Illuminating Your Way

After waking up, Astrea cleaned up and changed into some casual clothes. Cecilia told her there was no strict dress code so she only wore a red t-shirt covered by a leather jacket, tight jeans, and military boots. She tied her hair into a high ponytail and no hair hid her face. As she was about to leave, she noticed her gold bracelet. She always wore it since eight years ago. She almost forgot it but she always remembers to put them on when she is about to leave.

It was two coiling snake with ruby eyes resting their heads on a red orb.

She then left to knock on Cecilia's door. They promised t go eat together from now on. She heard an 'I'm coming' before the door opened. She was welcomed by Cecilia who wore this time a light pink blouse, navy blue pants, and cute leather shoes. They greeted each other and got down to eat.

There were already quite a few people. They looked at the newcomers and suddenly widened their eyes. Why did they have the same reaction as the small woman beside her when she opened the door. There were even some who had looked at her with disturbing eyes... It even sent shivers down her back, like there was danger. But no one moved to attack so she thought it was her imagination. They took food from the buffet and sat on an empty table.

It was really bothering the two to be stared like some zoo animals from the other females, so they ate quickly to leave for the reunion. They would see them again there anyway...

As they had time, they walked instead of taking the transport platform. They arrived in the assembly hall at 9:45 am. There already quite a lot of people seated.

They sensed their presence and recognized it as Cecilia as her soul sent a soothing pulse to her surrounding. But next to her, they also felt the similar aura as the disgusting bastard who hurt their students. They knew she was his apprentice. However, the keenest one could feel that this one is purer and more powerful.

They were curious to see what kind of person she was. They were caught by surprise seeing her. Usually, you could judge a human by its appearance. Even if the normal human lifespan became longer, they could only live up until 300 years if they are well taken care of. They grew up until they reached their optimal stage and aged very slowly as humans took great importance to their appearance. But the farsiders could still sense their true age by their smells or other senses.

That was why they were stunned when they discovered her true age. She was only 24 yet she was stronger than her 68 years old teacher. Even among human, she is still young. She has unlimited potential and still has a lot of years left to live. Those who felt her power became more careful and didn't want to provoke her just because she was Kalvimani's disciple... But only the powerful one decided that. The weaker one couldn't sense her power at all as she hid it too well and thought on how to take their revenge by taking it out on her...

From the moment she entered, Astrea could feel many stares on her. Majority of them were either full of hostilities or full of infatuation. She was used to them but a little of them were more of... wariness? Hehe... seems like some of them had strong senses.

Cecilia led her to the group of human teachers. Some of them were wearing ancient-looking clothes as if they were from the Middle Age, or other from completely different countries. Astrea was kind of curious of them but didn't ask about it. When she was introduced to them, most of them gave her admiring gaze. She didn't understand why and they didn't explain. Cecilia told her it was because they exchanged fists with her teacher. Most of the humans' teachers were male. They taught different type of inner strength or physical enhancement techniques and so they all exchanged pointers. And seems like her teacher did great as they were respectful when talking to her. She didn't have to worry anymore about being left out anymore.

Then it was time for the assembly to begin. Everyone sat and waited. The school is around 10 000 years old and each headmaster received the blessing from the school founder. It is said that he is one of the highest level gods. He oversees beginning and represent transition. His name is said to be Janus. But, wait... she seems to know one. It can't be...

And when you speak of the wolf, he appears. Everyone gasped at his sight. Ice blond hair, silver-white almond eyes, long straight nose, and always wearing a slight smile. Who else could it be but the famous Janus Elpidius. Not far from him was the serious Hammond Devain.

Astrea heard a lot of whisper like :

"What is he doing here?"

"Didn't he retire?"

"The last time he talked in public was... 264 years ago?"

"Oooh!! So he is the founder of the school and of Lydos!"

"And me who thought I would never see him again!!"

It began with skepticism but it was overcome with waves of fanatical screams... People sure are frightening when they excessively love something... She turned her head to look at Cecilia's reaction and as she guesses. Her eyes were full of infatuation like the women she saw at the hospital.

Astrea waved her hand in front of her and she didn't move. It seems like she has been affected quite deeply. If she left her like that for too long, there would be no going back for her. So, she put some of her spiritual energy in her voice.

"Cecilia, wake up."

"Huh!? What happened?"

Finally, she got out of her trance. Astrea turned her sight to the stage. A god's charisma sure is incredible. Only one look and the people are on their knees, praying piously. But if one has a strong mind, it doesn't have much effect. But these recent years, the population prefer believing what they see instead of thinking and use their judgment to see the truth...

After waving to the crowd, he began his speech.

"Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed your holidays..."

He only spoke formalities in the beginning but everyone was drinking his every word as his low voice was too enchanting. Only the old monsters who could sense Astrea power were completely unaffected. Of course, Astrea herself was immunized against him. So she thought it was very boring. That was the case until he talked about this year school schedule. The tone of his voice suddenly got serious.

"As you know, this school take care of the students from kindergarten to university. This is the oldest school in the universe and it was I who created it. It has a very important place in my heart."

Then his expression changed into one of fury.

"But recently, I looked at the school ranking and what do I see! We are ranked 8th among the hundreds of schools in the universe!!! Only 8th!!! Not even in the top five!!! What are you even teaching our students!!!"

A sudden wave of energy of varying power hit the audience. The weak received a lighter pressure and the stronger had to endure a heavy one. Astrea was also hit by one but she easily neutralized hers and Cecilia's. Janus felt it and looked straight at her. Then an idea struck him which made him smile widely. Observing this, Hammond looked at the two and knew something bad was about to happen. He could only shake his head internally and praying for his lord not to do something excessive.

Hearing his prayer, Janus turned to stare at him. Hammond could only give up.

'I'm sorry miss Elysium. I couldn't help you...'

Janus then stopped putting pressure. Before they could sigh in relief, he gave them one last stab.

"As you don't seem motivated to be number 1, then I can only use the hard way. Today, I would like to welcome a new teacher. Please miss Elysium, come to the stage."

Everyone turned their heads to her. The only thought she had was: 'Janus, I will kill you.'