Azar and Azshara entered the base. Everyone they passed greeted Azshara, while Azar's admirers enthusiastically called out his name. They both smiled and returned the greetings. Azar noticed that the people here had changed considerably in appearance, becoming much more like Elves. Their torsos and limbs in particular had developed clearly defined five-fingered hands.
"You've noticed, haven't you? The changes to our fingers let us make a wider range of hand movements, so we can do more delicate work. This place has two levels, an inner one and an outer one. The people on the outer level have a relatively weak affinity for Arcane energy. They're mainly studying physical changes and exploring new ways to move their limbs. The Chieftain plans to make them excellent craftsmen. We'll head into the inner level now. The people researching here have a stronger affinity for Arcane energy, and their main focus is finding ways to use it in combat. Just like you. We're eager to hear the new ideas you'll bring us." After speaking, the two entered a hall together. A group of people had already arrived. As they walked in, everyone turned to look at them. Azshara led Azar to the seat of honor. "Everyone, I'm sure you all know the person beside me. Starting today, he'll be our new leader. Let's give him a warm welcome." She led the applause. The room erupted in enthusiastic clapping. Azar saw no resentment in their eyes, only admiration. They were young, after all, and at an age when heroes held great appeal.
He cleared his throat. "I'm glad to be working with you all. This is a great undertaking that will help our tribe rise. Let's work together and fight for the future of the Zarzan Tribe!" After the slogan, Azar continued, "I'm a practical man. I care about results. If you're capable, you'll be a hero of the tribe. If you aren't, I won't blame you, but you may have to leave your current post and find another way to contribute to the tribe, like our friends on the outer level. Starting today, the base will provide allowances. All your efforts will be rewarded, both materially and spiritually. Whatever you want, I'll do my best to provide! Understood? Meeting adjourned!" His words immediately set everyone talking excitedly. They could hardly hide their excitement at the mention of rewards. Azshara looked at him in surprise.
"That's a very appealing decision. Even I'm eager to give it a try."
Azar looked at Azshara seriously. "This decision applies to everyone at the base, including you and me."
Azar's words startled her. Those who hadn't yet left the hall quickly turned around to look at them. Azar repeated himself loudly. "This decision applies to everyone at the base!"
The new leader's first initiative had been a great success. After a few days, it was clear that everyone was working much more eagerly than before Azar's arrival. Who knew how things would go in the future? Deep down, he had his own motives. These people would eventually become the Night Elf mage class—in other words, the future nobility. But Azar wanted to instill a principle in them from the start: love didn't come from nowhere, and everything had to be created through one's own efforts. Striving was a spirit, a noble quality. Just look at why people in Africa kept starving to death in the age of Earth: because they were damn lazy. Why could the Chinese people rise again after every disaster? Because diligence was etched into the bones of every Chinese person. They knew that there was no savior; only through their own hard work could they build a better future. Azar wanted to instill his beliefs in them. Given time, some would come to agree with him, and he would gradually gain followers. Only then would he have a say in the struggles to come. The road ahead wouldn't be smooth.
Azshara hadn't come to see him in the past few days. When they did meet, they merely nodded to each other. Azar assumed his words that day had affected her. As wise as she was, she would still need to think carefully when her own interests were at stake. Three days later, Azar organized the group's first meeting to share information. He needed a clear picture of the base's current capabilities before deciding what to do next.
"Centurion, our research department on the inner level of the base has completed its initial study of Arcane energy. We've discovered it's a new form of energy that can be used in combat, and it's extremely powerful." The speaker was an older Elf who seemed to have been a mage in the past.
"Thank you for the summary. We all know that already, or I wouldn't be here. What I want to know now is the specifics. Do you understand?" What Azar really meant was, Cut the chatter and get to the point!
"Yes, that's exactly what I was about to explain." He paused, then continued. "So far, we've developed three schools of magic: Evocation, Divination, and Illusion. Azshara is in charge of the Evocation School, I'm in charge of the Illusion School, and Yamila is in charge of the Divination School." As he spoke, he gestured toward an Elf woman across from him, who looked about his age. She bowed politely to Azar. He smiled and nodded back, then motioned for the Elf to continue. "All right, sir. So far, we've found that Evocation can turn Arcane energy into fire and ice attacks. We call them Fireball and Frostbolt. If you're willing, I'd like to take you to the outdoor training grounds, where we can demonstrate."
"Of course. Practice is the only test of truth. Seeing it for yourself is the best way to understand it." Azar readily agreed, and the group headed to the Proving Grounds.
"Azshara, please give us a demonstration." The male Elf dispensed with the formalities and addressed Azshara beside him. She didn't waste time on words. She conjured a fireball in her hand and hurled it at a wooden post, then followed it with a Frostbolt. How skilled—almost instant casting, Azar thought. But seeing the fierce expression on her face, he wondered if she was imagining that the post was him. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. The presenter's voice interrupted his wandering thoughts.
"As you can see, those are Fireball and Frostbolt. Fireball inflicts burning damage, while Frostbolt slows its target."
"Yes, I saw. Am I right in thinking that Fireball deals stronger, more direct damage, while Frostbolt is better for controlling an opponent? What do you think, Azshara?"
"That seems to be the case so far." Her tone was just as businesslike as before.
"Then the amount of Arcane energy someone has must affect the results, right?" At this, everyone thought more highly of Azar. That was the sort of question asked by someone who knew what he was talking about.
"Yes, sir. You're very perceptive. We're also working on evaluating the effects of different spells and trying to establish a standard." The male Elf's tone held a little more respect.
"That's the right approach. I hope you succeed soon. When you do, I'll reward you!" Azar praised them with a smile.
"I have another question. Can a person study several schools, or must they choose just one? How do you decide?" he asked, looking puzzled.
"So far, we haven't found anything that makes the different schools incompatible. Arcane energy is the source of everything. Once you have enough of it, you can explore whichever path interests you. That's the most beautiful thing about it: anything is possible. For example, Azshara is not only skilled in Evocation; she's also studied Divination and Illusion, and she's quite capable."
"What exactly is Divination? Could you explain it?"
"Um, perhaps Yamila should explain that." He stepped aside and yielded the floor to the Elf woman.
"Of course, sir. I'll explain. Simply put, through spellcasting we can briefly enter the river of time and see things from the past that we didn't witness ourselves, as well as things that might happen in the future. It's similar to Divination. We can also observe distant targets and communicate with one another. Our spells have one difference, though: they require a Scrying Pool."
After their discussion, Azar had a general understanding of their situation. He needed to think carefully about what to do next, so he said, "We've been out here for a while, and you must be tired. Let's return to the Council Hall and sit down for a proper talk."
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