Rise of Tyrus

Room number ten was assigned to Tyrus, which he found funny as soon as he walked inside. A sweet smell wafted into his nostrils and soothed his soul.

The room had ample space, with a single bed big enough for two people to sleep in comfortably. Sheets and a blanket, both neatly folded, were placed atop. A window sat at the far end, giving a view of trees looming over the academy walls. Next to the bed was a wide desk furnished with a lamp, parchment, and ink with a quill pen. At the opposite end of the room was a chestnut wardrobe large enough to store an entire collection of clothes.

In the middle sat a glass table with a sofa and cushioned chairs surrounding it. A circular rug covered more than half of the entire space. The interior was decorated with paintings, potted plants, and a bookshelf containing a variety of titles and books.

"This room is amazing," Tyrus said, dropping his luggage near the glass table. "I wouldn't mind living like this forever."

As much as he hated to admit it, he was feeling even more jealous of the nobles that lived as lavishly as this. Servants that answered their beck and calls, and a bedroom comfortable enough to where one could live in without leaving for days. The rich sure do have it nice.

Tyrus was thankful to have ranked high on the entrance exams. He wondered what the living arrangements were like for those who scored in the middle, or even toward the bottom. He'd imagine that they weren't given as nice of a room as this. The thought of living in a room better than those with a silver-spoon in their mouths was amusing.

The next thing Tyrus did was set his uniform down on the table. He picked up a dark blue vest with buttons on the side, alongside trousers that matched. Next came a matching coat with cuffs; It looked similar to the enchanted coat's shorter version, except without a hood. Other than a plain white, long-sleeved shirt, the final item was black boots that reached the shins.

The fabric of the garments were soft to the touch, almost comparable to silk. Tyrus could easily tell the uniform was worth a pretty coin, especially since it was imbued with an enchantment. Even if he couldn't feel mana—which was odd if it were enchanted to protect the wearer from some damage—Tyrus knew it had the same quality as his coat. Perhaps even better.

It was a shame that he would have to forsake his coat during his time at the academy. It was probably mandatory to wear the uniform at all times, and anything that wasn't a part of the uniform would have to be kept inside the dorm. And besides the enchanted coat, the academy provided students one of their own. Wearing the both of them on top of each other would be uncomfortable and unnecessary.

Tyrus had no trouble donning the uniform, thanks to its flexible properties. The shirt and trousers fit snugly against his skin. He effortlessly put on the vest, fastening the buttons, and slipped into the boots. Next, he put on the coat, which reached just below his waist.

The best part was that the garments had a hole for his tail to slip through. It was a relief that he didn't have to wrap it around his waist, something he hadn't done in a long time. Walking around with his distinctive features was no longer a problem for him, thanks to Blue Dawn.

Receiving constant reassurance from others that he was fine the way he was, he gained the confidence to proudly walk around with his ears and tail. The glares he would receive from passer-byes were not as intense as they used to be. The collective stares that once felt like knives digging into his skin now only felt like a faint tickle. Occasionally, he would feel a bit uncomfortable, but the thoughts of covering himself up no longer plagued his mind.

In his reflection, he was a new person. The meek him that would cower at the sight of anyone was gone. What replaced the previous version of him was a sorcerer ready to learn and grow stronger. He would continue to walk the path set before him. Instead of walking backward, he would move forward, no matter how many thorns or obstacles were in his way.

If he were to meet Wanderer now, would she still see him as the same before? Or would she notice a drastic change in him? Whatever the case may be, Tyrus had a feeling that he would've made her proud. After all, he still remembered words of wisdom she imparted to him all those days ago.

Tyrus's gaze lingered on his reflection. Tiny scars that were hard to see unless someone paid close attention were sprinkled across his face. He counted four: two on one cheek, one at his chin, and the last near his left ear, all shallow. More of them were hidden underneath his garments, each one holding a story that few knew.

Locks of hair at the front reached above his brow, just out of his line-of-sight. His hair was cut, which he preferred. Long hair would only hinder him in battle, and it was a pain to maintain. Fiona also said it made him seem like an uncultured ruffian, and that what he had on currently suited him best. In those few months in the manor, Fiona took the initiative to trim his hair. Tyrus didn't want to refuse her generosity, especially when she wore a bright smile that would melt ice in seconds.

Once he finished inspecting himself, Tyrus turned away from the mirror and glanced downward. Catching his attention were forms that had a long list of classes and a booklet of the academy rules. Tyus picked up the enrollment forms and skimmed through it.

The enrollment forms were divided between the Theory Department and the Combat and Sorcery Department. Each form listed had the same classes available, yet each one had different markings on what were required for first-years to take. Those in the combat department were required to take Wilderness Survival and Sorcerer Combat I while the other had to take Sorcery Theory I and History of Magic I. Those were just a few required classes needed to advance to the next year.

Then there were the classes that any department could take, such as Introduction to Mana Manipulation, Beast and Elemental Spirit Science, or the History of Dharmere. There were so many interesting classes to choose from that it was all overwhelming to think about. Tyrus wanted to take everything, but alas, he couldn't. He'd have to be careful about what he chose or else lest he regret it at the end. There was no need to push himself needlessly on taking ten classes and having no time to sleep or eat.

The good thing about these forms was that each class had its respective teacher written underneath and the time a class would start and end. Furthermore, there were separate classes available for the three specializations. The instructor responsible for Augmentation Mastery I-IV was Sir Geroth, and Elemental Mastery I-IV belonged to Instructor Alveria. The last one was Conjuration Mastery I-IV being taught by Instructor Parach.

Tyrus stared hard at the form, scratching his head with the quill. "They all sound so interesting to take! So many to choose, yet not enough time in the world to go through them all. Wilderness Survival and Sorcerer Combat I are ones I have to take, and they're both in the mid to late morning. That means I'll have to take the rest in the afternoon. Any more and I'll be squeezing myself dry."

Many of the classes had various time slots, making it impossible to take them every day. Tyrus had to choose his classes wisely to ensure a balanced schedule. In order to avoid missing anything important, he carefully reviewed the entire form and circled the classes that caught his interest.

Both Wilderness Survival and Sorcerer Combat classes were two hours each, held every other day. Next, he circled Augmentation Mastery and Elemental Mastery I, which were also scheduled every other day for an hour and thirty minutes each. The last two classes he marked were Beast and Elemental Spirit Science, and another mandatory class for the combat department, Ethics and Law of the Sorcerer World.

A timetable was given, and Tyrus jotted down which available days and time he could take a class. The first, third, and fifth day of the week belonged to Wilderness Survival, Elemental Mastery I and Beast and Elemental Spirit Science, while the second and fourth were Sorcerer Combat I and Augmentation Mastery and Ethics and Law of the Sorcerer World. These were the classes he'd take for the first-half of the year. He sealed his choice by signing his name.

Tyrus meticulously double and triple checked his work, ensuring its accuracy before finally allowing a satisfied smile to grace his lips. With his task completed, he set aside the parchment and reached for the booklet. Eager to familiarize himself with the regulations of the academy, Tyrus began reading through the rules attentively.

****

The map of the academy provided was extremely detailed. A wall surrounded the entire institute, with only one main gate that served as the sole entrance and exit. The gate itself was located in the southern region, leading out toward a forest plateau.

Above the gate was the main building where most of the classes were held. Leading out of the building where a four-way path stood, it broke off into the different amenities the academy offered. To the east were the student dormitories, while the west held the training grounds and arenas. Further north of the main building stood the commons, chock full of facilities such as a rich library, cafeteria, and more.

What was fascinating about the map was that there were colorful markings and writing, giving more details and information about what each building possessed. It was a map where it was nigh impossible for even a newcomer to get lost. Whatever you were looking for, whether it be a spot to relieve yourself or a place to sit and relax, the map had you covered.

What it did lack, however, was the exact location of the academy. He couldn't complain too much, though. It wasn't exactly necessary to know where the institute was, since it would probably serve him no good. He was curious about whether it was near the capital or somewhere further away.

Tyrus cupped his chin. "Actually, now that I think about it, the air feels different around here. It has that usual lingering earthy smell that a village near a forest would have, yet there's something odd about it. I can't put my finger on it."

Well, mulling it over was pointless. He'd eventually find out; all he had to do was ask one of the instructors and hopefully they'd give him an answer. Either that or one of the older students once they come. And that's if they were in the mood to speak with a Demi-human. He was still worried about the kind of reception he'd receive later on. How would he react if everyone ignored him or pick on him because of his bloodline? What if an instructor looked at him in an unfavorable light and treated him much different? Just the thought was enough to make him feel queasy.

With a sigh, Tyrus pushed those thoughts out of his mind and rose from his chair. He was wasting time worrying. All he could do was wait until his classes begin and see for himself what awaited him. He should be heading over to the dining hall right about now.

As Tyrus was about half-way to the door, his eyes landed on the silver pin. He grabbed it and clipped it to the coat before donning it. Tyrus inspected the insignia, nodding in approval, and walked out the door, his enrollment form in his hands.

Down the steps and onto the first floor, Tyrus ran into Kylis along the way. She was crouched in front of the fireplace, staring intently at the flame. He almost wondered if she was trying to absorb the fire into her body, but that was a stupid thought. Perhaps she was feeling chilly and wanted to warm up.

Their gazes locked as Kylis caught a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye, sending a shiver down Tyrus's spine. He swallowed hard, attempting to hide his nerves, praying that she wouldn't sense his unease. The intensity of her stare felt as though a chilling blade was pressed against his back.

The girl rose to her feet and walked towards him. Tyrus glanced down at her uniform, noticing that it was similar to his own, but with a few slight differences. She wore a hoodless cloak, secured by a strand, that gracefully hung over her shoulders and reached just below her chest. It matched his own uniform in a shade of blue and had a white-lined hem. Instead of a vest, she had a sleeveless one-piece outer garment that extended to the middle of her thighs, with a white shirt hidden underneath. The silver pin was attached as well.

Kylis came to a halt just a few inches away from him. She gestured towards the enrollment form he was holding and, speaking softly, asked, "Which classes are you planning to take?"

Tyrus blinked. He wordlessly handed her the enrollment form, letting her see for herself. Her eyes scanned through the paper.

"Elemental and Augmentation Mastery? Are you perhaps a Multi-specialist?"

He nodded. "I might as well take the classes that would benefit me. Wilderness Survival sounds like a useful one to learn and one I'm most familiar with. If I had to live out in the woods again, then being able to know where the food and water are is very important."

Kylis stared at him, her expression neutral, but her gaze held a strange intensity. "Again? Does that mean you have experience living out in the wild?"

"Well, I guess you could say I've wandered out in the wild for years because—" Tyrus stopped himself and sighed. "It's a long story, and honestly, I'm not that comfortable talking about it. Sorry."

He expected her to become displeased with his unwillingness to share, but she showed no change in her demeanor. In fact, she only nodded and handed him the enrollment form.

"No, it's alright. Since we've only just met, there's really no need for us to delve into personal matters. I'm not one to pressure anyone into sharing. If someone doesn't feel like discussing something, that's entirely up to them. In the Northern Mountain region, it's considered impolite to pry into someone's personal life."

Tyrus let his mouth hang for a moment before replying. This was not how he thought the conversation would go. Not only did she not look at him as a lesser, but she was also quite reasonable and nice. Usually, the eyes would betray the emotions a person tried to hide, but hers never shifted nor held any hostility. It was quite freaky, yet at the same time, it was a relief.

"You do know I'm a Demi-human, right?" Tyrus said carefully. "I have Beastfolk blood running through me."

Kylis tilted her head. "Yes, and?"

"I thought you'd show me some kind of scorn, or maybe a hint of contempt or disgust. It's pretty surprising that you're acting the way you are. Most would shoot glares my way or give me trouble."

"Like those group of fleas bothering you in the Grand Tower?"

Tyrus started. "Fleas? Oh, you mean the bullies."

"Fleas sound much better," Kylis remarked. "Just like how fleas move from one host to another, feeding on their blood and reproducing, the same can be said for people who bully others. Instead of blood, it is their egos that fuel them. The more they feed on others, the more their egos grow, making them a nuisance. It would be fitting to punish them by whacking them with sticks."

Although her comparison was both creative and surprising, Tyrus could not find any faults with it. Individuals who targeted others did so in order to elevate their own self-esteem, and the most effective method was to target those whom they deemed inferior. Commoners were often subjected to the disapproval of nobles. Igneal used to treat Tyrus in this manner, but he eventually underwent a transformation. However, he continued to be challenging to deal with. His ego and pride remained problematic, although they diminished somewhat.

There was also the point that Tyrus had brief interactions with nobles, except during the deliberation. If that was something a typical noble would do, then it would make him even more wary of those who possess such a privileged status. So far, Kylis Aduna didn't seem to fit into that category. She didn't hold the same smug airs the nobles in the deliberation held. From someone part of the Great Lineages and coming from a wealthy family, she acted far different from he imaged. Was she faking her personality? Or did she just not care that she was talking to a Demi-human at all?

Maybe, just maybe, I can get to know her. It wouldn't hurt to have more friends here. She helped me out before, and she doesn't seem to hate me.

A thought occurred to him. "Those bullies called you Lady Kylis. Should I call you that as well?"

"If that is what you prefer," she said. "I understand honorifics are a sign of respect, but I would prefer it if you didn't use them with me."

Tyrus arched his brows. "Really? But I thought your status was..."

"I am an Aduna, yes, but I dislike using such things to my advantage. In my opinion, expecting to be called by a title means that they think they should be seen as a superior. I have seen that to be a common trend among those with a title. There are some nobles I've come across that are not the type of person I would wish to have a conversation with."

Her gaze shifted to a clock on the wall. "I believe the feast is starting soon. Would you like to join me?"

"I'd like to," Tyrus said. "You don't mind if two other people join us, do you?"

"Are you referring to Ivy and the Lockhart? They are your friends, correct?"

Tyrus hesitated for a moment. It was still weird to be considered a friend to Igneal, but it wasn't necessarily wrong. "Yeah, those two. I don't see them around here, so I assume they're already in the dining hall. We should go find them and get some seats."

As Tyrus took a few steps toward the door, Kylis pulled on his sleeve and said, "You're supposed to hand in your enrollment form to one of the employees here."

He let out a breath and rubbed his hair. "Oh, right, forgot about that. Thank you."

It didn't take long to find Natala, who had just left one of the student rooms with a cart of cleaning tools and a box. Tyrus handed her his enrollment form, in which she thanked him before placing it inside a box and moving on. Tyrus and Kylis then departed from Lavarun Hall.

A gentle breeze brushed against his skin, carrying with it the refreshing scent of soil. The weather outside was delightful, devoid of any signs of winter. It was unusual for its location, but Tyrus chose not to dwell on it. The comforting warmth enveloping him was far preferable to the biting cold that would have numbed his face. Perhaps the uniform he wore served another purpose, regulating body heat. If so, that would be a welcome added benefit.

During their walk to the commons, they could hear the distinctive sound of older voices approaching. Before long, the main building emptied as students spilled out, their energy noticeable as they began a new academic year at the academy.