The morning following the completion of the Mana Fountain, Roderick, Elara, and Thane gathered in the academy's library. They were eager to explore other potential purchases within the Magical Academy System interface that could help them further enhance the academy and its students.
As they discussed the possibilities, Roderick mentioned a personal enhancement skill he had discovered called the Scout's Eye. "At its first level, it allows me to discern an individual's talent for the magical arts," he explained. "I think it could be useful for scouting talented individuals who may not yet have been recognized."
Elara's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That's a brilliant idea! There could be so many young people out there with untapped potential, just waiting for the right guidance."
Thane nodded in agreement, his excitement growing. "And if we can find and train these talents, it will only strengthen the academy's reputation and influence."
With their consensus, Roderick purchased the Scout's Eye skill, and a notification appeared in his interface.
[Scout's Eye Level 1 acquired. You can now discern the innate magical talent of individuals.]
Feeling a tingling sensation in his eyes, Roderick blinked and looked around, eager to test out his new skill. He turned to a student passing by in the hallway outside the library and focused on them. Almost immediately, he could sense their magical potential, an invisible aura surrounding them like a soft, glowing light.
"This is incredible," Roderick murmured, awed by his newfound ability.
"Now that you have this skill," Thane said, rubbing his hands together, "we should start searching for talented people in the surrounding area."
Roderick nodded in agreement, "Any ideas where to start?"
Elara answered Roderick, "Why not start with the nearby orphanage? They are the ones most in need of help anyway, and usually, they barely learn to read before testing out for magical talent, setting their starting point way behind their peers. Imagine what they could do with a proper education?"
She smiled gently, an action Roderick found thoroughly enchanting. "Great idea, and it`s also gonna be great for our reputation, `local charitable academy tutors orphans free of charge.`" Roderick finished with a smile of his own.
The group broke up after a little more planning and a decision to set up in the morning for the closest orphanage.
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Roderick had been fascinated by magic for as long as he could remember, even going as far as his childhood in both his past lives. But as Alex grew up in a mundane world he eventually had to give up on childlike fantasies.
However, ever since he had been reborn into the body of Roderick, a well know mage, he had felt a deep yearning to explore the mysterious and powerful world of the arcane, just like the man he was now posing as did.
Also, he felt embarrassed at being the dean of a magical academy and also the most ignorant about all magical affairs.
That evening, after fulfilling the day's duties, Roderick found himself alone in his office, the golden glow of the setting sun casting long, dramatic shadows across the floor. The atmosphere was ripe for exploration and discovery.
His gaze fell upon the thick tomes lining the shelves, each one brimming with ancient knowledge and arcane secrets. Feeling a sense of boldness in his newfound solitude, Roderick decided to take the plunge and try his hand at magic.
He carefully chose a simple spell from one of the books—a basic incantation that would conjure a small flame. Roderick studied the instructions meticulously, ensuring he comprehended every word and gesture necessary for the spell's success.
Curiously, this world hadn't yet experienced positivism and the rigors of modern science. Instead, the instructions in the book provided only approximate directions for gestures and chants, with no explanation of the underlying principles behind the spell.
Taking mental notes for future investigation, Roderick returned to the task at hand.
Inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes and focused on the mental image of a flickering flame, envisioning its warmth and light dancing before him.
With deliberate precision, he slowly raised his right hand and traced the prescribed pattern in the air, whispering the incantation under his breath. He felt a subtle sensation building up in his fingertips as if an unseen energy was coalescing around him.
His heart pounded like war drums, echoing the excitement of a long-buried desire, dormant for 30 years, finally resurfacing.
But as he reached the climax of the spell, the energy dissipated into nothingness, leaving Roderick with an empty feeling of frustration. He sighed, clenching his fists, his earlier excitement replaced with bitter disappointment.
Roderick refused to give up, however. He took another deep breath, steadying himself, and tried again. He repeated the spell, focusing all his concentration on the intricate gestures and the vivid image of the flame in his mind. But once again, as he finished the incantation, nothing happened.
His heart sank, and he slumped back into his chair, staring at his hand as if it had betrayed him. He couldn't understand why he couldn't perform even the simplest of spells. A creeping sense of inadequacy washed over him, making him question his worth.
Determined not to give in to despair, Roderick decided to try one last time. He stood up, took a deep breath, and began the incantation anew.
He poured every ounce of his willpower into the spell, feeling beads of sweat forming on his brow as he repeated the hand gestures in the air.
As he completed the incantation, he opened his eyes, half-expecting to finally see a tiny flame flickering above his outstretched palm. But once again, there was nothing. His heart ached with disappointment, and he collapsed back into his chair, the weight of his failure pressing down on him.
Roderick stared out of the window, watching as twilight settled over the academy grounds. He couldn't help but wonder if he would ever be able to harness the arcane arts that he so desperately yearned to master. He felt like an outsider in his own domain, longing to be a part of a world that seemed forever out of reach.
As the darkness deepened, Roderick made a silent vow to himself. He would seek help, and ask Elara to guide him in the ways of magic. It was a humbling decision, but he knew that without her assistance, he might never unlock the potential that lay dormant within him.
With renewed determination, Roderick closed the book and returned it to its place on the shelf. Tomorrow, he would ask Elara for her help, and together, they would embark on a journey to discover the true depths of his magical abilities.
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As dawn broke and a new day unfurled, ripe with the potential for countless adventures, the trio assembled at the entrance of the academy, prepared to embark on the lengthy trek to the nearby settlement.
The majestic entrance of the academy stood tall and proud, flanked by intricate stone pillars adorned with delicate carvings of mythical creatures and symbols. The morning light cast a warm, golden hue on the magnificent archway, imbuing it with an aura of enchantment and wonder.
Roderick hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage and turned to Elara. "Elara, I've been attempting to practice my magic in private, but I haven't had any success. Would you be willing to tutor me?"
Elara's face lit up at the request, her eyes sparkling with excitement and pride. "Of course, I'd be honored to help you, Roderick."
Thane chuckled, giving Roderick a friendly pat on the shoulder. "So, our mighty Dean needs a little magical refresher, huh? Don't worry, Roderick, just finally admit I`m the better mage and I`ll bring you back to tip-top shape." He laughed.
Elara, however, was quick to come to Roderick's defense. "Now now, Thane, we all have areas we need to improve in," she chided gently, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Besides, it's not every day that you get to teach the Dean of the academy. It's quite the privilege!"
The atmosphere between the trio lightened, and they shared a good-natured laugh before setting off on their journey, with a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose.
Roderick grinned, relieved. "Thank you, Elara. I promise to be a good student and to even bring an apple to the teacher."
Elara giggled and jokingly put up a tough face. "You better! unless you want to spend the first day in detention, young man." The trio kept joking as they ventured to the nearby town of Ventispils, traveling through the lush forest that surrounded the academy.
The academy itself was situated on a plateau, with a serene lake to its north, providing a stunning view of the landscape. As they walked, they marveled at the towering trees, their leaves creating a dappled canopy that filtered the sunlight, casting a soothing green glow on the forest floor.
The path they followed led them downhill and meandered alongside a babbling brook, its waters glistening as they tumbled over smooth stones. The air was fresh and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and damp earth. The tranquility of the forest was only interrupted by the occasional calls of birds and the rustling of small creatures in the underbrush.
Eventually, the forest gave way to the outskirts of the town of Ventispils. Modest, well-kept houses lined the cobblestone streets, their windows adorned with colorful flower boxes. The townspeople greeted the trio with friendly smiles and waves, a testament to the close-knit community that thrived here.
As they reached the orphanage, they were struck by the simplicity and warmth of the building. The modest, two-story structure was constructed of red brick, with a well-tended garden in the front yard. Ivy climbed the walls, adding a touch of charm to the building. The orphanage seemed to be a beacon of hope and love in the midst of the town.
As they entered the orphanage, they were greeted by the matron, a kindly woman in her late fifties with a warm smile. Her silver hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and her eyes, framed by delicate wrinkles, exuded a sense of gentle wisdom.
"Welcome to our humble home," she said, her voice soft and nurturing. "I'm Matron Lydia. How can I help you today?"
Roderick stepped forward, his voice gentle but determined. "Hello, Matron Lydia. We're from the Argentum Magical Academy, and we'd like to test the children here for magical potential. We believe there may be undiscovered talent among them."
The matron's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and gratitude shining in them. "Oh, my! This is an unexpected opportunity for our children. Please, feel free to test them. I can gather them all in the common room."
As the matron led them through the orphanage, the trio observed the warm, inviting atmosphere of the building.
The walls were adorned with colorful, hand-painted murals depicting scenes of nature, animals, and what looked like self-portraits and handprints. The wooden floors were polished and well-maintained, with woven rugs adding a touch of coziness to the space.
The common room, where the children would soon gather, was a large, open space filled with soft, comfortable seating and low tables.
Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with an assortment of books, from fairy tales to educational texts. The room's large windows let in an abundance of natural light, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene.
Roderick had to admit he had severely underestimated this world`s orphanages.
"Are all orphanages like this or is this a special exception?" He sneakily asked Elara.
Sadly, she gently shook her head but didn`t explain any further.
As the matron hurried off to gather the children, they began to file into the common room, their faces bright with curiosity. There were about twenty children in total, ranging in age from four to twelve years old. Their attire was simple but well-cared-for and their faces bore a mix of excitement and apprehension at the prospect of being tested for magical potential.
Roderick studied the children as they entered, noting the diverse array of features and expressions. There was a tall, lanky boy with freckles and unruly red hair, a shy girl with dark curls and large, almond-shaped eyes, and a pair of twins with sun-kissed skin and matching dimples. It was clear that the orphanage was a melting pot of backgrounds and personalities.
Once the children had gathered, Roderick put his new Scout's Eye skill to work. One by one, he examined each child, noting their magical potential with a soft glow around them. Some shone with a faint light, while others' auras were brighter, indicating a stronger affinity for magic.
As he moved through the group, he noticed a girl, no more than ten years old, whose aura was almost blinding. Roderick approached her, careful not to let his surprise show on his face.
"Hello there," he said gently, kneeling down to meet her gaze. "What's your name?"
The girl looked up at him, her eyes wide and curious. "I'm Amelia," she answered with a childish lisp, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Amelia," Roderick repeated, smiling warmly. "That's a lovely name. Would you like to learn about magic?"
Amelia's eyes widened even further, and she nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes, yes! I've always been super-duper fascinated by magic. But I never, ever thought I'd have a chance to learn."
Roderick glanced at Elara and Thane, who were watching the scene unfold with interest.
"Well, Amelia," Roderick said, his voice filled with warmth and conviction, "I believe you have a special talent for magic. And we'd like to offer you a place at our academy to help you develop that talent."
Amelia's face lit up with a mixture of disbelief and joy. "Really? You mean it?"
Roderick nodded. "Yes, Amelia. We believe you could become an extraordinary mage one day."
He shared similar words with the other kids that had any level of aptitude and in the end, they decided to bring all four children, including Amelia, back to the academy to begin their magical education.
The matron, grateful for the opportunity being given to the children, couldn't contain her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes as she hugged each child tightly, whispering words of encouragement and love.
Elara gently patted the matron's shoulder, reassuring her. "We promise to take good care of them and help them develop their talents to the fullest."
The matron nodded, wiping away her tears. "Thank you. I've always known there was something special about these children, and I'm so grateful they'll have the chance to explore their potential."
With the children gathered and their belongings packed, the group set out for the academy. The children were a mix of excitement and nervousness, chattering among themselves about the new adventure that awaited them.
Roderick, Elara, and Thane led the way, occasionally sharing stories of the academy to help the children feel more at ease. Amelia clung to Roderick's side, her eyes wide with wonder as she listened to Thane share his adventures.
As they approached the academy, the children gasped in awe at the sight of the towering spires and lush grounds. It was a place where their dreams of learning magic could finally become a reality.
Upon their arrival, the children were introduced to their new teachers and shown to their dormitories. Elara and Roderick made sure they were settled in comfortably and promised to check on them regularly.
With the new students beginning their magical education, Roderick and Elara continued their own studies.