The Secrets of Light and Shadow: Chapter 1

"Ignatus! IGNATUS!," in the encapsulated space of the auditorium, professor Benedetto booms at Ignatus to wake him from his slumber. Benedetto is a mathematician who has a knack for alchemy. Alchemy, being considered a dangerous subject—an idea pulled out of someones ass so to speak, produced outlandish methods to support its claims. People often mock and baffle those who believe alchemy has any real meaning or significance in this world. "Hm? Did I miss something?" Ignatus stares at the board blankly.

Professor Benedetto sighs "look I know my class isn't the most challenging for you but could you at LEAST try to be interested?" 

"Alright alright," says Ignatus in a grim tone. He looks around the room to observe posters and diagrams.

Some kids behind him whisper to one another, "psst, man I wish I could be as smart as him, he's only 16 but he is already in Krakow University—one of the most prestigious universities of the nation!" 

After a long and average lecture, the bell rings and class ends. All the students pack up their stuff and leave. "Just a second Ignatus." Hearing this from Professor Benedetto, Ignatus expects for an earful. Ignatus walks up to the front of the room and approaches his desk. 

"Yea yea yea, I know, no sleeping in class, got it."

"Will you give me a second? That's not it, I already know you've mastered the fundamentals of this class, however, I have something to show you." Benedetto swiftly looks around and enters his work room behind the chalk board. He stumbles over a few papers and makes his way to his desk. Stacking papers one after the other and brushing aside pens and pencils, he uncovers a peculiar drawing. "Ignatus do you know what this is?"

Ignatus's eyes widen. He dives for the paper and holds it up above his head as if he were holding a newborn up. For once in his life, something truly interesting that could offset this world, lies on the face of this paper.