Continuing the lesson...
"You should try draining your mana now."
Jerusha said that to me. We're going to try the method I thought of earlier.
At her words...
"[Windwhirl]"
SWAAAAH—
SWOOOOOSH—
I immediately used an intermediate-level magic that drains my mana with a single use.
"Ohhh, what strong wind."
Jerusha seems used to this level of magic.
I just summoned a windwhirl.
Rustle, rustle—
It was strong enough to sway the trees surrounding us violently.
I'd always wanted to try this spell, but I knew I could only use it once, and it'd be weaker because of my low mana stat.
But given the opportunity, I didn't hesitate to try it.
Anyway, not even a minute after manifesting a windwhirl...
Poof—
Swaaa—
I was out of mana, and the spell canceled on its own.
"Huff... haaaa…"
I was exhausted too.
"That was fast. Now start meditating!"
Giving me no time to rest, Jerusha said that.
"..."
I silently complied, sitting on top of the big rock in a lotus position.
After that...
"..."
I closed my eyes.
"Relax your whole body."
I heard Jerusha's voice.
I tried to relax myself as much as I could.
"Fuuuu…"
I fixed my breathing, in and out.
I erased my thoughts.
Then I tried sensing the mana around me...
'Oh...'
I could feel it, the swirling mana in the surroundings.
It was everywhere, waiting to be absorbed. This part of the forest is especially packed with mana.
'Did Jerusha pick this place for my training?'
She's really considerate.
I could feel the mana entering my body, and my mana pool getting refilled.
And though faint...
"I can feel them."
The spirits around us.
"That's good. Continue what you're doing."
Jerusha said when she heard my words.
"..."
And I followed her instruction.
I was so fascinated by this new sensation.
And soon...
"..."
Just focusing on the mana around me...
I entered a stupor state.
...
...
...
...
...
I don't know how long I was in that suspended state.
But after regaining my consciousness, I opened my eyes...
"Huh?"
And to my shock—
"It's morning?!"
It was bright as hell now!
I looked around, finding Jerusha...
But instead of her, I saw a note in front of me.
I immediately read it...
=====
Wow, you're so talented in meditating, your concentration is on another level!
I can't even do it for that long!
Anyway, I watched you for more than 3 hours, but I had to go back to the dorm, or else the head maid would scold me.
I thought it'd be a shame to disrupt you, since this'll be a big jump in your goal of learning spirit magic, after all.
So instead, I left some spirits to guard you and left you this note!
I also informed Mister about your absence and the reason why. He told me to tell you good luck and that dinner will be stored for you, so don't worry!
Anyway, that's that. See you tomorrow!
—Your master, Jerusha.
=====
A frown appeared on my face.
"..."
I was trying to find something to say...
Grumble—
But my stomach made a sound first. I'm hungry.
So with that, I stood up and walked back to the cabin.
*****
"Where have you been? You didn't come back the whole night."
Old Man Rey said as soon as he saw me approaching.
There's a hint of worry in his voice, which made me feel guilty.
"I'm sorry, I was caught up in something."
I responded, bowing my head in shame.
"Well, I know that. The girl told me last night. But she just said you'd be gone for a few more hours."
The old man stated.
"I don't know what happened either."
I said, and I was being completely honest about it.
I didn't expect it to be that long either.
"..."
The old man just looked at me.
But after a brief pause...
"Argh! Never mind that. You must be hungry. Eat up now, I made breakfast already."
"I was actually on my way to find you."
He said that, pointing at the table with a rabbit stew.
'How nostalgic.'
He always makes me rabbit stew whenever he's reminded of our meeting.
And it's my favorite dish now.
Just then...
"What are you staring at? School's about to start."
Old Man Rey said that, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"What?"
I asked, confused.
"Yesterday, you were already long gone to school by this hour."
The old man answered casually.
"Shit."
I cursed softly.
"I'm gonna be late!"
Then I exclaimed as I got ready.
I ate breakfast, then washed up immediately afterward.
I wore a new set of uniforms, and within just a few minutes...
"I'm off!"
"Good luck."
I left the cabin.
...
...
"Huff... haaa... huff!"
I was running at full speed.
I didn't see any students on my way.
'Shit, I'm actually late.'
Soon, I reached the entrance of Xapham Hall...
I immediately scanned through the schedules displayed outside to find my first class...
"Alchemy!"
And after finding it...
Bam!
I dashed through the hallway.
I know it's against the rules, but who actually cares?
...
...
After a short while...
I arrived in front of the alchemy room.
"Is everyone here?"
I heard a voice coming from the room.
Out of panic...
Creak—
I immediately opened the door!
And as soon as I stepped inside...
"Now, everyone is."
I blurted that out.
It came out wrong from what was in my head. Now I sound like a jerk.
"..."
The whole room went silent.
They all looked at me.
'I wanna die.'
I thought in embarrassment, I didn't want to be here right now.
Though, I kept my calm facade.
"Hmm, interesting."
Then, the woman in front of the room spoke.
I recognized her. She's Professor Jacqueline Orchid.
She's in her early 30s, has discerning brown eyes and chestnut hair neatly styled in a low bun. Strict and composed, she wears earth-toned, professional attire, exuding both authority and subtle warmth.
And in the game, she was in charge of all the 1st Year Alchemy Classes throughout the academy!
"You're late, Mister Raye."
Professor Jacqueline said.
"And I apologize for that."
I responded.
Hearing my words, Professor Jacqueline eyed me from head to toe...
"I know you from the other professors."
She then said, slowly approaching me.
"I know all the things you did in the first semester... If you registered for this class because you think it's easy to cheat in, then you're making a grave mistake."
She added, squinting her eyes at me.
"I didn't think of that. I'm serious about learning alchemy."
I replied, looking straight back at her.
"Is that so? Then wouldn't you have basic alchemy knowledge if that were true?"
Professor Jacqueline asked.
"Be my guest."
I said.
And at my response...
"Which is better to stabilize a volatile mixture. Earthroot Powder or Skyroot Essence?"
The professor asked me that question.
And with confidence...
"Earthroot Powder, as earth elements provide stability."
I immediately answered.
"..."
"..."
This silenced Professor Jacqueline and the students expecting me not to answer that question.
"May I take a seat now, so you could start the class?"
I asked.
And with a bit of reluctance...
"Go ahead."
The professor let me go.
And with that, I found myself a seat.