Master Nigel spent the next three hours teaching Brian to cast the second-level spell called "Warm." The Pattern was pretty simple and could raise the temperature of the object. This was done by channelling Essence into the object until the desired temperature was reached. It was not as efficient as Heat Water, Warm Air, or Heat Metal, but it was more generic and could be used on various objects. Brian was pleased with having learned a new spell and focused on mastering it as soon as possible.

"It is truly remarkable, the speed at which you learn. This spell should take several days for an Apprentice to be able to cast, and here you are, casting the spell after only a few hours," Master Nigel remarked.

"It is one of the Advantages that I have," Brian replied, "Magic Adept. It allows me to learn Magic and spells at twice the speed."

"Even so, that would mean you would have learned it in six hours instead. A remarkable feat." Master Nigel said, grinning broadly, "You probably have another Advantage. Most likely Magical Affinity. That would allow you to gain magic skills and spells at twice the normal rate. It is your prerogative to share your Sacred Scroll with me or not. But it does help if I know your strengths and weaknesses to instruct you in the ways of Magic better".

Brian kept his face neutral but nodded in agreement with Master Nigel, "I understand. When I arrived at the Academy, the Head Master told the students that it was important that I share the information on the Sacred Scroll with my instructors, but I also heard what happened with Master Jacob before I arrived". Brian paused, not sure what more to say. Master Jacob had used his position within the Academy to take advantage of young boys placed in his care. He used his knowledge about their Sacred Scroll to manipulate them and groom them into his toys. He could not do that with each student but was able to pick his prey with exacting care. When what was happening came to light, all hell broke loose, and the Masters were scrutinized. From what Brian had heard from the older boys, other secrets were revealed. The Academy had a stain on its honour and had made sure to tell its students that they were never obligated to share the information in the Sacred Scroll with anyone. Since then, many students held their personal information very close to them and rarely shared it.

"That was a horrible thing to happen. Those boys should never have been taken advantage of like that, and thinking that a fellow Master of Magic was responsible sickens me. But I hope that I can gain some trust and you will share. It is the best way for me to advise you on your future Vocations."

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Brian nodded again but didn't say anything more. He had four Advantages on his Sacred Scroll: Magical Adept, Mentor (due to Master Nigel), Wizard Sight, and Magical Protege. It was the last one that caused him concern at the moment.

Divine Boon - Magical Protégé

A Magical Protégé is someone who excels at all things dealing with Magic. You gain the following bonuses:

* +100% to learning new Skills (Magical) and Spells

* +100% to learning Lore: Magical

* +100% to learning Meditation

* +100% of Base Essence Pool in bonus Essence

* +50% of Base Essence Recovery in bonus Recovery

* Word of Power - Arcane (General)

* New Skill - Mana Control (Arcane)

The last Advantage was the secret. Everyone knew that you got a bonus spell or skill or extraordinary power when you got the Advantage Protégé, but Brian did not want to share this information. The first problem was that it showed on his Sacred Scroll as Divine. He was unsure what that meant, but it could not be good. He didn't know any gods, and he was concerned that one of them might know him. The second was that the World of Power - Arcane (General) was not something that he was familiar with. He looked through the library at the Academy for two years but could never find anything. All he knew was that Arcane meant secret or hidden. And even that was a stretch. He wanted to share but was fearful.

Master Nigel laughed and just shook his head.

"What?" Brian asked, confused.

"The expressions warring for dominance on your face is rather funny." Master Nigel held up his hand, forestalling any denial from Brian, "It is okay. I understand. It is hard to know who you can trust, and we only met two weeks ago, and even then, we have not spent any time together with other than today. Hold off your judgment, and let us see where this leads. Now, there was one thing I wanted to talk to you about. Your little run-in with Adept Rogdar. Care to explain?"

Brian frowned. He knew that Master Nigel would find out about it. Eventually, he hoped that he would have a few more days, "His request was inappropriate. I did not think that it was fair for me, the victims, to clean up the mess caused by the aggressor. It would be like the city watch asking a stabbing victim to clean up the blood on the ground while the attacker walks away. And I am not a victim."

There was a long pause as Master Nigel chewed on a grape. He watched Brian for a moment before shrugging, "Sounds fair."

"That's it?"

"Do you think it requires more attention than this?" Master Nigel asked.

"Not really. I hope Adept Rogdar understands. He seems like a nice guy.

"He is," Master Nigel agreed, "I have known him for more than twenty years. I have always found him to be fair and understanding. But, just in case, I will speak to him."