I'm The Devil - Chapter 247

Chapter 247: Entrance Examination

As Elandor exited the Hall of Evaluation, Lucifer lingered behind, his eyes fixed on Archmage Thalion. He waited until Elandor was out of earshot before addressing the Archmage.

“Archmage Thalion, a word,” Lucifer said, his tone carrying an unmistakable command.

Thalion turned, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Of course, Lucifer Morningstar. What is it?”

Lucifer took a step closer, lowering his voice. “I have had a change of plans. Initially, I intended to leave Elandor here, provide him with some techniques, and then return to my own affairs. However, I have decided to stay.”

The Archmage raised an eyebrow. “Stay? Does this mean you wish to become an instructor at the academy?”

Lucifer nodded. “Yes. I want to ensure Elandor receives the best training possible. To do that, I need to be here, to oversee his progress and offer my guidance directly.”

Thalion’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Your experience and knowledge would be invaluable to our academy. We would be honored to have you as an instructor. But may I ask, what prompted this sudden change of heart?”

Lucifer’s expression hardened slightly. “That is none of your business. All you need to know is that I will be staying, and I expect full cooperation.”

Thalion nodded, respecting Lucifer’s privacy. “Very well. You will be given the title of Instructor and the responsibilities that come with it. I trust you will find our facilities adequate for your needs.”

Lucifer inclined his head in acknowledgment. “Good. I will hold you to your word about Elandor’s safety and education.”

As they rejoined Elandor, the young mage looked up at Lucifer, a question in his eyes. “Master, are you leaving now?”

Lucifer shook his head, a rare smile touching his lips. “No, Elandor. I will be staying here at the academy as well. I will be one of your instructors.”

Elandor’s eyes widened with surprise and relief. “Truly? That is wonderful news, Master. Thank you.”

Archmage Thalion observed the exchange with a thoughtful expression. “In that case, welcome to the Arcane Academy, Instructor Morningstar. We will arrange accommodations and a teaching schedule for you immediately.”

Lucifer nodded. “Very well. Let us proceed.”

As they walked through the grand halls once more, Elandor couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With Lucifer by his side and the resources of the Arcane Academy at his disposal, he felt ready to take on any challenge and fulfill his immense potential.

—

Days passed swiftly within the hallowed halls of the Arcane Academy. Elandor immersed himself in his studies, guided by both Archmage Thalion and Lucifer Morningstar, whose presence became a source of intrigue and admiration among the students and faculty alike. The news of Lucifer’s decision to stay and become an instructor spread like wildfire throughout the academy, stirring a mixture of curiosity, awe, and perhaps a hint of apprehension among some.

In his role as Instructor Morningstar, Lucifer brought a unique perspective to the academy’s curriculum. His lessons were not just about magic but about the intricacies of power, responsibility, and the unseen forces that governed the Arcanum World. His lectures were captivating, weaving together ancient lore, practical wisdom, and personal anecdotes from his long existence.

Meanwhile, Elandor’s progress was nothing short of remarkable. Under Lucifer’s tutelage, he honed his skills in elemental manipulation, enchantments, illusions, alchemy, and defensive arts. His talent for celestial magic, a rare and revered discipline in the arcane world, blossomed under Lucifer’s guidance. The celestial magic was complex and demanding, requiring Elandor to harness the powers of the stars and weave them into his spells with precision and grace.

One morning, after weeks of dedicated training, Elandor and the entire academy were summoned to the Arcane Assembly Hall, a majestic chamber where important announcements and ceremonies were held. There was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air as Archmage Thalion addressed the gathered students, faculty, and honored guests.

“Today,” Thalion began, his voice resonating through the hall, “marks a momentous occasion for our academy. As many of you are aware, celestial magic holds a place of profound significance in our history and traditions.”

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. “It is with great honor that I announce the appointment of Lucifer Morningstar as the Head of Celestial Arts at the Arcane Academy.”

At these words, the hall erupted into a mixture of applause, gasps of surprise, and murmurs of respect. Lucifer, standing beside Archmage Thalion, acknowledged the assembly with a nod of appreciation. His presence exuded authority and wisdom, commanding the attention of all who were present.

“As Head of Celestial Arts,” Thalion continued, “Lucifer Morningstar will oversee the instruction and development of celestial magic within our academy. His mastery of the arcane arts and his dedication to the pursuit of knowledge make him an invaluable addition to our faculty.”

Elandor watched from the crowd, feeling a surge of pride and admiration for his mentor. Lucifer had not only chosen to stay but had taken on a position of great responsibility within the academy, ensuring that future generations of mages would benefit from his expertise.

Lucifer stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the assembled audience. “It is with great humility and dedication that I accept this role,” he began, his voice commanding yet filled with a rare warmth. “Celestial magic embodies the mysteries of the cosmos, and it is my honor to guide our students in unlocking its secrets.”

He turned to Elandor, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Elandor, your journey into celestial magic has only just begun. Together, we will explore its depths and unravel its complexities.”

Elandor nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Morningstar. I am eager to learn from you and continue my studies.”

With the ceremony concluded, the academy buzzed with excitement and renewed purpose. Lucifer’s appointment as the Head of Celestial Arts marked a new chapter in the history of the Arcane Academy, promising innovation, growth, and a deeper understanding of celestial magic.

As the day of the Entrance Examination dawned upon the Arcane Academy, Lucifer Morningstar found himself in an unusually relaxed state. He lounged in a plush armchair within his celestial tower office, enjoying the serene ambiance that filtered through the open windows. Outside, the academy courtyard bustled with activity as faculty members and staff prepared for the incoming candidates.

From his vantage point, Lucifer observed the flurry of preparations with mild interest. He had little inclination to involve himself in the meticulous details of the examination day. Instead, he opted to recline and savor the tranquility of the moment, occasionally glancing over parchments or ancient texts that adorned his desk.

Archmage Thalion, aware of Lucifer’s laissez-faire approach but still respectful of his position, handled the operational aspects with his characteristic efficiency. He coordinated with the instructors and art masters, ensuring that each examination chamber was properly set up and that the enchantments and magical barriers were in place to safeguard the integrity of the assessments.

Throughout the morning, candidates and their families arrived, greeted warmly by the academy staff who guided them to their respective examination areas. Wizards and enchanters moved swiftly, adjusting spells and fine-tuning magical instruments, while alchemists ensured that the potions and materials were ready for the alchemical tests.

Lucifer, meanwhile, remained comfortably ensconced in his office, occasionally drifting into moments of quiet reflection or indulging in the occasional sip of ambrosia. The distant echoes of excitement and nervous chatter from the courtyard below filtered through his thoughts, a distant reminder of the significance of the day’s events.

As the hours passed and the examinations commenced, Lucifer’s attention occasionally flickered towards the window, where he could glimpse candidates demonstrating their magical prowess. A faint smile occasionally graced his lips at particularly impressive displays, though he made no move to intervene or offer guidance.

By midday, the courtyard began to quiet down as the candidates focused on their assessments, guided by the academy’s instructors and art masters. The atmosphere within the celestial tower remained serene, undisturbed by the outside world’s flurry of activity.

Archmage Thalion entered Lucifer’s office, breaking the calm with his presence. “Lucifer, the first segment of the Entrance Examination is over,” he announced, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. “We had a diverse range of talents on display today.”

Lucifer, reclining comfortably in his chair, raised an eyebrow in mild interest. “Is that so? I trust everything went smoothly?”

Thalion nodded. “Indeed. The candidates have shown promise in various magical disciplines. However, the second segment, focusing on advanced spellcasting and magical theory, requires your oversight.”

Lucifer’s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of overseeing the next segment. He preferred to remain aloof from administrative duties, but a part of him also relished the opportunity to observe and assess the potential talents firsthand. Suppressing a sigh, he replied, “Very well, Thalion. I will see to it.”

Thalion, sensing Lucifer’s reluctance but also knowing the importance of his involvement, nodded in gratitude. “Thank you, Lucifer. Your presence will undoubtedly inspire the candidates and ensure the integrity of the assessments.”

With a nod of dismissal, Thalion left Lucifer to prepare for the upcoming segment of the examinations. As the afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows of his office, Lucifer contemplated the responsibilities that came with his new role at the academy. Despite his initial reluctance, he couldn’t deny a growing anticipation to witness the candidates’ capabilities firsthand.