After my conversation with Raizel the previous day, he had started to understand what kind of being I truly was, despite his warnings to maintain a respectful distance. Though his gaze was still wary, it was clear that he was no longer simply viewing me with suspicion—he was analyzing me. He had issued a simple warning to the other faculty and students, cautioning them to keep their distance and show proper respect, but not to interfere.
The academy itself was vast and awe-inspiring. The grand stone halls were adorned with banners of noble houses, their heraldry woven into the tapestries hanging from the walls. Marble floors, polished to a gleaming shine, reflected the light of elegant crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. Every corner exuded an air of refinement, the wealth of knowledge and power that the institution possessed almost tangible in the air.
The academy's corridors felt endless, as if they were specifically designed to make one feel small in comparison to its greatness. The ceiling arched high above, and the walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes, scrolls, and scrolls—each one a testament to centuries of knowledge accumulated by the greatest minds.
Despite its beauty, the place had a heavy air about it. Students walked in disciplined silence, many of them looking at me from the corners of their eyes, whispers following in my wake. Every footstep I took seemed to echo, as if the academy itself were aware of my presence.
Raizel had warned everyone: "Stay out of his path. Show him respect." Those simple words set the tone for the academy's reaction to my arrival. As I entered, no one dared approach me without hesitation. Some of the students were curious, their eyes following me, while others—perhaps sensing the weight of my power—kept a safe distance. I could feel the attention of every scholar, mage, and warrior alike, their gazes lingering on me, analyzing every movement I made.
As I walked through the grand academy hall, I took a moment to absorb my surroundings. I had no need to hurry. I was already a force to be reckoned with, and yet the elegant structure of the academy seemed to welcome me, despite its disciplined inhabitants. I could feel the latent mana in the walls, a subtle reminder of the power and knowledge that this place held. It was as if the building itself had been designed not only to house great minds but also to remind them of their place in the grand scheme of things.
Raizel had always been a cautious man. Though he had insisted I was safe here, his eyes never fully lost the caution they once held. Yet, I could see the shift in his demeanor now. His understanding of who I was—and what I represented—was slowly growing, even if he hadn't yet fully accepted it.
I entered the academy's central lecture hall with a calm certainty. The vast room was lined with rows of seats for students, all of them watching me as I made my way to the front. The hall itself was an architectural marvel—its high, vaulted ceilings and intricately carved walls made it feel like a place of profound significance. At the far end of the room stood a massive lectern, and behind it, a colossal window overlooking the sprawling academy grounds. The walls were adorned with sigils of protection and learning, adding to the atmosphere of reverence.
As I took my place at the front, I could sense the rising tension in the air. The students looked on in awe and trepidation, but I remained unmoved. I could feel their presence, their anticipation, as they waited for me to speak.
A few brave students whispered to each other, their curiosity getting the better of them. One voice rose above the others, daring to ask the question that had been on everyone's mind.
"Are you... a lich?" came the tentative question.
I turned slightly, my eyes narrowing as I regarded the student. "I am not just any lich," I replied, my voice calm, but there was a sharpness to it. "My race may resemble that of a lich, but I am no ordinary one. I did not choose this path lightly."
Raizel stood beside me, his voice cutting through the silence. "This is Zagor. He is here to teach you. Listen to him, respect him, for he is a master in his own right."
The students were still hesitant, but there was no doubt that their curiosity outweighed their fear. One by one, they began to speak, tentatively at first, but growing bolder as they sensed my presence was not one of threat, but of knowledge.
"How... how are you so powerful?" another student asked, their voice quivering with a mix of fear and awe.
I paused for a moment, my gaze drifting slightly as I gathered my thoughts. "I am not naturally gifted with power," I began, my voice softer now, though it still held weight. "In fact, I was once like many of you—searching for power, yearning for more. But I soon realized that talent alone was not enough. So, I made the decision to become a lich."
The students listened intently, their eyes widening with each word. "I spent countless years researching magic—delving into the depths of arcane knowledge. I studied, I experimented, I sought the forbidden, all to understand the nature of life and death. Through that pursuit, I achieved what you see now—a lich, yes, but not by mere chance or ease. It was the result of sheer determination and the hunger to understand magic in its purest form."
Raizel cleared his throat softly, his voice calm but filled with authority. "You are in the presence of someone who has lived longer than any of us. Listen closely, for what he will teach you will change everything you know about magic and the world around you."
I glanced at Raizel for a moment, acknowledging his words, and then turned back to the class. "Now," I began, "let us begin the lesson."
The air in the room seemed to crackle with energy, and I could sense the students' eagerness growing as they awaited the teachings that would undoubtedly reshape their understanding of magic.