The students bustled around me. I stumbled a couple of times as those with clear paths ahead walked up to General and selected their courses. I, however, was miles away. Head swimming with doubts.
Closing my eyes I focused inward. Inner turmoil be damned. I'll go to the library. She may have some advice for me. I just have to be careful not to show my hand too much.
Thinking back the lesson seemed to last around about the same length as a regular class in Uni. An hour perhaps? For now I'll assume a Mark corresponds to an Hour. The real answer could be quite different though. My mental feeling of the passage of time isn't the most accurate clock.
I itched to do a few calculations. How quickly do you lose points over a minute. What would the difference be between using points when you had close to 100 than when you were at say 50. Ah, logarithms, at half the points the rate of loss will also be halved.
Which kinda suggests that you should spend as many points as you need for the term and then do the spoofing you'll need to do. All the more reason to plan your spending well.
But the trials huh. There was no indication as to what sort of trial would come up first. After a few questions with General the students weaselled a little more information out of him but the selection of trial type was random. You'd get a couple of cycles to prepare, but it was ultimately a test of adaptability.
There were archetypes however. Combat was one. Ugh, not looking forward to that. But there was also theory tests with a selection of cross discipline questions. A scholarly test where you had to present a small research topic. The beachhead test where your sent to a world, where you need to learn its characteristics and recreate one of several magical phenomena. And many many more. We were told records of past trials were kept at the library.
You can buy your way out of a particular Trial with the right amount of points. But that only makes them get harder quicker. If you fail you may lose less points but you'll retake it later. Eventually you'll lose more points by repeatedly failing it. Yet that isn't even the worst part, the failure penalty grows with every trail retake.
Right, it's decided. I need to gather information. There is no way I can falter. I cannot make a single misstep. I turned to head back to the library when Rise catches my eye. She was fidgeting, watching the students pick classes, she seemed a little conflicted.
"Em, Rise. I'm going to the library. If you want to, you can join me. We could figure out your options?"
She jumped a little. A quick flash of embarrassment crosses her face before it cements back into it's emotionless mask. Talons clench to grip the floor. Her lips part, yet no answer comes. She shakes her head.
I give her a nod before I set off but I couldn't help but notice that one last detail. Talons for feet? Whoa, those are some wicked sharp claws. Another tick on the monstrous feature list. Is there a bingo card around here somewhere? They looked like they could tear flesh with ease, certainly a predators weapons.
I observe the students as I make my way back to the library. This was the sign where I turned off right? One thing I notice about the students is my own lack of wariness. Yes they're unnerving, and alien. But the seem so Human. Well not so much in form but in the fact that they're so relatable. Is this a side effect of the translation magic? It helps you to empathise with the other students when you spot them being the usual imperfect beings I expected to see in Uni. Not a hyper dimensional magic Academy.
One student hums while procrastinating. Another is crushing on their class mate but are too embarrassed to own up to their feelings. Yet another is bored out of his mind while practising the same movements again and again. I see all of these sights and more as I pass through several of the larger rooms.
But each of them hold forms I'd never seen in my life. From a humanoid owl creature with dreadlocks to a quadruped with an assortment of opposable limbs sprouting from their back. The later of which was struggling with a glut of study resources like an overburdened student going to class. It was all strange but oh so familiar at the same time. I honestly feel much calmer than I have any right too.
Yet, despite all that, as I reached the corner I'd taken towards the central lecture halls I felt the uncanny sensation of being watched. My head whips round to search my surroundings. But I only find an empty corridor. My imagination? Perhaps I'm spooking myself? There's not another student in sight, having left the most popular areas... But did I hear footsteps? I could have sworn a clack sounded out in time with my own footsteps. On a whim I took a step in place, like I was playing hide and seek with my sister... A little spike of pain bloomed in my heart but I push it aside.
Out of the corner of my eye I spot a figure come around the corner only to dive back around it when she spots me. Ha, too shy to ask for help are we?
Chuckling under my breath I continue on my way to the library pretending not to notice the extra set of footsteps. Making sure to control my pace as to giver her time to catch up at every corner.
Eventually the familiar sight of bookshelves comes into view. That bud of warmth sprouts in my heart. I itch to pick up a random book and satisfy my curiosity. Shame they lock them away... As I entered the library I could hear the footsteps following me falter slightly. Apparently just as in awe as I was the first time I visited.
I've only achieved the start of my goal however as I've reached the section of the library I left from. In other words a section too advanced for my needs. Need to find the beginners section, and maybe ask the librarian some questions again. I consider 'summoning' her like I did before but shudder at the thought of committing the sin of touching her books now that I know better.
Arriving at the central spiral staircase I noticed a sign post. It points in each cardinal direction, including upward. Each sign directed towards one enticing section of the library or another. But more importantly each section was numbered. Lower numbers less advanced? A reception for the library perhaps? It was my best bet so I began to follow the numbers lower and lower.
Up around catwalks, down bookshelf lined corridors and small little passages through hidden alcoves. All in the name of decreasing the little numbers on the signs to zero. The footsteps that followed lost all semblance of stealth as she hurried to follow through the labyrinth of books. For a little while all that could be heard was the padded pairs of feet tramping down the carpeted floors.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Eventually the area opens up. The shelves formed a semi circle around a single desk against a wall, where the librarian sat working away at clerical tasks. She created a completely different atmosphere than Scribe had at the Academy reception. Whereas Scribe had seemed a little forlorn and tired, the librarian emitted an elegant contentment. She was completely in her element, to the extent it seemed a little difficult to approach.
Bingo. Now all I have to do is drum up the courage to speak to her. But first, I think I'll peruse these books... As an expert procrastinator the solution to my indecision called for me from the shelves that surrounded us.
Primer on Universal Geometries, Alchemical Recipes for the Initiate, Four Essential Examples for Prospective Explorers. These seem to be the sorts of books I was looking for. A quick look at the end of the shelf indicated the price was only 5 points. All of the books seemed to be thin beginners guides to some of the courses I'd seen on Generals enrolment board.
"Find what you where looking for?" A voice calls out from behind.
Try as I might, I still jump a little. She likes to catch you off guard doesn't she. "Ah! Em, yes. I'm a little uncertain which courses to pick..."
Turning I see that she's approached while I was distracted. Work forgotten she prioritises me. A little shame mixes with the happiness of being prioritised over her work. The little voice in the back of my mind tries to tell me I'm not worth her time.
"Then you've made the right choice. Too many students seem to run head long into studies without first considering what subjects truly suit them. Not that it's a disaster for them. There's always room to course correct, even if it ultimately sets them on the back foot." As she lectures me on her misgivings of impatient students I spot a reclusive Rise surreptitiously studying the shelves. A little smile forms on my lips as I watch the cute but shy behaviour of the silent girl.
"Ah, sorry, I seem to be making a habit of this but I wasn't able to get your name last time..." I ask a little contrite.
"Hm, indeed, you were in a rush. My name is Glade. And what should I call you little bloom."
That's the second time she's called me that. Is the shared trait the reason she treats me so well? "My name is Mel, but people seem to call me Gentle." I reply a little self conscious.
"Well, Gentle suites a lovely girl like you." Ah! Why did she have to put it like that... Heat fills my cheeks as I try to divert the topic. And why does no one seem to see straight though me yet? I'm thankful I'm not that obvious but I'm no girl material, I can't act for toffee!
"Ah, well, you wouldn't happen to have any advice would you? Also, where can I select my courses after I've done some more research?" I ask while scanning more titles on the shelf.
"I've got the enrolment boards, so you don't have to worry about that. But I would also suggest selecting not just classes but a free period for self study, if you like to read up on subjects. And the socialisation period as well." She talks while walking back to her desk. Reaching over she pulls a board from the other side and I recognise the rows of indents from Generals end of class talk.
She gestures off into the distance. "There is also any supplies you may need from the Academy store and anything from home you may wish to summon. Apart from that, you're on the right track. Do a little reading and you'll have a much better idea of what's appropriate for you."
She begins to tick off her long slender fingers. "Summoning costs 5 points. It's generally best to maximise your summon because you wont get a discount for under utilising it. The free period and social period cost 5 points each. And it depends on what you choose at the store. But I would suggest spending no more that 70 points in total."
I'm not too keen on the social aspect. I could save points by skipping that... "If I buy the free period when will it occur? Can I use that to get extra time to research? Also is this a good shelf to start?" I point behind me.
She smiles reassuringly. "Excellent idea." She brings up the board and indicates the last indent on the last row. "This one will purchase the free period. And yes your first free period will occur in the next available Mark."
I grab my medallion from around my neck and make the move to place it in the slot, but pause. "Wait how do you select between credits and points?"
"It's the side you place the coin facing up. Look." She indicates the clock face of the medallion, the inner portion is inset like the credit icon. Turning it over the face is mostly plane with only the markings embossed on it.
Satisfied I place the medallion currency face up onto the indent and watch as the arrow twitches down 5 points. The number in the centre morphs from the 2 down to a 1, indicating that my point score is now measured in 10's. That's my first purchase made. Turning over the medallion I can see a new section has been added squeezing the whole time table smaller. The arrow now sits between my first period and second in a blank gap about half the size. I head around the corner of the shelf and do the same, unlocking the books.
"Are you not going to buy the social period?" She asks curiously.
"Hm~, I'm not really a social butterfly. I prefer my peace and quiet." I grumble.
"Haha, I get the sentiment. However creating connections can be just as important as perfecting your art. Yet I can't bring myself to chastise you if you wish to put that aside for now. The social period isn't going anywhere. You can always pick it up later when you're feeling more confident."
"Thanks..."
"I'll leave you too it. Come to my desk when you want to select your classes." And with that she strolls back to her desk to continue her work.
A small label on the shelves indicates that all the classes these books correspond to are 10 points. The shelves further up increase in price in increments of 10. So I'd best pick a selection of these.
Taking books for the Mystic Poetry class and Universal Geometries class I continue down the shelf. Picking classes which seem to fit the bill with my goals, and even some which sound rather esoteric but could be important in their own right.
With my stack of books in hand and my tail wagging behind I make my way to a study desk in the corner of the space. Plonking them down I prepare myself for an extended study session.
I can't help but giggle behind my stack of books as I spot Rise try to take a book from the shelf only to have Glade tap her from behind. So that's how she does it. She seems to have predicted the action and was right where she needed to be when Rise tried to take a book.
They have a discussion. Well, half of one anyway. As Rise seems to only give clipped half answers. But by the end of the talk the shy Rise is out in full force, seemingly being bettered by the insightful Glade. She takes her hand and leads her to a door behind the desk. Glade takes one last look in my direction giving me a wave before she enters. Rise only seems to cringe even worse as she sees I'm watching.
I wonder what that was all about. But now isn't the time to wonder about other peoples problems. I reach into my pile of books and rather than look into Mystic Poetry or Universal Geometries I reach for another book. Lets see if this is anything like I imagine it to be.
Alchemy for the Absolute Beginner.
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Points Remaining: 90.