After the Etherology lecture ended, the students left the first lecture hall, murmuring among themselves about the information they had just received. Some were astonished, others excited, while a few showed signs of worry as they realized how complex dealing with ether truly was. But there was no time for deep reflection, as the next lecture was about to begin.
The second group entered a vast hall adorned with ancient inscriptions on its walls. Standing before them was an elderly man of average height, with a short beard and stern features. He wore a white robe embroidered with golden threads, reflecting his esteemed status. When he spoke, his voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority.
"Good morning, students," he said, scanning the room. "I am Magister Masero, and I will be your instructor in ancient languages. Today, we will not simply discuss symbols and words, but rather the keys to understanding history, magic, and the hidden power within our kingdom."
He slowly approached a massive stone tablet engraved with intricate symbols, then pointed to the top section, where a set of familiar glyphs was inscribed.
"In the Kingdom of Aegyptus, we have two primary languages, each serving a distinct purpose. The first is hieroglyphs, the language of administration, laws, communication, and historical records."
Masero ran his hand over the inscriptions, causing some of them to faintly glow.
"This language is used in daily life, and anyone who is educated can read and write it. However, it is not merely a means of communication—it carries symbols with deep spiritual and historical meanings. Each character here is not just a shape but represents an idea, an entity, or even a hidden force."
He then moved to another section of the tablet, where the inscriptions were different—more complex, as if they carried an enigmatic energy.
"And this," Masero said in a hushed voice as if sharing a secret, "is the Metanic language, or as we call it, 'Neter-Met.' It is the language of magical inscriptions, matrices, and spells. It is not a language to be merely read—it is a language that interacts with ether itself."
He struck the tablet with his staff, causing some symbols to glow momentarily before fading away.
"The difference between the two languages is clear," he continued. "Hieroglyphs are read and written, while Neter-Met is spoken and activated. A small mistake in drawing one of its symbols can lead to disaster. That is why not everyone is qualified to study it."
Silence filled the hall as the students grasped the depth of what they were hearing. One student raised his hand and asked:
"Does this mean that anyone who masters Neter-Met can use magic?"
Masero smiled and replied:
"Not necessarily. Language alone does not grant power. To understand it, you must have harmony with ether and a strong will. Many have tried to learn it, but only a few have succeeded in harnessing its true power."
He then extended his hand toward a book resting on a side table. Suddenly, the book began to move through the air slowly until it settled in his grasp.
"As you can see, words alone are not enough. You must understand the spirit that drives them."
Zoser felt a shiver run down his spine. He had never imagined that language could hold such power. He began to think that he must master Neter-Met, no matter the cost.
"Anyone who wishes to study Neter-Met must first master hieroglyphs," Masero declared. "So today, we begin with the basics."
As the lesson began, Zoser had already made up his mind—he had to learn this language... he had to unlock its secrets.
---
After the lecture, it was time for lunch. The students gathered in the dormitory, discussing the lessons they had attended. Gibran was so excited that he barely gave anyone else a chance to speak, while Zoser seemed lost in thought.
After lunch, the students headed to the training center, where a towering instructor with sharp eyes stood before them.
"Learning alone is not enough," he said firmly. "You must also strengthen your bodies. Magic will be useless if you are weak."
The grueling physical exercises began, and it didn't take long for exhaustion to take its toll on the students. Some collapsed entirely, while others barely managed to endure. Even Zoser found the exercises challenging, but his determination wouldn't let him stop.
Next, the students were divided into pairs for sparring matches. Zoser faced a boy named Tut, who was shorter but had a strong build and wielded a wooden spear, while Zoser was given two wooden daggers.
"Begin!"
Tut lunged forward, striking with swift, powerful thrusts, making it difficult for Zoser to counter. The difference in weapon range was evident, but Zoser was not lacking in skill. Remembering Onar's training, he focused on dodging rather than directly blocking the attacks.
Then, in a swift moment, Zoser slipped inside Tut's range, delivering a sharp strike to the side of his neck, causing him to fall to the ground.
"Match over!" the instructor announced.
Zoser looked down at Tut, who was lying on the ground, then extended a hand to help him up. Tut smiled and said:
"I didn't expect that speed from you. Next time, I'll win!"
Zoser chuckled. "I'll be ready."
---
After the sparring matches, the students sat in a meditative position, attempting to absorb the ether around them. The instructor observed them all, correcting some of their postures, but he noticed something unusual.
"this boy..." he muttered to himself.
While most students took time to focus, Zoser was absorbing ether at an impressive rate—nearly twice as fast as the others—without losing concentration.
"We have a prodigy here..." the instructor thought. "I wonder if he'll be joining the elite class soon?"
After training, the students ate their dinner, then Zoser returned to his room, where he resumed meditating—this time activating Horus' Eye, trying to sense any changes around him.
Two hours of deep meditation later, sleep finally overtook him, preparing him for another day of challenges and lessons.