Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Author's note: Chapter 22 for your perusing pleasure. I think this one has more dialogue than any of my earlier chapters so far...

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You...you are my roommate? Kanako asked Neleh. I heard my roommate was supposed to be someone called Lady Khalidor?

Correct. My name is Neleh Khalidor. Im not so sure about the Lady part, but Im assuming you got that from our dorm manager Maylin. Neleh answered introducing herself.

Oh! Im Kanako as you know. Pleasure to meet you. Especially since you saved me from a bit of a bind. Are you sure that was fine, by the way? Theyll be likely to carry a grudge, and they probably transferred their dislike of me over to you. Kanako asked with a worried voice. Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

That group wont pose any problem for me. I am a little worried about them coming after you though, and I have to apologize for antagonizing them even more. I just cant stand creeps like that. For now, you should probably stay close to me, and if it seems that they will cause you more trouble, I have some ways to make sure they are dealt with. Nelehs voice carried certainty and confidence, so Kanako decided to trust her words.

I think Ill take your word on that and I think you are right. It might be better if neither of us is alone for the foreseeable future. As such, I look forward to getting to know you better. Kanakos voice had regained a chipper tone, her worries being erased by the chance to get to know an elf better.

The two started to talk a bit more about themselves while they walked towards their dorm. Both managed to give a much abbreviated summary of their life, although both still considered it prudent to not reveal any important details. Neither was sure how trustworthy the other person was yet, though that would change fairly quickly, once they got to know each other. Kanako was quite surprised when she found out that Neleh had already received training both as a warrior and as a priestess.

Wow, youre training in all three paths! How old are you? I cant tell because of the mask. Whats your rank as a warrior? Kanako was so enthusiastic with her questions, that she didnt even notice that her questions might be considered impolite.

Now, now, you know its impolite to ask about a girls age. Neleh answered in a joking tone, not wanting to admit she was only a little over 14 years old. As for my warrior rank, Im not actually sure. I havent taken any tests for rank ups because I find ranks quite meaningless both as a measure of warriors skill or as a mages skill. Assigning a rank just seems too arbitrary, when a lower ranked mage can easily defeat a higher ranked one with a good match of abilities, or a proper plan. I guess they serve their purpose somewhat in giving an indication of strength, but thats just about it. For reference though, Im about at the level of the warrior teachers here in the academy, when it comes to just fighting skills. Of course some of the teachers have a wider base of knowledge when it comes to overall skills, which is why Im studying under them. Although, Im spending less time on those lessons, now that Im a mage student. Neleh said with a thoughtful voice.

A match to the teachers here? Thats awesome! No wonder you had no worries when you walked in the middle of the problem earlier. Kanako had a sort of admiring tone.

The two finally reached their room in the Lily dorm. When they got inside Neleh brought up the living arrangements. Did you fit your stuff in alright? I got in before you and just tried to put my things out of the way, but I have no idea how much stuff you have.

Oh Im quite good. I could fit my things just fine. We might want to decorate the room a bit when we have the time. Ill have to thank the dorm manager for making such good accommodations for me being a naga. I really tend to get cold during winter and the bed isgoddess damn! Kanako was quite shocked when she saw Neleh, who had taken most of her clothing off, including the hood and the mask, and was now picking up the discarded pieces of clothing.

What? Neleh asked innocently, although she had a pretty good idea why Kanako was shocked.

Youre not wearing that mask due to cultural reasons, are you? Kanako asked incredulously.

No, no Im not. Neleh answered with a grin.

I can see why you would wear the hood and the mask. You might run into problems otherwise. (Kanako)

Its not so bad surprisingly. I do draw a bit too much attention though, hence the mask. Its getting worse the older I get though. Now its getting to the point that some people have trouble speaking coherently with me. Oh well, the mask isnt so bad. Neleh sighed.

Yeah, I can sympathize with those people a little bit. You are a little overwhelming. Ill get over it. I had a similar problem when I saw the Eternal Empress, may she live forever. Kanako said, already grinning with expectation at future shenanigans.

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The next day started rather uneventfully. Kanako was rather jealous of Nelehs morning exercise, but her Naga body prevented her from learning the same system of exercise. When they got to their lessons, they both found out that they had been assigned to the most advanced class, the A-class of the new students. Neither was terribly surprised, seeing as they both had a solid handle on the basics. Of course Neleh had far wider knowledge than she was letting on, so shed have no trouble staying in the A-class.

Things got interesting during lunch. Neleh and Kanako were having lunch together, when they saw an older demon student approaching them. The male demon was rather impressive looking in a dark and handsome way. The insignia on his chest signified that he was a mage of fifth circle. Graduating from the academy required you to be a sixth circle mage, so fifth circle meant he was a senior student.

You two are most likely the people Im looking for. There's not many new female naga students and a masked female elf student as a combo around here . My name is Daemon Lucian, and I heard you entertained a few of my underlings last night. The man said with a grin.

Say what you will. You had trouble sleeping without your darling little sister, just admit it. Keeping with the theme, have you already found someone to warm your bed now that you cant take advantage of your baby sister anymore? Neleh asked with a wide grin.

Well Delia looked shyly at the female disciplinary squad leader, who was still yelling at the two guys.

Oh? Shes quite beautiful. God job sis! Neleh said, while giving Delia the thumbs up. Suddenly she frowned. Oh, I didnt think of that.

What? Asked Delia.

Well youll remember that there was some talk years ago, that I would pick up fathers profession, and then pass it on to one of the sons my sisters had. I didnt even consider the possibility that all my sisters might swing the other way. Neleh said while frowning.

Oh right, I remember that. Well youll get no help from me. Selene is planning on becoming one of those virginal priestesses, unlike you, and Im pretty sure shes also the same as me. Selvaria should be the only one that actually fancies guys, although Elsaria is a bit young to know for sure. This is what you get when you have a scummy father, and a little sister blessed by Aphrodite. Better hope Selvaria finds someone, baby sis! Delia said with mirth in her voice.

Why do I think youre enjoying this whole thing a bit too much? Neleh asked grumpily.

Oh I dont know. Maybe because its nice to see that even your plans can go awry. Delia answered while laughing.

Suddenly Neleh looked towards the arguing trio. Oh, looks like your girlfriend is starting to wrap up.

and what were you thinking having a pair of rookies as judges!? Can they even form the shield required, not to mention have enough power to ensure your survival? The disciplinary squad woman yelled.

Surprisingly Delia jumped in at that point. Now, now, Aneirin. Havent I told you before to not judge book by its covers. My sister at least would absolutely murder you in a duel, so no need to worry about her shielding skills.

That certainly got the attention of the trio. The woman, apparently named Aneirin, was also a fifth circle student, as one would expect from a leader of the disciplinary squad.

Your sister? This is the genius little sister youve been talking about? Aneirin asked while raising an eyebrow.

Been talking too much again, sister dearest? Neleh asked sweetly.

I didnt go into too much detail. I think. Delia answered hesitantly.

Do you even know how the judging of duels works here in the academy? Aneirin asked interrupting the two sisters.

Yes, I was a warrior student here, before I became a mage student. We saw a couple of duels. Theres two judges, one for each duelist. The judges cover their duelist in a protective shield using their full strength. If one of the judges feels their shield getting hit, they will halt the duel, and their duelist is proclaimed as the loser. Neleh gave a quick explanation.

Can you two handle being a judge? Do you have the strength to stop whatever spells that might break through the defenses of your respective duelist? Aneirin asked, wanting to make sure.

Both Neleh and Kanako nodded. Additionally, Im a trained priestess, so should anything happen, I can take care of the healing. Neleh also added.

Alright then. Despite my better judgement, these knuckleheads have decided to go through with this charade, and I cant stop them. You little sister, be the judge for Lucian, while you naga girl, be the judge for Micah. Aneirin clearly wasnt too happy with the situation.

Well isnt this an interesting turn of events dear. We go from having a duel of our own, into you being my protector. Lucian said with a grin.

Keep yakking it up buster, and I might forget to put any strength into your shield. Rookies make mistakes and all that. Neleh answered in a stern voice, though internally finding the situation equally amusing.

Oh that wont be a problem. I have no intention of losing this duel, so your services will not be required. Lucian answered with confidence.