Chapter no.5 School of Creation

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As the morning sun crept through the window of his magical room, Zhu awoke to a world unlike any he had known before. He stretched, still marveling at the comfort of his enchanted bed that seemed to adjust itself perfectly to his body.

Zhu got up and walked over to the magical toilet. It was a peculiar device, ornately decorated and without any apparent plumbing. With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, he used it, only to watch in amazement as his waste vanished with a soft glow and a faint whooshing sound. "Well, that's one way to handle sanitation," Zhu mused to himself, "No plumbing, no problem."

Next, he approached the basin. As he reached out, water began to flow from thin air, adjusting its temperature to his preference. Washing up had never been so effortless. "I could get used to this," Zhu thought, splashing the warm water on his face.

As he dried his hands on a towel that seemed to absorb water instantly, leaving it dry for the next use, Zhu couldn't help but smile at the convenience of it all. "Magic really does make life easier," he pondered, "But I guess with great power comes... less need for laundry?"

He moved to a mirror that hung on the wall, expecting to see his reflection. Instead, the mirror showed him an image of his outfit for the day, laid out and ready. Zhu chuckled, "No more worrying about what to wear. The mirror has it all figured out."

Breakfast was another magical experience. As he entered the dining area, plates of food floated to the table, each dish perfectly prepared. The coffee poured itself into a cup, steaming and just the way he liked it. "Guess this beats a microwave any day," Zhu thought, taking a sip of the perfectly brewed coffee.

....

Zhu settled into a quiet corner of the room, the book that Faust had given him in hand. He noticed the absence of Eula, Esmeralda, and Elara, but shrugged it off, his focus now on the tome before him. He opened it to the section about the different schools of magic, eager to absorb the knowledge within.

Divination: The book explained that Divination was the art of gaining insights or knowledge of future events or hidden truths. Practitioners of Divination, known as Diviners, could use various methods like scrying, tarot reading, or astrological charts to foresee potential outcomes and guide their decisions.

Evocation: Evocation was about the manipulation of energy to create physical or magical effects. Evokers could summon elements like fire, lightning, or ice, channeling raw magical energy into powerful offensive spells.

Transmutation: This school focused on changing the properties of matter and energy. Transmuters could alter physical properties, transform substances, and even manipulate time and space to a certain degree. It was a school that required precision and a deep understanding of the laws of nature.

Dark Arts: A controversial field of magic, the Dark Arts delved into the manipulation of darker energies and forbidden spells. It included necromancy, curses, and other practices often shunned by the magical community due to their dangerous and unethical nature.

Conjuration: Conjuration involved the creation of objects, creatures, or phenomena out of thin air. Conjurers could summon beings from other planes, create food and water, or even teleport themselves and others over vast distances.

Abjuration: This school was centered around protection and negation. Abjurers specialized in creating magical barriers, dispelling other magical effects, and warding off harm. It was a defensive form of magic, crucial in safeguarding oneself and others from magical and physical threats.

As Zhu read through each description, his mind buzzed with excitement and curiosity. Each school offered a unique approach to magic, and the possibilities seemed endless. "So much to learn, so many paths to explore," he thought, his eyes scanning the pages.

He wondered which school would suit him best, where his natural talents and interests would align.

"Guess I'll have to try them all to find out," Zhu mused, a determined smile on his face.

.....

As evening fell, Faust entered Zhu's room, his arms laden with various items essential for practicing magic - ink, scrolls, pens, and more. He set them down on Zhu's desk with a flourish.

"Are you ready to practice magic?" Faust asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Zhu nodded eagerly, his eyes fixed on the tools now spread out before him.

"You remember my explanation of magic, right?" Faust queried, his eyes scanning Zhu's face for understanding.

"Of course," Zhu responded confidently. "The rune in the center captures the dark energy and matter, the keystones produce and dictate the phenomenon, and the glyph is the boundary which activates the phenomenon."

"Good, you remember," Faust said, pleased. "Well, do you have an idea on which school of magic you want to start with?"

"Do I have to choose a school?" Zhu asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

Faust laid the last of the items on the desk, then turned to Zhu. "Not really, but there are benefits to choosing a school and also to not choosing a school."

"Like what?" Zhu asked, intrigued by the concept.

Faust began to explain, "Choosing a specific school of magic allows you to specialize and become highly skilled in that area. It's like honing a blade to a fine edge. For example, if you choose Evocation, you'll become adept at harnessing elemental forces, creating powerful offensive spells. Each school has its unique strengths and areas of expertise."

Zhu nodded, absorbing the information.

"However," Faust continued, "not choosing a school allows for a broader understanding of magic as a whole. You become a Jack of all trades, mastering the basics of each school but not delving deeply into any. This approach offers versatility and adaptability. You may not have the deep expertise of a specialist, but you gain the ability to handle a wider range of situations."

Zhu pondered this. "So, specialization versus versatility."

"Exactly," Faust affirmed. "Both paths have their merits. Specialization allows for mastery and profound understanding, while versatility offers flexibility and a broad skill set. The choice depends on how you envision your journey with magic."

Zhu looked at the items on the desk, a sense of possibility filling him. "I'll need to think about it," he said finally, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Take your time," Faust advised. "Magic is a personal journey, and your path should reflect your goals and interests."

Faust, seeing Zhu's contemplative expression, offered a reassuring smile. "But for now, let's practice how to create the rune, which is the same throughout every magic and its schools. It's the power source for the magic, and mastering it is crucial."

Zhu's eyebrows rose in surprise. "The same rune for every school?"

"Yes," Faust confirmed. "Think of the rune as the foundation. It's universal, the bedrock upon which all magical structures are built."

"And what about the keystones?" Zhu asked, his curiosity piqued.

Faust's expression grew serious. "There are basic 1000 keystones. Learning them is essential, as every school uses a combination of these keystones. Think of them as the alphabets to magic. Just as letters form words and sentences, keystones form the structures of spells."

"That many..." Zhu muttered, a bit overwhelmed by the number.

"Of course," Faust said, nodding. "But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. Magic is a language, and like any language, it becomes more fluent with practice."

Zhu took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. "Okay, let's begin."

....

[ One Week Later ]

Over the week, Zhu had developed an effective method for memorizing the keystones.

He created a visual mnemonic system, associating each keystone with a specific image or concept, making it easier to recall their intricate details. His dedication paid off, and he quickly mastered the keystones, much to the delight of Eula, Esmeralda, and Faust. Elara, on the other hand, seemed somewhat irked by his rapid progress but kept her thoughts to herself.

At lunchtime, Zhu found himself at the table, enjoying a meal that was nothing short of magical. The food included a steaming bowl of soup that seemed to change flavor with every spoonful, a salad that was a mini-ecosystem of its own with leaves that subtly shifted hues, and a slice of bread that was warm and crusty on the outside yet impossibly soft inside.

"Are you ready?" Faust suddenly asked, breaking the comfortable lunchtime chatter.

"For what?" Eula and Esmeralda chimed in unison, their curiosity evident.

"I am going to take Zhu to the Emerald City," Faust announced.

"Like from 'The Wizard of Oz'?" Zhu asked, his mouth half full.

Everyone at the table looked confused, and Zhu felt a bit embarrassed realizing they might not get the reference.

"What are you going to do there?" Elara asked, her curiosity piqued despite her usual cool demeanor.

"Well, I wanted to show Zhu magic from masters of the different schools," Faust explained.

"He hasn't even chosen a school," Elara pointed out, a hint of confusion in her voice.

"It doesn't matter, Elara," Faust said, attempting to maintain peace.

Zhu, intrigued, asked, "What schools do you all follow?"

Elara snorted. "Dark Arts."

Eula smiled warmly. "Evocation."

Esmeralda quietly added, "Divination."

All eyes then turned to Faust, who simply smiled. "All."

Zhu blinked in surprise. "Wow, then why don't you just show me the magics?"

Faust's smile broadened. "There's a value in learning from different perspectives. Besides, seeing magic in its natural habitat is an experience of its own."

"He's just lazy," Elara interjected, rolling her eyes. Eula and Esmeralda giggled at the comment.

Faust tried to deflect the criticism with a joke. "Lazy? No, I'm just efficiently delegating. Why do it myself when there are so many talented magicians out there?"

.....

In the afternoon, Zhu found himself experiencing something straight out of a fantasy novel. He was flying on Faust's back, soaring over the landscape towards a destination known as the Emerald City. As they approached, Zhu's eyes widened in awe at the sight before him.

The Emerald City was a breathtaking tapestry of green spires and towers that shimmered like jewels under the sunlight. The buildings were crafted with an elegance that spoke of a deep connection to magic and artistry. The streets below were bustling with activity, and magical creatures of all kinds roamed freely - from tiny, fluttering fairies to majestic, horned creatures that strolled with an air of nobility.

Zhu couldn't help but express his amazement. "This is incredible! It's like something out of a storybook!"

Faust chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just wait until you see the inside. The real magic is in the streets."

As they landed, Elara, Eula, and Esmeralda were already there, each reacting in their unique way.

Elara rolled her eyes at Zhu's wonderstruck expression. "Oh, please. It's just a bunch of buildings and some overgrown lizards."

Eula, the fairy, flew circles around Zhu, giggling. "He looks so funny! Like a kid in a candy store!"

Esmeralda yawned, unimpressed. "Great, more noise. I was hoping for a nap."

Faust, ever the guide, smiled at their reactions. "Ignore them, Zhu. Let your curiosity guide you. The Emerald City has much to teach."

As they walked through the city, Zhu was mesmerized by the sights and sounds. Magical stalls sold enchanted items, street performers conjured illusions, and the air itself seemed alive with energy. He soaked it all in, his mind racing with the possibilities of what he could learn in such a place.

Zhu watched as Elara, Eula, and Esmeralda darted off towards the stalls, each eager to explore the Emerald City's offerings in their own way. Faust turned to Zhu, a knowing smile on his face. "Don't worry, they'll be fine. Are you ready for some magic answers to that diary of yours?"

Zhu nodded, pulling out a notebook brimming with questions he had about each school of magic. Faust's eyes twinkled with approval as he led Zhu into a secluded alleyway. They stopped in front of what appeared to be a mouse hole, but with a gentle knock from Faust, the wall parted, revealing a hidden shop.

"Welcome to Madam Mouse's Divination shop," Faust announced as they stepped inside. The shop was a bustling hub of activity, with mice and rats of all colors scurrying about, each busy with some task.

Their introduction was interrupted by a polite cough. Zhu looked down to see a young mouse, wearing glasses and elegantly dressed, smiling up at him. "You must be Faust's new student. It's nice to meet me," she said with a hint of humor in her voice.

Zhu carefully shook her tiny hand, mindful not to jostle her. "Nice to meet you too, Madam Mouse," he replied, a smile on his face.

Madam Mouse looked up at Faust. "What a thoughtful boy you have," she observed.

"I am undeserving of such praise," Faust demurred. "But my student here has a lot of questions about Divination."

"Well, then, boy, ask away," Madam Mouse said, turning her attention to Zhu.

Zhu opened his notebook, filled with curiosity. "I've been wondering about the nature of Divination magic. How do you see into the future? Is it always accurate?"

Madam Mouse chuckled. "Ah, the age-old questions. Divination isn't about seeing a fixed future; it's more about understanding possibilities and probabilities. The future is a river with many currents. We Diviners try to navigate these currents to glean what might come to pass."

Zhu listened intently, his pen flying over the pages as he scribbled down notes. "And what about the methods? I read about scrying, tarot cards, and crystal balls."

Madam Mouse nodded. "Each Diviner has their preferred tools. Some use cards, others crystal balls, and some rely solely on their intuition. The tool isn't as important as the skill and intuition of the Diviner."

Zhu delved into his list of questions.

"How do you account for variables in Divination? Like, if someone decides to change their path last minute?" Zhu asked, his brows furrowed in concentration.

Madam Mouse chuckled. "Ah, the butterfly effect in Divination. It's less about predicting a fixed path and more about understanding the myriad possibilities. Like weather forecasting, but for fate."

"Madam Mouse, how does one differentiate between true visions and mere hallucinations or dreams?" Zhu asked, his pen poised over his notebook.

"A valid concern," Madam Mouse replied. "True visions often come with a sense of certainty, an unshakable feeling that what you're seeing is more than just a dream. They also tend to be more vivid and consistent."

Zhu nodded, jotting down her words. "And in terms of probability, how accurate can divination be? Does it account for random, unpredictable events?"

"Divination isn't about absolute certainty," she explained. "It's about understanding likelihoods and potential outcomes. Yes, randomness exists, but patterns and trends also guide the future. A skilled Diviner learns to read these patterns."

Zhu scribbled in his notebook, then looked up with another question. "And what about the observer effect? Does knowing the future change it?"

"Very astute, Zhu," Madam Mouse replied. "Awareness of a possible future can indeed alter it. It's the paradox of Divination. By seeing the future, we weave a new thread into its tapestry."

Zhu nodded, his mind racing. "So, it's like quantum mechanics, where the act of observation affects the observed."

"I don't know what quantum mechanics is but you're catching on quickly," Madam Mouse said, her eyes twinkling behind her glasses.

Zhu looked intrigued. "How do external factors affect Divination? Can the environment or emotional state of the Diviner alter the readings?"

"Absolutely," she responded. "Environmental factors and the Diviner's state of mind can influence readings. It's why we strive for clarity and focus in our practice."

"Is there a scientific basis for Divination, or is it purely magical?" Zhu asked, his curiosity undimmed.

"The line between science and magic is often blurred," Madam Mouse said thoughtfully. "What you call science and what we call magic may simply be different understandings of the same universal principles."

Zhu, feeling playful, decided to throw in a lighter question. "So, have you ever predicted the winning lottery numbers?"

Madam Mouse laughed, a high-pitched, tinkling sound. "If I could do that, do you think I'd be running a shop in an alley?"

"Fair point," Zhu conceded with a grin. "But it was worth a try."

Faust, who had been quietly observing, added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "If Divination were that straightforward, we'd all be lounging on a beach sipping magical cocktails."

Zhu chuckled. "Speaking of which, can Divination predict a good cocktail recipe?"

"Only one way to find out," Madam Mouse said, winking. "But I suspect that's more alchemy than Divination."

Zhu's notebook was quickly filling up with notes. "One last question: Is the future set, or can it be changed?"

Madam Mouse smiled. "The future is a tapestry of countless threads. While some events seem destined, many outcomes can be influenced by our actions. The future is fluid, ever-changing based on choices and actions."

As they wrapped up their visit, Zhu thanked Madam Mouse for her patience and wisdom. "Thank you, Madam Mouse. This has been incredibly enlightening."

"My pleasure, Zhu. Remember, the future is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. But it's always worth trying to solve it."

With that, Zhu and Faust left the shop, Zhu's head buzzing with new ideas and concepts.

....

Faust and Zhu continued their journey, arriving at a park that seemed to be straight out of a fairy tale. The trees and bushes were made of gold, shimmering in the sunlight with a magical luster. Faust agilely climbed one of the golden trees and plucked a crystal egg from its branches.

"Catch," he called out, tossing the egg towards Zhu.

Zhu caught the egg, and as soon as his hands made contact, his surroundings blurred. In an instant, he and Faust were teleported to a massive stone tower. Inside, Zhu saw a magnificent pheasant gazing towards the sky. Suddenly, the bird transformed into a towering human figure.

The man enveloped Faust in a bear hug. "Faust, buddy! Where have you been?"

"Away from you to not die," Faust replied, managing to wriggle free from the embrace.

The man turned to Zhu, a broad smile on his face. "Hello there, I am the master of evocation, Phoenix."

Zhu nodded, noticing Faust catching his breath after the enthusiastic greeting.

"I have some questions about evocation," Zhu said.

"Oh yeah, I forgot Faust told me his student had some questions. Well, ask away, tiny one," Phoenix encouraged with a laugh.

Zhu cleared his throat. "My first question is, in evocation, how do you use the attacks considering the phenomenon occurs inside of the magic system's boundaries?"

Phoenix chuckled. "That's an easy one. We use the end products in the world. For example, if the system was made to create a fireball, the moment the fireball is made, the system has completed its task, but the product remains, so we just use it."

Zhu nodded, jotting down the answer in his notebook.

"Ok, next question. How do you determine where the attack lands?" Zhu asked, looking up from his notes.

"We don't," Phoenix replied. He explained further, "The product's direction is simple. You aim and fire, like with a bow and arrow. The precision and accuracy depend on the caster's skill and focus."

Zhu absorbed the information, his mind racing with the possibilities of evocation magic. Phoenix's explanations were clear and straightforward, demystifying the process of using evocative spells.

"How do you control the intensity of an evocation spell?" Zhu asked, his pen ready.

"Control comes from your focus and the amount of energy you channel," Phoenix explained. "Think of it like adjusting the flame on a gas stove. The more energy you channel, the more intense the spell."

Zhu nodded, writing down the analogy. "And what about the range? How far can an evocation spell reach?"

"That depends on your skill level and the nature of the spell," Phoenix responded. "As you grow stronger, you can extend the range. But remember, with increased range comes the need for greater control."

Zhu's questions continued. "Is there a risk of energy backlash with Evocation spells?"

"Yes, there is always a risk," Phoenix acknowledged. "If you lose control or channel more energy than you can handle, it can backfire. That's why training and practice are vital."

"How do you ensure that an evocation spell doesn't affect unintended targets?" Zhu asked, looking up from his notebook.

"Precision and awareness," Phoenix replied. "You must be acutely aware of your surroundings and have a clear intention of your target. It's not just about casting the spell; it's about guiding it."

"Can Evocation be used for defensive purposes, or is it solely offensive?" Zhu inquired, intrigued by the versatility of the magic.

"It's predominantly seen as offensive," Phoenix explained, "but it can be defensive too. For example, creating a wall of fire to block an enemy's path is a defensive use of Evocation."

Zhu's curiosity seemed endless. "How do you manipulate different elements? Is it like having different settings on a magical blender?"

"Something like that," Phoenix said, amused. "Each element has its unique nature. Fire is fierce and direct, while water is fluid and adaptable. You tune your magic to resonate with the element you're working with."

Zhu chuckled. "So, no chance of accidentally making a smoothie instead of a fireball?"

"Unless you're really terrible at this," Phoenix quipped, "in which case, stick to the kitchen."

.....

Zhu and Faust entered a grand hall of mirrors, the reflections creating an almost infinite loop of images. Faust, with a hint of impatience, produced a hammer from his cloak, but before he could take any action, a voice echoed through the hall, making Zhu jump.

"Ok, ok, no need to break my mirror," said the voice, as a humanoid chameleon appeared before them. The creature had green skin, a stout and robust body, and a face that radiated wisdom and age, complete with a long white beard. He wore round, oversized goggles and was dressed in a dark kimono.

"Faust, how many times do I have to tell you not to threaten my mirror?" the chameleon, Light, scolded.

"I don't care, I am not playing your hide and seek game for the next hour," Faust retorted, his annoyance clear.

"You youngsters don't know how to have fun," Light replied, shaking his head. He then turned to Zhu.

"You must be the new student. Mr. Hotshot over here told me you had some questions."

"Yes, Sir..." Zhu began, unsure how to address him.

"Master of Transmutation, Light," the chameleon introduced himself.

"Well, Sir, my first question would be how does Transmutation work since magic is bound to the system's boundaries," Zhu asked, eager to understand.

Light smiled, pleased with the question. "Transmutation is divided into two categories. Transmutation that happens inside the magic circle is 'Internal Transmutation', and transmutation that occurs using the environment as a medium is 'External Transmutation'. So, it's not that Transmutation needs to happen inside the magic circle; rather, it's a matter of need. Circles that use the environment can't create complex phenomena but are useful for offensive purposes. On the other hand, circles that use their own boundaries as a medium can create more complex phenomena but are not as offensive."

Zhu nodded, absorbing the information. "That makes sense. So, the choice of method depends on what you're trying to achieve."

"Exactly," Light affirmed. "Transmutation is about understanding the nature of matter and energy and using that knowledge to manipulate them. Each method has its uses, depending on the situation."

Zhu's mind raced with the possibilities of Transmutation magic.

"Master Light, how do you ensure stability in the objects you transmute? Is there a risk of them reverting back?" Zhu asked.

Light nodded thoughtfully. "Stability is key in Transmutation. We use binding runes to stabilize the new form. Without them, yes, there's a risk of reversion, especially under certain conditions like extreme heat or pressure."

Zhu jotted down notes. "And what about the conservation of mass? Does Transmutation adhere to this principle?"

"In a way, yes," Light answered. "The conservation of mass is a fundamental aspect. We can't create or destroy matter, only change its form. So, the mass of the transmuted object will remain constant, even if its appearance and properties change."

Zhu's curiosity was piqued. "How does the energy requirement for Transmutation work? Does changing something more complex require more energy?"

"Absolutely," Light confirmed. "The energy required is directly proportional to the complexity and scale of the Transmutation. Changing a stone into a flower is far less demanding than turning a boulder into gold."

"And how does one control the specificity of the transmutation? For instance, changing wood into stone versus oak into granite?" Zhu continued.

"That comes down to the precision of your runes and your understanding of the materials' inherent properties," Light explained. "You must be acutely aware of the attributes of both the initial and final materials."

Zhu nodded, his understanding growing. "Is there a limit to what can be transmuted?"

"There are always limitations," Light responded. "You can't create or destroy matter, only change its form. And some transformations are more complex than others. It's not like a cooking show where you can swap out ingredients willy-nilly."

Zhu laughed. "So, no turning rocks into pizzas, then?"

"I'm afraid not, unless you enjoy very crunchy pizzas. But who knows, with enough practice, you might get close," Light said.

....

Zhu's excitement was palpable as he and Faust approached their next destination. He was especially intrigued by the prospect of meeting the master of the Dark Arts, a field shrouded in mystery and controversy.

Their journey, however, took an unexpected turn when they arrived at an orphanage. Zhu's confusion only grew as Faust, without a word of explanation, took out a hammer and started smashing the wooden floor.

"Faust, what are you doing?" Zhu asked, bewildered by the sudden act of vandalism.

"This is the quickest way to meet that sleazy bastard," Faust muttered, creating a sizable hole in the floor.

"Let's jump."

"Wait, wait, wait," Zhu protested, but it was too late. Faust grabbed him, and they both plunged into the hole, twisting and turning through what felt like an endless void. They finally landed in a dark room where, to Zhu's utter shock, a baby was casually throwing ingredients into a cauldron.

"You know, appointments are a thing," the baby said in a voice so deep it seemed impossible it could come from such a small creature.

Faust shrugged and pushed Zhu towards the baby.

"Zhu, this is the master of the Dark Arts, Babytron."

"That's not my name," the baby corrected.

"Sir..." Zhu began, still trying to wrap his mind around the situation.

"Sir is fine," the baby replied.

"Ok, Sir, I have a few questions," Zhu said, steadying himself.

"Three," the baby interjected.

"Pardon?" Zhu asked, taken aback.

"You get three questions," the baby clarified.

Zhu swallowed nervously and glanced at Faust, who simply shrugged. Zhu then asked his first question, "What exactly are the Dark Arts?"

The baby sighed. "The Dark Arts is an umbrella term for magic involved in life and death itself. It includes a lot of things, but simply put, it's magic that others find gross and unethical, like blood magic."

Zhu nodded and quickly moved to his second question.

"Are there limits to the Dark Arts?"

"Yes, like everything, the Dark Arts come at a cost. For example, if you use debuff magic, you can say goodbye to ever being able to taste anything. Debuff magic involves the use of one's life force, and that leakage causes side effects. Theoretically there shouldn't be a limit but there is a limit to the price a caster is willing to pay."

Zhu's pen flew across his notebook as he asked his final question. "Is there magic to bring back the dead?"

The baby frowned. "Yes, but only in making corpses into puppets."

"No, like truly bringing someone back to life," Zhu clarified.

The baby glanced at Faust and then answered, "Yes, but that's the realm of higher-dimensional beings."

"What does that mean?" Zhu inquired, eager for more information.

"Questions are up," the baby said firmly and snapped his fingers. In an instant, Zhu and Faust were back outside the orphanage.

Zhu sighed, closing his notebook. Faust looked at him and offered, "Don't worry, if you have more questions, I'll answer them."

Zhu managed a smile, grateful for Faust's support. But their moment of calm was shattered by a thunderous roar from the sky. They looked up, just in time to see the orphanage explode in a fiery blaze, and a primal fear gripped Zhu as he beheld the creature responsible - a dragon, majestic and terrifying, soaring above them.

The sudden attack by the dragon plunged the area into chaos. Zhu, wide-eyed and alarmed, turned to Faust. "Faust, why is a dragon attacking us?" he shouted over the roar of flames and crumbling buildings.

Faust, his expression grim, stepped forward. "I don't know," he admitted, raising his hands. The ground before them shifted and morphed, transmuting into a solid wall to shield them. But their respite was short-lived; the dragon unleashed a torrent of fire upon them, its breath a searing inferno.

"Zhu, find somewhere to hide in the city," Faust commanded, his voice tense.

"I can't," Zhu replied, panic rising in his voice. Faust was about to question him when he saw it – a barrier surrounding them, effectively trapping them inside with the enraged dragon.

Clicking his tongue in frustration, Faust grabbed Zhu and took to the air, narrowly avoiding the dragon as it rammed through the transmuted wall. The dragon turned mid-flight and fired another blast of fiery breath. Faust, in a protective move, threw Zhu back and conjured a powerful beam of ice and snow, colliding with the dragon's fire in a spectacular clash of elements.

Faust growled under his breath. He had the power to defeat the dragon, but Zhu's presence complicated matters. Any reckless move could endanger them both.

"Faust, I have a plan!" Zhu yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Faust, despite his skepticism, amplified the power of his ice beam to hold the dragon at bay. "Tell me, what's the plan?" he asked telepathically, keeping his focus on the dragon.

Zhu quickly outlined his idea, and as he did, Faust's eyes widened in surprise. "That could work," he acknowledged, the hint of a plan forming in his mind.

As the dragon regained its composure, Faust quickly clapped his hands, summoning a flurry of his own clones through conjuration magic. The clones, identical copies of Faust, darted towards the dragon in a coordinated assault.

The dragon, however, was not easily defeated. It unleashed a powerful Dragon Fear magic, immobilizing all of Faust's clones with a terrifying roar that echoed through the air. Then, with a fiery breath, it incinerated the clones one by one, turning them into mere wisps of smoke.

"Zhu, are you done?" Faust shouted, his frustration evident. He was buying time for Zhu, but they couldn't keep this up forever.

At that moment, the dragon turned to see Zhu charging towards it with a spear in hand. Meanwhile, Faust was creating a complex magic circle in the air, drawing the dragon's attention. The beast prepared to unleash another attack on Faust.

But then, something unexpected happened. The dragon felt a sudden numbness in its body. Looking down, it saw Zhu's spear had blown a hole through its neck. The mighty creature stumbled, its strength fading rapidly.

As the dragon collapsed, the figure it thought was Zhu shimmered and transformed, revealing itself to be Faust. According to Zhu's plan, Faudt had cast an illusion spell on Zhu, making him appear as Faust, while he disguised himself as Zhu. This trickery had caused the dragon to lower its guard, focusing on the wrong target and allowing Faust, in the guise of Zhu, to deliver the fatal blow.

....

[ Midnight - Faust's Home ]

As night enveloped the city, Faust and Zhu found themselves in the relative calm of their abode. Faust, looking somewhat worn from the day's events, produced a bottle of whisky and poured himself a shot. He recounted the day's aftermath to Zhu.

"After we defeated the dragon, the Bureau of Security grilled us for hours," Faust explained, taking a sip from his glass. "But they let us go when night fell. Too late to visit the masters of Abjuration and Conjuration, so we came back."

He sighed deeply, the events of the day catching up to him. "Today was quite the day," he muttered. "Now, mind telling me why you released a goddamn dragon into the city?"

As if on cue, the shadows in the room shifted, parting to reveal the devil himself. "I just felt like it," he said nonchalantly.

Faust felt a vein pop in his forehead. "What's your plan in all of this?" he demanded.

"Awe, you know me so well," the devil replied, a sly smile on his face. "Simply really, I'm awakening Zhu's potential."

"What?" Faust asked, his confusion evident.

The devil leaned back, his demeanor casual yet commanding. "Tell me, Faust, what makes a human's potential so great?"

"Their Imagination," Faust answered reluctantly.

"Exactly," the devil said. "Humans have a gift from God – imagination. Imagination born from their minds, which allows them to innovate, to create a future they desire. When faced with challenges, they imagine solutions and work towards making them real."

Faust listened, his curiosity piqued despite his apprehension.

"And what does that have to do with Zhu?" he pressed.

"Everything, my dear Faust," the devil continued. "Do you know why I chose to respond to Zhu's call? He's special. Zhu will create a new school of magic."

Faust's disbelief was palpable. "You're joking. That's impossible. No one has been able to create a new school of magic ever since Solomon."

The devil snapped his fingers, and reality seemed to peel back, revealing Zhu surrounded by hundreds of books, his mind clearly buzzing with ideas.

"It has started," the devil said.

"What has?" Faust asked, a mix of awe and disbelief in his voice.

"Zhu has begun creating his own school of magic," the devil revealed.

Faust felt a chill run down his spine. The idea was unprecedented, unthinkable. Yet, there Zhu was, immersed in his thoughts and writings.

"The dragon's attack awakened something in Zhu. A profound helplessness that spurred his imagination into overdrive. He is a boy born in the era of technology and now he is conceiving a fusion of technology and magic. Zhu will create the School of Creation and become the first Artificer."

Faust took a step back, absorbing the gravity of the devil's words. Then, a grin spread across his face, one that hadn't appeared in a century. His own ambitions, dreams, and curiosity, reignited by the potential he saw in Zhu.

"Look at you," the devil remarked, "Excited for the first time in ages. Faust, train the boy. Refine the diamond that is Zhu and make him shine."

Faust's grin widened. The prospect of guiding Zhu, of being part of something groundbreaking, ignited a fire within him. He looked at Zhu, who was still lost in his world of books and ideas, and felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was a journey they would undertake together, a journey into uncharted realms of magic and possibility.