While heading to the library, Zane summoned his holographic screen to draw a chart. Based on the information he had gathered today, he divided the magical world into three categories: scholars, war mages, and professionals. Scholars — including Analysts, Counter Analysts, Researchers, and Theorists — have the most political and social power. If they were a faction, they would be the most powerful since the majority of Grand and Archmages come from them.
War Mages — which include battle mages, soldiers, adventurers, and low-level mages without proper education — control the military power. Despite being technically the strongest in battle, they have the lowest status. They despise scholars and believe they contribute nothing of value to society.
The third group is professional, including magic professions such as Enchanter, Alchemist, Potion Maker, and others, and they lie between the other two. The professionals require the help of the war mages to gather the raw materials and resources they need before turning them into finished products. They also need scholars' knowledge and research to innovate and improve their craft.
Meanwhile, both Scholars and War Mages also required the professional's services or finished products to increase their strength or to support their training. Professionals also control the economic lifeline of the magical world, so when others need money to train soldiers or conduct research, the professionals are the ones who provide it.
"Scholars make way more money than war mages, which allows them to buy products from professionals to balance out the strength difference; professionals can create or buy products for the same purpose, resulting in a perfect balance between all three factions," Zane thought after finishing his graph. As for where he'll belong? Well, he's currently in a predicament where he might be all three.
Zane will definitely study Alchemy, and with the tower's training, he has no choice but to become a good Battle Mage if he wants to survive. And since he has already committed to the Analytic Club, he won't easily give up.
"It's not just me," Zane thought. "All Earthlings are in the path of being involved in at least two factions." As long as someone chooses to study a profession — even a scholarly one, such as Rune Mathematics — they will be involved with two factions because of the tower's training.
Closing his screen, Zane headed to the library to end the day; he had many books he wanted to check out, most of which he had heard about at the Analytic Association today. Unfortunately, most of these concepts were too advanced for him, so even the free books available in the library could not help. Luckily, Madam Valeria saw his struggle and offered a few beginner books to build his foundation.
Zane was lost in his books, and it was almost midnight by the time he left the library. Today's second meditation could not be missed, so he headed to the training hall before returning to his dorm. As he passed by Crimson Feather Yard — the girls' dormitory — he saw Ahmed escorting a young woman wearing a hijab into the entrance.
Not wanting to mind other people's business, Zane did not stop and continued his way. However, less than three minutes later, someone came running after him.
"I thought it was you," Ahmed smiled. "How was your fair?"
"Although there were some ups and downs, overall, it was great," Zane nodded. "What about you? What clubs did you sign up for?"
"A few, but the primary ones were the Knight Guild, the High Knight Society, and the Paladin Order. Devonte and I registered together."
"Paladin? Oh, right, I forgot knights can also use attributes," Zane nodded. He had read that certain Battle Arts can imbue battle energy with unique characteristics, including elemental attributes.
"Yes, it seems that Paladins have a high status among the Knight Community," Ahmed nodded.
"I'm guessing it's hard to get into?"
"Highly selective," Ahmed nodded. "But it's fine if I don't get in."
"It's good to have such a positive mindset," Zane praised. It was the same way he felt about the Analytical Magic Association; he'd try his best, but it was fine if he didn't get in either.
"That's not it," Ahmed shook his head.
"Hmm?"
"I met the most wonderful woman during the registration. So, even if I don't get in, the fact that we met will be rewarding enough."
Zane was immediately speechless.
"I'm telling you: one day, she will be my wife — no, I'll be her husband."
"Is there a difference?" Zane asked, trying hard not to roll his eyes.
"I just want to emphasize how wonderful she is and how she deserves the best the world has to offer."
Zane was silent: when was the last time a woman had so enthralled him? When was the last time he had fallen so deeply in love and devoted to someone that the entire world seemed so bright? When was the last time he had felt this unexplainable butterfly feeling in his stomach when thinking of someone special? It was probably when he was with Cindy, but these feelings have long since dissipated, even turning a bit resentful.
"Do you think it's wise to be having any type of relationship given our situation?"
"Of course," Ahmed replied without hesitation. "We should never allow the gloom of the Demon Invasion to ruin our lives. Joy, laughter, love, family, or friendship are what make us humans, what make us alive, and they will be the key to our survival in those trying times — the key to preserving our humanity."
Zane sighed, "I wish I had your optimism."
Ahmed patted his shoulder, "Come on. I'm sure you'll one day find the woman you'll be the husband to."
Zane chuckled, "You think that's what I'm worried about? Look at me, I'm more handsome than you."
"Now, don't go telling such a bald-faced lie," Ahmed said with a serious face, which only lasted a second before cackles echoed down the pathway. While talking and laughing, the two soon reached their dorm. Tom, Evans, and Devonte were already present, so everybody began sharing their experiences.
"How was the Warding Architecture Institute?" Tom Nguyen asked.
"Great. I think I've found my magic profession," Evans smiled.
"Really?" Zane chimed in; he had thought Evans would have followed his advice.
"Don't get me wrong: I still enjoy the art society, but magic architecture is another form of art that I never thought I would appreciate so much. The ability to enchant an entire building with different spells has truly elevated the field of architecture to another level."
"It seems they've made quite the impression on you," Zane commented.
"They did," Evans nodded. For the first time in a while, he found something he's truly passionate about, and it's something he might be good at.
"Do you have any knowledge about architecture, or do you plan to learn from the Virtual Learning Lab?" Tom Nguyen asked.
"I've already registered at the lab," Evans nodded.
Tom Nguyen was about to ask whether he would slowly learn the subject or receive a direct transmission of knowledge, but one glance from Zane — who had anticipated his action — stopped him.
"I'm glad you found something you love," Zane nodded. Something, passion is worth more than everything. For someone like Evans, who doesn't have to worry about money, passion is even more invaluable.
The conversation between
After a brief talk about their day and their clubs, everybody separated. It was a long day, and everybody was tired.
Monday, Day 8:
Zane woke up to an email from the tower about a list of Earthling-created clubs. Intrigued by the possibility of joining a Software Engineering Club, he checked the list. Sadly, there was no such thing. Most of the current clubs were created by the truly wealthy, and while there are probably some engineers who fit this description, it appeared that none of them had any interest in creating such a club.
"Someone created a Nightclub?" Zane thought, quite speechless. He double checked the descriptions, and yes, someone had created a nightclub with music, dancing, food, and alcohol. He shook his head, dismissing such a club as a waste of resources and time until he saw that entry was free, but the VIP section required at least 150 gold coins.
"All these people are under a lot of stress, so a nightclub is the perfect place to relax, not to mention the money the owner will make," Zane thought. After looking beyond the surface, a nightclub is a wonderful idea. Unfortunately, it had nothing to do with him.
Zane started his morning routine, and this time he also added training for his new spell, Binding. The diagram was simple: a few runes of manipulation to turn mana into a tangible form, and another rune to mold it into the shape of a rope. After a few trial and errors, Zane cast it and even incorporated it into his arsenal.
…
"I think most of you had a wonderful Sunday, right?" Professor Burbank asked, sitting at his desk with a spherical object in front of him.
"Yes, professor," the class replied in perfect union.
"That's good. Club activities are crucial, and you should take full advantage of its services. The knowledge, resources, and opportunities they will provide you are things that many civilizations would wage war over," the professor continued. "This course is the only time you will have access to free magical education. Starting next month, if you want to come back to the academy, you must either be gifted enough or have the wealth to do so."
Zane nodded. He understood this truth perfectly well, which is why, no matter how humiliating the Analytic club was, no matter how stupid and out of his depth he felt, he remained. Even if he fails to join them after the three-month trial period, the knowledge he will have acquired will be worth it. And the same can be said for the other places, such as the library or the Virtual Learning Lab — all these resources are invaluable.
"Alright. For today's class, I will give you a brief and condensed lesson on the cosmology of the Astral Cosmos and its history. Take out your note; we have a lot to cover."