Six months passed since Neil's miraculous recovery. Winter had given way to spring, and the herb garden flourished under the warming sun. Neil's small business venture with Marcus had grown steadily—what began with a few bundles of silvermint had expanded to include a variety of medicinal herbs, carefully cultivated in Neil's designated section of the garden.
The arrangement remained discreet. Brother Tomas knew Neil was growing extra herbs but believed they were for the orphanage's stores. Marcus continued to sell the surplus at the market, returning with increasingly substantial sums of copper coins, and occasionally, a silver piece.
Neil kept meticulous records of his inventory and profits, using a small notebook he had purchased through Marcus. His previous life as a CEO had taught him the importance of tracking every transaction, no matter how small.
By early spring, Neil had accumulated enough to begin the next phase of his plan. He approached Marcus with a new proposition.
"I need information," Neil said quietly as they conducted their usual exchange of herbs and coins. "About the Wizard Academy in Westhollow."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Planning ahead, aren't you? You're what, fourteen? Awakening is still nearly two years away."
"It's never too early to prepare," Neil replied. "I want to know about entrance requirements, costs, scholarships for orphans—anything you can find out."
Marcus pocketed the headache remedy Neil had prepared for him—a regular part of their arrangement now. "Information costs more than selling herbs, you know. People get suspicious when you ask too many questions."
"I'll make it worth your while," Neil assured him. "An extra five percent on our herb sales for the next month."
Marcus considered this, then nodded. "I'll see what I can find out. No promises, though. The Academy folks don't exactly chat with market boys."
"Try the taverns near the Academy," Neil suggested. "Students talk when they drink. And check if there are any public notices or announcements posted."
Marcus looked impressed despite himself. "You've thought this through."
Neil merely smiled. In truth, he had been planning this information-gathering operation for months, ever since he learned about the Wizard Academy's existence from snippets of conversation and references in his reading.
The interface flickered briefly:
```
[Knowledge Sought: Wizard Academy]
Educational institution for magical training
```
The system acknowledged his goal but offered no additional information. As always, Neil would have to do the work himself.
While waiting for Marcus to gather information, Neil continued his studies with renewed focus. His friendship with Thomas had proven invaluable—the bookish boy had access to texts Neil might otherwise never have seen.
"My uncle works as a scribe in Westhollow," Thomas explained one day as he slipped Neil a slim volume titled "Fundamental Principles of Magical Theory." "He sends me books sometimes. This one's basic enough that you don't need magical ability to understand it."
Neil accepted the book gratefully. "Won't you get in trouble for sharing it?"
Thomas shrugged. "Just return it before the end of the month. And don't let Matron Helsa see it—she doesn't approve of magical texts for those under sixteen."
That night, Neil read the book by candlelight after the other boys had fallen asleep. The interface flickered occasionally, identifying key concepts:
```
[Magical Concept: Visualization]
The mental process of forming and manipulating magical energy
```
```
[Magical Concept: Affinity]
Natural predisposition toward certain types of magic
```
The book explained that magic in Eldoria was fundamentally tied to imagination and visualization. Wizards used their minds to perceive, shape, and direct magical energy.
Different individuals had natural affinities for different types of magic—some excelled at combat magic, others at healing, potion-making, artifact creation, or summoning.
Most intriguingly, the book mentioned that one's approach to visualization could significantly impact magical effectiveness. Some wizards visualized magic as elemental forces—fire, water, earth, air. Others conceptualized it as light, sound, or even mathematical patterns.
Neil found this fascinating. In his previous life, he had excelled at conceptual thinking, at seeing patterns and connections others missed. Perhaps this would translate to a unique approach to magical visualization.
The memory integration continued its slow progress:
```
[Memory Integration: 42% Complete]
```
Nearly half of Neil Chambers' memories had been integrated into Neil's consciousness. He now recalled more clearly the boy's early years at the orphanage—the chronic illness, the isolation, the quiet determination to learn despite physical limitations.
These memories gave Neil a deeper understanding of his current body's history and the context of his relationships at St. Clement's. They also reinforced his appreciation for his now-healthy body. The simple ability to run across the courtyard without gasping for breath was a joy Neil Chambers had never known.
Two weeks after their conversation, Marcus returned from the market with more than just coins. He waited until after lights-out, then approached Neil's bed.
"I found out some things," he whispered, sitting on the edge of the narrow cot. "About the Academy."
Neil sat up, instantly alert. "Tell me."
"It's not good news," Marcus warned. "The Academy takes very few orphans—maybe one or two a year, if that. And only those who show exceptional potential at Awakening."
Neil had expected this. Institutions of power rarely welcomed those without resources or connections. "What about costs? For those who aren't accepted on scholarship?"
Marcus grimaced. "High. Very high. Tuition alone would cost more gold pieces than I've seen in my life. Then there's room and board, books, materials..." He shook his head. "It's not meant for the likes of us, Neil."
"There must be alternatives," Neil pressed. "Private tutors? Apprenticeships with individual wizards?"
"Some wizards take apprentices, yes. But they usually want payment up front, or they choose from family connections." Marcus hesitated. "There is one other option, though it's not much better. The Guilds sometimes sponsor promising students who can't afford the Academy."
"The Guilds?" Neil recalled mentions of Wizard Guilds in his history lessons.
"There are five major ones—Combat, Healing, Potions, Artifacts, and Summoning. Each specializes in different types of magic. If you show strong affinity in one area, the corresponding Guild might sponsor your education."
This was valuable information. "How does one get noticed by the Guilds?"
Marcus shrugged. "Exceptional performance at Awakening, I guess. Or knowing someone who's already in a Guild." He stood up. "Look, Neil, I don't want to crush your dreams, but you should be realistic. Most orphans who Awaken end up with minimal training—just enough to control their abilities so they don't hurt themselves or others. Then it's off to apprentice in a trade, same as those without magic."
Neil nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for the information, Marcus. It's helpful to know what I'm facing."
After Marcus left, Neil lay awake, processing what he'd learned. The obstacles were significant—financial barriers, institutional biases against orphans, limited opportunities for sponsorship. But Neil Harrington had built a technology empire from nothing. Neil Chambers would find a way to overcome these barriers too.
The interface flickered:
```
[Knowledge Acquired: Magical Education System]
Institutional structures for magical training
```
At least the system acknowledged his progress, even if it offered no solutions.
The next day, Neil sought out Thomas during their free hour.
"What do you know about the Wizard Guilds?" he asked without preamble.
Thomas looked up from his book, surprised. "The Guilds? Why are you interested in them?"
"Just curious," Neil said casually. "Brother Michael mentioned them in history class, but didn't go into detail."
Thomas glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then leaned closer. "The Guilds are powerful—some say they have more real influence than the royal court, though that's probably an exaggeration. Each Guild specializes in a different branch of magic and has its own hierarchy, traditions, and territories."
"Territories?"
"Each Guild has a headquarters in the capital, but they also maintain Guild Houses in major cities throughout the kingdom. Westhollow has small outposts for the Potion and Artifact Guilds, but nothing for the others."
Neil filed this information away. "And they sometimes sponsor students?"
Thomas gave him a sharp look. "You're thinking far ahead, aren't you? Yes, they offer sponsorships, but they're highly competitive. You'd need to show exceptional potential in their specific field."
"How would one do that? Show exceptional potential, I mean."
Thomas sighed. "Neil, Awakening is still almost two years away for us. And even then, magical affinity isn't something you can force or fake. It's innate."
"I'm just trying to understand the system," Neil insisted.
After a moment, Thomas relented. "Fine. From what I've read, Awakening reveals one's general magical potential and sometimes hints at specific affinities. Those with strong affinities often experience distinctive signs—healers might cause plants to bloom, combat wizards might generate sparks or heat, potion-makers might instinctively understand ingredient combinations."
"And after Awakening? How does one develop these affinities?"
"Training, obviously. But the initial direction is usually clear from the start." Thomas studied Neil's face. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"
"I'm serious about understanding my options," Neil replied carefully.
Thomas was silent for a moment, then said, "My uncle—the one who sends me books—he knows someone in the Potion Guild. A junior member, nothing important. But... I could ask him some questions, if you want."
Neil tried not to show his excitement. This could be a valuable connection. "I'd appreciate that, Thomas. Truly."
Thomas nodded, then returned to his book. But before Neil could leave, he added quietly, "Just remember—magic isn't everything. There are other paths to a good life."
Neil understood Thomas's caution. For orphans with limited resources, setting one's heart on magical advancement might lead to disappointment. But Neil wasn't a typical orphan, and he had no intention of settling for less than his full potential.
---
As spring progressed into early summer, Neil's herb business continued to thrive. He had expanded his growing area with Brother Tomas's blessing, and now cultivated over a dozen different medicinal plants. His remedies had gained a small reputation in the local market, with customers specifically asking for "the orphanage boy's mixtures."
Neil reinvested most of his profits into better materials and seeds for rarer herbs, but he also began setting aside a portion in a small leather pouch hidden in a loose floorboard beneath his bed. This was his Academy fund—woefully inadequate for now, but growing steadily.
His studies continued as well. Thomas had provided more books on magical theory, and Neil devoured them, focusing particularly on the mental aspects of magic—visualization techniques, concentration exercises, and the philosophical underpinnings of different magical approaches.
One warm afternoon, as Neil worked in the herb garden, Brother Tomas approached with an unusual request.
"Neil, I've been asked to prepare a special remedy for Matron Helsa's recurring headaches. I'd like you to assist me."
Neil looked up from the feverfew he was harvesting. "Of course, Brother. What kind of remedy?"
"A tincture of willowbark and feverfew, with a touch of lavender for calming. It's a delicate balance—too much willowbark causes stomach distress, too little won't ease the pain."
Neil followed Brother Tomas to the small shed where they prepared remedies. The gardener laid out the ingredients and equipment—dried herbs, a small copper still, glass vials, and a mortar and pestle.
"Watch carefully," Brother Tomas instructed. "I'll show you the proper proportions and preparation method."
As Neil observed, the interface flickered:
```
[Skill Opportunity: Advanced Herbalism]
Preparation of complex remedies
```
Brother Tomas measured precise amounts of each herb, explaining the properties and interactions as he worked. "Willowbark contains a substance that reduces pain and fever. Feverfew specifically targets headache pain. Lavender calms the mind without causing drowsiness."
He demonstrated how to grind the dried herbs to the proper consistency, then how to extract their essential properties using the small still. The process was meticulous, requiring careful attention to temperature and timing.
"Now," Brother Tomas said, holding up the resulting liquid, "we must test the potency." He placed a single drop on his tongue, considering the taste. "Hmm. The willowbark is slightly too dominant. We need to balance it better."
He added a small amount more of the feverfew extract, then tested again. "Better. Now it needs to steep for three days before it's ready for use."
As they cleaned the equipment, Brother Tomas gave Neil an appraising look. "You've shown remarkable aptitude for herbalism these past months. Your remedies for common ailments have been quite effective."
"Thank you, Brother. I find the work satisfying."
"Indeed." Brother Tomas hesitated, then continued. "I've been considering your future, Neil. When you turn sixteen, you'll face your Awakening. If you show magical potential, you'll need training."
Neil's heart quickened. Was Brother Tomas offering help? "Yes, I've been thinking about that too."
"Training is expensive," the gardener said bluntly. "St. Clement's can provide only the most basic instruction for those who Awaken. But there might be another path for you."
"What path?" Neil asked, trying to keep his voice casual.
"The Potion Guild maintains a small outpost here in Westhollow. They sometimes seek apprentices with herbalism experience—magical potential is preferred but not always required for the preliminary work."
Neil could hardly believe what he was hearing. This was exactly the kind of opportunity he had been hoping for. "Are you suggesting...?"
Brother Tomas nodded. "I know the Guild's local representative, Master Eldon. He comes to the orphanage twice a year to purchase certain rare herbs I grow for him. He's due to visit next month. If you continue to show the same dedication and skill, I could recommend you to him."
"As an apprentice?" Neil asked, hardly daring to hope.
"As a potential apprentice," Brother Tomas clarified. "You would still need to impress him yourself, and there would be the matter of an apprenticeship fee. But my recommendation would at least get you an audience."
Neil's mind raced with possibilities. This could be his entry point into the magical community, a foot in the door before his Awakening even occurred. "I would be very grateful for such an opportunity, Brother Tomas."
The gardener nodded. "Continue as you have been, and we shall see. Master Eldon is a demanding man, but fair. He recognizes genuine talent when he sees it."
That evening, Neil could barely contain his excitement as he updated his notebook. A potential connection to the Potion Guild, even at the most preliminary level, was more than he had dared hope for at this stage.
The interface flickered:
```
[Opportunity Identified: Potion Guild Connection]
Potential pathway to magical training
```
For once, the system's assessment aligned perfectly with Neil's own thoughts.
He needed to prepare for this meeting with Master Eldon. Over the next few weeks, Neil redoubled his efforts in the herb garden, perfecting his techniques and expanding his knowledge. He asked Brother Tomas countless questions about the Potion Guild, learning that potion-makers combined herbalism with magical enhancement to create remedies far more powerful than their non-magical counterparts.
"Even before Awakening, those with potential for potion-making often show an intuitive understanding of herb combinations," Brother Tomas explained. "They can sense how ingredients will interact in ways that cannot be taught."
Neil wasn't sure if he possessed such intuition, but he was determined to demonstrate every skill he could. He began experimenting with his own remedies, carefully documenting the results in his notebook.
Thomas, meanwhile, had come through with information from his uncle's Guild contact. "The Potion Guild is the most accessible of the five for those without wealth or connections," he told Neil. "They value skill and knowledge over background. But competition is still fierce."
"What about advancement within the Guild?" Neil asked. "How does one rise through the ranks?"
"Innovation, mostly. Creating new potions or improving existing ones. The most respected potion-makers are those who develop remedies no one else can replicate."
This aligned perfectly with Neil's strengths. In his previous life, innovation had been his hallmark—seeing possibilities others missed, combining existing elements in new ways. If the Potion Guild valued such skills, perhaps he had found his path.
The memory integration continued its steady progress:
```
[Memory Integration: 48% Complete]
```
Nearly half of Neil Chambers' memories had been integrated, giving Neil a deeper understanding of his current body's history and experiences. He now recalled clearly the boy's early fascination with plants and remedies, born from his own chronic illness and desire to find relief.
This alignment of the original Neil's interests with his current path felt right somehow, as if he were honoring the boy whose body he now inhabited by fulfilling a potential that might otherwise have been lost.
As the day of Master Eldon's visit approached, Neil prepared a small portfolio of his work—samples of his best remedies, carefully labeled and packaged, along with his notebook documenting his experiments and results. Brother Tomas reviewed his preparations with approval.
"You've done well," the gardener said. "Master Eldon will be impressed by your thoroughness, if nothing else."
The night before the visit, Neil lay awake, reviewing everything he had learned about the Potion Guild and its practices. This meeting could be a turning point in his new life—a step toward the magical education he would need after Awakening.
The interface flickered one last time before he finally drifted off to sleep:
```
[Memory Integration: 50% Complete]
Halfway milestone reached
```
Half of Neil Chambers' memories had now been integrated with his own. Neil wasn't sure what significance this milestone held, but it felt important somehow—a balance point between his past and present selves.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities. Neil was ready to face them, armed with knowledge, preparation, and the determination that had defined him in both lives.
The game continued, and he was playing to win.