Doggone Academy

I provocatively picked up pebbles and tossed them at the rock troll, which seemed to get under its skin as it snorted steam out violently.

After scraping its feet on the ground furiously, as if to split the earth, it charged at me with enough force to shake the foundations.

The moment the rock troll got close, I hurled my body to the side.

Given its substantial mass, a beast like that couldnt control its momentum once it got going. Its movements were so blunt and predictable that I could dodge them with ease.

The troll continued its trajectory and rammed into the iron bars behind me.

The iron bars rattled violently with a ringing sound loud enough to hurt my ears, but they held firm without so much as bending.

It appeared this approach wouldnt be of any use.

I took the opportunity, while the troll was stabilizing itself, to create some distance.

Summoning my sword, I cut through the chains and handcuffs binding my wrists.

Grrr, grrrr.

The rock troll steadied itself and prepared for another charge.

I fired a sword blast without allowing it any opening.

An explosion so mighty that I feared it could bring down the ceiling followed.

Boom!

The body of the rock troll got embedded into the iron bars.

Caught by a second sword blast, the trolls rocky form was reduced to mush, and it, along with the bars, was sent flying.

Phew

I dissipated the sword and shook off the muck that clung to my body.

Stepping over where the iron bars had been, I silently moved to hide my body behind a nearby pillar.

The jangling sound of keys grew closer. It seemed the waterway supervisor was rushing back, likely alarmed by the explosion.

Upon seeing the shattered bars and the condition of the rock troll, he gasped in horror.

What in damnation!

As his footsteps neared, I spun around and kicked his back.

I then flipped him over, grabbed him by the collar, and delivered a punch.

Thump.

I gave you a warning. Pick your fights more wisely.

The supervisor flailed his arms, struggling.

I returned all the punches he had thrown at me with equal measure, splattering blood onto my hands and clothes from the blows to his nose.

After fully restraining the supervisor, I took the handcuffs from his belt and confined his wrists.

I now had to find Liria, but something felt off.

What on earth was Ella thinking? Rigved is a city within Eternias influence. No matter how important one is, they shouldnt be able to be this reckless if they hold power in Rigved.

What am I missing?

Silveryns advice had never steered me wrong before.

She couldnt have sent me into hostile territory.

I paused to ponder my circumstances.

A position prestigious enough to trust in a mask to hide my identity, yet confident enough to disregard Silveryns view.

Insight so sharp it could see through the lie of my claimed introduction from Erzebet at a glance.

If I were to die while facing the rock troll, the aftermath would be too much for anyone to deal with.

But if they knew I had the capability to emerge unscathed?

That would mean Ella was neither merely an onsen operator nor a mere skilled magus.

After evaluating the situation, there were only a few people who could act in such a manner.

If they were associated with Eternia

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.

Could it be?

***

I opened the door to the annex where Ella had been.

She was still half-reclining in the same position on the sofa.

Upon seeing me return bloodstained, Ella took the pipe from her lips and spoke in a nonchalant tone.

Quick, arent you? Youve got quite a temper, just like your master.

I bowed politely.

Allow me to properly introduce myself, Professor Ella. I am Silveryns disciple, Damian.

Ella looked at me for a moment before sighing heavily.

But youre much too late with your greetings.

Ella reached into the blazing ornamental brazier and pulled something out.

It was Silveryns letter, seemingly immune to the flames and completely intact.

Your master throws other peoples letters into the flames, yet her own dont burn. Shes a truly selfish woman, isnt she?

Id been played, thoroughly taken in.

Taking the letter, Ella stood up abruptly, brushed past me, and headed out into the courtyard before saying,

Follow me.

Ella, arms crossed, moved wordlessly towards the main building.

Where we stopped was in front of a small hot spring bath, concealed discreetly behind partitions and ornamental plants.

Through a gap in the dividers, Liria could be seen with a towel wrapped around her, soaking in the hot spring with a blissfully ignorant expression.

I almost made a terrible mistake by seeking out Liria first. She looked far too peaceful and happy to be considered a hostage.

Ella turned quickly to face me, our eyes met, and she began to instruct,

Ill tell you what you need to fix. First, dont assume everyone is as favorably disposed towards you as they are to your teacher.

Second, when dealing with an unknown group, always stay on guard and make exhaustive preparations. Even if the place is Rigved, dont let your guard down. This applies especially to you, being part of the Masters class.

Third. In the event of an unforeseen situation, its best to act separately from those precious to you; they could be used against you.

Fourth. You should at least know the names of the professors at the school youre attending.

Ill remember that.

Good, lets go inside to continue our discussion.

***

Ella sat with her legs crossed, her face etched with annoyance.

On the guest room table lay all my possessions that had been confiscated, laid out in an orderly fashion.

I took a seat opposite Ella and listened to what she had to say.

Your teacher didnt tell you a single thing about me?

No.

Tsk, that figures. I know all about your teachers flowery teenage years and all the secrets youd probably find astonishing.

Such flowery teenage years for Silveryn are hard to imagine.

So, you and my teacher are

Acquaintances, the closest of friends.

And Silveryn might not have known, but I was one of the examiners for your Masters class.

She knew everything about me before throwing me into the waterway.

And about the waterway, forgive me. I wanted to play with you a bit because youre the disciple of my closest friend and you didnt even recognize my name or face.

You neednt worry.

I had a personal desire to test you. Be careful, all the folks who were your examiners want to take their turn at having their way with you.

It was disconcerting. There are more people out there who want to give me a hard time. Wonder if Im up for the challenge.

Ella burst into laughter at my grim reaction.

Pfft, why does it feel strange to you? Think about what you did back then. How could they not go mad?

Well, on one hand, the situation has considerably worsened due to the Black Sorcerer from the North, so keep your wits about you and be careful.

I will be careful. But what do you mean the situation has worsened?

Ella looked at me as if finding something odd.

Silveryn didnt tell you even a single word?

She just mentioned that there was some trouble.

Unusually overprotective for her, isnt she?

I thought to myself that had I been Ellas disciple instead of Silveryns, life might have been a bit harsher.

She must have her reasons. Let me ask you one thing. Does Silveryn hold you dear?

I pondered over Silveryns sentiment toward me. Does she care? Of course, she does. If I didnt know that, Id be the biggest fool in the world.

Yes, she does.

Then you are Silveryns weakness. How would you have reacted if I were a Black Sorcerer?

I dont know.

Ella looked at me with eyes akin to a cat stalking its prey.

Black Sorcerers dont play fair and dont engage in direct confrontations. They simply target what their adversary cherishes from behind. If a Black Sorcerer was to harm Silveryn, whom do you think they would target first?

It felt like a heavy blow to the back of my head. Does this mean that if I make a mistake, Silveryn could be in danger too?

Just as I had been helplessly dragged to the underground waterway while bound to Liria. Silveryn too could end up in such a predicament.

You do concern me greatly. Its not always possible for your teacher to be by your side, protecting you.

I have no knowledge or information about Black Sorcerers, nor do I know how to recognize and deal with them.

Thats exactly the problem, you see. You dont know, which is fitting, as they are not adversaries you can handle at your level.

How dangerous are they?

The most dangerous in this world. I cant think of a more accurate way to put it.

The story felt surreal. The most dangerous thing Ive seen in my lifetime had been Silveryns magic.

Ella unclasped the pendant hanging from her neck and extended it towards me.

Take this.

I hesitated for a moment.

Dont hesitate, take it. This could save your life.

Once I accepted the pendant, she continued,

This will vibrate if a Black Sorcerer is near. Its not perfect and wont detect all of them. But the truly dangerous ones, it will pick up. So, it should be useful for you.

What should I do if I encounter a Black Sorcerer?

Dont confront them, just run away. Thats all you should do.

I understand.

Ella lit her pipe and took it in her mouth.

Well talk about this later. Seems like there are more immediate problems to deal with.

Ella turned her attention to my possessions on the table. Picking up my list of herbs, she asked,

And whats with seeking items like Puglishis Tears and Alacars Claws? These are things you cant afford with the money youve brought.

In all my life, this was the most money Id carried, and yet it was said to be insufficient.

I needed them for a specific reason, but I had no idea theyd be this expensive.

Hmm, theres quite a bit Ill need to look after for you.

?

You must be here because of your mask, and today, you should rest here. Ill take care of the rest, so dont worry about it.

Thank you.

Rest now.

Ella stood up from her seat.

Suddenly curious, I posed a question.

Professor, I have something Im curious about.

Hm?

Ella seems to have a direct connection with the Masters class. Maybe she knows more.

Are there other Masters class students besides me?

Hearing my question, Ella made a meaningful expression.

Of course, there are. Interesting question, Id assumed you already knew each other.

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