He practically teleported to the teacher and stood ramrod straight, the spitting image of a fresh recruit in the mortal armies.

She looked him up and down with obvious displeasure. “What good would a class be if you left after making a mistake? This is where you should learn from them.”

“How would you improve then, huh?”

Aegon lowered his head in shame, avoiding Miss Julia’s incessantly inquiring eyes.

“Tsk, It would be useless. The same as learning alone, maybe even worse, at least alone you’re not embarrassing yourself.”

Seeing no response from the youth she silently sighed and added. “Your high guard wasn't half bad, I’m guessing you have some experience with it. Whatever the case, it wasn't a bad situation to use it, it's really never a bad situation for it to be honest, it's a very versatile stance.”

Placing her hand on Anna's shoulder she continued. “However, Anna here, managed to deflect it because you didn't apply enough force. I understand why you did it, this is just a sparring match after all, but it was ultimately why you lost.”

Now moving towards him she placed her hand on his shoulder just like she did to Anna. ”But I believe you would have lost anyway, given enough time, but that's up to you to find out.”

And without further ado Miss Julia moved on to another pair of students.

…

Aegon was walking mindlessly through the mountain roads of the martial house, he passed by several pavilions, including the small one where he had seen Bella and Travis for the first time, but he didn't notice it at all, he was busy recalling Miss Julia’s words.

[How can she be so certain I would lose? I won last time, what changed?] This had been troubling him ever since he heard it, he simply couldn't understand what gave her such certainty.

[It ended quickly but I know for a fact that she wouldn't have had the advantage if I pulled the sword back even one second earlier, or if I put more strength in the blow…]

He was now in front of the Resource Hall where the same middle aged woman was sitting at her desk reading her book, she once again waited until the youth reached the desk before placing the book down and looking at him.

“Monthly resources?”

“No, not today, I'm here to know which herbs I can buy with the contribution points I have.” And with that he placed his token on the table.

She lifted her book once more and flipped a few pages. ”Disciple ranked 831, Aegon Silver, 215 contribution points.”

Paging a bit more she placed the book on the table and turned it so Aegon could read.

Medicinal Herbs.

Glowing Inkberry, primarily used in healing or cosmetic related potions.

Ice Tulip, significant affinity with the Ice element, mostly useful for cultivators with a strong Ice affinity.

Dawn Needle, significant affinity with the…

…

Aegon looked up at the shopkeeper with some embarrassment.

“Hmm I’m sorry but, what can be considered a strong affinity?”

“That depends on where you are but here in our martial house we consider a strong affinity to be anything at or above High grade Mortal.”

Aegon was surprised, he wanted to ask further but the shopkeeper continued.

“You are probably thinking that it is a bit low, and you’re right, the bigger sects have the bar set at Low grade Profound which, even though it may seem like it’s only one level higher, makes a big difference since it is a major jump from Mortal to Profound.”

Pointing to the list she added. “But these plants in those sects would also have better purity, mostly because of better soil but there are other reasons.”

“So it balances it out.” Aegon added absentmindedly.

After a few more minutes of silently reading name after name of herbs he knew nothing about he finally made his choice, to ask someone who knew.

“To be honest, I don't know anything about this so what would you recommend to someone looking to start planting some herbs?”

Hearing the young disciple say he wanted to plant herbs instantly lit up the shopkeeper’s face.

“It's a good choice you are making, not everyone chooses to spend their contribution points on growing plants, becoming an herbalist is the best choice you will ever make!”

“And here I thought you were here to buy them for a potion.”

Clapping her hands in a show of enthusiasm she added. “Very good, very good!”

[When did I say I was becoming an herbalist?] But noticing the woman's excitement he chose to stay quiet.

“Since you have chosen the same profession as me there should be some fate between us, I'll help you a bit.”

Saying that she went into a two hour in-depth explanation of the basics of herbology and once she was done Aegon walked out of the Resource Hall with a basket full of books, two wooden boxes sealed shut by the vines of a purple bindweed and, most important of all, the name of his new mentor on the art of herbology, Miss Gertrude.

[A peculiar name.] He thought at the time, failing to stop his own hypocrisy once again.

With a silly smile on his face he made his way back to his room before stopping right in front of his door..

He stretched his neck and peeked at his neighbor's garden, it already had a few sprouts but, from what Aegon learned during his recent intensive class, those were the most basic of herbs, barely differing from normal potatoes or grains, ‘Trash’ as Miss Gertrude would say. The general public begged to differ though, if any of those plants were sold in the secular world they would be hailed as precious cargo by every merchant.

With his other neighbors it was even worse, with most of them having planted nothing at all.

Aegon felt some disappointment. “I wanted to dazzle you guys with my knowledge but you’re making it too easy, it won't even be fun this way.”

With a sigh he dispelled those thoughts and entered his room, Kuro was laying down right next to the bed, bored out of his mind, and as soon as the door creaked open he jumped to his feet and rushed to greet his owner while making it abundantly clear he wanted to leave the room that exact second.

An interesting idea popped into Aegon’s mind and it didn't take long for it to take root, in just a few seconds Kuro was scared stiff, the way his owner looked at him…, that glint in his eyes meant trouble.

And sure enough it was nothing else but that.

For Aegon’s neighbors that afternoon was a good respite from their boring routines. They only needed to look at Aegon’s garden to see him hammering pieces of wood into the shape of a fence while hitting his fingers almost as much as the nails he was aiming at. Weirdest of all though, was a pet wolf struggling to pull a plough around the garden, it was a sight they wouldn’t soon forget….