The Mythical Necromancer

The silence following the Headmaster was deafening. Tension filled the air in the hall as every pair of eyes turned toward Arthur, their expressions a mix of fear and awe.

Arthur stood frozen in time, his hands resting on the orb covered in a dark green shadow. He could feel an otherworldly chill radiating from it, as if it had glanced through his soul, leaving a fragment of its power behind.

"A... Mythical Rank class?" someone in the crown whispered, their voice shaking.

"It's impossible!" another student exclaimed.

Arthur glanced at the Headmaster, whose face was quite pale. He took a deep breath and regained his composure.

"Indeed, Arthur Grimwood has awakened the Mythical Necromancer class," he announced.

The murmurs among the audience grew louder. Students were whispering to one another, teachers exchanged uneasy glances, and even Ella and Damien stared at Arthur with shock.

Damien, however, quickly masked his shock with a sneer.

"A Necromancer? How fitting for someone like you, Grimdirt. Playing with dead things suits you."

Arthur ignored him, prioritizing his thoughts.

The Mythical Necromancer... Harbinger of Death?

These words sounded daunting and exhilarating in his mind. Although he had no idea what all this truly meant, he could feel the power of the title, holding deep responsibility and power.

"Silence!" the Headmaster's voice boomed, commanding everyone's silence and attention. "This is an unprecedented event in the Academy's history. As such, Arthur Grimwood will undergo careful evaluations to ensure the safety of all students and faculty."

Arthur could read between the lines:

They don't trust me.

But he understood the feeling of fear, as he himself experienced it.

"Until further notice," the Headmaster continued, "Arthur will be monitered closely under the supervision of Aether Professor, Lucian Verlan. For now, it is best for this to be kept within the walls of the Academy."

At the mention of Professor Verlan, whispers rippled through the crowd once more. Known as the Academy's most formidable mage and a very strict instructor, Verlan was respected, and feared, by students and staff alike.

From the side of the stage, a tall man with graying hair and sharp, piercing blue eyes stepped forward. His long, dark robe and confident stride exuded aura.

"Professor Verlan," the Headmaster addressed him, "Arthur Grimwood will be placed in your care, I trust you will ensure his portential is properly cultivated, and more importantly responsibly managed."

Verlan looked at the Headmaster, his expression unreadable. "Understood, Headmaster."

He turned his gaze to Arthur stabbing his soul as he studied him, piece by piece. "Follow me, Grimwood. Your training will begin now."

...

As the ceremony concluded, Arthur followed Professor Verlan out of the hall. The whispers and stares of the other students followed him like shadows. Most kept their distance, as if he carried a disease, while some watched him in curiousity.

"Arthur!" Ella's voice called out.

He turned to see her approaching.

"Congratulations," she said, though her voice was catious.

"Thanks," he replied simply.

"I don't know what it means to have a Mythical Rank class," she admitted, "but I hope you understand the kind of attention this will bring you. Not all of it will be good. I understand because of my status."

"I figured as much," Arthur said, glancing at a group of students, who quickly averted their gaze.

Ella hesitated, then added, "Still, I'm.. impressed. I'll be watching to see what you do with this power. But don't think I'll fall behind you."

With that, she quickly turned and walked away, leaving Arthur alone with Professor Verlan. 

...

They stopped at a secluded training ground behind the Academy. The area was surrounded by high stone walls etched with protective Aether enchantments, ensuring the containment of any damage.

"Let's get one thing straight boy," Verlan began, his tone sharp and commanding. "This class that you have, is unlike anything the Academy, or the world for that matter, has seen in hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of years. Your powers are unknown, dangerous, and potentially fatal if left unchecked."

Arthur nodded, unsure of what to say.

Verlan continued, his piercing gaze unmovable. "The Headmaster may see potential in you, but I see it as a liability. My job is to ensure you don't become a threat to yourself or anyone else."

Arthur clenched his fists. "I didn't ask for this power."

"No one chooses their class, Grimwood, " Verlan said coldly. "But they do have the choice of what they make of it. Now, show me what you can do."

Arthur hesitated. "I... don't know how to use my powers yet, professor."

Verlan sighed, rubbing the sides of his head. "Typical. Fine. Let's start with the basics. Focus on the Aether within you. Draw it out, and let it flow through your body."

Arthur had already known the basics of Aether control, so he could easily emit Aether throughout his body. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, imaging a diagram of his body's circulation. However, instead of seeing the vibrant, blue light of Aether through his veins, there was a dark energy stirring within him. It was cold and heavy, yet it pulsed with raw, untamed power.

As he focused this power, a faint, eerie aura began to surround him, a deep purple mist swirling at his feet. The temperature in the air dropped noticeably, and the plants near him withered.

W-what is this Aether...