Wha! How! "Ehm, hello Scribe." I wave shyly. Not having to expect to see someone familiar at the shop. It sort of calms me. No need to navigate the social gauntlet of interacting with a new person.

"Didn't expect to see me little bloom?" She asks, while attacking another pile of paper work as always. However she places it to the side as she sees me approach. A soft smile on her lips.

"I just didn't expect you to work this job as well. What about the reception?"

"I can walk you know. I'm not stuck behind the reception desk."

"But what if..." I flounder. Somehow she'd become a fixture of the reception desk before I knew it.

"I only stay at reception as people arrive. And that happens at regular predictable intervals. So what brings you to the shop? Rub your stamp off accidentally?" She raises a stamp with an almost eager pose.

"NO! I-I mean no thank you." She lowers it with some disappointment. "I wanted a change of pace so I thought I'd check out the shop that's all." I still remember the one time she didn't notice it was me, that stung...

I look behind her, rows and rows of strange tools and apparatus. There were cauldrons for alchemy, swords, bottles of swirling liquids and gasses. A shelf of books caught my eye. The cover of the one I could see had a magic circle imprinted in it. And on and on, many other strange implements, items and tools. All the items on display stoke that sense of adventure.

I was a little surprised at how quick the lessons had become routine. Not exactly boring or anything like that. Just a part of my every day. But things like this reminded me of where I was. A smile bloomed on my face. What will I be able to buy. How can I improve my magic. I feel like a kid browsing the shelves in a toy store. I preemptively wipe my mouth to stave off the drool. Whoops!

"Well, how about I describe the services of the shop to you."

I nod. "Yeah, that would be great." Still covering my mouth, not trusting my tongue to not loll out when I spoke.

She spreads her four arms, ready for another spiel. "Welcome to the Academy shop! We have everything from alchemy ingredients to grimoires. Using your credits you can stock up on much needed resources and tools. However the shop also serves as the central location for credit transactions. Such as selling your own crafts or hunted loot for credits. Does that make things clearer?"

She shrugs her four arms before continuing. "That's the gist of it anyway. You won't have any credits being a new student. You'll have to earn some first."

"And how exactly would I go about doing that?" I ask, knowing I'm not going to like the answer. Crafting and hunting? Me? Practical activities are my nemesis.

"Mainly through trading. If your are an artisan of some sort you can craft things and put them on sale here in the shop. Of course you only get paid if someone buys the items you craft. However the resources don't come from nowhere. Either you bring them in yourself or you buy them in the shop." She lifts a vial of swirling liquid as if to illustrate.

The first thought that comes to mind is Alchemy. If there was a simple but useful recipe that people needed regularly. Ah, and how many other students are thinking the same thing... why not just wish for the philosophers stone to drop in my lap while I'm at it. I'll only find something workable if I do the research. But alchemy also seems like a risky pursuit given the fact that a single mistake ruins the ingredients. Not something I'm going to get around to anytime soon, that's for sure.

"But this isn't the most common way of earning credit." She continues. "Most students trade materials to the Academy through either excursions off world, or through their own home world."

She makes a dismissive gesture. "This doesn't just mean hunting. Trading with the locals of what ever world you find yourself is a common route. The Academy sets up embassies in a collection of local worlds where ever we settle. Students regularly go on excursions to earn resources for the various crafts or simply to earn a little credit for themselves. Sometimes scholar students will study the worlds to earn points through published research. But that's a chat for another time."

We can go to other worlds!! A shiver passes down my spine. Exploring other worlds is so tantalising, yet quite a scary proposition. It never occurred to me. The Academy feels rather tame in certain aspects. Because it's such a melting pot of culture it feel safe to be different. But another world wouldn't have the same safety net the Academy has.

But it's Isekai! Real other worlds! It makes so much sense. Where would they get all the ingredients for the Academy classes? Alchemy, enchanting, infusing, transmuting, circle drawing and on and on.

"Ah, ah." She catches my attention with a, wait wait, gesture to forestall my train of thought. "Going off campus costs points. And quite a hefty amount." My stomach drops. Ugh! Why! "This can be mitigated if you share out the cost between a group. Most of the students take one or two approaches. First is to join a free group. A group of unrelated students will often gather to share the cost of going to another world, but will disband when they reach the destination world. Only meeting again when it's time to go back to the Academy. Needless to say this can have some problems..."

She gives me a pointed look. "Not all students are as kind as they could or should be. If you don't come back in time the cost of returning will be shared with a smaller number of people. Therefore some students have been known to tie up the weaker students of a group and leave them at the meeting area, as to guarantee that they'll be there when they return."

I gap, they'd do that! Not exactly the risk I'd considered when I first heard about going off world. But off campus excursions were sounding less and less feasible by the moment.

"That's why I'd only recommend using free groups when your a lot stronger. It's much preferable to put together a team of trusted friends and share the cost between you. This is often known as a Party. People will often form Parties and then earn resources together. If you can arrange a Party it's usually a lot more effective than going alone anyway."

I nod. This is a familiar concept for anyone who's played a certain genre of computer games. Even the names the same, or perhaps that's just translation magic at work. But a thought occurs to me. "How would that work though? What kind of magic could we perform in another world?"

"Ah ha! Very astute. Indeed, what kind of magic could you perform?" She gives me that teachery look asking me for the answer to my own question.

"Eh, ah... uhh." Slightly put on the spot it takes my brain a moment to engage. "You could learn the rules of the world in question." Thinking of the Explorer Studies curriculum I've been reading up on lately. "Applying the general theories of the Academy to the world in question?" I answer almost rhetorically.

A sly smirk forms on her face. I feel like the 'but' is about to drop, and I'm not wrong. "Ah, well, that's all fine and good as long as you have the time to study the worlds laws. But you'll be left flat footed when you first arrive if that's the only solution you have." I open my mouth to defend myself, but she gives a reassuring wave and smiles. "Now now, there is no one right answer. But it's intriguing that that was your answer. I feel like I'm gaining an idea of the type of mage you are becoming. I feel like your the type to dive deeply into the mysteries of magic. Perhaps your world has large gaps in magic theory?"

Eek! That's way too accurate! I feel my breath catch.

But she simply nods to herself. "There are a number techniques that transcend the barrier between Law and worlds. To name a few, soul techniques which originate from within one's soul, Alchemy products generally survive the transfer, Enchanted weapons as long as it's through stored essence, etc. A few of these techniques will need maintenance once you return to the Academy but advanced students will have one or more under their sleeve. However you're forgetting the most elementary technique which all students have access too."

I tilt my head not understanding. Frowning I idly play with my tail as I ponder the puzzle... Ah! Oh...

"That's right, emulation. As long as you can bring the magic from your home world to your new one you have a major advantage."

I smile in a self depreciating manner. Can't really tell her that's not an option for me... I sigh inwardly. This all seems like these systems are in place to help students rely and improve their own world's magic. At every turn the Academy want's me to rely on my home world to progress.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"But you may have spotted the theme here. Every step of the way requires points. That is why it's best to start these activities once you have a steady stream of points incoming. That may be through research projects, books you've written, becoming assistant to a teacher, etc. There is one other aspect of the shop that I've yet to discuss though."

She reaches under the desk and produces a small slab. I recognise it as another medallion indent. However the indent seems to be in a free rotating circular dial. She demonstrates by rotating the dial, increasing and decreasing the cost freely. A matching smaller circle changes value along with it. Only they both display different currencies.

"Ah! Currency conversion!? We can swap between the two?"

She shakes her head solemnly. "Look closer."

I do. The bottom circle displays the empty circle of credits. And the top circle displays the full circle of points. So it goes from credits to points... wait! I just noticed but the numeral in the centre of the credits circle is twice as large as that in the points circle. "It's a 1:100 ratio! But I've seen places which interchange the cost of the two equally!"

"Indeed. You can regain points through using credits. However the rates are steep. It is almost impossible, and believe me people have tried, to earn back points through credits. You almost inevitably loose points if you chase the dream of sustainable points through credit conversion. There is but one person in the Academy who sustain themselves in this way."

"Wait really, who?"

She smiles like a cheshire cat. "Me, of course! However that's only a viable strategy because I've passed the final trials. I have no increasing demand of my points. If you wish to earn and learn the fine balance you need to maintain will crumble. Free periods are made for students to research and progress their own understanding, not toil away to earn a few credits. Even the excursions are a form of self study, they teach you the practical applications of the magic you have learned. Give you goals to strive for and only then do they give you a little reward in the form of credits as a bonus."

So that's why she always looks so busy. When ever I see her she's always going full tilt at the paper work. Most likely earning credits to buy free periods. That's 500 credits per period!

I feel a little dizzy. It's a tantalising possibility. Yet I can't think of any way I could currently earn any credits reliably. Rather than seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, it almost feels like it's further away... "Is there... is there any way I could earn a few credits? Something that doesn't require me to leave the academy or risk ruining alchemy resources?"

She leans back to ponder. Hunching on her centipede hind half. After a moments thought she seems to have come up with something. "There are chores you could do around the Academy. A lot of students baulk at the suggestion so there is a lot of it to do. Usually the Academy's automated systems will handle the worst of it. But if you could save the Academy some magic, and do a better job then the automated services, it would earn you a few credits. May be a good way to start if all you want is a couple of credits to buy some essentials."

I nod enthusiastically. But she gives me a stern look.

"As I said before though. Don't get any strange ideas in your head about earning points this way. Even if you worked an entire Term using your free period you wouldn't earn back the 500 credits needed to pay for the Mark you used earning them. It's essentially a lossy proposition."

A nod again, my enthusiasm dampened. Sigh, why can't things be simpler. But of course there wouldn't be a simple exploit out in the open for anyone to spot. It would only be a waste of precious time to study if I did chores the entire period. My thoughts wander to all the unfairness that feels stacked against me. I feel like I'm whinging. Rise also doesn't have it great, I'm not sure what her story is, but she doesn't even have a simple education. A thought occurs to me.

I look at Scribe once more. All through out this little interaction she's been a great teacher. What dryness, she pushes you to consider facts, to stretch your brain. Unlike some insufferable individuals she has a flair for teaching. And she taught Universal Geometries. But it feels so insensitive to ask. Like poking an open wound. But how am I going to progress if Quill keeps stone walling me?

Perhaps I can just probe for hints? "Ehm, I've been having a couple of issues in class..." I hedge while I think of how to approach this. My eyes wander around the shop, anywhere but meeting Scribes own. I can see as she raises her eyebrow though. "Quill's been, well, lets say less than helpful..."

She sighs. "Let me stop you there." I deflate, a little shame fills me, I was seen right through. "I see you've heard I used to teach Universal Geometries? Apart from the fact there is little in it for me to give an impromptu lesson..." She gives me a pointed look. "I very much need to keep a low profile. Why do you think I keep my distance from students?"

Eh, really? But she's always been nice to me... ah well. Images of her non nonsense attitude and the... rather rough application of the stamp come to mind.

"If I were to give the impression I'm approachable I would show up in her sights. A rather nasty reminder to her that I exist. And to be quite frank I'm better than her in a lot of subjects." She declares with no shame at all. "But she has the flair for drama and the students love that. It makes them feel like they're learning something special. So I need to keep my low profile or she will come to crush me completely."

"Wait, but lately she's been bullying students out of class! Surely there would be plenty that would come to your class?"

She shrugs. "So what? Once these students leave, either from finally lacking the points to continue or a more unfortunate set of circumstances no one will remember how she behaved. She'll simply start all over. You've got no understanding of the scales of time these games have been played over little blossom."

"I understand... I'm sorry for asking so much of you." I apologise. My heart sinks. Such a great font of knowledge, so close, yet so far.

"I'm just scraping by as it is. And if she were to learn I was helping students she abandoned I'd draw her ire. She may just come to crush me, no matter how may points it costs her." She sighs wistfully. "If only my mentor was still here. If only Stepping Stones was still here. My wonderful mentor Stepping Stones..." I get a strange impression from her last statements. Like a rather violent prod in the ribs as she screams Nudge Nudge Wink Wink geddit?

"Ye-Yeah, sounds like a great person." I can get a hint, stop using the translation system like a violent bludgeon!

"Why don't we move onto more pleasant topics?" She asks.

I nod and she begins regaling me with all the items up for sale in the shop. And boy are there a lot of them. She pulls out extending draws and pushes little carts connected together round a circuit. All so that the one cramped space she occupies can access hundreds or even thousands of different products. Like a magepunk Argos all from her seat behind the desk.

She shows me various casting assistants. Like wands and staves, amulets and even tongue piercings for chanters. Please no! My tongues rather sensitive! I end up covering my mouth when she shows me that last one much to her amusement.

She moves onto the grimoires and spell books. She gives me a little impromptu lesson on the different uses of such books. Grimoires are the generic term for any book that contains actual magic. Not just a book written on magic, but a book that uses it to function.

The first type of grimoire isn't something that seems so novel to me. It's books that are larger on the inside, or have search functions to them, etc. Basically things that could be replicated with modern tech. I make sure to hint that we have similar things at home. Scribe calls these books information grimoires.

The second type are knowledge grimoires. They are different to the first in the fact that they teach you the information stored within when you open them. The classic image of opening a book and the words within flying into your mind. There is often a limitation to such books, such as requiring the maker to forget the information in order to pass it on. Or the one use restriction where the book bursts into flames after it finishes it's task. The Academy versions only require a heft amount of maintenance between uses however.

Between the two, knowledge grimoires can't be found in the library, only bought at the shop. Where as information grimoires are often found on the smaller shelves in the library. The amount available on the smaller shelves makes it deceptive as to the worth of unlocking them, but those books can contain vast repositories of knowledge. That's worth taking note of...

The third type are spell books. Arguably a very different form of book. More akin to the casting assistants, than the reading books of the other two types. Able to hold a number of spells to be cast upon activation. Their mileage varies depending on the circumstance. Use in the Academy is guaranteed, but use in an excursion is dependent on the skill of the student and the Laws of the world in question.

However even if these categories are well defined grimoires often straddle the boundary between types. A spell book may contain knowledge on how best to use it. A knowledge grimoire may contain oracle magic to inform the user of the facts that they seek. An information grimoire may contain spells to map out and describe an area as you explore it.

She moves onto crafting materials after that. From strange lumps of glassy metals, to tangible balls of fluffy cloud that she moulds with her hands. Beast parts that send shivers down my spine as I imagine the animals they come from. Fangs, eyeballs, dissected organs, crystal horns and so on.

There are a great many tools on offer too. Tools that help in drawing circles or even ones that allow you to draw them in the air. Wait... I recognise that! The tools range from mundane, like protractors and compasses, to arrays which fold up and practically draw them for you.

I find myself enthralled in the display of mystical items. One after she shows me items straight out of fantasy. I can't deny a seed of greed grows in my heart. I wanna buy everything! Like browsing through an online store and drooling at what's on offer. Then you look at the price tag. Sigh, if only...

I'm enjoying Scribes demonstration of the musical instruments on offer when I hear a set of footsteps approach. Between the mystical sound of alien chords and my wistful sighs of want I hear the distinctive clop of footsteps. I pause my wagging tail behind me and prick my ears.

Around the corner comes a towering box on two legs. Nope that's a person carrying a butt load of stuff. I back away from the counter I am leaning on. On closer inspection the legs end in hooves, hence the clop I heard. Scribe also stops seeing the new arrival.

"Oh, Black. New batch?" Her voice turns flat again. Devoid of interest.

He grunts a reply before off loading his burden onto the counter. As his full body comes into view my stomach does a happy little flip. What was that?! I find my eyes scanning from top to bottom and something in my chest flutters.