The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 67: The Lively Grand Opening

Amberine leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. Ignis, nestled in her robe, murmured, "This better be good."

"Magic Tower University stands as a beacon of knowledge, a sanctuary where the mysteries of magic are unraveled and mastered. For centuries, this institution has cultivated some of the most powerful magicians the world has ever known." As he spoke, tiny sparks of light began to flicker around him, forming intricate patterns in the air.

"Our history is rich with tales of discovery and innovation. From the founding Magisters who first established these halls, to the Enlightened who continue to push the boundaries of what we know." The lights expanded into a grand illusion, displaying scenes from the university's past. Amberine watched, mesmerized, as spectral figures enacted moments of great triumph and discovery.

"Magic, in all its forms, is a gift. It is a bridge between the mundane and the extraordinary." As the chancellor continued, the illusions shifted to showcase various forms of magic—elemental spells, arcane rituals, and powerful enchantments. Each display was accompanied by gasps and murmurs of awe from the audience.

"But magic is not just power; it is also responsibility. Here, you will learn to wield it with wisdom and integrity." The lights around him coalesced into a glowing orb, radiating warmth and light that filled the room. Amberine felt a sense of inspiration wash over her, a deep-seated belief that she was part of something much larger than herself.

"Our university is built on the principles of exploration, discovery, and unity. We are a community of scholars, bound by our shared pursuit of knowledge." The chancellor's voice grew softer, more intimate. "Every one of you has the potential to make remarkable contributions to the magical world. And it is our duty to nurture that potential."

The orb of light burst into a shower of sparks, each one transforming into a different magical creature—a phoenix, a dragon, a unicorn. The creatures danced above the students' heads before dissolving into a mist of glittering stardust.

"Welcome, to the realm of magic and wonders," the chancellor concluded. "Have fun."

The room erupted into applause, the students on their feet in a standing ovation. Amberine joined in, her heart pounding with excitement. The chancellor's speech had ignited a fire within her, a burning desire to dive deeper into the world of magic.

"That was impressive," Ignis admitted grudgingly. "Even I felt something."

Amberine exited the auditorium, the energy of the crowd infectious. The campus was buzzing with activity, more vibrant than she had ever seen it. Students gathered in groups, discussing the speech and sharing their excitement for the semester ahead. Various clubs had set up booths, each one trying to attract new members with demonstrations and promises of adventure.

"Look at all these people," Amberine said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

"You're being loud," Ignis grumbled. "And you're overreacting."

Amberine ignored him, her eyes wide with wonder as she wandered through the bustling campus. She passed by a booth where students were demonstrating pyromancy, their flames dancing in intricate patterns. Another group showcased potion-making, the air filled with the scent of exotic herbs and magical ingredients.

"Hey, check this out!" Amberine called out as she approached a group performing a synchronized spellcasting routine. The precision and elegance of their movements were mesmerizing.

"Are you always this excitable?" Ignis asked, his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"Yes, and you should try it sometime," Amberine shot back, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

As she continued to explore, she found herself drawn to a booth manned by students from the Knights' course. They were demonstrating combat magic, their spells combining physical prowess with magical enhancements. Amberine watched in awe as a knight summoned a spectral sword, its blade shimmering with arcane energy.

The knight performed a series of fluid movements, the spectral sword slicing through the air with precision. Each swing left trails of glowing energy, and with a final flourish, the knight dispelled the sword, leaving the audience in stunned silence before they erupted into applause.

Amberine was captivated. She moved closer to the booth, her curiosity piqued by the display of strength and magic. "How do they do that?" she whispered, more to herself than to Ignis.

"It's a combination of physical training and enchantments," a voice answered. Amberine turned to see one of the knights, a tall young woman with short, spiky hair and a friendly smile.

"Hi, I'm Seraphina," she introduced herself, extending a hand.

"Amberine," she replied, shaking her hand. "That was amazing! How long does it take to learn something like that?"

"It varies," Seraphina said. "Some pick it up quickly, others take more time. But it's a lot of hard work and dedication. Are you interested in combat magic?"

"I think so," Amberine said, glancing at Ignis. "It seems really challenging, but also incredibly rewarding."

"It is," Seraphina agreed. "And it's not just about fighting. It's about discipline, control, and understanding your own strengths and limits. If you're interested, you should come by our training sessions. We're always looking for new recruits."

"I'll definitely think about it," Amberine said, feeling a surge of excitement.

Seraphina gave her a nod of encouragement before returning to the demonstration. Amberine watched for a while longer, absorbing every detail of the combat techniques and the flow of magic. The Knights' course was definitely something she wanted to explore further.

Moving on, she found herself at a booth for the Elemental Research Club. The members were engaged in a lively discussion about the properties of different elements and their interactions. Amberine listened intently, fascinated by the depth of knowledge and the passion they exhibited.

Before she could move closer, Ignis decided to make his presence known. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he sent a small burst of flame shooting out from her robe. It wasn't harmful, but it was enough to draw attention.

"Amberine, your robe!" a nearby student exclaimed, pointing at the smoldering fabric.

Amberine's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly patted out the small fire. "Ignis, what are you doing?" she hissed.

"Just having a bit of fun," Ignis replied innocently, though Amberine could sense his amusement.

The incident had drawn a small crowd, and Amberine felt a pang of mortification. She hurried away from the knights' booth, her mind racing with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Great, now everyone thinks I'm some kind of walking fire hazard," she muttered.

Ignis chuckled. "You have to admit, it was pretty funny."

Amberine scowled. "Not the kind of attention I wanted, Ignis."

As she moved away from the crowd, she found herself surrounded by a sea of club representatives, each one eager to recruit new members. They called out to her, offering pamphlets and demonstrating their unique talents.

"Join the Elemental Research Club! Discover the secrets of the elements!"

"Sign up for the Alchemical Society! Create potions that can change the world!"

"Join the Combat Magic Club! Hone your skills and become a master of battle!"

Amberine felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. She wanted to join them all, to learn everything she could, but she knew she had to choose wisely.

"I think the Elemental Research Club sounds interesting," she said, glancing at a nearby booth.

"Boring," Ignis scoffed. "Go for the Combat Magic Club. They have real action."

Amberine sighed. "You always want excitement. I want to understand the deeper workings of magic."

"You can't understand anything if you're too busy studying to experience it," Ignis retorted.

The argument continued, with Ignis advocating for clubs that promised adventure and Amberine leaning towards those that focused on research and learning. Each club they passed seemed to offer something unique, and the decision grew more difficult with every step.

"You can't do everything," Ignis pointed out. "You have to pick one."

"I know, but it's so hard to choose," Amberine replied, frustration creeping into her voice. "I want to make the right decision."

As they approached a crossroads, Amberine felt a pang of uncertainty. The clubs were vying for her attention, each one representing a different path she could take. She stood there, torn between her desire for knowledge and her yearning for adventure.

Ignis sighed. "Look, why don't you just pick the one that feels right? You can always change later if it doesn't work out."

Amberine nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I just need to make a decision."

She took a moment to survey her options once more. The Elemental Research Club, with its promise of unraveling the mysteries of magic, called to her inquisitive nature. The Combat Magic Club, with its focus on strength and action, appealed to her sense of adventure. And then there were the other clubs, each offering their own unique experiences and opportunities.

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the campus, Amberine stood at the crossroads, her mind racing with possibilities. The path she chose would shape her journey at Magic Tower University, and she wanted to make sure it was the right one.

With a determined look in her eyes, Amberine squared her shoulders and took a step forward, ready to embrace whatever the future held. The decision was hers to make, and she was ready to face the challenges ahead.