35 Three ... Five Times (1/2)
After gathering the last kids that were arriving, Oscar Moo began to count them. Noticing that no one was missing, he used a small spell to elevate him slightly above the ground. It was just creating a small wall of dirt, barely 50 centimeters of height. But that small increase was enough to provoke the awe of all normal children. To the like of Owen or Jorien, it was just a petty trick but for the rest, it was some amazing magic. Harboring a huge smile and looking like a caring grandfather, he began to talk.
”Come here, get closer. Let me say a few things first, allow me to introduce myself, I am teacher Oscar Moo, a magician of the 3th Circle. I would like to welcome all of you on the behalf of the other teacher inside the Academy of Magic of the Massalia Kingdom. Later, you will be split into numerous classes depending on your abilities but for now, everyone will study together in this first year. That way, you will be able to make more friends and improve the bonds between each other. Some would think that this is useless and that a magician alone doesn't necessarily need a friend. You can keep thinking that, but don't worry, we will make you change your mind soon enough.”
The old teacher laughed slightly after saying those threatening words and began to use his control over the environment to pressure the feeble kids. That time, no one besides Leilade was able to endure it without at least taking a step back. Following that small show, the white-bearded elder regained his smile.
”The first day, I advise you to just follow the directions provided by your card. You will start in 3… 2… 1… Done.”
Right after the final countdown, all the card showed a small arrow pointing toward the building where they heard the speeches of the magus. Again, more shouts and discussions between the noisy students. Some began to immediately walk following their cards, but they were quickly grabbed by others that noticed the fact that Moo didn't leave.
”Good, no one left this year. Would have been a shame really, I remember the son of a certain Magus that left without even saying goodbye. A small clue about him, he was blonde and his brother is providing us an opportunity to see him in person, it is a great honor for the common mortals that we are.”
Leodagan tried to hide himself behind Owen, but he was the tallest of the three and soon was overwhelmed by the numerous stares of the other children. Apparently, his brother was naughty. Leilade had no doubt that the son of Alexander could do something like that on the first day. And she now realized why this old man was so daring when he faced the magus.
”But if you are listening well, I advise you to not enter the room before knocking three times on the door. Only three times, no more, no less. Just think of it as a way to make you listen to us. If you are truly daring, you can forget what I said and just do what you want. To conclude this small talk, once again.”
Oscar took a deep inspiration and using a small tool that he prepared beforehand.
”WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY OF MAGIC”
His very breath while saying this blew away the smallest kids and nearly everyone fell on their knees or on their butts. Even if some weaker girls began to cry, they realized that they weren't injured and stop before anyone noticed them. Just 6 people were standing, gathering all the looks from even some magicians and other students that were laughing from afar. It was an old tradition that was always changing on the nature of the last spell. Last year, they were submerged by a small wave, this year it was a strong wind.
Knowing beforehand what will happen and not wanting to lower their head this time, Owen and Jorien joined their hands and formed a basic [Earth Shield]. Just from their powers, it was a brittle wall of dirt that would be destroyed by the punch of a small teenager. Because they were weakened by the mana leaving their bodies, Leodagan had to fully support the two siblings and nearly fell as well. His bigger stature was the only thing that allowed them to succeed.
On the other hand, Istuienn used wind to repel wind. Protecting the red-haired Ronald, she cast a far stronger [Wind Shield] that the combined spell from the Rodil offspring. It was still the most basic defensive spell available and the small cocoon of winds in front of her dispersed only a part of the power inside the breath of old man Moo. But that was enough to still stand in the end.
Contrarily to everyone that either failed or succeeded at not failing, Leilade was completely fine. She was debating whether or not she should fall, but in the end, she was caught up by the power of the wind. She hadn't expected it to be that fast and the nearby kids were already down and laying on the ground. So, she just stood there, without showing any emotion, hoping that this another inexplicable thing will be quickly forgotten.
(Outlander, it won't happen.)
”I know, shut up.” Leilade was seeing the enormous smile of Oscar Moo, looking proudly at her. She was certain that he was now convinced that she was stronger than just a 2nd Circle magician and more problems will arise. Since his job was finished, for now, she saw the old magician just left while whistling. He had no idea that his willingness to uncover the truth will only do more harm than anything else.
As a caring and compassionate child, Istuienn walked to everyone to see if they were fine. Ronald was doing something similar, but unlike the girl, his eyes were not looking at the scared students. His eyes were only seeing one single thing and it was a beautiful moron. Jorien didn't have to look at her friend Leodagan to knew that he won't do anything like that. Since it was the case, the oldest kid of their group took the lead and walked toward their destination. Because he could only waste time staying there, Leodagan followed her and her brother closed the march, not before looking with his curious and placid eyes at Leilade.