Rest After the Rush

Manus had never expected that he possessed a gift for prophecy that he had yet to discover, but thinking about it, it was not all that far-fetched.

First, Odin possessed the ability of prophecy, though he had only gained it after sacrificing one eye in exchange for the wisdom of the world.

Second, given that this prophetic ability emerged entirely beyond his control and caused no changes in him when it took effect, it was indeed difficult for Manus to discover it through his awareness of himself.

He did not even know where this ability had come from...

So Manus temporarily wrote the matter down in his homework, intending to hand it over to Tracey to solve, while he continued with his studies.

The first Saturday after term began brought rare good weather. It had stopped raining yesterday afternoon, and while the morning air was still pleasantly cool, Manus and his classmates came to relax by the Black Lake.

It was a small activity to ease their minds and bodies beneath the suddenly increased academic pressure of third year. Some had brought books, some snacks, and some had brought Wizard's Chess.

"Chariot forward! Flip over their king!"

Jasper threw a punch, as though he himself had driven the chariot and cut off the opposing king's head.

Quirinus scratched his head, somewhat troubled to realize that he might not have much talent for Wizard's Chess, though he did not dwell on it.

It was only a way to relax, shift his attention, and catch his breath.

He had never really understood why the older students lay on the grass by the Black Lake during lunch breaks and weekends, basking in the sun or chatting beneath the shade of trees when there were so many ways to entertain themselves inside the castle.