The people of Dawnward then proceeded to the dining area after Karl’s introductory speech. Although they still did not fully accept Karl’s presence, his words did strike a chord in their hearts and thus their attitude towards him became a little bit more accepting. Just a little bit. They still gave him weird stares and kept their distance.

Karl shared a table with Grand Scholar for dinner since he really did not have anyone else to sit with. He then had his first meal at Dawnward.

It was horrible.

He was given the same food as everyone else. A mixture of tasteless green herbs and unseasoned ground meat that tasted so bland and boring cooked together into a stew like meal. But he really couldn’t complain since this is the institute’s regular meal, even the Grand Scholar ate the same meal as everyone else.

“Is everything okay?” Silver Eye noticed Karl looking a bit sullen as he ate.

“Oh, yes everything’s okay it’s just,” Karl replied trying not to be rude.

“It’s the food isn’t it?” Silver Eye said as if reading Karl’s mind.

“Yes.”

“Don’t worry you’ll get used to it. Hopefully.” Silver Eye said as he downed another spoonful of the stew.

Seeing Silver Eye eat that much without wincing made Karl gag a bit, he really wished he had something else to eat now. But still, Karl did his best to finish the stew he was given as he was taught by his parents to never waste food.

I miss my mom’s cooking. Karl thought to himself.

After everyone had finished their meals, bottles were then distributed to the people in the dining area. Once a bottle was given handed to Silver Eye, Karl was able to inspect it more closely.

The bottle contained a glowing liquid and it rang alarm bells inside Karl’s head. He even saw Silver Eye’s expression sink once he saw the liquid which further confirmed his fears.

That potion looks like bad news. Karl said to himself as he looked at the contents of the bottle.

Silver Eye then stood up raised his left hand and held the potion in his right. The people on the room then focused their attention on him as they grasped the bottle given to them, and when Silver Eye gave the signal they all drank it at the same time.

Karl was then drowned in a sea of agonized noises coming from sorcerers, even the Grand Scholar looks like he is pain. To Karl it looked the dining area was transformed into an image of hell. He sat there silently as he watched the sorcerers wince and scream in agony, thankful that he didn’t have to drink whatever it was they were given.

After a few minutes of pain and suffering, everyone returned to their normal expression although some of them looked a bit woozy. He then talked to Silver Eye once the old man has recovered from his ordeal.

“Grand Scholar, may I view the books in the archives later?” Karl asked.

“Oh right, you did tell me that you wanted to begin with your work as soon as possible,” Silver Eye replied.

“Would you like to go now?”

“No, I still have to get some things from my room.”

“I see, then I’ll have your partner, Burning Rose, escort you to the general archives.” Silver eye declared.

Ugh, that woman again. Karl thought to himself a bit annoyed.

“Alright, then I’ll head to my room now and prepare.” Karl said as he stood up and went out of the dining area.

Once in his room he then prepared his tablet which he will use to copy and useful information he might come across by using it like a notebook. A few minutes later the voice of the door once again spoke.

“Identity unknown. Please state your business.” The door declared.

Ah, she’s here. Karl thought to himself, realizing who it was that arrived.

He then stood up and opened the door himself. He was once again face to face with rude red haired woman, Burning Rose.

When he opened the door he saw confusion written all over her face. He knew she was also spooked by the talking metal door, and it made him laugh inside.

This never gets old. Karl thought to himself.

Burning Rose quickly regained her composure and made a serious face, although she didn’t look angry at him this time.

“Come with me, I will lead you to the archives.” Burning Rose said to Karl.

“Oh okay.” Karl said as he stepped out of the room.

He was then led by Burning Rose to a large library like structure just across the staff dormitory.

Karl was surprised that Burning Rose was silent as they walked. He expected her to pick a fight with him again, but maybe just maybe, his speech earlier did affect her too.

Once inside, Karl was then greeted by a large collection of book, tomes, and scrolls all tucked away in large shelves sprawled all over the archives. The amount of books alone rivaled any large library back on earth. Karl’s heart was filled with joy at this scene.

“Wow! Look at all these books!” Karl exclaimed. Then he immediately shut himself up because he realized he was still in a library, and despite the time there were still people inside.

Sorry, I got to excited there. Karl said to himself apologetically.

He then faced Burning Rose once again.

“A-ahem, if it isn’t too much trouble, could you please guide me through the archives? I would like to start with the beginner level books.” Karl asked Burning Rose.

He was expecting some kind of angry reaction, a glare, a click of the tongue, but instead she simply complied. This surprised Karl a little bit.

“I see then follow me.” Burning Rose said to Karl.

He was then lead to the left side of the archives. Burning Rose then took out several books from the shelves and even used magic to reach the ones that were place too high. Karl was now getting creeped out by her willingness to cooperate.

The serious face and tone coupled by a calm attitude, it was as if he was with another person.

Is this really Burning Rose? Karl asked himself in confusion.

As if sensing his confusion Burning Rose turned and faced Karl once again, looking him in the eye.

“I know you are a bit confused as to why I am acting like this.” Burning Rose began.

“Yes I am. What happened? Did the Grand Scholar tell you to act like this?” Karl asked

“No he did not do anything like that. I am simply doing this of my own accord.”

“Why? Didn’t you hate my guts?”

“Make no mistake, I still don’t trust you, nor do I accept you presence here. But for the sake of magic I am willing to make a compromise.” Burning Rose explained.

“Your speech earlier made me realize that I really did know much about magic despite having mastered numerous spells. So if by assisting you I can gain new insights, I shall gladly swallow my pride and assist you. All for the sake of magic.” Burning Rose said in a serious but hopeful tone.

Karl then remembered Silver Eye saying that the partner he will be given was someone equally as passionate as him. If she was willing to ignore her pride and overall distaste of him for the sake of magic, then she was worthy of his respect. After all If the situation was reversed, he would do the same.

“I see, then would you mind explaining to me the contents of these books later and highlight the important bits. I would first like to get a better grasp at the concept of magic before I can begin any formal research.” Karl replied in a professional tone.

“I understand.” Burning Rose said as she took one of the books Karl was holding.

“You should start with this, since it explains a few basic incantations and delves a little bit into magic itself”

“I see. Then let us have a seat then.” Karl replied as they walked towards the tables in the Archives.

The pair thus began their journey into the secrets of magic.