It was a beautiful day.
The sun had risen a few hours earlier, and you could already see the crowds leaving their homes.
Some walked to their destination, others took a carriage, and still others rode their bicycles.
Ah, yes, the bicycle.
A wonderful creation that was not only economical, but also helped keep you fit and made you feel in touch with nature.
Walking would certainly have given you the same feeling, but Andrew thought that walking lacked the same sensation of having the wind in your face.
And that's precisely why, ever since he'd gotten it, he'd decided to always travel around with it.
He found it so relaxing and fascinating that it made him leave his classic gentlemanly image when he used it or spoke about it to anyone else.
After walking through a few neighborhoods, he finally managed to see his destination: Blacklund University of Technology and Industry.
They had recently built something very similar to a porch on the left side of the school, with the aim of allowing the many students who now moved by bike to park them in a safe place.
It almost seemed like a marketing ploy, as the presence of this "porch" inspired more students to buy a bike or simply to ride one.
Andrew himself had arrived a few dozen minutes earlier, hoping to find a free space to park his property, which fortunately happened.
After securing his bike and getting off, he took a quick look at the window closest to him, which overlooked the interior of the school.
The window seemed to have been placed specifically for him, as every time he got off his bike, Andrew had a tendency to check his appearance, as if to make sure he didn't let anything about his hobby slip.
Although with difficulty, he managed to see his reflection: a slim but not muscular body, with a height of approximately 164 cm. In short, just below the average male height.
Brown hair dark enough to be mistaken for black and a pair of blue eyes adorned with fairly simple glasses.
His face was enough to be described by others as a cute boy, with a nose that was unfortunately a little too long.
He wore black pants, a white shirt with a matching vest, and a small tie that adorned the whole outfit.
While this attire was barely passable for upper-class adults, for a boy just over 18, it was perhaps a little too elegant.
Behind his back was a completely generic backpack. The only reason Andrew never mistook it for another was because of a very visible tear, badly made by himself, in the center.
After making sure his hair was well-combed and that there were no creases in his clothes, he retraced his steps to meet the entrance.
The entire school had only one central entrance for students, who were therefore required to leave their bikes on the left before officially entering.
Well, actually, there was also an entrance in the back, but it was only for staff.
As soon as you entered the building, you'd find the main hall lined with columns, students chatting among themselves before class, and two bulletin boards on the sides displaying school-related information.
The entire area was the center of the school. To the left and right were the various classrooms, in front of the entrance was the library and the administration office, and on the first floor, easily accessible via the stairs, was a classroom shared by all the teachers, several classrooms decorated as study rooms for each teacher, and the principal's office.
Having no one to talk to, Andrew decided to move toward his classroom. While most students had their classrooms on the right, he was one of the few whose classrooms were on the left.
Although in theory it was something simple, not to be given importance, given the way the school was structured, this distinction was very important.
Since the beginning of the new school year, thanks to the relationship created with the Loen Charity Bursary Foundation, the school had introduced a new course. On the right are the classrooms for those wishing to pursue the previously available technology and industry program, which would have allowed students to become researchers, high-class engineers, and much more.
On the left, however, are the classrooms for the new program, which streamlined the university's core subjects, offering the benefit of studying more subjects and ultimately having a less specialized career path.
It didn't take long to reach the classroom door and enter.
The room was square, with about twenty desks and a blackboard with the teacher's desk nearby. Without much hesitation, Andrew moved to a desk in the second row, placing his backpack on the chair.
Tap-Tap
The sounds of footsteps echoing through the classroom were getting louder and closer, making him turn around out of pure curiosity.
A boy his age was approaching him with a smile.
He had a decidedly more muscular build than his, with bright blond hair and dark blue eyes.
"Good morning, Andrew. You look good," the boy said, maintaining his smile.
"Good morning, Michael. Thank you." After a brief pause, Andrew continued, "You look good too."
"Sorry to bother you, but could you show me how you solved today's third problem?" Michael's smile widened a bit as he decided to take the opportunity to explain the reason for his visit.
"The third problem?"
"Yes, the one with the equation," Michael explained.
"Sure, give me a second," Andrew said, hiding a hint of exasperation that was about to escape his lips.
After rummaging through his things for a moment, he pulled out a notebook, opened it, and after a second of searching, handed it to Michael.
He thanked him for the notebook and remained standing, taking the time to realize his mistake.
In truth, Michael Lionheart wasn't very suited to this school, or at least that was Andrew's opinion.
In his eyes, the boy was intelligent, but not in the subjects covered here. Perhaps subjects in the sociology field would have been better for him.
Now that I think about it, there were some rumors about how the head of security was his father… Maybe his school fees are low. Andrew thought idly.
Once finished, Michael closed the notebook and handed it to the owner.
"Thank you, I don't know how you managed to think of that solution! You're a true genius!" Michael exaggerated.
"Ah, I wish I could accept such flattery," Andrew said with a slight smile.
Although he was annoyed every time someone asked him for help, he couldn't help but bask in their compliments.
Perhaps he was a little narcissistic…
After finishing his thought, he noticed Michael was still standing there.
Raising an eyebrow, he said with interest, "Is there anything else?"
With an embarrassed smile, Michael was quite direct.
Too direct, even.
"Andrew, you don't have many friends, do you?"
Thump
The sound was caused by the notebook still in his hand having flown to the ground.
Andrew looked at him with wide eyes, lips trembling, ready to insult him, and hands ready to strike.
Using the second it took to pick the notebook up from the ground, he managed to secretly compose himself before speaking to him again.
"I'm curious, what gives you that impression?"
Michael, scratching his cheek, replied with a bit of embarrassment, "S-Sorry for the comment, it's just that I never see you stopping to talk to anyone at school. And well, I've never seen you around the city."
"Backlund is definitely a big city, you can't expect to meet every single one of your classmates. Oh, and don't worry, I have my own acquaintances I talk to."
The first part was a half-lie; he preferred to stay home reading or lazing around. However, the second part was more truth than false.
This boy is too direct, he doesn't look like a Loenese at all… Do you have relatives in Intis? If so, that would explain a lot of things, mongrel.
Michael, exasperated and perhaps amused, shook his head.
"Your face reminds me of last week, you know?"
Yes, you definitely are a mongrel!
The boy had decided to mention a rather embarrassing incident that Andrew would have preferred to forget. He didn't know why, but as he was walking down the stairs, his mind suddenly went hazy. As if he'd lost his ability to reason! As if his intelligence had been lowered!
When he recovered, his face was on the ground, a pain present that clearly indicated what had happened.
Deciding that this was enough bullying, Andrew spoke to him calmly but with a distinctly pointed tone.
A gentleman has to defend himself sometimes.
"I'm happy to have you, but I'd prefer it if you'd refrain from certain comments."
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to..." Michael, realizing his mistake, offered a shy smile. "Maybe you've been possessed by the ghost!"
Andrew, who had turned away from him, snapped his head almost inhumanly when he heard the last words.
"What ghost?"
"U-uh?" Michael, surprised, took a step back.
Realizing the other person's interest in the topic, he cleared his throat before continuing.
"For two days, boys who stayed late at school have been saying, with extremely pale faces, that they'd seen a ghost with human features! They say they only ran away alive because he hasn't seen them."
"In what area?"
"Um, the versions don't match. One boy mentioned the classroom next door, while the other one said he saw him wandering around the office."
"Interesting…" Andrew concluded with a mutter.
Michael, seeing his anger fade, decided to continue, "Are you by any chance interested in the mystical? Your eyes lit up like a child's."
"In a way." Andrew answered with some embarrassment.
The door suddenly opened and their professor entered.
Looking around after absentmindedly greeting Michael, who had returned to his desk, he realized that all the other students had also entered during his chat.
During class, he remained half-focused, the other half thinking about the ghost story.
Despite the professor's various attempts to catch him off guard, he always answered correctly.
It would have been strange for a Beyonder to have a bad memory.
Especially for him.
--------------------------
After class, he was ready to leave until his professor called him back.
"Mr. Locke, may I ask you to take this document to the Chancellor? I was supposed to turn it in today, but I have some paperwork to finish, so I don't have time to waste."
"Of course, I have no problem with that."
After greeting his professor, he passed through the main hall and climbed the stairs easily finding the correct door.
After knocking and receiving permission, he entered without much ceremony.
"Good morning, Sir."
"Good morning, Mr. Locke, what brings you here?"
The voice belonged to an older man in his sixties, with thick white hair and a large build.
He was the chancellor of Backlund University of Technology and Industry, Portland Moment.
"I have this to give you on behalf of my professor."
"Oh yes, I remember, thanks for bringing it… Could I borrow a second of your time?"
Andrew, who was ready to leave, nodded.
He was a little taken aback by the request.
Without wasting time, Mr. Portland began, "You see, I was intrigued by your choice of major. From your evaluation, I'm sure you'd do wonders in my class. May I ask why someone of your talent decided to take a much, uhm, easier course?"
"I thought it was more important to think about my future career. I'd prefer to help future minds reach great heights in these fields myself. I want to be a professor."
The answer that Andrew had already prepared come out easily.
Mr. Portland's smile grew warmer.
A few seconds later, he asked, "Tell me what faith you believe in?"
Andrew moved his hands across his chest to form a triangle and replied firmly, "I believe in the God of Steam and Machinery."
Mr. Portland's smile grew tense and trembling.
"Didn't you just yesterday tell my dear colleague that you believed in the Evernight Goddess?"
"Yes, sir." Andrew answered without shame.
It wasn't a surprise to either of them; Andrew had long since developed a reputation as someone who change his religion depending on the need.
Shaking his head as if to get an idea out of his head, Mr. Portland gave him permission to leave.
After greeting him, he turned and, after reaching it, opened the door.
""Huh?""
The sound came from two people.
From Andrew and from the girl behind the door, who had her hand raised ready to knock.
The girl had long black hair and dark brown eyes, wearing a long skirt and simple, inconspicuous clothes.
Andrew gave a small, polite smile and nodded.
He left without waiting for a response.
As he descended the stairs, he thought of the girl one last time.
Melissa Moretti...
He had spoken to her only once before this day, and from what he knew, the girl was very talented.
She also had a close relationship with Mr. Portland, something that would make the most envious and idiots to call her the Chancellor's dog.
Thank the Gods he wasn't among them.
--------------------------
It was early afternoon.
After picking up his bike, Andrew set off to go home.
Since he had no outside space to store it, he was forced to carry it inside with him.
He lived in a shared building with apartments that could be rented or bought.
Fortunately, Andrew lived in an apartment that was owned.
After climbing two flights of stairs with his bike in hand, he finally arrived at his apartment.
After entering, he abandoned his bike to the right of the door while he looked around.
The apartment was perfect for one person, immediately offering a view of a dining table with a semi-separated space to the left that was the kitchen.
To the right was the bathroom, while in front of the entrance there was a door that would lead to the bedroom.
Completely ignoring the papers, books on the floor, and the closed curtains, he headed toward his room.
Here on the floor was what could be described as a magic circle, drawn with something like chalk. You could see it was old from the various discontinuous fragments of the circle itself.
Giving it a simple glance, he opened the drawer that was next to his bed which contained various strange objects.
He pulled out three.
I still have five demon-hunting rounds, some holy water in a flask, and a cleansing charm... Perfect.
After deciding what items to bring, he allowed himself a snack to satiate his hunger.
Smiling confidently Andrew thought, This evening Andrew Locke will hunt away those spirits.
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Notes: Alright, thanks for reading this far!
I desire to make this fic quite long; I hope to reach this goal.
If we want to divide the fic into Volumes, then I think we can say that it will have 5 Volumes.
Attention! The length of a volume will never be the same as a LOTM volume.
The protagonist will probably reach Sequence 3 at the end.
Y'all can consider this as a teaser.
I will keep writing, and when I have accumulated a good number of chapters, I will start to update them.
Once again, thank you all for reading this far!