The Harbinger's Children (Guardians Of The Arcane Chronicles Vol. 2)

Chapter 4: Siren Song

Fun Fact: Every magi has the opportunity to learn about other types of magic, but all of them end up specialising in one class as they grow older. This is usually done by picking up a trade or getting a degree in the relevant fields. It is rare for magis to specialise into a class different from what they were born as, although it is not unheard of.

~ ~ ~

The morning sun was glaring. Or at least, Gaius assumed it was. The broad daylight never found its way into the building; it was the sparkling chandelier hanging below the ceiling that magically directed light to wherever it was needed.

Grimioria's Central Library was the largest library on campus, furnished with state-of-the-art technomagick that gave its students the best environment for collaborative work. The room that Gaius was in was, but a small part of it. Although it looked plain to the average outsider, with a mere meeting table and a couple of chairs, its humble appearance could not be farther from the truth.

Equipped with the most consistent of muffling charms, this project room was one out of many that allowed even the most heated of debates to take place without affecting even a sleeping cat outside. Visualisations of library books could be pulled up and viewed for easy reference with nothing more than a small breath of arcani.

As such, the booking of these rooms had to be done as early as eight in the morning, even if the student was not due to use it for another few hours. Not like Gaius minded though, he was more than glad to get himself in the studying mood before meeting up with his new friend.

A few knocks on glass caught his attention.

Gaius looked up at the waving girl and whisked his hand casually. Traces of magic flicked off from his fingers met the crystal ball on the identification panel, unlocking the door for his slightly drenched schoolmate.

"Phew, dreadful weather we're having this morning." Parthena snapped her fingers in quick succession as a blue light ran through her clothes, drying them instantly. "Terribly sorry about that; I hope you didn't have to wait too long for me."

"Don't worry about it. You're on time anyway; I was just early." Gaius smiled warmly at her. "Shall we get started soon?"

~ ~ ~

"So, in conclusion, higher beings from other realms are able to influence any reality unstable enough, as long as there is a strong enough conduit that will not crumble under their power?"

"Yes, that's right." Parthena stretched lazily. "Fascinating, isn't it? Our world is one of them. Can you imagine there are other worlds out there without magic? I can't fathom living without using arcani."

"Metas can't use magic too," Gaius reminded her with a wry smile. "You really are interested in higher beings, aren't you? Do Soothsayers use the power of deities as well?"

"We're more than just our Magi Class, Sorcerer Gaius." Parthena laughed playfully. "I don't need to be a Cleric or a Warlock to be religious..."

Her voice trailed away as her eyes widened in apparent realisation.

"Oh crap, I almost forgot!" she piped, hurriedly sweeping her books back into her school bag. "I have service tonight. So sorry about this, Gaius. I really got to-"

The flustered Soothsayer grabbed him excitedly before he could respond. "Hey, why don't you come along with me?"

"W-what? Come along where?"

"Come join me for service! It'll be fun, I promise!" Parthena was pulling his arm like a pampered child.

"I uh... I suppose I could... Wouldn't hurt for me to try it out." Gaius nodded hesitantly.