When Morgan awoke he was still feeling a bit sluggish but his mind had cleared somewhat and he looked out the window to see a clear autumn sky with the sun still part way from its peak. Swinging his legs off the bed he sat and stared at the wall for a bit before stretching and trying to remember what his morning lesson was. His body felt a bit heavy, and his mind was still filled with the many things he had learned.

Aspartos had told him to think over what he had been told and to go back to his studies and that they would discuss further next Saturday. Morgan could not remember the reason the discussion had to wait until Saturday but he vaguely remembered Aspartos saying that he had to collect something in the endless forest. So that was probably why.

If Morgan was honest with himself, much of the later part of his conversation with Aspartos was a blur to him. Even when Morgan did his best to try to recall that part of the conversation he could only remember bits and pieces. He was not sure how much of this was because of the treatment that had followed and how much was because he had been overloaded with new and stunning information. Nonetheless he found it a bit depressing as he had felt terribly excited about what Aspartos had taught him. He felt as if every word had been significant.

As he sat there his stomach rumbled and he remembered that he had not finished his dinner last night and felt incredibly hungry. Putting on his clothes he found the apple from dinner and after taking a bite he felt a whole lot better and made his way down to the cafeteria.

He soon had his plate of baked beans and a single large egg. Morgan looked over the tables and found Louie reading a book while Marith was scarfing down food at an incredible pace.

“Good morning…” Morgan trailed off looking at the bruised face of Marith. “What happened to you?”

“His girlfriend gave him a beating for forgetting his date and running after other girls.” Louie laughed.

Marith only grunted and kept eating thought even if his grunt sounded somewhat annoyed there was a slight smile on his lips. Morgan could only shake his head and began eating. For once they ate their meal in silence, it was however not unpleasant and Morgan wondered if this was what was called companionable silence.

As Morgan was halfway through his plate Marith was finished with his second and looked over at the kitchen contemplating another plate. After a few moments he turned to Morgan.

“Heard you were in an awful state last night, what is that old man doing to you?” He sounded suspicious.

“Like you’re one to talk.” Louie said with a smirk eliciting a glare from Marith.

“He is doing some preliminary treatment to stop my body from deteriorating.” Morgan finished his beans and began telling his friends that Aspartos actually had three ways of treating him.

“Is that so?” Marith sounded very unconvinced which was not strange since he had lost his little sister to Sylthian disease.

“Yes.” Morgan said it firmly to show his confidence. “They all have benefits and risks but…”

“What kind of risks?” Louie asked curiously before Marith had a chance to.

“Well, the safest method will leave damaged on my nerves and since it is impossible to know how extensive the damage will be Aspartos considers this the least appealing option.”

“That’s not strange.” Louie said with a nod. “If what we learn is accurate and I can’t imagine that it is not, extensive damage to your nerves could leave you completely crippled.”

Morgan nodded in agreement and thus elected to not share what he had learned of magic theory right now.

“With the second method I will probably not be much different than I am today. I will still be weak and it might take years to recover from the treatment if I ever do.”

“Are you saying that the last method can make you different from how you are today?” Marith said now, sounding completely mistrustful.

“Umm, it is somewhat hard to explain but… yes.” He had to think for a bit before he explained. “The last method is based on an entirely different theory, unlike the other two it is more of a side effect of a magical ritual that the Archmage has created. That should not only cure me but increase my magical capacity by a very large margin in, theory at least.” Morgan added the last part grudgingly and it looked like Marith would start arguing so he continued quickly. “In any case Aspartos told me that he would tell me more about it before I have to make my choice. As of now he does not have the necessary materials for any of the treatments so for now he is just more or less keeping me alive by way of regenerative magic. Which is why I’m so tired after the treatments as such magic is notoriously draining.” He looked over at his friends who were frowning.

“It feels like he is tricking you.” Marith said flatly, before Morgan could respond to that Louie spoke up.

“I honestly doubt that.” He fixed Marith with a stern look. “We both saw the Grandmaster of the healers entering Morgan’s room with the old man. So I don’t doubt that handing over Morgan’s treatment to the old man is the right choice.” He spoke confidently but Marith utterly unconvinced so he asked. “Did you not know that all healers in the empire take the Imperial Healer’s oath at the main temple of Inaria?”

“Anyone can break an oath it’s...” Marith snorted and spoke with contempt but Louie interrupted him rather angry.

“No.” He said in a firm, almost angry voice which was very unlike the rather laid back Louie. “The Imperial Healer’s Oath along with, the Oath of the Messenger and the Oath of the Guard are self-fulfilling oaths made before the gods.” He took a break to calm himself. “Breaking such an oath will at best cost you the power that is afforded to you by the gods through the oath but it is not uncommon for the cost to be death.” He said it flatly with a stern expression that brooked no argument and after making sure that Marith was still listening he continued. “Since the healer's oath forbids them from causing harm and to protect their patients from harm to the best of their abilities. I doubt that the Grandmaster would be willing to risk his life to trick a student.” It took some time before Marith responded to this.

“You say that, but that doesn’t stop him from unknowingly misleading Morgan.” Marith was still not convinced.

“In that case this doesn’t matter does it?” Louie said, picking up his book and only glanced at Marith with a cocked eyebrow.

“What do you mean?” Marith said impatiently.

“If the Grandmaster of the healers of the Academy, the man who is considered the greatest healer of our time.” He paused letting the words hang for effect. “If he cannot heal Morgan, what point is there in doubting a man who says he can?” He looked over at Morgan. “It’s not like you can survive without a cure can you?” Morgan nodded.

“WHAT?” Marith erupted. “You will die unless you’re treated?” Marith looked at Morgan with a look of shock.

“That was what Aspartos and the Grandmaster told me yes. From what I understand it is a miracle that I am even alive.” He gave Marith a complicated smile.

This caused Marith to utter a chain of profanities that would have put a sailor to shame. Only after this outbreak did Marith calm himself and instead started brooding with his head down and arms crossed.

“Anyway.” Louie spoke to clear the heavy silence. “Are you coming to the history class this morning Morgan? I would love to have some assistance in keeping Marith awake.” Louie glanced over at Marith as he spoke but the latter was deep in thought so the expected outburst did not come.

“Yes, I haven’t found any good books on the founding so I have been looking forward to Adept Katarina’s class.” He was about to continue not noticing Louie’s incredulous look when Marith spoke up.

“I’m coming with you next time.” Marith said this and nodded, as if everything was clear and decided.

“I-I’m sorry what?” Morgan was looking wide eyed at Marith.

“I’m coming with you next time so tell me when you’re going.” Marith said with finality.

This was not the explanation Morgan was looking and so just he sat there blinking and tried his best to figure out if Marith would want to go with him to history class or book hunting and why. He felt like Marith and he was not on the same page so to speak and looked over at Louie with a very confused expression.

“By Tiana bountiful harvest, Marith!” Evoking the goddess of love and the harvest in a rare exclamation of exasperation Louie spoke to Marith in a chastising tone. “We do not live in your head Marith! How many times do I have to tell you that you can’t just think of a solution to a problem by yourself and then just say your conclusion expecting everyone to understand what you are saying!” Morgan was both surprised and at the same time not surprised at all by the fact that this had happened before.

“What are you talking about?” Marith said, sounding taken aback. Louie scratched his head and let out a deep, frustrated breath. After which he gave the confused Marith a baleful look.

“You are hopeless! What do you mean you are going with him next time?! What next time and where!” At this point Louie was shouting and drew curious looks from the surroundings.

“I clearly mean that I will come with Morgan next time he is meeting Aspartos.” He gave Louie a look as if he was talking nonsense.

Louie was about to yell a string of profanities when Morgan reached over to him and placed his hand on Louie’s shoulder to calm him. Looking over Louie saw Morgan’s sympathetic expression and when Morgan shook his head Louie’s shoulders slumped and he slowly let built up tension escape with a long exhale.

Looking back at Marith Louie saw that the bruised boy looked somewhat smug and felt like his patience was being tested immediately. Yet as he was about to get angry again he remembered something and smiled wickedly at Marith which put the boy on edge and he frowned.

“Morgan you said it is Adept Katarina who is teaching our history class today right?”

“Yes?” Morgan gave Louie a puzzled look.

“I heard that she throws books at students that fall asleep in her class.” There was obvious satisfaction in his voice as he spoke. “So I probably don’t have to worry about any of my classmates falling asleep as no one would be stupid enough to fall asleep in Adepts Katarina’s class.” Louie laughed and glanced over at the pale and gaping Marith.

Before Marith could say anything more Louie took his tray with a snort and left leaving a flustered Marith to collect his plates and hurry after. Morgan found his all rather funny and could not help but laughed to himself as he followed after the two.

The class ended with Marith not having been hit by any book purely because he begged Morgan and Louie to keep him awake. Louie had acquiesced after seeing the legitimate fear in Marith’s eyes and the task had ultimately landed on his shoulders as Morgan had been preoccupied with taking notes. At first this had irked Louie thinking that they would share the burden that was Marith. But when he came to the realization that he could likely borrow Morgan’s notes that were unsurprisingly both neat and tidy he accepted that burden happily.

Walking away from the class Morgan was rather happy, unlike Marith who was muttering and shooting sharp glares in the direction of Louie as he rubbed his swollen cheek.

The class had been about Ilios Esrott, the founder of the then Ilian Kingdom that in time became the Ilian Empire. Since the founding of the Ilian kingdom happened during a time of great unrest in the world, information about that time was rather hard to come by. Thus there were very few trustworthy books written on the subject and Morgan had never gotten the opportunity to read about it.

As the three walked leisurely Marith sighed heavily and kept grumbling once again over how he had to learn Imperial history when he wasn’t even from the empire. Yet as Louie ignored him and Morgan was occupied with organizing his notes he grunted and asked a question he had been wondering about.

“So how come we never see Ross or Rina in the morning classes?” He waited to ensure the others were listening before he continued. “I mean it’s not only history, I have never seen them in morning math or law either.” He sounded quite jealous.

“Well they are from rather good families aren’t they?” Louie said with a shrug.

“What do you mean by that?” Marith blinked in confusion.

“Most noble families have their own tutors, so unless your family is not very affluent or you have a hard time with a certain subject the first three to six months is just repetition for most nobles.” As if to prove his point he pointed at Morgan. “I mean how many times did you see Morgan before you swapped to the Imperial sword style?” At this Marith was at a loss of words and Louie turned to Morgan. “How many times have you gone to the basic classes during your time here?”

“Mmm.” Morgan had to think for a bit before he could answer. “Not sure maybe a few times a week? Enough to get my food tokens at least.” Louie had to stifle his laughter at that, to think that Morgan went to class only to ensure he got his free meal tokens for the cafeterias.

“Is there any subject you're worried about for the winter exams?” Louie said with a smile.

“Humm, etiquette and maybe history depending on what the exam will be about.” He said tilting his head.

“Wait!” Marith almost shouted. “You mean that you are confident about the rest?” The look that Marith gave Morgan made it clear that he wanted Morgan to refute him.

“Yeah, as I mentioned before I would even have liked to take the law examination on an adept level.” He pouted a bit. “But you have to take all the exams in order sadly.”

Marith stopped walking his mouth flapping open like a fish out of the water. He slowly turned to Louie who smiled smugly.

“Traitor” Marith said in a low hurt voice, before blinking and narrowing his eyes in suspicion. “Then why are you going to so many classes?”

Louie’s smile froze in place, and he quickly walked away and changed the subject.

“Besides Ross and Rina have acrobatics with Mistress Cormora at dawn which is known to be incredibly harsh. So even if they have morning classes that they would like to attend, I doubt that they ever would.”

“HEY!” Marith shouted at Louie but the latter kept ignoring him.

This continued for quite a while as the group made their way over to the western part of the Academy, the most recently constructed section designated for the training of magic. As they entered their next classroom Morgan felt a bit conflicted. He saw the Apprentice standing preparing for the class of magical theory with a book Morgan had read called elementary theory of magic.

With what he had learned he was unsure of how useful this class would be, yet if he wanted to pass all the basic tests this winter this would be useful. “Probably…” he thought to himself.

As the three found a seat Marith after having gotten annoyed with Louie ignoring him asked Morgan a question he had been wondering about.

“So Morgan, when you don’t go to class what do you do?” At this Louie looked over as well, clearly interested.

“I would go to the library and read… or well…” He looked away embarrassed. This caused the two to lean in closer. “I would also find out of the way places to train mana control.”

At this the two others just looked at one another in confusion, clearly thinking that Morgan had snuck off to do something entirely different. Morgan missed this as he was looking down in embarrassment as training his control would not help him much due to his rather pitiful mana capacity. More importantly since practical magic only started the second semester doing such training was generally considered rather pointless until then.

“I thought you would say you snuck off to have an affair or something.” Marith snorted.

“Because that is what you would do.” Louie said flatly which Marith ignored. “Why are you so embarrassed about training your mana control though? It might not be the most efficient way to spend your time but self-improvement is the foundation of the empire.” Louie gave Morgan a curious look.

“Umm… well… I am not very magically talented…” He trailed off after mumbling his answer.

Louie was struggling to find something to say when a boy entered the room and stole the attention of all the students. The Tall and handsome boy with pale blond hair seemed to draw the attention of others naturally.

His name was Gias Wellmond and it was rare to find him away from the third prince yet now he strode in with two of his followers and sat down on the first row staring down the nervous apprentice. His affable demeanour that the students had come to expect was gone like a mirage and he put his feet up on his desk and with a rude gesture of the chin he urged the apprentice to start.

Being the first son of one of the four dukes he held secular power comparable to that of the prince and thus the teachers had to be almost as careful around him as they would the prince. Yet unlike for the prince the Academy itself made almost no concessions for Gias, which galled him. Yet under normal circumstances he would hide his displeasure, but now freed from the eyes of the prince and the other high noble children that followed him, he made no effort in hiding his displeasure.

“Are you going to stand around all day or are you going to start?” He sneered disdainfully at the apprentice and the man started the lesson with a stammer.

Gias was feeling quite dissatisfied with his time at the Academy. He had been together with the prince and his entourage since he came to the Academy, but he had had enough. The third prince had a stick up his bum and was not only boring to be around but ran around like a headless chicken trying to outdo himself and his siblings. He did this even when it was well known that the Emperor favoured his oldest child, the first prince.

Gias simply could not understand the point of running yourself ragged without purpose. Still he had done what his father had told him and gotten close to the prince. Or at least he had tried, no matter what he did the prince always felt distant. It was like the hours of hard work and sweat that the two had spent together didn’t matter to prince Aron.

What infuriated Gias more was that the prince was nothing special. He was better than most at most things, yet that was not because he was a genius or anything. He simply spent a long time training the sword and studying thus becoming somewhat proficient at them. In truth when it came to the sword Gias was better than the prince. Yet when the prince noticed this he did not praise Gais’s swordplay nor ask for help in his practice he simply went back to train dragging Gias and the prince’s other followers along with him.

Thinking about this Gias clicked his tongue unconsciously causing the apprentice to jump slightly. This made Gias smile and when the apprentice turned to him with a complicated expression of fear and many other emotions he simply gestured with his chin at the chalkboard behind the apprentice. The apprentice almost jumped back to continue the class. “This is the proper amount of respect I am entitled to.” Gias thought with a smile.

Being around the prince and his reserved manner he had almost forgotten how people should treat the heir apparent of the duke of the south, how they should treat HIM. Gias’s father’s name struck fear in the heart of his enemies and of both commoners and nobles alike could but bow in his presence. Only the Imperial family and other three ducal families could stand shoulder to shoulder with his family. As he enjoyed the apprentice unease one of his friends, turned to the door with his half-closed eyes. Gias looked at Vipen who gave off the air of a snake but whose family had been fiercely loyal to house Wellmonds for generations. He then followed Vipen’s eyes and saw two students enter the room almost soundlessly. The two also had pale blond hair but unlike Gias whose hair was naturally close to the colour of white gold the pair’s hair seemed bleached by the sun. Likewise was their skin had a rather deep tan that made Gias dismiss them as lowborn, for what noble would toil away out in the sun for years to build up such skin tone? After coming to the conclusion he smiled and spoke in a disdainful voice with his back to the newcomers

“I think it’s better to not show up at all then to interrupt class and bother the ones that take learning seriously.” Gias said this glancing over at the two with a mocking smile.

Vipen was subtly tugging at his shirt but Gias ignored him in favour of enjoying himself.

“Is it not you…” The girl spoke in a haughty voice that caused Gias to narrow his eyes in anger.

But before she could continue the boy took a half step in forward and bowed slightly disappointing Gias. He would have loved to get justification to discipline the two in front of the class.

“We are sorry to interrupt the lesson, we will take our seats please ignore us and continue.” His voice was a bit flat but sounded apologetic.

“The boy knows his place.” Gias clicked his tongue at the missed opportunity. His eyes then shifted over to the girl. “She is not my type, but it is the duty of the nobility to educate the masses so I will endure this once.” Thinking this he smiled.

“Well, since we are already talking why don’t you come sit over here?” He gestured to the seat next to him and his other friend the burly Ugor stood up and moved two seats over making room for the pair.

“No thanks, we will sit with our friends.” The girl responded before the boy had a chance and she gave Gias a cold look with.

Gias looked on stunned, he might have said it like a suggestion but anyone could tell that he had ordered them to sit next to him. Yet the girl had plainly rejected his kind offer. He barely even felt offended as he could even consider being rejected in such a way. Turning around he saw the three boys the girl had referred to as her friends and felt even more stunned.

One was pale and tall like a ghost, another was dark-skinned and burly and the last was small and skinny to the point on looking malnourished. For a moment he wondered if he was looking at some kind of circus troupe. The girl had the dark-skinned boy move over to the end of the group and when she sat down with her brother next to the small boy Gias’s anger that had thus far been suppressed by utter shock started to flare to life. By now the Vipen was franticly whispering something into Gias ear but he once more ignored him.

“I see, so you’d rather spend your time with a circus then with me.” He sneered and Ugor laughed uproariously and many of the other students joined in as well. Gias was not capable of hearing how forced the laughter sounded and smiled viciously at the three and the girl who dared to glare back at him. It was only now when he was about to launch his next insult that he heard Vipen’s now frantic whisper.

“Young Master that is the Seawall Twins!” Gias was about to snap at Vipen for calling him young Master once again when the words sunk in. He turned and glared at the girl whose eyes were filled with anger. “So they are two of the upstarts from the east.” Think this his expression turned hateful.

As he air was growing dangerous the small boys said something and the Seawall girl turned to him with her hands over her mouth stifling her laughter. Gias was quite far away from the group and did not hear what the boy had said but the boy was looking at Gias. From the expressions of the group it was obvious that the boy had made a joke at his expense.

“You.” Gais growled menacingly as he seethed on the inside. He was almost about to throw himself at the boy when the bell signalling the end of class rang.