Love Poison No Cure Needed

Picking Classes 2.2

“Alright so your uncle has signed you up for the two mandatory human courses; Mathematics, English, physical education. But would like for you to test for equivalencies in botany, potion making which covers the humans chemistry, and mythological history. The tests will be undertaken after lunch today in the normal two class elective slots. Assuming that you test out of those courses what would you like to study?” Dr Lester settled behind his desk and gestured for Sorrel to take a seat.

“Um, I don’t think I have seen a full list of courses though I would like to try the familiar summoning course. One of my instructors told me I had enough free active mana for a familiar, but it was not something that any of my tutors specialised in.” Sorrel replied as he continued to examine the man across from him. Dark brown hair cut casually and while he wore black dress pants and a pale blue dress shirt he gave off a more relaxed feeling than Dr Northwood had at the gate. Though he supposed with enough age he must be comfortable with his skin.

“hmm, no comment on passing the courses mentioned? My mythology course is not an easy pass.” Dr Lester raised a brow at Sorrel’s ease before he slid a file across the desk. “This has a list of all the courses we offer as well as a brief description. I had a list of suggestions assuming you were Feyskin but your connection to nature is purer than that and you seem entirely too grounded in the human realm though there are touches of other realms.” Dr Lester lent back in his chair as he waited for an answer.

“Grandpa Oak said that you would be curious. I am Oleander,” Sorrel contemplated the mistaken assumption that William and his friends had made. “Literally.” He let his braid slide around his shoulder so that the flowers could twirl around in illustration. While Dr Lester stared at his waving hair Sorrel reached out and placed a hand over the book. He was incredibly grateful that the information was on paper. While he appreciated the advancement of the digital age. Having started reading a novel Jasper had recommended and also tried a game on the switch Uncle Michael had bought him there was an uncanny advantage for him to take knowledge from paper.

The processed remains of his deceased kin bore the essence of what was written on them and while there was a pang for their passing it wasn’t much as such notions of life and death were not so severe for kin as the people seemed to make them. As he held his hand to the book and the pages rustled in moments the contents of the book imprinted themselves in Sorrel’s mind. His normal preference was to read more slowly but he wanted to attend his morning classes and so had not the luxury.

“I think I will take; Alchemy, Ethics, Art, computer science, meteorology and stealth magic. I will leave the other spot open as you are concerned about my testing.” Sorell decided to be generous, not like he knew enough for there to be a particular direction to his study at this stage. Never let it be said that he wasn’t flexible.

“hmm, confident but willing to be mistaken. Interesting.” Dr Lester waved his hand and a pile of books appeared on the desk. “Here are your other books. Your trick with the curriculum suggests it won’t take you long to go through them. I’m sure the other students would be positively envious.”

Sorrel collected the books and stacked them into the bag from Nonna Yew. “I don’t normally bother, it is not a very interesting way of gaining knowledge after all.” Sorrel nodded and then at Dr Lester’s wave turned and left the office.

“Ah, all set. I have your schedule for today here, your finalised schedule will be available for pickup tomorrow pending the results of your competency tests.” The receptionist said and held out a sheet of paper. Dr Isaac had left at some point and Sorrel looked at his watch which showed Sorrel that he had ten minutes before the start of his first class. It was time to go see if he could get lost trying to find room 207 for his mathematics course. He hoped he didn’t have Dr Northwood or that he was able to find the place with minimal wrong turns and so was not late.

As he stepped out of the office his rising concerns faded at the sight of Kayad leaning against the wall just down the hall and looking out the window. When Sorrel approached him Kayad turned and offered a smile. “I scented you at the gate, would you like directions to class?”

“I would, I’d hate to be late on my first day, mathematics in 301.” Sorrel replied.

“Ah, we are in the same class, and it is fine even if you got lost you still wouldn’t be last to class.” Kayad said as he stepped away from the wall. As Kayad started walking down the corridor Sorrel fell into step beside him.

“Hey, Riven leader, caught a pretty flower? Hope you don’t mind if she gets bloody.”

The voice was female and sharp as if the speaker was trying to sound more intimidating. The girl in question had blonde hair tied into two pigtails and bright blue eyes. She would have been cute if not for the twisted sneer on her face. A look mirrored by a pair of brown haired succubi standing behind her.

The blonde girl held up a twisted cedar staff that glowed a simmering pink. It might have meant to be red but Sorrel couldn’t feel sufficient killing intent to bring forth that degree of magic. While Sorrel examined the staff it flashed and two glowing domes appeared one around Sorrel and the blonde and the other a layer out from them that held Kayad and the Succubi.

Sorrel turned his head to look at Kayad “So what –.”