"Do you have any expertise in runes?" he asked as he set up a hammock near the lake, enjoying the picturesque scenery. "Or have you ever tried to learn?"
"I studied until the elementary level," Dawn answered while setting up the barbecue stands a couple of paces away. "Under you, actually. Sadly, not everyone has the same talent."
"What art do you study then?"
"Mostly combat arts, cultivation, and harmony," she said.
"Harmony, as in alchemy and cooking, that sort of stuff?"
She nodded.
"I guess I've found a helper in you," he smiled, climbing onto the hammock to check its balance.
It was the third day of the vacation, and he had mostly been relaxing. The adepts were training with full fervour, left to their own devices except for the morning class. Despite what he mentioned, he did have to take a remedial class in between, but that was to be expected. He was trying to break habits they had practised for decades.
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It wouldn't happen in a day, especially since some weren't even ready to abandon the old ways of carving runes.
Even though he promised their efficiency would rise, it would still take time to master the new path. Not to mention, the new path had a steep learning curve compared to their old ways.
It was afternoon, and after he had put the meat to season, someone was about to come to bother him. His Void sense alerted him to two familiar figures approaching.
A white crane followed them, crying to announce its presence.
Gale stood up, his expression easing. Finally, June managed to free her time and come to him. He crept to her and embraced her before Jenni could say anything.
June froze for a moment and then accepted him. "I was going to come last night, but there was some complication and I didn't want to disturb your rest."
"Nonsense," he said, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Your presence is never disturbing. When are you leaving?"
June shook his hands off. "Don't be clingy when others are around!" she whispered.
"Okay, I'll try to keep my hands to myself for when we're alone."
June glared at him before quickly moving to help Dawn with the ingredients.
He grinned and decided to finish with the homework. This was the first time he was checking it. How he would proceed with the teaching from here would depend on how they adapted to the new way.
The meal was prepared in time, and Jenni had to go out of her way to call the adepts to eat. This was the first time they were having a meal outside, not to mention, this time it wasn't made by the attendants.
"Savor the food, because it is likely the last time you'll get anything close to delicious," he declared to the group. "I have told Stewart to procure food that is only nutritious, lacking in all other criteria. Basically, military food."
The adepts knew better than to complain, though some had more courage than others. Jenni, for example, glared in his direction.
"Of course, it is a punishment," he continued, not caring about the looks she was giving. "So long as you stay on track with your studies, you'll get to enjoy food cooked by yours truly and Dawn."
Jenni sighed in relief, along with a couple of others who were more confident in their abilities.
"That's not all," Gale said, pointing towards the homework. "I have checked them all, and so far, the results are far from desired."
All the adepts looked down, silently munching on the food.
"I guess you guys need more encouragement," he said. "I guess food is one, but I'm looking for something with more value."
"No, no, food is enough," Jenni argued.
A glare from him stopped her from saying more. "So I have decided to raise the stakes," he stood up, a leg piece in hand. "What do you guys require? Personal lessons from a master runesmith? Secret designs? Or for one of you to become my disciple?"
A round of gasps echoed through the group. Even June was frowning, unsure why he was going to such lengths.
"All of it is on the table, so long as you meet my standards," his words cut through the adepts, "or go beyond them."