Obinai wakes slowly, his muscles stiff and aching. He groans and stretches, sitting up and rubbing the soreness in his back. Blinking the sleep out of his eyes, he takes a look around the room and notices that Bram isn't there.
"Where the hell did he go so early?" Obinai mutters to himself, kicking the blankets off and dragging himself out of bed. He stands for a moment, giving his body time to adjust to the shift from sleep to reality. A slight wince crosses his face as his back protests.
"Great, this is gonna hurt all day, isn't it?" he grumbles under his breath, stretching once more. He shuffles over to the common area of their dorm.
As he rounds the corner, his gaze lands on three packages stacked neatly on the counter. They all have official academy stamps.
"Well, look at that," he murmurs, strolling over to the packages. One of them has his name on it. He picks it up and tears it open.
Inside, neatly folded, is his new academy uniform. He flips through it, seeing two more sets and some undergarments as well. But it's the extras that catch his attention.
"Ah, hell yeah. Finally, something good," he says. He digs deeper into the box, discovering a few small surprises. There's an enchanted cleaning cloth that shimmers faintly in his hand, a bottle of minty-smelling cleansing potion, and—what's this? A peculiar bar of soap, its surface embedded with tiny, sparkling flecks.
"Definitely not human stuff, but…" He shrugs. "Guess it'll work."
The thought of a nice, fresh change seems too good to pass up. "Time to get rid of the grime," Obinai says, nodding to himself before heading straight for the bathroom.
The bathroom is nothing extravagant, just a simple setup with a large mirror, a sink, and a shower stall, but it's all he needs right now. Obinai sets the newly discovered items on the counter and glances at his reflection in the mirror.
He chuckles softly at the sight of his disheveled appearance. "Man, I look like I've been dragged through the mud."
His eyes flick to the enchanted cloth, and he thinks for a second. "Could always just use a cleanse spell, but hey… I'm kinda curious about this stuff."
He starts with the enchanted cleaning cloth, rubbing it gently over his face and hands while in the shower. The moment it touches his skin, it emits a gentle warmth, and the grime seems to dissolve instantly. He watches in slight awe as his skin feels smoother with each swipe.
Next, he grabs the cleansing potion, pouring a small amount into his hands. It lathers up remarkably well, and as he works it into his skin, a pleasant tingling sensation spreads across his body, leaving a refreshing minty scent behind.
"Not bad at all," he mutters, still rubbing the lather into his arms. When he picks up the sparkling soap, he's already feeling cleaner, but the soap's unusual texture piques his interest. He rubs it on his skin, the tiny flecks shimmering as they dissolve, leaving his skin smelling faintly of citrus and pine.
"Okay, now I feel like a new person," he says, rinsing off and drying himself with a soft towel.
Obinai examines himself in the mirror one last time. "Much better. Not bad for academy-grade soap."
He grabs his new uniform from the counter, feeling the smooth fabric between his fingers. The jacket fits perfectly, and the high-quality material feels surprisingly comfortable. The intricate silver embroidery along the edges catches the light, making it shimmer in a subtle way.
His fingers trail over the matching trousers. "Damn, this is some fancy stuff," he murmurs.
He adjusts the jacket, getting a good look at the academy's seal embroidered over the left breast pocket. It's a stunning design—a phoenix rising from flames, wings spread wide, feathers shimmering in various shades of silver. The intricate wreath of leaves encircling it makes the emblem feel alive, like it could take flight at any moment...
Obinai steps back and surveys himself in the mirror.
"Not bad. Looking pretty good, Obinai," he says with a grin, then pauses, eyeing the uniform a little longer. His smile fades.
"Now... if only I had some damn money. No books, no gear... great," he mutters under his breath. His hands shift uncomfortably over the jacket's fabric, but then he forces a deep breath. " Let's do this..."
Determined, he leaves the dorm and heads to the bulletin board in the main hall. The board is covered with various notices, job postings, and advertisements for students looking to earn some extra cash. He scans the options, noting the variety available:
Library Assistant - Help organize books, assist students in finding materials, and manage the front desk.
Alchemy Lab Assistant - Prepare ingredients, clean equipment, and assist with experiments.
Groundskeeping Helper - Maintain the gardens, prune plants, and keep the grounds tidy.
Tutoring Services - Provide tutoring in various subjects, including magical theory, history, and mathematics.
Cafeteria Worker - Assist with meal preparation, serve food, and help clean up after meals.
Potion Delivery Service - Deliver potions and ingredients to different parts of the academy.
Enchanting Workshop Assistant - Help create and test enchanted items, clean up the workshop, and organize materials.
Cleaning Crew - General cleaning duties around the academy, including classrooms and common areas.
Scribe for Professors - Take notes during lectures, transcribe documents, and help with administrative tasks.
Event Organizer Helper - Assist with planning and setting up academy events, including decorations and logistics.
Obinai stands in front of the bulletin board, eyes scanning the flyer with a frown. He taps his fingers against the paper. "Library assistant sounds kinda chill, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for the quiet life," he mutters to himself. "Alchemy lab could be fun, but I ain't exactly a potions expert."
He glances down at the list again, his eyes darting over the options. "Groundskeeping, huh? Well, I don't exactly have a green thumb," he thinks, rubbing his chin. "Tutoring's outta the question. I barely passed half the stuff I've been taught—teach someone else? Hell no. Cafeteria work? Yeah, not gonna be a servant."
A sudden idea hits him. "Potion delivery, now that could be cool. Or the Enchanting workshop assistant..." He raises an eyebrow, eyeing the words with curiosity. Something about it sounds... different. "Could learn a thing or two, right? Hell, it might be interesting."
With a quick decision, Obinai snatches the flyer off the board and gives it another once-over. The details are simple, but it's the right kind of vague. The flyer reads:
HELP WANTED: ENCHANTING WORKSHOP ASSISTANT
Looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to assist in the enchanting workshop. Duties include organizing materials, helping with enchantments, and maintaining the workspace. Experience in enchanting is a plus but not required.
Contact: Professor Tharion Galewind
Room: Arcane Enchantments Lab, Room 234, East Wing
"Great. Now where the hell is this place?" Obinai says. He scratches his head. He looks around, hoping to spot someone who might be able to help, and that's when he spots someone.
A dwarf, sitting alone on a bench, his face buried in a thick book. Obinai notices the book's cover—something about weapon enchantments using tears. The dwarf's hair is tied back in a messy ponytail, a few stray strands falling into his face. His round spectacles are askew, and a trail of drool drips from his stubbled chin as he reads.
Obinai hesitates. "Uh, whatever. Can't hurt to ask."
He approaches and clears his throat. "Yo!"
No response. The dwarf doesn't even flinch.
"Yo!" Obinai repeats, louder this time, and waves his hand in front of the dwarf's face.
The dwarf jumps slightly, eyes snapping up, his expression instantly turning annoyed. "What in the hell do you want?" he grumbles, squinting at Obinai over his crooked spectacles. He then blinks, eyes narrowing as he studies him. "Wait a damn minute... you're a dark elf?" His voice holds a tone of disbelief, and then he bursts out laughing. "No, no, hold up. You ain't no dark elf! You're too short for that! You're more like a... a squirt version!"
Obinai, slightly annoyed but keeping his cool, forces a smile. "Something like that. Just a little on the shorter side, I guess." He holds up the flyer with an exasperated sigh. "Anyway, I'm looking for the Arcane Enchantments Lab, Room 234. Can you help me find it? I'm supposed to see Professor Tharion Galewind."
The dwarf takes the flyer, adjusts his glasses, and reads it over carefully. "Ah, Professor Galewind. Good choice, that one. You got yourself a decent gig there. The Arcane Enchantments Lab's in the East Wing, but lemme tell ya, it ain't easy to find unless you know the place." He looks back up at Obinai, and his mood shifts, now a little more helpful. "Name's Durin. Durin Iraunvald. Nice to meet ya, shorty."
"Obinai," Obinai replies, shaking his hand. "Thanks for the help, Durin."
Durin waves him off like it's nothing. "Eh, don't mention it. Follow me. I'll show you the way." He tucks his book under his arm, stands up, and starts walking without waiting for Obinai.
"So, why the hell you interested in enchantments?" Durin asks as they walk.
Obinai sighs, running a hand through his locs. "Honestly, man? I need the money. Books ain't cheap, and I haven't even picked my schedule yet."
Durin glances over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Money, huh? Ain't that the story of our lives." He gives a little chuckle before looking at Obinai more closely. "So what's your denomination?"
"Magic," Obinai answers without thinking, then almost immediately regrets it.
Durin's laugh gets a little louder. "Well, well, well. This job might not be for you, then. Most aura users go for this kind of work, tryin' to enchant their weapons and all that." He scratches at his chin. "Ain't no offense, but you sure you wanna be messin' with enchantments? Ain't exactly easy work if ya don't know what you're doin'."
Obinai scoffs. He opens his mouth to argue, but the words get stuck in his throat. He doesn't know a damn thing about enchantments, and that fact just hangs in the air like a bad smell. "I just need money, man," he mutters.
Durin lets out a loud, boisterous laugh. "Money can only get ya so far. Trust me, this here job could kill ya!" Durin turns on his heel and gestures for Obinai to follow. "C'mon, let's get movin'. This way."
They start down a series of winding, dimly lit hallways. The place feels like a labyrinth, and Obinai's not sure how long he's been walking. He glances at Durin's back as they move, trying to keep up without getting lost.
Durin doesn't seem to care much about the pace. "Take a left here," he instructs. "Then down them stairs an' take a right. Lab should be just up ahead."
Obinai follows close behind, his thoughts still swirling. He doesn't want to admit it, but part of him is starting to feel like maybe Durin's right. This job could be way more than he bargained for. But the money. He needs it.
They reach the end of the hallway, and Durin halts. He points at the door, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Here we are. Professor Galewind's lab." He pauses, eyeing Obinai. "Just knock an' go in. He's usually around at this time."
Obinai nods, his nerves kicking in. He feels both excited and anxious. This could be the start of something, or it could blow up in his face. Either way, he's here now. "Thanks, Durin," he says, his voice quiet but sincere. "Really appreciate you helpin' me out."
Durin slaps him on the back, the force knocking him slightly off balance. "No problem. Don't thank me just yet, though. Once classes start, it's gonna be a madhouse around here. You better hurry up and get settled."
Obinai frowns slightly, confused. "Why's that?"
Durin raises an eyebrow. "You really don't know about the Trials of Ascension?"
Obinai shakes his head. "Nah, what's that?"
Durin snorts, shaking his head. "The Trials of Ascension? It's the big event, especially for first-years. It's a tournament where they show off their skills in magic, combat, and other stuff. Big-time guilds, noble houses, even royals from the kingdom come to watch. They recruit new prospects right outta the tournament."
Obinai's eyes widen with surprise. "So, it's a huge deal, huh?"
Durin chuckles, nodding. "Massive. Biggest thing you'll see this year. How the hell do you not know about it?" He looks Obinai up and down, studying him for a moment, then his eyes widen. "Wait a minute..." He squints, looking closer at Obinai's ears. "You ain't... you ain't a dark elf, are ya?"
Obinai freezes for a second. He forces a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, nah, not a dark elf," he says quickly. "Just a... uh... human. Yeah."
Durin stares at him, mouth hanging open, then takes a step back. "Wait... wait, hold on." His voice drops to a quiet murmur. "We walked past classrooms, man. Students coulda seen me with you... Don't talk to me, alright?"
Obinai's stomach drops as Durin backs away. The dwarf looks like he's about to say something else, but instead, he mutters under his breath, shaking his head. "Stupid... to think I'd gain favor with a dark elf."
Obinai's face hardens, a scowl pulling at his lips. He watches Durin retreating down the hall. "Yeah, well, screw you too, goddamn knock-off eccentric leprechaun," he mutters under his breath, not caring if Durin hears him.
The dwarf doesn't respond, shaking his head as he disappears around the corner.
Obinai stands there for a moment, fuming, then turns back to the door in front of him. "Well, that was...bad," he mutters. But it doesn't matter. He takes a deep breath, steels himself, and knocks on the door.
Obinai hesitates for a moment, then knocks on the door, his heart racing. A muffled voice answers from inside, rich and clear. "Come in!"
He pushes the door open and steps inside, expecting the usual cluttered setup—workbenches covered in tools, bubbling potions, and glowing crystals. But instead, he's surprised yet again.
A centaur stands in the middle of the room, his equine lower half shifting slightly as he adjusts the weight of his body.
The centaur looks up and catches Obinai's gaze, his expression breaking into a warm, welcoming grin. "Surprised to see me, eh?" His voice is rich with a friendly tone. "I get that a lot. I'm Professor Tharion Galewind."
Obinai blinks a few times, trying to make sense of what he's seeing. The professor is an impressive figure. His upper body is that of a tall, lean man, with finely chiseled features and sharp blue eyes. His long silver hair cascades down to his shoulders, merging effortlessly into the flowing mane of his lower half. He's dressed in elegant robes of deep blues and purples.
Obinai opens his mouth, unsure of what to say. "I—I didn't expect..."
The professor chuckles. "A centaur? Yes, I tend to have that effect on others," he says, gesturing around the room with a sweeping motion of his arm. "And look at this clutter. Even though I teach the second years, I still need help. I've also been busy with the orphanage I run, so I thought I'd put up a flyer for assistance from anyone." He gives a wry smile. "Haven't had much time to clean up lately."
"You run an orphanage?" Obinai asks.
The professor smiles at this. "Yes, I do. Quite fulfilling, but it keeps me away from my work more than I'd like. Trying to figure out how best to raise those kids is a full-time job in itself." His tone shifts to something a little more reflective, but then he notices Obinai staring. "Don't worry, I won't bite. Or kick." He winks.
Obinai relaxes. He lets out a quiet laugh, his nerves slowly fading. "Alright, good to know," he says, managing a smile. "So, uh, what do you need help with, Professor?"
Professor Galewind waves a hand dismissively. "Ah, not much. I just need someone to help me organize my work and sort out all the stuff in here. As you can see, it's a bit of a mess." He gestures to the disorganized chaos around him—the workbenches are cluttered with scattered papers, empty potion bottles, and piles of old books that look like they've been left to gather dust for too long. "I can't seem to keep track of everything, and with all the things I have going on, it's hard to stay on top of it all. Maybe you could lend a hand with that, hm?"
Obinai looks around the room, already feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Yeah, uh, seems like it could use some work," he mutters under his breath. The scent of old parchment, faint traces of magical incense, and the lingering smell of metal from enchanted tools fills the air. It's not the kind of place he expected for an enchantment workshop. He imagined something a bit more pristine, but this... this feels more real. More...chaotic.
"I can do that," Obinai says. "I've got some experience with organizing things. I can help clean up."
Obinai shifts on his feet as Professor Galewind studies him. Then, with a slight raise of his brow, he asks, "Ah, I see. And, if I may ask, what's your denomination? You don't seem like someone who uses aura."
Obinai hesitates. He knows the question isn't meant to be hostile, but it still settles uncomfortably on his chest. He rubs the back of his neck before answering, "Well... magic."
Galewind's lips twitch into a knowing smile. "Well, at least this is mainly for organizing and not an apprenticeship, or you'd be in trouble." There's a teasing lilt to his voice, but Obinai doesn't miss the underlying truth in the words.
"But," the professor continues, "that's alright—for now. This may be an enchantment workshop, but I am a scientist at heart. So, you'll find more than just enchantments here. I run plenty of experiments, some magical, some purely scientific. You might actually be in a good spot, considering your background."
Obinai releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Oh… okay," he mutters, the tension in his shoulders loosening. So it's just organizing. Good. That means I can actually do this… and get paid.
The centaur hums in amusement, watching him. "So, just here to make some extra coin, then?"
Obinai nods. "Yeah. Need money for books, scheduling… all that stuff." He shrugs, trying to sound casual.
The professor tilts his head slightly, tapping his fingers against his arm. "Ah, yes, I see." His voice drops into a more contemplative tone, his expression shifting. "So I take it the rumors were true after all. You're the human let in by the headmaster."
Obinai's mind scrambles. Rumors? About me? He swallows hard. "I—uh… what?"
Galewind sighs. "You've been noticed. Not a bad thing, mind you, but I do find it interesting. This world does not take kindly to humans—not like this, anyway. But if you've got the gumption to take that on, then I'm happy to have you."
Obinai lets out a slow breath. Not sure if that's a good thing or not...
Galewind steps forward, the sound of his hooves echoing softly against the wooden floor. "There's more to enchantments than meets the eye, but I'll guide you through it. And I'm sure you'll learn plenty. Who knows? You might even find a knack for it."
Obinai straightens his posture, ignoring the flicker of uncertainty twisting in his chest. He forces a small, confident nod. "I'll give it a shot, Professor."
"Good," Galewind says with a smile, clearly satisfied. "Let's start with something simple, shall we? First things first—let's tame this disaster of a workspace. Then we'll move on to the more interesting bits."
Obinai glances around the room.
Alright, he thinks, rolling up his sleeves. Let's do this...