Baffled by the birth of a monster, the director and instructor stood in complete silence. Meanwhile, in the arena, the sustained injuries caught up to the burst of power.
'My heart is throbbing, my chest is on fire, there's a weird scythe on my palm, my body feels like it's about to fall apart. Is adrenaline the only thing keeping me from passing out? Where is the robot, why do I smell dust, something is off… my eyelids are getting heavy…'
BAM.
He dropped.
The fall snapped the moment of incertitude.
"Bring in the medical team this instant," ordered the instructor. "We have an applicant who's gravely injured."
The message blasted across the general communication channel, a network linking every department around the school.
A few minutes later, doctors accompanied by their assistants rushed the entrance. An ambulance waited on standby. Fortunately, the academy was very strict about the safety of its students. Having one of the best hospitals in the province within arm's reach was a must if one wanted to achieve greatness.
The broken-down wreck of bones and limbs was hoisted onto a stretcher. They rolled out; the bleeding didn't stop. Soon, he was admitted.
Sophie and Director Josiah had a private meeting about the fate of the so-called monster.
"Instructor Sophie," he said as they waited inside the booth, "you've always had the gift of distinguishing the talented from boasters. 'Tis one of the main reasons for your recent transfer. I fear, this time, you've uncovered something that should have remained dormant. Do you realize the magnitude of the problem we are to face?"
"Director," she calmly returned his unwavering glare, "I was stunned. Telling a person's motives and personality is often very simple. One only has to watch their eyes and mannerisms. I was left speechless. The boy didn't have any opening to exploit. Those eyes were emotionless, and the way he moved was mechanical."
She continued, her tone steady.
"The speech felt somewhat soothing—a gentle and calm voice. It put me at ease, so I went with my gut and decided to give him a chance."
Josiah's reaction didn't seem keen.
"From a logical perspective," she followed up, "what could a guy who barely scored a D-rank in the exam accomplish?"
Her actions were clarified. The director's face tightened.
"I see your point," he exhaled. "Awakening an element is something sacred. Not many people have the luxury of accessing such extravagance. If left unchecked, a wild sorcerer could wipe out an entire city—they're walking bombs. Hence why we don't randomly awaken elements."
His frustration stemmed from the repercussions. Great chaos would befall the central branch. The supervising committee would be furious. Such a blunder should never be allowed to happen.
"Director Josiah," she said, tired of the constant bickering, "I'll take full responsibility for correctly educating this so-called monster."
From tensed to baffled, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I have faith the boy has nothing malicious planned."
She inhaled deeply, her eyes ablaze.
"As of now, I, Sophie Mirabelle, an SSS-ranked mage, hereby take Staxius Haggard as my apprentice."
Out of guilt, she put forth something unexpected—an idea, a goal to teach the young man.
"What are you doing?" he interjected. "Sophie, this will ruin your entire life."
His voice turned serious.
"Taking in an apprentice means becoming their parent for four years. Said apprentice will be under your care until he graduates. Any mistakes or financial trouble will be covered by the master. Are you sure you want to pledge four years to that freak of nature?"
The initial doubt subsided. Josiah's face eased, a hint of excitement writing itself across his firm lips. The youngest and most talented SSS-ranked sorcerer had finally taken on a student.
Still, he wasn't convinced, even if his face said otherwise.
"I fully comprehend my actions, sir," her sincere tone slashed through the veil of prejudice. "I've also ruined that boy's life. Cowardice shan't be accepted."
She looked to the side.
"I've fully thought about my personal life. Seeing as marriage isn't going to happen, why not take on an apprentice? Let me be a mentor."
She smiled, meaning every word.
"Sophie, you've always been such a rash and spontaneous niece. I hope you don't come to regret this decision. Form a blood contract as soon as he wakes. We'll decide about lodging and where he'll study afterward."
A feeble half-smile escaped him.
"Thank you, uncle. You will witness the birth of a god among men. I hope you're ready."
She left with a quick wave.
Josiah turned and faced the blood-stained arena. A feeling of nostalgia welled within.
'A monster trained by a demon… this should be interesting. Tempest Haggard, it seems your stories held merit. I may be persuaded to change my thoughts about what kind of person you are.'
'The beginning of March. After a month of preparation, all the magical academies around the continent are ready to welcome their new students. 'Tis customary for apprentices to enjoy at least a month with their family and recover from injuries sustained during the exams.'
'For many, it was an opportunity at a new life—away from their old selves as trainee sorcerers. Maybe find love, deep bonds with new friends, or just glide through the four years and secure the future.'
'Alas, here I am. A boy who's remained in a coma for two weeks. My jawline was wrecked by a robot I didn't even see.'
He sighed, his eyes opening to a white ceiling.
'The sad part is I don't even know if I have a home, much less a future.'
He turned to the right.
'The only entertainment is staring out of the window and making shapes out of the clouds. At night, stargazing. I'd see shooting stars and occasionally hear couples being cute outside. Who comes to a hospital to flirt?'
He chuckled and sat up.
'I'll miss this place. I'm able to stand thanks to the staff. I ought to say goodbye. Probably going to have to get a part-time job. One month inside a hospital really takes it out of you.'
He ambled to the door with a plastic bag containing clothes provided by the hospital. Normal attire—an oversized brown shirt and dirty, ruined pants. The bloodstains didn't wash off; only the pants were wearable. Instead of the oversized shirt, he wore a plain white V-neck that reeked of alcohol.
Thus, he left after thanking everyone who had helped him. Doctors, nurses, cleaners, helpers—none were spared. The staff grew attached to his personality during his recovery. A strange feeling compelled them to like him; something unnatural.
Inhale.
'The smell of fresh air,' his arms stretched. 'The sun feels nice. The warm breeze caressing my cheeks—it's heaven.'
'I should leave Claireville Academy. It was a good dream while it lasted. Time to face reality—food is the priority. My brain doesn't work on an empty stomach.'
Staff members rushed to give him a warm farewell. He walked without looking back, drawn to the fragrance of the trees scattered around the premises. None were informed about his recovery. From the institute's point of view, an empty bed was a priority. Commoners didn't hold much interest; they came and went without record.
Central Claireville Academy was a town in itself. One could access anything desired or sought after. Being somewhat close to Rosespire, the capital of Oxshield, due south of Dorchester, made acquiring supplies easier. The inhabitants were wealthy, and the academy made sure life wasn't hard.
Hidros was a massive continent divided into six provinces—one larger than the other. Vastness was sure to light the fire of discrimination. Nevertheless, the equality brought by the Order lowered the risk of civil war.
The sun shone. Scorching heat balanced against strong winds.
His walking pace slowed as he left the academy grounds.
'Should I stay here or move to Rosespire? Life in the academy will be expensive, as it caters to nobility. A shady lodging in the darkest corner of the capital might be the best choice.'
'The distance to the capital is hefty. I can't take the train nor the airship. On foot… maybe weeks. It's already noon. I'll snoop around town, do odd jobs, get some food, and sleep under the night sky.'
He headed toward the town square. Finding work where merchants did business wasn't hard. Hopefully, someone needed an extra pair of hands to unload merchandise.
Something poked his back on the way to town.
The sensation slowly grew annoying.
Thinking the wind was responsible, he turned—
—and was left speechless.