She then turns to the rest of the class, who are filing in and taking their seats. She claps her hands, getting their attention. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we're going to talk about finding your niche in magic." She announces, her voice clear and confident.
Felix notices that she's using wind magic to amplify her voice, just like she said she would. He also notices that she seems more comfortable and relaxed than before, and is more excited than normal as he suspects this is a topic that's close to her heart. He wonders what changed, and if she's been practicing.
Nya continues her explanation, "Finding your niche means finding the type of magic that suits you best, that aligns with things like your personality, culture, or metaphysical properties. It's the type of magic that you can excel at, and enjoy doing, something that comes more naturally to you. Finding your niche can help you improve your skills, expand your options, and express yourself better." She says, her voice engaging.
"Many of your may already have an idea what your niche would be if asked based on personal experience and experimentation, and cultural traditions. If you want to share, feel free to. Though don't feel pressured to share. It's not the end of the world if you haven't found your niche yet. There are many ways to discover your niche, but I'm going to share some of the most common and effective methods, and give you some advice on how to apply them." She continues, gesturing to the props and materials on the table.
Felix listens intently, intrigued by the topic. He wonders what his niche is, and if he has one. If he had to say, it'd probably be fire magic. With fireball being his first and favorite spell. Though he doesn't know if that's his niche, or just a preference. He decides to keep an open mind, and follow Nya's guidance.
She picks up a book, and shows it to the class. "One way to find your niche is to explore different schools of magic, and see which one resonates with you the most. Schools of magic are broad categories that group similar spells and effects, based on their nature and origin. For example, elemental magic, illusion magic, summoning, divination, and so on. Each school has its own style, philosophy, and challenges. You can learn from books, scrolls, teachers, or other sources, and try out various spells from each school. You might find that you have a knack or a passion for a particular school, and that could be your niche." She explains, placing the book back on the table.
She then picks up a crystal, and holds it up. "Another way to find your niche is to examine your innate affinities and talents, and how they affect your magic. Affinities are natural tendencies or predispositions that make certain types of magic easier or harder for you. For example, some people have an affinity for fire, and can cast fire spells with less mana and more power than others, and have the opposite be true with water or ice spells. Though having a niche doesn't necessarily mean being restricted to it. Using the best tool for the job regardless is always an option, and spells outside your niche can even be modified to align more with your niche. Like for example, a fire mage might learn a spell that creates a jet stream of water, and modify it into a stream of flames instead. Also an earth mage could modify a wind spell to kick up a sandstorm instead." She elaborates, putting down the crystal.
She then picks up a mirror, and looks at herself. "A third way to find your niche is to look at your personality, values, and goals, and see how they influence your magic. Your magic is an expression of who you are, and what you want to achieve. For example, if you're a curious and adventurous person, you might enjoy spells that let you explore new places, like teleportation or scrying. If you're a compassionate person, you might prefer spells that help others, like cure wounds or restoration. If you're a proud and ambitious person, you might seek spells that enhance your status and power, like enchantment or invocation. Your niche should reflect your identity, and make you feel fulfilled and satisfied." She says, placing the mirror down.
She then looks at the class, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "These are just some of the ways to find your niche, and there are many more. The important thing is to experiment, reflect, and have fun. Finding your niche is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of discovery and growth. You might find that your niche changes over time, or that you have more than one niche, or that you don't have a clear niche at all. That's okay, as long as you're happy and comfortable with your magic. Now, I want you to pair up with someone, and share your thoughts on this topic. What do you think your niche is, or what do you want it to be? What are some of the schools, affinities, or aspects that interest you the most? Be honest, and be supportive of each other. You have 15 minutes." She instructs, clapping her hands.
Felix looks around, wondering who to pair up with. Though he doesn't get to do that as he gets enveloped in a sulfur scent and vanishes. Appearing in front of Lilith, who is sitting at an elegant table in a demonic royalty sitting room enjoying tea with two other elegant looking demon women. Felix is very much surprised by the sudden summons, and takes a moment to process what's happening.
He looks around, noticing that he's in a luxurious room, with red curtains, gold furniture, and ornate decorations. Then Lilith points towards the tea pot in the center of the table, "Pour our tea, servant." She commands, her voice bored and demanding.
The other two demonesses look at him with curiosity and amusement, their eyes scanning him from head to toe. One of them has blue skin and horns, and wears a revealing dress that shows off her ample curves. The other has green skin and wings, and wears a tight leather outfit that accentuates her fit figure. They both have striking features, and exude an aura of power and seduction.
Felix feels a bit intimidated, but also annoyed. Though he knows he has to comply. He sighs, and walks over to the table. He picks up the tea pot, and starts pouring the tea into the cups. He wonders how long this summons will last, and what else Lilith will make him do. He also wonders if he can use this opportunity to learn more about her, and maybe even have some fun.
Lilith sips her tea, and then speaks to her friends, "He's my new pet project, so to speak. He's the one who so rudely interrupted our tea session yesterday, so now he's paying restitution." She says, her voice casual.
The blue-skinned demoness laughs, her voice melodious. "Oh, is that so? He's quite cute, for a mortal. What's your name, little kitty?" She asks, her tone teasing as she reaches over and pats his head while he's pouring the tea. Felix can't help but purr a bit from the head pats, then looks more embarrassed and indignant when he takes control of his involuntary response.
Felix looks at her, feeling a bit flustered. "I'm Felix, and I'm not a kitty, I'm a cat beastkin." He corrects, his voice a bit defensive.
The green-skinned demoness smirks, her eyes glinting. "A beastkin, how exotic. I've never met one before. You must be very special, to catch Lilith's attention. Though I can't imagine how you managed to contact her. Did you use some kind of forbidden ritual, or were you just lucky?" She asks, her tone intrigued.
Lilith interjects, "The latter, apparently. He's an anomaly, with a natural talent for psionics and magic. He bypassed protocols and procedures by trying to impose 'come here' on reality and dumping enough mana into it to jump up the call registry. Something that shouldn't be possible, but it happened. Now he's paying the price."
The blue-skinned demoness nods, impressed. "I see. Well, he's not bad looking, and he seems obedient enough. Though I wonder how he performs in other areas." She says, her voice suggestive. She winks at Felix, making him blush.
The green-skinned demoness chuckles, her voice husky. "Indeed. Maybe we should test him, see what he can do. It could be fun, and educational." She says, her tone playful.
Felix feels a surge of panic, and looks at Lilith, hoping she'll intervene. He doesn't want to be used as a toy by these demons, even if they are beautiful. He remembers that he has some rights, and that he can refuse.
Lilith however, just shrugs, though looks a little amused, "Maybe another time. I only get him for two hours at a time, and we're having tea. Hardly the time or place for what you're proposing." She says, her voice nonchalant.
Felix feels a mix of relief and disappointment, which confuses him. He's glad that Lilith saved him from a potentially awkward and unpleasant situation, but also a bit curious about what could have happened. He shakes his head, clearing his thoughts. He finishes pouring the tea, and steps back. He wonders if there's anything else he can do, or if he should just wait silently until the summons ends.
Lilith seems to read his mind, and snaps her fingers. A book appears in front of him, floating in the air. It's a thick tome, with a leather cover and a golden title. It says "Being Summoned for Dummies: A Guide for Novice Demons" and has a picture of a confused-looking demon on the front.
Felix frowns, feeling insulted. "What's this?" He asks, his voice flat.
Lilith smiles, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "It's a book that explains the basics of being a summoned being, the etiquette, the expectations, the rights, the responsibilities, and so on. I thought you might benefit from reading it, since you obviously have no clue what you're doing. It's a good way to pass the time, don't you think?" She says, her voice taunting.
Felix sighs, feeling defeated. He takes the book, and opens it. It has a deceptively well-organized table of contents that implies a surpising depth of knowledge with a lot of thought put into how everything is explained and in what way. He actually starts to get excited about reading it despite the title. Though before he can really get into it, he feels the blue-skinned demoness' hand on his head again petting him, "No reading at tea time, kitten~."
Lilith considers it before saying, "She has a point. Put the book in your book bag and keep serving us. You have plenty of time to read it later." She then holds out her half-empty teacup for him to pour her some more tea. Felix pours the tea for him while her friend keeps petting his head.
The blue-skinned demoness then grabs him and lifts him off his feet and into her lap, and snuggles him like a giant plush toy. Felix meeps and then blushes, he's not sure how to feel about being treated like this. He knows he should object, but the feeling of her thighs under him and her breasts pressed into his back feel too good. He wonders if this is part of his punishment, or if she's just messing with him.
"Aw, isn't he adorable? Can I borrow him, Lilith? I promise I'll take good care of him." She asks, her voice sweet and innocent.
Lilith rolls her eyes, and sips her tea. "No, you can't. He's my familiar, not yours. If you want a pet, go get your own." She says, her voice dismissive.
The green-skinned demoness laughs, and joins in the fun. "Oh, come on, Lilith. Don't be so stingy. It's not every day that you get a cute little beastkin to play with. Let us have some fun with him. We'll share." She says, her voice tempting.
Lilith shakes her head, and puts down her cup. "You can play with him while I'm here and it's understood he's mine, but you can't borrow him, that's different." She says, her tone final. She then looks at Felix, who is still being held and cuddled by the blue-skinned demoness. He looks back at her, his face flushed and his ears flat. She smirks, enjoying his discomfort. "What's the matter, Felix? Don't you like being pampered by beautiful demons?" She asks, her voice teasing.
Felix wants to deny it, but he can't lie. He does like it, even if it's embarrassing. The green-skinned demoness notices and says, "He's purring~. I think he does like it."
He sighs, and tries to wriggle free, but his movements cause him to rub up against her in intimate ways that make him stop out of embarrassment. She whispers in his ear, "Don't fight it, kitty. Just relax and enjoy it. You're safe with us." She says, her voice soothing and seductive.
He feels a shiver run down his spine, and gives up resisting. He leans back into her embrace, and lets her pet him. He closes his eyes, and focuses on the sensations. He can feel her soft skin, her warm breath, her gentle touch. He also feels her magic, a warm and comfortable feeling that yet has an unmistakable jab of danger to it. He knows she's still a demoness and is in fact dangerous, and yet letting her have her way is easier and feels too good.
Lilith watches them, amused. She knows her friends are just having some fun, and that they won't do anything serious to him. She also knows that he's enjoying it, despite his protests. She thinks he's cute when he's flustered, and she likes seeing him like this. She decides to let them have their way, as long as they don't cross any boundaries.
The green-skinned demoness leans over, and kisses his cheek. "Hey, since you seem a little too comfortable, how about a question I've heard mortals don't like answering, do you have a girlfriend?" She asks, her voice curious.
Felix opens his eyes, and looks at her. He feels her lips on his skin, and her eyes on his. He doesn't know how to answer, or if he should answer at all. He decides to be honest, and say, "No, I don't. I've never had one."
The green-skinned demoness smiles, and caresses his face. "Really? I wonder why?" She asks, her voice intrigued.
The blue-skinned demoness chimes in, still holding him in her lap. "Maybe he's too picky, or too shy. Or maybe he's just waiting for the right person. Right, Felix?" She says, her tone playful. Felix feels his face heat up, and he looks away. He doesn't know what to say. He's had some crushes, but he never acted on them.
Lilith joins in on the teasing, "In that case, I bet he's a virgin too." She says with a grin.
Felix gasps, and covers his face with his hands. He feels like he's being interrogated, and he doesn't like it. He wishes they would stop, or that the summons would end soon. He's not sure how much more he can take.
The three demonesses laugh, enjoying his reaction. They know they're pushing his buttons, and they're having fun with it. "Alright, alright, we'll stop teasing you. For now. It's time for the pet to go back, but I have three more summons this month. What do you think I should have him do next time?" Lilith says, her voice sly.
Felix groans, feeling a sense of dread and anticipation. He doesn't want to know what she has in store for him, but he also can't deny his curiosity. He wonders what kind of tasks or challenges she'll give him, and if they'll be as pleasant or as unpleasant as this one.
He doesn't have to wait long to find out, as he feels a familiar tug on his mind. He knows that the summons is ending, and that he's about to go back to his world. He says a quick goodbye to the three demonesses, who wave at him with smiles. He then closes his eyes, and feels the world shift around him.
Felix opens his eyes, and finds himself back in the magic classroom. He looks around, and sees that nothing has changed. Nya is still there, and so are the other students. He checks the time, and sees that only a half hour has passed since he was summoned. He feels a bit disoriented, and a lot flustered.
Nya notices his return, and rushes to his side. "Felix! Are you okay? Where did you go? What happened?" She asks, her voice full of concern.
He looks at her, and blushes. He doesn't know how to explain what just happened, or how he feels about it. He decides to be vague, and say, "I'm fine, Nya. I was just... summoned by Lilith. She made me do some stuff for her. It was... weird." He says, his voice hesitant.
Nya looks at him, her expression sympathetic and curious. "What kind of stuff? Did she hurt you, or make you do something bad?" She asks, her tone gentle.
He shakes his head, "No, she didn't hurt me. She had me serve them tea, but her friends... Let's just say they were 'friendly' and spare the details..." He says, feeling awkward. He then changes the subject by taking the book Lilith gave him and showing it, "She also gave me this book about being summoned..."
Nya takes the book, and reads the title. She raises an eyebrow, looking amused. "Being Summoned for Dummies, huh? That sounds... useful, I guess. Though this is still unacceptable for you to be pulled out of class like this with no warning! I'm going to have to talk to the headmaster about this, and file a complaint!" She says, her tone angry and protective.
He stops her, "I understand you're trying to protect me as a teacher, but somehow I doubt the academy can file a complaint with hell." He says, trying to calm her down.
She sighs, and puts the book back in his hands. "I know, but they should respect the Academy's rules! We have protocols in place for when a student is summoned away, but we haven't encountered a situation like this before. Still, I'll see what I can do." She says, her tone frustrated. She then smiles, and pats his shoulder. "But enough about that. I'm glad you're back, and that you're okay. I was worried about you." She says, her voice warm.
He smiles back, feeling touched. "Thanks, Nya. I appreciate your concern. Though I'm fine, really. It was just... a weird experience." He says, his voice sincere.
She nods, and leads him back to his seat. "Well, if you ever need to talk about it, or anything else, you know where to find me." She says, her tone comforting. She then turns to the rest of the class, and resumes the lesson. "Okay, everyone, time's up. I hope you had some productive conversations. Now, I want some of you to share what you discussed. Who wants to go first?" She asks, her voice cheerful.
Felix listens as some of the students volunteer to talk about their niches, or their lack thereof. He finds it interesting, and it helps him distract himself from his own situation. The class ends, and he goes to talk with Nya afterwards. They chat for a bit, and she assures him that she'll try to help him with his problem. Felix then remembers something else, "Actually, there was something else I was hoping to talk with you about. I learned yesterday in psionics about making thought forms, extensions of my mind, and I made a thought form researcher. I've been trying to think of ways to improve it, and wonder if you might have suggestions."
"What are you having it research?" Nya asks as looks intrigued. "I didn't think I'd see the day a first year would be doing thought form research on their own, and I'm impressed."
"I just wanted to try a thought form that could help me study more effectively, and learn more quickly. Though now that you mention it, I just told it to read books in general." He answers.
"That's one area where you can improve on it, and it ties neatly with the subject of the class. I think it'd be more effective if you told it to research a more specific topic instead of just any book it finds." Nya explains. "I may not know the specifics of thought forms, but it stands to reason it'd be more effective focusing on a more specific field of study instead of trying to be good at learning everything, right?"
"Yeah, that makes sense. I'll try assigning a topic to my thought form when I have time to experiment with it." Felix says while nodding.
Nya then looks thoughtful, "Hmm, I guess if you want to use your thought form to help find your niche, maybe you could tell it to focus on reading about and categorizing different schools of magic."
Felix's eyes widen as he realizes just how useful that would be, "That's a great idea! I'll try it out as soon as possible!" He says excitedly. "Thanks, I think you're helping me more than you might realize."
Nya smiles, "You're very welcome, I'm happy to help. I'm excited to hear about your progress. Though now I have to get ready for my next class." She says while gesturing for him to go ahead. "See you later, and good luck." She says, waving goodbye.