《Phasma》 Preface: The Rebel PHASMA BOOK 1 PHASE 1: In which We Embark on a Wondrous Journey Preface: The Rebel Dear scratch that... Mother. I had been a good kid all my life. Hmm... let¡¯s try that again... In all my thirteen years, I have never asked much from you. I have always done what you ask of me. I never argued when you forbade me to go to the settlements ¨C which are too far from our home anyway. You are usually away and we hardly have a handful of human neighbors, but I have never troubled you with my loneliness. I have read all the books you¡¯ve given me, studied all the materials and dissertations, put up with my mentors. I even finished the last batch of experiments you told me to work on for the whole summer. After finding a pamphlet from the book that YOU brought home, I saw for the first time, something that I, myself, wanted to learn. All I wanted was for you to buy me a camera. All I asked for was an instructional book to teach me how to use it. Instead, you snatched the pamphlet from my hands and tear it up right before my eyes, telling me ¡®it¡¯s just a useless hobby for slackers who have too much time in their hands¡¯. Well, there are still a couple of weeks left before the leaves change color, thus, I am, as you call it, a slacker with too much time in my hands, and as such, I have decided to go to this ¡®Summer Camp¡¯ in Aubrianne Royal University. Please do not worry cross that one out... You need not worry. I am old enough to take care of myself. I have memorized the map by heart and am confident that I can find University on my own. Love, or rather... From your son, ¡°Oh, scrap it all¡± said the boy after reading the latest letter he wrote. He crumpled the paper, threw it into the waste basket, and took a fresh one from his drawer, lifting his pen one last time. ¡°Mom,¡± he mumbles as he writes, ¡°I¡¯m going to Photography Camp in Aubrianne Royal University and you can¡¯t stop me!¡± he looks at the short note, nods approvingly at it and signs his name at the end. ¡®Dorin¡¯ Thus, begins the adventure of a boy who has never set foot off the mountains where he and his mother have lived in for the past ten years. Chapter 1 ¨C Maiden Voyage Dorin took what little treasures he had ¨C a small notebook half full of questions he have yet to find answers to, a pocket watch engraved with a seal and an indiscernible name, his mother¡¯s ring that wouldn¡¯t fit his fingers, a silver pocket knife, and what little money he found in the emergency bottle hidden at the back of the top pantry shelf. He placed them all in a small bag he made from an empty sack of flour, and filled it with as much food as he could carry. Besides, who knows how far this ¡®University¡¯ could be? Who knows how long the trip might take? It was fortunate that the weather was clear, and that his mother just left for gods know where. Also fortunate, is his ability to remember things he has seen at least once, such as the small map in the brochure which showed where ¡®Aubrianne Royal University¡¯ is located. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°It couldn¡¯t be that hard to find,¡± he thought to himself, ¡°All I need to do is look for the same shape in the landscape!¡± With that in mind, he stomped out of the front door and looked around, making sure no one was there to stop him. Not that he needed to. The nearest human neighbor lived about a mile away. There were only two persons living in the modest hut he calls home, and the other inhabitant, namely, his mother, was currently out. He walked to a laurel tree, breaking off a thick branch with a snap. He held the branch to his lips and whispered some words of magic, then blew three notes to the air in a sharp whistle. A strong gust of wind suddenly comes up and blows the boy and the laurel branch up into the sky! Dorin steadied himself, as if he was merely walking in a straight line, and sat on the branch, making himself comfortable. He then whistles a different tune which sends the branch racing through the air. It was a sunny day with only a couple of thin clouds floating lazily in the sky. He expertly zooms straight up, going higher and higher, until the ground beneath him looked like the drawing in the map that he had carefully tucked inside his head. ¡°Now, where is that patch of land... it must be somewhere to the North West...¡± Dorin flies to the right and looks at the land beneath him. ¡°Found it!¡± he exclaimed after flying for some time, staring at a small octagonal patch to the right, far in the distance, which was part of an archipelago shaped like an eagle. He starts to descend until his feet were able to touch the tips of the highest pines, then flew in a straight line towards his destination. ¡°About a thousand miles, huh...¡± he mumbled to himself, pulling out his pocket watch from under his thick tunic. ¡°I would probably reach it in around 6 hours if I hurry...¡± he puts the watch back and grins. ¡°Just in time for lunch, and enough time to sign up for the Summer Camp!¡± Dorin planned to ride the wind all the way to the University, but he was a child who has never seen the world beyond the forest, and thus, was prone to a lot of distractions. The first was a tall tower made of wood connected to a wall that stretched out on both directions. There were two uniformed men on top, one much older than the other, and they were not happy to see Dorin fly by. ¡°Halt! Who goes there?!¡± shouted the older one who had the most intriguing white patch of mustache covering his mouth. ¡°Show us your papers!¡± demanded the other. This one looked only a bit older than Dorin, about seventeen, perhaps. He was a skinny blond boy with a face full of freckles. ¡°Papers?¡± questioned Dorin, his head tilted to a side. ¡°I¡¯m afraid my mother tore it up. Can I give you some bread instead?¡± he held out one of the 2 loaves he was eating while he floated on his branch. ¡°That... branch you¡¯re riding... is that registered?¡± the younger one asked. ¡°Idiot, how can a branch be registered! It even has leaves on it!¡± said the other. ¡°That¡¯s a clear violation of the traffic code!¡± the first one said again, to which the other person, more senior in his years, thumped him on the head. ¡°Let me handle this one, Private Fisher,¡± he said as he squinted at Dorin floating on his branch. ¡°Look kid, it is against the law for minors to ride brooms, mops, spears, etcetera... and yes, even branches, without the supervision of a responsible adult. Can you tell us where your parents or guardians are?¡± Dorin stared at the two men. ¡°Why?¡± he asked. ¡°`Coz if you fall and break your neck, we would need someone to bring home your sorry ass,¡± replied the older man. ¡°And to sign the papers too!¡± piped in Private Fisher. ¡°Oh, but I won¡¯t fall,¡± said Dorin who pulled the branch from beneath him. Private Fisher gave a yelp as he did, but instead of falling 10 feet to the base of the tower, the wind grew stronger and kept the boy floating in mid air. ¡°Cute,¡± said the older one, not batting an eyelid. ¡°You still can¡¯t fly on your own. Now, tell us your parent¡¯s or guardian¡¯s name and number.¡± ¡°Number?¡± Dorin asked. ¡°Their phone number,¡± said the younger one. ¡°Phone?¡± The elder officer sighed and looked at the kid before him from head to toe. The lad has light brown hair that floated around his head like a halo. Most of it was tied in a half pony and probably reached past his shoulders. The long-sleeved coat and tunic he wore looked handmade from rough woven wool, as well as the loose trousers tucked inside the tough-looking leather boots on his feet. What caught his attention, though, was the bag hanging on his back which was made from an old sack of flour tied up with a piece of rope. ¡°Okay kid, just tell me where you came from,¡± asked the older man. ¡°From Monarch forest in the east,¡± said Dorin, pointing left. ¡°I¡¯m on my way to ¡®University Camp¡¯.¡± ¡°What University?¡± asked the younger one. ¡°Aubrianne University, the one with the Summer Camp...¡± ¡°What?¡± the 2 men said in unison, ¡°That¡¯s more than 400 miles away!¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve gone that far already?¡± the boy looked pleased. ¡°Get down from there and tell us your guardian¡¯s name!¡± demanded the private. ¡°Why? Are you gonna send me back home?¡± Dorin asked defensively. ¡°Of course! A brat like you...¡± ¡°You say you¡¯re from Monarch Forest?¡± the older one interrupts, ¡°Did you run away from home?¡± The kid flinched. ¡°Get down from there or we¡¯ll be compelled to use force!¡± Dorin stared upon the private¡¯s command. ¡°Then I shall do the same!¡± was his reply. Raising his hand, Dorin brings it down at a sharp angle, sending a gust of wind towards the two men that passed through the tower¡¯s base. Nothing happened at first, until the top half started to slide down. The tower tumbled to the ground with the 2 men still inside it! When they got out of the rubble, the kid was already gone. ¡°That damn brat!¡± the older one hollered. Fortunately, he had quickly enveloped himself and the young private in a protection spell, and emerged from the rubble unscathed. ¡°Corporal Williams! I¡¯m calling headquarters!¡± Private Fisher said, pulling out his cellphone. ¡°Don¡¯t bother private,¡± replied the corporal, ¡°The kid said he came from Monarch Forest, and with that level of magic proficiency, I have a good guess who that brat is.¡± Corporal Williams took an old analog phone from the satchel around his waist and flipped it open. ¡°Who are you calling, sir?¡± Private Fisher asked. ¡°His mother.¡± Chapter 2 - frozen cream on a cone Dorin traveled on, not bothering to look back at the fallen tower. If he did, he would have seen a familiar crest drawn, though faded, on the other side of the wall. He flew at top speed until his curiosity got the best of him once more. This time, it was a metal tower with round, metal dishes stuck on top of it. The metal towers were on a field. There was another one just like it in the distance, and the towers seem to be connected by thick black vines. Dorin flew nearer, cautiously keeping an eye out for more men in uniform. He didn¡¯t want to be held up by any more questions, much less, be asked to call for his mother. He examined one of its legs and gently rapped on it. It gave a spark which made his hair stand on end. He decided to stop investigating after that. He went on his way, his hair a bit frizzled, but otherwise fine. Besides, the scene behind the next hill looked even more interesting, for beyond that was a black winding road going down the mountain and up a hill that led to a village filled with buildings made of glass and stone. There were colorful carriages running on the roads. Automobiles. He remembered reading about them, from some other pamphlet he found stuck in the pages of one of his mother¡¯s books. ¡°So, this is what a ¡®car¡¯ looks like,¡± he said to himself, swerving down to take a closer look. The People in the car consisted of two very attractive blond women in front and a young man wearing glasses in the backseat. They were all looking at him, wide-eyed. ¡°Young man, do your parents know you¡¯re riding alone on the freeway?!¡± one of the women asked after she opened the window. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s cool! And he looks so young too!¡± said the younger woman beside her. ¡°To think he can keep up with the car at this speed! I guess the magic here is still thicker compared to the city.¡± The young lady¡¯s golden locks fell over a petite pink dress. She smiled enchantingly at the young man on the branch. Dorin didn¡¯t answer. He was too busy looking at the car¡¯s interior to notice her ¨C at a wheel that was steering itself while the driver sat comfortably behind it. Just then, the car swerved to the right. Dorin looked ahead and saw a sharp curve on the road, and speeding right at him at the opposite lane, was a large vehicle twice his height! The women in the car screamed. Dorin increased his speed, the truck narrowly missing him. He flew over a steep cliff and right through a thin expanse of pine trees. ¡°That was close!¡± he said to himself, his heart raising. He floated to a halt and watched as the vehicles came to a screeching stop. It was a good thing that there were no other vehicles behind the car, while the ones following the trailer truck were able to stop before a collision could occur. ¡°I haven¡¯t had such a rush since mom took me wyvern hunting when I was eight!¡± he shook his head, remembering the dragon-like creatures who nearly clawed him to shreds. He saw the women get out of the car, as well as a gruff-looking man from the truck. They seem to be searching for him beneath the cliff. He remembered the two men in the tower then, and quickly went on his way towards the west, before the people in the automobiles decide to call his guardian. Back at the freeway, the truck driver was busy on the phone. He had just called the highway patrol to report a kid that might have fallen off the cliff. ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be any disturbance on the undergrowth,¡± said the woman from the car. ¡°Perhaps the kid just got spooked and decided to fly back home?¡± ¡°Mom, come on! We¡¯re gonna be late!¡± called her daughter from the car. At the back seat, the young man stared at the sky, his glasses reflecting the sun. ¡°What are you looking at Sebastian?¡± asked his sister. Sebastian simply shook his head and went back to the spellbook he was reading. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Meanwhile, Dorin had just gotten his first glimpse of the city. The sight of it made him stop in mid-flight at the edge of the woods. It looked like a forest made of tall glass towers, some of which were high enough to touch the clouds. The first thought that popped out of his head was, ¡®How do they climb all those steps?!¡¯. Then he noticed the bridges over land with vehicles running on them ¨C hundreds, thousands of automobiles! And that fog... that gray fog at high noon... He couldn¡¯t really tell from this distance, but there was something ominous about it. Slowly, he descended. He now knows that flying around in the city would bring him a whole lot of trouble, so he decided to ride low and walk the rest of the way across the busy streets. After all, he was dying to take a look around! He alighted at an empty alley, careful not to let other people see him. Turning around the corner, he came out into a busy street full of buildings with glass doors showcasing different objects inside. There were people milling everywhere. ¡°Stores...¡± he thought aloud, ¡°This must be a market place!¡± ¡°If you want the market, it¡¯s at the other side of town,¡± said a young voice from behind him, ¡°This here¡¯s the mall district.¡± ¡°The mall...¡± Dorin repeated as he looked at a small girl who was appraising him from head to foot. The kid was wearing a flowing blue-green dress, not unlike the pink dress the girl in the car was wearing a while age. On her left hand was a silver wand, and on the other was a drippy blob of brown goo. ¡°So, which countryside are you from?¡± To Dorin¡¯s surprise, the girl held the drippy blob to her face and licked it! He was still staring wide-eyed when the girl asked again, ¡°You want some ice cream?¡± ¡°Ice... cream...?¡± He repeated. ¡°You know? Frozen cream on a cone?¡± Dorin shook his head. ¡°Man, which hole did you creep out from?¡± She licked the ¡®ice cream¡¯ again, her soft blue eyes staring at him. ¡°I¡¯m from Monarch Forest,¡± said Dorin, not taking his eyes off the ¡®ice cream¡¯. ¡°I¡¯m on my way to Aubrianne University...¡± ¡°Oh, a new student from the old country, huh?¡± asked the girl. Dorin nodded uncertainly. The girl tucked her wand under her arm and held her left hand to him. ¡°Agate,¡± she said. Dorin stared. ¡°That¡¯s my name.¡± ¡°Oh...¡± Dorin quickly took her hand and pumped it. ¡°Dorin!¡± he replied with a big smile, ¡°Dorin Silvius! It¡¯s my first time here in the city!¡± ¡°Yes, I noticed,¡± Agate replied with a grin. ¡°Is that your... staff?¡± she asked, motioning at the branch on his right hand that has now lost all its leaves. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just a tiller.¡± ¡°Tiller? You mean, like a boat... oh... that¡¯s your ¡®broom¡¯... I see...¡± ¡°Yes, my mother took the oar so I had to improvise a bit... although my butt is a bit stiff from all that riding...¡± here he rubs his bottom unconsciously. ¡°What a minute,¡± Agate frowned, ¡°you rode here all the way from Monarch Forest?¡± she looked surprised. ¡°Which settlement are you from?¡± ¡°Settlement?¡± Dorin thought of the one nearest to their home, ¡°Cirsium Village,¡± he replied. ¡°Hmm... that¡¯s the village closest to the middle...¡± Agate mumbled to herself. ¡°Are you from Monarch Forest too?¡± the boy asked. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m just good at geography,¡± she looked at the boy who was again, staring at her ice cream cone. ¡°C¡¯mere...¡± she said to Dorin. They went inside a store. The guy behind the counter looked suspiciously at Dorin who left the broken branch of laurel by the entrance. He seemed to relax a bit when Agate approached him. ¡°Why, hello little miss,¡± said the guy with a practiced smile, ¡°would you like another scoop?¡± ¡°No thank you, but my friend here would like to try one, too.¡± Agate pushed Dorin to the front where a large selection of tubs of different color were lined behind a glass panel. ¡°Go ahead and choose one, young man,¡± said the vendor, eyeing the clothes his new customer was wearing. ¡°Wow...¡± Dorin said beneath his breath, ¡°there are so many of them...¡± ¡°You can taste them if you want.¡± His companion handed him a small spoon. ¡°Tell Mr. Bayer which flavor you want to try.¡± ¡°Can I really?!¡± Dorin was delighted. 10 minutes later, Mr Bayer hands him a large sugar cone with 3 scoops on top ¨Cpistachio, strawberry, and chocolate. ¡°Wow... I had no idea you could turn pistachio nuts into cream ¨C and freeze it!¡± Dorin exclaimed, taking a big bite off his ice cream. ¡°Have you never seen almond milk before?¡± Agate smiled as she took out a purse. ¡°Oh, I can pay for myself!¡± Dorin fumbled for his makeshift bag and took out a pouch. ¡°I can¡¯t let a child pay for me!¡± he added with a bright smile. He opens the pouch and empties a small pile of coins on the counter. ¡°How much for this ice cream?¡± he asks with a big smile, while his companions gaped at the coins, wide-eyed. Chapter 3 – Rare Coins Both Mr. Bayer and Agate stared at the pile, their eyes wide open, then at the scruffy-looking boy in his homespun clothes and flour sack bag. The ice cream vendor was the first to speak. ¡°Where did you get these coins?¡± ¡°My mother said I can use them for emergencies, aren¡¯t they enough?¡± his smile was gone, now. He¡¯s got a feeling that he might have to give the ice cream back. ¡°This is a 12th century Queen Josephina gold coin... and King Romanov silver shillings... the rest are all silver... and is that a gold Benjamine?! There are only about 10 known pieces left in the entire Empire!¡± Agate poked through the pile, ¡°And there are 2 pieces here!¡± ¡°Is that good or bad?¡± asked Dorin, licking his drippy cone. ¡°Let me pay for your ice cream.¡± Agate pulled out a piece of printed colored paper from her purse and handed it to Mr. Bayer who was still staring at the coins with wide eyes. ¡°But...¡± ¡°I insist!¡± Agate almost shouted. The vendor snapped out of his trance. He took the colored paper and went to a rectangular contraption where he poked at some buttons. A drawer suddenly opened at the bottom of the contraption, full of wads of colored paper and shiny silver coins. He took some coins and handed them to Agate. ¡°Thank you Mr. Bayer.¡± ¡°Ah, thank you for your patronage!¡± said the man with a slight bow, ¡°Please come back anytime, especially you, young man!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Agate placed the coins in her pouch and pulled at Dorin¡¯s tunic. ¡°T-thank you as well!¡± Dorin called back, as he held on to his half-eaten ice cream cone and reached for his branch before exiting the store. ¡°Where are we going?¡± he asked the girl who continued pulling him along. ¡°Are you really that ignorant?¡± she said instead. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I was with you!¡± She suddenly stopped and looked up at a clueless Dorin who almost dropped the remainder of his ice cream on top of her head. Her eyes have turned a dark shade of blue. ¡°The coins you carry are worth a fortune! If I were someone else, I could have easily fooled you and ran away with it.¡± ¡°That means you¡¯re a good person!¡± Dorin pointed out with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m lucky to meet a good person on my first visit to the city.¡± ¡°Ah, you fool...¡± said his companion, wiping her face with her small fists, ¡°Anyway, is that all the money you have?¡± The boy nodded. ¡°Then we have no choice,¡± she sighed, ¡°you will have to sell some to a collector.¡± ¡°You can sell money?¡± asked Dorin. ¡°Yes, when it¡¯s old and rare, it can fetch a high price...¡± she took out a silver coin frfom Dorin¡¯s pouch and held it up for him to see. ¡°Like this one, for instance,¡± she continued, ¡°this silver shilling with King Romanov¡¯s image is more than a hundred years old, this 5 cent coin is currently worth about 5,000 almas!¡± ¡°Is that... big?¡± the boy asked wide eyed. ¡°Haahhh....¡± Agate sighed. ¡°Let me put it this way... A man can have a full meal with 5 almas.¡± This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. At this the boy brightened up. ¡°That means I can have 3 full meals a day for 5 years plus dessert!¡± Agate was surprised at how fast the gullible boy can compute. ¡°And that¡¯s just the shilling!¡± she quickly added. ¡°What about the gold pieces?¡± ¡°The Queen Josephina can fetch as much as half a million,¡± she said as she pulled the boy along. ¡°The golden Benjamin costs 3 times more.¡± She stopped in front of a store with a wide display of old furniture ¨C mostly metal, and all of which looked very expensive. When they left the store, Dorin was holding a thick parcel of bills. ¡°So, this is paper money...¡± he asked no one in particular. ¡°Put it in your... bag...¡± She stared annoyingly at the flour sack and pulled him inside a different store. They left the store later, Dorin with a brand new leather satchel, and the proprietor waving happily after them. ¡°I have always wanted my own satchel, but my mother always said that I had no use for it since I don¡¯t travel anyway,¡± he exclaimed happily, caressing the bag. ¡°Look how supple this leather is!¡± ¡°Yes, yes... now about those clothes...¡± ¡°Why, yes, I made these myself!¡± he said proudly. ¡°Mother wove the cloth but the stitches are mine! It¡¯s pretty good, don¡¯t you think?¡± He looked so proud that Agate didn¡¯t have the heart to tell him otherwise. ¡®Well, if he¡¯s off to University, then it wouldn¡¯t matter much what he comes dressed in,¡¯ she thought to herself. ¡®He must have come from a very poor family, those coins are probably all they had in this world. The kid seems to be quite talented in magic, perhaps that¡¯s why they decided to send him to the University?¡¯ ¡°Is there anything more?¡± the boy looked at her eagerly. ¡°No, you¡¯re all set,¡± replied Agate with a sigh. ¡°Now, let me give you some advice.¡± Dorin smiled at her and nodded enthusiastically. ¡°First. There are several rules you need to follow in the Capital City. One of which is that minors are not allowed to ride magical vessels without being accompanied by an able adult. The driving age is 16 and you need a novice license to fly on your own, until you reach the age of 18.¡± ¡°Yes, some people told me something like that on my way here...¡± ¡°Good. Did you listen to them?¡± Dorin looked away. ¡°There are lots of other rules, but you¡¯ll eventually learn about them in the University.¡± Agate took out a small booklet from a secret pocket hidden in the folds of her dress and handed it to Dorin. ¡°Here¡¯s a small guidebook about the Kingdom of Beronia,¡± she told him, ¡°there is a list of common rules at the back.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Dorin took it and looked through the book. On the cover was a seal that showed a coiled snake about to swallow a diamond at the tip of its tail. ¡°Second, is that you should never show your money, expensive items, or magical artifacts to people you don¡¯t know. You can¡¯t trust people that much, you know, some of them might swindle it from you.¡± At this, she got a vigorous nod from the boy in front of her. ¡°Last but not the least,¡± she continued, ¡°never disclose personal information to your fellow students in the university. People from all over the continent and beyond go to that place to be the best in the Empire. It¡¯s a battlefield. A person as naive as you could be eaten alive. So keep your defenses up.¡± Dorin looked surprised. ¡°A battlefield...¡± he repeated, his eyes shining in anticipation. ¡°Now, get on your way. It¡¯s way past 3 in the afternoon, and you still have some ways to go!¡± ¡°It¡¯s that late already?!¡± Dorin pulled out his pocket watch and flipped it open. ¡°Take your... branch, and if anyone stops you, show them the guidebook.¡± She pointed to the sun towards the west. ¡°Go straight through this area, the University is just beyond the hills, on top of a plateau.¡± ¡°Thank you very much Agate!¡± Dorin whistled a tune and was raised in a gust of wind. Agate stepped back, surprised. ¡°I hope we meet again! for a very young girl, you have taught me so much! I shall pass this way again on my way back!¡± ¡°Yep, we¡¯ll surely meet again!¡± Agate called back from the ground. Dorin waved at her as he sat on the branch, the pocket watch in his hand glinting in the sunlight, showing a crest of a single black rose flanked by two drawn swords engraved on its cover. ¡°`Till we meet again!¡± Dorin tosses one of the golden Benjamins down at her. ¡°This is for you.¡± Agate caught the coin and looked at him, wide-eyed and speechless, her mouth opening without uttering a sound. ¡°Hermione!¡± she finally whispered, as the image of the boy disappeared in the distance. Chapter 4 - Royal Aubrianne Imperial University Dorin didn¡¯t have any difficulty finding the University, but he was stopped 3 times by traffic officers and got sidetracked by the amazing things he saw along the way. It was a good thing that Agate gave him a handbook, for they simply waved him off after seeing the seal on the cover. The place was unmistakable. Aubrianne University was a vast castle which sat on an octagonal plateau as big as a medium city. Several buildings were erected near the middle, surrounding a tall tower whose tip was lost in the clouds. Surrounding the buildings was an inner wall, and outside the wall were countless smaller buildings, most of which were stores, restaurants, shops and the likes. The ones near the outer walls were residences with clothes hanging out of the windows, criss-crossing across the street to other houses. Dorin floated along on his branch, keeping on top of the houses so as not to be spotted by another officer. He was planning to fly over the inner wall when he suddenly hit an invisible barrier and almost fell off his branch. ¡°Strange...¡± he said, staring at the wall. He squinted his eyes and saw a thin film coating the wall which stretched up towards the sky in the form of a dome. ¡°Perhaps I just need to come in properly through the main gates?¡± Dorin went around the wall and found the east gate. Several students were milling around the area, most of which were entering the school campus. He descended from his flight, the wind billowing at his feet as he alighted. He didn¡¯t notice the students who were glaring at him as he walked towards the opening. He was confident that the guidebook would thwart anyone who would question him. He made his way and stretched out an arm before him, but the barrier was still there. ¡°Now, what..?¡± he said with a frown, pushing at the invisible wall. ¡°I¡¯m gonna be late for sign-ups!¡± ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± asked a man from behind him. ¡°I can¡¯t get in!¡± Dorin answered without looking back. ¡°A new enrollee, I presume?¡± the person asked in a condescending voice, ¡°Perhaps you are trying to carry something illicit inside campus?¡± Dorin finally turned around to look at the person talking. It was a young man in his early 20, his bright red hair cut short in a smart hair style. He wore a black cloak with red trimmings and a golden clasp in the shape of a sword. He had a red vest over a long sleeved white shirt under his cloak. His pants were also black and his knee high leather boots a deep red. ¡°Something illicit?¡± Dorin frowned at the young man, ¡°I don¡¯t think I have something like that.¡± ¡°Do you have some charms on you? An amulet perhaps?¡± the man asked, looking at Dorin¡¯s brand new leather satchel. ¡°What have you got in that bag of yours?¡± ¡°There¡¯s still some food left... as for charms...¡± Dorin pulled up one of his long sleeves. The young man gasped and hurriedly pulled him to the side of the castle wall. ¡°What are those?¡± asked the young man, pointing at the charms that covered half of his left arm. ¡°My mother gave them to me for protection,¡± Dorin answered as he pulled his sleeve back down, but the man pulled it up again and looked at them closer. ¡°A fire ward, a lightning ward, a wind enhancer... ¡° ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a wind debaser,¡± Dorin interrupted, ¡°it¡¯s used to lessen powerful wind magic...¡± ¡°Yes, I know what a debaser is!¡± snapped the other. He looked up at Dorin and suddenly held out his hand with a grin. ¡°By the way, my name is Lance Gunnar of the Gunnar family, military division, 1st lieutenant rank 5.¡± ¡°I am Dorin Silvius...¡± ¡°Ahh... Silvius, I have heard of a tribe with that name, East of the old country, if I¡¯m not mistaken?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right...¡± Dorin replied wide-eyed. ¡°From the mountains, huh, I guess that explains your shabby garb. Then these charms, care to explain where you got them?¡± ¡°Like I said, my mother gave them to me...¡± Dorin repeated, he was starting to get annoyed. ¡°Well, anyway, it is strictly forbidden for students to wear such charms without a proper letter of consent from a dean or a professor. I am afraid I will have to confiscate these.¡± With that, the young man named Lance Gunnar started taking off the charms on Dorin¡¯s arms, starting with the golden fire ward band which was encrusted with rubies. ¡°Hey, wait a minute!¡± Dorin objected, ¡°You can¡¯t just take them, my mother would kill me if I take them off!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about your mother,¡± said a female voice from behind them, ¡°But I¡¯m pretty certain that man has no right to take any of those from you.¡± Dorin turned around to see a tall girl frowning down at them, her arms across her chest. She wore the same clothes as Lance, from the black cloak to the golden clasp, and black boots, except she wore a short skirt instead of pants. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Marga-rat! You stay out of this!¡± Lance hissed. ¡°Shame on you, cousin! Deceiving a freshman! How low can you get?!¡± Dorin snatched his arm from Lance and stared at the new comer. ¡°And who might you be?¡± he asked. He noticed that she had the same bright red hair tied up and covered by a cap. ¡°I am Margarette Gunnar of the Gunnar family, military division, 1st lieutenant rank 2.¡± she grabbed hold of Dorin¡¯s left hand and pulled his sleeve all the way up. ¡°Hey!¡± Dorin protested, but she held on to him tight. ¡°These are first class wards and charms,¡± she said, ignoring Dorin¡¯s protest. ¡°What do you think Sebastian?¡± Dorin and Lance looked as a guy stepped out from behind Margarette and looked at Dorin¡¯s arm. He looked about Dorin¡¯s age. He had a homely face that you could easily forget and was clad in black from his neck down to his feet; from his long black coat over a black turtle neck shirt, slacks, and satin gloves. ¡°Oh, not the freak too...¡± groaned Lance. The guy had slicked back black hair and wore big round spectacles. He looked at the charms, took out a white slate and a pen and started writing. ¡°What is he doing?¡± Dorin asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. Sebastian stopped writing and showed him the slate, [1st class charms and wards, also, a strong hiding spell] he wrote, pointing at a transparent band on his right arm made of a sort of liquid metal. ¡°Woah, I¡¯ve only seen a 1st class hiding spell once in my Advance Charms and Wards class before!¡± said Margarette. [Can I see the other arm please?] was now written in Sebastian¡¯s slate. ¡°No, you can not!¡± Lance almost screamed, he pulled Dorin¡¯s right arm and tried to cover him from the new comers. ¡°Why don¡¯t you two mind your own business? I¡¯m just helping him pass through the gates, you both know that outsiders can¡¯t pass without the proper papers!¡± ¡°Oh, but I do have papers... or at least a small book.¡± Dorin took out the guide book Agate gave him and showed it to the small group with a big smile on his face. The girl inspected it. ¡°This is not a guide book, this is a professor¡¯s handbook!¡± she looked at the crest of the snake and the gem and handed it back to Dorin. ¡°So, you¡¯re an acquaintance of Prof. Althea?¡± ¡°A professor? It was just given to me by a small girl...¡± [Typical of Prof. Althea] wrote Sebastian. ¡°Yes, she likes to look after new students,¡± said Margarette. ¡°So, still keen on taking charms off a professor¡¯s acquaintance?¡± she asked her cousin who was currently slipping away from them. ¡°Hmph!¡± was Lance¡¯s reply. ¡°He¡¯s all yours.¡± With that, the older Gunnar left for the university gates. Margarette looked back at the new boy. Sebastian was holding the boy¡¯s right arm, studying the other charms he was wearing. The boy watched him with interest. ¡°Tell me boy, what is your name?¡± she asked. ¡°Dorin Silvius,¡± the boy replied. ¡°That is Sebastian Revious. You can call me Margarette.¡± [Magic 2nd rank] Sebastian wrote down, [nice charms] ¡°Thank you... But is it true that I can¡¯t enter University grounds with them on?¡± Dorin asked. ¡°True, some of them, you can¡¯t wear...¡± [Like this attack charm] wrote Sebastian, pointing at a solid gold armband on his right arm with a sword etched on it. ¡°Whoa, where did you get all these stuff?¡± asked Margarette. ¡°Some of these cost a small fortune even with the charms gone!¡± [1st class wards & charms cost at least a thousand gold coins each and mostly made of gold and precious stones] wrote Sebastian. [What exactly does your mom do for a living?] ¡°I¡¯m not sure...¡± Dorin frowned, ¡°She just typically leaves for a couple of weeks to sell spells and charms... at least that¡¯s what she tells me...¡± ¡°An artificer, huh...¡± Margarette said thoughtfully, ¡°Anyway, we need to take care of those charms if you want to enter the gates.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Dorin gasped. ¡°I need to sign up for the Photography class!¡± ¡°Photography class?¡± Margarette frowned. [Registration closes at 5] wrote Sebastian. ¡°Then try removing the offensive charms first and see if you can pass the gates.¡± Dorin did just that, and after a couple of tries, where he took off 2 more elemental offense charms, was finally able to enter the university gates. ¡°At last,¡± Dorin gave a deep sigh, ¡°Now can I have my stuff back?¡± ¡°Sorry,¡± said Margarette, ¡°but these will need to be checked into the school vaults for safe keeping, or until you get a written permit from one of the deans or professors.¡± [You need to fill up for the application in the main building] wrote Sebastian. ¡°I don¡¯t have enough time for that!¡± Dorin took out his watch and groaned. ¡°It¡¯s 5 minutes to 5, I¡¯ll never make it in time for the registration... I¡¯m gonna have to run for it!¡± ¡°But your stuff...¡± ¡°Can you hold on to them for me?¡± Dorin asked, readying his branch, ¡°I¡¯ll look for you guys later...¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Margarette called after him. The branch was pulled from Dorin¡¯s hand. He looked back and saw Sebastian holding it, his mouth shaped like an ¡®O¡¯. ¡°Flying is strictly forbidden inside the campus! Besides, do you even know where the registration is being held?¡± said Margarette crossly. ¡°Sebastian!¡± she called to her friend. ¡°Take him to the club grounds!¡± Sebastian saluted. He reached into his long coat and took out a vial with glowing lilac liquid inside. He then stabbed Dorin¡¯s branch on the ground, took hold of his hand, and threw the vial at their feet. Smoke engulfed the two. When it dissipated, only Margarette remained, carrying the charms and wards left by the strange boy. Chapter 5 - registration Dorin closed his eyes as the lilac smoke engulfed him. He could feel the spell working around him while Sebastian held his arm firmly. ¡®A translocation spell...¡¯ he thought to himself, ¡®for short distance travel.¡¯ When the smoke dissipated, he found himself standing in front of a small white tent. Several other tents stood on both sides of it, all of which had a table in front and one or two people sitting inside. The People inside this particular tent were both staring at Sebastian and Dorin. The girl behind the table was holding a bunch of papers, while inside, a guy knelt in front of a large box. ¡°Sebastian!¡± said the girl at the front desk. ¡°You know very well that you¡¯re not supposed to use spells indiscriminately on campus!¡± [Is registration still open?] wrote Sebastian, ignoring the girl¡¯s warning. ¡°Weren¡¯t you here earlier?¡± said the guy inside the tent. He straightened up and dusted his pants. ¡°Besides, all the slots are full.¡± ¡°Full?¡± Dorin asked. The two of them looked at the strange boy beside Sebastian. ¡°But I¡¯ve gone all this way...!¡± [Isn¡¯t there any other slots available?] ¡°Sorry, like we said, we¡¯re all full.¡± said the girl. ¡°But it¡¯s just 1 more slot...¡± Dorin begged. ¡°You see, we give out photography kits to all registrants, so we can¡¯t accept more than what we have on hand,¡± the girl told him. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t include you unless one of the other registrants back out.¡± [Then let him take my slot] wrote Sebastian. ¡°Are you sure?¡± the guy asked. ¡°Haven¡¯t you been waiting for this all school year?¡± ¡°Really, Sebastian? You¡¯re giving up your spot for me?¡± asked Dorin. [Yes. I will try something else] was the other¡¯s written reply. ¡°You don¡¯t know how much this means to me! You truly are a nice person!¡± Dorin said unabashed. ¡°From this day forth, I shall think of you as my brother!¡± He then took hold of Sebastian¡¯s shoulders and kissed both his cheeks. Sebastian stood there, his face devoid of emotion as Dorin smiled at him. The 2 people from the photography club looked surprised. ¡°I thank you too!¡± said Dorin, reaching out to them, the girl flinched as he took her hand and pumped it enthusiastically. ¡°I am called Dorin Silvius.¡± ¡°Oh, for a minute there I thought you were gonna...¡± mumbled the girl, turning red. ¡°I am Anastasia, Technology department year 4, and that one over there is Josiah, Science department year 7.¡± Dorin reached out for Josiah¡¯s hand as well but the other stepped back. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m not good with physical contact,¡± said he. ¡°Here¡¯s the registration form.¡± He handed Dorin two sheets of paper and a pen. ¡°For the fee, just give it to Sebastian, since he has already paid for his slot.¡± ¡°Oh, how much do I have to pay?¡± asked Dorin. [Two Hundred alma] wrote Sebastian before the others could speak. ¡°Got it!¡± Dorin took his pouch from his new satchel and counted 200 alma bills as the three stared at the thick wad of money. ¡°Here, you go!¡± he said cheerfully. [Thank you. Now, let¡¯s go back and have a bite to eat] wrote Sebastian. [Your treat] he added shortly. ¡°Of course!¡± said the other, ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do!¡± The two went on their way, Dorin chattering happily. Anastasia and Josiah watched as they turned a bend and disappeared from their sight. ¡°Isn¡¯t the registration fee only 50 Almas?¡± asked Anastasia. ¡°I feel sorry for that new kid, already...¡± said Josiah. ¡°You mean, you can talk to Margarette using this... cellphone?¡± asked Dorin as he inspected the small device in his hands. ¡°I have read about telephones in my mother¡¯s book before, but I have never actually seen one. Don¡¯t they need to be connected to lines?¡± he asked [Cell phones use radio waves transmitted through antennas, no need for cable lines] ¡°Oh... I¡¯d like to read about that sometime...¡± [You can study at the tech dept] wrote Sebastian. ¡°Study?¡± [They have full 1 yr course for cp tech w/ additional 2 yrs for telecom & satellite tech. Very in demand & high pay job <3] heart included. ¡°This is delicious!¡± Dorin was no longer listening. He took another bite off the hamburger they bought and exclaimed, ¡°What did you say this was called again?¡± [Hamburger. Where did you say you were from again?] If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°By the way, how can you call Margarette if you can¡¯t talk?¡± Dorin asked, ignoring Sebastian¡¯s question. [Through text or email] Sebastian made a sequence of swipes and taps. Later, the phone rang. He pressed a button and passed it to Dorin. ¡°I¡¯m on my way there.¡± It was Margarette. ¡°Hello? Hello Margarette! Do you hear me?¡± Dorin shouted at the phone. People in the burger joint looked at him, some of them snickering. ¡°You¡¯re too loud!¡± Margarette shouted back. ¡°I got your message, I¡¯ll be there in a minute.¡± There was a click, then a beeping sound. Dorin gave the phone back to Sebastian who just sat there looking at him, but something tells him the other guy was snickering at him. His shoulders seem to be shaking. Margarette arrived later and gave Dorin a key and several sheets of paper. ¡°That¡¯s the key to your university vault. The papers, you need to fill up and hand over to the registrar as soon as you can. They open at 8 am tomorrow. It was a good thing my aunt was in the registrar¡¯s office and agreed to let me take the form back with me.¡± ¡°Thank you for all your assistance Miss Margarette!¡± Dorin took her arm and proceeded to pump it up and down. He then took a quill pen out and started filling up the form. It was made from an actual feather. ¡°By the way, I was told that you haven¡¯t sent your University application yet, do you have it with you now?¡± Margarette asked, watching Dorin¡¯s neat cursive penmanship. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not applying for university, I¡¯m just here for the photography class!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a ¡®3 days, 2 nights Photography Camp¡¯, right?¡± he recalled from memory, as he gulped his last piece of burger, ¡°I saw this pamphlet from one of my mother¡¯s books and decided to check it out,¡± he went on. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a camera before! Imagine, a magical contraption capable of capturing moments with just a flash of light!¡± Margarette gaped at him, dumbstruck. [In a way, he got the logic right] Sebastian wrote. ¡°Wait a minute... you came all the way from Monarch Forest... just to learn how to use a camera?!¡± ¡°Well, yes...¡± Dorin looked at his fries thoughtfully, ¡°Actually, I asked my mother to buy me one with an instructional book included, but she flatly refused to do so, saying ¡®it¡¯s just a useless hobby for slackers who have too much time in their hands¡¯.¡± Here, he waves his hand in the air and talked in a sharp, haughty voice. ¡°So, I decided to come out here on my own.¡± ¡°In other words, you ran away from home?¡± Margarette asked, her jaw left hanging. [Obviously] ¡°Yup!¡± Dorin answered with a nod ¡°And your mother is that overprotective person who gave you all those charms and wards to keep you safe?!¡± ¡°Yup!¡± Another nod. ¡°These... fries are so tasty!¡± Sebastian pushed his fries in his direction. ¡°I can have these?¡± asked Dorin with a beam. ¡°Why thank you!¡± He gulped the rest of his fries and proceeded to eat the other bag. ¡°But... you need the signature of a parent or guardian to take classes here... especially for minors 15 years and below!¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s okay, I always sign my mother¡¯s documents when she¡¯s not around, I even brought her ring!¡± Saying this, Dorin pulls out a signet ring from some inner pocket and showed it to his 2 companions. ¡°Although I¡¯ve only ever seen her use it once...¡± Margarette and Sebastian stared at the ring. It was a gold signet ring with a single rose surrounded by a crown of 12 thorns. Margarette suddenly stood up, her face pale. With a trembling hand, she pointed at the ring, stammering. ¡°T-the... The seal of Briar Rose...¡± she whispered. Beside her, Sebastian remained motionless. ¡°What did I tell you about showing people your stuff?¡± said a small voice behind them. The three were taken aback as a small hand snatched the ring from Dorin¡¯s hand, while another pulled on his left ear. ¡°Ow-ow-ow...¡± Dorin turned around. Standing behind him was Agate, an angry frown on her youthful face. ¡°A-Agate! What¡¯s the matter...¡± he asked her. ¡°THIS is the matter!¡± she hissed, raising her clasped fist with the ring inside. She looked around the store. Almost all of the customers were watching them now, wondering what the commotion was about. ¡°Take your stuff.¡± She ordered them. She then took out her wand, mumbled a spell, and whisked the whole group out of the store. The four of them materialized inside a spacey room with a canopy bed on a corner and a study table by the only window. The walls were covered with shelves overflowing with books and models of human anatomical parts. ¡°Books!¡± gasped Dorin as he approached the nearest shelf. ¡°Dorin! Come here.¡± Agate called, her eyes a dark shade of red. ¡°And you!¡± she pointed at Sebastian, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare place an anchor point inside my room!¡± The latter, who had his right hand inside his coat pocket, slowly pulled it out and looked innocently around the room instead. ¡°Prof. Althea!¡± Margarette called to Agate, ¡°do you know this kid?¡± ¡°Agate? Are you really a professor here?¡± Dorin asked, a book already in his hands. [Can I borrow a book too?] wrote Sebastian. ¡°SILENCE¡± Agate commanded, the word reverberating in the room. The children found themselves unable to speak. [I promise to return them soon!] wrote Sebastian. Agate walked to Sebastian, grabbed the slate, and threw it on her table. ¡°Now. I want all of you to listen. Answer only when asked.¡± Agate took out the signet ring and held it at the palm of her hand. ¡°First, Dorin. Does your mother know that you are here?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Where is she now?¡± ¡°She left yesterday on another spell request.¡± ¡°I knew you couldn¡¯t have come here if she knew about this...¡± she mumbled. ¡°Is there any way for you to contact her?¡± ¡°Yes. But I left it back home!¡± Dorin replied with a stubborn look on his face. ¡°Drat. Do you know where she went?¡± ¡°No, she never tells me where she goes.¡± ¡°Hmph. Typical Hermione...¡± Agate mumbled some more. ¡°You know my mother?¡± Dorin asked, but Agate just stared at him with angry dark eyes. ¡°I am the one asking questions.¡± She faced Margarette and Sebastian next. ¡°Margarette Gunnar. Sebastian Revius. What are you two doing with my nephew?¡± Chapter 6 - The Geis ¡°You¡¯re my aunt?!¡± Dorin said with a gasp. He went closer to Agate, his eyes wide, face flushed with excitement. ¡°I never knew I had an aunt, it has always been only mother and me! I didn¡¯t know I had such a cute aunt!¡± He threw his arms around Agate and hugged her tightly. ¡°Your mom and I were cousins, so yes, I am your aunt. Now, let go!¡± It took some time before she could push Dorin away. She looked at the two students in the room and called their names again. ¡°Margarette, Sebastian, tell me, what were you doing with Dorin?¡± ¡°They are my new friends!¡± Dorin exclaimed, a huge smile on his face. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you!¡± Agate retorted. ¡°Margarette. Sebastian. Your answers?¡± ¡°We met him by the University gates,¡± Margarette said, looking pale. ¡°Some other student was trying to take his charms from him... because he couldn¡¯t pass the gates...¡± ¡°That was your cousin Lance, right?¡± Dorin said with a smile. Margarette threw a murderous look at Dorin who immediately decided to shut up. But it was too late. ¡°Lance Gunner again, huh,¡± mumbled Agate. ¡°Noted.¡± She turned back to Dorin. ¡°Pull up your sleeves.¡± The boy did as he was told, showing his aunt the remaining wards and charms on both arms. ¡°Are there others?¡± At this, Dorin began to strip, taking off his coat first, then the long-sleeved tunic. Margarette turned around and averted her eyes, blushing a bit as the boy took his off pants. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± said Agate before Dorin could take off his baggy underwear. She then said some words of magic and pointed her wand at the boy. The tip of the wand gave a soft glow, and as it swept past the boy¡¯s body, it illuminated several symbols, particularly on his knees and shoulders. ¡°Turn around,¡± she ordered him and saw a hexagram on his back surrounded by several runes. ¡°I know your mom is a worrywart, but this is ridiculous!¡± Agate said with a sigh. ¡°Mother says it¡¯s a guarding spell...¡± Sebastian took his board from the table and wrote excitedly. [No. That is a very potent hiding and binding spell!] ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± said Agate, ¡°while the runes on your knees and shoulders are wards against lightning magic.¡± His aunt gave another sigh, she suddenly looked much older. [Can I study them?] Sebastian was suddenly standing beside her, the slate in front of her face. ¡°No. Put that slate back on the table!¡± ¡°Professor, there are others in the university vault,¡± said Margarette who is still staring at the corner. ¡°The key?¡± Agate held her hand out to Dorin who eagerly gave it to her. She then checked the bands on her nephew¡¯s arms and took most of them off. ¡°You won¡¯t be needing all of these in or around the campus, as long as you follow the campus rules.¡± She threw the bands on the bed, one at a time. ¡°Tell me, what is your element?¡± ¡°My elements are wind and earth...¡± ¡°Earth is a second-level element derived from fire, it¡¯s highly unlikely you have a wind and a fire element, unless...¡± she trailed off. ¡°How are your fire and water skills?¡± she asked instead. ¡°I try not to use fire... I had an accident in the barn once when I was younger...¡± ¡°So, you decided to skip it?¡± ¡°Mother said I didn¡¯t need it...¡± ¡°Thus all the wards and debasers to keep them at bay...¡± sighed Agate, ¡°And you say your mother is usually out somewhere?¡± ¡°Yup, sometimes she leaves me behind for weeks! That¡¯s why it was so unfair that she wouldn¡¯t buy me a camera! It was my only request! The last time I asked her for something was when I begged her to buy me my own silver knife to cut herbs with. That was when I was 5 years old, and she refused to let me sharpen it until I was 8!¡± Dorin heard someone snorting and saw Margarette¡¯s shoulders shaking. ¡°Haa...¡± Agate sighed and rubbed her temples. She took off some more charms and left only a thin golden band on his right arm. ¡°I guess that equilibrium band won¡¯t hurt. You can use an ¡®elemental buffer¡¯ to balance your powers. Since your mother was a level A elementer, we can¡¯t know for sure which element you excel in until you have proper education.¡± She threw the rest of the charms on the bed and noticed Sebastian closely studying them. ¡°I counted those, boy.¡± Sebastian looked at her, his hand on his chest, looking hurt. ¡°Now Dorin, take these and put them on in the bathroom.¡± She handed him a set of clothes and underwear and pointed at a part of the bookshelves that was slightly sticking out. Dorin went closer and noticed that it was a door leading to the bathroom. When the door clicked shut, Margarette slowly turned around and looked around the room. Seeing the half-naked Dorin gone, she stood up straight and faced professor Althea once more. ¡°The bathroom is soundproof, we are free to speak. But before that, you two must swear that nothing I am about to do or say is to leave this room. You are not allowed to tell another soul about this, especially not my nephew.¡± The professor¡¯s voice boomed once more inside the room. The two students were forced to listen and obey. ¡°What is your reply?¡± she asked. ¡°Yes, professor Althea,¡± said Margarette. She reached into her cloak, and from her side, pulled out a rapier. ¡°I, Margarette Gunnar, of the Gunnar family, masters of the sword, do solemnly pledge my word.¡± She kissed the plummet of her rapier and sheathed it once again. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Sebastian?¡± Sebastian was still silent. He turned to reach for his slate. ¡°Speak,¡± Agate commanded. ¡°I will not be affected by your charm.¡± Sebastian looked at the professor, then at Margarette who stood beside her. Agate pointed her wand at the girl, drawing a protective spell around her. ¡°Speak now.¡± Sebastian turned his back on the professor. He raised a hand to his face and took off his glasses. ¡°I...¡± said a cool soothing voice ¡°Sssebastian Rrreviousss... do herrrrreby... pledge... my worrrd.¡± The words were carefully spoken as if they were being said for the first time, yet there was a kind of melody in it that touches the soul. There was a thud. Sebastian turned around suddenly, deep lilac eyes flashing. He watched as Margarette tried to stand back up. ¡°I-I¡¯m okay...¡± Margarette said with her eyes cast down, ¡°I just got a bit... dizzy.¡± They both looked at their Professor who was holding on to the bedpost. Sebastian quickly put his glasses back on. ¡°Now listen and listen well,¡± said Agate, a bead of perspiration trickling down her small chin, ¡°if you have ever paid attention to your history classes, you would know that the order of the Sword of Briar Rose was disbanded after the Great Revolt 13 years ago.¡± The 2 students nodded in reply. ¡°The Briar Rose family was formed by an alliance between an Alcione and a Heilig family. They dissolved their own knights after that incident, and their only daughter and heir was said to have been lost in battle.¡± ¡°She was Luise Auror Belatrice Hermione of Briar Rose, a powerful elementer who was taken hostage during the battle,¡± said Margarette. ¡°We, from the military division, look up to her for she chose to be a soldier rather than a magus. Her contribution to elemental weapon technology was praised by all, and her valor on the battlefield is second to none. She was one of only 3 people in history able to use all 9 elements in harmony. ¡° ¡°Yes, my cousin Louise, known as Hermione to those closest to her. We also knew that she was with child by the end of the revolt.¡± Agate looked sadly at the bathroom door. ¡°She was betrayed by the person she trusted the most, that is why after the battle, she just disappeared without a trace. It was years later when one from our small circle received a letter from her, saying she was living in seclusion with her child. There was nothing more in the letter, and she would never have written to us if she didn¡¯t have a need for a charm ¨C a spell of hiding for her child...¡± Margarette suddenly gasped. ¡°That was one of the bands that were taken to the university vault,¡± she said. ¡°I shall take care of that later,¡± said Agate, ¡°Right now, I, Agate Althea of the Althea clan of Healers, lay a geis on you both. Not a word of this to a soul. No one is to know of that child¡¯s true identity. His mother might be a tad too overprotective, but there is a reason behind that. She means to keep him hidden, and now, you two, shall help us do just that.¡± The two were rooted where they stood, their eyes staring at Agate as the professor continued. ¡°I order you two to protect Theodorin Silvius of the Briar Rose line and pledge your royalty to him,¡± she told the two. ¡°This geis will only be broken when Dorin learns the secret of his parenthood on his own, and only then could you speak to him of this day.¡± ¡°I hear and obey,¡± said Margarette, her hand on her sword¡¯s hilt. ¡°I obey,¡± said a faraway voice from Sebastian¡¯s direction. ¡°Thus the geis is given and received,¡± Agate finished. The two students fell on the floor as the last word of the geis was spoken. Margarette looked up at their professor. Only a powerful archmage has the capability to place a geis upon people ¨C an absolute command that can only be broken upon completion. To think that someone this powerful was wasting her time in the healing arts, when she could be of more use in the military department! ¡°Both of you, rise,¡± said the professor as the door to the bathroom swung open and Dorin stepped into the room wearing a blue vest and a white long-sleeved shirt under a gray cloak. ¡°Ah, you look dashing in that!¡± declared his aunt Agate, running to his side to fuss over him. ¡°Now you look like a proper novice student!¡± ¡°I had some trouble tying the laces on,¡± he said, gesturing at the white, knee-high boots he was currently wearing, ¡°They feel so soft even though they¡¯re brand new!¡± he exclaimed, ¡°And these clothes... it¡¯s as if I am wearing a cloud! It¡¯s so soft and light on my skin!¡± Sebastian couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for the kid. He took his slate once more and wrote, [I can sell you new clothes for half the price] ¡°Really?¡± Dorin replied excitedly, ¡°Are they as nice as these ones are?¡± ¡°The university can supply you with casual clothes,¡± said Margarette, tapping Sebastian on the head, ¡°They also have dormitories for those who live far away and a common cafeteria serving free food for those who can¡¯t afford to feed themselves.¡± ¡°You are only here for the Photography class, is that right?¡± Agate asked her nephew. ¡°That¡¯s right, aunt Agate, it¡¯s just a three-day, two-night event, which starts tomorrow...¡± ¡°Then make sure you return on the fourth day.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Dorin took his satchel and started stuffing his old clothes inside. ¡°Mother doesn¡¯t even need to know if I get home before she does!¡± ¡°By the way,¡± asked Margarette as she looked at Dorin¡¯s bag, ¡°Where¡¯s your camera?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± replied Dorin. [I have an extra camera back in my dorm] ¡°No. You would probably ask for an exorbitant price for it,¡± said Margarette. ¡°tsk¡± said Sebastian, to which he got another bump on the head from Margarette, and a little punch from Agate. ¡°Aunt Agate-¡° ¡°Don¡¯t call me aunt,¡± snapped Agate. ¡°Here in campus you address me as Prof. Althea. Besides, I¡¯m too cute to be an aunt. Tell anyone about our relationship and I kill you.¡± ¡°O-okay... Professor Agate...¡± ¡°Prof. Althea!¡± ¡°P-professor Althea... um... my mother¡¯s ring?¡± ¡°Confiscated!¡± Agate said, ¡°As well as that pocket watch of yours.¡± ¡°Eh? But why?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to show the crest around. It would just connect you to me.¡± ¡°oh... okay.¡± ¡°Your coins are confiscated too! I¡¯ll just leave you enough money for your expenses.¡± ¡°Yes, professor...¡± There was another ¡°Tsk¡± from Sebastian. The two watched as Dorin accepted everything his aunt told him without much question. It goes to show how his mother had been raising him. ¡°You two,¡± Agate addressed the students, ¡°Go back to your dorms. I¡¯ll take care of the rest of Dorin¡¯s papers and find him a room in the men¡¯s dormitory.¡± ¡°Huh? Can¡¯t I stay here with you?¡± Dorin asked. ¡°Dorin, it is not proper for a man to sleep in the same room with a woman!¡± proclaimed Margarette. ¡°But she¡¯s my aunt! Besides, I¡¯ve always lived with my mother, we even bathe together and share the same bed! She may be out most of the time, but...¡± ¡°Your mother is different!¡± yelled Margarette and Agate in unison. ¡°Now, off you go.¡± Agate walked to the other end of the room where she pulled at a shelf to show a door. ¡°And remember your promise.¡± Chapter 7 - East Dormitory A man ran up a flight of stairs. In the darkness, you would expect him to stumble, but he never missed a step. When he reached the top, he held out his arms and pushed at a wall, revealing a secret path that led to a dimly lit room. In the middle of the room was a red gem, and staring in it is a cloaked figure of a person, a pair of bony hands the only thing visible in the gem¡¯s glow. ¡°Did you find him?¡± asked the man, trying to catch his breath. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we have been blocked once again,¡± replied the cloaked one in a hoarse voice. ¡°We have merely narrowed his location to the kingdom of Beronia, the capital of the Alcione Empire... it seems he¡¯s in the Royal University...¡± ¡°Aubrianne...¡± the man gasps. ¡°I was able to scry the location, but the University¡¯s charms blocked me, and the connection was broken before I could get past them.¡± The cloaked figure bowed low. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s all the information I got.¡± ¡°No, that information is enough.¡± The man approached the red gem and stared into its depths. In his mind, he saw the octagonal plateau on which Aubrianne University was built. ¡°It is my fault for not arriving soon enough,¡± he said. ¡°At least we now have a location. Please inform my men about your findings. We shall be heading back sooner than expected.¡± *** Sebastian Revious entered his room. He placed the usual charms to lock the door and soundproofed the whole area. He then went to the window to make sure the drapes were closed before he took his glasses off and placed them on his study table. The sound of a bell suddenly broke the silence. Sebastian looked at the direction of the door, his lilac eyes irate. He put his glasses back on and mumbled the spell to unlock the door. ¡°Hey Seeeeb!¡± said a voice as he removed the silence spell, ¡°Open up. It¡¯s me, Peter, the dorm president!¡± Sebastian grudgingly turned the doorknob and opened the door a crack. [What?] said the writing on his slate. Outside stood the East Dormitory¡¯s president, holding a clipboard. ¡°You got yourself a new roommate!¡± Sebastian opened the door wider and saw Dorin standing there, a huge grin on his face. He had his new clothes on and carried an overnight bag along with his satchel. With a sigh, he pushed the door open to let his new roommate inside. ¡°This is Dorin Silvius,¡± said the dorm president before facing Dorin. ¡°Dorin, this is Sebastian Revious, he¡¯s a second-year so you can ask him about Uni stuff...¡± ¡°Oh, we have already met earlier,¡± replied Dorin, his grin getting even wider. ¡°Good, then, I don¡¯t need to introduce you further.¡± Peter turned back to Sebastian with a worried frown. ¡°Prof. Althea said he¡¯s gonna be staying for just a couple of nights, so be nice.¡± [Roger] replied Sebastian. Peter left after that. Dorin waved at him happily, then faced Sebastian and beamed. ¡°Isn¡¯t this nice?¡± he said, ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you don¡¯t have a roommate yet!!¡± [Great] Sebastian turned to the room and pointed at the bed with a note saying [You get the bottom bunk. Let me get my stuff off the bed first] Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The bottom was littered with various books and stuff. He pulled the bed sheet off the bed and hauled it to the top bunk. He then pulled the sheet from under his stuff and handed it back to Dorin. ¡°Thank you.¡± Dorin took the sheet and dumped it back on his bed. ¡°How long have you been staying here?¡± he asked, looking at the books piled on the 2 study tables. Sebastian stared at Dorin for a while before writing on the slate. [I just came back this afternoon] He passed his hand on the slate to remove the writing and wrote anew, [Your closet is to the right, also your desk] After writing this, he moved the books from the right table and placed them on top of the already towering pile on the left. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay, you know I won¡¯t be staying long anyway.¡± [Suit yourself] the other replied. Dorin took his coat off and placed it on the rack behind the door, while Sebastian removed his cloak, carefully hanging it inside his closet. Dorin went to his side, opened his closet, and dumped the whole overnight bag inside. ¡°Hey, by the way,¡± Dorin broke the silence, ¡°Do you really have an extra camera I could buy?¡± Sebastian looked at him, a bit surprised. [You still plan to buy one from me?] he wrote. ¡°Well, I wanted to go buy one today, but aunt... I mean, Prof. Althea told me it was already too late, but the photography class will start early tomorrow, so...¡± [1,500 Almas for slightly used SLR camera] wrote Sebastian, pulling out a black bulky package from his luggage. Then, almost grudgingly, he added [I give discount ¨C 1,000 Almas for camera & lens] ¡°Really? Wow, thanks!¡± said Dorin. He picked up the camera and turned it around in his hands. Sebastian took it from him, snapped the buttons off the case, and pulled the camera out. ¡°Woah!¡± the boy exclaimed, he took it gingerly from Sebastian ¡°So, this is a camera...¡± Sebastian took the camera once more and removed the lens. He then showed the other boy how to manually focus it. Later, Dorin is taking pictures of everything inside the room while Sebastian counted his Almas. ¡°Very interesting...¡± mumble Dorin, adjusting the lens. ¡°So, how exactly does it work?¡± Sebastian handed him a thick book entitled ¡®Digital Photography for the Mentally challenged¡¯ and went back to his counting. He is currently checking things off in a ledger with the words ¡®Inventory¡¯ written in front. Dorin flipped through the book, turning to the glossary from time to time. He didn¡¯t notice Sebastian¡¯s slate until the other boy nudged him. [Can I lock the door?] he asked. ¡°Sure,¡± replied the other. Sebastian went to the door. Dorin looked up as he felt magic build up into a potent locking spell. ¡°Um... what if I need to go to the toilet?¡± he asked. The other slowly turned around to face him, his face, blank as usual. He then pointed at a third door, next to the closets. Dorin stood up to inspect it. ¡°Woah!¡± surprised, he entered the small room, opened the tabs, and sat on the porcelain toilet bowl. ¡°Running water! We¡¯ve got running water!¡± he was saying, ¡°And not a hint of magic in it!¡± Sebastian merely stared at him. ¡°We use a magic spell back home, it opens a small portal from the river to our outhouse. I¡¯ve only read about pipes once... my mother rarely brings anything but spell books, though she sometimes brings books in sciences and philosophy, they¡¯re mainly about magic theory.¡± [That figures] Sebastian opened his luggage and starts putting stuff away in his closet. The last thing he took out was a small chemistry set and several vials. ¡°Making potions?¡± asked Dorin. The other nodded. [Potions sell a lot on campus] was Sebastian¡¯s reply. [Unlike your forest, magic in cities is thinner. People prefer to use spells] ¡°Hmm... now that you mention it... the wind is a bit heavy here, and that gray fog in the city was quite ominous...¡± [Gray fog?] ¡°The city was covered in it from afar...¡± [Ah, you mean the smog?] ¡°Smog? What is this smog?¡± [Pollution combined with fog] ¡°Oh... isn¡¯t that... bad?¡± [Welcome to the capital] Chapter 8 – A Big Bang For Breakfast Dorin got up early the next morning. It was still summer, though the morning air was already chilly in the city. He went to the small washroom, did his morning rituals, and put on his new clothes. His aunt told him that students were required to wear proper attire when inside the campus. His light brown eyes stared at the small mirror as he combed his unruly brown hair that fell to his shoulders in waves. After dressing up in his uniform, he climbed the small ladder going up to Sebastian¡¯s bunk and threw the bed curtains open. ¡°Good morning Sebastian!¡± he called energetically. ¡°Did you have a good night¡¯s sleep?¡± ¡°...¡± He looked at his roommate. The other had a pillow over his head, his back to him. He raised his right hand and waved angrily at Dorin. ¡°Oh, not a morning person, huh?¡± asked Dorin, undaunted by the other¡¯s action, ¡°It¡¯s already 5 in the morning! The sun will be out soon!¡± he jumped down and started putting on his boots. He was still lacing it up when he heard the closet open and close. Thinking Sebastian was already up, he turned around, ready to greet him once more, but there was nobody there. ¡°Damn, these laces are really a handful...¡± he grumbled. He frowned, whistled to call the wind, and with the flip of his finger, directed the laces of his boots to tie themselves. He ended up with a big knot in the end. ¡°Drat!¡± he cursed under his breath, ¡°The magic in here really has gone thin...¡± Just as he was redoing his laces, he heard the closet open again. Upon turning around, he saw Sebastian with his head inside the closet. ¡°Finally up?¡± he asked merrily, ¡°I was thinking of having a stroll around campus before the Photography Class starts...¡± [SUNRISE AT 7 AM!!!!!] was suddenly shoved in front of Dorin¡¯s face. Sebastian¡¯s homely face, as usual, carried no emotion, but the slate was slightly shaking as he held it. ¡°Oh, is that so? Where I came from, the sun rises before 6 during the summer...¡± [THIS ISN¡¯T WHERE YOU CAME FROM. Sun rises earlier in the East!!!!] ¡°Oh, sorry, well, since you¡¯re up already, we might as well have an early breakfast, right?¡± Dorin said with a grin. Sebastian stood staring at him. He finally turned around, climbed back up his bunk bed, and closed the curtains. Later the slate was thrown out the curtain, narrowly hitting Dorin on the head. [I WAKE UP AT 7!!!] It said. Dorin decided to leave him alone. He was about to open the door when he remembered the locking spell. Thinking that Sebastian would rather not be disturbed again, he decided to open it himself. ¡®A triple lock spell...¡¯ he said, his eyes closed, sensing the tendrils of magic or mana like a silky thread of a spider¡¯s web. ¡®...with a fail-safe to alarm the caster...¡¯ Carefully, with eyes still shut, he raised a hand to touch one tendril at a time. These tendrils or ¡®thaums¡¯1 is the universal measure used for magic. It is only visible to a trained magus¡¯ eyes. Dorin chose one thaum or thread unit of mana from hundreds of tendrils, and pulled it aside and swiped a finger to cut it. ¡®Good, the alarm didn¡¯t go off...¡¯ he thought proudly to himself. There was a sudden gasp from the bunk beds. He turned around and saw Sebastian¡¯s head stuck outside the curtain, his lilac eyes, wide with disbelief! When he saw Dorin staring, he quickly pulled back inside. ¡°Um...¡± said Dorin, ¡°I¡¯m going out now...¡± The other made no reply. ¡°I¡¯ll come back at 7 to pick you up.¡± After waiting for a reply that never came, he finally opened the door and stepped outside. The hall in the dormitory was still dark. Only a couple of lights on the wall illuminated the way to the staircase. ¡°Electric lights.¡± Dorin mumbled to himself, remembering what his aunt told him when she brought him to the dorms. ¡°I should study more on electricity, maybe I could use it back home...¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Since the room was on the 3rd floor, Dorin had to take 2 flights down to get to the ground floor. He didn¡¯t meet a single soul in the hallway as he went on his way. He remembered Peter the dorm president said the kitchens were at the back, way east, while the shared baths were at the west. ¡°I guess they are all still sleeping...¡± he thought aloud as he went to the kitchens. It was still dark and empty, like the rest of the dorm. It took Dorin a while to look for a light switch. He then proceeded to look for something to eat, or at least, prepare for breakfast. He found some bacon and eggs in a closet that automatically lit up when he opened it. It must have been a kind of icebox since it was very chilly inside. After finding enough ingredients, he faced the shiny new stove and raised his hand to start a fire with a snap. BOOM!!! A loud bang shook the whole dormitory! One by one, the doors opened, sleepy students peeked out with questioning looks on their faces. One particular door flung open on the third floor. Out ran Sebastian, hurrying to the kitchens where he found a blackened Dorin standing in front of a gas stove. ¡°Wow, that was some spark...¡± Dorin faced Sebastian, eyes wide open, hardly looking a bit shaken. There were footsteps approaching. Without thinking, Sebastian took hold of Dorin¡¯s arm and ran out the back door. When they were a good distance away, he took out a glass orb from his pajama pocket and threw it at their feet. When the smoke was gone, Dorin found himself face to face with an alarmed-looking Agate. ¡°What the hell are you doing here?!¡± She yelled at the two boys who suddenly fell on her bed. ¡°You!¡± she pointed at Sebastian, ¡°I told you not to place an anchor point in my room!¡± She looked closely at them and noticed her nephew¡¯s appearance. Her jaw dropped, speechless. ¡°Good morning au- Professor.¡± Dorin tried to grin. ¡°What happened to you?!¡± ¡°I was just trying to cook some breakfast...¡± [He blew up the dorm kitchen!] Sebastian wrote on his hand with a pen he found on the desk. ¡°My Lord!¡± was all Agate could reply. ¡°I just tried to turn on the stove, but when I called on fire to light it up, it suddenly blew up!¡± Dorin tried to explain. ¡°It was just a small spell! Nothing fancy, just a snap ¨C ¡° At this he snapped his finger once more, causing a small fireball to hit the ceiling. ¡°What the hell!¡± screamed Agate. She quickly said a counter spell that stopped the fire from burning a hole in the wooden ceiling. ¡°This never happened before...¡± Dorin scratched his head, ¡°Maybe because the magic here in the city is too thin and muddled?¡± [In what way does that look thin and muddled?!?!?!??!] wrote Sebastian on a piece of paper he found on Agate¡¯s desk. ¡°Must be the charms,¡± Agate said thoughtfully. ¡°His powers are out of control since we took all the debasers off...¡± ¡°Hmm... No wonder I feel so light...¡± ¡°You idiot! Who told you to use magic in the first place?¡± She slapped her nephew on the back then went to her desk and opened a drawer. She pulled a woven charm bracelet out. ¡°You¡¯re lucky the stoves here have fire preventing spells that send most of the damage upward and out a fire chimney!¡± She threw the charm at Dorin. ¡°But it¡¯s a wonder you¡¯re still standing after that! I actually heard the explosion from here!¡± ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Sebastian was immediately at Dorin¡¯s side, eyeing the charm. ¡°It¡¯s an elemental suppressor I¡¯ve been making since last night,¡± Agate explained. ¡°There are supposed to be 2 of them but I¡¯m still working on the other one. Put it around your ankle and keep it hidden.¡± ¡°Whoa... This is pure magic!¡± Dorin whispered, scrutinizing the charm. Beside him, Sebastian nods vigorously. The threads of mana were alive, flowing, the color ever-changing. ¡°That will last a month at most, as long as you don¡¯t use your powers frequently. By then you should be long gone and back home to mommy.¡± [MASTER! Please teach me!] Sebastian wrote on his outstretched arm as he knelt before the professor. ¡°NO.¡± Agate wrote on his forehead. ¡°Thank you, aunt Agate!¡± Dorin said as he took off his boot. ¡°Now, both of you go back to your room!¡± She pointed at Dorin, said a cleansing spell, and gave a harrumph upon seeing his uniform look good as new again, albeit a bit wrinkled. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to the dorm head later to sort out the mess. At the meantime, act as if you know nothing of the incident.¡± She raised her hand again, this time mumbling a longer spell, and pointed at the 2 students who suddenly vanished without a trace. Agate sat back on her bed with a heavy sigh. She reached under her pillow and took out a faded old picture. There were 5 people in it. One, surprisingly, looked exactly like her. On her right was a sharp-looking young woman wearing a military uniform, a captain¡¯s pin was on her high collar, half-hidden in torrents of jet black hair. Her eyes were as green as sprigs sprouting on a snow-covered field. On her chest is a pin with a single rose surrounded by a crown of thorns. ¡°I¡¯m doing my best to protect him, Hermione,¡± she whispered, ¡°I have never been keen about your plan to hide all these years, but if it is your will, then so be it.¡± She frowned as she placed the picture back under the pillow. ¡°He doesn¡¯t look like you though, more like great grandfather Philip,¡± she thought, and with that thought, Agate Althea went back to sleep.
thaum is the base unit of magic as used in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, from the Greek word thauma, meaning wonder. Chapter 9 – Teach Me! Agate¡¯s spell sent Dorin back in his room with Sebastian. Sebastian took out his slate and has been writing vigorously since they arrived. He¡¯s been asking him so many questions when all Dorin wanted was to have some breakfast. [How did you see the spell?] he asked, [my locking spell is a 1st class charm! you can¡¯t just unravel it by cutting a ¡®thaum¡¯!] ¡°But, that¡¯s just what I did, I can¡¯t explain it further...¡± Dorin said for the nth time, yet the other can¡¯t seem to accept his explanation. [Then teach me!] Sebastian finally wrote. Dorin sighed. ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s the best way to show you...¡± He went to the door which was recently locked by his roommate and closed his eyes to concentrate. ¡°Just feel the spell and look for the beginning, then trace the threads that make it up, thus you find out what the spell is all about, then you follow the pattern to find the end and look for the part that loops it together ¨C that¡¯s what holds the spell... and you... cut it.¡± Dorin flipped his forefinger, cutting the invisible thread. He looked at Sebastian, a little smug smile on his face. Sebastian has removed his glasses, his lilac eyes squinting, trying to see the invisible threads of thaum. ¡°You need to feel it inside... in your gut!¡± he added helpfully, ¡°Like... Brrrrrr... it vibrates!¡± Sebastian wrote on his slab and held it up to Dorin. [AGAIN!] then hurriedly added [PLEASE!] ¡°But I¡¯m hungry!¡± Sebastian stared at him. With a raised eyebrow, he wrote on his slate once more. [Breakfast was moved since you blew up the kitchen] then, [We would probably have to go to the canteen outside] With that, Sebastian took some clothes from his closet and went to the toilet to change. He came out later wearing a black long-sleeved turtle neck shirt and black slacks. He put on a pair of black gloves and took his long black coat from inside his closet. The inner lining of the coat was full of small pockets bulging with unknown contents. Before Dorin could inquire about them, he pulled open the door and stepped outside. There were people everywhere in the halls, talking in groups, walking around, standing idle in a corner. ¡°Sebastian!¡± a handsome young man with bright yellow hair called, waving a hand at them, ¡°Are you two heading out?¡± Sebastian did not reply. ¡°Hello, you must be the new kid?¡± the young man said, taking Dorin¡¯s hand to shake it, ¡°I am Leonard Luther, I live in the room next door.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Dorin Silvius,¡± the other replied with a big grin. ¡°Must be tough, having this kind of accident on your first day in the dorms.¡± ¡°Not really, I¡¯ve been through worst,¡± Dorin replied honestly. Sebastian jabbed him discreetly in the ribs. ¡°Well, I guess, being a magician, this wouldn¡¯t be such a big deal,¡± Leonard said with a laugh, ¡°this is the magic division¡¯s dormitory after all.¡± [Dorin, aren¡¯t you hungry?] wrote Sebastian, going between the two. ¡°Ah, is that so? Shall I join you ¨C ¡° [NO] ¡°Sebastian, Isn¡¯t that quite rude of you?¡± asked Dorin, a bit surprised at Sebastian¡¯s behavior. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay,¡± said Leonard, giving Dorin a dashing smile, ¡°I¡¯ll just hang out with you some other time, hopefully, we can talk in private.¡± [Let¡¯s go] Sebastian pulled Dorin after him. While descending the stairs, he wrote [Don¡¯t get near that manipulative bastard. He is a liar and a thief] ¡°Really? But he looked like a nice person...¡± [He approached me the very same way last year and stole my spells] he continued. [Don¡¯t trust him] ¡°He took your spells?¡± [No. He stole one of my notebooks. With DOZENS of spells] ¡°Is that why you have a 1st class locking spell on the door?¡± Sebastian didn¡¯t answer. A woman was approaching them, looking very annoyed. She was holding a wand made of ivory wood and wore something that looked like a blue scarf over a lilac toga. Her greying hair was tied in a tight bun on top of her head. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Revious. Silvius.¡± She called to them. ¡°In my room. Both of you. Now.¡± They followed her to a room on the ground floor. File cabinets lined a wall while a table at the end was partly covered by piles of paperwork. The woman sat behind the table and motioned the 2 students to do the same. [How may I help you, Ms. Ermingard?] wrote Sebastian. ¡°Cut the crap, Revious. I know you did it. I found traces of your translocation spell in the western garden!¡± She looked at Dorin who flinched at her sharp stare. ¡°And you, if Prof. Althea didn¡¯t bring you here herself, I would have kicked your sorry ass out of my dorm this very instant!¡± ¡°Sorry... It was all my fault, all I wanted was to make some breakfast...¡± there suddenly came a large growl from his stomach. Dorin reddened. ¡°If I had my way, I would lock you down in the cellars and starve you for the rest of the day! You little imbecile! Which part of ¡®NO MAGIC IN THE DORMS¡¯ don¡¯t you understand!?!?¡± ¡°But it was just a simple spell....¡± ¡°A simple spell that blew up my oven as well as half of my kitchen! You want me to shove you into that old brick oven you¡¯re forcing us to use right now?¡± ¡°... sorry...¡± ¡°Now for compensation...¡± Ms. Ermingard interrupted, Dorin brightened a bit. ¡°I can pay for...¡± ¡°Wrong!¡± Yelled Ms. Ermingard. ¡°You are going to work for it!¡± ¡°Eh?¡± [Ms. Ermingard, he¡¯s only here for three days] Wrote Sebastian. ¡°Which will be taken up by working in the kitchens. Every morning at five and in the evenings till the day he leaves.¡± ¡°I can work with that,¡± Dorin grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve been cooking for myself since I was five!¡± The two stared at him. ¡°No, really?¡± asked the dorm head. ¡°Well, my mother is usually out of the house so I had no choice,¡± he explained, ¡°It was either that or stale bread for three weeks.¡± Ms. Ermingard looked at him, a hint of pity in her eyes, which was immediately replaced with irritation. ¡°Then be back early for kitchen duty.¡± She stood up from the table and picked up some sheets of paper. ¡°Now bugger off before I send you both to the cellars!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sooo hungry...¡± Dorin complained as they made their way to the old detached dining hall to the north of the dormitory, satchel and camera case slung over his shoulder. ¡°And it¡¯s already past seven! I didn¡¯t even get the chance to look around the dorm grounds.¡± [Well, whose fault is that?] ¡°Sorry...¡± they entered the old dining hall and groaned when he saw the long line. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can make it...¡± he held on to Sebastian¡¯s shoulder, bowed his head, and sobbed. ¡°Hey, Sebastian, what¡¯s up? Is this the new guy?¡± asked a person in front of them. Dorin looked up and saw a small group of students looking curiously at him. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Dorin Silvius,¡± he said with a weak grin. The students introduced themselves. ¡°I heard the head called you in her office? What was that about?¡± asked one called Rylie, magic rank 4. [He forgot to finish some paperwork] Sebastian wrote quickly. ¡°Ah, knowing the head, she probably broke another casket...¡± said Rylie¡¯s big brother Stephen, magic rank 5, with a laugh. ¡°Actually, it was the oven that broke...¡± replied Dorin seriously. [It was probably a gas leak] saved Sebastian. Finally, the group got to the end of the line. Dorin¡¯s tray was piled with hot porridge, sausages, and pastries as they made their way to one of the long benches in the hall where he sat down with his new friends. [I¡¯ll be right back] Sebastian wrote, leaving his tray behind. He went to a tall, weaselly-looking guy with damp straight hair falling to his back and showed him his slate. The guy looked around before he discreetly pulled Sebastian into a corner. ¡°So, where are you from, Dorin?¡± asked Nathan, a magic rank 5 student. Dorin gulped his last pastry and washed it down with milk. ¡°Monarch Forest,¡± he replied. The others leaned over in surprise. ¡°Really? All the way from the Quercus Kingdom?¡± asked Stephen. ¡°That¡¯s at the easternmost end of the Empire!¡± ¡°There was a documentary made from that kingdom recently, showing the royalty currently seated on the throne, it looked like a very backward place... more sheep and other livestock than actual people,¡± said Robert, magic rank 5. ¡°How come you don¡¯t have an accent?¡± ¡°Oh, my mother used to live in the city,¡± Dorin replied. ¡°I hear there are hardly any people living there, the place being mostly mountain ranges,¡± said Rylie, ¡°although, years ago, some refugees were relocated in the area, mostly plebeians or non-magic citizens.¡± ¡°I think I remember that news report, brother,¡± Stephen cuts in, ¡°we touched on the subject during our history class last year, I think that was after the ¡®Great Revolt¡¯ when the thunder gods tried to usurp the Emperor¡¯s throne.¡± ¡°Yes, they say there are hardly any students from that kingdom because all the young mage ¨C if there were any left, were sent to Quercus Castle as pages,¡± said Ivanov, magic rank 6, the eldest in the group. ¡°I read about it from my botanical class... Is it true that Monarch forest is the only known terra where the very rare herb ¡®Devil¡¯s Claw¡¯ grows?¡± asked Nathan, his eyes shining. ¡°Do you think you can get me some next time you go home?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not really sure about the kingdom, I don¡¯t get out much or hear news from the nearby villages...¡± Dorin replied to their questions, ¡°but I think my mother has some Devil¡¯s Claw in the greenhouse...¡± Before his new acquaintances could bombard him with more questions, Sebastian suddenly appeared beside him, his slate in hand. [It is almost 8 am] he wrote as he stuffed some food on his tray into a coat pocket. ¡°Oh no! The Photography Camp!¡± cried Dorin, standing up. ¡°You gonna eat that porridge?¡± Sebastian looked at him then shook his head. Dorin gulped the porridge down before he followed Sebastian who was already headed for the door. ¡°See you guys later!¡± Stephen called, waving his hand. ¡°Do we have enough time to get there?¡± Dorin asked as they left the hall. [We run] Chapter 10 - Photography class Sebastian and Dorin ran. At the back of the North Dormitory, there was a small garden that opened to the woods. Past these woods were several small buildings, one of which was a wooden cabin with a sign ¡®Photography Club¡¯ posted on a plank in front. Hanging on top of the double doors was a banner saying ¡®5th Annual Photography Club Summer Camp¡¯. Several people were standing around a table by the entrance. ¡°Please sign here for attendance!¡± It was Anastasia. She brightened up when she saw Dorin with Sebastian and waved them closer. ¡°Good morning Dorin, Sebastian! Good to see you made it on time.¡± ¡°Good morning!¡± Dorin said beaming. ¡°Is the class about to start?¡± ¡°In a couple of minutes, just sign your name here...¡± she pointed to a blank space in a list that was almost filled with names. Dorin signed the attendance sheet and turned around to thank Sebastian for taking him to the Photography Club when he noticed his friend signing his name too. ¡°Okay, you guys can go right in,¡± said Anastasia. ¡°You got in, too?¡± Dorin said delightedly. [I¡¯ve got my ways] Sebastian wrote in reply. The two stepped inside the cabin. There was a lecture hall inside, and standing on a platform in front of the seats, was Josiah, the Photography club president, fixing small rectangular strips into a round contraption. There were about 24 students inside the room, Dorin and Sebastian included. Dorin found two free seats in front and dragged Sebastian there just in time as Josiah tapped his pen on the table to call their attention. ¡°Good morning fellow students, and welcome to the Photography Club room,¡± Josiah said after clearing his throat. ¡°As you all know, this is the 5th Annual Photography Club Summer Camp. My name is Josiah Simpson, Science department year 7, Major in Geography. I guess most of you already know about me, so with no further ado, let us start with our lecture...¡± He signaled Anastasia who turned off the lights and turned on the round machine. Dorin gasped. He almost jumped out of his seat as he stared at 3D images that seem to fill the room. ¡°Woah...¡± he mused as silent as he could, nudging Sebastian with his elbow. ¡°Is that another technological contraption? I can¡¯t feel any magic from it!¡± Sebastian nudged him back, harder. ¡°Now, a short history on Photography...¡± continued Josiah, ignoring the murmuring from Dorin¡¯s direction as he showed several images to the class. ¡°Nowadays,¡± he continued, ¡°we seldom have the need to develop pictures since the advent of digital photography. We can now take photos even with our cellphones...¡± ¡°You can?¡± Dorin asked, looking at Sebastian. ¡°Can you take pictures with your phone, too?¡± he asked again. Sebastian continued to ignore him. ¡°Ahem...¡± Josiah cleared his throat. ¡°As I was saying, with digital photography, you can take pictures, anytime, anywhere, with a device that could fit in the palm of your hand. You can also view your pictures in a matter of seconds, even movies...¡± ¡°But,¡± Josiah added, ¡°There is no longer the thrill, the real passion of catching a single moment in the blink of an eye, that could never be repeated! To catch the best pictures you could compose! Pictures that you can not view until you have toiled in a dark room to have them developed!¡± Josiah has his fists clenched in the air. A murmuring came from the room, even Sebastian was nodding his head in agreement. ¡°So now, we come to our main topic,¡± click. ¡°Our main theme is ¡®Analog Photography¡¯, using Film Based Cameras. In this year¡¯s Photography Camp, we shall be discussing how to use ¡®single-lens reflex¡¯ or SLR cameras.¡± Josiah signaled Anastasia to turn the lights on. ¡°I expect everyone here is already familiar with the parts and uses of their cameras... Unless you have any questions?¡± Sebastian looked at Dorin, waiting for the newbie to ask questions, but the other simply took out his camera, removed the lens cover, and started adjusting the lens. Sebastian shrugged, took out his own camera from one of his coat pockets, and heard Dorin gasp beside him. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a Leica M6 camera!¡± Dorin suddenly said excitedly. ¡°Can I see it?¡± Sebastian looked at his companion and reluctantly handed his camera. Dorin held it with both hands, removed the cap from the lens, and focused it. ¡°Is there film inside?¡± he asked. [Don¡¯t use it] was Sebastian¡¯s written reply. [Have you seen a Leica before?] ¡°Yup, in your book last night,¡± Dorin replied absent-mindedly. ¡°Look, that one¡¯s a Spotmatic, and there¡¯s a Bronica and a Mamiya too!¡± he looked at Sebastian. ¡°You think perhaps they would let me look at their cameras?¡± he asked. [Go ahead and ask them] wrote Sebastian. He watched as Dorin did as he told him. Some of the students smiled at him ¨C Dorin¡¯s grin is really contagious, after all. A girl even took his photo, to Dorin¡¯s delight. ¡°Now, people, please settle down first,¡± said Josiah, tapping the table once more. ¡°Now, we will discuss in brief about aperture and shutter speed.¡± He took a short pause and looked as if he had little interest in the topic, then said simply, ¡°Aperture dictates how much light gets in your picture. Shutter speed, how long the picture is taken.¡± He looked at Anastasia who came forward holding a camera. ¡°For the purpose of illustrating this, here''s Anastasia with a digital camera.¡± ¡°Yes, let''s take a sample shot to see the difference in aperture...¡± said a smiling Anastasia. She connected a cable from the DSLR camera to a desk top computer while Josiah sat in a corner. ¡°Now, I need a volunteer...¡± Dorin''s hand shoots up. ¡°Yes, Dorin, can you please stand in front with your back to the class?¡± ¡°Yes, ma''am!¡± he does just that. ¡°Now smile!¡± Anastasia took a picture and checked the screen on the computer. The picture was blurry, though. ¡°Oh, let''s try that again, won''t we?¡± Still, the picture won''t show his face clearly. ¡°Hmm...¡± Dorin looks at the screen thoughtfully, ¡°Perhaps the camera is broken?¡± [Take mine instead] Sebastian offered, standing up. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Anastasia took Sebastian''s picture which showed up properly in the screen. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Hey, how come...¡± protested Dorin, but Sebastian simply pulled him back to his seat. ¡°There you have it,¡± Anastasia continued with the lesson. ¡°As you can see, this portrait was taken with a wide aperture. Notice that the back ground is blurry.¡± She asked Sebastian for another picture. ¡°Now this picture used a narrow aperture, letting in less light, but as you can see, the image behind the model is more defined compared to the first shot.¡± ¡°Hmm... so too much light hides the details?¡± mumbled Dorin. ¡°This is because a wide aperture produces a narrow depth of field while a narrow aperture produces a wider depth of field.¡± Josiah cuts in. ¡°Next topic.¡± ¡°Right, the light must be just right to illuminate everything!¡± Dorin said with a nod. ¡°Y-yes,¡± Anastasia smiled awkwardly at the club president. ¡°Next is the shutter speed.¡± Josiah took out a pinwheel, holds it up and blows at it. ¡°The shutter speed dictates how long the aperture blades are open.¡± She takes a picture of the pinwheel spinning. ¡°A fast shutter speed is ideal for taking photos of moving subjects such as cars or children who can''t sit still. When the shutter speed is increased, the amount of time the aperture is open is increased, also increasing the exposure by letting in more light.¡± She took another picture. ¡°This is ideal in dark settings like taking photos of fireworks in the dark,¡± said Josiah, still holding the pinwheel, ¡°but it can lead to blurry pictures caused by either a moving subject or unsteady hands. This is where a tripod would be useful...¡± ¡°Now, let''s look at the photos...¡± Anastasia points at the two new pictures on the screen. One shows a simple pinwheel, while the other had its blades in a blur. ¡°Okay, now for practical application,¡± Josiah took out 2 boxes full of small toys like drums, pull back cars, dominoes, a jack in a box and even a wind up monkey. ¡°You are to find a partner and take photos using first, a wide and narrow aperture, then experiment with your shutter speed. You are to take pictures using the props from these two boxes.¡± The students approached the platform to choose their props, Dorin was about to do the same when he noticed Sebastian aiming his cellphone at him. ¡°Did you take my picture?¡± he asked with a grin. ¡°Let me see!¡± They both looked at the camera phone. The photo, like the ones earlier, was blurred. ¡°Again!¡± said Dorin with a frown, keeping as steady as he could. Sebastian took another snapshot which ended up with the same result. ¡°What gives?¡± Dorin wondered aloud. [You probably have an anti-photo charm on you] wrote Sebastian. ¡°What for?¡± [Ask your mom] Sebastian replied on his slate. Before Dorin could say another word, Sebastian went to the boxes to take the only remaining props inside ¨C a toy snare drum with sticks tied to its sides, and a creepy, wind-up monkey with an evil sneer on its face. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re Sebastian, right?¡± called one of the students suddenly called to him. ¡°Do you have some extra film on you?¡± [What type?] ¡°135 film please, 12 shots,¡± the guy replied. Sebastian reached into one of his inner pockets and pulled out a small box of film. ¡°Thanks,¡± said the guy, handing him some money. ¡°Do you have all kinds of film in there?¡± asked Dorin, eyeing Sebastian¡¯s coat which didn¡¯t look bulky in any way. [Yup. I also have slides, the older, the more expensive] Just then, Josiah called for their attention. ¡°Please note that you will be submitting a total of 4 photos today; 2 pictures to show the difference between wide and narrow aperture, and 2 pictures to show the difference in shutter speed. You can take as many photos as you want and choose 4 from the stack after we get them developed.¡± ¡°Oh, we get to develop them today?¡± asked Dorin. Josiah ignored him.¡± ¡°You have 2 hours to take pictures,¡± the lecturer continued, ¡°you may take it here inside the room or you may step outside. Your subject for today is the toy you chose from our boxes. Anastasia and I will be available if you have any further questions.¡± ¡°We will have our lunch break at 12 noon,¡± said Anastasia, ¡°but before you leave, please put the toys back in the boxes. The class will resume at 1 pm¡° [Let¡¯s go] wrote Sebastian. The two decided to step outside to take pictures under the natural light. Sebastian placed the creepy monkey on a wooden fence with the woods as the background, and started taking photos. [Take the drums and play behind the sneering monkey,] he told Dorin, writing fast. ¡°Like this?¡± he asked while Sebastian took pictures of the monkey with him playing in the background. Dorin took a couple of pictures of the monkey too, then of Sebastian, then of a curious red fox peeping between the trunks of 2 beech trees in the woods. [Don¡¯t take too many pictures, your film might run out] wrote Sebastian. [You also took photos last night, right? There are only 36 shots in that camera. You can¡¯t just put in a new one since we need to develop the roll later] ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve still got... 17 shots remaining,¡± said Dorin, looking at the frame indicator. ¡°Can you stand under the sun with the drum?¡± Sebastian did as he was asked and gave a drum roll as Dorin took some pictures. He focused on Sebastian¡¯s hand as it beat the drum. ¡°I heard there¡¯s a photo contest after the camp?¡± he asked Sebastian. [Yup. 1st place is a high-end twin-lens reflex camera] wrote his friend. [Reason why I joined] ¡°Woah, a vintage camera, huh?¡± Dorin mused, ¡°That would be nice, but I¡¯m already content with my SLR,¡± he grinned. ¡°Besides, a new digital camera would be of no use to me back home where there is no electricity.¡± [Are you finished? We still got about 2 hours before lunch] ¡°Then, how about a trip around campus while we look for somewhere to eat?¡± Sebastian nodded in reply. They made their way, following a path leading away from the cabin, out of the woods, and into an area that Dorin recognized. ¡°Hey, this is that place last night where we left Margarette near the gates!¡± he looked around and ran to the side of the wall. ¡°It¡¯s my tiller! You planted it!¡± he touched the branch of laurel. New leaves were already sprouting from it. Sebastian watched him closely. [That is a branch of a golden bay laurel tree. It only grows in the southern lands] he wrote. ¡°Yeah, my mom brought a twig once and planted it in our garden. I see you have planted it as well.¡± He touched the branch again. ¡°It¡¯s deeply rooted in the ground, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re a wood element?¡± [Something like that] replied Sebastian. ¡°So you can help plants grow? I bet you have a great garden back home.¡± [A herb garden for my spell ingredients] Sebastian wrote. [I have been wondering how you used the branch to fly, it hasn¡¯t been embedded long with power, you mentioned a rudder?] ¡°I just needed something to sit on while traveling, and it helps with turning directions, less stress on the wind magic.¡± [You were using pure wind magic to fly?] Sebastian asked. ¡°Yup, wanna see?¡± [Yes, please] Dorin gave a whistle. The air started to stir. Another whistle and a gale lifted him up to the air. Sebastian held on to his coat. With a third, higher note, Dorin started to move around, first one direction, then the other, and soon he was flipping in the air. ¡°Wow, the charm aunt Agate gave me really works wonders! I feel so light and my magic is flowing out regularly!¡± [It¡¯s a wonder you can fly at all. The whole university grounds has a magic suppressor of its own. Most students can¡¯t work magic inside the campus, particularly here, inside the inner walls] ¡°Really?¡± Dorin asked, ¡°How about you?¡± Sebastian was motionless for a while. He raised a hand. On his palm, water started to accumulate and overflow. He closed his hand and the water was gone, evaporating into the air. Perspiration dripped from his chin. [That¡¯s the most I can do] ¡°But the plant...¡± [It was already flowing with your energy, all I had to do was focus on it to grow] he wrote. [I would like to do some tests to gauge the magnitude of your magic, would you consent to that?] he asked. ¡°Sure, why not?¡± Dorin replied with a friendly grin, ¡°But you need to show me around campus first!¡± he quickly added. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m starting to get hungry!¡± Chapter 11 - How We Develop The three friends went on their way. From the main gates, they went straight ahead to the main school building, a vast castle which housed the business offices of the University, professors¡¯ dorms, and faculties for the 3 major Divisions, namely the Military and Sports Division, Science and Technology Division, and the Magic and Arts Division. They turned to the left then, on a clockwise direction, where the main Military grounds lay. Most of the University¡¯s west side was for this division, including training grounds and sports fields which lie under the Military division. This includes horse tracks, soccer fields, basketball courts, Olympic size pools, gymnasiums and the likes. The West Dormitories were mostly large, western style buildings used as barracks for the students with some rooms housing as many as 60 students each. They could see 2 of them from a distance, side by side to separate the male from female soldiers. To the north was the Science Department¡¯s main building, a massive building housing several laboratories for different fields of research. There is also a huge botanical garden and several animal barns and corals to the north, including a marine facility with large aquariums containing creatures Dorin have only seen in books. There was also a wild preserve at the back of the main Science building opening to the forest where several animal species, mostly endangered, were kept at large. Next to the Science department¡¯s building was a high tower-- The Technology building. It was a very modern building, 30 floors high that contrasted with the rest of the surrounding. Several odd looking vehicles were parked in front, one of which had its hood open and was being fixed by a group of students. The dorms were also modern high-rise condominium style buildings. The two new friends now head to the east, where Dorin immediately found the steep roof of the old Victorian dormitory jutting from the tops of the trees. ¡°It seems we¡¯ve gone all the way around the campus,¡± mused Dorin, ¡°But I haven¡¯t seen the main building for the Magic Department yet.¡± [Actually, we just went around the central school building which is at the middle of the University grounds] wrote Sebastian. [The rest of the university stretches out from there. The Magic Department¡¯s main building is in the forest. Magic needs the energy of nature to profess itself, thus the need to be surrounded by nature] ¡°I see... so the main building is hidden in the woods?¡± [Past the woods, deep in the forest. It¡¯s an old castle once inhabited by an old family of mages. If you look closely, you can see the turrets in the east] Dorin looked closer and sure enough, saw the roof of the castle. Shiny green tiles reflected the sun. [It¡¯s also hidden so that non-magic students won¡¯t be able to reach it easily. They need to pass the arts buildings first which are scattered in the woods, then several enchantments are placed to lead them back to the main road, back to their respective departments. Only bonafide magic students can go there, to keep the other students safe] ¡°Oh,¡± Dorin frowned, ¡°I know what you mean, I once had a mishap with a commoner who accidentally came near me while I was cutting firewood. Good thing mother was there to re-attach his arm after it got severed...¡± Sebastian tried to imagine how that could have happen and just shrugged the thought away. [So, where would you like to eat lunch?] he asked instead. ¡°Anywhere near would be fine,¡± Dorin replied. ¡°I¡¯m already famished with all that walking!¡± [Let¡¯s go back to the dorms then] he wrote. Sebastian¡¯s cellphone rang as Dorin and Sebastian were eating, the former on his 2nd plate. Margarette called telling the two that she was on her way to visit. ¡°Our morning exercises just finished,¡± she told them, ¡°I have nothing to do for the rest of the day, so I decided to head over there to accompany you guys.¡± [She¡¯s bored and have nowhere else to go] wrote Sebastian. Dorin read it aloud by the phone, causing an irate Margarette to berate Sebastian. She came later wearing her military uniform, sat beside Dorin who was on his 2nd dessert, and ignored Sebastian completely. ¡°So, how was your 1st day in Photography Camp?¡± she asked Dorin. ¡°It was amazing!¡± Dorin exclaimed, ¡°There was this circular device that showed images around the room, and it didn¡¯t have a thaum of magic in it! Josiah and Anastasia were also very nice, they explain stuff really well. We already have a photography session and we¡¯re going to be developing the photos next!¡± said Dorin excitedly. ¡°Would you like to come along?¡± ¡°Well, I really have nothing planned for the rest of the day, so if it isn¡¯t a bother...¡± [No] wrote Sebastian. [Only participants can join activities] ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll be getting in the way! Maybe I can hang around for a bit?¡± ¡°Yes, perhaps she can stay at the back and watch the lecture or something?¡± defended Dorin. [Suit yourself] ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I plan to do,¡± replied Margarette. ¡°Dorin, do you mind getting me something to drink? My throat¡¯s a bit parched.¡± ¡°Sure!¡± Dorin stood up and went to the counter. As soon as he was out of earshot, Margarette leaned towards Sebastian and snarled. ¡°Why are you sending me away?¡± she demanded. [I¡¯m not. I simply stated the truth] Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Here you go, Margarette, is this juice okay?¡± Dorin placed the drink in front of Margarette and sat back down beside Sebastian. ¡°Thank you.¡± Margarette opened the can of soda and took a long sip. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask,¡± Dorin happily said, ¡°how long have you guys been acquainted?¡± his two companions looked at each other. ¡°I mean, you two come from different divisions and don¡¯t look anything like the other, so what do you two have in common?¡± ¡°Our parents were good friends,¡± Margarette replied. ¡°My mother and Sebastian¡¯s father have known each other since they were children, and attended the same art class here in University,¡± she added. ¡°They opened an art gallery together and we used to stay there all the time during weekends.¡± ¡°Used to?¡± Dorin asked. ¡°Sebastian¡¯s father passed away four years ago in a car accident,¡± Margarette continued, ¡°They decided to sell the gallery after that.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry...¡± Dorin looked at Sebastian who simply sat there, drinking some juice. Finally, he held his pen, wrote on his slate and showed it to Dorin. [We won¡¯t make it back to camp if we don¡¯t hurry] The three made it just in time, Anastasia was about to close the door to the log cabin when they arrived. ¡°Are you listed in the club activities, too?¡± she asked Margarette when she noticed the new comer. ¡°I am here to observe,¡± said Margarette, ¡°I am 1st Lieutenant Margarette Gunnar from the Military Department.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure...¡± Anastasia began to say, but Margarette had already entered the room. She looked back at the girl by the doorway. ¡°There is no need to worry. I will be as inconspicuous as I can. You would hardly notice I am here,¡± she said as she sat at the back of the room with her legs crossed. The rest of the class looked at her, murmuring, some of the students who came from the military division even saluted to the young lieutenant who saluted back in her seat. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Anastasia, it¡¯s about time we begin,¡± Josiah called from the front. ¡°Now, please follow me to the back room.¡± Anastasia approached them and handed each student a box of materials. ¡°Has everyone received a kit?¡± Josiah called from the front. He then proceeded to show the class how to remove the film from the camera, how to wind it into the real, and how to develop the film. ¡°I bet I can do that in 2 minutes flat.¡± Margarette was suddenly beside Dorin and Sebastian as they were working on their films. [You said we wouldn¡¯t know you were here?] wrote Sebastian sarcastically. ¡°I was bored. I can disassemble a rifle and put it back together in 20 seconds,¡± Margarette bragged, ¡°I bet I can remove that film in 1 minute or less.¡± ¡°Riffle? Is that a kind of camera?¡± Asked Dorin, his hands moving inside the black developing bag. His friends stared at him. [It¡¯s a gun] wrote Sebastian who had just finished his photo reel. ¡°A gun?¡± the other asked again. ¡°It is a long cylindrical weapon made of steel used in the military and in law enforcement.¡± said Margarette. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a kind of staff then?¡± Dorin nodded knowingly. ¡°My mother used to teach me how to fight with a staff, but I¡¯ve never seen one that could be disassembled before... is it another kind of modern contraption?¡± ¡°Well, in a way... it¡¯s a staff that makes use of black powder to launch metal slugs into distant targets...¡± Margarette tried to explain. [Just give him a book about it] wrote Sebastian, [or better yet, take him to the firing range sometime] ¡°Brilliant idea!¡± Margarette hit her fist on the palm of her hand just as Anastasia came up from behind her. ¡°Umm... have you guys got the hang of it?¡± she asked the small group. ¡°Josiah would like to continue the lecture...¡± The three looked at the speaker in front of the room. He was glaring at them. ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Dorin apologized standing up. He bowed slightly and said ¡°Please excuse us for the delay, sir. We are ready to move on with the lecture.¡± Josiah seemed to be taken a back with his speech. ¡°Yes...¡± he said after a pause, ¡°So, to continue, I now want you to take your film rolls and wind them in the reel as you just practiced...¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go back to the back of the room...¡± Margarette whispered as she slipped away. [Stay seated this time] Margarette glared at Sebastian. Thankfully, she stayed at the back as the participants developed their film. ¡°This is the end of our lesson for today,¡± Josiah called their attention from the front. ¡°Tomorrow at 8 am sharp we will proceed to print our negatives in sensitized paper. You can leave as soon as your negatives dry,¡± he added, ¡°Choose 4 pictures for printing tomorrow...¡± ¡°Also, as part of our exercise in shutter speed, we have a small assignment for you...¡± Anastasia said smiling, ¡°Tonight, we want you to take pictures in the dark. There will be a full moon tonight, so go ahead and be creative. You can take pictures of the night sky, the busy night market, the highway, anything that shows light and darkness.¡± ¡°You can experiment all you want, just make sure you develop the film before you come to class and choose the negatives for printing.¡± said Josiah. ¡°We will process the rest tomorrow.¡± ¡°So we can leave as soon as they dry,¡± mumbled Dorin. ¡°Do we really need to wait two hours?¡± Margarette asked. ¡°No time,¡± said Dorin, ¡°you still have to take me to the shooting ranges.¡± [We need to get them dried first. Taking them out while wet might get them dusty. Dirt or dust will show on the final photos] ¡°All we need is to get them dry, right?¡± Sebastian was still writing when he felt a warm breeze pass through the film hanging on top of their table. [You! No indiscriminate use of magic!] he wrote, but it was too late. Dorin was already inspecting the rolls which seem to have dried up in no time. Sebastian looked around to see if there was anyone who noticed the small act of magic done by his companion, but everyone else were too busy with their own work. ¡°There, now we can leave!¡± Dorin said with a grin. ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Margarette piped in, ¡°You want to go to the firing range now?¡± ¡°Why yes, I would like to see this rifle you mentioned, perhaps we can have a duel if there¡¯s enough time,¡± said Dorin. ¡°I still have kitchen duty later.¡± ¡°Kitchen duty?¡± asked Margarette, confused. [He had an accident in the kitchen this morning, now he has kitchen duty] wrote Sebastian as placed his cut film in plastic sleeves. ¡°Well, there¡¯s a firing range near by...¡± Margarette thought for a while, wrinkling her brows, ¡°we can go there if you like.¡± Chapter 12 – Elemental Riffle The three passed the Science department to buy some snacks on their way to the military department. The Science building had several food dispensers located in front of their main building, and Dorin bought a lot of snacks from each. His satchel was near bursting when they finally went on their way to the shooting ranges. ¡°How come we don¡¯t have food dispensers in our dorms?¡± Dorin asked, popping some candy inside his mouth. [Magic students kept messing around with it, the food inside always disappear in the morning] wrote Sebastian with a wafer stick hanging out of his mouth. ¡°Really, you two, hurry up and finish your snacks,¡± Margarette said with a frown, ¡°eating is prohibited in most areas in the Military department, particularly in the training fields.¡± [Roger] Sebastian gulped his wafer. Dorin placed the rest of the candy in his mouth and chewed vigorously. ¡°We¡¯ll be passing the Sky Gate.¡± Margarette pointed at a gatehouse with 2 guards standing in front. The grounds of the Military Division were surrounded by a short wall with a gatehouse at particular locations. The nearest one was the North-East gatehouse called the Sky gate. ¡°You can leave your things in the lockers here, Dorin,¡± instructed Margarette. ¡°Sebastian, leave your coat. You¡¯ll be in trouble if an officer finds out what your pockets contain,¡± she added vaguely. Dorin surrendered his bag and was given a silver key card with a number on it. Sebastian was reluctant, but finally handed his coat over after carefully folding it. He watched suspiciously as the guard placed it inside the small locker and handed him the key. ¡°So, where are the shooting ranges?¡± asked Dorin after they left the gatehouse. ¡°Just past those barracks.¡± She faced the two, frowning. ¡°Now, I want you to keep your mouth shut!¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s not as strict since regular classes have not resumed yet. I¡¯ll be telling the Drill Officer that you are interested in joining the Military division for the coming school year,¡± she explained, ¡°hopefully they will let you observe the class.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Dorin grined at Margarette, ¡°thank you very much! I really appreciate this, Margarette!¡± ¡°Think nothing of it,¡± replied the girl beside him, ¡°and while you¡¯re at it, please also consider joining the Military Division,¡± she said, eyes burning. ¡°Our country can always use powerful mages such as yourselves to further lead our Empire into the bright future it rightfully deserves! And what better way than to join the military in its campaign to protect people and country from - ¡° [Are we there yet?] Sebastian held the slate in front of Margarette. ¡°From...¡± Margarette, losing her momentum, glares at Sebastian and tries to grab the slate which was immediately snatched away by the silent boy. ¡°I hear some explosions...¡± Dorin said, ¡°is that what you meant by black powder?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just behind that building.¡± Margarette pointed out. They went past a barn-like structure and saw a couple of student cadets in training under the afternoon sun. The cadets held long metal rods while kneeling behind bales of straw. Smoke rose from the tip of their weapons with every explosion, which sends small metal slugs to a target at the end of the field. The targets were propped against mounds of dirt, a hundred yards away from the firing area. ¡°So, this is a shooting range...¡± Dorin whispered low, the sound of the rifles drowning his voice. ¡°It looks a lot like an archery range...¡± ¡°You two stay here, I¡¯ll ask the Drill Sergeant if we can look around.¡± Margarette approached a senior-looking officer at the side of the ranks and saluted to him. They talked for a while, looked at the direction of the two mages, and approached them. ¡°I am Drill Sergeant Robinson,¡± the senior officer said, facing the two, ¡°1st Lieutenant Margarette Gunnar here informs me that you two mages are interested in joining a marksmanship drill?¡± ¡°Yes sir!¡± Dorin replied sharply. ¡°If you would allow it, sir.¡± Sebastian simply nodded at the officer. ¡°Do you have something to say, boy?¡± Drill Sergeant Robinson says to the silent Sebastian. ¡°This is Sebastian Revius, sir, he has been unable to speak following a childhood trauma,¡± explained Margarette. Dorin looked at Sebastian, surprised. ¡°Is that so? Then a salute will do,¡± said the drill sergeant, to which the two replied with a smart salute. ¡°If possible sir, could they look around while these cadets practice with their rifles?¡± Margarette suggested. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°I have something better in mind,¡± replied Drill Sergeant Robinson. He looked closely at the two mages. ¡°What say you try using elemental rifles to gauge your ability for magical combat. It just so happened that we have one available.¡± He signaled to a young man by the barn door and called him by name. ¡°Monroe, borrow an elemental rifle from inside and bring it here.¡± Margarette looked at her two companions who stood in attention while the cadet went inside the barn. ¡°You seem pretty used to this?¡± she asked Dorin, but the officer arrived before the other could answer. ¡°Your rifle, sir.¡± Monroe handed a long silver rifle to the drill Sergeant. There were intricate runes carved on its black wooden barrel, trailing to the tip of its metal muzzle. ¡°First lieutenant Gunnar, have you any experience in using elemental firearms?¡± he asked Margarette. ¡°No sir,¡± replied the lieutenant, ¡°I am a Sword Master, Rapier Class, part of the non-magic corps.¡± ¡°I myself have very little aptitude for magic,¡± said the drill sergeant, ¡°but that doesn¡¯t matter with this weapon here.¡± He led the small group to one of the bales of hay and gripped the pistol. ¡°This particular rifle is an older model, it makes use of elemental bullets that the marksman mage can fill with their elemental magic.¡± The drillmaster took a silver bullet from a box in his pocket and placed it inside the rifle before cocking it. He then aimed at the target at the end of the field and concentrated. The carvings along the rifle¡¯s body slowly glowed red. When the whole length was aglow, Drill Sergeant Robinson pulled the trigger and released a red beam of light that hit the target which burst into flames. ¡°Woah!¡± Dorin said in amazement, ¡°That was quite a reaction coming from such a small amount of magic!¡± Upon hearing this, Drill Sergeant Robinson looked at Dorin, an eyebrow raised. Without noticing the sergeant¡¯s reaction, Dorin went close and examined the rifle. ¡°I see...¡± he mused, ¡°this instrument is capable of turning even small amounts of magic into a formidable weapon by compressing it into an enchanted case made of metal...¡± ¡°Yes, that is the whole idea of elemental weapons,¡± Drill Sergeant Robinson said flatly, an irritated frown on his face. ¡°Sir, may I have a turn, please?¡± Dorin asked, remembering his manners. ¡°You, mute boy, you go first,¡± Drill Sergeant Robinson called Sebastian. ¡°Call my magic ¡®small¡¯ huh? Little brat,¡± he thought, snubbing Dorin. Sebastian stepped forward as the officer handed him the rifle and showed him how to hold it properly. He aimed at the target which was freshly replaced by some cadets in the field. The body and the barrel glowed blue and gave a soft humming sound. ¡°Relax boy, let it flow...¡± said Drill Sergeant Robinson. He helped Sebastian steady the heavy rifle with a hand. ¡°Now, squeeze the trigger.¡± Sebastian pulled the trigger. There was a flash of blue light as a faint trail led to the target that quickly froze and shattered to a million pieces. Even Sebastian himself looked surprised. ¡°Magnificent!¡± Gasped Margarette ¡°I¡¯ve seen high-ranked mages use that same level of magic in Military Exhibitions!¡± she exclaimed. ¡°Can I have my turn now, Sir?¡± Dorin asked, looking so excited that he couldn¡¯t help but shift from one foot to another.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think we have any bullets left,¡± the drill sergeant said flatly. Dorin looked like a crestfallen little puppy. Drill Sergeant Robinson sighed. He reached inside his pocket and pulled out another bullet from the box. ¡°I guess there¡¯s one more left.¡± Drill Sergeant Robinson took the rifle from Sebastian, loaded the bullet, and secretly switched on a clasp at the bottom of the barrel. ¡°With the safety on, there¡¯s no way he can use that rifle,¡± he thought to himself, snickering. ¡°Here you go, boy.¡± He handed the rifle to Dorin with a smirk. ¡°Sir, thank you, sir!¡± said Dorin as he eagerly took the rifle from the drill sergeant. Dorin raised the rifle, aligned the scope to his target, aimed, and tried to fill the barrel with his magic. Nothing happened. He tried again, concentrating his magic, but the rifle wouldn¡¯t even glow. Dorin frowned and looked down at the rifle in his hands. ¡®Why isn¡¯t it working?¡¯ He thought to himself. Beside him, the drill sergeant had a smug look in his face. Sebastian, on the other hand, stepped back, as he felt Dorin¡¯s power collect around the rifle. He was about to stop Dorin when he felt the magic swell! Dorin decided to apply his own knowledge on the riffle out of frustration. ¡®The magic is channeled through the riffle, accumulates inside the bullet, and is then sent flying out of the muzzle!¡¯ Dorin forced the bullet out. Sebastian was suddenly by his side, grabbing hold of the rifle¡¯s barrel. All at once, the barrel exploded, sending a sonic boom around Dorin and flooding the shooting area with blinding light. A trail of black energy left the muzzle, narrowly missing the target that disintegrated upon its passage and embedded itself on the mound of earth in a spiral motion, leaving a smoldering crater upon its wake! ¡°Sebastian!¡± Cried Dorin as his friend dropped to the ground, clutching his arm.