The young assistant bowed and retreated, closing the door behind him. Kaelith, now Elara, settled gracefully into the offered chair, folding her hands in her lap with a satisfied smile on her face.
"I must admit," the Archmage continued, "your work on dimensional anchoring is precisely what our program requires. The previous occupant of this position was... well, his approaches were becoming increasingly unorthodox."
"I understand completely," Elara replied, infusing her words with earnest academic passion. "The temptation to push boundaries in theoretical conjuration can sometimes lead practitioners down dangerous paths. My research stresses stable frameworks and moral discretion."
The irony of these words almost made her tongue tingle with suppressed laughter. If only the Archmage knew the true nature of the entity sitting across from him, discussing ethical magical constraints with such clear sincerity. She loved this aspect of the game. It's like those long cutscenes that the majority of people hated, but to her, it's the best part.
For the next hour, she danced through an intricate verbal sparring match, answering complex theoretical questions with masterfully crafted responses that combined genuine magical knowledge gleaned from countless worlds with just enough fabrication to establish her false credentials. The Archmage's initial suspicion gradually gave way to scholarly interest, then to genuine admiration.
For the life of him, he still couldn't remember writing that letter, but, I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with someone like Elara? She was perfect in every aspect! Especially when it came to being qualified to teach at this prestigious academy, which Archmage Grim took extreme pride in.
"Your understanding of this subject is remarkable," he said finally, setting aside the notes he'd been taking. "And your timing is fortuitous. The new term begins in three days, and having this position vacant has placed considerable strain on our curriculum."
Elara allowed herself a modest smile. "I would be honored to join your esteemed faculty, Sir. The Imperial Academy's reputation extends far beyond the empire's borders."
"There is, of course, one final formality," he added, rising from his chair with a slight stiffness that indeed showed his age. "A demonstration of practical aptitude. Standard procedure for all faculty appointments."
"Of course," she replied, standing as well. Her mind moved through possibilities, calculating the perfect display. It should be impressive enough to secure the position, but not so extraordinary as to give the old man a heart attack. Though now that she thought about it, that'd be pretty enjoyable to watch as well.
Archmage Grim led her through winding corridors to a circular chamber lined with protective wards. At the center stood a raised platform of white marble, its surface etched with intricate runic patterns.
"The testing chamber," he explained unnecessarily. "You may proceed when ready."
Elara stepped onto the platform, feeling the ancient magic of the place respond to her presence. The air grew thicker as she raised her hands, fingers creating complex patterns in the air that drew upon the abundant mana surrounding her.
What followed was a conjuration ritual that summoned a perfect miniature replica of the academy itself, floating above the platform in shimmering detail. Within the transparent walls of her creation, tiny figures moved about their business, a flawless simulation of the academy's daily activities.
The Archmage's eyes widened as he circled the platform, examining her work from every angle. "Extraordinary precision," he murmured. "And the energy expenditure is remarkably efficient."
He wiped the sweat from his brow, squinting slightly as he tried to envision himself attempting something similar, yet he couldn't muster the confidence to see it through in his mind's eye. This youngster truly possessed a remarkable talent.
Elara maintained the conjuration for exactly two minutes before allowing it to dissolve gracefully back into raw mana. "A simple demonstration," she said modestly. "Though I find visualization models particularly useful for instructional purposes."
"Indeed." The Archmage nodded slowly, his decision clearly made. "Magister Caelestis, I believe you will make an excellent addition to our faculty. If you'll accompany me back to my office, we can complete the necessary documentation."
As they walked, Elara allowed herself a small, private smile of triumph. The ease with which she'd secured this position was almost disappointing. Almost, but not quite. For this was merely the first move in what promised to be a most entertaining time.
By nightfall, she had been assigned private quarters in the faculty wing, complete with a study overlooking the academy's extensive gardens. The room was spacious, elegantly appointed, and, most importantly, positioned at a nexus point of the building's magical currents. From here, she could monitor the flow of power throughout the academy. This served little more purpose than to keep her from boredom, as she rather enjoyed the feeling.
Elara stood at the window, watching darkness settle over the city as she contemplated her next steps. The curriculum she was expected to teach was child's play compared to the magics she had mastered across countless lifetimes. The real challenge, and thus the real entertainment, would come from the relationships she would forge and then ultimately eradicate. Oh, she could see it now! The expression of absolute sorrow on the face of a mortal really got her going.
A shiver rippled down her spine.
The thought of it. Of building something just to tear it apart, of watching bright-eyed students crumble beneath her touch, of sweet little mortals offering their trust only to drown in regret... oh, that made her stomach flutter.
Her cheeks flushed a deep, rosy red as she let out a soft, breathy laugh, biting her lower lip. Her hands lifted to cradle her face, fingers twitching with glee. Her breath hitched, and a little drop of saliva escaped the corner of her mouth as she imagined it all unfolding.
"Oh, gods," she whispered, giddy and breathless.
She fell backward onto the bed, sinking into the silk sheets with a satisfied sigh, legs kicking slightly in the air as the excitement overtook her. Her body tingled from lust as she anticipated what was to come. There was no sweeter arousal than knowing she'd soon be the reason behind someone's emotional decay.
"Mmmm," she giggled, licking her lips.
Her eyes sparkled with wicked joy as she stared at the ceiling, barely holding herself back from snatching someone up right at this very moment.