Strange Dream

Ugh…

Cain and Clara slowly opened their eyes. What they saw first was a beautiful ceiling studded with stars. Various lamps emit light and the roof is decorated by golden chandeliers with various kinds of gems.

A man's voice came from beside them. "Are you feeling better already? I am glad that you are obedient children and don't cause trouble when I'm not around."

Ivo spoke while reading the book about Alchemists in his hands. He sat in a chair at his desk which was filled with books right next to the bed.

'That voice…' Cain looked at the person who had saved them a second time. Even though he had been here for a week, this was the first time he had seen Ivo Graham

"Brother Cain, He…" Clara looked at Ivo whose body was dripping with water after two hours of bathing. He sat quietly reading his book.

Cain comforted his sister. he said with a smile. "It was the person who had saved us."

Hearing that, Clara got off the bed and bowed before Ivo. She said regretfully. "Thank you for saving us. I-I apologize for breaking things. P-please don't punish my brother, I'm willing to take responsibility."

Cain who saw it also apologized. "I-I'm sorry, please don't hurt my sister, I will be the one responsible for the damage."

Both of them apologized and wanted to take responsibility for each other so that their brother/sister would not be punished. They even argue about this matter.

"Brother, I broke it so I should take responsibility."

"Clara, let your brother take charge of this. As long as you are okay I have no problem with any punishment"

Punch.

Ivo who saw it closed his book. While drinking the coffee that was on his table, he said to the two of them. "Stop it. I don't really care about what you guys destroy in this room because the Academy will pay for all that. For them, Gold coins are worth nothing."

Cain and Clara who heard it fell silent. Clara said while lowering her head. "I-is that true? You're not mad at us because I broke this Vase?" Clara showed him the shard of the vase she was holding in her hand.

Ivo just nodded in response.

Clara who saw that showed a bright smile. Her cute face had recovered from being exposed to the Light of Salvation. Her condition was much better and that smile showed her cute face.

"Since you guys are awake, I will keep the promise I said" Ivo handed a Mana contract to Cain. "In exchange for me teaching you so you can at least get stronger, I want you to sign this."

All the requirements are in there. It was a Contract that required Cain to advance as an Alchemist. All costs will be borne by Ivo Graham and Cain is only in charge of making Potions.

Those were very favorable terms for Cain's side and Ivo just accepted all the potions he made. The contract even provided all kinds of care not only for himself but also for his sister. He was also paid as much as 5 Inar for each potion he managed to make.

Cain wanted to ask but Ivo stopped him.

"Do not ask. I didn't receive any offers. If you don't agree with what's written there, we better stop it. I can always find someone else for me to train and make him an Alchemist."

That statement was quite arrogant but Ivo had confidence in it. If the people working as alchemists heard this they would probably throw their potions on the ground and throw a tantrum because of that statement.

Cain immediately shook his head and continued reading the contract. He didn't want to lose the chance to change his life.

The focus is on one important thing which is at the end of the contract.

The duration of the contract is for 2 years. After these 2 years, Ivo Graham's first party has the right to release or continue the existing contract. If the contract ends, all potion-making techniques and secrets given by the first party will be erased from Cain's memory as the second party.

'This is a good contract, but a bit of a loss at the end.' thought Cain.

This contract was very profitable because Cain didn't have to worry about the costs he would incur, but it also cost him a lot at the end of the contract.

He was someone who had neither a family nor the opportunity to stand on his own. He didn't have the slightest knowledge or skill in magic or alchemy. Cain didn't even have talent in alchemy and his mana sense was only at a low level.

If the contract ends, then Cain will find a dead end to develop.

He knew the loss, but Cain could only accept it. Because this is the only path provided to him and perhaps the only opportunity he has.

Cain saw Clara staring at the coffee on Ivo's table while drooling. He seems to want to taste the coffee but is embarrassed to ask. Clara could only see Ivo slowly drinking the coffee.

"I accept it," Cain said that while signing the contract.

"Good." Ivo handed over the book in his hand. All knowledge regarding basic Alchemy was there. "Learn the basics in one week. After that, we can start."

***

"I came here again. Why does this always happen every night?"

Elvin stood above the snowy plains. Endless white plains with endless blizzards. The sight he saw from above in the sky only revealed endless plains of white.

Even though he was standing up in the sky without the slightest bit of protection, Elvin didn't feel the slightest bit of coldness. Its body is quite solid and compact but not constrained by the concept of physical reality. Therefore, everything here could neither influence nor harms him.

Slowly, his body descended above a small town there. The building was carved through various kinds of stone with ice ornaments beautifying the building.

The people were dressed using special robes and clothes made of special leather. They seemed unaffected by the conditions that befell this city and carried on their activities like the people in general.

Ever since he entered White Snow Academy, every night he would appear here when he was asleep. The same dream continues and never changes.

While walking to a corner of the city, Elvin enjoyed this view. Beautiful ornaments made of ice and sculptures of ice statues stood tall.

"Should be here." Elvin walked to one of the corners and alleys while memorizing the map of this city in his head. There, he saw a little girl who was neglected and looked unkempt.

Her age is estimated to be around, 9-10 years old. Her condition is so sad and different from other people's. She was only wearing light clothes that covered her from the top to her knees. But a strange phenomenon is happening around her.

The cold air didn't seem to bother her at all. Her body seemed unaffected by the cold air and even controlled it without her noticing. The girl had short hair with silvery white hair and sapphire blue eyes which matched her beautiful features perfectly.

She sat saying the same words over and over again. "I-I…I-I… I am not a failure. I am not a failure… I am not a pathetic failure."

"Please, forgive me, mother. Please don't leave me here alone."

"I was wrong… Please, I will be a good girl and will comply with all your requests. I won't be a bad girl anymore. I will try my best to fulfill your wish, Mom. So please… please don't leave me here alone."

Elvin didn't do anything and just stood quietly watching the little girl. It wasn't that he didn't want to help her, but that he couldn't do anything. Even though his body was solid, whenever he tried to touch something his hands would just move right through it.

No matter how loud he shouted, his voice would never be heard by the people.

Because of that Elvin just stood silently while pitying the girl's condition. At least he had a father and mother who loved him even though their condition wasn't very good. But the girl in front of him seemed to have been abandoned by both of her parents.

It was only a dream, but the sad sight of the girl made him realize that this world is cruel. Dreams may be a wonderful escape for them.

Elvin seemed to understand something but he did not know what it was. He kept looking at the girl who was being approached by a man with a sword in his hand.

The dream slowly faded and Elvin woke up from his sleep. His body was covered in cold sweat and his mana had dried up.

Haaahhh… haaahhh… haaahhh….

His breathing was heavy and irregular. His body was so exhausted that he could barely move from his bed.

Elvin checked the clock beside him.

03.00

"It's still 3 in the morning." Elvin threw back the watch. He looked out the window. There, White Snow Academy's students kept coming while looking towards the mansion.

Since the appearance of that strange warm light, they never stopped coming. I even get asked about what happened there.

"Really bothersome. At least the academy helps in protecting everyday lives. But if this continues, I won't be able to lead a normal life at the Academy."