Chapter Twenty-Five: Enlightenment

“Everyone possesses spiritual power, though it remains hidden within. The initiation of a wizard is a ritual designed to awaken this power, and only after completing it can you begin to practice the meditation technique,” Wizard Matt explained to Hughes.

“Where will we conduct the initiation? Is there anything I need to prepare?” Hughes asked.

“We’ll do it right here. I’ve already prepared everything before you arrived.”

“Yes, teacher!”

“Step into the center here,” Matt instructed, pointing at some lines drawn on the floor.

Hughes could make out the faint outline of a circular wizard’s array formed by those lines.

He followed Matt’s direction and stood in the middle of the array.

“Hughes, drop a bit of your blood onto the ground,” Matt said from outside the ritual circle, handing Hughes a dagger.

Hughes cut his fingertip, blood welling instantly. Pressing it, he let a large drop fall toward the floor, but before it touched, it hovered a foot above, seeming to float in midair.

“I, Matt Joy, following the ancient traditions of wizards, shall guide Hughes Bruch onto the path of wizardry,” Matt proclaimed.

As soon as he finished speaking, the floating blood burst into flames, transforming into a strange, ominous blossom.

“Repeat after me!”

“I, Hughes Bruch, will dedicate my life to seeking power and order within endless knowledge, pursuing the truth of this world, and never betraying my ideals,” Matt intoned loudly.

“I, Hughes Bruch, will dedicate my life to seeking power and order within endless knowledge, pursuing the truth of this world, and never betraying my ideals,” Hughes echoed, his voice still youthful and uncertain.

The blood blossom exploded, merging with the lines beneath Hughes’ feet. The wizard’s array began to glow, growing ever brighter, the light converging from the edges toward the center, finally coalescing into a small orb no bigger than a fingernail, which shot into Hughes’ head.

“Beep! Host’s brainwaves have shifted, spiritual power slightly increased.”

“Beep! Hughes Bruch. Strength: 3.8, Agility: 4.1, Constitution: 4.0, Spiritual Power: 3.15, Status: Healthy.”

“So, my spiritual power rose by 0.05. It must be due to the ritual. Teacher said this awakens spiritual power, so others must experience something similar. Still, it’s surprising to see a tangible increase.”

Hughes stared at the newly gained spiritual power in astonishment.

“Congratulations, Hughes. From this moment on, you are an official wizard apprentice,” Matt congratulated him as the ritual concluded.

“Thank you so much, teacher!”

Hughes could clearly sense that this world felt different from before. The spiritual power he had accidentally awakened with the ring was not the same as what he gained through this formal ritual. His decision to come to the wizard academy was undoubtedly the right one.

“The crystal sphere containing the meditation technique—you can study the knowledge inside once you return. Having completed the ritual, you can now train in its contents,” Matt said.

“Hughes, you must also sign a contract between us,” Matt continued, picking up a familiar piece of parchment from the desk.

“The terms are simple: the knowledge I teach you must not be disclosed without my permission,” Matt explained.

Hughes took the parchment and saw that it indeed contained only that single clause. Without hesitation, he squeezed another drop of blood from his wound onto it.

He felt this was reasonable—knowledge painstakingly researched should not be given away freely. He was grateful to be taught, but others could only dream.

As the drop of blood sank in, Hughes experienced a strange sensation—a giant eye seemed to be watching him.

“All right, Hughes.”

Matt’s voice brought Hughes back to himself.

“As your mentor, I must tell you that knowledge in this world is priceless. That’s why I require you to sign this contract!”

“I understand, teacher.”

“Good. Remember, the witchcraft we use—fire, lightning, turning people to dust—are merely tools in our pursuit of truth. We are scholars of order.”

“And remember, humans are not the only wizards in this world. Anyone who seeks truth can become a wizard—humans, elves, beastfolk. I heard you encountered a siren on your journey. If they possessed true intelligence, they’d surpass humans as wizards by far!”

“Your journey is only beginning.”

Matt spoke with great emphasis on the importance of wizardry.

“I understand, teacher. I will remember.”

“Good. I’ll give you the rest of the day off. I’ll have someone show you around the academy. Some places are dangerous, and some wizards dislike being disturbed. If you trespass, you’ll pay dearly.”

“Thank you, teacher.”

“Good.”

“Good morning, teacher,” came a sweet voice from outside.

The door swung open, revealing a beautiful young woman with a shapely figure.

Hughes recognized from her greeting that she was another of Matt’s students—his senior apprentice.

“Ah, you’re right on time. Let me introduce you: this is Amy, one of my earlier students.”

“This is Hughes, who just arrived yesterday afternoon.”

“Hello,” Amy greeted with a graceful curtsy.

“Hello,” Hughes replied, giving the polite bow customary among nobles.

“Amy is your senior. You can ask her if anything confuses you. I had another student, but he graduated before you arrived, so now there are only you two. Amy has quite a talent,” Matt said, turning to Amy.

“I called you here to show Hughes around the academy, especially the dangerous areas. Make sure he knows which places are off-limits to apprentices.”

“Yes, teacher.”

“Come on, junior!” Amy said.

Hughes followed Amy out of the laboratory.

“This is the teacher’s laboratory. He spends most of his time here. The living quarters of each mentor are off-limits unless you’re summoned. Every mentor’s sign is different—like the purple flame guiding you to the dormitory, or the teacher’s raven.”

“Chip, begin mapping the academy,” Hughes ordered.

“Beep! Mapping in progress.”

“This is the trade area, where apprentices exchange goods. If you ever try brewing potions, you can sell them here if you succeed. Don’t worry—potions are always in demand.”

“This is the task area. The walls display tasks assigned by the academy, each with a corresponding reward. If you need magic stones, you can try a few, but choose wisely—many died from greed, taking on tasks beyond their ability. Still, every six months you’re required to take at least one task—don’t forget!”

“Here is the teaching area. Classes are held every day. You can pick ones you’re interested in and pay magic stones to attend. There are free classes as well, which are good for new students like you. Still, they’re not as valuable as your mentor’s instruction—people rarely share their best secrets. The only advantage is that they’re free.”

“There are many free classes, but don’t choose too many—it does you no good.”

“Yes, senior, I understand.”

Amy seemed delighted to finally have a junior apprentice, giving Hughes an especially thorough introduction at every location, especially the forbidden areas, which Hughes found both helpful and impressive.

After spending most of the day touring, Hughes and Amy finished their circuit of the academy, its vastness far exceeding Hughes’ expectations.

“Beep! Academy map complete!” sounded the chip.

Hughes pulled up the map, revealing a three-dimensional display with each building labeled.

As for the dangerous and forbidden areas Amy described, Hughes had the chip mark them in red and yellow.