554 Foolish Pupils
The mentor and students downed their drinks and kept the wine cups away.
"Professor, what should we expect from the Brotherhood?" Aiden asked excitedly.
It wasn't until all three of them had become Mana Liquefaction Magi that Adam had divulged to them about the secret society that he was a part of.
Of course, he had already discussed this with other Agents such as Hudson and Elrick beforehand.
These two had been secretly observing Adam's pupils for the past several years, seeing if they were truly fit to become part of the Brotherhood.
Only after they had confirmed did Adam tell his students about the organization's existence.
"We are the lord guardians of the realms," replied Adam.
When Berger had repeated these words to him for the first time all those years back, Adam thought that the term realms referred to all the continents in Tron.
However, after he read the journal left behind by the founder, he believed that the meaning of this term might be entirely different. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
He even had a feeling that the Brotherhood might even have its branches in several other worlds as they did in Tron!
"Lord guardians of the realms..." Aiden and Art's eyes shone like the stars.
Among Adam's students, these two had the deepest sense of justice even as kids. It was a trait that stuck with them even after they grew up into young adults.
The next moment, however, Adam doused them with a bucket of cold reality. "But they're nothing more than loud-mouthed idealists if you ask me."
"Huh?!" Aiden and Art were taken aback, and so was Eleiney.
"They're righteous to a fault," the raven-haired man continued. "Their goal is to maintain a balance between nature and civilization, social structure and individual liberty.
"Their goal is to eliminate tyranny across Tron, labeling anyone who uses the gift of magic for evil deeds as their enemy."
"But, Professor, isn't that a good thing?" Eleiney asked with a thoughtful expression.
"Good, bad, it all depends on which side you're standing," Adam replied with a faint smile. "Those guys strive to bring peace, but at the same time they also want balance."
"That's a noble cause," Art said in all seriousness.
"Oh, it is." Adam nodded. "No doubt about that."
He looked into the far-off distance, a low sigh escaping his lips. "But peace and turmoil are intimately connected, one giving rise to the other."
Adam looked at his students and shook his head. "Anyway, this is not what you should be concerned about."
He thought that he might have gotten a little too philosophical with his dear students.
"To answer your question, they take camaraderie very seriously. You'll always receive help from a member if they're nearby. All you need to do is ask," he added.
"Apart from that, the main reason I want you three to join is because of the vast resources at their disposal!"
However, after going through what she had in the town of Stratford, she realized that she would be able to positively affect the lives of others if she became a Herbalist instead of an Artificer.
Thus, she had begun studying about this profession as soon as Adam had returned to Saratoga from the Brotherhood's headquarters.
It took her seven years just to learn the basics of herbalism. Only now was she deemed worthy by Adam to delve deeper into the mysteries of this art.
Adam looked at his students and said in a sentimental tone, "Make sure to diligently practice the mana extraction techniques that I've already given you. Those techniques have been handpicked by me and are perfectly suited to you.
"Other than that, don't skip out on practicing the body enhancement techniques as well. You must remember, your body is the vessel in which you store mana. The sturdier the vessel, the better. Understood?"
"Yes, Professor!" The three replied with tearful eyes.
Ever since they had embarked on their journey as Magi, they had always been under the shade of the tree that was their mentor.
But the time had finally come for them to spread their wings and journey to faraway lands.
"Don't forget to eat on time, and make sure to get proper rest. It is as important as mindfulness and arcane research," Adam's voice turned softer.
He thought to himself, What a strange, bittersweet feeling... Is this what the old man felt when I left the Southern Federation?
"Lastly, make sure you return to Saratoga within five years," Adam concluded.
He then turned back around, facing the pond once again. "Go on, now."
Pearls of tears trickled down the three students' faces as they cried out loud. They fully knelt on the ground, touching their foreheads on the grass.
"Thank you, Professor! Thank you for everything you've given us! Thank you!"
Adam waved his hand, casually casting three pairs of Magus Hands that gently held Art, Aiden, and Eleiney's shoulders and lifted them to their feet.
"May the stars guide your steps, and may you return with greater power and a deeper understanding of the Way," he said.
"Farewell, my foolish pupils, until we meet again..."
...
Saratoga Castle.
In the heart of this ancient castle, a stern-looking old man sat at his table, reading a book with piqued interest.
The title of the book was Efficient Uses of the Teleportation Network in the Spirit World By Adam Constantine.
After the old man had finished reading, Professor Mathilda Whitaker who was sitting across from him, respectfully asked, "So what do you think, Headmaster?"
The stern-looking old man revealed a faint smile.
"Very interesting."
Decided to write one chapter a day for the time being. The workload and stress is catching up to me... Sorry guys, hope you understand,
Esenel