Lich reborn as a magic school student

The birds sing ahead as I continue to ascend the mountain, and I reach the gate, which leads into the serene home of the spirit queen. I step forth, letting the howling winds embrace me. The heat of the sanctuary comforts my weary mind, and the cool, ankle-high water I step through calms me. As I ascend atop the elevated stage made from the oldest tree, I see the spirit queen herself.

“Kashra, for the mighty deed of protecting the deepwood from the encroaching darkness, I grant you a title. ‘Dominator of the Heart’, for your bravery in battle, shows you reign over fear. A worthy title, I would say, for even the darkness fears you.” Those words were the only ones the spirit queen gave to me. For she knew what I was. I stepped towards her and spoke a nightmare into existence.

The spirits which see through all things knew of my nature, and that I would not allow. I scattered the spirits of the world by sending their deity into a long slumber. As she fell to the ground, the oldest tree morphed to form a flower bed for her to sleep in. On her face, there was a slight smile. “It will be warmer when you wake up.” Those words were what I left behind for her.

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I wake up to the sound of chirping birds outside the window and rise from my bed. I am healed from yesterday’s sickness. The body of a partial demon lord is not to be underestimated. I could even grow a severed limb with a good night’s rest.

I head to the kitchen area and notice the tray and bowl from which I ate yesterday. Today I should wash and return it to that girl. While casting the spell of cleansing, I reminisce about my time in Vutia. The maids used to always be so happy when I helped them with cleaning up, and their smiles brought warmth to my heart. However, that nostalgic feeling vanishes as the deep solitude that haunts me returns.

To take my mind away from the emptiness, I grab the now clean tray and bowl and head outside. Turning right, I walk a few steps until I am at the door from which I can feel the shadow warrior I sent before. Knowing that I have arrived at the correct place, I knock on the door. With my enhanced hearing I notice the approaching footsteps, and then the door opens, and beyond I see the girl once again.

“Here. These were from yesterday, and thank you again.” I say while handing over the tray and bowl with a slight bow.

“Oh, thank you.” She takes the tray and bowl.

“Then I shall be off. I have something to do.”

“Goodbye then. See you at school, Kashra.”

“Yes. Goodbye.” With those parting words, I walk away from the apartments. Next order of business is to get some money. Human society is based around money in both this world and my old world, and my regal position as an archmage means I do not know what restraint is.

I send forth a mental transmission to Bluefang through our connection to meet me in an alley nearby, and then I begin to walk towards it. Reaching it, I see a black-haired teenager and three rough looking people, and by the volume they’re talking in, it seems like a fight is about to break. It is three versus one, but only one of the three is a mage, so the teenager does have a chance.

It begins with the teenager sending one of the three flying with a simple wind spell, but looking at its formation, I can tell he’s a spirit caster. The mage on the other side conjures forth a magical spear and tries to stab the teenager. Ah, I should probably intervene. Spirit casters are rare and useful. [Mantle of Darkness] [Abyssal Mantra] [Devil’s Tongue] I cast those three spells turning myself into a shambling form of chaotic ever-changing darkness, and speak with both the fear effects of [Abyssal Mantra] and the coercive effects of [Devil’s Tongue] “Flee or Perish“

With those words, the three rough looking people look at me and quickly asses how much stronger I am. However, the teenager dares not turn around while the three are in front of him, and only turns around after the three begin to runaway. Shock is evident on his face when he crosses eyes with me. I step forward “You, spirit caster, need not be afraid.”

“Who are you?” he asks, but I do not answer.

Rather, I say “Ahsnagalr, Roorok, and Jjorrikvii those three are the spirits which I suggest you contract with. If they ask how you know of them, you can tell them that the ‘Dominator of the Heart’ told you about them.“

“You know the names of spirits? Who are you?”

“Horkonar, Hjeekv, and Golarn are spirits which you should avoid at all costs. They will only bring you down.“

“You…” he takes a long gulp

“I do not plan to answer your questions today, but we will meet again. Now run off.” With those last words I activate [Abyssal Mantra] once again, and right away his face contorts with fear. Then, with the spell [Old Warrior Blessing], he realises the situation and runs away. ‘Dominator of the Heart’ was the title given for my ability to manipulate people’s emotions to a frightening level.

After confirming that the teenager has gone far enough away, I let go of [Mantle of Darkness] and return to my humanoid form. Right on queue, Bluefang appears panting at the alley’s end. He’s in a different form this time. A middle-aged businessman in a suit and tie. It seems he ran all the way here. I first pull Bluefang into an exact copy of the alley with the spell [False Space] being a mere Tier 2 mage. He doesn’t notice it. I cast the spell [Ghostly Recall], which creates ghosts of the three people and the teenager.

“Do you have any information about these people?” I ask.

Bluefang looks at the figures and then speaks. “Those three are part of one of my sub gangs, but the Teen I don’t recognize.“

“Tell your people to not mess with that teen again. He is under my wing now, and…” letting go of both the [Ghostly Recall] and [False Space], I point towards a small diner across the street. “You will be paying for my breakfast. We will continue our talk there.”

Before we walk into the diner, I cast [Illusory Face] which makes me look like a middle-aged businessman. This is to avoid suspicion. I order a classic steak dinner as my body can turn any excess food directly into magical power due to my partial demon lord physique. We sit down at a table, and then I continue.

“I’m going to take another loan, and as previously, I do not plan to pay it off. I am sure you are fine with that”

“Haha, of course, boss.”

“Also.” I take out the gem which I made yesterday and place it on the table. “Do you know of a person I could sell this to? It’s a gem with mana concentration.“

“Oh yes. One of my associates is always looking for more magic items, but may I ask, how did you get it?“

“Ah, do you remember when you invaded my home? The person who got a hole in his stomach. I made it from his soul.” With those words, Bluefang looks horrified. And then the waiter brings over my food. I eat it with the refined manners I’ve learnt in the court of Vutia, and then once I am finished, Bluefang pays for my meal.