Learning of Odh (2)

By the time the lesson's allotted time had passed, every row had had their turn to examine the odh node up close.

 'I trust everyone got a good look at the odh node,' Professor Gieller said, glancing at the large timepiece on the wall. 'Now, I know it's your first day and your first lesson, but I've gone ahead and prepared an assignment for you.'

 A chorus of groans erupted from the class.

 'Come on, professor…' one acolyte muttered, joined by others expressing their discontent.

 Gieller raised a hand, his tone still as warm and composed as ever. 'I know, I know. Believe me, I'm a little disappointed in myself too. But hear me out – let me explain the assignment first. Then we'll leave the subject open for debate. Fair enough?'

 The acolytes exchanged surprised glances. A teacher bargaining over an assignment? It was unheard of. After a moment's hesitation, even the complainers nodded.

 'Excellent.' Gieller smiled, snapping his fingers to command the odh node back into its box. The glowing sphere obeyed, floating into place before the locks twisted shut with a satisfying click.

 'This observation exercise wasn't just for show,' Gieller continued. 'I want each of you to research and identify the type of node you studied today. Its unique characteristics and relevant details are outlined in this sheet.'

 As if by magic – though it clearly was – individual sheets of parchment appeared on each acolyte's desk. The pages were immaculately prepared, with neatly written questions and spaces for answers.

 'Today is Lodal,' Gieller said. 'You have until Sahadal – four days from now – to submit your completed papers. To sweeten the deal, the first five students to submit accurate and thorough assignments will earn the opportunity to harness the energy of this node and refine it under my supervision and that of Professor Rhetrick.'

 The promise of direct interaction with the node silenced most of the protests, replacing them with murmurs of intrigue and determination. Some acolytes immediately began skimming the questions on their parchment, whilst others whispered excitedly about the prize.

 'In that spirit, this lesson and its reward will be worked in tandem with another lesson. Well then,' Gieller said, clapping his hands. 'Any further questions?'

 A few acolytes posed the usual questions – clarifications about the assignment's scope and submission process. After addressing them, Professor Gieller noted the room's growing silence and dismissed the class.

 The acolytes spilled into the halls, forming small groups as they chatted about the assignment and various other topics. Urael and his group stood out, their cocky demeanour unmistakable as they shoved past others. On their way out, they deliberately knocked into Niann, sending him sprawling to the ground. Without so much as a backward glance, they disappeared down the corridor, laughing amongst themselves.

 Riniock lingered in the classroom, one of the last to leave. Excitement painted his face, his thoughts consumed by the task ahead. The prospect of completing the assignment and earning the chance to interact with an odh node filled him with a sense of purpose. All he had to do was answer the questions accurately and be amongst the first five to submit.

 Whilst he mulled over strategies, someone approached him unnoticed. Fortunately, their intentions seemed benign.

 'Uhm...excuse me,' a voice called from behind.

 Riniock turned, finding himself face-to-face with Niann.

 'Riniock, right?' the boy asked, his tone polite yet hesitant.

 'That's me,' Riniock replied, curious.

 'I'm Niann Nodahr,' he introduced himself, adjusting his posture slightly. 'I remember your name from the hall earlier. Might I have a moment of your time?'

 Riniock glanced around briefly before responding. 'I don't see why not. What's on your mind?'

 'Thank you,' Niann began, his voice tinged with relief. 'I don't know if you've noticed, but I seem to be Urael's favourite target. Just today, he's accosted me three times. I can't focus, and walking around without looking over my shoulder feels impossible.'

 Riniock raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. 'And what does any of that have to do with me?'

 Niann hesitated for a moment, then pressed on. 'Well, if the rumours about your exploits in the glades hold any truth, I thought I might ask for your help.'

 'My help?' Riniock snorted in disbelief.

 'You seem capable,' Niann replied, undeterred. 'And unlike me, you don't seem to fear Urael. I'm more of a scholar than a fighter, and –'

 'And what's in it for me?' Riniock interrupted, his tone sceptical.

 'I could help you with the assignment,' Niann proposed. 'We could partner up.'

 Riniock chuckled, a faint smirk forming. 'What makes you think I need any help? I'm more than capable of doing the research on my own.'

 'No doubt…' Niann sighed, clearly growing desperate as he racked his brain for an alternative. 'Is there anything I can offer you that might change your mind?'

 Riniock crossed his arms, contemplating. He wasn't one to waste time on fruitless endeavours, but an opportunity sparked an idea. 'I've heard that access to the library is monitored and extremely restricted for acolytes – two entries a week, isn't it?'

 Niann nodded cautiously.

 'If I'm going to help you, I want one of your entries as compensation,' Riniock stated firmly.

 'That –' Niann hesitated, clearly reluctant. He glanced away, weighing his options.

 'What say you?' Riniock pressed, his tone leaving little room for indecision.

 Niann exhaled sharply. 'Oh, alright. You can have my access to the library.'

 'Good,' Riniock said with a small smirk. 'Now you've got yourself a deal.'

 Visiting the library in Gorlea was considered one of the most rewarding activities available to acolytes. The vast wealth of knowledge housed within its walls was an opportunity too valuable to overlook.

 Earlier that morning, before class, the man who had escorted them had explained the rules surrounding such privileges. Access to the library was granted only twice a week and required written permissions, which were distributed at the beginning of each month.

 With this new arrangement in place, however, Riniock now had the potential to visit the library three times a week – one more time than any of his peers. It was a small but meaningful advantage, and in a place as competitive as Gorlea, every edge counted.

 'Can I count on your protection then?' Niann asked again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

 Riniock gave a confident nod. 'You need not worry,' he said firmly. 'Urael is nothing if not predictable.'

 Niann's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the tension in his eyes lingered. It was clear he wasn't entirely convinced, but this small assurance was better than none. For now, he would have to trust in Riniock's confidence and resourcefulness.

 'Shall we head to the next lesson, then?' Riniock asked, already turning towards the hallway.

 Niann adjusted his robes and gave a slight nod. 'Lead the way.'