The first class of the day was the enchanting class, led by the respected Master Enchanter Gwendolyn. A gentle, yet spirited woman of middle age, she possessed an inexhaustible repository of arcane wisdom and passion. Her tutelage centered on the secrets of imbuing items, weaponry, and armor with magical properties and skills.
With a relaxed demeanor, Master Enchanter Gwendolyn started the class by recounting the rich history of enchantment. She expounded on the diverse methodologies and ingredients utilized to create enchantments, while also detailing the crucial techniques for maintaining their stability.
Asrar and Baldwinn usually occupied the central seats in class, but ever since they formed a team with Elysia, they were compelled to occupy the frontmost rows, much to their frustration.
Despite the vital role this class played in one's path to becoming an apprentice, Asrar found his mind straying from the lecture, filled by the recurring dream that plagued his nights.
And here I thought I'd escaped the curse...
The dream grew increasingly dangerous, as the shrouded being drew near to claiming Asrar's life. Upon awakening, he sensed a lingering grip on his throat, and when he peered into Gawain's old mirror, he observed splotches of red staining his neck. The realization that the shadowy being possessed the power to extinguish his life within the dream sent shivers coursing down his spine.
I have to check the library for a book about curses.
He had conducted some research and learned that recurring malevolent occurrences were often the product of sinister curses. Regrettably, he had neglected to purchase a book of curses, believing the dream had dissipated and that its temporary nature precluded the need for such an expenditure.
As he refocused on the class, he couldn't help but notice Elysia's exceptional grasp of theory, as usual. It seemed that no other green cloak, not even the older ones, could match her intellect when it came to theoretical studies. With every passing class, Elysia's merit points surged like a raging inferno, as she aced each trial and test with ease. The other students couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for not inviting her to join their team.
He didn't bother to inquire with Baldwinn about the fragrant incense. The shopkeeper was known to take his time with sales, and he was sure Baldwinn would notify him as soon as the herbs found a buyer. Besides, he could always check the status of his merit points in the grand hall to see if they had increased.
The enchanting class ended serenely, and Asrar and his classmates gathered their belongings before proceeding to their next lesson. They made their way up winding staircases and through grand halls, the echoes of their footsteps resonating off the marble floors. Finally, they arrived at the door of the alchemy classroom.
The classrooms in the academy were traditionally segregated into three sections, each designated for a particular cloak. However, for shared courses such as alchemy, the largest classroom was used to accommodate all students, regardless of their cloak color. This room was reserved for the black cloaks, as their numbers exceeded 400, making them the dominant force within the academy.
This time around, the alchemy class was unlike any other. Asrar and the others streamed into the classroom, only to find it filled to the brim with eager students. Elysia, who was normally quick to secure a prime spot in the room, struggled to find a decent location to follow the lesson. It was clear that she was intrigued by the subject matter and the new instructor; her frustration was palpable as she jostled for space among the throngs of students.
The room was awash with students, each adorned in robes of different colors, their voices blending together in a symphony of chatter. As he surveyed the scene, he estimated that at least 800 students were present, a staggering number that rivaled even that of the tournament. It was a rare occasion to see so many individuals gathered in one place, and Asrar couldn't help but wonder if every single student had managed to make it to class that day.
Amidst the bustling chatter, the room fell silent as the sound of small footsteps echoed through the air. Right then, a stunning blonde woman in her twenties emerged from the shadows, clutching a stack of books tightly to her bosom. The air around her seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, and her presence commanded the attention of every student in the room. With a graceful stride, she made her way to the podium, her gaze sweeping across the sea of eager faces before her
Everyone was mesmerized by the woman's beautiful appearance, especially the males; however, the green cloaks' reaction was different.
"What?"
"Master Aelwen?"
Even Baldwin and Elysia were surprised. "What is she doing?" Baldwinn asked, his voice a mix of confusion and doubt.
A wry smile crossed Asrar's face as he remembered the time he had nearly been duped by the woman's uncanny resemblance to Master Aelwen. However, he ultimately remained silent, keeping his thoughts to himself
The other students didn't know Master Aelwen since she didn't teach them, so they were bewildered by the name.
After ascending to the podium, the woman cleared her throat with a delicate cough and began to speak, "Good morning, everyone," she said, her eyes scanning the assembled crowd with a knowing gleam. "I am Adelina, your new instructor in the ancient art of alchemy." A murmur of curiosity rippled through the audience, but Master Adelina continued without pause. "Though some of you may mistake me for my elder sister, the green-cloaks weapon master known as Aelwen, I assure you we are not the same person." Everyone nodded in understanding, "Now," she said, fixing them all with a bright-eyed gaze, "I know that many of you are new to the art, and so after a brief introduction, I'll give you some instructions and I shall choose a few among you to act as my aides." Everyone's ears perked up at her words.
"But firstly," She paused and tapped a glinting ball that sent an energy wave through the classroom, the ball's voice echoing through the space, "Snowmelt month, day nine, morning roll call! All green cloaks present, all black cloaks present, all purple cloaks present."
Adelina seemed satisfied by these words and started the class with a smile on her face. "Everyone should already know that alchemy is the study of transforming one substance into another, whether it be turning base metals into gold or creating elixirs with special uses," she explained. "However, it is important to note that alchemy is not simply about material transformation but also about spiritual and personal transformation." She continued the class by explaining for more than an hour.
Afterwards, some servants entered, bringing with them vials and several boxes filled with ingredients. Then she demonstrated how to make an acid concoction, cautioning the students to be extremely careful with the ingredients and the process. "This concoction is not something to be taken lightly," she warned. "It requires precise measurements and a delicate touch. One wrong move could result in a deadly outcome." As she mixed the ingredients together, the students watched in awe as the mixture bubbled and fizzed, emitting a noxious odor. "The key to alchemy is understanding the properties of each ingredient and how they interact with one another," she continued. "Through trial and error, one can discover new formulas and create powerful potions."
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She then poured the liquid into a vial, and from the vial she dropped one drop into a stone; strangely, it began dissolving. "Why do you think the vial didn't break, while the harder stone dissolved upon its touch?" She asked everyone.
The vial did not break because it was made of glass, which is resistant to many chemicals and is not easily broken
Asrar already had the answer, but since there weren't any merit points to be gained, he kept his mouth shut.
Amidst the sea of murmurs, a young man lifted his hand with a proud glint in his eyes. "Yes, alchemy master," he spoke up confidently, "the vial remained unbroken because it was forged from chemically resistant material." Adelina nodded approvingly and requested the young man's name. With an even wider grin, he answered, "I am Leofric Blackwoode, Master Adelina." The other students gazed at him with envy, and his prideful display urged them to pay closer attention, hoping to answer the next question correctly.
.
"Blackwoode?" Asrar murmered
Is that not the name of the Earl whom my father wishes to betroth Earline to one of his children?
"Hmm, he is the offspring of the Blackwoode earl; though they are not very high-ranking nobility, the Blackwoodes are known for their expertise in alchemy, with many of their workshops strewn throughout the kingdom," Elysia spoke, her voice filled with a hint of wonder. "But I cannot fathom why he chooses to study in Raven's Perch. If it's alchemy he yearns to master, his family's estate would be the finest choice." Elysia said. She thought Asrar was puzzled about this point as well.
For the next two hours, Master Adelina regaled the crowd with an array of exotic brews and potions. With every new concoction, she posed a query to the assembled students, which clamored to proffer an answer, though their guesses were often wide of the mark. Adelina did not chide anyone for their mistakes, though some were fortunate enough to hit upon the correct answer. One being Leofric and another girl from the purple cloaks.
As the toll of the bell echoed through the chamber, Master Adelina drew her presentation to a close. "Please remain awhile," she intoned, her voice commanding the attention of all. "I shall now call those who are eligible of serving as my aides. If you have no interest, you can withdraw. But know this: great honor and rewards await those who rise to the challenge." The prospect stirred the crowd, regardless of the enticements. Who would not wish for the chance to bask in the presence of such a fair and noble lady?
"Leofric Blackwoode..." The words rang out, and a swell of pride surged within the young man's breast. Though the others cast envious glances his way, they knew he was all but certain to be chosen, "…Camilla Lancaster, Rupert Hastings,... "The names continued to flow, and Elysia's inclusion came as no surprise, given her deft answers, "...and Asrar Averille. All those whom I have named must meet me at sunset tomorrow in the new laboratory," Master Adelina intoned. "Bear in mind, these names are but candidates, and each of you must pass a test to determine who shall serve as my three assistants." With that, she departed, leaving the chosen ones to ponder the trials that lay ahead. She had mentioned twenty names, among which Elysia and Asrar were the only ones wearing green cloaks. Though this didn't surprise the others, the green cloaks were quite taken aback, especially Baldwin and Elysia since they knew Asrar's name and they knew that he had not uttered a single word during the session.
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"Do you know her?"
"Yes; otherwise, why would she call you?"
As the trio reconvened in the moonlit mess hall after their classes, Elysia and Baldwin peppered Asrar with questions. Though the latter himself could not fathom why he had been chosen along with the others.
"I really do not know," Asrar replied honestly, his mind still reeling from the surprise of his selection. "Though we crossed paths in the great hall last week, I did not leave a favorable impression upon her, so there should be no bias in my favor." He saw no reason to conceal this encounter, and he recounted the event to his companions in full detail.
Elysia regarded him with a raised eyebrow, but eventually spoke, "This could be advantageous for us. With us together, we stand a better chance of securing the position. Though I am not sure what kind of test we'll have to pass."
Baldwinn had nearly finished his meal when he retrieved something from his bag. "Here, Elysia, take this," he said, presenting an herbal mixture to the puzzled girl. "If you burn it from the tip, it should destroy that bloody smell." Elysia was skeptical, but she accepted it nonetheless and thanked Baldwinn. "Where did you obtain this, though?" she inquired.
At those words, Baldwin's gaze shifted towards Asrar. "Asrar crafted it himself and offered it for sale in my uncle's shop." The girl was taken aback, then elated. "Your uncle is that greedy man?" She coughed and quickly corrected herself, "I mean, that's great! My things never ever made it into his store, so this thing should be very potent." She paused and inquired of the two, "How much is it for?"
"Twenty merit points," Baldwin announced, and Elysia's eyes widened in surprise. "Don't spread the word that Asrar made this. Otherwise, no one would buy it from the shop. Instead, have girls come to your room and let them smell it. Girls are more likely to buy this incense." Asrar couldn't help but admire Baldwin's shrewd business sense. He trusted him to handle these sorts of things.
Elyisa nodded her head, though she had a wry smile on her face.
After they bid farewell to each other, Asrar made his way to the library in order to find a solution for the nightmares.
Raven's Perch library was a vast and intricate maze, a haven for book lovers of all sorts, with shelves overflowing with ancient tomes and grimoires. It was, however, a place of solitude, where few ventured, and those who did were either serious students or those seeking refuge from the chaos of the world. Most students spent their evenings honing their abilities, delving into skill books, or practicing their soul essence, leaving the library eerily quiet and undisturbed.
Asrar believed that many students were misguided in their approach. While skills were undoubtedly crucial, they were not sufficient to ensure victory in combat. Learning a fighting technique was imperative, as it allowed one to strike at a moment's notice and seize the advantage in battle. Also, he discovered that skills took time to charge, and a skilled opponent who mastered a fighting technique could easily catch an unprepared adversary off guard.
The library of Raven Perch was not only vast but also teeming with sevants, most of whom were busy dusting off ancient tomes and organizing the shelves. The librarian, an elderly man with a long, gray beard, sat behind a massive oak desk, poring over a stack of old scrolls and manuscripts. Asrar, a regular visitor to the library, approached the desk with a smile. The old man recognized him immediately and greeted him warmly, "Ah, Asrar, what brings you to the library today?"
"Good day to you," Asrar greeted with a bow. "I seek knowledge of the art of curses and, more specifically, ways to dispel them. Is there a tome within these rows that may grant me such knowledge?" The old man peered over his spectacles and stroked his beard, deep in thought.
"Though there are not many, I can recommend you some, but first tell me what kind of curses?"The old man said with confidence, "Thank you, something about recurring nightmares…"The old man nodded, and without another word, he vanished into the depths of the library. Asrar knew that this may take some time, so he waited patiently.
The grand library stretched far and wide, and it was segregated into many levels: green, black, and purple sections, each section housing its own secrets and knowledge. Asrar as a green cloak, was permitted to peruse the volumes of the other sections, but only with the payment of merit points. The masters section, however, remained a forbidden location for students, inaccessible to only the school's higher-ups.
The old man eventually emerged from the depths a few minutes later, holding two volumes of ancient knowledge on curses related to nightmares
"Alas, these are the only tomes that remain," the old man lamented. "Unfortunately for you, they are taken from the purple section, and so they come at a cost." His voice hushed, he leaned in, "I would advise you start with this one; it delves deeper into the topic at hand." With a flourish, he presented a tome with a title that read, "A Witch's Diaries".
A witch?
Reading the title, Asrar immediately agreed, and he instantly paid ten merit points to borrow it for five days.