The vast library of the school was amazing, especially to someone like me who loved to read and learn. Few books could leave the library as they were so expensive or the only copy. Thus, a significant number of study tables filled the center of the library. There were a few others like me, always in the library studying, often with a pile of books and taking notes.

First Day of June, In the Year of the Empire 6777

The next afternoon I was summoned to the Dean's Office by one of the second-year students. It took several minutes to put away the books I had out and to gather my notes.

"Hurry up. I want to go to lunch before it's all put away," the second-year demanded.

"My advice is that you should eat a large breakfast, skip lunch, and maybe dinner so that you can study more."

The second-year give me an incredulous look, "Are you crazy?"

With a shrug, I reply. "Nope. I am maximizing my study time. You should try it."

"Anyways, I'm ready to go."

We walked quickly to the Dean's Office, where Mrs. Reagon sent him off to lunch. Turning to me, she said, "Please have a seat. Dean Weber will be with you soon."

Nodding, I sat and took out the research notes I had just written to review. Most students would use cheap scrolls for their studies. I hated those. Paper scrolls were hard to manage in numbers and quickly tore. The school store sold simple blank books, each with a hundred pages. Thankfully, my father provided enough for me to buy as many as I needed. My room was full of several hundred after eight years of studies and research. Some sixty of them were my "idea books" with notes on spell changes to make or new spells to create. Most of the later ones were full of rune ideas as it had become my focus for almost thee years.

Mrs. Reagon cleared her throat loudly, "Mr. Perrin, the dean is waiting on you."

Putting the book back into my bag, I replied, "Thank you, Mrs. Reagon, sorry for not hearing you sooner."

She just smiled and waved me to the Dean's door behind her desk.

The Dean's office was massive and had a significant number of bookshelves. Many filled with old and worn tomes. Gods, I wanted to grab one to read.

The Dean interrupted my thoughts, "Mr. Perrin, please have a seat."

I suddenly realized I had stopped and was staring at the collection of books. Sitting down quickly, I said, "Sorry, Dean Weber, you have an amazing collection of books."

He ignored that without a smile, "I have a few questions for you. Begin with you telling me what your purpose of the three different versions of your Finals Spell was?"

"Certainly, Dean Weber. The first version is for 'Standard Casting,' which allows for a highly efficient casting in mana and components. The cost is the longer casting time, which the caster is not concerned with."

"The second version is what I think of as a 'Battle Spell,' it allows the caster to cast the spell very quickly compared to the standard casting. The cost in mana and components are both much higher typically."

"The final version is a ritual to create a delayed or greater version of the spell or even both. Rituals require a much longer casting time, more mana, and more components, depending on the desire of the ritual. In this case, it's a small wooden token. When someone, mage or not, breaks the wooden token, the spell is activated just as if a mage created it at that moment."

"The reason I created three versions is that I believe every aspect of every spell should be explored and explained," I added.

The Dean sat there looking at me and drumming his fingers on the desk for a long moment.

"Very well. You have successfully graduated with Honors, Mage Perrin. The examining board was quite happy with your well-presented spells and research notes. In the future, students will be encouraged to do the same, but will not be required." The Dean gave me a small smile then, and offered, "Congratulations Honored Mage Perrin."

Before I could reply, he continued.

"Now, your request to begin High Mage studies is granted. The governing board is interested in what more you can create. You will be required to turn in monthly status reports to your mentor and be subject to board review if they so desire. If at any time the board deems your progress as incompetent or failing to make progress, they may dismiss you, and you will not gain High Mage status. You will still be required to reimburse the kingdom for the training received. Is that understood?"

I could barely contain my excitement sitting there with a massive grin on my face, "Yes, I understand Dean Weber."

Frowning, the Dean continued, "As to becoming a teacher here at the school and how you have requested it." The Dean looked angry at this point, "I am not happy being forced into doing things, Mage Perrin. So, if you fail to teach even one student or otherwise embarrass this school, you will be simply be fired without review, and lose all your instructor wages. Is this clear?"

Fighting to keep a respectful look and tone, I answered. "Yes, Dean Weber, I do understand and apologize for any discomfort this has caused you and the school."

Slightly mollified, the Dean responded. "Very well, Mage Perrin, but know this, in the future, there will only be 'Student Teacher' positions available with much lower pay to early graduates. Be sure to explain that to anyone who asks about your new job as a teacher. We have to honor your full mage position request at this time, but it will not happen like this again."

I was sweating with the significant discomfort I had placed myself in now. "Thank you, Dean Weber. I will certainly relay the new limits to any that ask. Truly, I do thank you for this opportunity and look forward to working here."

"Do be sure to speak to Mrs. Reagon on your way out." So, saying with a frown, the Dean simply returned his attention to the paperwork on his desk.

As quietly as possible, I left his office and shut the door softly. Leaning back against the door, I closed my eyes for a moment to calm my nerves.

"Mage Perrin, are you okay?" the receptionist asked.

Standing up straight, I went to the front of her desk, my face red with embarrassment. "Thank you. The Dean said I was to stop to see you on my way out. Is there something I need to do?"

With a wry smile, Mrs. Reagon said, "Do not worry overmuch, Mage Perrin. The Dean likes to make all employees think he is very stern."

Offering me a packet of papers and a small polished box, she continued. "You will find all of your teaching credentials and schedules in there for the next term, after the summer festival. Your wages will be added to your school account automatically. Also, you now have no restrictions on access to your funds as well. There is a one gold per month fee for your account's record-keeping now that you're not a student any longer. Good luck, Mage Perrin."

"Thank you, Mrs. Reagon, for all that you do and your kindness."

I left the Dean's office and returned to my dorm room a bit worried, rather than thrilled about my accomplishments today.