Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 374 Second Grade Curriculum

"It looks like I didn't choose the wrong person; Professor Manning is very reliable."

Seeing the look on Professor Heink's face, Shard knew that his wait was finally over.

"No, I'm sorry, I don't recognize this symbol."

Professor Heink said, and apart from an unexpected expression when he saw the symbol, there was no sign that he was lying.

"I see... That's a pity."

Shard nodded, took back his notebook, then placed his hand in his pocket and pulled out an envelope:

"A hundred pounds."

It was nearly a quarter of his savings.

"What do you mean?"

The professor asked in surprise, and Shard no longer beat around the bush but said bluntly: Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

"Professor, I'm looking for the Hermit Society."

"Oh no, I don't know anything about some Hermit Society. Young man, you really have the wrong person."

As he said this, he was about to get up and leave. Shard did not stop him but said in a low voice:@@@@

"The ancient wind can blow from the ancient Eras to the present, hiding within lost history, the organization indeed wouldn't recklessly reveal its identity. But Professor, I've heard that as long as their goals aren't in conflict, they are very willing to trade with strangers, to spread their knowledge and receive compensation. Are you saying that after so many years, the rules of the Hermit Society have changed?"

Professor Heink paid him no heed and headed straight for the door of the study.

Shard sat at the desk with his back to him:

"Professor, it's not just me looking for the Hermit Society; they also need the information I hold. I don't know if you can make contact with those Circle Sorcerers..."

Getting in touch with such an organization would surely reveal his identity, and Shard was prepared for this. He wasn't worried, partly because the other party would certainly fear exposure even more—Shard could run away simply by grabbing his cat and jumping on a train, but the Guiding Light Club, supported by the Hermit Society for many years, could not; and partly because, based on what Miss Feliana had said and his preliminary understanding, this ancient organization seemed trustworthy.

Although there were still risks involved, there are risks in everything one does, and Shard was prepared to bear them.

Professor Heink stood by the door, holding the doorknob, neither opening the door nor turning to talk to Shard.

Shard did not rush him, and thus, silence settled in the study. After three long minutes, perhaps tired from standing, the old professor turned around somewhat reluctantly and said:

"Alright, Mr. Hamilton, I can help you make contact with a member of the Hermit Society, but we must determine the place."

"Mastery of Ancient Language (Fifth Era 0~2000)"

"Mastery of Ancient Language (Fifth Era 2000~4000)"

"Mastery of Ancient Language (Fifth Era 4000~5793)"

"Ancient Literature" (Serious Literature, Popular Literature (already selected in the first year), Others - choose one. Complete before the fifth year.)

"The Departed Great One: Old God" (Note: Correspondence Circle Mages must choose a companion of Inner Ring (inclusive) or higher level for guidance and supervision to ensure a normal mental state.)

"History (II)"

"Investigator's File" (core academic course)

"Introduction to Antique Appraisal" (core academic course)

"Secrets of Time: Investigator's Guide" (core academic course)

"Relics and Whispers" (core academic course)

"Basic Theology (Intermediate)"

There are a total of 21 courses, and "Introduction to Ancient Mysticism School" covers the manifestations of mysticism since the Witch Era up until the Sixth Era, in which the Circle Sorcerers live. Mastery of Ancient Language, which Dorothy began in her fourth year, is required in the second year for Shard, as he is from the History Academy, thus making it a requirement by the training program.

Different academies have very different focuses after the first year. For example, alchemy and magic potion, two important disciplines, are not closely related to the developmental direction of the History Academy. Thus, even though alchemy and magic potion courses need to be continued, they have been merged and are much easier than those at the Mechanical Academy and Chemistry Academy.

These courses are just the compulsory ones. Upon reaching second year, many more elective courses that require additional payment will also be available to Shard. A parchment listing the electives is kept by Shard himself, and he can apply to the academy for them any time via the doctor's methods.

Next week, the "Folded Space" class taught by Professor Garcia, which Shard is scheduled to attend, does not exist on the list. This course was not originally open to Low Ring Sorcerers, and Shard had received special permission from Professor Garcia to attend the class.

The Academy had probably guessed that Shard would earn credits by purchasing and submitting relics and would surely reach his goal by the weekend, so the textbooks had been prepared in advance.

Some of the first-year textbooks are also used in the second year, so although Shard has more courses in the second year, the number of textbooks delivered this time is actually fewer, only about forty.

The five of them organized the books neatly so that Shard could take them with him when he left in the evening.

Besides Shard, Priest Augustus and Dorothy also applied for new elective courses at the Academy as supplemental learning content for the latter half of the year. The Priest chose "Extraction and Processing of Hallucinogenic Toxins," while Dorothy selected "The Mystery of the Soul: Elemental Impact."

The purple-eyed Diviner had no issues requiring the Academy's attention this week, and Dr. Schneider had received notice that the Student Affairs Office had mentioned to him last week: "The official outdoor practice of the Academy for the summer" was postponed to the latter half of August.

Although two weeks had passed since the Godfall incident in Tobesk, after discussions, the Academy was still concerned about the safety of the city. Considering overall safety issues, not just Saint Byrons but also Zaras Literary Academy and Xerxes Higher Medical Academy, had postponed their original outdoor practice activities scheduled for early August to the latter part of the month.

If no further incidents occur in or around Tobesk, this annual practice activity will proceed.