"Alright, class, let's have some focus!" The calm, measured voice rings out.

"Now, can anyone tell me the name of the magician known as 'the Father of Spells?'"

After a long pause and many blank stares, Mr. Fraxinus relents.

"Alright, Mr. Apium. Perhaps you can enlighten us?"

The nervous student looks to his peers for any form of assistance before nervously muttering, "P-Primion?"

"Very good, Mr. Apium! 'Primula', said Mr. Fraxinus with disappointed sarcasm, "Was the magician who, centuries ago, transformed our world by codifying magic.

You see, before Primula, it was believed that magical talent was something innate, not something that could be taught. However, through his research, Primula discovered that, in fact, all humans possess the same magical potential, and variance existed not in power, but in the ability of humans to perceive æther.

Can anyone tell me what Primula did once he made this discovery? And, please, don't rely on Mr. Apium to provide us with another answer."

The class lets out a low chuckle as Chilense Apium begins anxiously combing through the pages of his notes.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Ah! Ms. Pentacentron!"

The pale girl with braided hair proudly stands up and recites from her notes. "After discovering that all humans possessed magical potential, Primula began experimenting with ways to allow everyone to percieve æther equally, though this proved a fruitless endeavor, in the end."

"Wonderful, Ms. Pentacentron! But as we all know, Primula did not simply give up. At its core, magic is the practice of focusing the mind to manipulate æther, so, concluded the Father of Spells, if he could not teach the eyes to see, he would teach the mind to think."

Fraxinus's eyes light up as he recounts the tale he has told a thousand

"Primula began work on a series of chants and meditations designed to help others visualize the æther without seeing it. These chants, and their corresponding geometric sigils, are what we know today as spells."

"Before I let you go for the day, I'd like you all to complete a small assi-"

*Bells Clamor*

Mr. Fraxinus's head rotates at a sharp angle to look directly at the bell tower, concern written all over his face. The children murmur amongst themselves. They were unsure what this meant. Never before in their lives had monsters attempted to breach the city. Valentiana flings open the door in a panic, her expression scaring the children more than the comotion overhead.

"Ornus!"

"I know. Please, protect the children in my absence."

Mr. Fraxinus turns to the children, forcing himself to project the persona of a laid-back professor.

"I'm afraid I'm being called away. Until I return, please stay close to Ms. Thunbergia."

As Mr. Fraxinus swiftly steps past Valentiana with a measured calm, she turns to him and whispers, "How many years has it been?"

"Not nearly enough."