I was walking behind Mr. Arclemos, weaving our way between trees and rocks. I was still naked, only covering myself with a large leaf.
As for my bone tendrils, they had withdrawn into my body, just like they were at the beginning — as if they had never existed. Yet I could still feel them slithering beneath my skin, like serrated serpents. It didn't hurt, but sent occasional chills up my spine.
We continued walking together until, at last, we emerged from the forest.
We hadn't walked for long, but we had arrived.
Then Arclemos spoke in a cheerful tone — as if addressing his own son:
(Arclemos)
"Welcome to the great Kingdom of Ervalis. And over there... is Valgrim Academy."
I looked out from the top of the hill and saw everything below — a vast city, and at its edge, the academy.
It was like a cluster of interconnected castles, designed in a medieval style, yet grander... more alive and enchanted.
My eyes widened in awe as I took in the sight of the academy and the strange creatures within its walls:
– Demons. But not the ugly, twisted sort. They resembled humans — only more beautiful.
– Orcs. Massive in size, with green skin and pointed ears like the demons. They seemed to be workers or guards, not students or teachers.
– Elves. Strong and elegant. They were spread across nearly every corner of the academy.
– Beastfolk. Humans with animal traits — large furry ears, tails, and eyes that matched their beastly lineage. They could shift between their humanoid form and full animal form, retaining their hybrid features in both.
Then, of course, there were humans — the most widespread race, even in this strange world.
Some were training in magic, others in magical healing, and some were simply warriors focused on combat and strategy. All of them looked formidable.
Overwhelmed, I turned to Arclemos.
(Nekrios, in awe)
"Wait… is this real? I can't believe what I'm seeing with my own eyes…
Wait a minute — I'm not even human anymore. Why am I so surprised? Damn it."
(Arclemos, laughing)
"You're quite the character, you know that?
Denying everything at first, then accepting it so quickly — haha!
But that's a strength, not a flaw. Especially in my academy. You'll adapt quickly."
(Nekrios)
"Yeah, but… please, I'll stay here until you bring me some clothes.
I can't walk into the academy like this — even if I'm covering myself with a giant leaf."
(Arclemos, smiling)
"Alright, boy. Wait here for fifteen minutes. I'll be right back with some clothes."
He headed off toward the academy, and I sat at the top of the hill, watching everything from afar.
I felt both bored and embarrassed — being naked and all.
While waiting, I spotted some healers in the courtyard. One girl, in particular, caught my eye — she had blue hair and moved gently, giving off a kind aura.
She was placing her hands over some warrior students, healing their wounds after training.
I couldn't see the healing clearly, so I leaned forward to get a better look… until she suddenly turned her head and spotted me staring.
In a panic, I threw myself flat against the ground, hoping she wouldn't see more of me.
But just then, one of my tendrils emerged from my back, rising into the air.
I was sure she saw it. It was impossible to miss.
I tried to pull it back, but it was no use — it started waving at her.
(Nekrios, furiously)
"You cursed tendril! Get back in my body! Stop waving at her!!
I get that you like to annoy me, but not now — please!"
It finally retreated. I sighed in relief —
But that relief was short-lived.
All of the tendrils suddenly shot out of my back and began waving enthusiastically.
Not just the healer girl saw them now — everyone nearby turned to look at me.
(Nekrios)
"Nooooo!!
Stop it! This is too much! Everyone's looking up here!
Get back inside, you damned parasites!!"
And then, as if in protest —
SLAAAAP! x6
Each tendril smacked me hard, and I screamed in pain.
I had forgotten how sensitive they were to the word parasites.
(Nekrios, groaning)
"Okay, fine! But you started it!
Don't blame me for being mad when you're the ones causing trouble!"
While I was arguing and struggling with my tendrils, Arclemos returned — carrying clothes.
But instead of handing them over, he sat on a rock and laughed like he was watching a comedy show.
(Arclemos, sarcastically)
"Ha!
I leave you alone for just fifteen minutes, and when I come back, you're fighting your own tendrils!
You're hilarious, you know that?
Alright, alright, that's enough — I'm crying from laughing.
Here, take your clothes. Get dressed so we can enter the academy."
I didn't argue. I quickly grabbed the clothes and changed.
There were strange undergarments, a comfortable pair of pants, and a wide cloak designed to allow my tendrils to emerge without tearing the fabric — unless they were being aggressive.
Once I was fully dressed, the tendrils slipped back into my body, and I turned to Arclemos.
(Nekrios, looking sharp)
"Alright, I'm ready. Time to go to the academy."
(Arclemos)
"Good. Let's hurry, then."
We descended the hill, stopping in front of the academy's massive gates.
Orc guards stood watch, looking intimidating.
As we walked inside, I turned left and right, taking it all in.
It was truly breathtaking — vast courtyards, beautiful gardens, and elegant architecture.
Inside the main building, the floors seemed to pulse with life, and the marble was engraved with intricate, indescribable patterns.
Students passed by us, many of them stealing glances at me — I didn't look like any other creature here.
Arclemos had mentioned before that my body now resembled a species thought extinct for centuries.
So naturally, I stood out.
(Arclemos, smiling)
"So, what do you think of the academy's appearance?"
(Nekrios)
"Amazing. No — more than amazing. A thousand times more!
But… is there food and shelter here?
I mean, I was resurrected just two hours ago. I don't have a place to stay."
(Arclemos, laughing)
"Of course, what did you expect, boy?
This academy has everything you need.
Eventually, you'll take on missions — most of them quite dangerous — and you'll earn money and rewards if you succeed."
(Nekrios)
"Wait — but what if I come back injured or fail?
Do I at least get a small reward for effort?"
Arclemos took a deep breath, as if about to say something profound.
(Arclemos)
"No.
Those are the rules. No success, no reward — financial or magical."
(Nekrios)
"F*CK!"
(Arclemos)
"Watch your mouth, boy. That's inappropriate."
(Nekrios)
"Alright, alright. I'll behave. Don't worry."
We continued walking until he led me to the student housing section.
He pointed to a door and handed me a key, telling me it was a shared room with two other students.
I didn't object.
When I opened the door… I saw my roommates.
To be continued…