Ethan was quite looking forward to Ana’s reaction when he handed her the coins. He found it funny how a master of his caliber could fantasize about such a trifling encounter. When he saw her, he straightened his back and put on an elegant demeanor.

“My Lady, from this day forward, your hardships are over.”

“Why are you covered in blood?” she asked.

“Does it matter?”

“Yes! And, why do you smell like feces? Ouch!”

Still lost in his fantasy, Ethan threw the large bag of coins and hit her straight in the chest. Wincing in pain, Ana almost cursed him out before realizing what she was holding.

“This is… Is this real?”

Inside the bag was several week’s worth of payment. Even if they ate like pigs, they could still live happily for a week. Ethan basked in Ana’s astonished gaze and said nothing.

“I… I don’t know what to say.” Ethan’s smile morphed into a grin and his nose rose 3 inches higher. It took Ana all her strength not to get annoyed. In a slightly less enthusiastic voice, she continued.

“Thank you… Really. With this I can take care of my mother.”

“Screw that. You’re coming with me.”

“Say what...?” Ana did a double take while Ethan doubled down.

“I’m making you a mage. No ifs, no buts. I won’t let you live in this shack all your life.”

Ana felt all her energy draining from her body. She should have gotten used to her friend by now, yet he kept throwing one curve ball after another. Although the money was amazing, this new plan of his was simply impossible.

With her trademark patience, she explained her situation as if to a baby. She told him how people needed to pass an exam to become mages, how she had tried since the age of 10 but failed every time.

Heck, since now her mother was sick, even if she did get accepted into the academy, she wouldn’t have time to attend. Her lengthy explanation was enough to make even Ethan furrow his brows. When he seemed to have fallen into thought, she nodded to herself internally for handling the situation so well. After a long pause, the boy finally spoke.

“That sounds… like a load of bulls**t.”

“Have you heard nothing I said!?” The matter of fact way he responded pissed her off to no end.

“Of course, and it’s stupid. How can you take an exam to become a mage? That’s dumb.”

“It’s to measure talent! And I… I have none.”

Ethan furrowed his brows. He raised his hand to support his head but ended up facepalming instead. What the hell was she talking about? Talent? One didn’t need talent to become a mage, just hard work and someone to guide her.

He knew there were magic academies in this world from the memories of the body he was using, but they started to seem like forgeries already. Normally, he wouldn’t even consider leaving Ana’s training to someone else. But, since most of his techniques revolved around murder, it was probably for the best.

“Ethan…” A weak voice was suddenly heard. Ana rushed into her mother’s room and the boy followed closely behind. “Can you really help Ana become a mage?” Chloe Taylor had dealt with numerous people during her life. She realized there was more to this boy than his skinny bones.

“Of course.” answered Ethan. “I promise on my name.”

“Then, I leave it to you.” Ana wanted to protest but her mother shushed her. “Ana… You are beautiful and kind and the best thing to ever happen to me and your father. We love you so, so much. We… I want you to be happy, not rotting at the edge of the city with me.”

“But…”

“No buts. With the coins Ethan brought, we don’t have to worry about food. Please, do as he says.”

Ana sighed in resignation. It wasn't actually a bad idea. If her friend could really pull this off, then maybe...

Even the thought made her smile. After pondering the issue for a while, she finally decided to take a leap of faith. She looked Ethan straight in the eyes and gave her consent.

"I trust you. How do we begin?"