Incubus System In a World of Women
Chapter 21: The Immortals Ultimatum

Chapter 21 - The Immortals Ultimatum

Just as I was starting to get comfortable with the idea that I'd broken their entire magical classification system, Magister Celestine suddenly stiffened. Her twilight eyes went wide, and she pressed a hand to her temple as if receiving some kind of urgent communication.

Magical telepathy? Of course, immortal beings would have a supernatural group chat.

[Incoming priority communication detected. Source: Academy Council. Classification: Absolute Authority.]

Even my system is taking this seriously. That's... probably not good.

The air around Magister Celestine shimmered with energy that made my enhanced sight pick up layers of magical communication flowing through her. Her expression shifted from the professional composure she'd maintained to something approaching genuine concern, then to what looked like reluctant acceptance.

After a few moments, she straightened and turned toward my family. But instead of her usual confident bearing, she performed a deep, formal bow - the kind you'd give to royalty or gods.

Holy shit. She's bowing to whoever just contacted her. An immortal being is showing that level of deference. Whatever message she just received, it came from someone or something that even centuries-old entities respect.

"Duchess Ravencrest," she said, her voice carrying new weight and urgency, "I have received direct orders from the Academy Council regarding Marcus's immediate enrollment."

My mother's protective instincts flared, her silver-blue aura spiking with defensive energy. "What kind of orders?"

"The council has decreed that Marcus must begin academy training within seven days." Magister Celestine's professional mask had returned, but I could see the stress fractures in her composure. "This is not a request or recommendation. This is an ultimatum."

Seven days. They're giving us exactly one week before they come to collect me. That's barely enough time to figure out my new abilities, let alone prepare for whatever political nightmare awaits at magic school.

"Seven days?" Cassandra's voice rose with indignation, her fire magic sparking around her fingertips. "That's completely unreasonable! Marcus just awakened powers that haven't been seen in millennia. He needs time to adjust, to learn control—"

"The council is aware of the timeline constraints," Magister Celestine interrupted smoothly. "However, abilities of this magnitude cannot remain untrained. The longer Marcus goes without proper instruction, the greater the risk becomes."

"Risk of what?" Lyanna demanded, her analytical mind cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Magister Celestine's twilight eyes fixed on me with uncomfortable intensity. "Risk of reality fractures from uncontrolled time magic. Risk of life energy overflow that could affect entire populations. Risk of detection by entities that would seek to exploit or eliminate such unprecedented power."

Translation: I'm a walking magical weapon of mass destruction, and if I don't learn to control it, I might accidentally break the world. Or worse, attract the attention of things that make vengeful gods look friendly.

"What about his other obligations?" my mother asked, though I could see her already calculating political necessities. "The imperial summons, the marriage negotiations, the—"

"One week," Magister Celestine repeated firmly. "Complete whatever imperial business you deem essential, but understand that any delay beyond seven days will result in the academy taking... direct action."

Direct action. That sounds ominous. Like 'we'll teleport him away regardless of your feelings' kind of direct action.

"Can you at least tell us what to expect at the academy?" I asked. "Given that I'm apparently the first person in three thousand years to awaken time magic, I'm guessing the standard curriculum isn't going to apply."

A ghost of a smile crossed her perfect features. "You would be correct. The council is currently awakening archives that have been sealed since the Divine Wars. Texts and training methods that predate most of the current empires. You'll likely be taught by instructors who remember the last time such abilities walked among mortals."

Great. So I'll be learning from teachers who are old enough to have personally known the last time someone like me existed. No pressure there.

"And his living arrangements?" my mother pressed, her protective aura pulsing stronger. "Marcus has... specific needs."

Specific needs. Right. Like not accidentally turning every woman within a mile radius into a lusty mess just by existing.

"The academy has prepared special accommodations," Magister Celestine assured her. "Private quarters, specialized training facilities, and instructors equipped to handle... unique circumstances."

[Warning: Academy environment may contain numerous powerful female students and instructors. Recommend developing control strategies before arrival.]

Thanks for the obvious advice, system. 'Try not to seduce everyone at magic school' wasn't already on my to-do list.

"What about communication with family?" Cassandra asked, though her emerald gown was clinging to her curves in ways that suggested she was having trouble concentrating on practical matters.

"Regular correspondence is permitted and encouraged. The academy values family connections, particularly for students with... extraordinary capabilities." Magister Celestine's gaze swept over my family, and I noticed she was carefully avoiding looking directly at me for more than a few seconds at a time.

Even she's starting to feel the effects. Whatever my awakening did, it's made my influence stronger. Much stronger.

"Seven days," my mother repeated, resignation creeping into her voice. "Very well. We'll manage the imperial obligations and ensure Marcus is... prepared for departure."

Prepared. There's so much packed into that word. Prepared for leaving the only family I've ever known who actually loves me. Prepared for entering a school full of the most powerful women in six empires, all of whom will probably want a piece of the guy with impossible magic. Prepared for political games I can barely imagine.

"I should mention," Magister Celestine added, her professional tone carrying a hint of warning, "news of Marcus's awakening classification has already begun spreading through certain... interested circles. The imperial summons you received may not be the only political attention he attracts in the coming days."

Wonderful. So not only do I have a week to figure out reality-breaking magic, I also have to deal with every major power player in the empire wanting a piece of me. This is like being the main character in the most stressful dating sim ever created.

"Are we talking about foreign delegations?" Lyanna asked, her strategic mind immediately grasping the implications.

"Among others. Representatives from the other empires, noble houses seeking advantageous arrangements, religious organizations claiming divine significance..." Magister Celestine shrugged elegantly. "Marcus has become quite the popular topic of conversation among those who monitor such things."

Great. I've gone from complete anonymity to being the magical equivalent of a viral celebrity in the span of one awakening ceremony. This is exactly what I wanted - to be the center of attention for the most powerful people in the world.

Hell no, but still not so bad!

"In short," she concluded, "use the next seven days wisely. Complete your imperial obligations, manage any political necessities, and prepare Marcus for an environment where every interaction will carry weight far beyond normal social dynamics."

As if to emphasize her point, another pulse of my life magic rippled outward unbidden. Every woman in the room except Magister Celestine inhaled sharply, their auras flaring with desire and need.

And apparently I need to figure out how to not accidentally dose everyone with magical aphrodisiacs. That seems important too.

"Seven days," I said aloud, looking around at my family's worried faces. "Well, that should be plenty of time to master reality-altering magic and navigate imperial politics. What could possibly go wrong?"

Everything. Absolutely everything. But at least it'll be interesting.