It took a few seconds for Richard to process the information. He blinked afterward, "I... I did not see that coming."
"Everyone says that," she shrugged.
"I thought you were from a more powerful Mage Path," he added.
She raised a brow, "More powerful Mage Path? There's no such thing, Richard. The only thing that differs is one's tier. All Mage Paths are equal. The level of power is only dependent on the Mages themselves."
Richard understood what she said but he scoffed anyway, "Yeah. Safe for an Invoker like me. All we do is give people buffs and de-buffs. We can also buff ourselves too... I guess."
"My words still stand, Richard. You're a lot more powerful than you think," Althea said. "I should know, I was once an Invoker. Well, technically, I still am, but it's been a very long time since I've had to use the ability."
Richard's lips quivered as he was torn between which question to ask first.
"I have two questions," he eventually said.
"Hm-hmm," Althea nodded.
"I'd like to know what makes an Invoker as powerful as you say, because, honestly, when it comes to a one on one fight, an Invoker can't do much. Sure, we can cause negative influences to our opponent's stats, but what exactly can we do to inflict physical damage? I feel like an Invoker only works best as a Party's support," he exhaled and continued. "I'd also like to know more about the Resonant Mage Path. How is it possible to switch between sub paths like that? Other Mage Paths can't do it. They only increase in tiers. What makes us different?"
"I see you've had a lot on your mind for a while now," Althea said, smoothening her hair. "I knew my instincts were never wrong. I was right to choose you."
"Huh?" Richard returned to staring blankly at her. She had been saying a bunch of words that didn't correspond to the conversation topics.
"Anyway, for your first question, I think it's better I just show you," Althea raised her right hand and spread her palm. Green flakes of mana began to spawn around her fingers, swirling to form a mini whirlpool.
Richard leaned forward with dilating eyes, eagerly expectant of what she was about to show him.
But then, she closed her palm shut, displacing the flakes of Mana into thin air.
"Hm. Maybe some other time," she dropped her hand.
Richard froze for a moment there, his hopes fading like the flakes of mana.
At that moment, he could only mutter one word, "Why?"
She smiled, "I don't want us to move too fast with this. You need to understand the concept behind it first."
He sighed in acceptance, "I guess this relates to my second question?"
She nodded, "Yes. Resonant Mages are more or less Ostaria's Lykeans, as we are in tune with the vibrational energies of the universe. Anything related to sound is all connected. It's all about tuning with or to the right frequency. That is why an Invoker can eventually become a Chorister, Instigator or Minstrel. It takes years though. Decades or even centuries."
"Oh..." Richard muttered as he digested the new information.
"I know the explanation is vague, but that's all I can say for now. I also have to meet up with the White Order in less than an hour," she tossed a piece of cucumber in her mouth.
"It's fine. I think I get it. I already had it in mind to visit the library today," Richard muttered, resisting the urge to ask about the White Order.
There was a lot he didn't know, that he'd like to know. He would have been in the library at that moment, reading up on his curiosities and uncertainties, but the Chancellor suddenly developed an interest in him.
He didn't really like it at first, because of her unique character, but he gradually warmed up to her. He needed someone like her. Someone that wasn't too serious about everything, someone that saw a bright potential in him. He also felt that he could get her to tell him a few more things if he asked the right questions. And, who knows, he might not need to drown himself in the library books afterwards.
"Good, you catch on very quickly. It seems our time together will go smoothly," she flashed him a smile before picking up pieces of her salad and munching on them.
"Our time together?" the puzzled Richard repeated in a question.
Chewing gently on some croutons, Chancellor Althea lifted her brows, "Oh, I didn't tell you? I'm taking you in as my student."
Staring listlessly at the blue-haired elf, Richard retorted inwardly, 'Stop the cap, ma'am. This is too easy. Why would the famed Chancellor of a prestigious Academy take me in as her personal student? And don't tell me it's because I'm a Greylock. Maya is a Greylock and you didn't train her. So, why me?'
He really wished he could say those words out loud, but he had to leave a good impression. This could be his only shot at getting better, and who could be a better master than an aged elf in the same Mage Path as him?
Though, the reason behind her motive was still a mystery to him. What exactly did she see in him? And would she even have the time to teach him? Especially with the Dark Druids lurking around.
He exhaled tersely, "Your student? You want to train me as a Mage?"
"Yes," she nodded, still focused on her salad.
"But... But why, Madam Chancellor? I'm sure there are other students who are more worthy. Take Hazel for example. She's a Chorister," Richard couldn't help but ask. This could as well be a test for all he knew.
"I'm more or less a normal human, struggling to pose as a Mage," he added softly.
"Well, that's where you're wrong. You only see what you allow yourself to see. What I see in you is an unbridled potential just sitting still and gathering dust. I know it sounds like I'm trying to encourage you. I mean, it's my job as a Chancellor to keep my students out of depression. But don't worry, you'll get to understand with time," she said all of this without taking her eyes off her food.
Richard sat back in silence, diving into his thoughts for a clearer understanding.