Chapter 103 -
Johan was about to join Sebastian’s group, when someone pulled his arm. He was surprised to see Prince Alexander grinning at him.
“Johan, why don’t you join us with Dean Alcion?” Xander asked. “He is also a powerful fire, earth, and metal mage like us.”
“That is correct, I have wanted to test your abilities as well, Johan,” said the Dean.
Johan had no choice but to join their group instead.
They spend the rest of the class honing their earth skills by reshaping bits of granite into small figures, while Venet and Boulvar watched thoughtfully from the side.
When the three hours were finally over, the Dean clapped his hands three times to call everyone’s attention.
“That is enough for now, we will see you again this Friday, at seven in the evening.”
He looked at Dorin’s direction. The lightning had stopped striking the area for some time now.
“I hope that you have learned a lot from your chosen instructors for today,” he continued.
“Thank you, Dean Alcione, for your guidance!” Xander said with several small granite figurines in his hands.
“I should have thought of these before,” Johan said scowling as he fumbled with the figurines he created. “I could have sold them to tourists who used to visit the mines, I could have made some decent money back then...”
“Why didn’t you, though?” Xander asked.
“I was too busy working in the mine itself to bother about pretty figurines whose only purpose is for display...” he mumbled. “I never thought stuff like these could actually sell well in the city.”
“Prof. Dimitrio, is it really wise to give him those seeds? Who knows what that brat might do with them?!”
Johan and Xander’s attention were caught by Prof. Raevers who followed the elderly professor out of the circular room. They looked back and saw Seb carrying a small pouch.
“Oh, you worry too much, Kylene!” Prof. Dimitrio said with a carefree smile. “The worst Sebastian has ever done is sell his goods for more than what they are actually worth,” she chuckled.
“Your highness, shall we go?” Boulvar asked Xander.
“Let’s wait for Dorin so we can all go back to the dorms together,” he replied, watched Dorin and Pan Phineas at the end of the room. “In the mean time, Johan, can you introduce me to Lord Ombra? Can you tell me where he came from?”
“Oh, he’s that adult dragon I told you about,” Johan answered.
“A-a real... you mean... a true, honest to goodness, grown up dragon just like Dagon?!” he asked excitedly.
“Yeah, but a different breed,” Johan replied matter-of-factly.
“Daa! My wings are gone!”
The two turned in time to see an excited Dagon running towards Johan. He jumped as he neared and landed in Johan’s open arms.
“You brat! Stop jumping at people like that!” Johan frowned yet tousled the young dragon’s hair fondly.
“That’s great, Dagon, now you can keep your wings and tail hidden even when the sun is out!” Xander praised the child.
“Dagon is Great!”
“But of course, you are a dragon after all!” Lord Ombra said proudly.
“So when do you plan to teach me something?” Johan looked at him dubiously.
“Why would I need to teach a human?” the Dragon Lord snorted at him.
“Well, didn’t Lady Lucille tell you to teach me how to take care of Dagon?” Johan frowned at him. “And aren’t you the one who keeps saying that I’m not fit to be his caretaker?”
Lord Ombra glared at Johan from head to toe, then quickly looked away.
“I remember no such thing.”
“Why this – just wait `till I tell your wife about this!“
“I beg your pardon, Lord Ombra,” Xander piped in before Ombra could snap back. “My name is Alexander Bryon Louise Alcione, third prince of the empire, and I am honored to meet your acquaintance!”
The Lord’s gaze now fell on the young prince who gave a deep bow.
“I have heard about you from my friend Johan!” he continued, earning a raised brow from Johan. “I am a fire mage myself, and like Johan, I, too, am an advanced earth and metal mage. If it is not much trouble, I would love to join Johan and have the privilege of learning from you!”
Lord Ombra kept silent, staring at Xander with a frown.
“You are an Alcione from the direct line?” he finally asked.
“That is right, Lord Ombra.” Xander replied with a wide smile.
“Hmph.” Lord Ombra snorted. “How the blood have thinned.” The smile in Xander’s face faded. “But I see a small ember in you. You might yet be worth the legacy of your forefathers.” This made Xander’s face glow once more.
“But...” Ombra stepped closer. “There is something choking that power...” He reached a hand out to the prince whose face turned pale.
“What is that? Hmm...” he continued. “Should I... burn it?”
Ombra’s clawed hand was inches away from Xander’s chest when two hands gripped it. Ombra’s fiery eyes glared at the two people who had the gall to touch him.
“Lord Ombra, stop bullying my friend!” Johan frowned at him.
“Please excuse my young Lord, we need to leave now...” said Mordecai on the other side.
“You dare touch me?”
The two quickly let the Dragon Lord go, shivering as an additional set of eyes followed both of them. They sprouted on the Dragon Lord’s temples and stared at the two with contempt.
“Please forgive our insolence!” Mordecai quickly apologized, his head hung low. “But my ward and I must really be going back to the dorms. The prince have always had a poor constitution, and it is getting colder lately, especially during the night.”
“Hmph. I wonder why,” Lord Ombra told Mordecai coldly. “Don’t let me retain you then.”
Ombra turned around, went to the nearest window and slightly turned back to glare at Johan’s.
“I shall see you soon with your...” he glared at Xander. “’Friend’ for training.”
With that, he slipped out the window, a long black tail trailing behind as he transformed upon exit. Xander rushed to the window to watch the Dragon lord fly into the direction of the Dark Woods.