Chapter 3 – “Black Book” Part 1
Fortunately, Headmaster Velmira replaced the crystal quickly and continued the ceremony without further trouble. After everything ended, all first-year students were sent back to their dorm rooms.
And guess what?
Alber Vin Asterion—Duke Asterion’s first son—
was my roommate.
Of course.
When I opened the door, he was already lying comfortably on my bed, kicking his feet in the air while reading the book the headmaster had given him.
Every other student was probably doing the same—reading their assigned ancient book.
Only… mine wasn’t given yet.
“Alber, this is a complicated spell…” he muttered, flipping the page.
“What do you think, Nox?”
I sat down on the couch, unpacking my things.
“I don’t know. I only know basic wind magic,” I said honestly, trying to avoid his eyes. “And… are you really okay talking with me like this? I’m a commoner.”
I fiddled with my bag, pretending to organize it, hoping he’d drop the topic.
But he didn’t.
Alber sat up and closed his book with a soft thump.
He stood, placed his hand on my shoulder, and spoke with a deadpan expression:
“You are annoying. And you piss me off.”
“…”
“I already knew you’re a commoner,” he added, stretching dramatically with a sigh.
“Actually, I was thinking we were friends already. You’re interesting, and I don’t care about that kind of thing. In this academy, we’re just students. Titles stay outside the gate.”
I looked at him blankly.
“If you think so, Sir—”
Alber raised a finger sharply.
“If you use ‘sir’ again, I will cut you into pieces and stuff you into my suitcase.”
I blinked.
He nodded seriously.
“But I don’t think that’s possible. You’re strong. Your muscles look the same as mine.”
Then he grinned. “Hey, want to battle sometime? It’ll be fun.”
I sighed. “Yeah, sure, Alber. Next time.”
“And move,” I added, “or I’ll be late to meet the Headmaster.”
Alber walked over and ruffled my hair like I was a kid.
“That’s my friend. And seriously—did you really think you had to pay for that crystal?”
He burst out laughing. “That was the best joke of the entire ceremony.”
“I wasn’t joking…” I muttered.
He slung his book under his arm.
“I’ll see you in the cafeteria later. Don’t get kidnapped by professors!”
With that cheerful warning, he left the room.
“…Seriously. What an odd guy.”
I sighed and fixed my uniform.
It was time to go to the headmaster’s office.
First Headmaster Velmira had called me.
Then Vice Headmaster Arcturus also wanted to see me.
It wasn’t like they would ask for money but—
A shiver ran down my spine.
Please… don’t let it be something weird.
I closed the door behind me and headed down the corridor toward the office.
The hallway was quiet.
Most students were in the cafeteria or wandering outside, but near the Headmaster’s office, only a few passed by—usually the brave or the foolish ones.
I knocked twice.
Knock, knock.
“Come in,” Headmaster Velmira’s gentle voice answered.
I stepped inside.
Headmaster Velmira sat behind her desk, her long brown hair tied loosely. Beside her stood Vice Headmaster Arcturus and a young woman wearing professor robes—Professor Mirella Noctflare, one of the academy’s younger faculty members.
Velmira smiled softly.
“You arrived at the perfect time, Nox. I hope your travel from your village did not trouble you.”
I shook my head.
“No problem at all. And… thank you for accepting me into the academy.”
Vice Headmaster Arcturus stepped forward.
“Student Nox. Because you were a special admission chosen by the Headmaster—and due to today’s… incident during the ceremony—your book selection was delayed.”
I nodded silently.
“As you know,” Arcturus continued, “the ancient books are given according to your mana’s nature. Therefore—this one suits you.”
He handed me a book.
A black-covered book.
Completely obsidian.
The title was simply:
Shadow Element
The author’s name was empty.
I bowed lightly.
“Thank you.”
Arcturus gestured toward the professor.
“And this is Professor Mirella Noctflare. She will be the first-year class instructor in charge of your section.”
Before he finished, my mouth moved automatically.
“You’re the witchcraft teacher. And… I read your latest article about altering the elemental circles.”
Professor Mirella blinked.
“You read that? I’m… glad to hear it. Normally, I assume only a few dedicated mages ever see my research.”
I quickly shook my head.
“No, actually it was interesting. Witchcraft and elemental magic have different structures, so I thought if we combine their theories, new forms of spells might appear. I only know basic magic… but still.”
Her eyes widened a little.
“You know quite a lot about magic, Nox.”
I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
“Not really… My father was a librarian, so I stayed in the library a lot to help him. In my free time, I read. It became my hobby.”
Professor Mirella laughed lightly.
“Seriously… Am I a clown or something? Every professor who meets you ends up laughing.”
Velmira clapped her hands once.
“Good, good. You two are getting along already.”
She looked at me warmly.
“Nox, I wanted you to meet her before classes begin. If you need help adjusting to the academy, rely on her. And on us. Don’t hesitate.”
I nodded.
“…Nox.”
“Yes?”
“Why are you opening your book while I’m talking?”
I froze mid-page turn.
“S-Sorry. I thought you were going to give another long speech like during the ceremony…”
Arcturus and Professor Mirella stared at me, speechless.
Velmira sighed deeply.
“Seriously… like father, like son. Both lunatics.”
I looked away, pretending not to hear that.
“Well,” Velmira continued, “there are four other special admissions from other nobles this year. Try to get along with them. And if you need anything—Professor Mirella and Vice Headmaster Arcturus will assist you.”
Professor Mirella smiled.
“Feel free to come to me anytime.”
Arcturus nodded.
“You have potential. Don’t hesitate.”
Velmira flicked her fingers at them.
“Look at them fussing over you. My cutie pie—”
“Headmaster!” Professor Mirella raised her voice. “Please don’t call me that in front of students!”
Arcturus coughed loudly.
And Velmira added quietly, “You never complain when I say it in front of your father and mother.”
Professor Mirella’s face turned crimson.
I simply bowed again, pretending I did not hear any of that.
