Chapter 794: Different Roles in Different Times of Life

Chapter 794: Different Roles in Different Times of Life

This is why I don't like talking to old things who think they're above everything else, Professor Jules grumbled as she walked down the hall with Alex. Having a conversation with them is like trying to solve fifteen riddles at once, and their cleverly disguised tests are more annoying than amusing. Why cant they just speak plainly?

Yeah, I guess you're right Alex murmured, his brow furrowed in thought.

She glanced at him. Oh, don't tell me you're actually thinking about what he said?

I kinda am, he admitted. He is old and wise, the old devil, and I think there was something in the last thing he said. Recklessness and cautiousnessusing one or the other. What do you think that means?

It's a bunch of cryptic nonsense. She rolled her eyes. Meant less to teach you, and more to amuse himself.

Maybe Alex said. What's your take on his advice?

Which part?

About roles, and meeting them. About having proper mindsets, Alex said.

Oh, by the gods, that part, she grumbled. I've never heard so much drivel in my life.

What makes you think its drivel? Alex asked, looking around the hallway. It was quiet, and no one else seemed to be around, but he dropped his voice low all the same. His example of the peasant and king stuff, sorta hit home. Im the one who defines my strength, but he was right about mistaking my own truth for delusion. Lets say I was a peasant and went to my king and demanded that he hand over all of his coin. I imagine thatd be a great way of getting my head lopped off. But, if I was a king who started grovelling in front of a peasant, begging for favourswell, that's just gonna confuse people, right? I guess we do kind of have our rolesand I have to say it, I'm playing mine pretty welleven though Ive got mixed feelings about that. Uldar said that in every cycle, the five Heroes chosen were supposed to fit the traits he wanted each one to have. I was chosen as a Fool, but I actually have more traits of the General. Maybe I act too much like the Fool? What do you think?

I think this entire thing with roles and mindsets is just a pretentious way to say you should have common sense,Professor Jules said. Mr. Roth, you have to understand that old beings take perverse delight in turning the mundane into something strange and shrouded in mysticism and philosophy. I could sum up Hobbs entire speech with: your worlds changed very quickly, young man, and you should make sure that youve changed along with it.

I Alex paused. Huh, thats a lot easier to understand. Why didnt you say that before?

Because you both seemed to be having fun with your drama, she said dryly. And who am I to stop children from playing?

Alex felt his face flush. Well, I have to ask you, do you think I've changed properly? Along with my world, I mean?

She gave him an exhausted look. Mr. Roth. Please don't ask me to judge your actions or behaviour. Simply thinking about the dangers you throw yourself into exhausts me.

Oh, it cant be that bad, he said.

Cant be that bad? Professor Jules stopped dead in her tracks, eyeing Alex as though he was a dog that had suddenlyand without warningdiscovered the power of speech. Mr. Roth, one blessing that I have in life is that I am not related to you. If I were, I would have likely succumbed to at least three heart attacks within the last six months due to worry over your actions. That stunt with the Empire was insane, as were your trips to the hells and so on. You are just my student, not one of my children, but I feel like youve shaved at least ten years from my lifespan.

Uh, sorry Alex apologised.

Don't apologise, Mr. Roth. I know you're going to do it again, so words of caution are just a waste of my breath, she said. Ive learned that a certain kind of behaviour is just a part of you.

Okay, okay, fair, he said. But I still want your perspective, and I know you're just my professor, but honestly, youve been a great mentor to me. Your wisdoms really helped me, just like Baelins has. So please, do you think I've adjusted to being an archwizard or not?

And I'll be right there beside you, Alex said. Professor, what are you going to do when this is all done?

If the Ravener is defeated? she asked. Well, I'll continue doing what I was doing before, researching and teaching. That's what I love to do, and I do believe it's what I'll continue to do until I die.

He looked at her sharply. Professorare you happy? With your life, I mean. With your role as a professor, and an alchemist.

Happy? she asked. I guess I am, I feel fulfilled. Like I'm wearing the right pair of shoes.

What? Shoes?

Exactly. Making the wrong choice in life, Mr. Roth, is a lot like wearing the wrong pair of shoes. Sure, you can still walk, but it's going to be uncomfortable at first until eventually, it will hurt a lot. I feel like these shoes Im walking in were madefor me.

Right, Alex said. And howd you know how to pick the right shoes?

Are you asking because you're wondering how to pick yours? she asked.

Yeah he said. That whole thing with Hobb about roles has me thinking about my future even more. How do I know the right way to defeat the Ravener? What happens if we win? Or even if we lose, but I'm still alive? How did you know you wanted to be an alchemist?

Well, she said. It was as simple as me entering an alchemy lab one day. When I was in my youth, I wasn't particularly interested in wizardry, so, when it was recognised that I had mana, my family and I saw a mostly economic opportunity. An opportunity to improve all of our lives. And when I was accepted at the university, I had no idea which magical discipline I wanted to specialise in.

She sighed wistfully. Then, I walked into my first alchemy class.

And you loved it?

No, I hated it.

Really?

Oh yes, I was immediately struck by the horrific lack of proper safety protocols and thats when I knew I had found my calling. The things that I saw would have panicked the most ardent life enforcement practitioner, and over time, it felt like we were constantly playing with fire! she snorted. I began to advocate for changes, and spent every minute I could in my alchemy textbooks, looking for ways to keep myself safe. In the process, I learned that I loved the discipline, I loved to teach it, and wanted to make sure that others were safe when they performed it. In other words, I tried on the right pair of shoes, and they fit.

I see Alex said. Well, a lot of shoes feel rightand a lot feel wrong. Its confusing. I'm almost afraid of the future.

It will come, she said. Like it or not. Maybe ask some of your peers. You might gain insight into your own path through them.

Alex scoffed. I don't know if Hobb would like that: hed say they aren't my peers anymore.

And I'd say he can go right back to the hells where he came from, she snorted. You're a young man, and you're among friends. Talk to them, Mr. Roth. We don't know what's going to happenso talk to them while you can.

He thought about having to take Bjorgrund and Birger back to their cottage, as well as meeting with his cabal.

Thanks, Professor, he said. I think I'll do just that.