Chapter 49: Sprites (1)

“Hurry up ya bastards! We ain’t got all day.”

Before the youths could react to the abrupt disappearance of the headmaster, the sprites danced above them, looking impatient. Some squeals echoed within the room as the orange sprite flew under the legs of some unsuspecting students.

“GEH”

Michael saw Melody move with incredible speed, somehow catching the orange sprite with deadly accuracy and holding it to eye level. Just as he was about to ask what she was doing, he felt a shiver run up his spine.

“Were you trying to look up my dress?” she asked, each word frosty as if it had come from the depths of the tundra.

“N-N-No! I’d never!” the orange sprites features were twisted in horror, clearly not expecting to be caught by a mere student.

Now that it was captured, Michael could clearly see its features. It was humanoid in shape with dragonfly-like wings upon its back and what looked like an upside down flower upon its head with a small stem protruding.

Its face was exotic and foreign, similar enough to humans to understand their expressions, but ultimately not. This paired with their pointy ears made for a peculiar aesthetic.

“I’m sorry, M’lady,” a small voice called as the purple sprite floated nearby, “Ranga here is known to be a little mischievous. Would you please forgive him this once?” She said, bowing courteously.

Melody didn’t answer right away, sending a glare to the orange sprite named Ranga. “If it happens again, I won’t hold back…” she said, relinquishing her hold upon the sprite.

“T-Thank you M’lady! It won’t happen again!” he assured her, but only after creating some significant distance between them.

The purple sprite also thanked her before rushing over and smacking the Ranga over the head. The guy let out a wail of pain and was promptly put in his place by the female sprite.

Michael who had been passively watching from the side felt his horizons broadened. This was the first time he’d seen a sprite, though he had heard of tales from his mother of such creatures.

Sprites were generally mischievous little creatures who would get a kick out of messing with others. They were well attuned with magic, to the point where instead of rings, the color of their bodies would change depending on their level of magic.

Seeing the violet colored sprite in front of him, Michael felt slightly intimidated. This sprite was a violet mage, someone who had reached the apex of magic. Perhaps they might not be on the same level as the headmaster, but they were within the same major realm.

“Alright, hurry up and follow us! Time’s-a-wastin!” the red sprite danced in front of the youth before shooting towards the large double doors at the end of the room.

The youths moved into action, following the group of sprites as they left the room and reached the adjoining hall. A large and grand stone staircase revealed itself, wide enough to fit two carriages side by side.

“This is one of three staircases within the castle,” the violet sprite explained, loud enough that all the students could hear. “This staircase leads to the dorms and staff rooms for everyone who attends the academy.”

They ascended the long stairs, arriving at the first level. There was a door on either side and another flight of stairs that meandered up to the second level.

“This is where we split up,” the violet sprite explained, shooing away a few of the other sprites towards the nearest door.

“Alright ya bastards,” the orange sprite announced, “white, yellow, orange and red follow us!” he said, flying towards the heavy wooden door. However, he stopped just in front of it, hovering impatiently.

“Well? What are ya waitin’ for? Open the damn door!”

Michael stifled the laugh that threatened to escape, watching the angry sprite. Out of the hundred students, more than half of them followed these four sprites through the closest door, leaving around thirty remaining.

The blue, green and violet sprites were left alongside them. Even without recognizing all of the students, it was clear that those remaining were the ones who had the better examination results.

Melody, Michael, Braydon, and even the commoner teen with a red ring that Michael had seen out the front of the academy was present. Not to mention there were a few others who sent him glares every now and then.

The violet sprite led the way across the floor to the other door, opening it with magic.

“Each floor has dorms dedicated to their own year level,” she explained, hovering in front of them. “Since you’re only first-years, you have to make do with the first floor, but every year you’ll be able to ascend towards the top.”

Michael nodded, it made sense. But it felt like there was something missing, what was the benefits of being on the higher floors? Was it luxury or space?

“Miss Sprite, is it true that Arcadia has its own mana spring atop the tower?” Braydon asked with a hint of excitement.

Mana spring? Surely not…

From what Michael knew, Mana springs were naturally occurring, tapping into the mana that flowed through the ley lines. They were only ever on the ground and could not be relocated, let alone moved to the top of a tower.

“It’s not a mana spring,” the sprite replied, “It’s the Aetherheart.”

Michael felt his heart thump as she said this word.

“Aetherheart? What’s that?” he asked reflexively.

At his question, Michael felt the glares on him intensify.

“It’s best not to ask such questions on your first day kiddo,” the green sprite replied, flying around his face like an annoying fly. “All ya need to know is it acts like a mana spring, providing the entire Academy grounds with mana.”

“I see…” Michael replied, going deep into thought.

It must be some sort of mythical item if it can tap into the ley lines and provide mana to the Academy. I guess it makes sense why they don’t want too many people knowing about it.

After all, strong mages like the headmaster might not always be around to protect it.

Why am I thinking of this? Michael thought, shaking his head in an attempt to rid himself of stray thoughts.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep