After being Reincarnated as a Cat Girl, I Somehow obtained a Unique Subclass

the Very Next Day

After breakfast the next day, a messenger showed up at the tavern to escort her to the school's arena. Zatiel convinced Dole, the royal messenger, to accompany her to the blacksmith first. She was suddenly very happy that her friends braided her hair and tied it back before breakfast.

Once there, the beastkin sold all the equipment from the goblins along with the equipment she enchanted for her party and herself; except for her old shield. She then mentioned to the dwarf that she had a business opportunity for him and he agreed to discuss it with her later that day. Though her sudden new appearance caught him off guard at first, he also knew who she was by just looking at her.

By the time they arrived at the school's arena, the stands were packed with spectators including the king and several nobles. She was still not used to the recent changes in her body, but mustered the courage to climb up on the large stone floor in the center of the grand stadium-like structure. A voice rang out over the noise of the crowd and filled the vast room.

“We have Zatiel Vexica from Everila, who has recently awakened the subclass novice grand warrior sage of darkness. Her entire party intends to attend the academy this upcoming term and Cavinar Zodios, our very own weapons master at the academy, has agreed to proctor her exam.”

A large man with brown hair stepped up onto the stage across the room from her, before he equipped his helmet. He wore full plate armor and carried a very long two-handed sword. She began by retrieving her new spear from her dimension box and took a few practice thrusts to get rid of her nervous disposition, but the announcer just continued.

“Since it is a test, she will be starting using only her best weapon and ending with her worst. Since she is a type of magic knight, enhancement magic will be allowed during the final round. Each round will be a different weapon - first a short spear, then thrown weapons, with curved swords before the final round. Start round one.”

Without much warning, the large man drew his weapon and charged at her. She instinctively wanted to cast spells, but forced herself to charge with her shield held high and spear ready. Once in range she blocked his swing and thrust with her spear in the same motion, but the instructor sidestepped and brought his blade up to parry again as she continued with a rapid series of thrusts.

None of her attacks would land, and he managed to counter swing off a parry; which sent her sliding back as she caught it with her shield. The instructor took a few steps back from her. In nearly the same moment, the announcer's voice filled the room again.

“Round two, begin.”

Zatiel did not hesitate to throw her spear, but the instructor sidestepped again. He even watched the spear fly past him. The announcer continued.

“Round three, begin.”

She drew the shorter of the two katana at her waist and charged the teacher again. Again, no matter how she swung her blade was easily parried. She even threw down her shield and swapped to the longer two-handed katana, but she was completely outmatched.

Eventually, she used appraisal on the man and noticed he had an absolute parry skill. The fourth round started and ended rather quickly with similar results in high speed. By the end of the test, Zatiel felt stronger, but was just bored of fighting him. As it was announced the match was over, the instructor dispelled his enhancement magic and approached her; meanwhile, he sheathed the large blade and hung it across his shoulder from a leather strap.

Instructor Zodios’ voice was stern, as he informed her, “You're welcome to start intermediate classes with the spear and thrown weapons, but you should start at beginner with swords. I can tell you are well trained. There are classes to develop all skills at the academy. It is a wise choice for an adventurer like yourself.”

“I look forward to the opportunity, Sir. It would seem my choice of career has been decided for me, but it comes with some advantages. I'm sure we will become better acquainted, I wish to excuse myself for now…”

The man bowed his head, and she smiled in return; before she quickly retrieved her weapons and stowed them away. When she climbed down from the platform several beastkin stood in her path. Though she only recognized her brother in his school uniform, as he cautiously approached and asked.

“Zatiel, is that really you?”

“Of course it is, big brother.”

“I think you're the bigger one now, Zatiel. These are some of our classmates from the kingdom of Everila, including the princes of Everila who have requested an introduction.”

Zatiel blinked and nodded, as her brother stepped aside and behind him stood two teenage white tiger beastkin in uniforms similar to her brother's. The older one was a little taller with long hair and blue eyes, while the younger brother looked much stronger and had green eyes. The older brother stepped forward and spoke.

“I'm the crown prince Farin Everila and this is my not so little brother Samuel Everila, “ the tiger flashed a smile and his ear twitched, as he continued, “It's a pleasure to meet you, Zatiel. You're the first ever beastkin grand sage, I'm sure father will want to meet you soon. I'm certain you will be approached by many nations.”

Samuel's ears drooped momentarily, but quickly perked back up; with a little grace, he stepped out from behind his brother with a grin and spoke with a hint of excitement, “I hear you're already leader of a small adventurer party and completing quests. If you think you could add another front liner, I would be interested to join you.”

She was stunned at first, such charming males all paying attention to her made her tail move strangely all on its own. She considered, ‘they likely only see me as some new important figure to befriend because I'm the Grand Sage now.’ Shrugging off the thought, her ear twitched and she replied softly.

“It's a pleasure to meet both of you. I'm sure all will be arranged with time with regards to audiences and feel free to summon me at the proper time. As far as joining my party, Samuel. I would be honored for you to join us. I plan on gathering my party and exploring the sanctuary for the remaining time until the entrance exams, you can join me now?”

Her eyes pleaded for him to offer an escape and he responded quickly, “Allow me to introduce two of my close friends as we walk,” he was smooth as he gestured for his friends to follow and she noticed two of the crowd followed after them, as he guided her away towards the exit and continued, “The big wolf is from a line of knights loyal to our family, his name is Morgan Wenchest. This little ferret guy is from a long line of mages in service to the crown, his name is Carl Sennis. We pretty much grew up together and stayed friends at the academy. If you don't mind the extra help they can be useful additions as well.”

She felt more comfortable as they exited the school grounds and replied, “Thanks for understanding, Prince Everila. It would be fine for your friends to join us, so long as you're vouching for them.”

He gave her a serious expression and answered, as she led him to her inn’s tavern entrance, “Indeed I do vouch for them, Milady. Alas we do not have our equipment for adventuring, and we might hinder your progress unless we go fetch it. Could we meet at the adventurer's guild?”

“You're free to come as you are, there's nothing dangerous at the sanctuary. Just lots of books in the library and some enchanted relics, but there's a lot to explore and I welcome you to equip yourselves from the armory and explore the benefits with us.”

Zatiel entered the tavern and led the group to the table where Claire and Vanessa sat waiting, but she quickly spoke, “This is Prince Everila and his friends Morgan and Carl,” she gestured to each in turn, as she continued, “they're joining our party. My human friend is Claire and my elf friend is Vanessa.”

Her friends both stood awkwardly, but Claire was the only one who managed speaking, “Nice to meet you all.”

Zatiel shrugged and started to lead the group back out of the tavern towards the adventurer's guild, meanwhile Samuel spoke with cheer, “We're glad you invited us along, and happy to be acquainted with you all. We have registered as adventurers, and we formed a small party ourselves. Though, we haven't devoted much time to it when school is in session. Feel free to call me Samuel, we're all part of the same party now.”