The academy buzzed with energy as everyone one either talking about the battle or the fighters involved.
From the training fields to the alchemy halls, from dorms to dining halls, one name danced on every tongue–The Frostfire duo.
"They really took down a Goblin King, didn't they?"
"And without help too! That's way beyond graduation level... It's like on fairytale level!"
Rumors bloomed like wildfire, each version more exaggerated than the last. Some claimed they tamed the monster. Others swore they summoned a meteor from the sky.
But the celebrities weren't around to drown In the praises of their juniors.
Damian and Lyra sat comfortably on the leather couches in the Vice Principal's office, somewhere a little more than 10 stories up from ground level in one of the few Grand towers this prestigious school owned.
A warm breeze flowed through the open window. Outside, students celebrated their last day of the term—cheering, sparring and throwing their uniforms into the air. As the scent of the holidays filled their senses.
Damian leaned back with his arms behind his head. "It really has been 4 year already hasn't it?..."
Lyra nodded, her crimson eyes scanning the large emblem behind the vice principal's desk that represented their school. Xavier's Academy of Swords and Sorcery, it resembled a book with a sword laid out on it.
"Good job, you two," Gareth said, adjusting his monocle with pride. "You really are the pride of our school. At this rate, we'll need a whole new shelf in the library just to hold your records."
"Don't worry about it, old man," Damian said, rubbing his neck, clearly flustered.
"Old man?" Gareth stressed as a vein popped on his fire head. I tolerated it back at the closing event, but you're still call me an old man!!" He snapped. "Besides... I'm not that old." He added with a grunt.
"Ah my bad... Sorry about that old man." Damian replied nonchalantly.
"Why you little..."
"Ahem." Lyra cleared her throat, freezing both of them in place with a single glance. Gareth straightened in his seat with unease. Damian wisely leaned back too. Inching away from her as a chill crept from Lyra's aura.
"So Vice Principal..." Lyra began, breaking the awkward silence in the office as she glanced at him. "Why did you call us here exactly?" She inquired.
"It's about today's battle," Gareth said, leaning forward. "First off, Damian... I wasn't aware you could wield light magic."
"Oh-uh..." Damian stammered as he clearly wasn't expecting the question. "My class?..."
"Damian's class evolved into Paladin after reaching Tier 3," Lyra cut in smoothly.
"Hmm? Are you serious?!... I'm proud of you kid." Gareth praised.
"Thank you Lyra..." Damian whispered.
"It's nothing."
"This is marvelous!.." the vice principal's voice rang out. "we should add this to your records as well!" Gareth continued.
"Hehe... don't flatter me old geezer. You're making me blush" Damian teased.
"You've got the tongue of a devil you know That." Gareth shrugged with a sigh. "Anyways, I guess that would explain the light mixed In your flames earlier today."
"Yup"
"One other thing, you two... You recall that the monster that escaped this morning was a goblin king correct?"
"Yes... Did something go wrong?" Lyra inquired
"Not exactly..." The vice principal replied. "The monster's escape shouldn't even be possible because as you already know, we don't seal our monsters in cages... We use..."
"Sealing spells," Damian cut in, arms behind his head again, staring at the ceiling.
"Sealing spells," Damian cut in, arms behind his head again, staring at the ceiling.
"Exactly. Which means..."
"It was released on purpose," Damian finished, lowering his gaze and flashing a grin. "And I'm the target. Right?"
"You figured it out already?" Gareth said, impressed. "As always, your brilliance never ceases to amaze me boy."
"Anyways, don't worry about me old man. I've already prepared for this." he said confidently.
"I see..." Gareth sighed, rubbing his temples. "In that case, before I forget... The Principal wishes to meet with both of you at the rewards ceremony."
His response made both Damian and Lyra blink in confusion and surprise altogether. Though for different reasons
"The principal?!" Lyra asked.
"We have a principal?!" Damian added, drawing a weird glance from both of them.
"What? I've never actually seen the guy." He shrugged.
"Well you're not wrong." Lyra supported. "What does he want with us anyways?"
"In case you've forgotten," he pointed out. "You two are the very first people to ever get the position of first and second in this school, don't you think it's founder would be interested even s little bit.?"
Damian didn't answer at first. His eyes drifted to the window, watching the clouds roll gently across the sky.
"I guess..."
"Rest assured child, he wishes to meet at a later date" he sipped his tea. "You will be meeting our great founder on the upcoming prize giving day... Until then, congrats on your graduation." He commented with a thumbs up.
Just then, a knock interrupted the moment. The door opened, and a young man in royal courier armor stepped in the crest of the royal family faintly gleaming on his chestplate.
"Forgive the intrusion," he said, bowing low. "By order of His Majesty, the King, I have come to escort Young master Damian Blackthorne back to the capital."
Lyra raised a brow. "Wow. You didn't tell me we had an escort..." Lyra teased.
Damian stood, brushing the creases from his uniform and lending her a hand. "Shall we?."
She stood up on her own and bowed to the vice principal. "We will be taking our leave now sir. Take care."
"Ah thank you young Lyra... Safe travels."
• • •
The grand doors of the Sylvia castle swung open.
"I'M BACK!!! RAHAHAHA—OW!"
Damian's stylish entrance was cut short but a quick 'chop' to his head by Lyra.
"Grow up young master... This is beneath you." She sighed.
"Whatever, I'm just excited is all."
He passed the guards watching the door and made his way up the stairs, paying attention to every little detail as if he was some kind of tourist.
The moment he reached the top he quickly sprinted down the long and surprisingly empty hallway as he made his way to a certain someone he dearly missed these past 4 years, Lyra slowly trailed gracefully behind.
Fortunately for her, she caught up to her prince just in time to see a tear run down his cheek as a single comforting word left his lips.
"Mom..."