With my chat with Winston marked off the list, I was able to take some time and focus on the things I wanted to do in excesses. Namely, train Peter and experiment with magic.
Fortunately- or not, I awoke and gathered the party in front of Olga's class for our final lecture before the practical lessons began. Which was the lecture I've been looking forward to the most.
"Dragons!" Olga sneered nefariously, causing an immediate wave of journals and notepads to flutter open. "True Dragons are a species unlike any other. Found in every realm, save the Inner Reaches. They are often regarded as highly as other species. Sphinxes, Phoenixes, Nemean Lions, The Cerberus, Hydra, Kraken, the Abyssal Leviathan, Chimeras, and more. But dragons simultaneously exist within a realm of their own.
"Dragons were birthed before all other creatures." She declared. "Spawned from two entities who, in turn, were spawned from the Nonusian Tree of Life. Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon gave rise to the Metallic Dragons. While the Chromatic Queen Tiamat birthed the Chromatic Dragons. No matter the type, dragons are considered the most powerful and intelligent creatures in existence.
"The reason is because of two unique traits that all dragons share. First." She whipped her pointer to a chart filled with a range of years and names. "Dragons have what's called, Genetic Memory Inheritance. They are born with the knowledge of their ancestors, to what extent, only they know. Second, dragons are one of the few creatures to grow stronger as they age. "No matter the color, they go through twelve growth cycles." She ran her pointer down the length of the chart. "Ranging from the Wyrmlings between hatching and five years old to the Great Wyrms who've lived for over a thousand years."
I did as many others did during her short pause and committed the chart to memory. Albeit by taking a quick glance to capture it in my Eternal Eye rather than manipulate ink into numbers and words. After focusing on it, however, I couldn't help but alter the redundant stages like 'very young' and spent a few milliseconds condensing the chart into just six. Wyrmlings were the same, but I considered a Juvenile dragon to be between six and fifty years of age. Then they'd become an Adult and remain so until they were 500 years. Making them Ancient until they reached Big Wyrm status at a thousand years.
"Metallic Dragons are far less nefarious than their counterparts." Olga continued once everyone was done. "Since ancient times, Metallic Dragons have been said to coexist with the other races. Though they can be as wrathful and fearsome as any dragon if provoked, they're generally considered altruistic and benevolent creatures. Some are simply curious about human activities and seek information while others even go to the extent of protecting our societies or working alongside us.
"As their namesake suggests, their scales strongly resemble various metals. The first, and least-renowned of them are Steel Dragons. Few have ever been documented, but some tales suggest that they live as humans in some societies. Polymorphed to appear as us so they can spend time among our kind and learn of our ways.
"The second and most infamous of the Metallics is the Iron Dragon," Olga smirked and gave us one of her trademark winks. "They are the only dragon of the type to follow their predatory nature without restraint. As such, they have no interest in coexisting with other races. They seek to devour or dominate them. Nothing more. Which should serve as a reminder to you all. Living creatures are more than mere appearances. All metallic dragons aren't good. Nor or all orcs, goblins, fiends, or devils evil.
"Anyway." She sighed. "Mercury Dragons are among the uncommon metallics as well. The ones that have been found have been reported to be tricksters. Often to such a degree to consider them mentally imbalanced. If well-natured. But they are the last of the uncommon kind. The first of those commonly found across the world are Brass Dragons. Renowned for being long-winded in conversation. An act they consider art, and one they love dearly.
"Most of the aforementioned dragons have some form of a poison breath attack. But the Iron and Copper Dragons both wield a potent acid breath to subdue their foes with. The difference was, Copper Dragons were one of the friendliest among their kind. In a way, they had a childlike quality about them- Having a flair for pranks, jokes, and riddles whenever they happen to leave their mountain lairs. So much so that the teasing of a Copper Dragon will continue throughout an en engagement. And persist long after.
"Of all the Metallics, Bronze Dragons were the fiercest," Olga said. "That extended to both their visage and their prowess in battle. They're the draconic champions. Fighting alongside humans as gladiators and warriors alike and dominating the battlefield with their lightning breath.
"The last and most powerful of the type are Gold Dragons. Majestic, fire-breathing creatures that are as wise as they are reclusive. Few, if any, have ever been recorded in the last a thousand years. And while there are rumors of other benevolent dragons existing, no records from the explored realms gave any proof of their existence since the opening of the portals.
"But that isn't the case for the Chromatic Dragons," she said. "Akin to the name, they have scales of varying hues that are assumed to represent the element they generate within their bodies. Generally, they're considered vain, arrogant, greedy creatures. Uncaring of who or what they destroy to see their plans to fruition. Actions that deem them evil by many. But we of the Bodhi Tree turn our backs to such avenues of thinking."
'A philosophy I can agree with.' I nodded to myself.
"Follow the same method as before, we first have Yellow Dragons. Which are said to be so rare and reclusive that their existence is up for debate. Next in line are Gray, or Fang Dragons. Known to be immensely powerful in physical combat but poor at flying and magic, save its acid breath. Following Grays are Purple, or Deep Dragons. Reported to roam in the Dark World in drow societies and use a breath attack that damages the mind. And lastly, we have Brown Dragons. Wingless Wyrms that live in lairs far below deserts. Where they wait to ambush their prey from below."
'Like the one in Epethia?' I immediately wondered. But also doubted.
"White Dragons, or Glacial Wyrms, live in the ice regions near and beyond the White Wall or within Extreme Mana Zones attributed to ice. They're the smallest and weakest of all Chromatic Dragons but still immensely more powerful than any of us." She chuckled dryly. "And like a goblin, its size is made up for by its ferocity. They're unrelenting- almost feral when threatened, aiming to encapsulate their prey with their frost breath.
"Green Dragons come next." She declared. "They're territorial and cunning creatures who prefer manipulation and blackmail over meeting their opponent in battle. And when they are forced to fight, they are known to wade through their swamps to ambush their prey with a cloud of poison gas.
"Blue Dragons follow. And are known for their use of hallucinations, their mastery of aerial combat, and their devastating electric breath- a pillar of lightning that boasts the longest range of any type of dragon. With that ability, they stalk the deserts and arid lands they call home in search of those they consider lesser. All for the sake of oppressing them and forcing them into following along with their schemes.
"Black dragons, or skull dragons, are infamous for their swimming speed, their swept forward horns, and their overbearingly cruel methods. They're commonly referred to as the Embodiment of Hatred. Known to be cruel even to their offspring and attack anything that intrudes their swamps with their corrosive breath and let it sit in the waters to ferment and sour before aiming to digest the remains.
"Lastly, we have what everyone thinks of when they hear the word 'Dragon.' Red Dragons." She declared. "They are among the most powerful of all dragons. Matched only by the majestic Gold. Reds are known for their avarice above all else. But their greed is equally measured by their intellect and cunning. They are undoubtedly the most dangerous of them all, so it goes without saying. If you ever happen to encounter a Red Dragon- no matter the age, do one thing and one thing only.
"Surrender." She declared. Much to everyone's surprise. "Running will only make it give chase. And if you've slighted it, it will chase you to Egedil if necessary. You can only hope that it allows you to live in exchange for your services. Or." Olga drearily sighed. "You can try to fight it, and hope you die mercifully."
'Yeah, whatever.' I snorted.
"While the Nonusian Tree of Life's branches reaches far beyond the scope of dragons, it would take years for us to go over the virtually endless number of creatures. So we'll close this course of study with a short review of the Lesser Dragons." Olga explained with a smile. "These are creatures evolved from dragonkin. Either by ritual or natural evolution. The most famous example would be the Dragonborne." She gestured to a growling Urshure. "But other examples include Wyverns, Drakes, Dragon Turtles, and various types of Wyrms.
"For any of you interested in these creatures, you'll find your textbooks updated with descriptions of those just named, including dragons. And with that." She took a short bow. "You're dismissed for lunch. See you soon.
***
Lunch wound up being unremarkable. I ate with the team and made a quick venture to a far-off corner of the courtyard after smoking to find Urshure sitting on a bench. Staring through a small gap in the canopy that gave views of the mountain range sitting to the far north.
Deciding against dragon or dream talk, I decided to be straight with him and asked him about his abilities. And while he was willing to oblige, his vague answers didn't tell me anything new. He could fly, could breathe fire, and claimed to be stronger than a goliath.
That said, he also sort of vowed to one day become a warlock and be granted higher magic through Tiamat's grace. Albeit in a far, far more convoluted way that didn't even mention the Chromatic Queen by name. But I was able to read at least that much.
With that done, I smoke a quick one before returning to Olga's class to begin this quarter's focus. Botany and Horticulture.
The task for today was to venture out into the wilds and make a few more terrariums. This time using the lessons learned from last time and Olga's guidance to make some that'll last a lifetime.
Then, we went inside for the arduous task of documenting the flora and fauna found within and pointing out their environmental roles for points.
In the end, I netted a solid fifteen points. Bringing me back up to a solid 40 point balance after emptying my reserves to help rent a training room for the year.
A room I only used once.
But at least Peter and Slate were using it. Which was what truly mattered.
Speaking of, he cut through the group to approach me after we were dismissed to excitedly ask if I could keep training him.
"Sure." I shrugged in agreement before looking around at the mix of envious, curious, and mute faces surrounding us. And without thinking, I shrugged again. "The rest of you can come too if you want."