“Ahem now that you’ve been formally introduced, let me explain the details of your partnership” Silver Eye declared.

The pair then immediately let go of each other’s hand and faced Silver Eye. Both of them were still unhappy with this arrangement but they had no choice. For Karl this was the only way for him to study magic and as for Burning Rose, this was a task her revered mentor gave her. For now they were willing to tolerate each other’s presence, at least in front of the old man.

“As I have said before, my pupil Burning Rose will be assigned as Karl’s assistant since he is unable to use magic due to the lack of Mana within him.” Silver Eye began his explanation.

Burning Rose raised an eyebrow upon hearing the statement about Karl’s lack of Mana and upon closer inspection she realized it was indeed true. There was absolutely no Mana flowing from the Outsider.

“But just because you are his assistant doesn’t mean you are lower than him, your task is to simply perform different spells and variations for him and maybe teach him a thing or two about the basics of the magic arts.” Silver Eye continued.

“Hooh, the Outsider wants to learn magic yet doesn’t even possess something as basic as Mana? What a joke. Am I supposed to be your baby sitter or something?” Burning Rose sneered at Karl.

Karl however did not react to Burning Rose’s taunt and listened intently to Silver Eye, although once again Silver Eye’s statement about him not having any Mana was puzzling to him. Mana is supposed to exist in every living being, yet why does he not possess it? Did the creatures of Nelithea evolve to use Mana or was mana itself something the denizens of Nelithea evolved to have. For now he inclined to believe in the former, though he still needed more conclusive evidence.

Silver Eye then noticed that Karl was in deep thought.

“Is there something wrong professor?” Silver Eye asked Karl.

Karl was then snapped out of his own thoughts.

“Oh I’m sorry, I was just thinking of a reason as to why I don’t have Mana.” Karl explained.

“This is nothing but a farce, why do you want to learn magic when you don’t even have the means to use it? You’re just wasting your time!” Burning Rose commented.

“Humans have no wings but that didn’t stop us from learning how to fly.” Karl retorted.

“This isn’t the same, this like a blind person trying to see. Can’t you see the futility of your endeavours?” Burning Rose insisted her point.

“For someone who can use magic and do seemingly impossible things, you sure are pessimistic.” Karl sneered.

“As for your statement about a blind man; artificial eyes are thing back in my world and are just as good as normal eyes. Maybe even better.” Karl declared in a smug tone.

“Artificial eyes?” Burning Rose was both confused and sceptical but she shook her head and continued the argument.

“Oh yeah what about a mute trying to speak”

“Sign language or artificial throat box. Although most people just get by with just sign language” Karl replied

“What about deaf people?”

“Artificial eardrums.”

“What about taste? Or touch?” Burning Rose was starting to feel like she was losing this argument.

“Nerve restructuring therapy, a fairly new science but gets the job done nonetheless.” Karl replied nonchalantly.

He then faced Burning rose once again and smiled.

“Is there anything else?” Karl smugly asked.

Karl could see the growing frustration building up on Burning Rose’s face and for some reason; he really enjoyed seeing Burning Rose this angry.

“OH YEAH HOW ABOUT AMPUTATAED ARMS AND LEGS?” Burning Rose exclaimed.

“Unlike you and your “artificial” replacements we sorcerers are capable of making a person regrow a missing limb!” Burning Rose said as she puffed up her chest and smiled triumphantly.

Although she knew deep in her heart that she was vastly over selling this spell. Healing spells of that level require a lot of mana and often mess up. A person might regrow their arm, but most of the time it is useless and won’t respond to command.

“Eh we can do that too. Seriously this is less impressive than the things I mentioned earlier.” Karl replied almost immediately.

“What? You lie.” Burning Rose couldn’t accept what she heard.

“Lab grown limbs are readily available although I don’t fully understand how it is done. Still there is also the option of just using artificial limbs. Oh I forgot, lab grown eyes are also a thing but bionic eyes are for more popular.” Karl Explained

“Lab grown?” Burning Rose was perplexed by this statement.

“Think of it as a farm, but for body parts.” Karl gave a morbid reply while maintaining a smile.

An image of crop field with arms and legs growing from the ground popped in her head.

“You people are sick.” Burning Rose replied with a hint of disgust in her voice.

“Where did that come from?” Karl replied

“You see, my kind don’t simply quit because something looks impossible at first. We test every single possibility, find every possible answer until the impossible becomes possible.” Karl paused and lowered his head in order to get closer to Burning Rose.

“We have reached great heights the likes of you can only dream of. What makes you think magic will remain an impossibility for us?” Karl looked at her in the eye while giving her a proud, mocking smile.

Burning Rose was now extremely frustrated as shown by her beet red pouting face.

“Okay that’s enough you two” Silver Eye now interjected seeing that the situation was deteriorating fast.

“Burning Rose, Professor Karl. I know it may seem hard but please do try and get along with each other.” Silver Eye said as he shook his head.

“No problem with me Grand Scholar, I’m not so sure about that arrogant brat over there though.” Karl replied.

“You’re one to talk, you egotistical goon.” Burning Rose retorted.

They once again shot a fiery glare directed at each other.

Silver Eye shook his head in defeat.

“In any case, I would also like for you to introduce yourself to the people of Dawnward later. I will arrange for them to gather on the convention hall before dinner.” Silver Eye politely asked Karl.

“Oh no problem for me, but I would like to start my research as soon as possible.” Karl declared.

“What?”

“I want to study the books from the general archive after dinner. I would like to get as much information as I can before I can begin any sort of experiment.” Karl requested.

“Oh no problem” Silver Eye replied.

“You can also have Burning Rose start assisting you later since I know that you most likely won’t understand most of it.” Silver Eye said as he looked at Burning Rose.

At this point Burning Rose has lost all her patience.

“Fine do what you want I don’t care!” Burning Rose shouted as she stormed out of the study.

“I’m so sorry about her behaviour.” Silver Eye said with an apologetic tone.

“She’s a bit difficult to handle but she’s a brilliant girl I assure you.”

“No it’s okay, I’ve dealt with worse.” Karl smiled.

“Plus this is only a small price to pay for the knowledge I am about to gain. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going back to my room and see if it’s done.” Karl said as he stepped out of the room.

Silver Eye then let out a long sigh.