Brainbinding...
Brainbinding...
Chapter 1. Good Morning Brother
Zorian Kazinski is abruptly awakened by his younger sister, Kirielle, on the morning he is set to leave his hometown of Cirin. Eager to escape his demanding mother and slacker brother, Zorian takes a train to Cyoria to begin his third year at the Royal Academy of Magical Arts, where he receives his official certification as a first circle mage.
Zorian Kazinski’s morning begins abruptly when his younger sister, Kirielle, jumps on his bed to wake him up. Today marks Zorian's departure from his hometown of Cirin to begin his third year at Cyoria’s Royal Academy of Magical Arts. At breakfast, the strained dynamics of the Kazinski family are on full display. His strict Mother nags him about his appearance and compares him unfavorably to his eldest brother, Daimen, a highly successful mage. Meanwhile, his older brother, Fortov, begs Zorian to help him cover up his poor academic performance, which Zorian bluntly refuses.
Desperate to escape his overbearing family, Zorian heads to the train station. On the train to Cyoria, he shares a compartment with a quiet green-turtleneck girl and briefly deals with the annoyance of a crying little girl and a chatty first-year train girl. Upon arriving in the bustling city of Cyoria, Zorian heads straight to the Royal Academy of Magical Arts.
At the administration desk, Zorian meets with Ilsa Zileti. She officially presents him with his certification as a first circle mage, a major milestone that grants him access to higher-tier facilities and more sensitive spells. However, Ilsa also delivers frustrating news: Zorian has been assigned the notoriously difficult and eccentric Xvim Chao as his official mentor. Despite his irritation at the assignment, Zorian takes his keys, locates his new room, and uses an arcane-locking spell to secure his door, finally enjoying some much-needed peace and quiet.
Kirielle wakes Zorian up by jumping on his bed, starting his stressful morning in Cirin.
Zorian argues with his strict Mother and refuses to help his brother Fortov cheat, highlighting his desire to leave home.
Zorian travels by train to Cyoria, sharing a compartment with a quiet girl and avoiding the distractions of other passengers.
Zorian meets Ilsa Zileti at the academy, where he receives his first circle mage certification and learns Xvim Chao will be his mentor.
Zorian arrives at his new academy room and secures it with an arcane-locking spell to ensure his privacy.
Zorian's charming but highly irresponsible older brother who is entering his fourth year at the academy.
aka older brother
“We’ll be there for about six months, most of it spent traveling from one place to another. You and Fortov will be at the academy, of course, but I’m worried about Kirielle. She’s only nine and I don’t feel comfortable bringing her along with us.”
“I figured I’d prepare something for you today, and I know you’ve always liked porridge,”
“It’s all muddy and wet but I can’t help you there. Don’t know any cleaning spells.”
“Damn it, Kiri! You had all the time in the world to go to the bathroom before I woke up!”
“The Academy has a habit of sending a representative to third year students to discuss various matters of interest. I confess I should have visited you sooner, but I have been a tad busy this year. You have my apologies.”
“Forgive my manners, Miss Zileti. Come in, come in.”
“Cirin doesn’t have a mage tower, so I was going to pick up the badge when I got back to Cyoria.”
“Like I said, I was supposed to get to you sooner. Unfortunately, all but one of the mentors have filled their quota of students at this point.”
“I am Ilsa Zileti, from Cyoria’s Royal Academy of Magical Arts. I’m here to discuss the results of your certification.”
+10 more quotes →“I don’t suppose there is any chance to transfer to another mentor, is there?”