Chapter 178 - The Last Ianua

"How do you think the Miss did, Lord Orwell?"

Maddie stood beside Orwell, who was reading on his desk about the Dark Castle of the second continent. Maddie was told to serve Orwell Lotheringwood, the Lady's magic teacher, at the lady's absence. For a while, she would be staying in Lothlorien where Orwell resides. Orwell Lotheringwood was a famous magician that had created magical spells. Maddie wasn't much well-versed with the mage community, but she had heard his names several times. 

Lord Lucas, the younger twin, was very fond of Mister Lotheringwood. It maybe was due to the fact that they were good friends in the academy. Lord Lucas often referred Orwell as his rival, but he didn't look like he bore a complete rivalry towards him like how a nemesis would do. Lucas Feuerlon respected, admired, and looked up to Orwell Lotheringwood. 

Maddie was a witness to that. So as Maddie spent more time with both her Lady, Faustina—and Orwell—she was able to comprehend that Lucas was indeed blessed with such wonderful individuals surrounding him.

"Faustina?" Orwell answered.

Earlier he was looking stressed and frazzled, but after he received a fire letter from the castle, he was able to calm down and properly study on his desk. Although he should be resting at this point in time, Orwell still chose to rummage through his library and search for books as old as this one. 

"Yes. I'm worried about her."

Maddie had known Faustina ever since she was a child. Although her memories are oddly fuzzy, she still feels that he had known her for long. She was a sickly child growing up, and so she never attended any social gatherings. Which is why when the Duke permitted Faustina to go, she was surprised. The miss, who wasn't in a good disposition, was allowed to go to an elite magic school that has a considerably low passing rate?

The duchess suggested Faustina to homeschool instead, but the duke simply reasoned that Faustina ought to interact more with people. 

And Maddie knew this was for the good of the miss… however, she was still worried about her. Especially when there was something that had happened. Maddie only heard a bit—about the changes on the exam—but she didn't hear anything specific. Nonetheless, Maddie could still conclude that this sudden change may affect Faustina. 

Which led her into Orwell's study to give him a cup of coffee, and also to ask several questions to at least calm her nerves.

"She can pull through this." Orwell calmly stated, as opposed to how he was earlier. "Faustina is a strong girl. She's stronger than she looks, as a matter of fact."

Maddie understands that the lady was strong—strong in spirits, at the very least. But in Maddie's memories, Faustina was a weak, sickly child. But all sorts of things had happened on their way to Magierstadt and Faustina had handled them well.

"Do you think M'lady's going to pass the exams?"

Orwell nodded.

"Undoubtedly." Orwell smiled. "I believe she has the ability to get into Ianua I."

**

The last Ianua.

Faustina couldn't believe it. Sheilalev, the King, Orwell… all of them… they all believed that she would get into Ianua I so easily. Although Faustina knew this was far-fetched, being in the last class was just surprising for her.

The classes of Magierstadt is divided into six Ianuas. Previously, there were only four. But now, there were six. The sixth is the lowest class whilst the first is the highest. Mages are going to attend Magierstadt for three years before they receive their Magician License. In those three years, they would have their mana tested and then their Ianuas would be redetermined. 

Faustina still has a chance. 

'A person's mindset can change all things. If I only settle for less, then less is what awaits for me.' Faustina said to herself. 'If I can reach Eula's level… even just the tip of it, then I might get closer to the truth I am seeking.'

That's right.

The king wanted her to enroll in this academy so that she can have her magic seal undone and then she would be able to sustain his life afterward. He also wanted her to investigate about Magierstadt concerning the Forsaken. This would lead to the unveiling of the truth about Eula, as well. Faustina knows that she would gain from this as much as the king will.

"The forsaken will act at the most unexpected time. You ought to be stronger and vigilant at the same time." The king said to her back at the castle. "You have to be more than what you are now, Faustina."

The king was right.

She had to be more than Faustina; she had to be stronger and then get her master back from the forsaken. 

"Now then, students. Please pay attention as your magical mediums, schedules, and your very own maps of the academy is going to be provided." Announced Professor Yoan. 

Faustina snapped back from her thoughts as a magical hex appeared before her. From that magical circle came out her staff. 

"You hold a Warlock's staff."

Her eyes widened as she remembered the undead maid's words. But her thoughts subsided as another magical hex appeared—one smaller than the other. From that hex appeared what seemed like a duffel. 

"In those bags are your primary needs. A First-Year General Magic book, a map of the academy, your schedule, and the key to your dormitories." Professor Yoan exclaimed. "Now then, students; it has been a long night for all of you. Now you may head towards your respective dormitories and take plenty of rest. The classes won't start until the next few days, so take your time readjusting to the academy."

"Congratulations, once again, Freshmen!" Says Professor Yushalem. The teachers stood up as they faced the students whose excitement was painted to their faces. 

Anna Unsterblich, the schoolmistress, walked forward as she smiled warmly to her new students.

"May the firefly guide you all to your chosen paths."

**

Leviticus had expected he would be in the last Ianua. He had, after all, displayed a lower magical potential. A baby dragon. Just what was that? But he wasn't feeling that bad considering more than half of the students ended up on Ianua VI. 

Glancing towards his duffel bag and then rummaging to its content afterward, Leviticus opened the rolled map.

Magierstadt was indeed a large academy. In the center of the map was the main castle. There was also the greenhouse located north. On the western portion of the academy was the dormitories for Ianuas I, II, and III. On the east was for Ianuas IV, V, and VI. The southern part was the academy's entrance where the Fountain of Wishes was located. There was also a vast array of forest located on the far north, which the greenhouse was located as well. The floating islands are on the sides of the map where the research laboratories are situated. The Colosseum, where the Grand Magic Games is being held, is also on the floating islands. The dormitories are castles that are located near two cliffs where the ocean can be viewed. 

Leviticus cannot help but smile.

'Mother Queen; I did it.'

**

Faustina had walked east as per Magierstadt's map. The dorm of the sixth Ianua was the farthest among all of the other dorms. It was near the 'Magi Forest' which was located north. Fireflies, magic lamps, and the bright half-moon served as the light of the students. The entire academy was still lively at night. Many students were still scattered, searching for their 'Houses' or their Ianuas. Some are chattering and were sitting into the grass as they peer through the night sky and the place surrounded by the warm glow of fireflies.

This… is the place where Eula had studied.

Her alma mater.

Faustina still couldn't move on from the fact that Magierstadt was beautiful. 

It was truly a spectacle to behold.

After walking through the cobblestone paths, some sheds, and even passing by flower gardens, Faustina finally reached her dorm.

The sixth Ianua was yet another castle. It had a Romanesque motif. Faustina had passed through several other Ianua dormitories, which had different looks and distinction from each other. The sixth Ianua was the same size as the other castles, but the others seemed to have more design and sophistication the higher their class is.

But no one could deny the fact that even the sixth dormitory was amazing on its own.

The gates were opened wide, and many students were outside chattering to themselves, going to the large, opened doors, and simply lounging around getting to know their fellow students. Faustina looked around, hoping she could see people that she recognizes—but to no avail, there was none.

Faustina took a deep breath as she walked forward.

'Watch over me, Master.' Faustina then took a step into the light. 

**

So, we're nearing the chapter(s) I'm itching to write lol. It's still going to take a while for the steamy part, but I guarantee it'll be a great read :D HINT: (After some few chapters would be THREE consecutive romantic chapters~ we all need a breather from the action and battles, after all!)