Self-Improvements

The following day, everyone goes about their business. Students roam throughout the school with plenty in their respective classes, such as Lila currently in her Metamorphosis Spells class.

Swish

“Mutatio Forma.” Lila says.

With Haruto shining blue, the egg begins to stretch and convulse, as if it was made of rubber. Its shape turns circular, and floats as it now takes the appearance of a simple plate.

“Excellent work Lila. You’ve improved so much just this past week.” Lila’s slime teacher says.

“Thank you, Mrs. Kobayashi. My amazing friends have helped me.” Lila bows toward her as Haruto’s eyes expressed happily.

“Keep those friends close to you, they’re one of a kind to help you improve like this.” Mrs. Kobayashi says.

By the edge of the school’s grounds, some students gather around their teacher. He uses his wand to levitate a yellow ribbon to the top of the tree.

“Okay everyone, I want you to climb this tree to the top, get the ribbon and climb back down. But I don’t want you using any spells at all. Who wants to go first?”

“I’ll go.” Taro says.

The teacher and the others look surprised by Taro’s volunteering. Taro looks at the tree, noticing all of the branches, stumps, and impact of the wind. Taro limbers up his limbs.

“This will be easy.” Taro says to himself.

In a quick leap, Taro lands on all fours on the lowest branch, and begins climbing upwards on any branch he sees. In a few seconds, he makes it to the top of the tree and grabs the ribbon. Looking down, he precariously lands on a nearby branch and begins jumping off of them to descend.

He carefully lands on the ground and hands over the ribbon to his teacher.

“There you go Mr. Aoki.” Taro says happily.

The professor looks stunned with the other students there visibly shocked.

“Well done Taro. I have to say it’s very surprising you volunteered first.” Mr. Aoki says.

“Well, I have some fantastic friends that have been encouraging to say the least.”

Mr. Aoki nods in approval.

“I expect more participation from you now, no more laziness.” Mr. Aoki says, smiling.

Meanwhile, Mia is in Medical Remedies and is presenting a new concoction she created on her own.

“Professor and Nurse Keiko, this here is my original elixir. Meant for not only elves but Kitsune and humans as well.”

The class looks confused as Mia takes a bottle of Vita Water and adds it to a small chamber pot. Next, she adds in soft grass that Taro would like to lay on. Afterwards, she adds in some Elven cloth as well as some mint leaves.

Mia readies her wand and pronounces her words.

“Coniunge et denuo sana.”

The chamber pot begins to rumble as all of the ingredient's merge with one another. They break down to their simplest forms and merge to become a brand-new colored liquid. Its appearance looks Cyan in nature and glows as Mia steadies her wand.

Grabbing an empty small bottle from her waist, she readies her wand again.

“Impleo.” She speaks.

The liquid from the small chamber pot begins levitating and enters the empty bottle. The bottle becomes full of every drop as Lila closes it.

Her teacher and Nurse Keiko clap.

“I’m astounded Mia. Does it really work though?” Her teacher asks.

“It will Mrs. Ogino. Try some for that light rash on your hand.” Mia answers as she hands over the bottle.

Mrs. Ogino opens the bottle and lightly pours some on her hand. The elixir begins to act upon the rash, leaving no pain. A soothing sensation is felt as the rash disappears, making Mrs. Ogino smiles.

“Incredible work Mia. Keiko, you should be proud of assisting her.” Mrs. Ogino says.

“It’s all Mia’s doing. I’m beyond impressed at her creativeness and confidence.” Keiko answers.

“Actually, it’s because of my friends and their comfort that helped me. Especially Taro.”

Keiko looks surprised and smiles.

“Keep them by your side, your friends are important.”

Mia bows towards Keiko and her professor as the class applauds.

Elsewhere, Lila and Haruto exit their classroom, entering the main hall of the building. Both are happy with the results of their improvement on spellcasting. Numerous students still mention the past events of the few days but none of this fazes Lila.

“You know Haruto, we should practice the more powerful spells. I think we can handle them now.” Lila whispers to him.

Haruto wiggles, knowing how much control both of them have now. Lila smiles as she heads for her dorm.

Thud

Lila bumps into a fellow teacher, Mr. Oto. Who is carrying a few books and looking disheveled.

“I’m so sorry Mr. Oto. I didn’t see where I was going.”

“Oh, it’s no problem. I was rebalancing some books here in a hurry. I should have done this in my office, but I have to juggle so many things.” Mr. Oto replies.

“It’s okay, have a good day sir.” Lila says.

“You too.” Mr. Oto rebuffs.

Lila walks by as a few of the students race off to the main entrance of the school.

“They’re actually here! They’re here!” A male fairy says.

Lila and Haruto look confused as they follow some others in the crowd. They see great balls of light land on top of the large reflecting pool, changing shape into beings.

“Whoa, they’re here to protect us?” A female salamander says.

The beings look stern with their elegant, cloaked clothes with it having light pieces of metal engraved throughout, reminiscent of knight's armor. A small engraving on the left side of their chest says “Spes Protector”.

“Looks like Merlin sent us Hope Protectors as promised.” Lila says to herself and Haruto.

Haruto looks on and is impressed by the looks of these guards of varying species.

“Merlin is a man of his word. All of them look so cool.” Haruto mutters to himself.

The leader of the group, an old dog beastman, steps forward.

“Everyone, go about your business. Me and my colleagues will watch over and keep you safe in compliance with the Elite Hope Guardians.”

All of the Hope Protectors begin to walk towards the school. Lila and Haruto go back to walking to their room.

“Man, I just hope they will help out in any way. This school has been through too much.” Haruto says to himself.

With newly appointed protectors added to the school, the tension lightly clears up. Although not entirely.