[Syre looks over the note, then glances up at Lupin with a smile.]

Ah, I should have been a little more specific. My apologies.

Enrollment in the Academy does not automatically mean enlisting into the war. Most graduates move on to more civilian jobs and use their knowledge to supplement their careers.

I just so happened to be lucky, in that my home village was attacked by our neighboring nation, Lunia, in the first strike of the war.

[There is a brief flicker of anger in her face, though it quickly passes.]

I know not what caused it; the apologists are claiming that the raiding party was not sent by the Lunian military itself, but an independent faction. Either way, the war still rages today.

Now... the hardest question of all. What can one do with alchemy?

[She looks almost thoughtful, staring up at the ceiling while she composes her thoughts.]

The shortest answer is: "Whatever you set your mind to." The longer version is a far more convoluted affair.

[She looks at Lupin once more, her smile returning.] Would you like a more thorough explanation?