Chapter 14: A Terrifying Presence
The dawn light penetrating through the dormitory room window woke Sirius from his sleep. He blinked his ice-blue eyes several times before rising from the simple yet comfortable bed.
The dormitory room he occupied wasn't too large - it only contained a bed, study desk, wardrobe, and private bathroom sufficient for a student.
Sirius stretched his body which still felt stiff after a long night's sleep. He walked toward the large bag placed in the corner of the room and began taking out his belongings. All the necessities required for academy life had been carefully prepared by his sister, Luna.
From healing potions, medicines, toiletries, to spare clothes - everything was neatly organized in the bag with clear labels.
"Luna is always perfect in everything," Sirius muttered while smiling slightly, remembering his sister's figure.
After organizing his belongings into the wardrobe, Sirius walked to the bathroom to clean himself. The warm water flowing from the shower helped eliminate the remaining drowsiness and made him feel fresher.
After bathing, he put on his daily clothes usually worn at the Grandelbell house - a black long-sleeved shirt that fit his body well and long black pants. Simple yet elegant clothing that reflected his noble family status.
Sirius took the sword he had placed on the study desk the night before. He gripped his sword sheath with a movement that had become habit.
His small white fox jumped from the bed and perched on his right shoulder.
"Kyu~" the small fox made a sound that seemed enthusiastic.
"Yes, today we'll start our first day as academy students," Sirius said while stroking his white fox's head. "Are you ready?"
The white fox nodded slightly as if understanding its master's words.
Sirius left his room and closed the door slowly. The dormitory corridor was already filled with first-year students who appeared busy preparing for their first day at the academy. Some were running because they were almost late, some were still half-sleepy, and some looked very excited.
He walked calmly through the corridor, observing his surroundings with his ice-blue eyes. Unlike other students who looked nervous or rushed, Sirius appeared very calm as if he was already accustomed to situations like this.
When he reached the first floor, Sirius saw Mikhail and Aeris queuing at the class blazer distribution desk. They both seemed to be chatting while waiting for their turn to be called.
"Sirius," Mikhail waved his hand when he saw Sirius coming down the stairs. "Good morning."
"Good morning," Sirius replied while walking closer. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Not really," Aeris answered while smiling. "We just arrived a few minutes ago. Are you ready for the first day?"
"As ready as I can hope to be," Sirius answered in a calm tone. "Do you know what today's lessons will be like?"
"I heard for Class S, we'll immediately get advanced practical magic lessons," Mikhail said enthusiastically. "While for Classes A through D, you'll get basic theory lessons first."
"Aeris, Class S!" the blazer distribution officer's voice called Aeris's name.
"That's me," Aeris said while walking toward the officer's desk. He received a red blazer with beautiful shimmering gold embroidery. Class S blazers indeed had a more luxurious design compared to other classes.
"Mikhail, Class S!" Mikhail's name was called next.
Mikhail took a red blazer with the same gold embroidery as Aeris's. "This blazer feels heavy. There must be many protective spells embedded in it."
"Of course," Aeris said while putting on his blazer. "This is the blazer from the best academy on this continent."
"Sirius?" the blazer distribution officer looked slightly confused when searching for Sirius's name on the list.
"Sirius," Sirius answered calmly. He used the alias that had been prepared to hide his identity as a Grandelbell family member.
"Ah, here it is! Sirius, Class A!" the officer gave Sirius a blue blazer with gold embroidery.
Sirius received the blazer and felt it for a moment. Although not as heavy as the Class S blazer, this blazer was also filled with quite strong protective spells.
"Why don't you put it on right away?" Aeris asked when he saw Sirius only hanging the blazer over his shoulder.
"I don't really like wearing blazers," Sirius answered briefly. "More comfortable this way."
"Ah, we have to go first," Mikhail said while looking at the wall clock. "Class S starts earlier than other classes. See you later, Sirius."
"See you," Sirius replied while waving his hand.
Mikhail and Aeris walked calmly toward the main academy building, leaving Sirius with several other first-year students who were still waiting for their turn.
Sirius decided to take a short walk while waiting for class time to begin. He left the dormitory building and walked toward the spacious academy courtyard.
Mornings at Asteria Academy were indeed very beautiful - fresh air with a little morning dew, birds chirping in the trees, and the view of magnificent academy buildings with amazing architecture.
"This place is truly extraordinary," Sirius muttered while observing the large fountain in the middle of the courtyard whose water sparkled in the morning sunlight.
The white fox on his shoulder also seemed to enjoy the view, its small eyes moving around observing the surrounding environment.
Sirius walked leisurely along the path connecting various buildings in the academy. He saw several senior students who were already accustomed to the academy routine, as well as several teachers preparing to teach.
When he almost reached the main academy building, only a few first-year students were still wandering around the courtyard. Most other students had already entered the building to prepare for their first lesson.
Suddenly, Sirius's ice-blue eyes caught something that made him shudder. A thin thread that was almost invisible shot toward him very quickly. Not a physical thread, but more like an energy thread carrying a very strong evil feeling.
The evil feeling was so intense it made Sirius shiver. He had faced various fierce magical beasts that had terrifying killer auras, but the feeling he sensed now far exceeded all of that. This wasn't just ordinary malicious intent - this was something deeper, darker, and more dangerous.
The fighter's instinct that had been honed for years immediately reacted. Sirius quickly turned toward the source of that evil feeling.
His eyes focused on the main academy building, specifically behind one of the second-floor windows. There, stood the figure of a very beautiful woman.
The woman had captivating yet terrifying beauty. Her pale white skin almost glowed under the morning sunlight, contrasting with her long wavy black hair.
Her golden eyes emitted a strange gleam - beautiful yet dangerous. She wore elegant clothing dominated by black and blue colors, with various sparkling accessories in her hair.
Most striking was the headpiece she wore - a complex structure resembling a crown with elements that moved as if alive. Throughout her body, there were ornaments that sparkled and appeared to be made of crystal or precious metals.
The woman smiled when her eyes met Sirius's eyes. A beautiful smile that nevertheless sent very strong bad omens.
Sirius stared at the woman sharply, his ice-blue eyes narrowing warily. His right hand reflexively moved closer to the sword hilt at his waist.
"Who is she?" Sirius muttered softly, but clearly enough for the white fox on his shoulder to hear.
"Kyu..." the white fox made a sound that seemed restless, as if it also sensed the dangerous aura from the woman.
The woman appeared to observe Sirius with great interest. She tilted her head slightly, as if studying something interesting. Then, her red lips moved as if speaking, though Sirius couldn't hear her voice from that distance.
But somehow, Sirius could sense the meaning of the woman's lip movements. As if those words were directly transmitted into his mind.
"An interesting child," the soft whisper echoed inside Sirius's head. "How dare you make trouble with one of the great nobles in this city."
Sirius was startled. The woman was talking about the incident with Theron Moldenheart yesterday. But how could she know?
"You have extraordinary potential, Sirius," the voice echoed again. "Or should I call you by your family name?"
Sirius's blood boiled. The woman knew about his true identity as a Grandelbell family member. This was very dangerous.
"No need to be tense, sweet child," the woman's voice sounded increasingly clear inside Sirius's head. "I'm not interested in noble family politics. I'm interested in something far more... precious."
The woman smiled wider. There was something unnatural about that smile - too perfect, too beautiful, and too dangerous.
"You have a different aura from other children," the voice continued. "Like... a perfectly sharpened sword."
Sirius felt increasingly uncomfortable. This conversation felt like a wolf observing its prey.
"I've been searching for someone like you for a long time," the woman continued. "Someone who has the potential to become... a perfect work of art."
"Work of art?" Sirius furrowed his brow.
"Soon, Sirius," the woman's voice changed to a very soft but frightening whisper. "You will become my very loyal slave. You will serve me wholeheartedly, and surrender your life only to me."
Those words made Sirius shudder. He didn't know who the woman was, but it was clear that her intentions were very dangerous.
"Who are you?" Sirius asked with a voice loud enough, not caring if other students heard him.
The woman only laughed softly. Her laughter sounded melodious but cold, like crystal bells vibrating in an ice cave.
"You'll know who I am in due time," the woman answered. "For now, enjoy your last days as a free human. Study well, become strong, and... prepare to become mine."
After saying that, the woman slowly backed away from the window and disappeared into the room's darkness. The intense evil feeling gradually faded, leaving Sirius with an uncomfortable feeling that still lingered.
Sirius stood silent in the academy courtyard, staring at the now-empty window. His mind spun quickly, trying to analyze what had just happened.
"Sirius! Why are you standing there?" someone's voice called him from behind.
Sirius turned and saw several Class A students walking toward the academy building. One of them was a brown-haired girl he recognized from yesterday's ceremony.
"Ah, it's nothing," Sirius answered while forcing a smile. "I was just... observing the academy building."
"Come on, our class is about to start," the girl said while inviting him to walk. "You don't want to be late on the first day, do you?"
Sirius nodded and began walking with them toward the academy building. But his mind was still focused on the mysterious woman earlier.
Who was she really? How could she know Sirius's true identity? And most importantly, what did she mean by making Sirius her slave?
One thing was certain - Sirius had to be careful. That woman wasn't an ordinary person, and her threat seemed very serious.
The white fox on his shoulder made a small sound that seemed worried.
"Yes, I know," Sirius said softly while stroking his white fox's head. "We have to be vigilant. It seems life at this academy will be far more dangerous than I imagined."