Throne of the Grand Magus: The beginning - Chapter 113

The design of their uniforms was similar to that of the full members. It was completely black with an embroidered image of a spiraling tower that pierced the clouds, which was the academy insignia, on the right chest. However, with the exception of a white band on the right arm, signifying that they were only probationary members.

“You will start your patrols immediately. Disturbances have been reported in the forest and Headmaster Frode has been on our necks about security so we need all hands on deck.” Said Aishe as she handed the group their patrol schedules.

“And please don’t try to be heroes. Your badge has a communication function, so if you notice anything suspicious report it to one of the actual members on duty. Don’t forget that this is an academy, not a daycare center, you are liable for your own injuries if you try to overstep your boundaries,” added Aishe with a smile on her face.

“Why does it seem like she wants us to overstep those boundaries instead,” whispered Draven to Arya as the group left to put on their uniforms.

After a few minutes everyone had changed into their uniforms, everyone except Arya.

“What’s taking him so long?” asked Anclara impatiently, he couldn’t wait a second more to show off that he was a part of the disciplinary committee to the rest of the school.

“Well, I’m leaving without him,” announced Anclara, pride and excitement clearly visible in his stride as he left the office.

“Yeah, me too, he’ll catch up with us during dinner,” said Sheela, prompting everyone else to proceed to the dining hall as well.

“Perhaps he can’t fit into the uniform?” whispered Aishe to herself with a smile on her face once everyone had left the room.

She stalked to the male changing room and peaked through the door to see what Arya was up to.

‘How did a kid like him get all those scars,’ wondered Aishe as she looked at Arya’s back. His body was lean, you could almost see every fiber of muscle on his well-toned back.

“Who’s there?” asked Arya, his instincts telling him that he was being watched.

“Don’t be scared it’s just me,” replied Aishe as she entered the room.

“I was surprised. I didn’t expect a kid like you to be so well built,” commented Aishe as she stared at Arya making him uncomfortable.

“I didn’t expect a pretty looking boy like you to be packing all… this,” added Aishe, her voice becoming a whisper.

“Why are you here? Isn’t this the boy’s changing room?” asked Arya, his instincts telling him not to be deceived by the snake in front of him.

“Oh, virgins are no fun. Here we are all alone, and you’re telling me your little adolescent mind isn’t just running with… unbecoming thoughts?” asked Aishe getting closer.

“I asked you why you’re here,” this time he pulled out his Ryen dagger.

“Pointing a weapon at your superiors is a punishable offence you know. I’ll overlook it just this once since I’m so kind. But next time you do that, I’ll have to punish you myself,” said Aishe, giving Arya one more up and down before leaving the changing room.

‘That Gabriel guy was right. That woman can’t be trusted,’ thought Arya as he sighed, relieving his tensed-up muscles.

“That brat might be more fun than I thought. It seems that the elf isn’t the only plaything that Frode has so kindly handed over to me,” whispered Aishe with a smirk on her face as she left the office.

“Darn it, why won’t this thing zip up,” grunted Arya as he tried once again to zip up the top of his uniform.

‘Wait, what’s this,’ wondered Arya as he touched the golden plate at the start of the zipper, and it automatically linked the two sides of the uniform together.

“Of course the zippers are magical,” laughed Arya, finally fully dressed.

“I look like some kind of military soldier from a cringey romance novel.” Commented Arya as he looked at himself in the mirror.

The black uniform contrasted beautifully with his snow-white hair, which was the same color as the band on his right arm.

‘Indeed, you look like a noble from hell,’ laughed Sauron, commenting on Arya’s appearance as well.

Arya made his way to the dining hall, it was by far one of the biggest buildings in the entire academy. It consisted of seven floors, most of them accessible to all students except for the basement which was only accessible to kitchen staff, and the top floor, only accessible to seniors in the higher years -in order to prevent any accidents with the younger patrons-.

“Look there’s another one,” commented a girl once Arya entered the dining hall.

Every floor was the size of a football field, so it was kind of hard for Arya find where his colleagues were sitting.

As he passed by the rows of tables, several girls giggled at him, patting their friends on the shoulder so they could get a good look as well.

‘Why did I have to look more like my mom?’ complained Arya as he tried to ignore the lustful glares that the girls were giving him.

“Hey brat, watch where you’re stepping,” shouted a black-haired boy as Arya stepped on his foot.

The boy had attempted to trip Arya over, however Arya saw him move his foot, and reacted in kind.

“Stop it Mavo, he’s part of the disciplinary committee,” shouted one of the girls behind them.

“These pipsqueaks aren’t part of nothing,” shouted Mavo back as he stood up and approached Arya, looking down at him as Arya was at eye level with his chest.

“After all the gold that your daddy paid to get you into the committee, all you managed to become was a mere scrub,” taunted Mavo, spit flying out of his mouth as he spoke.

“Come on Mavo, leave him alone,” laughed one of his friends, finding the whole scene amusing.

“Come on, can’t speak?” asked Mavo after Arya failed to say a single word, even after being provoked.

‘Calm down Arya, if you kill him here then the whole school will be on you. Think about the consequences,’ warned Sauron as he tried to talk Arya out of slaughtering Mavo where he stood.

‘He spoke about my father,’ replied Arya as he tried to stop the mana that was coursing through his veins, however, the adrenaline was stronger than his will, and he could feel the temperature dropping around him.

“I never knew they invited cowards to the committee as well. It seems that daddy raised a coward. Come on now, don’t be shy say something,” taunted Mavo once more.

“Come on Mavo, you’re just jealous because your application was denied for the second year in a row, while he got in without even applying,” said another girl, causing Mavo to become furious.

“You think you’re better than me don’t you?” asked Mavo, raising his hand to push Arya.

‘Yes, touch me, do it, give me a reason to put you in the infirmary,’ smiled Arya, his breath visible due to the cold air around him.

“Stop right there. Use of physical force within the dining hall is a punishable offense, especially against a committee member,” said a voice in a laid-back tone.

Arya and Mavo turned around and found Gabriel strolling towards them.

“G-Gabriel, what are you doing here? I thought you’d be on a higher floor,” replied Mavo shivering, his macho demeanor seemed to have disappeared into thin air replaced by what looked like fear.

“I came to check whether one of my newest recruits was okay with his uniform, which I must say looks good on you.” Said Gabriel, giving Arya a thumbs up.

“However I came here and was surprised to find this happening. Don’t let me find you trying to pull anything on one of my recruits again. I’m in charge of them so if any of them get injured simply because someone was jealous of them joining the committee, the captain will have my head.”

“And trust me, I’ll have yours before she can catch me. Now get lost,” ordered Gabriel.

“Why is it so cold,” muttered Mavo as he looked at Arya once more and left with his friends.

Arya didn’t say anything, he simply continued walking as if nothing had happened.

‘No one asked you to interfere,’ thought Arya, angry that Gabriel had scared off his prey.

‘That kid, didn’t he say he was a dark mage?’ wondered Gabriel as he saw an ice crystal melting where Arya had been standing a second ago.

‘I swear, this group is the most interesting we’ve had in years,’ thought Gabriel with a mischievous smile on his face before walking off as well.