I told my friends about the new information but there was not really anything we could do. Cassie was very interested in the bomb, of course. I could see the gleam in her eyes. She would certainly ask Horas for more information.

  The next day I was approached by another student. I noticed that he was a third year, based on his uniform.

  “Koyuki, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He greeted me with a smile.

  I studied the man. He had a round face, rather smooth skin and brown hair. He was clean shaven and had dark green eyes.

  “Greetings, I am afraid I do not know your name.” I replied.

  “Ah, I am Felix Wren and I am a necromancer!” He said.

  “Oh. Are you curious about Nyx because she is a tier three?”

  Nyx got a lot of attention these days. And she absolutely enjoyed it. She sat in her box on Chariot and inspected the student. Some days I wondered if she would grow a crown, or something.

  “Your undead is certainly interesting but this is about something else. I am part of a group, outside of the academy, who is trying to promote necromancy. With Ilestria targeting us I think it is more important than ever to ensure the people know our worth. And to remove restrictions on our magic.” Felix said.

  I scratched my head. He reminded me of the Brotherhood. Not that I heard anything from them for a while. Was he part of them?

  “I don’t feel very restricted.” I answered.

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  He nodded. “You have special permissions most of us do not have. Imagine if they took away Nyx.”

  “Powerful magic does need certain restrictions. I understand that I have received some special treatment, but anyone equally talented would get the same benefits. See, I am not from a powerful family. Does not my case show that the system works? And anyone willing to join the military would get a permit for more undead.” I reasoned.

  Honestly I was not too familiar with the situation most necromancers faced. But considering how quickly I was recruited, even before they knew my potential, I figured any necromancer was welcome with open arms.

  “But not everyone wants to join the military.” Felix argued.

  “Then they hardly need an undead army. I suppose adventurers might, but they could always go to the academy first and become adventurers afterwards. Look, I am not claiming the system is perfect but I have no intention of joining your club.” I told him.

  “But think about all the dangers we face! Ilestria is trying to kill us. If necromancers are not allowed to protect themselves…”

  “Uh, have there been any killed so far? And you know that you can have some undead, right? You only need a permit for tier three or a large number. Anyone can have some undead bodyguards. Having a lot of minions is not going to save you from assassination, you just need a few strong ones. Anyway, I have to go or I will be late for class.”

  “Think about it!” He shouted after me as I left.

  I had no intention of joining his group. Nor did I have enough information about the state of necromancy to form a solid opinion about the laws. In any case, I had other things that required my attention. Like avoiding assassins and succeeding in my exams. The end of the year was getting closer.

  Also, I decided to tell Gronir about my encounter.

  “Felix Wren you say? I am not surprised. He is not that talented but thinks people are not showing him enough respect. So far he has not been preaching but we will keep an eye on him.” Gronir assured me.

  “Sir, have there been any attacks on other necromancers?” I wondered.

  “Not that I know of. But Duke Harold is certainly making a lot of noise about necromancy and the attack on his son. Well, he claims it was an attack on Leo at the party. You know, he was disappointed with his son's affinity. His family is known for their water and ice magic. But he is now capitalising on your popularity.” Gronir said.

  And sadly it made me even more interesting for Leo. I would likely be the dream match, power wise, in the eyes of his father.

  Suddenly something else occurred to me. “Sir, you said that Ilestria is not targeting other necromancers. But I was attacked on my way to the academy, just after my talent was discovered. Nobody knew how powerful I was back then. I understand that Ilestria fears an archmage, and wants to prevent me from becoming one. But why attack me when I was unknown?”

  “There are still a lot of unanswered questions. It’s possible that they knew more than we did. But how? Or why? We do not know. We don’t even know if that first attack was organised by Ilestria. Or how anyone acquired information about you that quickly.” He replied.

  Did Ilestria know something about me? Maybe about my past? Or was someone else involved? And how could I find answers?