Black Mist

by Michael Sisa

  “Ehem,” she said in an attempt to garner attention. “I am Professor Quittle. I shall be your professor for Herbalism.” She raised a finger and pointed towards a plant near her feet. With a ~shing sound that lasted a jiffy, the plant grew from a mere half-inch into a meter large one. A flower grew right at its center, and a sharp set of teeth was seen. It gnashed its pearly whites, creating screeching sounds. The students took a step back as they stared at the creature in both fear and awe.

  “Holy damn?!”

  “That’s seriously awesome!”

  “I thought that Herbalism would be hella boring!”

  Professor Quittle’s brow rose after she heard the last remark. Regardless, she inwardly smirked after she had successfully garnered everyone’s attention. The magic feat she had just performed was her way of greeting the students. Otherwise, they would not even bother to cast a second look at her class. To most, Herbalism was an uninteresting subject.

  Professor Quittle stroked the screeching plant with sharp set of teeth. Its petals were violent yellow, and it was bright to the point of disturbing. “There… there… calm down, honey.” The monster plant hissed down and stopped its screeching. It rubbed its head against the professor’s arm, creating an atmosphere that bespoke of the words ‘mother and daughter.’

  Quittle turned to the spectating students. “The magic just now is called Grand Creation. It’s something only those that have attained a certain level in Earth Magic could cast.” She pulled out a hand from her robe and waived it around thrice. What resulted afterwards made everyone cringe with fear and surprise.

  The area around the group had turned into a living forest. The previously unmoving plants began to move around, and like the monster flower, they began to resemble carnivorous and ferocious beasts. Roars and screeches reverberated as the monster plants flocked towards Professor Quittle. The students cowered away in fear.

  “Herbalism is taught to students during their first years for a reason,” Quittle said while stroking the bark of a three-headed monster tree. “The forest that surrounds the Sky Academy is full of monsters. And by monsters… I don’t mean the usual ones found in the Empire below. The founder of the academy, Master Walker, made the effort to gather a wide variety of monsters seen across not only in the Empire of Kulaima, but in the entire Continent of Tal itself.” A large vine sprouted from the ground and flailed about in the air. Quittle continued her intimidation speech. “As magicians, there will surely come a time wherein you’ll receive a mission to go outside the walls. Plant monsters… you’ll surely encounter them in such journeys.”

  Quittle flicked her fingers, and the plants monsters shrank in size, eventually returning to their previous states. The students breathed a sigh of relief after the monstrosities were finally gone. Most students had assumed a pale-faced appearance. Trickles of sweat flowed down their faces as they listened to the professor’s speech. By now, they no longer treated the subject of Herbalism as mediocre and unnecessary.

  “Herbalism is being thought to the first years for a reason—so that you little pricks don’t lose your life in your attempts to wander the forest that surrounds this place. It’s also a prerequisite for the second year subject, Basic Alchemy.”

  Quittle clapped her hands twice. “So? Let’s begin, shall we?”

  After her ‘little’ introduction, Professor Quittle asked the students to roam the Green House. She specifically told them not to touch the plants with a red symbol mark on the signage near it. Such plants were either poisonous or hallucinogenic.

  “Familiarize yourselves with the plants. For today, that will be everything. We’ll start with the History of Herbalism in our next session,” Quittle had previously said. Numerous grunting sounds were heard the moment she mentioned the word ‘history.’

  ***

  Dan wordlessly inspected the variety of plants inside the Green House. Contrary to most of the students, he found the subject of Herbalism as interesting. Somehow, the scent of flowers and trees gave him the nostalgia. It reminded him of the time he had spent back in his village outside the Empire. It was the most blissful moment of his life. That much, he was sure.

  He saw a swaying cluster of gold at the corner of his eyes, and upon closer inspection, he realized what it was: Miraka Wheat. It was the proud product of their village. Till now, he could still remember the aromatic scent it gave once turned to bread. It was marked as light green, pertaining that it was relatively harmless. He read the texts written on the placard.

  Miraka Wheat

  Alchemy Ingredient: Class F

  Along with eight others, it is used in creating the low grade potion, Lesser Detoxification.

  He was gently gazing at the still pieces of yellow and gold when he heard a muffled cry. He glanced at its direction and saw a male student entangled within vines. His mouth was covered by a thick canopy of leaves, and after a long look, he saw that tears streamed down his gray eyes. Those pair of jewels desperately swiveled left and right, and the moment it saw him, it bulged as it wordlessly screamed for help.

  ‘What’s this?’ Dan’s lips lightly curled to the side as he tried to suppress his laughter. The way the male student was entangled was so peculiar that he found the predicament funny. Dan steeled his face in his attempt to create a serious façade despite the boiling laughter inside of him.

  “Mmpppfft!” the male student said. It was evident that he was unable to breath. Dan quickly pulled out the vines using brute force, and after an arduous pulling and tugging, the young male student had finally broken free. He fell to the ground and rolled twice. His crimson uniform was now filled with muck. He was huffing as he stared directly into Dan’s eyes.

  The male student stood up and brushed off the dirt on his clothes. With an annoyed smirk, he bit his lips. He mumbled, “Guess I should say thanks? You’ve saved me. It would have been the most pathetic thing—to be killed by vin—”

  The student stopped and paused. He stared at Dan and scrutinized him from head to toe. With a slightly opened mouth, he said, “A-Ah! You’re that!”

  Dan tilted his head. “That?”

  “The son of the Emperor of Fire! The student that’s among the bottom feeders but got all four subjects because of his fami—” He placed a mouth in his hand as he realized that he had said too much. He warily observed Dan for his reaction.

  ‘So that’s the reason, huh?’ Dan realized the reason behind the uneasy atmosphere the moment he had stepped foot inside the Green House. It seemed that he had indeed got one of the lowest marks in the test, but for some reason, it seemed that he got all of the four subjects despite that.

  “How many subjects should I have… in reality?” Dan asked. His voice was eerily calm, making the atmosphere turn completely to another direction. The male student flinched and his eyes began to moist. By now, the thought that he was having a one-on-one conversation with the future head of the Roshaila Family gave him a dreadful feeling.

  He swallowed the lump in his throat. “F-Forgive me! I mean…” He looked around in his desperate attempt of seeking help but found none. His chest rapidly rose then fell. “E-Eh… P-Please don’t be mad, okay? Usually… those that scores the least gets only one subject. I guess this class should be thankful to you because we’re also getting the special treatment—all four subjects instead of one.”

  The student again looked around for help but again found none. “But we can’t help it, right? It’s the first time it happened… a bottom feeder getting special treatment in the Sky Academy. Chairman Grasse is a monster himself. Even with the might of the Seven Great Families, he’s not someone that would budge and cower. But you—” The student again swallowed. “You’re an exemption. It seems that he specifically broke the norm just to give you everything the first year life has to offer. That alone speaks of how much power you currently hold. That alone speaks of how much the Roshaila Family is feared, I guess?”

  His next words were almost a whisper. “You can’t blame us if we get
scared… fear you… we’re… uncertain of your character. Most high ranking nobles… they’re….”

  “I see. That makes sense,” Dan simply said. He placed a hand on the student’s shoulder, startling him in response. “But I assure you, I won’t use my status to discriminate anyone here.”

  Dan walked past the student after he gave a small nod. There was no need for further explanations. He knew that everyone was entitled to their own beliefs and opinions. After the rumor had spread, he was left with no choice but to prove that he was not what they thought he was through actions. Still, it was not like he really cared that much about what they thought. He shrugged off the revelation in his mind like moss stuck on his shoulder.

  Just right before Dan disappeared, the student called out to him, “I-I see! Then… it’s a pleasure to meet you!” Dan turned around after those words. His eyes glimmered with amusement.

  The student briskly walked towards him, making his black hair formally combed to the back dishevel further in response. He was still huffing. He raised a hand and gestured a handshake. Dan grabbed the slightly tanned hand after a few seconds of pause.

  The student said, “I am Negi Mercolva, fourth son of the Mercolva Family’s Head. Though unlike you, my nobility is not that great. My family’s hardly a noble… just a little bit more and we’ll lose our nobility status. That’s what I’m here for—to become a great magician and help bring back my family from the brink of collapse!” After noticing that he had said too much for his self-introduction, Negi awkwardly scratched his head. “I’m not really talented in magic… but I guess there’s no harm in trying?”

  Dan furthered his grip and shook the hand that held his. He smiled. “There’s absolutely no harm in trying.” Negi’s eyes widened after his declaration. He had not expected the son of the Emperor of Fire to utter such genuine words. It was without hint of malice nor façade.

  Dan grinned. “Pleasure... Daniek Bhlot Roshaila.”

  Chapter 19: Martial Arts Class

  Three hours quickly passed by and without notice, the first and only class for the day had ended. Dan stood amidst the crowd as he silently listened to the professor’s speech. Mostly, it consisted of how important it was to learn the basics of Herbalism. Majority of the students desperately tried not to doze off as they eagerly waited for the class to finally finish. Somehow, Negi stuck close to Dan all throughout the ordeal.

  “Finally!” Negi made a long mouth-uncovered yawn as he glanced at Dan using the sides of his eyes. The two of them were currently outside the Green House. Most of the students had either gone back to their dormitories or were roaming the academy grounds. “Tomorrow’s the Martial Arts class! I can’t wait~”

  “What do you plan to do now that class’ over?” Dan asked as he stared at a small statue of a dwarf carrying a large tankard. It was made of wood and it stood proud next to the Green House’s exit. After checking his status plate, Dan found out that each day, only one subject was to be attended. Over all, there were four subjects for the first years: Herbalism, Magus Arts, Martial Arts, and History.

  Negi flexed his arms wide then breathed out a sigh of exhilaration. “I’ll go to the Crimson Bastille—there is something I would rather not miss! Hehehe~” A small drool was on his mouth. With beaming eyes, he added in an agitated voice, “Then—see ‘ya tomorrow! Not so high and mighty like the rumors said... maybe we could get along?”

  Before Dan could even reply, Negi dashed forward and eventually disappeared from sight. Whatever was inside the Crimson Bastille that made Negi so hyped up, Dan had no idea. With a shrug, he went back towards his dormitory.

  ***

  The clock quickly ticked by and it was now Dan’s second day at the Sky Academy. Today was a day dedicated to the Martial Arts Class. Everyone was currently at the training grounds of the Sky Academy. It was a spherical stadium that spanned almost a hundred meters in size. The ground was polished to near white perfection but somehow, it retained its rough texture. It was practically a perfect place to move about. Dan stood amidst the group of students as he quietly listened to their professor’s speech. Negi was beside him, black marks encircling his eyes.

  “That was so awesome... that creature inside the Crimson Bastille...,” Negi said as he casted a yawn. His eyes were moist and his lips dry. He shook his head twice as if dismissing his grogginess.

  “Creature?” Dan curiously asked. His gaze was still focused on the professor.

  “Yeah! A drake!” Negi squeeked. Some of the students glanced at his direction. After noticing that his voice was too loud, he reduced it to almost a whisper. “A drake... man... it was so awesome! I’ve been told that it’s been captured around two months ago! An Elder Drake at that!”

  “Little prick –do you wish to share something with the entire class?” a deep voice said to Negi. It was low but imposing. Negi froze and a trickle of sweat flowed down his forehead. He swallowed before he replied, “N-No... sir!” A few snickering sounds were heard afterwards.

  The owner of the deep voice pulled out the large broadsword from his back and stabbed it on the ground. He rested one of his callused hands on the hilt. His head was bald, and a twin scar ran across his cheeks. His eyes were deep and fierce. He wore a robe devoid of sleeves. It was open at the middle, revealing his well-toned body. With a glare, he snarled, “You’re all aiming to become magicians, correct?”

  A pause filled the area before the students replied, “Yes, sir!”

  The man formed a fist and thumped it on his chest, creating a loud thud sound. He gritted his teeth and made a suppressed roar. The students almost took a step back after they saw the intimidating appearance of the beast.

  “Martials Arts! Magus Arts! Spirit Arts! Those three are what you need the most if you want to survive in this shit hole you call the Empire!” The words ‘shit hole’ and ‘Empire’ were emphasized the most. “I am Professor Rouma, and I shall be your professor for the Martial Arts Class!”

  Professor Rouma raised a finger and gestured for Negi to come forward. Negi nervously glanced at Dan then to the rest of the students. He gulped down the lump in his throat before he went his way towards the professor’s side. His gait was stiff and unsteady.

  Rouma motioned a flicking stance to Negi’s forehead the moment he stood right before him. The professor’s height was a towering two meters, and his fingers were thick enough to pulverize bricks.

  “Aah!” Negi immediately took a step back. Rouma glared and lowered down his hand. He flexed his neck twice. Rouma said, “Name?”

  Negi gulped down. With moist eyes, he answered, “Negi Mercolva, sir!”

  “Then Negi—because you are so enthusiastic of my class—” It was obvious that Rouma was annoyed of Negi’s ramblings a few moments before. The malice in his eyes was evident. “We’ll have you take part in my demonstration.” The professor’s eyes casted a quick look at the clustered students. “Choose a partner. The two of you shall participate in my demonstration of what Martial Arts Class mean.” Rouma’s voice was firm. It clearly would not take no as an answer.

  Negi’s heart pounded fast. He knew that whomever he chose, that person would share the same fate as him. He was not that close yet with anyone in the class. He turned around and looked at everyone’s faces. They wore faces that clearly stated, “not me!” After his pair of grey jewels landed on Dan, he made up his mind. He mumbled, “Dan?” It was almost a question. He was afraid of the professor, but he was also afraid of the next head of the Roshaila Family.

  To Negi’s relief, Dan moved forward a few seconds after. He stopped and stood wordlessly next to him. Negi whispered, “I’m sorry ‘bout this mate... I have no one else to ask.” His voice had an obvious hint of fear and embarrassment in it.

  “It’s fine,” was Dan’s reply. His voice was calm and composed despite the menacing figure of a professor in front of them. Rouma saw the scene and made a subtle smirk.

  Rouma snarled, “All students—move back a couple of meters to th
e sides! Now!”

  Multiple footsteps rumbled against the ground after his orders. A few moments after, only Dan and Negi were left with the professor. The other students watched from a fair distance. All wore anticipated looks upon their faces. According to rumors, Rouma was a veteran warrior that had survived countless battlefields. He was the perfect professor for the Martial Arts Class.

  Rouma amplified his voice using magic. A thunderous sound bellowed. “Listen maggots! You little pricks that know little to no magic! A magician has a glaring weakness—mana! The moment he loses all mana in his body, he becomes as vulnerable as a farmer holding a sickle! The moment a magician loses his mana—he dies!” He pulled out his broadsword from the ground and sheathed it into the scabbard. “That’s what the Martial Arts Class is for! We teach the students not to rely too much on their magic! The physical body is the only thing that would save you the moment you lose everything else! Remember that you little shits!”

  He made a cackling laugh and snorted. “This little twerp shall demonstrate to us how weak and fragile humans are!” Negi trembled as he felt the malice from Rouma. “I will teach you little shits what death means! I will teach you what fear means! I will teach you all what it means to fight without magic!”