The next morning, the pair woke up and went through their morning routine before eating breakfast. They relaxed with their coffee, buzzing with anticipation, but forced themselves to remain calm by taking in the view of the Elementary Academy grounds in the early morning sunlight.
At seven-thirty, they departed after their Mammys had packed everything necessary for their month-long stay at the Senior Academy. The Mammys also left instructions with the Dorm servants to clean the Dorm daily.
They boarded the Academy carriage bound for the Admissions building, where they would meet Teacher Beelzebub, his Mate Demon Zera, and Headmaster Varkos, who would escort them through the teleportation circle to the Senior Academy.
Headmaster Varkos would introduce them to the Senior Academy Headmasters and hand them over for their training before returning to the Elementary Academy. Teacher Beelzebub and Demon Zera would remain with them throughout the month to facilitate communication between them and the Senior Academy Teachers.
They arrived at the Admissions building at eight, surprised at how close the building on the Awakened side of the Academy was. Entering the reception area, they found the Teachers already waiting.
"Good morning, Chaos, Bane, Morgranna, and Morgana. I trust you are excited to start your new training today," boomed Teacher Beelzebub.
"Yeah, we are. We're really looking forward to being able to complete our forms the way our bodies want to," Bane replied.
They chatted animatedly about their weekend with the Teachers while they waited for Headmaster Varkos to arrive so they could leave for the Senior Academy. Headmaster Varkos arrived shortly and, after greeting everyone, led them towards the Transit Hall, where they would use a teleportation circle—also known as a portal—to transfer to the Senior Academy instantly.
They would arrive at the Senior Academy's Transit Hall, where the Infernal Headmaster awaited them and would take over before Varkos returned.
They passed through winding corridors to reach the Transit Hall, which wasn't often used by students at this Academy, unlike at the Senior Academy. The Transit Hall of the Admissions building at Orientation Elementary Academy thrummed with shimmering potential. Pale marble floors, embossed with swirling runes and celestial maps, caught and scattered the multicoloured light pouring from the array of portals lining the walls. Each portal, rimmed in crystal and humming with a unique resonance, flickered with a whirl of hues—one glimmered blue as a summer lake, another swirled with a verdant emerald mist, while a third pulsed with silver and shadow, offering glimpses of distant worlds.
Above, a high vaulted ceiling was inset with luminescent stones reflecting the portals' radiance, casting rippling patterns over the polished surfaces below. At the heart of the hall, a circular dais inscribed with the Academy's sigil held the Transit Hall Master, who monitored and logged everything passing through the portals. The air tingled with the electric charge of layered enchantments, faint traces of ozone and wildflowers mixing on every breath, as soft chimes and distant laughter echoed from doors leading to countless destinations.
Headmaster Varkos greeted the Transit Hall Master, who looked up at his voice.
"Good morning, Master Tempus. I trust the portals are all stable today," Varkos said.
"Good morning, Headmaster Varkos. They're as stable as ever. I see a few extra faces with you today. These must be the students visiting the Senior Academy for a while—strapping kids now that I see them in person," Master Tempus replied, glancing at Chaos and Bane.
"Good morning, Master Tempus," everyone greeted.
"Good morning," he replied.
"If you could get these folks passes for the Senior Academy portal, it would be much appreciated. Headmaster Lilith is waiting for us—you know how impatient she can be," Varkos informed him.
"Hah, yes. She does have a rather impatient streak," Master Tempus said, producing seven passes and handing one to each person. "Hold it in your hand as you go through the portal—afterwards, you can put it in your inventory. When you return, I'll collect it. You need it to enter the portal, so don't lose it or you'll be stuck!"
After everyone received their pass, Headmaster Varkos led them to a portal shimmering with a wrought-iron hue. He passed through first, the others following one by one, with Teacher Beelzebub entering last. After a brief falling sensation in pitch darkness lasting less than ten seconds, they exited the portal on the Senior Academy's side.
Headmaster Varkos was already off to the side, waiting as they exited the portal one after the other. They followed him to a central dais, where another Transit Hall Master and a female Headmaster awaited them.
"Good morning, Varkos. It's been a while since I saw you in person instead of through a holocall," the female Headmaster greeted.
"Good morning, Lilith. It's only been a month—don't be so dramatic," Varkos answered.
He turned to the group. "This is Headmistress Lilith. She'll take care of you during your training at the Senior Academy and, later, if you need to undergo breakthroughs or blow off steam."
"They worked over the weekend to make sure that even you two mischief-makers can't accidentally blow up the facilities." He aimed this last part at Chaos and Bane with a teasing smile tinged with exasperation.
Chaos and Bane had the sense to at least look sheepish since Headmaster Varkos's words had drawn the attention of several bystanders.
"HAHAHA!"
The boisterous laughter made everyone look at Headmistress Lilith, who was doubled over, using the dais for support so she wouldn't fall. Once she recovered, she said, "Don't be such a downer, Varkos. It only happened once, and it was an accident! It's not their fault your Grav chamber couldn't withstand their combat sim!" She retorted, making Varkos roll his eyes.
"Good morning, everyone. I take it this is Chaos and Bane. Then these must be the Mammys, Morgana and Morgranna, and these two are Teacher Beelzebub and Demon Zera."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. Once the bore over there leaves, I'll take you to your temporary Dorms. I made sure they're next to each other," Headmistress Lilith greeted them, continuing to tease Varkos.
"Good morning, Headmistress Lilith," everyone replied, making Lilith grin.
"Hmph! I'm sending Chaos and Bane's student files to you, along with data and full video feeds of their training so far," Varkos snorted as he tapped his holoscreen.
"I'll be heading back now—see you in a month," he said before re-entering the portal to return to the Elementary Academy.
Lilith shook her head in exasperation. "He never changes. All work and no play—so serious and pessimistic."
"Well then, follow me. We'll leave the Transit Hall and head to your temporary Dorms, then get you introduced to your new Teachers." She clapped her hands, shaking off the moment, and led them out of the Transit Hall, where murmurs rose as Chaos, Bane, and the others followed her.
"Did you see Headmaster Varkos's face when he mentioned the combat sim incident? He looked like he still hasn't forgiven them."
"Honestly, I can't believe they blew up the Grav chamber! That has to be a record."
"It wasn't even on purpose, according to Headmistress Lilith! They're pretty famous troublemakers, huh?"
"I heard they're here to complete their Mana and combat training. Do you think they'll cause trouble while they're here?"
"If they've got both the Mammys and their Teachers with them, they must be serious. Still, I hope they don't try to run any crazy experiments while they're here."
"I actually want to see what they do next. Maybe they'll set off some fireworks in the dorms!"
As Headmistress Lilith led Chaos, Bane, their Mammys, and their Teachers out of the Transit Hall, she explained, "Unlike at your current Academy, in the Junior and Senior Academies, you're allowed to use your personal carriages since the Academy grounds are much larger here."
"Those Elementary Academy carriages aren't fast enough to get you across grounds in time for your lessons or missions. I'll be sending you the Senior Academy information booklet so you and your Mammys can understand the rules here. By the way, there's no curfew, since everyone is capable of defending themselves if they happen across an aggressive Warbeast."
She summoned her personal carriage, boarded it, and sat on the balcony. The others followed suit, speeding off behind Lilith's carriage.
"The temporary Dorms are about the same size as the ones you're used to," she continued, explaining to Bane and Chaos as they drank their coffee.
"You'll probably get a lot of looks, but you should be used to that from your current Academy. I know for a fact that many of our students have been watching your antics through the forums—they're quite curious about you two. Feel free to ignore them if they bother you."
"Still, you aren't allowed to spar with them—they can't handle your strength. They've been informed, but there are always a few blockheads who think they know better. That'll probably die down as soon as I post your last combat sim footage," she continued.
Chaos and Bane felt comfortable chatting with Lilith; she was easygoing and enjoyable. Beelzebub and Zera kept an eye on them and, when they recognised a familiar spark in their eyes, both felt an oh-no moment. It was the same look Chaos and Bane had whenever they met someone who thought like they did.
The tension headaches began as they realised Lilith had a similar disposition. They couldn't decide whether to feel pity or vindication for the chaos about to descend on the Senior Academy. After a moment, they settled on feeling more vindicated—they were bringing it on themselves.
By this time, they had reached the temporary Dorms. Lilith walked them through the registration procedures and left them to their own devices until after lunch, when she'd return to introduce their new Teachers.
Tomorrow, they'd begin Mana training. Beelzebub and Zera were curious to see how quickly Chaos and Bane would master it. Given their track record with Knowledge mastery, they guessed it would take less than a week before the pair wielded Mana like an extension of themselves. They were looking forward to seeing what Chaos and Bane were truly capable of—as long as they didn't destroy any more facilities in the process.
The Mammys directed the servants to clean the Dorm while Morgranna prepared a delectable lunch in the kitchen. Bane and Chaos invited Beelzebub and Zera to join them, and the pair gladly accepted.
At lunchtime, everyone gathered to enjoy Morgranna's delicious meal. They had just finished their tea when a soft chime signalled someone's arrival. Morgana opened the door to find Lilith had arrived.
"Looks like I'm just in time. How's the Dorm to your taste?" Lilith called as she stepped onto the living floor balcony.
Morgranna confirmed everything was up to standard, with Beelzebub echoing the sentiment about their Dorm.
"Good, then let's set off. Time to meet your Teachers for the duration of your stay," Lilith declared, clapping her hands briskly.
Beelzebub, Zera, Bane, and Chaos followed her out. Bane and Chaos boarded Beelzebub and Zera's carriage, following Lilith's toward the training buildings they'd use for the coming month.
It took them less than half an hour to travel from their Dorm to the training buildings—much faster than at the Elementary Academy. When the carriages stopped outside the building complex, they disembarked. Chaos carried Bane, as both were a little restless, and it helped them feel at ease.
The carriages moved toward the parking spaces while they entered the main building, known as the Teaching Building, where all the Teachers' offices were located. Lilith led them through the reception area, up several floors, and through a few winding corridors before they finally reached a conference room, where they would meet the Teachers in charge during their stay.
Senior Academy, conference room. Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, glinting off the polished blackstone table at the room's heart. Headmistress Lilith presided at its head, projecting an air of mischievous authority. Beelzebub and Demon Zera sat to her immediate left as liaisons from Orientation Elementary Academy. Chaos and Bane, who had enlarged upon entering the room, took seats opposite Lilith. At the same time, the three Senior Academy Teachers—Teacher Moros, Teacher Azazel, Teacher Belial—and their Mates, Nyx, Seraphina, and Selene, sat on either side.
Headmistress Lilith (voice bright and teasing): "Welcome, everyone. Let's make this meeting less of a formality and more of an opportunity for chaos—of the productive kind, of course."
Teacher Beelzebub (smiling, nods to Chaos and Bane): "Let's not give them too many ideas, Headmistress Lilith. Chaos, Bane—these are the Senior Academy staff and their Mates who'll guide your training. And for any confusion, this is my Mate, Demon Zera. We're here to ensure a smooth transition."
Teacher Moros (quiet, nods to the students): "It's a pleasure. I handle advanced strategy and combat sims. This is Nyx, my Mate—she'll keep us grounded."
Teacher Azazel (grinning, eyes flashing): "I'll challenge your limits. Expect creative problem-solving. Seraphina will probably challenge you, too, in her own way."
Seraphina (calm, offers a rare smile): "And I expect discipline… at least some of the time."
Teacher Belial (composed, observing): "Mana theory, practice, evaluation, and critical thinking are my domains. Selene helps ensure rules are interpreted sensibly—and flexibly, if need be."
Selene (smirking): "If you need help finding loopholes, ask me later."
Lilith: "Now that you all know each other's names, a reminder: you'll have the freedom to innovate and train, but sparring with other students is off-limits. Trust me, you'll have plenty to do without riling up the entire Academy. Our students are already watching your every move."
Bane (with a sly look): "We'll try to behave. No promises."
Chaos (grinning): "If there's a record for breaking expectations, we'll aim to break it!"
Beelzebub (with exaggerated exasperation): "And we wonder why Headmaster Varkos sent the full video feed of their training here."
Lilith (laughing): "That's exactly why. We're honoured to have you—and your mentors—here. Over the next month, you'll train, learn, and—hopefully—not blow up any facilities. Let's make it a memorable stay!"
Everyone exchanged nods and curious, assessing glances as the meeting transitioned into informal conversation, anticipation—and mischief—rippling just beneath the surface.