He hadn't slept in his room, nor had he changed his clothes. It was hard to argue that a near motionless haze full of meaningless facts and figures could even be called sleep, but it was something akin to it at least. Namar “slept” in the library. There were no assignments due, nothing he needed to know, and no burning desire to know the unknown. Rather he felt the need to work off his embarrassment. If he was working, then he could stay focused, if he stayed focused, then his mind wouldn't wander, but if his mind wandered, then he would remember yesterday, and yesterday… yesterday was an embarrassment.

  He wasn't quite sure what to make of being a mage. He didn't have the slightest clue about what any of it entailed, aside from fame that is, but he didn't imagine bumbling around trying to find food and then spilling some uncomfortably personal information out of sheer panic. He didn't imagine stripping himself naked to try and help someone he barely knew survive a little more than two minutes against a teacher who was barely trying, and he certainly didn't imagine getting lost in a school’s endless underground hallways and corridors.

  After a few more hours of class Namar arrived in his room, fully expecting to pass out due to sheer exhaustion. Sleep never came. When his mind wandered he thought back to his embarrassments and found himself getting too flustered too sleep. As much as he tried acting like he didn't care, he wasn't completely unaware of social standards, though he did realize he was horribly lacking in that regard. As it turns out a decade of complete dedication to the art of smithing and tailoring has left him feeling somewhat awkward in friendly conversations. Something he thought he understood and didn't mind at the time, but also something that’s become much more of an issue now that he’s interacting with people his age much more frequently than he used to.

  Of course there should have been a solution to all of his problems if he just worked hard. He picked himself up, and spent another half hour looking for the library. When he did find the librarian he asked her a few simple questions in order of his priorities. He first asked her for books on the basics of magic, then on the mage society, and another on basic social etiquette. She was very helpful with the first two, but she burst into laughter on the third question and didn't seem likely to stop any time soon. Thankfully, libraries were neatly organized and he found what he needed in relatively short order. Except for the social etiquette thing, he figured he might be able to use a book or two on noble history to try and figure it out.

  That turned out to be a huge mistake. In an attempt to understand social etiquette, complete the difficult work first, and figure out where some of his friends are coming from, he instead ended up getting engrossed in a mess of useless events and conflicts before memorizing dates and figures that were just as, if not even more pointless than the people involved. If anything, he just confirmed the fact that the nobility made him extremely uncomfortable. He was aware on an objective basis, that a few corrupt individuals in the past didn't make an entire social class an assortment of terrible people but, reading all about how seemingly every single one of their conflicts have gotten completely out of hand didn't make him feel any more at ease with his fellow advanced students. So at the end of the day he accomplished the exact opposite of what he came to the library to do, and slammed his head on the book laid out before him.

  “Namar is that you? How long have you been here?”

  Speak of the devils, it was the only person Namar knew who consistently used a fake accent. He looked up at her. “Not sure. I haven't checked the time.”

  Juno tilted her head. “Okay then… When did you get here?”

  “Some time after class ended.”

  She gave him a blank stare.

  “Yes?”

  “We have about an hour before class starts.”

  “Thank you for letting me know. I should get ready then.” He stood up and slammed his book shut before neatly stacking it on a pile.

  She raised an eyebrow. “And you’re… sure you’re feeling well?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  She shook her head and sighed. “Never mind.”

  Juno looked over to the stack of books on Namar’s desk. Her face scrunched up. “Really? You’re reading Jalen’s Guide to Noble Affairs?”

  Namar's  eyes widened in sudden realization. He needed to leave and fast. “Right! Well I’d better be going now. I’ll see you in class goodbye.”

  He headed for the door immediately, and in his rush, also forgot to put the books away.

  “Wait!”

  Namar slammed the door behind him and worried she might somehow take offense, but he was probably just worrying about nothing. He put his concerns away for the moment and walked quickly down the hallways leading back to the dormitories. Once he was back he took the time to prepare for class, washing himself thoroughly to ensure that his scent wouldn't bother the other students, and then tying and his mage robes as tight as possible to ensure that they wouldn't do something pointless like getting caught in a doorway or some other nonsense. He stopped before the door and sent the gods a brief prayer asking that he get to where he needed to be in time. He opened it, and prepared to brace the endless maze of hallways.

  What he ended up finding could’ve been a blessing in disguise or his worst nightmare. Students. Students everywhere crowding the hallways and making movement difficult. They ran every which way. Some were still putting their mage robes on, a couple were running around with a bread bun in hand. Either way everyone was headed somewhere and doing something. If there was a face he recognized he might’ve been able to ask them for help. Otherwise he’d have to follow a random person and hope they brought him to the right place. He desperately needed a familiar face to guide him. Preferably not a noble face, but that essentially shrunk the already tiny list of faces he recognized down to Barlor and maybe Mr. Allenbury.

  From the deafening chorus of voices Namar was able to make out a voice. A familiar one, but not that he could place.

  “Move over you idiots! How long does it take to walk down a damn hallway, and stop bunching up like that you’re getting in everyone’s way!”

  He was hard to miss, a tall man who looked like he was carved from stone pushing and shoving his way out the door while yelling at anyone who wasn't moving fast enough for his liking. Soon enough people afforded him a wide berth as he moved through the hallways so that he’d stop yelling at them, and eventually others began picking up on social cues and decided not to directly get in his way. A man like that probably would've been his last choice as far as guides went but, there was nothing he could do about it except for walking nearby and hoping that he wouldn't notice. Namar joined the crowd and followed after his classmate, nudging others aside and pushing them a bit before promptly apologizing afterward. After what felt like a million apologies and a few sour looks from others in the hallway he’d finally caught up to the man. Unfortunately, the larger man seemed to notice that Namar was very deliberately making his way towards him and, as luck would have it, he gestured for Namar to join him.

  With no other options afforded to him, the only thing Namar could do in this situation was walk with him.

  “Hey! You’re that one guy who blew up his clothes to buy us some time, right? Name’s Gamris, and it’s a real damn pleasure to finally meet someone willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done!” Beneath his breath he muttered, “Unlike, some people…”

  “Uh… Likewise. It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Gamris, my name is Namar.” Namar scanned the crowd for any reactions, but it didn't seem like anyone actually cared or overheard. He sighed in relief.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Ha!” Gamris slapped Namar on the back with enough force to send him stumbling forward a little. “You don't need to be so formal with us, we owe you one for giving us such a good idea. Besides, us advanced students gotta stick together right? I swear that asshole Allenbury’s got it in for us.”

  “I don't think he’s that bad.” Namar sincerely wished he could take those words back because upon hearing them Gamris studied him for a bit. Namar rushed to defend himself. “I mean it’s just that we haven't really given-”

  Gamris looked like he was about to stop, but he kept walking instead. “Hold up, let me get this straight. You don't think Mr. Allenbury is the prickliest thorn in the rosebush? Or the largest donkey in all the lands far and wide?”

  “Uh… I think you’re just bitter because of what happened to you yesterday. Namely the fact that I think you’re friends left you and Mr. Allenbury beat us all with relative ease.”

  Gamris was silent for a while, and Namar began to seriously consider never speaking again.

  He grumbled. “Well, you tell it how you see it I’ll give you that.”

  When they arrived at the entrance to the gym Gamris swung both doors wide open. “I still think he’s an asshole though.”

  Namar shrugged in return, and released the breath he realized he was holding. Though it seemed Gamris wasn't quite done with their conversation yet.

  “I mean, come on. Didn't he grind your foot into nothing during your test yesterday? Didn't he send you flying before pirating your body? You have to be at least a little bit upset right?”

  Namar pursed his lips and shook his head. They sat down at a random spot in the gym and waited for their teacher to arrive.

  Gamris sat back and used his hands as support. “Not even a little bit angry? A little agitated perhaps? Mildly miffed, if you will?”

  Namar shook his head each time, and Gamris gave him the most confused look. “How?”

  “It’s just learning, there’s nothing to get angry about.” Namar shrugged.

  Gamris squinted at Namar, examining him like he was some strange, alien entity. He gave up after a few moments. “You’re a weird one, you know that?”

  Namar shook his head again. “No. I did not.”

  Gamris chuckled. “Why am I not surprised.”

  The gym doors flew open and Mr. Allenbury came walking through, his black robes flowing steadily behind him. He walked to the center of the room and launched a brilliant beam of light upwards to catch everyone’s attention. “Morning everyone! I hope you’ve gotten a good night of rest and something to eat this morning. After all, these first seven or so hours are going to consist entirely of exercise!” He threw his hands up. “Yaay!”

  The rest of the class let out a collective groan. Even a few of the more athletic students seemed apprehensive.

  “First things first though. Take a look at this!” He gestured to the wall opposite from him. One of his assistants held his right hand out, while his left hand held a piece of parchment. A deep rumbling resonated throughout the back wall. Large names carved themselves into the back wall, neatly arranging themselves into a list divided into four quarters. “This will help you roughly gauge your position in the class. The list is divided into four divisions, with the top being first division and the last being fourth division. First division is really good, last division is really bad, you can figure out the rest from there. It doesn't have anything specific like ranking or point values, but rest assured I’m being very diligent about keeping track of your points. Questions?”

  Juno’s hand shot up.

  Mr. Allenbury reluctantly called upon Juno. “Go ahead.”

  “I notice we haven’t been equally divided into four groups, why?”

  Mr. Allenbury looked at the board. “We don't just split you up equally into four groups since so many of you will have the exact same point values. Instead we’re doing it based on averages, so there’ll always be a lot more people in divisions two and three instead of one and four. Well, unless you’re all equally terrible, then I’d just place you all in fourth division. Any more questions?”

  Another hand shot up.

  “Wonderful! Take a few seconds to find your names and we’ll get started right after.”

  Namar took a few seconds to try and find his, starting from the bottom and working his way to the top. He didn't know enough names to figure out where the majority of advanced students were placed, but he found Juno in the fourth division and Gamris in the third division so he guessed he had a similar ranking, though he had some trouble locating his name around the same area.

  “Oh bullshit!! I did awesome yesterday what the fuck?” He stopped and squinted at the board for a few more seconds. “And how’d you place higher than me!” He stopped and patted Namar on the shoulder. “I mean, congratulations on second division, but still! I did fucking great yesterday!”

  “Oh, is that where I placed?”

  “Yeah man, good job!” Gamris raised his hand up.

  Namar wasn't sure what to do.

  “Come on don't leave me hanging here…”

  “I’m very sorry but, what am I supposed to be doing here?”

  “... It’s a high five man, come on.”

  Namar squinted at Gamris’ hand. “No I’m afraid I’ve never played that game before… How do I win?”

  “What do you mean? It’s a high five. Just-”

  Unfortunately Mr. Allenbury interrupted him before he could learn the rules of “High Five”.

  “Everyone got it? Good! Now split up into two groups, the first group will be running, and the second will be doing pushups. I’ll tell you when to switch, pick your poison and get moving already! Move it! Move it! I’ll zap you if you don't move fast enough. Get on with it!”

----------------------------------------

  Namar moved in bursts of speed and strength. After a few minutes of running or lifting or whatever it is that Mr. Allenbury asked them to do Namar would double his pace and continue until everything burned and ached. Even between those bursts of strength he tried to move as quickly as his muscles would allow him. He worked while his muscles trembled and stomach was clutched in pain, sweat drenched his clothing and the world was a blurry, light headed mess of shapes and commands. It was a good thing, suffering was the clearest sign of progress in any field. Be it with metal or magic, suffering was a price meant to be paid in full, preferably double.

  “Are you okay? Namar? You good in there?”

  He didn't bother looking at Gamris, doing so would be a distraction from the task at hand. Instead he managed to eek out a nod.

  “You’re sure? ‘Cause… “ Gamris took a few short breaths. “I’m used to this and even I'm getting a bit tired. Like, we can take a break whenever you feel like it you know. Those guys over there… They’re practically walking and Mr. Asshole hasn’t shot them yet so…

  Namar nodded quickly. “I’ll run.”

  “Right then, as long as you insist that’s fine with me.” Gamris was breathing heavily.

   Namar turned his focus back to running. Only to have it broken again by Gamris.

  “You’re sure you don't want to stop? I mean, you look like you’re getting a bit tired over there. Don't mind me, I’m just watching out for you. After all I-”

  Namar left eye began twitching. “You want to take a break don't you?”

  “What? No! I'm trying to-”

  “Tell you what. I’ll keep running, and you can walk.”

  “Oh you did not just- you know what?” Gamris’ voice suddenly became much louder than before.

  In retrospect, Namar realized that he might’ve been a bit… curt with his responses.

  “I’ll show you who can run for longer. In fact. I’ll bet on it! An entire gold piece how’s that sound?”

  An entire gold piece might’ve been the most expensive bet Namar had made in his life but… if he won. Well, he’d have another gold piece, but the most important part was that he’d be one step closer to getting rich. Even if he lost it wouldn't make much of a difference. All he’d have to do is win it back somehow.

  “I’ll take you up on that bet.”

  Gamris ran ahead of Namar and looked back. “Biggest mistake of your life Namar. No one’s ever beaten me in race!”

  “Then I’ll be the first.”

  “Oh you cocky little… You’ll be eating those words just watch.” He looked away and sprinted forward at full speed.

  It took about five minutes before Gamris lapped him. “Getting tired?”

  Namar shook his head.

  Gamris lapped him again, and again.

  “Need a break?”

  “That gold coin is mine!”

  “Are you even trying?”

  Every time Gamris lapped Namar he wasted his breath some pointless remark. At some point Gamris slowed down, and a few minutes after that Namar lapped Gamris; who was speed walking as fast as he could with one hand clutched over his stomach.

  “I win.” Namar said as ran past Gamris him.

  “Shut up.”

  The next time Namar saw Gamris he asked if he won his gold coin.

  “Yeah whatever, I let you have that coin. I’m very generous about giving to those who’re less fortunate than me, you know?”

  “Thank you kindly.”

  “Whatever.”

  Namar continued running. Eventually Gamris made a struggle to catch up to Namar, falling in place just behind him.

  “How’re you still running?”

  “I just keep moving forward I guess.”

  “Ha ha very funny Namar. You know there’s nothing wrong with resting every once in a while. You’re making the rest of us look bad.”

  “Isn't there?”

  “Isn’t there what?”

  “Isn't there something wrong with resting?”

  “No. I'm not really sure why you’d have to ask that, it’s inevitable after all.”

  “It’s inevitable, yes, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.”

  They ran in silence.

  “You’re a strange one, you know that?”

  “I do now.”

  Gamris chuckled a bit. “But, seriously. You should take a break every once in a while.”