There was still some time before the start of the academic year. Arthur and Morgan's spent most of it reading the Headmaster's books and planning for their future. According to the school records, most students would achieve only a single specialization.
Good and great mages would achieve two, while attaining three or more was the sign of a true polymath genius. It wasn't enough to simply attend the courses to be considered a specialist; one should also possess considerable talent in the field.
And like most things in life, genius couldn't be evaluated with just numbers. Krishna Manohar, the resident god of healing, only had two specializations, simply because they had no interest in other topics.
Their second specialization was a Battle Mage, and even in their biography, it was mentioned only once, for the sake of completeness. Yet Nana having only one specialization felt wrong on so many levels, so Arthur and Morgan's decided to take a break from their studies to ask her why.
From the day they received their White Griffon uniform, it became the only dress they would wear. Not for swag, but for the pure practicality of its features. It was capable of self-cleaning any dirt or sweat, and even offered some degree of protection from both physical and magical attacks.
It allowed them to be more relaxed during their daily life and when hunting. It was as if Arthur and Morgan's were wearing a full suit of armor, but it was light as silk. It could withstand a bear's claw strike without ripping, but they would still feel the blunt impact.
They had performed many experiments to test its reliability and limits. Oddly enough, the protection extended to their head and hands as well, despite them being uncovered.
Wearing it would strengthen the protective effect, but it was too long and impractical to use. It would get snagged on the trees, bushes, everything. On top of that, being stealthy while wearing an oversized bathrobe was nigh impossible.
'I said this back on Earth and I'll repeat it now. Mages' fashion sense sucks. Capes and robes are idiotic to wear. They make it too easy to grab and slam around like a carpet.'
Arthur and Morgan's could have flown, yet they preferred to walk. Those were their last moments of true freedom, and they wanted to enjoy them to the fullest.
At Nana's home office, everyone showered them with praises and congratulations, giving the healer the time to speak with their former apprentice.
"Sorry to disappoint you, young spirit…" Ever since Arthur and Morgan's had saved Count Lark's family years ago, she had promoted them from little imp to spirit.
"…but I have only a specialization." She winked blatantly, despite the fact that they were alone in her private quarters.
"Here is some unrequested advice. Life is unpredictable, and many things you'll need to survive are not written in any book." She winked again.
"You need to learn them by experience."
"I understand, sorry to have wasted your time." Arthur and Morgan's winked back.
"Do not apologize, dear. It's always a pleasure to see you. And don't even think about leaving without saying a proper goodbye, or when I'll die, I'll haunt you as a ghost!"
"Please, if it's true that weeds never die out, then you'll probably outlive us all!"
Arthur and Morgan's bought some fresh pastries and white bread before returning home.
'I can't decide if the idea of hidden specializations is more interesting or disturbing. I wonder if Nana's second talent is the real reason for her downfall. Maybe she was a magical assassin that either failed an important mission or was framed.'
'Either way, to avoid repeating her mistakes, I must stick to the plan, get my specializations, and as many backers as I can. And to get them, being a healer is the best bait.
The Marchioness proved to me that no matter how rich and powerful, they are still scared sh*tless of death. Also, being a great healer brings you more clients than envy. If they see you as an asset, those in power don't feel threatened by your existence.'
Arthur and Morgan's last months went by peacefully. Count Lark held a small private goodbye party, attended by their and Lark's family, Nana, and Selia. Hilya, the first cook, still believed in Team Raaz, so she went all out for the occasion.
She even called them "Young Master" a couple of times, embarrassing both Arthur and Morgan's and the Count. They didn't know whether to laugh or cry; rumors indeed die hard.
The only sour note was the presence of Senton, Rena's soon-to-be husband. Arthur and Morgan's still had a hard time letting their sister go, so when they shook the man's hand, they reminded him of two truths.
"Remember, when you marry a woman, you marry her whole family." Arthur and Morgan's said out loud, triggering laughter and joy in the participants.
"And I know where you live." They threatened him, whispering in Senton's ear when they were embracing.