Doggone Academy

Chapter 86 The Shadow (9)

I entrusted a letter to Silveryn to Professor Ella and left the labyrinth.

Walking across the student plaza, I bided my time until the art club lesson began.

I was on the cusp of my first class at Eternia, but there was neither anticipation nor excitement, only questions about Luna on my mind.

Silveryn once mentioned that Luna disliked men.

I remembered Lunas demeanor when I faced her; it was closer to terror than aversion.

It was a pathological aversion that transcended mere likes and dislikes.

What underlies all of this?

Its a problem to lose a whole semester, but even if she completely escapes the dark spirit, it would be difficult for her to enjoy a peaceful routine. She would have to live shunning half the students at Eternia.

I cannot be Lunas white knight. People become unhappy for their own complex reasons, and believing I can intervene in their intricately twisted lives to heal their traumas and deliver salvation is presumptuous.

I, too, am someone with many holes left in my heart.

For now, putting thoughts of Luna aside, I headed to the alchemy department greenhouse, the venue for the art club lesson.

***

The vice-top of the Magic Department?

Yes, even though its not yet confirmed, Lilith and I are close friends, so Im sure I can bring her along.

Upon mentioning Lilith, Morriss face showed he was intrigued at last.

Matthias found the change in Morriss expression uncomfortably odd. Was it because of the rumors about Liliths looks? Matthias wondered if Morris had some other scheme, beyond a collaborative relationship.

Morris casually probed with a question.

Liliths kinda famous, isnt she?

What are you trying to say?

Hey, you know what I mean.

Just say it directly.

Well, from what Ive heard, shes got loads of guys trailing her. Even male seniors were familiar with each other since before enrollment, right?

So, you mean you dont like it or you do?

Morris furrowed his brows with skepticism.

Of course, I like it. Why would I reject working with a pretty and capable student? But what I really want to know is if you can actually bring Lilith over.

There would be many competitors. If shes the vice-top of the Magic Department, the competition for her loyalty would be fierce.

Matthias nodded, acting as if it was obvious.

She and I come from the same hometown, and we exchange letters when were apart. Dont worry about that. If you want, I can show you proof.

Morris seemed to quietly agree before nodding.

Alright, I like it. Ill join your group for the joint lesson.

Its a success. Matthias exulted inwardly at having successfully recruited the spirit summoner.

Good. Then Ill contact you again when its time. Oh, which dorm did you say?

Kaluna, Hall 2.

Matthias took out a notebook and made a note.

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Okay. Lets wrap it up here, then.

After concluding their conversation at the central hall of Marigold Hall, Matthias sent Morris off.

Matthias then took out his notebook again to double-check the information he had recorded.

Morris. Magic Department. Able to freely manipulate lower spirits. 17 years old.

Although being associated with the mid-level dormitory Kaluna Hall was a bit disappointing, Morriss specialized position as a spirit summoner made him valuable enough as a team member.

Matthias compiled the information he had gathered from the seniors, reviewing the plan for the upcoming lessons.

Joint classes from the transfer department.

The task for the groups, which could include up to four members, would be given with a deadline of one week.

And the task was closely related to summons, making it much smoother if the team had a member with good affinity to spirits.

It was advantageous to recruit those skilled in spirit magic beforehand, as they were few in number.

Matthias bit his lip while looking at the list of spirit summoners he had noted in his notebook.

It was time to move on to the next step. Morris was just a safety measure. Now it was time to recruit the truly capable spirit summoners.

Spirit summoners were also present in the upper echelons of Marigold Hall and Witthrush Hall.

Nyias, Marta, Brissel.

Nyias had the unique credential of being the only freshman to major in weather magic alongside spirit magic.

Marta was chummy with Cecil, the top of the Magic Department, so it was likely shed already made her decision.

The only possibilities who might join the group were Brissel and Nyias.

Luna Railis was the one who utterly overwhelmed even upperclassmen in spirit magic, but she was beyond reach for Matthias.

Theres no precedent for the top and vice-top of a department to be in the same group. Since Matthias had planned for Lilith, it was impossible for Luna to join his side.

Moreover, Luna was surely targeted by formidable competitors who had been working behind the scenes to recruit her into their groups.

It was people like Victor, Gale, Sion, and Iris who clung to the competition for the top.

Matthias slid the notebook into his pocket and ascended the dormitory steps.

Quickening his pace, he passed through the corridors to halt in front of Liliths room.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

Lilith, are you there?

As expected, there was no response.

After the entrance ceremony, Lilith had been almost desperate, even more so than being described as fierce.

She had spent most of her time at the training grounds practicing magic to exhaustion and had disappeared into her room upon returning to the dorm. She hadnt even decided on any special activities yet.

And she had become cold towards Matthias. Their relationship seemed to have regressed to the estrangement of years past.

Having observed her during the entrance ceremony, Matthias knew her behavior was due to the wounds inflicted by a man.

A persons wounds should be healed by another person. Matthias believed he could soothe Liliths injuries.

Lilith, I have something to tell you. It doesnt have to be right now. Ill be waiting Please come and see me.

***

Lately, the number of people blocking Sions path as she wandered the campus had increased.

Proposals for groups in the upcoming joint lesson.

And invites to join their clubs.

She had turned down several, but there seemed to be no end in sight.

Now upperclassmen who had no connection to her were blocking her way, fueling her rising anger.

Pleasure to meet you. You must be the famous Sion. Im a third-year from the Department of Alchemy, Drymoph. Have you heard of Galihar Potion? My grandfather devised the recipe.

The toad-like Drymoph stood confidently in front of Sion and spoke.

Ahem, guess not. So have you formed your group for the joint lesson?

Sion repressed her anger and replied with a polite tone.

Thats none of your concern.

You better find one fast. Being top overall doesnt mean you can do everything alone.

Sions voice carried a tinge of annoyance.

What do you want?

Rumors about Sion were already widespread. Even seniors couldnt outdo her intimidating presence, especially those from departments like alchemy that were removed from conflict.

Drymoph forced a contrived smile and tried to appear calm.

Youve got quite the personality, just like I heard. Do you know what the combat group calls you? A hellhound. Once youve set your sights on prey, you tear its throat out no matter what.

Sions facial expression grew increasingly severe. Drymoph quickly continued.

Okay, lets drop the pointless chat. I sought you out because of that nickname. A hellhound, you seem like someone who wont let go of what theyve set their eyes on.

I suspect youll come out on top in the joint lesson.

How does that have anything to do with him?

Why does a third-year give a damn about a first-years business?

Drymoph frowned and shook his head.

Im not interested in your affairs. What I want is the reward given to students who complete the task during the joint lesson.

Ill get straight to the point. When you receive that, hand it over to me. Ill pay you double the price.

It was the same story from everyone. The upperclassmen who sought out Sion all had the same goal.

Hand over that reward. Ill pay you generously.

But no one mentions what the reward actually is. Its as if theyre afraid their own greed will be transferred to Sion if they reveal the nature of the item.

Why do they all come, one after another, with such ravenous expressions? What could be so extraordinary about this object?

Sion knew little about that reward.

Only that it was awarded for bringing back the horn of a summon.

And that the reward was a rare potion containing the essence of alchemy.

Ever since that class was established, only two people had managed to secure the horn of a summon. Even if itd been less than six years since inception, that number was exceedingly low.

Sion had no special strategy. She figured all she needed to do was break through swiftly and sever the summons neck. Tracking such creatures was something she had been rigorously trained in by her master, and she could do it better than anyone.

No one could match Sions speed.

Even the summon itself wasnt all that important to her.

If the final barrier was similar to the entrance exam, the most important thing was the possibility of encountering that bastard again.

She didnt care about the reward. What Sion truly cared about was the prospect of meeting him once more.

Im not interested. If youre done, Ill be leaving.

Sion pushed Drymophs shoulder aside and moved forward again.

***

Upon reaching the class venue, I ran into a familiar figure.

Georgia, the advisor to the art club, was pacing in front of the greenhouse; upon seeing me, she motioned for me to come over.

Ah, Damian. Over here.

Approaching Georgia, she reassuringly patted me on the shoulder and said,

Ive been waiting for you. Your seniors are inside. Its not often we get a new male I mean, freshman. Everyone will be happy about it.

Excuse me?

Expectations? Do they expect some exceptional artistic talent from a new student?

The students might be a bit harsh with you. Its just like a freshman initiation ritual, so dont be scared. Lets go inside.

Ah, Professor. Do I not need any other materials? Like paints or brushes

Professor Georgia shook her head.

No need for that. We make the necessary materials ourselves. Now, lets go in.

She nudged me forward, taking the lead, and we both entered the greenhouse.

Passing through a densely flowered corridor, an open circular space appeared.

A little under forty members, each with an easel, were gathered and seated.

And out of all of them, there were only five men; the rest were female students.

As we stepped in, everyone stopped their brushwork and looked in my direction.

The way they raised their eyebrows and watched me was incredibly unnerving.

Georgia clapped her hands briskly and announced,

Everyone, pause what youre doing. Heres a new friend who has joined our art club. Hes the freshman youve all been looking for.

Then she tapped on my shoulder again.

This child is not yet familiar with art activities. He doesnt even know how to use brushes or charcoal, so guide him well so he doesnt lose interest. Introduce yourself now.

I nodded once and said,

First year from the Combat Department, my name is Damian. Im from Wezel. Nice to meet you.

Even after my introduction, they just stared blankly at my face, occasionally whispering to each other in hushed tones. There was no sign of a welcome.

Georgia coughed once and queried,

Does anyone volunteer to teach Damian the basics?

The club members blinked with widened eyes and showed no response. Silence reigned as if I had committed some crime.

Whats going on? Is this right?

Georgia sighed and then whispered in my ear.

These are nobles with strong pride. They think its a sin for a lady to approach first. You have to be the one to engage them friendly-like.

I can only hope thats really all it is.

Georgia turned and asked the student seated at the very front.

Is anyone absent today?

No?

Then whats with that empty seat? Who brought the easel and chair? Perfect timing. Damian, thats where youll be sitting. Pavela, since youre next to him, take care of Damian for me.

Georgia indicated towards an empty seat at the far diagonal corner.

While I walked past the students to my seat, the uncomfortable gazes did not subside; it was like walking through a thorn field.

And next to my seat, there was a familiar face.

It was the blue-haired senior who had helped me when Liria got lost in Eternia.

As I took my seat, the senior, absorbed in painting, spoke without even glancing my way.