The Raven

Lawrence walked down the empty halls with the young secretary, her heels clicking against the floor and echoing around them.

Damn it…I really wanted to try it out. Maybe I can practice with Bernard.

One thing Lawrence realized in that brief duel was that he preferred using a sword over the kukri.

Perhaps it’s because I’m accustomed to using a katana.

“So, what does the Chancellor want with me?” He asked, trying to make small talk as they turned right into another hall.

“I wasn’t informed. All I know is that she wishes to see you.”

So much for that…

They eventually arrived at the administration wing and approached the door with a golden plaque that read “Chancellor’s Office.” Swallowing nervously, he had no idea what to expect from meeting with this person he’d never met, who wanted to see him.

Mustering up his courage, he slowly gripped the doorknob, opened the door, and stepped inside. The interior was primarily composed of dark brown, glossy wood, with bookshelves on either side of the room. A red carpet with golden outlines separated the two sides, leading up to the desk at the front of the room.

“It’s about time we met, Lawrence.”

For some reason, hearing her say his name sent chills down his spine as he watched the Chancellor cautiously, slowly reaching for his kukri.

She was a middle-aged woman with short, slightly curled light gray hair. She wore a dark brown mage robe and had her hands behind her back as she stared out the window.

“Who are you?” Lawrence narrowed his eyes, his hand still underneath his jacket.

“No need to pull out your weapon.” She replied, turning around to reveal she had dark brown eyes.

“How did…”

“How did I know? My familiar, Armac.” She gestured with her hand to the left. Reluctantly, he took his eyes off of her.

There was a raven with the same colored eyes as hers perched on the edge of the bookshelf, staring at him silently.

“It seems everyone has been watching me since I came here.”

“That’s something you should expect from emerging from a fire. I wonder how everyone would react if they knew you weren’t the real one?” She chuckled a bit, sitting down in her large leather chair.

“How do you know that?” Lawrence asked, feeling himself increasingly apprehensive.

“Relax. I’m a friend of your father, or, well, Lawrence’s father’s. He instructed me to help you learn everything there is to learn about being a mage, so if you need anything, this academy and I are at your disposal.”

“And what’s the catch?” He believed there was more to it than met the eye, still suspicious of her intentions.

“You’re pretty smart. I can only wonder who you were before being transmigrated.”

“I’ve learned that the smartest people don’t do things without a purpose.” He took his hand out of his jacket and let it fall to his side, assuming she wouldn’t do anything.

“Oh? And you believe me to be one of those people despite having just met me?”

“I’ve figured out that Jacob Blackwood was a man ahead of his time. If he’s asked for help from someone, they should be about the same as him in talent.”

“Hm, interesting theory. But yes, you’re right. There’s something I want from you in return.”

“And what would that be?”

“I would like to know what’s inside Elpis’s Box.” She revealed, interlacing her fingers as she leaned a bit closer.

He was shocked that she knew about Jacob's hidden box in the basement. But then again, she did say he asked her for help.

“I’m surprised you know about it.”

The Chancellor snorted. “Know about it? Boy, I built it.”

“You built it?” Lawrence’s eyes widened in surprise at the news. Although it made sense since it was made of a peculiar metal and exuded unique magical properties, something only someone like her could assemble.

“Yes. I built it from scratch using rare earth metals found in the Northern Lands and the Box’s mechanisms.”

“If you constructed it, why do you want to know what’s inside?”

She didn’t say anything for a second, contemplating what to say. “Jacob was a man of many secrets. The contents of Elpis’s Box are one of them. Truth be told, I thought he was crazy when he told me about this plan with the transmigration.”

“Why did you agree to help then?”

Everything became increasingly convoluted as Lawrence continued to discover more.

“Because he’s a dear friend, and I trust him, even now.” She smiled softly, as if recounting old memories.

Trust is something I’m all too familiar with and not fond of…Lawrence could never trust another person. Old habits die hard, and trying to kill them is even more complicated. In his previous life, he developed the ability to emotionally protect himself and keep a level head by being cautious of everyone.

“I see you’re doubtful.” She spoke, making him refocus his attention.

“How did you know that? Are you a mind reader?” He asked, a bit flustered as he tried to compose himself.

“A magician can’t give away all of her secrets.” She winked, giving him a sly smile.

“If that’s the case, then I would like to add something to our agreement.” He could feel the eyes of the raven on him as he pondered his answer, although he had a feeling the pesky avian was already relaying his thoughts to the Chancellor.

“This entire academy and its resources at its disposal. No holding out.” He demanded.

The Chancellor raised her eyebrows upon hearing his stipulation. “That’s a tall order.”

Lawrence folded his arms, looking at the Chancellor in her eyes. A brief gust of wind pounded on the glass windows behind her as he opened his mouth to speak. “The world rewards those who take all opportunities.”

The Chancellor rubbed the base of her chin, her chair squeaking as she adjusted in her seat. “Sure, why not?”

Lawrence tried not to reveal his delight that his words were able to convince her. Having complete access to the most prestigious academy would greatly benefit him.

Since the Chancellor was aware he wasn’t Lawrence, having her and her archives could help solve the questions he had been asking himself since he transmigrated.

“It will be interesting working with you, Chancellor.” He gave her a slight smile.

“It’s Valerie Macer.” She introduced herself, getting up from her chair.

“Farewell then, Chancellor Macer.” He said, beginning to leave, but halted in his tracks as something else popped into his mind.

“I have just one question.”

“What is it?”

“What is the attack that the students refer to? Is it connected to the North West hall being closed off?”

“A creature appeared several weeks ago, attacking students and faculty infrequently, but we haven’t been able to apprehend it.”

“I would’ve assumed the academy has a barrier spell of some kind. How would something like that even get into a place like this?”

“There is, but that thing manages to get in every time, which leads me to believe there may be someone on the inside.” She theorized, her tone turning grave.

“A spy?”

“Quite possibly. If I could ask you for a favor, I’d like you to assist the Disciplinary Committee with investigating.”

She took a pen from a stand on her desk and wrote something on a piece of parchment paper she removed from one of the drawers.

“Why me?”

“You’re an intelligent child, so I’d like to see how much you can grow, and this is the first step. But don’t you also want to know, too?” She stood up, walked down a few steps, and approached him.

In her hand was a rolled-up piece of paper with a red wax stamp and a slightly varied academy insignia.

“Take this as proof that you’re helping the Committee. And good luck.” She shoved the paper into his hand and ushered him out of the room before he could protest, just before the bell rang, indicating class was over.

Tch. This was her plan all along. She knew from the beginning.

He didn’t mind helping, but he didn’t like people seeing through his intentions so easily, looking up at the pesky raven again as its beady red eyes continued to stare at him.

~

The school day ended as Lawrence and Eva entered the hall, packed with everyone getting ready to leave.

“So…” Eva spoke, dragging her voice.

“Do you have any plans after this?” She asked innocently, a light-hearted aura emanating from her.

His heart almost skipped a beat, mentally trying to interpret what she could be insinuating.

Calm down. You don’t even know her.

“I have to meet with the Disciplinary Committee.” He replied matter-of-factly, his face unwavering and concealing his inner thoughts.

“Oh…” She sounded disappointed, dropping her shoulders and averting her eyes from him.

“Why do you ask?”

“Nothing in particular…What are you meeting with the Committee for?”

He looked toward the closed-off hall, feeling a dark aura exuding from it, before looking back.

“The Chancellor wanted me to work with them to help investigate the mysterious attacker from last night.”

“Wait, what? When you just returned to school? Isn’t that dangerous?” She replied perturbed, a bit distressed by the revelation, as he exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck.

“She didn’t give me much of a choice, I’m afraid.”

“Be safe…I don’t want to lose you again…”

He smiled a bit as he gently rubbed the top of her head, surprising her a bit. “I’ll be safe, I promise.”

Her face turned a bit red, which was easily noticeable to him.

“...What?” He asked awkwardly, putting his hand away.

“It’s just…you never used to touch me like this.” Her face was even redder, turning away to hide her embarrassment.

Why did you have to say it like that? He could mentally picture himself crying in reaction to that statement. He only hoped other students weren’t listening in on their conversation.

“A-anyways, good luck!” She sped off, disappearing into the crowd before he could stop her.

Damn you, Lawrence, making me do things I don’t usually do.

Clearing his throat and regaining his composure, he headed off toward the meeting room for the Committee.

He soon arrived outside and was about to open the door when someone called out his name.

“Lawrence!”

An NPC? The Blackwood son turned around to see a slightly shorter student with straight, short brown hair, black eyes, and rectangle glasses approaching.

“Oh, uh…” He was blanking on the name since he didn’t appear in any of Lawrence’s memories.

“Sayer…Waldengrave. I heard about your amnesia, but you were never one for names anyway.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Lawrence pretended to remember, feigning a laugh as he held his hand out.

“Did you forget we’re friends too?” Sayer joked a bit, shaking Lawrence’s hand anyway.

“I don’t remember much, unfortunately.”

“Not a surprise. I’m just happy to see you again, man.”

He smiled genuinely. Lawrence could feel his gentle energy.

“Likewise.”

It wasn’t hard for Lawrence to notice the black furry shape hiding behind Sayer’s neck, only revealing itself now.

“What is that?”

“Oh, it’s Kama. She’s a demonic Shadow Wolf pup. I managed to tame her not too long ago, and now she’s my familiar.”

Familiars…just like the Chancellor’s bird. I kind of want one now.

“What are you doing outside of the Committee meeting room?” Sayer rubbed the chin of his familiar as it leaned in for more.

“Just some business to attend to.”

“SAYERRRR!!!”

Someone shouted from down the hall. A student of the same age as them with blonde hair and midnight-colored eyes quickly ran up to Sayer and hugged him tightly.

“Nico, what are you doing here? I thought you had practice to attend.” Sayer asked, managing to pry the one known as Nico off.

“I was on my way until I saw you talking with…” Nico’s voice trailed off as he turned towards the Blackwood son.

“LAWRENCE!” He exclaimed ecstatically, practically pouncing on Lawrence and giving him a tight hug, making it difficult for him to breathe.

“Nico, get off of him. You don’t want to worsen his condition by reducing his oxygen supply.” Sayer scolded, removing him like a mother dog holding the scruff of its misbehaving puppy.

“Condition?” Nico tilted his head in confusion after Sayer let go of him.

“Ahaha…It seems I’m suffering from some amnesia, so I’m having difficulty remembering many things.” Lawrence explained, chuckling awkwardly.

“Oh…well, I hope you get better soon!”

“Come on, let’s stop bothering him.” Sayer dragged his friend along.

“Why aren’t you at practice, dummy?”

“I wanted to spend time with you.”

Lawrence heard Sayer sigh as he turned around and faced the door to the Disciplinary Committee. He smirked, thinking about the interesting dynamic the two had as he wrapped his hand around the doorknob.