Free Web NovelChapter 19: Chapter 19 - Red Flag
Night entered the Academy through the front gate. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt like he had entered a completely different space. The air was much denser with mana.
His nose twitched at the sudden influx of various scents, but he adjusted to it quickly. He had almost forgotten about this skill; mostly because it was so easy to get used to, and because his other skill, [Beast Instinct], was so much more powerful. It made [Sensitive Nose] barely feel like a skill at all. freēwēbnovel.com
As he walked in, he saw someone marching toward him. The person was dressed like a classic wizard, appearing to be in his sixties with a fully grown white beard.
The man asked sternly, "You are not one of the students in the Academy. Explain why you have come here."
"I want to join the Academy," Night replied.
The wizard scoffed. "You need to follow the proper procedures. You have to register at the HVA Office near the Mayor’s office first."
"Can’t I register here?" Night argued.
"Only nobles are allowed direct registration. Commoners need to be tested at the HVA Office first, then they will be allowed in if deemed worthy." The wizard started to spout noble propaganda just like that.
"Nobles are given these privileges not just on a whim; they were earned!"
"Earned by shedding blood and tears on the battlefield!"
"To keep commoners like you safe!"
Before the wizard could choke on his own bullshit—talk he didn’t even seem to believe himself—a pleasant voice sounded beside Night.
"It’s okay, let him be. He is with me."
She looked to be in her twenties, with long black hair and striking grey eyes, wearing a black robe much like a witch. Although she looked like a teenager, she carried the commanding presence of a true leader.
The wizard, despite being decades older, stopped his tirade and backed off immediately. It wasn’t because he lacked pride, but in the current world, strength commanded absolute respect. And this girl was strong.
Night looked at her and thought, What’s with this robe getup? Is this the current fashion?
She looked at Night and beckoned him closer. When he was near enough, she placed her right palm on his shoulder, and they disappeared.
Left behind, the wizard muttered in reverence, "Using space magic so effortlessly... truly a genius."
[Sara’s POV]
Sara looked at the cute boy with blue eyes sitting in front of her. He looked so harmless.
But looks didn’t fool her.
Just five minutes ago, she had been sitting at her desk, minding her own business and diligently doing her job. The paperwork was a chore, but it was part of the position. Even if it felt like she was drowning in it, she was happy.
After all, six years ago, when the World Council asked her to take charge of the Academy in the Desert City, she had accepted it without a second thought. She loved kids. She had never found the courage to marry and have children of her own, so looking after them had become her favorite pastime.
But when she felt a massive energy anomaly trigger the surveillance magic circle, she had worried a strong beast had invaded the city. When she peeked at the anomaly through the array, however, it was just a kid, looking enviously at the children being dropped off at the Academy by their parents.
To her senses, he looked like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment. She had come out to check on him, only to see him being pestered by that weirdo.
She pointed at the chair opposite her. "Please, sit."
When Night sat down, she settled behind her own desk. She waved her hand, and all the towering stacks of paperwork vanished into her spatial storage. Tapping the wood, two teacups perfectly filled with steaming tea appeared out of nowhere in the center of the desk.
She gestured for Night to take one, then picked up the other and took a delicate sip. Seeing that they were settled down, she started, "Hi. I am Sara, and I am the headmaster of this Academy. Who might you be?"
Seeing such a kind lady, Night replied honestly on reflex. "I am Nightmare..."
When she heard the word ’Nightmare’, her pupils shrank to pinpricks. Goosebumps erupted all over her body. On pure reflex, she violently spat out her mouthful of tea—right onto Night’s face.
"...cough... cough... Night," he quickly corrected, tea dripping from his chin. "I am Night. Nice to meet you."
Hearing that, she frantically conjured a magical napkin and apologetically wiped his face.
[Night’s POV]
When she brought him to her office just by touching his shoulder, he knew this was a big boss. The way that old idiot had stopped pestering him and looked genuinely scared the moment she appeared only confirmed it.
Looking around her office, it seemed pretty plain.
Unsurprisingly, the walls were yellow. He hadn’t gotten a good look at the Academy’s exterior because of that noble-obsessed wizard’s ambush, but he was willing to bet it was yellow, too.
Her wooden desk sat in the middle of the room, accompanied by a black executive chair for her and two smaller black chairs in the front. Papers had been piled high on the desk before she vanished them, and a huge window overlooked the grounds.
She must have sensed something about me, Night thought. This is a classic scenario in novels.
She looked nice, she was undeniably strong, and his [Beast Instinct] gave him a good feeling about her.
Seeing such a kind lady, Night replied honestly on reflex. "I am Nightmare..."
Only to be immediately assaulted by a face full of hot tea.
Not wanting the situation to escalate, he quickly added,
"...Night. I am Night. Nice to meet you."
As he watched her apologize profusely and wipe the tea off his face with such gentle care, a single thought crossed his mind.
Lucy was right. The word ’Nightmare’ is a massive red flag.
