EVEN AS A SLAVE, THE HEAVENLY DEMON'S MIGHT SHALL TAME THE BEAUTIES-Chapter 62: THE FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the academy’s dining hall, casting long shadows across tables where students huddled over breakfast and anxiously awaited their class assignments. The air buzzed with nervous energy as ornate letters materialized before each student, magical missives that would determine their academic paths and, ultimately, their futures within Astralux Academy.

Yomi sat with characteristic calm as his letter appeared in a swirl of silver light, the parchment bearing seals that pulsed with contained magical energy. Across from him, Lirien and Aeloria received their own assignments, while Kira watched the process with wide-eyed fascination from her position beside Yomi.

"Sanctum of Forbidden Knowledge as my primary," Yomi read aloud, his tone suggesting mild interest rather than the surprise that flickered across his companions’ faces. "Elemental Mastery as secondary, Strategic Warfare as tertiary."

Lirien looked up from her own letter, her expression mixing admiration with concern. "Forbidden Knowledge? That’s usually reserved for advanced students with proven theoretical backgrounds." She glanced at her own assignments. "I’ve got Blade Harmonics as primary, Elemental Mastery as secondary. At least we’ll share one class."

Aeloria’s letter confirmed what she had expected based on her magical assessment performance. "Arcane Synthesis primary, Restoration Arts secondary," she announced, though her attention remained fixed on Yomi’s unprecedented assignment. "The Professor must have specifically requested you. That’s... unusual for a first-year student."

Around them, other students compared their schedules with varying degrees of satisfaction or disappointment. The noble students generally received assignments that matched their family expectations, while commoners found themselves channeled toward more practical specializations that aligned with their presumed social roles.

"The Sanctum of Forbidden Knowledge," Lirien continued thoughtfully, "deals with magical theory that the academy considers too dangerous or complex for standard curriculum. Ancient techniques, lost civilizations, theoretical frameworks that border on heretical." She paused, studying Yomi’s expression. "What kind of backer do you have that could arrange such placement?"

Yomi’s slight smile suggested secrets he wasn’t prepared to share. "Perhaps the Professor simply recognises potential when he sees it."

The explanation satisfied no one, but before further questions could be asked, the dining hall’s bells chimed the approaching hour. Students began gathering their materials and moving toward their respective sanctums, conversations fragmenting into nervous speculation about what their first real day of classes would bring.

****

The Sanctum of Forbidden Knowledge occupied a circular tower that seemed to exist slightly apart from the academy’s main structure, connected by a bridge that spanned what appeared to be empty air. The chamber itself was a marvel of academic architecture, curved walls lined with ancient tomes bound in materials that defied identification, while display cases held artifacts that seemed to pulse with their own inner light.

Professor Valdris Ashcroft stood at the room’s center, his presence commanding attention without requiring dramatic gestures. His weathered features spoke of decades spent pursuing knowledge that others feared to contemplate, while his eyes held the sharp intelligence that had made him one of the academy’s most respected, and occasionally feared, faculty members. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

The class was smaller than those found in other sanctums, perhaps twenty students total. Most were senior students whose proven competence had earned them access to advanced theoretical studies, though a few exceptional first-years had been granted admission based on demonstrated potential.

"Welcome," Ashcroft began, his voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to discussing concepts that challenged conventional understanding, "to the study of knowledge that our institution considers too dangerous for general consumption."

He gestured toward the artifacts lining the walls, each one representing theories or techniques that had been deemed too powerful, too unstable, or too morally ambiguous for standard magical education.

"Here, we explore the foundations that underlie everything you think you understand about magical theory. We examine the principles that conventional magic merely approximates, and investigate the forces that shaped our world before recorded history began."

His gaze swept across the assembled students, lingering briefly on Yomi before moving on. "Today, we begin with the concept of Aether, the theoretical foundation of all magical energy, the source from which our modern Mana magic represents only a pale reflection."

Ashcroft moved to an enchanted board at the chamber’s front, his movements deliberate as he began drawing an intricate pattern that seemed to shift and flow even as he created it. The design was complex beyond ordinary understanding, geometric forms that suggested mathematical relationships while incorporating organic curves that spoke of natural forces.

"Can anyone complete this seal?" he asked, stepping back to study his work. "Understanding its foundation is crucial to comprehending advanced magical theory."

Immediately, a hand shot up from among the senior students. Markus Thornley, a third-year whose arrogant bearing spoke of noble birth and academic achievement, rose with the confident swagger of someone accustomed to being the smartest person in any room.

"Professor," Markus said, his voice carrying undertones of barely concealed disdain as his gaze flicked toward Yomi, "before we proceed, perhaps you could explain why a physical combatant has been assigned to advanced magical theory? Surely someone whose assessment results focused entirely on brute force would be better served in more... practical applications?"

The comment drew snickers from several other students, their laughter carrying the cruel edge of social superiority asserting itself over perceived inadequacy. The few first-years present shifted uncomfortably, remembering Yomi’s demonstration during orientation but uncertain how that translated to academic capability.

Ashcroft’s expression remained neutral, though his eyes showed a flicker of interest at the challenge. "In true scholarship, Mr. Thornley," he replied with measured calm, "assumptions are often proven wrong. Perhaps you would care to demonstrate your understanding of the seal before questioning your classmate’s qualifications?"

Markus stepped forward with obvious pleasure, his movements suggesting someone who relished the opportunity to display superior knowledge while simultaneously humiliating an inferior. He studied the pattern Ashcroft had drawn, his face showing the kind of analytical focus that marked genuinely capable students.

"This seal represents Aether," he began, his voice taking on the lecture tone of someone who enjoyed explaining complex concepts to those he considered intellectually beneath him. "Aether is the theoretical foundation of all magical energy, the pillar that supports both Life and Death magic in their purest forms."