A Journey Unwanted

It was all the talk around the capital city. The fact that demons had invaded Luminare Academy was a shocking event after all. A prestigious academy such as that actually being successfully invaded. And further more it was most shocking that it was demons that were responsible for said invasion.

It was not an exaggeration to say everyone knew what a demon was. Malevolent creatures that spawn from the abyss. They come in all different shapes and sizes, some more powerful than others or more intelligent than others. Demons were a stain on the world when they invaded, a blight.

Then there were the casualties in the academy—nothing staggering. Twelve dead and sixty injured—something that was going to stain the academy's reputation. Some students were even pulled out of the academy, but the number of students who were pulled out was a negligible amount.

Due to the event of demons having invaded the academy, students were allowed a few days of rest. Some were hauled away within their dorms, some returned to their families, and some chose to visit the capital city.

Mikoto was part of the latter group.

So, walking through the bustling streets with a black dress shirt and pants, he took in the atmosphere. The capital was as lively as he remembered, with diverse groups of people walking the streets and mingling.

Merchants called out for his attention as he passed by, offering exotic goods such as silk scarves, intricate jewelry, and rare herbs. The sound of rattling coins being counted filled the air as they negotiated the price of their goods. He was also drawn towards the different food stalls set up around the square, where vendors are cooking up mouth-watering treats like freshly baked pastries, grilled meats, and sweet pastries. The tantalizing smells would make anyone's mouth water. Of course, he did still receive the occasional gaze due to his mask, but that was neither here nor there.

In the midst of all this activity, he caught glimpses of demi-humans and other creatures interspersed among the humans. Some of them were manning their own stalls, selling trinkets or vegetables that they had harvested themselves. Others were wandering around the marketplace, bartering goods or simply enjoying the atmosphere.

("Weird, barring Fiona and that one horned girl, I don't think I've really seen any other people with animal features.") He silently mused as his eyes scanned over a woman with bunny ears atop her head.

Unlike what most would think, there was barely any racism. Though in this world's history there was prejudice and discrimination against certain races, it seemed the people of this world were actually capable of common sense. Things such as demons and Astrothians were clearly a bigger problem than something as benile as breeding conflict over differences.

Of course, there is still a lot of conflict in this world. No wars, though, just fragile relationships between kingdoms. Meaning a war could start at the slightest mishap in one kingdom.

"Hm?" Mikoto ceased his thoughts as he caught a whiff of familiar blonde hair. "Agatha?" The Gregory was situated in front of a stall selling what looked like meat on a skewer. Of course, her not being in the academy meant she was no longer in uniform; instead, she was dressed in a white blouse with a black skirt along with high-thigh boots.

"Tis you." She noted as she threw him a glance.

"Yeah, it's me."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"I am not supposed to speak with you." The blonde suddenly blurted out, and Mikoto could just quirk up an eyebrow at her words.

"Why not? I thought we'd be pretty good friends." Well, not really, but he was just trying to make conversation.

"My father told me to avoid interaction with you." She admitted.

"For real?" He questioned, amused. "Lemme guess..." Mikoto cleared his throat loudly as he spoke. "He was all like, 'Listen, here, I don't want you hanging out with that dazzling ruffian who's totally good-looking behind his mask'." He said it in an overly pompous voice.

"Keh-" A small snort escaped the girl as she quickly threw a hand over her mouth.

"Ha! I made you laugh."

"You did not." Agatha quickly denied it with a straight face.

"Uh-huh." Mikoto was not quite convinced of that. "Anyway, what are you doing prancing around? I thought a demon roughed you up." There was a rumor that she and Princess Mirabella had fought a Chaosmaw. And that the two ended up injured by said Chaosmaw.

He wondered if it was the same one he met—the weirdo blue demon. The guy was pretty weak, so maybe not.

"You heard wrong." Agatha stated. "The injuries I have received were nothing but flesh wounds." She clarified.

"Uh-huh. You must be one tough cookie." He noted.

"I am no cookie." She denied it, and he sighed.

"It was a-nevermind." His figures of speech probably did not translate well here. "Anyhow, I heard you and the princess fought together. Got that quality bonding time, huh?"

"What bonding?" She replied with a tilt of her head. "We were merely fighting for our lives."

"Right..." This conversation was going to get very dry quickly, it seemed. "Say I'm meeting up with your brother and a friend at a café later. Wanna come?"

"I refuse." A direct and immediate response from an Agatha, whose face seemed a tad duller now.

"Gotcha, family drama, huh?" That fact was easy enough to deduce or guess.

"It really is not any of your business." She coldly stated:

"Yeah, don't worry, I won't pry or anything like that." He used to have family drama back home, so he could kind of guess how Agatha was feeling, especially concerning a sibling. Hinata used to be jealous of him; she herself was a fuckup, while he always got the highest marks in class and succeeded where she always failed.

That made her more prone to the punishments of their father. And for awhile, she hated him for whatever reason. But eventually that hate turned into just plain hatred for their dear old dad. It probably will not be that easy to solve for the Gregory siblings, but that was neither here nor there.

"Well, I'll be seeing you then." He gave a small wave as he prepared to depart, but he was quickly stopped by her words.

"Thanks..." She spoke in a barely audible whisper, and he just smiled beneath his mask.

"No problem."

--------------------

The room was a true embodiment of historic charm and elegance. As one steps through the ornate wooden double doors, the room opens up before you in all its majestic glory. The scent of aged wood and faint traces of incense transport you back in time, adding to the immersive experience.

The room was immense, with high, vaulted ceilings adorned with expertly crafted wooden beams painted in rich, earthy hues. The walls were covered in massive tapestries depicting heroic battles, mythical creatures, and regal figures, their vibrant colors offsetting the otherwise dimly lit space. Soft candlelight flickers on sconces mounted to the stone walls, casting a warm and inviting ambiance.

The center of the room was occupied by a massive rectangular table, easily accommodating 30 individuals or more. Crafted from solid oak, the table's surface has acquired a lustrous sheen from centuries of use. Its edges were adorned with intricate carvings of medieval heraldic symbols, intertwining vines, and mythical creatures. The table stands atop an ornate, hand-carved base resembling a castle fortified with turrets and statues.

On either side of the table, long wooden benches stretch the length of the room, inviting attendees to take their seats. The benches mirror the design of the table, featuring the same delicate carvings and attention to detail. Soft velvet cushions adorn each bench, providing comfort amidst the grandeur.

At the head of the room, a raised dais holds an intricately crafted throne, fit for a king or queen. It is constructed of polished mahogany and adorned with velvet cushions embellished with shimmering gold embroidery. The backrest of the throne towers above, enveloped in richly woven tapestries depicting royal lineage and ancient battles.

Large stained-glass windows frame the walls, filtering sunlight through vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold. Each pane tells a story, portraying scenes of chivalry, honor, and medieval banquets. Sun rays cascade into the room, casting multicolored patterns on the stone floors.

To the left of the dais, a massive stone fireplace crackles warmly, providing both light and heat. Its mantelpiece is adorned with fantastical medieval artifacts, including a knight's helmet, a decorative sword, and a chalice. The roaring fire dances within, casting a mesmerizing glow throughout the room.

Lining the walls were grand bookshelves, filled with ancient manuscripts, scrolls, and leather-bound tomes. Dust particles dance in the sunlight as they catch your eye, hinting at the years of accumulated knowledge contained within. Gilded quills, inkwells, and aged parchment are strategically placed on small lecterns, ready for recording moments of importance.

The acoustics of the room add to its splendor. The sound of footsteps against the stone floor echoes gently, while the hushed murmurs of conversation carry an air of secrecy and anticipation.

"This meeting is now underway." Professor Gregory announced this as his eyes glazed over the faces of Professor Fergus and Eudora.

"Bah! What damn meeting! There are only three of us here!" Professor Fergus spat out as Professor Eudora heaved a heavy sigh.

"That is because the other professors are currently busy repairing the academy, Alexander." Professor Eudora stated and annoyance appeared in Professor Fergus's face at being called by his name by a colleague he did not quite like.

"Hmph! Then where's that brat, Aleister?" Professor Fergus questioned as Professor Eudora narrowed her eyes at the man for his clear disrespect.

"I bid you to treat your superior with respect, Alexander." She advised, as the old man just scoffed.

"Hah! Superior? I've known that lad since he was in diapers." He declared it with a hearty laugh.

"Enough." Professor Gregory intervened before a full-blown argument could break out between the two. He pinched the bridges of his nose as he heaved a sigh. "We've no time to bicker like small children. While the others are busy with the academy repairs, we must review the situation." He advised.

"Right. Apologies, Professor Gregory." Professor Eudora cleared her throat as she continued. "The wards are the first thing we'll be no doubt discussing, no?" Professor Gregory nodded at her words.

"Those wards were created by Professor Eugene." Professor Gregory started. "There's simply no 'destroying' them."

"Yet these demons seemed to have no problem with that." Professor Fergus hummed.

"They were completely eradicated, the only ones with that kind of power..." Professor Eudora started lowly as Professor Fergus threw her a glance.

"Would be dear Aleister." He finished for her.

"Then another spawn of Aragorn?" Professor Eudora suggested not seeming too convinced by that conclusion.

"One working with demons? Mayhap." Professor Gregory murmured.

"Bah! Talk of wards is boring me." Professor Fergus suddenly declared as both Professor Gregory and Eudora sent him dry glances.

"What are you? A child?" Professor Eudora was bemused.

"I'm older than you, brat!" Professor Fergus shot back.

"Enough, on to the Chaosmaw's." Professor Gregory once again quickly interjected.

"From what Miss Lucinda had informed me, there was a second one." Professor Eudora said as Professor Gregory nodded his head.

"From her report, all he displayed was high mana levels and the use of a high-tier fire spell." Professor Gregory informed as Professor Fergus scoffed.

"That all?"

"Most likely not." Professor Eudora stated: "It was a Chaosmaw; they are not to be trifled with." She warned.

"Yeah, yeah." Professor Fergus dismissed her with a wave of his hand as he turned back to Professor Gregory. "You fought one, right?" The older man asked as Professor Gregory nodded his head.

"Indeed." He confirmed as he continued. "We only did battle momentarily when he was suddenly teleported away, though no glyphs had been used strangely enough."

"Glyphless teleportation." Professor Eudora hummed. "But I suppose what we're all truly interested in is who was responsible for that explosion that eradicated nearly the whole forest."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think that Brat Aleister was back." Professor Fergus mused, and for once, the other two professors agreed.

"True, that level of destruction was nothing to scoff at." Professor Gregory murmured.

"But then who could be responsible?" Professor Eudora asked.

"Hell, if I know!" Professor Fergus spat out, and Professor Gregory was at a loss himself.

"Likely candidates would have been either the princess or Lucinda. But the former was injured and unconscious, and the latter would not dream of unleashing such a spell." Professor Gregory informed as Professor Eudora heaved a sigh.

"Well, another problem for the ever-growing pile."