing away from Adion, looking out through the wide window that gave a magnificent overview of the Melorian Bay.

“Why didn’t you join the Shields?” The Headmaster asked of all things, still looking out the window.

“I don’t have a very good impression of them, Headmaster,” Adion answered honestly.

“Is it because Termeth Hesfym is the current leader?” The Headmaster turned around and asked, looking at Adion curiously.

That Hesfym guy is part of the Shields?

“I didn’t even know he was a part of them,” Adion muttered, “Now I’m really glad I didn’t join.”

“You’re quite honest,” The Headmaster remarked with an amused smile.

“I don’t think I stand a chance in fooling you, Headmaster,” Adion said, “So I don’t see the point in lying.”

“There is a pretty wide margin between lying and telling the truth, you know,” The Headmaster said, his smile getting wider.

“I suppose that’s true,” Adion nodded.

They both turned quiet for a moment. Adion’s eyes unconsciously wandered to a globe he saw was placed on the Headmaster’s desk.

The Headmaster noticed and commented, “A Bersoni globe. Ever seen one of those before?”

“No,” Adion shook his head and looked to the Headmaster curiously.

“It’s a replica of our world, of Ganta,” The Headmaster answered with a small smile.

“I knew the world was round, but I didn’t think we even had Shiora mapped out yet. Someone actually mapped out the entire world?” Adion couldn’t help but ask.

“Hehe,” The Headmaster chuckled, “Of course not. Even though we have a better grasp on Shiora than you might believe, we are far from knowing the entirety of Ganta. Come, take a look.”

On the Headmaster’s beckoning, Adion walked closer and examined the globe. He only saw two small specks of land, covering only a tiny part of the globe. He recognized the shapes as Shiora and Quemer.

“So small?” Adion asked. “Is everything else just water?”

“Everything else is a mystery,” The Headmaster corrected, “The water is just painted on there as we don’t know what is actually there. But what’s so amazing about the globe is the scale. Bersoni calculated the dimension of Ganta a long time ago, and to everyone’s surprise, this is the result.”

“You mean there could be so many other continents out there? Just how many would be able to fit? Are you sure?” Adion asked.

“The math checks out,” The Headmaster nodded, “Perhaps Quemer and Shiora are the only landmasses there are. Perhaps there are countless others, but only we have sapi still living here. Perhaps the Age of Darkness never affected those places, and they are still in the golden Age of Wonder, thinking we are not worth the trip.”

“I doubt that,” Adion said. If there was any other society out there able to reach them, they would try. He didn’t believe the location of the old Celestial Phoenix Sect could be ignored.

“I do too,” The Headmaster nodded. “But anything is possible.”

I can’t believe I never knew about this. It’s an exciting thought to imagine what could be out there.

“Anyway,” The Headmaster interrupted Adion’s musings, “Why don’t you take a seat, Adion. We have a lot to talk about.”

“Alright. Thank you, Headmaster,” Adion said with a slight bow, realizing he had been a little too casual.

The Headmaster also took a seat by his desk, opposite Adion.

“How did you know I was there?” The Headmaster asked, staring intently at Adion.

Adion knew exactly what he was talking about despite the obscurity of the question.

“Do I have to answer that?” Adion asked, “I know I wouldn’t get away with lying. But would refusing to answer make you an enemy? I’ll just tell you if that’s the case. I have had enough of Soul mage enemies.”

The Headmaster looked at Adion in silence for a while, seemingly contemplating something.

“I’m a curious person,” The Headmaster finally said, “But I’d like to think I’m not that petty. You can refuse to answer.”

“Really?” Adion asked, slightly surprised.

“Really,” The Headmaster nodded, “But I would still advise you to answer and be honest with me. I have promised to resolve the matter with Elder Kilth, so I will. But he is not the only one with his eyes on you. There are many others in line to get their hands on you. And they could all cause trouble for you in the future if you refuse them like you did Elder Kilth.

“And you were lucky with him. I know you have a marvelous aura control. But no Soul mage of the Academy would have trouble seeing that you’re not actually a fire mage. They would just have to be curious enough to take a look. And I think they will.”

So he already knows. I expected that. But he still doesn’t know my element. I don’t think anyone can figure that out.

“Once they figure that out. I don’t have high hopes that you will get away with refusing to answer. Perhaps it will even spread beyond the Academy. I don’t know when, but things will definitely spiral out of control for you long before you are strong enough to deal with it.

“So, you can either take your chances and deal with the consequences when things turn for the worse. Or you can choose to tell me. Might as well. I already know quite a lot, after all. I don’t mean that as a threat, it’s just the reality of the situation. And it’s not like I wish you harm. You doing well will only be a good thing for me.”

He’s right. It will just be a matter of time before some Soul mage ready to do whatever it takes to find out my secrets find out about me. It might take months, or even years. But with the way things have been going, I don’t have much confidence I’ll be able to keep my secrets for very long if I don’t do anything.

And he does seem pretty genuine. A lot better than Elder Kilth.

But I would like to get something in return.

“So are you saying you will protect me from all of those problems if I tell you my element?” Adion asked.

The Headmaster smiled amusedly at Adion, “Clever. Not just your unknown element of course. I believe you hide a lot more than that. But we can take things slow. I know the feeling of someone trying to pressure you to spill all of your secrets.

“If you answer my questions today, I promise no one else will bother you as long as you are a student here.”

How much is he going to ask? I am prepared to reveal a lot. But my pills can never be revealed. I don’t think I’ll ever trust the Headmaster with something like that.

I would also prefer not to reveal the existence of the Celestial Phoenix Sect. I still plan on going there in the future and see what else could be left behind.

I'll just have to do my best to control the conversation somewhat.

“I will choose to trust you then,” Adion said with resolution, “What do you want to know?”