The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Amberine paced back and forth in her small dormitory, her feet shuffling across the wooden floorboards that creaked under her weight. Her fiery red hair was tied up messily, with several unruly strands hanging down in front of her face. She brushed them away with frustration, her amber eyes darting across the cluttered room. Parchment papers filled with hastily scrawled spells and notes were scattered everywhere, along with discarded robes, empty potion bottles, and an alarming number of half-burned candles.

"Where do I even start?" she muttered, biting her lower lip, her brows furrowed in deep concentration. The upcoming symposium loomed over her like a dark cloud, a daunting task that she hadn't quite come to terms with yet. Her stomach churned with anxiety as her gaze landed on the empty travel bag sitting on her bed, its emptiness a reminder of just how far behind she was in her preparations.

"How about starting with actually putting things in the bag, genius?" came a voice from beneath her robe, tinged with dry sarcasm.

Amberine jumped slightly, nearly tripping over a stack of old books. "Ignis, don't scare me like that!" she snapped, pulling her robe tighter around her. The small fire spirit peeked out, his form a flickering mass of flame, two small eyes glowing mischievously.

"You're going to scare yourself to death before we even leave," Ignis remarked, floating upwards and hovering over her shoulder. "Honestly, Amberine, you're a mess."

"I know, I know," Amberine groaned, her voice filled with irritation. She ran her hands through her hair, her fingers getting tangled in the knots. She pulled out a piece of parchment and began scribbling a list. "Okay. Administrative documents... supplies for travel... proper clothing..." Her voice trailed off as she wrote each item, her eyes narrowing in focus.

Ignis drifted closer, his flames flickering humorously. "You're missing something," he said, peering at the list. "Like, oh, I don't know—your sanity?"

Amberine glared at him, crumpling the parchment slightly in her hand. "Ha ha, very funny. Why don't you actually help instead of making everything worse?"

"Fine, fine," Ignis said, his fiery form shrinking slightly. "You might want to consider emergency food rations. I don't want to hear you complaining about being hungry in an underwater fortress. It's embarrassing."

Amberine rolled her eyes but jotted it down. She moved around the room, gathering whatever she thought she'd need. There was a method to her madness—or at least she hoped there was—but her hands trembled slightly as she tried to make sense of her scattered belongings. She opened a drawer filled with glass vials, all clinking together, searching for mana potions.

She frowned as she realized there were barely two left. "Really?" she muttered under her breath, shaking one vial and watching as the remaining potion barely filled a quarter of the glass. "Of course, I'm out of mana potions."

Ignis floated closer, his eyes narrowing. "You're not seriously thinking of going to Aetherion without any mana potions, are you? That would be…" He paused, pretending to think. "Actually, it would be typical Amberine."

Amberine groaned, tossing the empty vial aside. "No choice. I'll have to go get more from Alister's shop." She glanced at the list again, her heart sinking slightly. The symposium was supposed to be a great opportunity, a chance for growth—but all she felt was dread.

"Great," Ignis said with mock excitement. "Another last-minute shopping spree. My favorite thing about you." His flames flickered brighter for a moment, as if laughing at her.

Amberine shot him a glare, her lips pressed into a tight line. "Just… let's go already."

___

The bustling streets of the magical district were a stark contrast to Amberine's cluttered dormitory. The vibrant mix of people—mages, scholars, adventurers—moved about, their robes and armor in different styles and colors. Street vendors called out, displaying their enchanted wares, and the air was filled with the scent of exotic spices and a hint of sulfur from someone's magical experiment gone wrong.

Amberine pushed her way through the crowd, her eyes darting from one shop to another until she spotted Alister's potion shop. The wooden sign, depicting a cauldron bubbling over with bright colors, hung slightly askew over the entrance. She pushed the door open, the familiar sound of a bell jingling overhead.

"Back again, Miss Amberine?" a warm voice called out as she stepped inside.

Amberine looked towards the counter, where Alister stood, his face breaking into a wide grin. He was an older man, his hair mostly gray with streaks of dark brown, and his robes worn but clean. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched Amberine approach.

"Don't tell me," Alister said, leaning against the counter, his grin widening. "You need mana potions, don't you?"

Amberine sighed, rubbing her temple with her free hand. "How did you guess?"

"Because you always wait until the last minute, young lady," Alister chuckled, turning and grabbing a few vials off a shelf. "You students never learn, do you? Planning ahead is a skill you should've picked up by now." He placed the vials on the counter, giving her a knowing look.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Amberine muttered, glancing at the vials. She picked one up, examining the shimmering liquid. "I've just been… busy."

"Busy, she says," Alister repeated, shaking his head, his eyes twinkling. "You know, Amberine, you're quite talented. But talent means nothing if you don't have the discipline to match it." He paused, leaning closer. "Especially with what's happening these days."

Amberine's gaze shifted from the potion to Alister's face, noting the sudden seriousness in his expression. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone curious.

Alister's smile faded slightly, his brows furrowing. He lowered his voice. "You've heard the news, haven't you? The fall of Sarindel. The Devil Coffin."

Amberine swallowed, a chill running down her spine. She forced a smile, trying to brush it off. "Yeah, I heard. But that's far away, isn't it? The thing that happens here was the Deadly Hollows, and they're all captured,"

Alister shook his head, his eyes filled with concern. "Far away for now, perhaps. But an entire kingdom, gone? It's no small thing, Amberine. You're going to that symposium, right…? it's going to be dangerous." He paused, his gaze softening.

"H-How did you know?"

"Don't underestimate the ears of merchants, lass. Well, I heard it from Miss Maris," he chuckled. "Just promise me you'll be careful, alright?"

Amberine hesitated for a moment before nodding, her smile fading. "Yeah. I'll be careful, Alister." She tried to keep her voice steady, but she could feel the unease creeping in. The fall of Sarindel had been on everyone's lips, but she hadn't let herself think too deeply about it. Now, though, it felt a little too real.

Alister studied her for a moment before nodding, the twinkle returning to his eyes. "Good girl," he said, his tone lighter. He gestured to the vials. "These are on the house. Consider it my way of keeping you safe."

Amberine blinked, her eyes widening. "Alister, you don't have to—"

"Oh, hush now," he interrupted, waving her off. "Take them. Just remember to plan ahead next time, alright?"

Amberine smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Alister. I appreciate it." She took the vials, carefully placing them in her bag.

"No need to thank me," Alister said, his grin widening again. "Just come back in one piece, alright? The magical district wouldn't be the same without you."

Amberine laughed, shaking her head. "I'll do my best." She gave him a wave before turning and making her way out of the shop, the bell jingling once more as the door closed behind her.

The streets were still bustling, the noise a mixture of excitement and chatter, but Amberine found herself walking with a little less enthusiasm. The words of warning echoed in her mind, and she couldn't shake the unease that had settled deep in her chest. The Devil Coffin—an elusive group shrouded in mystery, and one that had apparently destroyed an entire kingdom. It was almost too much to wrap her mind around.

"You alright?" Ignis asked, his voice softer now, less teasing.

Amberine nodded, though she knew Ignis could feel her doubt. "I'm fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She took a deep breath, trying to focus. She couldn't afford to be scared now. She had responsibilities, and she couldn't let her fear hold her back.

"You're stronger than you think, Amberine," Ignis said, his flames flickering slightly. "You just need to trust yourself."

Amberine smiled faintly. "Thanks, Ignis." She kept her eyes forward, her steps more determined. She had a lot to do, and she'd be damned if she let her anxiety get the best of her.

___

Back at the Magic Tower University, Amberine found herself standing in front of Professor Astrid's office door, her fingers brushing against the intricate carvings that decorated the wood. She took a deep breath before knocking, her heart pounding slightly. The door opened almost immediately, Professor Astrid's voice calling out to her.

"Come in, Amberine," Astrid said, her tone warm.

Amberine stepped inside, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the office. Shelves lined every wall, filled with ancient tomes, magical artifacts, and scrolls of every size. It was the kind of room that felt heavy with the weight of knowledge—a place where secrets were kept, and power was harnessed. Astrid stood behind her desk, her eyes bright as she looked at Amberine.

"Thank you for coming," Astrid said, her gaze softening as she motioned for Amberine to sit. "I've got something for you—documents for the symposium, along with details on the security procedures." She handed Amberine a stack of papers, each one meticulously labeled and organized. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire

Amberine took the documents, her fingers trembling slightly as she flipped through them. "Security procedures?" she asked, her voice barely hiding her unease.

Professor Astrid nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. The symposium is being held at Aetherion, an underwater fortress, and the security measures are quite strict. It's important that every representative understands what's expected of them—especially with recent events."

Amberine swallowed, her gaze shifting to the documents. "Is it really dangerous?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Astrid paused, her eyes softening. She reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Amberine's shoulder. "There are risks, yes. But you're capable, Amberine. I wouldn't have given you this responsibility if I didn't think you could handle it." She smiled gently. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Amberine nodded, though the uncertainty still gnawed at her. She glanced at the documents again, her fingers brushing over the crisp edges. "I just… I don't want to mess it up," she admitted, her voice cracking slightly.

Professor Astrid's smile widened, her eyes filled with warmth. She reached into her desk drawer, pulling out a small compass, its casing intricately carved with runes. "Here," she said, handing it to Amberine. "This compass will always point towards safety. If you ever feel lost or unsure, just follow it. It's a small comfort, but sometimes, that's all we need."

Amberine took the compass, her eyes widening. She looked up at Astrid, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Professor," she whispered.

Astrid nodded, her expression turning serious. "One more thing, Amberine. The Devil Coffin is not to be taken lightly. They're dangerous, and they have a way of hiding in plain sight. Trust your instincts, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. We don't know what they're planning, but I fear they may have an interest in the symposium."

Amberine nodded, her expression serious. "I understand. I'll be careful."

Astrid gave her a final nod, her smile returning. "I know you will. Now, go make us all proud."

____

In the courtyard of the Magic Tower University, Amberine stood surrounded by her two closest friends. Elara was leaning against the stone wall, her face expressionless as usual, while Maris stood beside her, a small smile on her lips.

"Alright, Amberine," Elara said, her tone blunt. "Some advice—don't talk too much, watch who you trust, and avoid being alone in unknown places. Simple enough?" She handed Amberine a small vial, her eyes narrowing. "This is a perception enhancer. It's… kind of a secret from my family. Let's just say I borrowed it from my father's shelf."

Amberine took the vial, her eyes widening. "Elara, are you serious? If your father finds out…"

"He won't," Elara interrupted, her tone flat. "Just take it. You'll need it more than I will."

Amberine smiled, her heart warming. "Thank you, Elara. I really appreciate it."

Maris stepped forward, her arms wrapping around Amberine in a tight hug. "You've got this, Amberine," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "We believe in you. You're going to do us all proud." She pulled back, slipping a small charm into Amberine's bag. "A protective charm. Just in case."

Amberine looked at her friends, her heart swelling with emotion. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Thank you, both of you. I'll do my best."

Elara gave her a nod, her expression softening slightly. "Just come back in one piece. That's all we ask."

Amberine smiled, her eyes glistening. "I will."

_____

"Okay, everything is all set..."

Amberine stood at the entrance of the magic council's embassy, the massive building looming before her, its walls shimmering with enchantments. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped the strap of her bag. Ignis peeked out from her robe, his eyes glowing softly.

"Nervous?" he asked, his voice softer than usual.

Amberine nodded, her gaze fixed on the grand entrance. "Yeah. A little."

Ignis flickered, his flames warming her slightly. "You'll be alright. Just remember—you're stronger than you think."

Amberine took another deep breath, her eyes narrowing slightly. She nodded, determination setting in.

"Okay... I can do this."