Chapter 77.3- Doom Days

I just stared at him until he spoke again.

“I have lived two millennia as I keep telling you. You think in all that time the only thing I have managed to learn is alchemy. I have mastered magical arts you don’t even know exist. Of all my apprentices, it might shock you to find that only a third of them have focused on alchemy. I have trained in all sorts of arts so whatever it is you want to focus on— whether combat, or your fledgling ability in the mind arts— I will be on hand to help.” Fledgling ability? I tried not to feel insulted at the obvious attempt to rile me up.

It was a good offer, all things considered. A great offer, even. The best teaching from someone who had been around when structured magic was at its infancy, and so got a front row seal to its development.

“And what would that look like? Let’s say if I wanted to focus on both combat and the mind arts?” I asked, and he took a second to think, eyes looking over to the side before he spoke.

“Well, we would duel of course. Ideally twice every other day. A first duel focused on one aspect of combat, and a second focused on another. Then I would train you to improve your weaknesses— spell identification, spell selection, variety, decision-making, things you struggled with during the tournament. On the days we do not duel, your body will rest while your mind will work. We will work on all the areas of mind arts, not just focusing on occlumency and legilimency as the Europeans of tis age tend to do. I will assess you biweekly, and when the time comes, I will declare our apprenticeship over.” He said.

“When the time comes?”

“Yes, when I feel like you are ready, the apprenticeship will end”

“And this is based on only you? What if I feel I’m ready.”

“Well one of us is the master and the other is the apprentice for a reason. It’s not like we would be equals in the relationship. Magic has never intended it to be so.”

“So you could hold me down perpetually under the guise of you not feeling like I’m ready yet?”

“Theoretically, yes. But practically, the terms of the apprenticeship oath means I wouldn’t be able to keep you on in bad faith, Magic does not look kindly upon abusing the oaths for any ulterior motives. So trust me when I say that when you are ready, I will release you.” He pressed.

“Well enough. But that is not all. What are the terms? What would you expect from me if I said yes?”

“Well, in addition to your lessons under me, you would take a few lessons under Perenelle on things like languages, etiquette, politics, the likes. To make sure no apprentice of mine walks about like an unwashed barbarian. Then you would also expect to help me with and contribute to my research. This will take precedence over all other concerns, even including your regular lessons. And then we will go on trips every once in a while. Sometimes to hunt magical creatures or items, sometimes to hunt wizards, sometimes just to get a view.” He paused for a moment, like he was recalling a memory as a fond smile appeared on his face.