Ascension Of The Failed Mage

"What I'll require from you is a good introduction to the educators I'll be working with. It's better I get along with as many colleagues as possible. The students and staff all seem to love you. Since I lack that charisma you have, you might as well help me in that department." Noir gave Trevor a thumbs-up.

The whole thing seemed awkward, though, considering Noir's bland expression.

"You? Lack charisma?" Trevor chuckled. "I honestly doubt it."

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"Hahahaha! Noir, you scoundrel! You got me worried for nothing!"

The man who yelled out loud was Galand, and his face was beet red from being drunk. His eyes were wide with excitement, and hiccups echoed from his lips as he staggered in enjoyment.

Noir calmly watched as the old man make a fool of himself in what was meant to be a reunion party for him.

"Jeez… I shouldn't have let you drink too much!" Lorna sighed, crossing her hands as she glared at the old Mage.

"C'mon! Cut me some slack, woman. I've been so busy with work. It's hard to get booze these days… hicc!" Galandel chuckled as he snuggled closer to Noir, hugging him once again.

"It's good to see you, buddy!"

'I wonder what he'll think about this entire episode when he wakes…' Noit thought to himself as he took a sip of his own apple cider.

It had a good buzz, but drinking gallons of the stuff was never going to get him drunk anyway. Still, Noir preferred moderation. Thus, taking gentle sips while going over his thoughts seemed like the most appropriate thing to do.

After he and Trevor exited the Tower, they parted ways. The latter needed time to arrange for what Noir requested, and had told Noir to meet him at the staff lounge later in the evening.

Noir could not have expected what he saw next.

It was a welcome party for him!

That's right! The teaching and non-teaching staff were gathered to celebrate the fact that Noir's charges were dropped, and that he would be integrated into the Magic Institute as a teacher.

Apparently, Trevor had shoved guilt down their throats by reminding them of the Institute's incompetence, and how Noir was a hero. He also reminded them of their rough treatment of Noir, and how he was almost branded as a criminal for doing the right thing.

Needless to say, it wasn't very difficult making them host a celebration for Noir's emanciation, as well as his new identity as their colleague.

Galand, being a lecturer in the institute, was present, and he also invited Lorna. It was a shame Ciara couldn't make it, but no one expected her to. This was a place for adults, after all.

"Thanks, Galand. You too, Lorna. I appreciate this… and your belief in me throuughout the trial." He smiled at his comrades.

"Whaaaaaatttt? Don't mention it, buddy! You don't deserve anything bad!"

"That's right, Sir Noir. You're a good man. You saved us, helped us, and you've done so much for us. Truly, you're a good person."

Noir felt his heart flutter once he heard those words from Galand and Lorna. He smiled and nodded at their statements, honestly grateful that they saw him in such a light. However, Noir couldn't help but imagine their conception of him was simply a facade.

After all, even with their worry and surprise, he was completly in control of everything that happened thus far.

He intended to be captured and prosecuted.

He intended to be granted an audience with the Archmage.

He intended to lose.

'With everything I've placed into place, the plan is proceeding accordingly.'

By limiting the use of his abilities in his battle against the Archmage—not relying on Null, ot even his Magic Territory—he was successfully able to create a mirage of his true capabilities to his opponent.

'Denzel would never employ me if I proved to be too difficult for him. My loss to him was beneficial.'

There was also the fact that he overstated his relevance to ensure his words had weight before the Archmage. Since Ciara's father hardly granted him any authority—and their agreement was already concluded—there was really no legitimacy behind his statements.

However, by using this illusion, and the conveniently placed incidents and facts, he was able to get away with it.

'By manipulating both Trevor and the Archmage, I'll integrate myself further into the Southern Magic Institute… and ultimately the Empire itself.'

Yes, he desired to protect Ciara, and being a teacher was the best way to secure both her safety and her education. However, that wasn't all there was to his strategy.

'H.E.L.I.X. might make their move soon. I can't be idle. Sooner or later, a conflict will occur. I need to be prepared.'

Whether he would achieve that by using the Magic Institute, the Archmage, or the new acquiantances he was about to make today, Noir realized his goals required active steps and countermeasures.

"Thanks, everyone." He gave his best smile.

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In the dark campus grounds, within one of the lush parks of the Magic Institute, two students converged.

They had identical grey hair, and their eyes were glowing crimson. One was a boy, and the other had the appearance of a girl. They wore casual outfits, and as they drew closer to each other, more of their faces was revealed under the shade of darkness.

"How was your first day here?" The boy spoke first, his pale face showing no emotion.

"Expected. Yours?" The girl responded.

"The same."

They both looked identical—frightenly so. If not for the feminine attributes of one, and the masculine of the other, they would be indistinguishable.

These two were most likely twins.

"So, Noir Novo, uh? Isn't that a little lousy?" The girl spoke in a cold tone.

Her expression was that of disdain, but the boy's expression remained glued to his initial calm demeanor.

"Well, you'll have to forgive him…" The young lad finally broke into a smile after some time.

"... We Homunculi are not exactly known for subtlety."

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[A/N]

It seems things have gotten a bit more serious. Two Homunculi as students... are Noir's siblings here for him already? Well, let's see.