By the end of the last class on Friday, many apprentices and Mentors had left by carriage, leaving the once-bustling academy quiet.
Late that night, a cloaked figure quietly arrived at the entrance to the boys' dormitory. Looking at the door she had knocked on so many times before, her expression was complicated.
When had things become like this?
Friendship, money, or prospects?
She had never thought much about such questions before, but as she grew older and the gap between apprentices widened, she ultimately made what she believed was the right choice: accepting Conner's offer and following his lead.
Though it was somewhat humiliating, the resources she received from Conner had indeed allowed her studies to advance rapidly. Scribing scrolls became easier, and she had successfully advanced to a Level 3 mage ahead of the others.
But Du Pont's changes over the past few days had come so quickly that she was nearly unable to recognize the classmate she had known for more than two years.
After the sparring match that day, she had still believed Conner's reassurance. Du Pont merely had a commoner's brute courage and was nothing to worry about.
Mages ultimately relied on their minds and spells. Even Battlemages needed magical enhancements and control spells. No matter how well you could fight, could you really beat a properly trained combat professional?
Yet the news of Du Pont advancing to Level 3 today still made her unable to stop herself from asking.
Had she really made the wrong choice?
But after thinking it over, she shook her head again.
Though Du Pont had indeed changed somewhat, he was still just a poor student. Conner had advanced earlier than him, possessed greater talent, and had a rather influential family behind him. Other than being less handsome and less