Pride of the First Disciple
Jania Pieris. Jania Pieris. She was the one who had risen to the position of Vice-Captain of the Imperial Court Mage Corps at the youngest age ever recorded. Known as the empire's shining star to succeed Captain Rodis Bern, she stepped down from her vice-captain role when Rodis declared his retirement. It made sense—her master was none other than Rodis Bern himself. Their bond had begun when Rodis, then in his thirties, rescued her from a monster attack that destroyed her village and took her under his wing. Jania wanted to repay that debt, so she worked tirelessly to stand by his side. Eventually, mastering fire, lightning, wind, and light—the four attributes—she claimed the vice-captain's seat. For twenty years, she traveled the empire with Rodis, making their name legendary.
"Heh heh... Jania, once I retire, you'll become the Captain of the Imperial Court Mage Corps, won't you?"
"Captain, please don't joke. You're still as spry as ever, aren't you?"
Though he was past sixty, with the first white hairs sprouting in his head, he was still vigorous. Lately, though, he kept mentioning retirement. Knowing his personality, once he retired, he'd vanish somewhere... So she wished he'd stay with the mage corps forever, as always. But people's hearts are unknowable... His retirement came so abruptly, as if he had no intention of telling anyone. She only learned of it after returning to the unit. An imperial messenger arrived, announcing the captain's retirement and asking her to take his place. Right after, she applied for a professorship at Medeia Academy.
Thanks to her built-up reputation, she rose to president in just three years. The academy, founded by the legendary Medeia—once the empire's top mage—boasted a glorious history, but now it teetered, overshadowed by prestigious tower-backed schools. It survived thanks to being open to commoners and nobles alike, and as a hub for imperial studies. Under President Jania Pieris, it swiftly stabilized. Yet the chronic issue remained: a shortage of quality professors. The magical biology prof had such a weak heart he collapsed daily; the mana and magical power theory teacher confused even himself; the beginner spell practice instructor kept causing accidents by misjudging output. Inevitably... All the real magic talent was holed up in their towers or tower-affiliated academies, leaving them short on quality.
She wanted to poach those under her—no, under the captain's—command, but they were Imperial Court Mages. Without the captain's halo, it was too risky for a mere vice-captain like her. Then, by chance, she heard news of the captain. Rumors placed him deep in the Rosarind Mountains on the empire's west side. She contacted her most trusted subordinate. Fortunately, he didn't coldly refuse her.
"Heh heh... Is that so? Jania's become academy president... Yes, that child could do it."
"So you'll grant President Jania's request?"
"Not yet. The time isn't right. Maybe in a couple years..."
"I see... Why is that?"
"Indeed... Is this old man's sentimentality or meddling? Taking on a disciple, of all things."
He sent the subordinate away with those words. According to the report, the captain—who seemed like he'd never take another disciple besides her—had done just that. Who could have captured his heart? Maybe that's why he retired. She thought so.
Two years passed. Hoping he'd remember that promise, she offered him a professorship, and he gladly accepted—with one condition. What could it be? She pondered, then recalled he had a disciple. That vixen who stole my captain... She knew she didn't need to react this strongly. The girl he'd taken as disciple was just ten back then, seemingly another abandoned orphan like her. The captain often rescued war or monster-attack survivors and handed them to monasteries or knight orders. So she muttered, "Ah, that's just like the captain."
Still, it was the first disciple besides her, and he'd abandoned her and the corps to leave. She couldn't just let it slide. The girl was fifteen now. He'd probably ask something for her. What would it be? Most likely, enrollment in Medeia Academy. That was easy. The academy was open to all equally. Tuition was steep, but scholarships for the poor were solid... If she enrolled, Jania would mentor her personally. To make her feel the gap: 'This is the difference between the captain's first disciple—me—and you.'
But the captain's request shattered her expectations. Why make this scrawny little girl an associate professor? What was Medeia Academy? The empire's pride, the continent's top educational institution. Sure, tower academies edged it in pure magic, but in broader quality education, taking on an unvetted child as faculty was unthinkable. No matter how much she revered the captain, she couldn't grant this—even if the sky split or the empire fell. Registering an unregistered, baby-faced girl—who looked more student than professor—as an Archmage associate under the Five-Colored Mage? It would tarnish his honor.
So, unlike usual, she unleashed her full mana pressure on him. Fresh from seclusion, surely her five years of training outmatched him. With vague hopes of victory, she wanted to prove she was right—that the corps needed him. But he was no pushover.
'As expected of the Five-Colored Mage.'
Admiring him, she poured out more mana. The president's office filled thick with their mana. At this density, ordinary folk would drop dead; even intermediate mages would struggle to breathe. Some professors looked queasy.
'Tsk tsk... Melian, huh. Needs intensive training.'
She clicked her tongue inwardly, shifting gaze. Her instincts proved right. Look—the captain's so-called disciple couldn't withstand their mana pressure, eyes rolling wildly. Captain, this won't do. It's damaging your honor. I'll stop it.
How much time passed? The office's mana defense array teetered on collapse. If it broke, catastrophe— not just here, but the whole area razed. She sighed deeply. Time for him to back down, right? Why push for this brat... Enrollment she'd allow coolly. She had to ask again—if he'd withdraw now.
"Captain. Are you truly set on hiring this girl as associate professor?"
"Heh heh. What's the issue? She's my disciple, endorsed by this Rodis Bern."
Grr... Right, this stubborn old man. He knew it, flashing his signature smile. That's why everyone... why the corps followed him. She glared at the culprit, Miriel. Their eyes met—those innocent lavender ones flustering her into shaking her head.
'What was I thinking... Jealous of a kid like this.'
Time to push facts. Her intel: Miriel was unregistered. Not in the Mage Association rolls. Perfect leverage...
"That's exactly why it won't do, Captain. She's not registered with the Mage Association, and we can't verify if her skills suit a professor. Entrusting her with your associate role? It'll blemish your honor—and the academy's."
Please, Captain. Understand. If you do, I'll pull strings for registration. At least Advanced Mage.
His smile shifted—confident of victory. His mouth opened.
"In other words... President. You doubt my disciple's ability."
He was serious now. Calling her just "President," not "President Jania." Moments ago, respect had polite-ified it. This meant he was sure of winning, ready to impart a lesson like old times...
But she couldn't yield. Absolutely not. She nodded fiercely, emotionally.
"Yes, Captain."
His lip curled. Then, unbelievable words.
"And you doubt the judgment of the one who raised and recommended her..."
Her mind reeled.
"Pardon?"
Right—rethinking it, yes. She was arbitrarily deeming insufficient someone the captain personally trained and endorsed. To him, it questioned his own competence. She gasped at his intent. Everyone present froze, catching on. Panic short-circuited her brain. She flailed her arms in denial. How could she, Jania, deny the captain?
"Absolutely not!! Captain!! Our academy always lacks professors! If you grace us with teaching, we'd welcome you with open arms!!"
"But you just said you can't trust the disciple I raised? How's that different from calling my skills lacking?"
Muttering like a lament, he quietly raised mana again. Round two or admit defeat—his silent ultimatum. The air grew heavy.
"Hic-"
That professor short of the mark, Melian, started hiccuping, sensing it. Hah... Useless as ever.
Then Miriel raised her hand. Eyes sparkling, no less. This girl... fearlessly in this mana density... Wait, the density dipped a bit, but even "fresh" Melian felt it—yet this kid didn't?
Cautiously, she spoke.
"Yes, Miriel? What is it? If you're refusing associate professor, I'm thrilled anytime."
She didn't hide her inner thoughts.
"I just need to prove my skills won't tarnish Master's honor, right?"
Eh? What...?
Twitch- A vein bulged on her forehead. I've never been this pissed. This brat... acting like she can judge me, endorsed by the captain? 'Who are you to evaluate me?' Fine then... Bring it. Heh heh heh...
"Miriel... You're sure you won't regret those words? I stake my name, Jania Pieris, on it."