Chapter 81: Artifacts & Memories

The classroom was an ancient Chinese style, its walls adorned with intricate wooden carvings and calligraphy scrolls.

Lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, flickering glow over the room.

Tatami mats covered the floor, and low wooden desks were arranged in neat rows, each one occupied by an attentive student. The air was thick with the scent of incense, lending a serene, scholarly atmosphere to the environment.

At the front of the class stood Scholar Thad, a middle-aged man with striking green hair that flowed like a river down his back. His round spectacles perched precariously on the bridge of his nose, occasionally catching the light and reflecting it into the eyes of his students.

His face was a landscape of fierce determination and intensity, with sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to look right through you.

His jaw was set in a permanent expression of steely resolve, and deep lines etched his forehead, testament to years of deep thought and contemplation. His presence was commanding, and it was clear that he was a man who brooked no nonsense.

"Today, we delve into the fascinating world of artifacts," Scholar Thad began, his voice a deep, resonant baritone that filled the room.

"Artifacts are objects of power, relics of the past imbued with mystic energy. They are categorized into three main types: Mortal Artifacts, Magical Artifacts, and Heavenly Artifacts. "

"Each category is further divided into low, intermediate, high, and peak levels, depending on their potency and the extent of their abilities."

Ruchir, seated near the front, diligently took notes, his quill scratching softly against the parchment. His eyes were focused, absorbing every word Scholar Thad spoke.

Garret, on the other hand, was frowning, his brow furrowed in confusion. He leaned over to Ruchir and whispered, "This stuff is so boring. Who cares about dusty old artifacts anyway?"

Alice, sitting on the other side of Garret, rolled her eyes and whispered back, "Maybe if you paid attention for once, you'd understand how important this is. Artifacts can be the difference between life and death in a battle."

Garret scoffed, but before he could retort, Scholar Thad's voice cut through the room like a knife. "Garret, Alice, do you have something to share with the class?"

Both students immediately fell silent, their faces flushing with embarrassment. Scholar Thad nodded curtly before continuing. "As I was saying, Mortal Artifacts are the most common. "

"They can be found in many places and are generally easier to control. However, their power is limited. "

"An example of a low-level Mortal Artifact would be a simple enchanted blade, capable of cutting through stone with ease but nothing more."

He moved to a table at the front of the room, where various artifacts were displayed.

Picking up a small, intricately carved box, he continued, "This is an intermediate Mortal Artifact, known as the Whispering Box. When opened, it can relay messages across great distances, but only to those who know the incantation."

Ruchir's quill danced across the page, noting every detail. Garret, trying to appear more engaged, asked, "What about high-level Mortal Artifacts?"

Scholar Thad's eyes gleamed with approval. "A high-level Mortal Artifact might be something like the Shield of the Tortoise, which can withstand even the fiercest of attacks. However, controlling such artifacts requires significant skill and energy."

He then picked up a shimmering amulet, its surface covered in runes that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. "Now, Magical Artifacts are a different matter entirely. They are much rarer and more powerful than Mortal Artifacts. This amulet, for example, is a low-level Magical Artifact. It enhances the wearer's speed and agility, making them nearly impossible to catch in battle."

Garret leaned forward, intrigued. "What about Heavenly Artifacts?"

Scholar Thad's expression grew even more intense. "Heavenly Artifacts are the stuff of legends. They are extraordinarily rare and possess unimaginable power."

"A low-level Heavenly Treasure might be able to summon a storm, while a peak-level Heavenly Treasure could control the very fabric of reality itself. "

"Such treasures are highly sought after, and wars have been fought over them."

As Scholar Thad continued his lecture, the students listened in rapt attention. Ruchir's notes became more detailed, capturing every nuance of the descriptions.

Garret's frown had disappeared, replaced by a look of fascination. Even Alice, who had started by mocking Garret, was now fully engrossed in the lesson.

Scholar Thad concluded with a final piece of wisdom. "Remember, the true power of an artifact lies not just in its abilities, but in the skill and wisdom of the one who wields it. Respect the artifacts, and they will serve you well. Dismissed."

The students began to pack up their things, their minds buzzing with the new knowledge they had acquired.

As they left the classroom, Ruchir, Garret, and Alice exchanged excited whispers, eager to discuss what they had learned and how it might aid them in their future endeavors.

At night, in the inn's first floor was a hive of activity, filled with the buzz of conversation and the clatter of dishes.

Lanterns hanging from the ceiling bathed the room in a warm, golden light, casting a cozy glow over the crowded tables.

Wooden beams and richly decorated panels added to the rustic charm, while the aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the occasional whiff of ale.

At a table near the corner sat Ruchir, Garret, Alice, and Flippy. The four friends had managed to secure a spot away from the busiest areas, though they were still surrounded by the constant hum of the inn's patrons.

Ruchir was lost in thought, his eyes scanning the room as he absorbed the lively atmosphere. Garret, however, was in his element, entertaining the table with his usual antics.

"Hey, waiter!" Garret called out, waving his hand theatrically. "Could we get another round of your finest ale? And by finest, I mean the cheapest you've got!"

The waiter, a burly man with a sour expression, approached the table with a scowl. "The cheapest ale, you say? Well, if that's what you want, I've got just the thing," he muttered, setting down a jug with a heavy thud.

Garret grinned mischievously. "Perfect! And maybe you could throw in some of those stale biscuits too?"

The waiter's scowl deepened. "Stale biscuits, huh? How about I throw you out instead?"

Alice rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Garret, must you always antagonize the waitstaff?"

Garret feigned innocence. "Who, me? I'm just trying to add a little excitement to their day!"

As the waiter stormed off, grumbling under his breath, Flippy sat quietly, munching on a piece of bread with an innocent expression. His wide eyes darted around the room, taking in the sights and sounds with childlike wonder.

Ruchir's attention was drawn to a nearby table where a group of travelers were deep in conversation. "Did you hear? The Four Great Academies' exam is coming up again soon. They say it's going to be even more challenging this year."

Another traveler nodded. "I heard that the competition is fiercer than ever. Only the best of the best will make it through."

Ruchir's eyes widened, his mind racing as he remembered their own experiences with the exams. Garret, noticing his friend's distraction, leaned in with a smile. "Feels like just yesterday we were taking that exam, huh? All those challenges, the nerve-wracking tests... What a year it's been."

Alice nodded, her expression softening. "It has been quite a journey. Remember the time we had to cross that treacherous river during the exam? And then there was the forest of illusions..."

Garret laughed, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "Oh, the forest of illusions! That was something else. I swear, I almost convinced myself I was a giant talking frog!"

Alice shook her head, chuckling. "You would find a way to make even the most serious situations into a joke, Garret."

Garret smiled, his gaze distant as he recalled the countless adventures they'd shared. "And let's not forget the desert trek. I don't think I've ever been so grateful for a canteen of water in my life."

Their reminiscing was interrupted by the waiter's return, his scowl firmly in place. "Here's your ale," he said curtly, placing the jug on the table with more force than necessary.

Garret, undeterred, raised his mug in a mock toast. "To the best waiter in the land! May your scowls forever be as intimidating as they are today!"

The waiter crossed his arms, glaring down at Garret. "You know, I've half a mind to dump this jug over your head."

Alice shook her head, trying to suppress a laugh. "Garret, one of these days you're going to get yourself into real trouble."

Garret grinned, unperturbed. "Trouble? Nah. Just making memories, that's all."

The waiter's patience finally snapped, and he grabbed Garret by the collar. "That's it, you little pest. Out you go!"

Garret's eyes widened in mock horror as he was dragged toward the door. "Wait! I was only joking! Ruchir, Alice, a little help here?"

Ruchir and Alice exchanged amused glances before rising to their feet. "All right, all right, we'll settle up," Ruchir said, reaching for his coin pouch.

As they settled their bill and gathered their things, Alice couldn't help but laugh. "You never change, Garret. Always finding a way to stir things up."

Garret, now released by the waiter, dusted himself off with a grin. "Well, what's life without a little excitement?"

As they made their way out of the inn, Flippy trailing innocently behind them, the four friends couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia.

The year had been filled with challenges, adventures, and moments of sheer terror, but through it all, they had grown closer and stronger. And as they stepped into the cool night air, they knew that their journey was far from over, and many more adventures awaited them.