The Runic Alchemist

Chapter 307 First Day at Academy

Honor points were a valuable currency, to be honest, because they provided something money couldn't buy. With honor points, one could borrow rare books and spellbooks. Many runesmiths in Highsword used the system to test their new runic weapons, and the academy offered access to a variety of runic tools in exchange for it.

Highsword never sold their weapons, though they did offer some utility tools. However, these were nothing compared to the expansive markets controlled by the empire. Many noble houses from other kingdoms specialized in crafting unique tools or runic weapons and had better markets than Highsword. Highsword only sold their items to those who traveled to their island - Well, not like they needed money.

Some of Highsword's high-value items bought with honor points were so precious that many minor nobles treated them as family heirlooms, passing them down through generations.

Damian was curious about the quality of these items and whether he could replicate them. If he could hold one in his hand or observe it in action, there was a good chance he could copy it. A list of items available for exchange with honor points existed, but he hadn't seen it yet. The list was updated monthly, and this was only the first day of the term.

The first class listed on his badge's schedule window was History of Magic. Damian appreciated that the badge allowed him to activate only the class schedule without displaying his full status. Unlike the Eldoris army badge, this one didn't require his will to activate, just a small amount of mana. The downside was that others could force its activation, as the academy maintained full control over the badge. It did display various useful information for students and was quite a useful tool for an organization such as a student academy.

When activated, the badge revealed a small space-time runic circle mixed with water and wind for some percentage. Damian copied its design, finding its structure intriguing. However, without the source, it wasn't particularly useful. Three elements in use for a single spell could not be an easy thing to craft, it meant the man or woman who made it could do the same spell without the help of the tool. Most likely it was The Runefather. For a third ranker runesmith it shouldn't be a big deal. Damian did try using the spell without the tool but nope he couldn't use it, the badge's metal had some kind of protection or recognition enchantment on it.

As Damian walked down the large hallway in his black uniform, someone suddenly grabbed his shoulder.

"I told you to wait for me. Why are you in such a hurry?" Sam said, catching up to him.

"I barely walked ten steps," Damian replied.

Sam had also chosen History of Magic as one of his main subjects. Why was anyone's guess, considering he didn't even have control over his mana. Most of the classes, such as Spellcraft, Runesmithing, and Potion Crafting, required mana, making them useless for Espers like Sam.

Damian had arranged with the staff to bring Toph along wherever he went, provided the creature didn't disrupt the classes. Other noble students also had companions, though most kept them at home. The academy had a stable for mounts and a collection of exotic beasts.

Companions didn't visibly affect a person's status, but many believed that having a good companion could unlock better job options. Perhaps the emotional bond with their beasts—flying, riding, or simply being with them—fostered jobs that allowed such connections. That was Damian's take on it, at least.

Starting in a new place with someone familiar was nice, but Sam was more annoying than helpful.

The people walking around them whispered in hushed voices, once in a while their gazes catching them and lingering on Sam—especially the females. Damian wanted to puke.

Sam, on the other hand, basked in the attention like a cheap celebrity, even making a few girls giggle with his antics, much to Damian's irritation. He had to make some normal guy friends, someone who looked average and was average. Living with pretty people was such a chore.

The classroom was huge, designed like a lecture hall with stone writing platforms and wooden benches arranged in arched tiers. It reminded Damian of a college on Earth, though the polished stone looked ancient. Even the benches, though solid and functional, bore the marks of age and use. It made him question again if there was another person beside him from the earth..

Damian hadn't uncovered any concrete evidence about the academy's founding. Even the oldest records in Eldoris's library, which dated back over 356 years, mentioned the academy as a long-established institution. Nearly all living nobles had attended it at some point, and many pledged themselves to Highsword's traditions - becoming one of them.

Damian and Sam took seats at the very back of the class. Damian hated the idea of not being able to observe everything in his vicinity. Here, too Sam beside him, was drawing a lot of attention, but it was okay since the attention was divided among many other individuals.

The Faerunian prince, for example, was equally admired. He was also pretty comely looking, Damian had to admit. Along with his status and the performance he had displayed, he was quite popular.

There was another girl, girls actually, who had most of the guys' attention. However, Damian felt relief seeing some Knowledge Keeper students ignoring the social buzz. One of them just kept writing something in the book, two were reading, and others simply observed the structure of the room. Those were his kind of people.

The professor finally entered. Damian recognized him—a high-ranking second-tier mage, likely in his late fifties or sixties, with a graying beard and hair - still he had a pretty good physique. His mana reserves were comparable to Tristan's. Experience more content on empire

The professor placed his papers and books on the desk as his eyes scanned the room, taking note of all of their faces, then he turned toward the huge glass window on the side. And in a clear, commanding voice, he asked,

"Who among you, the honorable fifth-year students, can tell me the origin of mana?"

There was no hint of sarcasm, but his tone suggested he found amusement in their lofty title.