Chapter 2 - The start of a new life[1]

Baffled by witnessing the birth of a monster, both the director and instructor were idly standing in the viewing booth, completely silent. Meanwhile in the arena, after having defeated such an imposing foe, the injuries that Staxius sustained earlier in the battle finally caught up to him.

"My heart is throbbing, my chest is on fire, there's a weird scythe on my palm, my body feels like it's about to shut down. Is adrenaline the only thing keeping me from passing out? Where is the robot, why do I smell dust, something is off, my eyelids are getting heavie…"

*BAM.* Staxius dropped as soon as the adrenaline was used up. Seeing him fall onto the ground immediately snapped both the instructor and the director out of their daydream.

"Bring in the medical team this instant, we have an applicant whose gravely injured, he may as well be at death's door." Instructor Sophie ordered using the general communication channel.

Within less than a minute, doctors accompanied by their assistants rushed out of the main entrance, an ambulance was called in. Luckily, Claireville Academy is very strict about the safety of its students. Having one of the best hospitals among the country within your campus is a must if you want to achieve greatness as a battle mage.

After the now unconscious Staxius was moved to the hospital, Sophie and director Josiah had a private meeting about his future.

"Instructor Sophie, you've always had the gift of distinguishing the talented from boasters. This was one of the main reasons why you were recently transferred to the central branch. However, this time you've uncovered something that should have remained dormant. Do you realize the magnitude of this problem we could face if that monster was to stay alive?" The director spoke out in anguish.

"Director, I'm also flabbergasted about him. Usually, you can tell a person's motive and personalities by their eyes and how they present themselves towards another. Sadly this time I was shocked to see that this boy didn't have any opening for me to exploit. His eyes were completely emotionless, the way he moved his body was almost mechanic yet, in the way he spoke, it somewhat felt soothing. His voice was gentle and calm, I went with my gut and decided to put him through. From a logical perspective, what could a guy who barely scored a D-rank in the exam accomplish?"

"I see your point, but awakening an element is something sacred. Not many people have the luxury to get access to something so extravagant. If left unchecked, a wild sorcerer could wipe out an entire city, they are basically walking bombs. This is why we never awaken someone who hasn't even passed the physical tests." The director was frustrated as it would surely bring chaos onto the central branch of the Claireville Academy. The committee who supervised and kept stray mages in check were going to be furious. Such a blunder is never even permitted to happen.

"Director Josiah, I'll take full responsibility for correctly educating this so-called monster. I truly believe that this boy has nothing malicious planned out. As from this moment, I, Sophie Mirabelle, an SSS-ranked mage hereby takes Staxius Haggard as my apprentice."

"What are you doing, Sophie, this will ruin your entire life, taking in an apprentice means that you basically become their parent for four years. The said apprentice will be under your care until he graduates, any mistakes or financial trouble will be covered by you. Are you sure you want to pledge four years of your life to this monster?" Hearing about Sophie's decision to take in an apprentice, director Josiah was shocked as well as excited. The youngest and most talented SSS-rank sorcerer was finally taking in a student.

"I fully comprehend my actions sir, but I've also ruined that boy's life. I can't remain quiet anymore, I've fully thought about my personal life, seeing that I will probably never get married why not take in a student, let me be a mother." Sophie's tone changed from serious to friendly. She was truly happy and meant every word she uttered.

"Sophie, you've always been such a rash and spontaneous niece, I hope you don't come to regret this. Form a blood-contract with the boy as soon as he wakes, then we'll decide about lodging and where he will study." Director Josiah replied as his usual strict face turned into one of a welcoming and approachable middle-aged man.

"Thank you uncle, for the next four years, you will witness the birth of a god among men, I hope you're ready." With a quick wave, she left the room.

"A monster being trained by a demon; this will be interesting. Tempest Haggard, it seems like your stories held some merit to them, I may be persuaded to change my thoughts about what kind of person you are." Josiah thought to himself as he spun his chair and stared at the now setting sun.

It was the beginning of March, after a month of preparation, all the magical academies around the country were ready to welcome their new students. It is customary for the apprentices to enjoy at least a month with their family or recover from any injuries sustained during the exams before attending their new school. For many, this is the opportunity to start a new life, away from their old self as trainee sorcerer. Maybe find love, deep bonds with their new friends or just going through these four years in hopes of securing a future.

"However, my story is different, I've been in a coma for two weeks after getting my jawline wreck by some stupid robot who I didn't even know existed. The sad part about this is that I don't even know if I have a future much less a place to call home. You know you're alone in this world when you wake up in a completely white room which smells of alcohol with no one besides you. Sigh, the only entertainment I got was staring out of the window and making shapes out of the clouds. At night, it was stargazing, I'd see shooting stars and sometimes hear couples outside being all cute. Who comes to a hospital to flirt? I'm going to miss this place though, thanks to the staff I'm able to stand on my feet once again. Guess it's time to say goodbye, probably going to have to get a part-time job now. One month inside a hospital does take it out of you."

With nothing to his name, Staxius left the hospital building after thanking everyone who helped his recovery.

*Inhale. * "The smell of fresh air, the sun tingling my skin, the breeze caressing my cheeks, this is heaven. I guess it's time to leave Claireville Academy, it was a good dream but I have to face reality now, I need to feed myself before trying to do anything. My brain doesn't work on an empty stomach so I need sustenance."

The Central Claireville Academy in of itself was a town, you could get access to anything you wanted. On top of that, it was right next to Rosespire, the capital of Oxshield, which is south from Dorchester where Staxius lived. The inhabitants of Oxshield were pretty wealthy, with the academy's help, life here wasn't that hard. Considering that the Island of Hidros was divided into six provinces with one larger than the other, there was bound to be disparities but thanks to the equality brought in by the Order, the risk of civil war breaking out is pretty slim.

"Should I stay in Claireville or move to Rosespire to look for a place to live, well life here in the academy is probably expensive thanks to the nobility, a shady lodging in the darkest corner in the capital is probably the best choice. The distance here to the capital is two hundred kilometers. I can't take the train, neither can I take the airship, by foot it's going to be a week at best and three weeks if I'm lazy. Well, it's already noon, I'll just snoop around town, maybe do some odd jobs, get some food, sleep with the night sky as my roof and make my way towards Rosespire after I got enough money for a train ticket. Let's do this." Staxius headed towards the town square, finding a job where merchants do their business isn't that hard. He was probably hoping for someone to be in need of a pair of hands to unload merchandise.

On the way towards the town, something began poking his back which slowly got onto his nerve. It was probably the wind brushing his shirt against his back.