19696 The 3rd Spring
“Could you please tell us more about your experience upon receiving your Blessing?” Damien asks with a gentle smile.
No? It was fairly weird and looking back I made some rash decisions… The choices I made then and there and the answers I gave to Librea might’ve been the most important ones in my entire life. Is it anything worth keeping secret? Not really. I still don’t want to tell its tale.
“How exactly does that question aid the investigation, Inquisitor?” Martha huffs, protecting me not from beasts but something far more frightening.
I still wouldn’t dare to be that blunt even though I know by now that this dude is after me and the chimera case is as good as closed. Is being bored to death and listening to him any better than fleeing from the shadows? Well, yeah, but that doesn’t mean I appreciate it.
It has been a whole damn month since we were asked or rather ordered to stick around. Not a week or two as it was promised, oh no. The questions aimed at the fight and creatures disappeared just after days and morphed into inquiries about me, my Blessing, my Class, my future plans, and basically everything about me and nothing about the chimeras.
I might be young but even I can see the pattern here.
“May I ask about any development regarding the case?” Martha jabs and by the sight of that hateful smile on Damian’s face faltering she’s spot on. “Being restricted from leaving the city can be quite harsh on someone at thus ripe of an age. You know how it is… the vibrant youth.”
Now Martha is just frying his balls and hopefully for the last time. Katharine, the Judge, has long disappeared and left this vile snake back for us to deal with.
“To my great sorrow and despite our best efforts the search bore no fruits. The culprit is still out there and we failed to prevent his next vile act.” He answers theatrically while shaking his head. Pretentious bastard.
Are these two just mocking each other? Every sentence reeks of sarcasm and it feels like listening to someone scraping a pan with a fork. I barely even open my mouth because Martha keeps answering for me. She basically ditched her lectures to Bennett just to feud with Damien and I can’t see why anyone would do such a thing.
I heard the old goat usually throws pebbles instead of lightning at those with tireless mouths in the middle of a lecture.
“I greatly appreciate the assistance provided even though we failed in our task. Sadly duty calls me elsewhere as some fool has overestimated her authority over some demons and there’s cleanup to do.” He stands up and places a scroll on the table. “It was a pleasure meeting you Elyssia and if you or your friend were ever interested in keeping the unruly criminals of Ebroden in check just present this recommendation to the council in Epros.” He smiles sweetly as if we became best palls during our too-long time together. “May the hands of Hector make us meet again.”
As he leaves the room the other knights file out after him and completely vacate the corridor at last.
May you die on accident along the way. May you choke on your next meal. May neither side of your pillow be cold when tonight. Stupid Magisterium pricks.
“C’mon little devil, I don’t want to spend another minute here.” Martha waves and we exit the interrogation room that I know all too well by now. As we pass sculptures and pictures she speaks again. “Don’t judge the entirety of the Magisterium based on this one small fry!” How does she know, again? “Their work likely saves more lives a year than the Fist takes. The offer he gave you is of incredible value so what do you-”
“Don’t ask stupid questions.” I huff before she can even finish. It’s my time to read minds. “They might earn well and can boss around people but from what you told me they lose a thing very important to me. Let me ask you this, can they choose their tasks? When and where to go?”
“I’m not questioning your loyalty or anything Eli, I know you well enough that just because of Damian you would never even consider joining Epros.” Damn right. “And yes, their work is a lot more… rigid.”
Whatever, I’m good.
We leave the outside beautiful inside deserted building and Martha stops us just on the bottom of the steps. “Wait for it.” She says and that’s what we do, wait.
For what we wait, I don’t know and I don’t really care as a few minutes are nothing compared to the days of utter waste of time just to get my adventuring pass back. Not a real pass, I can just leave the city now. Anyway, bureaucracy sucks.
It doesn’t require much of my already saintly patience to find out why we stopped. Bodies, winged and four-legged blot out the sun as about twelve of them take to the sky. Most would expect griffons to be about the size of lions since that’s the base they were designed upon but that is a gross underestimate. Even comparing them to bears would be akin to dogs cats and panthers.
And man those things are freaking cool. Riding like that does earn big cookie points for the Magisterium job…. Still a firm no, just a little less harsh.
“They arrived from the north the day your father returned with news about the chimeras. Epros is to the east.” Martha points out while we observe the disappearing figures. “This was not the first such incident.”
That would explain how and why they got here so fast. I would be in a hurry too if a lunatic was running around the continent, creating abominations like that and it was my job to prevent it.
“So are you gonna stuck to reading and pumping levels into that second Class of yours once you decided on something or is it time to stretch your legs?” Martha asks with a slight smile.
Yeah, it’s best I don’t delay that any longer. Fighting anyone breathing and willing back in the Fort, including my Bennett and my parents did earn me four levels and quite some progress with my Skills. And way more losses than I’ll ever admit. Not a lot for an entire month’s work but I took it easy and it was closer to friendly spars than whatever I had against Val.
In all those cases I lacked something quite crucial that could’ve given me a slight edge if only I was able to make up my fucking mind. I have to choose a second Class, it’s driving me crazy. Last night I barely slept going through all the possibilities.
Do I want to fight like Mom and get myself a Warrior Class, or double down on Mage, or maybe a Rogue to focus on speed and even a little stealth? Everyone loves the element of surprise.
Or maybe even something not necessarily fighting-related. Hell, the ability to heal myself… man I’m something so jealous of Val. Or something that’ll help me get the most out of the Academy, a Class focused on learning and understanding… stuff. I’d also love to explore the locations I saw on the map back in the goblin cave. Our visit to that underground whatever-that-was turned out quite fruitful. And then there’s doing that…
“Let’s get back.” I tell Martha. “I can’t let Val pull ahead anymore.”
The damn brute just went for another melee option, this one a little speedier. This means she moves faster and hits harder meanwhile I just… okay, Focal Mana Trance, is pretty awesome but it can’t compete with an entire Class.
“Do you already have something in mind?” Martha asks as we walk.
“Nope.” I proudly declare, ready to roll the dice the same way I did when deciding on the arcane element.
***
Back in the mess hall, not the real one but the one in my head, with pretty plates on every table and a distinct lack of people. No food either so the real one wins, by a lot. The place looks a little less dilapidated but it’s still clear not everything is back in its old glory.
“Plates, to me!” I command and they gather around the owner of this soulscape.
[Merciless Murdrer of Rabbits - Wind] [Brawling Mage - Wind], [Incinerating Presence - Fire], [Grounded Fighter - Earth], [Mana Scribe - Water], [Fiend of the Night - Dark], [Plasmancer - Fire], [Serated Blade - Wind], [Dagger Dancer - Wind], [Finder of the Forgotten - Light], [Eternal Duo - Life], [Camping Expert - Nature], [Lousy Thief - Dark], [Agent of the Law - Metal]
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
It’s a lot and I’m gonna ignore most of them right away.
“Wait. Now that I think about it… something is missing.” I mutter, looking around in search of that certain unruly purple light. I forgot about it the last time because of how much I enjoyed smashing plates but shouldn’t it be around somewhere, taunting me and whatnot? “No, it’s best not to think about that stupid scam right now.”
Anyway, skip, not bad but I mostly made that combo to take down Val without actually using fire, skip, skip, skip… Okay, let’s just focus on the interesting ones. Mages don’t brawl, I only fight uniquely close with my magic. Fire magic is a little boring at this point and although a dedicated Class could provide me with some handy passives for the element, I can’t see anything awesome enough to warrant wasting an entire slot.
“Now this one is tempting.” I make [Fiend of the Night - Dark] float closer. “Dark blue right off the bat.”
Its rarity isn’t insane but considering I’m merely at the first milestone for my second slot… really shows how much attributes and feats matter.
A quick read reveals that this is indeed a stealthy Class and that it’s all about the gigs we did back in Salermo. Which is unfortunate because intimidation and other minor crimes were what we did and thus they are the main focus of the Class. Not to mention I don’t want anything related to that place…
[+2 Free Points, +2 Might, +4 Speed, +3 Endurance, +2 Mana, +1 Willpower +2 Intelligence, +2 Focus per level]
What a shame…
[Plasmancer - Fire] is an absolute gem in this pile of… pretty solid choices actually. I’m just a little too picky. Anyway, a light blue Class, this early on means its future prospects are stellar, not to mention the magic trick it’s all about is also maybe the most potent in my arsenal.
[Plasmancer - Fire]
Requirement: The ability to wield the mysterious fourth state of matter and bring destruction using the force of a star. 600 Intelligence, 600 Focus 300 Mana
“The power of a star… I like the sound of that.” I nod, getting tempted the further I read.
You dance on the edge of creation and destruction, wielding the raw fire of stars and the crackling breath of storms. Cloaked in an incandescent glow, you summon the chaos of plasma to shape it to your will and bring destruction. With every motion, you blur the line between wisdom and sorcery, channeling energies that sear the heavens and light the darkest void.
“Mmmh, nice. Very nice.” I groan, liking this option more and more.
[+2 Endurance, +5 Mana, +3 Willpower +4 Intelligence, +3 Focus, +2 Fortitude per level]
What can I say? I’m impressed. By myself.
Let’s quickly check the rest of them goodies before my self-control gives in.
[Dagger Dancer - Wind]
“Would this make me better at dancing or just mix things up?” I’m slightly curious but not all that tempted. “Considering it does offer speed and some melee combat I won't rule it out, but not a strong candidate.”
[Finder of the Forgotten - Light]
If I were already strong enough and fighting some noble scions wasn’t expected of me I’d likely take this. Also, I doubt there are any ancient ruins in the Academy anywhere around Sereban.
[Eternal Duo - Life]
I’d be lying if I said I’m not delighted to see this. I love being around Val, more than even my parents probably, and I’ll always prefer doing things together… for the foreseeable future. But once she frees her people…
While this Class might greatly empower us both while we stay close and have that certain bond between us I know she won’t always be by my side. Be that during a simple duel or… I don’t know I can’t imagine it yet.
And it wouldn’t be fair toward her either, using this Class as an indirect binding. But that’s a tomorrow Eli problem, right now it really made my day.
“The remaining ones…” I check the few plates still waiting for their turn. “Is this a joke?”
[Agent of the Law - Metal]
“What law? I probably racked up about a few dozen charges in…” I keep reading.
Requirement: Aided in upholding the sacred law of the arcane and protecting the continent according to the Epros Conventions…
“Ah, that.” I nod. “I should probably read through those one day. Maybe they have written down some great ideas on how not to use magic.” And with that, the list of options is exhausted. “Plasmancer is pretty cool. The rest, not so much.” I stack the useless plates back on the table. “But I already have something in mind.”
[Mana Scribe - Water]
I know, quite lame compared to Plasmancer but solid foundations matter and that stupid bitch refused to teach me even though I rarely ask for anyone’s help. Well, now I’m interested and don’t know about any other way of making it go away than rolling my sleeves up and doing it myself.
The requirements are nothing extraordinary, and the description is just what one would expect. It’s a Class about writing stuff and doing that with a tinge of mana but it gives me the Skill I need and some stats even if it won't change anything in the short term.
I have no experience with crafting be that baskets or weapons but it’s never too late to learn.
[+1 Free Points, +4 Mana, +2 Willpower +2 Intelligence, +5 Focus per level]
“Fuck it, I’ll make this Class work even in combat. People believed the arcane element to be mostly useless and guess what?” I grab the plate without a second thought and accept the Class.
***
[Congratulations, you’ve changed your Class to [Mana Scribe - Water] lvl 9 -> 18, +1 Free Points, +3 Dexterity +3 Mana, +2 Willpower +2 Intelligence, +3 Focus.]
Eh, not all that surprising.
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the skill [Shimmering Lines lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the skill [Precise Hands lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the skill [Cram lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the skill [Beauty in the Craft lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the skill [Penmanship lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Shimmering Lines: Letters are more than mere symbols, they are conduits of intention, humming with latent energy. Each stroke breathes life unto the surface, as the glowing lines ripple with meaning and magic.
Not exactly what I need… I’m not an expert but making pretty glowing letters doesn’t exactly grasp the essence of inscriptions. But it’ll do for now. I’ll chew through this Class in no time and get my hands on something nice.
Precise Hands: A steady hand is what brings thoughts and ideas to reality while precision is indispensable for anyone having at least a smidgen of self-esteem. Be proud of your work and do it right.
Cram: Inspiration and greatness do not wait for anyone unlike the bed that will stay where you left it. Act now and sleep later, there’s much to do!
I guess. This will surely come in handy for what I have planned.
Beauty in the Craft: There’s a lot more to creating something than its function, more than rigid parts made by hollow eyes and cold hands. Pour your soul into your work and rely not just on reason to guide your hands but also on a sense of completeness is beauty.
Yes, very yes, absolutely. Looks are absolutely a key factor in anything I’ll ever make.
Penmanship: Some swordsmen could win a duel even in their sleep with how proficient they are at wielding their weapon, so don’t let anything stop you from being a master of your tool or writing essays in your sleep!
What is this cursed Skill? Do I have to?
I’ll take them all thank you, very much. Not exactly an inscriptionist Class quite yet and that’s completely fine. I’m not sure if the whole crafting ordeal really is for me and even if its a bust I can just make use of this whole scribe and studying thing in the Academy.
Elyssia
Age: 13
Celestial Elf
Mana: 9836/1098
Free Points: 32
+1263/hour (-397)
Might: 18
Intelligence: 1181
Mana: 1098
Speed: 461
Focus: 1269(+327)
Willpower: 1263
Endurance: 270
Dexterity: 160
Fortitude: 170
General Skills:
Savant lvl 86
Identify lvl 88
Dodging lvl 95
Pain Tolerance lvl 46
Premonition lvl 98
Survival lvl 64
Maintained Magic lvl 82
Martial Instinct lvl 69
I. Class: Nature’s Partner in the Dance - Arcane 116
Arcane Mastery lvl 99
Action for Reaction lvl 94
Mana Perception lvl 95
Focal Mana Trance lvl 89
Ethereal Stage lvl 68
Rhythmic Strides lvl 62
II. Class: Mana Scribe - Water lvl 18
Shimmering Lines lvl 1
Precise Hands lvl 1
Cram lvl 1
Beauty in the Craft lvl 1
Penmanship lvl 1
III. Class: *Locked*
“Good enough.” I’m not one to give high praises, even to myself. Although this one will serve me exceptionally well.
“Took you long enough.” Martha steps into my room not even five seconds after I’ve opened my eyes. “Your mother is waiting for you at the reception.”
Urgh, not now Mom. I still have a haughty blacksmith to drive nuts and new Skills to test.
“On my way.” Of course, I value my life more than to bring up those complaints.
“So, what are we working with.” Martha welcomes me with sparkling eyes. I’m still in my street clothes so I left my room right away.
“Nothing much, a humble Mana Scribe.” I confuse her right away as it’s obvious she’s following me to observe more of my newfound magical brilliance. That has absolutely nothing to do with Savant.
She merely blinks before catching up to me. “Wha- Wait, are you-”
“Yep.” I confirm her suspicion. As expected, the old hag is sharp.
We make some small talk about my whimmy, its viability, and what other options were realistically on the table before Mom’s grinning face comes into view.
“Pack up, we have a job!” She declares.
“When did I lose my say in things?” I mutter, dejected and moppy but still compliant.
“Happened right after I pushed you out of my body.” She chuckles. “Now, chop-chop, this one is a bit time-sensitive.”