Azel begrudgingly took the book from Esme and began flipping through the pages.

The formula was drawn out with fine ink and surrounded by scribbled notes in Esme's neat handwriting.

He traced his eyes over the ingredients list, reading each one carefully.

'Oh… she's working on it already?' he thought, a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes.

He recognized the recipe instantly… the Mana Boosting Potion.

One of the more infamous creations of Esmeralda in the game. A potion strong enough to triple one's magical output temporarily without any risks… Thanks to the holy ingredients used.

He had forced himself to memorize that recipe back then, just so he could use it against some of the harder bosses.

He couldn't help but smile.

"Nice," he whispered. Then, glancing at her, he asked softly, "What do you need my help with?"

"You really are a dummy…" Esme whispered back, her voice dripping with exasperation.

She pointed at two key ingredients on the page. "Holy magic is the only kind of magic that can boost all stats at once… strength, speed, defense, and magical power with spells, at least that's what Saints are capable of. This potion focuses on just one thing: boosting magic power by three times for a short time after consumption."

She leaned closer, tapping the page again. "I requested a few Holy Leaves from the Saintess, and she accepted. Said it would help adventurers who don't have church members nearby when they're in danger."

Azel nodded slightly. "Makes sense."

"But," Esme continued with a sigh, "the problem is… I can't get the Holy Leaves and the Magic Crystal Mix to integrate without exploding. And trust me," she whispered, "I've tried."

Azel took the book back, scanned it once more, and handed it to her again. "Just grind i—"

"Grinding it will reduce about seventy percent of the Holy Magic content," Esme cut in immediately, giving him a sharp look. "That's basic alchemy."

He smiled. "You didn't let me finish."

"Huh?"

"I said grind it and add Vethanol oil to the mix," Azel said calmly, "to stabilize the mana that'll be lost during the grinding process."

She blinked, tilting her head, clearly processing that.

It wasn't something she'd tried before but she would eventually, later on in the game. It wouldn't hurt to put the idea in her head.

Still, she looked at him like he'd just given her the dumbest idea imaginable.

"I see why you're a real dummy," she muttered, snatching the book from his hands. "You don't understand anything about Alchemy."

"I tried to tell you," Azel whispered, leaning back.

He didn't bother arguing.

He simply tucked Charlotte's documents into his storage ring and closed his eyes, letting the sunlight from the window fall across his face.

He could finally relax for a moment and prepare himself for the second minor arc.

Or so he thought.

The peace lasted all of thirty seconds before a loud thud broke it.

Azel opened one eye.

Someone had dragged a chair across the marble floor scraping it just enough to make heads turn.

A few students whispered angrily.

Then he saw her.

Sybil.

The green-haired troublemaker was standing beside their table, grinning from ear to ear. She plopped herself down onto the edge of the desk, both legs stretched out, balancing her chair on two legs like she owned the place.

"What are you doing here?" Azel whispered, why was she being so loud too?

"What am I doing here?" Sybil said in her normal voice. "I'm doing what any normal person would do. Sitting."

Though she said it normally, in a library full of people whispering and pages turning… That might as well have been a shout.

Dozens of eyes turned toward them.

"Keep your voice down," Esme hissed, glancing nervously at the counter where the Maid's sharp gaze was already fixed on their table.

Sybil turned to Esme and smirked. "Hey, just because you're smart doesn't mean you can boss me around—"

"Quiet down," Azel whispered firmly.

To Esme's shock, Sybil's entire demeanor changed.

The chaos in her eyes vanished instantly.

"Yes, daddy~" she whispered sweetly.

Azel exhaled in resignation. Esme blinked at the exchange, her confusion visible even through her glasses.

'Is there something going on between them?' she wondered. Who the hell called another person Daddy when it wasn't her father? Was she missing something?

Before Esme could piece her thoughts together, the maid who'd checked their identification earlier appeared beside their table with her hands folded.

"Lady Sybil," the maid whispered. "You promised to behave in this library."

Sybil blinked innocently. "Did I?"

"You'll be banned if you disobey again," the maid continued sternly. "This is your final warning."

Sybil's only response was a shrug. "I don't really give a damn about all these rules."

The maid looked ready to faint from frustration, but before she could speak again, Sybil stood up, grabbed Azel's hand, and said cheerfully, "Come on, let's get out of here."

Azel blinked. "Wait—"

She tugged him to his feet, ignoring the gasps and whispers from nearby tables.

'I don't have much to do anyway,' he thought, sighing inwardly.

There was no point resisting.

Esme, meanwhile, could only watch in disbelief as Sybil pulled him out of the library.

What the hell was that interaction?

The moment they stepped outside, the sound of rushing air filled his ears.

Before Azel could even ask what was happening, Sybil's hand tightened around his, and a powerful gust of wind erupted beneath their feet.

"Sybil—wait—!"

It was too late.

They shot upward, the ground shrinking beneath them in seconds.

The library, the courtyard, the rooftops… everything else became a blur of color and wind. Students below shouted in surprise as the two soared above the Academy grounds.

"Is it legal to use magic in the Academy premises?" Azel asked dryly as they ascended higher, the wind whipping through his hair.

Sybil looked over her shoulder, flashing him a mischievous grin.

Her bright green hair fluttered wildly in the sunlight. "Beats me! Who cares about that anyway?"

"Probably the Headmaster," Azel muttered.

She laughed. "Oh, lighten up! I'm taking you to my secret spot."

He raised an eyebrow. "Your what?"

"My secret spot," she repeated with a grin, it looked like she was daring him to question her further.

He didn't.

He just sighed again. "Fine. Lead the way."

"Gladly!" she said as she twirled them through the air.

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