Chapter 15: Spatial Magic's Whereabouts
One by one the group activated the mementos as they donned the obsidian black uniforms that fit perfectly to their measurements. Riné only minded the fact that it was comfortable and easy to move in not having much of a preference for the color and aesthetic. In contrast to Mime who was reveling in the uniform choice.
"Uniforms are so cool!"
Twirling around lifting his arms and inspecting himself he lost control of his grin almost becoming perverted. Kairi and Keth were disgusted by his behavior but they did agree on the uniforms being very appealing. Kairi checked his pockets and was able to fit a lot in them and the goodies given to students inside were plentiful that he couldn't help but express his inner thoughts.
"There's a lot of debate over the best-looking uniform since Aletheia's uniform color is mainly white, Selene's gray, and Sophis Academy is black. But after wearing and seeing it in person I'm on board with Sophis looking the best..!"
After a couple more moments of admiration, the ginger-haired student began to continue giving instructions.
"Since you already got the gist of the uniforms there'll be a free day today for you to explore the campus, check out your rooms, collect your schedule, and deal with conflicts in class changes.."
The ginger-haired student continued listing the tasks they could do and the necessary tasks before the official starting day for new students then snuck a final ominous message with a serious expression.
"Y'know to get settled down before your introduction to the meat grinder that is the top three institutions."
Riné seemed to be the only one who caught that statement, as Mime, Keth, and Kairi were busy checking the campus map and discussing other topics. He was filled with questions he wanted answered but couldn't find the words to ask them as more incoming students came to the kiosk they were ushered out. Seeing how they had the day for themselves they were at a crossroads in front of a statue. Riné took a second to observe his surroundings taking in with all his five senses the setting around him. The variety of colors in the different botanical plants from pink roses, blue lilies, black raspberry bushes, and white daisies planted for decoration and their smell gave a distinctive scent that gave the area a calming effect. The statue stood in the garden tall as a monument of a young man adorned in a robe holding a tome. The man held a jubilant grin as he had the tome open and his arm out greeting those who entered his sanctum as his black and silver quartz exterior exuded grandness. It stood over ten feet tall from the base it stood on and an exaggerated size of the statue with a plaque Riné read closely curious about the words on the statue.
-Advancement Daemon, Locke Sophis, an Arch-demon, younger brother to the Foundation Daemon, older brother of the Civilization Daemon, Second Daemon of the Daelk Empire. His wish to change the world and brilliant mind enabled him to be a beacon for change for others around him as the founder of the Sophis Academy.-
As the Kapsuet Dominion was a neighbor to the Daelk Empire the history of the Daelk was a central myth to the region. To the Kapsuet the first three Daemons were warlords who set ablaze in their conquest of the region. Taking history at face value was idiotic, this lesson being taught to him by his master. Reciting the words of his master Riné looked up toward the statue wondering about the truth and lies of the history above.
"History is written by the living for the living…"
Before Riné could turn around he heard the sound of someone clapping their hands.
"Well put. Those must be the words of a wise sage."
Standing behind him was the student president of Sophis the one he recognized from the practical exam as his ash grey hair and black eyes made direct contact with Riné's in a friendly demeanor. Riné felt queasy under his gaze as he avoided making contact, and he responded to avoid conversation he didn't make.
"Yeah they were…"
The president found his eye aversion confusing as he cleared his throat attempting to appear friendly.
"Riné Verocai correct? I was wondering if we could have a chat, there's a brilliant student-led cafe nearby where we can chat."
'Hell no.'
"I'm sorry but I'll have to decline."
Riné bowed their head slightly as they attempted to turn around before the student president disappointed muttered.
"I wanted to give you a student council position but I guess never mind…"
The student president shrugged as they whistled a sad tune before walking away. Riné hearing their steps felt an odd urge as his thoughts swirled contemplating those words
'Student council is the group a model student joins since it's a political group right? Alright then.'
"Wait!"
The student president froze as they kept their back turned while Riné continued.
"I don't have money."
Grinning the president took out a leather wallet and a paper note saying one hundred dotes.
"Good thing I do right?"
——
"I'd recommend the banana sundae. Oh a black coffee for me and for me.."
The waitress wrote down his order nodding before turning to the distracted Riné. Riné scanned the menu for the dessert menu. On the bottom in the dessert section the lowest price of fifteen dotes the currency of the Daelk was the mango sundae.
"Mango sundae please..!"
The waitress wrote down the order before leaving for the kitchen. As the two sat in silence the first to break the silence was the president.
"Let's introduce each other to get acquainted."
Riné still felt put off by their presence. It was almost like a cat knowing to stay away from drinking dangerous water. His instincts told him the man in front of him wasn't all good intentions as much as his politician's demeanor gave off.
"Alley Angel, two-time Student Council President and fourth-year student at Sophis Academy."
Riné glanced up only to be reminded of the staring problem as he couldn't meet his gaze due to discomfort.
"Riné. Riné Verocai new student yet to be assigned a year."
Depending on age, experience, and level a year will be given to new students ranging from one to five, and after the sixth year one graduates without exception. This system was meant to handle nobles and secluded mage clans who send their older mages who'd rather fulfill a quota rather than being forced to send their students at too young an age. Riné would estimate that since he was recently eighteen he'd be a fourth year.
"Let me be frank with you Riné. As a student council president, you're advertised as having power but the truth is-"
"Here's your order!"
The waitress cut him off returning with their drink and meal as the two thanked the waitress quickly resuming their conversation as Alley took a sugar packet and ripped it open sprinkling and mixing it while Riné poked and prodded the orange colored sundae in front of him.
'Hopefully it tastes decent..'
Whilst Riné hesitated on the spoonful Alley took a sip before continuing with a serious tone expressing his concern.
"All I get to do is manage student club funds, vote on school event themes, and manage school relations. The special admission is a shitty perk for the president but because I have it I'm able to check out and know who's a special admission."
Riné listened understanding where he was going with this. The student president wanted his assistance to increase his power. Tasting the dessert Riné lit up forgetting for a moment that Alley was convening with him.
"I know you're a special admissions student but that isn't the main point. My problem is the fact that the second Prince Niccoló has joined Sophis! I have two years left and now my chances of re-election this year are in jeopardy."
'Mango… does all ice cream taste this good or is mango just this good? I get his gist though although it's a bit different from what I expected.'
"He's a royal threat, pun intended, unless I earn the respect of the student body this year. Not to mention the Disciplinary Committee has been getting onto the student council since last year."
Riné raised his eyebrow prodding his ice cream around playing with it before shooting a question to get an answer from Alley.
"And where do I come into play?"
Alley coughed as he became flustered looking out the window to his side. Asking this meant a lot for his pride.
"The 'Student Relations Manager' position is unfilled and if we got a special admission student it'd balance the odds."
Riné pondered over it for a second, Alley's predicament, the opportunity costs of the situation, and the hidden problems he'd have. On one hand, he'd be placing himself in the public light by taking his offer but also be fulfilling his mission on the other hand, he'd be able to focus on his studies but lose access to the student council for now. Riné wouldn't simply be walking lost as he inquired further.
"Don't you already have that Gizelle, What would I get for accepting?"
The student president leaned back in his seat as he placed his hands on his face worried as he grabbed his coffee and downed it in one swig.
"Gizelle is a very.. particular person, who, although a member of my gang is not great with socializing and doesn't have a stellar reputation."
'I did hear from the examinees gossiping that they're known as a delinquent that does make some sense.'
Riné nodded allowing him to continue as the president stuck out three fingers symbolizing three rewards.
"Three benefits. Two from the school and one from me. First, the student Council perks of extra resources from the school and admins, second the ability to access school credit for purchases, and third from me."
The student president paused before looking around making sure no one around was able to overhear his information. Riné was already tempted by the first two options. The ability to gain extra resources to develop his core was essentially an IV drip to his life that'd further increase his chances of survival and the ability of school credit could allow him to purchase useful mementos. His current saber was essentially a regular saber that was a Household memento with no effect besides being a memento. Having certain powerful mementos with his limited soul storage would mean life or death for Riné. For now, though Riné leaned closer to hear the third benefit as Alley whispered.
"I'll give you the clues to the whereabouts of the mausoleum of the Dunce Daemon."
Riné's heart stopped as he processed it over in his head a pivotal hint to a lead he was chasing.
'The Mausoleum of the Dunce Daemon! My Master told me that they told him they would leave their inheritance in the capital of the Daelk, Nerily, where he was born and raised! It was the absolute holy land he needed to receive the greatest boon he required as a mage!'
"Accepted!"
'If I find it I'll be able to acquire Spatial Magic!'