Chapter 24

The Ghost Story

  After the awarding of my first-class perk, I decide to do what I was supposed to while here on campus. Namely go to class. I think I still have time to earn a merit other than Master Groa as an ally, but I am still at a loss as to how to actually unlock a particular merit. Clearly what I had been doing, the training up of different skills and infusing my body with spirit mana while using the skills was a good way to unlock my perk, but not much more than that.

  Similarly, my going to the void, a unique way of describing the initial boundary between the mortal realm and the spirit realm, is as good as any place to train. Here in the realm between I can see where all the bodies are buried, literally. Well not bodies, at least not anymore, as everything I see are the spirits of the dead who have apparently been killed over the years.

  I admit that I am still new to this, and by this I mean interacting with spirits in general. Still seeing so many lost and seemingly vacant souls just roaming about from classroom to classroom. Many going to rooms and buildings that have long since been destroyed, I can’t help but feel curious. My number one question, when seeing so many different spirits roaming about and moving around is first, what’s their story? By this I am generally referring to two main components of anyone’s existence, or in this case a lack of existence. Namely, what happened to them, or how did they die? Then the second question I have is why are they still here?

  Seeing each ghost, I can’t help but feel that there is still so much to this game, to this world that I have only begun to brush the surface on.

  Also my goal, or at least something that I feel would be invaluable as an information broker, can I use the spirits as a way to be my own spy network?

  Looking at my time, I still have a bit until my next class. Namely because I apparently missed my class on Introduction to Dark magic. My next class is in roughly three hours and related to Spirit magic. I don’t know exactly what we will be covering in that class, other than the aforementioned Spirit magic, but I assume part of that lesson will inevitably about dealing with spirits. Seeing as I have both my spirit familiar for assistance and am one of the few people who are able to interact with spirits for any length of time, I feel I am likely one of the few people who are capable of interacting with ghosts.

  Also dealing with these ghosts might help me understand the way most spirits think and operate, once they move on. Ultimately I chose this class for the ability to eventually find and talk to my parents, at least one last time. With that, and the seemingly abundant choices of ghosts to interact with, I find myself drawn towards the different ghosts.

  The only problem is which one do I talk to? Do I talk to the all powerful male tyrant who even in death seems to be able to wield lightning? A brief glance at them lets me think that they either died in combat, or by self-inflicted wounds, either way I decide to avoid the spirit murder hobo, as I think that would only lead to a conversation, or a level of knowledge that I would not wish to learn. So I move on, watching the different ghosts that inhabit the school. Until I find what I believe to be the perfect person to talk to.

  They are dull, lifeless, and female.

  Imagine a ghost so worn down by being dead, and their constant running back and forth between classes that even in death they appear to be both hauntingly beautiful, no pun intended, and the poster child for someone who worked themselves to death.

  “Hello.” I say, placing myself right in front of the ghost.

  The ghost is apparently so used to their constant pacing of running from one class to the next that they fail to realize I am there. I can’t really blame them, as they have all the signs of being on autopilot. Their body is moving, but their mind is asleep at the wheel.

  Also, judging by the number of students around us in the mortal realm, she likely passes through a dozen or so students each trip during regular class hours. Of course, I am the odd one out in this little endeavor, as I am one of the living entities that she is so used to just plowing through on her way to class. I am also an oddity as I am one of the few beings in the spirit realm who have directly placed themselves in her path.

  Wham.

  Just as one would expect, when two entities try to occupy the same exact spot, at the same exact moment in time, there is a collision.

  “Oof.”

  I let out. I had been expecting a impact, but I had apparently vastly underestimated the amount of force a seemingly full sized adult elf ghost could generate by walking.

  Flutter.

  Pages and books fly everywhere as the girl who had been carrying a stack of books is now on the floor.

  During this time, I quickly jump to my feet, and look down at the girl. Holding out my hand, I offer to help the suddenly awakened ghost a hand up.

  “Wha, what just happened?” She asks.

  “I’d dare say you were so distracted that you didn’t look where you were going.” I reply, this is all new ground for me. I don’t quite know how to talk to a ghost, granted this one looks to be on the lower side power wise in terms of spiritual energy, which is why I chose her as my first person to contact. But still I do not want to be attacked for being seen as the cause for why this girl would potentially be late to class, well later to class than she clearly was. Kind of hard to be on time to class when you are dead after all.

  “Oh,” the ghost girl says, as she reaches out to grab my hand. Upon our hands touching I feel a strange tingling pulse flow both from me into her, and from her into me.

  “Oh is right, what was that?” I ask.

  “You’re an elf?” The tall clearly elven female asks.

  “Yeah.” I reply, dropping my hood and removing my goggles.

  “But you’re a…” she trails off as she realizes my state.

  “A dark elf?” I state, finishing her comment.

  “No, well, yes, you clearly are a dark elf. But you are a Shade Touched?” She says the last part as a question in elven. Not just any elven but high elven at that.

  “So I’ve been told.” I say, letting a slight smile crest my lips.

  “Shouldn’t you be in a royal palace somewhere?” She asks.

  Laughing.

  I chuckle at the idea of me being in a royal palace. Well, the idea of me being there for any reason, other than trying to steal everything I could from the place.

  “No, I do not know of these customs. Nor do I really care. I am here to learn magic and explore the world.” I say, honestly.

  At that the girl pauses, looking at me and then peering down as if to inspect if I am some kind of illusion.

  By this point Zero, my dragon familiar that is a little longer than a large sized puppy comes over and sniffs the elf ghost.

  “Oh.” The elf ghost jumps in fright at the sight of the dragon spirit.

  “Don’t worry, this is Zero, he is my familiar.” I say, petting Zero. Zero instantly leans into the embrace and relaxes their posture away from inspecting the female ghost and turns his full attention to me.

  “Oh, wow. I have heard of such things, but I have never seen one.”

  “A spirit?” I ask, confused as when I look around all I see are literally hundreds of ghosts all around. Well dozens at the very least, maybe a hundred or just over, but still a good amount. No, I am not going to count them all, at least not yet.

  “No, a familiar.” The Ghost elf says as she peers forward at my ghost. Suddenly in her hands are all the books and papers that had been splayed about on the floor. I blink, wondering if I missed something, but then realize that those books are seemingly part of her soul. Then to follow up on my theory, I ask that very question.

  “Are those books and papers part of your soul?”

  “What? These?” The elf asks, holding up the stack of books that require both of her hands to hold.

  “Yeah? You know you are dead right?” I ask.

  “What?” The ghost elf asks, and suddenly I wonder if I have broken some sort of unspoken understanding. Never tell the dead they are dead, or some such nonsense. Then she responds, “of course I am dead. The only problem is that I can’t leave.”

  “Why not?”

  The elf looks first to me, then at the stack of books and papers in her hands with a note of incredulity. “Isn’t it obvious?”

  “No, that is why I am asking?” I respond back.

  “I can’t leave, not until I have turned in my work and gotten my doctorate.” The elf states.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  I blink, at least I think I would if I could still use my eyes. As it stands, I just mostly focus my gaze in her direction. Then I think about it for a moment.

  “So, let me get this straight. You are dead. You know you are dead. But you cannot move on until you turn in your final work for your doctorate?” I ask.

  At that the ghost just nods in agreement.

  Silence.

  I am just trying to get over this, so again I try to puzzle out the most obvious course of events. “So I take it you died due to overworking yourself and not taking enough breaks?”

  At that the elf shifts the stack of books in her arms and looks slightly embarrassed. “Yes.”

  “Then you likely could have moved on, but you couldn’t as you had just finished your work and wanted to turn it in before you could rest?”

  “Yes. I spent my whole life for this, without this…” She says, jostling the stack of books and papers in her arms, “without this, my death would have been for nothing. Everything would have been for nothing. That is why I can’t go on, but I am tired. Oh, so tired.”

  “No, I get that. I only got a masters. I cannot imagine going all the way through for a doctorate only to have your life end, without the validation of your work.” I say.

  “Oh, wow. You are quite accomplished. I didn’t think you were so talented for someone of your age. That is most impressive.” The elf states.

  At that, I realize I let my real-life bleed over here. I don’t have a master’s in Data Analytics here. Here I am just a thirteen-year-old nothing. Though, I can’t help but feel myself getting inspired by this elf before me.

  “You know what. I’m going to help you get that doctorate.”

  “What? But how?” The elf says, a questioning tone to her voice.

  “You have all the work right; you just need to turn it in?” I ask, then make it a point to stare at the pile of books in her arms.

  “Yes, I just can’t carry it over to the mortal realm.” She states.

  “I can do that. You just tell me where I need to turn in these assignments, and I will let you rest.”

  “You would do that for me?” She asks.

  “Of course. In fact, if you want, I can even let you be the one to do the final turn in, so you can get the credit.” I say, realizing I can just use my Death Shroud to help her come out from the spirit realm long enough to do the turn in.

  “I can’t. I would die. The one time I almost made it across…” She trailed off as she took her right arm from under her stack of books and looked at her hand and revealed a scar.

  “Don’t worry about that. I’m a Void Walker, this is kind of my thing. Which is why I am here now myself.” I state then gesture to my entire body.

  Seeing my body, the ghost pauses and looks.

  “I can see that you are oddly unaffected by the spirit realm, but how can I know I won’t get burned again?”

  I am about to tell her to watch me as I take myself and Zero across the veil, but I realize that is likely going to have its own concerns as she could say it is was a benefit of being my familiar. Finally, after a point I just shrug.

  “Look. I can’t tell you to trust me, rather I just want you to trust yourself. You have gone so long without the recognition you deserve for your life’s work, literally your entire life’s work is culminated in those pages. If you are too frightened, then fine. I understand, I will not stop you. Instead, I will let you madly dash between these classrooms as often and quickly as possible. But if you are tired of this, echo of your former life, then let me help. Don’t trust me, trust in your judgement.” I state.

  There is a slight pause as the entire posture of the ghost seems to go through a change. Over the course of a few seconds, I see her body slowly stand erect, as she then seems to have a confident posture. Even the energy that is pulsing within her begins to shine a little brighter.

  “Okay. I accept your assistance. Please help me with the turning in of my Doctoral Thesis.” The ghost elf states.

  “Oh, I guess before this goes any further, we should introduce ourselves. I am Cass, well Cassiopeia, but just call me Cass.” I state, then hold out my right hand.

  The ghost elf pauses, “no last name?”

  I shake my head. “Sadly no.”

  “But you are Shade Touched?”

  “So everyone keeps telling me. Oh, speaking of which.” I say, as I pull up my hood and once again put on my goggles. The ghost pauses, then looks flustered. I try to understand why, but then she responds.

  “Well, I am Octavia De’Arcaneri of Deolar.” The elf says, giving me her full name and a location.

  I don’t instantly recognize the location, but that is not important. The fact that she has both a first and last name and denotes a location indicates that she is royalty. Or at least used to be royalty. I am not quite certain, but I am pretty sure that Deolar is one of those lost civilizations that is more of a myth than anything.

  There is an awkward moment as the ghost elf, Octavia, holds out her scarred hand and offers to shake mine.

  Seeing the gesture, I pause, then once again reach my own hand back out to grasp and shake hers.

  Tingle.

  There is a second tingling sensation, but I don’t have time to think about that, as she is already walking through the different passageways of the spirit world. Fortunately she and I are bound to the same geographic limitations in this realm, meaning if there is a wall we both have to walk around. Of course, the walls in this realm are vastly different from the current walls and blocked passageways in the mortal realm, which is why it can seem that ghosts can travel through walls. They can’t, just the walls that are stopping us in the mortal realm aren’t apparent in the spirit realm. Of course, I could always just teleport through the walls, but that would likely cause this ghost to panic and stop their movement. Instead, I just follow the ghost through their mad panic as they go through multiple hallways and side tunnels. Until finally we are standing before an old classroom.

  In the room there is just one seemingly old elf, which is saying something as to this person’s true age as elves generally take a long time before they start to show their age.

  “Here?” I ask.

  “Yes.”

  I pause, “what exactly is your research on?”

  “Biome spheric magic, and ways to convert destroyed biomes into habitable ones.” Octavia states.

  “You mean a way to convert blighted lands into habitable ones?”

  “The blight? I do not think I am familiar with this term. I am referring to the ability to convert any major biome given enough mana and materials. So, I guess in a way these blighted lands could be fixed in this same way.” Octavia said.

  At that, I just shake my head trying to understand the full ramifications of what she said. This could be huge, ways to reconquer or reclaim lands that had long been overrun by dungeon breaks. That is part of the problem. Everywhere that has been conquered by dungeons for a period of at least ten years becomes blighted, meaning that even if you are able to recapture the land and fend off the enemy, the land is a ruined wasteland. Monsters that spawn there are ten times more powerful and wild. There are a lot of benefits that come from living in such a land, but they are all related to killing and surviving in conditions that should kill you. Basically, nothing close to what I want to do with my retirement. Still, I can’t help but hope that this is accepted. For again, the ramifications of this could be huge.

  “All right. Let me go in first to introduce you. Then I will open a portal and let you deliver your works.” I say to Octavia.

  At that Octavia pauses, as a ripple of nervous tension courses through her, but then she solidifies and nods in confirmation.

  Seeing her like that, I nod. Then cast my one active spell that I know and whoosh. I am once again in the mortal realm.

  “What, huh?” The old elf all but jumps at my sudden appearance.

  “Sorry professor. I have been told that you are the premier expert on magical theory covering elemental magics? In particular magic related to biome theory?” I ask.

  At that, the professor pauses and cocks his head to the side. A brief flash of light appears as I sense the all too familiar effects of appraisal magic rubbing against my skin. He pauses as for a moment then nods.

  “Yes, I am Arch Mage Nimbus, master of the elemental arts here. Though I think you are in the wrong section.” The old mage, Nimbus states.

  “Oh, I have no reason to be here. However, she most certainly has a reason to be here.” I state, then point to my right, where I make a long slicing motion into space and open a rift to the spirit realm.

  The arch mage instantly draws in a surge of power.

  I think I should have done less with the theatrics as there is a sudden surge of electrical tension in the room, as the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and I realize I am seconds from becoming a Dark Elf version of a Tesla Coil, when Octavia appears.

  The second I see her, I blanket her with my Death Shroud, and let her come through. Normally seeing a ghost might be a very intimidating process, but there is something so unintimidating about a pretty elf with fair features carrying a thick stack of books, that made the professor stop their summoning of magic.

  “What is this?” The professor asks.

  Octavia manages to offer a deep bow, despite the massive stack of books and parchments in their possession. “Sorry for the intrusion. I have asked Ms. Cass here to act as my go between. My name is Octavia De’Arcaneri of Deolar, and I have come to turn in my doctoral thesis.”

  “Octavia De’Arcaneri?” The old elf mutters to himself, but then pauses as a look of shock fills his face. “Tavvy, is that you?”

  Hearing the odd moniker Octavia pauses and looks at the old elf before her. “Melo? Is that you?” She asks as a slight smile fills her face.

  With each word spoken Octavia seems to take on more and more of a tangible form. Going first from a semi-transparent state to a nearly opaque state by the end. Even the books and parchments in her hands now have taken on the solid look to them.

  “Melo? I have not heard that name is so long.” The old man pauses, as he then grips his chest and decides to sit down behind his desk. “It has been far too long since I last saw your smile.”

  “I know, this work was killing me. But I solved it, I finally solved it.” Octavia said, as she came forward and plopped down her stack of books.

  Boom.

  With that, the sound of massive weights being dropped could be heard. Master Nimbus seemed to be too occupied with looking first to Octavia and then to her work to realize the significance of what just happened. Frankly I was there, orchestrating it all and I barely realized the gravity of what just happened. A ghost was able to make an item that only existed in the spirit realm become tangible.

  Of course, such a conversion came with a cost. The books, the parchment that appeared, they were all her, well not her, but her spirit. Her essence was infused in those pages, she had literally dedicated herself to her work.

  “I found it. The way to fix my homeland.” Octavia said, a massive smile filling her lips as she opened the text turned it around and showed it to Melo.

  Seeing the text, the Arch mage lit up with excitement, then paused as a sad look crossed his features.

  “What is it? The logic is sound, the theory is there. It will work, I know this…” Octavia argued.

  Arch Mage Melo Nimbus just shook his head, as a tired look crossed his features. “It’s not that. I believe you. In fact, looking at this, I can see your brilliance flowing in every page of this script. I just need to tell you that your home, Deolar, it is no more.”

  I knew it.

  At that thought, both people turned to me, apparently, I had spoken that thought out loud. The two then pause and finally turn back to each other.

  “So, what are you saying?” Octavia asks, a note of fear in her tone.

  “I am saying that, this spell. This research will not be able to save your home.”

  “I’m too late?”

  At that Master Nimbus just nodded.

  There is a sad morose tone that covers the room. Seeing this, I can’t help but jump in. “Wait, I think you two are missing the important part here.”

  “What?” Master Nimbus asks, his face looking very confused for the moment.

  “It doesn’t matter if her kingdom is no more right now. Can this spell work, truly work. If it can, then it doesn’t matter as it means we can retake the blighted lands once and for all.”

  Hearing that, the two of their demeanors changes almost instantly, as they once again look at the stack of work before them.

  Master Nimbus flips through a number of pages and notes. Apparently the spell is a small leather bound parchment, and the books that are there are part of the reference materials that are cited in her doctoral level spell.

  “Yes, I believe this could, no this will work. I am certain of it.” Master Nimbus said.

  As he spoke, the glow surrounding Octavia began to brighten.

  “So, you are saying it is truly a spell worthy of bestowing a Doctorate?” I ask.

  “This spell? No, this is not a doctorate level spell.”

  At that both Octavia and I both deflate with one breath, only to be hit by surprise again by his next statement.

  “This is beyond a doctorate level spell.” Master Nimbus says.

  With that both Octavia and I once again regain our hopeful appearances.

  “So I did it? I got a doctorate?” Octavia asks, a note of fear, excitement, and something else filling her voice.

  “My dear, this is a work that will forever change the shape of elemental magic.” Master Nimbus said.

  “Woo!” At that Octavia jumped and let out a whoop of joy. “So I did it, you are going to give me a doctorate?”

  “Yes, by the power invested in me by this grand institution, I hereby award you the distinction of having completed a Doctoral Level research in Elemental Application.” Professor Nimbus said as he waved his hand.

  “Yes!” Octavia said, as she jumped for joy. As she spoke her body began to dissolve, as a golden light began to fill her body.

  “Hmm?” The old elf said, as he watched.

  I myself was curious as to what was happening. Then I received a system message letting me know exactly what happened.

Hidden Quest Complete: The Forgotten Doctor: You have helped Octavia De’Arcaneri of Deolar submit her life’s work, allowing her soul to finally travel beyond to the great beyond. Reward: Optional.

  I had just received an optional reward; this was something that I could choose. Seeing as this was a quest that directly happened due to my class and class related abilities, I figured the reward options would likely either be a way to improve my class, or likely a way to level quickly. That was normally how such quests went. But first I needed to get out.

  “Goodbye old friend.” Octavia said, as her spirit all but burst from the infusion of golden energy that seemed to be radiating from her.

  “Goodbye.” Master Nimbus said one second.

  Whoosh!

  There was an explosion of energy that felt like a warm light filled my body and began saturating me from the inside. I would equate the sensation to being hit with a golden glitter bomb, as the golden energy just showered me and seemed to coat my whole body. But rather than feeling disgusted, I could only feel warmed by the foreign energy source.

  There was a long pause of silence.

  I looked to see that the glitter bomb effect only seemed to cover me and the books that were laid out over the desk and not touch the professor at all.

  “I take it I don’t need to tell you to keep quiet about what happened here?” The professor said, as he stared at me, then to the books.

  Instantly I knew what he was implying, but I stated my assumption just to make sure.

  “You came to an epiphany on how to create a beyond doctoral level spell. One you have been working on in secret for years and are just now finally ready to reveal it to the public?” I ask.

  At that the old professor just nods.

  “I knew you were a smart one when you first popped into here. I will also help you with any issues that might arise.” The old Arch Mage said.

  “Thank you.” I say, as I bow and turn to leave.

  I can’t help but feel sort of sleezy. I mean this professor is just stealing the life work of a ghost who literally dedicated their whole life to completing that research.

  The minute I leave the room, I am met with a system prompt.

Quest Reward Update: Spy on a Rival: Merit Ally (III) Unlocked: You have managed to unlock Arch Mage Nimbus as an Ally.

  At that, I couldn’t help but feel exceedingly disgusted with myself. I had won, though I knew after this other than myself and my new supposed ally, Octavia De’Arcaneri of Deolar would never be remembered. Worse, with this being a dark site, or a site that didn’t allow recordings, the rest of the world wouldn’t know what happened to her either.

  As I left, I couldn’t help but wish there was some way I could help the world remember Octavia. I know she wouldn’t get credit for her work, and logically accrediting work to someone who died likely thousands of years ago would mean nothing. But I felt a connection to her, even now I could feel her golden energy still burning into my skin. The golden glow a reminder that I was a terrible person. A reminder that my lifestyle often did have bad moral implications, ones I would have to learn to live with, if I wanted to keep up this lifestyle.