Professor Stance walked out from the administration building, feeling a little sense of accomplishment. It had been years since he checked his mail and fulfill his duties. He finished the paperwork assigned by the Academy and left the building to continue his research.

After aimlessly walking about, an unexpected scent reached his nose.

"Giopoli flower in full bloom?" This was a surprise for the professor as Giopoli only bloom in the fall.

He followed the scent, walking south toward the Nuccen Immediate Dorm. As he approached the back of the dorm, he looked up toward a balcony and stared in awe at the blooming Giopoli. However, the biggest shock was the other manaherbs surrounding the blooming Giopoli.

"The balcony belongs to the students?" The professor's eyes widened in shock.

He headed inside the dorm, and knocked on the door.

A chubby teenager looked at the elderly professor and bowed three times.

"Hello student, my name is Professor Stance. May I ask if you are the one growing the manaherbs in the balcony?"

The boy shook his head. Professor Stance went on to the next dorm, still no luck .

"I was sure it was the fifth balcony from the left." Professor Stance continued knocking doors.

If the professor had any sense of direction, he would have known that it was the fifth balcony from the right.

Professor Stance reached the 11th dorm room from the left and knocked. A blond hair boy opened the door and looked at the elderly man in a purple robe.

"Professor?" Ashe bowed three times.

"Hello student, my name is Professor Stance. May I ask if you are the one growing the manaherbs in the balcony?"

"The manaherbs?" Ashe looked out toward the balcony. "They are my roommate's."

"Is your roommate here?" Asked Professor Stance.

"No, he's hunting in Arango Forest."

"Do you know when he will return?"

"Probably in the afternoon."

"May I have his name?"

"Nico of Rinlin village."

Professor Stance vaguely remembered the name. "Thank you, may you leave him a message that I will come back around three?"

Ashe nodded.

"Thank you... And... You are from the Hartlet clan?"

Ashe mouth slightly jarred opened. "Yes, my name is Ashe."

"I have read one of your essays, keep up the good work."

"Thank you Professor." Ashe bowed respectfully.

Professor Stance turned around, looked to the right and then the left of the hallway, He decided to leave from the right.

Ashe looked to the balcony and at the blooming Giopoli. His roommate had been cultivating manaherbs ever since they had moved into the dorm.

Manaherbs weren't easy to care for. They were picky in the amount of water, sunlight and nutrients required. From observing Nico daily routine, he could see that each plants had received different amount of water and nutrients as though he could tell what the plants needed to grow.

When he had asked Nico about it, Nico didn't even know the names of the plants. It was odd for someone to know so much about manaherbs, but don't even know the most basic information.

Nico was busier than usual, and Ashe wondered if he even slept at night.

Academy students were a strange bunch, so Ashe didn't think too much about it. Vincent would also disappear for days. Jack probably had the most consistent hours.

Ashe closed the book he had finished reading and walked to the student hall.

It was still early, and he wanted to practice a couple of spells. He didn't want to fall behind Nico and Vincent.

It annoyed him that he couldn't defeat Nico, who was a complete novice. Granted, Nico was a better fighter than a lot of the students he had fought against.

Spells were difficult to cast, but with practice, casting time could improve. In addition to proficiency, the most important factor in casting speed was a person alignment. If a person aura naturally aligned with water, they could naturally form water spells faster.

For Ashe, he had the Aqua Fox and naturally aligned with water spells.

The Hartley clan was known for their powerful Nine-tail Fox, commonly inherited by the next head of the clan. Unfortunately, other than his grandmother, no one in his generation had inherited the spirit.

With no apparent heir, there were tough competition between the members.

Ashe was not the strongest fighter nor the strongest magician, but he was known as the most diligent in the clan. However, being diligent was not the criteria for the next clan head selection. If he wanted to get ahead, he needed to prove his worth.

As he walked inside the student hall lobby, he saw Anya arguing with a group of girls.

"Look you low class bitch, we register for the court already," one of the girls complained. She was a green robe, and naturally felt superior to the blue robe girl.

"We all know you're removing our slot as petty vengeance for last week." The other girls of five banned together.

"Whether I'm low class or not, people should already tell by the way you speak," Anya sniped back. "Your appointment is at 9, but it's already 11. You're more than two hours late and you expect the court to be free?"

The red-haired girl in the middle narrowed her eyes, and her maid immediately raised her hand.

Slap!

Anya braced herself and took the slap. Although she was in the right, she was still a student association member, and needed to show restraint.

"This is your second warning," Anya temper rose a notch and clinched her robe tightly. "I don't care if you're the princess of Gordon. If you want a slot, you must register and arrive on time like everybody else."

Anya stared at the maid. "As for you, I will report you directly you the student association. If you dare touch me again, I'll exercise the defense clause and break you arm, got it?"

"Hmph, as if the association is able to do anything," The maid wanted to see if the girl have the guts.

She raised her hand to slap Anya again.

Slap!

Ahh!!!! The maid screamed.

Just as she was about to hit Anya, an unexpected force had pulled her hand and she had slapped herself.

The princess sensed the power source and turned back to look at the approaching boy.

"Tsk, tsk. Ashe Hartley, it's unusual for you to step in," the princess sneered. "I guess birds of the feathers really flock together."

"Oh Princess Toria, you're pretty vicious as usual," Ashe retorted back. "The semester is just beginning and you're already bullying the students. Your reputation precedes you."

"You're really planning to go up against the princess because of a commoner!" The maid asked. "Don't forget the Hartley clan is just a Gordon citizen."

"Oh, I don't dare to go against The Princess and the Gordon Empire, but I want to see what this princess can do."

Princess Toria glared at Ashe. "I can do a lot more than you."

"Only because you have started with more."

"If I recall correctly, my ranking is higher than yours."

"This lowly one does not think I can surpass Princess Toria in terms of resources. But if I recall correctly, you have lost the last time we have sparred."

Princess Toria looked annoyed. "Lina, let's go, I'm tired of being around peasants."

The princess and her entourage left grudgingly.

"Thanks for your help," Anya gave a slight bow. "Is everything going to be okay?"

"Well, it's fine. Toria can be bratty and domineering, but it's all for show," said Ashe. "How did you end up crossing her?"

"We were finalist for the student association, and they chose me over her. The association clearly wanted someone new to represent the incoming students. She has been trying to pick a fight ever since."

"I see. Has she been causing you some trouble?"

"Not anything that I can't handle."

"You're being ostracized and that's why you're hanging out with us?" asked Ashe.

Anya widened her eyes, she was surprised he had figured it out so quickly. She thought for a moment. "Are you also being ostracized?"

"Yeah, same boat."

They both laughed.

Ashe remembered his purpose here. "Can you book me a training court today?"

"Sure. It's a little busy, but two o'clock should be fine. You can come right after lunch at Killo."

"Thank you!"

Killo Restaurant Inn was a hot spot for many students because of its proximity to the school and quality of the food. The tables were always filled with students and instructors. However, Busho always reserved a table for Nico and his friends.

Ashe and Anya arrived to the restaurant, noticing that Nico, Jack, and Vincent was already seated.

"So, anything this week?" Asked Ashe.

"8000 APs," Jack proudly announced with eight fingers up.

"So you have 5500?" Ashe quickly did the math as APs were divided up between party members.

"Nope, spent it all on a cultivation technique." Jack glanced at Nico. "Nico got more manaherbs."

"Yep." Nico had 500 APs left.

"That reminds me. A Professor Stance stopped by and asked about your manaherbs," stated Ashe.

"Professor Stance?" Nico remembered the elderly man from the library. "He's coming back then?"

"Around three. I don't know of any Professor Stance in the school though, he's not listed, so you should be careful."

"Maybe an emeritus?"

"It could be."

"Professor Stance is Vice Dean Constantine shortened name," Anya chimed.

"Heh, you mean the Vice Dean Constantine?" Ashe was surprised. He had been in the school for six years, but had never met the man. "He rarely ever leave the Professor Hall."

"How would you know about that?" Jack asked Anya.

"It's simply a guess. The Academy wouldn't just randomly have a professor on campus unless they are listed. There are too many security risk."

"I'm just surprised you already know so much about the school," said Jack.

"My dad have prepared me for this school ever since I was four," Anya saw Lulu approaching. "Ah, Miss Lulu! Beautiful as always!"

"All right dear, what would you like for lunch?" Lulu asked Anya first.

"You glutton, we were here first. Wait your turn!" Jack wanted to order first.

Ashe shook his head, they were all going to get the food at the same time.

The all ordered the special, which arrived within 15 minutes.

While the students were eating, two men sat in the corner eating a simple meal. The men were dressed in plain clothing, but most high level practitioners could tell that they weren't regular people.

Nico wondered why they were watching their table from afar. He could only think of two associations that would take an interest in him, the Fishman Gang or the Fenrir Shop. They could also be interested in his roommates.

They two men left shortly after finishing their meals.

After lunch, everyone dispersed.

Nico headed back to the dorm and meditated while waiting for the professor.

The professor appeared later that day, a little after 3:30pm. As the door opened, the dark hair boy he had meant in the library greeted him.

"Yes, Professor Stance?"

"Ah, you're Nico?"

Nico nodded. "You're interested in my manaherbs?"

"I am a bit. Do you mind if I come in?"

Nico let the professor inside and they walked to the balcony. Junior jumped on top of Nico as Snowy sniffed out the guest.

"Silver Lupines?" Professor Stance guessed.

"Is that what they are called?" Nico asked.

"I am not quite sure either, I'm not a beastologist. They are also still young, so it would take another 6 months before they grow out their distinct features."

Professor Stance refocused his attention to the manaherbs plotted around the balcony ledge.

"You find manaherbs clippings and regrow them?" Professor Stance could tell from the growth pattern.

"Yes."

"Most of these plants are from the Eastern region. You're from Rinlin? Did you have any guidance to help you grow these plants?"

Nico shook his head. "Haha, no." If he had a teacher, maybe things would have been easier. "Just farming on my own. It's mostly from experimentation to see what works best for each plant."

Professor Stance shifted his round glasses as he inspected the other plants. Each pot had a tag. The tag indicated the date it was clipped, the amount of water and the amount sunlight it needed. Some older labels also indicated the type of soil it prefer. A newly written label indicated the names.

"Hm.. interest," Professor Stance nodded with approval. "You have done your own experimentation in the amount of sunlight and water needed?"

Nico nodded.

"How long have you been experimenting?"

"Since I could remember?"

"Are you sensitive to mana around manaplants?"

"Is that common?"

"It is a highly prized talent from students with Wood or plant type spirit roots. From what I've heard, you have a Chaotic Spiritual Root. Chaotic Spiritual Root can be a bit chaotic... It's difficult to predict their nature."

Nico could tell the particularity of manaherbs and even regular plants because of Minko's vision. If the symbols increased more the following day, it was likely due to a of a change in regiment. In other words, he was sensitive to mana, but only at night.

"I am in need of another assistant, are you interested in helping out?" Professor Stance was interested in the manaherbs, but he was more interested in talented people.

"Hm... What does an assistant do?"

"Take care of the garden once every two days."

"Are there any benefits?"

"Every time you come in, you can take one clipping."

It was a good deal.

"How about, every time I improve the growth of the plant, I get an additional clipping in exchange?" Nico bartered.

"Ahahaha!" Professor let out a low throaty laughter for the first time. "This is the first time someone barter with me. It is fine. Would you like to see the garden first?"

"Sure!"

"All right, take the cubs with you."

Nico carried both Snowy and Junior.

"Hang on tight." Professor Stance grabbed Nico's right shoulder and leapt up into the sky from the balcony.

"Whooaa!" This was Nico first time seeing someone fly. Nico wondered how powerful the professor was to fly.

Nico stared down at the campus from up above. It felt like being on a glider, free-falling from the sky.

Nico noticed they were heading away from campus. "Uh, professor, where are we going?"

"Professor Hall."

"Professor Hall is the other way."

Professor casually turned around toward Professor Hall.

The garden came into view. It was located in the center of the Professor Hall's courtyard.

Professor Stance landed softly on the ground and released Nico from his grasp.

Nico surveyed the rows of plants, laid out similarly to a commercial greenhouse. "Whoa, there must be at least a hundred different species."

"These are all the herbs collected by the professors and students of this Academy. It's protected by an array and each plants have its own setting to fit their needs."

Each plant specimen was separated by either a white or black glass box. An irrigated system measured each amount of water necessary.

Nico eyes followed up the tree in the middle of the garden. It wasn't a large tree, but one of medium height.

"Professor Stance, welcome back." A young woman in red robe tending the plants noticed the professor and bowed deeply. She eyed the youth the Professor had bought along. "Professor, this is?"

"Elmara, meet Nico," Professor Stance introduced. "Elmara is one of my full-time assistants."

"Hello miss Elmara," Nico gave her a slight bow.

"Hello." Elmara stated curtly, it was neither rude nor friendly.

"We are going to check the progress of the manaherbs growth." Professor Stance led the way.

Nico inspected each manaherbs. They were all growing well and the instructions on each box detailed when the box should be blackened to emulate night and when it should be whitened to provide full sunlight.

"The feeding schedule is based on where it was acquired, books and years of research." Professor walked around with Nico trailing behind. "Do you think these could be improved?"

"Maybe, it takes some time to experiment whether the amount is right or not."

Professor Stance nodded. "So, are you interested?"

"Sure!"

"All right, you can start anytime, but once you start, you must come in once every two days. I have three other full-time assistance. I will let them know to expect your presence in the garden. You may only enter from the front." Professor Stance pointed his finger at Nico's badge and it glowed. "Your credentials have been registered. If you have any questions, just ask my assistance."

"Professor, I have a few questions."

"Yes?"

"What is that tree in the middle?"

"Hm... That is a mana-apple tree," Professor Stance stated. "It's still young and won't bare fruit for another fifty years."

"Fifty years!?" Nico didn't know much about trees, but he was sure that was a crazy number for a tree to bare fruit. "Are the fruit rare?"

"Extremely," said Professor Stance. "Unlike other manaplants, manatree can't be grown from cuttings. It must start with a seed. Even more frustrating is that it will only bare at most three fruits. Afterward, the lumber could be used for staffs and wand making."

"I see."

"Do you have more questions?"

"I train after class, so is it possible for me to come at night?"

Professor Stance nodded.

"Great!" Nico was ecstatic. He had exchanged APs for the missing ingredients required for the Plus-One Pill. If he could use the resources from the garden, he could easily create five sets of ingredients and complete the next task.