The large cat-man wizard held both his arms up in the air, staring hard into Kaleb’s shocked face. Kaleb had frozen halfway into the office as Dr. Danforth shouted his proclamation. Kaleb was trying to figure out if he had somehow triggered a high-level quest. Dr. Danforth lowered his arms and studied Kaleb’s face like a curious cat. He twisted his head left and right before finally huffing loudly.

“You're not an idiot, are you?”

Kaleb tried to shake off his shock. “I… What?”

Dr. Danforth’s hands fell to his sides, and he sighed loudly. “Great. Another idiot.” He stared up and down Kaleb’s body before continuing. “Don’t worry son, we can still use you.”

Kaleb tried to speak up but the cat-man was loudly digging in his desk and pulling out several sheets of paper. He glanced up at Kaleb and pointed at a seat in front of his desk. Kaleb moved to the seat and sat down across from the cat-man. Dr. Danforth finished collecting his stack of papers and placed them in order before holding them out to Kaleb.

“Sign these.”

Kaleb took the stack of papers and read through them before he slammed them back on the desk. “This is an indentured servitude contract!”

Dr. Danforth looked annoyed before he snatched up the papers. “Damn it, you didn’t say you could read!”

“Why are you angry!?” Kaleb yelled incredulously.

“I thought you were an idiot!”

Kaleb sighed. “How is that my fault?! I walk in here and your shouting crap about saving the universe! That crap would shock anybody!”

Dr. Danforth shouted back. “I see your point!”

“You are still screaming!”

“So are you!”

Kaleb took a deep breath and tried to calm down. He heard Dr. Danforth do the same thing, and they both went back to studying each other faces. Kaleb realized that Danforth’s looks were more in line with a panther than a regular house cat. Dr. Danforth studied Kaleb from head to foot again before asking.

“So what can I help you with?”

Kaleb shook his head. “First, what was that stuff about saving the universe?”

Danforth waved him off dismissively. “The rookies like hearing stuff like that. Save the universe. Protect the planet. Help all the children. Make all the men and women swoon at your magical might. Blah blah blah. It's all just codswallop, something to get recruitment up.”

“THAT is your attempt at recruitment?!” Kaleb asked surprised.

Dr. Danforth shrugged his shoulders and said defensively. “It works here and there. Besides, we are researchers here. Not exactly the sexy life of swashbuckling adventure most people with the Gift are expecting.”

“I’m sure a few people would jump at the chance.” Kaleb said.

Dr. Danforth adjusted his glasses on his snout and asked. “So you ARE interested in joining our little group.”

Kaleb gave a non-committal nod. “Maybe, I had my Mana channels opened recently…”

“Ouch.” Dr. Danforth interrupted.

Kaleb nodded. “Yeah. So I am looking at the different schools of magic.”

Danforth snorted. “Ha! This is the only School of Magic. The others all use the Draconian master and student method. While individual teachers can increase how fast a student learns it also propagates bad habits. If the master has bad habits, he will pass them on to the student with no one there to correct it. Here, we pool our resources and slowly teach various Domains of Magic.”

“So slow and steady versus quick and dirty essentially.” Kaleb said as he rubbed a hand across his face.

Dr. Danforth nodded. “Essentially.” He pulled a notebook from his desk and a pen from his jacket pocket asking. “What Domains were you looking to study, anyway?”

“Enchanting, and Shield magic.”

Dr. Danforth wrote something down before asking. “That’s it?”

Kaleb shrugged. “For now. I am an inventor, so I am trying to find magic that will enhance my inventions.”

“I’d be careful there. You are getting dangerously close to Technomancy.” Dr. Danforth said as he continued writing.

“That’s a bad thing?”

Danforth glanced up from his writing. “To certain people? Yes. Magic and technology are a sticky combination. Only a few students study the practice here.”

Kaleb twisted his head curiously. “Why not?”

“Some claim Magically enhanced items degrade quicker, others say: When you talk to your equipment, it's time to pack up and go home. There are even some who claim using magic around technology summons gremlins that infest your creations.” Dr. Danforth explained.

“Really? Gremlins?” Kaleb asked.

“Yeah, nasty little buggers. We have a high-security wing devoted to the study of the bastards. Most of the faculty wouldn’t be sad if a student blew THAT wing up for a change.” Dr. Danforth said going back to writing in his notebook.

Kaleb rubbed his chin in thought. “What about Sorcerers and Warlock? How do they feel about Technomancy?”

Dr. Danforth shrugged. “I imagine the Sorcerers don’t care, while the Warlocks have no stance officially. They tend not to make blanket statements for their members.”

Kaleb nodded. “What about the Wizards? Do you people do a lot of talking for your members and what do you expect from your members.”

“The Archmage Wizards will occasionally forbid an area of study but the community can petition to open it up again. But, mostly the higher-ups are pretty hands off for normal members. If you want to open a class for official research in this college to take advantage of our resources, then that is when you are under strict guidelines.” Dr. Danforth said as he tore the paper he was writing on out of his notebook.

“Such as?”

Danforth leaned back in his chair and folded his piece of paper. “There has to be an interest in your field of study, you must register for use of our facilities on a case-by-case basis, you must submit regular papers on your researches progress, and you are subject to random inspections on your research. All that being said, we pay handsomely and they can use all our resources free.”

“If I want to keep my research to myself?” Kaleb asked.

“Then you can. You will still have full access to the colleges libraries for free. Although it is considered good taste to submit the occasional report on whatever it is you are working on. But it’s not a hard and fast rule.” Danforth finished folding his paper and placing it back on his desk as he spoke.

Kaleb stared down at the paper before returning his gaze to the Doctor. “And no club meetings or anything like that?”

Dr. Danforth wobbled his head non-noncommittally. “Well… we have the occasional meeting for all Austin-based Wizards. Just so we can keep track of who is doing what. We had an irritable female Fedisian who was studying virulent magical viruses and unfortunately she kept it to herself. When we finally got around to checking on her the HLO and SPPD had to lock down her whole block. Boy, what a mess. But, mostly the meetings are places where the Archmages can strut around like a bunch of stuffed peacocks and stare down their noses at our research.”

Kaleb watched Dr. Danforth’s face as he asked. “Like Archimedes Pendragon?”

“BHAHAHAHAHAHA! Archie? An Archmage? Hardly, that old windbag is in-charge of recruitment. At least, he was. Last I heard the Archmages weren’t too happy with his recruitment practices. The Sorcerers and Warlocks are filling their ranks while we are almost stagnating.” Danforth said as he almost choked from laughing.

Kaleb patted the arm of his chair and contemplated everything he heard. It didn’t sound too bad, but he still wasn’t sure. Although out of all the archetypes, Wizard probably fit his crafting style while Sorcerer fit his personal style. Though he figured he was only as good as his equipment. Kaleb figured he would talk to Jar-lock, Varlin, and Vivienne about their experiences with their Factions before he made a final decision.

“Well, you’ve given me a lot to think about, Dr. Danforth. I will consider each of the paths before I make a choice.” Kaleb said raising from his chair and nodding to the Doctor.

Dr. Danforth rose hurriedly from his chair and grabbed the paper he had written on and folded up. “Hold on, you will want this.”

“What is it?” Kaleb asked as he opened the paper.

“A list of books on Enchanting and Shield magic. Although Enchanting is a craft more than a Domain, All you need is the Mana to power the Enchantments. So it's more of an art than a science but knowing the runes and such can speed things up. Luckily, Shield magic is beginner stuff, although a few students neglect the Domain. Take the books from the first floor.” Dr. Danforth explained giving a wide smile.

“Are you sure? It won’t sway my choice.” Kaleb said.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Danforth shrugged. “It doesn’t have to. Wizards promote the sharing of magical knowledge. But the higher leveled books are only for those that have decided on a faction. These books are just to get your feet wet.”

Kaleb nodded as he back up to the door saying. “Of course. Well, good luck saving the universe, Doctor.”

“We save the universe everyday we are smart enough not to destroy it, Professor.” Dr. Danforth responded as he picked through the various papers on his desk.

Kaleb was halfway down the stairs to the 3rd floor when he realized that he had never introduced himself. Well, that’s only a little creepy. Kaleb thought as he shook his head and continued down the stairs. As he passed the 3rd and 2nd floors, he noticed that the screaming and shouting from the student Wizards had stopped. They must have finally caught up with the small gnome. Kaleb thought as he picked up his pace. He wanted to get a look at the little guy.

But as Kaleb climbed down the steps to the first floor, it caught him off guard by how quiet it was. Small piles of books were on fire and the area still looked like a tornado had been through. As he approached the front door, he thought he could make out a voice.

“Hup hup hup hup hup.”

Kaleb moved around a stack of books and almost fell over laughing. Near the front desk and main doors to the library the group of brown-robed Wizards were all tied up in a circle. Amos was strapped to the front desk, and the gnome was using a large metal stick to prod at Amos’ side. Kaleb’s laughter drew everyone’s attention. The gnome growled angrily as the Wizards shouted.

“Help!”

“Kill the bastard!”

“Don’t hurt him!”

“I said: Sorry, Grant!”

“You set me on FIRE, Dave!”

Kaleb kept chuckling as he moved closer to the gnome. If anything, he could at least release Amos and the other Wizards. But as he got closer the little gnome charged at him with his metal stick shouting a gruff battle cry.

“WAAAAAAAGH!”

Kaleb laughed again as he grabbed the metal stick before it could hit him. “Easy little guy. You’ll hurt yourself.”

“Aga no toko! Chuta nala!” The gnome shouted in a weird language.

Kaleb lifted the stick realizing that it was a metal extendable pointer. He brought the gnome up further getting a closer look at him. “No idea what your saying, dude.”

The gnome glared angrily at him as he held on tight to the metal pointer. Kaleb was about to throw the pointer gnome and all when the little guy made a noise of surprise.

“Gata ioake!”

Kaleb looked down at the gnome to see him swing himself toward Kaleb’s metal arm. The gnome launched himself on to Kaleb’s metal arm and stared at it while climbing around the arm. Kaleb twisted around trying to shake off the little man climbing on his arm.

“Hey! Get off!” Kaleb shouted as he dropped the pointer and shook his metal arm trying to dislodge the gnome.

The gnome tapped at various pieces on Kalebs arm while climbing around. Kaleb’s shaking did little to get the gnome off. Eventually the gnome climbed up to his metal shoulder and stared at Kaleb face wagging a finger and shouting loudly.

“Afid vi weka! Boto zil tehna!”

“Still do not understand what your are saying you bearded rat! Get off!” Kaleb shouted back reaching up with his other hand to grab the gnome.

The gnome reached into his pants and pulled a fistful of some dust. Kaleb grabbed the gnome’s collar as the gnome blew his dust into Kaleb’s eyes. Kaleb sneezed and coughed as the dust flew into his nose and throat. He held tight to the gnome as he felt the little man wiggle in his grasp.

“Let me go, you giant sand rat! I’ll gut ya, I swear I will.” Came a gruff voice from in front of Kaleb.

Kaleb brushed the dust off his face and tried to get a look at who was speaking. As he did, he heard the Wizard students shout again.

“Don’t!”

“Stop!”

“Don’t wipe it off!”

“Wasteful!”

“On FIRE, David!”

Kaleb ignored them and looked down at the gnome. “What the hell was that?”

“Magic dust, you poor excuse for a Wizard!” the gnome shouted back. “It allows those of the lesser races, such as you, to speak our noble gnome language.”

Kaleb nodded slowly before he walked toward the other Wizards tucking the Gnome under his arm.

“Let me go and tell me where the original metal for your arm came from.” The gnome shouted.

“No, and I don’t know.” Kaleb said as he tore the straps off Amos.

The young wizard nodded thanks at Kaleb before rushing to help his fellow students. The gnome wriggled in Kaleb’s arm trying to get free. Kaleb tapped the gnome on his forehead with a metal finger.

“Quit. Why do you care what kind of metal covers my arm, anyway?”

“You quit! And I’m not talking about the shoddy plates you hammered onto the frame like some drunken blacksmith with poor depth perception. I mean the original metal. Where did you get the original metal?” The gnome demanded.

Kaleb shrugged making something up. “My home.”

“Ha! I knew it. That is one of those alien alloys, isn’t it? Gimme some.” The gnome said excitedly.

Kaleb shook his said as the now free Wizard rushed toward him. The wizard swiped at the dust on his lab coat and shirt. He even saw a few of the on the floor trying to gather as much as they could. Once they all had a good handful they all, as one, tossed it into each other's faces.

“I knew these kiddos were stupid, but I didn’t think it was this bad.” Said the gnome as Kaleb looked around at the odd behavior.

“Are they trying to use your Magic dust?” Kaleb asked the gnome.

“Looks like it. But what they don’t realize is that the magic is in the gnome using it. Not just the dust.” The gnome explained.

Kaleb looked around and found Amos watching his fellow students with a bemused look on his face. As soon as they had all sniffed up their Magic dust they rushed over toward Kaleb and bombarded the little gnome with questions.

“How does the dust work!?”

“What is the significance of the hat?!”

“Where’s your gold?!”

“How does your magic work?!”

“Why don’t gnomes like me?!”

After peppering him with all their questions the students waited with bated breath for his responses. The gnome sniffed loudly before he answered.

“It’s magic, It keeps my head warm, That’s leprechauns, you git, very well thank you, and I don’t know maybe because you lock us in a cage and poke at us with a tiny stick. Would you like somebody if they treated you like a damn lab experiment!”

Kaleb chuckled as he thought the gnome had a point. He was a sentient being; he deserved respect didn’t he?

“And you, you great big lizard! Put me down before I rip out your eye and piss in the socket!” The gnome added.

Maybe not. Kaleb thought as he watched the downcast faces of all the students. Amos had walked up beside Kaleb and was shaking his head at his fellow students.

“You should all know Magic dust has to be given and can not be used by humans. How about instead you all clean up this mess before Doctor Danforth comes down here and hands out Magical history assignments?” Amos said to the crowd of downhearted students.

The students all nodded grudgingly before moving about the room picking up trash and putting out fires. Amos tapped Kaleb on the shoulder and they moved to the big front desk. Kaleb grabbed the gnome by the back of the neck and sat him down in the desk while Amos went around to the other side.

“Stay seated. If your good I won’t let them cage you.”

“Bah, who cares about a cage? What I want is some of that metal.” The gnome groused.

Kaleb shook his head. “Why do you care about my arm so much?”

“What’s he saying?” Amos asked as he cleaned up behind the desk.

Kaleb looked between the gnome and Amos before he answered Amos. “He keeps asking about the metal in my arm.”

Amos picked up a few books and placed them on desk looking thoughtful. “That makes sense. He is a Builder Gnome.”

“Least this boy knows his stuff.” The gnome said.

“That like it sounds?” Kaleb asked.

“Pretty much. They are great repositories of knowledge and they supposedly help other crafters.” Amos explained.

Kaleb nodded as he maintained his grip on the small gnome as he looked over the small man. “I don’t have more of this metal. It came from my home in Arizona.”

The gnome looked dejected as he crossed his arms and grumbled to himself. Kaleb shook his head at the gnome before he handed his list of books to Amos asking.

“Do you know where I can find these two beginner books for Shield magic and Enchanting?”

Amos studied the list as the gnome looked up at him. “Enchanting, you say?”

Kaleb ignored the gnome as Amos handed back the paper. “I can get these for you. One second.”

Amos reached into his robe and pulled out a wand. Flicking his wand toward the stacks of books Amos waited as two books levitated from the stack and floated over. Kaleb watched the books as they floated over the heads of the cleaning students setting down on the desk. As Kaleb went to pick up the books he saw a flash of light come from the gnome. As he twisted to look at the gnome, a system window obscured his vision.

*Notice*

A Builder Gnome (Lvl 2) has initiated a Familiar Contract with you.

A Builder gnome will increase the speed and quality of anything they help build.

The Summoner Domain is required to increase the Builder Gnome’s skills.

Mana Quality of a Workshop with a Builder Gnome will steadily increase.

Builder Gnomes are non-combat Familiars.

Do you accept?

[Yes/No]

Kaleb stared at the window in amazement. “Sonofabitch!”