The School Days and Beyond

by Storyjumper

These stories are going to focus largely on Ferdinand during his school days with the last few focusing more on Part 5 content. We all know how Ferdinand feels about Dunkelfelger women and I wanted to expand on that with a slight twist... one of them is much more than they seem.

31. Cursed Knowledge

Ferdinand between 3rd and 4th year Royal Academy

I was looking up at the magic circle in the sky. As predicted, the last shrine filled it in. Now the color of the Goddess of light was added with the other six colors. But, now what? After going around to all the shrines and collecting the corresponding tablets my mana felt… larger? It had always been a little unwieldly, hence me pouring it into whatever was convenient. Even Heisshitze marveled at how constantly I had started to use enhancement magic. But that didn't help me with my current predicament. Or did it? I mentally checked my potions and tools. Seven potions, all of which were the super effective ones that would replenish my mana instantly. Could I fill the circle with that much? One way to find out. I summoned my high beast and mounted up.

"My lord?" Eckhart asked.

"Wait for me." I knew none of my retainers could see the circle in the sky. Just as they didn't notice when I had entered the shrines. I directed my winged lion to the sky without waiting for my retainers' responses. Once I was high enough that the entire academy was laid out before me, I brushed up against the magic circle. It would take an absurd amount of mana to fill this. I was certain there was no one at the academy capable of it other than myself. I would definitely need a potion for this. I placed one hand over the circle and slammed my mana into it. My mana spilled into the circle rapidly. It was long before my mana felt like it was down to half its usual capacity. Then only a quarter. I took one of the potions with my other hand. The bitter taste filled my mouth practically burning my tongue with its intensity. In truth I had to stop my sense enhancement for both small and taste in order drink them. A small price to pay for the instantons results.

My mana was refilling faster than I was spending it, but it was a close thing. I was back to halfway when I felt the magic circle complete. Then I was sucked through, not unlike transportation magic. I found myself in a relatively small room that was very familiar to me. It was the room that I had gotten my schtappe from during my divine blessing's ceremony. However, instead of a gem gleaming at the base of the tree, the tree seemed to be sprouting a man. He was a tall figure with long hair and a permeant scowl. It reminded me of a certain vexing individual who had remarked that if I scowled all the time my face would get stuck like that. Shoving those thoughts aside my hand dropped to my pouch.

"Welcome Quinta, though I wish you would have-."

I instantly drew my schtappe sword leveling it at the tree. "Who are you that you know that name." The man's face twisted in mocking boredom.

"Such a rude child."

Child, am I? We will see if he believes I am such after he tastes my blade, but then he continued on, as if he had no idea that I planned to trim him.

"I am Erwaermen. This is my garden of atonement. Now are you here for wisdom? Yurgenschmidt does not have time to waste."

A god? Was he serious? Did he actually believe- no it was clear he did. And looking around at the Garden of Beginnings I couldn't actually refute his claim. Wisdom huh? I thought through every possibility. The most likely was the considering Erwaermen was Mestionora's teacher, it was her wisdom. As for Yurgenschmidt, well, my first priority was father. But if something happened to Yurgenschmidt, wouldn't he and Sylvester be in trouble.

"I will accept your wisdom."

"It is not my wisdom. It is Mestionora's." He huffed as if he thought I was a fool. It mattered little. And I scoffed and told the god as much. Somehow, he seemed even more taken aback by my bluntness. Not that it mattered, with him stuck in that tree, it's not like he could tell anyone.

"Just give me the wisdom."

The tree grunted. "Produce a schtappe, not a sword."

I did as I was instructed and immediately divine colors came forth. One for each of the seven. These lights took shape of rectangle tablets that I had gone to all the trouble of collecting. But needed no further guidance. Each one I named as I turned to look at them all. Once that was done. The tree transformed into a man, but I didn't need to be told what to do next either. It was obvious. I prayed to all seven major gods. Upon finishing my prayer those seven lights shot up into the sky. This caused more light to rain down. Instinctively, my mind tried to push the knowledge aside, afraid that it was an attack of some sort.

"Do not resist. Accept it all. Fill your vessel and allow not a drop to spill. Become one with Mestionora's wisdom."

Knowledge came spilling into me. Teleportation circles, the country gates, how to create the divine instruments. It was a challenge to not focus on one particular thing, especially since all this information was jumbled together with no rhyme or reason. The Tree kept admonishing me for not allowing the information to flow through me. But what fool could just blankly absorb so much? It was until that villa came up that I felt my blood run cold. I saw it. My mother, my siblings, all of it. The horror of that place had my mana roiling. Turning my brothers into feystones. Turning me- no! I escaped! I escaped! I escaped! I-!

"STOP!" The flood of information cut off and it took me a moment to realize it had been me who had shouted. I huffed out a sigh of relief and slumped to my knees. All I could do was breath through it. You would have thought I was still a child before their baptism the way my mana rampaged inside of me. Heat flooded my limbs and my head pounded. Why did everything ache?

"Hmm, perhaps your vessel was just a little under developed for the wisdom. I shall return you to your guard. Return here; the proper way, once you're healthy."

Before I could curse him, I felt myself falling back. The sensation of teleportation magic surrounded me. That feeling was interrupted by a voice.

"Lady Schutzaria, fair guardian of wind. I beseech you and your twelve for your protection of a lost child. Send winds to surround and guide him back to safety. I offer what little I have." I would know that woman's voice from anywhere. But why was she praying for a lost child? Before I could voice any such thoughts, I hit the ground hard, and just barely managed to roll to my feet. I came face to face with the statue of Schutzaria. This was in her shrine. Pain in body lanced through me. I ground my teeth together to avoid making a sound. Then a blast of wind sent me careening through the door. My body crashed into a hard surface that grunted.

Wait.

Grunted?

I squinted against the harsh light that filtered through the trees. My still throbbing head felt like a knife was digging into my eye sockets. But against the tears I saw a surprised face with silver eyes.

"Little Flower." My anger surged and my guts heaved at that word. It would have been fine if I had been given time to build my mask, but pain ripped it from me. I gritted my teeth and ground out my words one at a time.

"Don't. Call. Me. That."

Lady Minerva grunted again. There were was a cracking sound as I gripped something metal. I could feel it give way slightly.

"My lady!"

She didn't drop her gaze from mine. "Come check him, Peter." My vision was spinning having trouble focusing.

I was vaguely aware of Peter hissing beside me. "Your armor!"

"It's fine! Hurry!" What armor? Was I still wearing mine? I could not quite remember. Everything hurt. A fever, maybe. Then I felt a gentle touch at my wrist. A medical check. The very next second mana entered me and it felt like fire had been pushed through my veins. I cried out and Minerva seemed to grow taller. My skin burned and I shivered.

"Little Flower, look at me! No where else!" My arms hurt, especially two rings around my forearms. It felt like my flesh was going to peel back from those rings. "Peter! (*The fuck is going on?*)" There was a shattering sound of glass breaking. The blurry view of Lady Minerva's face suddenly streaked red. Warmth dripped onto my cheek, but I couldn't seem to release my death grip.

Instead of panicking, Peter cast a waschen. More pain lanced through my mind when the water washed over my face. "Mana sensing."

"That doesn't (*fucking*) cause this level of agony!"

Peter snorted. "It does if your exposed to a lot of mana. Heck being in contact with you now is probably pretty painful for him."

"I am not dumping him on the ground."

"You won't have to. Do you have that cloak? I assume you've emptied it in preparation for this week?"

"My pack."

"Pardon my touch." After so rummaging sounds I felt fabric drape over me. The pain almost instantly lessoned to a tolerable level. Everything became muffled; sound, light, mana. I sighed in relief, but the last of my strength slipped from my grasp.

"Oh no, you don't." I felt my body get jostled and then I was curled against something warm. Minerva's voice came again, this time a little clearer. "Peter, my (*hammock*)" I was shifted slightly then the sound of fabric rustling could faintly be heard. Then I was lowered to something with a slight curve. Whatever it was, it was not solid. It had a quite a bit of give and swayed. "I'll go get his people. They are probably still watching over that clearing."

Peter must have spoken. I could hear his voice, but it was too muffled to make out more than a scattered word or two.

"N… stay… start…"

"You're the one with medical training. There's nothing I can do for him here."

"… need… calm…"

"Don't you dare leave me here!"

"… sing..."

"Peter!" She hissed. "(*Jack*)! Don't you (*funkin'*) dare-." She cut off herself with hiss like a cat splashed with water. The she proceeded to grumble unintelligible words. After a moment she sighed. "Fine." Another moment and Lady Minerva hummed a tune I had never heard. When she transitioned to words, they weren't words I understood, but they were distinctly soothing.

(*Come stop your crying*)

(*It will be alright*)

(*Just take my hand*)

(*Hold it tight*)

(*I will protect you*)

(*From all around you*)

(*I will be here*)

(*Don't you cry*)

(*For one so small*)

(*You seem so strong*)

(*My arms will hold you*)

(*Keep you safe and warm*)

(*This bond between us*)

(*Can't be broken*)

(*I will be here, don't you cry*)

(*'Cause you'll be in my heart*)

(*Yes, you'll be in my heart*)

(*From this day on*)

(*Now and forever more*)

(*You'll be in my heart*)

(*No matter what they say*)

(*You'll be here in my heart*)

(*Always*)

(*Why can't they understand*)

(*The way we feel*)

(*They just don't trust*)

(*What they can't explain*)

(*I know we're different*)

(*But deep inside us*)

(*We're not that different at all*)

(*And you'll be in my heart*)

(*Yes, you'll be in my heart*)

(*From this day on*)

(*Now and forever more*)

(*Don't listen to them*)

(*'Cause what do they know?*)

(*They'll see in time*)

(*I know*)

(*When destiny calls you*)

(*You must be strong*)

(*I may not be with you*)

(*But you've got to hold on*)

(*They'll see in time*)

(*I know*)

(*We'll show them together*)

(*'Cause you'll be in my heart*)

(*Believe me, you'll be in my heart*)

(*I'll be there from this day on*)

(*Now and forever more*)

(*Ooh, you'll be in my heart*)

(*No matter what they say*)

(*I'll be with you*)

(*You'll be here in my heart*)

(*I'll be there always*)

(*Always*)

(*I'll be with you*)

(*I'll be there for you always*)

(*Always and always*)

(*Just look over your shoulder*)

(*Just look over your shoulder*)

(*Just look over your shoulder*)

(*I'll be there always*)

She began the song again. The combination of her soft voice, the gentle rocking, and my exhaustion finally got the better of me. My eyes slid closed and Schlaftraum welcomed me into his realm. When I woke again, I was in my room at the academy. The pounding headache that I had had was now mostly gone. What was left was mostly just an echo of the pain. Most of my entourage surrounded my bed.

"My lord!" None of them bothered with their noble masks. Each one of them looked exceptionally relieved. Justus already had a glass of cool water. After Lasfam and Eckhart helped sit me up against my pillow, Justus held the drink to my lips. I was so parched my throat felt like a desert. I drank greedily, ignoring proper etiquette for once.

"Slowly, my lord, slowly." It took five glasses to sate me.

"Report." I managed not to rasp the word even though my throat was still dry.

It was Justus who started. "You disappeared a week ago, my Lord. Eckhart and I have been alternating standing watch since. Nothing of note happened. We couldn't decern where you ended up either."

The Eckhart continued, "During my watch this morning, Peter came to fetch me. When he brought me to you, you were wrapped in a cloth cocoon that was strung between two trees. Lady Minerva stood guard." He hesitated as if he wondered if he should add something. "There was evidence of some kind of fight. Her face was slashed up and her feystone armor was cracked all over. You were unharmed other than a slight fever." I could see the question in my knight's eyes. What had happened to Lady Minerva? Had we fought? As far as I was aware no battle took place. There should have been no reason she should have been harmed. Yet I felt strangely uncomfortable. My ears heated slightly.

Justus cleared his throat. "I confirmed Peter's diagnoses. Congratulations my lord, you have begun your mana sensing." There was no small amount of amusement in my attendant's expression, and more uncomfortable was the burning intensity of those grey eyes. "Did you happen to feel anything?"

I stiffened at the implication. My ears burned hot; the fever must be returning. I fixed Justus with the sternest look I could. "I'm afraid all I felt was a fever." There was a brief flash of disappointment, then it was hidden by his usual smile.

Then it was Lasfam's turn. "Heidemarie informed us that you have been summoned back to the castle for the gifting ceremony in three days' time." That was to be expected. That and emergencies were the only reason I was called back. "That should leave you enough time to return the magic tool Peter loaned you." Magic tool? I would not have forgotten a magic tool I borrowed. Lasfam pulled a blanket that had bunched up beside my pillow. On closer inspection it was actually an overly large cloak with a hood on it. The fabric was particularly pleasant to the touch. It was incredibly lightweight for its size. There were also mana blocking circles woven on the outside. I gently fingered the embroidery. It had a familiar feel to it. Half a second after that thought my mind paused. I did know this because I wore this person's embroidery on my back regularly. Then the circles themselves. Magic circles that people designed practically carried their creator's signature in the way they were constructed. I had spent more than enough time with Peter to get a proper feel for his work. Here it was under my fingertips. After it had been wrapped around me!

I have never wanted to groan with sheer embarrassment. Did she not know? Did he? Why had those fools done this? Did they know how this looked? Were they including me in their- nope. No. No. I refused to let my mind go there. I ruthlessly shoved the strange feeling in my chest away and refused to examine it further. But apparently, I had been silent for far to long. My attendants were looking at me with concern.

"My lord?" Justus asked with a mostly neutral expression.

"Nothing." I cleared my throat. "We can return the magic tool to Peter during training."

"My lord," Lasfam hesitated. "Training is in a few minutes."

I shrugged. I couldn't miss any more time without Ordoschnell taking flight with unflattering rumors. The last thing I needed was for her back home to have more ammunition to use against me. My entourage took it all in stride and quickly got me ready. Justus waschened the cloak, folded it, and managed to find a proper box to put it in. Then I was helped into clean clothes; after another waschen for myself. It was decided I would take a proper bath after training.

Upon arrival at the Dunkelfelger training ground I found it fairly empty. Only three people were currently present. Two were clashing with spears while the third watched off to the side. Lady Minevra swung her glaive against the blonde girl's guard. The blonde; her attendant Eveline, slid back under the bruising force her lady unleashed. Impressive she managed to stay standing despite her lack of training. Or maybe her lady was training her in private. The other person; Lady Minerva's female guard knight, turned to look our way. She whistled sharply. The two sparring came to a halt and glanced in my direction.

Lady Minerva… winced. "Lord Ferdinand. Did you not get-. Ah that's right, Peter is busy. I forgot to pass on the message. Afternoon training was canceled today." Canceled. I looked at her unguarded eyes and unmarked skin and wondered if the missing magical tool had anything to do with it. "They weren't up to scratch on their strategy so they are studying so as to not embarrass Dunkelfelger when they next challenge 'The Lord of Evil'." She said that nickname with mocking reverence. As if it was some kind of joke to her. The lady sighed, "Since you are here, care to practice swords dances with me?"

I couldn't really refuse. However, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up since her magic tool was gone. "If you are not too tired from your antics, I will take up your offer." She didn't even bat an eye at my insults. Once again, I wondered if she truly understood she was being insulted or if I meant so little that my insults could be ignored like fly. Her guard knight on the other hand was clearly very unhappy. She had actually been giving me a hard look since she first noticed me. I ignored her and walked out onto the arena sand. My schtappe sword already in hand. Minerva drove her glaive into the ground along the edge, then summoned a plain sword as well.

We needed no one to call start. Both of us moved at the same time. Our swords clashed together ringing the sounds of battle across the field. I had long since noticed this princess looked incredibly bored when practicing sword dances. Either her opponents were underwhelming or they deliberately used too much force. The first was easy to handle while the latter was simply tedious to the highest degree. Having had similar opponents, I had sympathized. Then when we had first tried, she looked inexplicably excited. According to Justus, everyone had been in shock, even captivated. Every time since then, I came away from sword dances feeling more exhausted, yet also… satisfied. Now would be no different if I hadn't wanted to test a theory.

I started with one hand, forcing Lady Minevra to do the same. Then I reached behind me with my free hand. I sacrificed a minor potion bottle in order to slice a small cut in my hand. Glass cut cleanly and the wounds had a tendency to bleed excessively, which worked in my favor. All I had to do was wait for the change of hands. Our movements flowed together with perfect synchronization. Then we switched hands at the same moment. Blood splattered from my schtappe hitting the pooling blood. Some even flecked on her face. I watched her unguarded eyes carefully. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Then I watched the change. The silver of her pupils seemed to gather like tears, then they spilled into the whites of her eyes. Despite this, not once did her form waver. She kept following the dance as if there was nothing going on. The only hint that something had changed was her expressions. They flickered wildly with different emotions. In fact, her eyes darted around trying to look at several different things at once. Just when I sensed I was about to get the upper hand, the sound of flapping wings reached me. Lady Minerva and I broke away at the same moment to see Peter land beside us. The scholar was in a panic.

"My lady." His gaze moved to me. Something akin to relief in his orange eyes.

"What is it?"

"I looked into the disturbance." He was being deliberately vague.

"Spit it out, Peter. I have no patience for Grammalatur's dance." While she sounded aggrieved, I couldn't help but feel it was an act. This felt too deliberate.

"Prince Waldifred has climbed the towering staircase."

I sucked in a shocked breath. I couldn't help it. The next Zent was dead.

"How?"

"Not old age." No, it would be murder. There had been whispers. Justus managed to catch some. The first and third prince had been at odds for a while. So, there would be war. Minerva grunted. What little I could see of her downward cast expression was… unhappy.

"Little Flower, I think it is time you returned to Ehrenfest. It seems the academy will likely become unsafe in the coming years." Be on your guard. Inform your people. I could see all the subtle hints. And I couldn't help but remember the conversation I had overheard between Minerva and Peter.

' "Was it worth it?" "Yes." "And?" "We need to prepare. War is coming."' She had known then. How? I looked toward her eyes still looking at something on the ground. The silver still spreading. This moment… had that been what she was preparing for? Was there more? I didn't like all these questions. One person should not invoke so many questions. But I agreed that father needed to know. I would send him information and meet with him tonight if possible.

Little did I know I would learn another terrible truth. There was in fact someone in Ehrenfest who I could sense far more strongly than Lady Minerva. And when those hateful green eyes leveled with me, I knew I would have to be extra vigilant going forward. Nothing but my death would satisfy her now

Author's note: I'll let you guys decide what the cursed knowledge is. Setting that aside I'm going to do a pole. Do you guys want more building block stories. Tentatively they are as follows:

Schlageziel's Challenge: hunting challenge where we meet Lavinia's hubby

Ditter Shienangons: kinda self explanatory, but betrayal included.

Or do you guys want me to get on with the war?

Just to be clear. I can and will come back to the other stories. I just haven't written them yet, where as I have started on the war itself.