{"sf1_id":807921,"sf2_id":null,"title":"The Pearl-Eyed Ether Weaver I (Incomplete; Part 1 and 2)","author":"PermaFrost","words":5029,"posted_at":"2015-01-16T07:36:00.000Z","tags":["Action","Comedy","Light Novel","Magic","Multiple Species","School"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/807921-the-pearl-eyed-ether-weaver-i-incomplete-part-1-and-2","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/view/807921","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=807921\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"While working on a more serious story --that's relative, actually-- I was unmotivated and thus wrote this to not stop writing. So I thought I could post it and see what happens. Nothing new here, actually full of common tropes; just trying to work out my writing muscles... Okay, that sounded silly, and you can easily guess what I usually read.","content":"\n Part 01\"Excuse\nme.\"\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\"Huh?\"\n \n \n\n\nFrom the\nscrubs, the figure of a young male wolf emerged. He wore a green jacket over a\nwhite shirt and brown slacks, a black and green tie around his neck. \n \n\n\nThe one he\nspoke to, and who leaked a surprised sound, stood by the riverside. She was\nmotionless, and her mouth was slightly agape with wide eyes. This was\nunderstandable, for she never expected for someone to appear in a far away\nplace like this.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMoreover,\nshe was in a rather compromising state right now.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThere was\nnot, even one piece of cloth on her body.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nFair pink\nskin was exposed, glistening with water droplets under the rays of sun like a\ntempting and ripe sweet peach. Her figure was like a goddess, proportionate and\nwith seductive curves, her ample bosom full, plump, and inviting. A golden\nmantle fell over her shoulders and down to her waist; though heavy with water,\nher hair was abundant and silky. Her wide open eyes showcased her brilliant\nsapphire eyes filled with surprise.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTen of ten,\nhundred of a hundred, thousand of a thousand people would coincide that this\nhuman girl was a beauty. Maybe an angel sent from heaven to heal the hearts of\nthe people with her presence.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nA moment,\nmaybe two passed in silence.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe\nbeautiful girl raised both her arms. With one she covered her naked chest. The\nother she held it towards the trespasser.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWith her\nsapphire eyes she began to see the ether threads, and using her will she weaved\nthem, casting her magic.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Wait,\nwait, wait!\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe young\nwolf raised his arms and waved them panicky.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe\nbeautiful maiden ignored his plea and continued, the ethereal wove almost\ncomplete.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Please\nwait! I'm just lost! I just wanted to ask for directions!\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThat got\nthe maiden's attention. She stopped weaving the ether threads, but maintained\nthe unfinished wove just in case.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nShe\nobserved the male wolf in front of her. The fur that was uncovered by the\nuniform had a color close to white, and it had an unruly appearance obvious\neven from distance. His height was nothing impressive, but his body build under\nhis clothes was defined, not bulging with muscles but in good shape. As he held\nup his big paws his eyes were closed tight.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Don't\nthink that closing your eyes you can excuse yourself!\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Closing my\neyes? No, that's, they're always like this.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"What do you\nmean?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"I can't\nsee. I have glass eyes.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe maiden\nmade an unconvinced expression.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt wasn't\nbecause she didn't know what glass eyes were. She knew, that those with glass eyes\nwere those who couldn't see the light, who were blind to the images of the\nworld. What the wolf was trying to say was that he literally couldn't see her.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nBut she was\ndoubtful seeing his uniform. That uniform, Caliza Academy's uniform, meant that\nhe was student like her.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHow could a\nperson with glass eyes enter the academy?\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nCaliza\nAcademy, a specialized military academy where promising youths gathered. Here,\nthese youths were taught physical combat, magic combat, arments engineering, grantmor\noperating, among other courses. Their objective, everyone had the same.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTo fight against\nthe Mirages.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe Mirages,\npractically unknown entities. They appeared out from nowhere and caused\ndestruction without sensible reason. With no felt presence, they had no smell,\nthey made no sound when moving or even when they attacked with atrocious\nstrength; the only sound was that of debris falling or lives being cut short.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThey could\nonly be perceived through the sense of sight, the Mirages.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThey were\nthis world's biggest threat.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHow could a\nperson who couldn't see fight against them?\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt was impossible\nfor someone like that to enter this academy. Thus, his claim must be false,\nit's what she thought.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe young\nwolf cocked his head.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Ehm,\nexcuse me but, could it be that you aren't wearing clothes?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes?\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe\nbeautiful maiden again leaked a sound of surprise.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAs she\nstared at the wolf's face with his closed eyes she thought that this gesture\nlooked really natural on him, like if he always had them closed. The feeling\nthat he was telling the truth grew inside her and with it the ether threads dispersed.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe young\nmale seemed to ponder something, before opening again his maw and speaking in a\nsober tone.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"If you\ndon't believe me then, would it be alright if I told you that I'm gay and I\nhave not interest in your body?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"... Yes?\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\u003c\u003e\u003c\u003e\u003c\u003e \n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nCaliza Academy\nFor Specialized Combat Studies, or more commonly know simply as Caliza Academy.\nIt's a prestigious academy of which kind only one existed in this country and\nthe neighboring ones. Part of the Global Anti-Mirage Initiative, it is an\ninstitution which receives students from all across the continent, without\ndiscrimination of their race, place of birth, or gender. Built with this in\nmind, it was constructed as an enormous facility comparable with a city, with natural\nsite grounds that extended for kilometers. These ample grounds were used for\nfield exercises like survival and live combat practice.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe war\nagainst the Mirages was this harsh.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nNot that\nfar from the academy facilities, but still deep into the forest grounds, two\nstudents from this academy walked next to each other.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nOne was a\nyoung male wolf. He had unruly fur and held his eyes closed as he walked. His\nexpression was a little cramped though; the reason for this was the young lady\nnext him.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nShe was a\nbeauty like few in the world, with golden hair and a killer body, her sapphire\neyes were striking. She showed a discontented expression, and was clearly in a\nsour mood which seemed to emanate from her like waves. These waves were like a\ntropical storm sent to attack the wolf.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"May I ask\nwhat are you angry about?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nSeeking to\nbreak the bad atmosphere, the wolf finally asked with a polite tone.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"I'm not\nangry, and you don't have to concern yourself with me. You are, after all, gay\nand totally, completely, not even the slightest interested in me.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nShe spoke\nwith a tone like pouting. However, since her voice was clear and melodious like\na song, it was not the least unpleasant and some would say it was actually a\ncute sound.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n'What is\nthere to be dissatisfied about that?' Is what the male wolf wanted to ask. She\ndid not sound like a narcissist person who thought everyone had to love her.\nAnd it was useless to try to gauge her beauty in the first place, as he could\nnot see her.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAlso, when\ndid his interest become that small?\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe pair\nwalked across the forest, evading trees and in silence. The terrain was not\nrough as it was one of the plainest areas not really used for training, but it\nwas popular for outings. The root of a tree stood out from the ground in the\nwolf's path. He made a movement to evade it, raising his leg a bit higher, but\nhe failed to evade it completely and the tips of his toes knocked on the wood.\nHowever, he did not lose his balance, and actually recovered quickly.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe female\nstudent saw this with inquisitive sapphire eyes, and some gravity entered her\nexpression.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"I'll ask\nthis: Are you serious?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"... Huh?\nSerious? About what?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"About you\nhaving glass eyes. I've seen you walking through this forest with your eyes\nclosed and you move pretty well for someone who can't see. Didn't your actually\nwant to mean you have glassed eyes?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"No, I\ntruly have glass eyes.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWith a\nshake of his head the wolf dismissed her supposition.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAlthough\nthey sound similar, glass eyes and glassed eyes were different as day and\nnight.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThose with\nglassed eyes are the ones who cannot see the ether in the world, but still\nretain their vision. Since they couldn't see the ether threads they could not weave\nthem and thus couldn't cast magic. However, this did not mean they could not\nlead a normal life. They often suffered from sight imparities like loss of\nvision or nearsightedness though.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nOn the\nother paw, someone with glass eyes can't see at all, simple and total darkness.\nOf course, they cannot use magic either.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWalking\nwithout crashing into a tree or tripping on a rock or a root, this wolf did not\nseem like someone who could only see black.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"I can't\nsee, but I am not completely blind.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes? Do\nyou mean that you can see in a different way? That you see the world with\nanother sight?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Well,\nyes.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe maiden\nwords were meant to be admonishing, but the wolf responded light as a feather.\nThough she was astonished for a moment, she did not falter at this unexpected\nresponse and probed further.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Is that\nso? Care to explain?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Sorry,\nSafiro-senpai, but it's kind of a personal matter so I hope you can spare me\nthis one.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"... Yes, I\nthink it is really not my place to intrude.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nLetting out\na sigh filled with her feelings of suspicion she, Clarabelle Safiro, relaxed\nher features.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nShe was a\nsecond year student in Caliza Academy. Having changed into her clothes, she now\nwore a green vest over a white blouse, her brown skirt falling gracefully to\nknee height. A black and green ribbon hung from her collar, and as she was human\nshe wore black shoes with thigh-height white socks.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nCalming her\nmind, she began to internally admonish herself.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAs an\nupperclassman, it was her duty to guide and support her underclassmen. Her\nattitude just now had been overly harsh, because she couldn't believe what he\nwas saying. Holding high pride as a student of Caliza Academy, the wolf's words\nfelt like a mockery towards the institution which trained those who would\ncontinue to protect the world in the fight against the Mirages.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nBut if he\nwas wearing the academy uniform, it meant that he had been evaluated capable by\nthe teachers. As a proud student she had to believe in their judgment.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nStill, she\nwas curious about how it possible.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMoreover,\nthe color of his jacket. It was the most contradictory.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThis wolf,\nMarcolup Luz, was a freshman of Caliza Academy. The academic year had yet to actually\nbegin, but both new and returning students were arriving already.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAs Caliza\nAcademy's grounds were as big as a state and it was dangerous for civilians to\nlive close to where real combat practices were often conducted, it was\ninevitably a boarding school. All students, and academy personnel, were housed\nin the Living Area.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"So, did\nMarcolup really lose his way into the forest? We met at a quite deep part of\nit.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Marco is\nfine, and yes. I must admit that my parents offered to take me to the housings,\nbut I told them that I could manage it on my own. However, it really was too\nmuch for me.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWhile it\nwas not prohibited for outside people to enter most of the facilities,\nincluding the Living Area, it was more common for the parents to drop off their\nsons and daughters at the Reception Area. This building was a few kilometers\naway from the academy's main facility, but from there the students could take a\nprivate vehicle at a fixed schedule. Luggage was sent to the academy in\nadvance.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThis meant\nhis parents had taken him to the Reception Area, but then...\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"How did you\nend here? The bus should've taken you all the way to the Living Area.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Well yes,\nI walked. I didn't take the bus.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"You\nwalked? From the Reception Area?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes.\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"What were\nyou thinking?!\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"I wanted\nto see the scenery.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"How's that\npossible?!\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nFirst\ngiving an outburst of incredulity, and then putting her hand over her lips, her\nexpression changed quickly. Color drained from her lovely face, and guilt\nentered her sapphire eyes.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHow could\nshe say such a thing? Even if she still didn't completely believe that he had\nglass eyes, such insensible things were things she shouldn't say.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Hahaha,\nthat was a nice comeback, senpai!\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nYet, seeming\nto ignore her ghastly feelings, Marco gave a heartfelt laugh. She dropped her\narms to the sides and continued walking besides the wolf.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nSilence\ndawned between the two, and it continued like that for a while.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThey were\ncoming close of the academy grounds, but only the quiet sounds of nature could\nbe heard. Classes were yet to start so the loud noises of heavy machinery that\noften came from the Grantmor Area would not be heard today.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Do not\nmind it, senpai.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes?\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMarco\nsuddenly broke into the serenade of nature with cheerful words. She, who had\nbeen gloomily brooding over her mistake, raised her face with confused sapphire\neyes.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"If you're\nfeeling bad over what you said, please do not mind. I do not. Actually, if you\nbegin to brood alone and go cold on me it will trouble me.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"... Sorry,\nit's just that it was really insensible of me. Also, I should have apologized\nright away.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Well, if\nit makes you feel better I accept your apology. And then, to lighten the mood I\nwill have to tell a joke.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes?\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe\nconfusion turned to bewilderment, and she stared at the unruly furred wolf.\nMarco looked deep in thought, and then he spoke with a jovial expression.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"You know,\nsenpai. I can't see, but with the way I can only [see] I couldn't help but\nnotice something about sempai.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Oh, what\nis it?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"That senpai's\nchest seems about to burst out of her clothes.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Wha-?!\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHer mouth\nwent agape for a moment, before she closed it, a rosy blush spreading on her\ncheeks and ears. She then raised her voice, which still was lovely to hear.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"This\nimpertinent, gay, absolutely not interested in my body kouhai, I'll have to\nteach you manners later!\"\n\n \n\n \n  \n\nPart 02 \n \n\n\nStepping\ninside what would be his housing during his stay in Caliza Academy, Marco felt\na little overwhelmed.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nI am truly here\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIf Marco\nhad to be honest with himself, even he had doubted he could achieve it. No,\nhe'd been the one who doubted it the most, as he knew best his own condition.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nBut here he\nwas.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWhen Marco\ntold his parent he wanted to attend Caliza Academy, they were left speechless. They\ndidn't take what he said as a bluff for they had seen he had spoken completely serious.\nThat is why, the words they thought at that moment, they swallowed them like\nrocks that settled in their stomachs. That it was impossible, for someone like\nhim to enter Caliza Academy.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMarco of\ncourse had known what was in their minds. That's why he didn't try to beg or convince\nthem that it could be possible in a way not short from a miracle. He only asked\nthem they allowed him a one chance.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nOne chance\nto at least try. Even if he miserably failed.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWith their\nconsent he applied to the initial interview. He wouldn't have found it weird if\nhe was immediately rejected without a second glance, but the interviewer\nreceived him properly.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAfter the\nstandard questions you would expect, the topic of his condition came.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAs\nexpected, the interviewer told him the obvious, that someone like him would not\nbe able to cope with the curriculum. Caliza Academy was a battle oriented\nschool after all, with a standard above average.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThat's why\nMarco used an appeal he had thought of beforepaw.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n \"Please, just allow me to take the entry\ntest as everyone else.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"We\ncan not prepare a special examination just for you.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes,\nI know. That is why let me take the same test as everyone else. I will show you\nthat I don't need any special attention.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThough the\ninterviewer sounded skeptic at first, when he asked which course Marco wanted\nto enroll in his answer seemed to catch the interviewer's curiosity.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nSo, his application\naccepted under the premise of no special treatments, he took the entry test.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHe passed.\nAnd like that, he was admitted.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nStanding\ninside his housing, Marco was nervous, and somewhat scared, but more than\nanything elated.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nStill, it is rather spacious.\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHe [looked]\naround the room the housing's front door connected to.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe gray\nsilhouettes in the blackness indicated that this was a living room, with a\ntable and some seats. There was also a moderated dinner table with some chairs,\nand the kitchen was separated from this area only by an open counter. A\ncorridor ahead seemed to lead to some other rooms.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt was a\nnice place, Marco considered. He had expected something much more cramped.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHe walked\ntowards the corridor, whishing to see which his room was, when the door was\nsuddenly knocked.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nA visitor so soon? Is it Safiro-senpai?\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThough\nunexpected and confused at first, he quickly gathered his bearings and called\nto the person at the other side.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes,\nplease wait a bit. I'm coming.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHe turned\naround and walked towards the door, when the sound of the lock being opened\nreached his ears.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWithout\nhaving waited for Marco to reach the door, the sudden visitor had opened it and\nmade his way in.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe one who\nentered was a feline with a big frame. Closing the door behind him, he held a pair\nof folders in his other paw. He wore a black suit with blue trims and a blue\ntie. Though 'suit' sounded too much of a fancy description, for his clothes\nlooked more like something a military officer would don. This was the Caliza\nAcademy instructor's uniform.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHowever, what\nmade eyes turn the most, away that's it, was his face.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHis fur was\nan earthy yellow color with brown stripes, designing him as a tiger race. Round\nears stood on his head with a brown edge. His gaze was sharp as a blade, and\nequally threatening-looking. From his stout muzzle four impressive fangs\nprotruded upwards from the lower jaw reaching a few centimeters.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt was a daunting\nface that indeed could be described as beastly.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nOf course\nMarco couldn't see that.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nA big male\nwith bulging muscles, that's what his [sight] allowed him to [see]. The lean,\nnot too long tail standing tall behind indicated it was a feline.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAlso, a\npair of bright purple orbits.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"So you are\nMarcolup Luz?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe tiger\nspoke, making Marco's ears swivel delightedly.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThis male's\nvoice was deep and gruff, and couldn't be called by all means melodious. Actually,\nit gave the impression that you were being threatened. But for Marco, who could\nonly judge a person's first impression by voice, what a manly voice, is what he\nthought.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes, and\nyou might be?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Axeljoun\nHacha, your Living Monitor.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe Living\nArea of Caliza Academy was one like no other. It was the size of a suburb, and\nnumerous buildings of a variety of shapes and proportions could be found. To\naccommodate its massive student body with a myriad of different circumstances,\nthis much was a necessity.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTall\nbuildings which served as dormitories. Mid-sized edifices where individual and\nshared departments could be found. Big-sized houses which served as communal\nhousings. Small, fancy mansions for those of wealthy background. The Living\nArea was divided into smaller sections, each one supervised by two faculty\nmembers.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMarcos'\nhousing was a basic house type with two rooms for two people each, which could\nbe said was quite the comfortable arrangement. The reason for this was not\nbecause his parents had paid an additional housing fee. But because of his\nglass eyes condition.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt wasn't\nthat he was receiving special treatment, at least of the considerate sense.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nRather, the\nsection Marco had been assigned at was a somewhat isolated one, where\ntroublesome students the academy could not afford to expel where put together\nto be under surveillance.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTaking this\ninto account, it could be actually said that he was receiving special\ntreatment.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nAs a\n'special trouble student'.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nNot that\nMarco had to know of this.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nOne of the\nmonitors for this section was him, Axeljoun Hacha.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Come, I\nhave to say a few things to you.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWith a tone\nwhich seemed to convey that there was no other option but to comply, Instructor\nHacha moved towards the living room. Marco followed suit and they took seat in\nopposite couches, facing each other. The nondescript coffee table stood in between\nthe two.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n Marco sat quietly, giving the first word to\nthe monitor.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"I guess,\nfirst I should welcome you to Caliza Academy. Entering here is no small feat so\ncongratulations.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Thank\nyou.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Next, I'll\nput it bluntly. I will re-brief you on the conditions for your stay. Though you\nsuffer from the condition 'glass eyes', you will not receive any kind of\nspecial consideration. Your academic load and evaluations will be the same as\nthe others, and if you fail to meet the minimum grade criteria you will be\nexpelled also the same as the others. Is that clear?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes.\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTo the\nstern tone of the tiger, Marco responded with a sober voice.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTo keep up\nwith the rest he would have to put much more extra effort, but he wasn't to\nback down now.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nInstructor\nHacha didn't waste another moment and continued.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"As for you\nhousing arrangements, you will be living here alone.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Eh?\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe monitor\nsaid something surprising, making Marco involuntary leak a strange sound.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMarco's\nfamily was, by all means, not a rich family. Though without economic problems,\nthey were pretty average. As such Marco had applied for the free housing\narrangement, which was his only option.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nActually,\nCaliza Academy was an institution sponsored by this country, and the\nneighboring ones, and also a part of the Global Anti-Mirage Initiative. It was\ntuition-free school where anyone with talent and resolve could study as long as\nthe curriculum's expectations were met. Boarding, basic meals, and essential\nmaterials were also provided to the students for free. Anything else had to be\nprovided by the student himself, and paying additional fees more comfortable\nconditions could be bought.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMarco, who\nhad applied for the free housing arrangement, actually should've been allocated\nto one of the dormitories, sharing room with dozens of other students.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"May I know\nwhy is that?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Because if\nyou lived with many others, conflicts will arise so we'll have you here staying\nquietly. We hope to at least decrease the number of problems to a minimum.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"... I\nunderstand.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nSwallowing\nhis bitter feelings Marco accepted reasonably. He knew, after all, what the\ninstructor was talking about.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHis eyes,\nglass eyes. Rather that pity, it was more probable for scorn to be directed at\nhim. In a world were the threat of the Mirages existed, someone who could not\nsee was seen as useless baggage. Moreover, eyes were an important part of the\nsocial order, especially the coloring of the iris. The rate of someone being\nborn with glass eyes was also extremely low, making these people akin to being\ndiseased, with their eerily whitish irises.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWhile he\nfelt lonely about it, Marco knew this arrangement was objectively the best.\nEven more so in his [rare case].\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"This is a pamphlet\nfor the housing rules of this section. Make sure to read them.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nPutting one\nof the folders on the coffee table, Instructor Hacha passed it to Marco.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWithout any\nhesitation into his movements the wolf leaned over and took the folder with a\npaw. He proceeded to open it and check its contents, dragging a finger over the\npaper, his eyelids closed all the time.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWith\nslightly narrowed and sharp eyes, Instructor Hacha didn't miss any movement.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe young\nwolf closed the folder again after a brief moment, and put it over his legs. He\nreturned his attention to the tiger, his expression telling him to continue.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Your student\nID and guidebook should have been sent to you with your uniform so make sure to\nread that too. Any questions concerning the workings of the Academy would\nbetter be asked to your Academic Monitor, while any other matters to a\nCouncilor. If you read the pamphlet I gave you, you shouldn't have any question\nabout the housing, but I will be making regular inspections. Understood?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes!\"\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nInstructor\nsaid so with a piercing glare, as if daring Marco to cause any problem, but of\ncourse this was ineffective on the wolf. The young male nodded assertively,\nshowing an earnest attitude.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"The last\nthing, we would like you to refrain from giving the representative speech this\nyear.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"The...\nrepresentative speech?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nSomething\nunknown to Marco was brought up. He couldn't help but cook his head,\ntransmitting his confusion.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nInstructor\nHacha closely studied the wolf's face with his purple eyes. As he understood\nthat his confusion was real, he internally grumbled, and made note of search\nand berate the one who forgot to give notification to this student about such\nimportant matter.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Each year\nthe freshman with the overall highest score in the entry test will give a short\nspeech during the Entrance Ceremony, before the Student Committee Chairman. He\nwill also be seated on stage during the ceremony. This year's freshmen\nrepresentative is you.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Me?... I\ngot... the highest overall.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Both on\nthe written part and the practical part you have the highest score, so rather\nthan overall you're the best freshman this year.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nTo Marco\nwho was muttering with obvious incredulity, Instructor Hacha offpawedly tossed\nsome words of praise. But soon he also poured some cold water on the wolf's\nrising emotions, his duty as an instructor telling him so.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"But don't\nget carried on this. Actually, this will make a bigger target out of you.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Ah... yes,\nsorry. I mean, thank you...... Excuse me... If it's possible, may I know what my\nscore was?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThough the\ntiger's words had an affect to some extent, Marco's spirit couldn't be\ncompletely dampened and he ended asking such a question. He spoke hesitantly,\nbut his body completely gave away his big curiosity, his ears pointing to the\nceiling.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Why does\nthat matter now? But aside from the written part, you performed [Remote\nWeaving] during the practical part, didn't you?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Remote\nweaving?... Yes, I guess so.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe tiger's\nbrowns frowned at that response, and his tail flicked.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"You guess?\nHow did you learn to do that?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Because I\ncan't do [Visual Confirmation], it's easier this way.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt was the\nonly way, Instructor Hacha thought severely. It was a situation he could not\ngrasp entirely.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nHe had read\nthe wolf´s file.  There, a brief\ndescription of both [Echo] and [Grid] was written down. But as expected he\ncouldn't imagine how it was, with him being a Knight. He wasn't interested in\nthe workings of ether weaving either.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWell, he\nwas an instructor of the Knight Course so he thought he didn't have to concern\nhimself with this student's peculiarities beyond the housing matters.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Well,\nthat's actually none of my concern. So, can you step down from giving the\nrepresentative's speech?\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Yes. I\ndon't mind.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nMarco's\ntone was quite lively, and his tail moved softly from one side to the other,\nmaking the instructor stare with assessing eyes. It seemed the wolf was still\ndelving in the topic of his score, and feeling quite happy about it.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIn any\ncase, now that the matter of the speech was settled, and quite smoothly too, he\nwouldn't have to have headache.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Good. Then\nI'll leave you to settle down. Your Academic Monitor should come to visit you\ntomorrow to explain the details.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nInstructor\nHacha rose from the couch and walked towards the door. Marco also rose to his\nhindpaws and followed, intending to see off the instructor.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe tiger\ntwisted the knob and opened the door, but before he could step out Marco spoke\ncandidly.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Thank you,\nHacha-sensei. I'll make sure to meet the Academy's expectations.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nWhen Hacha\nturned around, what he saw was a young student bowing deeply, his body almost\nparallel to the floor. His ears were properly standing and his tail was in\nproper position, showing that he internally calm.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nIt was a\nsight that touched him a bit as an instructor. So he responded in kind, in his\nown way.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\"Then, I'll\ntake your word on that. In exchange you may come to me if you don't have anyone\nelse to rely on.\"\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\nThe young\nwolf straightened, a smile spread on his face. A smile which was serene and joyful,\nthough with his unruly fur it also had a childish semblance.\n\n \n\n\n \n \nHacha\nstared for a brief moment. His tail curled slightly for an instant, before\nhe turned around and left.\nRamblings: I actually have an important doubt. If I post the new parts here and the same user reads it again --thanks for reading by the way--, does it counts towards the views? I ask because this is not appealing."}