Instructors of the 31st Degree

The Teachers' Lounge was buzzing.

Ezekiel sat in his usual chair, checking his pocket watch. He was a man of clockwork precision, annoyed by the sudden disruption in the school's atmosphere. Across from him, Lilith and Arachna were leaning in close, whispering.

"They say she's the spitting image" Lilith said, her eyes wide. "Down to the eye color."

"I have to see it to believe it," Arachna replied, cleaning her nails with a small dagger. "Silver bringing a woman here? And one who looks like Her? It sounds like a bad romance novel."

“I just want to give Silver an earful for ruining my day! I had an entire presentation prepared for my students and I couldn’t even enjoy it because they were all too busy gossiping!”  Lilith lamented 

The door kicked open.

"OH, SILVER! WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!" Aureli burst in, his handsome face flushed with excitement. "Where is he? I heard he brought an angel to campus!"

"He's in his office" Ezekiel said dryly, standing up. "And we should probably get there before the students riot."

The four instructors marched out to the Magic Farming Greenhouse. They navigated through rows of sentient cabbages snapping at their ankles until they reached the PI office in the back corner.

Ezekiel raised his hand to knock but Aureli didn't wait. He kicked the door open.

Silver was standing behind his desk, a disaster zone of case files, red string, and overflowing ashtrays. He looked up, exhaustion etched into his features. On the table was a freshly lit cigarette sitting on an ashtray as Silver stood there hunched over his leather chair. 

Vanessa sat nearby on the leather couch, looking out of place in the chaotic room, listening intently to the case Silver was mentioning. The duo were taken aback by Aureli’s dramatic entrance, but it stunned them into silence more than anything. 

As Vanessa pulled down her hood, the four teachers froze. Even Ezekiel lost his composure.

"Oh my..." Aureli breathed. He spun around, clutching his chest theatrically. "You’ve shot me! Right through the heart!" He slid across the floor on his knees, grabbing Vanessa’s hand. "I am Aureli, dollface. Tell me, did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"

Vanessa recoiled, looking at Silver with a plea for help.

"You're so creepy, Aureli" Silver deadpanned, blowing smoke toward the ceiling. "Back off. She thinks you're ugly." 

Aureli walked over and grabbed Silver by the collar

“Don’t you think you have some explaining to do here ol’ buddy of mine? Who exactly is she and where did she come from?” Aureli asked as Silver shoved his hand away from his collar.

The two men stood there ready to engage in battle

"Explain yourself, Silver!" Arachna stepped forward, her witch’s hat nearly knocking over a stack of books. She eyed Vanessa critically. "Who is she? And why does she look like the Founder?"

"Maybe I can explain."

The deep voice silenced the room. Headmaster Chernobog stood in the doorway, his presence filling the small office.

“Great timing Chernobog” Silver responded, however Lilith and Ezekiel had seen enough,

“I’ve seen enough, I don’t have more time to waste.” Lilith reasoned as she left before anyone else.

“I must go as well, I have a question paper to prepare for tommorows mock test.” Ezekiel explained on his way out of the greenhouse.

“I’ve.. got nothing to do so I’m going to tag along“ Arachna commented as Aureli loosened his tie and locked eyes with Vanessa

“ I’m curious about her so there’s no way I’m leaving before I get answers.” the handsome instructor added

“There is no use standing around here. If you wanna know the truth, follow me.”

Chernobog commanded as he left Silver’s office, followed closely by the group.

As they walked, Arachna made no attempt to hide her scrutiny. She hovered around Vanessa, leaning in so close that the wide brim of her witch’s hat swatted the elf in the face more than once.

“What flawless skin...” Arachna murmured, her eyes narrowing with a mix of envy and curiosity.

Vanessa simply offered a polite smile, unfazed by the intrusion. Despite the whimsical hat, Arachna was clearly dangerous; a massive Odachi—a greatsword—was slung across her back, secured not by a leather strap, but by a rough coil of rope bound tightly across her torso. It was a brute's weapon, suggesting she preferred severing heads to casting spells.

As the group walked back toward the main building, the atmosphere was tense. But before Chernobog could explain the mystery of Vanessa’s face, a commotion near the dorms drew their attention.

A group of 20th Degree students had cornered a girl from the 30th Degree classroom. Meline Joy lay in the dirt, clutching her ribs, while her class mate Noah, tried desperately to shield her.

"How could a talentless bitch like you get into the 30th Degree?" one of the bullies shrieked plling Meline by the hair, while another bully kicked Noah aside. "Your mana density is pathetic. You're polluting our air!"

"Stop it!" Noah cried, blood running down his nose. "Leave her alone!"

"We're just putting trash where it belongs!"  Another one of the girls slapped Noah in the face and pulled him away as the fourth girl went in for Meline’s face to really punish her. She sat on top of Meline and pinned her arms with her legs, cracking her knuckles and channeling magic into a punch. 

Her swing was caught in mid-air.

Chernobog stood there, his grip like iron. The bully looked up, all color draining from her face.

"Violence against fellow students" Chernobog said, his voice terrifyingly calm. "Arachna. Take them to my office. Prepare the expulsion papers."

"My father will hear about this!" the girl screamed as Arachna dragged them away.

Vanessa helped Meline up, dusting off her robe. "Are you alright?"

Meline nodded mutely, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. Noah scrambled up, taking her hand. He glared angrily at the students watching from the windows, the ones who sought entertainment, the ones who had done nothing to help, pulling Meline away from the judgrmental eyes toward the quiet side of campus,

"Young love" Chernobog sighed, watching them head towards the church. He turned back to Silver and Vanessa. 

“I suppose our conversation will have to be postponed.” the headmaster grumbled 

“Hold on there gramps! I wanna know what’s going on. Just tell us where to go and we’ll figure it out on our own!”  Aureli was adamant but this was just an excuse to spend more time with Vanessa, to learn her so-called secret. Unfortunately for Aureli, the curiosity was not mutual. Vanessa had no intentions of turning her emotions into eagerness or caring which was obvious to Aureli’s eyes.

He couldn't help but pout.

“If you insist. Take this." 

"Go to the Mythical Archives. Box 7902. The history of the woman on the walls is in there. I suspect you will find it... illuminating."

Chernobog then turned to the elf, his ancient eyes softening. "Welcome to Sol Academy, Vanessa. While you are here, no harm will come to you. I must honor the oath my forefathers swore. Now, If you’ll excuse me.” The legendary sorcerer paid his respects and left

Aureli snatched the key from Silver. He stared at the key with excitement and wonder, peering over at Vanessa who was also fixated on it.

Finally having her gaze on him caused Aureli to be filled with vigor

“Well then what are we waiting for?” He marched on with joy, leading the duo into the academy.