The rising sun's rays pierced through the room's window, illuminating it with its gentle light and waking Julius.
With a stretch of his arms, he swiftly stood up and went to wash his face before turning to the ethereal figure of his big brother and lightly shaking it.
As Adam's eyes came to life, their lights shining brightly, the boy extended his hand in excitement and asked, "Is it done?"
"Yeah. Ask me if you don't understand some parts." He answered, pointing at the room's desk.
Dying from impatience, Julius hurriedly ran to the desk and grabbed the papers, his eyes glowing as he noticed the formidable work of his big brother.
The papers not only recorded the booklet's translated content but Adam's insight and comprehension as well.
"Thank you, big bro. With that technique, I'll surpass you in a flash!" He said playfully, with his eyes curved into two crescents.
"Humph. Good luck with that." Adam scoffed in response. Yet his lips curled into a soft smile as he added, "Should we go to Shepard's place? You can try your technique there while I read."
The boy nodded happily before leaving the room, forgetting to wake Arun up for class in his excitement.
After a short walk, they reached the majestic tower and entered, thanks to the magic stamp Shepard applied on his student card yesterday while Adam chose his book.
As they stepped inside, Shepard, who was busy producing elemental affinity-checking statues, greeted them.
"Ah, my favorite new disciple. It's so early, yet you're already here." He said approvingly before explaining with a smile. "You can use this floor's installations to concoct potions or head up to read books. You can also ask me questions if you feel stuck or encounter a problem."
Then, he remembered Adam's mysterious mana-gathering technique. "I'm still interested in the technique you used to become an acolyte." He hinted with a mischievous smile as he gazed at the ghost.
Adam failed to find a decent excuse. So, returning to his blunt habits, he just said, "No. I won't show it to anyone, not even Julius."
Astonished by the categorical refusal, Shepard sighed. "I won't pressure you. Maybe when you'll feel more comfortable." He didn't think the technique was worth ruining their starting relationship, so he tactfully took a step back, sure that he would share it with him on his own after a few years together.
Then, feeling the atmosphere tensing as Adam gazed at him fearlessly, he changed the subject entirely. "I heard you registered at the Battle Monster Club. Will you join next year's tournament?" He asked probingly.
"Yes. I need to create a deck, though." Adam answered, unsure where the discussion was going, as Shepard's eyes lit up.
"That's great!" He exclaimed, already seeing rare items flowing into his pockets before asking, "There is a magic tournament two years from now. Want to join it as my disciple?"
"What's in for me?" Adam responded, interested. He didn't mind competing as long as the rewards were satisfactory.
"With your potential and skills, I'm certain you'll end in first place." He started, crossing his arms over his chest and continuing. "The prizes change every time. Yet they are always extraordinary."
After all, every magic academy competed using various fields to determine the best. The resources they invested into it each decade were appalling to the typical individual. It wasn't uncommon to see rare tier seven potions brewed by the mysterious third archmage, legendary wands and staves, or even mythical ingredients.
Upon hearing the word extraordinary coming from the mouth of an arcanist, Adam's greed flared uncontrollably. His eyes glowed golden as he exclaimed, "Sign me in!"
"Me too!" Julius chimed in, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he imagined the thrill of the competition.
"Hahah. Sure." Shepard shucked, his smile reaching his ears before adding. "But you'll have to complete your ritual and build your body first."
No rules forbade the participation of ghosts since no precedent was ever set. Still, he was afraid of the lunatic from the academy of dark magic and necromancy, not doubting they would target Adam to enslave him.
Simultaneously, contrasting Shepard's excitement, Adam's eyes dimmed a little. Elena's ritual was way out of his league.
"I can't promise anything..." He muttered, making Shepard feel deep in thought.
He had never heard of someone reviving. Only the elusive magus could maybe make it happen, and he wasn't even sure about it.
He knew some ghosts could possess living beings, but it was only a temporary solution. The body would slowly reject the foreign soul. In fact, the only instances of successful long-term possession he was aware of were conducted by living beings.
As Shepard realised the daunting task Adam was trying to tackle, the ghost spoke again, shocking him and Julius. "In the worst case, I'll build a puppet and use it as my body."
Despite being far from ideal, it was still a solution.
As his words lingered in the room, resonating like a thunder strike in their ears, Shepard swiftly recovered his composure and advised. "I'm not an expert in this field, but your idea is terrible. Even if you succeed, do you want to live like that? Unable to eat, sleep, or feel the wind against your skin?"
The arcanist couldn't help but shake his head vigorously. That wasn't living anymore.
However, Adam's answer made him doubt his life.
"If I find no other solution in six months, I'll live like that," Adam said, his eyes glowing like two torches as he gritted his ethereal teeth in resolve.
He had made his choice in the ruins and would stick to it. As long as the shadow of a viable solution existed, he wouldn't touch the boy's body.
"NO! I'm sure we'll find a solution. Don't do that!" Julius yelled, unwillingness distorting his face in an ugly grimace as he gripped Adam's arm and added, his voice trembling, "I'll help you. What do you need?"
Feeling a bit touched by his heartfelt concern, Adam answered calmly. "Calm down. It's only the backup plan if everything else fails. What I need is for you to improve yourself. Let's head to the library first."
Then, he nodded at Shepard, signalling the end of the conversation. With the boy in this state, they both knew they wouldn't progress.
Under his big brother's soothing words, Julius gradually calmed and climbed the transparent steps leading to the second floor. He sat on the cold floor, reading his cultivation technique, his eyes filled with concern for his big brother.
As time passed, he slowly focused on the sutra, distracting his worried mind and immersing himself in it for hours until Shepard joined them, accompanied by four students wearing the college's uniform.