Cursed

Jaegar boarded the train, finding his way to the designated cabin. As the train embarked on its journey, he settled into his seat, his anticipation growing with every passing hour.

After several hours of travel, the train arrived at a station near the academy. Jaegar got off the train and joined the other young men and women on the platform. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. There are only the students present at the station and no one else.

A man, presumably a staff member from the academy, approached the students and called for their attention. "Attention, students, please follow me," he announced before leading them outside of the station.

The surroundings consisted of a lush forest, with the station being the only man-made structure in sight. Jaegar, like the rest, followed the man, curious about what lay ahead.

Stepping out of the station, Jaegar's eyes fell upon a waiting bus, and the same staff member stood at its door.

The students, including Jaegar, eagerly boarded the bus, ready for the next leg of their journey. The engine hummed to life, and the bus smoothly set off, making its way toward the academy.

During the short ride, Jaegar marveled at the scenic views passing by, his excitement building with each passing minute.

Soon, the bus arrived at the grand entrance of the academy. Passing through an impressive archway adorned with intricate carvings of the name Cledwarys, the bus entered the academy grounds.

Jaegar's gaze was drawn to the main building, which stood tall with its majestic spires and tall towers. The sight left him awestruck, and he realized the immense opportunities that lay before him.

As the bus came to a stop, all the students disembarked, greeted by a lady dressed in a vibrant green long gown with a cloak over it. She warmly welcomed them, instructing them to proceed to their respective dormitories. The lady's voice carried a sense of authority and warmth, instantly putting the students at ease. The crowd moved towards his designated dormitory. After passing on the instructions, she looked over the crowd, and her gaze stopped near Jaegar.

Approaching Jaegar, she inquired, "Are you Jaegar?" He nodded affirmatively, and she beckoned him to follow her.

Walking through the corridors of the academy, Jaegar couldn't help but notice the aged and mystical ambiance of the place. The interior exuded a sense of ancient wisdom and magical history. Eventually, they reached the office of the headmaster. Upon entering, Jaegar's gaze fell upon an elderly man with remarkably sharp features who was standing near the window.

"Mr. Jaegar, finally. I have been waiting for you," the headmaster said with a warm smile. His voice carried a hint of authority and wisdom, commanding respect from those around him.

Jaegar frowned slightly as to why he was standing in the presence of the esteemed headmaster as soon as he arrived at the academy.

Jaegar responded to Ashfield, the old man, saying, "Well, I didn't know."

As Ashfield approached Jaegar, he could sense a dark presence emanating from him. It was as if a shadow loomed over Jaegar, casting an eerie aura around him. The headmaster's smile faded slightly, his eyes narrowing with concern.

The atmosphere grew tense as a black miasma enveloped Jaegar, causing him to clutch his chest in pain. Collapsing to the floor, Jaegar trembled uncontrollably while Ashfield and Jeanine rushed to his side. They could hear Jaegar's labored breathing and see the beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Concerned, Ashfield observed Jaegar's pale complexion and rapid heartbeat, realizing that something was seriously wrong. He looked at his deteriorating condition and concluded, "He has been cursed."

Jeanine, filled with disbelief, questioned, "How is that possible? He only arrived today."

Ashfield urged Jeanine, "Quickly, we must take him to her. Only she can save him."

Jeanine hesitated, realizing the gravity of the situation. However, she knew they had no choice but to seek the aid of that woman mentioned by Ashfield. Failure to do so could provoke the wrath of the empress and lead to the death of a young man.

With resolve, Jeanine made up her mind and asked, "But why would she help him?"

Ashfield responded firmly, "Tell her that he is the son of Augusta."

Jeanine contemplated the risks involved but understood that saving Jaegar was their only priority.

Reluctantly, she agreed, aware that time was running out. Ashfield, unable to accompany her, conjured a portal for Jeanine to enter. The portal opened, revealing a small country house surrounded by lush green fields and colorful wildflowers. Jeanine took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead, and stepped through the portal into the unknown in the distance. Urging Jeanine to hurry, he emphasized, "Go quickly. Do not mention my name in her presence. Just save the boy."

Assisting Jaegar to his feet, Jeanine supported him as they crossed the threshold of the portal.

As they traversed the portal, Jeanine found herself standing before the house, and the portal vanished behind her. She wasted no time and hurriedly approached the door.

However, Jaegar's condition worsened rapidly, with his body turning completely black and growing cold. Struggling to bear his weight, Jeanine could feel his pulse weakening, as if it could cease at any moment.

A woman, Lady Angelina, opened the door and stepped out. She possessed an aura of enchantment, with her eyes as dark as midnight and her hair tied up in a black bun. Wearing a long black gown, she exuded an air of mystery and power.

As she approached the place where Jaegar had collapsed, Lady Angelina remarked, "He didn't have the courage to come himself, so he sent you. And what have you brought here, dear Jeanine?"

Jeanine, filled with urgency, hastily replied, "He is dying, Lady Angelina."

Unfazed, Lady Angelina responded with indifference, "And why should I care?"

Jeanine, realizing the importance of her next words, revealed, "He is the son of Augusta, and he appears to be cursed."