Chapter 12 : The Royal Academy
"The noise came from here!" The voice of a city guard echoed through the empty street. Behind him, a small group of heavily armed men advanced, investigating the explosion and the mysterious lance that had descended from the sky.
When they arrived, however, the street was deserted.
"This... magical energy..." murmured one of the armed men, shivering.
Another added, "What kind of monster could launch such an attack... and on whom?"
"Captain? Should we inform the kingdom?"
"What kind of question is that?! OF COURSE we inform the kingdom! This is a matter of utmost importance. Inform Sir Tristan and Lieutenant Livor immediately!" ordered the largest guard, presumably their captain.
At that moment, a young woman emerged from the shadows. Tall and elegant, she wore a long black sorceress's robe that clung to her silhouette, with cascading green hair and piercing blue eyes. Her enchanting beauty was matched only by the mystical aura emanating from her. But this robe was no ordinary garment—it was a magical artifact, as she herself was a sorceress.
"This magical energy..." she murmured, frowning.
One of the guards noticed her and immediately dropped to one knee. "It is an honor to see you here! I never thought I’d have the chance to cross paths with you!"
"I shouldn’t even be showing myself here," she replied in a cold tone.
"Then why are you here?" he dared to ask.
"I wanted to enjoy my freedom a little more, away from the Academy."
"Don't say that, madam! The Royal Academy of Izerack is the best on the continent!"
"So I've been told..." She looked pensive for a moment. "But there are a few perks to being the Academy's top student."
"Madam Eva... why aren’t you in uniform?"
"I just told you I'm here incognito, fool. And I trust you not to report my presence here."
"Understood!" The guard stood up and returned to the area where a large crater marked the site of Shame's explosion.
"This energy... so unique, so strange," she murmured, a smile appearing on her lips. "I can’t wait to meet the one responsible for this power... shishishishi..."
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At Grealf Manor
"GRANDPA! COME QUICK!" Shame yelled, frozen with fear, still holding tightly to Fyr’s hand, who seemed equally shaken.
Hearing his grandson’s frantic shouts, Grealf appeared from the manor, looking alarmed.
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"Are you alright, kid? What’s going on?!" Grealf roared, descending the steps in heavy strides.
Shame launched into a jumbled and frantic account of everything that had happened. Fyr, standing beside him, looked down, avoiding Grealf’s gaze.
"You’re kidding me, kid..." Grealf grumbled, looking grim.
"No, Grandpa, I’m telling you the truth!"
"I believe you, idiot," Grealf said, casting a penetrating look at Shame. "But I need to check some things. Show me your skill info and current level."
Shame opened his status interface in front of Grealf, who frowned as he read:
[Name: Shame Dracarys
Divine Name: None
Orb Level -> Rank: 17 -> Anodin (...)
Status: Grandson of the King
Skills: {Guilt} {Determination} {Bad Seducer} {Rusty Lance} (new!)
Celestial Alignment: Star of the Guilty]
"I-I leveled up?!" Shame exclaimed.
"Yeah, kid. It’s one of the quirks of the Envoys: they can level up by killing other humans," Grealf murmured in Shame’s ear so that Fyr couldn’t hear.
"What are you two talking about...?" she asked shyly, her eyes fixed on the manor door.
Grealf chuckled. "Ah... I almost forgot you were there, little one. Let’s go inside before we get spotted."
The three of them entered the manor. Shame and Fyr went in first, followed by Grealf, who carefully locked the door behind them.
Grealf put an arm around Shame’s shoulders, guiding him toward the lounge with a protective air that, oddly, made Fyr frown, a hint of jealousy flashing across her face.
The old man sank heavily onto the couch, fixing Shame with an intense gaze.
"Kid, check the details of your new skill," he ordered.
Shame settled down across from him, while Fyr took a timid seat beside him.
[Skill: Rusty Lance
Description: It is said that, long ago, the god of hatred, Aleystria, was impaled by his wife’s original lance. His hatred fused with the weapon, creating a new magic capable of spiritually summoning the lance as it was when it pierced the god’s heart.
Cooldown: 24 hours
Activation Condition: Sufficient level of hatred
Rarity: Unique]
"Wow... kid, you must have really hated those guys for that lance to manifest," Grealf muttered, astonished. The interface in front of him seemed almost unreal.
"By the way, old man, I reached the Anodin-rank, right? Shouldn't I receive your Crown Fragment?" Shame asked, ignoring the surprised look on his grandfather’s face.
"Maybe, but no, you’re not ready."
"Then why did you promise?!"
"DON’T YOU DARE QUESTION YOUR ELDERS, YOU IDIOT!" Grealf growled.
"Pff, you’re just jealous that I got stronger."
"Think what you want, kid, but I won’t let you destroy this world..."
"What did you say, Grandpa?"
"Nothing, you fool, I said you’re not ready."
Suddenly, Fyr spoke up, her fists clenched and her cheeks pink, visibly determined.
"M-Mr. Grealf... I-I can assure you that Shame was really cool during the fight!" she said, her voice trembling.
"My grandson made a good impression on you, huh?" Grealf chuckled.
"I... I..." Fyr stammered.
"Heeeein, good impression, heeeein?" Grealf teased with a grin, suddenly bursting into hearty laughter.
"What’s going on here..." Shame muttered, completely lost, while Fyr blushed and Grealf laughed even harder.
Once he calmed down, Grealf continued.
"Kid, I’ll give you my Crown Fragment if you join the Royal Academy."
"That’s it?" Shame asked, not understanding the significance of the offer.
Fyr went from a sulky expression to a radiant smile. "Shame! I’m there too! I’d really love it if you joined!"
"Alright, then I’ll go," Shame agreed.
"And how do you plan on getting there, kid?" Grealf asked, amused.
"What do you mean?"
Fyr explained, "The registration ceremony was two days ago, so it’s impossible to join the Academy now."
"W-What?"
"But don’t worry, Shame, I’ll wait for you there next year!"
"W-Wait! When does the Academy start?"
"In a week, why?"
"So I still have time!"
"Maybe... if you can get a recommendation from a high-ranking officer of Izerack."
"Reco—" Shame gulped, realizing that his situation was more complicated than he had thought.
But with the feast tomorrow... perhaps he still had a chance?