"So you want to learn ████ Magic." The professor stared down at his student with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." The smaller dopaline replied, bouncing eagerly on his clawed feet. "Please, I've learned everything else-"

"Calm yourself, Auwilnin." The professor's stern tone dampened Ren's mood immediately, but he did as he was told and stood still. With an exasperated sigh, Professor Dinweitt continued, "████ Magic isn't...like the other magics. Are you completely sure?"

"Yes!" Ren insisted, exasperation making its way into his own tone. "Why would I ask to learn something I'm not certain about? I've thought about it, I've been interested in it ever since my sib-...ever since I first heard it mentioned."

​

The professor seemed interested in the slip-up, but knew not to pry. Instead, he took a book from beneath his desk and placed it on top. "This is one of the last books on it. It was salvaged so at least some of its history would be saved, though the fact it's been kept secret still is...ironic."

​

Ren took a seat and pulled it towards the desk, leaning forward with wide, eager eyes. "Yeah! Why..is it secret?"

"That's something you'll be learning." Dinweitt seemed to smirk, the first smile Ren had really seen in a while. At least throughout their conversation. "You're a bright lad, Auwilnin. I trust you'll keep this all to yourself. In fact, I need you to promise me you will."

​

As he spoke, Ren noticed an odd turquoise glow to his gear. Familiar.

​

Still, the feathery dopaline took his teacher's hand and shook it with a nod.