'Phew, this farce is finally over. Guess getting beaten was worth it in the end. Acquiring an airship ticket is the best I could have hoped for, as those cost a fortune to purchase.'
The trial ended. All parties present left to their respective classes or to attend their duties. Hearing Staxius's request, Sophie was deeply shocked. He was adamant about leaving Claireville Academy. Seeing her yet-to-be apprentice leave the room was kind of heartbreaking. Without looking back, he stepped out.
One by one, the room emptied.
"Sophie, what are you going to do now? Have you already given up on making him your student? Where is all that confidence you showed while fighting for his admission? Don't be afraid, just speak to him," Josiah spoke.
He gave his niece some advice before leaving. She now stood there, confused.
'Should I make him my student? At first, I thought that I was going to help him, but today, I've personally experienced his genius. Even my attempts at helping were in vain. He swooped in like a hero and solved the problem by himself. His eyes looked so emotionless. Despite that, people seemed to not pay attention—they were persuaded by his idiosyncrasy alone. Staxius Haggard, what is your secret? Why do you wish to become a sorcerer?'
She debated with herself—an internal argument born from misunderstanding.
Opposite her, Julius leaned against the wall. He stood in utter incertitude about what transpired. Did he get fooled, or was he saved? Autumn stood by his side, trying to snap him out of his stupor by tugging gently on his shirt.
In hopes of clearing her clouded mind, Sophie decided to converse with the Garnet siblings.
"Hello, Autumn and Julius. I was wondering if I could speak with you?" Sophie asked with a friendly smile.
"Hi, before you do anything, could you please snap my brother out of his daydream?" Autumn requested.
CLAP.
"Snap out of it, Julius. Your sister is calling you," Sophie said loudly.
"Instructor Sophie, I'm terribly sorry. How may I help you?" Still dazed, Julius stumbled and shifted into a more formal stance instead of leaning against the wall.
"Big brother, I told you that Staxius was a good person. He told the judge to reduce your punishment even though you hurt him," Autumn added.
The look of hate in her brother's eyes faded. Her fear subsided, and she smiled.
"Hey there, Autumn. I have a question. What happened the moment you met up with Staxius?" Julius asked, regret heavy in his tone.
"Oh, that. You've clearly forgotten the part where you practically beat me every night. However, I know that you weren't yourself thanks to Staxius. He told me about how you hit your head and went insane," she replied cheerfully, as if nothing had happened.
"Is that so? What did he say? Do you remember?" Sophie asked, her interest piqued.
"Okay. When I ran away from home, I went straight to the hospital. I knew Staxius was there—I had to warn him about your plan. Before I reached the academy, I saw him near the entrance looking for something. Without even realizing it, he hugged me tightly and asked what happened.
"After that, he took me to the hospital to treat my wounds. On the way there, he asked me if I wanted to take revenge on you. Obviously, I said no, but he asked once again. He wanted me to be honest with myself. Confused, I just replied with 'I don't know.'
"It was then that he told me if there ever came a time when I needed to run away from home, he would help me. Then we reached the hospital. All the doctors were super friendly. Staxius's face looked as if something was bothering him.
"That's when I told him I wanted to run away and live with him. Sadly, he said no. Instead, he told me that big brother was just being overprotective and got injured while beating him, so his mind was a bit shaken."
Autumn concluded her story and panted.
"Ha-ha," Julius laughed. "What a guy. I completely misjudged him. He's a hero among heroes. I wish I could do something more to compensate for my actions. When I saw him bring out that invention of his, I was mesmerized. There was something magical—almost god-like—about him. I want to be his friend. Alas, my dreams can't be fulfilled."
All animosity toward Staxius turned into admiration. The mannerisms and composure he kept made Julius envious. It was the first time he had ever witnessed someone like him—unorthodox.
"Julius and Autumn Garnet," Sophie interjected, "this is a very serious question. I want you to tell me—if by any chance Staxius were given the opportunity to enroll at Claireville Academy, how would you feel?"
"I would love to see big brother Julius and Staxius get along," Autumn answered first, giggling.
"He's an enigma. If given the chance, I'm completely sure he could alter the world of magic on his own. This may be selfish of me, but I want to be a part of that world—as a companion or even a friend," Julius added. Regret colored his voice.
"Excellent. Thank you. I've made up my mind," Sophie sighed.
"Why such a question? Don't tell me you're going to make him your app—"
Before Julius could finish, she stormed out of the room.
Left alone, Julius tapped Autumn's shoulder.
"Autumn, I'm sorry for being such a bad brother. I hope you forgive me."
All the prejudice taught to him by their parents slowly vanished. He saw the world for what it truly was.
"Listen closely. In the next four years, I want you to grow up and become as strong as you can if you want a chance at making Staxius your boyfriend," Julius teased.
Autumn blushed, her rosy cheeks turning redder. It remained a joke—for the years to come.
"Please don't hide your trail," Sophie ran around aimlessly. "Come on, Staxius, give me this opportunity."
She frantically scanned the vicinity. Momentarily, near the front gate, she caught a glimpse of black hair.
"WAIT UP."
The shout caught Staxius's attention. As he looked back to see who had yelled, the sight of Sophie running made him stop. She stood with her hands on her hips, catching her breath.
"Allow me to break the ice, ma'am," Staxius spoke nonchalantly. "The trial is over. I don't have any business here. Did I perhaps offend you in some way?"
He bowed his head, placing his right hand over his chest—a sign of apology common in the kingdom.
"No, no, no. I should be the one apologizing," she bowed as well and accidentally bumped into him.
They laughed.
"Staxius, why not take a walk with me? I have some errands to run in town. Maybe we can go together," she asked casually.
"Anything that may please you, ma'am," he replied graciously.
"Drop the formalities, will you? I'm only six years older," Sophie said as they entered town.
"As you wish. Formality is an act of politeness, but it can also be perceived as showboating if misused. I'll gladly oblige your humble request, my lady," he replied, serious as ever.
"You're a tough nut to crack. Fine, speak as you wish. I've got something I want to ask you."
She stopped beneath a two-storied building. Commoners passed them by without interest.
"I'm all ears," Staxius replied, his gaze scouting the area around them.
"Do you still wish to enroll here at Claireville Academy?" Sophie asked. She observed his face, trying to find an opening.
"Who doesn't want to enroll here? The moment you step foot inside those doors, your life is completely changed for the better," he replied calmly.
His gaze shifted from the surroundings to her.
"Yes, I know that," she said. "But how do you feel about it?"
Her stare became more intense.
"Personally, it'd be an honor for me to graduate here, but I've failed the entrance exams, so I don't have the right to stand among the elite. Also, would you kindly stop staring at me so intently? Try as hard as you may, but you will never see an opening just by observing my facial or body movement, Instructor," he replied in a cocky tone.
"Someone is being smug about it, but I guess you're right," she sighed. "You're an enigma, you know that? Even the deepest grimoires aren't shrouded with such mysteries as you are."
No openings were ever made.
"I'll gladly take that as a compliment." Staxius could not be bothered to go on any longer.
"Alright, enough small talk." Sophie took two steps forward and stood right next to him. She could practically feel his breath against her.
"Is something the matter?" He stepped back; his face remained as blank as an empty piece of paper.
"Listen to me closely," she took two more steps. "I've taken a liking to you. I'm offering you a chance to become a true sorcerer."
She stepped back to relieve the pressure.
"If you choose to accept, I will help you as hard as it's physically possible for me." A grin surfaced.
'A chance to clear my dad's name… She seems trustworthy. She did believe my story during the entrance exam. This is a golden opportunity. Fine, I'll bite.'
Staxius's mind raced through every possible outcome, already calculating how to take full advantage of the situation.
"I… fine. I'll be selfish for once. I want to be enrolled at Claireville Academy. Please, Instructor, help me."
He bowed his head once more; his voice changed into that of a defenseless young adult.
"Thank you, Staxius," she sighed in relief. "You've lifted a heavy burden off my chest. Listen up—the first semester has already begun. Getting admitted now is close to impossible. However, there are exceptions to that rule. It's uncommon, so people don't usually choose this option. It's too much work for the parties involved."
She looked at him sternly.
"Let me ask once again—do you wish to be a mage? It's going to be hard. Very hard."
"You said hard on both parties, which means you've already decided to undertake this burden by yourself. I can see it in your eyes—you will bear the burden for both of us. Unacceptable."
It looked as if Staxius was going to refuse her offer, but instead, he placed his right hand on her shoulder.
"We will bear the burden together, Instructor," he said with a genuine smile.
Sophie's heart was touched. She placed her hand over his and smiled back.
"So, what do I have to do, Instructor?" he asked in a friendly tone.
Her brief daydream shattered the moment he spoke.
"Oh, it's simple. As I said earlier, high-ranking sorcerers have the right to take in an apprentice and enroll them in whatever school or academy they want. There's no catch. People simply need to know that you're a sorcerer's apprentice. To that end, you'll be ordered to wear a uniform bearing my insignia."
She held out her hand.
"Before that, we need to form a blood contract. Give me your palm."
A blood contract was a high-tier magic spell that bound two people together. It was often used when taking in an apprentice or acquiring a slave. No one was forced to obey orders unless the ritual was altered to fit enslavement.
Apart from that, its main function was linking both individuals mentally. With it, each party could sense the other's location and gauge their magical strength.
Ready, Staxius extended his palm.
At the same time, Sophie drew a knife.
"Is that a scythe on your palm?" she asked.
"Yes. Is it a problem?" he replied, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
"Not really. It's just… pretty. An unconventional place for a tattoo, but I'm not going to judge."
Knife in hand, Sophie lightly sliced her index finger and drew a strange magical formula across his palm. Then she recited the incantation.
I, Sophie Mirabelle, an SSS-ranked mage, hereby enter a contract with Staxius Haggard. From today onward, he shall be known as my sole apprentice. I swear upon my blood that I shall pass down all the knowledge I have acquired throughout my life.
The symbol began to glow. Pain seared through his hand as the pact sealed.
Both Staxius and Sophie bore the symbol of a dragon beneath their necks.
"Undrar, the Bringer of Death… it's his insignia," Sophie whispered in awe. "Staxius, do you realize what this means? You've received a blessing straight from the strongest dragon who ever lived."
"But Instructor, you have a dragon on your neck too. Surely this is your work, isn't it?" he replied. It was a sharp observation.
"This is where you're wrong. Normally, a blood contract only uses the symbol drawn in blood as the binding mark. However, in your case, your magical strength broke my symbol."
She exhaled slowly.
"Either way, we've entered a pact. It's gotten late—let's discuss this further tomorrow."
Fatigue from the ritual weighed heavily on her.
"Goodbye, Teach. I'll see you tomorrow," he waved and left.
A few minutes later, Sophie reached her home. It was large for someone living alone, surrounded by trees and beautiful plants that softened the view.
The moment she reached her bedroom, she collapsed.
Cough, cough.
"My body feels like it's about to break down," blood spilled from her mouth. "Staxius Haggard is truly a monster. His strength goes beyond my imagination. Blood contracts usually make the strongest mage the leader… I basically became his apprentice. Pathetic."
She laughed weakly.
"Normally, this wouldn't affect anything. It's just a matter of pride. Still, I'm one of the strongest mages in Oxshield—this is completely preposterous. I'll keep it a secret."
Earlier, when she tried to sense his mana, her mind nearly shattered. That was why she rushed home.
"Sophie Mirabelle, you have decided to take my heir as your apprentice."
A deep, menacing yet soothing voice echoed through her room.
"You stood firm despite my attempts to break your inner magical link. Congratulations—you have passed the test. Staxius Haggard, the next Death Reaper, the next god of death, is in your care. Teach him well."
Huff, puff.
"It can't be a dream… This isn't a coincidence. Being marked by Undrar and now this… Staxius truly is the next god of death. He has the death element. That explains why he has no magical affinity."
Legends were real.
Half-asleep, she murmured, "I'll have to teach him shadow magic—it's a sub-class directly linked to that element. Well… today is a new day. God of death or not, Staxius is good company. I made the right choice."
She opened the window, letting the morning breeze fill the room.
Yawn.
"Sleeping under the starry sky wasn't that bad. Guess it's morning already. Thinking about it, I entered a pact with Sophie yesterday, but she never told me where to meet her."
Staxius stretched on a grassy plain used as a small garden.
"No matter. She'll probably seek me out when she's ready. I need food. Too bad there are no fruit trees in this park."
He headed into town.
A bakery stood before him, crowded with people. Outside, hidden from the sun, were pastries, loaves of bread, and food from different provinces.
"Hello, Mister Baker," Staxius greeted as he stepped inside. "Would you consider hiring me for a short time so I can afford breakfast?"
"Of course, son. Help me unload today's raw materials, and I'll give you some bread."
The baker accepted kindly—his mannerisms contrasting his intimidating stature.
Back at Sophie's house, she was calmly showering when realization struck.
"SHIT. If I don't keep a close eye on him, he might leave Oxshield on a whim. Clean faster, Sophie—you don't have all day."
She scrubbed furiously.
An hour later, she was ready—her fastest time ever.
Using the blood contract, she pinpointed her apprentice's exact location. A mental map formed in her mind. Strange at first, but she adapted quickly.
"What is he doing at the market at nine o'clock?" she muttered.
She arrived to find Staxius working at the bakery—serving customers, cleaning, unloading goods, moving nonstop.
Fascinated, the young instructor sat at the nearest pizza shop and quietly watched her would-be prodigy work.