Another beautiful day in... Magic Land. I really need a better moniker for this place. Universe 2? Beta? On second thought, Magic Land seems fine.

The morning sun is intermittently obscured by broken clouds, slowly heating the city away from slightly chilly. I get up and get ready. It is time to make my visit to the Guild. I would be picking up a new mission, but there appear to be other plans for me today. Not that I am complaining. I just didn't think it would happen this fast.

I make my way out of the dorms and exchange greetings with the occasional resident brave enough to venture forth into the frigid hellscape. At least that's how they are making it out to be judging by their expressions. A combination of fussy, grumpy, and sleepy. Deadly monstrosities—we eat those for breakfast, it's starting to get a little cold outside—Lord, have mercy. You were in a sub-zero dungeon for a week straight, Dinol, why are you wearing two jackets...

As soon as I enter the Guild Hall, Attendant Ania flags me down. She is wearing a cute combo of matching fingerless gloves and a beanie, crocheted out of some pink and white yarn. Her hair is tucked under the beanie, and judging by what little is peaking out, fashioned into a crown braid. Come on, the Hall is magically heated.

I give her a cheery smile. "Good morning, Attendant Ania. Nice gloves."

"Thank you, Lucius. I made them myself." Her frozen facade cracks, the smile directed my way is five percent wider than her average customer service one. "The hall master is expecting you. Please make your way to his office."

"Hmm, did he mention what for?"

"Apologies, Lucius. I was not informed."

"No worries. Thank you, Attendant Ania." She nods at me and returns to her duties. Wait, is that a doodle of me? Huh, mildly flattering. I'll take it.

I navigate the inner section of the Hall and arrive before Ren's office. A knock on the door is answered with a mix between a grunt and a 'Come in'.

I enter. "Good morning."

"Kiddo, I got big news." While I take a seat, I observe that he's nursing a giant cup of coffee equivalent. A stack of papers is looming menacingly, taking up a good half of his desk. "I talked with a buddy of mine at the Academy, about your... condition." Compared to his normal speaking voice, his current volume can be classified as a gentle whisper, low enough so people outside the room would not be able to hear. Probably. "There's a big shot there that can have a look at you. Maybe even help you."

Showtime. "...What? I'll be able to use magic?" Puppy dog eyes, initiate.

"Slow down there, Son." He raises his hands defensively. "That's a big 'maybe'."

I try not to appear crushed. "O-Of course."

He stands up, goes around his desk and places a hand on my shoulder. "Whatever happens, happens. Okay?" I sniff a little and nod. After a few moments and a good squeeze, he removes his hand and leans on the desk. "Just do your best, and listen to what the nice lady tells you, okay?"

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I nod quickly and then look at him quizzically. "Who will I be seeing?"

"A researcher at the Academy branch here in the city. Name's Elisa." He pulls out a folded note and passes it to me. "My buddy wrote down the directions to her office." After I take it, Ren snaps his fingers. "Right, don't worry about getting in. If you didn't know, the Academy's open to the public. The staff there's are a different story, but she's expecting you."

"Thank you so much, Ren. I won't disappoint you."

He breathes in and exhales, a smile forms on his lips, small creases visible around his eyes. "Forget about me, kiddo. Least I can do for one of my adventurers."

After a goodbye slap, I am sent on my way.

As I am making my way to the Academy, I ponder on the necessity of what I will be attempting today. On one hand, the risk of being revealed increases the more information I divulge about myself, especially to someone like her. On the other hand, if I were to achieve the ability to utilize mana, my combat effectiveness would grow exponentially. And I will be needing that effectiveness. Let's just take it slow and see what happens, just as Ren said.

Soon, I reach the Academy of Magic. Or more aptly, the Academy Campus. One could liken it to a university from Earth, as it is technically higher education and focused on research, but a university that is incredibly specialized.

There are several regal buildings occupying the area, and a large void under all of that. Interspersed within the studious establishments are the more functional—the cafeteria, boarding for the dedicated pupils, living quarters for the occasional academic and administrator, and houses that were here way before the Academy. All in all, the space is not a microcosm of stuffiness, but rather a curious variation for the city.

The campus itself is filled with a peculiar gradient of people. On one side you have the battle-focused mage, a mage whose singular goal in life is progressing the art of blowing stuff up. And on the other side you have the researcher, a mage that wants to know why the explosion their colleague just made was two percent stronger than last time. Are they friends? You bet they are. Blow-stuff-up mage really likes to know how to make boom go bigger, and research mage is happy to carry out impromptu lectures on the very same subject. An ecological equilibrium.

I make my way inside one of the grander buildings and follow the instructions I was given. There is helpful signage everywhere, but the thought is still appreciated. I climb a final set of stairs and wind up at my destination.

The unassuming door, identical to all the others in the corridor, has a sign on it.

Archmage Elisa of Deepgrove

Advanced Mana Theory Research

Large-scale Battle Magic Instructor

Why don't we start with the first word, 'Archmage'. For an individual to be awarded the title of Archmage, they must have mastery over all schools of magic, as defined by the Academy. Personally, I find their classification lacking, but there's only so much one can do with limited knowledge, further restricted by the blinders that is mana. Not their fault really. Why would you even try to use a flint and steel when you can snap your fingers and make much more than a spark.

Moving on, a peculiar naming convention, the place she was born in. An origin. It is quite beautiful. The next line is why Ren referred to her as a researcher. Whatever shortcomings the people of this world have in science, they make up for it in the study of their own world. The particular topic is quite the broad undertaking, though it is understandable for an individual with ample time at her disposal. I can certainly relate, trying to bore deeper and deeper until the very fabric of reality unravels under your gaze. Bittersweet.

And finally, the 'Hey, can you please teach this class. We give you, like, so much resources. Pretty please.' line. I guess some things are the same in every universe. At least the ones I am aware of. A lot of the mage-focused adventurers have passed through here, an invaluable experience from an undisputed expert. Let's see... Yup, Erysis has also been instructed on the art of blowing stuff up. I wonder if Archmage Elisa remembers her. Oh well, I guess that one is going to remain a mystery. Not like it will come up naturally.

Before my knuckles can even make contact with the wood, the door swings open. My fist sails awkwardly through the air.

"Lucius, I presume. Please, have a seat."

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