Chapter 52: Experiment Forty-Seven
The blue sun's light was just beginning to creep through my window when Azure gently roused me from sleep. I groaned, every muscle protesting as I forced myself upright. The thin mattress had done nothing to help my already exhausted body recover.
"Are you sure I can’t get a few more minutes of sleep?" I groaned, rubbing my eyes.
"Elder Molric's instructions were quite specific about arriving at dawn," Azure reminded me. "And given his... eccentric nature, it would be unwise to test his patience so early in our apprenticeship."
I couldn't argue with that logic. After quickly freshening up and adjusting my new robes (which were somehow more comfortable after sleeping in them), I left my room to enter the main corridor.
The academy was active even at this early hour. Initiates hurried past with haunted expressions, many clutching books or practice materials. None of them met my eyes – whether out of fear, jealousy, or simple survival instinct, I couldn't tell.
"Any idea where Elder Molric's chambers are?"
"The quartermaster included a map with your materials,” Azure replied. “His laboratory is in the eastern spire, near the apex."
Of course it was. Because why wouldn't the eccentric hermit have his sanctuary in the highest, most isolated part of the floating citadel?
Finding the right tower was easy enough. Unlike the main spires with their pristine crystal architecture, this one had been overtaken by twisted plants wrapping around it like a mother caressing her child.