Chapter 17
Athena Ravenshadow
As Adom stood before Headmistress Athena Ravenshadow, his gaze lingered momentarily on the blue box that had materialized before him, displaying the rewards of his recent confrontation. The headmistress, observing his brief pause, inquired with a tone of concern, "Are you alright, Adom?"
Regaining his composure, Adom replied with a nod, "Yes, Headmistress. I'm fine, thank you." Stepping into the office, he couldn't help but be struck anew by the presence of Athena Ravenshadow. She was not just an academic figurehead; she was a living legend in the world of sorcery.
Athena, half-elf and a sorceress of unparalleled skill, was a name that resonated with reverence and awe in magical circles. Adom recalled the tales of her exploits that were almost mythic in nature. Over 3000 years ago, she had been a member of the hero's party as well as a formidable commander in the war against the Lich King, her prowess in battle and strategic acumen contributing significantly to the victory over the undead armies.
Her longevity, a gift of her elven heritage, was complemented by her vast knowledge and experience. After centuries of battles and triumphs, she had chosen a quieter path, turning away from the political intrigues and power struggles that often accompanied positions of influence in the magical world. Her decision to become one of the founders and the headmistress of Xerkes Academy was seen as a move to nurture and guide the future generations of sorcerers, passing on her immense wisdom and experience.
In the future timeline that Adom remembered, Athena Ravenshadow had been a pillar of strength and stability, especially in the turbulent times leading up to the invasion of Tygris. Her disappearance, just before the onset of the invasion, had been a mystery that left a gaping void in the magical defenses of the realm. Rumors and speculations abounded about her fate, but she was never seen again, her legacy lingering like a shadow over the events that unfolded.
Standing in her office now, Adom felt a profound sense of respect mixed with curiosity. The headmistress, with her ageless elven features and piercing gaze, emanated a calm yet formidable aura. Her eyes, reflecting centuries of wisdom, fixed on Adom with an intensity that seemed to peer into the depths of his soul.
"Adom, please take a seat," she said, gesturing to a chair in front of her desk. Her voice, though gentle, carried an undercurrent of authority that commanded attention. Beside her, perched gracefully on the edge of the desk, was Glauca, her trusted owl familiar.
As Adom took his seat across from the Headmistress, curiosity nudged him towards the new skill he had acquired from the system - 'Level Knowledge.' The name itself was intriguing, suggesting an ability to gauge the strength or ability level of others. He wondered, how would someone like the headmistress, a figure of immense power and legendary status, measure in terms of levels?
Without much hesitation, driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to understand the limits of his own power, Adom subtly activated the skill. He was mindful to do so discreetly, aware that the use of magic, especially an unknown skill, in the presence of someone as perceptive as Athena might be easily detected. Even if, in his case, this was a special power, Adom thought, better safe than sorry.
As he activated 'Level Knowledge,' he noticed a slight shift in the headmistress's demeanor. Her eyes, sharp as ever, seemed to flicker with a hint of recognition, as if sensing something amiss. Adom's heart skipped a beat. Did she notice the activation of the skill? The possibility made him uneasy, but he held his composure.
Then, as he looked at Athena, the number '1785' materialized above her head. Adom's eyes widened in shock. One thousand seven hundred eighty-five – the number was beyond comprehension. It dwarfed his own level so drastically that it put into perspective the vast gulf that lay between his abilities and those of a sorceress of her caliber.
The realization of Athena Ravenshadow's level, a number that signified such grandiose prowess, left Adom momentarily stunned. It was a clear indicator of the immense power and depth of experience she possessed. The number was a testament to her centuries of mastering the arcane arts, her role in historical battles, and her wisdom gained over lifetimes.
His train of thought was abruptly interrupted as the headmistress's voice cut through his amazement. "Adom, are you alright? You seemed...distracted for a moment there," she inquired, her tone laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Adom quickly deactivated the skill, aware that he might have been treading on dangerous ground by probing into the headmistress's power so openly. "Yes, Headmistress, I'm fine. Sorry, just a lot on my mind," he replied, offering a slight, apologetic smile.
Still reeling from the revelation of her staggering level and the implications of his newly acquired skill. The silence in the room was palpable, filled with unspoken questions and contemplations. Finally, breaking the silence, the headmistress fixed her gaze on Adom, her expression softening. "Adom, let me first extend my congratulations on your recovery," she began, her voice tinged with genuine happiness. "It's truly a joyous occasion. Your journey, though fraught with challenges, is an inspiration to many here at Xerkes."
Adom nodded, a sense of humility washing over him. "Thank you, Headmistress. It still feels surreal, to be honest. But I'm grateful for this second chance."
Athena leaned back in her chair, her eyes reflecting a deep wisdom that spoke of centuries of experience. "The manner in which you recovered remains a mystery, and perhaps it's best that some mysteries remain unsolved. What matters is that a young man of your talent and potential can now live a full life, unburdened by illness."
Her words carried a weight of sincerity that made Adom feel both honored and a little overwhelmed. It was rare for someone of her stature to express such personal joy for a student's well-being.
After her heartfelt congratulations, Athena's expression turned more somber, reflecting the gravity of the situation that had brought Adom to her office. "Now, Adom, while your recovery is indeed a cause for celebration, I must address a more troubling matter," she began, her tone firm yet not unkind.
Adom tensed slightly, aware of the impending discussion about the altercation earlier in the day.
"I've been informed of the incident that occurred with Antor and his group," she continued. "I understand that they provoked you and that you were defending your friend. However, the extent of your response has raised serious concerns."
Adom nodded, accepting her words. He knew that despite his intentions, the consequences of his actions were severe.
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"The boys are currently in the academy's hospital, and their parents have been notified. Such violence, regardless of the circumstances, cannot be overlooked in an institution like ours." Her eyes held a stern warning, reinforcing the seriousness of the issue.
"I will be honest with you, Adom. Your actions, while understandable, were excessive. The academy cannot condone such behavior. You will be summoned by the disciplinary committee to discuss this matter further."
Adom, not having the energy to talk back, simply agreed. "I understand, Headmistress."
Athena leaned forward, her gaze piercing yet not without empathy. "Adom, you are a student of immense potential, and with that comes the responsibility to exercise restraint and wisdom. You must learn to control your power, to use it judiciously. This is a lesson that extends beyond the walls of this academy and into the realm of sorcery as a whole."
"I implore you to stay out of trouble in the future. Your journey as a sorcerer is just beginning, and I would hate to see it derailed by impulsive actions." Her tone softened, revealing a hint of concern for his well-being and future.
Adom nodded. "I will be more cautious, Headmistress. I appreciate your guidance."
Athena gave a slight nod, her expression relaxing. "Good. Remember, Adom, the path of a sorcerer is fraught with challenges and temptations. It is how you navigate these trials that will define your character and your legacy."
With those parting words, as Adom stood to leave, Athena's words lingered in the air, leaving an indelible imprint on his thoughts. "Adom, I must say, your recent actions have been... intriguing," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Your sudden recovery and the manner in which you subdued your peers are both remarkable and unexpected."
Adom paused, feeling the weight of her gaze, as if she could see through the layers of his newfound abilities to the mysterious origins of his power. He sensed a deep understanding in her eyes, a recognition of things unspoken and secrets untold.
"One of the unspoken rules in our world of sorcery is to respect the privacy of another sorcerer's powers," she continued, her voice firm yet not accusing. "We do not pry into the source of one's magic without consent. However, as your mentor and headmistress, I must caution you."
Adom turned to face her, his expression one of wariness.
"Whatever means you used to gain such strength, make sure you use it wisely," she advised, her eyes locking onto his. "Power, especially when acquired rapidly or under unusual circumstances, can be a double-edged sword. It can protect or destroy, uplift or corrupt. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility."
Her words echoed in Adom's mind, a reminder of the delicate balance he must maintain. He knew she was right; the system that granted him these abilities was a mystery, one that he still struggled to fully comprehend. The potential for misuse or unintended consequences was a reality he couldn't ignore.
"Yes, Headmistress," Adom replied, his voice steady. "I understand. I will be cautious."
Athena nodded, a look of satisfaction mixed with an unspoken concern. "Good. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The academy, and I, are here to guide and support you."
Adom's hand lingered on the door handle, a weight that suddenly anchoring his feet to the ground. In that moment, a cascade of memories flooded his mind, each one a stark reminder of the tumultuous journey he and Sam had endured within the school's walls.
Ravenshadow, sensing the shift in the room's atmosphere, kept her piercing gaze on him. "Adom," she began, her voice soft yet commanding, "is there something on your mind? You seem... hesitant."
Adom, caught in the gravity of his thoughts, hesitated. The words he wanted to say felt heavy, laden with the pain and frustration of past injustices. Yet, the silence between them stretched, becoming a space that demanded to be filled with truth.
With a deep breath, Adom turned to face Ravenshadow fully. "Did you know," he started, his voice steady but laden with emotion, "that Sam... he was going through a lot during our first year? And it only got worse in our second."
Ravenshadow's expression shifted subtly, concern and surprise flickering in her eyes. "No," she admitted after a brief pause, her voice tinged with regret. "I wasn't aware."
Adom nodded, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "They would bully me too," he continued, his voice gaining strength as he spoke his truth. "But they were cautious, aware of my condition. But Sam... Sam had no such shield. I watched, day after day, as he was humiliated, beaten... all for their amusement."
A heavy silence settled over the room, the gravity of Adom's words hanging in the air like a thick fog.
"And the ironic part?" Adom's voice cracked slightly, the raw emotion seeping through. "We spoke to Professor Glenn about it, our supposed principal professor within these walls. Yet, nothing changed. Nothing."
Ravenshadow's expression was a complex tapestry of emotions—guilt, sorrow, and a dawning realization of the depth of the failure they had all been a part of. "I find it odd," Adom said, his voice barely above a whisper now, "that we endured this, silently, for so long. And the one time we choose to fight back, to stand up for ourselves... that's when it becomes a problem."
The headmistress, her gaze now softened by the heavy truths laid bare, let the silence linger for a moment longer, a respectful pause for the weight of Adom's words. Then, with the wisdom of her years and the gravity of her position within the academy, she spoke, her voice a gentle yet firm beacon in the dim office light.
"Adom," she began, her tone imbued with a sincerity that reached out to cradle the young sorcerer's wounded spirit, "the courage it takes to stand in your truth, to voice the pain and injustice you've endured, is commendable. I want you to know, from the depths of my heart, that I hear you. Not just as a headmistress, but as someone who believes in the sanctity of our duty to protect and nurture every student within these walls."
She paused, ensuring her words resonated within the space between them, a bridge of understanding and empathy. "The failings you've experienced, the oversight, and the lack of action... it's a reflection of a system that we must strive to better, to ensure that no other student feels as unheard and unprotected as you and Sam have."
Athena stood up, her presence commanding. "I promise you, this will not go unaddressed. We will look into every layer, from Professor Glenn to those who chose to cause harm, and ensure that justice is served. It's a commitment I make to you, not just as an educator but as a guardian of the values we aspire to uphold here."
Adom simply nodded and gave a "thank you." As he exited her office, he felt a sense of reassurance and a growing awareness of the path he had chosen.
*****
In the quiet of her office, Athena leaned back in her chair, her thoughts deep and contemplative. The air in the room was heavy with the remnants of the day's revelations and conversations.
Glauca, wise and observant, broke the silence first. "That was quite something. The boy has changed," he observed in a voice that carried the weight of centuries. "He's still himself, but... different somehow."
Athena nodded slowly, her eyes distant as she recalled Adom's presence. "Indeed, he has. When he entered, he cast a spell, it was very subtle, but I sensed it. The aura... it was familiar. It felt like ' him', yet there was something more. I haven't sensed such a distinctive essence in over 3000 years."
The owl tilted his head thoughtfully. "Do you think he could be alive even now? That there was a pact between him and the boy? That would explain many things."
Athena's expression hardened slightly at the mention of 'him', a reference to a dark entity from their shared past. "No, Glauca. While there are similarities, there's a distinct difference. Adom's aura is more... natural, warm and welcoming. There was nothing malicious in it."
"But—" Glauca began, only to be interrupted by Athena.
"Glauca, he is not affiliated with the Lich King. I can assure you of that," she said firmly, dispelling any lingering doubts.
Glauca nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "Let's hope so, for the best of the world."
Athena's gaze drifted to the window, her mind wandering through the corridors of time. She thought of the long-ago war against the Lich King, a time of darkness and despair that had tested the limits of the whole world's power and resolve. The resemblance between Adom's aura and that ancient, ominous presence was disconcerting, yet she trusted her instincts. Adom was different; his intentions seemed pure.
"Glauca," she began, her voice softer, "keep an eye on him. Not as a threat, but as a... curiosity. We may yet learn something from this young sorcerer."
Glauca spread his wings in assent, the sunlight casting a silvery glow on his feathers. "As you wish, Athena. I shall observe and report."
With a final nod, Athena turned her attention back to the stack of documents on her desk. Yet, her thoughts remained with Adom, a young sorcerer whose journey was shaping up to be anything but ordinary.