"You know that the Formations at the top of the library, are the hardest of them all, right? Moreover, no one can take the notes, even on the third floor", I said. "Hence I'm asking you, since your grandpa has some privileges after all. I'm not greedy, I only want one Formation, and it's the wind based one", he replied.
"Since you had the balls to meet and ask such questions, I'll get you that Formation. In exchange, you will tell me some stuff now. I don't think you have much of a choice, and my choices are limited as well", I agreed. "I'll agree with that, but keep some information away. Just in case. Anyway, what would you like to know?", he asked.
"Once you have this Formation, and leave the Academy, where will you go? Or rather, what's your plan then?", "I plan to open my own 'Academy'... Heh, you aren't laughing?", he said, a bit surprised at my reaction. "There's nothing to laugh about. I'm sure you could teach people something. That's all?", "Hehe, no. I'm saying Academy, but it's nothing in comparison. I'll relocate far away from here, and gather my own students to teach them the real ways of Formations. The old ways, not this bullshit taught here at the Academy", he explained.
I wasn't sure what he meant by the 'old ways', therefore asked for clarification. "The old ways refer to the way how Formation masters became masters. People used to travel a lot, test their skills out there in the world. They honed their Runes and Formations on real situations. They didn't use only one area, but all areas of Formations. Water specialisation? What stupid notion is that? Real masters don't choose specialisations, they are comfortable with them all".
His reply was really passionate, but more importantly, correct. Only idiots constricted themselves to one Element, my aunt and Suly could easily create any. They had their own preferences, and tried to find out more in that direction, but their skills in other areas weren't lacking. Peet was correct to think that, and his idea was commendable.
"I'm not that great in all areas, wind and earth are my most advanced. I know some basic fire and water Formations, as well as the auxiliary ones. Of course, I can't know everything, not with these people around, not with this much time. That doesn't mean I'm not prepared. I've been copying and storing a lot of Formations from the first, and second floor of the library. Since we can't note stuff on the third floor, I could only memorize them and draw from memory. Nonetheless, I'm confident in my own 'library'. I can certainly teach others", he added.
"I have to say, that's really smart of you. Yes, only idiots would hold on to one area", "... You learned the old ways, didn't you. That's why your Formations are so good. Your Runes alone are much better than ours, no wonder you don't want to study at the Academy, even though your grandpa is the headmaster", he replied.
"Hehe, you could say that. I'm not going to study here, only checking out some Formations. I like your plan, and I'll help you a bit more than we agreed upon". My words came as a surprise to him, but a welcomed surprise. "I'd appreciate that. Maybe you could help me leave the city as well…. I'll need a good disguise, and the rest shouldn't be a problem. Maybe your grandpa can help out here. He's really good with auxiliary Formations, at least from what I heard", he said.
"Sure, I'll do something about your disguise. Now, what else can you tell me?", I asked. Peet decided to share some more stuff with me about the Imperials, the teachers and the First Class in overall. The Imperials and the prominent families, had their hand on pretty much all the cities. They controlled highly positioned pawns, and in turn the perception of the population.
No one appreciated slander or even critique about them. People could lose status, wealth or even their lives. The teachers of the Academy controlled most of the affairs. Of course my grandpa had little to say, even though he could give me a top student feather. The teachers were specially selected, and Peet told me who they were. The best idea was to avoid them, kind of 'live and let live' approach.
He also told me to watch out when speaking to First and Second Class students. Under no circumstances this conversation was allowed to be revealed. Peet stressed that out, since he'd lose his life most probably. He told me that not because I'd speak with someone, but rather to watch for my words around others. He also warned me not to give them too much information about myself. I wasn't doing too badly in that department, and he approached.
"Thanks, you told me a lot, but there's something else you haven't mentioned. Don't worry, I understand. Once you have the Formation, you'll tell me the rest. I'm not sure how long this will take, could be a week, could be a month", I said.
"Take your time, we don't need to rush. Once you have it, slip a note into my pocket or give me a gesture of some sort. We'll meet here, at around the same time. I'll also try to find out more about your circumstances. I'm baffled as to why they'd monitor you like that", he replied before we bid each other farewell.
That meeting was an eye opener for sure. Peet provided me with a lot of news, but the most worrying were the spies. "What do you think, Curly? He seemed truthful to me", "Arr… Arf..", she agreed to a certain extent. "I'll have to rely on you for now. Be on the lookout, but don't make it obvious. Just note the people who are staring at or following us. Can you handle that?", "Arf!", she agreed.
More news awaited me upon our return to the tower. Dawn returned from a small trip, and presented a proof to Peet's words. "Someone's following us", she stated. "Yea, it's true after all. Did you try to deal with them?", "No, we don't know who these people really are. I'm sure there are some students mixed in that bunch, but who knows what they're up to… You knew somehow", she replied.
"I've had a chat with Peet. He warned me about the First Class students, and a few other things. Before you ask, there's a price for the information. I need to get a hold of a Formation from the top floor of the library. I'm not sure how advanced the Formation is, but it can't be anything rubbish. Memorizing it will take me a while… Probably", I explained.
"That's a price indeed. You wouldn't do it for that alone, am I right?", "True, he knows something else. He will try to find out more as to why we're being followed. Though he is a First Class student himself, me and Curly believe he told the truth. Anyway, grab Tara and Teri, I'll explain everything", I replied.
With all my friends present, me and Dawn shared everything with them. They were surprised, and didn't even notice someone following them. They simply enjoyed themselves out there. Of course no one could blame them, they should be able to enjoy themselves. We had to act oblivious to the information, especially Tara. She could spout something stupid, and create trouble. Of course not telling her would be bad as well. We were friends, and she was involved.
"Anyway, I'll visit the library tomorrow. You guys just enjoy yourselves, you too Dawn. Here, this is for you guys, and this is for you Dawn. Spend some time in the city, laze around, do whatever. Don't mind these people, and surely don't let them know anything. Once the Formation is ready, I'll get more stuff from Peet. If not, I'll have to ask my grandpa", I said before we went to sleep.