Michael glanced at Melody who was now in his arms before raising his gaze. The young teen with curly hair was now visibly angry, as if he’d directly insulted him just by existing. He cursed inwardly, propping Melody up so that she was no longer leaning into him. "So now you’re just throwing yourself at me?" he complained, shooting her a glare. Now that her back was turned to the guy from earlier, Melody returned to her poised self, casually brushing the hair away from her face. "Don’t act like you weren’t happy when I was in your arms," Michael’s eyebrow twitched, his annoyance reaching its peak. Not only had he already made enemies before taking a step into the Academy, he was now being used as a meat shield by the source of his troubles. "Listen here..." he said, his tone dangerous. "I only agreed to this situation since it was mutually beneficial. Using me is unacceptable," Melody turned to him, her eyebrow raised, "You have benefited from my family’s hospitality for the past three years, but now that it’s time to pay your dues, you wish to back out?" Her words hung in the air, each one finding their mark with ruthless precision. "H-Hold on, the agreement with your father was that I protect you in the academy..." Michael stammered. But a moment later he froze, realization washing over him. This was his intention all along... What he once thought was a careless and ultimately terrible attempt at bringing Michael and Melody closer, now seemed far more intentional. Starting from the moment he entered into the peer contract, this was likely the lord’s plan. He didn’t need to be subtle, Michael thought grimly. Even if he hadn’t asked, I would have had to protect Melody from the attention of her suitors in the Academy anyway thanks to the contract... Michael brought his hand up to massage the space between his eyes, trying to relieve his budding headache. "The door is opening, you can complain later," Melody said, nudging him in the ribs. A loud and ominous creaking sound entered the courtyard, causing the conversations to die down immediately as everyone turned their attention to the source of the disturbance. The grand doors parted inwards slowly, revealing a grand lobby with two wide spiraling staircases in the distance. Two people walked out from between the doors, their appearances almost the complete opposite. The man on the left was tall and skinny, garbed in a traditional black mage robe. His posture was upright, his hands held behind his back as he walked forward with purpose. Next to him was a man short in stature with a red bushy beard wearing crimson robes. Unlike his tall counterpart, this man was wearing a cordial smile and held a certain air that made him feel both approachable and amiable. "Welcome, my little seedlings," the short bearded man spoke, his voice deep and resonant, easily encompassing the courtyard. "Today is a grand day for those of you who wish to embark on your journey through the Arcane." "My name is Bartholomew Arcadius, and I hold the title of the 103rd headmaster of our humble Academy." He said warmly, opening his arms in welcome. Arcadius? Is that a coincidence? Michael wondered, his eyes evaluating the amiable man. "Unfortunately, to retain our standards, we must subject you all to an examination before I can properly welcome you." He stated, his gaze slowly moving throughout the open courtyard. For a brief moment, Michael saw the man’s brown eyes shimmer, sparkling as if a spell had been cast before returning to normal. "But fear not, for those of you who might not pass this examination, there are plenty of other Academies that might be more suited to your abilities." Michael frowned slightly. While the headmaster had described his academy as humble, this statement was perhaps the most arrogant, thinly veiled behind polite words. We will only accept the best and brightest huh? Michael surmised, seeing right through the sophistry on display. "Now, I’m sure many of you are getting impatient," Bartholomew said with a smile. He waved his hand, a flash of deep violet materializing for the briefest of moments. Michael felt his feet become unsteady as the surroundings shifted, almost causing him to topple over. Uneasy shouts sounded around him, giving rise to panic. However, everything seemed to calm down a few moments later. He looked around and instantly noticed something was off. I’m inside the castle!? His gaze moved around, seeing the grand hall he’d viewed as the entrance opened. A large chandelier hung from the tall celing above them, casting its light on the scene. Oil paintings of haunting landscapes and portraits hung upon the wall, seemingly moving in the flickering light. "Spatial magic?" a voice filled with wonder caught his attention. "Ah, Melody..." Michael muttered under his breath, almost forgetting he was meant to be looking out for her. However, she too seemed enamored by the interior of the castle. A loud thud swept through the hall, startling those who had been transported inside. Around four-hundred young teens were now huddled together in the center of the grand hall, their parents and relatives not among them. "My little seedlings, do not be afraid." A voice called from the top of the stairs. The headmaster smiled warmly as he descended the stairs one by one at a leisurely pace, his hands held securely behind his back. Now that he’d shown his power to manipulate space, many of those present were visibly enamored by his skills. After all, this ability was reserved for those who had reached legendary heights in the Arcane. Michael too, was among those impressed, however he was curious as to why the headmaster had chosen to transport them inside instead of leading them in by foot. His eyes narrowed as he evaluated the grand hall, feeling as if something was off. "Your entrance exam will begin shortly," he said, a smile still painted on his features. "But first, there are a few weeds among you." Without warning, the headmaster lifted his hand exposing two glowing violet rings upon his wrist. All of a sudden, three of the students within the group were lifted into the air, shouting in panic. "W-What is happening!?"