The massive school hall was packed with rows of students and teachers alike. First years gathered in one section at the back, with the senior years in front of us. Even after a few moments of counting the rows, I still couldn't fully grasp how many educators there were.
Just how massive is this place for so many people working here?
Sarin seemed excited at least, an ongoing theme when I looked close enough at the others around us. Sure, I could spot the occasional terrified expression but for the most part, everyone looked rearing to go. Especially that woman.
Astrid Steinber. Snowy hair glistened under the assembly hall's bright lights, with an elegant beauty I thought only movie stars possessed. Her eyes were focused on the stage at the end of the hall and completely fazed out the stares and constant glances from those around her.
"She's strong," Sarin muttered beside me. "I think you should avoid picking a fight with her." She said, jokingly.
I wasn't planning to fight her in the first place but… even I can feel I'd lose that fight. Something about her is just menacing. I found myself staring and quickly averted my eyes.
"Don't worry, I'm not that stupid."
My ears perked up and I turned towards the stage where the sharp steps of heels echoed across the hall. Long black hair hung behind her as she strutted to the centre, where she took her place at the podium. At that point, the droning murmurs had buried her voice.
I'm not going crazy, right? That's totally that officer I met the other day, she forced me into this crazy school!
"Now then!"
The assembly fell into an eerie silence as if all external sounds were sucked from the room. I wouldn't have been surprised if it was some kind of magical ability from the educators.
"Listen up and don't you dare speak when I'm talking! You can address me as Ms. Silver and I'll be your instructor. I understand that nearly none of you know who I am but I'll make sure you understand me really quick." One by one, the murmurs erupted into confused chatters. Even the teachers seemed quite taken aback, maybe not all of them were aware but either way, it had an effect on the entire room.
Yeah, that's her alright. That crazy officer–no, she's some government official– that put me in this school. Is this what she meant by keeping an eye on me? I buried my face into my hand.
Snap!
With a snap of her fingers, an immense pressure exploded off the stage like a wave. The sudden surge forced my spine straight and every instinct dictated I stayed that way.
"I said shut it." Her voice darkened. "Now then, your principal has some words for you all."
Another woman took to the stage, this time an older lady probably well into her fifties but still quite vigour in her step. Unlike Ms. Silver, her hair was a short bob that just barely touched her neck with strands of smooth pink and white mixed in equally.
"Welcome to another year at Kishi Academy, although a bit abrupt… It is true that Ms. Silver will be joining us as a new instructor. Although a few changes have occurred, we are still working towards our same goal here, in preparing you all to hone your abilities and thrive in the world." She gathered a rowdy wave of applause.
Simple and sweet.
I thought this school was going to be my biggest worry but it seems I've got a little more on my plate now… Silver and I locked eyes if only for a moment before she left the stage at the principal's side.
From that point on, we received the usual low-motivation speeches from some other staff and educators about the do's and don't's of the school. For the first time in years, I actually paid attention, fearing that my life was on the line for that extensive list of 'don'ts'.
To give you a rundown, students aren't allowed to draw their magical weapons without permission, nor their armour. Not that I knew how to. There was a pretty strict curfew and some limitations in certain areas but for the most part, the entire property of the school was free to roam. Which from what I saw coming in, looked more like a mini city than just a school.
"That new teacher acts more like a military general than a teacher, doesn't she?" Sarin laughed.
"Yeah, you have no idea." I scratched my cheek.
With the assembly finished, our school devices chirped with messages in perfect harmony, informing us where our rooms were as well as our schedules for the week. I took a look at the school-branded phone and Sarin peered over for a peak, curiosity beaming across her face.
"Looks like our rooms are pretty close together." Her mouth curled into a smile. "That's a relief, it's always weird trying to find new friends on the first day."
"Something tells me it's a lot harder in this school."
"I think we should head over to the training grounds. Apparently our first lesson is starting soon." She gestured to the phone and walked ahead.
"Yeah, sounds good–"
I wasn't sure exactly what it was but I had the clear feeling that something–someone–was watching me. I turned around in a panic and scanned the area but aside from the occasional glance, there wasn't anyone staring at me. "Weird…"
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I think so. It's probably nothing."
***
I expected the top school in the country to be good but this is a whole other level… I admired with astonished expressions as we left the assembly and got a proper look at the school in the form of a small tour. In addition to the numerous sports grounds and training facilities, there was a separate area outside the school grounds that acted as a shopping district, only available to students.
This can't even be considered just a school anymore!!
"Alright then everyone, please grab your seats!" Miss Iris announced from the front of the classroom. The few strands of hair that rested on her forehead were waved to the side as she addressed the classroom. "Okay then, how about we start with something interesting? Who can tell me about magic?"
A hand rose briskly among the hesitant crowd of students. It came from a girl in the second row from the front, her elegant shade of white was something I couldn't forget if I wanted to. Astrid Steinber. "Yes, magic is the power that fuels a knight's abilities. It's a second source of energy and without it, a knight can't use their weapon or armour."
"V-very good, that's exactly right!" Miss Iris grinned, slightly surprised. "Well, I thought it would be fitting to start our first lesson on magic. So please everyone, let's turn to page three in your presentation folders." There was an energetic buzz in her voice as she spoke.
The lesson moved along about as well as any classroom could have. It was about as boring as usual but this time, I really didn't understand the work at all. I knew about knights before coming, sure, but I never knew there was so much technical work behind it too. About halfway into the lesson, I realised something else pretty strange.
Miss Iris is seriously attractive!
I wasn't sure if it was because she was dressed really well or the fact that she was just pretty but…something about her was too distracting. Her hands brisked from one side of the electronic board to the other, stroking her finger across the holographic surface with gentle swipes and strokes.
While the focus should have been on the work on the board, I couldn't help but focus on the rapid flicking of her butt every time she moved. I realised she had an amazing body but–
This is way too distracting! I tried to look down at my desk tablet but the sight of bouncing– of Miss. Iris kept stealing my attention. She has to be doing this on purpose…surely she knows, right? This is like something straight out of an adult video… Nobody's saying anything either, am I the only one seeing this? I looked around the room and the other students seemed just as entranced as I was, mostly the boys but a few girls here and there too. I guess nobodies gonna speak up…
"Uhm, Miss. Iris…?" A male student raised their hand from the seat behind me. I wasn't sure of his name just yet.
Crap, he's going to ruin it! I held my breath as the red-headed student awkwardly kept his hand raised.
Her flippant motions froze as she turned towards the classroom. "Yes, what's wrong, Sora?" a hint of concern arose in her tone.
"Well, the truth is…I have a stomach ache, it's like–real bad! Mind if I head to the nurse?"
"Y-yeah, go ahead. Will you be alright getting there alone?"
He stood up halfway, hunched over his tablet and looked shaky. His hand nervously reached over to his left, to my seat and he grabbed my shoulder.
His grip raised me out of my seat. "Wah?!" I couldn't believe he managed to drag me into this.
"N-no, I need someone to take me. How about this guy?" He cupped his hand against my ear and leaned his full weight against me. "Just go along with it, will ya?"
What the hell, why is he taking me out with him?! I finally get the hot teacher dream and some guy two rows over is taking it away… Damn, it's too late to back out now anyway, everyone's looking at me.
I nodded in agreement and made sure to hit a thumbs up for Miss. Iris too. "Fine by me."
"Thanks, Shin. Be sure you boys get back as soon as you can." She nodded with a smile as we headed out the door.
Once we were safely out of earshot with the door closed, Sora looked ready to explain himself. Even though it was an act, he still hadn't dropped the whole, 'stomach ache' thing and remained glued to my side.
"Uh, I don't think you need to cling to me anymore. We should be safe out here."
"Yeah, thanks for that earlier but… the whole reason I had to get out of there was because my little fella seemed a little…too excited." He nervously gestured to below the belt.
"…"
"Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!"
"I-it's not funny dude!"
I gripped my stomach, trying not to fall over. "What are you talking about, of course it is! Who introduces themselves with a boner they got from their teacher?!" I continued laughing between words. Not that I can blame him, I was feeling pretty flustered back there myself. Miss Iris is hot but she's way too on display back there. "Anyways, walk it off, man. We're out here, so we might as well go to the nurse and get a story straight."
"What do you mean?" He cocked his head slightly.
"Well, doesn't Miss. Iris look like the type of woman to follow up with the nurse? She's probably worried you might actually have something wrong with you." I cracked another smile but Sora didn't seem impressed. At least he was able to stand up straight again. "I'm Shin by the way." I reached out for a handshake.
"Sora." He shook back. "Mind if we keep this between each other, Shin? I'd rather the other girls don't hear about this. It hurts my chances, y'know?" He grinned
Now, Sora had joined in the laughs and before we knew it, the door to the infirmary flew open. An angry woman on the inside stormed out and shot us death glares that sunk us on the spot.
"You mind keeping your mouths shut? This is an infirmary, not your personal hangout spot!" She glared bitterly. The woman screaming at us was slightly taller and had quite a slender build. Her white coat swung out as she turned back to the inside of the room. "You don't look ill, why are you here?" She glanced over her shoulder at us and walked back inside.
"Well actually…we felt a bit light-headed so Miss. Iris let us–"
"That woman again? Sigh. She needs to toughen up with you brats, it's becoming a headache for me." She held her hand to her face and pinched the bridge between her eyes. With just a glance, my back straightened out. "You're still here? I don't have time for fake injuries, get back to your classes. Shoo, shoo!" She chased us out of the room.