In the heart of the mountain, accessible through special entrances on each of its four sides, lay the core where the academy's most exclusive facilities were nestled. This central palace also served as the administrative hub of the Magus Academy, where its leaders and staff convened to carry out their duties.
On this particular day, one of the chambers was bustled with activity as the Deputy headmaster gathered a select group of instructors for an annoucement. Fifty individuals, clad in uniforms either of gray for the outer hall instructors or darker hues for the inner halls, assembled patiently, awaiting the commencement of the proceedings.
As they waited, murmurs of conversation bubbled among them. Servian, keenly aware of the purpose of the meeting – the allocation of the remaining three vacant inner hall positions – leaned in to comment to the magus by his side.
"Senior, it seems that half of the outer realm instructors are vying for these positions. This won't be an easy decision," Servian remarked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
In response, the senior magus offered words of encouragement. "Well, there are three positions available, and you're quite popular yourself, aren't you? Have more confidence in yourself."
Servian couldn't shake off his anxiety, fully aware of the stark contrast between the roles of inner halls and outer halls instructors. The inner halls boasted over 500 personnel; instructors and their assistants, responsible for nurturing more than 5000 acolytes. In contrast, the outer hall instructors, despite managing nearly three times the number of acolytes, comprised only 50 personnel, including those overseeing special facilities.
The stark contrast between the inner and outer halls underscored the Magus Academy's clear favoritism toward the former. It was evident in not just the higher status but also the superior personal benefits that came with the coveted positions. The allure of such roles had attracted not only Servian but also two dozen other outer hall magus, all vying for a chance at elevation.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDespite the palpable tension and uncertainty, Servian couldn't help but cling to a glimmer of confidence. His status as a dual half-moon magus and his tenure as an instructor since the academy's inception two years prior provided him with a modicum of reassurance. These qualifications, he hoped, would set him apart and make him a strong contender in the eyes of the decision-makers.
While strength wasn't necessarily the primary criterion for the position, it was a prevailing factor in the general assessment. Notably, none of the inner halls instructors fell below the half-moon realm. Quite the contrary, a considerable portion of them boasted grand magus levels, with many occupying the top and high ranks. Some of the medium halls even boasted grand magus among their ranks. The remainder comprised mostly full moons, with only a select few being half-moons. These exceptions typically possessed significant backing from their respective factions.
In stark contrast, the two dozen outer halls instructors flanking Servian painted a different picture. Only one, Hixon, had recently achieved the full moon realm breakthrough, elevating him above the rest. The majority were half-moons, while none of the crescent moon instructors dared to apply. For them, the prospect of serving as an assistant instructor was the height of ambition, yet the mere notion of being relegated to such a subordinate role felt demeaning to Servian.
"I guess unless someone playing dirty, I am the second-best candidate for the job"
Servian's gaze shifted towards the cluster of inner halls instructors who seemed to regard the proceedings as mere entertainment. Their presence felt like a silent mockery of the outer hall instructors, who clung to hope for the vacant positions.
As the meeting commenced under the graceful direction of the deputy headmaster, hope and tension hung palpably in the air. Each outer hall instructor leaned forward, eagerly awaiting their chance to ascend the ranks. However, the deputy's regretful tone dampened their spirits as she explained the limitations of the available positions.
The first name called was Magus Hexon, the expected full moon magus instructor whose selection was met with a facade of congratulatory smiles. Beneath the surface, envy simmered among the outer hall instructors, who couldn't help but harbor feelings of longing for the prestigious position.
"As for the second instructor..."
Servian's anticipation peaked as the deputy prepared to announce the second instructor to fill the vacant inner halls. However, his hopes were dashed as the name Reindhart resonated through the hall, signaling another missed opportunity for Servian. Servian quickly realized that this old instructor, despite only being a half-moon, was a senior staff member at the previous academy with over 100 years of experience.
Although disappointed, he tried to maintain a facade of composure, reassuring himself.
"It's okay, Servian, without a doubt you're next in line"
As Servian eagerly awaited the announcement of the third name, a sinking feeling settled in his gut as he realized that only two teachers had been chosen to fill the vacant inner halls.
"What!? how can this be!!?"
Confusion and disappointment clouded his mind as an unfamiliar young magus stepped forward. An unfamiliar name echoed through the hall.
"This is Instructor Emery, the final addition to our inner halls this year,"
His mind buzzed with questions. "Who is this young magus? He's only half-moon, isn't he? What makes him so special?" he mused aloud, voicing the sentiments shared by many of his fellow outer halls instructors.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmMagus Alpes, the senior who had accompanied Servian, responded with a whisper,
"I can't believe it... This man truly is the new inner instructor" His tone dripped with disillusionment, reflecting the shared incredulity among the outer hall instructors
"Do you know him, senior?" Servian pressed, seeking any insight into the situation.
"Yes, I'm familiar with him," Alpes replied with a heavy sigh. "He has a connection with the deputy herself... It seems this is indeed a dirty play."
"The deputy? No, she's not like that... There must be more to it," Servian protested, unwilling to believe that the deputy would engage in such tactics. "he must have a powerful faction supporting him"
"That's the troubling part, Servian. This young magus, not only does he come from a newly established faction, he is a half-
blood and hails from a lower realm world" Alpes explained, his tone laden with frustration. "It appears the deputy is attempting to showcase her inclusivity by giving opportunities to magus from lower realms."
"Senior, that doesn't sit right with me,"
The senior replied, "Yes, that magus doesn't have the right to be an inner hall instructor, Servian, you really should do something about it.."