Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Two oaths
As the academy staff and students gathered around the mana fountain, a buzz of excitement and anticipation filled the air.
The shimmering light of the fountain cast a soft, ethereal glow upon the small garden at the center of the academy, highlighting the intricate patterns and runes that adorned its surface. Whispers and murmurs circulated as they wondered about the reason for this assembly.
Thane and Elara stood on either side beside Roderick, smiling warmly at the sea of faces looking up at them. The paved paths that surrounded the garden were filled with curious onlookers, while the academy buildings loomed protectively in a square formation.
Roderick took a deep breath, his chest swelling with determination as he climbed on the fountain to address the crowd. His eyes swept over the gathered students and staff, taking in the curious faces of those under his care.
The exquisite carvings of various magical creatures that adorned the fountain's central pillar seemed to come to life, their eyes glistening with a hint of awareness as if bearing witness to this momentous occasion. He raised his hands, palms outwards, to silence the chatter and began to speak.
"Dear students and esteemed colleagues. For those who don`t know me already, allow me to introduce myself, I`m Ghostblade Roderick, the dean of this academy." He shared his mage title, earned during the war, in place of not having a surname at birth.
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Those that are aware, know that my absence these past few years has been because of a terrible accident that left me comatose, but no longer. I have cast aside the shackles that kept me from waking up and I have returned, determined to lead the way into prosperity." He announced rising his right arm skyward.
"As I watch all of you, students and faculty members alike, I am filled with two emotions, pride for all that you have achieved and guilt, for not having been here beside you, upholding my oath to run this academy. For that, I am both grateful to you all and deeply sorry."
As Roderick spoke, his voice swelled with emotion, the passion and conviction behind his words clearly evident. He spread his arms wide, gesturing to the academy grounds around him, his expression filled with love and admiration.
He bowed his head to the audience, which began smiling proudly or tearing up slightly, especially those that had chosen the Argentum academy before the accident, and had remained because they were connected to him one way or another.
"When I founded this academy I had a dream, a dream of an institute that was more than just a place of learning. I envisioned a sanctuary, a home for all those touched by the gift of magic. Here, we would grow together, teachers and students alike. Were we would be a family, bound together by our shared love for the magical arts, always there to support and guide each other on our pursuit of knowledge."
Roderick's eyes shone with sincerity as he looked upon the students, seeing the hope and potential that each of them held within.
"I want you all to know that as your Dean, my primary concern is for your well-being and success. So today be my witnesses as I make an oath." A dagger came out of nowhere and he cut a line on his palm, dropping a few drops of the scarlet liquid in the mana fountain.
"I, Ghostblade Roderick, promise to dedicate this life of mine to the growth and success of this Institute for the Study of the arcane arts, from now until the day I am no longer needed."
As the blood mingled with the water of the mana fountain, a brilliant, shimmering light erupted from its depths, enveloping Roderick in a radiant aura as if acknowledging Roderick's vow. The crowd gasped in awe, captivated by the sight before them.
The light began to fade, and Roderick, still standing tall and resolute, addressed the assembly once more. "Our academy shall become a beacon of knowledge, wisdom, and unity, shining brightly in a world that is often filled with darkness."
A murmur of approval and appreciation rippled through the crowd, and as Roderick's words settled in their hearts, a renewed sense of commitment took hold. They were no longer just students and teachers, they were part of something greater.
Roderick smiled, his heart swelling with pride as he looked out at the faces of those who had gathered. "Let us forge a new path together, my friends. For the Argentum Academy, and for the future of magic itself!"
The crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers and applause, their spirits lifted by Roderick's passionate words. As they dispersed, the students and staff were filled with a newfound sense of purpose, eager to fulfill their roles in the grand tapestry of the Argentum Academy's future.
Thane and Elara exchanged proud glances, knowing that under Roderick's leadership, the academy would not only survive but thrive. They watched as the dean stepped down from the fountain, his eyes still shining with determination.
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That same evening, mysterious student's POV:
Hidden within the shadows, I continued to watch the events unfold with growing unease. Disguised as a student, I had infiltrated the academy, observing, reporting...
And it all seemed for naught now.
Ever since that damned dean had woken up, this academy that was on the brink of failure had woken up.
Less than a week ago, when I saw the dean walking the halls, I almost couldn`t believe it. Sabotaging the artifact hadn`t been easy, too much damage would have tipped Roderick off, too little and it might not have worked.
Yet, the bastard had survived. I ground my teeth in frustration. Couldn't he have stayed comatose a little longer? Just a few months more and I could have returned, my mission complete.
Stupidly i thought maybe it was too late, then i saw the fountain, and now this speech.
I would be obvious to all but the dumbest of people that the academy was on the right path to recover, which couldn`t be allowed. I would have no choice but to contact the elders and inform them of this unforeseen development.
In the solitude of my room, I contacted my employers through a magical mirror, a clandestine means of communication provided by my masters. My reflection shimmered and gave way to the face of a stern, cold-eyed man. With a tense and uneasy voice, I recounted the recent events.
"The situation has escalated," I warned. "Roderick's return has rejuvenated the academy, and the students and faculty are more inspired than ever. The academy is poised to quickly recover."
The man on the other side of the mirror scowled, his features darkening with anger and apprehension. "This cannot be allowed to continue," he growled. "Roderick must be eliminated."
I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest, but I knew better than to question my orders. "Very well," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I will do what must be done."
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone