EPISODE 23: YEARS END PART 2
-Edryan Queendom. Year 7290, Season: Final Ending
Imperius Academy offers a wide selection of academic studies that has propelled the economy of Edryan on all levels. They offer training to become a [Fighter] of multiple classes. Whether you aspire of being a [Knight] or [Adventurer]. The same goes for the noncombat or artisan classes. You will learn the 24 rune letters and the 48 base combinations that make up the 72 base runes. These skills allow you to transfer to a wide range of classes. From [Inscriber] (One who deals with weapons, armor, and other equipment), to a [Runesmith] and [Wardmaster]. That isn’t mentioning the mages who must learn all the runes as well. The dynamic range of education at Imperius Academy is shifting the very state to an unknown pathway. Most professions only require you to learn the runes of your expertise and experience. An example of this would be a [Fire Mage] learning runes related to fire and how to increase their potency with combinations of similar runes to higher grades. Now, that same mage will understand the basic runes used for Wind, Earth, and Water spells. Perhaps they may not be proficient in it. However, they will understand and comprehend the rune…
… In other news, Koa Indrian has fought her way into Class 1 right before the end of the year! Carmine Khan and Judd Lance are rumored to be dating!
-Excerpt from Imperius Academy Weekly. Written by Karla, Rank 15, and Laura, Rank 240.
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Simra gazed at the countless dead bodies of the [Ash Hounds – ★] laying at Expedition Force 3’s feet. As she did so, the first signs that it was truly winter came. A small snowflake gently landed on her nose letting the bite of winter chill her partially exhausted body. The cold air was a pleasant feeling on her hot skin.
She laughed.
It was a sound filled with happiness and pleasure. Soon other’s around her joined in. Laughing as the coppery smell of blood invaded their nostrils and white snow came to rest around them.
“At least it’s no magical storm. Let's gather the beast cores and move to a new location,” Lorde Drumian called out. Being the first to step up and start cutting open the Ash Hounds' hot bodies for their beast cores. Simra stood up and followed suit. Knowing the dangers of the forest from the tales of adventures and the gossip of the people. It was not safe to stay after slaughtering many beasts as the smell of blood would attract others to the location.
Expedition Force 3 had been following the pack of [Ash Hounds – ★] for over a day. Routing the beast towards the Wyvern’s’ Drink River and ending their pack there. Fortunately, the pack had no beast king to lead it otherwise the task of collecting the beast cores would be much harder.
Helios and Selene Romus came up to Simra. The former gave her a clap on the shoulder before speaking.
“Your talents are not bad,” the young man praised.
“You’re truly a representation of Madris’s Teachings. A spell-sword through and through,” Selene finished for the teens before they moved away. The high noble families had picked up a few of the students' tuitions as they offered lucrative contracts. Snatching students away from the royal family. Simra had rejected them all.
Simra smiled and gathered her thoughts. Reviewing the day's events as she used her knife to cut open another [Ash Hound – ★]. With just two days left of the combat students' first of three final exams. Simra was proud of her accomplishments. Her IP points showed her growth.
As she had fought somewhat harder than anyone else in Expedition Force 3. Simra was able to rack up a hefty amount of IP. Enough to finally surpass the student ahead of her. If only just. With the most kills in the Expedition, Simra became more confident in herself and her skills. The encouraging hints from Lorde helped with her progress. For the first time, Simra felt like her dream of becoming a knight for the queen was within reach. She had truly taken the first step on that path finally.
The moment the group finished collecting the beast cores, they departed under the leadership of Lorde Drumian. Traveling along the Wyvern’s Drink and back towards civilization. Although they were still in what counted as the beginning of Wyvern’s Roost. It would take two days of travel for them to leave the most dangerous forest in the queendom. The group was satisfied with the number of beast cores they collected.
Simra walked next to Lorde as they traveled. The rushing river and the crunch of snow underneath their boots set a light air between them.
“Are you still going to overtake me,” Simra teased. Giving Lorde a light tap on his shoulder.
Lorde gave out a pleasant laugh before responding. “We still have two days left. You’re only ahead by a small margin. It's best you stay on your toes! Otherwise…,” Lorde said. Moving so swiftly that Simra lost him for a moment. The snowball that hit her head from the left told her all she needed to know.
“I might catch up.”
“Oh, it's on!”
Simra ducked underneath another snowball as she responded. Scooping up a handful of snow and tossing it back at Lorde. The green-eyed man ducked, and the ball flew hitting Selene Romus in the face. Helios took one look at his sister and then at the two playing in the front.
“Run,” he shouted as chaos ensued.
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Simra huddled closer to the fire. A smile on her face and although her body was cold from the massive snow fight from earlier. Her heart was filled with warmth. Next to her with a twinkle in his eyes was Lorde. The two of them sat in silence around one of the many campfires as Expedition Force 3 settled in for the night. Simra’s thoughts swirled as the two of them sat alone. The detailed stories Karla told her of a noble and commoner forbidden love traveled through her mind making the young woman blush slightly.
Ugh, why am I always feeling this way around the two of them!?! Simra thought about Law and wondered how he was doing. Whether Expedition Force 1 was as successful in their hunts as her group was. She thought of his red-gold eyes, high cheekbones, and soft brown and dark pink colored lips. I don’t even know if they’re soft yet!
“Are you ok?” A concerned Lorde asks next to her.
Simra blushed even harder as her eyes met the forest greens of Lorde’s. His curly blonde hair swayed as he tilted his head ever so slightly when puzzled about one of her actions. His tawny beige colored skin shined brightly from the fire. Lorde’s sharp-angled eyebrows rose in a questioning expression. While a soft smile played at the corners of his lips causing Simra to blush even harder.
Stolen novel; please report.
“You’re beautiful,” the young woman said.
Lorde’s eyebrows shot up even higher and Simra wondered if they would fly off if they could go any higher. It was only after a few moments of paused silence that Simra realized she had spoken aloud. Her hands went to cover her face as the blood rushed even harder. A groan escaped from her lips.
“I think the same of you,” Lorde said softly.
Simra peaked at the young man through the gaps in her fingers.
Just as she was formulating a response a loud voice called out.
“Danger, a pack of black wolves approaches. Prepare for battle!”
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Camilla Romus sipped some tea as she and the vice principals of Imperius Academy watched the students who wished to pursue the path of combat fight against the creatures of Wyvern’s Roost. Directing the teachers to send a group of monsters this way and that toward the 216 groups of students. She lightly hummed as the process went along.
While the combat students were out fighting for their lives. The crafting students were in the same boat. Just without their life on the line. A knock at the door interrupted her mussing.
“Come in,” she called. Still not taking her eyes away from the various scrying spells activated. It took immense concentration for her to keep every single one active. A feat only the highest of Magi could cast. A ranking of Mage and more beyond compare. Others outside the queendom may address her as an [Archmage] yet her position was one large step higher. The mages of the continent only used [Archmage] as a general term for those of significant power. Edryan held less than thirty at her stage. Although the simple scrying spell she cast was a tier-one spell, controlling 216 simultaneously was no small feat.
A secretary entered to deliver a message. Camillia’s eyes widen and her concentration faltered slightly distorting the images. A hand from Femi Gamal steadied her. Vice Principal Primus called to the secretary. Making them repeat what they just stated.
“We must prepare the school to be absolutely spotless,” Primus exclaimed. The trio confirmed the word of the secretary.
Camilla’s gaze landed on the Crown Prince. A light of excitement in her eyes.
“We have time but how should we spread this information?”
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-Az’Dawn Empire. Year 7290, Season: Final Ending
Allura Grasci Az’Dawn looked coldly at her fourth brother. The red blood of an Az’Dawn spilled out into the chilly desert. Her gaze turned south and to the Luffer Mountain range that separated Edryan from Az’Dawn. Her expression was reserved if you could see underneath the scarf that covered her face and forehead.
She flicked her scimitar and watched as the red blood of Az’Dawn splattered away. A notification finally appeared as her brother’s final breath escaped his lips.
A new Achievement has been unlocked!
Achievement Type: Feat
[Kin Slayer]
Description:
Uh, Oh! You have deliberately slaughtered a member of your family. Cool! Do it again for more power!
Effect:
Blood is Thinner than Water
+ 30 Power, +30 Energy, +10 Vitality, Endurance, Self, and Intent per family member slain by your hands or actions.
Allura dismissed it as she felt the flood of power enter her body. It was intoxicating. The feeling of your muscles adapting, growing stronger, and more resilient. She was levels away from unlocking her second-class advancement and a birthday present of one less competitor for the throne was an explementary gift. She’d have to thank her second sister for this opportunity. After all, it was fourth brother who put her up to her embarrassment in the Edryan Queendom. An embarrassment she’d yet to rectify.
“My Princess, we’ve just received word. Heavenly Father {Mage’s Distortion} is getting worse. If he can level several times…”
The rest was left unsaid. The disease was a mage killer, and its only confirmed cure was to level. For the Emperor of the Az’Dawn Empire leveling was already beyond his means unless great change or strife came to the empire. Or unless Allura could get her hands on Edryani Honey.
The young woman sighed and waved her hand. Dismissing her agent.
“Heavenly Father has already reached his limit in holding on. If the rumors of Edryani Honey are true, I could gift Heavenly Father several bottles. The station of Crown Princess is assured to be mine. First brother and second sister have failed. I must grasp this opportunity.”
If Allura could solve the problem of her father. The crown of the Az’Dawn Empire was in site.
“I cannot fail.”
“I cannot!”
It was time to pay another visit to the Edryani Queendom.
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-Edryan Queendom. Year 7290, Season: Final Ending
Simra began packing her tent. Satisfied as she folded it away properly, the young woman stuffed it away in her spatial bag. The last day of the first of three finals was nearly finished. With this expedition came new insights into her powers as a magi human and their ability to wield magic.
Imperius Academy taught Simra a lot and Sword Saint Aurora held an interest in the young woman, spending the time and effort to hone Simra’s swordsmanship.
Now that Simra finally had the opportunity to put their school knowledge to a full test. She felt confident in her skills and confident enough to face Law’s true might. An embarrassed blush came over her face after thinking about the events of last night. After the attack of the black wolves, Lorde nor Simra held an opportunity to talk. Both fighters were completely exhausted from the day’s battles. After the group set up a watch schedule, Expedition Force 3 quickly settled into their tents. It didn’t help they needed to change locations after the battle in order to dissuade any beast from attacking them in the night.
The chirps of birds on a cool winter morning greeted Simra as the student group began their march. Just hours away from truly exiting the forest. Simra felt a small bump in her shoulder and turned to see Lorde. The young man standing there with a warm smile and bright eyes.
“With your permission, I’d like to court you.”
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-Elysium Empire. Year 7290, Season: Final Ending
At the very tip of the continent stood the Temple of the Sun. Within its halls were monks praying day and night. The sermon only paused to allow the monks to change shifts.
On the highest peak, on the tallest tower, stood Quinarax – Elder Elf.
The Elder Elf with hands of Silver gazed into the Void Sea and beyond. His sightless eyes saw all but the realms of the Gods themselves. Quinarax let out a heavy sigh. The demi-god turned his gaze downwards to the young elf hiding from her guards. Seeing throughout the temple to the location the young woman thought she was hidden within. No barrier could block his gaze whether magic or wall. The passive skills he wielded not allowing so.
“Wilarax, Daughter of the Sun, it is time for your studies. You are a Chosen… why make it hard on the guards,” Quinarax said. Sighing at the antics of the young elf.
“I told you, old man…
My name is Celina!”
System Unlock:
95 Days
12 Hours
5 Minutes
10 Seconds