Not Giving Into Fate

29- The First Day of Classes

"If anyone has any questions about me or Ancient Magic, I'll be happy to answer as the Master."

A hand in the front shoots up and I point at the girl. "I'm Elara Maenix. How did you become the first female Master? And if you're the Master, why teach?"

I freeze, not expecting that answer but I smile. "How I started. Well, every year you will be tested on the strength of your mana. When you graduate, you take the test once more which will be sent to employers. To be a Master, your score has to be above 5,000. During my time here, the old Master had passed away and the seat was vacant. On the year of my graduation, I found out I could be the Master if I wanted to. I agreed and filled the position. I had always enjoyed the Academy, choosing to stay year round even during holidays. As Master, I missed academia. When the old teacher retired and his classes were free... I chose to teach the classes that I fell in love with."

The children chatter to each other and I see the girls whisper amongst themselves. I take a deep breath, knowing I faced hardships to be the first woman. I hide my frown when I know I had to leave the position in the past. But, it won't happen this time around.

As the class went on, I changed the topic of answering questions to starting with lecture. I started with the basics of what mana is and the importance of it. I answer questions that were brought up and encouraged discussions.

Soon enough, the hour went by quickly which led to a meeting to talk of the missing curses. I sat in a room with the Grand Sorcerer, the new Master of Battle Magic and his aide and mine, Kramer.

Because someone had broken in and stolen curses from the Tower, we needed to have a formal discussion on next steps to track down the perpetrator. However, only Milo and I know who did it and what will happen.

"Master Loid," Milo interrupts the man who has just finished saying his report on the accident. "Thank you for that, but now we need to talk about the next steps. Master Solon, what was stolen?"

I clear my throat and look down at the report. "Two items were stolen. Unfortunately, both items are from the Temple, so we will need to seek out the cooperation. I can go and meet with the Pope."

"Uh-" The battle master speaks up. "Shouldn't I go?"

"If you want to join us, however, the Pope and I are old friends and it'll be easier to convince him to help us faster if it'll just be us two." I shrug my shoulders.

"Master Solon you can just go by yourself. Please get it don't as soon as possible. Master Loid, I need you to send out a few men to start tracking down the missing curses. It's imperative that it doesn't fall in the wrong hands. Don't let anyone know what you're doing and act silently." Milo decides and the meeting has now concluded. "Please report everything to me as soon as you can. Otherwise, you are all dismissed, Master Solon please stay for a minute."

I nod my head, watching as everyone leaves. I wave goodbye to Kramer and soon it's just Milo and I.

"What has your brother said about the curses?" Milo asks, writing something down on a piece of paper.

"Last I heard, they sold the items to the auction house where a great exhibition will be done on my coming of age. All the big nobles will be there and many people will be charged."

Milo nods his head, listening to what I had told him. He takes a deep breath, putting the pen down and gives me his undivided attention. "Giselle, how are you doing? Your coming- of- age is fast approaching. She will be coming, right?"

I take a deep breath and nod. "I am fine. I feel as if I've done all the right things. My brother and I are closer this time, I've managed to get more respect from the staff, and I've befriended the ladies of society. However, I am very anxious. What if everything I've done falls apart and the past ends up repeating itself?" I finish my small speech with a whisper.