Michael understood what Sylvia was trying to say, but hadn't he been dealing with such things since he started at the academy? He was used as a shield for Melody, the one with the ancient bloodline who was being eyed by the vultures of the noble houses.

Hell, he had almost died from an ambush carried out by the two Bishop scions. So why was it suddenly so dangerous for him to be in the academy?

As his mind moved to here, his emerald eyes suddenly dulled.

It's because they think I'm valuable enough to save now… he thought wryly.

I shouldn't be surprised. The Arcadia house are also nobles, it stands to reason that they wouldn't openly support me until I showed my worth.

Unfortunately, this was the truth of the world. Noble houses would only move for benefits—well, most of them. Very rarely was there someone who acted on principle and integrity.

After all, what were these things in the face of benefits?

As if reading his thoughts, Bartholomew let out a small sigh. "Michael, this trait of yours is a gift from the arcane… You have the opportunity to explore the lost knowledge of the world and bring about a golden age of magic."

"Your value to Hyperia is priceless. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, even if it means going against the royal family itself." The bearded man declared, his eyes shining fiercely.

Michael was taken aback by the sudden declaration. He had underestimated just how much support he could garner with his abilities.

"Headmaster, I appreciate your kind words." He affirmed respectfully, "but I need to be at the academy. There are things I wish to accomplish, and for that I need to be able to learn magic properly."

"If it's learning magic, we have the resources to acquire any tutor within Hyperia." Sylvia interjected, "Not only would you get one-on-one training, you would also progress much faster than you would at the academy."

Michael frowned, "No, I have friends that I can't leave behind. There's also the prestige that comes alongside graduating from the academy that I will require when I establish my own noble house."

Silence stretched out between them as he refused to yield. While having the protection of the Arcadius house was beneficial, it was far too late as far as he was concerned, not to mention their methods of protecting him were bordering on kidnapping.

The farce engagement he had with Melody had been dissolved, meaning he was no longer considered an obstacle in the noble houses eyes. Sure he had pissed off the Bishop family, but they were only one out of the multitude in the continent.

Sylvia finally responded, her eyes flashing a dangerous violet color.

"And if I said you had no choice?" she asked, her tone dangerous.

Michael laughed, the sound grating. "Is this the kind of protection you offer? On the condition that I remain a prisoner?"

"Sylvia, that's enough." Bartholomew stated, placing a hand upon her shoulder.

The tension remained in her posture for a while before she backed down, letting out a small sigh. It was clear she was frustrated, but realized doing such a thing was immoral.

"Michael, if you're after prestige, you don't need to graduate Arcadia. As long as you go to the mage guild, you can take an exam and be granted an official title based on your results." He said calmly.

"To establish a noble house you not only need great contributions to the royal family, but your personal power must also be at a certain strength. A fifth circle mage is the minimum standard for such a thing."

The explanation was sincere and concise, showing that the man likely knew what he was talking about.

"So you're saying I can still achieve my goals if I accept your terms?" Michael asked, though it was clear by his tone that he was still unconvinced. "That might be the case, but what about Melody and Rudy? Are you willing to also take them under your protection for my sake?"

His eyes moved to Sylvia whose expression turned a little grim.

As I thought… Michael mused, they might be willing to take in Rudy who has no affiliation, but protecting Melody would essentially turn every noble house in Hyperia against them—including the royal family.

Of course Michael couldn't expect them to do this, in fact he was counting on them to refuse. Using this, he wouldn't have to agree to their terms.

"Michael…" the headmaster began, wearing a pained expression, "You should know the current political situation surrounding Melody much better than we do, how could you expect us to acquiesce to this request?

"I don't." He said simply.

"Look, I didn't ask for your protection—this was something that you just sprung on me today. I came to your office to tell you about my unique soul trait and ask for assistance with the light element magic circle." He explained, his eyes moving to Sylvia nearby.

"I understand that my ability is invaluable, but besides my two friends, no one else knows about it."

Another bout of silence stretched out between them all, yet Michael felt that the two siblings were discussing something telepathically.

Michael didn't rush them. He got comfortable in his arm chair and waited for the inevitable.

They don't have a choice but to send me back, he surmised.

Sure enough, both Sylvia and the headmaster turned to him at the same time, clearly having come to a verdict on the matter.

"Alright, you can go back to the academy." Bartholomew stated with a nod, "As for protection, I will place a tracker spell upon you—allowing me to sense your vital information. The moment I sense any irregularities, I'll appear at your side."

Michael frowned slightly but he nodded in response. He was about to open his mouth before the man continued, cutting him off.

"You'll also receive private tutoring in spellcrafting three times a week within this manor."

"But—"

"Don't worry, your friends will also be coming, so don't worry." The headmaster added, wearing a wry smile.

"Ah… thank you." Michael finally said with a sheepish grin. It seemed that the man had seen through his reservations in an instant.

Though Sylvia didn't look too happy, she still forced out a smile. "I still think you're taking an unnecessary risk by attending the academy. If you were to get killed…"

"Do you really think I'd let that happen?" Bartholomew retorted seriously.

"It almost did."

The headmaster cleared his throat in embarrassment before mumbling in response, "Well, that's why I'll be tracking Michael from now on."

"Does that mean you'll be returning to the academy then? You'll have to break the news to father…" Sylvia replied, her expression dulling considerably.

Bartholomew nodded, his face turning grave. "It's going to be tough, unless I mention Michael's soul trait," he muttered.

"If you do that, he can kiss his freedom goodbye."

Huh? What does she mean?

Michael who had been silently listening by the side jumped in fright at the words. Was the patriarch of the Arcadius family so hard-headed that he would kidnap him against his will?

Judging by their reactions, it seemed that was the case.

"Take Michael back to the academy, I'll deal with father." The headmaster said after a few moments.

He turned to Michael and addressed him. "Show me your emblem, I'll add my tracking spell to it now."

Michael didn't refuse, holding out his left hand which held the violet emblem. Bartholomew placed his own hand atop it before a black emblem began to glow on the back of his hand.

After a few moments, the headmaster took back his hand and nodded, "It is done. If you're ever in danger, I'll know instantly."

That's it? Here I thought it would be a complicated spell or something…

"Now, I need you to keep our meeting a secret to anyone but Rudy and Melody since they'll also be attending the tutoring. Remember, there are spy's for the noble houses and organizations littered throughout the school, we don't need them catching wind that I'm providing you any favoritism."

"Yes sir." Michael agreed.

It was already good enough that the headmaster didn't insist on keeping him against his will. After all, both he and Sylvia were violet mages with many years experience—he wouldn't even be able to resist for a moment.

"Alright go before father locks down the surrounding space." He said with a pained smile. "I should be back at the academy by tomorrow if all goes well…"

Sylvia didn't reply, walking closer to Michael.

"Hold tight." She said, wrapping an arm around him and pulling him close.

In an instant, the familiar softness assaulted him. Before he could complain, the space around them began to shimmer.

Not again…

After another bout of disorientation, Michael felt his stomach churn uncomfortably. Even though he knew it was going to happen, it didn't make it any easier.

He arrived back in the headmaster's office a moment later, dizzy—but in one piece.

"You should probably go back before your friends come looking for you." Sylvia said with a small smile.

"N-no problem…" he replied, giving her a thumbs up.

I don't think I'll ever get used to teleporting… he complained.

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