Chapter 18: Tainted
Astra Profile Name: Mercedes Race: (Tainted) Bloodborne Level: 6 Discipline: [Locked] Vitality: 443 / 528 Stamina: 158 / 187 Magic Energy: 597 / 701 Spiritual Energy: 133 / 145 Experience Points: 2,396.78 / 2,529.82
(Tainted) Bloodborne - Level 6 VIT STA M.ENG S.ENG Secondary INT WIS Gear Points: 11 9 13 5 GP: 3 5 Passive Level Points: 6 6 6 6 PLP: 6 6 Training Points: 0 0 0 0 TRP: 0 0 Skill Buff Points: 0 0 0 0 SBP: 0 0 Bonus Points: 0 0 0 0 BP: 0 0 Total Points: 17 15 19 11 TP: 9 11 Stat Values: 528 187 701 145 SP DMG / ACC: 37 54% Bonus Stats: +1 ELE RES, +1 RES, +2 AGI, +2 Blood Magic, +1 Meditation.
Specialized Stats Mystic Knowledge (MK): 0 Charisma (CHA): 1 Devotion Points: 1,020 DP Karma Points: 7,751,250 KP Karmic Balance: -7,750, 230
[For more information, click below]
[Optional Information: Defensive Stats]
>> Lists all Defensive Stats: P.DEF, M.DEF, S.DEF, and RES.
[Communication Channels: 0/0]
>> Lists all Active Communication Channels available.
(**Locked**)
[Optional Information: Skills]
>> List of all Active and Passive Skills.
(** Two Passive and Three Active Skills Unlocked**)
[Optional Information: Achievements]
>> List of all Achievements and Titles earned.
(**Two new Titles unlocked**)
[Optional Information: Karmic System]
>> Lists the Mystic's standing with each realm, positive and negative
favor with Titans and Primordials, and all active Bounties.
(**Updating...***)
[Optional Information: Mystic Equipment]
>> Lists all worn Equipment and Items.
(**Five new pieces of gear equipped**)
Mercedes was grateful for Nicodemus’s firm grip on her wrist as the information presented to her in each of the four panels that filled her vision, none of which she wanted the Professor to see, made her head spin.
The Sparrow could barely process anything beyond her initial surprise at already being level six. However, she reasoned the experience had likely been earned during the eight months spent rotating on and off night shifts, honing her marksmanship by picking off zombies across the lake that surrounded Eldermoor Keep.
Her attention immediately jumped to the blaring red letters beside Karmic Balance. Mercedes couldn’t be sure, but she suspected this was related to the last lesson in [Pathways to Power I] that she had yet to finish.
‘Why didn’t I start with the primer first like they told me to.’ The Sparrow shut the pointless thought away. ‘Doesn’t matter. I know it isn’t good. And right now, everything I see, Master Nicodemus can see as well.’
The albino felt exposed in ways she hadn’t since the first time Nyxus remade her. Bristling rage fed on the weaker traces of fear, fueling her useless indignation and pride as her jaw unclenched and she snarled, “Let. Go.”
The Professor’s focused gaze gave no indication of hearing her. He remained fixated on Mercedes’s new Astra, and the Sparrow had a sickening feeling he was delving into the other information boxes she had yet to open.
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“Enough,” she growled, fury overtaking caution. “I didn’t give you permission to look!”
[Astra System — Command Acknowledged. System Locked.]
“Aha!” Nicodemus chuckled dryly as his amber-golden eyes finally left the malevolent tattoo. “You catch on quickly, Bloodborne.”
Mercedes yanked her hand away, covering her Master’s mark as she met the Professor’s gaze.
‘Should I kill him? Would that even be possible? I couldn’t take down that High Priestess without Vortexus’s help, and that was in a Mundane world where her powers were already weakened.’
“Be at ease, Initiate,” Nicodemus said as his attention shifted from her covered hand to the albino’s rigid expression. “I would not have accepted you as a student if my interests did not align with those of Titan Astralindar.”
The Sparrow blinked in response as she recalled the quest the Titan had offered her only moments ago.
“I will take you to the temple myself with the rest of the students on the third day of class.” The Professor’s gaze left her, focusing on a screen she couldn’t see, before offering the wary Initiate a pair of gloves. “Normally, we hand these out at the end of the first day after each of you has evaluated your Astra, but in your case, it would be prudent to put them on now.”
Mercedes couldn’t argue with that, so she accepted the final piece of her new uniform.
[Would you like to activate [Quest Insight] for your recently acquired quest reward?]
‘This still counts towards a completed quest? Alright then, sure.’
[Acquired! Initiate Arcane Spellweave Gloves]
Common Initiate Training Gloves crafted of Spellthread Linen. These gloves are inscribed with Journeyman Spellthread Embroidery designed to enhance the wearer’s connection to their power core. The lightweight, supple materials allow the wearer to maintain focus and precision in their spell casting. When infused with magic essence, this garment empowers the wearer to sense the flow of magic essence and exert greater control over their mystical abilities, enhancing their aptitude for spellcasting during Academy Training. [+2 M.ENG. +2 WIS. +1 INT. +1 RES.]
[Notice! Congratulations! You have successfully assembled the ‘Mystic Academy’s Initiate Training Uniform’ set. This crafted uniform is now bound to you, unlocking additional bonus skills available while wearing the complete set.]
When infused with mana, the following utility spells are available to the wearer:
* [Gear Refresh] Your uniform will auto-clean itself once this skill is activated.
* [Gear Mend Fabric] Your uniform will auto-repair itself once this skill is activated.
* [Academy Nexus Teleport] Once activated, this skill will teleport you to Arcanum’s Mystic Academy Nexus Portal.
‘That’s convenient. Or at least it will be whenever I learn how to manipulate magic essence,’ Mercedes mused as she pulled the gloves on, covering her Astra first. ‘Still, based on their description, these gloves will go a long way towards helping with that.’ With her uniform complete, the Sparrow raised her wary gaze to the waiting Professor.
“If you have something to ask or tell me, now would be the time,” Nicodemus said with a quick smile. “Just know that while you remain one of my students, I am bound by the rules of the Academy to protect, guide, and teach you.”
“Are you saying I should trust you?”
“No.” A faint smirk tugged at the corner of the Professor’s lips as he adjusted his glasses and turned towards the stairwell. “I’m saying nothing has changed between us since the moment I saved your life, Initiate. I am simply following the will of my Primordial.”
His comment didn’t provide much reassurance until a sudden spark of clarity struck Mercedes. The Arcane Realm was considered neutral territory because of its Primordials and Titans, and since Arcantheon and Astralindar had expressed an interest in her future potential, they—and the Professor—were not an immediate threat to her.
‘At least for now.’ The albino glanced down at her covered Astra and drew in a calming breath. ‘I should take advantage of their help and favor. At least until I’m strong enough to survive without their support.’
The Sparrow didn’t know how deep her dark Master’s plans for vengeance ran, but there was never any guarantee that today’s allies wouldn’t become tomorrow’s enemies.
“Let’s get back to class, Initiate,” Nicodemus called back as he descended the stairs leading to the floor below. “I have a schedule to keep.”
image [https://www.royalroad.com/dist/img/ornaments/16.png]
The Sparrow didn’t miss the confusion on Raimund’s face when the Professor handed out the Arcane Spellweave Training Gloves to the remaining three Initiates. Lorcon, Hestia, and Dimitri accepted them eagerly and seemed satisfied with the bonuses the completed set offered.
“We will spend the rest of the day reviewing your Primary and Secondary stats,” Nicodemus announced as he returned to the front of the class. “Tomorrow, you will learn several important skills which will become vital to your future growth. Those who have yet to cast their first spell must learn to channel magic internally and externally. Once you’ve mastered that, you’ll begin training your Magic Energy and Stamina, then learn how to replenish your power cores once they’ve been depleted. As for you two—”
The Professor’s silver glasses gleamed as his gaze turned to the two Novices. “Based on your earlier evaluations, there is little I can teach you from these beginner primers. Rather than waste time boring you with the basics, Disciple Sasha will prepare a different training schedule for the remainder of the week until we begin the dungeon tutorial evaluations.”
“As you instruct, Professor,” Karissa said politely, though her expression suggested a hint of relief.
“Then may we return to the training grounds?” Taran added as he dropped all four legs of his chair to the floor. “I wouldn’t mind sparring with a few of the other Novices I’ve seen around the Academy.”
“In a rush to make friends, are we?” Raimund interjected with a hint of cynicism. “I’m sure you’ll get the opportunity before long, but first, you have the Arcane Citizenship Test to review and prepare for.”
“Balance in all things, Novice Taran,” Nicodemus commented neutrally as his clinical gaze ran over the Soul Reaver prodigy. “Here, at the Academy, we honor the pursuit of knowledge, magical prowess, and physical performance with equal reverence. Disciple Sasha will prepare your training accordingly.”
A low hiss followed by a dull clunk preceded the female Disciple’s return.
“Master,” Sasha said anxiously as she rushed through the Basilisk’s door.
“Did Master Danica and her disciple return safely to the Celestial Realm?”
“Well—Yes. But—”
“Then you may take over the Novice’s training for the remainder—”
“Grandmaster Iskander is asking for you!” Sasha blurted out as her olive-green eyes darted worriedly in the direction of the Sparrow. “He said he would be waiting for you in your office.”
The Professor set down his copy of the primer they had been about to review with a sigh. “Not even one day into the new term, and the old fool is interfering yet again.”
Mercedes blinked in quiet surprise at his almost casual remark.
“Master?” Raimund murmured worriedly.
“I leave the Initiates in your care, Disciple Raimund,” Nicodemus declared as he unpinned a pocket watch from his robes. “It is almost lunchtime, so you might as well head over early. I will see you back here for third period. Disciple Sasha, an hour in the training grounds and one hour of research in the library for your Novices should suffice for today.”
“Yes, Professor…”
image [https://www.royalroad.com/dist/img/ornaments/16.png]
“Don’t worry, Master Nicodemus will handle it,” Raimund said as he strode confidently beside the Sparrow, leading the albino and the other three Initiates towards the front of the Academy as a bell tolled from somewhere beyond the mystical building’s walls.
‘Worried about what exactly?’ Mercedes wanted to ask but focused on her surroundings instead as she mapped out what she had seen of the Academy in her head—just in case.
“If you thought your last meal at the Inn was something, wait till you see what the Academy’s Legendary Chef can produce.” The ginger Mystic gestured at two white double doors up ahead that opened before a small group of waiting Mystics. “That’s the Dining Hall. All meals are free for Academy students. Once you learn [Vitality Essence Absorption], the chef’s meals will go a long way toward your progress and training. Just—don’t look her directly in the eyes.”
“What?” Lorcon asked with a snort of humor.
“She’s a Gorgon,” was Raimund’s short explanation, which appeared to answer the stunned Initiate while leaving the Sparrow singled out and confused—as usual.
“So much for the Academy being concerned with our safety,” Hestia whispered. Dimitri said nothing as he tugged a necklace free from beneath his tunic and began muttering something between a spell and a prayer.
‘Or maybe it's some sort of protection charm?’
“What kind of Gorgon are we talking about?” Lorcon pressed, sounding far from reassured.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Raimund replied, pushing the left door open and waving them into the Dining Hall. “The serving line forms on the left side. Don’t stare, scream, and, by the merciful Titans, don’t spill any of your food on the floor—and you’ll do just fine.”
Mercedes raised a brow as she followed the Disciple’s instruction, taking her place behind the other five young Mystics who had formed a line ahead of them. A few of the Mystics glanced back at her with varying expressions of befuddlement and surprise before pointedly ignoring the Initiates entirely. Judging by their lack of badges, the familiar Academy uniform with added shoulder epaulets containing two amethyst ornamental buttons, and the lack of a Disciple Escort, the Sparrow was reasonably confident they were Novices rather than Initiates.
‘This is oddly nostalgic,’ she mused as she selected her tray while maintaining a discrete distance. The line continued toward the billowing wall of steam that rose from the cafeteria’s careful arrangement of fragrant food, which began with vibrant bowls of what she guessed to be freshly plucked and washed vegetables.
Not wanting to stand out more than necessary, Mercedes mimicked the choices of the Mystics in front of her. Starting with a bowl of salad, a plate of pasty white food with crispy skin kept in one of the heated trays, and a helping of what looked like rice and other intricately designed pasta beneath a bubbling pink sauce.
The strange and rather unnerving sensation of being observed pulled the Sparrow's gaze towards the wall of swirling mist that separated the kitchen from the rest of the cafeteria. She shook the feeling away and grabbed a covered bowl of food that resembled floating miniature purple balloons, then continued on to a tray of beverages in blue, red, yellow, and green mixtures.
‘I’m not sure how edible this is, but it's nothing like the bird rations they gave us in Elysian.’ Mercedes observed the trays of the Mystics ahead of her, then reached for the blue beverage—and froze as a long, scaled white hand wrapped its large, powerful, clawed fingers around her wrist.
“What are you doing?” an annoyed feminine voice rasped, pulling the startled Sparrow's gaze toward the towering figure standing on the opposite side of the cafeteria’s line. “Are you stupid? Why would you eat something you know will make you sick?”
“I—” Mercedes blinked as a long white arm covered in snake-like scales reached out to snatch her tray away.
“Chef Hiasa!” Raimund interjected as he grabbed the Sparrow’s already captured limb. “Please let go of the student.”
“Do not presume to order me about in my cafeteria, Disciple!” the chef snarled, adding a threatening hiss to certain words as her face loomed closer.
Mercedes caught a glimpse of what looked like a blindfold above a fanged mouth before she recalled the ginger Disciple's earlier warning and hastily lowered her gaze. She flinched at the sound of a tray clattering to the floor, followed by Dimitri’s gasp of terror.
“Who dares to waste my food?” Hiasa growled before she yanked the cup of blue liquid from the Sparrow’s hand. “This one cannot eat a normal Mystic diet. It will make her sick. Look, she is already skin and bones. I shall prepare something nutritious and far more suitable for her stomach.”
“I see,” Raimund murmured, his tone suddenly apologetic. “I didn’t realize. Thank you, Chef Hiasa.”
“I suppose the other sickly one may have your tray,” the Gorgon muttered as she released Mercedes’s wrist and presented the Sparrow’s tray to the Disciple. “See that he doesn’t drop it this time.”
“Of course,” Raimund replied as he accepted the tray, cleaning up the mess on the cafeteria floor with a wave of his hand before hurriedly shepherding his group of pale Initiates over to the nearest empty table. “That went—well.”