Heirs of Magic

Chapter Five - Mastering the Magic

"Did you hug a tiger by any chance?"asked Urick lying on the bed.

Urick looked at Derek's bare back, the marks of the lashes were there like ugly scars, even though the wound was done two nights ago they looked like they were old.

"If it had been a tiger it would have hurt less" joked Derek putting on the shirt "come to think of it, a tiger would have ripped my throat out and eaten my guts, so I'm out on the profit.

"Let me know if the scars bother you, I'll be happy to put ointment on your back" teased Urick.

"I'm sure you would, I would be another story" Derek replied with a wan smile on his face "thanks for the offer anyway.

"It's time to prepare breakfast" said the other one getting up "last night I made cake, I hope you like sweet potatoes too.

Derek thanked him and promised to clean the room this afternoon, the two together drank coffee while talking about the previous day's class, Derek was happy for not having missed anything vital for his learning, and that today would be an important class.

" You know, everyone is making bets about what happened to you and Merilda "said Urick "the most daring ones say that you raped the girl, and that you used a curse to make" her shut up.

" Why is it that I'm always the villain in the story? "asked the other pretending not to know the answer "could she have blackmailed me or something did you know?

The other's laughter made it clear that this possibility was ridiculous, everyone already knew Merilda as a user of light magic, a magic that requires purity of heart, but Derek doubted that, she had bad intentions when she followed him that night, this might indicate that the moral of light magic was relative.

After breakfast the two went to the tower, each one took the way to his room, as soon as Derek entered the students who were already there began to whisper or look askance, he as usual went to his corner.

It didn't take long for Merilda to arrive, she walked to the middle rows and sat right in the middle of them, one thing that always happened was a dispute to sit next to her, so she avoided sitting in corners.

"Isn't she already a celebrity in the room?" Derek said, laughing.

Merilda turned and looked back, seeing Derek she waved discreetly, even so the gesture did not go unnoticed, everyone looked at the two wondering what had happened two nights ago.

" I already told you, he got hurt protecting me " she said " we were involved in a... accident.

She was forbidden to talk about the incident, that's why she said that they both had an accident, even for her cousin Aella she told something similar, even so Derek was always frowned upon, they always managed to see the story with him being at fault for something, even even as being a bad luck magnet.

"Sit down and pay attention in class" said the teacher entering through the side passage "and it's good that you joined us, Derek and Merilda.

The two lowered their heads embarrassed, and so the class began explaining the dynamics of magic, how the form and intention of the conjuration easily changed, when a mannequin appeared in the room, everyone eagerly awaited the practical class.

"Writing arcane writing in this way the magic is directed "said the professor drawing the syllables in the air "arching forward the magic will take the direction of the center of the writing, it's great to aim well at the desired target.

He drew the phrase in the air so that it was arched forward, so the letters came together and turned into a ball of energy, this ball was fired precisely at the mannequin that fell apart, and shortly afterwards he assembled himself.

"That was a blast of pure mana" commented someone close to Derek "I can't wait to do this!

" You can also fix the effect in a place "said the teacher standing next to the dummy "just draw the arcane writing in the shape of a circle, pointing to the desired location.

He drew the writing forming a circle around the mannequin, in an instant an energy bubble formed, he came out of the bubble and then touched it showing that it was solid, it was a basic energy barrier to withstand weak physical and magical attacks.

" The way I made the barrier protects everything in its space, although you can get out easily "he explained "now I'm going to show you how to spread the magic effect.

He drew a circle with arcane writing, but this time with his hand raised, as soon as he finished an aura spread like a wave through the room, and soon everyone was glowing, it was a spell to reveal beings with Mana inside the body.

Then it was time to show how to cast a spell on yourself, he wrote the conjuration sentence pointing his finger at himself, starting in an inverted way, as soon as he finished an intense aura appeared around his body, it was the same protection magic but focused on the user.

"Wait a minute, to cast a spell on yourself do you have to do this?" asked Derek in surprise.

"That's the most effective way, but it's not exactly the easiest," replied the professor, "so you must master the initial method first.

" That bitch didn't say anything about that... "he mumbled "if there was a better way, I should teach it soon.

" And by the way, the spells I showed here are the ones I'm going to charge in the test of the month "he said "the magic attack, the magic defense, the manifestation of aura and the protective barrier, are the most basic spells of the general course, if If they don't know how to do even that, it's better to leave the gym.

Leaving the academy before the year ended was better than failing the end-of-year test, leaving early you could wait for the following year to enroll and start over, but failing the test got you kicked out and couldn't enroll anymore.

The teachers continued giving the class explaining more details, when the bell rang everyone was released, half of the day was coming and everyone was hungry.

"Oh man, I'm really hungry these days" Derek said "I think almost dying does that to anyone.

"Do you have a minute?" asked the voice behind him.

Derek turned and saw a redheaded girl, she was staring at him as if she was angry and embarrassed, Derek was sure he had seen her before, but he couldn't remember where.

"Sorry, she insisted on talking to you" said Merilda arriving.

"That's right, she's your cousin" said Derek remembering "well, what do you want?

" My cousin told me what she did, that's why I'm in debt "she spoke in a kinda rude way "so today I'm going to buy your lunch, order what you want!

She said that pointing her finger at him, Derek started to laugh at her imposition, it was as if she was forcing him to accept her generosity, but he wasn't the type to refuse offers just out of politeness.

" They're fine, but I'll warn you soon " he said " I have a pretty flexible stomach.

"Then we can eat together," Merilda suggested.

"That's...a little too much," Aella was saying awkwardly.

And so the three went to the separate dining room, there they paid for everything they put on the plate, seeing the excellent quality food Derek couldn't help himself, he filled the tray with several dishes, took it to the table and thanked him for everything before starting to devour.

"You know, you're going to be badmouthed if you walk with me," warned Derek, seeing Merilda sitting down.

"I completely agree" said Aella "and I would like to know what you were doing together that night!

"Just use your imagination" suggested Derek without stopping to eat.

When Aella looked at her cousin, she turned all red, Merilda soon hurried to undo this idea, she complained to Derek and asked him not to cause misunderstandings.

"And I just wanted to know how your class went yesterday, did you have any problems?" asked Merilda.

"She was surprisingly calm, I think that made her happy" Derek replied "she didn't even remember what had happened anymore, as if it wasn't relevant.

"Typical of a demon, human lives are nothing to them" said an angry Merilda.

"Is there a demon here?" asked Aella in surprise "Are the rumors about the black magic class true?

"Don't ask questions, we can't answer" Merilda said "but know that if you have problems with her you can tell me, I can talk to the dean, help you in some way.

Derek thanked him for his concern and finished his lunch, as he had the afternoon free he went to clean his room, and at night he had one more class on the path of darkness.

Armed with his new knowledge Derek performed the magic of darkness, he finally used the magic to see in the dark on himself, just as that time he saw the world in a gray tone, the magic only allowed him to see even in the dark, but it did not allow him to see reflections in a mirror, since these depended on light, under the effect of magic all mirrors were black.

" Congratulations "she said "you learned the most basic magic of the dark world.

"Even with you teaching me wrong" he said "I had to attend that class that taught how to cast properly on yourself.

" Oh that, I didn't teach it wrong, it's just harder to work that way "she said "I never attended classes anyway, so my methods are self-taught.

"I'm beginning to think someone needs lessons here," he said.

"I'm starting to think that someone is very abused" replied Onyx "and since you've learned the magic, it's time for my payment.

"But what pay...

He stopped talking when Onyx kissed him again, she did it to suck all the Mana she could out of him, and so when she finished she left him lying on the floor, it didn't take long for Napilla to carry him to the couch.

"You really got attached to him, didn't you?" asked Onyx.

"I like him, can't I?" she asked, dreading the answer.

"Okay, you can play with him too" replied Onyx caressing her "so take off your clothes, sleep with him.

Napilla quickly took off the rags she was wearing and laid down with him on the couch, she hugged him and snuggled, Onyx couldn't wait to see his reaction when she woke up.

*****************************

The first week of classes was over, the second started quietly and deeper into the basics of magic.

All students were already able to use the basic magic of activating Mana, in their specific courses each one was learning the basic magic that was competent, in the course of light magic Merilda learned to create light like a lantern by hand, Aella learned the magic that increased physical strength, Urick learned the magic that amplified the voice allowing it to be heard at greater distances, Ashera learned the magic that allowed a seed to germinate in a day.

Currently Derek was using his new magic, it allowed to make a place darker, it was what Onyx used to make his rooms a zone of complete darkness, but creating magical darkness was much more difficult than he expected.

" Especially because I can only work here in the hallway "he said looking at the lighted hallway.

"Master need help?" asked Napilla from behind him.

" Don't worry, it's something I need to do alone "he replied.

He looked at Napilla and turned a little red, it had been a week since he woke up with her by his side, the reaction he had was typical for a teenager without a girlfriend, and from then on he avoided her during classes and dreamed about her in his room, the feel of her soft body against his still bothered him, but he was already able to talk to her again.

"You look like a dog in heat, are you sure you don't want to borrow it?" teased Onyx "I'll let you use it", Napilla will be happy too, won't she?

" If the master wants me... "she said wagging her tail happily.

"Damn succubus..." he snarled "[darkness, come to me{veil of shadows}]

He recited the spell by drawing the corresponding arcane script, the circle he made glowed purple and the shadows around him expanded a bit, but it was still far from leaving the corridor in darkness, Onyx laughed and dared him to complete the spell. magic in a week.

"What do I get if I succeed?" he asked.

"Normally I would offer you a night with me" she said "but I'm sure you'll refuse.

" "But I'm not so sure about that" "he thought feeling the strong hormones in his body.

" So I offer you a new magic, so you will be ahead of others "she said "I will record the magic in your body, and you can use it whenever you want, what do you think?

" And what happens if I don't make it?" he asked.

" So you go find a friend, and bring" him to me ", she said running her finger on his chest " I promise I won't kill him, it's just for me to have company in bed.

"Fine" he said quietly.

"Huh? That easy?" she asked in surprise "after what you've done...

" It's not like I care about the other students, I just did that because I didn't want to relive that nightmare "Derek replied "but if you're not going to kill it's the problem of whoever is stupid to come with me here.

Onyx had made the proposal out of provocation, she expected Derek to refuse or hesitate, but he responded very calmly, to her it seemed that he really didn't care what happened to the others, but there was also something else.

"You believe you can master this magic in a week, don't you?" she asked "that's why you accepted my terms, you believe you'll succeed.

"In the end, I don't lose anything, so that's fine," he replied, "but I intend to win, because I don't like to see that little smile on your face.

The clock next to the table read the 5th hour of the night, his class had come to an end and Derek needed to go back to the dorm, his special permit allowed him to walk like that at night, but still the 5th year students were scheduled, if he if it took too long they would scold him and threaten to give him a reprimand.

From the central tower to the dormitory (an oval-shaped building) there was a corridor like a tunnel, he arrived straight to the administration of the dormitories, announced his arrival and went to the rooms, on the way he found a group of students, he sighed imagining that problems they would give you.

"Hey Derek, we want to have a word with you" said one of them.

"The girls are saying that you protected Merilda from a demon, is that true?" asked one of them.

" "That idiot Aella, she sure missed that" "he thought "and if it's true? What are they going to do?

" We want you to take us to that demon "said another "if you can do it then so can we!

Part of that came from envy, some girls started to think that Derek was brave for protecting Merilda from a demon, with that some guys were afraid that he would become a kind of hero within the academy, so they made the decision to "face" this demon as proof that they were better than he.

Besides, the dark magic class was a subject of secrets and gambling, finding out who taught such a subject could earn them good money.

"Look guys, I really can't get 'em there" explained Derek "but it's not like I can stop 'em from following me is it? Like a week from now."

Derek laughed devilishly in his mind, what he planned would definitely be funny for him, and terrible for these idiots, plus if Onyx had fun it would definitely be good for her classes, nothing to lose was also an attraction for that.

When asked why wait a week he had to make an excuse, he explained that the devil only appeared on those days, and that the rest of the time he studied alone, the boys agreed and the next day they were talking to others about how they they were amazing and that they would defeat a demon, in fact their confidence came from the fact that Derek came back well every night, so the demon couldn't be a big deal.

So the third week passed with a big bet in the air, the group of 5 students spent the whole week boasting, but as the days approached they became more apprehensive, on the last day of the week they were already afraid to go forward, but if they retreated everyone would call them cowards, Derek spoke to Merilda about the bet he made with Onyx, and spoke of his tAellamento, when she asked how the tAellamento was going he just smiled, said that it would be good not to miss what would happen .

As soon as the afternoon classes were over everyone turned their attention to what would happen, Derek feigning innocence followed through the corridors, the students who made the bet followed him and from afar people tried to follow, but no one had the courage to go after them.

When Derek reached the hall he performed his magic, with it all the shadows grew until there was no light left, using the magic to see in the dark he waited by the iron door.

" Is this here?" asked one of the guys who saw the corridor.

"Where else would it be? This place isn't even on the map" said another.

" Look at that darkness... "said a frightened third "are we going to have to go in there?

When the group rehearsed the first steps there, they heard something, it was the sounds of footsteps coming towards them, the 5 students were close to each other, and when they saw the yellow eyes they started to tremble, in an instant they heard a growl and the steps sped up.

What happened next was hilarious for Derek, the 5 boys ran and Napilla went after them, she had a dark magic covering her body and making her terribly scary, she growled and howled hunting her prey, and the boys screamed madly, when they left in a more open area the other people also fled, since Napilla didn't go any farther than that, everybody started shouting things about the demon getting loose or Derek himself having turned into one, already he just laughed at the dark corridor.

"Okay I admit, that was much better than devouring them" said Onyx laughing at the door "but if you could already complete the spell why did you bring them here?

" So they stop bitching, and no one will ever come near here again " he replied "besides the stories were spreading, sooner or later someone would come here.

" And that's the only reason I pretended not to know anything "said the dean appearing out of nowhere "a scare like that is good for the other students to stay away from here.

"So you knew?" said Derek embarrassed.

"Of course he knew, almost nothing happens here without him knowing" said Onyx "plus the students were very excited about it, I saw it all week with my shadow.

Derek laughed at that, but the dean's angry face made him stop laughing, he would get a warning if he had broken any rules, but technically he didn't do anything wrong, the other students however would get a warning for going into restricted areas.

" You be aware Derek, this time it was a joke, but who knows what you can do one day isn't it? "warned the dean "your predecessor started with harmless things before he hurt someone here.

Derek stopped to think about it, in fact he didn't care what would happen, they could get hurt, Onyx could break his promise, or people could see him even worse, so Derek decided he wouldn't do this anymore kind of thing.

"Now if you'll excuse me I have things to do" said the dean "like collecting my share of the stakes.

He "turned into a younger version of himself, the same version he had when he studied at this academy as a student, this was one of the ways he found to know what was going on among the students.

" What a son of a bitch..." said Derek indignantly.

*****************************************

The third week passed and gave way to the 4th week, the students continued to study the basic knowledge of magic during the day, and in the afternoon they studied their specific schools, Derek continued to have his classes at night and so time passed.

The 5th week arrived and so the routine changed, this whole week would be used to review and practice everything they had already learned so far, the students reviewed the spells they should master and all the theoretical knowledge, it was the 23rd day of the month when the test theory was presented.

"By the gods, what is this?" said the student, seeing the test with three sheets.

" The test was written in arcane language, and the answers must be given in the same way "explained the professor "if you have mastered the arcane language it will not be difficult to translate the test.

The teacher placed a huge hourglass to count the time, that alone already gave more pressure to the students, the test consisted of 10 questions about the basic knowledge of magic, but for some, the simple act of trying to translate the test was already difficult.

What didn't happen for everyone, some were "extremely fluent in arcane reading, this happened because the greater their affinity with magic, the easier such language became natural, it was as if Mana engraved the arcane language in the soul.

" "I see that half the class is doing well" "the teacher sitting at his desk thought ""how are those two getting along?"

He looked at Derek and Merilda, both were the stars of the room (one good and one bad) and seemed to be doing well, Merilda was "quicker at translating and responding, Derek read and reread the question and then answered, her affinity with magic was what you might call above average but not amazing.

Three hours later the last grain of sand fell from the hourglass, as soon as that happened all the tests disappeared from their tables, reappearing then on the teacher's table, he took the tests and flipped through them, some were incomplete, and very rare were blank, he glared at the students who left them blank, and they all shrank back in their chairs.

" My test tests your basic abilities as a magician, bear that in mind and reevaluate your ability "he said "the rest of the day is off for you, tomorrow we will have the practical test, be ready.

All the students were dismissed, those who were sure of the result celebrated, those who weren't so sure went out to work, others already gave up.

"What are you going to do today?" asked Merilda approaching Derek.

"I'm going to sleep, the night classes are tiring" replied Derek yawning "and what about you? You certainly don't need to practice, you've already mastered the basic spells.

"I'm going to help those who are in difficulty" she replied "let's get together and see where we're going wrong, don't you want to join us?

"Have you talked to them before? Or are you asking me first?" Derek asked.

" I proposed the study group, but I didn't say who was going yet "she replied "is there a problem?

" Well, ask them what they want, then let me know.

She didn't quite understand that and went to talk to the people she was gathering, when they heard who was going to participate each one found an excuse, those who didn't leave seemed extremely uncomfortable, only then did Merilda understand, none of them wanted to study with Derek.

"Miss? Why are you so sad?" asked Aella seeing her cousin sitting under a tree.

" I thought I could help the one who was having difficulty, but none of them wanted to study with Derek "she replied "everyone is afraid of him.

" That's natural, he wants to be a dark magician, anyone would want to stay away from him "replied his cousin "and you should also stay away from him, if the emperor finds out about this he will get you out of here immediately!

She was assessing her own situation, as an imperial princess she had everything she could want, except for real friends, anyone would walk away from her for safety, or approach her out of interest, this was also a good reason to hide her identity, she wanted have a normal life inside the academy.

"Be it light or dark, being special is lonely" she said "come on Aella, you have difficulties with basic spells don't you?

Aella thanked her for her help, the two spent the rest of the day practicing, Derek went to sleep as he had said, and at night he practiced his basic skills a little, he swore to himself that he would not fail.

******************************

The next day started later for the students, the practical test started at the 4th hour of the day, and in each room the teachers worked, organizing the students into groups they were doing the tests and seeing if they had mastered the most basic magic.

"You may begin," he ordered, "the aura revelation magic first.

"[Mystic force, reveal yourself to my eyes]" they recited in arcane language "{revealing aura}

Each student emitted a wave targeting the dummy in front of him, if the magic worked a bright aura was revealed around the dummy, those who couldn't complain and gave way to another student, so it was until everyone had their chance.

The test continued, the students used magic to wrap their bodies in a protective aura, then they had to surround the mannequins with the protective barrier, finally everyone needed to shoot the arcane energy ray to try to pierce the barrier itself.

"Hey teacher, I have a doubt" said one of the students "if the barrier I created to withstand my own shot is a good thing or a bad thing?

" It's not bad, but ideally the barrier and the shot cancel each other out "he explained "this means that your attack and defense are balanced.

With the explanation given, the students were trying, some attacks destroyed the barrier and reached the dummy, others saw their attacks bounce off the barrier and come back to them (which explained the use of the protective aura before), very little could do the attack and the barrier are cancelled.

" It's what you could expect from Merilda "said the teacher "perfect balance between attack and defense.

In the last group of 10 was Derek, first he executed the barrier around the dummy, then recited the magic for the magic shot, a dark ray came out of the tip of his finger and hit the barrier created by him, the ray crossed the barrier like fire through plastic, and hit the mannequin which suffered damage.

"Well, that at least shows you're good on offense," said the professor, "but your defense leaves a lot to be desired.

" hahahaha as if a dark wizard cares about protecting others " mocked someone.

Derek looked askance at that person, the teacher continued with the tests until everyone completed them, many students asked about the grade, but completing all the basic spells was the sign that they had mastered it, it only remained to perfect what they had learned.

"After lunch you will have the tests with your respective classes, good luck to everyone" said the teacher.

And so it was, after having lunch and resting, the students went to the courses they were taking, the battle mages tested the magic that increased physical speed, the nature mages mastered the magic that made a plant move, inspiration mages used their magic to produce sound and light effects, dimensional mages teleported something from their desk into their hands.

Mind mages had to read a partner's mind to pass their test, creation mages needed to solidify a small amount of mana, and finally light mages emitted a strong flash that lit up the entire room.

"Congratulations to all of you" said teacher Izora "with that the first month of classes is complete!

The students celebrated, the teacher explained that the next day (the last day of each month) would be a day off for all the students, that they could leave the academy and visit the city and everything, but that they needed to be back before from dusk.

" But before that, here is proof of completion of the test "the teacher said "proof that you passed the initial selection.

Izora handed a brooch to each student who passed the test, the brooch bore a symbol that in the arcane language meant "success", each of them should put it on their uniform in a space that they now knew what it was for.

" We have a test in the 1st month, and another one in the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th month before the vacation "she explained referring to the vacation of the 10th month "then we have a test in the 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th month before of the end of the year.

" You mean we'll have 10 exams throughout the year? "asked one of them "and we need to pass all of them!?

" Exactly, but even if you fail a test it doesn't mean the end of everything "she explained "in the 1st year we are flexible, you need to pass 6 out of 10 tests, but I advise you to pass all of them.

" That sounds kind of scary " said one of the girls on the course " what happens if we don't pass them all?

"You'll need to do something to deserve to pass the year" replied the teacher "and that's all, you're dismissed.

In the light magic course there were only 12 participants, losing even one was regrettable for Merilda, she really hoped that everyone would take it seriously, so that everyone would be useful in her future government.

Already in the dark magic course the only student did well, after reciting the phrase a dark mist enveloped Derek, even with the magic to see in the dark active he could not see himself.

"{Shadow Cloak} is an excellent spell for camouflage, and also for scaring" said Onyx "it's the smaller version of the spell I used on Napilla that night, it was fun wasn't it my little dog?

" Yes! But I wish I had caught one..." said Napilla with her head in her lap.

"So this is my third spell" Derek was saying looking at his dark hand "I'm doing fine aren't I?

"I would say yes, you've learned one more spell than necessary" replied Onyx "which is strange, you're not particularly talented or smart, is it that I'm a wonderful teacher?"

"Don't try to steal my credit, I'm the dark genius" he joked.

Even Onyx laughed at that, she got up and went to Derek, he thought she was going to kiss him and steal his mana as she often did, and by that time he didn't know if that was good or bad, his heart was racing. he felt her putting her hand on his chest, with a depraved smile she bent closer, and when her lips were already close to his he felt a needle in his chest, when he looked he saw the brooch she had pinned.

" hun... is all this here just for anticipation?" she asked seeing the volume in his pants "you're getting very perverted you bastard.

" Please don't play like that with a healthy teenager "he said all red "and what brooch is that?

" Didn't they tell you? It's proof that you passed the test "she explained "you need to gather 10 of these throughout the year, so you pass.

"Wonderful! I'm getting closer and closer!" he said excitedly.

Onyx laughed at his excitement, if he knew how much more he still had to do he would be discouraged, the first year is a way to find out if you can be a mage, the following years will develop your skills.

" What a pity, since I only have you as a student, the test ends in a moment "she said stretching on the sofa "don't you want to do something fun for the rest of the night?

She insinuated herself showing the curves of her body, Derek swallowed hard when he looked at her, a human would never resist the charms of a succubus, even knowing that she wants to bewitch him, even so he has held firm for an entire month to her provocations.

" The more you resist the more I will feel to corrupt" you "she said stretching her hand to him "so how about giving yourself up at once? I will make it an unforgettable trip to perdition.

" When I complete my objective, I think I will have no objection to letting you suck me " he said " but until then I can't let you or anyone else finish me off.

" I almost hope you make it, but I'm not a good teacher after all " she said " I only see tragedy in your future, and that makes me very happy.

He said goodbye to her and Napilla, promised the beast girl that he would bring something tasty next time, then he headed down the corridors that connected the dungeon with the rest of the academy.

He smoothed the brooch stuck in his uniform, he had passed the first test, and there would be more to come, Derek was confident that he would manage to pass and also graduate, his future depended on it.

After crossing all the corridors he appeared in the main hall of the academy, he took the students to all the rooms and other places, as it was already the 2nd hour of the night the place was deserted, except for a single person waiting in a flowerbed.

"It's an hour before they close this place, you should go back to the dorm" he said to the girl he saw.

" I was waiting for you " said the embarrassed girl approaching him.

"For me? But I don't even know you... actually you're from my class during the morning, aren't you?" he asked.

"My name is Geva, we're in the same class" she said "but I'm part of the inspiration magic course."

"And may I ask what you want from me?" he asked scratching his head.

" Please! Teach me dark magic! "she asked holding his hand "in return, you can do whatever you want with me!

"Wh-wh-what?" he asked making a funny face.