"That we did not kill the mad king and his equally mad queen is nothing short of a disgrace"
Report from an anonymous Knight following the war against Grannarius.
William was doing his morning exercises in the far end of the public gym, it was common knowledge from the game that the weights and other equipment at the entrance were tampered with magic to make the noble scions feel good about their workout without putting in the actual effort, most even skipped such play and went straight to a mage capable of fine-tuning their bodies to their utmost desires.
If one had enough capital for it of course.
"My Lady, your appointment with the Necromancers has been approved and fast-tracked to today at noon, those books you had me deliver made the clerk woman almost panic which is a rare sight for liches" Saa'ryu reported her voice betraying a laugh at the expanse of the poor lich "As for your training with Father, while the man is more than willing to accommodate your request we had to kick back to the end of the week, something came up"
William smiled, that something was a mark on a powerful warlord from the Shogunate, the Owl would be moving his entire crew bar the ones already in other jobs to get the sucker, that included the shadow detail William had hired for himself, according to Saa'ryu the women were very happy with the new weapons which was always a plus when dealing with underlings.
Less chance of getting a knife to the back that way he thought.
"I am glad he could make the time for a noble's request, will you be joining us Saa?" William asked as his maid scowled "Ugh! No I won't, gods spare me from more sessions on how to keep my balance on poles so thin they might as well not exist" she shook her head "Lu are you sure this is ok?" Saa'ryu said in a whisper "These Knights aren't looking too friendly you know"
And she was right, most of the Knights on detail for nobles were working out here as well (a clue for the players to notice the weight lifting minigame at the start of the gym was fake) And they were staring daggers at William, after all, he had murdered their brothers and sisters in cold blood and came out of it with minor repercussions. Knights all over the Academy would be giving him the stinky eye.
"Don't mind them, they won't move a finger" William said "They know I am under the Arch-Duke's protection and once news of Galius plots get out they will lessen their hostility"
William sighed "We must instead look towards my fellow students, those will be the ones who lack the good sense and will try to do something" He was a threat to their status quo now, and even as Duchess some would come for him.
"Well, the day's still young! Let us hit the forges for I have deals with the Forgers" William had Saa'ryu cast a cleaning spell so he wouldn't be all sweaty and hot but that would be undone as soon as he reached the Forger's quadrant of the Academy, where all manner of both student and teachers would ply their trade, a hub for those who were not of noble blood, the Forgers were a strong faction within the school.
Following closer by the Tailors and the Mage Society, this trinity was the bastion of defense for the commoners who dared to thread upon noble soil and achieving max rank with them gave the protagonist ample means to defend herself from the bullying employed by the Villainesses and their thugs. Of course, many other smaller factions existed in the Academy's ground and they could also work with the protagonist or against it, depending on the player's action that is.
And so William out of a sense of nostalgia and paranoia set out to forge these ties himself, his plan was a simple one. Without Lucrezia to form the coalition against the protagonist she would in theory be able to enjoy life in the Academy free of any harassment, a part of him wanted to neatly insert himself in that picture of happiness but Lucrezia had spoken against it, it would seem like he was manipulating the Protagonist and Arthur would likely sniff him out.
Arthur would fall for the protagonist, it was the most popular pairing and one the devs supported the most. And so after a lengthy talk with Lucrezia, they came under the agreement that: First they would seek how to undo the soul meld via Necromancy and Mind Magic, Second they would establish a strong base of power and influence in the Academy with the factions and major players using William's knowledge.
To further their sphere of influence over the Kingdom.
Worthy goals according to Lucrezia, even if a bit ambitious. And so together with Saa'ryu and his new friends, they moved towards it. First on the list? dealing with the Necromancers!
The plan was simple on that one but time-consuming. To win their trust William followed one of the many strategies the game had, the most common one was doing odd jobs for them until they accepted you and grind out the ranks.
For the more esoteric player who had done their research in the in-game library of the Academy before, they could do a small "test" where one would try to come up with a way to improve the public view of Necromancy to the world. A fiendishly hard tactic as many Villians was prone to using unsanctioned Necromancy to further their goals and thus the public eye was very unkind to its legal practitioners.
William wrote up 4 small short stories that would be published in the journals of Vermilion in the hopes of doing just that, these stories were lifted from the game as they were tailored for the quest in question, with a few artistic liberties taken by William to shore up the more archaic tone and delivery of them. He had Saa'ryu deliver the books and thus his request to learn Necromancy was fast-tracked.
And so William went towards the Forgers to deal with the good people there, for later he would dance with the dead!
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Forgemaster Ironbeard was a tired dwarf. Barely 21 winters on his back and he wanted out of the "great honorable" work his parents put him up to do in this blasted Academy. Oh, it will be an honor! the youngest Forgemaster of the clan! Ironbeards across the world would raise a pint of ale to your name! like honey these sweet words tricked him into accepting this cursed position and now he had no one to blame but himself.
Kastrus Ironbeard Forgermaster of the Academy! how he cursed that title! and yet he was too proud to just call it quits, he knew he could do it hell he knew some were even waiting for him to give up but he would grind his teeth and push back the bile, locked in this endless battle of his desires and want against the good of the clan and tradition.
But before he could do his daily routine of self-hatred and angst his door was knocked, with a bark he told whoever was knocking to enter and a demure elven lass got in, her short wheat golden hair and pair of crimson eyes drilling into him.
Godsdamned Vampires Kastrus thought one would think this undead would be a menace to society and hunt down with extreme prejudice. Only for him to find out after he left his clan lands that only the dwarves of Steinheim viewed the undead with distrust, the rest of the world moved on after the God of Undeath spent years effectively stamping out prejudice and raising the stock of his flock as good law-abiding god-fearing members of society.
"Stop giving me that stare Kastrus, the sun can't burn me to ash neither can you," The vampire said with a smug smile "Here's today paperwork and complains by the know elements of our faction" A pile of paper was dropped in his desk and he sighed as he said "Glassblowers again? I can't get that bloody formula from the Imperials, they are asking for half our budget!"
"It's a shitshow alright," the vampire said "But I have some good news for you, my dear!"
Kastrus's eyes opened "You never have good news Amarille Ye gods what the fuck happened now" but she didn't answer and simply made a gesture for him to follow and against his better Judgment Kastrus went after her.
The cacophony of sounds was something the young dwarf had already grown accustomed to, he could pinpoint a hammer being used to forge something, the screams of teachers and students, even other crafts he had no personal experience in like the aforementioned glassblowers or the goldsmiths working their craft to make jewelry for the ladies and gentlemen of the capital.
Leather turned into armor for dungeon divers, ropes, and potions. All this and more was his domain and he knew it all so after a short while following his undead secretary he heard a voice unknown, feminine and strong it spoke with conviction and grace as she ordered layabouts to fashion armor and weapons. Kastrus strained his ears and could listen that said voice was also doing the work, like the more proactive teachers and masters who would work alongside their charges to better imprint the fine details of their particular craft.
"I have a message from the head of the Tailors, she wants some of the leatherworkers to help in some project of theirs," Amarille said as she licked her lips and opened the door where the strange voice was coming from.
"Indulge them, we owe them much from last spring" Kastrus may hate his position but he had nothing but respect for his peers, Ynaselle and Bryfina helped him much in his first year as Forgemaster and he owed both much. Some of the more old guards were not happy he was chummy with the heads of the Tailors and Magical Society but they could piss off for all Kastrus cared. Goodwill and Loyalty are to be rewarded and he would not be the one known as an ingrate and rude oaf for refusing help.
"Put your backs on it! C'mon lads are you not members of the forgers?! The great hammer would weep if it saw such virile and strong people laying about like they were followers of the poet!" The voice bellowed as Kastrus and Amarille saw the "layabouts" who were usually sons and daughters of nobles and merchants of low status in their houses working like they were dwarves of yore right before a great battle!
The selfsame people who just yesterday were crying and complaining about not being treated with a velvet glove, for even if they were seconds daughters and third sons they were still blue blood who had never worked a day in their lives. The worst type to be sent to the Forgers of the Academy.
"Gods above are those mana crystals?" Kastrus pointed to a layabout hammering a mana crystal of pure mana into some sort of contraption. The fool would blow up half the workshop if he kept at it! But then he felt his blessing snap into gear and clarity calmed his mind as information was given to him straight from the Patron Deity of all dwarfs.
"Magi-Tech" He spoke the words and the Vampire nodded with a wicked smile showing her predator's teeth.
"Aye Kastrus, and the lass there is the High Priestess of it!" Amarille said licking her lips "The bloody Duchess herself working our forges like she's an old hand can you bloody believe it! The newspaper will have a field day if they catch her here"
Kastrus snapped his head towards the woman in question, tall and pale as most northern folks were known to be, her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail as its ashen gray color betrayed time in the forge. Her azure eyes were as striking as Amarille's and after a short few seconds, she found his gaze and smiled. A warm smile that had a nostalgic air to it as if she knew Kastrus for a long time.
"Bossman is here folk! That armor better be ready!" A cheer was heard as Kastrus flanked by Amarille walked up to the young woman and said "Welcome to the Forgers Lady Wulfgrem, I am Forgemaster Ironbeard and this is my right hand Amarille of the Bloodmoon" the vampire gave a proper bow betraying her ties to the High Elven royals which earned her a smile from the Wulfgrem.
Ye gods Kastrus thought to himself if the woman knew about Amarille's past this could get nasty real quick.
"Please, call me Lucrezia! After all, I am but a newly initiate here in the great Forger's domain. It is an honor to meet you Kastrus Ironbeard and Amarille" Lucrezia extended her hand that was dirty with soot and crystal dust as Kastrus gave her a good dwarven shake, a tried and true way to see if the person wasn't just faking their mastery in the forge.
And Lucrezia passed the test. The vampire gave her a bow and said "We would be honored to have such an esteemed person in our humble group! I am sure Kastrus here agrees with me right Kastrus?"
But Kastrus wasn't listening, instead, he felt a pull towards a weapon one of the layabouts was forging, It looked like a sword but there was something more in ore, he saw a pile of mana crystals beside it and extended his hand just as the layabout moved out of the way with a fervent smile on her face.
His blessing told him it was not just a blade, with a pulse of his mana the blade morphed into a bow, then a Warhammer, and even a katana from the east!
"You can have that as a symbol of our lasting partnership Kastrus" A voice whispered to him and he nearly jumped, the woman was by his side and he had not even noticed, he heard the blasted vampire hold a laugh and sighed.
Kastrus had heard about the heretics of Magi-Tech, to merge arcane with science as it was the imperative of the son of the Goddess of Magic and God of Science, in his heart of hearts he was happy something new was happening in the field and was against the persecution but he far removed from the powers that be to make a difference in his home.
But now he had power, where he was the Forgemaster and he would give this brand new way of forging an honest chance to thrive.
"Aye Duchess, a lasting partnership indeed" he nodded and took the prototype weapon "I am to assume you will take this motley crew under your wing then? she nodded and said "My maid here will talk with your girl in the coming days of my plans but the short of it is this: I want to open a Magi-Tech workshop and teach the next generation of Magi-Tech priests and workers to further my God's Sphere in the capital, of course, I will be footing the bill and the material needed for it but together with the Forgers I hope to have a safe and active environ to show the world the wonders of Magi-Tech. Be they for civilian or military use.
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Kastrus liked the sound of that, he gave her another handshake and said "And you shall have it Lucrezia, on the Forgemaster Honor"
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"I've forgotten how ominous their church is, mind you. I have sneaked into places no sane women would go but that was me being on a job" Saa'ryu said to William as they walked towards the plaza where the church of Martius the Unbroken.
"Weren't you here just a day ago?" William asked and his maid grunted, not a fan of spooky locales it seems.
Not that the place was spooky, on the contrary, it was quite a welcoming sight if one did not know the inside of it was full of necromancers and soul entities who could perform the worst of magicks around.
William decided to take a few minutes before going in if he got the attention of the Head Necromancer, that bag of bones was always busy and missing her meetings even when her secretary kept bugging her.
"The game's interaction with Martius and his flock fascinate me, I knew in a surface level the God worked twice as hard to clean the name of his magicks but to think he went through such a length is nothing short of inspired given his duties with the flow of souls and all that" Lucrezia spoke in his ear "Yet the only reason he even deigned the player an audience was due to the All-Father's blessing William, we lack that and even with an entity duchy backing him it would pale in comparison"
"Not so much as pale as put him in a very complicated but common situation, rulers wanting to use necromancy for their own goals instead of that of Martius, who knows all too well how many sectors of the economy and society his skeletons and other mindless minions would bring down thanks to cheap and tireless labor, there's many a treatise and documents from renowned economics and rulers in the Academy if you want me to read it for you" William finished as Lucrezia gave him a silent yes. She was very passionate when it came to learning new things about running her lands sometimes.
Other times it was a chore.
"Are you sure the knowledge to undo the meld is there?" she asked "To undo magick brought by the gods themselves is no easy task"
"But we will do it nevertheless, I made you a promise and I intend to keep it, now let us meet my favorite skeleton"
William got up and called Saa'ryu who was feasting on street food, with a sigh he pulsed mana across his body and the Academy uniform shifted, below the fabric his Magi-tech armor made itself manifest. Saa'ryu nodded and readied her weapons just in case.
Opening the grand doors to the church of Martius the Unbroken William was met with silence unnatural to this world, shuffling about were his followers many of which were junior necromancers or entities of the soul only, their corporeal flesh long abandoned, William smiled at the familiar sight and headed to the reception area where he spotted a Cat-kin woman, barely 20 years of age but only in looks alone.
Castra-Wan was the latest of a long line of necromancers who dedicated their lives to serve Martius the Unbroken. Her family was the tip of the spear against rogue necromancers and mind mages with her Great Grandmother being known as the First Scythe. Her younger sibling Castra-Cam was currently attending the Academy to learn about the living and their ways.
Alas, Castra-Wan had no love for the hunting and slaughter of her patron's enemies, a gentle soul who loved books and her time, she was the first in her family to not become a Scythe, asking instead for the position of receptionist in the main church of Martius, something that caused quite the stir in her family, to the point the First Scythe herself was disappointed with her choice.
William saw the Cat-Kin woman jump when he and Saa'ryu got near "Oh my! Lady Lucrezia! Your meeting I-I will have the Head Priestess ready for you at once!" and she ran off to the Woman's office.
5 minutes later William met with a tall Orc woman, her face pale beyond natural but with a warm smile "We welcome you Duchess Wulfgrem to our humble abode, please if you would follow me to my room"
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The head priestess tapped her finger on the table "Surely you understand the risk of what you are asking? Nobles are not known for their right usage of the arts and we had to put many a noble scion down lest we had an undead army of peasants touching the countryside" the orc sighed "I have read your work and had you not being tied to the matters of state as tightly as you are there would be no issue granting the request"
William rolled his eyes "I do not need an of zombies and skeletons, Magi-Tech alone would be more than enough to defend my people and land. I also do not wish to fall, victim to the First Scythe"
The priestess's eyes narrowed but she didn't speak.
"We are getting nowhere William, even with those bloody propaganda books you wrote" Lucrezia spoke, William puffed out and decided to use his secret weapon.
Deep below the church of the Unbroken therein lies a chamber where they test a Lich's emotional and rational responses to their utmost limit, many followers of the Unbroken feel that the usage of the chamber is a gross violation of basic rights, and to this day debates rage on the fate of the chamber. All William needed to do was say that he would subject himself to this hellish apparatus and earn their trust.
He knew Lucrezia would no doubt get mad at him, scream and fight for he once again was hurting himself for her, in her mind that is. But William also knew he had to do it, he needed those spells and the expects of the church to help and guide him lest he fully usurps Lucrezia's life, God knows he had already fucked up hard enough that whatever came after it would be hard for her.
He had to make things right, whatever it took to right the wrong he caused.
"William..." Lucrezia whispered to his mind with a resigned tone but said no more.
"If you doubt my words Head Priestess then let my actions be judged by you and yours, I ask that the Chamber of Woe is made ready for the Trial" William spoke, conviction cold as steel rang in his voice as the Necromancer in front of him gasped.
"Curses and Hellfire are you insane woman?! Do dare ask for that! The last time someone asked for the trial she became a thrice-damned abomination against all that's holy and sacred!" she cleared her throat "Ahem, unholy Forgive me o lord"
William stared her down and said "I wrote the propaganda books, I can have a king's ransom donated to the institution by the morrow. Just let me use that godsdamned chamber so none of your people think I am a lunatic trying to raise an undead army"
"This is not a decision that I can call without talking with my fellows, But I can see it in your eyes you don't seek to cheat us. Bet it thanks to your morals or fear of the Scythe, very well by the morrow I will have a response Lady Wulfgrem"
William bowed his head, his departure from the church was a fast one as Lucrezia's presence withdrew to the deepest reaches of the soul realm, she was mad at him and he knew it.
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"Welcome welcome Lady Lucrezia! The Mages of the Academy are humbled someone of such esteem and fame would visit us" The elven young woman spoke with a smile on her face.
Ynaselle the leader of the Mage Faction greeted William as she conjured some tea and snacks. Twilight had come for the capital and William watched in silent wonder as the many mage towers and other magical facilities around the Academy light up in many a color.
"The night rainbow is as beautiful as the stories say huh" He spoke and the elven woman nodded "Aye, many people come to the capital only to see these sights did you know? a major source of tourism revenue that"
William ate the snacks and felt a cool mint taste, the tea was also equally refreshing as he gazed towards the windows.
"I have already spoken with Bryfina and Kastrus, it seems you would like to establish a healthy relationship with our little group here aye? Kaine also put in the good word about you and that alone was more than enough for me to say yes but tell me, what is it that you seek from me and the others? Surely a Duchess does not need to improve her social standing in the Academy?"
Ynaselle tapped her teacup "Nor wealth or connections as my people have already reported you dealings with the Silverbrand boy and his mother"
William smiled, it made sense why they would get weird out when someone as powerful as him would come knocking asking for something he already had or could get in the blink of an eye, Alas William knew the woman speaking with him, he knew she lusted for magical knowledge like a dog after a bone.
The same way Bryfina was in a mad rush to find some sacred piece of artwork deep in the Dragon's dungeon, or how Kastrus loathed to work as Forgemaster and only kept going thanks to his cute vampire secretary even if he wouldn't admit it to himself or the others.
And he would deliver those desires to them, not as blackmail but as a trusted ally and friend who would help them and their factions through thick and thin. He was no sociopath, he liked these people when they were simple lines of code with a few text boxes.
Why would he treat them badly now?
"Would you believe me if I said all I want is to forge strong bonds with the people that will call this place their home for the next 5 or so years? And that I would not fall for the tired old cliche of a haughty noble who looks down on those that aren't of equal standing"
"I do not wish to use you and yours to further my goals here, nay my goal is to fully enjoy my time in this wonderful place of learning, the good and the bad both and together with the friends I've made and those I am yet to made we would make beautiful memories and strive for to be the best in any field we choose to pursue"
"For someone who tore her way against Knights and killed a Royal you have a very positive outlook in your years here huh? But I can't deny I was a bit touched by your little speech" Ynaselle snapped her fingers and said "My Familiar will contact Bryfina and report to her that I have accepted your "proposition" I would tell you to speak with her later but she's busy and only will be available at the end of the month"
"Plus you gave Kaine godsdamned Time Magic! even if those two told you to sod off I would welcome you! and he told you aren't that bad of a mage yourself... even if you favor melee over the arcane" Ynaselle laughed "Aye we have a bit of an issue with warriors masquerading as would-be acolytes only to learn a spell and flunk our classes and I hope you will not do the same Lady Lucrezia"
"Please, just Lucrezia" William said with a smile "And no, I don't plan on being so crass, nevermind Kaine there are quite a few things I must learn here with your people"
"Lucrezia it is then, truth be told I am not a fan of being formal, left home thanks to it since everyone and their ancestor has a stick where the sun doesn't shine when it comes to proper decorum" Ynaselle summoned more snacks and William began explaining his plans on how he would support the trinity with raw materials, goods and personnel should they wish for help with establishing Magi-Tech in the Academy.
Ynaselle was fascinated with the Idea, as someone who dabbled in enchanting and was a master conjurer she was beyond excited with what Magi-Tech could bring to her fields and beyond, more still was that she was sure her other mages would be also welcoming to it.
"Now Lucrezia if you don't mind me asking, my people tell me you have command over Magnetism and Electromagnetism is that correct?" there it was William thought, out of all elements in the world Ynaselle was obsessed with those two. Something about a secret project of hers that the player never gets more details in-game.
"Have you a need of my humble skills Ynaselle?" William teased the Elf who blushed to her ears, oops he thought as he felt the Sigil of Shaa'Xhir flare in his body.
"Forgive me, this Greater Blessing is...Hard to control" William said embarrassed as the Ynaselle waved him off "Think nothing of it, we have a few with your condition here and it's normal trust me" she cleared her throat "And yes I do need someone with good grasps on those elements for a project of mine" she pulled a piece of parchment "If you would be so kind to help me with it?"
The parchment was the same as the in-game version of it, a small fluf text on how Magnetism had more capabilities than just messing with metals and such, nothing new there as William gave her the paperback and said "I would love to, just name the time and day"
They shook hands and Ynaselle told him she would send a message via her Familiar when she had a date ready, William left for his dorm with a happy smile on his face.
He had now the support of the biggest non-noble faction in the game. Together with their people and facilities, he would further Magi-Tech into the Kingdom!
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William was doing his morning run together with Saa'ryu as dawn just started to break over the Academy, the air was cool from the morning dew and William was feeling very good. Even if he was about to be subjected to what many people both here and on Earth would call torture.
As he made his way to the gym area where the weights weren't enhanced to make nobles feel good he felt eyes on him, Saa'ryu had already noticed and with a silent incantation called for her shadowy sisters.
After his morning gym session was done William decided to head for the arena where students and Knights would often spar among themselves inside the gym, it wasn't as grand as the one where he fought before but it was ample enough space for whatever or whoever was tracking him to get a good old fashioned walloping.
The place wasn't deserted which boggled William's mind, he saw a few nobles having sparring sessions with their Knights, and lonely Knights fighting against props and dummies.
Saa'ryu was about to speak when she dashed forward and pulled her guns, from thin air her sisters emerged armed with Magi-Tech rifles and pointed forward as William turned and saw 3 women in full plate armor, the sigil in their breastplate making very clear who sent them after him.
Uumaries!
"Halt! Unrepenting blasphemer, we the Paladins of Uumaries have come to deliver you warning!" with a boot stomp they summoned a scroll and read its content.
"By decree of Her Holiness Uumaries, you are to leave the Academy and the Capital! Return to your foul northern lands and never return! Should you not-"
William conjured a small iron rod and pierced the magical decree with his magic. He shot a glance towards a bunch of old rusted weapons left in a bin for disposal and with a flick of his fingers bend them into a shining halo.
"Another word, Uumaries dog and I will be the first in 10 years to sully the Academy's ground with blood today"
The leader of the Paladin gang gasped in fear "You would not d-dare! we are holy warriors! to kill us would be a-"
"What is a bunch of third and fourth daughters of low nobility next to a Prince? next to the town of Talos? I can get you like a fish and walk away with zero repercussions! Come then! See if your Goddess will interject and protect you as I tear into your chest and remove your heart with my bare hands! Break your bones limb by limb! Come Uumaries dogs! and see what the people who foolish dared to steal my lands saw months back!"
That broke their spirit as the Paladin to the right of the leader screamed and ran away as if William was already killing her friends, the second did a double-take and with a shrug ran as well.
"Come O holy warrior! Test thy Mettle against me! Come!" William was going too deep and he felt a jolt at the back of his head, Lucrezia no doubts stopping him from actually killing the Paladin.
The leader ran away as William saw his maid wave off her sisters, at this point they had attracted a small crowd who likewise made themselves scarce as the Paladins ran off.
"That's not going be the last of Uumaries," Saa'ryu said and William nodded.
Not the last indeed.
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William felt immeasurable pain and suffering as the chamber closed its door on him, agony greater than the wounds he sustained in the battle for Wulfgrem burned into his very soul as he screamed himself hoarse.
Lucrezia tried to help him she did but even she was feeling the pain deep as it was, the very Monolith trembled and writhed like a living being, William went to his knees as the essence of the God of Undeath and Necromancy pressured him testing his resolve.
To give up would mean losing it all, the only path towards him giving Lucrezia her body back, even if he would be living as a soul entity or even a lich.
And so he endured, seconds became hours and hours felt like weeks as little by little he fought off the waves of pain and stood tall in the middle of the chamber, then he clashed his will against that of Martius and once he was at even ground he felt a click and the pain went away, the God accepted his resolve and he would be allowed the right to employ the highest of Necromancies.
Still, the sacrifice did not sit well with his companion and in time William would learn how much he had erred in this day.
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And so William watched as the rest of the Academy students filled into the huge auditorium for the speech that the headmaster did every year.
He could barely focus on the man talking, his mind wandering off searching for her, his once avatar into this wonderful world now made manifest as a human being with her wants, desires, fears, and expectations.
He saw her, her hair floating in the wind, her face full of vigor and brimming with her namesake. William felt his heart beat faster at the sight and he could only sigh at it.
She was finally here, and Classes would finally begin tomorrow.