"Shen, come take a seat," Monsoon said in a sweet, lilting tone.
Shen sat in the middle chair and looked up at her. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, framing her short pitch-black hair and the blue ribbon tied neatly above it. Her eyes—just as blue—shone like polished glass in the light. Shen thought to himself, She looks around my age… seventeen, maybe nineteen at most. And… shorter than me.
Slap. The book on her desk snapped shut. "Now then." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her expression cool. "Why has the king taken such an interest in you?"
Shen froze. Hydris had made it clear—his past was to remain unspoken.
Monsoon studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Very well, silence it is."
She leaned forward slightly. "What do you know about Medtron as a whole?"
"Truly? Nothing," Shen admitted, bowing his head slightly. "I would be grateful if someone of your caliber could enlighten me."
Her lips curved into a thin smile. "Flattery will get you nowhere, boy." Her tone chilled as she stood. "This is the water capital of the world. The air here is rich with essence; cultivation thrives in every droplet. The people are proud—too proud, at times. Best you remember that before your mouth makes enemies."
[Attack Imminent]
Shen felt a prickling along his spine.
"We practice water, day in and day out," Monsoon continued, stepping closer. Something wet slithered around Shen's ankle. He looked down in alarm as a tentacle of water coiled up his leg, binding him fast.
In seconds, he was hoisted upside-down, body wrapped head to toe. His struggles meant nothing; his mouth was sealed by water's grip.
Monsoon's smile turned wry. "Understand this—I do not take kindly to disobedient students. Next time I ask you something, you answer. Do you understand?"
Shen's eyes widened. He nodded furiously.
"Good." The water evaporated, dropping him unceremoniously onto the floor.
She slid a book across the desk. "I will teach you magic. Cultivation. Comprehension. Everything you need. But first—"
Shen picked up the book and read the title: Introduction to Magic.
"Your real lessons begin in one month," Monsoon said, arms crossed. "Until then, exercise. Train your body. Magic is draining, and your skinny frame would collapse before casting a single proper spell. For now, you study concepts."
Shen groaned. "But you're half my size! How can you—"
Fssst. A blade of ice whistled past his ear, embedding into the desk with a sharp crack.
Shen swallowed hard. "…Nothing."
"That's what I thought." Her eyes narrowed. "Follow this regimen to the letter. Do not skip a day. Understood?"
"Yes, Teacher." Shen bowed quickly, clutching the book like a lifeline.
When he left the room, he unfolded the paper she had given him. A detailed exercise regimen filled the page. He muttered, "Does she think I haven't tried this before?" But at the bottom, a line caught his eye:
Additional reading: Introduction to Cultivation.
Shen froze. His thoughts flashed back to the wolves. Cultivation essence… is this how I get it?
He was about to sprint off but stopped short. He had no idea where the library even was.
"Need help, Shen?"
He spun to see Sebastian standing silently at his side. Shen nearly jumped out of his skin. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough," Sebastian said smoothly. "What do you need?"
"The library," Shen said at once.
Sebastian bowed slightly. "Of course. Follow me."