The 1.000 year Great Sage ---> COMPLETED STORY

At Lunch, in the cafeteria, Seya and his friends were already seated and talking about the previous event, while Arys was walking alongside Duncan and entering the cafeteria, feeling that the day was becoming more and more beautiful.

Princess Heiji was shaking her head.

- I never expected that crazy girl to be so out of focus! If Seya wasn't here, that could have turned out very bad!

Myra nodded, she also thought it was weird.

- Yeah, that also surprised me. You two are always fighting so serious, but neither of you got injured like that before! It was a bit scary!

Seya noticed Arys approaching, side by side with Duncan.

- Speaking of her… How are you feeling, cousin? And why that weird smile on your face?

- What weird smile? I don't know what you are talking about.

- Arys, Milord is right. You do have indeed a smile in your face. In fact, you have been smiling for a while, now.

- Really Duncan? I didn't realize myself! That's strange. Heheheh!

Myra was hiding a smile and trying to be serious.

- Yeah, strange alright! Also, very, very suspicious. Addressing each other so casually, smiling, and coming over here with an unknown boy. Really suspicious!

You look like Hina and Zak over there, always smiling, recently. But in their case I can understand, they are a new couple. But you two, it's suspicious…

- That reminds me, this is Duncan Macleod, of the Clan Macleod, the son of the Baron that administers my new lands. Young Duncan, these are my friends, Myra Calcym, Hina Motoama, Zak Holstrem, Princess Heiji Rohan, and John West. And in here, the future Marchioness of Aria's Lands, Ryn Mycym, my girlfriend.

Duncan made a deep bow.

- It's an honor.

Ryn was puzzled.

- Aria's Lands? What's that?

- The name of our domain. I didn't want to keep the name of 'Outskirts of the Empire'.

- And you named it as 'Aria's Lands'? The Goddess will be pleased!

- I hope so! I don't want to be punched by Her ever again! Last time I was sick for hours and hours! She didn't even let me Heal myself!

Duncan was surprised and he looked at Ryn and at Seya.

- The Goddess punched Milord? How is that possible?

Ryn pointed with her thumb to Seya.

- Yeah, how indeed! It seems that the Goddess as a liking on our Seya over here. She keeps a close look over him, to not let him do something crazy!

Princess Heiji punched Seya on his back.

- And even so, he keeps on doing one crazy thing after another! Ahahahah!

- I wonder what he has been doing in all those lands, running free to do whatever he wants without any restraints! Tell me, Duncan, what this crazy boyfriend of mine has been doing over there?

- Well, last time that I talked with my father, he was very excited about a new type of house to grind flour.

Ryn was smiling.

- Oh, a new house? Another crazy idea of this guy, I suppose.

- According to father, there are already some workers building more, like the one Milord made with his Magic.

Hearing that, Run lost all the will to smile and was looking at Seya with a frown.

- You did what, you crazy piece of Jumping Mouse manure?

- Oops… thanks a lot, Duncan!

- Maybe I spoke too much?

Ryn was poking Seya's chest.

- You are going to explain to me, very carefully, everything that you have been doing, you hear me?

- I think it's better if you see for yourself in a couple of days, during the holidays?

- I'm warning you, if it's something so absurd and so crazy that scares me, I'm going to slap you until you got knocked out!

- Oops…

…

In the Afternoon, the class Applications of Magic started with Duncan amongst Seya's friends.

Seya entered alongside the Principal. He had a previous meeting before coming to class, trying to figure out why Duncan O'Sullivan, his protégé, was being targeted by some students. According to the Principal, seems that it all stopped. After the fight between Seya and Duncan, every student had a glimpse of the true power of that boy from the Empire and they were keeping their distance.

Unfortunately for Seya, the students of the 3rd-years were also at the Auditorium. Seya's blood starts to boil, as soon as he saw them. He understood immediately why they were there.

Teacher Chris was the first to greet the class.

- Seya and the Principal, glad that you both could join us! And why are the 3rd-years doing here again? You guys were not here on the previous classes when Seya was missing.

One student of Class 3-A started to speak while giving glances towards Seya.

- Teacher, we came here to greet Marquess Seya. As fellow Nobles that we are, we think that we can be of some assistance to the Marquess, regarding the ruling of his new lands. By providing counselling and assistance, if needed.

Like Seya suspected, the leeches are trying to get close to him, now that he's a High Noble. The nerve of those people! Boys and girls, all of them are no good!

Seya had to take a deep breath to calm down and then he started questioning them.

- I see. Do any of you have any kind of experience on that matter? It's not your parents that are doing that work, while you attend this school?

- … Well… yes… but we think…

- …||Gateway to back yard…|| … You know the way out, you leeches! Just trying to fool me to get some advantage! Get out!

As soon as Seya opened a Gateway to the yard and yelled, all the 3rd years started to run, pushing the slower ones through the Gateway. As soon as all of them went through, Seya dispersed it.

Duncan was puzzled.

- Arys, does this happen often?

Princess Arys was laughing a lot.

- Yes, every time those guys from the 3rd-years try to attend this class, Seya always makes them run. It's so funny! Ahahahah!

- But why? Milord is just a student, right?

Arys was whipping her tears from so much laughter.

- Not in this class. In here, he's our Teacher.

- Amazing! I didn't know!

- Yeah, my cousin is a real piece of work, alright! Even the Goddess loses her mind, because of him!

Princess Heiji approached them.

- Don't say it like that! Duncan will think that Seya is a bad guy!

- Don't worry Princess Heiji. I know Milord is a truly wonderful person. The way that he's improving the lives of everyone that lives in my hometown is something that I could only dream of. And he's doing like it was just another day!

Princess Heiji nodded with a smile on her face.

- That's Seya, alright!

While those three were talking completely distracted, Seya was looking at them and smiling, waiting for them to shut up. And they went on, and on, and on…

- Now, as soon as those three over there stop talking, we can proceed.

Duncan apologized immediately.

- I'm really sorry Milord, it was my entire fault!

But Princess Arys got up, waving her hands.

- No Seya, it was me! I'm truly sorry for disturbing this class!

Seya was smiling at that image.

- That's a first, seeing Princess Arys so polite and so eager to accept the faults of others!

All the students present just laughed.

- Ahahahah!

Seya clapped his hands to call for attention, like if nothing had happened.

- Now, I want to know how Magic Control training is going. Show me your progress.

The Principal stated, looking very proud of himself.

- I've become good with this and until now I didn't make this school blow up!

…

Every student showed their Magic Control. Some of them could already change the shape of the Magic gathered in their hand.

Duncan was amazed, looking at Princess Arys making a fluffy cloud of Magic in her hand while Princess Heiji was playing with a RabbitKind girl form, using her both hands. And so full of details! She was trying to tease Princess Arys, but Arys was so focused on her own Magic Control that she didn't even notice.

- Very good indeed! Seems that all of you can increase the amount of Magic gathered. Everyone except young Duncan, of course. But that's understandable, he just started in this school recently.

Arys raised her arm, she looked very excited.

- Cousin! I mean, Teacher, I can help him on that part!

- Very well, I'm counting on you then. Make sure that he gets the grip of things.

Now, I want to talk about a little something that I came up to, recently. I'm sure you all will find out as soon as the King announces it but I guess there's no harm if I disclosure that.

Ryn rolled her eyes.

- Here it comes…

Ryn was slowly bumping her head against her table, she was already predicting that something crazy was about to be shown. She was bumping her head again and again while thinking,' why this guy never stops?'

- Up until now in this class, I've been insisting upon Magic Control. Over the last classes, we talked about Magical Program and Hina Motoama over there used her flying Magic to fly in here.

- Yeah, and I'm so good with it now, that I can even rival a bird!

- Good! Now, Magic Control and Magical Program, when used together with a Magic Crystal, can do some remarkable things.

One student of Class 2-A was smiling, remembering a very particular previous class.

- Yes, that Magic Knight for example! That's a very handy thing!

- Yes. But I have here my most amazing creations. Some of you may have already seen this and I think everyone here will like it. They will be sold throughout the Kingdom very soon.

I have here a belt purse, with my Compressed Dimension Magic. You can put inside of it 10kg of things. And in this one-shoulder bag, the limit is 1 ton, half an open wagon cargo.

The students were looking at the things that Seya was showing, and they all just froze for a moment.

- … What?

- Yes. On the belt purse, you can put money, some food, a change of clothes and a weapon. Anything that passes through the opening. And on the bag, you can put all your books, all your clothes, and weapons, instead of layering around in your bedroom. I'm sure it will be great for when you occasionally return home.

Everyone in the Auditorium was in shock. Here and there could be heard some words of disbelief.

- …but… that can't be…

The Principal was the first to shake his head to wake up. He just heard something that could only be a dream. He had to make sure that he heard it right!

- Seya, this means that anyone can use your Magic?

- Yes, even people without Magic. Of course, these two things use small Magic Crystals. To create this, I used my knowledge of Magic Control to place on the Crystals a Magical Program. Once again, Magic Control was needed to place a Magical Program on Magic Crystals that were created with enough Magic Control. The key words here are Magic Control. With it, anything is possible.

I'm sure that everyone as questions about this, so let's get started with it, ok?

It was the end. Everyone started to question Seya, they couldn't believe! How was that possible? Seya handed over some purses and bags empty but fully functional so that everyone in the Auditorium, including the Principal and the other teachers, could test it.

Seya started to explain how the purse and the bag worked. He even gave some details about the Magical Program of those small Crystals.

- So, in short, the belt purse will be good for your everyday life. The bag, for any kind of work. Merchants will just love these, Adventurers, hunters, farmers, you name it.

The Principal was looking at the darkness inside one of the belt purses.

- All this with Magic Control. Unbelievable!

- Yes, the Elder Mages of the Institute of Magic were also surprised. But this is not all.

I have here this beautiful Light and Dark Crystal. My Gateway Crystal.

One of the students of Class 2-A jumped.

- It's that Magic that just sends way those 3rd years, right? Teacher, you found a way for everyone to use that?

- Yes. Actually, this, the purse and the bag, were possible thanks to the ideas of Hina Motoama over there. I was stuck for years, thinking of a way to make this. I will explain the use of this Crystal and all about its Magic and security measures.

Seya explained in detail how the Gateway Crystal worked, why he placed the security measures and how he did it, he explained all about the Big Crystals that would be doing the recharge of those Gateway Crystals. He even suggested some uses, like holiday trips to the villages near the sea or visiting family members that lived far away from them.

That was too much! Some of the girls started to feel dizzy. Some boys were bumping their heads on the table like Ryn did while others were still amazed and thinking in all the possibilities. One student of Class 2-C was looking at the Gateway Crystal that Seya was showing, with a shine in his eyes.

- Teacher Seya, with this Crystal I can go to my hometown anytime, instead of spending 2 days by carriage? I can do that?

- Yes, as long as there is a Communicator Device there, you can.

The student shouted.

- There's one at my Village Chief's house!

- So, you have everything needed. The Principal already has on his desk a Recharge Crystal for refilling the Magic in these Crystals. You just need to pay 1 copper coin for that. And as I already said, one recharge can make the Crystal work for 5 uses, up to a maximum of 15.

The same student was looking at the Crystal, thinking if he could afford one.

- But that Crystal must be expensive!

- No, I made this myself. Because they were free, I'm giving them. I only charge for the refill of the Magic. In fact, I have here one Gateway Crystal for each of you, my beloved students.

- … what?.... no way!... That's so cool!... Thank you Teacher Seya!...

One student from Class 2-B had his arm raised.

- These Crystals are going to be available to everyone in the Kingdom? Where can we refill the Magic in these, instead of going to the Principal's office?

- These Crystals will be available to everyone. For the refill, I have already sent some Big Crystals programmed to do just that, to the Adventurer's Guild and to the Mages's Guild in this Capital. For the other cities of the Kingdom, it will be available also in those Guilds.

The recharge will be paid, as I mentioned, 1 copper coin for 5 uses. Part of the money goes to the Guild where the refill is done, part of the money goes to me.

The student had his arm up again.

- What will happen when the Magic in that Big Crystal ends? It also blinks, like those Crystals of the last class with Wind Magic?

- Yes, they blink, and when the Magic ends, the people just need to refill the Magic. They don't need to mess around with the Magical Program. Doing that would be dangerous because for preventing criminal uses, the Crystal will explode if the Magical Program is tampered with.

- You even thought of a security measure like that? Why?

- Think about it. If anyone could change the Magical Program or copy it, it wouldn't take long for the appearance of some fake Gateway Crystals. Or even Crystals that could be used for assassinations. Or Crystals that could open a Gateway to anywhere, bypassing the security measure of a Communicator Device.

- I see! Yeah, that could totally happen!

- It wasn't you that some time ago wanted to create a Fire Crystal for people to be able to cook their food? You have to think of security measures for that, along with the Magical Program needed to make the Crystal work.

- Yeah, I see your point! It would be bad if someone got injured because of my Crystal!

Teacher Chris was scratching his head, he seemed confused.

- Seya, I don't understand why you are just giving this Crystal. Why you don't sell them, like you are going to do with the purse and the bag?

- Because the purse and the bag are a one-time purchase. They don't need to be refilled of Magic to work, as I've already explained. The Gateway Crystal, on the other hand, spent their Magic any time a Gateway is created. If I charge people for the recharge, it's obvious that I can't charge for the Crystals.

Teacher Chris shook his head.

- No, I think that people would still buy them, even if they cost 5 gold coins!

- I don't need to take money from the people. For a farmer, 5 gold coins are unthinkable.

But 1 copper coin for 5 uses of the Gateway, it's a bargain. I want to help the people to improve their everyday life, not steal them! That's why I'm giving one Gateway Crystal for each person, already with 5 uses.

- I see your point. But you will receive little money each time, just 1 copper coin. I don't think that's enough for paying your work!

-Think with me, Teacher Chris, I will get 1 copper coin for each recharge with 5 uses. If 100 people recharge their Crystals with 15 uses, I will get 300 copper coins or 3 silver coins. Considering the size of the Royal Kingdom, I will get a lot of copper coins each week that will amount to a lot of gold coins. I'm not even counting with the money coming from our allied countries!

- Wait, does that means…

- Yes, Teacher, very soon I will be able to buy this school and transform it into a stable for all my horses! Ahahahahahah!

The Principal shouted, terrified with the idea.

- No! Don't do that!

All the students laughed because of that reaction.

- Ahahahahahah!

- With this, class dismissed! Principal, can we talk in your office? I need to talk about something.

- Of course.

…

In the Principal's office, right after the end of class, Seya was talking about the changes that he was doing in his lands, along with his future plans, like having everyone living there learn how to read, write and do some arithmetics.

- Principal, I want to know how Teacher Fil is doing, the former Magic Teacher of the class 1-A.

- Very well, actually. After the second treatment that you gave to her head, she's much better. Less stressed, calmer. She's still working here but as an assistant teacher. I don't want to fire her, but I also don't want to give her a class to teach.

- That's good to hear. Because I want to talk to her, I have a job offer as a teacher for her. I think it will be a good opportunity.

- Well, despite the fact that she blew her mind because of you, she was indeed a very good teacher. A little strict, but she liked being a teacher. If you wish, I can call her.

- That would be great, thanks.

A few moments later, a knock on the door and Teacher Fil entered the Principal's Office.

- Principal, you called for me? Oh, good morning, Marquess Seya.

- Good morning Teacher Fil. I asked the Principal to see you because I have a question for you.

I'm looking for Teachers for the Capital of my lands, to teach the children there how to read, write and do some arithmetics. The children will go to school from 6 years old until they reach 12 years old. They will also teach their parents what they had learned at school. That's because, in my lands, not many know how to read or write.

Considering that there are a lot of children at that range of age, and I hope their number to increase with the following years, it's a job offer for the future, if you accept.

- I see. Well, I used to be a children's Tutor, some years ago. In fact, my younger sister is still working as a Tutor for some Noble children. But she hates that.

- My offer still remains. I also want to hire your sister. I know that you both don't have any family, so I guess it would be a good opportunity. I have already one inexperienced Teacher, my Lord Administrator's wife. But I want to make her the Principal because she has a lot of experience in managing my lands over the last years.

Teacher Fil looked worried.

- But such a change! Finding a house, the first expenses! It's a little frightening.

- I'll provide a house for you both and a fair wage. I'll take care of the first expenses until you are oriented.

With three Teachers, I will be able to increase the number of students. Until now, it's only for the children living in the Capital but I have 9 more villages with children that I wish to receive. By the way, the School is an old family house, completely repaired and with extra teaching rooms.

- It's very tempting but I need to consult my sister. Can I give an answer tomorrow?

- Of course. Talk with each other. For now, the children need those basic skills. Later on, I hope that some of them can use Magic and I suppose you can also help in that department.

Teacher Fil had a shine in her eyes, she seemed really happy.

- Thank you very much for the offer, I'll talk with my sister later this day, as soon as she arrives home. Principal, I like working here, but this offer…

- Yes, I also think it's too good to waste. You need to think very well.

…

While Seya was still late as usual, his friends were already having dinner in the cafeteria and talking about the previous class. Duncan was restless.

- That was an amazing class. All of the classes at this school are always like this one? Because they weren't anything like that last week!

Princess Arys smiled, looking at Duncan.

- With Seya in class, it's always an adventure. Even History class that normally is very boring, becomes something else when Seya is around.

Myra nodded.

- Yeah, last time, the teacher fainted because of him. And we made him continue with the class as a punishment. It was his fault, actually.

Princess Arys made a throw-up face.

- Yeah, that stupid and annoying brat!

Duncan looked at Princes Arys, he wasn't expecting that nasty remark.

- What?

- Oops… sorry, it was just a slip of the tongue. By the way, where is my 'amazing' cousin?

Ryn shrugged her shoulders.

- He said that after talking with the Principal, he had to refill some of his projects and he needed to go to his room. But he also said that he wouldn't take long and would meet us here for dinner.

Princess Arys was rubbing her hands, evilly.

- One of these days, I'm going to sneak into his room when he's not around and mess around with everything there, just to annoy him! Heheheh!

John West shook his head.

- Good luck with that. He has put some powerful Magic's in his room to prevent intruders that I doubt even the Principal could break in!

Princess Arys was surprised about the nerve of that little boy.

- What, you already tried to mess in there?

John strongly shook his head.

- No, of course not! But none of you noticed yet? Every time that we went to his room, I could fell a tremendous Magic on his door that would disappear when he opened it!

Princess Arys was thinking. She remembered something like that.

- I always thought it was because of his crazy projects that were releasing some Magic!

- No, that door Magic was his doing. I don't know what it is but it's a very special Magic.

Princess Heiji smiled enigmatically.

- Ancient Dragonoid Magic. He put one like that in my room when I was young, to protect me. It's still there. When I activate it, even the world exploding wouldn't matter. I would be protected.

Ryn looked surprised.

-Ancient what? I think I've heard something crazy!

Suddenly, Princess Heiji looked at Ryn while talking with a very serious and threatening face.

- Yeah, my amazing Big Brother as always protected and spoiled me. He's truly amazing. I hope you take good care of him. If not, I'll have you answer for that!

Heiji made a cut-off neck movement with her left index finger. Seya arrived and he noticed the strange mood at his friend's table.

- Hello everyone. Sorry I was late. Why those serious faces?

Ryn gulped.

- Nothing much, the Little Princess just threatened me saying that I would be done for if I didn't take proper care of you!

- Yeah, it's better if you do that, she can be very frightening. I once saw her going against a big bear with only her Magic and a small dagger.

Princess Heiji looked at Seya with menacing eyes.

- That was your doing! You took away my sword and said that I should deal with him like that!

- It was your fault! You were the one that kicked his cub just because he jumped in front of you!

- That annoying cub scared me a lot! Of course, I was mad!

Duncan couldn't hold it anymore.

- Ahahahahah! … Oh, I'm sorry Milord, I couldn't help it! Just imagining that situation it's so funny!

- You wouldn't think it was funny if it was you with only 9 years old and facing an enraged bear 10 times your size!

Seya was smiling to his little sister.

- You learned your lesson, right?

- … yes…

Duncan was still laughing.

- Ahahahah!

- Let me eat now, you distracting little Princess! Oh, I have a gift for you, Ryn. Here.

Princess Arys rolled her eyes.

- Always with gifts, and the kisses, and the hugging… argh, stupid love birds! Die already!

Duncan stopped laughing, just by hearing Princess Arys saying something like that.

- Arys, that's a very mean thing to say, even as a joke!

Princess Arys covered her mouth with one hand.

- Oops…

Princess Heiji burst into laughter at that blunder from Arys.

- Ahahah! Busted! You won't be able to keep your act together for much longer, Big Sister, it's stronger than you! Ahahahah!

Ryn was looking at the Crystal that Seya gave her.

- What's this? A Light Crystal?

- I have one like that. It's the same kind of Crystal inside a Communicator Device. With this and the Gateway Crystal that you already have, you can talk to me and go to where I am, anytime you want. You just need to use this Communicator Crystal and the Gateway Crystal.

- Cool! You are not going to escape from my claws, ever again! Ahahahah!

Hina had her eyes wide open.

- You did what? Did you make a Communicator Crystal? But that's a secret well kept by the Mages of the National Institute!

- Yes, such a great secret for something so easy to replicate! At least this one is more powerful. I've placed some security measures inside this Crystal, it's connected to the Magic Flow of Ryn. No one besides her will be able to use it. I'm sorry Hina, but for obvious reasons, I'm not going to teach how to do something like this.

- I understand. With those Crystals, anyone could go anywhere, anytime. Assassinations, robberies, invasions! Yes, better if you take that secret to your grave!

Seya got close to Hina, questioning her.

- By the way, I heard from the Principal that Ryn was almost beheaded some days ago during practice.

Hina looked scared.

- It wasn't my fault! Forgive me!

- If it wasn't your fault, why are you asking for forgiveness?

- I don't know!

- But I don't understand one thing. Ryn, did you take off from around your neck that string with the Gateway Crystal? Because with the Magic that the string had, you should never get hurt!

- I always take it off during practice. Did you place a Magic on the string? I could sense some faint Magic, but I couldn't figure out if it was from the string or from the Crystal.

- Well, I didn't tell because I didn't want more questions about it. The strings that each and every one of you has with the Gateway Crystal that I gave, has a very special Magic. The string itself is special.

Princess Heiji was smiling.

- Ahahahah! I knew it the moment I saw it but I didn't tell. I have one like that since I was young. Seya gave it to me some years ago, for my protection. And now, all of you have one also. That means that Seya really like you all and he wants to protect you.

Ryn was looking at the string that she had around her neck.

- What's this all about? It's something crazy that shouldn't exist, right?

Lowering his voice, Seya explained while making sure that no one around them could hear him. All of them held their breath, they knew immediately that it was something very important, especially because Seya never did that.

- The strings are made using fur from the head of an Elder Dragonoid. I placed on those strings an Ancient Dragonoid Magic. It creates around the user an invisible field close to his body, able to deflect any attack Magic and any physical attack. It's a Magic that simulates the Dragonoid's skin. While you have them with you, you will never suffer any kind of surprise attack.

Everyone was dumbfounded and they all grabbed their own string.

- … What?...

Ryn started to stutter.

- … Why did ... you do that?

Seya poked Ryn's nose.

- Yeah, why indeed, if you took it off at the first chance!

- I didn't know! But why do you have fur from an Elder Dragonoid?

- I kind of asked for it. Or I kind of shaved the hair and the bear of an Elder Dragonoid. Ahahahah! But enough questions. There are things that it's still too soon for me to talk about. Just remember you guys, never take off those strings that have the Gateway Crystals. Never. And keep that fact a secret, of course.

A heavy silence fell on that table. All of them knew that what Seya did was for their own good but they were in shock, looking at the string. They had with them a piece of a living Elder Dragonoid. The most amazing and powerful being in the world! While everyone was still dumbfounded, Princess Heiji was smiling at Seya and nodding in approval.