“So only people with these powers can enroll?”
Harold tilted his head from side to side. “Yes ... and no.”
At her look, he continued. “I’m aVentus Summoner—”
“Hang on a minute,” Isla interrupted. “A what?”
Harold smiled. “A Ventus Summoner.”
“You certainly sound like a superhero,” she muttered.
Harold laughed out loud. “Yes, well, it is an ancient ability, so it sounds impressive.”
Isla smiled at this—the first smile she had managed all night.
“You see, those who can access the Aetheric Arts have the possibility for both physical and philosophical capabilities, which are uniquely attached to each element.”
Isla nodded her understanding and Harold continued. “Those who manage to awaken the basic ability are called Wielders. They can physically control an element that they can see. An element with which they are in close proximity.”
“So an Ignis Wielder could move the fire in the grate over there?” Isla asked, indicating the fireplace whose flames wafted warmth over their group.
“Yes, exactly,” Juliette said. She twirled her hand in an elegant spiral, and the flames in the grate danced to her command.
Harold nodded. “They can wield something that already exists within their sphere, whereas others can do more.”
“More?”
“Yes. More advanced Aetherians are called Summoners. They can not only wield what they can see but can also summon the elements and components associated with it. If itscientifically exists in the world, they can call it to the palm of their hand. Not only that, but they can enhance it. As you become more familiar with this world, you will see that some Aetherians can be quite creative.”
“True, but the name ‘Summoners’ is not a very creative name, if you ask me,” Juliette mumbled.
Isla offered her friend a small smile. “Okay, that sounds straightforward.” Though the simple explanation was doing nothing to calm her racing heart; nor did the idea of what Summoners could do seem cut and dry. Her mind was whistling with all the potential things a Summoner could do if knowledge and imagination were combined.
“So back to your earlier question, I, as a Ventus Summoner, can not only manipulate or wield existing wind; I can also create—or summon—wind, as well as storms, lightning, and thunder.”
Isla nodded as if she understood, but she really didn’t. She tried to suppress a shudder at the thought of someone wanting to create storms. Had the storm today been summoned by Harold? She eyed him warily.
He gave her an amused look as if he knew where her thoughts had gone. “On top of that, as a Summoner, I also have philosophical abilities, which Wielders don’t have. I can perceive and influence emotions, through what we callemotional echoes that ride on the air around us.”
“You’re able to influence emotions. You can project feelings? Are you doing it now? Is that why I feel grief that my inner scientist just short-circuited?” she grumbled.
Harold smiled reassuringly at her, though she did not feel reassured.
“No, there are laws against influencing emotions without authority.”
“Okay,” Isla said slowly, “I can see how that could be a potential hazard.” She decided to bring them back to her original inquiry, though her overactive brain wanted to jump down another rabbit hole and ask questions about the laws governing those who used Aetheric Arts. “You were saying about the people who come here, they don’t always have their abilities awakened?”
“Correct. Though each case is different, and it is not often we have to make such a choice. There are various factors that help me make the decision to let a non-Aetherian attend. Sometimes my colleagues advise me as to who to accept, using their own unique abilities to determine whether they believe a student has the potential to have their gifts awakened while here.” At this, Isla noticed Harold’s eyes flick to Andrew and back, while Andrew fidgeted a little beside her.
“I also look into their family history, as genetics do play a part, though I am not saying that every Aetherian has Aetherian parents.” At this, Isla squirmed; she didn’t know her parents.
“I can also sometimes personally feel someone’s potential through their emotions and their drive to learn. It isn’t always decisive, but powerful Aetherians have a thirst for knowledge. So on rare occasions, even if their abilities haven’t awakened, I allow them access to the university, but they are never introduced to the Aetheric Arts department until their gifts have been awakened. Students and staff with Aetheric Arts abilities all sign a legal document when joining our university that states they cannot under any circumstances share the location or the subject matter being taught in that department.”
“Oh,” Isla said softly, understanding dawning.
“So,” Harold said, “I allow certain students in, if I feel there is a strong chance they could be an Aetherian, even if they aren’t aware of it.”
“And if their abilities never awaken?”
