Surviving at the Magic Academy

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With a slow, deep breath, Kashian drew power into herself. The energy flowed through her body, healing her wounds, while Mira assisted her nearby.

Truth be told, I didn’t need to intrude. I simply observed the scene unfold. It had already been six hours since we got here.

This situation was a bit unexpected. When we entered the city, we were only thinking about sightseeing. So, how did we end up here?

I slowly retraced the events. First, we approached the city.

As we neared the edge of the canyon, the city revealed an atmosphere radically different from that of the stalactite city. And at its center were the swordsmen.

Many people bustling through the streets bore swords on their bodies. Some were strapped to their waists, while others carried them on their backs.

Of course, there were a fair number of mages too, but their presence was relatively sparse compared to the swordsmen.

This was my first time seeing so many swordsmen at the university. In fact, in every place I had visited at the university, swordsmen were few in number; the vast majority were mages, after all.

But here, it was the opposite. The overwhelming smell of iron from the sheer number of swordsmen could be sensed even from where I stood. They swung their blades in combat throughout the city.

As I slowly surveyed the bottom of the canyon, I saw others who had dropped ahead of us naturally settle into the city. They blended into the crowd and disappeared.

“Is there no entrance here?”

I asked Kashian. She nodded slightly.

“You just have to drop down. And wait a moment…”

She approached the bear doll and poked its shoulder. The creature, looking down into the canyon, jumped and stared at Kashian.

As she extended her hand toward the bear doll, it tilted its head curiously. After gazing at her hand for a moment, it clapped and began rummaging through its belongings.

What it pulled out was a piece of paper. Kashian gently patted the bear doll and received the paper. It briefly looked like some sort of map.

“Hmm, it’s the third floor. Follow me.”

Kashian said. She hugged the bear doll and carefully dropped down. The bear doll held tightly onto her. They headed down, skimming through the canyon’s magical energy.

The third floor, huh.

I gazed at the canyon. It was made up of a total of eight layers. The canyon’s walls bore huge scars that looked like traces of swords.

Monuments and swords scattered about adorned these marks. Below, I spotted Kashian arriving at the third floor. She turned around and looked up at us.

“Will you hug me like that too?”

Mira said softly, leaning against me. She pulled away slightly, but at the same time, inched closer.

“Hehe, I’m your doll too. You should treat me kindly.”

“How can I call Ms. Mira a doll? You’re just temporarily tied to me.”

Mira tilted her head slowly and lifted the corners of her mouth slightly. In a whispering tone, she spoke.

“Oh? Saying that makes me quite sad.”

She rested her chin on her finger and chuckled softly. Her silver eyes sparkled beautifully.

“Do you know how hard I work for you, Evan? I’m very obedient.”

As she said this, she hooked my arm. It seemed she had no intention of letting go. I let out a sigh, catching her gaze. “Obedient” didn’t quite fit with her description.

“Alright, let’s go down.”

Using my magic to lightly support her body, I took a step forward. We started descending. I felt the sharp magical energy flowing around me as we rode down the canyon.

The city was approaching rapidly. The upper floors passed in the blink of an eye. Our bodies fell further toward the middle layer.

As we went lower, the crowd increased even more. And as the people multiplied, the facilities became more run down.

Before long, we reached the third floor. Carefully landing on the ground, I dispelled the magic enveloping Mira. She naturally slipped out of my embrace.

“Thank you. I made it comfortably thanks to you.”

“No problem.”

I said, casting an environmental optimization spell around us. It was to block the strong scent of iron that began to waft as we reached the third floor. The stuffy air became lighter, blooming with a fresh fragrance.

I walked over to Kashian. Seeing us arrive, she flipped the paper back and forth, confirming the path. Watching her awkward gestures made me smirk.

“Let me help you.”

I said, extending my hand. Kashian blinked for a moment before quietly offering her paper.

“It’s not that I can’t find the way, but the map is just too complicated.”

She pouted slightly. I checked the paper. Just as she said, the paths were somewhat intricate. But it was still workable.

Understanding she had trouble finding her way had been apparent in the past five years of lectures. She always seemed to wander off somewhere. Just last week, she had gotten lost frequently.

As I slowly scanned the map, I had already grasped the city’s layout during the drop. Referring to that memory, I confirmed the route.

I quickly realized where we needed to go. Just as I was about to set off, Mira lightly grabbed my arm.

“Shouldn’t we buy some clothes before getting to our destination?”

Mira said. I looked around at her suggestion. Since it was a swordsmen’s city, few wore robes.

They were dressed mostly in fitted, practical clothing rather than loose attires. Those in light armor or leather clothes flaunted light capes as they moved.

Mira’s eyes sparkled at the sight. Quickly checking our outfits, it was clear we didn’t quite fit the city’s vibe. Of course, Kashian was dressed similarly, but still.

But Mira didn’t seem to want to leave her be. She tightly clutched Kashian and looked at me. She wanted me to take the lead.

“Then I’ll guide us.”

I said while examining the map. It indicated not only the destination but also what was around there.

Names of organizations sprawled all over the continent, like Arcana General Meeting and Abyss Secret Association, were also included. If we went to the organization, they would undoubtedly get us sorted with clothes.

As we started walking, I began feeling a couple of sharp stares on us. I looked around. A few people were eyeing us while fiddling with their swords.

“What are they doing?”

I asked Kashian. She checked my words and lightly projected her magic at them. They deflected it and nodded slightly, slowly backing away.

“They’re just checking if we fit in this layer. If not, they’ll fight us.”

Kashian motioned to those battling in a section of the street. Swordsmen swung their blades, taking up one side of the road. Passersby expertly avoided the chaos.

“If you lose there, you’ll be driven down a floor. With such duels happening, no one dares to recklessly go up to the upper levels. That’s why there are no entrances in the city.”

“I see.”

I nodded slowly, following the path. Kashian and Mira trailed behind me. Gaining access to the Arcana General Meeting was quick.

It was also near our destination. After all, they were all located centrally in the city. Buying clothes didn’t take long. As we exited the meeting, I glanced at my companions.

Mira was examining herself, smiling with satisfaction. Kashian wore a somewhat dazed expression, which was understandable since Mira had insisted on trying on different outfits.

With her in tow, I slowly started down the road. Reaching our destination was quick. I looked up at the massive building in front of us.

This building wasn’t limited to just three floors; it pierced through all layers. The sign reading “Blade Association” welcomed us.

Before it stood sword-wielding individuals blocking the entrance.

I could feel them giving us a casual once-over. I nodded slightly to them and turned to Kashian, handing her the paper.

“So, what will you do now? It seems we won’t be able to follow you.”

“I’ll go with this child. I’ll be back soon, so please wait.”

Kashian gently patted the bear doll and moved towards the building. The guards blocked the path, but when she pulled out another piece of paper, they quickly yielded.

She took the bear doll’s hand and lightly entered the building. Up to that point, everything seemed fine. The problem arose afterward.

While I was browsing the city with Mira, someone approached us. A young man radiating a cold aura. His sharp gaze accentuated his menacing impression.

“Excuse me. Are you part of Kashian’s group?”

I quickly scanned the area. Many others started enclosing around us besides this one. Their magical presence was remarkably strong. No way could I take on even one of them.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Kashian is looking for her group, so we’ve come to escort you. Please, follow us.”

I glanced down at Mira. She was clinging to my arm and seemed indifferent to the situation, merely smiling sweetly. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to escape. I simply nodded.

So I began to follow them. And now, here we are.

Kashian quietly lifted herself. The bear doll helped her. Though she briefly struggled, Mira kept supplying her with mist, and gradually her expression relaxed.

“How did this happen to you?”

Kashian looked at me. Her expression was gloomier than I had ever seen.

“I was told they were disappointed in me, that I hadn’t lived up to their expectations. They said they’d control me from now on and that I should follow their plans in this city.”

Kashian hugged the bear doll tightly. She buried her head into the fur as she stroked its back.

“I said no. So we had a duel, and this is what happened.”

A duel? I quickly glanced at her injuries.

Even with Mira healing her and her own magic continuously regenerating, the wounds were still plentiful. I couldn’t imagine how fierce the duel must have been.

“Did you lose?”

I asked cautiously, noting her condition wasn’t good. She wore a triumphant expression in response. Raising her fist, she beamed.

“I won! That’s why I called you here. If I had lost, I’d have been dragged away.”

I fell into thought. The Blade Association was a massive organization that ruled the city. If she focused solely on her own growth, their offer might not be bad after all.

They surely had vast resources, allowing for efficient development.

Yet, she rejected it. Why was that? I asked her. She caressed the bear doll.

“If I stay here, this child will stop. Perhaps I should drop away. I can’t let anything take it from me again.”

Her touch was gentle. The way she looked at the bear doll seemed to reach beyond it, to some distant memory.

“Besides, there are others’ expectations tied to me too.”

Kashian smiled softly. She then fell silent, gazing at the closed door behind which I sensed a presence.

It had been six hours since we were trapped here. During that time, I wondered if they were merely keeping us locked up, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

Soon, the door opened, and three individuals entered. They radiated potent magic. The young man who had led us stepped forward, with a slight bow of his head.

“I hope you’ve been resting comfortably.”

He glanced at Kashian. She nodded readily.

“According to the outcome of the first duel, we brought your companions.”

He looked at us. Was our arrival due to the duel’s outcome? Considering Kashian’s predicament, it might’ve been the best approach.

In this city, we were likely the only ones she could trust. Calling us over and depending on us was probably her only option.

The young man inspected Mira, who continued tending to Kashian without acknowledging him. A faint wave of magic emanated from him toward her.

Mira’s mist calmly deflected it. He slightly closed his eyes and nodded. Adjusting himself, he began to speak.

“Since you’re all present, let’s explain the upcoming schedule again. Including today, there will be eight duels. The next duel is scheduled for one week from now.”

Duels? Many swordsmen I had seen earlier while wandering around the city surfaced in my memory. Those in the middle of the street, swinging swords at each other.

“Why are these duels taking place?”

I asked, observing Kashian. The young man glanced at me, seemingly unconcerned. His gaze harbored a hint of displeasure.

Some of his magical energy flared up towards me. It was razor-sharp and occurred in an instant, something I had no way of managing.

Yet, the mist from Mira arrived just in time to buffer it. Smiling slightly, Mira said,

“You shouldn’t do that. You have to regard him as me shortly.”

At her words, he briefly considered us. After a moment of silence, he nodded gently and began to speak.

“If the ability of a sponsored individual falls below our expectations, we bring them into our fold. However, since Kashian rejected it, we decided to assess her through the eight duels.”

He looked at Kashian. His piercing gaze glowed a chilling blue.

“This is also a tradition of our association. We restrict magical powers, engaging solely in duels through will and blade. If she wins all eight, she will be released, and sponsorship will continue as normal.”

He hesitated as if selecting his words carefully, then resumed.

“But should she falter during any of the duels, she will be subject to our management. The sword of Evan, who recommended her, will also be confiscated. That’s the promise made with sponsorship.”

Kashian lowered her eyes with a sulky expression. Glancing at her, I wondered if that was what she meant by the expectations of others. If she faltered like this, it would affect Evan too.

“Don’t worry. She will merely become part of our organization, and we’ll guide the direction of her abilities. It won’t be a significant disadvantage for her.”

He then handed over a few sheets of paper. I took them in place of the motionless Kashian. The paper contained brief information about someone.

“Your next opponent is Jerun. He’s someone who previously received our sponsorship. He also failed to advance and was collected by us, after which he reached the third floor. So, it should be a good match.”

As he said this, he gestured. The accompanying individuals flanked the door, standing upright. They shut their eyes and exhaled quietly.

“If you need anything, please let these people know. For the coming week, they will bring anything required. So, please enjoy your rest.”

He bowed slightly and turned, exiting the room. It was a whirlwind of events. I watched as the two stood at the door.

Were they even guarding the door? If so, we’d be trapped here for the whole week. I glanced back at Kashian. After setting up a barrier so they couldn’t hear, I asked her.

“Did you know about this sponsorship?”

She shook her head faintly.

“I just heard it’d be good to get sponsored. I had no idea something like this would occur. My father probably didn’t know either.”

As she said this, her shoulders drooped. The bear doll comforted her. I fell into thought for a moment. This situation felt all too familiar.

Sponsorship equated to a sort of score. They had tied Kashian down using that as bait. I had experienced something similar.

It had been nearly two years, yet my memories were vivid as if they had occurred just yesterday. I too had had my path obstructed like that. I couldn’t resist; I could only agree. If it hadn’t been for the Professor, I would have been caught.

Of course, the treatment ranged slightly differently between us. They were treating her with great respect. Still, the basic structure felt similar.

It seemed to be how organizations generally ensnare people. It was a pretty efficient method. If you didn’t know, you were just trapped.

However, her choice was different from mine. In the face of such tremendous pressure, Kashian chose to fight back, unlike me, who merely fled.

Even if she broke during the duels, her spirit would remain. Was this what the Professor deducted 40 points for? I couldn’t help but smirk at the thought.

“Oh dear, this puts us in a bit of a predicament.”

Mira said, gently stroking Kashian. The wounds that had lingered began to slowly heal under her touch. As Mira caressed her, Kashian started to breathe deeply, appearing half asleep.

Mira must have lulled her to sleep. She turned to me with a smile.

“If she loses even once in these duels, she’ll be tied to them.”

She regarded the guards stationed at the door. As she caressed Kashian softly, she placed her hand near Kashian’s chest and said,

“I don’t want to lose this body. I also just like her as she is. It’s too precious to just hand over to them.”

She covered her mouth with her hand, laughing. I calmly nodded. She was right. After all, what had motivated us to follow Kashian in the first place?

It was to tame that body. If she stayed here instead of going to the tower, we would no longer have access to using her body in the future.

We’d just get chased out again, struggling back in the treasure store. That was something that absolutely couldn’t happen within my plans moving forward.

Not to mention, the point system was an issue too.

Having already amassed this much, it was quite a fortune. Of course, that was in Mira’s hands. If she were dragged away just like this, it was possible I’d have to return those points.

But what should we do? I looked at Kashian. She had just mentioned her first duel today, and now she was left bloodied.

Future duels were bound to feature stronger opponents. If she was alone, it was clear she wouldn’t be able to finish all the duels safely.

“Then let’s think of solutions together. If Kashian gets stuck here, it’s going to turn tough for us as well.”

“That’s a good mindset. I’m starting to like it.”

Mira clapped her hands and laughed. The bear doll gazed at me with sorrowful eyes, covering the sleeping Kashian.

So what should we do? I reflected on the young man’s words as I fell into silence.

Kashian called out to us. Because she thought we might be able to help her.

If so, how could we assist her?

I couldn’t directly affect these duels. Fighting was her domain. Therefore, I needed to support Kashian from the back.

So she could solely focus on these duels. To fully utilize her talents. I looked at Mira. Alone, it would have been impossible for me, but with her, it became feasible.

 

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