Chapter 201 - Faustina's Plans

The research facility of Magierstadt.

Faustina had noted that certain place in her journal—it was the first place that Orwell suggested to hold some of the answers they might be seeking.

"Since we're searching for information, it's best to assume that scholars and researchers holds the best of it." Orwell said.

Faustina held that as the truth. The king wants her to accomplish something—a task, which was very vague. Not just for Faustina, but to everyone as well. 

No one could tell what runs in the mind of Feuersturm's king.

The king of Feuersturm—King Alexander Octavius Ein Feuerkrieger asked her to study in Magierstadt to undo the seal in her mana. He said by doing so she might unveil the truth behind both Eula and the Forsaken. Naturally Faustina thought he had done this because it would be convenient to the two of them. However, that seem not to be the case. If the king can sustain his life using her life, and with his life sustained—he can finally fully function. 

The king of Feuersturm, along with the other monarchs at the country of Zuerst are hunting for the Forsaken. He is, along with his seven warlock generals, are wanted by the Council itself. The council—the Grigori—are the ones who are the considered to be the ancient bloodlines that carried justice since the dawn of time. They are in the ancient ruins, Alte Stadt. No king in both of the continents can oppose them. The court on the other hand is the justice system established by the armistice between Zuerst and Zweite several hundred years ago. Court members are from two continents to maintain balance between the justice system.

Jonathan Unsterblich, upon murdering the royal family of Feuersturm and allegedly killing Magierstadt's prodigy, Eulalia Fortunatorum, wreak havoc to the entire world afterwards as seven new warlocks made their appearance. After that, he was gone for over sixteen years—until that certain night.

The king said that when Faustina studies magic, she may find what she's looking for—and she would be able to undo the seal Eula imposed on her. When that happens, she can fully use her magic and sustain the king's life. 

But then again, Sheila also told her to gather as much information as she can. Although Sheila was said to be a 'traitor', the king said that their goals still aligned, so she had to listen to her. Sheila specifically told her to search for valuable information—suspicious environment, magic, and whatever else she could lay her hands upon.

So Faustina exchanged letters with Orwell just last night—

What was it that she was going to do, at this point on?

Faustina knew she has to start somewhere—somewhere else. But she didn't know exactly where she would specifically start. Investigating the professors would be too risky, and looking over the suspicious places first will just attract attention from the teachers. 

"Then what should I do?" Faustina asked herself with a sigh.

She then lifted her hand, trying to reach something imaginary—something that was beyond her reach.

If going into a place which was considered to be suspicious—then her cover would be blown in no time, whilst going to a non-conspicuous place would be deemed to be nothing but a waste of time. 

Then what is the next thing that Faustina needs to do?

She couldn't just dwindle around and hope for the best. She needs to think critically. She needs to think outside the box and consider every realm of possibility.

Innovate.

...innovate?

"That's it!"

Faustina sat down, realizing something quick. She then rose from her bed and then ran towards her desk, pulling the map from her bag, and her journal from the side of the table.

She then began to write all her ideas before it would be gone. 

And then, she encircled a portion of the academy's map with her pencil.

"What is the place that correlates with the researchers and the suspicious researches of Magierstadt?" Faustina then lifted her pencil away from the map.

"The greenery!"

Faustina then started to create a fire letter—she knew, around this certain hour, Orwell would still be awake. He was always set on researching things in his mansion, after all. It wouldn't be a surprise if he never sleeps.

After sending the fire letter, a lengthy respond is send thereafter.

"Dear Faustina,

Why are you still awake at this godly hour? But then more importantly, I have also scanned the contents of your fire letter. The greenery isn't considered to be a suspicious place, so it's a good place to start. However… the real question to that is 'how'? The greenery requires special permission, you see. Even I didn't have the access to the greenery beyond class subject hours, assuming you will be doing that by the end of the class where people are less to frequent," Orwell said. "I suggest you join the greenery club, but you wouldn���t gain access until third year, so it is still considerably time consuming. Or… you could try alternatives."

**

Alternatives.

Up until now, Faustina still couldn't think about what Orwell meant about alternatives in his fire letter. The only way to gain access is to join the club and in three years she could roam around the greenhouse freely. 

But that isn't very efficient, isn't it?

"Alright. That concludes our class. Don't forget to research on the plants and their names and origins," says Professor Devon Belle. "Any question? …alright, none. Class dismissed!"

The student began to get out of the greenhouse, whilst Faustina continued to examine the plants, trying not to look suspicious as she searches for something that would look questionable enough to be taken a note over.

"Miss Faustina?"

"Y-yes!"

The professor was now beside Faustina, whose heart almost jumped in surprise from the professor's sudden appearance. ���Are you looking for something? I see you eyeballing the plants in search of a specific thing. May I help you?"

'She's sharp,' Faustina tried to smile. "Um… I'm just looking around, Professor."

Professor Devon then smiled. "Are you interested with the plants?"

"Yes, Professor," said Faustina. "I find medicinal ones very convenient and works wonders to the body. I'm just wondering why these aren't exclusively sold outside Magierstadt given that they are better than ones that aren't magically modified."

Nice.

Faustina thought that this should be the first step—to gouge as much intel she could. If she couldn't bravely break her way in, then she could perhaps see at least a peek from it. Faustina turned to the professor who then caressed her chin.

"Well, the researchers said that these are still on the trial phase. They're still conducting continuous experiment to improve them. I believe they'll be up for commercial use when they reach the maximum level of their research. Ah—by any chance, are you thinking of investing in the research? I believe you are the daughter of a duke in Feuersturm, yes?"

"Y-yes," Faustina answered.

"Ah! Wonderful, though the funding are quite unnecessary given the fact Magierstadt is a flourishing country."

"Are the researchers using only elemental magic to modify the plants, Professor?" Faustina asked. 

The professor's innocent smile slowly disappeared as she narrowed her eyes at Faustina, who then felt a shiver run down her spine as she sees the professor's sudden change of expression. In an instant, the entire atmosphere around the greenhouse changed as there is only the two of them inside it.

"Why do you ask, Miss Faustina?"

"I-I… I'm just… curious about the mechanism," Faustina answered. "Because I've been trying it out on my own yet I either wilt the plant or just completely ruin it when I do,"

The Professor blinked, and then just in a matter of seconds, she was back the way she was before. "Oh! So you are curious about how it works. I'll be answering your questions when I teach that specific topic… and oh, would you look at the time? It seems it's time for you to go, Miss Faustina."

**

"She really pushed me away, huh?"

Faustina began to write an incident report to Orwell again, who easily was able to reply. Faustina couldn't use a communication orb because Magierstadt keeps track of all transactions made—except fire letters—inside their premises. It was a good thing Orwell was responsive; as they are able to talk real-time.

"But it seems like the method of magical modification isn't completely elemental." Orwell said in the letter.

"Do you think it's another type of magic they invented or something even darker?" Faustina asked.

"I can't tell for sure, but based on how the professor reacted, it seems it's more than new spells, so it's worth investigating over."

"Alright. I'll be keeping my eyes on it. And while I'm on it, I'll try to visit more notable places that I find quite suspicious." Faustina writes. "It was fun writing, Orwell. It's like I'm just talking to you instead of writing a report."

Orwell then chuckled into his fire letter.

"Remember to have fun, too. You're just a student once. Might as well enjoy it."

Faustina then lied into the bed she stares at the ceiling.

"Enjoy it… huh?"