Despite the reservation of the girls, I continued my resistance and magic training for some time afterwards. Eventually it became clear that despite my modern science knowledge, I need a better grasp of how to use mana to influence science. Without seeing it in action I am just shoveling water. I want to try all kinds of sci-fi weaponry that would only be possible with magic to plug the gap.

The plasma shot is what got me thinking along these lines. The biggest problem with plasma weapons is that the plasma would have to be contained somehow. My burnt hands were a good example of that. Some kind of ball shaped barrier or force field would be needed, but I have no idea how to make those. I wonder if that Magic City I heard about would be a good place to learn?

Settling in for the evening meal with the girls we get a surprise guest in the form of Nadi. Rin is still a permanent guest, but Nadi went off and did her own thing as soon as we got back from the goblin rescue mission. It has been a few weeks since then, but I am already having trouble recognizing Nadi. She has beefed up substantially. I always figured she would be imposing if she had more muscles on her tall long limbed frame, but now all I can see is She-Man, and not the feminine version.

"Nadi, you look well. I hardly recognized you." I keep a tight lip on my actual thoughts, as she wouldn't understand my Masters of the Universe reference. "That is understandable. This is my actual physique. When you found me I was a shell of my old self." "You were still pretty strong, as I can remember." Lawra cuts into our conversation before either of us can continue. "Nadi, is your name short for something? I am just thinking you don't seem like a Nadi to me." I am glad Lawra asked, otherwise I might have.

"I was born Nadi. I think my mum wanted a cute little girl, but instead she got the spitting image of her brutish husband. You are not the first to comment on my name. One of my old hunting buddies, used to call me Eve." I react to the last statement. Why Eve of all names? Surely her friend wasn't thinking the same as me. For him to be familiar with Master of the Universe he would have to be from Earth.

Before I can continue my thoughts, Nadi finish chewing and continue talking. I had completely forgotten about the meal. "Actually, I think he just called me Eve, because I reminded him of his late sister who was also named Eve." Ok, name was a pure coincidence.

"I actually have a question for everyone." I wait for everyone to give me their attention. "I think I have gotten as far as I can with my magic training without some kind of structured teaching. What do you guys think my options are?" Everyone look surprised by the question. Maybe they don't know, or are they just surprised that I would consult them, or do they wonder why I want to learn magic? I turn to Nadi. She is the most experienced hunter in the room. "Don't look at me, I am clueless about magic. I didn't stand a chance against a single goblin mage."

Kira is the one to break the silence. "Even though I had a magic teacher when I was young, he only taught me the most basic things. I didn't show a talent for magic. He did mention that since I didn't, he was unwilling to give me a recommendation to the academy in Magic City. I looked into what the academy was afterwards. The academy is the best place for mages to learn. The best mages gather at the academy to study and research magic. To enter you will need the recommendation of an alumni of the academy and pay a semester fee."

"I have heard about that place. Mostly nobles go to that academy since the fee is so steep, and mages who can give recommendations tend to be hired as tutor for those with money. The overall cost must be substantial." Lawra's comment is clearly something she held back since, she wasn't quite sure about it until Kira spoke up. It all seems sensible to me, but I could do with more information. It doesn't look like an easy place to get into.

Lynne finishes her plate and adds to the conversation. "The academy in Magic City does not look realistic at this point, but how about going to the guild tournament. The preliminaries starts next week. There will be a magic contest, where mages show off what they can do." Excitedly I thank Lynne for bringing it up. "That is definitely the next best thing." "How about taking part in the tournament? There is a spear and archery tournament." Kira looks very interest in getting me to compete. Not going is no longer an option it seems. Maybe I should find Brute to do some sparing.