Preparing for the New School Year
As the final month of summer arrives, Harry and Talon make their way to the bustling marketplace next to Arcanum Isle. The marketplace is alive with activity as students from all over Morgana's Seat flock to gather the supplies they'll need for the upcoming school year. The air is filled with the scents of exotic spices, the chatter of merchants, and the occasional flash of magic as shopkeepers demonstrate their wares.
Harry feels a sense of anticipation as he enters the marketplace, knowing that this trip marks the beginning of his preparation for another year of learning and growth. Talon, as always, is by his side, ready to assist in selecting and carrying the items Harry will need for his advanced studies.
As Harry navigates through the crowd, he spots familiar faces—Lysandra, Cyrus, and Selene, each accompanied by their slaves. They exchange smiles and waves before making their way over to join Harry and Talon. The group is excited to see each other after spending the summer apart, and there's an immediate sense of camaraderie as they reunite.
"Looks like we all had the same idea," Cyrus says with a grin, clapping Harry on the back. "Perfect timing—let's get our shopping done together!"
Lysandra nods eagerly. "It'll be more fun that way. Besides, we can help each other find the best deals."
The friends decide to shop together, making their way through the various stalls and shops that line the marketplace. Each of them has a list of required items for their respective classes, from textbooks and potion ingredients to specialized equipment for advanced magical studies.
Lysandra examines a set of enchanted quills and parchment, testing their weight in her hand. "These will be perfect for my Magical Defense and Strategy classes. I hear Professor Andrel is going to be even stricter this year," she says with a grimace.
Selene laughs softly. "I don't think there's a quill out there that can save us from his wrath, Lys," she teases. "I'm just glad I'm focusing on Celestial Magic. Less yelling, more stargazing."
Nearby, Cyrus stocks up on rare herbs and mystical metals. "I'll need these for my Magical Combat and Weaponry classes," he explains, holding up a chunk of metal that shimmers with an eerie, dark blue glow. "This is Valthian Steel. Costs a fortune, but it's unbeatable for enchanted blades."
Harry, meanwhile, gathers the supplies he needs for his second-year courses. He picks up advanced alchemical tools, rare components for necromantic rituals, and thick texts on elemental magic. Talon, efficient as always, carries the growing number of purchases with ease, ensuring that nothing is forgotten.
Cyrus glances at the pile in Talon's arms and chuckles. "You've got your hands full, Talon. I hope Harry's paying you well."
Talon gives a small, polite smile. "I am well taken care of, Master Cyrus. Thank you for your concern."
Harry rolls his eyes playfully. "Don't listen to him, Talon. He's just jealous he doesn't have a dedicated companion like you."
With their shopping complete, the group decides to take a break and visit one of the cafés that dot the marketplace. The café they choose is a cozy establishment with outdoor seating shaded by enchanted parasols that protect against the summer sun. The air is filled with the scent of freshly brewed potions and the sound of soft magical melodies.
They find a large table and settle in, their slaves standing nearby, ready to assist if needed. The group orders a variety of refreshments—cooling elixirs, sweet pastries infused with magic, and herbal teas that soothe the mind.
As they relax, the conversation naturally turns to how they each spent their summer. Harry starts, sharing his experiences in Azoria with Orion Emberguard.
"The desert was unlike anything I've ever seen," Harry says, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "The power of fire and wind magic there is... almost alive. And the culture, the way the Azorians live in harmony with such harsh elements—it's incredible."
Lysandra leans in, her eyes wide with interest. "I'd love to see that one day. There must be so much strategy involved in surviving a place like that, with elemental magic playing such a huge role."
Cyrus smirks. "I'm more interested in how many things you set on fire, Harry. Did you burn down any oases?"
Harry laughs. "Not this time. Though there were some close calls."
Cyrus then recounts his summer spent training in combat magic under the guidance of his family's instructors. "I've been working on channeling magic through weapons," he says, mimicking the swing of a sword. "It's all about control and timing—one wrong move and you're just as likely to blow yourself up as your enemy."
Selene chimes in, her voice soft but filled with excitement. "I spent my summer with my family, focusing on Celestial Magic. I've been learning to read the stars and their influence on magic. It's like uncovering a language written in light."
Harry smiles. "That sounds beautiful, Selene. And also a bit intimidating. I'm still getting the hang of Elemental Magic—can't imagine adding stars into the mix."
The conversation soon shifts to the classes they will be taking in their second year. They compare notes on the subjects they'll be studying and speculate about the challenges ahead.
"Necromancy, Potions and Alchemy, and Elemental Magic," Harry says, listing his main focuses. "I'm looking forward to them, but Necromancy... that's going to be a tough one."
"Not just tough—controversial," Lysandra points out. "There's a reason not everyone studies it. But it's powerful, and I know you'll handle it well."
"Magical Defense and Strategy for me," Lysandra adds. "I'm ready to sharpen my skills and learn some serious fortification techniques. There's a new course on battle tactics I've been dying to take."
Cyrus grins. "I'll be in Magical Combat and Weaponry, honing my skills for some real duels. I've heard some second-years are already challenging third-years in the sparring arena."
Selene nods, adding, "I'll continue with Celestial Magic and Ancient Runes. The mysteries of the stars and how they connect to our world's magic—there's just so much to explore."
As they finish their drinks and pastries, the group feels a shared sense of anticipation for the year ahead. They know that the second year at Arcanum Isle will be more challenging than the first, but they are ready to face it together, with their slaves by their sides and their friendships stronger than ever.
Before they part ways, Cyrus raises his glass with a grin. "To another year of learning, fighting, and not getting expelled!"
The others laugh and join him in the toast, their spirits high. "To the new year!" they echo, clinking their glasses together.
They make plans to meet up again once the school year begins, promising to support each other through the trials and triumphs that are sure to come. As they leave the café, Harry feels a renewed sense of excitement and purpose, ready for the challenges that await at Arcanum Isle.
Harry's Desired Classes for the Second Year:
Advanced Necromancy
Delving deeper into the magic of life and death, this class explores complex rituals, soul-binding spells, and ethical considerations surrounding necromantic practices. Harry is drawn to this class despite its controversial nature, intrigued by the balance between light and dark magic.
Potions and Alchemy: Advanced Applications
Building on his first-year foundation, this class covers the creation of rare and powerful potions, advanced transmutation techniques, and alchemical theories that bridge the gap between magic and science. Harry is eager to refine his skills, especially in crafting complex brews.
Elemental Magic: Mastery of Fire and Wind
Inspired by his experiences in Azoria, Harry wants to deepen his understanding of elemental magic, with a focus on fire and wind manipulation. This class covers advanced spells, elemental synergy, and control techniques for harnessing raw natural forces.
Celestial Magic: The Stars and Their Power
Exploring the connection between the cosmos and magic, this class teaches students how to draw power from celestial bodies, read star charts, and perform moonlight rituals. Harry is interested in learning how celestial influences can enhance spellcasting.
Mind Magic: Defense and Offense
A continuation from the previous year, this course focuses on more advanced techniques for mental fortitude, mind shields, illusions, and mental invasions. Given the importance of mental defenses in high-level magical duels, Harry sees this as a critical skill to develop.
Magical Creatures Studies: Rare and Dangerous Beasts
This class involves hands-on experience with rare and dangerous magical creatures, focusing on taming, controlling, and understanding their behaviors. Harry hopes to overcome his struggles from the previous year and gain more practical knowledge in handling these creatures.
Magical Combat Tactics and Strategy
An intensive course on dueling tactics, battle strategies, and magical warfare. It covers both offensive and defensive techniques, combining physical combat with magical spells. Harry believes this class will help him improve his skills in both solo and team-based confrontations.
Runes and Ancient Inscriptions
This class involves the study of ancient runic languages, magical inscriptions, and their applications in modern spellcasting and enchantments. Harry wants to understand the deeper roots of magic and how these ancient symbols can be applied in practical and theoretical scenarios.
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Advanced Curse-Breaking
A specialized class focusing on breaking curses, counteracting dark magic, and defensive spellcasting. Harry sees this as an essential skill, especially as he navigates a world where dark forces and unpredictable threats are always present.
Transfiguration: Shapeshifting and Complex Transformations
Building upon basic transfiguration, this class covers complex transformations, including shapeshifting and altering both living and non-living matter. Harry is keen to explore how these skills can be applied in combat and everyday situations.
Elective Classes He's Considering
Herbology: Rare Magical Plants and Their Properties
Focuses on the cultivation and use of rare magical plants for potions, spells, and healing. Though not his primary interest, Harry is considering this class to complement his Potions and Alchemy studies.
Magical Ethics and Law
A class discussing the ethical use of magic, magical laws, and the consequences of breaking them. It offers a broader understanding of the societal framework of Morgana's Seat, which could help Harry navigate its complex social and political landscape.