(Klaus's PoV)
After the magic theory class of boredom is over, I returned to my temporary home. Today is essentially a waste of time. Though the thoughts behind this are remarkable, it was a waste for me.
With the system, I would have complete knowledge of magic theories. The only reason for even attending the academy is to make it look like I'm making progress in accordance with others. I also wanted to see how far the magic has progressed in this world.
It is also why I took the alchemy class as an optional. I can get better recipes through the system but they would show great deviance from others. If others pick up on it, there would be many wolves that try to get the sheep.
I'm not yet strong enough to show my quality. By the end of this year, it would be a different scenario. Though I won't be the most powerful I would be strong enough to watch my back efficiently.
After reaching home, I had a good lunch. When the resources I brought along dwindle, then I have no other option than to become dependent on the academy's canteen or restaurants for food.
I'll miss my gluttony sin points as monster meat would cost a lot of points and any food cooked will be premium. There are no options for buying monster meat from the academy's market. The only way is through giving out missions at the mission hall or making a private deal with a student who is venturing out.
Forget about that. I'll have to make do with what I got. For now, let's go to the alchemy class. From the information the clerk at the register counter gave me, I have to go to Alchemy Hall. There I can look for my class.
When I went to the Alchemy Hall, there is only one counter open. The entire hall is pretty much deserted. I went to the only counter open, to ask about my class. The person who was at the desk seemed to be sleeping.
There was a ringer on the desk, so I pressed the table bell. The sound made the person wake up from his rest.
The person looked at me as if I killed his parents, and asked me with an irritated voice, "What do you want?"
"I'm looking for the Alchemy Class".
The person took a look at me and spoke again, "Down the hall take the second right, there you can find a room labeled 1A".
I nodded and left for my class, following his directions.
I reached classroom 1A and knocked on the closed door. A few seconds later a woman who looked to be in her early thirties opened the door. She was wearing some kind of protective gear. I don't know what it is but I recognized the goggles, probably to protect her eyes.
She looked at me and asked, "Are you Klaus Von Emsier?"
I nodded, "Yes madam".
The woman coughed, "Don't call me Madam. I'm not that old enough. Call me Mrs. Artero or Professor Callie".
"Yes, professor. Is this the classroom professor?"
"Yes, this would be where you learn and practice for this year".
I entered the room and was shocked to see the room almost empty. There are only two desk workshops placed inside the room.
"You must be wondering why there are only two desks and why the class looked barren?" the professor asked me after she looked at my surprised face.
I just nodded confirming that her questions are spot on.
She answered me, "You may not know this, but Alchemy is a costly profession. The ones who even take alchemy are rich and influential or they are backed by one. The costs in the initial stages outweigh the income from sales. Most of the time it is a loss.
So there are few Alchemists and even fewer who could reach higher stages. Though it is taught as an optional in the academy, it is more like a research assistant job for the ones who choose. Most of the time you would run errands for me.
Normally only students who reached their final years would opt for alchemy, as they would have learned their worth. Many choose combat over other courses. The ones that are deemed unfit would choose production courses.
Only the failures of rich merchants or nobles would come here. The commoners choose blacksmith or other non-pricey courses.
This year however was a surprise for me, when I was informed that I got a new student".
She turned towards me and said before I could ask, "Yes, you are the only one attending the class. This one belongs to me, and the other is for you. As you can see, the setups are different. Mine is more advanced than yours".
Obviously, there should be a reason for the disparity in the equipment. Instead of making my own answers, I asked her, "What is the reason for my setup to be inferior compared to yours?"
She smiled at me and said, "Of course it's seniority".