Let's Train Heroine

Lucan spent the better part of the night poring over the ancient texts he had managed to procure from the academy's library. His room was dimly lit by a single candle, the flame flickering as he turned the fragile pages, his mind racing with possibilities.

According to his research, the third map piece he sought was a well-guarded secret held by a powerful professor known throughout the academy for his eccentric behavior—Professor Giovanni Vercelli.

Professor Vercelli was a figure of mystery within the academy, known for his reclusive nature and peculiar experiments. Few students ever interacted with him, and even fewer could claim to have seen the inside of his private collection. Lucan knew that gaining the professor's favor would be no easy task.

As dawn approached, Lucan put away the texts and began formulating a plan. He needed to approach Professor Vercelli without arousing suspicion and somehow earn the professor's trust to gain access to the map piece. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, and Lucan quickly closed the book he was reading.

"Come in," he called out, keeping his tone neutral.

The door creaked open, revealing Maris, her light blue eyes scanning the room before settling on Lucan. She was dressed in her usual white attire, her pink hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Lucan-sama, you didn't come to breakfast," she said softly, a hint of concern in her voice. "Are you alright?"

"I've just been doing some research. Nothing to worry about."

Maris stepped closer, her gaze lingering on the books scattered across his desk. "Research? You seem… different lately. Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Just trying to stay ahead of the curriculum. You know how it is."

Maris looked unconvinced, but she didn't press the issue. "If you say so. Just… don't overwork yourself. I worry about you."

"I'll be fine," Lucan replied, his voice reassuring. "I appreciate the concern, though."

Maris nodded, but the doubt in her eyes remained as she turned and left the room. Lucan watched her go, his expression darkening the moment she was out of sight. He knew he had to be more careful. Maris was growing suspicious, and the last thing he needed was her interfering with his plans.

Once he was certain Maris was gone, Lucan gathered his notes and made his way to Professor Vercelli's office. The hallway leading to the professor's quarters was lined with ancient portraits of past scholars, their stern gazes following Lucan as he walked. The air grew colder the closer he got.

He hesitated for a moment before knocking, his mind racing with potential strategies. How could he win over someone as unpredictable as Professor Vercelli? The door creaked open slowly, and Lucan was met with the sight of a middle-aged man with wild, graying hair and piercing green eyes. The professor's robes were unkempt, and his hands were stained with various colors of ink.

"What is it?" Professor Vercelli asked, his voice gruff and impatient.

Lucan bowed slightly, trying to appear as respectful as possible. "Professor Vercelli, my name is Lucan. I'm a teacher at the academy, and I've heard many things about your expertise in ancient relics and artifacts. I was hoping to learn from you."

The professor's eyes narrowed, "Why do you want to learn from me? Most avoid me like the plague."

Lucan met the professor's gaze, his expression earnest. "I have a deep interest in ancient history and the mysteries of the past. I believe that under your guidance, I could greatly expand my knowledge."

Professor Vercelli remained silent for a moment, his eyes still searching Lucan's face. Then, to Lucan's surprise, the professor chuckled.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, boy," Vercelli said, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "But I do appreciate your enthusiasm. Very well, you may accompany me during my research, but don't expect it to be easy. I'll not tolerate incompetence."

Lucan inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Professor. I won't disappoint you."

Professor Vercelli waved a hand dismissively. "We shall see. Meet me in the library tomorrow at dawn. There's much to do."

With that, the professor shut the door in Lucan's face, leaving him standing in the cold hallway. The first step of his plan had gone as well as he could have hoped. Now, he just needed to prove his worth and find a way to gain access to the professor's private collection.

The next day, Lucan arrived at the library just as the sun was beginning to rise. The library was empty, save for Professor Vercelli, who was already deep in study. The professor barely acknowledged Lucan's presence as he entered, his attention focused on a massive tome spread open before him.

Lucan approached cautiously. "Good morning, Professor."

Vercelli grunted in response, not looking up from the book. "We don't have time for pleasantries, boy. There's work to be done."

Lucan nodded, "What would you like me to do?"

The professor finally looked up, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "I need you to help me with an experiment. It's a complex spell involving ancient runes. I hope you're familiar with rune magic?"

"I've studied it," Lucan replied, "I'm eager to learn more."

"Good," Vercelli said, standing up and motioning for Lucan to follow him. "This way."

They walked deeper into the library, passing rows upon rows of ancient books and scrolls. Eventually, they arrived at a secluded area, where a large circle of runes had been drawn on the floor. The runes glowed faintly with a mysterious light, and Lucan could feel the power emanating from them.

"This is a summoning circle," Professor Vercelli explained, his voice low. "I've been working on perfecting it for months, but I need an assistant to help stabilize the spell."

Lucan's eyes widened slightly as he took in the intricate design of the circle. "A summoning spell? What are you trying to summon?"

"Something… interesting," the professor replied cryptically. "You'll see soon enough. Now, take your position over there and prepare to channel your magic."

Lucan did as he was instructed, positioning himself at one end of the circle. He could feel the weight of the magic pressing down on him as he began to channel his energy into the runes. The glow of the runes intensified, and a low hum filled the air.

Professor Vercelli began chanting in a language Lucan didn't recognize, his voice growing louder with each word. The runes pulsed in response, and the air inside the circle began to shimmer. Lucan could feel the strain of the magic as he struggled to maintain the flow of energy.

Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from the center of the circle, and Lucan shielded his eyes as the spell reached its peak. When the light finally faded, he lowered his arm and looked around, his heart pounding.

In the center of the circle stood a creature unlike anything Lucan had ever seen. It was a small, ethereal being, its body composed of shifting shadows and light. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly intelligence as it regarded Lucan and Professor Vercelli.

The professor's face broke into a triumphant grin. "Yes… yes, it worked! The summoning was successful!"

Lucan stared at the creature, his mind racing with possibilities. If this was the kind of magic Professor Vercelli was capable of, then gaining his trust would be even more difficult than Lucan had anticipated. But it also meant that the professor's private collection likely held powerful artifacts, including the second map piece.

As the professor began conversing with the summoned creature in hushed tones, Lucan remained silent, watching and waiting. He knew that he had to be patient.

For now, he would continue to play the role of the eager student, all the while plotting how to gain access to the second map piece. The path to becoming an Evil Magician was long and difficult.

Lucan also had to manage his theology and music classes. It was a lot of work.