Adion focused as he was drawing up the patterns he thought would make a cooling rune. It was a little difficult to focus, as Prago was sitting on the floor in front of him and was observing every small detail Adion drew.

“No, no, no,” Prago shook his head with a disappointed look on his face, “Are you sure you’re the Headmaster’s disciple? Because the more time we do this, the more I’m convinced you have just made everything up.”

Adion smiled bitterly. Even if Prago knew that Adion had only begun his studies in runes when he came to the Academy, he seemed to think that Adion was supposed to grasp every new piece of information immediately.

“I am the Headmaster’s disciple,” Adion said, “And I’ll have you know that he’s quite impressed with my progress.”

“Really?” Prago questioned.

“Some of us aren’t spending all our effort solely on runes. I have other classes to focus on. Not to mention that most of the day is spent increasing my strength,” Adion said.

“I expect better than to hear these excuses from you, Adion,” Prago said, shaking his head. “I also have classes and meditate diligently, but that doesn’t stop me from pursuing mastering runes. You just have to make some sacrifices, such as letting go of your ranking. I don’t remember the last time I had a full night’s sleep or spent the day just enjoying the company of friends. These are small prices to pay in order to reach the top.”

Adion looked at Prago with an incredulous look.

Why is he talking like he is some kind of experienced professor?

He didn’t really need Prago’s help that much. He had the Headmaster to help him with anything he couldn’t understand, after all. But it was better than practicing alone. And it was a good way to help Prago too, as he paid him credits through the Scrolls for his help.

Adion had been in the Scrolls for a month now. And a few weeks ago, he had decided to invite Prago to join him in his new House. He still remembered his promise to Prago’s grandfather to help Prago out, so he had talked to Dorsia and managed to secure a spot for him, even if he only was a stone class student.

To make sure Prago had the credits to pay for his membership, Adion had decided to hire his help in runes for credits. So most mornings, Prago would come over to Adion’s new luxurious dorm room and help him with whatever he was struggling with.

“I’m sorry, Prago,” Adion said with a sigh, “I never knew that you lived such a lifestyle. Here I spend my days in the company of my beautiful girlfriend and never thought how that made you feel. It can’t have been easy for you, living such a lonely life, to watch that. You have my respect. I could never imagine living such an existence where a girl would never even spare a glance-”

“Alright, alright,” Prago hurriedly shut Adion’s mouth with his hands. “I get it. It’s good that you know of my sacrifices.”

Adion had an amused smile on his face and said, “I really do. As such, I have become determined to help you stay on this path. At first, I was thinking about your grandfather’s words and decided to help you find some pretty girl who might keep you company, but after hearing those words, I realize my mistake.

“Don’t worry. I will make it my mission to remove any distractions from your life. If I see anyone sprouting an interest in you, I will let them know that it can never be. You walk on a solitary path where there is no room for romance.”

“Well,” Prago said hesitantly, giving Adion a slightly angry look. “Since it’s my grandfather’s words, you should probably adhere to them somewhat. We wouldn’t want to disappoint him, would we?”

“I’m sure he would understand,” Adion immediately responded with a straight face.

Prago looked at Adion in silence for a while with an uncomfortable look on his face. “When did you become so awful?”

“Haha,” Adion laughed, “Since you began acting all high and mighty with me.”

“Fine,” Prago muttered, “Did you really plan on setting me up with someone?”

“Er,” Adion hesitated. He hadn’t actually planned on doing that, but he couldn’t admit that now. “Of course, just give it some time.”

“Haha,” Prago laughed happily, “I knew I could count on you, Adion. I’m looking forward to going on a double date with you and Sell in the future.”

Damn. Now I have to think of something.

Do I know anyone? Maybe I could have him meet Felicia and Lastia meet him and see if some sparks fly?

“Maybe we could also have a secret romance, fighting against a world that refuses to accept us,” Prago mumbled to himself.

Why does it feel like these types of situations always backfire on me?

“Well, you can’t rush these things. I’ll see what I can do,” Adion said.

“Naturally, naturally,” Prago nodded with a light smile.

“Anyway, it’s time to get moving. I’m going to meet Sell to practice soon,” Adion said and got up to his feet.

“Right,” Prago nodded, “I’ll come with you. I need to make sure no one has ruined my efforts at the runic department.”

“Just don’t be too overbearing,” Adion said hesitantly.

“Don’t worry,” Prago said, “I know my limits.”

“Good,” Adion nodded.

The two headed out and started walking toward the House of the Scrolls.

I heard from Qelso that Prago has managed to impress a lot of the other students in the runic department. He seems to have taken Qelso under his wing somehow.

The only problem is that he is a little domineering when it comes to runes. Some of the older students are apparently quite hostile to him.

Well, I’m sure these things will resolve themselves with time.

Even if Adion had invited Prago to join the Scrolls because he was his friend, that wasn’t the only reason. He also thought of the Scrolls as his future House, and he wanted it to be strong. If he wanted the Scrolls to become the rank 1 House in the House Clash, he needed every department to become stronger. Adion believed Prago’s abilities in runes were nothing to scoff at, so he was very glad to have him there.

“Are you sure you have to go train?” Prago asked as they were walking, “You could join me in the runic department. I’m sure you’d learn a lot.”

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“Thanks, but I’m not canceling my training,” Adion said, “Are you sure you don’t want to join me and Sell instead?”

“No way,” Prago immediately refused.

Adion had forced Prago to join him and Sell in their practice when he first joined the Scrolls. He wanted to train Prago so he could become somewhat proficient in fighting. He had hoped Prago would be able to gain back his rank and advance to a higher class.

Unfortunately, Prago was completely uninterested in honing his fighting abilities. After a week of trying to push him, Adion had no choice but to let him be. It really wasn’t up to him to force Prago to do anything he didn’t want. Even if he thought fighting was important, he let Prago make his own choice.

The two of them reached the House of the Scrolls after a short 15-minute walk; Adion’s new dorm room was very close.

Adion greeted some of the members he ran into as he got close. He was pretty famous in the Academy, and even more so in the Scrolls. Fortunately, most people seemed to have a favorable impression of him. Probably because of his connection to the Headmaster and his strength. Who wouldn’t be excited to have the first-year middle Silver mage in their House?

“It’s still strange to me that you are so popular,” Prago muttered. “Is strength really all that?”

“Of course it is,” Adion said, “I’ll be happy to train you whenever you come to realize that.”

“As long as I excel in my studies on runes and continue meditation, I don’t see any use for it,” Prago said, “Maybe if I reach a bottleneck in the future.”

“I’m looking forward to being in charge of tempering your Will,” Adion said with a grin.

“Maybe I’ll look for someone else,” Prago said when he saw the look on Adion’s face.

“Yeah, yeah,” Adion waved him off, “I’m off to see Sell. I’ll see you later.”

“Right,” Prago nodded and headed off to the runic department.

Adion reached the private fighting pit he always rented and looked around for Sell, but she didn’t seem to have arrived yet.

Adion was just about to sit down and wait when he remembered he had a watch these days. He picked it up and realized he somehow ended up coming 30 minutes before they were supposed to meet.

Am I really this bad at keeping track of time?

Even if he had received a pocket watch from Sell, Adion still subconsciously used the sun and his internal clock to determine the time.

I have to remember to check my watch more often.

Adion decided to check the contribution board as he waited. He headed inside the House of the Scrolls and walked up to the six big placards hanging high on one of the walls in the reception area. There was a list for each year, as well as a combined list, of the top 10 students in terms of contribution of credits.

Adion had reached the top of the first years with 3680 credits contributed, followed by Sell at second place with 1430 credits. But he was nowhere near any of the older members.

The competition will take place on Quemer in my fourth year. That means that the Scrolls need to take rank 1 in my third year. I should make an effort to be Head of the House by that point. That means I have to be elected just before the third year starts.

It would be good if I could join the Scrolls council at the end of this year so I have some time to familiarize myself with everything and earn the older students’ trust.

Looks like I’ll have to spend some more credits.

Adion was just about to turn around to walk back to the fighting pit when he overheard two fifth-years talking.

“Are you sure you can’t get me a spot?” A blonde man asked his red-haired friend.

“I’ll try, but it will probably be impossible. The Appos Auction House has never made an announcement like this before. I’m sure there will be several powerful people coming from all over Shiora to take part,” The red-haired man responded.

“I know, I know,” The blonde man said, “But it’s just one seat. Surely that’s possible?”

Adion tuned out the conversation and left.

The Appos Auction House seems to have made some kind of announcement. That’s good. That means there will be no lack of rich mages showing up.

When Adion got back to the fighting pit, he spotted Sell standing outside waiting for him. She looked up to him with a smile when she spotted him.

“Did you hear the news?” Sell asked.

“About the Appos Auction House?” Adion asked.

“Yeah,” Sell nodded, “Have you heard their announcement?”

“I haven’t,” Adion said, “I just overheard some people talking about it just now, though. Do you know the details?”

“Didn’t your grandfather tell you anything?” Sell asked.

“Not recently,” Adion shook his head, “He just said that the Appos Auction House had sent out information to all the big families about the upcoming auction a few weeks ago. But they seem to have done some kind of more open announcement this time?”

“They made a public announcement this morning,” Sell said with a smile, “They said it’s going to be the biggest auction they have ever held. And the final item is something that even the Royal families on Quemer would consider a priceless alchemy product.”

“Those are some big words,” Adion said with his raised eyebrows.

“Well, considering what the item is, I don’t think they’ll be accused of exaggerating,” Sell said.

“That’s true,” Adion nodded.

The Elixir of Life was seen as the epitome of alchemy in this Age. No one had managed to replicate this feat yet, but every alchemist dreamed of it. It would surely cause alchemists all over the continent to go crazy. They would be willing to spend all their wealth in order to study it. But they might not be able to. They were not the only ones interested, after all. Every mage was in a race against time. No one wanted to die, but if they couldn’t advance a stage before a certain age, there was nothing to do about it. Until now. With the Elixir of Life, any mage could extend their life span by at least 100 years. Adion was a little scared of the commotion this was going to bring.

Oh, well. That’s the Appos family issue to handle. I’m sure they have some measures in place.

“By the way,” Sell said as they entered the fighting pit together, “Are you sure it’s a good idea for me to come with you to the auction? It might give the wrong idea.”

Adion frowned slightly, “We would just be going as friends. I don’t think anyone could accuse us of anything else. Since we don’t want anyone suspecting our family to be behind the Elixir of Life, Grandpa has just arranged a small booth for our family, not more extravagant than most other Soul mages in the city. If you go along with my whole family, no one could look at it like a date, right?”

“I guess that’s true,” Sell nodded thoughtfully.

Then again, I guess this is an event with eyes everywhere. It might cause unnecessary rumors if Sell comes alone with my family.

“How about we invite some other people too?” Adion suggested, “I’m sure Prago would like to come. You can ask Lastia and Felicia, too, if you want.”

“That might be a good idea,” Sell smiled, “Are you sure that’s fine?”

“Of course,” Adion nodded, “We’ll just have to make sure to keep quiet about the Elixir of Life. We can’t let on that we know about it.”

Sell looked at Adion doubtfully.

“What?” Adion asked.

“Are you sure you can hold it to yourself for an entire night?” Sell asked.

“I’ve kept it a secret for years,” Adion said incredulously, “Why wouldn’t I be able to keep it a secret for a night?”

“Sorry, sorry,” Sell said with a laugh. She went up to kiss Adion, “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

Have I really set the bar so low?