Chapter 20: Secrets to Becoming Rich

After Archie showcased the medical facility of the Nexus Arcane Academy Whitewood Outer Court Branch, he invited them to an adjacent room resembling a laboratory. The air was filled with the scent of medicine and herbs. In the center stood a large cauldron, and beneath it, controlled by an elementalist, burned a controlled fire.

"What you see in the middle is Senior Sister Cassandra making a potion. She's also one of the Core students of the school. While Senior Sister Odette is a healer, Sister Cassandra is a skilled alchemist. At Nexus Academy, when they combine their abilities, even if an enemy wishes to kill an arcanist, they won't succeed if these two are together. Excellent healers and creators of effective potions."

Although Archie knew that the youngsters with him might not fully understand, he couldn't help but share his admiration for the two talented young women.

Cassandra noticed the kids Archie brought and waved at them with a smile while they were still catching their breath.

Around the large table in the middle were cauldrons, each with its own fire control.

"This area will be the table for those who join this club."

"I expect some of you to come here later to register," Cassandra softly said to the curious kids watching her as she brewed a potion.

Archie continued his explanation, even though the attention of the kids was hardly focused on him.

"The herbs you saw outside are just normal plant herbs. Sister Cassandra planted them yesterday, and in just one day, they sprouted. Although they are ordinary plants, in Sister Cassandra's hands, everything becomes potent medicine.

The children were amazed by Archie's exaggerated storytelling, but it had a basis, and Archie was proud.

If you also want to become an Alchemist, just approach Senior Sister Cassandra.

Among Archie's accompanied children, Sebastian had the closest affinity to plants. Since he visited the medical facility, he could sense the life within the plants. It seemed like each one of them spoke of joy. The leaves gently brushed against him, as if bowing in his presence.

As they headed to the alchemy room, Sebastian immediately sensed what would be his sub-occupation. Sebastian wasn't sure if he interpreted his feelings correctly, but he knew he was close to the plants. Their presence seemed to give him strength.

In the third part of their tour, they went to a small canteen. A noticeably large man with chubby cheeks caught their attention.

"This area is the canteen where you can buy food within the school. The food here is not just for eating; it's like a potion. The difference is, that the ones here are fortified dishes.

In charge of this club is Senior Brother Amadeo. 

Brother Amadeo has a unique Arcane. He's a pure auxiliary arcanist, and his arcane power is a magical cooking pot. This pot can cook any dish that can boost strength for a year. With a strength increase of 100 per cent, anyone who eats Brother Amadeo's cooking will double their strength, and they won't easily tire."

"Archie, you can leave for now and not bother me. Teacher Angela will arrive shortly, and I need to finish my work."

Even though Amadeo was busy with his task, he managed to speak without turning to the newcomers.

"Aye aye, Captain," Archie quickly ushered the children out of the canteen upon hearing the name 'Angela.'

He hurriedly led them to the far end of the large building, still accompanied by the 200 outer court students.

"For those aspiring to accumulate more Nexus Contribution Points (NCP), the invitation to join the Weaponsmith and Inscriptionist Association carries a promise of increased earnings. The group's focus on weaponsmithing and inscription skills distinguishes it as a lucrative path, offering financial rewards that surpass those of other departments. Within the school, this association stands out as the wealthiest, a testament to the practical value attributed to the skills it imparts.

The relevance of the Weaponsmith and Inscriptionist Association is deeply entrenched in the daily dynamics of the Arcane world. In this realm, where battles are a common occurrence, the widespread use of weapons and various equipment is indispensable. The demand for weapons is multifaceted, ranging from defensive purposes to strategic planning for territorial conquest. Some wield weapons for training, honing their skills, while others deploy them against arcane beasts, creatures that inhabit this mystical world. The quality of these weapons becomes paramount, as their effectiveness directly impacts the outcomes of battles and the safety of territories.

In this context, the rapid deterioration of low-quality items underscores the need for constant renewal. The Weaponsmith and Inscriptionist Association plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand. Their expertise ensures the crafting of high-quality weapons and enchanted inscriptions, addressing the ever-present need for effective and durable equipment. Joining this association not only offers a path to financial prosperity through NCP but also positions individuals at the forefront of supplying essential tools that safeguard territories and individuals within the Arcane world."

In practice, the school doesn't turn away external requests to engage with the Weaponsmith and Inscriptionist Association, recognizing the inherent benefits it offers to the association's members. The decision to accept commissions from outsiders not only ensures financial advantages but also functions as a catalyst for the accelerated learning of association members, particularly beginners eager to enhance their skills in a high-demand environment.

This club, at present, lacks representation from Nexus. However, aspiring applicants should be mindful of their conduct when seeking membership. Discipline is crucial, as the person overseeing this club has a reputation for a short temper. The reminder underscores the importance of maintaining a professional and disciplined demeanour within the association.

For inscriptionists interested in joining, aligning with the principles and guidelines set by the Weaponsmiths is advised. Both factions, despite their unique roles, share equally strict leadership. This cohesion ensures a unified approach within the club, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols and maintaining a high level of discipline to thrive within the Weaponsmith and Inscriptionist Association. The absence of Nexus representation doesn't diminish the significance of these principles; rather, it highlights the autonomy of the association and the universal standards maintained by its members, creating a cohesive and disciplined environment conducive to skill development and successful collaboration.

In an extensive discourse with the children, Archie delved into the intricacies of his chosen path. Despite his classification as an Auxiliary, he deliberately embraced the role of an inscriptionist. The decision was not arbitrary; instead, it was rooted in the distinct nature of his arcane abilities. What set Archie apart was his capability to infuse each inscription with the power to enhance the senses of its future users.

The unique quality of his inscriptions became the focal point of Archie's animated explanation. Each crafted symbol held the potential to heighten perception, an exceptional attribute that distinguished his work within the association. Archie's fervent narrative emphasized the transformative experience awaiting those who embarked on the journey of inscriptionist craftsmanship, particularly the profound satisfaction derived from fashioning one's unique creations.

Within the Weaponsmith and Inscriptionist Association, Archie's reputation as an inscriptionist was underscored by the unparalleled nature of his arcane power, known as Sensory Boost. This extraordinary ability to augment the sensory faculties of individuals set him apart as the go-to expert for inscriptions among weaponsmiths. The intricacies of his craft, coupled with the tangible benefits it bestowed upon users, established Archie as a prominent figure within the association.

In choosing the path of an inscriptionist, Archie not only demonstrated his commitment to his unique arcane capabilities but also showcased the profound impact inscriptionists can have in the realm of weaponsmithing. His journey epitomized the synthesis of creativity and functionality, where the artistry of inscriptions met the practical demands of an arcane world, creating a narrative of skill, innovation, and heightened sensory experiences.