After finishing his demonstration, Professor Elias Marlowe looked at the students and said, "Now that you've seen the six affinities—Air, Light, Dark, Water, Fire, and Earth—please let me know which ones you're interested in learning more about."
The students began discussing among themselves, trying to decide which affinities they wanted to focus on during their studies. Kazu and his peers thought about their preferences and goals, eager to make their choices.
Marlowe waited patiently, ready to help them with their selections and guide their learning based on their interests.
Kazu raised his hand, looking uncertain but hopeful. "Professor Marlowe, is it possible for me to learn all six affinities?"
The room fell silent. The other students glanced at Kazu, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity. Marlowe looked at Kazu thoughtfully before responding.
Marlowe shook his head gently. "I'm afraid it's impossible for a single person to master all six affinities. Each affinity requires significant time and energy to learn and control. Even the most skilled magicians struggle with more than three. It's best to focus on a few affinities to achieve true mastery."
The room remained quiet as the students processed Marlowe's response.
As Marlowe explained the limitations, Krisha noticed Kazu's expression fall slightly. His shoulders seemed to slump, and a hint of disappointment was visible on his face. She glanced over at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sympathy and concern.
After a few minutes
Roderick spoke up first, "I'd like to focus on Fire and Earth."
Another student, a girl with a determined look, chose, "I'm interested in Air and Water."
A third student, who had been quietly thinking, decided, "I'll go with Light and Dark."
Krisha stepped forward and addressed Marlowe with a confident tone, "I've decided to focus on Dark and Earth affinities."
Marlowe nodded approvingly, noting her choices. "Dark and Earth are both powerful affinities with their own strengths. You'll have a diverse set of skills to develop."
Krisha smiled and stepped back, ready to start her journey with the affinities she had chosen.
Marlowe turned to Kazu and asked, "And what about you, Kazu? Which affinities are you interested in focusing on?"
Kazu took a deep breath and replied with determination, "I want to learn all six affinities. Even if it's considered impossible, I'm willing to put in the effort."
A wave of silence swept through the room. The other students stared at Kazu, their expressions a mix of astonishment and curiosity. Marlowe's eyes widened slightly as he took in Kazu's bold statement. The professor's usual calm demeanor gave way to a look of genuine surprise.
Marlowe's eyes widened in disbelief as he listened to Kazu's declaration. "All six affinities?" he repeated, incredulous. "That's highly ambitious, to say the least."
He studied Kazu for a moment, seeing the unwavering determination in his eyes. With a slow nod, Marlowe replied, "If you're set on this path, then so be it. It will be a tremendous challenge, but I won't stand in your way. You're free to pursue all six affinities if you're willing to put in the effort."
The other students watched in silence, their surprise evident as they absorbed Marlowe's acceptance of Kazu's decision.
Marlowe's gaze remained fixed on Kazu, his expression serious. "I must remind you, Kazu," he said, "that attempting to learn all six affinities is considered akin to suicide. The strain on your mana and mind is immense. It's a path fraught with peril."
He paused, giving Kazu a chance to reconsider. "If you truly wish to proceed, be aware of the risks and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. I won't stop you, but you need to understand the gravity of this decision."
The room was filled with a tense silence as Marlowe's warning sank in, and the students exchanged concerned glances.
Marlowe looked around at the students, his expression resolute. "That concludes our brief lesson on the three affinities of Air, Light, and Dark," he said. "Garlock has already covered Fire, Water, and Earth. I trust you now have a clearer understanding of each affinity."
He gave a nod to each student. "Choose wisely and prepare diligently for the challenges ahead. Your path is now set, and the real work begins."
With that, Marlowe dismissed the students, allowing them to leave the room and reflect on the new knowledge they had gained.
As the students began to file out of the room, Marlowe called out to Kazu, who was about to leave. "Kazu, could I have a word with you?"
Kazu turned, a bit surprised, and walked back toward Marlowe. The professor motioned for him to join him at the side of the room.
Marlowe regarded Kazu with a thoughtful expression. "I wanted to discuss your decision to pursue all six affinities," he began. "It's a rare and extremely difficult path. I'm curious—what drives you to take on such a formidable challenge?"
Kazu met Marlowe's gaze, his determination evident. "I just believe that if I work hard enough, I can make it possible. I want to push my limits and see how far I can go."
Marlowe nodded slowly, a hint of a smile on his lips. "That's a commendable attitude. However, I must reiterate that it's an incredibly risky endeavor. Make sure you're fully prepared for the demands it will place on you."
Kazu nodded, understanding the gravity of Marlowe's words. "I will. Thank you for the advice."
As Marlowe watched Kazu leave the room, his curiosity about the young man's abilities grew. "I need to know more about what this student can truly do," he murmured to himself.
With a decisive nod, Marlowe reached into his desk drawer and retrieved an ancient Arcanum Scroll. The scroll, bound in aged leather and etched with intricate symbols, was a rare artifact that revealed a person's class and mana capabilities.
He took a deep breath and walked briskly to the door. Catching up to Kazu in the hallway, Marlowe held out the scroll. "Kazu," he said, catching his attention. "I'd like you to use this Arcanum Scroll. It will show me your current skills and abilities. It might help us both understand more about your decision to pursue all six affinities."
Kazu looked at the scroll with appreciation. "Thank you, Professor Marlowe. I'll use it right away."
Marlowe nodded, watching as Kazu accepted the scroll and walked away. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you're capable of," he thought, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
As Professor Marlowe returned to his office, he pondered over the day's events. He couldn't help but wonder about Kazu's abilities and his intense desire to master all six affinities. "What class does Kazu belong to, and what is his mana capacity?" Marlowe mused. "Why is he so determined to learn all six affinities at once?"
Kazu's POV
Back in his dorm, Kazu unrolled the Arcanum Scroll that Marlowe had given him. The scroll illuminated, and symbols began to etch themselves into its surface. To Kazu's awe, the scroll revealed his class as "God Class" and displayed an infinite mana symbol.
An hour later, Kazu received a letter slipped under his door from Professor Marlowe. The letter read: "Have you finished with the Arcanum Scroll? If so, bring it to my office. I am curious to understand why you are so intent on learning all six affinities."
Kazu quickly made his way to Marlowe's office to return the scroll. When he arrived, he knocked on the door, and Marlowe welcomed him inside.
Kazu handed the scroll to Marlowe. "Here is the Arcanum Scroll you asked me to use, Professor."
Marlowe examined the scroll closely. "Hmm, let me see." He laid the scroll on his desk and was taken aback by what he saw. "You're a God Class? And you have infinite mana?"
Marlowe's mind raced. "Could the prophecy be true, that a new God will emerge in this world?" he wondered silently.
Looking up at Kazu, Marlowe said, "I need to understand more about your abilities and why you wish to master all six affinities. This is extraordinary."
Kazu felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. He knew that Marlowe's realization could change everything for him.
Marlowe took a deep breath. "For now, let's focus on your training. We need to ensure you're prepared for the challenges ahead. If you're truly capable of mastering all six affinities, we'll need to approach this with caution."
Kazu nodded, eager to prove himself. With the scroll returned and the professor's words in mind, he left Marlowe's office, ready to tackle whatever lay ahead.
As Professor Marlowe reviewed the Arcanum Scroll, he was absorbed by the remarkable details inscribed upon it. The scroll revealed Kazu's designation as a "God Class" and the symbol for infinite mana. Marlowe's eyes widened with a mix of astonishment and contemplation.
Leaning back in his chair, Marlowe pondered the implications of Kazu's abilities. The possibility that Kazu might become the academy's scholar seemed increasingly plausible.
His thoughts drifted to an early morning a few days prior when he had seen a student running around the academy grounds. Marlowe had been intrigued by the student's commitment and drive. At the time, he hadn't known who the student was, but now the memory clicked into place.
"That student was Kazu," Marlowe mused aloud, a sense of clarity washing over him. "His dedication was evident even then. Not many would put in such effort before sunrise."