章 7: chapter 7. Eudora
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Chapter 7. Eudora
Word's counted -- 1300
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Shinji felt increasingly awkward as he sat with the three girls. Being the only man there—and blind—he wasn't entirely sure why he had been called over. Were they just curious about him, or did they not care because of his blindness? 'Girls, let me remind you, I'm blind, not deaf,' he thought to himself.
"So, Sister Veronica, let's explore the academy together later, okay?" Lydia exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Lydia, weren't you born in the magic academy? Why are you going to Noblesse Academy now?" Veronica asked, curious.
"Hmph, that's because I'm a genius!" Lydia pouted, crossing her arms. "I graduated from there when I was 9, and they basically kicked me out. They said I needed to study somewhere else and stop bothering them!"
The conversation carried on until a sudden announcement echoed through the ship.
"Attention all the future students of Noblesse Academy! Please assemble in the main hall of the ship for an important announcement."
"It seems we need to head over," Guinevere said, standing up gracefully.
"Let's go together. Shinji, you're coming too, right?" Veronica asked eagerly.
"Hm? Aren't only students being summoned?" Guinevere questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you," Veronica interjected. "Shinji said he wants to join the academy. That's why."
"Wow, Brother! You're really going to enter the academy? Then let's sit together in the hall!" Lydia exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement.
"Hmmm, it's not unheard of, for commoners or even servants to join a noble academy," Guinevere said nonchalantly. "Well, good luck with the exam." She then gestured for them to move toward the hall.
As the students gathered in the assembly hall, Shinji followed Veronica, Guinevere, and Lydia quietly. He was already drained from listening to hours of their chatter, his patience wearing thin. They found their spots near the back, allowing him some relief from the constant attention of others.
On the raised platform stood a striking silver-haired woman, her piercing gaze surveying the crowd of students below her. She was imposing, her aura commanding the hall into silence before she even began to speak.
"One, two, three… eleven, twelve, thirteen," she counted aloud, her voice firm. "So, you thirteen are the ones joining our academy from this ship," she stated, pausing to glance at the attendant standing beside her.
"How many students are on the other ships?" she asked.
"Miss Eudora, the other two ships each have twelve students aboard," the attendant replied crisply.
"That makes a total of 37 new students," Eudora said, nodding. Then she straightened, her expression hardening as she addressed the students.
"Listen up, kids. In three days, we will arrive at the academy—your new home for the next four years. However, from my experience, many students have a poor understanding of what this academy truly is. Let me set the record straight: this is not a place for spoiled brats.
"Our academy is the finest institution in the entire plains, but that does not mean it tolerates mediocrity. Many nobles send their offspring here, but I warn you—if you lack talent, you are useless in our eyes. Your only goal is to excel. Learn magic, master the sword, and strive to become someone worthy of the title 'student of Noblesse Academy.' That is your only purpose here."
Her words carried weight, silencing the whispers among the students.
"In a few hours, there will be an entrance test. Consider it your first trial. The task is simple: find the exam hall, uncover the questions, and answer them. Your ability to do so will determine your resourcefulness and worthiness. That is all."
With her speech concluded, Eudora turned sharply and exited the hall, her presence leaving an impression of authority and intimidation.
After the assembly, the students were invited to a banquet held in the grand dining area of the ship. The hall was filled with lavish dishes and bustling conversations. Some students eagerly discussed the entrance test, while others appeared more nervous, unsure of what to expect.
"That teacher was so scarry," Lydia muttered, balancing a plate of fruit in one hand. "She's so strict just like my mom! Do you think the test will be that hard?"
"It's not just about being hard," Guinevere replied, sipping from her glass of wine. "It's clearly designed to test who among us deserves to be there. It's a weeding-out process."
Shinji quietly nibbled on a piece of bread, observing the other students while the girls talked.
"Don't worry," Veronica said to him. "You'll do fine."
"Thanks," Shinji replied, though he wasn't entirely convinced. He kept his doubts to himself, focusing on the food ahead.
Meanwhile, Eudora stood on the deck, the cool sea breeze brushing against her silver hair. Her assistant stood beside her, holding a clipboard filled with documents.
"Have you made contact with Sir Franco?" she asked, her voice sharp with a hint of concern.
"No, Miss Eudora," the assistant admitted. "I've tried several times, but the magical communication line seems to be malfunctioning."
Eudora frowned deeply. "He promised to meet us today. This isn't like him. Something feels off."
"Miss, don't overthink it," the assistant said, attempting to ease her worry. "Sir Franco is reliable. I'm sure he'll arrive soon."
"Hah," Eudora sighed, though the unease in her heart didn't dissipate. "My instincts are rarely wrong, and right now, they're screaming that trouble is brewing."
The assistant paled slightly, glancing nervously at her. "Miss, don't say that! Whenever you mention your instincts, something bad always happens."
Eudora's sharp eyes darted to him. "Are you mocking me?"
"N-no! That's not what I meant!" the assistant stammered, waving his hands defensively.
"Tsk. Whatever," she said dismissively. "Inform the other ships to stay on high alert."
As the assistant turned to relay her orders, a thunderous explosion shook the ship.
*****BOOOOOM!!!!!*****
The entire vessel rocked violently, sending crew members stumbling and students screaming in panic. Plates and glasses shattered in the banquet hall as people scrambled to their feet, disoriented and terrified.
"What's happening?"
"Are we under attack?"
"Is everyone okay?"
Eudora's eyes widened as she steadied herself against the railing. "What was that?" she demanded, turning toward the assistant.
"Miss, it seems we're under attack!" he shouted, his voice trembling.
"Don't let the students know!" Eudora ordered. "Tell them this is part of the test. Keep them contained while I assess the situation."
Without waiting for a response, she sprinted toward the deck, her long coat billowing behind her.
When Eudora reached the deck, chaos unfolded before her. Smoke billowed into the night sky as flames licked the ship's side, still smoldering from the impact of an explosion. In the distance, a menacing vessel loomed, its cannons primed for another strike. Crew members scrambled—some to extinguish the flames, others to prepare defenses.
Eudora's sharp eyes narrowed as she quickly assessed the situation. "This isn't a random attack," she muttered under her breath.
"Miss, what are your orders?" a crew member shouted, rushing toward her.
"Activate the defensive runes immediately!" she commanded without hesitation. "Ready the counterspells and shields—we cannot let them gain the upper hand!"
The crew sprang into action, following her orders with practiced precision.
Eudora clenched her fists, her instincts on high alert. But her concern wasn't solely for the enemy vessel in front of them—it was the ominous presence lurking beneath the waves. She had been right to be cautious. Whatever lay below was ancient and powerful, and if it made its move, the consequences would be catastrophic. Whether this attack was timed intentionally or not, it had awakened something far worse.
Her silver hair shimmered in the dim glow of the flames as she glared at the enemy ship. "Whoever you are," she thought darkly, "you'll regret ever setting your sights on this vessel."
******
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(Eudora)
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