Volume 11 : Chapter 1 – DID I JUST ENROLL IN A MAGIC ACADEMY IN THE FIRST CHAPTER? (1)

“Haaaa….” I sighed deeply.

“You’ve been sighing so much today… Are you still unsure about what you want to do?” Mother, the True Hero, Caroline Ascalon Ashborn, asked me.

I sat on a chair close to the kitchen counter, my legs swinging idly. My chin rested on my hands, lost in thought.

“I thought you’d know what I should do.” I replied.

Mother let out a soft chuckle, a knowing smile touching her lips as she turned back to her work. “If you’re worried this will bring up bad memories and keep my baby girl up all night, then I say scrap the idea altogether.”

Mother then dipped both hands into a large bowl filled with a thick, black mass.

“―Can I.” I jumped upon hearing her response, feeling a bit relieved. Maybe I didn’t have to decide. I could just hold off the decision by coming up with a barely plausible get-me-out-of-trouble reason.

“You are not thinking of coming up with an excuse, are you?” Mom’s voice cut through my thoughts. “If Athena believes that sending you to the best magic academy on the human continent will help broaden your world, then you shouldn’t make her sad by ignoring her request.”

I bit my lips.

“That’s why I’m still thinking about it.” I admitted, shifting uncomfortably. “For now, I temporarily agreed but I still asked her for some time to make up my mind… and that’s why I came to see you.”

I still sometimes remember my old school days feeling alone.

But now I have got friends, a place to call home.

I am the Baroness of Oakhart. And I thought this was where I belonged, where I could stay close to Athena. So why was she trying to send me away again so soon?

What if I became alone there again? What if things didn’t turn out the way Athena hoped? What if… what if I wasn’t ready?

There were so many questions and doubts I had.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for this.” I whispered.

“If you ask me, you already have the answer.” Mom said as she started kneading the black mass. I still wasn’t sure what she was up to.

Mom continued, “Back when you met your classmates, you told me yourself—you weren’t going to let the past control you. You wanted to protect what mattered to you. If that’s how you truly feel, then I’d say you’re more than ready.”

Mom’s right.

At first, I was confused —why was the class president being so cruel? Why did he speak so harshly about my family, Athena, and me? Why would he threaten Lucia, capture the demi humans, and torture them so horribly?

But once I made up my mind, something changed.

I felt lighter as if I could finally think clearly. For a few moments, it was like I was becoming a totally different person, but eventually, it started to feel natural —like it was always meant to be.

“But don’t you think it’s too soon for Athena to send me away from her?” I asked hesitantly.

“It’s useless to try and understand the will of a god.” Mom said with a shrug. “But one thing I can tell you—Athena would never leave your side. She’s sending you because she believes in you."

“I know that much.” I felt my voice weak.

Mother wiped her hands clean and turned to me, her golden eyes gleaming with a familiar spark of mischief. “You know what helps me clear my mind when I’m stuck?”

“What? Tell me.” I felt excited. Is mother finally going to reveal some kind of special, heroes only know secret to me.

Mother slapped her hand on the kitchen prep table and leaned forward to get close to my face. “It’s going on an adventure.”

“An… adventure?”

“When I travel, I meet new people, see new places, and learn about the different lives people live. It’s fascinating, and it always makes me curious to see things from a new perspective. As a fellow reincarnate, you really shouldn’t be missing out on the fun.”

“Okay. I think I know how it feels.” I somewhat agreed based on my previous experience.

“Exactly! Like learning the fastest way to kill and skin a monster!” Mother grinned. “Or sneaking into a noble’s mansion to reveal their corruption. Or exposing a swindler to the crowd they cheated by beating them at their own game. Now that is what makes an adventure fun!”

…Well. That was definitely my mother talking.

But, mother’s right. I am her daughter, the thing that worked for her should obviously work out for me as well. Of course, I am not in for the same thing that mother is for in it.

Also, I don’t want to become a bad example for Lili, who is also attending the Demon Academy.

I could already hear Lili’s voice in my head— ‘What big sister is afraid of going to school? That just proves it I am the big sister now.’

What if Lili says that to me? No, I can’t let that happen.

Just when I was at the peak of reaching salvation, having finally found a solution to my problem.

“Cake’s ready.” Mom announced, pulling out a dark, twisted black lump from the oven.

She placed it on a silver plate, which too eventually changed into an ominous color.

Before I could even react, the door swung open.

“Hello. I see you’re back.” a deep voice rumbled.

Father, Zylon Ascalon Ashborn, the Demon Lord —stood in the doorway.

Mother beamed at him, holding up her latest creation. “Honey, you are here. Now we can enjoy this together!”

“Mother, I... I don’t think I can eat this right now.” I said, glancing at the ominous, blackened mass sitting on the plate. It almost seemed to pulse, like it was alive. “I have something urgent to do in the labyrinth. If I don’t go now, they might fall asleep.”

“If it’s that urgent then you should go.”

I glanced at Father. He gave me a slow nod, his expression saintly, as though he were a noble martyr walking willingly to the gallows.

Just when is he ever going to act like a true Demon Lord?

“When I come back, dinners on me.” that was the least I could do for father in return for sacrificing himself like this.

“But you could still have just a bite before you go.” Mother suggested, her tone dangerously persuasive.

“Carol, won’t you serve me your sweet cake?”

The true Hero turned to see dad —seated at the dining table, flashing an expression I could only describe as… rizz incarnate.

His obsidian eyes shimmered, his lips curved into a smoldering smile, his posture the very image of a refined gentleman ready to indulge his beloved queen.

It worked.

Mother’s attention immediately shifted from me to him.

‘Thanks, Dad.’ I sent telepathically, before vanishing with a teleportation spell, not forgetting the sheer level of sacrifice he was about to endure for my sake.

“Oh, Zyl.” Mother giggled, walking toward the table, carrying the full cake. “When was the last time you have been so eager to try my cooking?”

‘I can’t let Alicia eat this cake and fall sick—not when she is planning to start at the academy.’ The Demon Lord steeled himself, summoning every ounce of his strength.

―With an iron will—and an iron stomach.

Father’s eyes remained shut, his saintly expression unwavering.

‘If I can’t see it, I don’t know it.’

That was his mantra for survival.

“Oh, I’ll get the cutlery!” Mother, headed back towards the cabinet.

By the time she turned back with forks and plates in hand. The silver plate where the cake once sat was empty.

“Did you eat it all in one go?!” Caroline gasped.

“It was… so tast-ty… I… couldn’t stop… myself...” The true demon lord’s voice wavered, his face stiff and his mouth stuffed with cake.

“Ah! No problem!” Mother beamed. “I’ll just have to apologize to Alicia and make her my super extra special cake next time!”

Father twitched.

He was still smiling with gritted teeth, barely hanging on to life, as he slowly continued chewing.

Then, his eyes snapped open, and his status window materialized before him.

“Oh, Zyl, what’s happening to you?”

Caroline’s voice barely reached him as the Demon Lord’s vision blurred. His hands trembled.

[PETRIFICATION]

[CONTAMINATION POISON LEVEL ??]

[CURSE OF THE FORSAKEN CAKE]  ―Is that even a debuff!?

Caroline tilted her head, watching him struggle. “Oh, honey, were you dabbling with dark magic again and got yourself cursed? I’ve told you so many times—you are way past the age for that nonsense.”

Caroline sighed, as she got behind Zyl, holding his head to her chest, and placing her hands gently on his temples. "Don’t worry, I’ll heal you while you enjoy my food.”

A radiant glow surrounded Zylon as divine light magic pulsed through him.

Was this... salvation?

The healing energy seeped into his body, and the debuff notifications disappeared but kept reappearing with each bite.

Every bite unleashed a new torment. And yet, his wife’s gentle touch, the soothing strokes of her fingers against his forehead —was this heaven or hell?

He no longer knew.

All he knew was that his suffering must not be in vain.

That night, deep within the shadows of the dungeon, a silent demon lord made the ultimate sacrifice.

And beyond these labyrinth walls, no one would ever know.

◇◇◇

Life in Oakhart returned to its usual rhythm after Homura vanished with his goddess.

According to Athena, Freya returned to the divine realm with the class president’s soul core once his health points and soul points hit zero.

And so, with no immediate threat left, my days resumed their steady course with overseeing the management of Oakhart town and its surrounding villages.

The work was not too overwhelming but being the baroness of Oakhart it was my responsibility now to look after the total welfare and well-being of my people.

Checking inventory, preparing items and tools for the changing seasons, and planning for the next harvest and plantings. Maintain public facilities like town hall, water resources, and future town planning.

And most important of all ensuring public safety. Fortunately, things had become much smoother ever since Izek took charge of security. Izek and his knight’s mere presence was enough to keep troublemakers both internal and foreign at bay.

Major part of my afternoon was spent at my desk, going through ledgers and reports. Hersa, the head maid had been the one handling these affairs long before I arrived. And so, she guided me through the complexities of managing the mansion and town finances.

Meanwhile, Caige, Maya, and Regis had set off toward the nearest port town in Hart Kingdom. Their mission was to escort the freed demi-humans to safe passage back to the demon continent.

As promised, I gave them the choice to stay or leave, and they had my full support in either decision.

But for most of them, there was no hesitation. The time they spent in captivity had left them with scars too deep to heal among humans. I couldn’t blame them.

After, all they had suffered; the idea of living among the same species as their former captors was unthinkable.

The three worked together to see them safely to the free city of the demon continent by ship, ensuring no further harm would come to them on their journey.

The only demi-human who decided to stay was Lucia.

And somehow, in a way I hadn't expected, she and Hana had become fast friends. Or rather, Hana had taken it upon herself to act like a superior, showing a newbie fellow maid the ropes.

But there was no denying the two had formed a bond, and for now, that was enough.

Things in Oakhart seemed to be running smoothly. But that was only what I felt on the surface. For some reason, Athena grew increasingly tense with each passing day, even though she tried not to show it.

She didn’t show it outright, but each day, her eyes lingered a little longer, as if carrying a burden, she wouldn’t share.

At the same time, some unanswered questions still gnawed at me.

Why had Homura done all of this? Who had forced his hand? Why hadn’t he sought help from any of his other classmates?

And what of his goddess? Why was she trapped away, separated from him?

The most terrifying thought of all crept into my mind —what if someone took Athena away from me too?

I wouldn’t let that happen. I had already begun forming a plan, one I intended to set in motion soon.

But before I could act, Athena made her move first.

One day, just as I had barely settled into my chair, flipping open a fresh novel, Athena knocked and stepped into my office.

“Alicia, I’ve made my decision. You will be attending Grindelwald Magic Academy in the Grindelwald Kingdom starting next month. And that means you have about twenty days to pack your things and get ready.”

I blinked. “Wait. Who exactly is going?”

Athena exhaled as if expecting my resistance. “Of course, you.”

“…But why so suddenly? And what’s Grindelwald magic academy exactly.” I set my book down. This wasn’t like Athena to impose something on me like this.

“It’s exactly what its sounds like —a school of magic. And it’s much more than that. Your other classmates and including myself studied in that academy.”

“You too.” I was not happy to hear that my other classmates were there. What if I encounter some of them there and they still do not like me?

“You don’t have to worry, they’ve already graduated like me. You won’t have to deal with any of them there.” That didn’t make me feel any better. My fingers curled slightly against my book’s cover. This wasn’t just sudden —it was unexpected.

Athena must have noticed my hesitation because her expression gentled. “This wasn’t a decision I made lightly, Alicia. And it wasn’t made overnight.”

Athena took a step closer to me. “Most of all, I want you to have the best school life possible. I want you to experience every joy this world has offered and this is the next step for it.”

How could anyone refuse when she put it like that? I could not just scoff off Athena’s hand resting on my shoulder when she was only thinking about me.

Her gaze —wide, sincere, almost pleading, held me in place. Behind her intentions was an unwavering belief that this was what was best for me.

It wasn’t as if I’d never dreamed of attending a magic academy before. Back on Earth, I had wished for it countless times. A place filled with spells, and magic books—it had once been a fantasy beyond my reach.

But now? After being trained by the Demon Lord himself, I wasn’t sure there was anything left for me to learn about magic.

Could some human school really offer me more than the brutal, hands-on experience I had already survived?

And more importantly—shouldn’t I stay with Athena? Not knowing what trouble could follow next, or the unknown dangers still lurking in the shadows… was now really the time to leave her side?

“I know you want to stay here with me.” Athena said softly as if reading my mind. “And that’s why I arranged for this place, Oakhart. So that we can stay close. But my job is not to keep you trapped or to keep myself protected.”

Athena took a stronger stance as if remembering a vow, she made long back and had resolved to follow it till the very end. “It’s to show you the path that will help save this world. Even if you think the academy has nothing left to offer you, I just want you to give it a chance. And if it doesn’t work out…”

Athena offered a small smile. “You can always come back.”

She wasn’t forcing me. But she wasn’t giving me a choice either.

I opened my mouth, “—but… but…”

I had no real argument left. No true reason to refuse her.

Athena wasn’t asking me to abandon my path. She was simply nudging me toward another one.

With a deep breath, I let out a slow sigh. “Alright,” I finally said. “I’ll give it a try.”

BANG!

The door slammed open, crashing against the wall with enough force to make me jump.

An all-too-familiar impatient voice cut through the air.

“I was gone for one moment and here you are, planning to run off to some magic academy?”

I turned, blinking at her sudden entrance. “Regis, you came back.”

“That’s not important right now.” Regis crossed her arms. “If you're going, I’m going too.”

I froze. “Wait, what? But… you’re a foreign princess of Ascalon! If you try to enroll, you won’t be able to keep your identity hidden.”

Regis smirked, utterly unfazed. “I don’t plan to. I’ll go back and ask my father to send me there officially.”

Athena, who had been watching quietly until now, finally spoke up. “I don’t think that’s a problem. The college makes sure there is no discrimination and there are few elves and other species that study at the academy.”

“But isn’t this mid-year, so wouldn’t the enrollment start until next year for new admissions.” Regis asked.

I felt a spark of hope rise in my chest. “Then… does that mean.”

Athena cut me off with a knowing smile. “Being a direct descendant of a ruling family means you can enroll anytime. As for Alicia, I still have a way to get you in.”

“There is—” My joy flickered, then promptly died. There was always a catch.

Athena straightened, placing a hand on her brushing a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. “I’m quite the famous alumnus of Grindelwald Academy. I can recommend a student for admission. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll get a free pass —you both still have to pass all their tests first.”

◇◇◇

Coming back to the present…

It was decided that Regis would return to the elven kingdom Ascalon to seek her family’s permission to enroll in Grindelwald Magic Academy.

Meanwhile, Athena would handle the preparations for my admission.

As for me? I had all the free time in the world. So, naturally, I decided to visit Mom and Dad while I could.

Hana, on the other hand, would continue training under Hersa to learn more under her tutelage and to help me when I’d be away at school. Hence, she too was also set to accompany Regis and me, to the Grindelwald Magic Academy.

According to Athena, even the maids at the academy underwent a strict specialized training regiment, and the moment Hana heard about it, her eyes lit up like a child.

She agreed without hesitation.

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at her. “Are you sure, Hana? School is basically a legally binding contract of torment—a place where you trade your soul for sleepless nights, mind-numbing lectures, and the constant fear that your professor will randomly, on a whim, decide you should solve a difficult math problem at 8 AM in the morning in a surprise test he spontaneously created. “

Hana didn’t even blink.

“Where Master goes, I go.”

At the end I couldn't stop Hana from heading to her doom.

As for Lucia, I decided it was still too early to take her anywhere. She was still healing, and I wasn’t about to risk her safety.

I informed Izek of my departure to the magic academy, and he seemed surprisingly fine with it.

“I already expected you would join the academy at some point since you are so good at magic. I’ll continue my training here. This place is peaceful, and the magic density is insane. It’s perfect for my training.” Izek said.

Meanwhile, Caige and Maya were set to meet with Izek to discuss expanding the healing potion business into the Knight Kingdom. I decided it would be best to seek the Valoria family’s support in establishing a foothold there if they wanted to form a business partnership.

Oddly enough, Caige, Maia, and Izek, the three seemed to have formed an unexpected bond already. Though Caige still looked visibly annoyed whenever Izek was around. Izek, in contrast, seemed entirely fascinated by Maya’s beast transformation abilities.

Once their business in the Knight Kingdom was settled, they’d return to the Stark Kingdom to meet Nia and await further orders.

I had something special planned for them —a reward for their hard work.

And what is that gift I had in mind…

The answer lay deep within the lowest floors of the Tathya Labyrinth.

Standing at its 98th level, I gazed into the empty void ahead. A smirk tugged at my lips.

It was time I finally took some help from the abyss I conquered myself.

Stepping into the 98th floor, I was greeted by the inhabitants of this realm — white-shelled spiders with obsidian-black eyes, an inferior race compared to my own.

Yet, this was the only floor where I didn’t have to fight against monsters.

Instead, these little spiders acknowledged me as their kin and queen.

They had promised their loyalty, offering their strength and service without hesitation. And now, I was here to accept that offer.

Right now, I was still unaware of any incident that was happening around the world. I needed eyes —a network that could keep me informed about major events.

And the best candidates for this task?

Monsters driven by pure instinct. Creatures that would remain fiercely loyal to me.

These spiders fit the role perfectly —Silent. Deadly.

Invisible in the smallest crevices. Venomous enough to paralyze even beings with divine powers.

If I could utilize their help properly, I would always be one step ahead of any potential danger.

The moment I passed through the doorway, it felt like stepping into a kingdom of spiders.

The dome space was illuminated by rich blue light emanating from a massive cluster of Magetite ore growing along the ceiling. The ore had multiplied manifold compared to the last time I saw them, a clear sign that the spiders had become even stronger.

Their webbed dwellings had evolved into massive silk structures, resembling grand domes and spires that looked irresistibly tempting.

The entire place exuded a strange, alluring comfort, as this place was no longer a monster-infested dungeon, but a sanctuary of spiders.

And then…

They appeared.

Spiders —ranging from pea-sized critters to towering behemoths the size of boulders—crawled forward in unison. Their voices clicked and hissed, forming an eerie yet oddly familiar chant.

“The Queen is here!”

I smiled as the spiders rallied in front of me.

I scanned the crowd, my gaze falling on the newborns —the tiny ones must have hatched from the eggs I had seen during my last visit. That would explain why there were no more eggs in sight.

Then, one of the spiders stepped forward — with the most majestic pattern on their shell like an engraved marking.

I recognized it instantly.

She extended one of her legs toward me, and without hesitation, I reached out and grasped it in a firm handshake.

“Elly.” Her name left my lips with a strange sense of familiarity. The spider I gave a name last time I visited.

Out of all the spiders, she stood out the most, her body radiating strength and dominance.

She had grown and evolved the most compared to the other spiders.

I remembered how shy and uncertain I was the first time I met them. But this time, I saw things differently.

I felt confident. And natural.

Maybe I have gotten a bit mature as well in this short time.

“Queen, you came back!”

Elly’s voice trembled with excitement, her small bulging eyes glistening with faint traces of moisture.

I smiled, stepping forward and gently placing a hand on her smooth, ivory-white carapace. It felt cool under my fingertips, yet there was an odd warmth in the way she leaned into my touch.

“Yes, I needed some help. And you were the only guys who came to my mind whom I could trust.“

A hush fell over the chamber. Then, Elly’s voice rang with unwavering devotion.

“We would do anything for the Queen.”

"Anything…” “Anything…“ “Anything…"

The chant spread through the ranks of spiders, their synchronized voices echoing like a chorus of children, weaving together like a strange yet endearing melody.

I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Despite their fearsome abilities, they looked adorable—like a choir of spider singers, swaying slightly as if waiting for my next command.

I took a deep breath.

“Are you all willing to come with me to the outside world?”

“Yes!”

They didn’t even wait to hear the details. Their excitement was already through the roof.

I had other options too. Athena’s shadow organization. Then Nia and her team from the Belladonna organization.

But… They were only human. They had their own lives, their own reasons.

But these spiders? They had no doubts. No hesitation. Their very instincts dictated their loyalty, something I could deeply resonate with.

“I want to use this place as my base to gather intelligence. Half of you will go to the outside world and gather information. The other half will remain here, analyzing and organizing everything.”

“Waaahhh…”

Their voices echoed in pure amazement.

Hearing such an adorably surprised reaction from these spiders sent an unexpected tingling sensation through my heart.

A wave of nods rippled through the swarm, their movements perfectly in sync. It was as if they had already accepted their mission the moment I spoke.

Without hesitation, I opened multiple teleportation portals each leading to locations I had previously visited across both the demon continent and the human lands.

From there, the spiders would spread in all four directions.

I counted carefully, and after sending through nearly a thousand spiders, I decided it should be enough.

But I also needed some special spiders to assist my human companions.

Elly's eight eyes gleamed with understanding before I even had to ask. “I’ll choose the best ones who can blend in with humans.”

Another ability of these spiders was they could change their size.

Some could shrink to the size of a ping-pong ball, while the young ones could become as tiny as grains of sand.

Perfect advantage for spies.

And right now, I had no doubt in mind, about the spider companion I should choose for myself who would help me coordinate with this large spider network.

“Would you like to be my second-in-command?” I asked looking at Elly.

For a brief moment, it froze. Then, its entire body trembled—not with fear, but with overwhelming joy.

“Yes, Queen!”

In an instant, she shrank to the size of a pocket-sized doll and leaped onto my shoulder.

I felt a soft tickle as she nestled against my hair, blending in like a small decorative bun and camouflaging with my appearance.

Good.

Elly wasn’t just any spider —she was one of the few who had mastered shadow teleportation. That meant she could travel freely between the base and the outside world, bringing me real-time information from the base.

She rubbed her tiny furry head against my neck as if testing her comfort. Then, she suddenly froze.

I blinked.

Elly’s legs trembled, pulling away slightly —as if afraid she might accidentally scratch me.

I knew why.

Even the slightest scratch from their legs or fangs could release a deadly neurotoxin, capable of paralyzing even monsters from this labyrinth.

I sighed softly, reaching up and gently picking Elly up in my palm. Its small form fit perfectly in my hand.

“It’s alright.”

I brought a finger to its head, stroking it gently.

Elly stiffened at first, then relaxed, leaning into my touch.

“I can’t think of you as a pet, Elly. You’re my companion. —And just so you know your poison doesn’t affect me in the slightest.” I smiled, tilting my head. “So, you can always stick close to me.”

A soft clicking sound escaped from Elly, like a purr.

“Are you all ready to be my eyes in the outside world?”

The response came in a thunderous chorus, shaking the very walls of the cavern—

“Yes, Queen!”

And so, my spider network was born.

◇◇◇

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