Shattered Sanity

By lunchtime, stories surrounding what had happened during physical training spread far and wide amongst the First and Second Years, as the hype surrounding the upcoming bout between Riven and Gary increased even further.

"Yeah, well, that makes sense. Dawnriver’s secret evaluation score was 4.97, a tad higher than Ironveil’s 4.95, so I suppose it makes sense that he was half a step quicker."

One Second Year muttered, as several seniors who had access to Riven and Gary’s unofficial appraisal scores discussed the morning’s result amongst themselves.

To them, the outcome felt like the most natural thing in the world, as although the difference between their scores had been incredibly small, Riven had technically entered the Academy with the superior overall appraisal.

However, while Gary attended lunch alongside the rest of his House members back at Fort Aureate, Riven was nowhere to be found inside Fort Argent’s dining hall.

Instead, he sat cross-legged inside his dorm room, meditating as he steadily absorbed Aether from his surroundings and replenished the reserves he had expended throughout Professor Mike’s physical training.

’I need to arrive at that fight in peak physical condition.’

Riven thought, as he had absolutely no intention of wasting the limited time available before facing an opponent as dangerous as Gary Ironveil.

Hence, while most students spent their lunch eating and discussing the morning’s classes, Riven devoted almost the entire hour and a half towards replenishing his Aether reserves.

By the time lunch ended, he felt considerably better than before, although there was still one final class separating him from the exhibition everyone seemed so eager to watch.

Elemental Spell Mastery.

—-------------

(Imperial Academy Spell Training Grounds)

The instructor who oversaw Elemental Spell Mastery was Professor Jean, a talented Flamecaster possessing an Excellent Flame affinity alongside Normal affinities for both Storm and Frost, making her one of the relatively uncommon Ascendants capable of effectively wielding three elements.

By the time Riven arrived, hundreds of First Years had already gathered across the training grounds, while Professor Jean stood before them waiting for the remaining students to settle down.

"All right, children. Since everyone has gathered, let me explain exactly what the purpose of this class is."

Professor Jean said, as the conversations amongst the students gradually disappeared.

"The Imperial Academy possesses an archive containing tens of thousands of spells accumulated and created throughout its history, and during your time here, you will have the freedom to choose from that collection and decide which spells you wish to master."

Several students immediately appeared interested upon hearing that.

"Unlike some of your foundational courses, Elemental Spell Mastery will not end after your first semester. This is a continuous course that will follow you throughout all four semesters of your two years at the Academy."

Professor Jean explained, as she slowly walked before the gathered First Years.

"Across those four semesters, the Academy expects every one of you to successfully master a minimum of four spells, meaning at least one new spell every semester.....

With your progress towards mastering that chosen spell forming the basis of your grade for that semester."

She paused briefly before raising one finger.

"However, understand something before you rush into the archives and pick whatever technique has the most impressive name....

I will not be grading every spell equally."

Professor Jean muttered as she shook her head from side to side.

"Choose a Grade One spell, master it before the semester ends, and the highest final evaluation you should expect from me is a Pass."

She moved towards the next number.

"Successfully master a Grade Two spell, and in addition to receiving a considerably better evaluation, I will award your House one Merit Seal."

Several students immediately began whispering.

"Master a Grade Three spell, and your House receives five Merit Seals."

The whispering grew considerably louder.

Professor Jean smiled before pointing towards the final number.

"And if any Ember or Spark Rank student standing here manages to successfully master a Grade Four spell before the semester ends, I will personally award their House twenty Merit Seals."

That announcement immediately caused considerably more excitement amongst the students.

Twenty Merit Seals from a single class represented an enormous reward, particularly when every House had begun the academic year with only one thousand.

Professor Jean allowed the excitement to continue for several seconds before raising her hand.

"Before any of you become too ambitious, however, let me save you from making a very stupid decision."

The conversations gradually faded.

"Grade Four represents the practical ceiling of what any of you should even consider attempting at your current ranks, and frankly, even calling it a practical ceiling is being extremely generous."

Professor Jean said, as her expression became considerably more serious.

"For a talented Ascendant, properly mastering a single Grade Four spell can require anywhere between four years and an entire decade of dedicated practice."

Several of the students who had appeared excited moments earlier immediately became quieter.

"You have one semester."

Professor Jean reminded them.

"Even I have mastered only two Grade Four spells throughout my lifetime, despite possessing an Excellent Flame affinity and dedicating decades towards the study and application of elemental magic."

That statement extinguished considerably more of the enthusiasm surrounding the final number.

"So yes, twenty Merit Seals are available. But they are available because I don’t expect any of you to actually earn them."

A few students laughed nervously.

"Now, Grade Four is certainly not where spellcraft ends. The established Imperial classification system extends all the way to Grade Seven, with every increase representing a considerable jump in complexity, Aether requirements and destructive capability."

Professor Jean explained, as several students immediately focused upon her again.

"However, you will find nothing above Grade Four inside the Imperial Academy’s public archives."

Professor Jean tapped the board lightly.

"Grade Five spells and beyond are extraordinarily valuable. The Empire does possess knowledge of them, as do certain Great Houses, ancient noble families and powerful organizations, but such spells are closely guarded inheritances rather than techniques freely distributed amongst students."

Her gaze travelled across the First Years.

"Which means none of you need to concern yourselves with them right now."

Professor Jean placed the chalk aside.

"For today, your task is considerably simpler. You will enter the spell archives, examine the techniques available for your elemental affinities and choose the first spell you intend to master this semester."

She gestured towards the enormous structure adjoining the training grounds.

"You have approximately two hours to make your decision. Once you have chosen, register the spell with my assistant before leaving."

Professor Jean smiled as several students immediately began looking towards the entrance.

"Choose carefully. Selecting something too easy may guarantee that you pass, but it will accomplish little else.

While selecting something beyond your ability may leave you spending six months learning absolutely nothing while your classmates move ahead."

Her smile widened slightly.

"Of course, if any of you still want to make the incredibly stupid decision of attempting a Grade Four spell after everything I just told you, I won’t stop you."

Several students laughed.

Professor Jean stepped aside and pointed towards the archive entrance.

"Now go. Find something worth learning, because starting tomorrow, I expect you to actually learn how to cast it."

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