Akil appeared in his office, he moved over to his desk and sat down.

“Sid, have the Grand Council prepare to meet in an hour.” (Akil)

A disembodied voice answered his call.

“As you command, headmaster.” (Sid)

Akil sat back and came up with a plan. After spending the rest of the hour fine tuning it, he went down to the greater meeting room to face the council.

As he walked in, the rest of the council was already there and heatedly debating what to do in this new world. The debate died down as Akil walked over to the raised seat reserved for the headmaster. After sitting down and staring at the faces around the room he began.

“I’m sure there is quite a lot of discussion on what to do with this information we have gathered about this new world. We are still lacking critical information of what brought us here and how. While the general power level of this world is low enough for us to be safe, there are also most likely hidden powerhouses. Case in point, there are literal hidden dragons somewhere on this continent. We need to be careful not to reveal our full hand too early and be caught unaware of possible danger. With that being said I have decided we are not going to hide any longer… I have assigned each of you a task with the final goal being to have a greater web of information as well as putting our people in key positions of power throughout the Continent of Talendria.” (Akil)

He looked over the faces of his trusted councilmen. General agreement could be seen on their faces so he continued, first looking towards Elvara and Darkskull.

“Darkskull, I want you to use your undead to do a general search of the wilderness as well as to position them as backup to the rest of the council for their missions.” (Akil)

Darkskull nodded his bony skull.

“Elvara, I want you to use your talents to gather general support among the ruling class of the Eglesh Confederacy and the Holy Empire.” (Akil)

“It shall be done, Headmaster.” (Elvara)

She gave a toothy grin, gathering “admirers” was one of her favorite pastimes.

“Syvala, I want you to travel around to each of the different kingdoms and dig up as much dirt as you can. Find out any scandal or risque information about everyone you can.” (Akil)

“You’ll have enough dirt to bury them in, headmaster.” (Syvala)”

His eyes went over to a Dragonkin covered in glistening black scales.

“Tarrus, you are in charge of finding dragons of this world. Once you find them I want you to try to integrate yourself within whatever society they have.” (Akil)

The Dragonkin breathed out so deeply that a caustic smoke appeared around his mouth. Tarrus was the dean of transmutation magic so even if the dragons here didn’t accept dragonkin he could easily transform himself into a real dragon.

Next his gaze moved to a tall, milky eyed individual with cropped golden hair and a long robe.

“Eran, I want you to position yourself as one of the most respected Healers of this world, especially among the common folk.” (Akil)

The man nodded his head slowly, seemingly staring out into space. Eran was a celestial-born that was the foremost expert on and dean of divine magic. It would be a horrible mistake to underestimate him because of his blindness.

His gaze moved on to women with unearthly blue skin, hair and eyes.

“Urdahna, I want you to find a safe, defensible place in the wilderness that we can use as a base of operations on Rendilion.” (Akil)

“Consider it done.” (Urdahna)

The woman who answered was the dean of natural magic.

He looked at the fiery Zhera and a tough looking woman with gray skin and small tusks jutting out of her bottom lip.

“Zhera, Dagna, I want the two of you to go to the badlands in the west and integrate yourselves with their society as best as you can.” (Akil)

“Hah, that’ll be a cinch.” (Zhera)

“Zhera you shouldn’t underestimate our mission, overconfidence can lead to mistakes.” (Dagna)

The woman admonishing the demonkin was a half-orc and one of the Martial deans who headed the Majestic Lion, Indomitable Guardian and Cursed Eternal disciplines.

He looked at Moonfist and continued.

“Moonfist, being the only human of the council I want you to integrate yourself within the Holy Empire of Salhaster.”

Moonfist put his cupped his hand around his fist and gave a quick bow. Akil moved onto the next council members, A dark feathered crowkin holding a spear and a foxkin with white fur tail, eastern features and a katana.

“Suki, Krail, I want the two of you to use your physical prowess to integrate yourself within the Beastkin Kingdom of Askil.”

Krail raised his spear in agreement. He was a spear master and head dean of the Piercing Lightning, Royal Ruby and Moonlight Night disciplines. Suki replied with a respectful bow. She was an Iaido master and dean of the Mithral Flow, Temporal Distortion and Dragon Fangs disciplines.

Akil moved on to a silver haired elf.

“Grendel, as an elf you are the best candidate to integrate with the Elven kingdom.” (Akil)

“It shall be done, sir” (Grendel)

The very pretty male elf was the dean of abjuration.

His gaze went on to a dark haired dwarf with a thick black beard and a large axe on his back.

“Taddock, I believe you can see the pattern here, you will be integrating with the dwarves. Be careful with them, they are heavily caste based so you will have to have a very good backstory.” (Akil)

“I’ll make sure they come around” (Taddock)

He replied with a raspy, gruff voice. The menacing dwarf was the dean of the Dark Angel, Primal Might and Iron Turtle disciplines.

Finally, Akil moved his gaze to the last two members of the council. The ice cold gnome Gliddir, with her white hair, ice colored eyes and pale skin. Then there was the jovial Half-Elf Zephyr with her ginger hair and silver eyes.

“As for you two, I want you both to stay on standby with Soothseer in case any of the other council members need backup.” (Akil)

Gliddir was the attack specialized dean of evocation where Zephyr was a bow user and the dean of the martial disciplines Silver Heart, Hurricane Gale and Oncoming Storm.

“For now I want everyone to avoid casting any spells or using any martial skills above 5th level and tier unless absolutely necessary. Also avoid using any currency not of this world nor do anything that could destabilize the economy..” (Akil)

He looked directly at Tarrus as he had a habit of using magic to create fake currency.

Tarrus flicked his head to the side, avoiding the gaze.

“Does anyone have any questions or concerns with the plan?” (Akil)

He was met with silent acquiescence from each councilman.

“Perfect, I will continue my current course of becoming a hunter and I will slowly gather renown. Good luck to everyone on their missions, please send weekly reports back to soothseer, you’re all dismissed.” (Akil)

As everyone was getting up to leave, Akil walked over to the blind healer Eran.

“How is the young girl I sent to you doing?” (Akil)

“Her emotional scars run very deep, but she has begun to heal. She actually has a talent for healing magic, so I have started to teach her as part of her own healing process.” (Eran)

“That's great to hear, do you mind bringing me to her, I would like to check on her.” (Akil)

Eran bowed his head slightly in acquiescence. He began walking with Eran towards the divine magic wing of Jamiea. Akil made some small talk as they walked.

“What level has she reached?” (Akil)

“She has reached level 3 already, which is really good for only 48 days of training. She has thrown herself wholeheartedly into it.” (Eran)

“Whatever it takes for her to heal. She has been through a lot.” (Akil)

Eran nodded his head and continued walking. They soon reached the training area of the divine magic wing of the academy. Eran opened the door into a large gymnasium, El could be seen in the center of the room wearing a breastplate with an intricate etching of Jamiea’s symbol, a golden eye overlooking an open book. She was fighting with magitech golems, with a swing of her large mace at the golem in front of her, crushing its head then using the momentum to spin herself around to a golem behind her. She quickly incanted a spell using her holy symbol as a focus.

[Moderate Inflict]

A glob of negative energy gathered in her hand glowing dangerously. She pushed down with her leading foot hard, propelling her towards the golem. She pushed the energy in her hand towards the golem’s abdomen, the golem crumpled inward at the point of impact just like a live person would.

El went down on one knee panting deeply, after a few moments of recovery she finally noticed Akil and Eran. She waved happily at them as they started walking over. She popped up and started a slow jog over to meet them halfway.

“Master, welcome back and you, you’re the one who saved me right, I have heard you are the headmaster of this school? I never fully thanked you, did I? Thank you for what you did, and especially thank you for introducing me to my master.” (El)

She bowed down deeply to Akil to show her gratitude. Akil put his hand on her shoulder and gently pulled her back into a standing position.

“Please, no need to thank me. I am just glad you’re doing better. I came here to tell you that Deacon has been taken care of, he will no longer be able to harm anyone again.” (Akil)

Akil considered showing her the mirror where Deacon was trapped but he decided against it, thinking it may have been too traumatic.

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A resolute look appeared on her face, she nodded silently.

“Thank you, I thought I wanted to get revenge myself but after spending this time with my master I realized that it would be healthier for me to let it go.” (El)

Akil could still see the pain in her expression as she said that, even with help from the best healer in the world it would be strange if she had managed to get over her trauma in such a short time.

“Yes well, I’m going to leave you to your training. Remember you can always ask me for help if you need anything. Oh and take this.” (Akil)

He handed her an intricate sapphire bracelet.

“If you are ever in danger, crush the gem and it will transport you straight to me.” (Akil)

Deep gratitude flashed over El’s face, she put the bracelet around her wrist with a sweet smile on her face. Akil also caught a quick instant of surprise on Eran's face but it was quickly hidden.

“Thank you, I hope I never need to use it but it will give me great peace of mind.” (El)

Akil gave her a slight bow and turned around to leave. He was glad that El was doing better, she no longer seemed to have given up on life. It was only thanks to Eran’s amazing talents that she could be doing so well after such a short time.

Akil went back to his personal office, happy with today's endeavors. He wanted to give Selena and Tristan at least a Rendillion day to consider the offer he gave them. That gave him 24 Jamiean days for preparations on his plans.

***

After spending 24 days refining his plan Akil was finally ready to check on Selena and Tristan. He got up from his desk that he hadn’t left during this entire period. He quickly cast a spell to transport him back to Rendilion.

[Planar Transport]

Akil was instantly transported just outside Selena and Tristan's home. Akil walked up to the door and knocked. A small rush of movement could be heard from the other side of the door. A flustered Selena opened the door.

“Akil, I’ve been.. or rather we’ve been expecting you.” (Selena)

She gave a slightly nervous laugh as Tristan ran out from the back room.

“Akil! Great, you're here! I’m glad, I think my sister was going to faint if she had to wait any longer to see you.” (Tristan)

His voice was full of laughter as Selena blushed and scrambled to deny the accusation.

“Tristan don’t say things like that, Akil might get the wrong idea…” (Selena)

A sneer appeared on Tristan's face as he whispered under his breath.

“More like he'll get the right idea.” (Tristan)

It was so low that Selena didn’t catch it but Akil’s sharp ears naturally picked it up, he cleared his throat and attempted to get the derailed conversation back on track.

“Sorry for the intrusion, I just wanted to check if you guys thought about my offer yesterday.” (Akil)

“Heck yeah we did, of course we’ll join you! First off you saved my life and all but from what my sister tells me you’re super powerful and cool. Isn’t that right sis?” (Tristan)

The blush never left Selena’s face but it seemed to get a shade darker.

“Of course, whatever we can do to help you out, you are our savior, no amount of thanks will ever be enough… and you were super cool also.” (Selena)

She started to trail off quietly near the end. Akil was physically incapable of blushing but he felt that he would be now if it were possible.

“So what are we going to call ourselves?” (Tristan)

“I have given that some thought, I was thinking something like Order of the Infernum Staff.” (Akil)

A look of doubt crossed Selena’s face.

“That's uhh a good name I guess..” (Selena)

“That's stupid, wouldn’t an Infernum staff be actively detrimental to a mage?” (Tristan)

Selena shot Tristan a disapproving look but she didn’t refute what he said.

Akil felt a slight blow to his pride, he knew he had a poor naming sense but he thought the name was pretty cool…

“I see what you were going for, seeing as were all mages, how about the Order of Arcane Mysteries?” (Tristan)

Akil had to admit that he did like that name more, even Selena gave an approving gaze.

“Alright, I guess we can use that instead, I just picked that other name on a whim. For now let me bring you to my dimension, we'll stay there for a bit so I can train you guys and introduce you to the rest of my team.” (Akil)

Tristan gave him a wide eyed look.

“Your dimension….?” (Tristan)

“It’s easier to show you than it is to explain.” (Akil)

Akil put out his hands towards both Selena and Tristan, Tristan grabbed it immediately with a big grin then gave his sister a knowing look. Her face turned a shade darker as she put her hand out to take Akil’s.

[Planar Transport]

The magical energies swept them away to Jamiea, he had transported them to the front gates of the academy. He watched them gawk around in amazement at the majestic academy and contradictory sky. This was the first time either of them had ever seen something so otherworldly.

As they were looking around the disembodied voice of Sid echoed through the air causing Tristan and Selena to jump involuntarily.

“Hello Headmaster, would you like me to register these two new guests in our registrar?” (Sid)

“Yes thank you Sid, register them as students for now.” (Akil)

“As you wish, headmaster.” (Sid)

Akil looked towards Tristan and Selena.

“That is Sid, he’s a magical intelligence, if you ever need anything while here on Jamiea you can ask him. I have you both registered as students which will give you a pretty good amount of access to the academy and information.” (Akil)

“Is it appropriate for someone of our level to be considered a student? In the Damerel mages college we would be strong enough to be considered an associate professor.” (Tristan)

Tristan looked a little upset at being called a student with his status as a silver level adventurer.

“Ah well Jamiea is a little different, you would be considered an aspirant until you reach level 4, then 5-8 you would be considered a student, then from 9-12 you’d be considered a full fledged mage, 13-15 is strong enough to be considered a professor. 16-17 is a senior professor and finally you need to be level 18-20 to be considered for a top professor. Top professors can also be considered for a position on the Grand Council. The Grand Council is the top 16 heads of the magic and martial departments.” (Akil)

The stunned look on both Selena and Tristan's faces showed how crazy these standards were. A level 8 still being considered a student was unheard of on Rendilion. A level 8 represents a Gold ranked adventurer, most places would consider that a full fledged professor at least.

“How many students and professors does this place have?” (Selena)

“Right now you guys would be the only students… actually scratch that there is one more student besides you but she’s still very new. It’s been over 50 years since the last students that we gathered graduated. As for professors we have the 16 Grand Council members and each of them has 3 senior professors under them. Each of those 3 senior professors has 5 professors under them so that's 288 professors not counting the Grand Council members.” (Akil)

Selena and Tristan gasped deeply, in their mind that should be impossible, that was 304 beings that were as strong or stronger than an infernum ranked adventurer. The two countries on Talendria that had infernum ranked adventures were considered powerhouses strictly because of what one represented. No matter how strong they thought Akil was it wouldn’t change the fact that he was only one person, 304 more individuals at what they considered the peak of power just waiting in the wings under Akils command was enough to easily take over the entire continent if not the whole world.

Selena and Tristan were in a daze, just like that their entire worlds had turned completely upside down, they never expected to be thrown into a world of such high level individuals.

“Not that I’m complaining, but if you have that many strong people under your command then why do you need our help…?” (Tristan)

Akil could see that Selena and Tristan both were dejected, they had been thrust into this new world and now they were realizing just how small they were in it.

“You are natives to this world, we are aliens. Whenever I work in a new plane I like to work with natives as they have a firm grasp of the common sense of the world. Don’t worry about the power, we can train that up quickly, we aren’t considered a school for nothing. I can get you leveled up to at least the level of a professor in a year of your personal time especially if we are actively adventuring.” (Akil)

“ONE YEAR?!” (Tristan and Selena)

One year to get to the level of at least an Orichalcum to an Infernum ranked adventurer, even in their wildest dreams they never would have imagined that was possible. It had taken them 3 years of adventuring just to get to silver ranked adventurers.

“Yes but don’t worry, that will take less time in Rendilion time. I didn’t mention it before but when here on Jamiea time flows slower than on Rendilion, to the point where one day here is equal to one hour on Rendilion. So I’m going to train you here for one Rendilion week before we start our journey, that will be a bit less than half a year by itself, then every time we stop to sleep on Rendilion we will come here and train for 8 Rendilion hours which would be 8 days here. You will have strength in no time at all.” (Akil)

Tristan and Selena looked at him with a dull look in their eyes, this was so much to take in at once. It was like their entire common sense had been turned on its head completely. Tristan started rubbing his forehead in disbelief while Selena covered her mouth with both hands. Their lives had already been completely changed by meeting Akil to the point where they could never repay him but now it was just insane.

Akil could see their apprehension, he put a calming hand on both of their shoulders and looked them in the eye.

“Don’t worry about whether you are worthy of something like this, Selena many times you had put my life above yours even though we had just barely met. To me that level of caring is infinitely more important than any other attribute. I can teach someone combat skills, but I can’t teach them how to be a good person.” (Akil)

Akil gave her a soft look, she looked down at her feet, the blush returning with a vengeance. Tristan’s grin reappeared as he saw this.

“Anyway, let me show you around the academy.” (Akil)

He showed them all the amenities of the academy, including the training hall, residence halls, cafeteria, library, research area, crafting areas and baths. It took a full 3 hours to show them everything. He showed them the place where the Grand Council and their disciples lived and finally he showed them his own wing, including a place to stay for his personal disciples. These areas were huge, as big as the areas where the grand council themself stayed and each of them had personal versions of the baths, training area, library, research area, crafting area, baths and a full kitchen.

“Nobody has stayed in these rooms for a long time, I haven’t had a personal disciple in over 200 years. If you ever need anything from me you can have Sid relay the message. All food and drink can be created by the magical unseen servants that are all around. You just need to ask Sid and it will be prepared.” (Akil)

Selena and Tristan were awestruck from all they had seen today, they couldn’t believe their new homes, the bath area alone could fit the entirety of their old home.

Akil took out two pairs of ornate magically enchanted boots, each functional yet extremely fashionably tailored to the user, it was easy to tell that they were made specifically for the two of them with how well they matched them. Tristan’s were a deep black while Selenas were a light cream.

“These are enchanted to bring the wearer back to a bound location after using a command word. They could even transport their user back to wherever they activated them from. I know you guys don’t know how to travel between dimensions yet so these should help you, they are even useful for when you do learn as you won’t have to waste spells on Planar Transportation.” (Akil)

He taught them the command words to both bind the boots and to activate the transportation.

He took out a full set of magically enchanted clothes for each of them, from gloves to chest pieces to pants to cloaks, each beautifully tailored and matched to their user. Selena’s followed a silver and lavender motif while Tristans was Navy blue and black.

Selena was dazzled by her outfit, it was the prettiest adventuring clothes she’d ever seen, it almost seemed a shame to dirty it from adventure. Tristan was equally as dazzled by his own clothes, he had never worn something so luxurious.

“These are enchanted with a variety of things, mostly to protect you from harm but also a few quality of life enchantments. They are self cleaning and self repairing on top of already being extremely resilient. They themselves are extremely heat and cold resistant but they will also help you resist heat and cold temperatures. They will give you some defense against fire, cold, electricity and acid. They will also allow you to use a command word to fly at will.” (Akil)

“Are you sure you can give us such a precious gift?” (Selena)

“Nothing is more important to me than your lives. I may not look like it but my speciality is crafting items so something like this is child's play to me.” (Akil)

Her eyes went wide at that.

“You’re an artificer? Artificers are rare existences, they are highly sought after… although knowing you I probably shouldn’t be surprised by anything anymore.” (Selena)

“Don’t worry about the details, I am going to give you guys until tomorrow to get accustomed to your new environment as well as to move your stuff here from your old house. Prepare yourself because training will be intense, I will not hold back.” (Akil)

Akil quickly cast a spell to help them retrieve their stuff.

[Fixed Gate]

A large magical gate appeared in front of the three of them. Through it they could see the inside of Tristan and Selena’s house.

“This should last long enough for you both to bring your stuff over.Sid, send some of the magical servants to help them transfer their stuff to their new accommodations.” (Akil)

“It will be done, headmaster.” (Sid)

“Please let Sid know if you need anything else. I won’t be far if you need me either.” (Akil)

They both looked at each other, still in shock, then back to Akil and gave him a steady nod.

With that, Akil left them to get situated with their new homes.