Chapter 34 – Academy
The Mage Academy was an impressive building, though not in the same grand manner as the Tower or the Astaria's trident-pronged structure. As SJ approached the Inner City's western district, its imposing, circular form rose behind a high external wall, making it seem secluded. A single set of large wrought-iron gates stood open, leading into a vast courtyard that encircled the central structure. The main building stood only four stories tall, yet covered a vast area. To SJ, it felt less like a place of learning and more like a high-security prison on Earth as she approached the central building. Its surfaces were sharp and efficient.
She had never visited before. The scale of it, so wide rather than high, made the bustling outer-city look even more cramped in comparison. Several mages dressed in varying coloured robes wandered the ground or practised spells. A group was standing around a fountain, where SJ watched as water mages practised their skills. Globes of water rose and fell in the air, defying the falling rain. Now that she was within the grounds, she felt underdressed, still in her standard clothing, matching the many beings of Asterfal. The brightly coloured robes of the academy's apprentices defined their primary element.
I assume the dark blue robes are water mages, and the lighter blue ones are ice mages.
"It would make sense. Ice mages all have a basic water affinity," Dave said.
I wonder what the apprentices over there are? SJ was looking towards a group of mages being instructed, sitting in a pavilion; they were not wearing standard robes like the others. They sat on low benches and appeared to be wearing normal clothes.
"Maybe new recruits."
They don't look like new recruits. The average age of them appeared much older than many of the younger mages working in the grounds. Not that SJ was still great and confirming beings' ages.
"I'm not sure then," Dave replied, his tone sharp.
Are you okay?
"I'm fine." Dave's response was short and snappy.
You don't sound fine.
"I'm just struggling with this latest lock. It's infuriating me. I thought I had it with my latest iteration, and it has failed again. The complexity of them now is strange; they are almost similar in construction to biological constructs rather than base code parameters."
Biological constructs? You mean like DNA strands?
"I suppose you could call them similar in concept, but much more complex."
Can I help at all?
SJ's head filled with laughter.
What's so funny?
Dave seemed to struggle to catch his breath before he replied. "Sorry, but no, how could you possibly understand the complexity of algorithmic locks. They are beyond mere mortal consideration."
Woah. What do you mean by 'mere mortal' consideration? You realise how rude that is? And when did you become immortal!
Dave went to reply. "I... erm... Of course, I'm immortal."
SJ was about to reply when there was a flash in the sky. She glanced up as a streak of lightning flashed towards the ground. Initially, thinking it was from one of the mages in the training grounds, until moments later, the ominous roll of thunder followed it. The sky had darkened again, and the rain began to fall more heavily. She hurried the short distance towards the main entrance.
The impressive double doors stood open, inviting anyone inside, and SJ entered a large atrium, similar to the tower's entrance hall. A large fresco covered the domed ceiling with intricate carvings that almost appeared alive. It wasn't covered in scenes of combat or valour, but in innovation. Various scenes depicting mage 'technological' advances. A reception desk stood to one side.
"Hi," SJ said as she approached the woman sitting behind it.
The woman was young and wore a warm smile, immediately putting SJ at ease.
"How can I help you?"
"I am trying to learn about enchantments."
"I'm sorry, but the classes are currently full. You can leave your details, and if a space becomes available, we can contact you."
"Sorry, I didn't explain myself very well. I meant, I wished to discover about the various enchantments available and who are the best enchanters to speak to about new enchantments."
"Ah, not a problem. If you follow the corridor to the left until you reach the next atrium, you will find the office of enchantments. They hold the most up-to-date list of details that we have."
"Thanks," SJ said as she followed her directions. The corridor was wide, and several mages moved purposefully. Many were carrying large tomes as she passed them. The air smelled of a mix of herbs, spices and other strange smells she didn't recognise. The next atrium was about half the size of the main entrance, and looking around, she eventually spotted a sign above a door: 'Office of Enchantments.'
A bell rang as she entered through the open door. No visible sign of a bell is present. SJ had expected to walk in to find a reception desk or similar, but it was anything but. The room ran back, reminding her of library shelves or a warehouse. A voice called from the depths of the room.
"I will be there momentarily."
She waited patiently until a tall, slender elf appeared. He looked like the oldest elf SJ had ever seen; his face was wrinkled with age, and brilliant, long silver hair fell to his shoulders. His eyes, though, didn't look aged; they shone brightly with a brilliant blue that almost seemed to glow.
As he walked from between the shelves, SJ noticed a faint ripple in the air.
"How can I help you, miss?" The elf's voice also sounded much younger than she had expected.
"The lady at the main desk said that this was the best place to find out about enchantments and their availability."
"It is indeed. I am the registered auditor for the academy. I hold original scripts for all the major enchanters' establishments in the city."
"Original scripts?"
"Yes. I suppose we are similar to a bank, but for enchantments."
"Oh," SJ said, a little surprised. She knew so little about mages and their established practices, only ever speaking to Fran in passing in Killic and never really talking to her about the class in detail.
"Was there anything in particular you wished to know?"
SJ hadn't really thought too far ahead. Her current equipment enchantments had been completed by Larianco so long ago now, on the fateful night of the warehouse explosion, when they had gone to apprehend Raceillia.
Her current claws were enchanted with Magic Resistance 10%, Damage +4 and Strength +5. She knew she didn't want to lose the additional strength, although the bonus damage on her new claws completely negated the minimum damage and bonus of her current claws. She had also negated ever advancing her enchantments.
"I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure exactly what I'm after yet. I was really hoping for an idea of who the best enchanters are in the city."
"I see, well, there are various establishments which have significant listings available to them. It would depend upon specialisation categories. Are you looking for general-purpose enchantments or a specialist?"
"What's the difference?"
"General purpose is your base stat increase. Specialist enchantments are exactly that, such as resistances, sharpness, and repair."
"I suppose both, really. I'm undecided until I see what they have available."
"I see. I would suggest two main establishments as your best sources. Each is highly reputable and holds large quantities of most standard and specialised enchantments. The first would be Arcasters, situated in District 8 on Grasnot Street. Their head enchanter is Jasmin, and the second, which is more specialist-focused, would be Inspections in District 11, on Palmwell Street. Their head enchanter is James."
"That's so helpful, thank you. I'm from District 11, so I will probably check there first."
"I can see that you currently hold several enchantments. Do you have safe crystals?"
"Sorry?" SJ had never heard the term before. Never mind the fact that he knew her items were enchanted by just looking at her. His eyes sparkled.
"Safe crystals. They protect your items from losing enchantment slots if you are looking to replace existing ones."
"I guess they sell them?"
"No. The academy holds rights to all safe crystals. They aren't something enchanters can create. They are formed by specialist protection mages, not enchanters."
"Who would I need to speak to?"
"The stores hold all components and items for purchase at the academy."
"Where is it located?"
"Out of here, turn left, then second right, fourth left, third right. You can't miss it."
"Second, fourth, third," SJ repeated, trying to memorise the directions.
"Yes. Left, then just follow the corridor."
"Thank you for the information, it's been very helpful," SJ smiled.
"My pleasure.... and may I make a quick suggestion?"
"Of course."
"I would be careful walking around here with your heirlooms on display."
SJ's jaw dropped open. "Sorry," she spluttered in shock.
"I'm not the only one here with truesight," he smiled as he turned and walked back into the shelves. There was a faint ripple as he did.
SJ stood dumbfounded for several moments.
What the hell is true sight?
"I mentioned it at Daxe's. It's a very advanced mage skill that allows mages to scan any being for item details. He was a level 57 mage, and looking at his age, one would expect him to be exceedingly skilled in his profession, not just because of his level, especially to be overseeing a main office in an academy."
You have never mentioned the details of true sight before? SJ's thoughts skittered as a cold chill washed over her, filling her with dread.
"It's rare, and not something I thought of."
Perhaps telling me that someone could identify my items as heirlooms should have been a little higher on your agenda! Rather than just recognising them...
"Meh. As I say, it's a very advanced skill. It's only because you're in such a concentrated area of mage power that there are beings with the skill. It's unlikely that many across the city have the skill."
That's not the point, and you know it.
Dave mumbled incoherently in response as SJ left, following the elf's directions to the stores. As soon as she left, though, she prioritised unfastening her belt and unclipping her choker, adding them into her inventory. She wouldn't chance them being identified as heirlooms. The corridors all looked identical, and everywhere SJ went, there were beings moving around the academy, until she spotted the first signs for the store. It reminded her of her university campus days. Most passed quietly, while others were openly discussing various magical considerations that made little sense to SJ. Many of them appeared young, and SJ remembered the name of the gnoll from Killic, whom the town had sponsored to attend the academy.
I wonder if Willoc is still here?
"I don't know how long the apprenticeships are, so I couldn't say. Some mages spend their whole lives at academies in the research and development areas, while others leave chasing coin."
I suppose I could enquire. It would be nice to check in on someone from Killic.
The stores weren't what SJ had expected as she located them. There was no single entrance; instead, it was more like a bank, with six teller windows. Each one had a queue of beings waiting.
SJ joined the shortest queue behind a rather large man. He wore brilliant red robes trimmed with gold. He appeared muscular and not the typical mage build she had come to know and recognise for many.
"Excuse me," SJ said.
The man turned, looking down at her; he was almost a foot taller than she was. His face was youthful. "Yes?"
"Do I need to queue anywhere in particular for safe crystals? Or is this queue okay?"
"It's fine. All the tellers provide the same function."
"Thanks."
The man tilted his head slightly. "Safe crystals aren't cheap, you know."
SJ was still dressed in her plain clothing; nothing about her suggested wealth.
"Do you know how much?"
"I've never purchased one, but they have varying grades and prices vary depending upon crystal availability."
"I see. Thanks for the info."
"No problem," he said, turning back as the queue moved forward.
It didn't take long for the queue to reduce until SJ was the first in line.
"Next," the teller called as the mage she had spoken to her walked off with a large wooden crate.
"Hi. Do you have any safe crystals?"
"What grade?"
"I'm not sure which grades there are."
The teller let out a sigh, and in a monotone voice, as he replied with what must have been a standard script. It was obvious he had done this many times before.
"So the grade sevens have the greatest success rates?"
"Yes, a grade seven crystal guarantees the safe removal of an old enchantment without damaging the item’s enchantment slots."
"And how much are they?"
"They are material-dependent and vary in price accordingly."
SJ frowned. "Material dependent?"
"Yes. Each material has a specific crystal resonance. There are generic crystals, but their chance to retain slots is much lower."
All SJ's main items had enchantment slots. She mentally calculated how many she might need: her dress (two slots), her boots (four slots), her heirlooms (two slots). That gave eight slots that she could potentially upgrade with better enchantments. She wouldn't consider replacing the enchantments on her old claws, leaving them as they were.
"Can you tell me the price for leather, cloth and earth stone?"
"I thought you were looking to upgrade your boots once you reached level 30?" Dave said.
I was, but I really like them. The Sure-step has saved my life on more than one occasion. I'm thinking upgrades for them rather than replacing.
"Meh, they are Mythic, I suppose."
The teller frowned as he replied. "Earth stone? That is rather unusual. It is usually only used for costume jewellery due to its value and quality. It's very rare to have an enchantment slot in such an item. Cloth starts at fifteen silver for grade one, and currently grade seven's are..." he paused as he unrolled a parchment. "... eighteen gold. Leather starts at twenty-two silver, and sevens are currently fifteen gold. Earth stone, I have no details, I would have to enquire, unless you went with generic crystals."
"Would it be possible to enquire?"
"Yes. Let me speak to the store master," the teller said, slipping from his seat.
SJ waited patiently as he disappeared from view. A few minutes passed before he returned, sliding back into his seat. "The store master said that you would need to come back in a couple of hours, as he needs to speak to the crystalites department."
"That would be great if he could. Is there any way I can wait? I guess you can tell I'm not an apprentice here."
"There's a dining hall in the western wing that is open to anyone."
"Thanks, I'll return in a couple of hours then," SJ said. As she stepped from the window, she opened her map. There were no details on display for the building's interior, but at least she could work out which was west. Looking at the map, it should be close to where she was. The smell of food confirmed her suspicions as she located the dining hall. It was a large, open space filled with tables, and groups of apprentices were scattered throughout.
She wasn't the only being in there in normal clothing. Several robed beings sat with what SJ assumed were family members, who had come to visit them. It looked like any canteen. A long open area with buffet selections and sandwiches on display. She chose a hogling and salad sandwich, grabbed a coffee and went to pay.
There were no windows inside the building; all the light was provided by what could only be described as bright, magical balls that hung in the air, their light almost fluorescent. SJ ate quietly, wtaching the interactions in the canteen. Her vision always allowed her to observe the world around her.
I may have to get generic crystals for the heirlooms if I want to switch their enchants.
"Perhaps we just need to wait and see what they can do."
I know. I wonder if I can order them if they don't have any? I definitely don't want to chance affecting the heirlooms. I don't know if that would damage the set if it removed a slot by failing.
"Unlikely, but I suppose there is always a chance."
"Ambassador? Is that you?" A voice called from across the dining hall. SJ didn't pay it any attention at first, not expecting anyone to direct a comment at her. She then noticed a tall male gnoll walking towards her from across the hall. A slightly shorter and younger gnoll was following him.
"It is you," he said as he neared.
SJ looked at the gnoll; she had no idea who he was. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"
The gnoll's fur rippled slightly, showing obvious embarrassment. "I apologise, I should introduce myself properly. I am Regin. I work as a hunter with Darren, and this here is Willoc, my eldest."
"I'm so sorry, I didn't recognise you," SJ said.
"I'm not in town very often, as I'm always out in the forest."
"Willoc. The Willoc who was sponsored to attend the academy?"
The younger gnoll gazed down.
"It is, and he is now in his fifth year at the academy. He is doing very well," Regin said proudly.
"Five years? How long is the course?"
"Willoc. Come on, don't be shy, this is Killic's ambassador, answer her," Regin said.
The younger gnoll looked up, glancing only briefly before looking away again. I have been working in the research team since I completed my studies. There is no time limit on my position."
"Mistress Francisca will be proud to hear how well you are doing here. Have you contacted her at all?"
"Not since leaving Killic."
"I can let her know when I return to Killic."
Willoc didn't reply; he looked uncomfortable after his father made such a scene, shouting across the hall.
"Dad, I really need to get back to work now."
"Come off it, son. I only see you once a year."
"I know, but I did tell you the research we are undertaking at the moment is time-sensitive."
His father sighed. "Alright, I will see you this evening, and don't make me come and drag you from your office."
"Okay," Willoc said before hurrying off.
Regin stood there shaking his head, watching his son go. "He used to be so outgoing and carefree, and these days all he ever wants to do is research, research and more research. Anyway, Ambassador, what brings you to Asterfal's Mage Academy?" Regin said, turning back to her.
"I just came to purchase some items, that's all."
"I see. I can show you where the stores are if you don't know already?"
"I know where they are. I'm just waiting before I go back and check if they have what I am after."
"Well, do you mind if I sit with you while you wait?"
SJ didn't have any objections; it would be nice to have someone from Killic to talk to while waiting.
