3rd person POV
A man stood by the large vertical window in his small office. His gloved hands were clasped behind his back as he looked out of the glass panes, his gaze distant and lost in thoughts.
At that moment, the door to his room creaked open as a masked man with a thin figure slipped into it.
The masked man looked around him. The room was completely neat and tidy, with no specks of dust on any ceiling or wall.
He almost facepalmed himself for forgetting something crucial. Stepping back, he removed his shoes and entered the room again.
A rule was a rule, even for him.
Despite all this happening, the man at the window didn't look back.
However few seconds later, he asked. "Any updates?"
The masked man who was waiting for him to start speaking suddenly stood upright. With a disciplinary pose akin to a trained soldier, he answered.
"I certainly wouldn't be disturbing your time if I hadn't brought any news."
Principal Nightshade finally looked away from the window and nodded solemnly, acknowledging the hardwork of his espionage.
The masked man continued.
"The night before yesterday, the last temple of Goddess had been destroyed. A pretty swift job by...the unknown party."
At those words, the man at the window turned around. A smile adorned his lips and his eyes. A gentle one. His brass rimmed monocle slipped a little downwards, as if following the movements of his eyes.
Looking at the masked one, he said. "And how were you all late to inform me something this significant?"
"Our intelligence was neutralised. And before you ask, we have already compensated their families."
Cormac rubbed his chin as he heard the death of yet another few men under him. Then in a commanding voice, he said. "Alex, make sure you give their families protection from the shadows. Someone capable of sniffing out my men would certainly be able to find out about their actual identities."
"With that said...any other news?" He asked in an implying tone.
In response, Alex stepped forward with calculated steps and dropped an envelope on the table.
Cormac picked up a letter from within it. As he read it, his eyes glinted almost mischieviously.
Folding back the letter, he looked at Alex and asked in a triumphant manner.
"So it has been Alice all along huh?"
Alex bowed his head. "Indeed just like you said. Also..."
"Hmm?"
"Henry Mordant seems to have awakened his second element...just like you said."
Cormac burst out in laughter, the sound filling the small room unnaturally.
Then looking back at the window, he asked.
"Ain't I a genius?" It looked as if he was asking himself rather than Alex.
"Alright Alex, you can take your leave now. Also, good work there."
The masked man lowered his head slightly, acknowledging his praise.
"Then I shall be taking my leave...Principal Nightshade."
As soon as Alex went out of the room, a smirk suddenly appeared on Cormac's lips.
In an amusing tone, he whispered to the wind around him.
"Planting a spy within my own espionage system? How...cute."
∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆
Scrambled eggs and toasted bread made up for a hearty breakfast accompanied with a cup brimming with warm coffee. Even though I wasn't the official vice-principal yet, I was still grateful they haven't stripped me of the benefits that come along with it.
I didn't wish to end up at the Earl's mansion, who also happened to be the father of this body. Avoiding contact with them for as long as possible would be the best outcome for both parties.
Atleast till until I understand this fantasy world.
The Earl and his family wouldn't have to be in any sort of heartbreak knowing their son was no longer with them. And it would also be keeping me out of trouble and any other sort of accusations regarding dark magic.
And if the history of this world is anything to go by, there have already been a massive number of executions of dark magic practitioners.
Something that they in fact celebrated and glorified.
After finishing my meal, I visited the library again. It was almost empty, just like how it generally is when classes take place.
Bassanio greeted me again with a casual "Good morning" but considering the way he was engrossed in yet another book, even the gesture must mean a lot.
Moments later I found myself sitting a corner chair with stacks of thin and thick books piled up on the table.
Today's schedule would be all about Vitalis and my own element.
There were numerous books on Vitalis. Basically it was just biology said aloud in a fancy word.
And as I read through the thin books, a surge of hope and something else I couldn't quite name ignited within me.
The biology was similiar to the one I have read back on Earth.
The good news? It was all middle school stuff!
Except the part where they started explaining demon anatomy in details. Even then, it didn't look that different from the human counterpart.
Just that they could achieve heights ranging from 7 ft to 12 ft...yeah I know almost twice that of us.
And these demons seemed to have greater raw power than us.
Also they were grotesque faced creatures.
Honestly these were kinda predictable...
How cliched.
As I ended my biology session with a rather happy ending, I searched for books regarding the uses of Ice element.
And oh would you look at that? Another cliched setting.
Your mastery over your element depends on how you manipulate mana around you. The book also had some cool styles that promised heavy damage to the enemies.
I noted them down on a piece of paper I had brought with me.
Later, I would practice them. And hopefully I could master them by this week.
Depending on the sadist named "Unbending Baron" alone didn't look like the wisest thing right now. And it's a good thing to have as many wild cards as possible.
Time passed by like a smooth breeze and I found myself lost in the knowledge the books offered me.
"Good morning, sir."
I looked up at the sudden call. The red haired boy stood behind me, peeking at the contents of my book.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I slid the chair a bit sideways. The boy didn't even hesitate as he took a step forward, his eyes still on the books at my table.
"Yes, I thought a bit of preparation wouldn't hurt me. So here I am."
But then I frowned and asked, "Why are you here? Don't you have classes?"
That seemed to snap him out of his intense staring session on my books. Looking at me in mild confusion, he answered.
"It's lunch break though....ohh didn't you hear the bell?" He asked as he came to a realisation.
"The bell has already rung? Seems I was a bit too engrossed into the sea."
"Sea?"
"Oh, I mean the sea of knowledge." I laughed as I stood up.
As I started walking away, the boy called me.
"Umm sir, did you read the Terra Verde? I don't see books on those, so asked you." He said, scratching his head again.
"Well one thing at a time." I smiled and then as an afterthought, I asked him. "I didn't ask it before. But what's your name?"
"It's Azak."
"Full name?"
The boy smiled bitterly, his eyes softening up a bit more than usual. Then he answered me.
"Only Azak. I don't have a surname since I am an orphan haha."
Ahh, I regret asking it now.