Grilling

Theory of Ether: "Magic and holy power counteract each other. Yet they derive power from the same source."

…

Tuk. Tuk. Tuk.

The sound of tapping awoke Norah. He opened his eyes and yawned with a hand covering his mouth.

Tuk, tuk, tuk. Tuk, tuk, tuk.

The sound increased in frequency. Leisurely, Norah got up from his bed and followed noise to its source. He stopped at his window, staring across the glass at a hawk with an envelope in its beak.

"Oz?" muttered Norah. It was the familiar of Augustine, a man gifted in all types of magic, earning him the title of Archmage. Norah opened the window and allowed Oz in. Oz dropped the letter in Norah's hand and flew onto Norah's bed.

"Don't rip the sheets Oz."

Oz called out in understanding. "Kee-ar!"

Norah tore open the envelope and skimmed the letter.

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Dearest friend Norah,

I request you to accompany thy to a new saloon which has been established in Caligo. Let us converse about many important things such as... things that are important. Have no fear of work for I guarantee that your superior, which is I, will grant you a few days of rest. Of course those days of rest must be used to accompany me as we go visit important places such as the new saloon and partake in important conversations while inspecting the place.

Sincerely the greatest Archmage, Chairman of the Imperial College & Caligo & Magic Association, plus your friend,

Augustine Rex

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After reading it, Norah tsked in amusement. Augustine did not even try in this letter. It was a thinly veiled excuse for the two of them to ditch work. Norah tossed the letter, letting it float onto his bed. He beckoned to Oz.

"Wait a bit Oz, I'll get you some meat as thanks for your flight."

"Kee-rk?" Oz's foot tapped the letter gently.

"Oh, I will reply when I wish to. If he spent less time spouting nonsense, perhaps, he would have been able to fit the time and place on the letter. His titles took up half the paper."

"Kee-ak."

Norah found some strips of meat and fed it to Oz before allowing him to leave. Today was the day of his presentation. He had to be at the conference room in a few hours.

...

"Good morning, Professor Lumen," called out a middle-aged woman. She was dressed in a white dress shirt and trousers paired with a brown blazer. Most notable about her appearance were her large earrings, formed in the shape of a hollow sphere.

"Good morning to you, Professor Hawks," replied Professor Lumen as he walked towards her.

Professor Hawks waited until Lumen caught up to her before starting her ramble. "Oh Lumen, I do hope you are prepared for the grilling that the two heads of the departments prepared. They will complain about your plans no matter how wonderful it is. Well, at least Madam Daryl will." She leaned closer to Lumen and whispered, "She is sure to be harsher. Only about 40% of Year 2 students entered the elemental route. Hugh was gloating about it to her so she definitely is in a foul mood."

"The lists came out?"

Professor Hawks looked at Professor Lumen disbelievingly. "Isn't your protege in Year 2? How could you not know?"

"I have faith. Whatever route he chooses will fit him well," confidently responded Professor Lumen as the duo neared the doors of the conference room.

"Well, is that so? I suppose for your field of study, it doesn't matter what route of magic your protege takes. But you really should know. Luckily, I have an impeccable memory. I had gotten a glimpse of the lists and Daryl truly—hoho. Anyway, Professor Lumen, your child is a summoner!"

"A summoner?" replied Professor Lumen, as he opened the conference room door. He didn't seem very surprised.

"A summoner!" affirmed a husky voice from the room. "I see Professor Hawks has already spoiled it for you."

Professor Lumen greeted the burly man who spoke, "Hello Professor Hugh."

Following up, Professor Hawks said, "Morning Hugh. You showed me the list and didn't inform me of your plans to not tell Lumen. Can't blame me there."

Professor Hugh said, "Yes, yes. I suppose you are right."

Glancing at the black-haired young man, he asked, "How do you feel about your plans, Professor Lumen? Will it impress?"

Professor Lumen curved his lips, "Please be lenient, Professor Hugh."

"Oh, I will," he laughed. He clapped Professor Lumen on the shoulder. "But Daryl won't. Only about 40% of incoming Year 2 students are elemental mages! The rest went to my department and became summoners! She was furious."

"I pity you Lumen," Professor Hawk sighed. "Even though you had no control of the ratio, she will find fault in you."

Professor Lumen shook his head. "No, some fault lies with me. Some students choose the route best fit for their talent in it while others are like a blank canvas. They can choose to be a summoner or an elemental mage, depending on their intention. Year 1 students take my class as an introductory course. Naturally, they will be affected."

"Ah Professor Lumen, you are too soft. Your kind intentions and thoughts will be lost on that woman." Professor Hawks was concerned for her junior. She thought that Professor Lumen was too soft. She feared he was too much of a doormat.

"Professor Lumen, it isn't your fault. Your temper is too good. Professor Hawks is right. You are a little too soft." Professor Hugh patted his youngest colleague's back. "Be proud of your work. Plus, last year's plan was approved by us all. Perhaps we all are at fault." He looked around the room. "Now we are only waiting upon Professor Daryl to approve this year's plan. Oh! I mean Madam Daryl. I forgot she liked to be called madam," he laughed.

"Just another one of her ways to reaffirm her higher status," Professor Hawks muttered under her breath. She shook her head at Professor Hugh, "What was the purpose of surveying the room, Hugh? There is only us here."

Hugh sheepishly laughed. "Don't be such a nitpick, Hawks. It is always good to be on your toes."