CH22

The room was spacious, filled with bookshelves lined with books. A mountain of books piled high on the desk at the far end of the room, behind which sat a bald, white-bearded old man.

Claude slowly raised his head and, seeing Melissa, consoled her, "I've heard about what happened in Dur Valley. My condolences. With a wizard involved, there was nothing anyone could do. Stay at the academy and focus on your studies. You'll be safe here."

"Thank you, teacher," Melissa said, wiping her tears.

"And who is this?" Claude asked, looking at Helag.

Helag introduced himself, "My name is Helag Merlin. I was originally a guard for Baron Buck. Now, I'm on the path of pursuing wizardry. I came to seek your guidance, Scholar Claude."

Claude was surprised and stood up, asking seriously, "Do you have the potential to be a wizard?"

"I'm currently a wizard apprentice," Helag replied.

"Do you have a teacher?" Claude asked.

"No," Helag answered.

Claude nodded, "I see. You want to join a wizard organization."

"Yes, but I know nothing about them, so I came to seek the knowledge of the esteemed scholar," Helag said, noticing that Claude seemed to know something.

Claude laughed, "Esteemed? Compared to wizards, I'm like an uncivilized caveman. You're too late; the ship carrying wizard apprentices left three months ago. The next one could be in three months or three years."

"Three years?" Helag recalled Malcolm mentioning the rarity of ships passing by the Carlson Continent.

Claude saw Helag's disappointment and said, "The sea is full of uncertainties, so the schedule is never fixed. Don't worry, use this time to prepare. You haven't studied Sivirian, have you?"

"Sivirian?" Helag hadn't heard of the language.

"It's an ancient common language. If you want to become a wizard, you must learn Sivirian," Claude said, taking a heavy book from the shelf.

The book's cover had unfamiliar characters, resembling English letters.

"This book is called 'Sivirian Common Language.' You can study it with me," Claude said, handing the book to Helag.

Helag accepted it gratefully. "Thank you, Scholar!"

Claude looked at Helag with envy and said earnestly, "Youth is wonderful. I once dreamed of becoming a wizard, but I lacked the potential. If I could have a student become a wizard, it would fulfill my dream."

"Helag, call him teacher!" Melissa urged, her eyes signaling wildly.

Helag realized and said, "Greetings, teacher!"

"Hahaha! Good child," Claude laughed heartily, stroking his beard.

Melissa smiled, "You'll have to call me senior sister from now on."

"Let's start the first lesson today, an introduction to Sivirian," Claude said, pulling out a blackboard and beginning the lesson.

Helag listened attentively. Sivirian was similar to English, with thirty-four basic letters forming different words, and the grammar wasn't complicated.

With Deep Blue's assistance, Helag learned quickly.

[Sivirian language database established.]

Deep Blue recorded the Sivirian language information, allowing Helag to translate it even without further study.

"Such talent!" After two hours, Claude was increasingly satisfied with his student.

He had never seen anyone learn a language so quickly, calling Helag a genius.

Claude praised, "Melissa is already a bright child, but Helag is the most gifted student I've ever seen."

Helag humbly replied, "You teach well, teacher. I want to visit the library to research some information."

"Use my library card for now. Return it once you get your own," Claude said, handing Helag his library card.

Claude no longer needed the card, as he could access the library with facial recognition.

The library card was made of fine wood, well-crafted.

Helag suspected only Claude's card was this luxurious; ordinary students wouldn't have such expensive materials.

***

At dinner, Helag and the group gathered.

Emil said, "We checked out the mercenary guild today. We're planning to take some missions. Some have high rewards."

Melissa worried, "High rewards mean high risks. Don't rush to make money; safety is most important."

Emil patted his chest, "Don't worry. I'm a formal knight, and Jimmy and the others have worked together for years. We can handle most missions."

"If you need my help, just ask," Helag offered.

"Helag, focus on your wizard training. Your future is brighter than ours. Don't waste time on mercenary tasks," Emil declined, not wanting Helag to be delayed by money-making.

"Sometimes I need to stretch my muscles. We don't know when the ship will come, and chances to fight alongside you will become rare," Helag said, raising a glass in a toast.

They drank late into the night. Helag didn't rest but continued his starry sky meditation.

He was meditating on the second star.

The second star's meditation was slower without Meteor Grass.

By morning, while Emil and the others slept, Helag arrived at Northon Academy's library.

The library was a grand six-story circular building, Its really impressive in this world.

"You're not a student here. Do you have a library card?" The guard at the entrance stopped Helag, sensing he was different from ordinary students.

The guard felt Helag was dangerous.

"I'm Scholar Claude's student. Here's the library card," Helag said, showing the card.

The guard checked the card, confirming its authenticity but puzzled by Claude having such a student.

"Sorry, please wait while I verify this," the guard said politely.

"Of course, I understand," Helag replied, waiting at the entrance.

The guard, relieved by Helag's good attitude, went to find the librarian.

Ten minutes later, the guard returned, respectfully handing back the card. "Mr. Helag, you may enter."

"Thank you," Helag said with a smile.