And, in comes a random chapter out of nowhere!

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Today was the day! Today I would infiltrate the national academy of Lun. If all goes to plan, this will be far easier than I had initially anticipated. I looked around in the small waiting room at the other individuals who had decided to attend the interview. They were quite a varied bunch in terms of race.

It had been just the other day when Silk and I were taking stroll through the market when Serenity came back with big news and a flier: the National Academy was hiring instructors. As long as you had confidence in your ability, you were encouraged to attend the interview. Unfortunately no details were provided as to how they’d be assessing us.

The flier implied that instructors well-versed with swords and battle-oriented magic would be looked upon favourably. I’m practically a shoe-in.

The interview wasn’t being held in the academy, but in another venue which was often rented out for various purposes and events. It was quite a large and glamorous building; very brightly painted with artistic patterns scrawled across its walls. It made me sick. Don’t these heretics know how to build a normal building? They all seem to be addled in the brain.

If the interview wasn’t delayed, then all of those present in the room would enter together in a few minutes. Strange format for a job interview, but then again when it comes to these Sol-forsaken degenerates I was met with one surprise after another.

In preparation for the interview, I donned my usual darker attire. After all, even in such a peculiar place, my work clothes would be easily picked out of a crowd. Having ensured that they were spotless, in addition to polishing my boots, I made for quite the suave gentleman. Of course, I also donned a mask (the same grimacing white mask that I used at the heretic burning in Plyan), just in case these interviewers are somehow aware of my appearance. After all, I was one of the heroes’ companions. At the very least, Silk could pick me out of a crowd despite being blind… Would a mask do any good? Oh damn it all to Sol! I’m wearing it now, so I’ll just keep it on.

*tap tap tap*

The fellow sitting by my side had been tapping his foot unceasingly since he arrived. The flier instructed us to arrive at a specific time, and as a gentleman I rightly arrived exactly 5 minutes early. My impression of this tapping fellow immediately fell to rock bottom when he arrived a whole minute passed the time indicated on the flier.

It was clear that he was nervous, judging by his expression and the tapping. It was quite the contrast to his large frame; the fellow was around 7 feet tall and built like a brick wall. Of course, he wasn’t human, but some other species I wasn’t too familiar with. He had muddy brown skin and extremely prominent lower canines which peeked over his upper lip, akin to tusks. He was also quite unkempt, with his shaggy beard and greasy locks of hair. And yet, despite all of his faults, his attire was pristine. There wasn’t even a single crease… I can respect that.

But the tapping had to stop.

“Hello there, you look a bit nervous big fellow” I said, my tone cheerful, and friendly.

Said big fellow looked around with a surprised expression. I’m talking to you, you dolt. When he finally realised that he was indeed the person I had intended to speak with, he gave an unsightly grin, revealing his ghastly dentition.

“Hello. Yeah, I’m a bit nervous. Who wouldn’t be, right? It’s an interview for a job at the National Academy.” Replied the brutish fellow. I was happy to see his tapping stop, as he got distracted by the conversation.

“The name’s Cyne.” I said, in an amiable manner, extending my hand out to my new acquaintance, who took it in a strong grip.

“Nice to meet ya. My name’s Burg.” He said. It was surprising to see how quickly he’d lost his nervous demeanour. The most likely explanation would be him having a simple mind; he probably can’t think about more than one thing at a time. At least, that’s the impression his appearance gives off, and personally I’ve found that judging people on their appearance is usually quite accurate.

Burg and I chatted a little while longer, as we waited to be brought into the interview room. In that time I found out that Burg was actually an A rank adventurer who specialised with heavy swords. According to his words, he felt as though he was past his prime, and wanted to make a change to a more stable and less dangerous career.

He eventually began to go on and on about his family. In fact, I was shocked to find out he has a wife, and if he isn’t fibbing, she’s an elf at that. Aren’t elves supposed to be attractive? Why would one be willing to marry this unappealing lump of muscle? His wife wasn’t the main topic on which he spoke, but it was instead his 3 year old daughter which he kept blabbing on about. I couldn’t help but shudder as I imagined a small, female version of Burg over here.

My suffering came to an end when a servant came to announce it was time to begin the interview. We were all ushered into a new room, in which there was a panel of 5 people sat at a large wooden table. Two of which looked far too young to be part of the faculty in the National Academy.

The first to speak was an old man with a big bushy beard, contrasting greatly with his gaunt face and thin frame. He was draped with rather flashy, bright blue robes and looked to be of the human race, but you never can be sure these days, what with all the human-ish looking species out there.

“Greetings, I’m the vice-headmaster of The National Academy. It’s wonderful for you all to have taken the time to come here. This interview will be conducted with all of the applicants present so as to save time.” Croaked the Oldman.

“You may be wondering why there was no manner of pre examination. The answer is simple. If you lie about your abilities or in response to one of our questions we’ll know. I will be present to determine whether you speak the truth.” Followed up the short-haired lady who also sat at the panel. Her features could be described as sharp, and her piercing blue eyes angled upwards, which in addition to her arched eyebrows produced an ever present glare. This one was probably not human if her strangely shiny blue hair was anything to go by. Unlike the old man, she was dressed in a navy-blue military-like uniform.

“Don’t be so nervous! Be at ease and just answer our questions honestly. The unnecessarily serious woman over there is the Head of Academy Law Enforcement. I’m in charge of the religious division within the academy.” Said a friendly-looking, middle-aged human. I couldn’t help but immediately start to dislike him. That smile of his is incredibly fake… He didn’t have any features which stood out, and wore light grey robes of a similar colour to his gradually greying hair.

After their introductions were finished, I looked over to the two additions to the table. They were a boy and a girl, whose ages I’d put at around 14 or 15. They both looked human and had similar features, leading to the impression that they were sibling; they both had the same violet eyes and platinum-blonde hair.

“I see a few of you noticed our two young additions! These two are very important students who will be attending the academy from this year on, and should you be approved as a teacher, and they take a liking to what you teach, they may be your students. They requested to be present so as to influence the choice of new faculty.” Explained the middle-aged guy.

The old man looked to have fallen asleep… or died, while the blue haired lady was glaring at each of those in the room with unnerving intensity, so it looked as though that disgusting Moon-worshipper would be doing most of the talking. The two younger additions cleared their throats as they prepared to introduce themselves.

“Hello, I’m Grace Viola, 3rd princess of the royal family of Lun. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintances.” Said the girl.

“Hi, I’m Victor Viola, 2nd prince of the royal family of Lun.” Said the boy.

…Okay… So they’re royalty? Why on earth would they be allowed to meet with a bunch of strangers?- I suddenly felt an even more penetrating glare from the blue haired woman. I guess that answers that. If these fellows are capable enough to hold such high positions in this so-called National Academy, then they should be able to protect these two brats.

The other interviewees had gotten too their knees before I knew it, leaving me standing somewhat awkwardly in front of the panel. The blue hair’s glare was practically burning a hole through my head at this point. In front of all the critical looks, I released an embarrassed smile and awkwardly scratched my head, waiting for the uncomfortable silence to stop. At least I stood out from the crowd…

“Why aren’t you getting on your knees?” asked the boy, his tone clearly indicating his displeasure. His eyes were narrowed as he appraised me. To be honest I don’t really want to get on my knees… Not in front of a heretic prince at the very least. Luckily, an (heretic) angel came to my rescue.

“Vic, don’t be so rude! They don’t have to kneel to us. Everyone please stand up” interjected the princess. She sent an apologetic smile my way, while the prince continued to glare.

A few moments later, everything was back in order, and we began the interview. The questions were simple in regards to your name and previous occupation, as well as abilities;

“Your name?” asked the heretic.

“Cyne Wight” I replied.

“Previous occupation?”

“Just a do-gooder…” This answer was quite obscure, but nobody questioned it surprisingly. And of course, since I only went around doing good deeds, it wasn’t picked out as a lie.

“Specialities?”

“Light attribute combat magic, and light sword mastery.”

“To what degree is your strength?”

“Capable of casting grade 7 magic, and combat ability on par with A rank warriors.” That answer got some impressed looks. Yes, be impressed you heretics. This was you can achieve when you believe in Sol.

“Do you hold any ill intent towards the Royal Family of Lun?”

“No” I replied succinctly. The all-seeing glare of the blue woman didn’t waver, after all I don’t even know the royal family, except for that irritating little boy and polite young girl. If anything, I’d say I didn’t really care about this diseased country nor its residents. It’s an unsalvageable place. Pity… yes, I have pity for these lost souls. The human mind is strange isn’t it? Truth is subjective, and so long as you whole-heartedly believe something it becomes true to you.

“Hmm… Well, your abilities make you more than qualified to become a teacher.” said the heretic, his eyelids squinting as he examined me. “There are only two positions available, so if there aren’t any better qualified candidates, you’ll be pretty much guaranteed a position.”

The two children who sat by the side also gave me some probing glances, the victor boy sporting a sour expression. Oh my, it looks like my mistake from before will be held onto by this child. How irritating… I’ll just try to get into the good books of the polite one. Then again, maybe I won’t even have to meet them again after this. That would be for the best. With the interview coming to its conclusion, the blue woman finally took her eyes off of me, and enquired to the side, “Victor, Grace. Do either of you have any input?”

Oh, I see. Get them used to making big decisions, after all they’ll be leading this scummy country. Is that why they’re here, to play king and queen? Well, I don’t mind… fun is fun after all, but I’d rather it not interfere with my plans. I studied the two of them, hoping that either they’d keep their mouths shut, or say something positive. Unfortunately, Sol did not have my back this time.

“I don’t like him. He’s creepy. I mean what’s with that mask? He’s obviously not taking this interviews seriously, and he has a clear lack of respect for his betters.” Started the boy, rattling off a few reasons so as not to select me. My smiled became a little more curved as my right cheek began to contort so as not to go over and break the little heretic’s jaw.

“I disagree! Victor! He’s probably wearing the mask for cultural or religious reasons. Why else would he come to such an important event with it? Sorry Mr Cyne, I hope we didn’t offend you. I for one am quite interested in light magic, and father always wanted me to learn how to defend myself with a weapon, so I may even be interested in any fencing lessons you may give.” Piped up the little angel/heretic. I looked at the polite and agreeable child with soft eyes. She’s a good girl, it’s just a shame that she’s been polluted with a filthy ideology. She even gave me a good excuse for the mask… Back in Sol they would’ve just torn the bloody thing off.

“Oh? The princess seems to be interested in what this guy can teach…” croaked the old man, who’d regained consciousness at some unknown point during the interview. The comment was met with an approving nod from the blue woman, while the biggest heretic in the room had already moved on to the next candidate.

The rest of the candidates were to be frank, far below par. Why did they even show up? One fellow is a D rank adventurer. Buddy, you should be a student, not a bloody teacher! The only other candidate who met the cut was ol’ Burg. That annoying prince took a liking to the whole ‘big swords’ thing he had going for him. Small, light swords… that’s the way to go. There’s finesse in my fencing! Burg’s brute strength method just isn’t comparable. At least the young princess isn’t a moron like her brother.

Needless to say, Burg and I got the positions. We were given a time and a place for the induction and rudimentary training to be an instructor and were basically thrown out thereafter. Well, this’ll be fun… Don’t worry young heroes! It won't be long before you'll be bakc in the kingdom of Sol, where you belong. I just hope they haven't been fed too many lies before I get there.