Chapter 12: Homework

Mercedes pressed a hand against her abdomen as she rested the stack of books she carried against the inn’s second-floor railing. The stew and its bonus rewards had left her feeling overly stuffed, though she was grateful to feel rested and refreshed.

The Sparrow took a slow breath and exhaled, hoping her stomach would adjust to its somewhat engorged state. ‘Perhaps I should forgo those extra stats until I’m used to eating a full meal.’

She found her room on the third floor, loosened the knob, and pushed the door open with her hip. It still bothered her that there were no keys or locks in this world for something as private as a room, but then again, she had minimal experience with privacy since becoming a Sparrow.

‘It’s not like I have much to steal either—or at least, I didn’t before now.’

Mercedes frowned as she set the Mystic Primers on the empty bed and picked up her quest reward. The ribbon-wrapped fushia pink box shimmered with a purple aura that rippled around her fingertips as she examined it.

‘It seems rather small. Should I open this now or save it for tomorrow morning? Does the auto equip work if I’m already dressed, or should I remove my old uniform first?’

Her gut gurgled unpleasantly, causing the albino’s pale brows to pinch together as she set aside the reward containing her new Academy Uniform.

‘Let's wait until my stomach settles down at least.’

The Sparrow glanced over her newly acquired bank account ring and Nexus bracelet as she sat down on the corner of the bed. She was particularly eager to learn how to use the ring’s second function.

‘If I could just figure out how to open the magic storage, I wouldn’t have to carry around my books and other belongings, especially the printed genetic graph from the Arcane Essence Analyzer.’

Mercedes had a good idea of how the function was meant to work. Magic was the obvious key, and since the emerald band had been attuned to her blood and magic signature, it should only work for her, a security measure she was eager to take advantage of. “If only I knew how to infuse magic energy into it.”

With a frustrated sigh, the Sparrow dropped her hand and allowed her gaze to return to the stack of thin books that awaited her inspection.

‘Well, if I want to understand magic better, those Mystic Primers are as good a place as any to start.’

She grabbed the primers, took a seat on the cool floor panels with the mattress and wooden frame behind her, then laid out each book and focused on the quest screen in the corner of her vision.

[Would you like to activate [Quest Insight] for your currently active quest?]

Mercedes offered the screen a sarcastic eye-roll. “Obviously, since I can’t complete the quest without it.” She selected [yes] and turned her attention to the books, reading the titles presented on tiny screens that hovered above the cloth covers.

* Pathways to Power I: Understanding Basic Primary Stats.

* Pathways to Power II: Understanding Complex Secondary Stats.

* Awakening the Arcane: A Primer to Harnessing Magical Essence and Energy.

* Mystical Essence Unraveled: A Beginner’s Guide to Magic Theory.

‘Apprentice Sasha recommended the first Pathways to Power, but if I want to use my ring—Awakening the Arcane would be a better choice.’

The Sparrow picked up the violet book and opened to the first page. A wall of gibberish greeted her, prompting a sharp twist of anxiety in Mercedes’s gut before [Quest Insight] provided another screen of translation over the page. It took a while for the transcribed information to settle into a digestible form inside the albino’s mind. Still, eventually, she was able to make sense of the knowledge imparted to her telepathically.

[Lesson One: What is Magic Essence?]

In the Mystic Realms, a powerful concentration of magical energy called Magic Essence exists in all living creatures. This raw and untamed energy flows through the earth, sea, and sky, providing energy and potency to life in the realms. Mystics harness this energy to create spells, enchantments, and magical creations.

Magic Crystals are the most potent source of magic essence found in the Mystic Realms. They are organic crystals that store untainted magic energy, similar to the innate power of natural-born Mystics. By harnessing the power of these crystals, spellcasters can access pure magic essence, which improves their power core, allowing them to cast complex spells and create magical objects, potions, and enchantments.

‘Wait—crystals? As in the same crystals they use for currency here?’ Mercedes glanced down at the emerald ring on her right hand curiously. ‘So, I have fifty magic crystals I could draw raw magic essence from—if only I knew how to do that or even how to open the damn inventory function.’ Gripping the pages tighter, the albino resumed the lesson.

Magic essence is not just limited to physical objects, but also exists as an intangible, ethereal force that can be sensed and harnessed by spellcasters connected to the Mystic Realms. It is the lifeblood of the Primordials, flowing from the Primordial Chaos Realm into the lower realms, imbuing every living creature, plant, stone, rune, and magical item with mystical energy, forming a vast web that connects all things within the realms.

‘Magic is a Primordial’s lifeblood? So, does that mean without magic, Primordials wouldn’t exist—or the other way around?’ Mercedes shook her head as she rubbed her brow and temple, which felt tight and uncomfortable. ‘Even with [Quest Insight] doing the reading for me, all this information is giving me a headache.’

The quality of magic essence and crystals varies based on the Primordial realm they belong to. The Arcanum's Archives of Mystic Knowledge contains records of the following magical essences:

* Arcane Essence

* Fire Essence

* Air Essence

* Earth Essence

* Water Essence

* Spirit Essence

* Lightning Essence

* Ice Essence

* Divine Essence

* Fae Essence

* Blood Essence

* Death Essence

* Shadow Essence

* Demonic Essence

* Celestial Essence

* Chaos Essence

* Void Essence

It is important to note that the fusion of differing essences into a single crystal is possible due to natural energy convergence. However, this convergence is limited due to the incompatibility and instability of certain essence categories. Please see [Essence Convergence: The Mystical Art of Crystal Formation.]

‘There’s a lot more essences than I’d thought there would be,’ Mercedes mused. Her brows furrowed as she turned the page and then rubbed her gurgling stomach.

Magic essence, in its many forms, is a core component of any magical workings. It is the vital force spellcasters use to manipulate, shape, or influence the fabric of reality, alter natural phenomena, or create supernatural occurrences.

Ultimately, magic essence represents the primal, transformative power of Primordials that fuels the practice of magic in the Mystic Realms, allowing spellcasters to tap into the rich tapestry of mystical energy and shape it to their will.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

[Here ends Lesson One. Do you want to continue?]

“Nope,” Mercedes groaned as she closed the primer and clenched her eyes shut. She pressed the book's spine against her lips and took a slow, unsteady breath as she fought against the growing wave of unpleasantness in her gut, accompanied by a sudden sweat that had broken out across her forehead, back, and armpits. “Sh-shit!”

‘I need to puke.’

A frantic scan of the room and under each bed revealed nothing that resembled a chamber pot. The Sparrow bit back a laugh as she dropped the primer and rolled cautiously to her feet, breathing through clenched teeth as she hugged her stomach and headed to the bedroom door.

‘I need to find a toilet or sink. There has to be a lavatory around here somewhere, right?’

The sharp, burning pain twisting inside her abdomen crawled up toward her lungs and throat as Mercedes threw the door open and stepped outside.

‘The receptionist would know—but I don’t think I can make it downstairs.’ The Sparrow gripped the door frame as she moved the hand from her stomach to her mouth. ‘Do I even have a choice?’

Some part of her mind took over, guiding the albino towards the stairs as Mercedes leaned against the wall and focused on breathing through clenched teeth. Each inhale threatened to push her closer to disaster.

“Are you alright?”

A male voice froze the albino in her tracks as she glimpsed a pair of black boots with silver buckles in front of another room with its door slightly ajar.

“Lavatory,” Mercedes hissed out.

“Sorry?”

“Where is—the lavatory?”

“I—don’t know what that is?”

‘Fuck. Mystics probably have a different name for it.’

“Bathroom—outhouse—toilet?” the albino rambled out between sharp breaths before the first wave of not-yet-digested food surged up the back of her throat.

“You mean the washroom?”

The Sparrow nodded vigorously against the hand clamped over her mouth.

“Other end of the hall. Last door on your left.”

Mercedes spun around and bolted down the hall, fumbling briefly with the doorknob before she stumbled inside. Three curtained showers awaited her gaze to the left, while a decent-sized counter with two sinks framed the right wall. Her pink eyes snapped to the opposite end of the room where the two toilet stalls stood crammed between a single window. She quickly entered the one on the left, where she emptied the contents of her ungrateful stomach into the sparkling porcelain bowl and tried not to notice the unique pallet of colors and smell presented to her.

When the waves of sickness ebbed, the Sparrow slapped the stall door behind her closed, then sank to the floor beside the toilet with her back to the greyish-blue plaster wall. The albino’s throat burned, and her ribs ached, but she could breathe normally again.

‘I wonder if this negates the bonus I earned earlier?’

Mercedes grimaced and leaned forward to tug a few sheets of the brown toilet paper from a wooden box fixed to the stall wall to wipe her mouth and chin, then flung it in the bowl before yanking the chain to flush.

A few cautious minutes later, the albino left the stall and wandered over to the sink, where she rinsed the unpleasant remnants from her mouth and face. The Sparrow sighed as she gazed at the transparent rectangular mirror above the counter.

There was nothing appealing about the scrawny, pasty pale creature who stared back at her with an unpleasant grimace. The damp ends of her ghostly white hair clung to her sharp cheeks and narrow neck, her pale lips were barely noticeable, and the redness around her eyes only heightened their unnatural color.

‘I haven’t seen a reflection of myself since….’

Mercedes used the sleeve of her linen shirt to dry her mouth, reluctant to use the towel provided, which others would be forced to touch, however unwittingly. She left the bathroom, pausing to examine the empty hall before returning to her room, silently cursing at herself for leaving the door ajar as she closed it behind her.

Her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room as the Sparrow leaned against the door, listening for sounds of movement. Once satisfied that no threat awaited her, the albino examined her recently obtained possessions carelessly left within view. At first glance, nothing appeared disturbed or taken, though Mercedes frowned at the Mystic Primers lined up on the floor. She didn’t remember stacking the violet book she had been reading on top of the darker purple book about magic theory.

‘Then again, I wasn’t paying attention.’

Mercedes sighed as she walked past the abandoned homework, opened the casement window, and inhaled the crisp, clean night air.

Beneath the shadows cast by the burning line of sinking sunlight reflected against a thousand glass windows—the city was breathtakingly beautiful. In the adjacent buildings, the Sparrow could make out Mystics of various races moving behind half-lowered curtains, their windows now closed and illuminated by soft candlelight.

The Citadel appeared much smaller in size and miles away as it hovered above another section of the lower district. Even from this distance, the unmistakable glow of an arcane barrier glimmered around the floating castle. Mercedes smiled grimly at the challenge.

‘Getting past a barrier of that size will probably be a lot more complicated than Eldermoor Keep’s enchanted dungeon gate.’

To weaken the security of this city, she would have to deal with the Citadel first, and entering the Academy as a student provided her the perfect means to access it.

‘Unexpected stroke of luck aside, I should take things slowly from here. There’s a lot I still don’t know about the realms, and Vortexus will be out of contact until I find a solution. In the meantime—I still have homework to complete.’

The Sparrow sighed as she closed the window and returned to her seat on the floor. Praying that an empty stomach would at least reduce the chances of another distraction, she opened the violet Mystic Primer to continue with the next lesson.

[Lesson Two: Magic Essence, Ley Lines, and Titans.]

As previously discussed, magic essence can be obtained from nearly every living creature in the Mystic World. Inferior and Common crystals can be scavenged from the corpses of most creatures and monsters who have matured from [Youngling] to [Adolescent]. They can also be obtained by chance while gathering natural resources such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, wood, ore, fur, and other crafting materials.

For higher quality crystals, one must defeat and scavenge the bodies of realm creatures and monsters of [Elder], [Matriarch/Patriarch], and [Sovereign] status. The more mature each specimen is, the more likely a higher quality magic crystal will be obtained. However, [Matriarchs] and [Sovereigns] are much harder to find as they reside in highly ranked dungeons or hunting zones.

The rarest rank of monsters belongs to the sentient [Mythical Guardians] who, while still classified as monsters, possess the intellect of Mystics and often serve as guardians of the realms. To those capable of brokering a contract with these ancient wonders, a [Mythical Guardian] can serve as a formidable guide, protector, and weapon.

A smile tugged at the corner of the albino’s pale lips as she turned the page. ‘Looks like there will be more hunting in my future. I wonder if zombies drop crystals in the realms?’

Ley lines are the primary source of magic crystals in each realm and are pathways that carry the essence of a Primordial's power. The convergence points formed by overlapping ley lines result in an abundance of magic energy, creating the perfect environment for a magical city or dungeon to form.

The richest reservoirs of pure, raw magic crystals are controlled by the Titans, who govern each realm on behalf of their Primordial Master. The Titans protect these crystal mines and the sacred ley lines that create them to maintain order, balance, and stability within the realm.

Titans are powerful beings capable of harnessing magical forces and nurturing their followers. They have a profound understanding of the magical realms and can grant rewards through the Mystic Emporium. The Titans' knowledge comes from their connection to the Primordials, who granted them this authority.

‘Titans, huh? I wonder when I’ll meet one of those face-to-face.’ The Sparrow shivered as she recalled the intimidating phoenix-dragon she had seen briefly outside the Divine Realm’s Portal. ‘Hopefully not for a while.’

In order for a Mystic or Spellcaster to access the Mystic Emporium, they must be tethered to a Primordial through a Titan of their choosing. Communicating with a Titan is both an honor and a privilege. For more information on contacting and communicating with higher beings, please see [A Spiritual Guide to Communication Channels].

[Here ends Lesson Two. Do you want to continue?]

‘Not more reading,’ Mercedes groaned as she closed the primer, enveloping the room in sudden darkness as the pale blue light from the [Quest Insight] screen vanished. “I just want to know how to use this damn ring.” The Sparrow dropped her head back against the comforting pressure of the mattress and closed her eyes, trying—and failing—to ignore the growing hunger within her emptied stomach.

[Notice! The Kingdom of Elysian of Mundane World 1314 has fallen to the undead hordes of Necrothorn. Twenty-eight million souls have perished and entered the Realm of Thanaterus. Three million souls remain.]

[Notice! Titan Necrothorn wishes to open a communication channel with the Harbinger, who assisted in the destruction of Serenitus’s Temple. Access Restricted. Attempt Unsuccessful.]

[Alert! Primordial Thanaterus has taken an interest in your perplexing existence. The Primordial of Death, Shadows, and the Undead will continue to monitor your progress. Tread carefully, Initiate.]

The room resumed its gloomy darkness once more as the blinding notification screens all faded from view, leaving Mercedes to sit in silence, contemplating their meaning, until she could summon a fitting response.

“Fuck.”