Bea's conclusions were very logical, although I simply made up stories about the adepts to fool her.
We said goodbye warmly, and Beata went to campus, and I went to my room to change clothes and take a shower. There was little time left before breakfast. Standing naked under the elastic hot streams of water, I was thoroughly soaping myself when I suddenly froze, staring at my own hands.
I'm an idiot! he cursed and threw the washcloth at his feet in anger.
I did not recognize the true one, simply because she was not among these adepts, otherwise there would have been a pair of bracelets on my forearm! But there was no bracelet, which means the ritual did not take place. So what now? Where to look for the artifact? The dream was cancelled. Until I find Focus, I cant give up!
I got nervous again. If Bea was right, and Uncle Eric was going to give me the artifact himself, then I was in a hurry. And if I lose him, I wont lose my mind! I will be accused of rebellion and other sins, and Mika will certainly rule the Onyx Rocks. I'm afraid that he will bully people and they will start a rebellion.
The artifact had to be found as soon as possible. It couldn't be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. Having quickly gathered myself, I went after the guys, but there was no one in the rooms, so I had to act alone. I checked everything carefully at the main porch of the academy building and even attracted a couple of air spirits to comb the bushes and flower beds, but to no avail.
Thinking about what had happened and about the news that Beata had reported, I went to the dining room. There was always a center of attraction there, and if someone found a strange ball, they were probably already chatting about it left and right. The girls walked past me one by one. I had the opportunity to look at them, or even get to know them, but I wasnt in the mood. And suddenly, already at the entrance, another one crashed into me from a running start.
The girl would have fallen, flying off like a ball, but I instinctively grabbed her by the thin waist and barked before I realized who I was dealing with. She trembled and tried to free herself, looking at me like a rabbit at a boa constrictor. It seems she even babbled something, but the meaning of her words passed by. The delicate aroma of the body caressed the sense of smell. Plump lips, slightly parted in surprise, attracted the eye. Large eyes of an interesting gray color stared at me in fear from under fluffy eyelashes, the shadow of which lay beautifully on delicate porcelain skin Long silk hair, styled in a travel hairstyle, hung below the waist. Perfection!
Most likely she is an air mage, but I havent seen her among the adepts before. And she definitely wasnt there at the porch. Then where has she been all this time?
Let me go! This is not appropriate! The girl once again tried to free herself, but I didnt even think to listen to her.
Our short dialogue only amused me. Oh, those boarding school girls! They are not taught life at all there. Or they teach, but all sorts of nonsense. Allegedly, men like shy women, so then every second woman pretends to be hard to touch. Oh well.
Having dropped the veneer of charm, I admitted that I had given in a little. I really liked this Shy One. Watching her pour paint was a special pleasure. Yielding to an impulse, he decided to embarrass her even more. Slowly he began to lean towards her lips, pulling her a little closer
It worked! The girl instinctively closed her eyes in anticipation of a kiss and trembled in my arms.
Here you go! What did I say? She decided that she was more cunning than everyone else, and could so easily get into my pants, and then down my aisle? Attacked the wrong one, Shy One!
I still remembered Mallorys arrival and her tricks when she tried to get to know me on the first day. But this girl did not have such outstanding charms, so she decided to take me with her virginity?
You dont know whats indecent, baby. It would be indecent if you and I were without clothes right now, I whispered obscene language in her ear.
The girl couldnt stand it and, turning into a hurricane, escaped from my hands. She ran away from the cafeteria to the approving cackling of the guys, and I threw my jacket to the elemental in the locker room and headed to my table, where Jed and Kayu were already sitting.
What a walker you are, Derberg! Already squeezed one! The account is open! one of the guys admired when I passed by.
Dont repeat it, its dangerous for life! I answered him.
Why so? asked his neighbor.
Probably, the dragon spoke in me, which did not recognize competition, but I suddenly realized what needed to be done. Not paying attention to the guys' indignation, he unceremoniously jumped straight onto the table where Curly was sitting and addressed everyone: And I suddenly got thinking. And really, why? But looking at the curly-haired earth mage with protruding incisors, I realized that I didnt want someone like him to even stand next to my Shy Girl. Only I have the right to embarrass her. That's all. Dot!
Listen carefully! New times have arrived at our academy. Now girls study with us.
Not everyone, but many, attended the breakfast. Nothing, they will certainly pass everything on to the others. The people started talking. Cheers and whistles were heard. But what they all expected from me was not exactly what I was going to say. Leaning my head forward, I looked around the room at the dragon. My irises have now completely turned yellow, and my pupils have become vertical. I knew what an impression it made.
So, if I find out that one of the new guys has offended someone, or dared to let go, I wont spare anyone. It is clear? I spoke insinuatingly.
I knew that such a tone was more frightening than a scream.
Hey, Ethan, why cant we talk to them now? someone drawled disappointedly.
Well, why? Talk as much as you like. Communicate, be friends, but treat with respect. No squeezing or other nonsense. If someone has romantic feelings, mutual, naturally, I will not interfere. Just remember, these are not tavern girls, these are noble eshsheri. Act like it, guys!
Against the backdrop of my action, these words seemed unfair, but I had to urgently correct the situation that I myself had created. To nip in the bud the impression that everyone can do exactly the same. It is forbidden! Its possible only for me!
There were pops. Ezeroth stood next to me.
Bravo! Couldn't have said it better, Ethan! Did you all hear? He looked around the room and nodded with satisfaction.
Jumping off the table, I headed towards my friends, and Aiz followed me. The dining room was as quiet as a graveyard, except for Fat Ben's loud slurping sound. Never learned to eat silently after all these years, idiot!
Something happened in my soul, I couldnt understand why I did this. First he launched Focus, then he embarrassed the girl, and now he pushed this speech. Three inexplicable actions in a day. Isn't it too much? The theft of the Focus was probably to blame. Once you break the law, you become more and more uncontrollable and do some crazy things.
For example: The rest are not allowed, is it only possible for me?
Where did this thought come from in my head?
What did you tell Dean Blackrocks daughter that she ran away like a thousand angry wasps were chasing her? Kayu asked when Aiz and I took our places.
I didnt answer, silently grabbing the menu. He opened it to the third page and, without looking, pointed it with his finger. Over the years, I learned by heart where and what was written.
And you, you cunning ass, Ethan! Jed admired. I think I understand what youre up to.
Just keep in mind, if you offend her, she will complain to daddy, Kayu warned me.
And what will Dean Blackrock do to him? Jed grimaced, but immediately realized. Exactly! Points!
How do you know who she is? I asked Kayu.
Yes, yes. I managed to ask around a little while you were busy. Do you want me to tell you a little about everyone? Kayu began to share with us what he managed to find out about the adepts.
Which one do you think is the one? Jed asked.
Nobody. I pointedly pulled up the sleeves of my shirt.
AND? the fireman frowned.
Malachite was the first to decipher my hint.
How so? But But then He quickly looked around and fell silent, not wanting to discuss this in front of possible witnesses.
The spirits brought our order and I began to eat. I ate without rushing. Then I thought about it and ordered more. It turns out that he was quite hungry. We arrived late, and the dining room was quickly emptying. Soon, except for our company, there was no one left here.
I sympathize, but I was sincerely happy for you, Aiz suddenly said.
Everyone is so mysterious! Maybe explain what you're talking about? Jed couldnt stand it. They speak in riddles here. Dragons suck!
Aiz shoved Freckled in the shoulder.
Watch your language, idiot!
And Kayu smiled contentedly and began to explain:
When Focus finds the true one, a special mark appears on her hand, right? He looked at Aiz and me, and we nodded in unison. I believe that Ethan should have the same mark or something similar on his hand.
But there is no sign! Jed stated the obvious.
That's it, stupid! That's it!
Fireman was not offended by the dumbass. Instead he asked:
So what should we do now? So, the Focus is gone?
It seems so, I admitted with a sigh. Someone must have intercepted it, and thats a problem. Didn't you hear, no one found him?
My friends shook their heads negatively, and I realized that the artifact would not be found so easily.
This is a serious problem, Derberg! Ezeroth sympathized with me. I wouldnt want to be in your place, friend.
And as soon as he finished speaking, something completely incredible happened.
Chapter 8
Mirre Blackrock, elemental mage, adept at the Academy of Wind and Storms. Border of Onyx Rocks and the Steppe of the Seventeen Winds.
The girls were waiting for me at the end of the corridor at the exit to the hall. I hurried towards them, putting on my coat as I went. At the same time, she tapped her pocket to check if the artifact was in place. For a second I was even afraid that I had dropped it, but the precious ball still remained with me.
Chiari, is everything okay? Ada asked quietly when I joined my group.
My confused state did not escape the attentive eyes of the northern woman.
Yes, yes, I waved it off, hiding my eyes.
Ah, it seems to me
Everything is fine, Ada! The situation was just awkward, but its all over now. Nonsense! I reassured my friend.
Right?
Exactly! I nodded and turned to the others: Girls, what are our plans?
Well go to the library to get textbooks, then to our room to clean up, Volde answered for everyone.
Maybe well look at the schedule first and get the form? Just when the flow of visitors will subside, Lisel suggested.
Of course, let's go look at the schedule. It's right here!
Khvoyana pointed to a large stand in the center of the hall, to which a line of first-year adepts lined up. They approached one at a time and placed their palm on the large round stone at the bottom right, after which writing appeared on the surface of the stand, giving information about the group, class time and list of items. The stand quickly went out, so some did not have time to rewrite everything and applied their palm again to the displeasure of those waiting.
We walked up and also stood in line. The guys looked sideways at us, but were silent. Some actually blushed, and some looked with interest. I thought that they, like us, were embarrassed. That is OK. We will still study together, we will get to know each other in class and maybe even make friends with some of them.
The line was barely halfway through when a group of older adherents approached the stand, led by the same curly-haired guy who had provoked Zikki with his attention in the cafeteria. They watched us pointedly for a while, and then one asked:
What are they doing, Harvey?
What hole did these idiots come out of? The other one grimaced.
Disperse, young bastards! They pushed the freshmen out of the way.
Curly slowly approached the stand and pathetically declared:
Watch and learn!
He activated the stand, and the others simply came up one by one and applied sheets of paper or notepads to its surface whoever had what. Harvey himself applied the sheet last, and then turned it over and, holding the top corners with two fingers, showed it to the newcomers.
Nobody told you, right? With feigned sympathy, he looked around at the new arrivals.
Next to me, Woldes paper rustled out of nowhere. It seems that she was the only one who thought of taking a notebook with her to the dining room.
Be there! Kudryaviys comrade waved his hand.
And he turned and said:
Ashers, where are your manners? They could have let the girls go first, after all, they are the weaker sex.
He blew a kiss to Zikkaera, who almost lost her composure.
Quiet, Zikki. Calm down! Ada held her by the shoulder.
I didnt understand why then they didnt let us through if those were the rules? Volde asked, clutching a notebook to her chest.
Because they made fun of them and us, her sister muttered.
Come in, eshsheri, the guys, embarrassed and ashamed of the senior student, suggested in disarray.
Kudryaviys group settled down in the recreation area. They chatted, looking in our direction every now and then. This seemed suspicious to me, and I decided to watch them too.
Mirre, Volde called me and handed me a sheet torn from the notebook. Hold it.
Thank you! I thanked my prudent cousin.
Wolde sacrificed a notebook for us and provided everyone with paper, and Lisel went to the stand.
Ready? for some reason she asked and put her palm to the activator stone.
For a long moment we looked at the board in fascination:
The theory of elemental magic, the history of magical science, the basics of everyday life, the basics of artifacts Zikki began to read aloud the list of items, and with each name she read, her eyes widened more and more.
However, the list turned out to be short and was completely different from what we had seen from first-year adherents before.
Something about it also confused me, and then I saw the name of the group: Byt-0, while the guys had something like Sth-0 and Sth-1 written on them. Meanwhile, the firewoman was pushed aside by Lisel and put her hand in, getting the same result. Then they tried Ada and Vilde. No difference. We were in a separate group for girls.
The only thing missing is something like meditations to pacify the gift! Adalbjorg grumbled, reading the schedule. Was it worth trudging so far for this?
What does all of this mean? Zikki turned to us and her face turned red with rage. -Where are the elemental arts? Physical training? Combat meditation?
Baby, this means that you are not yet trusted with such serious things, Curly said knowingly, whose company came closer again.
What do you mean by this, essher? asked Zikki.
I want to say that they opaquely hinted to you that your place is not here, Harvey smiled.
And where? the firewoman asked insinuatingly, unexpectedly gracefully stepping towards him.
I wanted to stop her, but Ada held me back.
Don't interfere. Let her figure it out herself, the northern woman whispered.
Having looked around picturesquely, Harvey, in turn, came closer and, putting his arm around Zikkis shoulders in a familiar manner, said in an intimate tone: