Jason held the artifact in has hand. It was made out of black latex and was warm to the touch. Jason snapped out of his thoughts. He quickly ran to the dorm building and placed it on his unmade bed. He ran toward his next class. As he was running down the hall, someone was opening the door to one of the rooms and stepped out. She had snow-white hair was in a space bun. She wore a white summer dress that almost reached the floor. Her piercing white eyes met his as he ran down the corridor. She watched him rung past down the hall.
'That girl was pretty,' Jason thought as he ran. He made it outside and headed to a building that was shorter than the rest. This building was on the edge of campus. The building looked like an old forge. The building was made out of stone and like the rest of the campus, had a medieval theme to it. Jason pushed the door open and walked into a weapons shop.
"Hello," a man with blonde hair said to him. "You must be a new student here. Go to that door there and head down the stairs. There you will be with the others." He said pointing at a door.
"Appreciate it," Jason said. He opened the door to a stairwell that went down into the earth. The stairwell was long and warm. It didn't take long before Jason reached a door at the bottom. He opened it and saw an ancient forge.
There were tools of all shapes and sizes for forging on the wall. Forging stations filled the room. Most were cold now except for the one. The forge at the end was grand and large in size. The fire was white as the coal burned.
The temperature here was really hot. A normal person would start sweating immediately upon entry. Even some blessed that specialized in water were feeling the heat. Jason however felt very comfortable. He felt like he wanted to take a breathe and relax. Just let the stress of training with a dragon who specializes in torture and just stay here for a while. A pleasant grin appeared on his face.
Jason walked over to the rest of the class and the professor that was about to speak.
"Now that everyone was here, let's begin." The professor said. He was a massive 6 and a half feet tall with really thick muscles and hands so big he could snap a gun in half. He had a beard that went to his chest and his face was covered in sweat. He wore overalls and was barefoot. In his hand was a hammer. His cold brown eyes examined everyone here before continuing.
"My name is Professor Ulfgar and I'll be your forging instructor. Some of you might not be able to handle the heat down here. Those individuals will help those above with inventory and placing equipment on the shelves. Those bonded with spider and other weaving creatures, with be placed in the clothing department. The rest will be forging weapons, armor and tools for the duration of your time here. I am bonded with a dwarf. Forging is in my blood. First rule of the forge, clean after yourself. If I have to clean a workstation after one of you kids, it's going to be a bad day for you. Second rule, put everything you touch back where it belongs. If any tool goes missing, I will use you instead. Rule number three, no sabotaging other workstations. If one thing in this forge goes wrong, it can have deadly consequences."
Professor Ulfgar the began his lecture on how to properly utilize the forge without burning ourselves. Once everyone had the basics, he announced, "This class isnt going be worth much for points in the long run. However, the things you learn here could affect your daily life and possibly save your life in a battle or war. For those that create more weapons and tools, the more points you get. The better the quality in gear you make, the better you'll be. Also, artifacts are worth a hundred points each." Everyone started to look at one another in bewilderment. "Yes you heard correctly. You can make artifacts here. Also once the announcement bell rings in a moment, I wish to you Jason."
Jason's eye widened. "Me sir."
"Yes." The announcement bell rang signaling the end of the day. Everyone had a good first impression of this professor. He knew what he talked about, took pride in his craft and could keep track of time.
They all left except for Jason. Jason walked up to Professor Ulfgar and said, "You wished to see me Professor?"
"Hmm, so you are the one she described? Did she give it to you earlier?"
"Apologies, im a bit confused. Given what by whom?"
"The dragon girl Sophia. Did she give it to you?"
"Oh you mean the artifact? Yes she gave it to me. It was such a work of art. I had to admire it a little. It was why I arrived behind the others. Why? And how did you know about it?"
"Because I made it." He said. "Just because I'm bonded with a dwarf doesn't mean I'm not the second best crafter in this academy."
Jason's eyes widened at the revelation but was wondering something. 'How did Sophia knew the professor to be able to make something like an artifact before school even started?' He wondered more than ever. 'Who even is she?'
"I wanted to see who you were and what you were bonded with. What kind of being makes a dragon to make a request from me to help them?" He examined Jason more closely. "Regardless of my curiosity, I owe her family a favor I cannot repay. So I cannot force you to tell me. But being here, we'll know more about you soon enough. Regarding Sophia, she's been through more of a hell than you can imagine. She's been through enough. Take care of her."
"I will." Jason said.
"Now that classes are done for the day, I believe you have an appointment you can't be late for."
"Appointment?"
"You forgot? Your appointment with Invidia?"
"Oh shit. I've gotta run Professor. See you next time."
'He's a good kid. Reminds me of another once upon a time.' Ulfgar thought as he went back to his forge.