187. The Cost of Freedom
Clay is looking at the runic circle he inscribed on a rectangular metal plate lying on a long table. Similar to the basic inscription patterns for Level 1 Spells, it did not have complicated structures. There are some slight variations but the size is enormous about half a meter radius which when compared to the wand he crafted that only has the size of a coin. And this is the reason a 2ND Circle Mage is necessary because a 1ST Circle does not have enough mana pool to complete the pattern.
The inscription is called Vibra Lamp, a Tier 2 human version Inscription with only one function. It sends out frequencies of energies which distorts the Spiritual Qi Circulation of any creature. It is not strong enough to cripple the flow of one’s Qi but enough to mess on someone’s circulation.
All monsters coming out from Spatial Tears have dual cultivations but majority of them relies on Spiritual Qi to support their bodies so by scattering Vibra Lamps across the area of the outburst, this will give soldiers equipped with anti-Vibra an advantage.
Back on the military base where he studied under Kraus, Clay would occasionally observe the location of the Spatial Tear they are guarding and he had always wondered about the towering lighthouses scattered across the mountain range and only know he understood what they are for. It’s a lighthouse but it does not emit light.
Clay was getting ready to call a few men outside to have his inscription checked however, he heard a noise coming from outside.
(Please let us in. This will not take long.)
(May these friends understand. As mages yourselves, I’m sure you don’t like being disturbed.)
(I can feel he had already finished inscribing one set of Vibra Lamp.)
(You’re an important figure we get that but it will be us who ….)
“Let them in.” Clay infused his voice with his mana and spoke towards the direction of the entrance. He did not need to confirm the identity of the people outside but from what was projected on his Godly Eyes, it should be the students from Redivem Magi School who were present during the conference.
Before inscribing today, he had a glimpse on the pattern of the Vibra Lamp used by Elves but he insisted on inscribing a human version and deliberately had his actions known by the man in charge of ingredients. The truth is, he wanted to participate on the subjugation for the entire duration of the Spatial Tear Burst but since he is no longer associated with Erindal, then there is no need to be tied with the royal military as well.
For now, he will go home, live a normal life, wait until his pubic grows, become an adult, maybe roam the world but more importantly, plan his future. That is, assuming of course that the Coin Toss test Nosfera had told him is true, then he would like experience life knowing that there is no Consciousness of the Universe influencing his future. And so far, he had yet to face a real life and death encounter.
Today, he created a perfect instance so they will see no reason to keep him here.
Clay stood to the side and observed as three Elven Mages approached what he inscribed. One of them is Mara whom he met during the briefing.
“You are talented for a young human however this will not do.” One of the Elves carefully spoke while looking the samples Clay had inscribed.
“May these seniors forgive this junior. I am unfamiliar with Elven Inscription.” Clay pretended to be humble. The truth is, given his mana capacity, his confident he can inscribe up to Level Tier Runic Patterns given proper materials.
“Then I’m afraid you’ll have to leave the inscription of Vibra Lamps and all other Level 2 Runic Patterns to us.” Mara said dignified voice.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“This junior understands and will not stand in your way.” Clay slightly bowed then walked towards the exit where the prince’s attendant, Terrence was standing. At the back of his mind, he wanted to clap and pat these proud mages from the back.
When the two were a few meters away from the workshop, Terrence attempted to console Clay.
“If this young master is in need of materials to practice on, I will have it arrange immediately. I believe you are better than the skills of those pointy-eared Mages.”
Clay continued to walk. From his estimate, Terrence is on his mid-forties pretending to be a normal mage however, nothing can be hidden from his Godly Eyes. He guessed that this man is tasked to protect the prince and at the same time, assigned to groom him to become a royal attendant.
He is not entirely opposed to the idea of being connected to the inner circles of the kingdom but from what he had observed, the race to the throne is fierce. Once he gets involved, he can accept killing a few people but after that, he will continue living as their subordinate which is still fine but being surrounded by some noble douche bags with their fancy dresses, he might throw-up their faces.
*Mrggghh!
“May this senior bring me to the Prince. I have something to tell him.”
“The Prince is currently occupied. But first thing in the morning, I will bring you to him.”
Clay paused and looked at Terrence then smiled then continued walking again.
“I know he is busy but this it’s important. I had been meaning to talk to him and it can no longer be delayed.”
“As someone who will be serving the royal in the future, it is imperative you understand their habit and the times they can be disturbed and approached. For now, I will make an exception but make sure you take this heart.”
“I understand, senior.” Clay noticed the change in tone from Terrence. A few seconds ago, Terrence was acting like a respectful servant yet his response just now was imposing.
Clay slowed his pace and followed Terrence.
After a few minutes, the two arrived at another crude building at least a kilometer away from the workshop. This area was constructed to accommodate none other than the prince.
“Ah, Terrence and our little young master. Just in time for dinner.” Unlike earlier, Greyfus was wearing a golden armor but having taken it off, his manly and attractive figure is reflected on those white loose garment. “Weren’t you suppose to be at the workshop working on those Vibra Lamps?”
“We were my prince but the Elves had their standards. I will explain it later. On the other hand though, our young master here has something to talk to you about.”
Upon hearing Terrence response, the warm countenance on Greyfus’ face was immediately replaced with irritation wrinkles started forming in his forehead.
“This better be important otherwise you’ll spend the rest of your time inscribing until you get the patterns right.”
Clay clenched his teeth and slowly exhaled to control himself. If only he could just force his way out and kill everyone.
The past few days, they were still currying his favor but the moment he showed his uselessness, they finally revealed their true colors. It is still within his expectation as long as he gets to sever his connections with them and the moment he gets his answer has arrived.
Clay kneeled on one knee and took out a wooden box from the spatial on his necklace then handed it to Greyfus.
“I was supposed to integrate with that Beast Spirit Essence but unfortunately, I know the limits of my abilities which makes me unworthy of standing by his majesty’s side. Please look for a more suitable candidate.”
Greyfus thought Clay was pulling pranks but upon opening the box, his countenance change changed once more he looked like he found mountains of treasure. “You have the audacity to delay this wonderful gift. Tell me what kind of reward you want, boy.”
Clay took out his necklace where a spatial ring is attached then threw it towards the Greyfus.
“My only wish is to reunite with my family and live a peaceful life. I want my normal life back.” Clay ignored the look on Greyfus face.
Meanwhile, Greyfus could no longer contain his emotions.
“Ha ha ha ha”
Greed is painted all over his face. Just holding the box containing the Beast Spirit Essence felt like a bliss he could already foresee himself as the next king. He smiled and looked at the submissive boy before him.
As the leader of the expedition, he was the first to know about Clay being expelled and at the same time, he learned that Clay was a 2ND Circle Mage. As a successor to the throne, he knew how valuable 2ND Circle Mages are and was willing to invest on Clay and train him to be a retainer.
Under normal circumstances, he would go extremes to make Clay his subordinate and silenced him if he fails but now the situation is entirely different.
“You’re quite smart for your age and I will certainly give grant what you desire but if I hear news you have become my brother’s underling, I will destroy everything and everyone you hold dear. Do you understand?”
“This junior understands.”
“Terrence, drop this boy at Myrikel ‘s and on your way, withdraw a few stashes of gold coins and give it to this boy’s family. Make sure you do it in secret.”
“As you command, my prince.”
Clay felt relieved the prince granted his request without questions.