Riley took a position outside the queen’s office. Leaning against the wall, she waited and listened. The queen inanely talked about the upcoming dance, and Riley quickly found herself bored.
Well. This is a bust. Sighing, she turned and walked down the hall, searching for the king’s office. Spotting Nicole standing there, she smirked on her way by.
Walking to the prince’s door, she leaned against the wall and listened. He lectured his group on the importance of their upcoming dungeon run.
Tomorrow morning? Riley grinned and walked back to the queen’s door, perching next to it and waiting.
Time moved at a glacial pace. The queen yammered, and it was all that Riley could do not to mess with her and whoever else was in the room.
[Do it. Have some fun. ~Mischief]
Riley shook her head. Sorry Mischief, now would be a very bad time for it. She leaned there, and a bell rang.
Moving to the door, she opened it and peered inside, quickly spotting the request. Dirty plates with partially eaten food were scattered across her table.
Riley walked in and gathered them, her gaze shifting to the table. Sketches of various dresses littered it, and she ignored them, grabbing the plates instead.
Scooping the last, she turned and bobbed a curtsy. The princess stood there, a quizzical look on her face.
Lily frowned and walked inside. Her body language shifting to a strangely aggressive stance.
Riley moved for the door, and the princess stuck out her leg at a speed that betrayed her level.
Letting her own leg slam into the princess, Riley scooped it up as high as she could. The princess yelped and dropped to the floor.
Gasping, the entire room turned, and Riley fled, dropping the dirty dishes everywhere.
[Love it! ~Mischief]
Riley ran, dashing down the halls and flickering out of the castle. Mischief, why? She triggered invisibility and dashed out of the gates.
[It was funny. ~Mischief]
That is not a good reason!
[Sure it is. Beauty wants to hear you sing, so I’m just encouraging it. ~Mischief]
She shook her head and jogged back to the little cottage. Taking a seat on the bed, she read until the exhaustion took her.
~~~
Riley woke and stretched. She looked at the little stone room. Easy come, easy go. So much for the orphaned noble dream. Sighing, she looked up. “Beauty? Why doesn’t Music ever talk to me? If I am some divine sign, why?”
[That’s a bit complicated and has to do with the consequences of it all. ~Beauty]
“Oh. Thanks, Beauty.” Riley looked down. “Can I try a male elf form?”
Her form shifted, and she looked down. Why don’t I like it? Even as she thought about it, her form shifted back. “Thanks.” Stretching, she triggered Pretty and looked at her notifications.
[Psionic Assassin (B) has advanced: 268 → 270!]
[Bard (C) has advanced: 320 → 321!]
[Ranger (C) has advanced: 292 → 294!]
[Spell Thief (B) has advanced: 273 → 275!]
[Noble (C) has advanced: 50 → 56!]
[Infiltrator (D) has advanced: 41 → 48!]
[233 people have sworn loyalty to you. This bond will break if you fail in your noble duties.]
Clearing them away, she grabbed her thing and walked out the door. “Lucas?”
Lucas turned and waved. “Good morning, Riley. I am sorry for how it ended.”
“I get it. There was no reason for you to lose everything.” Riley sighed and walked in. “The front?”
“The east collapsed. Eteln moved fast. They’re expanding inward and are building forts along the new border. The remaining kingdom is unifying or surrendering, depending on the royals and their proximity to the borders. It’s a mess and will likely be another two days before things stabilize and fortify again.”
Riley leaned against the desk and studied the line that ran down it. “So, Niland is grabbing the northern stuff and focused around the river. They pushed in and are pushing south?”
“Yes.” Lucas looked up. “I think Nicole likes you.” He smirked, and Nicole blushed.
Riley blushed and stepped back, taking a moment.
Nicole smacked him and glared. He laughed.
Riley scowled at him and smiled at her. “I need to go.”
“Go where?” Althea asked.
“Collect my debt,” Riley replied, grinning. Shouldn’t have promised me that. No seeker will detect me.
“What debt?”
Riley turned and grinned. “Dungeon run.”
Althea frowned. “That’s very dangerous.”
“Don’t worry.” Riley winked and went invisible.
“Do not push past level three,” Nicole said sternly. “I mean that, Riley. That’s the biggest risk.”
“I won’t.” Riley appeared and reached for the door.
Nicole grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Be safe up there, alright?”
“I’ll be safe.” Riley swallowed.
Nicole pulled her into a hug. “Don’t you dare get caught.” She grinned and walked back to the others.
Riley triggered Assume Disguise, walked out of the cottage, and jogged down the street, waving at some nearby orphans.
Walking to a main thoroughfare, she leapt and landed on the cottage’s roof. Burning mana, she went invisible and ran, dashing across the city with an eager grin.
Launching herself from a shop, she passed through shadows and triggered Ambush, appearing inside the walls. Dashing toward the temple, she followed the last students inside and darted to the front of the room.
The prince and princess were there. The magus started talking.
“Students, this will be the last run of the term. Do your best. We will have the royal gala next week, and it’s an ideal time to show your progress. As our kingdom pushes forward, it is paramount that you, the future leaders…”
Boring. Riley turned and walked through the portal.
[You have entered a place of power and are being transported. This place of power has been tethered. Damage and death will not persist. Experience and rewards reduced. Resources are temporarily recharged for your trial. May you find your path!]
Walking out of the archway, Riley studied the towering city that had replaced the village. What is this? She walked down the slopes and studied the quiet, snow-covered city.
The gate swung open, and a guard poked his head out. He gestured her closer. “Another enchanter?” he shouted.
Riley jogged down, a smile spreading on her face. Do I get to enchant stuff? That’s new. She jogged down the slope and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“You’d best hurry. The competition is starting.” The guard gestured toward the palace.
Like a speeding courier, Riley shot down the streets, throwing mud behind her.
Cottages, shops, and people blurred around her. She sprinted down the streets and straight up the hill toward the castle, waving wildly while she approached.
A guard poked his head out. “Better hurry. It’s about to start.” He swung open the gate.
Riley waved and sprinted by, dashing and skidding across the grounds at the back of a line entering the academy. A smile crept on her face. It’s nice to get a non-murder option.
She followed the line into the academy and into a large room. The hearth blazed, and desks lined the floor. Walking over to one, Riley took a seat and looked out at the polished room with floating, enchanted lights. Impressive.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
She looked at the people around, who appeared to be adorned in enchanted gear. Looking at her desk, she studied the ink and various things that could be enchanted. I should enchant a Void Shield if I want a shot at winning anything.
The sound of the crowd around her grew, and Riley smiled. She summoned Music’s lute and idly strummed the chords, letting the sound reverberate through the room.
The nearby people stopped talking and turned.
A mage walked up. He studied the lute. “Where did you get that?” he whispered.
“A gift from a friend,” Riley said, letting her fingers dance across the strings. Like embracing an old friend, she let some long-forgotten knowledge flow. The strings made sense. The chords made sense. Everything did. The lute glowed, its runes turning a vibrant blue.
“Do you see the tapestry, woven by the threads,
be they sound or physical, or magical instead?
I can hear their whisper. They’re calling out to me.
Come now, take a moment; sing my melody.”
Smiling, she looked at the enchanters and continued to play.
The chatter dropped, and a mage near the front smiled at her.
Ending the song, Riley dismissed the lute and looked at her desk. Pity I can’t enchant an instrument.
A woman walked forward and placed a flute on the desk. Riley grabbed it.
“Welcome everyone to the enchanters’ competition. We have some nice rewards for our winners. The royals have vowed to purchase your work if it’s of a satisfactory level and if you wish to sell it.” The mage smiled at the group. “So, please be seated. Leaving your seat will mark the end of the competition for you. Sleeping and meditation are not allowed. You have a maximum of twenty-four hours. Begin!”
Riley picked up the engraving tool and dipped it into the ink. Without thinking further, she pictured the glowing lute and began tracing runes across the flute, humming while she did it.
The sound carried around her. The tool danced across the metal. The crowd faded, and Riley’s focus sharpened. She hummed and let the ink pour into the instrument, willing it to be something far more.
“Music guide my hand today.
I give this flute to you.
May it bring you happiness.
May someone play a tune.
May they have a moment,
like a joyous song.
Help them all remember
and help me sing along.”
The ink flared, turning vibrant white. Riley poured mana into it, letting the flute drink it.
With one more burst of light, the enchantment sealed. Riley picked it up and fed a trickle of mana into it. She watched it flow. Placing it to her lips, she played, letting the sound flow through the room.
A feeling of peace filled her. The worries of the world faded, and she saw Beauty standing there.
Beauty laughed. “I thought I’d pull you out before you got yourself into further trouble.”
Riley blushed. “How far did I go? I didn’t mean to. I was supposed to stop at level 3, but they had a flute. And for some reason, I just knew how to do it.”
Beauty laughed. “Some things never change.” She leaned forward and handed Riley a bag of crystals. “Keep the flute. Music would want you to.”
Riley smiled. “Thanks. Am I going to pass out?”
“No, I stopped that.” Beauty winked. “It’s a gray area. Don’t tell.”
“Thanks.” Riley giggled. “I didn’t mean to get so carried away.”
“You’re you,” Beauty said, pulling her into a hug. “We debated this one and may have to go back to hunting or something.” She chuckled.
“Beauty, how did I know how to do it? How do I know how to play the lute?” Riley asked, looking up at her.
“Some knowledge is forever, and music is in your soul.” Beauty smiled and let out a breath. “Are you ready for what is coming?”
Riley swallowed and nodded. “Thank you for giving me a break.” War and death. I’m going to have to embrace that part of me.
Beauty hugged her and sang.
“Remember, there is beauty in the cleansing
and grace is all around.
Music can be sorrowful,
but hope will still be found.”
Riley smiled and hugged the goddess. She felt herself falling, and text appeared.
[Level 2 completed!]
[Your base level has advanced: 344 → 352!]
[Level 3 completed!]
[Enchanter (E) has advanced: 120 → 320!]
[Level 4 completed!]
[Skill Unlocked: Enchanter’s Sight (C) - +1 levels to the assigned class. Grants +50 perception and insight while enchanting.]
[Warning - You are at skill capacity. One must be combined or removed.]
Riley willed the new skill into Predatory Insight.
[Enchanters Sight (C) combined with Predatory Insight (C) → Focused Sight (B).]
[Focused Sight (B) - +2 to the assigned class. Your perception and insight are boosted by 50, increasing to 100 when studying the same target for over a minute. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for ten seconds. ]
She cleared it away. Triggering Invisibility, Riley stepped out of the arch. The priest looked up and frowned. An insight skill slammed across the room, and Riley moved silently down the pews, letting it all wash over her.
“Guards—“
Riley dove into a shadow and triggered Ambush.
Appearing in the shadows outside of the temple, she dashed out of the gate with a smile. They aren’t prepared for master thieves. Smirking, she darted into an alley and let invisibility fade, jogging back toward Althea's home.
Riley Milvsky
Level: 352
Bard (C)
Level: 321 + 5
Dominating Presence C +1 level to the assigned class. Enemies within 100 meters of you lose 20 strength, 20 dexterity, and 20 speed. You may expend bardic inspiration to increase the effect. Psionic Storm C +1 to the assigned class. Conjure a storm of void or psychic energy. Variable cost. Restoring Presence B +2 to the assigned class. Subjects regain 1% stamina and 1% mana every 30 minutes; their healing is augmented by 50%. Allies within 100 meters count as subjects. You know of injuries and may use mana to heal allies within fifty meters. You may use inspiration to expand and increase the effect. Empowering Presence C +1 to the assigned class. Your subjects gain +20 strength, +20 dexterity, and +20 movement speed; allies within twenty meters count as subjects. You may use Bardic Inspiration to temporarily boost the range and the effect.
Psionic Assassin (B)
Level: 270 + 12
Assume Disguise S +30 charisma. Enhance your current disguise by altering your displayed information and taking on the disguised form. Grants +5 levels to the assigned class. Perception and Insight suffer -250 levels against your disguise and -50 levels against your deception or stealth. Penalty applied: Gods’ Oversight. Momentous Tempo B +10 speed. This boost will increase to up to +100 for every ten seconds you are in motion. Slowing in any way will reduce the effect. +2 levels to assigned class. You may use a charge of inspiration to boost your movement speed by an additional 10 for a minute. Death's Cloak A Slain enemies will grant experience to your base level and active classes. +3 levels to the assigned class. Perception and insight suffer -25 levels against you. Penalty applied: Covenant. Ambush B +10 speed. +2 levels to the assigned class. Costs one stamina to use. On use, you teleport to a shadow within 20 meters. Penalty applied: Covenant.
Spell Thief(B)
Level: 275 + 3
Focused Sight B +2 to the assigned class. Your perception and insight are boosted by 50, increasing to 100 when studying the same target for over a minute. This boost is not reduced by low light or no light. You may use 1 stamina to double this effect for ten seconds. Spirit Blade C +1 level to assigned class. Manifest an ethereal blade of psychic energy that will vanish after thirty seconds or six seconds after being thrown. Costs one stamina or one mana to manifest a blade.
Pretty C Use a mana to get Beauty’s help! She may provide it anyway. Oh, and you’ll stand out in a crowd! After all, everyone knows a Beauty. Music's Lute - You may summon this lute from the heavens. It will return to the heavens when you will it away.
Ranger (C) Level: 294 Inactive. Noble (C)
Level: 56 Inactive. Enchanter (E)
Level: 320 Inactive. Alchemist (D)
Level: 242 Inactive. Infiltrator (D)
Level: 48 Inactive. - -
Conjure Storm D Manipulate or conjure up a storm. Mana cost varies. Conjure Potion C +1 to assigned class. Conjure a potion that you understand. You may add an additional minor healing effect to any potion. Cost varies based on the potion and potion duration. Heavenly Refrain C +1 levels to the assigned class. Use this skill to have the heavens join your song. Grants +100 charisma for the duration of the song and may only be used as long as the gods are willing. Control Water E Manipulate the water around you. Cost varies based on amount.
Dexterity 1567 Strength 688 Speed 575 Intelligence 1238 Charisma 1042 Stamina 968 Mana 2446 Inspiration 668