Haku calmly continued, "I am merely suggesting, Elena, that the world is vast. To assume that one's understanding encompasses all there is to know is, perhaps, a tad… presumptuous." He offered a disarming smile, but in reality, already having given up on peace, if she wanted to play this game, he would gladly play it with her.
Elena, however, remained unconvinced. "So, you admit you're not drawing from established magical theory? That you're... improvising?" she pressed, her voice betraying the mockery that lay below it.
"I am simply teaching what I consider worth teaching," Haku retorted, trying to keep his voice steady. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Sometimes, looking at something familiar can stop us from seeing something new. Perhaps you should try to sometimes look the other way."
He turned and walked away, leaving Elena with her tomato-colored face in the classroom as he ended the lecture early. He could feel her burning gaze on his back, threatening retribution. As he reached the hallway, he let out a sigh of relief.
'The jealous teacher archetype truly is a problem if she is like the ones from those novels, she is connected to some ancient organization or evil force for sure, maybe I should do some digging and get the other teachers to deal with her.'
Lyra approached him, her expression seeming to have enjoyed the show. "That was quite a… spirited discussion, Professor Haku."
"Indeed," Haku chuckled. "Professor Elena has a… keen interest in established magical theory." He paused, then added, "What did you think of the story?"
Lyra nodded slowly. "It's an interesting analogy. I can't say I've ever encountered it in our magical texts, though. So I have been wondering where it comes from."
Haku chose his words carefully. "It's… an old story from my homeland. We are known for… unconventional teachings."
Lyra studied him intently, her gaze piercing. He knew she was intelligent and perceptive, a danger; he kept her close because she was one of his potential targets for recruitment.
"Your homeland must be very interesting," Lyra said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "I would be fascinated to learn more about it."
Before Haku could respond, Ricardo strolled up to them, his ever-present confident smirk plastered on his face. "Professor, I've been giving your lecture further thought. I have a few suggestions for the lab demonstration next week. Perhaps we could incorporate a control variable to account for ambient magical energy? And I have also been wondering, do you perhaps know of any methods of ice infusion? Like, for example, if one were to want to infuse the Ice golem with some of the more volatile fire magic, how would one counteract that?"
Haku inwardly groaned. Ricardo was like a dog with a bone, refusing to let go of his ice golem experiment. He needed to find a way to avoid this. "Ah, Ricardo, your enthusiasm is commendable. However, I think we need to stick to the basics for now. Fire magic and ice tend to… clash, and we don't want a magical explosion in the classroom. Let's save that for a more advanced study, shall we?"
'Come on, kid, one problem at a time, please.'
Ricardo, though disappointed, nodded respectfully. "As you wish, Professor. But I trust you will consider my suggestions for future lessons?"
Haku forced a smile. "Of course, Ricardo. Your insights are always valuable."
As Ricardo walked away, Haku turned back to Lyra, his expression weary. "I desperately need a drink. Would you care to join me at the tavern near the market?"
'Oh alcohol, how I've missed you. Daddy is coming.'
Lyra smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I think I can spare a few moments. Perhaps, over drinks, you can tell me more about your 'unconventional teachings' and the land where the froggs don't know all the waters."
As they walked out of the Red Tower, Haku put all his thoughts on hold for the expectation of a drink after a day of work seemed to take up all the space in his mind.
The tavern was bustling with the after-work crowd, young and old, who all could appreciate the tradition of a drink after a long day. Some things truly are universal, no matter the world it seemed. Haku practically dragged Lyra to a corner booth, signaling the barkeep for two of the strongest ales they had.
'The first sip is always the best, let's make it a strong one.'
"So," Lyra began asking her questions once the drinks came, she swirled the dark liquid in her mug. "This homeland of yours… You've been very vague about it. Could you tell me more?"
Haku took a long swig of his ale, the bitter taste a welcome distraction. "It's… complicated. Let's just say the local delicacies aren't for everyone. My home truly had the best food you could imagine." He shuddered dramatically.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Food? I was expecting tales of ancient magic. Not, well, questionable culinary choices."
Haku chuckled, taking another large gulp of his drink. "Alright, alright. It has its share of magic, all the information in the world in the palm of your hand, flying machines that would take your breath away, and even stars could be reached. But those are not all there is, what I'm teaching right now is basic stuff, but people in my homeland weaponised it," a solemn look on Hakus' face as he continued. "Imagine the power of the sun dropped on the heads of millions," forcing a light tone, He added, "I'm much more interested in the… present. Like this fine ale, for example." He raised his mug in a mock toast.
"Flying machines, I heard the alchemist in the capital work on those, and the royal family is the only one with a flying ship so far," Lyra told Haku, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.
"I heard, I'm planning to go there in the future and acquire one for myself, but until then, I will lead a quiet life."
Lyra wasn't buying it. "And what about your family? Your history? The events that led you to become… Haku, the unorthodox professor of the Red tower?"
Haku sighed, running a hand through his hair."My past is… uneventful. A blur of studying and… traveling. Nothing worth boring you with." He called for another ale.
Lyra leaned forward, her gaze intense. "Everyone has a story to tell, Haku. And I'm sure yours is more interesting than most. You speak of elements and this periodic table as if you invented them, and then you come up with analogies and stories that nobody has ever heard of." She paused. "sometimes when you speak, I think of a book I once read with a similar train of thoughts to yours.it was intresting to say the least."
He took a big swig from his, finishing his and signaling for a new one. The barkeep delivered their fresh drinks, and Haku practically snatched his, downing half in one go. Lyra watched him, concern in her eyes.
"Easy there, tiger," she said, her voice softer than he was used to. "Are you alright? You seem to be… relying on that quite a bit, don't you think?"
Haku waved her concern away quickly. "Just… a long day. And a bit of stress. You know how it is." He paused, looking for the waiter. "What about you, Lyra? You're always so focused on everyone else. What's your story?" He was trying to change the subject, although he had already guessed that she was in cahoots with the Duke; he couldn't give too much all at once, or he would lose his biggest card, the mystery.
Lyra's expression darkened slightly. She took a bigger sip than before of her ale, her eyes cloudy with a hint of distant sadness. "My story is quite simple. Dark mages destroyed my home. A small noble house in the south. Everyone I knew… gone."
'shit not another poptential main character'
Haku's bravado instantly vanished. He'd hit a nerve, and a painful one at that. "Lyra, I…"
She cut him off, her voice sharp. "That's why I devote myself to magic, Haku. To understand it, to master it, to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate. It's not some intellectual exercise for me. It's my calling to protect the Empire and its people."
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Haku felt some guilt. He was hiding behind fabricated stories while she carried a very real tragedy.
He reached across the table, gently covering her hand with his. "I'm sorry, Lyra. I didn't know."
She looked at his hand, then back up at him, feeling something akin to gratitude. "It's alright. Most people don't. It's in the past. I want to live in the present, it's like you said." But Haku could feel that the past was still very present in her eyes.
He pulled his hand back, unsure of what to say. He took another swig of his ale, the alcohol kicking in. "So, uh… dark mages, huh? Nasty business. Reminds me of this story I once read." He trailed off, realizing he should stop talking.
Lyra didn't seem to notice, her gaze fixed on the movement in her mug. "Magic," she said to herself. "It can create, it can destroy… It's a tool, like any other. But…"
Haku sighed in relief, taking advantage of the fact that she was lost in thought. He drained another mug and signaled the barkeep for another round, losing count as to how many he had.
As Lyra spoke about magic, Haku was reminded of the chemistry textbooks. In reality, magic was truly no different than any science; even if they differ, the application is the only thing that determines if something can help or kill people.
Lyra watched Haku as she grew with concern. "Haku," she said, her voice firm, "are you sure you're alright? You're drinking an awful lot. I don't think I have ever seen someone drink so much."
He slurred his words as he replied, "Jus' had a long day, y'know? Elena bein' a pain in th' ass, Ricardo wanna blow up th' red tower… It's all jus' too much, ya know?"
'Is this the person the Empire thinks is dangerous?'
Lyra frowned. "Maybe you should slow down. I don't want you to become… dependent on this stuff."
Haku just laughed. "Dependent? Nah! I control my destiny! I… I am the master of my fate! Even if gods come, I will show them what for." He nearly fell off the booth as he raised his arms in a dramatic gesture.
Lyra sighed, shaking her head. This wasn't the composed genius professor she knew. This was just a drunk man trying to drown his sorrows.