The dragon's shadow

Hunter's grave

It was night time. The whole academy was silent. The always busy road was clear too. I was in my room thinking about the Argos' death when i heard a knock.

'knock knock'

I was surprised. For the first time after I joined the academy someone came to my room. Everyone in the academy avoided me and I didn't even have a roommate.

"Grey. Are you in there? "It was Andrew.

" Y-Yes, sir. "I opened the door." What's the matter sir? "

" It's nothing important,Grey. The principal wants to see you. Come with me. " Andrew replied.

I tried asking him why but Andrew didn't speak more than that. So, I followed him silently. After some turns, we reached the principal's room. Andrew stepped forward,

'Knock Knock'

" I brought him sir. "

" Good. You can go now. "A voice came from principal's office.

Andrew bowed at the door and returned. After he was gone, the door opened and I could see the principal and my father, Arthur inside. Mario gestured me to walk in and so I walked in and closed the door. I bowed courteously to both of them and stood there. Mario opened his mouth to say something but hesitated and asked my father, "Mr. Arthur. Why don't you say it to him yourself."

Hearing that my father gestured me to sit beside him and put his hand around my shoulder. He said in a gentle voice, "Son, I need your help. You are the only one who can do this. You will help me, right? "

I was confused. My father who never wanted to see my face was asking for my help. I was happy that my father saw me as his son and asked for my help and I wanted to help him if I could. So I said," Of course, father. If I can help you in anyway I will definitely help you. "

My father looked haply at my response.

" Hahaha, that's my son. Don't worry, you can definitely do it. "

I had a feeling that something was wrong by thw way he was acting. So, I asked," What do I have to do, father? "

" Nothing much. You just have to bring me the fang of the thunder wolf. "

I was shocked by the cold reply. Thunder wolf was a predator among low level magical beasts and the forest itself was known as the hunter's grave. Even a 3rd circle magician would have a hard time travelling in the forest alone but my father wanted me to bring the thunder wolf's fang. He was lite telling me to go die.

" F-father y-you ars joking, right? How can I bring thunder wolf's fang? It's impossible for me. "

" What was that? You, being the son of me, the great Arthur can't even kill a thunder wolf. Then, you might as well die. What use do I have for such a gutless bastard? "

My father had a angry look on his face. It was like he would jump on me and tear me apart at the next moment. My whole body was shaking from fright when my father said,

" Grey, don't be afraid. I am not telling you to go alone. Two teachers of your academy will accompany you. I just want you to experience this. "

Hearing this, I was somewhat relieved. I thought that my father was training me now that Charles killed Argos. So, I agreed. " Okay, father. "

" Good. My son, go to your room. Your teachers will come there. "My father said.

I walked towards the door. I left the room and closed the door. I was about to go towards my room when I heard." Why are you sending him to the thunder wolf. Even Abbot might not believe that a 1st circle magician would dare to go against it. "

I thought that my father would praise me now. So I listened to their conversation but what I heard was something else.

" You don't need to worry too much. I know Grey the best. He is not physically strong but his mind is of a fighter. If I send him to fight some low leveled beast, he might escape. I can't take that change. As for Abbot, you can say that he was running through the forest when he accidentally came across a thunder wolf and died. "

That was some shocking news. I realised at that moment that my father really loved me. Since I was a kid I was weak at magic but I had a sharp mind. So, even when lacking power I always took my revenge. There was my classmate who beat me up because I didn't show respect to him. I was angry so I returned him the favour. I stole Argos' pendant and put in his pocket. He got beat up more than me. That felt hilarious. If you cant win through power then win through mind. That was what I followed. I might not repay kindness but grudges must be cleared.

Even my father planned on killing me. So there was no one who would help me. I had to rely on myself and so I did. I ran. I was planning to hide at a safe area but nowhere seemed safe. So I thought if humans were against me, I should borrow the strength of monsters. So, I entered the forest where I didn't even dare to look before.