Curse of Lysertis

Adam's question rang out loud and, to some extent, even arrogantly.

Sitting in the armchair next to the bed, facing the window, was Director William. He was dressed in a classic suit, his long white hair neatly tied back in a ponytail.

"I'll ask again. What are you doing here?" Adam repeated, this time in a more irritated tone.

"Oh, I just came to check on you. Saw the mess here and decided to tidy up a little," the Archmage replied calmly.

"How kind of you. Is that all? Then leave."

"Why so harsh? I just wanted to see you."

"You've seen me. You've made sure I'm fine. Now leave." Adam pointed at the door.

"Listen, Adam, you're at an age where you'll want to stand against the whole world. It's called youthful maximalism. It can cloud your growth and understanding of many things. I just wanted to bring your attention to that."

"And what does that have to do with anything?" Adam clearly didn't understand what the Archmage was getting at.

"Hm, I suppose emotional support isn't my strong suit. But I do what I can. It's my duty, after all."

At these words, Adam's expression changed instantly.

"What, you killed my father and now you want to replace him? You're doing a terrible job," Adam said with a hint of bitterness.

William noticed but chose not to dwell on it.

"I brought you some money. This should last you for a while. When you run out, I'll give you more."

William placed a pouch of coins on the dresser and walked toward the exit. Pausing in the doorway, the Archmage spoke again:

"I don't want to replace your father. I just... I regret how things turned out. I did what had to be done, but I still feel guilty for leaving you an orphan. This is my way of trying to atone for it, even a little. I'm not asking for your forgiveness—I know you can't forgive me. But this way, at least, I can be honest with myself."

He reached for the door handle, intending to close it behind him, but Adam suddenly spoke:

"I understand that you didn't want to kill him... that it had to be done. And I appreciate your care, really. It's just... sometimes I miss him so much. And my mother too. And that's why I take it out on you. I'm sorry."

Tears welled up in Adam's eyes. He tried to hold them back, but he couldn't.

William stepped closer. One hand was in his pocket, while the other gently rested on Adam's head, pulling him into his chest.

"Everything will be alright."

Adam hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around the Archmage, hugging him. They stood there for a long time, until Adam finally calmed down.

After a moment, Adam walked over to the window and placed the bag of ingredients he had bought on the windowsill.

"The school year is starting soon. Have you been preparing? Even a little?" the director asked.

"Of course not. Why ask something you already know the answer to?" Adam replied with a smirk, wiping his tears with his sleeve.

"This year, seventh-year students from all the magic academies will participate in the Mage Tournament. I want you to show what you're capable of there."

"First of all, why do you care? And second, why should I care?"

"I know you're talented. You have great potential. You're just lazy, which makes everyone think you're stupid and brainless."

Adam immediately slumped after hearing that.

"That was a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"Hey, hey, hey, that's not what I meant." William waved both hands in front of him, trying to lift Adam's spirits.

"Fine, I'll try. But I'm not promising anything—it sounds like a huge hassle," Adam responded as if he was doing the Archmage a favor. Which, in a way, he was.

"I knew you wouldn't refuse." William turned to leave but suddenly stopped and added:

"Oh, by the way! Starting this year, students will take on special missions for mages. It's called 'practical training.' And of course, completed tasks will be rewarded with money. So once you start earning your own, you won't need mine anymore. Alright, I should go—people will start looking for me at the academy if I'm gone too long. Take care of yourself and stay out of trouble. And take a bath—you're still walking around covered in soot like a coal miner."

"Ha... ha…" Adam laughed sarcastically.

William gave him a knowing look, as if he was well aware of what had happened with that man just twenty minutes ago. Then he closed the door behind him.

Adam glanced out the window and saw William walking toward the academy. He lay down on the bed, still fully clothed, and instantly fell asleep.

Night fell, and Archoville looked breathtaking at this hour. The moonlight wrapped around the houses like a silver blanket. The chirping of crickets filled the city, while the wind gently rustled the treetops.

Adam woke up in the middle of the night.

"What? I slept in my clothes? Great. Just great."

He looked at his bed and saw it was covered in soot.

Reluctantly, he had to change the sheets, sweep the coal dust from the floor, wash his clothes, and take a bath to finally rid himself of the black residue. Say what you will, but sometimes Adam could be responsible.

He walked into the kitchen but lost his appetite.

"Maybe I should go for a walk?" He stood there, thinking for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Yeah, sounds like a plan."

Adam stepped outside. The wind gently played with his fluffy, fiery-red hair. He took a deep breath and headed toward the park.

The park was not far from his house, situated on a small hill that overlooked the academy. If you sat on the right bench, you could see it perfectly. Adam sat near the fountain, watching the water flow.

Nearby, he heard footsteps, followed by a familiar voice. It was Hanabi Inoue, one of his classmates.

She was a stunning young woman with soft pink hair, glowing under the moonlight. She walked gracefully, humming a song and lightly dancing as she moved.

Upon seeing Adam, she smiled brightly and waved.

Adam, noticing her greeting, waved back.

Hanabi approached the bench and asked, "Mind if I sit?"

"Of course." Adam shifted to the side, making room.

Hanabi, however, sat much closer than Adam had expected. A faint blush appeared on his cheeks—and it was no surprise. He had liked Hanabi since their first year, but she had never noticed him for a long time. She was in love with Shun, as was probably half of Moro Academy.

The night continued, the stars shining brightly above them, as their conversation unfolded in the quiet park.