Chapter 114: Back to School

Tauri, daughter of House Katag, manifold master mage, and professor of Hollow Shade’s magic academy, found herself waiting on one of her students on the first day of class. Someone in her position would normally have people waiting hand and foot for whatever she desired and yet here Tauri was, waiting for Loh’s apprentice.

Tauri glanced around at class 2-A. There were about two dozen students in class. Everyone stood around the academy’s track, waiting for class to begin. It was already a little past eight in the morning, Stryg should have been here by now. Tauri would have started without him, but the principal had given her specific instructions. Seven of the students in class 2-A were “special”. They were candidates meant to be given special attention, trained to be the best they could.

“And Stryg just happened to be one,” Tauri sighed.

The students all stood about, talking with one another as they waited for Tauri’s instructions. Kithina fidgeted a bit as she looked around. Callum was busy speaking with one of his ever-faithful maids. Despite seeing the rotation of maids throughout the past year, Kithina still could not get used to the women. She would rather not go over and talk with Callum until the maids walked away.

“Excuse me.”

Kithina turned to the owner of the soft voice. She was an elegant dwarf with bright blonde hair and piercing golden eyes. Kithina noticed the intricate braids in the woman’s hair and the gold and diamond beads throughout her blonde locks. Only the wealthiest of dwarves could afford such apparel. Kithina was suddenly very conscious of her own simple wooden beads in her plain orange hair.

“H-hello,” Kithina bowed her head slightly.

“Hello, are you by chance Kithina?”

“Ah, yes?”

“The Kithina? I can’t believe it,” the woman smiled.

She laughed awkwardly, “Yep, that’s me. Nice to meet you, miss…?”

“Goldelm. Freya Goldelm. The pleasure is mine,” she curtsied as if she was wearing a dress.

Kithina’s eyes widened. Goldelm? As in one of The Seven Ruling Families? The most powerful dwarven family and wealthiest House in all of Hollow Shade? That Goldelm?

“You’re the Freya. Wow, I’ve heard so much about you! I mean, well, we weren’t in the same class last year, but you were the top female student of last year’s 1st-years, many say the top overall,” Kithina gushed.

“Yes, well, we never were able to ascertain the top student since Clypeus Gale and I were never in the same class. Of course, that will all change now,” Freya glanced over at Clypeus who was talking with Nora and Kegrog.

“ I’ve heard your magical skills are incredible. Honestly, you’re one of my greatest inspirations,” Kithina admitted.

“Really?” Freya asked.

“Are you kidding me? A dwarven woman showing up all these vampires and dark elves? When I think of you it reminds me of what’s possible. What a dwarf can do in the Ebon Realm. I can’t believe we’re actually in the same class!”

“Yes, neither can I. Kithina, the one who believes she can stand next to a Ruling Family’s scion, is talking to me as if we were equals,” Freya smiled coldly.

“What?” Kithina’s smile slipped.

“Callum’s older brother told me about you. He told me of how he once saw Callum spending time with a commoner. That in of itself is nothing surprising, an aristocrat taking pity on one of your kind. But, to think you actually talked to him as an equal? Unbelievable.”

“Callum’s my friend. I don’t see what the problem is,” Kithina frowned.

“Yes, you do. It doesn’t matter if he is half-human. He is still from The Ruling Families,” Freya stepped closer. “It doesn’t matter if you are a mageborn, when you graduate from this place you will find yourself serving a Named House. If you’re lucky, you’ll manage to serve one of the Ruling Families. Don’t you get it? At the end of the day, you will always be a servant.”

“I could create my own House,” Kithina stepped back.

“You? How? By being a Mage Lady? An archmage? Do you know how few people achieve either title? Only the most talented and greatest magi. And you, a commoner without a magical background whatsoever, will simply claim that title? How arrogant,” Freya spat.

“Our Kitty here would surprise you.” Callum came up from behind and wrapped his arm around Kithina.

“Cal?” Kithina swallowed. She could smell Callum, he smelled like fresh mint. She couldn’t recall if she had worn perfume this morning. Gods she hoped she didn’t smell bad.

“Good morning, Callum. How have you been? Did you sleep well?” Freya smiled brightly.

“I’m doing fine, thank you. And you look exquisite, how do you manage it every day without fail?” Callum asked.

Freya laughed, “Always the charmer, that’s why I like you so very much. Which is why I’m trying to get this leech off your side.”

“Kitty is not a leech. I am friends with her because I choose to. Once you get to know her, I don’t doubt you’ll see how wonderful she is,” Callum said.

Freya wrapped her fingers around Callum’s, “We’re not like the others. We were born from the greatest of lineages, destined for more than simply flattery. Stop playing ‘friends’ with the commoners and spend some time with your own kind.”

Callum lowered his head, Freya stepped on her tiptoes. Kithina’s face paled. She wasn’t sure who engaged the kiss, but they both shared lips without hesitance.

After a few breathless seconds, Callum raised his head, “Thank you for the invitation, but I’ll have to decline.”

He slipped his fingers away from Freya and pulled Kithina to the side. She glanced back at Freya’s red face. She couldn’t tell if Freya was flushed from the kiss or she was just angered that he had stepped back.

“What was all that?” Kithina whispered.

“I was just trying to help out,” Callum shrugged.

“That was you helping out? Next time please don’t. I can handle myself,” Kithina said.

“Sorry,” he winced. “It’s just that Freya can be problematic, I didn’t want you to get hurt. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Freya means well. She’s just simply a firm believer in hierarchies and it comes out as overprotectiveness.”

“Is that why you kissed her?” Kithina bit her lip.

“What? No, that’s just you know, normal… Okay, I can see you’re upset about Freya’s insults. But don’t let Freya’s words get to you. You’re more than anyone gives you credit for.”

That’s not why I’m angry. Kithina glanced at Callum’s arm on her shoulder. What did he even think of her? Did Callum like her? Or was he with Freya? What exactly was their relationship anyway? As far as she knew Callum wasn’t engaged to her. Still, they had to have some kind of intimacy for that behavior.

Kithina wanted to ask, but she didn’t want to seem clingy either. Her chest and she felt like a fool. She didn’t know what to think.

“I think Freya hates me,” she sighed.

“She doesn’t know you. What she hates is a preconceived image of who you are. In other words, she simply judged you by the cover. Prove her wrong,” Callum grinned, his fangs glinted in the morning light.

Kithina was suddenly reminded of last year’s first day of class. Of how she had met Stryg. She had taken one look at him and believed she knew everything there was to know about him, a barbarian, a fool, a pariah. Kithina grimaced in shame. Now she knew what it felt like. First day of school sucked, again.

“Okay, class, enough waiting. I want you all to give me 10 laps. Let’s go, let’s go!” Tauri yelled.

~~~

Stryg walked onto the grassy field with a slight skip to his step. Today was a good day. Feli and he had dabbled making breakfast together. Afterward, they had proceeded to go back to bed for some “quality time.” It was nice, relaxing even. The last week had been actually relaxing for Stryg, a feeling he was not very familiar with. Yet, he found himself liking the concept.

As he neared the track he noticed plenty of new faces. Most students were still running. Professor Tauri was at the finish line, counting each student’s record. Callum was sitting on the grass, resting. Kegrog and Clypeus sat nearby, no doubt already finished as well.

Callum noticed Stryg and waved him over, “Good morning, sleepyhead. Do you plan on making being tardy to the first day of class a tradition?”

“Feli hold you up?” Clypeus asked.

“Something like that,” Stryg yawned.

“You should probably get running before Tauri gets angry,” Kegrog said.

“Meh, we already know what the outcome will be,” Stryg shrugged.

“Oh, it’s like that is it?” Clypeus crossed his arms.

“Not like any of you three can beat me in a race,” Stryg grinned.

“Oof, that’s harsh,” Clypeus winced playfully.

“Can’t deny it though,” Kegrog’s shoulders slumped and he sighed.

“Oh, there goes Kithina,” Callum noted.

Kithina gasped for breath as she reached the finish line. Freya stood to the side, having already finished several minutes earlier.

“We’re from different worlds, Kithina. Best to not try and reach too high, you’ll just end up getting hurt,” Freya smiled brightly.

“I regret ever looking up to you,” Kithina rolled her eyes.

“Careful, you wouldn’t want to get on a bad side of a Ruling House. You might be safe in the academy, but best to think of your future after graduation. The Goldelms are the wealthiest family for a reason,” Freya sauntered away.

“Who’s that dwarf?” Stryg asked from a distance.

“Is this love at first sight I hear? What would Feli say?” Callum smirked.

“Callum seems to like her, too,” Kegrog said.

“Meh, we’ve gone on a few dates here and there. We’re both pretty flexible people,” Callum shrugged.

“Her name is Freya Goldelm. I’d be careful with that one, Stryg. But, I do understand the attraction,” Clypeus stared at Freya’s butt as she walked.

Stryg’s gaze was somewhere else. “I’ve never seen golden irises before.”

“It’s a very rare trait among dwarves, albeit common among the Goldelms,” Callum explained while also staring at her ass.

“Stryg! Get over here!” Tauri shouted. Her hands were on her wide hips as she glared at the goblin.

Stryg jogged up to the beautiful orc, “Yes?”

“Do you have any concept of the word late? I’d hope so since you’re Loh’s apprentice.” Tauri froze for a moment before groaning, “Actually, it makes sense why you are late. That woman can never get on time for anything nowadays.”

“So, do you want me to hit the track? 10 laps? 20?” Stryg began to stretch.

Tauri’s lips formed a thin line, “I’d make it 40, but everyone’s done running. I won’t waste any more time waiting on you. I have a better plan.”

Tauri cupped her hands around her mouth, “Everyone, gather up!”

The two dozen students formed a line in front of her.

“Now that everyone’s warmed up we’ll be getting into a bit of sparring. Hand-to-hand. Since Stryg here has arrived late he’ll start us off.” Tauri grinned, “And he won’t get a break until he is knocked down.”

Tauri knew all her students were cocky, one way or another. Prideful in their magic or background, it did not matter. She needed to take away that pride and help them actually learn what it meant to be a mage. Stryg was the most problematic in many ways, hence she would tire him out by fighting as many as he could. Even he would break down eventually and would be forced to accept his limits.

As for Stryg, the small blue fellow stepped forward and turned to face the others, his face a pool of impassivity.

“So, who wants to go first?” Tauri asked.

The students shuffled around quietly. Kithina winced, she felt bad for any who would go up against the ruthless goblin. Freya noticed the look on her face and mistook it as a sign of fear.

“I’ll go,” Freya raised her hand.

“Perfect, come on up,” Tauri said.

“I’ll show you how large the difference between our kinds really is,” Freya whispered.

Kithina furrowed her brow, unable to comprehend the woman’s decision. Freya stepped up to Stryg.

“Before we begin, does anyone have any objection. Anyone wish to take Freya’s place?” Tauri asked.

“Hell no,” Kegrog grimaced.

“Gods, no,” Callum rubbed his back, the memory of being beaten by Stryg still fresh in his mind.

“I like being conscious, thank you very much,” Nora shivered.

“I respectfully decline,” Clypeus bowed.

“Freya’s got this,” Kithina gave two thumbs up.

“Great, then let’s begin,” Tauri nodded.

“Wait, what?” Freya looked between the students and Tauri. “Why does no one wanna fight?”

“Oh and Stryg, no maiming, please,” Tauri added.

“What do you mean no maiming, what the fuck?” Freya frowned.

“Don’t worry about it. Everyone else just doesn't want to go first,” Tauri said.

“That’s not what it sounded like! Not even Clypeus Gale wanted to fight this guy!” Freya pointed at the goblin.

Stryg cracked his neck and stretched his back, “I’m ready, gold-eyes.”

“It’s Freya,” she frowned.

Freya had heard a rumor or two about the goblin mage before. An uncouth barbarian from Dusk Valley, Vulture Woods, or Rupture Mountains, she wasn’t sure which. All she knew was that the goblin was a tri-manifold mage who almost got himself killed during last year’s final exam.

In other words, an idiot. A country bumpkin, nothing more. She didn’t need to be afraid. Even if he had some semblance of control over his magic, she was confident in her spellcasting and sparring banned any use of magic anyway. He was a goblin, a fairly quick but fragile species. She was a Goldelm and had been trained in martial arts since little. She would be fine.

“Begin!” Tauri’s voice rang out.

Freya yelled a war cry. She dashed forward and swung with a right hook. Stryg sidestepped away. She twisted her body around and threw out a high kick. He ducked with ease and stepped forward right into her face. He simply stared. She gasped in surprise and punched point-blank. Her jaw went slack as he somehow managed to dodge at such a close distance.

Freya jumped backward and made some space between them.

“Huh, your eyes really are gold. Interesting,” Stryg leaned back.

“Are you mocking me!?” She snapped.

Stryg tilted his head, “Why would I do that? There’s no reason to try and throw you off. I’m quite certain you’re already too slow to hit me.”

Freya jumped at him with a flurry of punches. Stryg’s eyes followed her fists as he dodged each one. She could hear Kithina laughing from the sidelines. Callum held a look of pity.

Freya screamed in frustration and charged Stryg with a tackle. He did not dodge and instead let her slam into him. Freya felt like she hit a wooden wall. His shirt barely cushioned the backlash of the charge. She grimaced in pain, the weight of the tackle hadn’t even pushed him back at all.

Before she could retreat, Stryg wrapped his arms around her torso and threw himself backward. The entire class grimaced simultaneously as Stryg suplexed Freya. The dwarf’s eyes rolled upwards as her limp body fell over in a strange sprawled angle.

“Dammit, I should really set up better rules for this,” Tauri sighed.