I shake my head, a sigh escaping me. “You think I had a choice in this?” At my words, she shoots a glare at the boys, daggers thrown without hesitation. Kai barely rolls his eyes, as if it’s all just another part of the routine. Wyll simply shrugs his shoulder like kidnapping is another Tuesday to him.
“Come on,” Nalaka declares, her tone shifting to that familiar, no-nonsense Corporal duty. “We have classes to go to.” She starts walking toward the door, and I fall into step behind her.
“We’ll talk about this later, Brackwell,” she calls back to Kai over her shoulder.
So that’s his last name.
Wait.
"You've got to bekiddingme," I bite under my breath.
No wonder he's such a fucking asshole, he's the devil's spawn. A part of me wants to rebel and demand to stay with Nalaka, but I don’t want to become a burden. Besides, the manor gives more privacy than a dorm room, which I am in desperate need of.
18
Avilyna
WORTH MENTIONING
“The coursesat the Institute are divided into five categories. There's training, magic, history, strategy, and discipline.”
“Discipline?” I ask, eyebrow arched, unable to mask my curiosity. “The others seem pretty straightforward, but that one feels... a little vague.” We continue walking through the woods, the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet adding to the calm of the moment. In the daylight, the forest is almost peaceful, bathed in sunlight that filters through the branches, a natural spotlight leading us forward.
“Discipline is the focus of your field, your particular type of ability,” Nalaka explains, moving with a fluidity that seems almost otherworldly as she weaves through the towering trees. She barely disturbs the fallen leaves beneath her feet, as if she’s part of the forest itself. The kind of grace I can’t help but admire. “For example, I am an elf who specializes in combat, so my discipline is Legion. Those not in the Legion focus on either elemental magic, healing, or alchemy. However, Kallahan is dedicated to warfare, but in other kingdoms, they possess different areas of expertise.” I nod, taking it all in, though a piece of the puzzle still feels off.
“So, discipline is the only subject that can be different for every student ?” I ask, trying to make sense of it.
“Exactly,” Nalaka confirms. We finally step into the Institute’s yard, and it doesn’t take long before the differences among the students become apparent.
The Legions are obvious, disciplined, serious, dressed like they’re ready for a fight at any moment. Their uniforms are armoured with safety vests or tactical gear. Also, they carry themselves as if they’re invincible. Then there are the ones in aprons, Healers, I’m guessing, like Sakura. They’ve got a softer energy. And then I catch sight of a few in what looks like sleek black lab coats, Alchemists. You can almost feel the mix of science and wonder coming off them. Controlled, methodical, probably a little explosive if you push the wrong button.
The rest?
Focused on elemental magic and knowledge. But I got shoved into the military program. Clearly, every student leaves the Institute as a decorated soldier, but I would’ve preferred something less physical. They don’t have a special uniform; they only respect the Institute’s trade colour, black.
“Here’s your schedule,” Nalaka says, handing me a piece of paper. “Maybe I wasn’t clear enough, but I’ve volunteered to be your mentor.” I scan over the packed schedule.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I reply, my voice flat as I flick my eyes back to her. “I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.” She just smiles, the kind that doesn’t quite reach her eyes but still holds some sincerity. I scan the paper and feel a chill slide down my spine. The first class starts at 7 AM.
Seven in the morning.
Oh, fuck no.
I am going to die.
Physical training, weapons training, tactical exercises, field exercises…maintenance of equipment and gear? And just whenI think it can’t get worse, I see it, night patrols, once a week. Plus all the basic courses on top of that.
“You’re joking! This can’t be legal,” I say, eyes wide as I stare at Nalaka, who just gives me an apologetic smile.
“Don’t worry,” she reassures me, her tone almost too calm. “I’ll be there to help you.”
How comforting. I don’t say anything, I’m too busy reevaluating every decision that led me to this moment. I’ve handled demons, magic, and dimensional rifts, but cardio every day… That might actually kill me. I feel the sting behind my eyes and instantly hate it.
I don’t cry. Not over this, I’m not that pathetic. I take a breath, chin up, shoulders back. Fine, bring it on. But if anyone makes me run laps before a proper coffee, I willkillthem.
“Since those idiots didn’t wake you up, you’ve already missed half your classes, and even at the Institute, there’s a certain leniency for the new students,” Nalaka says, her tone light, almost teasing. “It’ll ease you right into it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “That’s one way to spin it.” I fold my arms as she starts walking, and I follow.
