Arcane Dropout 3 by Edmund Hughes

Author:Edmund Hughes [Hughes, Edmund]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

***

The rest of Escher’s alchemy class passed without incident. She was in the middle of walking them through their usual cleanup of the room when a knock came at the door of the lab. Lead Instructor Mattis smiled to the room as she walked in, taking a place by Escher at the front in her black-and-gold instructor’s robes, hands folded behind her back.

“I came to announce that we have finalized the details of the November Break,” said Mattis. “As initiates, you will be allowed to leave campus this afternoon through the Arcane Way and remain home or elsewhere until Sunday evening.”

One of the initiates raised their hand. Mattis acknowledged the question with a nod.

“Why did it take so long for the vacation to be confirmed?” asked the girl.

“There were some concerns about the state of the Arcane Way’s essence supply,” said Mattis. “Many of your parents, at least those of you who were born into magically aware families, will be aiding in the transfer, arriving at Primhaven to personally escort you home.

“I would take this moment to remind you all that your exams begin on the Monday after you return. This is a vacation, but it’s also one last chance for those of you struggling with your studies to refresh your skills and knowledge.”

Toma raised his hand, and Mattis called on him.

“Wouldn’t it make more sense for us to take the exams, you know, before we leave?” he asked. “Not to second-guess your approach or anything, it’s just a heavy weight to have hanging over our heads. At least for some of us.”

“We’ve done that in previous years,” said Mattis. “Unfortunately, the nature of the exams for initiates creates several practical concerns. As you all know, those of you who fail this exam will undergo the Cropping.

“There’s no harm involved outside of the removed memories, but in the direct aftermath, a person can be left feeling confused or anxious. It’s best if those who must undergo the Cropping are given time to rest afterward, which can be hard to come by during a holiday.”

Lee felt his shoulders tensing up as he considered his own situation and how he’d struggled with the Midterm Trial. He still had time to study, but would it be enough? Tess’s limitations when it came to spells and essence meant that he’d need to plan out almost every spell he intended to cast ahead of time. He would be casting on a budget.

Mattis left the alchemy laboratory, and the students began quietly chatting as they continued putting alchemy supplies away. Eliza slid her chair in closer to Lee’s and gave him a shy smile.

“Do you, um, have any plans?” she asked. “For the break?”

“To be honest, no,” he said. “I don’t really have any family aside from my sister, who is off doing her own thing.”

He didn’t really have anywhere to go back to, either. He’d put most of his possessions into storage before beginning the search for Zoe in earnest, and while he had a

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