Alistir still partially doubted last night's judgment.

  Not only had he put the both of them at risk, but to completely change his mind in the span of a week could certainly concern those that thought the book had a hidden power to influence its readers.

  It’s still entirely possible that the author hid some secret qualities to his work. After all, the book was absurdly durable, able to be thrown into a fire, submerged, and shrug off attacks from the strongest of the nation's weapons. The gem in the middle of the cover was also suspicious, being made of a material able to hold large quantities of magic and keep it from leaking out. The nearly invisible designs around the gem, as well as the dozens of smaller gems, indicate an intricate, self-reinforcing ritual, done entirely without human intervention. This is likely what keeps the book durable, although hidden abilities were not off the table.

  Alistir also noticed that Molly had never come out of her room. Poor kid, seeing anything related to her father just after his death would still wreck her.

  Anyways, it was time for his meeting with Bailin. He had the idea to help use the Mechanomicon to get stronger as a Sage. It was a twist on Dencer's proposal of using the book's description of natural laws to not only test its contents, but also to enhance the abilities of magic users. Such a proposal was already considered by the rest of the Sages, but he wanted official permission and support to freely use the non-forbidden passages to increase his abilities, instead of simply reading it for a while without putting it to use.

  [Bailin]: “So, it seems that you have changed your mind on the importance of the book.”

  [Alistir]: “Yes, master. I have reconsidered my stance, and now believe the Mechanomicon could be Iracia's most important asset.”

  [Bailin]: “So, what do you want to use it for?”

  [Alistir]: “Um… due to my position as a gifted magic user, I would like to increase my power. As you already know, I am valuable to the Kingdom as a tool for defense and security. And because of our current weakness as a nation, defense is more important than ever.”

  [Bailin]: “That is quite the request. So, you want to get stronger to defend our Kingdom? How diligent of you.”

  [Bailin]: “However-”

  [Alistir]: “?”

  [Bailin]: “I can't overlook my feeling that you have something else in mind.”

  Alistir held back a reaction to that. Yet another display of his master's inscrutable nature. Yes, he does have a motive for this. By becoming stronger due to the tome, he could increase favor to it and make it more open for use. A small step to realize the world that it envisions. If he simply tried to force his way, the book would be entirely rejected as witchcraft by the Church, the common people, and other nations. He would have to play the long game.

  [Bailin]: “So, what is it?”

  Alistir decided to tell the truth.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  [Bailin]: “I see. The path you have decided to take will be a long and tedious one. It will also be risky. Yet, I still trust your resolve.”

  [Alistir]: “Thank you, master.”

  ----------------------------------

  Molly had managed to memorize much of what Alistir had read to her. She couldn't write herself, but she could draw. Pictures of strange machines, microscopic lifeforms, and chemistry reaction formulas were scattered all across the floor.

  If she were to make her dad's dream come true, she would have to learn about how to create the things within. Problem is, she lacked basically all the materials. And the knowledge. And the ability. And the time.

  She started school next week. Raised in the care of the Sages, she was guaranteed a place in school, since only those of higher classes can even enter.

  There was a way, though. Alistir is her lifeline in this endeavor, and her magical capability-

  That's right, her magic!

  If she got strong enough, she could go get the materials herself!

  She had to ask Alistir to teach her magic. This will show those old guys how cool she is! She'll change the world!

  She will do it all for her dad.

  She began sprinting toward Alistir’s dorm, just down the hallway. When she got there, she knocked rhythmically on his door.

  [Molly]: “Ali, can you teach me about magic?”

  Alistir opened the door.

  [Alistir]: “Ha ha ha, I knew this day would come.”

  [Molly]: “You did?”

  [Alistir]: “Of course. Every child asks it at some point. But sadly, not everyone has the talent for it.”

  [Molly]: “I already know I do.”

  [Alistir]: “Not necessarily. You have massive potential, but without the visualization, training, or the proper diet and exercise, it’s wasted. So Molly, do you have an imagination?”

  [Molly]: “Yeah!”

  [Alistir]: “Sadly, I can't teach you as of now.”

  [Molly]: “What! Why?”

  [Alistir]: “To use magic, one must feel the magical energy inside you and become aware of it. To do this, stimulation of the energy inside you, either by another magic user or an item or material containing magic must be used.”

  [Molly]: “Ok and?”

  [Alistir]: “That requires paperwork to do, and laws to abide by. Without these laws, accidents and crimes involving magic misuse would be commonplace. You can only get this from a magic school or the military.”

  [Alistir]: “Don't worry though! You are already on the path to use magic. You will have the opportunity to go to magic school once you are fifteen.”

  [Molly]: “F-fifteen?! That's too long!”

  [Alistir]: “I'm sorry, but that is how it is. By the way, attempting to get or use magic before that point is a crime, so don't even try it.”

  [Molly]: “No fair! That doesn't make any sense! Doesn't starting earlier make you way stronger?”

  [Alistir]: “Well, yes, but-”

  [Alistir]: “Well, think about it. What if everyone was a powerful mage? Society would barely be able to function! Nothing built would be able to stand for long. A lone criminal could level an entire town.”

  [Molly]: “I-um… understand.”

  Alistir partially lied to her. There was one way to learn magic at a young age; the Kingdom of Iracia's Hero Program. Selecting talented children from school, the program would allow them to receive advanced training in not only magic but also weapons and battle tactics. In exchange, you become a tool of the Kingdom and are tightly regulated.

  Yes, Alistir was a result of this program.

  He didn't want someone else to have to ever go through that torture.

  Despite that, not telling her about it would become his greatest mistake.

  —---------------------------------

  ‘That was such a letdown’, Molly thought.

  That plan didn't work. She would have to get creative if she were to realize her father's dreams. If Alistir had knowledge of the country's laws, perhaps there was a book on it. Maybe she could find a loophole somewhere without doing something illegal.

  Sure, there was no way to learn or perform magic, but smaller applications would work, right?

  She wandered through the empty library. Since this was the forbidden library, it was off limits to the public and lower-ranked scholars. Luckily, she was able to sneak in.

  How devious of her.

  Passing by the glass display cabinet containing the Mechanomicon, she thought to herself:

  ‘Don't worry, I'll get you out one day’.

  Calling this a ‘forbidden library’ is rather harsh. It is simply a collection of books that are either expensive, important, or unique. Some of these books simply catalog certain magic or rituals that are dangerous if done incorrectly. Most build off of previous knowledge.

  Since she couldn't go into the public library, learning the basics was difficult. However, basic concepts and practices are mentioned and implied in some of the texts. She would have to deduce which is which.

  [Molly]: “Got it! ‘Advanced Applications of Public Alchemy’!”

  Bullseye. Alchemy is the use of strange crystals to control and guide magic. The magic substance exists all around; by taking in magic from nature using special crystals, and using different crystals to guide and command the magic, one can make magical contraptions and automatic spells!

  Alchemy is common in the world, since it is low-power magic. It’s perfectly legal to make, even if certain crystals aren't available to use without proper permits.

  She would most definitely make use of this knowledge.