Chapter 1

[font=Rockwell][align=center][u][size=large]Chapter 1[/size][/u]

[u]Starfall Academy[/u]

[size=small][font=serif][i]"... In terms of immediate work you can do."

"I will get you registered for classes.[/i][/font][/size][/align]

And that's how I ended up being tricked by the strangest Headmaster I've ever met in my life. Right. Let's start from the beginning.

I was trying to uncover more of the world's secrets [url=https://pastebin.com/raw/YaMN40qX]when I came across this old man[/url] discussing life and death and spirituality with Dallan Argeus, the man who came back to life. I was stunned. I'd never heard about the [i]lifestream[/i] before, or understood how our world really worked. I wanted to know more, so? I followed a complete stranger, an old man of all people. He teleported us to the Academy within moments; we were traveling through a realm I'd never seen before and it was amazing.

He called it Wayfinding.
I called it puking in the petunias.

It's not too far after that that I ended up [url=https://pastebin.com/raw/8GdyEz8M]having a long discussion with Ethric[/url]. He taught me a few things. We spoke about the world and... how beautiful it was. He shared his sadness, and at one point? I saw more than he wanted to show. He quickly became my mentor, but I know that there are many, many secrets he holds away from me. From everyone.

.. Oh hey, crazy to think about how that was the day I met Zhrani, too, isn't it? We'll talk about her later.
..... Or maybe we won't. I don't... It's complicated, you know? I've hurt this girl, broke her heart after she fell in love with me because I think it's better to keep her away from my adventures, from my journey. From danger. I may be an asshole.

She gave me a lot of things. Insight was one. And without her I probably would never have ended up questioning the Headmaster about finding a [url=https://pastebin.com/raw/DEaX1Czv]method[/url] to reach my goals. That was the day that my journey of learning and understanding truly begun. The Headmaster made sure that I wouldn't only be given answers, but that I would find those answers on my own and understand the weight behind them, the reason that they were this way. I'm sure he already knew what I would come up with, but...

I'm glad he didn't tell me.

It allowed me to learn from people like [url=https://pastebin.com/raw/r4kDXL07]Rhesus[/url] about how those who hold the most power are often able to seize fate with their own hands, shaping their future unlike any other. It's crazy to think that he and Ryker pyr Docro shared similar thoughts when it came to defining power. I wasn't expecting as much if I'm honest. But from Rhesus I re-affirmed that being able to stand as a diplomat, as one who can unite the world for a greater cause is far more valuable than being a powerful man.

[url=https://pastebin.com/raw/huC6gjdC]Fennel[/url] taught me that some people, like Violet, don't stray too far from more traditional definitions of power. I also learned that despite wanting to unite people, some aren't as patient as Mister Ethric would be, judging it best to eliminate any and all who stand in the way of the future. What's more, he taught me that a certain balance was needed between one's own needs and the world's. I can't go crazy and become unreasonable for the sake of reality's fabric, yet, I can't allow myself to become so lazy that I wouldn't even do anything about it.

[url=https://pastebin.com/raw/0RZLGU75]Geztelle[/url] provided me with fewer answers that I would've expected. I thought she'd be... more resourceful. That she would have at the very least the answer to my question about a way to mend the world, alas she didn't. Instead she offered me something that may have been more precious than anything else: Willpower. She taught me that I should not compromise who I am for the sake of allies, enemies, or anyone else. It hit me a bit because... well- eventually Osrona's going to be pissed that one of theirs talks to people from Achyon. Or Achyon could be upset that I was born in Osrona. I'm not sure how it'll end up going, but I know that it'll be hard when it happens. Her suggestions that the light should overpower darkness at all cost also taught me that balance, once again, was very much necessary. That I couldn't blind myself by listening to any of the people that I was questioning alone, instead pulling wisdom from all of them.

Especially when it comes to the next person I spoke to.

[url=https://pastebin.com/raw/dggkVgAU]Ryker pyr Docro[/url], the world's most hated man and the main cause of the issue I'm trying to resolve. How crazy is it that I went out to try and get some answers from him? I even had to pretend it was an interview for the sake of understanding his point of view. And... while he didn't provide much answers, I think he taught me a few things. That sometimes you have to be firm, that you have to stand for what you believe in. His behavior and lack of care for Esshar also taught me that no matter how merciful one can be some people have to meet their end. Sure... he may have some good in him, but the bad he wields far outweights it. Is it my goal to kill him? No. I'm not delusional, suicidal, or experienced enough to claim something like that. But one day? I may have to face him. And I'll use what he taught me against him, of that I'm sure.

My journey to meet the Shaman [url=https://pastebin.com/raw/LVnsEMi5]D'noxa[/url] led me further than only Moxtli. I had to venture deep, deep into their woods in order to find her, facing even a Nethradin she was hunting on the way there. But it was worth it. Out of every person I've met, her goals and reasons for leaving her physical state behind while remaining in our world are all aligned with my own path. It's... impressive. She taught me that power was not only a matter of pure strength, but also the way others perceive you. That's... pretty much how I picked the people I interviewed. She taught me that every problem requires its own solution, too. And... she inspired me. It's by sharing her essence with me, by pulling it from the lifestream with which she's all too familiar with that the spirit of the old Shaman gave rise to my answer.

[url=https://pastebin.com/raw/wVdtRYTZ]To my thesis.[/url]

I was in such a hurry to present it to Ethric that I almost forgot I was hurt. But I do think that I found the right answer for this problem of mine; harmony between people, harmony with the world, and harmony with the ideas shared by all of those that provided their answers. It's by pulling wisdom and knowledge from every nation, from all parts of the world, from different schools of thought that I'll be able to become a better person. Maybe a more powerful person, even. So long as I can attain harmony with this world and attune with it, with the lifestream that runs through it will I be able to detect, locate, and work on those tears brought by foul magics.

I think that's plenty enough to conclude this chapter. Sure, I'm still in school but... I doubt I'll learn something bigger than that.