Let's Train Heroine

The morning sun cast a warm, golden hue over the sprawling grounds of the academy, the soft light dappling the cobblestone paths and ancient stone walls. Lucan walked leisurely through the academy gardens, his sharp eyes scanning the tranquil surroundings.

The conversation he had overheard the previous day is in his mind, the mention of the *Eye of Obsidian* stirring a mix of anticipation and determination within him.

The relic, could turn him into an Evil Magician—something Lucan had long considered.

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Lucan's thoughts were interrupted as he passed a group of students gathered beneath a large oak tree, their laughter and conversation filling the crisp morning air. He approached them, a smile easing onto his lips.

"Good morning, Teacher Lucan!" called out Elara, a cheerful girl with bright eyes. "You seem especially relaxed today."

Lucan chuckled, his tone light and friendly. "Just enjoying the peace of the morning, Elara. It's the perfect time to clear one's mind."

Another student, Arlen, chimed in with a grin. "You're always so calm, sir. Do you ever have a bad day?"

Lucan smiled warmly, masking the thoughts swirling beneath his composed exterior. "Bad days come to us all, Arlen. But how we handle them is what truly defines us. Keep a calm mind, and you'll navigate through any storm."

The students nodded, their admiration clear, but Lucan's mind was already elsewhere. He had no time to linger in idle conversation; he needed to start his research immediately. The *Eye of Obsidian* was no mere artifact—it was a key to his future. He knew where the first piece of the map was hidden, but the other fragments remained elusive.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lucan excused himself and made his way to the academy's grand library. The towering structure, with its weathered stone walls and high arched windows, loomed ahead, a place where countless secrets were buried within its labyrinth of books.

As he entered, the familiar scent of old parchment and leather-bound volumes greeted him, a comforting reminder of the knowledge housed within these walls.

Lucan moved down the aisles, his fingers trailing along the spines of ancient texts. He knew exactly where to start, having spent countless hours in this very library, but as his hand reached for a particular volume, a shadow fell across him.

He turned, his heart skipping a beat as he recognized the familiar figure entering the library—Maris.

The last person he needed to see right now.

"Lucan-sama?" Maris's soft voice carried across the room as she approached, her light blue eyes filled with affection. "I didn't expect to see you here so early."

Lucan expression was one of mild surprise. "Maris, what brings you here? Are you searching for something specific?"

Maris smiled gently, her presence radiating the usual, "Just doing some light reading. What about you?"

Lucan held up the book he had just pulled from the shelf, its aged cover revealing nothing of its contents. "Same here. I thought I'd do some research on ancient magic. There's always something new to learn, even in the oldest of tomes."

Maris's gaze flickered to the book in his hands, her curiosity piqued. "Ancient magic, you say? That does sound intriguing. Mind if I join you?"

Lucan's mind raced. The last thing he needed was Maris hovering over him while he searched for clues about the *Eye of Obsidian*. He forced a casual smile. "Of course, but I must warn you, it might be a bit dry. Mostly old legends and forgotten spells."

Maris chuckled, "You know I find nothing dull when it's with you, Lucan-sama. We can do anything together, and it's the most enjoyable thing for me. But I'll let you focus for now. Maybe we can study together later?"

Lucan's smile remained in place, "That sounds like a plan. We'll study together later."

As Maris turned to browse the shelves, Lucan felt her gaze linger on him, as if she were searching for something. He knew she was perceptive. He needed to be careful—one misstep, and she could start piecing together his true intentions.

With Maris now occupied in a different section of the library, Lucan returned his attention to the book in his hands. The ancient tome was filled with cryptic texts and faded illustrations, a treasure trove of information that could lead him to the *Eye of Obsidian*. The map he sought was said to be scattered in pieces across the academy, and this was his first step in gathering them.

Lucan methodically noted down the relevant information, his movements calm and deliberate. He couldn't afford to raise any suspicion, especially not from Maris. If she were to glance over at him now, all she would see was a diligent person engrossed in his studies.

But Lucan could still feel her presence, her eyes on him even as she pretended to be absorbed in her own reading. He needed to stay one step ahead.

As Lucan closed the book and slid it back onto the shelf, he made a mental note to continue his research at night when the library was empty. He couldn't risk being seen delving too deeply into forbidden knowledge during the day. The fewer eyes on him, the better.

He turned to leave, catching Maris's eye one last time before he stepped out into the sunlight. She offered him a warm smile, but Lucan couldn't shake the feeling that she was onto him. Maris, despite her gentle demeanor, was sharp. If she suspected him of anything, she would never let it show—not until she had all the answers.

Lucan knew that if Maris discovered his interest in the *Eye of Obsidian*, she might offer to help him to search it, and keep it hidden. But Lucan didn't even want her to know he desired it in the first place. He needed to keep her completely in the dark.

As he walked away from the library, the sun now high in the sky.

Lucan smiled to himself, this was kind of fun. Hiding from Maris, he was looking for *Eye of Obsidien*.