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Chapter 49: Disciplinary Committee
As I opened the door to the back entrance of the auditorium, I was met with an unexpected greeting.
“GROOOAAARR!!” My hair was blown back along with Sylvie, who was grabbing unto me to avoid falling off. Along with the deafening roar of the mana beast that greeted me came bullets of saliva that showered my face and upper chest.
“There there.” While wiping off the spit of the mana beast, I nonchalantly proceeded to pet its face that was inches away from my own. This mana beast that stood about 2 meters high while it was still on all fours had thick dark brown fur and a deep red mane around its head. Two vicious teeth spouted out from its top jaw, making it all the more menacing, but comparing to Sylvie’s dragon form, I could only see it as an overgrown kitten.
Even Sylvie looked at the Mana Beast with little interest as she just settled back on top of my head.
“Woah… he didn’t get surprised at all…” From behind the mana beast peeked out a student that looked to be a couple of years older than me. He had a very dull, light gray hair, almost white, that came down in bangs. He had narrow eyes that were virtually slits and had a smile on his face that didn’t come off as pleasant but more so mocking. Body wise, he was rather thin and tall, his overall frame looking quite frail. His uniform was very different from mine. He wore a dark gray oriental style loose robe that covered his arms and came down past his torso. His loose pants were black and he had a sash tied around his waist that was gold. Peeking out of the inside of his robe was the insignia that all of the Disciplinary Committee had to carry around, the silver knife. Something about him made me wary. He seemed mysterious and a tad off somehow.
“You must be the last DC officer to arrive! My name is Kai Crestless a fourth year! Just call me Kai!” His expression didn’t change at all, his eyes still narrowed and lips still smiling, but he put up his arm in a welcoming gesture, revealing his hands that were completely wrapped in bandages so that it looked like he had gloves on.
“Hello. My name is Arthur Leywin. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” I shook his bandage-wrapped hands.
“Bah! Another frail looking pretty boy! Why aren’t there any more REAL men in this Committee?” Looking around, I spot where the voice came from and I couldn’t help but remember what Elijah told me yesterday before dinner.
A female dwarf that stood around 145cm tall with limbs as thick as tree trunks hopped down from where she was sitting and came up to me. The indication that I could tell she was a female was by her long brown hair and high-pitched voice, neither of which didn’t suit her masculine appearance.
“Looks like we’ll be working together so I might as well introduce myself. I’m Doradrea Oreguard, a first year like yerself. Let’s get along ey?” She said simply while firmly smacking my waist, sending a jolt throughout my body. What power.
“Arthur Leywin. Nice to meet you.” I replied, rubbing my back.
“Well, come on now. Follow me. Kai and I waited in the front to see who the last guy was going to be. The rest of the DC officers are in the other room. Director Goodsky didn’t really mention who the final member was going to be so everyone is curious.” She led me through a hall, Kai following behind us with the mana beast.
“EVERYONE! THE LAST GUY IS HERE!” Doradrea shouts at the top of her lungs as we reach a room at the end of the hall.
Inside the gigantic room that I figured was used to hold events, I see 5 other figures.
Without further ado, I walk up closer and greet them all at once. “My name is Arthur Leywin and I just started attending this Academy as a Scholar Mage Student. I am a Dual Elemental attribute Augmenter capable in Wind and Earth. I give a curt bow.
“Arthur Leywin?” The first voice that speaks up sounded surprised. Looking back up, I see a boy that appeared to be around 17. He had deep, mahogany colored hair that was spiked out, making him look almost like a lion himself. He had fierce sword-shaped brows and his brown eyes produced a striking gaze. It took me a couple of seconds but I soon realized who he was.
“If I remember correctly, you must be Prince Glayder?” The longer I look at him, the more confident I became that he was Curtis Glayder, son of the King of Sapin.”
“I can hardly call myself a Prince now ever since the 3 kings and queens dismissed their title and called themselves The Council. Just call me Curtis.” He spoke very charismatically, his deep voice carrying a certain depth. His expression was a bit troubled though since his father’s guard did cause some problems for me the last time we met.
“Nice to see you again Curtis. You must be a 5th year now, right?” I just respond cheerily which eases the troubled look he had.
“Yup! 5th year fire attribute Augmenter as well as a Beast Tamer. Nice to see you again.” He announced while we grasped hands. While Kai’s uniform was styled in a robe, Curtis’ uniform looked much more intricate. His outfit reminded me of an old-fashioned military uniform without the cap. His black military blazer had dark gray accents and gold buttons. His right shoulder had a military cord that was attached to the collar of his blazer, giving him a refined, yet fierce aura.
“Ahh that World Lion that greeted me must be the one your father acquired at the Auction several years back.” Everything clicked as the mana beast that so kindly greeted me sat down behind Curtis.
“Ah… did Kai use Grawder to scare you?” He shoots a look at Kai who just shrugged back. “Anyways, yes. I remember you were with us when we purchased him as a cub. We formed an equals contract last year after he reached A class.” He tried to sound humble but I could tell he was extremely proud to call himself a Beast Tamer. I didn’t mind because it really was a great feat that he accomplished, especially the fact the he was able to form an equals contract instead of a master-servant contract with his beast. “Looks like your bond changed a bit as well! Although it didn’t really change much in size.” He rubs his chin while studying Sylvie who was asleep on my head. Just by analyzing his internal mana circulation, Curtis didn’t seem to have gone through assimilation since the World Lion’s beast will wasn’t too strong for him.
“Yeah, her growth rate seems awfully slow.” I say indifferently.
“It’s okay! Even though there are quite a bit of students here that have bonds, most of them aren’t beast tamers and not many of them even have equals contracts.” He pats my shoulder, trying to comfort me.
Looking closely, Curtis and his World Lion looked oddly similar. Curtis’ hair and Gawrtor’s mane was of comparable color and both of them having a fierce look.
“Ah right! You remember my sister Kathyln, right?” He continues. The petite, black-haired girl that I remember being pretty gave me a silent bow. She was dressed very similarly to his brother except instead of pants; she wore a skirt that came down above her knees much like all the other girls in this academy. The only girl I’ve seen so far that hasn’t worn a skirt was Doradrea, which I didn’t complain about… at all.
“Nice to see you again.” I give a simple bow in response. She has grown to look more and more like her mother. The stark contrast of her flawless porcelain skin and her jet-black hair and dark eyes with long lashes made her look like a doll.
“Nice to meet you once more, Arthur. I am a first year as well coming in as a Scholar Mage student. I am a single specialist Conjurer in Ice Attribute magic.” She bows once more; her expression was set like stone.
I see… She’s a deviant!
“I guess I’m next, although the order is off! My name is Claire! Claire Bladeheart. I’m a 6th year Battle Mage student with dual attribute in fire and wind and I’m also the leader of the Disciplinary Committee! I’m an Augmenter like yourself so just ask me if you have any questions!” This upperclassman oozed out positivity and passion from her very pores. She wasn’t nearly as pretty as Tess or Kathyln but she did have her own charm, with her scarlet red hair that came down to her chin. Claire wore a military-styled uniform as well but instead a golden cord like the Glayder siblings, both her shoulders had gold epaulettes, which were basically ornamental shoulder pads along with an embellished collar that went up around her neck. That, along with her light gray and gold accented skirt with knee boots gave her uniform a much more royal feel compared to my simple one.
I tried imagining myself in a uniform like Claire’s and I shuddered at the thought. While it looked great on her, I preferred a much less flashy uniform.
It took me a second to register but I suddenly remembered why her name sounded so familiar. “Are you perhaps related to Kaspian Bladeheart?” I quiz.
“Oh? Do you know my uncle?” She tilted her head to one side.
“No. I’ve just heard many great things about how strong Kaspian Bladeheart is from my father’s ex party member.” I gave her a warm smile as she nodded in understanding.
“I see. Well, I’ve received training from my Uncle as soon as I awakened so much of my techniques are similar to his. Of course I still have a long way to go though.” I see her place her hand on the golden hilt of her rapier that she had strapped on her left side.
“Well if it isn’t Arthur Leywin. Long time no see!” A tall blonde elf that looks to be a couple of years older than me walks up, crossing his arms while he looks down at me.
“I apologize… Do I know you?” I really had no idea who this elf was until Sylvie mentally transmitted who he was.
“Ah! You’re Feyfey!” I point at him in surprise. Boy did he get big! He was at least a head taller than me and he did turn out to become quite the pretty boy.
Feyfey’s face instantly turned beet red as he placed both hands on my shoulders. “It’s FeyRITH…Feyrith Ivsaar III. And although I’m a first year like you, I’m still a couple of years older than you so don’t call me by nicknames. I’m a Water specialist Conjurer by the way.” I could see veins popping from his forehead.
“Haha! Long time no see!” I exclaim as I shake his hands while he just looks at me, bewildered. His uniform was completely black with gold stripes across his shoulders. It was simpler than everyone else’s but it fit him well.
“Last but not least, this is Theodore Maxwell!” Claire gets in between Feyrith and I and directs my attention to the last member.
“Hmph! Seems like the Disciplinary Committee is low enough to recruit twerps now.” Theodore stands up and I swear I thought he was a bear. He stood at about 2 meters high at least, easily around the same height as Gawrtor, Curtis’ World Lion. His uniform was just a vest that was unbuttoned, revealing his bulging muscles. By the tear marks on the arm openings of the vest, I can assume that it wasn’t originally a vest.
He stood in front of me and placed a hand on my shoulder.
“VMMMMM”
Suddenly, I felt the weight on top of me increase several times over as my feet began sinking, the floor around me beginning to crack. This was a deviant capable of manipulating gravity.
My body was able to withstand it thanks to the assimilation I went through with Sylvia’s Dragon Will but I still definitely felt my body begin to protest. I strengthen my body further with mana as I look at Theodore dead in the eye.
He wanted to test ME?
“Hmph.” Feeling the cold, wordless gaze I give to him, Theodore releases his skill and walks away, muttering “not bad.”
*Whistles*
“Arthur has guts. Feyrith crumbled to his knees when Theodore did that to him.” Kai snickers from the side.
“I’m a Conjurer while Arthur is an Augmenter! Please do not compare me to brutes like you guys.” He lashes out, his face red from embarrassment.
“Now now! I’m excited as to what this semester will bring us! We’re going to be a team from now on guys! We’ll get chances to bond and get closer so look forward to it!” Claire pipes up in a cheery voice as she puts her hand out.
“I’m looking forward to it!” Kai puts his bandaged hands on top of Claire, his face still a mocking smile.
“Aye! Sounds like we’re going to have some interesting times!” Doradrea gets on her toes as she puts her beefy hand on top of Kai’s.
“Haha! Yes! Let’s do our best!” Curtis places his hand in as well, Kathyln wordlessly following suit.
I just met everyone and I’m already tired. “Sigh…I’m sure it’ll be a blast.” I let out while placing my hand on top of Kathyln’s, Sylvie running down my arm and placing her paw as well.
Theodore puts his massive hand on top of Sylvie and my hand, making the whole circle stumble a step forward. As Theodore gives a silent nod, Claire gives us a big, confident smile and shouts, “TO US! THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE!”
“““““““ AYE!”””””””
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“Before the club rush commences, the Student Council would like to formally introduce to you students of this academy, a group that was personally picked by the Director in hopes to resolve and prevent disputes amongst students as well as enforce penalizing measures for troublemakers. While the Student Council’s main job is to help the Director make sure this academy and the events that are held run smoothly, this group’s job allows them to use magic appropriately to uphold the peace and safety of students, whether it may be from other students or from trespassers. Please join me in welcoming the Disciplinary Committee!” Tessia’s voice rings at her last words.
The auditorium fills with applause as the red curtains that we stood behind are raised. We stood there, shoulders square and our hands glued to our sides. I had to admit that with people like Curtis with Grawder behind him, Theodore, Claire and even Feyrith, we looked pretty damn impressive in our color-coordinated uniforms.
I took a peek at Tessia and I realized she was staring at me but as soon as our eyes met, she quickly turned her head away. As we stood in front of the students of Xyrus on the stage side by side, we pulled out our knives and held it out in front of us so the insignia showed. Unsheathing our knife, we proceeded to do a small, choreographed routine before we saluted.
Claire spoke out on behalf of the Disciplinary Committee with a small speech before we all headed out towards the back of the stage, leaving the crowd with mixed emotions.
For some students, the Disciplinary Committee meant to serve as a shackle that prohibited their spoiled behavior. For others, the Disciplinary Committee served as an aegis for them, protecting the students from needless harm.
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