The Little Wizard’s Guide

Lucian never expected that one day he'd be summoned to Greybone Academy's patrol office to retrieve a student.

"Lucian Kevin?" The guard at the small outpost scrutinized him from behind a desk.

"That's me." Lucian kept his tone as calm as possible.

"Your student, Carrie Meyer, violated academy rules by engaging in an unauthorized brawl with another new blood last night…" The guard glanced at his files and then at Lucian. "During the probationary period, mentors are accountable for any transgressions by their students, including fines."

"I understand. I'll pay the fine." Lucian took a deep breath. Hearing "brawl," he was more worried about Carrie's safety than the fine itself.

The guard tapped his fingers on the desk. "Half a magic stone."

…

Back in Lucian's laboratory, Carrie sat with her head hung low, glancing up nervously at him, knowing she'd gotten herself into trouble this time.

"Are you hurt?" Lucian asked.

"N-no…" Carrie mumbled, hurriedly trying to hide her bruised fists, her face reddening at the little lie.

Lucian took a quick look at his system panel.

[Health Status]: 98.79% (Minor strain on left hand, 0.87%; slight skin abrasion on right hand, 0.34%)

"Alright then, let's get back to class," he said, giving her an odd look but moving on. He'd seen enough to know she hadn't come out of it worse off.

"Wha—?" Carrie was stunned. She hadn't expected her mentor to let it slide so easily. After all, her little scuffle had just cost him half a precious magic stone!

"Did you expect me to congratulate you for not losing?" Lucian shot her an exasperated look, reaching out to give her a gentle flick on the forehead.

Carrie winced a little, but as Lucian turned away, she sighed with relief. She couldn't help but stick her tongue out at him when he wasn't looking.

[Your student Carrie feels admiration for you. +2 Reverence Points]

Just as she tried to pull her tongue back, however, she felt an invisible force tugging at it, holding it out against her will.

"Mmph…mm!" Carrie's eyes went wide as she frantically tried to retract her tongue, but it wouldn't budge.

Snap!

Lucian snapped his fingers, and Carrie finally managed to pull her tongue back, clamping her hands over her mouth, a bit shaken.

"Wizardry is rooted in mental power, one of the effects of which is heightened perception. So don't expect to play any sneaky tricks in front of a wizard." Lucian's expression softened as he offered this little bit of advice.

"I understand," Carrie mumbled through her hands, still a little embarrassed.

"Alright, let's get to it," Lucian said, signalling the end of their little pre-class interaction.

They resumed their studies. With the system's teaching prompts helping him find breakthrough points for Carrie, and her serious attitude, their pace exceeded his expectations.

"Alright, take a break. Once we wrap up the last section, let's grab some food." Lucian gulped down the last of his water.

Seeing this, Carrie quickly took his cup, ready to refill it. Her attention, however, was drawn to a floating quill busily scribbling in an open book nearby. "Mentor Lucian, what's that?" she asked curiously.

"Oh, that's just a little something I'm preparing for your later studies," Lucian replied offhandedly. One of the best things about magic, he thought, was how easily he could organize teaching materials with just a flick of thought, far more convenient than the tedious writing and printing of his old world.

"A… study guide?" Carrie looked at the thick stack of pages, clearly intrigued.

"Yes, it's a compilation of foundational wizardry concepts I've put together. I'm calling it The Little Wizard's Guide." Lucian chuckled.

"Little… Wizard's Guide?" Carrie repeated, not fully understanding but feeling it must be something impressive.

[Your student Carrie feels admiration for you. +1 Reverence Point]

"Don't worry about it for now. When you're ready, it'll make sense," Lucian said, smiling with a knowing look only someone familiar with relentless exams would understand.

"Oh." Carrie stole another glance at the quill and the thick stack of notes but quickly turned back to her studies.

…

Meanwhile, Yellen stepped out of the patrol's detention building, rubbing his still-swollen face. Waiting outside, his mentor Norian fixed him with a cold, appraising stare.

"M-Mentor…" Yellen stammered, his voice slurring slightly from the lingering bruises.

"You cost me extra in magic stones," Norian said, his voice devoid of warmth. "According to the principle of equivalent exchange, you'll be responsible for making up this loss."

Yellen flinched, knowing exactly what this meant. Last time he'd paid with his left hand—what would it be this time? Dread and resentment churned in his gut as he bowed submissively. "Understood, Mentor. Thank you."

"Hm." Norian gave a nod before turning and walking away.

Once back in his quarters, Yellen slammed his right fist against the wall, face twisted in fury.

"Damn her! Damn that lunatic Carrie!" Yellen's voice trembled with anger. He couldn't risk defying Norian, but he could blame Carrie.

But he consoled himself. "Well, she probably got worse punishment than I did," he muttered. Lucian had a reputation for being desperate enough to sell his prized tools for treatment. Surely, he wouldn't spare Carrie from punishment after she cost him even more.

"When Lucian dies, I'll be there to see just how long that madness of yours lasts."