The Sorcerer's Handbook

At the Sword and Roses University of Cailleach.

Sonya returned to her dormitory and immediately noticed that Louisa had gotten up early to study, while Adele remained curled up with her doll, fast asleep. Surprised, she asked, ”Wasn’t Adele up early studying just like you yesterday? She even said she wanted to summon a spirit and step into the Virtual World before this semester ends...”

Louisa replied softly, ”She worked hard all morning yesterday and didn’t get around to watching Love Across Time and Space until after lunch. Usually, she’d just drift off right after breakfast and start trimming her nails or playing with her hair.”

”Is it that new series by Didarose!?” Sonya asked instinctively, then quickly shook her head. ”With her like this... will she even graduate?”

Louisa shrugged. ”It doesn’t really matter if she doesn’t. She has a fiancé. He’s a powerful noble, and her father has recently been promoted. Adele will likely get married as soon as she graduates.”

Sonya let out a soft ”oh,” surprised at her own lack of emotional reaction to Adele’s circumstances.

In the past, Adele’s family and prospects would have stirred envy in Sonya. Full support from her family and the backing of her fiancé meant Adele could do nothing, remain completely oblivious to the world, and still live the life of a pampered noblewoman. She’d be protected from misfortune, surrounded by comfort, and free from worry. In short, she had been born with everything Sonya had ever longed for.

Those born with everything never knew the weight of starting from nothing; those surrounded by support never learned the need to scheme or strive, while those born in comfort were never forced to endure hardship.

Hardship had never been a test, and injustice was simply how the world worked. Louisa’s arrogance and dismissiveness weren’t entirely to blame for Sonya’s past conflicts with her and the others. Sonya had played a part, too. As a girl who had only recently left her hometown, Sonya felt that Louisa’s self-assured confidence, born from privilege, had cut deep into her.

But now, Sonya realized that hearing about the happiness and prospects of others no longer stirred jealousy or resentment in her.

Even without a wealthy fiancé or family support, she no longer believed her future would be worse than Adele’s, Louisa’s, or anyone else’s. Yes, she remained somewhat shallow, still driven by pride and the need to feel superior, but she had changed.

The events of the past week had transformed her, almost imperceptibly.

She still loved beauty, still maintained her appearance with meticulous care, still schemed and planned, but she had also become a novice sorcerer, a research apprentice under Professor Trosan, had defeated Felix, and could spar with Senior Leona, though she hardly considered it a victory.

Each of these experiences was like a brick, building a wall behind her.

Even if she faltered in the future or wanted to retreat, she would have something solid to rely on.

Besides, there was someone by her side. He might not be entirely reliable, flawed, and currently weaker than her, but at least... he was there.

After finishing her shower, Sonya placed a Silver Coin on the table for her spirit to eat and began applying a face mask.

It was then that she noticed a few unexpected items on the table.

One of them was a glass bottle, containing a swirling mix of green, gold, and pink liquids. It didn’t resemble any health drink she had ever seen, but Sonya recognized it immediately. It was the same bottle the Watcher had been holding seven days ago, when he first appeared in the real world.

Beneath the bottle lay a note, ”Contains Advanced Energy Potion, Advanced EXP Potion, and Spirit Joy Potion. Shake well before drinking.”

Sonya gave the glass bottle a wary glance. In the end, she shook it thoroughly and drained it in a single gulp. She had no other choice. Last time, the Watcher had forced the potion down her throat directly; letting her drink it herself was already a rare gesture of goodwill.

As for whether the Watcher intended to harm her, Sonya had long since stopped wondering about it.

Faced with a memory-lost oddity who could control her actions and might even be a resurrected legend, she knew that unless she could locate the Watcher’s true body and lock it away to fully exploit its value, all her schemes would be as meaningless as New Year’s resolutions. It was far safer to hold tightly to this ”blue-chip.” She would do whatever he asked, maintain the image of being useful, and let him lower his guard until he exposed weaknesses she could later exploit. The more he trusted her, the closer she would get to turning the tables.

The potion itself was surprisingly pleasant. It tasted like a sweet citrus blend of orange, lemon, and sea salt. Sonya licked her lips and noticed a letter on the table, which struck her as odd. She hadn’t expected the Watcher to be the poetic type. He was more the sort to wait outside the bathroom just to discuss business while she bathed.

Curious, Sonya opened the envelope and found a delicate card adorned with gold leaf. Written on it was, ”Swordswoman, you will now automatically perform a random spirit summoning ritual. Your sorcery class corresponding to the summoned spirit will be raised to match its level. The ritual may vary depending on the spirit, but it will last no longer than seven days. Once you read this line, the random spirit draw will begin. Good luck.”

The text began to shimmer and twist. It eventually settled into a single golden word, ”Sincerity.”

Sonya recognized the card’s power immediately. Without any study or preparation, the automatic ritual would elevate an untouched sorcery class to Silver Rank and even grant her a spirit. It was only an Experience Orb, but she felt a rush of pride. Without the Watcher, she might never have obtained one in her life.

Additionally, Sincerity appeared to be a Mind Class spirit, a sorcery class notoriously difficult to master. Sonya couldn’t help feeling like she had struck gold. Despite the frequent frustrations caused by the Watcher meddling in her life, he had gifted her both Experience Orbs just last night. And now, with this extraordinary bonus, she couldn’t suppress a genuine sense of gratitude. Watcher, meeting you has truly been the luckiest moment of my life!

By now, the card had dissolved into a wisp of smoke and disappeared. Sonya waited, but nothing seemed to happen. Has the ritual already begun? Why does it feel like nothing has changed?

At that moment, the dormitory door opened. Angelica stepped in with steam rising from her body. She grabbed a towel, wiped her sweat, and drank from a water bottle. ”Adele, it’s time for class!”

Adele didn’t even bother to open her eyes. She sat up, still dazed, then followed her body’s instinct to wash herself.

Angelica headed for the shower, while Sonya and Louisa began their pre-class routines. They matched their eyeshadow to their lipstick, kept their blush subtle, and chose perfumes with top notes of five-fingered orange and bitter orange[1], aiming for a faint, lingering scent.

1. Five-fingered orange and bitter orange are types of citrus with bright, sweet, and slightly sharp scents that give the perfume a subtle, lingering fragrance. ☜