Chapter 9

Commander Ragnar is sitting in his office sipping tea and examining some recent acquisition forms. It is around midday. He has no plans for today besides paperwork. Oh, he hated paperwork, but as the head of the village garrison, he had his responsibilities.

He was about to knock off for the day when he saw a familiar face in his doorway. It was one of his men that was supposed to be examining recruitment applications at the front desk.

"What is it Fuso?" He asked as he stood up.

Fuso was calm and collected saluting the Commander. Fuso was similar to a lower-ranking officer under his command but unlike Ragnar...Fuso had no problem with the paperwork.

Ragnar regularly kept him around the Headquarters for that sole purpose.

"Sir, you remember that gentleman by the name of Richard? The one involved in the fight with those bandits?"

Ragnar nodded. "Yes. Is he out of Hilda's place?"

"Uh, yea. The dwarf brought him in as you ordered upon Richards's release from Hilda's care."

"Thank you, Fuso. Now tell me what you think of the man. Did he cause Officer Ironlegs any trouble?"

"No Sir. He was polite and respectful. Of course, he seemed nervous as all hell, but he behaved himself quite well."

"You know why I requested that he be brought in?"

"I do, but it seems strange that you would want to interrogate someone that just recently fought a group of bandits, is that correct?"

"Well yes. I sent a letter to the Magic Sanctum to see if they had any record of this man by the name of Richard. You remember the Three Laws of Magic correct?" Ragnar asked his

subordinate. Fuso would be a witness when it came time to question Richard.

"Of course Sir. As a member of the military you must be familiar with the three laws of magic," Fuso answered.

"Good, so you know of them?"

"Now repeat them to me."

"Three Laws of Magic:

1. Thou shalt not knowingly possess magic without registering with the Magic Sanctum.

2. Thou shalt not utilize magic without authorization by the Magic Sanctum.

3. Thou shalt not use magic to harm others.

"Indeed. Do you know why we have those laws?"

"Why Sir?" Fuso asked as he looked confused.

"Because these rules limit the threats of unknown magic dangers in our borders. The Magic Sanctum protects our nation from Magical Threats. The common soldier cannot hope to fight against a skilled magic-wielding criminal. The threats that the Magic Sanctum protects us from are high beyond our realm of understanding."

"Yes Sir, I understand that. But what does this have to do with Richard?"

Richard hands the reply from the Magic Sanctum to the message he sent out earlier.

To Commander Ragnar of the Village of Findrel,

We here at the Sanctum are sorry for the loss of your man, however, regarding the incident involving Richard the Wind Attribute user, we have no records of any such named individual in any of our records. Given the description of his magic, out of concern, we will be sending an Inquisitor to investigate this man. Please detain him till further notice. Please remember to utilize the Magic Binding Shackles in the meantime.

Thank you,

Aranor.

"They are sending an Inquisitor? "Fuso said in surprise as he read over the letter.

"That letter means he not only is unregistered, but he violated the second law as well. " Ragnar stated as he handed Fuso a set of shackles.

Fuso shivered at the idea of an Inquisitor coming to Findrel. They were feared across all of Alnathia. They were elite members of the Sanctum, often leading soldiers in their investigations. Their sole mission was to investigate and eliminate magical threats through any means necessary.

"Given that this man Richard saved some of our people. I would prefer to conduct the first portion of the interrogation myself before the Inquisitor arrives. Will you be there as a witness to his answers?"

"Of course Sir. This is most irregular though. Normally the Inquisition deals with these matters?"

"Indeed, normally. However, this is not a normal case. I believe I may be able to be gentler with my questions than the Inquisitor will be. The easier that I make it for the Inquisitor, the less that Richard will have to suffer. Perhaps he will be able to get off with merely a fine. "

"Very well Sir. As you say. And if worst comes to worst?"

Ragnar shrugged his shoulders as he got up from behind his desk and headed toward the door.

"Law is the law, I cannot stop the Inquisitor. I am only level 56. Despite my combat experience and skills, I am nothing compared to the Inquisitors who are never below level 100."

Ragnar ushered Fuso to lead him to where Richard was being confined.

The two arrived to find Richard sitting on the chair with his hands bound to the wall with Magic Binding Shackles in place. At least if this man is a threat he will not be able to cast magic.

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I was not having a good day. Pretty much went from a hospital bed straight to jail. At least I met a Dwarf. It had been several minutes since I was put in the dark room. I was bored and uncomfortable, and the darkness of the room was making me sleepy. I did notice a faint glow coming from the floor. I had no clue what it was. I assumed it was something to do with magic.

As I was thinking about possible magic, I was reminded of the Magic Binding Shackles on me. I did not know how long I was going to be here. But I knew I would go mad if I didn't find a way to keep myself occupied. I am pretty sure this is something like solitary confinement. I had no idea what I did to get put in here like this.

To keep myself mentally occupied I tried to summon my character sheet

─ Name: Richard Bell

─ Age: 23

─ Race: Human

─ Level: 3

─ Class: Unassigned

─ Skills:

─ (Common)Novice Smithing 1/20

─ (Common)Novice Daggers: 0/20

─ (Rare )Novice Stamina Burnout resistance 5/20

─ Magic attributes:

─ Wind

─ Water

─ Magical Proficiency:

─ Wind: Novice

─ Water: Unproficient

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

─ Spells:

─ Raging Tempest

─ Wind Clap

─ Health: 75

─ Stamina: 81

─ Mana: 218

─ Stat Points: 10

─ Strength: 10

─ Dexterity: 4

─ Intelligence: 18

─ Wisdom: 5

─ Agility: 9

─ Luck: 8

─ Willpower: 15

Appearance:

─ Skin: Pale complexion, reddish hair

─ Eyes: Blue

─ Hair Color: Ginger

─ Clothing: Light brown leather cloak, faded white tunic (Unidentified0), leather belt, brown trousers, light brown stockings, brown leather boots.

─ Equipment:

─ Tunic:

─ Enchanted: Enchantment of the Linguist -Alnathian, Ilonian, Drakish

─ Durability 45/50

I remembered I had learned 2 new spells and knew nothing about them.

I requested the system to provide information regarding Wind Clap.

─ Spell: Wind Clap

─ Attribute: Wind

─ Duration: 3 seconds

─ Effect: Causes wind to blow violently, causing the wind to blast outward in all directions

─ Range: 30 feet radius

─ Cost: 20 Mana per cast

I remember vaguely in the battle how the wind swirled around triggering a massive storm. Toward the end of the battle, I ended the fight by willing the wind to blow outward. I recalled hearing a loud bang. I assumed that was what this was.

A wind clap, not sure what that was but I think it had something to do with the wind pretty high up in the sky.

The spell Wind Clap seemed like it may be useful in combat. It only used about 10% of my total mana. I would try to avoid getting my mana too low. Mentally setting a note for myself to not let my mana get below 50/218. I wished I knew a way to bookmark this information. However, the system did nothing. I would avoid using this spell more than 5 times a day if I could help it.

"Okay now for the details on Tempest Rage," I asked the system

─ Spell: Tempest Rage

─ Attribute: Wind, Water

─ Duration: Varies upon mana output

─ Effect: Triggers a storm above or around the caster. its effects vary depending on the intended attribute. The nature of this spell can be altered depending on the attribute used to cast this spell.

─ Range: Varies upon mana output

─ Cost: 180 Mana minimum cost

My eyes went wide when I read the details of the spell. Was this the storm I somehow willed up when I was pumping out my mana? I couldn't believe it. This spell was far more powerful than Wind Clap. Given the mana requirement, it had to be powerful. Now I know why I needed mana potions. Between this my unstable and desperate mana output, then the Wind Clap. That would have had to have used at the very least 200 of my 218 mana. I didn't die but I came close to it. I need to find someone that can teach me how to use magic more efficiently.

I saw that this spell used or could use both Wind and Water Attributes. Perhaps if I was strong enough I could create tornados or hurricanes?

I shook my head remembering news stories on Earth about how devastating those could be. But this spell if I could figure out how to use it could be the proverbial ace in the sleeve. My trump card. However, the Mana cost was risky.

Even if I could understand how I used Wind Clap that could be a powerful tool that I could use several times. It may be mildly destructive. I wondered if it counted as an Area of Effect Spell. 30 feet was a pretty good distance. However, it would be useless in close combat situations.

I looked at the skill points I had 10 to spend and had to consider carefully how I would spend them. There were so many things to choose from.

However, the fight did teach me one thing. I suck at close combat. I felt like there was a high chance I may have to fight for my life again one day in this world. Especially since bandits were a thing here. I may not have guards nearby. I needed to find a way to allocate these points to make it easier to dodge or something like that.

I noticed my Dexterity and Agility thinking those may be my best options. Maybe split 50/50 between them.

"System can you please remind me what stats affect Stamina?"

I realized that this allocation of points may also help my stamina a bit. My Strength stat was currently 10 and my Agility was 9 which was 90 divided by two came to 45. if I raised my agility to 14. That would raise my stamina to 140 divided by two so...75.

A good chunk higher than 45 stamina.

I confirmed my input raising my dexterity to 9 as well.

I hoped that these changes would come in handy and that I was making the right choice.

As I was double-checking my changes the floor began to brighten, my eyes adjusting to the light coming from it till it was as bright in the room as if it were daylight directly in the sun. Almost immediately after the light stopped changing the door to the room opened and two human men came in.

I recognized the second one as the guard from the front desk in the building. I did not recognize the second one which seemed to have very high-quality armor.

The man in heavy armor spoke to me. "So you are Richard?"

"Yes, sir," I answered back. Noticing as the second man stood to the side watching our exchange.

"What is your full name, or the name you go by?" The gentleman orders.

"My name is Richard Bell," I state trying to figure out his man.

"Okay Richard Bell, do you know why you are being confined here?" The heavily armored man asked.

"No, I do not," I replied.

He sighed, moving closer toward me. "You are charged with using magic, without a license." He said.

I blinked. "What do you mean?" I protested.

He leaned in until he was inches away from me. "All wielders of magic are mandated by law to register with the Magic Sanctum. Even then you are required by law to gain permission to utilize magic by the Sanctum. Both of which you have not done."

"But-"I started but was cut off.

"The laws are clear, if you wish to use magic you must first obtain permission from the Magic Sanctum. You will remain here until you comply with the law." He stated firmly.

"You also used your magic to harm and kill 3 individuals," he stated.

"The bandits?" I ask confused.

"Yes, they were killed or wounded by your hand. However, that crime can be forgiven given your life and that others were at risk. However, the lack of registration within the Magic Sanctum and usage of magic cannot be ignored." He said.

My face grew red as anger rose inside me. I had been wronged! I had no desire to hurt anyone, nor do I enjoy hurting people. But they had made me out to be a criminal for defending myself and those around me!

"I did what I had to," I said trying to defend my actions.

"And that is why you shall remain here." He growled. Turning his gaze from me he looked over at the other man who was standing behind him.

The other man nodded.

"So you admit to using magic." The heavyset man said.

"Yeah, I guess so," I replied.

"Why have you not registered with the Magic Sanctum?" He asked.

"What is the Magic Sanctum?" I asked.

"It's the governing body that oversees mages across the land. It is where all mages obtain their licenses and proper training. They oversee the use of magic as well as the creation of new spells." He explained.

"I've never heard of them," I replied.

"How could you not know of the Magic Sanctum? They have been around since near the dawn of this Kingdom." He replied.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand," I said.

"I will be honest. I do not wish to see you punished for your crimes. You avenged Duros and saved some of my soldiers and citizens of this village. However, a crime is a crime." He said.

"Your soldiers?" I asked surprised.

"Yes, I am the Commander of this garrison. Commander Ragnar," he says

"Wait you are the one who paid for the cost of my treatment at the healer?" I ask looking back up into his eyes.

"Indeed, however, I cannot simply abide when someone in my village violates the law. Now tell me why you have not registered with the Magic Sanctum?" He asked again.

"I... uhm..." I stammered.

"Explain yourself." He ordered.

"I didn't know the Magic Sanctum was a thing. I didn't know there were laws about magic like that?"

"There are laws in place to protect us from those who misuse or abuse magic." He said sighing.

"You say you did not know there were laws about magic?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Well no," I say shaking my head. "But why would I need to register?"

"Because it is the law. Simple as that." Ragnar states

"I feel like I have already answered any questions you have," I said frustrated.

"You have, but we still have many more to ask you before we let you leave." He said.

"What else do you want to know?" I asked annoyed.

"Where are you from? What town do you hail from in Alnathia" He asked

"I am not from Alnathia," I say not sure how much I can tell him about my origins.

"Then where are you from?" He asks again.

"I am from a faraway place," I say feeling uncomfortable talking about my past.

"Now we are getting somewhere!" He smiled.

"Really?" I asked confused.

"Yes, now that you have admitted to being from another land than Alnathia, can you tell me the name of the land or country you are from?"

"No," I said firmly.

"Why not?" He asked.

"It's a long story and I don't want to talk about it," I said thinking of my life on Earth. The one I left behind.

"Why not?" He asked again.

He is asking a question. This a question that I don't want to remember the answer to. It has been only a few days since my time ended on Earth. I know I cannot explain that I am from another world. That would probably make me sound insane which would likely not help my case.

"I don't want to lie to you. But I also don't want to tell you the truth," I say as my eyes start watering as I remember my sister. I know I will never see her again.

"Is there a reason why you cannot tell me the truth?" he asks as he notices my eyes getting watery.

"Yes," I say and wipe my eyes.

"Are you going to continue with your nonsense or are you going to answer my questions?" He asks.

"Fine." I huff. "It is a place called Earth. But I will never be able to go back there." I say as tears start falling down my cheeks.

"Earth-like the Attribute?" He asks not comprehending what I am saying.

"No, Earth is like the place. I will never be able to go back there." I sob. "Because it's all gone," I say trying to rationalize my words in a way he can understand that doesn't think I'm crazy.

"Explain." He says looking at me with concern.

"Please don't ask me to," I ask him.

"Very well, it appears that this place called Earth was important to you. I will not ask more about where you are from," he says as he tries to calm me down. "Sounds like whatever happened there was painful."

"Thank you," I say as my breathing returns to normal.

"Onto the next question." He says in an attempt to change the subject.

"What is your purpose in Alnathia, in Findrel? Did you come here to cause any sort of harm to the Kingdom or her people?" He asks as if to drive home the point that he doesn't trust me.

"My purpose? My purpose is to survive. I came here for that very reason." I say as my voice

rises slightly.

"You seem to have a rather strong desire to live." He says after a pause.

"The last thing I need right now is pity," I say as my eyes narrow.

"I apologize, but you are a stranger to us and I must investigate everything about you. I believe that I have gotten all the answers I need for now," he says as he looks at the other guard who nods in agreement.

"But I still would like to know…" I begin before being interrupted by the guard.

"Sir, we should move on." The guard says interrupting me.

"May I leave now?" I ask as a single tear falls from my eye.

"Sorry but you cannot. Given your violation of the Magic Law, you are required to be detained here till an Inquisitor comes here to question you. I will provide him with all the information you have told me. However, I cannot release you. It will be up to the Inquisitor what your punishment will be. I pray to the Goddess Alana he is merciful with his judgment."

The two men leave the room shutting the door behind them. The light radiating from the floor dims. I stare at the darkness waiting for the Inquisitor. I want to wipe the tears off my face. However, I cannot due to be chained up.