Professor Sakiri opened the door and greeted them with a crinkled brow. Dark streaky gray hair dangled in front of his face. He also seemed to be quite sweaty and wiped his face with one sleeve. Neska felt a pleasurable warmth emanating from the room; whatever they were working on in here, she certainly didn't mind the extra heat.

  The professor looked at them with surprise. “Harvine? Can you explain to me why you have a lamia and terramouse student here?”

  Harvine waved to Neska and Juni. “New arrivals. More importantly, Cassia has an unusual ability as part of her monster evolution. She can perform more than basic alchemical procedures. I'm looking to see how far she can actually take them, to see if she can mimic a professional alchemist or other class with a secondary alchemy focus.”

  Professor Sakiri shook his head, then glanced over his shoulder, drawn by one of the students calling for attention. Then he looked back at the trio and let out a sigh. "Well, come on in. I suppose this will be fairly interesting, to say the least.”

  Neska inched forward using rectilinear motion, effortlessly scuttling across the stone floor, and noted several recesses and drains on the floor--presumably for spills. The air felt like the welcoming comfort of a fireplace hearth in the winter. Arranged in the room were a series of tables across the dark brick laboratory. Above, she saw what appeared to be several metal conical devices, hovering over each workstation.

  She heard a rustling flow of air nearby and theorized that it was likely tied to air ventilation, to keep fumes from accumulating within the room. Gazing out at the room, she noted many of the students were humans or humanoids, although she did see one goblinoid with leathery green skin; he was dressed in a similar school uniform, stirring a liquid within a beaker, uninterested in their arrival.

  She had to admit, she was surprised there were any Awakened in the classroom. Especially given what she had been told previously: monsters did not have specialization like classes did. Then again, she understood that even basic alchemical skills could provide life-saving benefits in a pinch.

  Neska felt every pair of eyes in the room staring at her and Juni. She didn't know why, but she felt a crawling sensation across her scales, as if this much attention was not a good thing, just like Thistle's ritual class.

  This must be the snake version of sweating profusely. Except she had no sweat glands.

  The professor waved them to a table. “Class, I'd like to introduce new arrivals. I apologize for the timing; they'll be joining us in tomorrow's classroom properly.”

  Neska heard one student scoff, and another one made slight hissing noises. Either to annoy her or intimidate Juni. The mouse girl merely rolled her eyes, as if this reaction were to be expected.

  The professor cleared his throat, pointing at Juni. “If you’re to be in my course, I must ask you, what are the fundamentals of alchemy, Miss…"

  “Semou,” Juni answered, standing straighter. “It is the science of practical application of mana-based compounds.”

  She puffed her chest a little bit as she said that, as if proud to know this. “We can synthesize many artificial compounds, chemical volatiles, and other means of artificially boosting a person's natural capabilities. These alchemical derivatives can even transform the person’s body to provide a more permanent benefit in certain applications. There are risks to health and soul stability, as previously written in Dodson’s Alchemi Principale, Volume I.”

  The professor nodded proudly. “It certainly sounds like you’ve studied the theoretical. But what is your practical experience?”

  Oh my goodness, you mousy nerd. I think I read part of that book too, in Risha’s little cottage. Neska’s heart swelled with pride as Juni showed off her talent for once.

  Juni tapped her snout with one finger, possibly recalling specific scenarios. “Well, I have retrieved numerous alchemical compounds from various minerals, plants, and even some monster components. The last of those, we won't speak of further. I hope you know how to dissect monster entrails properly.”

  There were a few audible groans from the class, and a few unsettled faces among the mostly humanoid crowd. The professor steepled his fingers together, furrowing his brow. “Tell me then, how many different versions of alchemy exist, per Dodson’s Alchemi Principali?”

  “Three. Though there is debate of a fourth, separate from his writings in the Principali,” Juni offered. “Transmutation, Separation, and Distillation are the primary means of alchemy, to either transform substances by combining them with other chemicals and energy transfer, separating the components of a mixture, or increasing and decreasing the concentration of a particular substance. Distillation is a bit of a misleading title,” she added in an aside.

  The professor seemed satisfied by this. “You say you’ve retrieved alchemical compounds? Tell me, what can you extract from nightshade petals?”

  “A concentrated toxin, for one. The plant itself should not be handled without protective gear, as it can be mildly toxic through touch. It secretes a protective wax that can cause inflammation, dizziness, and nausea. Severe cases, if accidentally ingested, can lead to acute poisoning and result in respiratory and pulmonary distress, and death.”

  She took a measured breath. "However, in tiny quantities, it can provide a life-saving adrenal boost and keep someone alive long enough to get proper medical treatment."

  Sakiri looked delighted. “Splendid.” He then directed his gaze to Neska. “I’d like you to explain the process of separation.”

  Neska shrugged. “Would you like a specific example? I can tell you that slime gel can be boiled down to remove the liquid portion, and a powdery residue is the remnant. It is reactive with certain materials, but by itself, it does nothing. Separation may also be performed alchemically to isolate certain compounds. Acid and caustic combinations, if done correctly, can separate certain desirable elements in the form of salts.”

  “Good, good. At a glance, I believe you both know your fundamentals. Class, I hope you’re paying attention!” he called out in a louder voice. He was met by a few grumbled and half-hearted responses.

  Neska also heard one student mutter ‘show-off’ not so far away. She didn’t know why that bothered her; knowledge was knowledge, and quite relevant to their situation in a continent-wide struggle against invading monsters. Every edge they could get was crucial.

  Sakiri rubbed his chin in the meantime. “Cassia, have you picked any alchemical specializations?”

  “I am…” she trailed off. She really, really should either pick [Venom Imbuement] or another one of a few alchemical abilities tied to the Witch class she had short-listed with Juni. She straightened her posture. “I have planned to dedicate a few essence points toward this effort. It’s not quite a straightforward path as an alchemist.”

  “So you can pick specializations as your Lamia subtype? Interesting.”

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Interesting? Oh, you don’t know the half of it.

  Harvine cleared her throat gently. “Professor Sakiri, I suppose I’ve taken up enough of your time, and they’ll be here tomorrow. I shall emphasize that skill specialization is not required for this class, but it does open paths for students to work on more advanced projects.” She gave a subtle tilt of her head to Neska, as if this were not to be discussed right away.

  “Oh, before they go.” Sakiri hustled over to his desk and opened a drawer to grab a few dark colored, bound books. He hustled back to Neska and Juni, handing one to each of them.

  Neska ran her thumb along the spine of the book, and her breath hitched. Alchemical Basics: A guide to fundamentals, by Fourier Spiezen, and contributions by Risha Aksen.

  She knew she should have prepared herself for this. She should have known Risha had contributed to many fields as an Enlightened witch, from hexes to alchemy to rituals. But the sight of her name stenciled on the cover, standing over the silhouette of a cauldron, left her with a tight feeling in her chest.

  She was everywhere. Her essence is woven throughout the academy, isn’t it? It’s the only part of her that survives, apart from me.

  “Thank you, truly,” she addressed Professor Sakiri, and wore a faint smile. Juni took the cue and also nodded politely. “Any particulars we should study?”

  “You two seem to have prior experience. We’re not far into the traditional semester, so you’ll probably want to cover fundamentals. Equipment, use of cantrips from abilities, basic formula, and the types of alchemy. Supplies for potions and other concoctions will be provided in class, so don’t worry about those.”

  "I will also emphasize that we are interested in reliable results. We are not here to take risks for marginal benefits. Poisoning, incinerating, or dissolving my equipment and/or students is grounds for detention. Please don't do it, for the love of the Divines." He made a slight triangular swish above his chest, an unfamiliar gesture to Neska. "And if you are making alchemical breakthroughs, do try to keep me in the loop, so I'm not scooping up a caustic puddle the next day, yes?"

  Juni's whiskers twitched at this vivid depiction. "We'll stick to the established formulas," she said in a slightly higher-pitched voice.

  Sakiri bowed gently to her and Juni, then Harvine. “Thank you for the introduction, Melissa. Syra, do remember your homework for class tomorrow, yes?”

  She clenched her jaw, even as she smiled. “Right away, Professor Sakiri.”

  Neska felt as if the comment carried some unknown weight, but decided to ask later. Soon enough, they’d left the gloom and warmth of the potion laboratory and returned topside, with Harvine letting out a frustrated grumble.

  “Is there a…” Juni trailed off, seeing Harvine’s dark scowl. “Did we do something wrong?”

  The professor’s mood dissipated like a drop of water into a hot cauldron. “No. I’m just surprised that he still had copies of that book lying around. Anyway, I’ll see you two at the dorms. Syra, do you have any additional classes today?”

  “Just defensive combat lessons.” She let out a puff of air, and her anemone-like hair strands flew out of her face. “Not that all of us need it.”

  “Lessons are lessons, Syra. Knowledge is our greatest strength against the Varadur. Though I am sure your peers appreciate the extra practice.” Harvine peered off over in one direction, then smiled. “Why don’t you take them to the dining hall? They haven’t visited yet, and I’m sure they could use a meal.”

  “I know. The snake keeps eying the mouse as an emergency reserve,” Syra said with a wink.

  “I have a ‘no eating anything that looks like a friend’ policy,” Neska rebuffed. “If I befriend a chicken monster, I’ll likely starve.”

  “You’d never give up eggs, and you know it,” Juni teased. “What’s it taste like?”

  “Honestly? Taste was one of those weird things that…” she frowned. “I don’t know. I never thought about tastes like others would. Do they even have eggs at the dining hall?”

  Syra chuckled contentedly. “Oh, you two are in for a treat."

  The mess hall was a massive structure with arches forming a high peak above them, with rows of tables for students of all shapes and sizes--humanoid and monstrous. Neska forced herself to keep herself from staring. And it wasn't the people there, either.

  It was the food. She didn't recall when salivating became a thing for her again, but her mouth watered at the sight of eggs, and eggs of all kinds. Some were a few inches in diameter, some were the size of thimbles, and some were cooked in varying ways. She saw eggs scrambled, eggs dripping with a slightly tart-smelling sauce, and some fried in golden yolks surrounded by flat white rounds.

  "I've died and gone to the Umbral Shoal." She felt her arms practically shaking in excitement.

  Syra chuckled contentedly beside her. “It’s just food.”

  “It's food I don't need to hunt.” Neska sighed. “I am going to get so lazy when food is just piled on a plate, and I don't have to hunt for…um…”

  “Small forest animals?” She stared at Juni, wearing a toothy smirk.

  “Garden pests! And maybe eggs! Eggs were the gift that kept giving at the cottage. The chickens tried to bully me, though. My witch never let me bite them back.”

  Juni folded her arms, looking at her contentedly. "You sure are easy to bribe with food, you know that?"

  "Shush, snackling. Eggs are in my immediate future." She made her way to the counter, eager to grab a sampling. Two humans attended to various other Awakened and other humanoids, picking from the prepared meals.

  "Oh, you look new. Every new student has that same look the second they get here," the teenage male said with a smirk on his face. "What'll you have?"

  Neska pointed at the eggs, as well as what might be raw fish wrapped in rice and a seaweed wrapper. "Those, please."

  "I'll have the oats and barley bowl, with the summer berries," Juni said. Then frowned. "Uh, can I also have the hard cheese and crackers?"

  "Coming right up," the boy said.

  Within a minute, the two of them had plates heaped with food, and Juni grabbed a table with a wider bench to accommodate Neska. That was quite convenient, as she sat herself into a low coil, and eyed the food with great expectations.

  But Juni pointed at her plate. “Why the quail eggs?”

  “Next to chickens, they were my next easiest source of food. The quails are super skittish and scare easily. The eggs, however, are much easier prey.” She rubbed her hands together and let out a hiss of delight. “I also didn't take all of them. I gotta eat, but no baby quails means no future meals, either.”

  “Don't snakes also lay eggs?” Syra said, squinting at her.

  “Yes. Normally, they do, but they're pretty squishy eggs compared to most. Also, gross. Why would I eat eggs of my own kind?” Neska asked casually.

  A quail egg was her first meal for the day. She had to admit, it did taste pretty good. Juni and Syra watched in fascination. “Do I have yolk on my snout?” She asked after a moment.

  Juni wagged her hand gently. “No. It's just weird watching you swallow your meal in one bite. I am curious, though…do you have cravings for other things? From before?”

  “Fish, mostly. My witch had a pond nearby that I could catch a few small fry in. It was…difficult,” she admitted.

  “Danger noodle on land and by water,” Syra chimed in. She rested her chin on her folded hands, looking out the window. “I grew up by the sea, out to the west of here. Fish were a staple. Roasted over a smoking fire, salted, sometimes with sea greens...It was a way of life. It was safe…until a few years ago.”

  Neska didn't need to ask why it stopped being safe. She listened as she grabbed a chicken egg and downed it. Syra brushed her watery hair away from her eye. “My father was a spearfisher. He took down big prey, kept our town fed, along with several other crews in the area. No matter how stormy the sea was, he always came back with food for others. He also figured out pretty quickly that our local mage had a great setup, making ice and preserving food longer. We had a few people well-rehearsed in salting and smoking meats.

  She glanced at Juni. “You grew up landbound, yes? Both of you?”

  “My father went to the sea a few times. He worked on a rotating militia. He'd been doing it since before the disaster in Arivol. I went…once. A sea of gentle waves, water colored like aquamarine, and a sky that stretched forever over sandy islands and verdant growth, by the Ceromali coast.” Recalling the location brought a smile to Juni’s face. “Was it like that for you?”

  “We had that. But our islands were hardier. There's a national treasure out there called the glowing shoal. It's named so because the coral has mana growth embedded within it, and it gives off a brilliant blue light. The crystalline growths can be seen above or even below the water line. Sailors could navigate at night without fail, close to the coast.” Syra wore a proud smile. “Did you swim or sail?”

  “Then? No. Now? I’d sink like a literal rock,” Juni laughed. “I have a hard time picturing snakes swimming, though.”

  “It wasn't too hard. I flattened my belly and undulated,” Neska replied. “Frogs are easily spooked. I didn't get to nab many.”

  “Huh. So that's why Gurigea always knows when I slide into class a minute late–"

  Neska heard the thud of feet coming behind them, and she turned to the commotion and an uncanny silence. Her first reaction was to charge a [Mana Bolt] with her tail, because the person approaching appeared to be a threat. For only a second, though.

  She dissipated the still charging bolt when she realized it was not the same foe that had been at the village of Bregin.

  But he was tall, furry, wolf-headed, and looked like a younger, leaner, shorter, and less lethal version of Felix, with tawny brown fur. “Oh, bringing in fresh meat, Syra?” He teased. “You didn't share with me.”

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