As the room settled into a focused silence, the platinum-haired fellow cleared his throat, drawing attention back to the matter at hand.

"Ahem...yes-yes, now that we've finally settled down—er—yes, where was I... My name is Vistlov Carnegie II, and I serve as the official coordinator for the western coast-”

Suta caught the noticeable look of pride against his face during his introduction. He gave off that feeling rich people on earth used to give him. Snobby and a little pretentious. But unlike the people on earth, this pompous looking fellow could cast magic. Suta would be all ears from this point forward

“This role places me in charge of overseeing all external affairs at an intermediate level, anything that might intersect with the interests of the Celestial Council in this region fall under my care." he explained with an unmissable air of pride around him.

Suta wasn't surprised by that though,

'I'd probably be the same if I was part of a famous institution of Arcanists. Hmm, I wonder if I'll be strong enough to be part of a famous group like that one day. Also, why does it feel like I've heard the celestial court before?'

Searching the archives of his memories, Suta quickly recalled the conversation he held with that handsome-faced fellow in the carriage. But he could only recall fleeting things, nothing painting a clear enough picture concerning this celestial court business

'He's an Arcanist, that much I can make out.' He told himself, his gaze immediately falling towards the studded gemstones wrapped against Vistlov's olive hands.

"As previously mentioned, I am hereby mandated by the high council to facilitate your enrollment in one of the prestigious, yet elusive, schools of Arcane.”

Suta unknowingly placed his palms against his chest, feeling his heartbeat thumping loudly like a drum. A boyish smirk tugged the corners of his lips.

Vistlov cleared his throat again before dabbing a small hankerchif against the sides of his mouth. “Ahem—of course, there are several factors to consider, but our initial assessments indicate that you are indeed a prodigious talent, mereting scholary admission, a personalized tutor or a 'Kennari' as we say, from one of our esteemed Masters..."

Suta was already sold at the mention of the word Arcanists, but the prospect of engaging with one in person stirred a flurry of questions within him, each vying for release.

Luckily, the subtle but discernible glances he caught from Granny, cautioned him to hold his tongue, Suta was swiftly reminded about the delicacy of the situation. He would be wise not to forget he was in the presence of someone who could perhaps send him flying with a flick of his wrist.

Therefore, he exercised composure, albeit rather eagerly, still perched on the edge of his seat, eyes refusing to blink in order to absorb every detail.

Fortunately, Vistlov Carnegie II proved to be a wealth of information, be it as a result of his own very proud sense of purpose. He eloquently expanded on the hidden colleges, the governing magic council, and the stringent criteria for being selected by an advisor for one of their academies.

Suta could feel his heartbeat rapidly beating with wanderlust. Something primal was being stirred, an exciting feeling that almost left his mouth slightly agape with drool slowly leaking out.

Information to him, was like honey was to buzzing bees. Suta couldn’t think of anything more worth his time than studying and learning. He had almost found himself lost at sea, unsure which road to take, but now, Arcane, magic and all the strange things surrounding him felt like such a plethora of possibilities, he was fighting his very hardest to contain the excitement brewing through this foreign body of his.

"Now then, regarding the eight unseen colleges, their origins trace back to the empyreal era of Queen Lunara's reign. It was during her rule that the realms came to a consensus on the nature of Arcane, recognizing its division into eight distinct practises. Legend has it that Queen Lunara bequeathed upon each of her eight offspring a meticulously crafted totem , each imbued with a unique and formidable blessing.

The nature of these powers, inherent in the totems, isn't hard to surmise for those versed in arcane lore.

Consequently, from this legendary act, the eight unseen schools were established, each blossoming from what could only be described as the most magnificent golden seed. A totem from one of the Queen's children"

Suta had read and both heard about that name before.

'Queen Lunara, also known as...the first Goddess of the Golden Dawn.'

From the mention of her name in a few of Granny Baba's books, she was supposed to have been a mortal Queen who somehow rose to the status of a Goddess.’

He massaged his chin in deep thought, from the few texts he could summarize about that Queen. She was devoutly followed like a God almost. And considered exceptionally powerful.

Once Queen Lunara conquered what was considered most of the ancient world during that time, she drew upon an incredible power which helped her shape and form the realms.

'But Granny's texts don't say too much about her, only that she was the mother of the 8 Demi-Gods, who all went on to carve incredible legends across the world.

If memory serves me right I think they were called...the Shinjin !'

Suta snapped back to the present, just in time as Vistlov was explaining the 8 unseen colleges.

"First I guess we should start with one of the oldest schools... Brighthorn!

One of the oldest schools, and perhaps one of the most notoriously famous ones.

Brighthorn is dedicated to the mastery of natural forces, honing quite the eccentric bunch of Arcanists. Tsk! Troublemakers the lot of em if you ask me. But besides the point, they are known as Elementalists. Usually adept at casting and manipulating the use of fire, water, earth, and air. What we call the natural energies of the world.

Their skills allow for a versatile application of the Arcane. from destructive capabilities in combat to supportive roles in warding and environmental stewardship. They are one of the most densely populated colleges.

Next, we have...

Umbrulian Falls : Students of perhaps the most controversial school among the 8.

This would be considered a school of Necromancers! devotees to the studies and mysteries of death and the afterlife, and its relationship with the Arcane. Whether it's through communicating with spirits, resurrecting the dead, or harnessing some of the most volatile deathly energies.

Their practice is often misunderstood and widely feared, given its association with the darker aspects of the Arcane of course.

Also, their admissions are the lowest. Unsurprising given the stigma around students.

Now then, who is next...ah of course.

Starloom Evergardens!

Students who possess the ability to peer into the fabric of time and space are found attending this college.

Most of their days are spent uncovering hidden truths or foretelling future events. Utilizing tools like tarot cards, runes, and astrological charts, they offer guidance and insight, navigating the murky waters of fate and destiny.

The Abyssal Church at Voiden : A college for the illusionists.

The art of illusion centers on the manipulation of perception, crafting convincing mirages that deceive the senses. At its peak, however, the illusionist begins to alter and bend perception at will. To such a degree that complex spaces and boxed-sized realms can be built.

Illusionists employ their Arcane magic for a variety of purposes, from entertainment and subterfuge, to complex creations, such as reinforcing seals for the most heinous of creatures. To playing large roles in the imprisonment of some of the most notorious fellows to ever have lived.

You'll find these students at the forefront of any major event. They are by nature incredibly hard to deal with as well. Best to have two or more charms or mental warding potions when around these folk.

Ok, where were we. Ah of course,

Cascadara Covent : The School of Enchanters! And also, one of the top 3 Colleges! You meet anyone from the Covent, and the’ll tell you they aren’t number 3 nor 2. Which comes as no surprise that over history there's been an unspoken feud between them and Brighthorn.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Sigh , don't ask me why, but it's a bitter feud spanning generations.

Anyhow the students of this college focus on the augmentation of objects or beings by infusing them with negative energy.

This practice extends to the creation of enchanted items with protective or offensive capabilities and the subtle manipulation of individuals' wills and their own abilities. An Enchanter is perhaps one of the most common professions, alongside elementalists of course.

Moving on, we have...

The school of Gemini Sea : One of the highly acclaimed Schools, famous for their discipline involving the calling forth of beings or objects from beyond the physical realm, be it summoning allies from other planes or conjuring necessary tools from the ether. Summoners and Conjurers act as bridges between worlds, tapping into vast external resources.

Sorcerium College : Transmuters wield the power to fundamentally alter the material world, transforming the essence of matter and even the form of living beings. Their principle of study is potent and versatile, governed by the laws of nature and the principle of equivalent exchange.

And last but not least.

Harmonia Temple : Dedicated to the preservation of life. One of the most famously prestige and well-sought-after colleges. Here you will find healers and those specialize in the rare study of light incantations. They study the use of manipulating energies to mend the injured, cure diseases, and counteract poisons. Their practice is a testament to the life-affirming aspects of Arcane magic, embodying the principles of restoration and rejuvenation."

Suta was perhaps the most attentive one in the room right now. He weaved every single thing he was being told into his heart. Barely able to hide the excitement as he fidgeted against the creaking stall, his eyes sorely wide from refusal to blink, but his heart was afloat on a formless road of dreams.

The 8 Arcane Colleges? H-how extraordinary it all sounded to someone like Suta who thought the height of excitement would stop at competing in high level sports.

‘ So I was right when I assumed there must be countless institutions where I can study Arcane. I imagine there's a selection process or perhaps a similar awakening just like the adventurer ceremony.

Now I'm almost certain I need to make sure I awaken my mana core somehow.’

Thanks to the unofficial personal tutelage he received by paying close attention to Granny Baba, he already understood that a low ranker didn't always translate into someone unable to study the Arcane. It just meant the road was much harder to take than most people.

And Suta had already understood the greatest hurdle would be overcoming the trouble with his body,

Occasionally, Vistlov would cast a curious glance at him, but he didn’t say much, seemingly disregarding his presence in the discussion about Demoria's future alltogether.

Suta was unbothered by this naturally, preferring to be the silent observer in the room, aiming to learn as much as possible from the proceedings.

A rather peaceful 2 hours then passed by, and the conversation slowly moved away from Demorias studies and started to fall into a variety of different topics from the wider world, the kingdoms and their kings and Queens, to personal opinions about the state of the current Arcane world.

Noticeably Granny was leading most of the conversation from this point.

Suta felt like the luckiest person ever from where he was sitting. He had a front-row seat to a history lesson about this new world.

And it arrived right on his doorstep.

'Ever since my awakening it feels as though my luck has been pretty good,’ And by good Suta meant he was yet to encounter anything strange or deadly enough to kill him.

‘And by this rate, I should know most of the things I ought to understand about this world soon.'

One of the initial insights Suta acquired was regarding the geography of the different realms. He was intrigued to discover that the continent was divided into vast expanses of land, each separated by extensive oceans, without any pictured he had to mentally establish a rough idea of what this must look like. And he couldn’t avoid conjuring a replica of Earth's layout.

There were nine such massive territories.

While he was uncertain of their exact locations on a map, he committed their names to memory:

The Fire lands of Dagahra & Smaug.

The aquatic domain of Astarot ,

The storm territories of Urolocke and Vasdon ,

The earthen lands of Tanis & Choryth ,

And the central region known as Arcadien , home to the illustrious Golden City, the Goddess of Golden Dawn's capital. And coincidentally, the home of the Celestial Court.

The names struck him as both majestic and peculiar, quite different from the geographical nomenclature of his former world.

The conversation piece eventually dampened down to basic evening dinner chatter.

Signaling the time was vastly spent, Granny Baba eventually ushered the pale-haired Vistolov back to his carriage and waved him away.

He would be back in 7 days to collect Demoria for her new life beyond this farm.

***

That night Suta could barely sleep.

He was trapped in a constant fidgetiness, all stemming from the excitement of today's knowledge-building.

Today felt like one of the most productive days he had had since arriving here, there were so many new things to take in he could barely keep himself still.

On one hand, he was eager to explore the lands filled with rich history, magical history! Which meant discovering more ways for him to get stronger.

But on the other darker note, he needed to remember the deal he made with Helvetios (yes he had learned his name, although fishbowl head sounded better) the deal about finding out who killed the fisherman, whilst also completing that lengthy list of chores that seemed pinned to a particular area against his brain. Suta couldn't forget about those points even if he wanted to.

As reality began to encroach upon his thoughts, hefelt a cold sweat break out across his forehead. He closed his eyes, taking deep, measured breaths to center himself. From a young age, he had honed a unique skill for compartmentalizing new information into digestible segments, seamlessly integrating them into his vast repositories of knowledge.

This unique way of thinking had set him apart from his peers, fueling his academic excellence and distinguishing him in a way that he had yet to see paralleled by anyone else his age.

Upon reopening his eyes, Suta wasn't surprised to find his imagination had once again painted the ceiling with dense, grey clouds and crackling magenta currents of lighting— a private spectacle visible only to him.

With renewed focus, he summoned ethereal reddish and blue sparks of lightning, weaving them into a dynamic picture that depicted the layout of what he assumed this world looked at from a birds eye view.

Though he was aware his mental map might significantly deviate from actuality, the exercise helped him solidify his understanding, his illusions, within this world were as vivid as any reality he had known on Earth.

'W-wow...this is...amazing! I can make my dreams come to life just by mental practice ...c-can everyone do this?' He wondered but inwardly he knew the answer already.

The solitude of this mental escapade brought him a wild sense of joy, he somehow very much understood that this was an illusion created by himself, meaning no one else could see these things other than him right now.

‘I wonder if this means...I can create...a-anything?’ The magnitude of that being a possibility had almost suffocated him.

He pictured the different names of the lands he learned about today.

'The fire lands...the storm lands...Aquatic realms...and-'

Whilst Suta was using the currents of lighting to draw what he imagined these landscapes looked like.

This tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by the soft creak of his door.

The mental clouds dissipated as his room returned to its mundane state.

He captured the pitter patter sound of soft footsteps quickening, and then, quite unexpectedly, a small figure vaulted into his bed, seeking refuge under the fur quilts.

Suta felt the familiar touch of Demoria's soft hair and her slightly bony body clinging to him for comfort. In this instance, he recognized her need for reassurance in the face of looming changes set to occur in the coming days.

Suta gently stroked her hair, offering the silent solace she sought with his tight embrace.

In that moment he was torn, these days everything about her reminded him of Ringo. But Demoria was older than he was, 17, and yet there was something unfamiliar brewing in his beating heart at times when he thought about her deeply enough

Demoria nestled closer to his chest, finding peace in his presence, Suta realized the time for rest had come for both of them, allowing the quiet of the night to envelop them in a shared tranquility.

No words needed to be said.

Just him being here beside her, was enough for now.