Chapter 200: Beast taming
The spectators erupted in cheers and applause, acknowledging Ewen's exceptional contribution to the team's success. His performance not only secured the win for Lionallores but also solidified his status as a rising star in the academy.
The whispers among the students about Jaegar's successor grew louder as Ewen's prowess on the field became the talk of the academy, marking a new chapter in the school's soccer legacy.
Jaegar observed intently as Ewen skillfully manoeuvred the ball on the field, catching glimpses of the newcomer's occasional glances in his direction. It seemed as though Ewen was taunting him, provoking a response.
Unfazed, Jaegar wore a smirk, adopting a laid-back attitude as he watched the game unfold. After the final whistle, he deliberately made his way towards Ewen, leaving behind Pierre and Jennifer, who continued chatting with other students.
Ewen, resting with his teammates, acknowledged Jaegar's approach. Jaegar wasted no time, commending, "You sure have the skill to back your words." He followed it with a nonchalant smile.
Ewen's brow twitched slightly, but he reciprocated the smile, asserting, "Well, mouth alone won't do the work. I can keep up with what I say," confidently boasting about his abilities.
Undeterred, Jaegar remarked, "I'll be looking forward to the year-end academy match."
Ewen, in return, expressed his eagerness, saying, "I'm also very eager to meet you on the field."
*
With that, Jaegar left the scene, rejoining Pierre and Jennifer as they headed back to the dormitory.
Pierre, curious about the conversation, asked, "What did you talk about with him?"
Jaegar casually replied, "I mentioned I was looking forward to playing against him."
Pierre stared at Jaegar incredulously, voicing his concern, "Jaegar, how can you be so reckless? Your wounds haven't healed properly, not to mention that scar. Do you think it will heal anytime soon?"
Pierre had assisted Jaegar in dressing the wound, witnessing the lingering scar left behind by the blade witch. The wound, a result of the intense battles against Agatha and Ellamaria, still seemed fresh, although the pain had somewhat subsided.
"There is still time for the year-end matches. It will heal in the meantime," Jaegar added.
Jennifer, squinting her eyes, glared at Jaegar sceptically. "I hope you're not underestimating the severity of your injury," she said, concern evident in her voice. "You should consider giving yourself more time to recover before pushing yourself back into intense physical activity."
"I will do as you say, Mother," Jaegar replied in a calm tone, like a child obeying their parent, which made Pierre laugh out loud.
Jennifer smacked him on the shoulder and said, "Yes, this mother will punish you if you don't."
Pierre's laughter echoed through the room.
Jaegar joked about her motherly concern, but Jennifer played along. He rolled his eyes and said, "Alright, alright, I'll take it easy from now on."
Jaegar, accompanied by Pierre and Jennifer, eventually went to have their dinner.
They met others in the dining hall and joined them.
They chatted and laughed throughout the meal, enjoying each other's company. As they finished their dinner, Jaegar walked back to his room.
Once inside, he sank onto his bed, grappling with the burning desire to visit the mountain cabin and see for himself the truth behind the rumours surrounding his mother and Angus. He wanted to see if his mother's body was there, he wanted to check.
The goddess had no reason to lie about Augusta and the way she talked to him, he could tell that she was telling the truth.
However, the reality of his physical condition hit him, and he acknowledged that he hadn't fully recovered yet. Suppressing the urgency to go there immediately, Jaegar decided to postpone the visit until he was in better shape.
*
In the ensuing days, the young final-year apprentices immersed themselves in the intricacies of advanced magic and spells.
The impending graduation prompted contemplation about their future paths and areas of expertise.
Jaegar, prioritizing spell class, combat class, and later, beast class, delved into his studies with determination.
Professor Trevor Swaddling, who was introduced to the class in their final year, became a prominent figure in their academic journey.
Renowned for his expertise in studying beasts across various planes, Professor Swaddling authored the acclaimed "Beastalpedia." He introduced the students to a diverse array of creatures, unravelling the intricacies of their nature.
While awaiting the complete healing of his wounds, Jaegar dedicated time to meditation. Immersed in the practice of his immemorial arts within the confines of his astral form, he found solace and healing through this meditative pursuit.
Additionally, he delved into the magical language, exploring the contents of the copied Book of Runarlore he had obtained earlier. The ancient tome, a fount of magical knowledge, aided Jaegar in honing his understanding of the mystical arts.
Days melted into each other as Jaegar immersed himself in comprehensive magical studies, preparing for the challenges that awaited him beyond the academy walls.
*
On a crisp and clear day, Professor Swaddling made a decision that sparked excitement among the students. He announced an outdoor class in the forest behind the academy, where his extensive collection of magical beasts awaited.
He had brought them here with the help of Ashfield and Ms. Brogton.
The purpose of this outdoor class was not merely observation; rather, it was an opportunity for each student to form a lasting bond with a creature of their choosing.
The anticipation among the students grew as they ventured into the enchanting forest, guided by Professor Swaddling's expertise. The air was filled with the fragrance of pine, and the rustling leaves overhead whispered tales of magical beings.
The crisp air carried a hint of anticipation as the students followed, their breath visible in the cold.
The purpose of this outdoor excursion was to introduce the students to Professor Swaddling's extensive collection of magical beasts and, more significantly, to establish a connection between each student and a creature that would become their lifelong companion.
The bond forged at this moment was meant to transcend the academic realm, extending into the personal and magical aspects of the students' lives.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the students could sense the mystical energy that permeated the air. The trees stood tall, their branches adorned with glistening frost, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Professor Swaddling, a beacon of knowledge, guided them towards a clearing where the magical creatures awaited their presence.
The students, a mix of excitement and trepidation, eagerly anticipated the unique companions that would choose them.
The professor led them to a secluded area where his collection awaited, each creature veiled in a shroud of mystery.
As they approached, the students could see a variety of fantastical creatures, from elegant and elusive to powerful and majestic.
The forest was a tableau of enchantment, each magical creature a living work of art. Some beings displayed vibrant, iridescent wings that caught the sunlight and reflected a dazzling array of colours.
Others were adorned with intricate patterns and markings as if their very skin told stories of ancient magic and forgotten realms. The diversity of the creatures was astounding, creating a breathtaking scene that captivated the students.
Despite their magical nature, the creatures exuded an air of tranquillity, their presence did not incite fear or aggression. The students, surrounded by this harmonious assembly of mystical beings, couldn't help but be struck by a profound sense of awe and wonder. Each creature seemed to possess a unique essence, and the students felt a deep connection to the magical world unfolding before them.
As the students marvelled at the display, the forest whispered secrets of the bonds that would soon be forged between humans and magical beasts, each connection destined to be a chapter in the ongoing tale of the enchanted academy.
In the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees adorned with glistening frost, Professor Swaddling ushered the students into a designated area. The air was filled with an air of enchantment, and the anticipation among the students was palpable.
As Professor Swaddling went to inspect the magical beasts scattered in the vicinity, the students stood together, their eyes filled with curiosity and excitement. In the midst of the magical creatures, a woman named Charlize, accompanied by a few others, observed the proceedings.
Jaegar recognized her instantly, and she acknowledged him with a warm smile. It had been a while since their last meeting, and Charlize was evidently aware of the recent events surrounding Jaegar.
She wanted to meet with him, but she couldn't because of her work.
Professor Swaddling, a knowledgeable guide in this magical realm, resumed his explanation about the significance of the students choosing a bond with a magical beast.