"This is the main building where most classes are held," Headmaster Grant declared, his voice echoing through the cavernous space. He gestured towards the imposing structure with a sweep of his hand. "There are a few outdoor lessons, of course, but those are primarily for specialized disciplines."
Grant strode through the academy grounds with a brisk pace, pausing only for fleeting explanations. He seemed determined to rush through the tour, as if his time were a precious commodity.
"We're still developing this academy," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Don't expect luxuries. You're here to study, am I right?"
"Yes, Headmaster Grant," William replied, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"Good. Now, head inside and find your first class. It's in the third room on the right as you enter."
"But what about the uniform?" William asked, remembering the mandatory attire at his previous academy.
Grant let out a harsh laugh. "Uniform? Kid, we barely have a foundation here. Uniforms are the least of our concerns. Now, off you go."
With that, Headmaster Grant turned and strode away, his attention clearly drawn elsewhere. The academy, with its ongoing construction and the looming task of establishing magical defenses, demanded his constant oversight.
Following Grant's directions, William navigated the main building with ease. The interior, while spacious, lacked the intricate details and ornate decorations he was accustomed to.
He arrived at his classroom just as the lesson began. The instructor, a man named Kurt, was already addressing the assembled students.
"A new student!" Kurt exclaimed, his face breaking into a welcoming smile. "We're always happy to have more eager minds. What's your name?"
"William," he replied.
"Welcome, William. Please, take a seat. This is the introductory combat class."
As William surveyed his classmates, he noticed a distinct lack of noble attire. These were commoners, their faces etched with a mixture of determination and apprehension.
It dawned on him then. Snowpeak Academy, with its remote location and lack of an entry exam, presented a rare opportunity for these commoners. A chance to learn magic, to rise above their station.
In this era, where information traveled slowly, the presence of these commoners spoke volumes. They likely had connections to merchants or influential families, allowing them to learn of this hidden academy. They weren't simple farmers; they were driven individuals seeking to forge their own destinies.
"The path to combat mastery lies in practice," Kurt declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "First, you'll each learn a spell suited to your abilities. Then, we spar! That's how you truly hone your skills."
Professor Kurt moved with surprising agility, quickly assessing each student's magical affinity. He assigned spells with a practiced eye, tailoring them to individual strengths.
William received a C-rank body enhancement spell. It was child's play. With his Magic Mind active, he absorbed the intricate workings of the spell in an instant. He'd already mastered far more complex incantations.
"You've mastered it already?" Kurt exclaimed, astonishment etched on his face. "That's incredible! Have you studied magic before?"
"A bit," William replied casually. "There was a reclusive mage in my village who taught me the basics."
"Even so, this is remarkable," Kurt said, shaking his head in disbelief. "You can use the remaining time to explore the library or practice. We'll begin sparring once everyone has grasped their assigned spell."
William frowned. "Are you certain? What about the other classes?"
"Other classes?" Kurt chuckled. "Our focus here is combat. Other subjects are touched upon occasionally, but they're secondary."
This academy was drastically different from what William expected. He soon learned why. Fields like enchantment, alchemy, magical history, and artifact creation were in their infancy. Knowledge was scarce, research limited. Teaching these subjects was considered impractical, even frivolous.
In this primitive era, survival was paramount. Aethel was a land riddled with magical beasts and hidden dangers. Families sent their children to learn magic not for scholarly pursuits, but to become weapons. To protect their homes, to vanquish threats. Brewing potions held little appeal compared to the raw power of combat magic.
While this disappointed William, who thirsted for knowledge in all its forms, he quickly recognized the opportunity. 'I can use my advanced understanding to pioneer these neglected fields...'
The idea sparked excitement within him. Becoming an expert in a burgeoning field could bring him wealth, resources, and connections. He could explore the world, uncover its secrets, and achieve a level of influence far beyond that of a mere student.
With his first class effectively dismissed, William decided to explore the library. Though the main building's exterior mirrored the one he knew, the interior was a labyrinth of unfamiliar corridors and misplaced rooms. Finding the library proved to be a challenge in itself.
When he finally located it, a wave of disappointment washed over him. Gone were the towering shelves overflowing with ancient tomes. This library, while spacious, was a paltry shadow of its counterpart. The collection was meager, and most of the available books focused solely on combat.
As William browsed the limited selection, a voice echoed in his mind – the demonic sword, its presence a constant companion.
"We're in the past, aren't we?" the sword mused, its tone a blend of curiosity and awe. "I still can't fathom how you achieved this... Regardless, brat, I sense a book here that might hold valuable information about demons and demonic energy. You should seek it out."
"Why don't you just tell me what I want to know?" William retorted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I'm wasting time searching while you could simply provide the answers."
A brief silence followed. "The truth is... I don't remember everything," the sword confessed. "I'm merely a sword infused with a demonic soul. I don't possess the full memories of the being that was used to enchant me."
The sword's knowledge, while vast, was fragmented. If William truly wanted to understand the sword and the demonic energy he wielded, he needed to seek answers elsewhere.
"Are you sure there's even a relevant book here?" William asked, skepticism coloring his tone. "The present-day library has a restricted section with such texts, but I doubt this one does."
"There is one," the sword insisted. "I can sense its power. It may not contain all the answers you seek, but it's worth investigating."
Guided by the sword's subtle promptings, William embarked on a quest through the library's shelves. Finding a specific book without knowing its title or appearance was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But the sword could feel the book's energy, leading William with an almost instinctive certainty. After an hour of relentless searching, he found it.
The book was bound in dark leather, its cover adorned with a strange symbol – a serpent, coiled and menacing.
'A snake? Like the one I found in the ancient ruins?' The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning.
As William reached for the book, a jolt of energy surged through him. He felt an inexplicable connection, a sense of familiarity. Fleeting images flashed before his eyes – fragmented memories, dark rituals, and a sense of overwhelming power.
[Your bloodline is awakening...]
[Time for completion: 3 months]
William had no idea what that was, but he guessed it had something to do with the blood the mythical snake gave him...