Chapter 253

The Pledge

(30 Minutes Ago)

To say that something was off would be an understatement.

While it had been a few weeks since I last set foot in the large lecture hall that was normally big enough to host both the Royal and Legendary Bloodline Awakening students, this particular lecture seemed filled. Especially as I was only supposed to deliver an impromptu mid-term exam to just eighty-six total students.

Thus, when I arrived and saw eighty-nine individuals I was confused.

I was doubly confused when I realized that three of my students attending today’s mid-term exam were also noted spies.

For a second, I thought that I had messed up and somehow had been teaching spies this entire time.

Fortunately, the neglectful oversight of housing spies within the classroom was not on me. At least as far as starting them on the process of awakening their Royal Bloodline potential. And they all were on the path of fully awakening their Royal Bloodlines, they, like everyone else here just needed a little push.

A push that I of course was going to give them.

Pausing for just a moment, I wondered if my plans for this class needed to be altered in any way. Then smiling devilishly to myself, I decided that no, the overall plans didn’t need to be changed. Also, despite their being three additional students, my supplies were still fine as I went ahead and as a good professor should, I had spare.

Granted most of my spares were because I didn’t want to make a similar run tomorrow, for the Legendary bloodline class, but that is beside the point.

Here at this moment, it seems and even feels like this is how things are supposed to unravel.

Nodding to myself, I make my way into the classroom and introduce myself. Though I do pause as I get in to find that a bowl of what appears to be whipped cream is sitting on my desk.

Pausing for a half second, I look at the bowl and instantly recognize the look of quite a few students who are eagerly awaiting my reaction.

Going in, I do what I believe anyone would do in such a case. Meaning, I go forward and swipe one finger through the whipped topping and taste.

Sweet.

Almost instantly I felt the fact that quite a lot of sugar was used to create this and not going to lie, for my first piece of actual food in quite a while it was very tasty.

I am about to eat more, when I realize I am likely being rude.

“Good evening class, as many of you are aware, or as it might be dawning on you, your normal teacher has asked for a few nights to herself while she prepares for diplomatic functions.” I state, while turning around to face the class of students.

“It is my understanding that you all are here to take the Royal Bloodline Awakening mid-term exam, is that correct?” I ask.

This is when Charlaine, one of the three extra students starts to fidget in her seat.

Now one thing about Angel’s Sight is that it shows the world in many streams of energy infused colors. Meaning that when people show up with tons of mana infused items, even if they are not functionally optimal, they still glow with the amount of energy that was put in them.

Thus, when Charlaine spoke, not only did her wildly unstable mana core and Qi core both wane with wild energy fluctuations. But the layers and layers of magical weapons she had also glowed. Charlaine and her co-conspirators had glowing pistols, glowing bullets, glowing grenades, and more. None of it was practical, and all seemed to be made by someone with too much power and not enough know-how. But there were a few traces of things in there that could work.

Apparently, Charlaine had learned something by sitting in on my Enchanting + classes, even if she clearly missed the basics. Or worse, if she didn’t understand the importance of the basics and just went with what she had been sitting in and tried to fill in the blanks.

Honestly, it was a shame. I would have chastised her right there, but then realized that sometimes lessons have to be taught so everyone can learn.

In this case, I will show the importance of knowing what you are doing, especially when you attempt to use that same knowledge against the person who taught you.

“Dr. Spiritlight, I have a question.” Charlaine began, raising her hand and clearly looking slightly flustered at my appearance.

“I bet you do, please do ask.” I state.

“Is the Guild Leader going to make an appearance tonight?” Charlaine asked, before nervously glancing back at the janitor who was also clearly a corrupted co-conspirator of Charlaine.

Suddenly the over done weapons and ridiculous over enchanted supplies worn by the three makes sense. They had apparently been expecting Mallory to be here.

For a moment, I wonder if any of that would have worked against Mallory, then figure Mallory might have done something stupid like charge in front of a bullet to save a guild member.

At that moment of realization, that these three had likely intended to take out Mallory and some of my students, that is when I legitimately got angry.

Startle-gasp.

Apparently, something on my face shifted just enough that a few of the closer students suddenly got nervous.

Hearing them, I realize that I am not wearing my poker face. Though to be fair, I didn’t think I needed a mask to hide my utter revulsion and want to punish people as much as I was currently.

To have spies in an enemy land is one thing. In fact, I argue that it is a sign of how well you are doing as a Guild or empire. The more enemy spies you have in your land, and the more capable they are, is a clear sign of not only the level of respect that others place in your country, but also what they place in what they can learn from your country.

Granted most of my skewed view on spying comes from my background and the fact that I am the Thieves Guild leader for this area. So naturally I was only flattered when I found out many spies had already tried to infiltrate our great city.

That said, there is a fine line between espionage, that is gaining critical information that if exposed could cripple our economy, or worse. To try to assassinate our leader, the fact that said leader also happens to be not only my best friend, but my daughter’s lover doesn’t help. Also, without Mallory either I would have to run everything, or I would have to find someone who, like Mallory, was willing to put up with my shenanigans. And honestly, the idea of reigning in a new leader just sounds taxing. Then there is also the fact that despite everything, deep down Mallory is a truly decent person, and yeah I might have let my emotions go a little wild. Though I do manage to recover quickly.

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“Oh, sorry, that was just the chills of sugars being added to my body for the first time ever.” I reply, as I quickly turn back and take another dollop of the whipped cream and eat it as well.

“Also, no you all are unfortunately stuck with me.” I state, going back to my original intention for this mid-term exam.

Mild groans.

There are a few groans, particularly from my Qi Manifestation class students who have been pushed through a veritable marathon of tests in recent days.

“Don’t worry, I don’t want to be here any more than you do.” I quip, then I continue. “That is why I have made this mid-term exam super easy. There will be two simple parts, and then you all will be dismissed.”

Jhonny for his part looks at me like I am saying I am going to shoot out rainbows from my mouth. In a way I am, but that will be for the second part of this exam.

“That’s it? Just two parts?” Jhonny asks, clearly speaking up for more people than just himself.

“Yes, also, if all goes well, I hope to be done with both parts in fifteen minutes.” I state.

At that, everyone just looked at me with a mild sense of disbelief.

“Just fifteen minutes?” Jhonny asked, a bit of incredulity in his voice.

“I mean, likely sixteen minutes at this rate if you keep making me repeat myself.” I reply.

At that, Jhonny just closes his mouth though it is clear that he does have questions. Seeing that he is momentarily quiet, I nod and then proceed to layout what I expect to happen.

“Okay, so this is a compulsory elective course for everyone that has unlocked their potential to have their Royal Bloodline status awoken within them.” I begin.

At that everyone is quiet, which is why I begin pulling out blank sheets of paper for everyone to see.

“What you see before you are the first part of this class, a part I will call the Pledge. All this will be is a spiritually binding contract between the two of us, that should you ever find yourself in a state of distress and having your bloodline awoken.” At that point I pause and then gesture to Penelope Tailor who is still in this classroom, despite having had her Royal Bloodline awoken.

“As Ms. Tailor did the other day, this document will both give me consent to operate on you, while I strive for the goals listed on the parchment.” I state.

It is at this point that Maranda raised her own hand.

“Yes?” I ask the newest member of the group, and one who apparently thought it would be funny to play on the trope of bribing a pixie with cream. Though I am pretty sure it is not supposed to be whipped cream, but still points for trying.

“But those documents are blank?” Maranda states.

Hearing her, I pause then look at the parchment and then look at both sides. Making sure the entire class sees that she is in fact correct.

“Wow, you are correct. I guess I must have left my prefilled-out forms back at the office.” I state, but then continue. “Oh well, I guess we will just have to improvise.”

It is at times like these, where I have three potential traitors who will be filling out similar documents that I am glad I didn’t go for a standard template.

“Well here goes.” I state, taking the stack of empty paper and throw them up in the air. Once the pile of parchments are at their apex, I grab hold of them with Telekinesis and begin distributing them out to each individual student.

“I don’t have a pen?” Ropinay stated, fear evident in her tone.

“Neither do I,” another student responded.

“Don’t worry, I’m here with you. This will be a magically binding document, as such all we need one of two things, your magic to be used as a signature, or otherwise unique physically binding signature. Then we need my magic, since I will be creating the wording that you all will agree to, we will be able to create a simple medical release.” I state, before using a spell that I honestly didn’t think would get much use. That is of course until I realized how it was absolutely perfect for this particular portion of the class.

With everyone having a sheet of paper, I began casting my self-created spell, Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text.

Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.

Just like that, I begin splitting my mind and begin casting eighty-nine exact copies of the same spell.

Personal Medical Royal Bloodline Awakening Release form.

This is intended to be a binding contract between Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and ______________, who shall henceforth be noted as the Awakenee. By accepting the terms of this contract, the Awakenee grants Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight the ability to apply immediate magical attention, and provide oversight for Awakening the Royal Bloodline of the Awakenee, so long as certain conditions are met.

Condition One: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight will only be able to work on areas indicated by the Awakenee as requested areas to improve. Magical thumb print here ____.

Condition Two: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight must be able to apply at least three body modifications to the Awakenee, as required by the balancing system inherent with the Royal Bloodline system. Magical thumb print here ____.

Condition Three: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight can only assign modifications that keep in the exact wishes of the Awakenee. Magical thumb print here ____.

Condition Four: The Awakenee understands that all modifications and alterations made are final, and will not hold Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight with any form of discontent if she followed the provided guidance detailed by the Awakenee below. Magical thumb print here ____.

Guidance for Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, as provided by the Awakenee.

Below are the noted wish list that the Awakenee has for Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight during their Royal Bloodline Awakening Process.

Primary focus of the Royal Bloodline should include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): ______________. Magical thumb print here ____.

Secondary focus of the Royal Bloodline should try to include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): ______________. Magical thumb print here ____.

Tertiary focus of the Royal Bloodline should attempt to include the following if at all feasible. (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): ______________. Magical thumb print here ____.

Signature of Awakenee:

__________________

Seal of Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight:

_________________

By clicking the box and filling it with your magical intent, you are agreeing to the above terms and conditions. Magical thumb print here ____.

With the main document done, I just had to now bait the hook. Most of my regular students easily signed their wills and intents to the document, then proceeded to spell out the key focuses they had been understanding of their own Royal Bloodlines and where they eventually wanted to be once their bloodlines were fully awoken.

This was good, as it both showed that my regular students knew what they wanted, and most importantly that they trusted me.

Seeing that the first few students were already done with this initial process, I spoke out, while inadvertently trying to steal more of the whipped cream that was far tastier than it had any right to be.

“Once you are done, just hold your signed document up in the air.” I state, and like that I began pulling in signed document after signed document.

As they were up in the air, I read many of them and while there were a few requests that caught me off guard, by and large I expected many of the choices granted.

Finally, it was just the last half dozen or so.

Most had their first two answers filled in, but were stuck on the tertiary objective. While my problem three had signed their names, but just seemed to stare blankly at the three options.

“I will let you all in on a little secret,” I state, as a smile comes to my lips.

“What’s that?” The final six students all ask.

“You could put down the same item more than once, all but forcing me to get it for you.” I state, and with that the remaining three regular students double down on their first or second choices. Once they are done, I grab those three and double check that all markings are clear and signed accurately with magic, I continue to lay the trap.

“In fact, you could force me to make it so that I unlock a particular trait, if you note it all three times. If you truly forced me to, I would be forced to unlock Invincibility, or some equally absurd power.” I state.

Hearing my words, the three looked like they were about to be caught in a trap.

“Wait, is Invincibility even an option for Royal Bloodline?” Jhonny asked, a note of incredulity in his voice as he no doubt seemed to feel like I was holding out on him.

“It is a Limited Invincibility that I believe ensures that regardless of what happens to you, you will not die. You might not like the outcome of what happened to you, but you will not die in the process.” I reply, having read that prompt on Penelope’s awakening.

The only problem with that was that it had an exceptionally high cost. As in, one would likely need to take every flaw available and then some, in order to unlock the Limited Invincibility.

Hearing my reply, the two co-conspirators with Charlaine instantly spoke their desire.

“Invincibility, Invincibility, Invincibility.” They said in near perfect unison. Then smiling to themselves, they were surprised when the wording appeared.

Before they could even think otherwise, they quickly applied their thumb print to the parchment and then made sure to sign their name again, and provide a final magical thumb print at the end.

Silence.

Charlaine for her part just stared at the document for a moment. Her eyes going wide as she attempted to see the trouble.

At this moment, a few of the other students began moaning about having missed the opportunity to be Invincible.

“Come on, do it.” The co-conspirator to Charlaine’s right said. “Besides, it’s not like you are going to awaken your Royal Bloodline anytime soon.”

At that, Charlaine who looked like she was going to play the lottery for the first time and knew she was going to win the jackpot just smiled and joined in with the others.

“Invincibility, Invincibility, Invincibility.” Charlaine said, then proceeded to sign her magical thumb print and signature where needed.

She was giving the document a once over, before she relaxed her grip on the page just slightly.

With that, I pulled for the final three documents, but rather than adding them to the others, I spoke out a final pledge of my own.

“Your request has been thrice heard and thrice confirmed.” I state, as those exact words appear just below their requests and above their signatures.

Then I apply my own seal to all eighty-nine documents.

Fwoosh.

With that all eighty-nine documents are sealed and ready to stand as proof.

“Now it is time to see who passes this mid-term and who will need to come back for more classes next week.” I state, as the real fun is just about to start.

“Wait? What?” Eighty-nine voices ask out in near perfect unison. But it is already too late.