“I can explain.” Serah says with red cheeks.

“No need.” The old man says with a smile. “Let's go somewhere where we can speak in private.” He says with a gesture for her to lead the way.

Serah lets out a sigh of defeat. “My office is this way…” She says before leading the way with slumped shoulders.

The old man looks to his apprentice for a moment. “Wait for me at the governor's mansion. And don't forget to buy the dagger.” He says before following after Serah.

The apprentice lets out a sigh. Why can't I go? He asks, very much wanting the juicy details of that story.

…

…

Serah slumps into her chair and raises her arms. “Okay, you caught me.” She says, willing to accept what was to come. “Now, what do you want? You haven’t kidnapped me yet, so I imagine that’s a good sign.” She says, hoping to hear the details before making her next move.

The old man’s face scrunches at the words that were about to leave his mouth. This is humiliating. He thinks, feeling quite bitter about the situation. “Teach me!” He says, not daring to look at the lady’s face.

Serah’s eyes widen. “Teach you? Teach you what?” She asks. She had an inkling of the situation, but she was still wary. There was still the matter of the price that had to be paid; she wasn't so arrogant as to think that she could get away by simply teaching the man what he knew.

“Yes! Teach me! I’ve studied enchantment for years, but I’ve never been able to discover that missing piece! That spark! The thing that would allow it to manifest!” The old man exclaims, explaining his bitterness over the matter. “I’ve studied and have full knowledge if various types of enchantment designs, but alas, I’ve never gotten them to work. I believe the trick is in the folding of the mana; there must be a technique to it, something that would give it life. I’ve searched for years, but I’ve never been able to discover such a technique. But now you’re here! You can teach me!” The old man says with some excitement.

Serah sits, stunned. What an enthusiastic old man. She thinks, somewhat amused before pondering the issue. “There really isn’t a trick to the folding of the mana; the technique is what you would think it is. But I think I understand what you’re reaching for… There is a part of the enchantment process that is completely separated from the physical world. It requires… A certain… understanding… You must know the enchantment completely and fully, at its very essence. The mana folding and the design arrangement are simply a marking, something to call the idea into existence. If nothing answers the call it is simply calling out into the void; there would be no result. The enchanter is meant to act as the conduit between the mark and the idea. If the conduit doesn’t function, there is no connection, and the enchantment fails.” Serah explains to the best of her ability.

The old man’s eyes widen, pure pleasure and delight brightening his eyes as a large smile blooms on his face. “Of course! Of course! How could I be so dumb! My enchantments were empty, they had no soul, no magic. They were simply shells of a possibility, something so close yet so unreachable. Life! It’s in the very idea of it! How could I be so dumb!” The old man says, slapping his own face at his own stupidity for good measure

Serah’s eyes widen and an big grin appears on his face. I like this old man! He’s funny! She thinks, very pleased with this interaction.

“Thank you! Thank you! From now on you are my master in more than name. I will forever be indebted to you!” The old man says with a deep bow.

Serah scratches her face, somewhat embarrassed. “So ugh… Are you not going to tell anyone about my store?” She asks, hoping to find a resolution to this matter.

“Ah, that. Yes, you don’t have to worry. But you really should stop selling these items. If it wasn’t me who found out, it would’ve been someone else. And their intentions might’ve been much more sinister.” The old man says honestly. “But if you wait a couple more years, I’m confident I can reintroduce enchantment to the modern world. At that point, you’ll be free to use your skill as you please.” He says, offering a resolution.

Serah sighs. “I guess I can wait a few more years. I’ll probably have to sell my store; there’s not really a point to it now. Maybe I’ll spend a few years adventuring… I’ve been holed up in Gardenhill for too long anyways…” She thinks aloud, pondering her options.

“Ah, might I suggest you join our college? You’re guaranteed admittance with my recommendation.” The old man suggests.

“Hmm, maybe. What’s required?” Serah asks, open to the idea.

“You’ll be able to enter regardless, but usually, students would be required to have a general understanding of magic, and sufficient mana control.” The old man explains.

“Hey! That just might be a good fit! Where’s it located? I’ll drop by if I’m ever nearby.” Serah decides. She was very interested in what this college had to offer her.

“Redriver City. Not too far Southeast of here.” The old man says with a smile.

Serah smiles. “Say, what’s your name, old man?” She asks, curious as to the man’s identity.

The old man smiles. “Jahir. You can call me Jahir.” He says.

“Well, Jahir, I’m Serah. Nice to meet you.” She says with an outstretched hand.

“Nice to meet you.” Jahir says with a smile as he reaches out for her hand.