Extra Of The Magus Academy

"I thought you wanted to speak. Your consciousness woke me from a nap, so I assumed it was you trying to—"

'That's not what is happening here…' Ash rolled his eyes. 'What do you want?'

He didn't want to drag out the conversation for too long, but he also recognized that he had to appease Nyx at moments like this since he had used her help in the past and would definitely need more of it later.

'A satisfied slave works harder than one with a grudge.'

"I heard that!" Nyx screamed. "Are you calling me a slave?"

'What do you want?'

Since they were in his subconscious, even his thoughts could be heard by Nyx. As a result, there was no use hiding them from her or making excuses. Still, since she was his Familiar, there was nothing she could do about it.

Even if he called her—a Golden Phoenix—a slave, she had to swallow it.

"I was simply wondering why you haven't relied on me for some time now. I'm very strong, you know? Yet you don't use the power I possess… maybe it's because you're not skilled enough to wield it yet, I understand…"

Ash rolled his eyes once again.

He knew what she was trying to do, but such feeble attempts at manipulation wouldn't work on him. There was no need to prove his level of skill to his Familiar, and with his lack of any form of impatience, there was no rush in his mind.

Once the time came, he would utilize Nyx to her fullest potential—even to the point that she could complain and beg for a break.

'Just sit tight and pretty in my Soul for now.' He smiled for a moment. 'I don't plan to use you for a very long time.'

Even though he said this, he was still passively using her.

'Nyx's presence alone is strengthening my Soul, improving the quality and quantity of energy within it. She is also soaking up the very potent and pure otherworldly energy within my Soul as well, which benefits her growth.'

In essence, their powers were in a codependent relationship which would benefit them in the long run. For now, however, she was useless to him.

'So be quiet and let me finish my task.'

"O-okay…"

Nyx shrunk back into his Soul and returned to her pretend nap while he finished the transfer of Magia. Just as he expected… it was a success!

'With my Soul restored, and the Lesser Grade Wind Spirit now advanced to Medium Grade, I can begin the next step.' He reasoned, ignoring Nyx in his main Soul and focusing on the smaller one.

'Wake up, sleepyhead.'

The 'sleepyhead' he was referring to was none other than his Wind Spirit Familiar.

After the Advancement process, in contrast to how depleted Ash felt, the Spirit was brimming with a lot of energy. It was far larger than before, robust with Magia, and it glowed even brighter than ever.

Even with that, the lazy Spirit was sleeping in the Soul.

Of course, Ash could not allow that.

'With Nyx being unusable for the moment, I need a Familiar that can take on the stress of what I need to achieve.'

And that Familiar was none other than the Medium Grade Wind Spirit.

'I didn't advance you for your benefit.' Ash declared to it. 'I advanced you for mine, which means you'll need to work even harder now that you have more power.'

The Medium Grade Wind Spirit nodded energetically, completely subservient to Ash's desires.

The Wind Spirit was now a lot more intelligent in correspondence to its power, so a proper conversation was more than possible.

'We will begin training with [Externalization], and while it's too ambitious to hope for full [Fusion] mastery anytime soon, I can try my best to achieve the former.'

There were only a few days left before the Exchange.

Time was of the essence.

'I must get strong enough to surprise Seth and advance in the Exchange.'

**********

[A Few Days Later]

The time had come.

The Academy Exchange was officially beginning, launching it with an explosive first event in the massive arena that occupied all the spectators and participants.

Hundreds of people, consisting mainly of alumni and certain dignitaries, were seated in the Arena Hall. Every single person seated was important to the Empire, and the front row seats had even more prestigious individuals.

Members of the Four Great Noble Households sat at the high table, alongside the representative of the Emperor, who had the most elevated position among the most highly respected spectators in the scene.

The Academy Exchange was an annual contest that could be said to be among the biggest—and most important—events in the Empire, hence it wasn't open to general attendance. The match was going to be recorded for later viewing by the more common members of the Empire, and specifically for the other Academies whose students were participating in the Exchange.

Since the Exchange was taking place in the Akashic Magus Academy, the other schools required recordings so that their own students and staff could witness the amazing event once they returned.

"Welcome, all dignitaries who have traveled far and wide for this spectacular event!"

The one who made the opening speech was none other than the Head of Student Affairs: Beatrice Lampshade.

Ever since she took on this position, she had integrated to every facet of the students' lives, and that included the Exchange. Rather than leaving this role to someone else, she chose to act as the host herself.

"I hope everyone is excited for the amazing display of skill and power that the students of our mighty Empire will display before you today and for the days to come."

She continued with her speech, paying reverence to the Emperor's representative, and to the Four Great Noble Households. She addressed all the most important dignitaries, and then made a general greeting to everyone in attendance.

Her exhilaration was contagious, and before they realized it, everyone in the audience could feel the electric atmosphere of elation that she spread.

Then, she looked at the competing students and smiled at them.

"Do not disappoint us."

Every student from each Academy simply smiled and nodded at these words, determined—more than anything—not to fall short of expectations.

After all, if the Akashic Academy won, they would continue this comfortable tradition of hosting the Exchange and retaining their position as the Number 1 Academy in the Empire.

However, if any other Academy won…

'We'll become the new top school and the Exchange will take place in our Academy instead!'

With this thought being shared by most of the students present, it was no surprise that they were willing to give it their all. Everyone had individual motivations, but they also thought of the benefit their victories would bring upon their respective Academies.

And everything began at this moment.

"We will begin with a little exhibition: a mock battle between two of our Alumni… just to show you all why our Akashic Magus Academy has remained the top school in the Empire for decades, and what to expect from your future as Mages."

This announcement silenced the thoughts of all the hungry wolves and vultures, and two young adults—a man and a woman—climbed the stage.

"Enjoy."