The duo scaled the four flights of stairs, ascending towards the fifth floor where the meeting was to be held. Thanks to their violet emblems, a real time guide was flashing in front of them, ensuring they would not get lost. They received a few curious glances from other students on their ascent and was even stopped by a snooty looking third-year student. "First-years aren’t allowed on the upper floors," he spoke in a nasally voice, seemingly prepared to impede them on their journey—physically by the looks. Melody didn’t even respond, her sapphire eyes falling onto Michael beside her, as if waiting for him to do the grunt work. With a slight hint of irritation, Michael flashed his violet emblem—seeing the boy’s expression freeze almost instantly. "We are the first-year representatives on our way to attend the student council meeting," he said coldly. "If you have any issues with us attending the meeting, please take it up with the headmaster." He added before beginning his ascent once more—ignoring the nosy student. Melody followed in step, casting one final imperious glance at the guy before acting like he didn’t exist. The nasally student could only watch with envy as the two first-years continued walking up the stairs, towards a place he would never be able to reach, even if he graduated. "Why don’t people just mind their own business?" Melody commented, loudly enough for the teen to hear. "Leave him be, he probably gets a kick out of acting above the first-years." Michael replied nonchalantly, as if the guy was too pitiful for him to even get angry. Thankfully, the others they’d seen along the way merely cast curious glances their way, not bothering to act like security guards. After passing the fourth floor, they arrived at the final level—the fifth floor. This was the floor where the professors dorm’s were, as well as the headmaster’s office. Only select students had access to this area, and even fewer who didn’t need to be accompanied by a teacher. Class representatives fit into this category—since the student council room was also located on the floor. The floor itself seemed not much different to the one’s below it, the halls decorated with rich decor and burgundy carpet along the ground. But upon the walls hung portraits of various figures, some looking ancient—while others looked almost brand new. Intrigued, Michael approached one of the portraits, an image of a regal woman with flowing crimson hair that spilled over her shoulders stared at them from within the painting. Her eyes were sharp and intelligent and despite looking in her forties, there was a regal air about her—as if she was an important figure. "Fifty-third headmaster of Arcadia Academy... Rivelda Arcadius." Michael muttered, reading the name plate on the frame. "It’s pronounced Rivalda," the portrait spoke up, seeming indignant. Michael was aghast, almost letting out a squeal of surprise as he took multiple steps back in fright. "I-It talked!?" he exclaimed, a finger pointed at the portrait accusingly. Melody jumped at his reaction, but it seemed that she too was taken aback by the development. But while he was in shock, she seemed far more intrigued at the situation than scared. "How fascinating," she murmured, her sapphire eyes glowing briefly as she inspected the painting that was now moving within its frame. "I can see a will within the frame, and an odd mana signature. Is the painting a magic artifact?" "Oho, quite an impressive deduction young lady," Rivelda replied, her eyes seemingly shimmering beyond the canvas. "I can sense that you have a great potential," she added, a smile playing on her lips. "Become my disciple, I will ensure that you grow to live up to your huge potential." She urged strongly. "Aunt Velda is at it again..." "Damn it Grandma, how many times do we have to tell you that you’re dead? You can’t take a disciple as just a small will fragment." "Yeah! What is she meant to do? Carry you around with her all the time?" A cacophony of voices called out from the hall, yet when Michael turned he saw no one present. For a moment, he thought he was hearing things—but realization quickly dawned on him. All of the portraits were speaking—it wasn’t just this one. "Silence you fools! You don’t think I know my real body is dead?" She shouted furiously, addressing the other portraits. "This girl is special... I can smell the scent of Ancient magic on her." "Velda dear... you can’t smell anything," A tired voice called from the portrait directly next to her. It was an older man with a crimson mustache, curled at the ends. He bore a significant resemblance to Rivelda, though he appeared much less strict and uptight, but that still was not enough to diminish his presence. Michael’s eyes moved to the nameplate on the front of frame which labeled him as Gerald Arcadia—the fifty-first headmaster of Arcadia Academy. "Father... you know what I mean," Rivelda’s voice softened as she seemingly tried to reason with the man. "And look at her hair, it can’t be a—" "Enough," the man said. Despite not raising his voice, the effect was instantaneous, causing the woman to back down. The mustachioed Gerald glanced between Michael and Melody his sharp gaze evaluating them intently before landing on the former. A look of surprise flashed across his features before his lips curled up into a satisfied smile. "You boy... I can sense the Arcana on you," he said—his tone full of confidence. "Take me as your master and I’ll take you to heights you never thought poss—" "Father!" For original chapters go to NoveI-Fire.ɴet A collective outcry burst out from the other paintings, all admonishing Gerald for his hypocrisy. The voices echoed down the halls, making it difficult for Michael to think. This was the first time someone had picked out he’d entered the Arcana without any outside tools. The fact made him realize that even if Gerald was only a will fragment of his former self—the guy was knowledgeable. "Michael, Melody," a voice called out from down the hall. This time, there was a familiar figure with long red hair and an eye-catching streak of blue within it, standing there. Rose stared at them with an understanding gaze, a small smile on her lips, "Come this way, otherwise the old headmaster’s will talk your ears off." She said with some amusement. Michael didn’t need to be told twice. He grabbed Melody’s arm and quickly ushered her away from the hall filled with the wills of dead headmasters. "How forward!" One of the portraits exclaimed. "Grabbing a lady like that, are they perhaps in a relationship?" As they made their way through the hall towards the student council room, the portraits of the old headmasters discussed the duo animatedly—acting as if they weren’t still within earshot. Next time, I’m going to completely ignore them... Michael vowed, not wanting to experience the same thing on his way back.