A Story of Evil

Queen Reoul approved of Sol's idea. She said that, if it was the boy that King Jubilee trusted the most, then she was sure that nothing bad would happen. On the other hand, Lumina looked like she was opposed to the idea altogether. In fact, one could see it on her face during lunch. But there was nothing she could do about it. Not with her own mother, the queen, giving her seal of approval.

Thus the team parted ways. With Sol memorizing the directions told by the queen while, the other members of Shadow went to the academy. They went on the queen's personal carriage, with Lumina sitting along with them.

They didn't understand why but, Lumina brought a strange silence with her. An unease which all of them felt. They couldn't speak and, even felt like doing so would make the situation even more awkward. That's why it was up to Lumina to break this. Something which she did right away.

"You should tell me right now if there's anything specific that you need. That way I can prepare it for you while you watch the demonstration." 

"Demonstration?"

"Yes. The queen has already informed the academy of your coming. I don't know what the fuss is all about. But apparently, to greet you and to entertain you, they've set a couple of fights for you to watch."

"We must be really important people then," Hendrickson said, puffing out his chest and crossing his arms below it. Meanwhile Nathan simply felt sorry for him because, he knew what was going to come next. That is, Lumina's insult.

"Don't let it get to your heads. The ones running the academy are only after the prestige of having their students join your team. That's why they've set a lot of events for you."

"Did you really have to put it that way?" Hendrickson mentioned, getting let down just as quick.

"Remember that it's nothing but a form of bribery. Also, the sons and daughters of the nobility are on the top of that list. I suggest you watch out for that."

"Is our little tour guide concerned with us all of a sudden?" Alice commented.

"I'm just doing my part. Anyway, the details please?"

Jade began telling every detail to Lumina. What was impressive about this was how Jade seemed to have memorized the instructions given by Sol. To the point that, the other members knew they couldn't have done a better job than him.

Meanwhile, the buddies Hendrickson and Nathan only focused on the facial expression of Lumina. Waiting for her to have defeat written all over her face. But there wasn't even the slightest bit of change on the summoner's expression. In fact, it remained the same despite the fact that, the order being given by Jade was not that easy to follow. And instead of complaining at the end of it, the only thing Lumina said was:

"Is that all?"

"Uhm...Yes, that would be all."

"Understood. It's a good thing that the exhibition is gonna take long then. The things you said would take a while to collect."

"You don't even look challenged."

"Please, I've had harder tasks compared to this." Lumina said, gazing outside the window.

The conversation was supposed to die down here. But then Nathan remembered something. A basic detail which they have overlooked.

"But come to think of it, we've never seen you use your powers."

"Yeah, all we saw was that imp of yours. What if you're the one we're looking for in our team?" Alice added.

This was when they realized that Lumina could be the most likely candidate for them. With her being the daughter of the queen, they were sure that she has amazing summons as well. Unique ones which would create a devastating combo in the battlefield.

However Lumina didn't give them any answer. She simply continued staring outside the window. And, just as they were about to call her out for this, the carriage finally stopped.

"We're here. Make sure you look decent before coming down." Lumina said as they saw the gates of the Academy opening up for them. With their carriage resuming its motion.

Just at the front of the institute, the group could already see the preparation done for them. There were students holding banners. With paintings of their faces while a large "WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY!" could be seen on the main building.

"Like I said, these guys would be head over heels for you." Lumina mentioned, as their carriage passed by the swarm of students. It wasn't disorganized of course. There were two files of these. One on the left and the other on the right.

"You have a pretty large campus don't you?" Nathan commented, estimating the academy to be ten times the land space of Sol and Alice's manor.

"That's because of all the training required of us. We need space to train our summons and that cannot happen if we aren't given the proper facility to do so." Lumina said in reply, actually being a student of the academy herself.

As soon as they got in front of the main building, the group recognized the three people standing there. Lumina said that these are the heads of the Academy. Ones which she introduced to Shadow as soon as they got out of the carriage.

"This is the Headmistress, Lady Eleanor Valin." Lumina said, pointing to the woman in the middle with graying hair. She wore a robe fitting to her status. With an air around her that told Sol's allies that she's a strong summoner. 

"On the left is Lord Velmond Trace." This man is well built and, seemingly from the land of the Enhancers at that. He even has a sword at his back, one even larger than Hendrickson's as, the man was also a lot taller than him. A 6'5 footed giant at that.

"Lastly, on the right is Lady Estefan Billow." This was the last introduction to the bespectacled lady. She had a witch like hat on her head and her black dress matched this. However, she didn't put any effort in hiding her features. In fact, the boys could see how voluptuous she was. To the point that Hendrickson and Nathan were almost bewitched.

These people didn't waste any time. As soon as they were introduced, they tried grabbing on to the hands of Sol's allies. But Lumina stood in their way, preventing this and making them step back.

"Mistress Lumina, could you please back away? We'd like to have a little chat with them over a cup of tea." Lady Eleanor said.

"They're just here to pick the students. I'm sure you understand that is the intention of the queen as well as what happens to those who oppose her." The mere mention of the queen made the three reluctant to continue with their plan. However, they proved to be more resilient than they looked.

"Yes but, we just want them to be introduced to our own candidates." Lord Trace mentioned.

"You can do so after they're done with what they came here for. I will not have any delay on this task."

The members of Shadow who bore witness to the intercourse didn't understand where Lumina was getting all of her courage from. She was speaking directly to the very people who controlled her stay in the Academy and yet, it was no she who was shying away. It was the three heads of the school. And with Lumina's stare locked on them, the three could do nothing but look at the ground. Something which brought a sense of deja vu to Nathan who experience something similar.

They already knew who won. It was non other than Lumina who took a bow right after she did.

"Thank you for understanding. Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be going to the battle grounds." The girl mentioned, giving a momentary glance to the ones she assisted. Motioning for them to follow her which they did.

They walked inside the campus which was full of people eyeing them. Yet nobody dared to come close and, for some reason, they thought it was because of Lumina. However she never mentioned anything about it. In fact, she was quiet for a few minutes. With the sound of her gentle steps being the only thing about her that they could hear. That is, until they reached a flight of stairs where she finally paused. 

Lumina took a deep breath then faced the group she was assisting. They could tell that there was a kind of irritation she felt towards them. Just from her aura alone this is made evident. That's why they thought she was going to pick a fight with them. Yet instead, she began speaking.

"Like I said, this place is full of people wanting to get an audience with you."

"You mean like the headmistress?" Jade said.

"Exactly like the headmistress. So don't get derailed and focus on your task. Remember what you came here for and, stick to it."

"Yes ma'am." They said, suddenly feeling like Lumina was a lot older than them. As if she was their senior.

"Good. I don't want you causing trouble for the queen and, that can only happen if you don't do anything stupid." Lumina said, finally proceeding up the flight of stairs. With the members of Shadow following behind her.