Proctor Mint moved to the table, where a variety of equipment lay displayed. Each item was a testament to the incredible craftsmanship and magical innovation that defined the realm. The table seemed to almost glow with the power emanating from these artifacts, and the room buzzed with anticipation.
"Now, let's talk about artifacts," Proctor Mint began, her tone informative yet commanding, but with a hint of intrigue. "Artifacts are objects that have been enhanced by embedding runes or orbs into them. You might have seen the 2nd GA student, a mere human who surpassed expectations by utilizing advanced artifacts." Her voice was steady, but there was a spark in her eyes as if she enjoyed the thrill of revealing knowledge.
She picked up a pair of boots from the table, holding them up for everyone to see. "Take these Aquastride boots, for instance. They are a common invention available on the market. They have a water root rune embedded in them, which grants the ability to walk through water. However," she leaned forward slightly, "some users have evolved these artifacts to suit their strategic fighting styles, making them far more versatile."
The students leaned in, eyes wide with fascination. One whispered to another, "Imagine walking across the lake during training!" while another tried to suppress an excited grin. Proctor Mint's gaze flickered toward the whisper, and she allowed herself a small, knowing smile before continuing.
She then gestured to a pair of gloves. "Another example is these Gloves of Protection. They have an earth root rune embedded in them, which protects the user from other elemental roots like lightning, wind, or water." There was a faint murmur of admiration, and one student even reached forward slightly, as if tempted to touch the gloves.
A curious student, looking both puzzled and intrigued, raised their hand. "Proctor, I don't see any runes on these boots or gloves. Where are they?" The student's brow furrowed, and a few others nodded, sharing the same confusion.
Proctor Mint nodded, acknowledging the question with a touch of satisfaction, as if she enjoyed seeing their critical thinking. "Good observation. Once a rune is combined with a piece of equipment, it becomes part of the item and is no longer visible in its original form. What remains visible is the symbol representing the rune's power." She paused, letting the information sink in.
She pointed to the symbols on the boots and gloves. "These symbols indicate the type of root or rune embedded in the artifact. For instance, the symbol on these boots represents the water root, while the symbol on the gloves represents the earth root." She took a moment to scan the room, pleased with the students' increasing interest.
Kyren, observing the gloves Beatrix had given him earlier, felt his heart race. He noticed the familiar symbol and his eyes widened in realization. The symbol on my gloves... it's the same as the one on these Gloves of Protection, he thought, feeling a surge of both excitement and anxiety. Did Beatrix know? And if so, why give them to me? His mind spun with possibilities, and he instinctively clutched the gloves tighter.
Proctor Mint, after discussing the artifacts, moved to her next topic. She picked up an unusual saber sword from the table, holding it up with reverence. The sword was remarkable, with three distinct symbols etched into the handle. The etchings seemed to pulse gently with power, drawing everyone's gaze.
"But the complexity of our research begins with this," Proctor Mint said, her voice filled with a sense of awe and importance. The atmosphere in the room grew still, every student holding their breath as they waited for her next words.
She continued, "This saber is a rare invention in our realm. Researchers have worked tirelessly to combine multiple runes into a single piece of equipment. It's notoriously difficult; in fact, adding even two runes to one item has a mere 1% success rate." She paused, letting the gravity of her statement settle over the room. "But this sword is exceptional—it has successfully integrated three runes."
With a swift motion, Proctor Mint activated the sword. Flames erupted from its blade, lightning crackled along its edge, and a gust of wind swirled around it. The room instantly filled with intense heat, electrical discharges, and a powerful breeze. The chaotic display left students wide-eyed, some shielding their faces or leaning back in their chairs.
A student gasped audibly. Another clutched their desk, knuckles white, while one brave soul muttered, "That's… incredible." The room was alive with awe and a hint of fear as the elements combined in a dazzling yet dangerous display.
Proctor Mint's voice cut through the clamor, authoritative and steady. "This sword, called 'Cyclone Ignis Saber,' illustrates the pinnacle of rune integration. Combining multiple runes into one artifact is an extraordinary feat that requires not only skill but also precise control and understanding of elemental interactions."
The room began to settle as Proctor Mint deactivated the sword, causing the flames to extinguish, the lightning to dissipate, and the wind to calm. The students exhaled in unison, some visibly relieved. The sword now lay quietly on the table, its symbols glowing faintly.
Proctor Mint continued, her voice unwavering and full of respect for the craft. "This is the beauty and complexity of runes. Unlike regular orbs, which have their limitations, runes offer a depth of integration and versatility that orbs alone cannot achieve." She let her gaze linger on each student, as if challenging them to understand and appreciate the magnitude of her words.
She then held up a simple orb, its surface shimmering. "While orbs cannot be directly mixed with weapons or complex artifacts, they can be embedded in rings, necklaces, or wands." Her eyes met Kyren's for a moment, as if sensing his newfound awareness.
She placed the saber sword back on the table and turned to face the students. "However, do not underestimate the power of orbs," she continued, her tone softening just enough to make the lesson feel personal. "They may seem basic compared to advanced runes, but they are foundational to our evolution in magical technology. They represent the starting point of our journey into mastering elemental forces."
Her gaze was intense, full of belief in the potential of every student in the room. "Orbs may be simpler, but their application and potential are vast. They allow for a controlled release of elemental power, which can be crucial in both combat and support roles. By learning to use orbs effectively, you build the skills and understanding necessary to progress to more complex artifacts."
She paused, letting her words resonate. The silence was thick with contemplation and a sense of ambition. "Each type of artifact has its place and purpose. While runes offer advanced capabilities and intricate interactions, orbs provide the fundamental power and flexibility that form the basis of more sophisticated equipment."
Proctor Mint's gaze swept over the students once more, her expression one of encouragement and challenge. "Remember, every advancement builds on the knowledge and mastery of what came before. Embrace the learning process, respect the foundational tools like orbs, and push the boundaries of what you can achieve with runes and artifacts." Her words seemed to hang in the air, charged with inspiration.
...
Vilon, who had been watching with wide-eyed curiosity, raised his hand, his voice eager and thoughtful. "Proctor Mint, could you explain how to make a contract on orbs? Is there a specific process or study required for that?" His tone was filled with genuine interest, and a few other students turned to look at him, intrigued by his question.
Proctor Mint's eyes brightened with a hint of satisfaction, as if she had been waiting for someone to ask. "I'm glad you asked about contracting orbs. It's an advanced topic and one that requires a deep understanding of orb principles and the user's capability." Her lips curled into a small smile, proud of the curiosity displayed.
She began explaining, her tone both informative and encouraging. "The process of contracting orbs involves binding the user's root to an orb to create a rune with enhanced capabilities. This process is intricate and requires precise, quick control and knowledge of root energies." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, and the room seemed to hang onto her every word.
Proctor Mint continued, "To start, you can find detailed information about orb contracting in the academy library. There are several research papers that cover the theoretical aspects of the process. Studying these materials will give you a foundational understanding of how runes interact with orbs." Her tone carried a sense of promise, as if uncovering these secrets would be a thrilling adventure.
She paused, making sure her audience was following, and noticed the wide-eyed excitement in Vilon's expression. "However, simply reading about it is not enough. Contracting orbs is a hands-on skill that we will explore in our training sessions. It involves practical exercises and a deep understanding of elemental roots and magical signatures. It's a challenging task that requires patience and perseverance."
Proctor Mint looked at Vilon and the other students with a serious expression. "While I can't cover all the details in this session, I will teach you the fundamental techniques and principles required for contracting orbs later in our training. Be prepared for rigorous practice and complex problem-solving. The process is not easy," she added with a glint of humor in her eye, "but mastering it will greatly enhance your capabilities. And who knows," she said with a wink, "maybe you can even turn it into a thriving business."
The students chuckled, and Vilon's face lit up, inspired. The room felt charged with anticipation, each student now ready to face the challenges Proctor Mint had laid out.