"Alchemy is the practice of creating potions and poisons," Samuel began. "There are countless components in this world, and when combined, they can produce a wide range of effects. You could make a potion capable of curing nearly any illness, or a poison so deadly it could kill in seconds. The possibilities with alchemy are limitless."


    Leo furrowed his brow. "Even if there are a lot of ingredients out there, there must be a limit to them, right?"


    Samuel smiled knowingly. "If we only consider the usual ingredients, yes. But this world is far more complex than it seems."


    Leo gave him a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"


    "Remember when we talked about corruption?" Samuel asked.


    "Yes?" Leo responded, leaning forward with interest.


    "When a creature becomes corrupted and dies, it always leaves behind a unique ingredient. That''s because each creature’s emotions, experiences, and mana are different, and so is the ingredient they produce."


    Leo hesitated, processing the idea. "Every corrupted creature leaves behind an ingredient when they die?"


    "Exactly. But not all of those ingredients are useful for alchemy," Samuel clarified.


    Leo’s curiosity grew. "What about a high-level creature? If they become corrupted, do they leave something special?"


    Samuel''s facial expressions were filled with deep thought. After a few seconds, he responded.


    "The higher the level, the better quality and stranger the ingredient becomes. Also, I''ve heard that in S rank, a creature occasionally leaves behind an item, although I''m not sure about that."


    "Item? What kind of item?"


    "I don''t know that either."


    Leo avoided from asking further questions.


    "We deviated from the primary issue; in short, alchemy is a very useful path, and practically everyone uses potion and poison during their missions."


    Leo remembered that Samuel’s path was alchemy.


    ''He exaggerates about his own route.''


    "Next, let''s talk about conjuration."


    Leo jotted down Arcana and Conjuration in his notebook.


    "In conjuration, you can make a pact with a creature to come and help you in certain situations, and it''s not just fighting; they can do a lot of things, like sending a letter, and they always want something in return; some of them want gold and gems; some of them are like parasites and want a part of your mana; and some of them are dangerous and want a part of your body or soul."


    "What type of creature can we pact with?" Leo inquired with curiosity.


    "There are a lot of normal creatures and animals, demons, souls in the underworld, gods, and the void."


    Leo’s mind raced with questions after hearing Samuel’s words, the sheer weight of the information overwhelming him. Samuel noticed the look on his face and raised an eyebrow.


    “If you have a question, ask,” Samuel encouraged.


    Leo took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. “What is the Underworld?”


    “It’s a place where souls go,” Samuel replied simply.


    “And the Void? What is that?”


    Samuel paused, his expression thoughtful. “I’m not really knowledgeable about the Void either. The only thing I know is that deep in space, there are creatures darker than darkness itself. Some people make pacts with them.”


    Leo frowned, confusion creeping into his voice. “Why would someone make a contract with something like that?”


    “I honestly don’t know. It’s beyond me why anyone would,” Samuel said with a shake of his head. “Do you have any more questions?”


    Leo nodded, his curiosity still unsatisfied. “Can we really make pacts with gods?”


    “A contract with a god isn’t something to take lightly,” Samuel warned, his voice more serious now. “But I’ve heard stories—some people have done it.”


    “Why is it a bad idea?”


    “Well, it’s a god. Whatever they want in return for making a pact with you, it’s bound to be something monumental,” Samuel explained, his eyes briefly sliding to his watch. “And that’s if they even agree.”


    Samuel straightened up and shifted back to the lesson. “Let’s move on; there are plenty of other paths we need to cover.”


    Leo nodded, though his mind still buzzed with the implications of their conversation.


    "The next type of arcana is illusion. Illusion is exactly what it sounds like, you make people see something that does not exist. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways, the most common of which is by manipulating someone''s mana or mind. I am not an expert in illusion, but I am aware that it requires a high level of mana control. Next, we have divination, which involves predicting the future with the help of stars or high-level creatures."


    Samuel paused briefly before proceeding.


    "Conjuration and divination go hand in hand; you can make a pact with a creature to aid in your divination."


    Samuel resumed his conversation before Leo had a chance to ask any questions.


    "Divination is followed by science, which is best suited for intelligent people who prefer to avoid conflict. In science, you begin to work on new spells."


    He studied his book for a few minutes while Leo sat there doing nothing.


    "Elements magic is the last remaining route. Understanding elemental magic is not that difficult; all you have to do is transform your mana into an element and use it to your benefit. Every element has its uses: wind is a potent and sharp weapon; fire is very effective in attack spells; earth works well in protection spells; water is effective in support spells; and lightning is great when you want quick assault spells.”


    Leo was paying close attention.


    "Don''t get me wrong; just because something is good in one area doesn''t mean it''s awful in another. Fire, for example, can be utilized offensively as well as defensively. Moreover, you can mix and match these to make spells with greater potency."


    "Can you provide an example?"


    "For instance, you can use wind magic to create a tornado, then add fire to it to make it a burning tornado."


    Pulling out his watch, Samuel checked the time once more.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "We spend more time explaining than I had anticipated; feel free to ask any questions while I prepare the training items."


    Leo, thought for a brief moment.


    "Mr. Samuel, when should I choose my path?"


    "The sooner you decide, the better; you can decide now, but I advise you to wait until you are absolutely certain about it." With his head in his closet, Samuel responded.


    Samuel gathered the crystals and the carpet, putting them back in place with practiced precision. “We’ve only got thirty minutes left, so let’s get back to your training,” he said, motioning for Leo to sit.


    Leo obediently went to sit on the carpet, but as soon as he closed his eyes, he found himself unable to concentrate. His mind was a whirlwind, racing with thoughts about the paths Samuel had mentioned—corrupted creatures, mysterious gods, and the ominous Void. Every time he tried to focus, another question or possibility crept in, pulling him further from the task at hand.


    ..


    After class and finishing his duties in the library, Leo made his way to the main hall to await Frank''s arrival for their patrol. Once Frank showed up, the two headed outside, strolling along Bush Street. The street was quiet, the gentle sound of their footsteps filling the space between them until Frank broke the silence.


    “I prefer this route,” Frank remarked casually.


    “Why?” Leo asked, mostly out of politeness.


    “Sun Square is at the end of this street,” Frank explained, a hint of fondness in his voice. “It’s a really lovely place.”


    When Leo didn’t respond, Frank glanced over and noticed his companion seemed lost in thought. With a friendly smile, he patted Leo’s shoulder. “What’s on your mind? You’ve been quiet.”


    Leo jumped a little, startled. “Oh... I’m sorry. I was just thinking about the pathways Mr. Samuel mentioned. I’m not sure which one to choose.”


    Frank’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. “Yeah, that’s a tough choice. But maybe you should give your mind a break.”


    Leo sighed. “I can’t seem to stop thinking about it.”


    Frank, glancing around as they continued walking, offered a thoughtful suggestion. “Why don’t you start by eliminating the paths you know you don’t want? Once you’ve narrowed it down, the ones you’re actually interested in will be easier to focus on. Makes it less overwhelming.”


    A small grin spread across Leo’s face. “That’s a good method,” he admitted, feeling a bit lighter.


    He decided to try Frank''s approach, already beginning to mentally sift through the options.


    ‘Alright, let''s evaluate. I''ve made the decision to forgo the pursuit of light or void magic. Utilizing these forms of magic would require drawing power from a deity, which ultimately imposes limitations on my potential for growth in the long run. While conjuration can be enjoyable, I believe that employing a low level of familiarity is plenty for me. Divination and science don''t capture my interest, leaving me with pure magic, enchantment, alchemy, illusion, and elemental magic as my main focuses. Of course, there''s also the path of the warrior to consider.’


    While immersed in concentration, Leo kept a watchful eye on his surroundings, scanning for any signs of unusual activity. His mind, however, kept circling back to the paths Samuel had outlined.


    ''I''ll go with pure magic as my fourth choice,'' Leo thought, his reasoning clear. ''It’s free of corruption, and I value that.’


    His gaze shifted as he considered the warrior path. ‘The warrior makes sense too. I enjoy combat—it’s straightforward, practical and relies on physical skill. Plus, it’s not magic, so there’s no risk of corruption involved. Even Mr. Samuel didn’t mention any dangers with it which makes it the safer option.’


    He continued mentally weighing his options. ''Alchemy is out. I can always buy the potions I need, so there''s no point wasting time learning it. But enchantment…'' Leo nodded to himself, feeling confident. ''Enchantment would complement a warrior’s abilities really well. It’ll be my third choice.''


    Leo gazed into the distance and spotted Sun Square, gradually drawing nearer as they walked. As Frank had described, it was indeed a charming location. Despite its modest size, the square exuded an air of tranquility. Dominating its center stood a statue of a golden knight astride a horse, bearing a gleaming shield on its back and wielding a sword held aloft in the air. Surrounding the statue was a spacious garden, adorned with lush green grass and trees adorned with vibrant pink flowers. A single-lane street encircled the square, bordered by another row of trees adorned with striking red roses, enhancing the area''s colorful and picturesque ambiance.


    Frank looked at Leo and saw his surprised expression,


    “I told you”


    Leo nodded.


    “Yes it’s a really beautiful place”


    The wind gently stirred the pink flowers, causing them to dance gracefully in the air, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings. They circled the square and began to return in the same direction they arrived. Leo, whose mind had relaxed, continued his thoughts.


    ''Ok, so now between elemental magic and illusion, I need to choose one. I think I can get a lot of elemental magic from enchanting, and I was never a fan of elements, so then it decided’


    He raised his head and looked into the sky.


    ‘I go with illusion as my main path.’


    After going around three times, they returned, Leo went to get his stuff when he saw Peter ready to leave.


    “Mr. Peter I want to choose my path”


    Peter was a little surprised, he took a form out of his hand and gave it to Leo.


    “Fill this and go to Lara, Lara is out with captain so you need to do this tomorrow”


    "Which route did you select?" Peter questioned, his eyes wide with curiosity.


    "My primary path will be illusion, followed by enchantment and warrior."


    Peter''s eyebrows shot upward.


    "Three routes? Well, your third path is warrior, and there is no corruption in it, but you need to spend a lot more time.”


    "I know, but I believe I can succeed."


    Peter took his briefcase in his hand.


    "Well, if you think so, see you tomorrow.”


    "Goodbye, Mr. Peter."


    Leo watched Peter leave, he also picked up his stuff and left.


    …


    The following day, Leo approached Lara with a completed form in hand.


    “Miss Lara, here’s my path choice form,” he said, holding it out.


    Lara glanced at it, then handed it back with a nod. “Take it to the captain.”


    Leo walked to Edmund’s office and knocked on the door.


    “Come in,” came Edmund’s voice from the other side.


    Leo opened the door and stepped inside. “Good morning, Captain. This is my path choice form.”


    Edmund took the form from Leo, his eyes scanning the page. After a moment, he looked up, raising an eyebrow.


    “Interesting. Your major path is illusion,” Edmund said, his tone thoughtful. “Enchanting and warrior are solid choices as well. You''ve chosen three paths, and one of them is free from corruption. Not bad, Leo.”


    He then gave the Form back to Leo.


    “Give it back to Lara and tell her I approve. Also, for illusion, you need lessons from  someone outside our association. I’ll call the church and tell them to send someone, and you can’t take enchanting class for now. You first need to become D rank, and after that, you can start your enchantment.”


    “Is that for my mana to take shape”


    “Yes, to stop any corruption from happening, but you can start your warrior training right away, go to Lara she will do the rest”


    Leo gave a firm nod and returned to Lara.


    “Captain’s given his approval,” he announced, handing over the paperwork.


    Lara reviewed the form briefly. “The processing usually takes a day or two. Carry on with your regular duties, and I’ll inform you once everything’s finalized.”


    “Understood, thank you,” Leo replied.


    Afterward, Leo made his way to Faleria. He waited patiently until she finished her concentration exercises. Once she was done, he spoke with a hint of pride in his voice.


    “Coach, I chose the warrior path as my second option. Captain said to inform you.”


    Faleria’s face remained emotionless, which left Leo puzzled. Before he could ask anything, she spoke.


    “I’ve already adjusted your training to follow the warrior path,” she said, her tone steady. “I had a feeling you’d choose it.”


    Leo blinked in surprise. “Eh?”


    ‘How did she know?’ he wondered, taken aback.


    Faleria, noticing his surprise, added, “You’ve got great potential. I didn’t want to waste any time waiting for your decision. Now enough of that, go get ready.”


    Without further questions, Leo jumped into his rigorous training session with Faleria. Once finished and after refueling with lunch, he headed straight to the library for his next class.


    Upon entering, he greeted his instructor. “Mr. Samuel, hello.”


    Samuel looked up from his work. “Ah, Leo. Have you made a decision about your path?”


    “Yes, I’ve submitted my form to Ms. Lara already,” Leo confirmed.


    Samuel’s interest was piqued. “really? And what path have you chosen?”


    “I’ve opted for illusion as my primary focus, with enchanting and warrior skills as my secondary and tertiary paths,” Leo explained as he prepared for his mana training session.


    Samuel stroked his beard thoughtfully. “An intriguing mix. I must admit, I had hoped to see you pursue alchemy.”


    Leo arranged the crystals meticulously around him and took his place at the center, ready to delve into the depths of his mana practice.


    "Because you have chosen illusion as your main path, you need to increase your control over your mana really fast if you want to become an E-rank in less than one month."


    While seated in the center of the crystals, Leo grinned.


    "That is why I assembled these quickly. Someone from the church will come to tutor me in one or two days, and I must be prepared till then.


    Samuel pondered deeply.


    “I calculated that it would require a minimum of one week to achieve. However, if you manage to succeed two days from now, that would indicate you’ve mastered the technique in just five days.”


    Leo opened his eyes and said honestly.


    "It''s not about what I can or can''t do; I must accomplish it," Leo insisted.


    "Why the urgency to do it quickly?"


    "I began at 14, and I already feel like I''m lagging behind. There''s so much to explore in this world, and I must move swiftly to uncover it all," Leo explained.


    "Start your training, then," Samuel remarked with a confused expression.


    Leo closed his eyes and focused intently. After class, Samuel granted Leo permission to continue practicing during his library hours. Leo dedicated himself entirely to training, managing to sustain his connection to his mana for a distance of twenty centimeters.


    After his training, Leo went into the storage room and got the stuff he needed. He then went into the main hall. Today was his first day as the leader of a patrol group.