Son of Edelia: A Rising Dawn

Chapter 34

"You know, I could've sworn you were just here. Classes have been going on for about a week and a half, and if I remember correctly, you've spent close to four days here." The nurse grumbled, wrapping Adam's arm in a sling.

"Ha, well, you should see the other guy." Adam joked, flinching as she tightened the sling.

"Oh, but I have." She said, glaring at Lucas' unconscious body resting in a cot. "I could expect something like this from one of the pompous noble children, but seeing the vaunted Adam Cross here covered in injuries after initiating a duel. I must say I am disappointed." The nurse said, sitting back.

"Well, it just sorta happened," Adam mumbled, his gaze falling to his feet.

"Frankly speaking, mister, you are much too weak. If I see you here every week, I won't have enough mana to heal the other students." The nurse mumbled, crossing her arms.

Her words struck Adam like a hammer, each one breaking his pride like glass. "I'm sorry." He mumbled, scratching the back of his head with his good arm.

"Hpmh, don't be sorry. Be better." She replied, her tone softening slightly. "Anyway, your professors want to see you. Be on your way." She continued showing him out.

Adam was pushed into the lobby of the infirmary, a mob of students waiting for him, their eyes sparkling as he approached; behind the mass of students were the professors, their eyes burning with passion, envious looks plastered on their faces as they gazed at the gathering.

"Uhm, thanks for coming," Adam said, scratching his head.

The students rushed him, fawning over him, shouting and complimenting him. Their words of encouragement and astonishment rang around Adam, and the cacophony of noise quickly tired him. Gently, Adam pushed through the crowd, smiling and nodding as each student approached him, their eyes sparkling and their words rambling on as they praised Adam fervently.

"Masters," Adam said, bowing as he finally reached the professors.

McTavish blanched, the color draining from his face as the gathered students gasped. "What? Don't be so formal, kiddo!" He ordered, ruffling Adam's dark brown hair.

"Hmm, better manners than expected, apprentice." Bridgette smiled coyly, reaching down and gently raising Adam's chin. "I believe we need to finish our discussion from earlier." She continued locking eyes with Adam.

"Have you no shame, woman!" McTavish shouted, his face bright red. "There are students right here! Act appropriately!" He finished quickly, grabbing Adam's good arm and dragging him outside.

"You are one to talk, screaming at a colleague. How could you be so rude." Bridgette mocked, turning away and feigning shame, a solitary tear rolling down her cheek.

"Enough!" McTavish shouted over his shoulder.

The professors dragged Adam to seclusion, dodging the crowd of infatuated students who were persistently chasing after him. They dragged him into the restricted section of the academy, leading him up a flight of stairs and stashing him inside a staff room, where the aroma of rich coffee permeated the room. The earthy smell of leather wafted in his nostrils, reminding him of the rich scent of his father's study. As soon as the door creaked shut, McTavish released his arm and turned to face Adam; his eyes were watering and red from excessive crying. McTavish hugged Adam gently, sniffing hard to clear the welling tears.

"Adam, you damn bastard scaring me like that again!" He cried, tears flowing down his cheeks. "Do you have any idea how worried I was that my only disciple would be expelled." He sobbed, pulling Adam in tighter.

"Ahem, I think that's enough, Arthur." Bridgette coughed, pulling the two apart.

"Hey, who permitted you to call me by my first name?" McTavish replied, wiping his nose.

"Enough! Adam, how long will your arm be in a sling?" Bridgette asked, rolling her eyes at McTavish.

Adam struggled to suppress a laugh as the two bickered. After swallowing his laugh, he turned to Bridgette. "The nurse said only a few days. Something about the lingering aura from Lucas' attacks interfering with the mana."

"Oh, how sad. I guess you'll have to spend the next two days taking my classes," She replied, frowning, her eyes shining in amusement.

Ah, that's her game. Trying to monopolize my healing time. Adam thought, a wry smirk spreading on his face.

"Now, wait just a minute. He can still attend my lectures!" McTavish shouted, straightening himself up.

Oh, not again. These two make this whole thing so tiring. Adam thought, rubbing his eyes. "Look, I have an idea." Adam interrupted before the argument could escalate. "How about from now on, I alternate lectures?" Adam suggested.

"And weekends?" McTavish asked, his eyes darting from Bridegtte back to Adam.

"And weekends," Adam agreed, nodding his head. "Now, may I go get some rest?" he asked as he bowed.

"Of course, dear, get some sleep. You've certainly earned it!" Bridgette said, her hand shooting out and covering McTavish's mouth before he could speak. "Your Master and Arthur are just going to have a short conversation regarding who gets to teach you first." She explained, her eyes beginning to glow with arcane light.

Adam shuffled into the corridor, closing the door tight behind him as the sounds of conflict suddenly erupted from the room. The floorboards were shaking so intensely that Adam thought the building might collapse. As he retreated down the hall, he heard the crash of wood splintering. Looking back, he saw McTavish rise from a pile of splintered wood that was once the door; he drew his sword, a red aura covering the blade, and charged back inside the room with a defiant roar. The sound of splintering wood and cracking stone soon filled the building, the sounds echoing down the hall as Adam attempted to navigate the maze-like building.

Adam stumbled through the staff-only section of the massive academy, attempting to navigate his way out to the dormitories, only to find himself entering a large central hall with massive vaulted ceilings.

This place is massive. And to think, I've been here for nearly two weeks and haven't seen half of it. Adam marveled as he stepped into the grand hall.

The right side of the hall was lined with statues and paintings depicting glorious mages. The paintings were stunningly lively, capturing the essence of the mage on the canvas, creating a visual record of the greatest mages to step foot on the continent. The sculptures were so perfect that they seemed as if humans had been turned to stone, their flowing capes and stern looks sending a shiver down his spine as he marveled. To the left side were grandiose sculptures of burly men covered in heavy plate armor, swords at their sides, or raised in a victorious salute. The paintings on the left side depicted knights battling in massive scenes, aura streaking off them like shooting stars in the twilight sky. The enormous marble knights filled Adam's heart with a sense of determination and victory, each one inspiring in him a sense of newfound pride.

Everyone here wants to be listed as one of the renowned mages or knights of the continent. Adam realized his heart was soaring as he pictured himself standing amongst these stone titans.

Adam was drawn to the far end of the hall where a single statue and painting were situated. The sculpture was the largest and most elegant; a handsome man in a flowing robe with a steel gorget stood defiantly with a sword in one hand and a staff in the other, a crown set upon his head. The sight gave Adam pause, the figure drawing a sense of familiarity from deep within Adam's mind; his eyes drifted to the painting, his heart beating like a drum in his ears. A man with blue-green eyes dressed in a royal-blue uniform had a pure white cape flowing behind him, and a silver crown was set upon his brow. Ashen locks were pulled back in a bun, a look of grim determination upon his handsome features. Adam's eyes darted to the plaque embossed into the frame of the elegant painting.

The first King, our radiant sun! Long may he live! King Frederick DeMoreau. Adam paused, stepping back in a blind panic, his knees suddenly feeling weak as the blood rushed to his head. My god, it wasn't a dream or hallucination; I saw him in my aura heart! he thought, clutching his chest.