"Special?"
The word made Dominic cringe inwardly. It sounded like something said to a child who needed to be handled with special care. He caught himself in time and smoothed his expression into something more neutral.
The Headmaster noticed anyway and let out a low chuckle.
"My apologies," he said. "I did not mean to offend you. What I meant is that you possess certain qualities that make you different. Is that not the case?"
Dominic hesitated. He had never spoken face to face with someone of this status before. One wrong answer here could decide whether he stayed or was turned away. The weight of that realization settled heavily on him.
"I'm… not sure what you mean by special ability, sir," Dominic said carefully.
The Headmaster leaned forward slightly.
"Hm. You are still very tense."
Then his expression softened. The sharp authority faded, replaced by a warmth that felt almost grandfatherly.
"My name is August Valerion," he said. "I am the tenth Headmaster of the Crimson Arcanum Academy. And I am here to help you, not punish you."
The tension in Dominic's shoulders eased before he realized it had happened.
Then he realized how sudden the change felt.
Too sudden.
He frowned internally. The calm spreading through his chest felt real, but it also felt guided by something. Like it was controlled. He wondered if he was standing under the influence of some powerful technique.
After a brief moment, Dominic decided not to resist it. Opposing the Headmaster on his first day would only make things worse. Whatever this was, fighting it would gain him nothing.
He let the sensation settle and allowed himself to relax.
A small smile formed on his face.
"My name is Dominic Galio," he said.
The Headmaster nodded, seemingly satisfied.
"Felix mentioned that you would not show much Bloodmark presence," August said. "And indeed, I do not sense anything remarkable in that regard."
Dominic stiffened slightly.
"But," August continued, his eyes sharpening just a bit, "I do sense something else. Two Signatures bound to you already."
He paused, then added quietly, "That should be impossible."
Dominic blinked.
"Felix said the same thing," he replied. "He said it was impossible too. At least… when we first met."
August watched him for a moment, then gestured with his chin.
"Show me."
Dominic hesitated only briefly. He reached down and tugged off his gloves, exposing his hands.
When he turned his palms upward, two distinct markings were visible on the back of his right hand, nestled beneath his index and middle fingers.
Their shapes were precise and unnatural, etched into his skin as if they had always belonged there.
August leaned closer. His brow furrowed.
"So it is true," he muttered. "A genuine double manifestation of Signatures. This is indeed a special case."
He straightened and looked at Dominic again.
"You know what these are, don't you?" August asked.
"Signatures," Dominic answered with unsure expression. Because he actually didn't understand too much about it yet.
"Yes," August said. "They are proof that an ancient power resides within you. And I know what you have already done with it."
Dominic stiffened.
His eyes widened slightly. His throat tightened, and he swallowed. He said nothing.
Did he know? Did he know about the wolves? About the three nobles?
August continued calmly.
"I see that you have already killed Labyrinth creatures," he said. "And some weaker ones as well."
Dominic waited for more. He braced himself. But the accusation never came.
Instead, August smiled.
"It is quite impressive," he said. "Even without proper training, you have already learned how to apply your power effectively. I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish next."
Dominic blinked.
He studied the old man's eyes and felt it again. That sense that something was hidden behind them. Not malice, but clear intent. As if plans were already forming, carefully arranged, waiting for the right moment for him.
It made him uneasy. But he was also relieved that the headmaster didn't know about the three noble kids.
And those plans could lead him toward strength and wealth, he could accept that little bit of unease. A poor commoner like him had never gained anything without risking something first.
"I'm looking forward to it too, sir," Dominic said, smiling.
"Hm." August Valerion nodded. "I hope you enjoy your life at the Academy. Do not worry. Our standards here are strict. Everything is measured by skill and performance. Noble or commoner, there is no difference in judgment."
Dominic hesitated.
"I hope that's true," he said honestly. "I've seen too many places where rules bend easily for nobles."
August gave a low grunt, then nodded once.
"I expected you to say that," he replied. "But that will not be the case here. You have my word."
For a brief moment, something fierce flickered in his eyes. It was sharp and unyielding, as if he was ready to prove his words at any moment.
Dominic believed him.
"I understand, Headmaster," Dominic said.
"One more thing," August added. "I will not treat you differently, even as a special case. That would only create unnecessary disturbance. If you break the rules, you will be punished like anyone else."
"I accept that," Dominic said without hesitation.
"That will be all for now," August said.
He raised his voice slightly.
"Felix!"
A minute later, the door opened.
A bearded man stepped inside, his deep voice paired with an easy smile. It was Felix.
"Hello, there, kid."
Dominic smiled when he saw Felix.
"Hello," he said.
Felix returned the smile easily, eyes flicking to Dominic's hands for just a moment before looking back at the Headmaster.
"Headmaster," Felix said, his tone casual but curious, "do you think he's ready to go down there?"
August did not even look surprised.
"Let the kid handle his orientation and school days first, Felix," he replied calmly with a sigh of exasperation. "The Labyrinth underground can wait."
Dominic froze.
"Wait—what?" he blurted out before he could stop himself.
Both men looked at him.
Dominic stared between them, his mind scrambling to catch up. "You were already planning to send me into the Labyrinth?"
Felix let out a low laugh. "Heheh. Relax. Not today. Not tomorrow either."
August folded his hands together on the desk.
"Felix has a habit of thinking several steps ahead," he said. "As do I. That does not mean you will be thrown into danger without preparation."
Dominic exhaled slowly, though his heart was still racing.
"I haven't even started classes yet," he said.
"Exactly," August replied. "You will attend lessons. You will train. You will learn control, theory, discipline, and restraint, and other things. Only then will we consider anything beyond the standard curriculum."
Felix nodded enthusiastically.
That did little to calm Dominic's nerves.
"I understand," he said. "At least… I think I do."
"That is enough for now," August said. "Felix, take him to the dormitory."
Felix gave a short bow. "Of course."
August's gaze returned to Dominic. He said, "Welcome to the Crimson Arcanum Academy, Dominic Galio."
Dominic nodded. "Thank you, Headmaster."
Felix gestured toward the door. "Come on, kid. The first day's always the easiest. It only gets worse from here. Heheh."
Dominic followed him out, his thoughts tangled and racing.
Orientation. Classes. Training.
And somewhere beneath it all, the Labyrinth was already waiting for him.
—