Udit ‘Diya’ Sen’s journal couldn’t have come at a better time. Heavenly bodies remained malleable until their mana value reached sixteen, and the planetoid graduated to a full-fledged planet. As a result, Nox still had the freedom to tweak and edit the stored spell script as long as the skeleton remained more or less the same. The literature on the subject claimed that gradual changes allowed aether practitioners to eventually replace the entire structure, but Nox had never spent long enough at the relevant change to confirm the fact.
Even though Udit had done substantial research on reversed runes and spell forms, Nox found no direct improvements to Temporal Reversal. Instead, he found a tidy, short script labeled mana amplifier. It reduced the mana cost of spells by a tenth. Attaching the script to simple and cheap spells made little sense. In fact, Nox believed they’d consume valuable space in the heavenly body, which was better utilized for adding power or versatility. However, he now had three spells, which could benefit from reduced mana cost.
Each individual Fold Step didn’t consume much mana, but the drain added up when the situation demanded multiple consecutive casts. When Nox tested the mana amplification script with Temporal Reversal, the total cost was reduced by fifteen. Much to his surprise, the planetoid also recovered half its mana. He wasn’t sure how, but the script also reduced the held energy by five. It wasn’t a lot, but Nox believed he’d eventually be able to expand the spell’s effects to multiple targets, and every extra unit of mana would prove valuable.
Nox tested the script with Spatial Reversal. The reduction in the sustained cost of channeling made the spell better for personal use and left Nox wondering whether dedicating a planet to spatial shaping was in his best interests. In the end, he decided to leave the mana amplification function out of the documents for Liesel Wyrd and the university. Noble families and nations kept arcane secrets all the time. It helped them maintain their superiority and power over the masses. It was time Nox did the same.
“This is impressive work,” Professor Wyrd said, mouth hanging agape. “Have you patented this yet?”
“I have,” Nox replied. “The spell on a whole, individual function script, and a few rune segments too. I believe wards, prisons, and traps born of this spell will prove popular among delvers, war mages, and political powers. I’d like to be compensated and credited for my efforts.”
“That’s fair but unfortunate. Organizations in my profession would’ve paid the value of your entire empire for the rights to the spell. You have no idea how challenging it can be to trap and imprison powerful mages. Spatial magic is unknown and rare enough such that even the most talented and connected would struggle to break free.”
“So, what do you think? Is it good enough to pass Intermediate Manipulation?”
“In my opinion, this is more of an advanced shaping spell,” Liesel Wyrd answered, making notes in the heavy ledger she carried. “However, you have all the necessary techniques to meet the minimum pass requirements. Even though you haven’t shared the script, your Fold Step would’ve been sufficient for passing the course.” The professor smiled. “Congratulations. With this, you’ve met the combat and practical requirements for your wizard title. I understand you got the artisanal bits done quite some time ago.”
Nox nodded. “I’ve completed my papers for Understanding Binary Systems and Advanced Mana Theory. If they’re accepted, I will have completed the research component too. Intermediate Ward Crafting will be a nice bonus. Then I’m done here. As a student, at least.”
“Don’t tell me you’re considering a teaching position? Did Professor Sen peg you as a Spell Weaving teacher?”
“Oh, no! I don’t think I have the time for that,” Nox replied, laughing. “But a research position could be great. There’s a lot yet to be done with spatial magic. Capital isn’t an issue, but gifted research assistants and access to the staff library might prove invaluable.”
“I know we’ve had this discussion before, but I’d like to try one last time,” Liesel Wyrd said, standing straighter than before. She straightened her clothes, and her smile turned more friendly than professional. “Don’t think of me as a professor anymore. Henceforth, I’m your peer. After recent events, my organization is more important than having you than ever. It's the same for Joey Greengrasse. The pair of you excel at covert operations and have a nose for cultist activity. We might not yet know who the bastards were, but thanks to you, we have leads. The Cabal is in the City of Ygg, and I want to be the one to bring them down.”
“But you need my help to do so.” Nox sighed. “I’m sorry, Liesel. You’re clearly great at what you do, and we appreciate your help. However, I’ve decided to go in a different direction.”
Liesel Wyrd’s eyes narrowed. “You’re working with someone else.”
Nox shrugged. “I suppose you could say so. Running the business is my top priority. If a role lets me help the world passively without interfering with my primary objectives, I’m not averse to considering them. Joining a cult-hunting organization or working for anyone in an official capacity is far too demanding in my limited time. We can cooperate like we have, but it's for the best if we maintain a professional and social distance.”
“Are you sure I can’t change your mind?”
Nox nodded.
“Very well.” The professor sighed. “Thank you for humoring me.” She paused. “Did you find out anything regarding Perry the Spider? My people have been investigating him and his people, but we found nothing.”
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“The evidence against them is certainly condemning,” Nox stated. “I’ve sent out my feelers, and my spies are looking out for any mention of him. As soon as we know something, I plan to present my findings to the Council of Ygg.”
“Us too. I’m glad we have your cooperation on the matter.” Liesel Wyrd offered Nox her hand, and he shook it. “It was nice working with you, Sir Nox Ratra. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
“Thank you.” Nox turned his back on the woman and walked away, glad to have ended the relationship on a positive note. He didn’t like how the woman personally operated, but she seemed competent and worked in the people’s interests.
The day was far from over, and Nox hoped to complete two more courses. It was almost lunchtime, and he made a beeline for the research department. First, he submitted his Advanced Mana Theory dissertation. Nox immediately felt figuratively and literally lighter. The stack of parchments was almost six inches thick. Besides written notes, Nox also included diagrams and spellforms from various stages of the technique’s development. He expected it would take a week before he heard back from the department. After all, it wasn’t just his professor who needed to look over the document. The department’s dean also needed to sign off on it. After the failed research proposal, Nox guessed he had lost the man’s favor and hoped he’d remain professional and not let it affect his judgment.
Aria thought it cheeky, but Nox also left a note at the end of the document. It asked for a meeting before the semester’s end. He hinted at another research proposal. Instead of gravity, Nox wanted to explore other avenues of spatial magic. Spatial locking and shaping had potential in and out of combat.
Next, he visited Professor Eugene Moyo with an essay on his experience of gaining a Binary star system, fixing the issues caused, and the anomalies around the rare existence. He wrote extensively about his planet count and believed the new questions would intrigue the researcher enough to grant more than just a passing mark. Even though he seemed satisfied, Eugene Moyo refused to give Nox an answer straight away and requested more time to go over the document.
Fortunately, he got good news during the final visit of the day. His Intermediate Ward Crafting professor was so impressed with Nox’s trap wards and his demonstration of creating them with Finesse Shaping and Live Spell Weaving, Nox received a pass straight away. Nox also received a request to collaborate in their further study and development. Unwilling to give out his secrets, Nox refused to commit to anything. It was too big a source of possible profit to make public. The noncommittal answers failed to do their job, and Nox expected to hear from the professor again in the near future.
A few weeks remained until the semester’s end, but Nox considered it complete. Whether he was done with his student life or not was now in the research department’s hands. The title of Wizard was far too valuable for the growth of his business. It would win him continent-wide respect. If the dissertation fails to do the job, Nox intends to sign up for another semester and continue trying. He would make another attempt at Advanced Mana Theory with a paper on essences and the possibility of growing them. If not, there were advanced courses dedicated to wardsmithing. Nox was sure that trading secrets regarding his battle wards would get him the necessary accolades.
“I'm undecided,” Caitlin said. “I have met all the necessary requirements for graduation. Delving freely without Grandmother criticizing my every decision and move would be excellent. On the other hand, my handle on the water elemental isn't as good as it should be. I don't think I'll unlock its full potential until my Manipulation abilities improve. A few courses in the War Mage department might go a long way too. I need more practice fighting aether warriors and human foes.”
“I'll join you for the latter,” Joey said. “Alexander, too. We all rely on our magic too much. Martial skills could benefit us all.”
“Couldn't we just spar with Brianna for that?” Alexander asked.
“It's the variety of opponents that we need,” Caitlin answered. “If I continue for another semester or two, I'd like to focus on learning to fight human foes, Manipulation, and perhaps Life Magic. I've been only using Life for self-regeneration and preparing my armor.”
“Don't tell me you're considering adding golems to the mix like mum?” Alexander frowned
“Why not?” Caitlin shrugged. “Using Life Magic and the consciousness for my elementals to grow a secondary armor that helps out in fighting could be incredible. I don't know. It's just a thought. My mana system might not be able to support it, but the option could be incredible.”
“Grandmother wants to train me in golem creation as well.” Alexander sighed. “Apparently, golem creation is an essential element of druid education. Squirrels aren't enough for defense. She wants me to master construction as well. I'll miss just being in classes. Myrina Woodson is a mean taskmaster.”
“So, chances are, all but Nox will be back here in a couple of years.” Joey laughed. “We'll miss you.”
“If everything works out, I'll be back on campus as a researcher instead of a student,” Nox said, making room for Aria as she joined them. They didn’t like servants or staff around the suite in the evening, so she had left them to prepare her own drink. It carried the familiar aroma of Spirit Caller Tea. The baroness-to-be ignored the empty seat and occupied his lap, mirroring Caitlin and Joey's seating arrangement. “Ingrid will join as my assistant. Two space mages are better than one.”
“If it weren't for spirit studies, I'd also be graduating in a few weeks,” Aria said. She had Nox sip from her cup before drinking herself. “But Father insisted I take another semester or two to ensure nothing like what happened with Bi Xi happens again. Befriending spirits for protection sounds pretty incredible as well. Maybe I’ll find an adorable gremlin of my own.”
Otis chuckled, sitting atop a cupboard full of bric-a-brac. Nox let his familiar run free whenever possible. The gremlin enjoyed the material realm, and the time spent on it also appeared to make him smarter. Nox couldn't be sure, but it seemed Otis was also starting to pick up the common tongue.
“I think you should take a combat course or two,” Nox said. “Maybe a basic magic swordsmanship course. I know you already know how to repel assassin's and basic—”
“I know, Fiance.” Aria pushed the cup against Nox's lips to shut him up. “The point is, we'll all be back here again next semester.”
“Maybe,” Caitlin added. “I haven't yet decided if I want to put up with Grandmother. We should still delve into Hogg's Lair from time to time.” She looked between Nox and her brother. “The pair of you shouldn't let your delving instincts get rusty.”
“That's the plan,” Nox said. “I intend to train Ingrid on the higher levels and help her toward Journeyman. She needs real combat experience to get the most out of Spatial Hands.”