The grand hallways echoed Karn's reluctant steps as he made his way towards the Alchemy classroom. Of all the courses, this was the one he had least anticipated attending. With neither Hope, Ellie nor Ralina by his side, the apprehension churned his insides, making each step heavier than the last.
His friends had tried to be supportive. "You'll do fine," Ellie had whispered, squeezing his shoulder. Hope had offered him an encouraging smile, "It's just another class, Karn."
But to Karn, Alchemy wasn't just "another class." It was a painful reminder of his past, the complexities of ingredients that had once brought about much suffering. Every step towards the classroom felt like it reopened old wounds.
His heart raced as he began to ascend the tower steps, each one amplifying his trepidation. Images of a cold, sterile room filled with malicious eyes and judgement flooded his mind. The memory washed over him, cold and relentless: the acrid stench of decaying flesh, the metallic tang of old blood. In the recesses of his mind, the ghostly echo of rusted chains creaked, swaying slowly in a rhythm of grim anticipation.
Karn swallowed hard as he placed his hand on the handle willing himself to open the door, bracing for what was on the other side. But when he pushed open the door, he was met with a sight that caused his heart to skip a beat.
Warm golden sunlight streamed through tall open windows, casting a radiant glow on the wooden furnishings. It was as if a greenhouse had been carved out the side of the tower, with a myriad of flowers, herbs, and plants lining the walls and windowsills. Vials filled with metallic particles shimmered, while baskets overflowed with fresh ingredients for various potions. The gentle simmering from the cauldron filled the air, releasing an aromatic blend reminiscent of warm cinnamon and freshly kneaded dough. A comforting steam spiralled upwards, wrapping the surroundings in its inviting embrace.
Taking in the room, Karn's eyes settled on the few students present. Notably absent were the un-sashed students and the haughty Royals. His gaze was drawn to the familiar face of a girl with a green sash, the kind-hearted girl he'd crossed paths a few times with earlier.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Karn approached her. "Hi, I'm Karn," he introduced himself with a hint of newfound confidence.
The girl smiled warmly, "I'm Lina Gladstem. It's good to see a friendly face."
Karn took a seat beside her, feeling a wave of calm envelop him. The atmosphere of the room and Lina's presence had an almost therapeutic effect on him.
The door on the opposite end of the room opened, and in walked a young man a few years older than Karn. His presence seemed to radiate warmth and light commanding everyone’s attention as he strode to his podium. Dressed in impeccable white robes, he had short blonde hair that glinted under the sun that spilled through the tall windows above, and his smile was radiant with perfect white teeth and his eye twinkled as he scanned the room full of eager faces.
“Good day, students! I’m Master Marden Rin and I’m sure I’ll quickly learn all your names.” he waved a hand around, “May I be the first to welcome you all to the fascinating world of Alchemy.”
His eyes, deep and understanding, roamed over his students. "Everything around us," he began, his voice filled with passion, "from the largest of mountains to the tiniest of ants, is connected in a grand harmony of energy."
Beside him, Lina leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with interest. Karn, too, found himself entranced by Master Rin's words. The teacher's sheer passion for his subject was infectious.
Master Rin held up a shiny orange ingot. “Can anyone tell me what this is?”
Lina's hand shot up instantly. “It’s copper, Master Rin.”
He smiled and looked down at his roster, “Correct, and you are?”
“Lina sir,” she answered eagerly.
The master nodded approvingly. “Well done Ms. Gladstem. But, can anyone tell me what makes up this copper?”
The room fell silent. The question, seemingly simple, was anything but.
Venturing a guess, Karn raised his hand. He was about to say atoms but instead asked, “particles?”
Master Rin’s eyes sparkled. “Indeed, Karn was it?”
He nodded.
Master Rin smiled then continued, “while the ingot appears solid, it is, in reality, a host of minuscule particles. Alchemy is not just about turning one thing into another. It's about understanding of what makes up these particles, and then, transmuting them.”
He began to move around the room, gesturing at the variety of materials laid out on the tables. “There are various fields in Alchemy: the study of solids, liquids, and the most potent yet forbidden form - life.”
A shiver ran down Karn's spine. The notion of transmuting life was unsettling. But the immediate reassurance from Master Rin that such practices were strictly off-limits in this institution allowed him to breathe easier. The lesson that followed was filled with fascinating revelations, and by the end, Karn felt more connected to the subject than he'd ever imagined.
With a flourish, Master Rin presented a set of vials filled with liquids of various colours. "To transmute particles," he began, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "we must either add or subtract certain energies of the particles. This act alters the very essence of the material, leading to a chemical reaction."
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He paused, letting the information sink in. "Can anyone tell me how we might force these reactions to occur?"
Lina pondered for a moment, "By using specific elixirs?"
"Exactly, Lina," the master said with an approving nod. "These elixirs act as catalysts, propelling the reactions we desire."
Karn's eyes were glued to the proceedings. The arcane world of Alchemy was revealing its secrets right in front of him, and he was eager to learn.
Without further preamble, Master Rin placed the copper ingot inside a small furnace. The room grew warm as the metal began to glow with heat. Once it melted into a molten state, he carefully poured a vial of shimmering elixir into the fiery mix. The students leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation.
Before their very eyes, the coppery hue of the molten metal shifted and turned, settling into a gleaming silver shade.
"There you have it," Master Rin announced triumphantly, "copper transmuted into iron."
A murmur of awe and admiration spread among the students.
⚔
Karn hurriedly recounted his experience in the Alchemy class as they strolled to their next location. His eyes were bright, hands gesturing animatedly, and Ellie, Hope, and Ralina listened with rapt attention, laughing at his exaggerated retelling.
"It sounds like you had quite the experience," Ralina remarked with a smirk.
Karn chuckled, "You could say that. But now I'm ready to learn about this 'Spiritual Arts' you girls have been raving about."
Ellie's excitement was palpable as they approached their next class setting. "Master Palin is a legend. The other students say she can communicate with spirits!"
They engaged in lively conversation, weaving their way through the university's maze-like corridors. The dimly lit hallways soon gave way to sunlit outdoor paths, bordered by neatly pruned hedges and the distant sound of chattering students.
Karn glanced around, a playful suspicion evident in his eyes. "Ellie, are you sure you know where you're heading?"
Rolling her eyes, Ellie retorted, "Why must you always question my sense of direction? I've studied the campus map inside and out!"
His laughter echoed softly. "Just making sure."
The serene environment of the open-air amphitheatre beckoned them. The stone seating, weathered by time and surrounded by nature, emitted an atmosphere of age-old wisdom. Birds chirped harmoniously above, and the scent of blooming flowers wafted through the gentle breeze, making it the perfect setting for a class on Spiritual Arts.
Their buoyant mood, however, was cut short when they spotted a familiar, disdainful face. The sharp-featured Royal Marcella they'd encountered before was holding court amidst a cluster of students. Among them, a particularly tall, broad-shouldered young man stood out. His sneered at the students around hinting at his privileged status.
Lina gracefully wove through the crowd of students to stand beside them. "That's Baron Gets," she informed, nodding towards the tall figure. "He's the son of a prominent merchant from the royal district."
Hope leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a hushed whisper. "Lady Amber mentioned the Gets. Apparently, their family has been dominating the market district. Price gouging and buying plots at robbery prices."
Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like they're running a mafia operation."
Karn laughed at the analogy, finding amusement in the bewildered expressions of the others.
Before they could strategize their next move, the Marcella spotted them and with a smirk said loudly enough for others to hear, "Oh look, the commoners have decided to grace us with their presence."
Karn clenched his fists, readying himself for another confrontation. The peaceful setting a stark contrast to the open hostility within.
The thrum of conversation halted as Baron, with Marcella by his side, strode over. The imposing stature of the merchant's son towered over the group, his eyes flitting between them with a predatory glint. The smug expressions of the Royal students made it evident that they considered Karn and his friends beneath them. Baron's gaze, however, lingered on the girls a little too long, his leer unmistakably suggestive.
Karn, burning with anger at the overt ogling, stepped forward, placing himself between the girls and Baron, acting as a barrier. It didn't escape his notice that Marcella, in her vindictiveness, had likely recruited Baron as her muscle after Ralina's earlier display.
"You really think you can intimidate us with this block head?" Karn challenged.
Baron's jaw clenched. "You should learn your place."
Karn smirked, "Oh, I know my place. It's right here. Anywhere I damn well please.” Karn turned reassuring to the girls letting them know that he would always be there for them.
A swift rush of movement followed, and before anyone could react, Baron's fist flew, aiming straight for Karn's turned face. The impact was sharp, yet when Karn touched his cheek, there was no pain, no searing agony that a punch from such a formidable opponent should induce. Around him, gasps of shock echoed, and the girls rushed forward, expressions painted with concern.
But Karn waved them off, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted. The confusion was evident on Baron's face as he stared at his own hand, flexing his fingers as though he had just slammed them against solid stone.
The realization hit Karn like a bolt of lightning. The process he’d undergone and the attunement with the spirit during the journey he'd undertaken within the Book of the Known, had somehow altered him physically. The sensation of unfamiliarity, the vague feeling of alienness he had brushed off earlier – it all made sense now. The changes weren't just internal; they were very much external too.
Karn straightened up, locking eyes with Baron. "Care to try that again?" he challenged, genuinely intrigued by his newfound resilience.
Baron's pained expression betrayed his uncertainty. As he rubbed his aching hand, Marcella, seeing her hired muscle falter, pushed past him, her eyes shooting daggers at Karn. "What magic is this?" she demanded.
But before Karn could reply, Ellie stepped forward. "Seriously bitch?" she snapped, drawing everyone's attention. When Karn saw Ellie's expression, he knew she had lost patience with the girl. "Take your shit for brained thug here and fuck right off?" she taunted.
A collective gasp from the students echoed around them. Many of them were used to Marcella's antics but had never seen anyone stand up to her so boldly. Her face, a mix of shock and rage, darkened to an angry shade of purple. Words seemed to fail her as she spluttered with indignation, her fingers curled, ready to strike.
Just as Marcella was about to lunge for Ellies throat, a powerful voice cut through the air. "Find a suitable place, everyone!" Master Palin's commanding tone left no room for disobedience. Grateful for the timely intervention, Ellie took a step back.
Karn looked around, witnessing a range of emotions washing over the faces of onlookers. While many were still in shock from Ellie’s outburst, others appeared amused, their laughter barely suppressed. The tension in the atmosphere was not lost on Master Parlin.
“C’mon to your seats students,” she commanded as all the students hastened to comply.
Everyone moved swiftly, with Karn, Ellie, and their friends quickly finding seats. Baron, rubbing his still smarting hand, shot a venomous glare in Karn's direction, though there was now a hint of wariness in his eyes. Marcella, still seething from Ellie’s words, reluctantly joined her posse, their whispers loud and agitated.
It was clear to Karn that Ellie had reached her limit. He had seen that look in her eyes before, and he knew that once Ellie made up her mind about something, she wouldn't be swayed.