Day ~61~Part Two~

Rea had intended to go home and spend the rest of her last day with the Ainsworths, but at some point her thoughts had wandered to Ella Wyrmwind.  On a whim Rea was now sitting outside of the doctor's clinic across the street.  She knew the doctor had a habit of looking out the window and would spot her eventually.  But Rea had made her resolve to give the good doctor one more goodbye.  As she sat on a bench and vacantly ate some cookies, Rea was busy stitching some cloth.

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Ella Wyrmwind had been conflicted after Rea left, but the more time that passed the more she gave up being angry.  Ella had just enjoyed her time with the unique, albeit perverted, ophidian too much to stay angry with her forever.  That isn't to say she had completely forgiven Rea, the doctor was just steaming a little less as each day went by.  While Ella absently fiddled with an empty jar labeled poison, something caught her attention.  Out of the corner of her eye she had seen cloth waving in the wind outside her clinic.  When the doctor walked to her window and gazed outside she saw Rea.  People were stopping and staring at her, but Rea was ignoring them.  What made the doctor smile faintly before returning to her work was the banner Rea had stitched.  Over her head in big elvish words was the phrase, "I miss you!"

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Rea had seen the doctor look out her window, and now thoroughly pleased with herself she packed the banner away and left for home.  That evening Rea quietly enjoyed the company of Lark.  The two spent their time together by listening to a woman play music on a small four string instrument.  Rea wasn't very attracted to the woman but the way she wrung out powerful deep chords with the instrument pleased her greatly, every strum reminded her of a certain ukulele player that she had admired.  Once the woman was done and Lark had sent her off the two proceeded to dig into some rather tasty dinner.  By the time they were done eating Meril was home.  The two of them kept her company as she ate dinner and pretended to make sneaky gestures back and forth while snickering at her.  Meril was feeling a bit annoyed with them so she finished quickly and marched up stairs.  After exchanging good nights Rea followed after Meril.

Oddly enough, Rea had lost any and all interest in getting intimate with Meril.  Thinking that it might be because she's satisfied as is, or that Meril may really be starting to feel like a sister, she marched into the room and plopped down on Meril's bed face first.  Meril glanced back at Rea while she sat at her desk.

"What are you up to Meril?"

Meril was quickly opening and closing multiple books, she remained silent for another good moment before carrying a pile of books to Rea, "I got you a gift, since you're leaving home for a while."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.1 "The Misadventures of a bored Succubus."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.2 "The Misadventures of a curious Dryad."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.3 "The Misadventures of a hung Ogre."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.4 "The Misadventures of a promiscuous Nymph."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.5 "The Misadventures of a flexible Elf."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.6 "The Misadventures of a shameless Ophidian."

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.6.5 "Shameless Ophidian Bonus Story: Deft Hands"

Rea has obtained [Book] "Misadventures Vol.7 "The Misadventures of a shameless Ophidian Part Two."

Rea excitedly opened one and ran her hand along Meril's signature, "Thank you sooo much!"

Meril proudly puffed out her chest, "All first editions, I know you've been eyeballing my set but haven't had the time to read them yet."

Rea didn't bother to tell her that the reason she hadn't read them is because of the memory blessing.  When it came to a good book Rea wanted to be able to forget some things so that she'd be tempted to read it again later.  Rea grinned in anticipation when she realized just how great a present these books were.  

Meril had a bad feeling when she saw that grin, "What are you thinking Rea?"

Rea snickered under her breathe, "My roommate loves books and I doubt she was allowed to read these,"  Meril hadn't seen Rea blush before but there's a first for everything, "can you imagine what's gonna happen when I sit down with Selene in my lap and we read these together?"

Meril silently apologized to Selene and ignored Rea as she put away the books.  Rea came up from behind and gave Meril a nice warm hug, "I've been doing nothing but forging equipment for the past week, I'm completely beat.  Goodnight, Meril."

Meril leaned her head back and let Rea embrace her, "I'll be to bed in a few minutes, I know it's your last night here and all but that doesn't mean you can get away with any shenanigans.  Okay?"

Rea sighed in her ear, "I've given up Meril, there's someone in your heart isn't there?"

Rea thoroughly enjoyed it as Meril's entire face flushed red.  Without causing anymore turmoil she quickly dove under the covers and made herself at home.  As Rea waited for her pillow to come lay down she absently looked over her abilities again.  The list was starting to be a headache to look at and it was only gonna get bigger in the coming days.

Day ~62~

Lark's gift to Rea was just as thoughtful, rather it was useful.  The man gave her an enchanted case, about four by six inches, it was beautifully engraved with Nathan's visage.  Inside the small case were twenty empty revolving vials.  The other half of his gift was a set of syringes and sterilization kits.  Rea wasn't sure how she felt about reusing syringes, but hey, different world different rules.  As they entered the wagon Rea proceeded to start draining some [Elixir].  The wagon driver, Lark, kindly waited for her to fill four vials before he snapped the reins.

Rea has obtained [Storage] Enchanted Silver Case.

As they rode in a wagon together Lark spoke up, "About your roommate Rea, there was a problem."

Rea nearly fell out the back, "Is Selene okay!?"

Lark quickly apologized, "The girl is fine, her parents wouldn't allow her to stay in the high end dorm suites though.  I tried to get you put in the normal dorms with her but that didn't work either, unfortunately you'll have to test the waters with your roommate.  Myself and the headmaster really did try to get you into the same room, but her parents were adamant when they heard your name.  Something about a bad influence, and tearing lamps off the ceiling?"

This time Meril almost fell out of the wagon, Rea had told her exactly how that happened.  Rea sighed outwardly and gazed eastward towards the academia, "That was an accident, oh well."  She wasn't too upset that the needy girl wouldn't be her roommate, but she was pretty pissed that it meant her seat of divine fluffiness wouldn't be readily available.  "So my roommate is?"

Lark shrugged, "I'm sure Denarius will have picked someone suitable, you'll be in the higher end dorm so expect someone who has either money, influence, or talent."

Rea pursed her lips, "Which am I seen as?"

Meril chuckled before answering, "All three obviously, don't expect anyone to know that though."  Meril glanced at her father and could see that he was having a hard time speaking up so she decided to inform Rea herself, "It won't be easy for you, back when I was in the high end dorms I was excommunicated from the rest of the students... maybe it'll be different for you but people didn't like me when they found out where I was staying Rea."

Rea didn't really give a damn about the other students, "Anything else I should know?"

Lark spoke this time, "The system is simple, the first three days are for students to get comfy and pick a profession.  The next four after are for attaining that chosen profession.  The week after is for aptitude testing, parties will be based on aptitude.  Then the rest is studying, training, and combat tourneys... attacks that may cause permanent harm aren't allowed in the tourneys so most students don't bother to enter.  More so the archers and mages who specialize in lethal attacks.  The combat tourneys are mostly for students who want to prove their physical prowess in a contest of strength with training equipment, anything more then breaking bones is off limits."

Rea frowned, "Is there a reward for winning the tourney?"

Lark shrugged, "It's random, the headmaster does it on a whim."

Rea didn't bother to ask about anything else, she just gazed at the large wall they were heading for.  While the academia was technically in Vestlei it was more or less on the outskirts.  Aside from the wall surrounding it, there was another wall separating the academia from Vestlei itself.  Rea wasn't really sure why that is but she figured it was to protect the young students.  After a surprisingly thorough inspection at the gate, where Rea teased a guard named Lassie, they were inside the grounds.  It was... more than she had imagined.  The smells of the city that they had just passed through were completely gone, the air here was pure.  Ignoring Lark's objections she climbed atop the wagon to get a better view.  As Rea stood on high people began to notice her, she really didn't mind drawing a crowd but this was a bit annoying.  Now sitting Rea once more began to observe the place she'd be spending a sizable amount of time at.

Big, this place is big..., Rea had quickly realized that thinking of this place as a school from her world was wrong, it seemed to be more comparable to a college.  As she glanced back towards Vestlei Rea assumed that it was probably about half the size of the city.  The fields weren't just fields, in fact Rea couldn't spot a single garden near the path they were following.  Every area in sight seemed to have some sort of purpose, obstacle courses, training dummies, pools, mounds of dirt, she was getting excited imagining what sort of things these fantasy world people can do.  The stony path their wagon was trotting along began to get close enough to a massive archway for Rea to spot what was on the other side.  They were heading for a large metallic dome, likely a place to greet newcomers.  Passing the archway Rea looked in both directions, she assumed that the two similarly sized rectangular buildings on both sides of the dome were the dorms.  The reason she guessed that was because older students lined the walls surrounding those building, probably here to see the newcomers.  Rea ignored some of the shouting about a silly woman riding on a wagon's roof, she also ignored all the hustle and bustle.  Rea tuned her ears to just focus on the clip clop of their bison, buffalo’s foot steps... or is it a bison?  She really wasn't sure.

Rea was almost curious enough about the rest of Vestlei academia to ignore the dome and circle around so that she could see what the bulk of this place holds, almost.  As the wagon came to a stop she effortlessly fell to the ground on all fours, got up, smiled brightly, and apologized to Lark.  As they entered the dome Rea was pleased to find that she had been right, this building was basically a wide open area for social gatherings.  She did have to admire how they managed to build something like this without her world's technology.  Once they arrived at a temporary desk Lark went about introducing her, they were then given a small parcel.  Lark said they'd open it after Denarius gave his speech.  When the first ten minutes of standing around waiting had passed it became apparent that this was gonna take a while.  Rea being Rea, she was bored out of her mind...  For the next hour many petty tricks were played on the unsuspecting new students, a few had even fled the dome after mysteriously wetting their breeches.  Rea did feel a little bad about that, but it was too funny to stop.  Meril caught on to what she was doing and kept Rea in a choke hold for the remainder of their time.  

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Denarius waltzed up on a podium and stood before nearly a thousand people, Rea admired his very shiny robe and very rare staff.  Obviously he was here to make an impression.  To get everybody's attention he tapped his staff against the ground and sent an exploding orb of light over head.  After some hushed panic he had gotten everyone's attention.  "We are here today to welcome four hundred new students to our glorious academia.  For those of you that have traveled here from other cities, I thank you for choosing the Vestlei academia.  For those of you from Vestlei, I also thank you for coming."  After various greetings and thanks that she found rather boring Denarius got to the juicy stuff, "You didn't come here to have fun, you came to become stronger.  You're here because you want to survive, we, the teachers, are here to make you more survivable.  There are no guarantees in this world, our training can and will be harsh, at times cruel.  Those of you who lack the will to become stronger, to accept our teaching, leave now!"  Denarius paused for a good minute as he scanned the horizon... he almost lost his train of thought when he spotted Rea jumping up and down waving like an idiot with Meril hanging off of her. *Erhhh hmm* "Good, I'm glad to see nobody is running away just yet.  In the coming years you will be tested, among your peers, alone, and as teams.  I look forward to your success young students, I wish you the best of luck."  With a snap of his finger Denarius vanished into thin air, Rea promised herself to learn whatever it is that he just did.

After that was over Rea, Meril, and Lark hurried back out the front entrance along with the crowd.  After some hugs, and surprisingly, tears on Lark's part, he handed over the parcel and told Rea that it would lead her to her room, and tell her where to find her homeroom class.  Rea was told that she had a good half hour to make it to the room, then homeroom.  With that final piece of wisdom the Ainsworths were back on a wagon and riding away.  Rea took a moment to stretch before digging in, once she opened it up Rea was a bit disappointed.  Just a key and two sheets of paper.  Both maps with instructions, getting an odd sense of deja vu she left for what she assumed was the correct dorm... it wasn't.  Five minutes later Rea was thoroughly lost and having trouble getting anybody to listen to her in all the hustle and bustle.  Resolving herself to get someone's attention she waltzed up to a blonde woman from behind and smacked her on the rear.  The woman let out a surprised yelp and grasped her behind.  Rea grinned at her as she turned to face the offender.  The woman had not been expecting it to be a new student, or another woman.  "I'm Rea Ainsworth, and I'm a little lost."

The woman gave her a skeptical look, "Luna Belfast, let me see your map."  She chose to ignore the way Rea had gotten her attention... until Rea handed over the map while sliding in next to her and placing a firm hand on her rump. "Mind getting your paws off of me?"  Rea quietly obeyed while Luna looked over her map. "You're at the wrong dorm, not just that you're also in one of the rich suites... "  Luna really wasn't sure what to make of Rea as she let off a childish grin, "Go to the opposite dorm, get to the highest level, then look for the room marked with your name, got it?"

Rea nodded while taking the map and giving her one last smack on the rear as she waltzed away.  Luna had let out another slight yelp and glared daggers in her back.  It really had been that easy to find her room, Rea now stood in an overly decorated hall.  In front of her was a large engraved door with two nameplates, Rea Ainsworth and Sereda Duranhold.  Rea had not been expecting to find in the room what she did.  Shortly after opening the door and waltzing in Rea had to duck under a piece of flying... pottery?  A very, very... a taller woman than she had ever seen was throwing decorations all over the place and tearing regal decorative curtains from the windows while shredding pillows.  Rea was happy that the woman hadn't harmed her suitcase that had been delivered before arrival.  When the woman noticed her she stopped what she was doing and gave Rea a slight nod, "I'm glad to see you're redecorating the place already, Sereda?"

She dropped a pillow and waltzed across the room while holding out a hand, "Rea, I'm guessing... you're tiny."

Rea had no argument there, she was nearly two feet shorter than the woman after all.  "Nice to meet you."  When Rea took hold of her hand it soon became apparent that the woman was not shaking hands to be polite.  Feeling like her hand was being crushed, and noticing the malicious look on Sereda's face, she knew that the damn woman was trying to break it.  Drawing on her knowledge from close quarters combat training as Noel, Rea raised her hand while twisting inwards and turning her back towards Sereda.  In less than a second the huge woman was flying over Rea's shoulder and hitting the ground with a thundering impact.  The look of absolute surprise, and slight pain on Sereda's face pleased Rea, but that wasn't enough.  Rea quickly spun back around as she descended.  Now sitting on the woman's chest Rea ducked down and spoke, "Try to hurt me again and I'll break every bone in your body, are we clear?"

Sereda really didn't like that, her response was to grab onto Rea with one arm and push her off.  Rea latched onto that arm, spun around, fell backwards, and arched her back.  In less than three seconds there was the familiar sound of bone snapping in two, and a howl of pain from Sereda.  Rea wasn't happy to be teaching a harsh lesson so soon, but it seemed necessary if they'd be living together.  Unfortunately that also pissed the giant woman off, after howling out in pain for a good ten seconds she tried to kick Rea from her downed position.  Rea could see there wasn't much thought in the attack, not much strength, and nowhere near enough momentum.  She easily caught the leg, wrapped her right knee around it then grasped the ankle with both hands and fell inwards.  Another snap could be heard as Sereda fell limp and started to sob uncontrollably.  Rea sat beside her now while speaking again, "I said I'd break every bone, there are still quite a few to go Sereda," she looked up at Rea in absolute horror, "did you think I was bluffing?"

Sereda's head collapsed on the floor beside her, "Please, I'm sorry.... please..."

Rea was now satisfied with her behavior and quickly opened the case Lark had given her.  As Rea removed the vial of [Elixir] she rolled Sereda over and sat her up to drink it.  The woman was so terrified of Rea at this point that she refused to drink.  After about a minute of Rea trying to convince her that it was medicine she gave up.  Rea really wasn't enjoying having to watch the pain she was putting this woman through.  So without giving it much more thought she emptied the vial into her own mouth, it still tasted like normal blood to her.  That really confused Sereda until Rea leaned in and locked lips with her.  Sereda struggled until she couldn't take it anymore and gulped down the [Elixir].  Rea quickly made sure that her bones were set properly, just in case.  After wincing in pain for a few more moments Sereda gave Rea a look of shock.  Rea just watched in satisfaction, less than a minute...  it wasn't just cuts and scrapes that took less than a minute to heal.  Rea let out a low mutter that Sereda couldn't hear, "Holy hell, I'm a freakin' walking cure all."

Unfortunately Sereda quickly resumed the attack when her limbs were healed, she must've thought the first time was a fluke.  Rea could feel the hesitation in her attack this time, but she still broke the woman's arm again.  After using another [Elixir] then listening to Sereda apologize again, this time super honestly, they sat face to face in a wrecked room.  Rea ignored Sereda to take in the state of her new home, thoroughly demolished.  To be honest though she hadn't liked the design anyway.  As long as the bunk bed was standing this place would do fine.  There were also a pair of large desks on the opposite wall, Rea wasn't sure how she felt about having a room nearly the size of her last home as Noel.  A square table sat dead center, it was lowered into a depression on the ground making the floor your seat.  Rea was rather pleased with that.  

Taking a closer look at Sereda she really had done a number on the nearly seven foot tall woman.  Her bronzed skin had a nearly purplish blush to it as she continued to sob.  Rea was a little curious whether or not the light blonde hair, tied in a bun, was a natural color.  It had a greenish hue to it, unlike anything she'd ever seen before.  The eyes, Rea found the eyes rather alluring, purplish with a light green inner iris, once again, unlike anything she had ever seen.  Although the woman had thin eyebrows, and sharp features that pleased her Sereda hadn't made the best impression.  Rea had felt a distinct lack of power in her attacks and now that she was looking the reason was obvious.  This woman, as tall as she is, possessed a high level of natural strength, but from the condition of her muscles it was obvious she had never done any actual training.  Rather than calling her muscular, she was lithe, like Rea.  She also wasn't very curvy, and her expression, from what Rea could remember before she destroyed it, was rather intimidating, scary even.  Rea couldn't seem to get her attention now, she'd left Sereda a bit despondent.

Feeling like time was about to become an issue Rea waltzed up and sat on Sereda's lap,  "Hello Clarice."

Sereda was a bit shocked to have Rea in her face so she missed the odd name, "mmm?"

Rea sighed inwardly she really didn't like being feared, so it was time to change her approach, "Proper introductions this time.  Rea Ainsworth, a pleasure to meet you."  Before Sereda could introduce herself she was falling backwards, now looking up at Rea's impish grin she shuddered, unsure of what to expect. "I'm sorry I hurt you, but you really didn't give me much alternative.  As long as you don't pull anymore stunts, I won't break any more bones, okay?"

Sereda nodded in agreement, still not taking her eyes off the scary little woman, "Sereda, Sereda Duranhold, of Lumansolice."

Rea beamed happily, "The blacksmith city? Under the mountain ranges northwest of Vestlei!?"

Sereda was shocked to see Rea's interest in her hometown, "Yes..."

"We're gonna get along just fine Sereda," Rea looked up at the clock, "running out of time, I'll see you later."

"... right."

Sereda hadn't been expecting Rea to lean down and kiss her on the forehead before quickly dashing out and down the stairs.  Rea had left the woman completely and utterly confused. She didn't know it at that time, but Sereda had come here to become a warrior type job.  Thanks to this painful lesson Sereda had thrown those aspirations away and decided to take advantage of her [Demigod of Earth’s Divine Protection] to become an earth specialization mage.  In hindsight Rea was happy to have gained a few ranks in grappling while maxing out sadism.  As Sereda watched Rea leave her bronze skin flushed in a purple blush, pulse began racing, and her chest tightened... Sereda quickly chased after the scary woman.

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