Year 4311 August 2

The second day since the start of the school year.

Sam woke up early as usual. Jim won't wake up till 7. There was morning coffee warm next on his bedside table. He could hear the sound of someone humming from the kitchen. 'She got here early.' Getting off the bed and taking the coffee in one hand, Sam walked into the kitchen. He was still in his pyjamas.

"How did you get in?" Asked Sam. He knew there were only two keys. One was with Sam and the other was in Jim's hand. "Did you lift it off him?" She averted her eyes in guilt. "Fine keep it. I'll get a new one for Jim." Sam turned walking to the hall letting Astra cook the breakfast.

There was enough time as Sam went through his daily practices. Sword training was mandatory for nobles. Something that the kind reinstated from an ancient era. Considering how the world works now, it was understandable. Although forcing a mage to learn sword art was probably his mom's idea. It was too early when he started to practice. It became a habit by the time he even knew what it was for.

"How did you get in here?" Screamed Jim from his bedroom. Followed by Astra running out unto the hall with both her hands clasping her eyes shut. "I didn't see anything." She screamed back. 'Then why are you holding your eyes shut.'

She, in a rush, appeared before Sam and asked to be excused. 'No one asked you to come.' Being flustered she forgot to bow as she ran out toward the direction of the dorm.

"Jim, what did you do?" Shouted Sam entering inside pushing the door wider. Jim, who was pulling his pants on had an expression indescribable.

"What? It was hot yesterday." Jim said with a snort. Sam shook his head and walked out. Back to training. There was still time for breakfast. The first class was at 10. Even if he tried his best, he wouldn't be late.

"Who cooked breakfast, the omelette smells great." Jim walked out of his room and smelled the egg in the air. "Aster cane in the morning to cook? Dude, sell her to me. I will do whatever you want." There were two servings on the table. 'How considerate of her.'

Rubbing off the sweat, Sam washed his hands and sat down to eat. Jim joined him as well.

"What's it for today?" He started talking with his mouth full. Swallowing the bread, Sam replied, "The same as yesterday. Just no bestiary and magic circles. We have herbology. The last period is free. We can go and complete the physical trails then."

"There's still history?" Jim sounded depressed. "Yes. It's compulsory for the juniors. We have it on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday." Sam finished his food and took his plate to the kitchen to wash.

"You better get me a new key. Your girl took mine yesterday," said Jim as he followed Sam in. "You noticed?" "Yeah, I just didn't want to embarrass her." Sam stopped for a second. "Thank you." Sam thanked Jim. "It's ok. I'll consider breakfast as an apology." Said Jim smiling at Sam.

Class 9B

"I heard herbology sucks," Jim said the rest as they entered their class. Although the general consensus was that it was pointless, herbology was one of the major subjects throughout the years. Most of the herbs collected through dungeons were used to make potions and pills to cure a lot of diseases. Some of the plants like Blood-pout Regina are extremely poisonous and were better avoided.

The first period soon started and their teacher came in. She was another honour student also of tier 4 like Peter. She introduced herself as Jasmine and started the lecture after taking the headcount.

"Most regard herbology as a waste. You won't have to put up with it after this year unless you plan on specialising." There was a hint of pride in her words. "Herbology is the easiest class you will have. There are 80 herbs in total that you have to learn to identify. By the end of the year, you will grow familiar with it as you travel through the dungeons."

Jasmine used a wand and projected an image on the white wall. "This is what a Rupis Eptum looks like. It is the most deadly plant you will find in your first few dungeons."

Rupis Eptum is a mild hallucination inducing plant. Alone it is harmless but in the presence of other monsters, it generates a mild mist that causes confusion. The plant does it to prevent the herbivores from approaching it but the hallucinating monsters tend to cause a rampage possibly injuring or even killing any unlucky humans in the area.

"Rupis Eptum is not deadly nor Is it harmful. It is a very useful anaesthetic and is highly In demand. At least 200 dungeon raids across the country are in search of this one plant. As you might know, even a weaker seedling can fetch a price of 25 silver."

Jasmine projected a few other images that showed the region they sprout with her in the background. "As you can tell, these photos were taken by yours truly when our party raided a tier 1 dungeon. As you can tell they are usually found near water sources and they spawn in groups. Keep an eye open for it when you run dungeons."

Rupis Eptum was considered the most valuable tier 1 plant. It was used heavily during surgeries as it doesn't have any side effects. The powdered leaves are used during steam baths to relax the mind. Jasmine asked them to look into its mutations and write 300 words on it as homework before she left.

"Isn't Rupis Eptum a drug?" Jim turned to Sam.

"It's not considered harmful as it is mild. But it is a tier 1 plant. They are strong on tier 0 like us."

Sam was observing Justin during the whole period. 'Looks like everything turned out fine.'