197 First Encounter (2/2)
Douglas, in the magic lab tower.
Finishing the first lesson of Introduction of Magic Creatures in another class, Blood Bird, Lucien hurriedly arrived here.
”Hello, may I have an alchemical laboratory?” Lucien politely asked the old sorcerer managing the tower.
The old level one arcanist, second circle sorcerer, Ines, responded seriously, ”Sorry, Mr. Evans, all the magic labs have been borrowed. Please come earlier tomorrow.”
”All of the labs?” Lucien looked up at the five-story magic tower. Although it was not very spacious, there were at least ten magic labs on each floor. Lucien could not believe his ears.
Ines calmly replied, ”Mr. Evans, we have to reserve twenty labs for our students and the several level two arcanists. For the rest of the labs, you know, first come, first served.”
”We have this many teachers who need to do experiments?” asked Lucien, feeling a bit frustrated and surprised.
”No all of them are doing experiments,” said Ines. ”Some are making potions and some are testing their summoning rites. Everyone knows that one of the best things working here in this school is that one can use the labs for free.”
”I totally understand, Mr. Ines.” Lucien did not want to give up easily, ”Can I use one of the reserved labs first? Then I can leave when the person arrives.”
Building a well-equipped lab here was very expensive, and Lucien could not afford it right now.
”No.” Ines shook his head, ”We have rules, unless you’re a level two arcanist who enjoys privileges.”
When Lucien was feeling quite frustrated, a low voice came from behind, ”Are you Lucien Evans?”
Lucien turned around and saw a tall, ordinary-looking man wearing a black jacket, looking like a strong bear.
”Yes, I’m Lucien Evans… Uh… X. And you?” Lucien nodded.
”I guess so.” The tall man smiled, ”You don't look familiar to me. Nice to meet you, I’m K.”
”So we have the same name.” Lucien looked at K curiously.
”Rock was about to introduce me to you this afternoon, but I wasn’t in the office,” said K a bit shyly, ”You’re looking for a lab?”
”Yes… but I think I’m too late.” Lucien nodded frustratedly.
”Then what about sharing one with me?” suggested K sincerely. ”What are you gonna do today?”
”That’ll be awesome!” said Lucien excitedly, then with a second thought, he asked politely, ”I’m making a magic potion today. Will I disturb your work?”
”Not a problem. There are plenty of alchemical circles in the lab. We can share.” K was very generous.
”Thank you, K. Like Rock said, you’re really a nice person,” said Lucien sincerely.
”I’ve received lots of help from others as well. Let’s go.” K was quite shy, which did not agree with his big and tall figure.
With K’s permission, Ines let the two people walk upstairs without saying anything.