I waited patiently while the others were interviewed, going over all of my options.

I'd received a few different opinions but Anima as a name seemed to me the best. The others seemed to like it as well, so that was a plus. Also shortening it to Mina in conversation would be a good idea. The only issue is that I needed a last name as well. I'd not learned anyone else's, but it seemed like they should have one.

So I turned to Shana. "Hey, there are last names here right?"

"Of course, it makes things easier."

"But Magus Victor sounds like a title and first name?"

"It does, but Victor is his surname. Not sure what his given name is."

Well that settled it, I would need one. Since shadows seemed to be my branch of magic I decided to go with something there. I went over all the different words in my mind and settled on something related to tenebrous... Tenebra? Yeah, I liked that, that would do nicely. Anima Tenebra, I liked the sound of that one.

Eventually the Lawspeaker finished with his interviews and called us back.

"I have rendered my decision. It is clear from the facts that one apprentice Kale Whitcomb did accidentally summon miss..." His eyes seemed to flash as he looked at me again. "Anima Tenebra to our fair city without permission or consent on her part, and through negligence on his and his guardians' part. It is also clear that there is no reasonable way for her to be returned to her home. To that end he, or in this case, his guardians, are obligated to pay for her housing, to a standard of a merchant, and basic necessities for a period of five years. As well they must pay her a monthly stipend of one half-weight of silver."

The Magus looked rather displeased at the ruling, but accepting. "Miss Tenebra, I don't suppose you've ever wanted to study magic?"

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"The Lawspeaker said you might offer me a position at your school. I'm still unclear though what you would gain."

He frowned a bit. "I'll be quite frank then. If you were to take a place at our school we could easily work your housing, clothing, food, and the like into our budget. These things are provided for most students and adding one to a group is easier than going about making other arrangements. If you refuse we will need to acquire you a residence, at the level of a merchant, which will surely be expensive, as well as other necessities that we cannot just order in bulk."

"And what you would provide for going to your school meets 'the level of a merchant' standard?"

"Many of our apprentices are the children of merchants... though I'll admit that the home wouldn't be quite as nice. With your consent though it should meet the requirements..." He gave a look to the Lawspeaker, who nodded once.

"The silver?"

"My superiors won't like it, but it'll be yours."

"I accept."

The magus looked slightly surprised. "You know... I was expecting it to be harder than that."

"I have some access to magic as it is, and gaining power could only be a benefit couldn't it?" I left out that I had a bunch of voices in my mind telling me that it seemed like the best option.

"I... fair enough. It'll take a few days to get you signed up properly and all the paperwork filled out, but having an apprentice join us a bit late in the year isn't too odd."

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Our whole walk back to the school Magus Victor had his fingers pressed to his temple. While I didn't know exactly what he was doing it was obvious that it was some form of communication magic.

When we got there we were met by two more people, both older and looking rather cross. Both were women, and one decided to take control as soon as we approached.

"Thank you for appraising me on the situation magus." She nodded to our escort first before looking at myself and the two current students.

"Miss Tenebra, there are a few formalities we must observe. There's a basic test of your potential to use magic, and basic knowledge. Since this is a rather unusual situation you will not be required to complete a full entrance exam, but this much we cannot bypass."

"Understood."

"Good, Magus Ingle will be administering those in a moment. Once you've passed we can handle all the paperwork."

"Are you worried about me not passing?"

"Not at all, so long as there is any potential there we can bring it out. Speaking of those with barely any potential... Apprentice Kale."

The boy looked as if he was about to puke. "Y-yes High Magus."

"You'll need to move your things back to the first year student's dormitories. I've already taken the liberty of having your old room reassigned to you. I would also advise you inform your family why you were demoted back to your first year, because if they ask me I will be certain to tell them explicitly."

The other woman, apparently Magus Ingle motioned me to follow her. It was unfortunate that I wasn't going to get to see young Kale berated even more, but at least I knew he'd be in my year, and potentially in some of my classes. If I played my cards right and found the proper moment... Well, I might get my desires fulfilled after all.