Graded [Isekai Hell] Joining the Academy

[Sam136]

The sun rises and another day in the city of Ryken starts. The normally busy city is almost quiet, a mix of it being early morning and the recent weather. Still even in such conditions life goes on and already a few intrepid stall owners were taking advantage of the cold to make a quick buck. A strange looking orc selling some apparently magical brown beans, an old granny selling handmade mittens and a strange young man stubbornly selling ice cream in the freezing cold.

It is in this weather that a relatively young girl can be seen near the entrance of the academy. She’s sitting at a desk next to the academy’s screening orb. Dark skinned with brown hair and wearing glasses, she’d normally be seen as attractive. Her violently shivering in the cold sadly detracts from the image.

Snow as far as the eye could see, the streets covered in sleet and ice, and wind so cold it felt like a knife in the ribs. All in all, not a pleasant start to the morning. Cynthia finds it hard to believe that it’s still better than that blizzard a few days ago. Also why was Jeffrey still selling his popsicles?! It was the middle of winter!

She sighs. She was being unfair; despite Jeff’s horrendous business acumen he hadn’t done anything to her. No the only one who’d done that was Professor Jedediah.

Not for the first time today she curses that teacher of hers. She’d never have agreed to helping them out if she knew they meant to dump her out in the cold, they *knew* how she hated it.

God. Stuff like this is what makes her miss her old home. She’d arrived at Ryken to complete her education a few years ago but the winter was never something she’d gotten used to. Snow was an abomination and she’d die on that hill if she had to.

She sighs again. Nothing to it now. After all it’s not like she can find anyone to take her place either. Most of the academy was busy in some… well she’s not sure. She had a bad habit of not paying attention to stuff like this. Suffice it to say they were busy.

Before she can mope further about her misery something catches her eyes. Were those people heading here? She hadn’t expected any prospective students this early but it seems she was wrong. Either way, time bring up a semblance of professionalism. Cynthia does her best to put on a smile and act welcoming.

 

[Eccentric_Undead]

Jason Ithbecka

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Spoiler: Minnions

Cryticrawlers:

Vilpincer:

Caustic Spitters:

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Mentions: Sam136

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A day unlike most. It wasn't often that Jason found himself in such a crowded place. Ryken was nothing like his old home. He wasn't used to being around so many people, but luckily they seemed to be avoiding him for some reason or another. He wasn't about to question why they ignored or moved away from him. It was a gift really. He didn't have anything to say to people anyways. Still, the thought did cross his mind that something might be wrong with him.

Standing in the middle of the thoroughfare, Jason looked over his map. Still pondering on things. All around him were bugs. Not just any bugs. These insects were massive. People looked in fear at the incredible side of a man surrounded by his own small force of monstrous insects. Each one looking prepared for battle. Yet, in the presence of this man they seemed almost like pets. Standing by and waiting for their masters orders. He looked down as he felt a tug upon his clothing. A warm smile graced his face as he saw one of his Crypticrawler's pulling at his clothing, squealing a little bit. He gently leaned down and picked up the massive insect. Holding it to his chest and stroking the carapace that covered it's back. The battle ready bug seemed to nuzzle into him, much like a cat would with its owner. A gentle smile and a chuckle of entertainment escaped him. He found such joy in these insects. Who wouldn't? They were such beautiful creatures.

"Alright my lovely companions, let's get ourselves to the academy." Turning on his heel, he started towards the massive academy building. Still holding the one Crypticrawler, the others skittered at his feet. The Vilpincer's moved rapidly before stopping and waiting for him to catch up, only to scramble forward once again to do it once more. Finally, the slightly larger of his insect collection, the Caustic Spitters we're just lumbering along with him. It was quite a sight to behold. This man, was clear burn marks across the left side of his face, had his own little escort service of giant insects. It was obvious to everyone else while he was being avoided. Well, everyone except himself.

Even so, eventually a crowd started to form around them. It didn't take him long to realize that these were other students of the academy. Also on their way to the first day of school. Of course, people still avoided him. He didn't mind at all. He happily walked with the bugs he loved so much. Stroking the back of the Crypticrawler he held to his chest. Stopping in the courtyard, his bugs encircled him as he looked around, trying to figure out where he was going. Eventually, he spotted the young woman at a desk. He decided that was where he needed to go. He moved forward through the crowd. The people moving aside as the man made his way through. The bugs staying in close proximity. Rapid sounds of clicking, small squeals and the sound of snow crunching beneath their legs.

He stopped at the desk. A soft smile on his face as he mindlessly pet the Crypticrawler. The Caustic Spitters turning and taking a more defensive looking stance behind him, but really they were just moving. The Vilpincer's massive tails stood over the table, softly opening and closing as they swayed. The remaining Crypticrawler's simply huddled into them selves, laying at his feet.

"Good evening. I am assuming this is registration? I am here for my first day." His smile of warmth and camaraderie was thwarted by the massive bug snuggled into his chest. Despite how pleasant he seemed, the giant bugs really threw everything off. Especially since they all looked quite dangerous. They all seem to be quite pleased and willing to do anything for this man, but it's still wasn't exactly a pleasant sight. Rather off-putting actually "So, what do you need from me?"

 

[Ar Ef See]

As a small child, Tohru's plan to beg for food and clothing was sound, but did not push through. Even before entering the gates of Ryke, guards on patrol immediately noticed her. It was hard not to take not of a naked child. They were kind and offered a helping hand. They had raggedy clothes, warm soup, and some bread. Tohru wasn't picky and gladly accepted their help. With a full stomach and some clothes on her back, Tohru snuck away from the guards and ran into the protectorate. With the help she had received, her earlier plans needed some revisions. Next thing she needed was a place to become stronger. She went around asking random strangers. Many laughed at her question, seeing her as just a cute child while some advised her to instead play around with other children her age. Tohru did not enjoy being belittled and patronized. If she had it her way, she'd at least leave them with some singed eyebrows, but she needed to be the bigger person despite being the smaller person. When presented with unreasonable answers, Tohru would just pout, puff her cheeks, and angrily walk away. Her hard work eventually paid off as her inquiries gave her two answers; the academy or adventurer's guild. Tohru knew that she was but a beginner and needed to learn more about herself before rushing into actual missions. With the answer being obvious, Tohru rushed towards the doors of the academy.

At the Academy

Tohru pushed and shoved her way through the crowds of civilians and students-to-be. When you were half to a third the size of most people, it wasn't unlikely to get unnoticed. Coupled with the thick snow, Tohru's patience were reaching it's limits.

"Hey! Move it!" She had enough. Blowing out a bit of fire around her, she forced her way forward. Tohru was likely breaking some sort of rule or law, but she couldn't be patient anymore.

Fire spitting, scratching, and bumping her way through the crowds, she managed to reach the front where she saw a glasses-wearing woman. She looked professional and seemed like the person she was looking for. She was told to look got a kind looking woman with glasses, and there she was. Tohru tunnel-visioned on her, ignoring anything and everything else around her.

"Hey, hey!" Tohru raised and waved her hands, trying to get Cynthia's attention. "I wanna join the academy. I don't have money, but I have this!" Tohru pulled out a piece of bread from her pockets. It was stale and partly bitten, but that was all she had.

 

[Sam136]

Cynthia

'Ahh. One of those kinds'

Cynthia keeps up a polite smile but can't help but sigh inwardly. She'd seen bug boys type before, the academy attracted all kinds of people after all. He wouldn't be the first person here to look at an abomination against God and call it "cute", he wouldn't be the last either.

Cynthia feels a sense of… she's not sure honestly. It's hard to put a name to the feeling. She has mixed feelings when she thinks of all the times she's had to tell people to keep their extremely lethal pets away from the general public. Yes that would do.

For now though she had a job to do.

"Why of course. As long as you have the money to pay for the tuition and the required skills then you are definitely welcome. First though, I'll have you place your hand on the scanner"

Cynthia pauses a moment and adds some more.

"Don't worry the scanner will only reveal criminal titles and give me a general idea of your capabilities. It won't reveal anything you might wish be kept secret"

She takes a deep breath. She hopes the strange boy won't cause a fuss on this next part.

"I'm deeply sorry but I will have to ask you to keep your… pets hidden. They're making the others uncomfortable. Also… they are under control, yes? It seems so but I wish to hear it from you. Do note that If they go and cause an incident it will be *your* responsibility"

Her words are polite but firm.

"For now though just place your hand on the orb"

Waving away the boy she looks to the next person in line. Before she can comment on their size she gets handed a piece of bread.

Stale bread by the feel of it… well that was new. It seemed quite the few characters had shown up today.

Cynthia looks down at the person in question. A little girl who seemed to have dragon horns? Either way, her looking at Cynthia with those serious eyes told her that this was indeed no joke.

Oh… come on. This just wasn't fair. Stuff like this was why Cynthia hated manning the desk like this. How was she supposed to tell this little kid this wasn't going to be anywhere near enough.

It takes a while before Cynthia can even try to say anything. Finally she plucks up her resolve and returns the bread.

"Miss... I'm sorry but-"

"Just have her take the test first", a new voice says, interrupting her words.

She looks to the side and sees a young man. He stands impatiently but still elegantly, like the nobles she'd seen in the Academy.

They raise their eyebrows when she looks to them questioningly.

"It is as I said Ma'am. Despite her appearance the girl came here without an ounce of hesitation. She has motivation if not wealth"

They pause for a minute, holding their words until the moment was right.

"Let her try. She deserves a chance at the least I would say. If she isn't cut out for this then what do we lose other than some time? But if she does have potential… then we'll see"

Cynthia says nothing for a moment. The stranger… she didn't really feel too comfortable around them. That look in his eyes, She'd seen it before. It was the look of someone hiding something, another common trait of the nobles here. He wasn't someone She'd trust anytime soon.

Still…

Despite her personal feelings for the man he had a point. She would give the girl a chance. She could do that much at least.

She smiles at her.

"Is that fine by you little miss? I can't guarantee anything but you can at least show us what you're made of. If you impress us then we'll see if we can get you in"

With that done she turns her eyes back to the male. She moves to ask his name but-

"Alastair Stellfat, heir to the Stellfat estate and a future student here"

It turns out to be unnecessary. Was he perceptive enough to guess what she was about to say? Or did he just tend to announce his presence like that? It feels like it could be either one.

"I… see. Very well Mister Stellfat, you can go after the young girl here"

 

[Sam136]

Alastair

Well this day had been off to a… well he wouldn't say bad start but it was definitely a weird one.

These are Alastair's thoughts as he eats a popsicle in the freezing cold. He's not entirely sure why himself. Suffice it to say that Jeffrey is an extremely persuasive sales man.

Alastair licks the frozen treat.

He can't say it was bad though. The man knew his way around ice.

Alastair shivers. It was bloody cold.

Alastair licks. It was delicious.

Shiver
Lick
Shiver
Lick
Shiver

After his self imposed torment is dealt with Alastair notices a dark haired man grinning at him.

He frowns, pays the smug ice cream salesman and leaves. He then sees the crowd at the registration desk and stops. In the short amount of time he hadn't been paying attention the entire place had filled up.

'Oh come on… '

With no other choice the future Knight walks on over and waits in line. He sees the strangest people as he does so.

'Is this an academy or a circus? Cause that's where bug boy and dragon girl look like they belong'

Bug boy seemed to have no idea that he was carrying a vicious beast in his hands, the madman. The girl on the other hand looked like a beggar, a notion reinforced by their use of moldy old bread.

Part of Alastair thinks that the girl should be kicked out right now. This was no place for a child.

Another part wonders what she'd do if that happened? Alone and in rags. Where were her parents.

"Just have her take the test first", a voice says. It surprises Alastair just as much to realise its his.

Well… in for a penny in for a pound. He'll do that much for the rugrat at least, if she passes… he'll deal with that later.

With that dealt with, all that's left is to wait for his turn.

 

[Ar Ef See]

Interaction; Sam136

Tohru was not that disappointed when her bread was rejected. It meant that there was more for her to snack on later. She had to keep it away for now.

Hearing that her admission to the academy was going to be based on a test, Tohru clenched her fists tight and nodded.

"You can do this! You can do this!" Tohru was cheering herself on in her head. Her fists shook furiously. With each shake, her breath became more audible. From a quiet squeak-like "hmpf", it turned into loud grunts that were accompanied by small puffs of smoke. Slowly fire began spewing from her mouth, like a large candle flickering in the wind. Finally, Tohru took one large breath making her chest and cheeks puffed up. Directing her face to the sky, Tohru opened her mouth and let out a ball of fire that soared upwards. It spun rapidly as it rose, sending creating small embers of flame around it and melting the snow it came contact with in the air. At its peak, it slowly began to dissipate before completely disappearing.

Tohru raised both arms in the air with her fingers splayed and shaking.

"Ta Dah!" Tohru was smiling, flying a few feet off the ground, and showing off how proud she was at her ball of fame.

 

[Eccentric_Undead]

Jason Ithbecka

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Spoiler: Minnions

Cryticrawlers:

Vilpincer:

Caustic Spitters:

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Mentions: Sam136 Ar Ef See

Jason listened closely and smiled, despite his internal worry. He had never really had to worry about the bugs. They were always by his side. It was tough to think that others were off put by his precious insects "Well, I can assure you that they are quite tame and they are sweet as pie." He smiled, still petting the Crypticrawler held to his chest. The Vilpincer's just sitting around him and the Caustic Spitters standing behind him. Random insect like noises all around him.

He placed his hand on the orb, waiting for it to complete it's task. The insects simply sitting idle as they waited for commands or him to move. His eyes glanced over to the small girl, confused by her, but honestly not particularly worried about it.

 

[Novama]

Ar Ef See

OOC: this thread appears to be dead with the other 2 members leaving IH for the time being. Let me know if you want it graded as is or anything else.