I was told I had to spend a week in bed to recover. While I did not feel that bad, apparently healing magic took a toll on the body. At least the one used on me. So my stamina would be reduced for a few days and I would tire more easily.

A few teachers and a royal investigator stopped by to hear my story. My friends visited daily as well. But most of my time was spent reading. Gronir did lend me some fascinating books about necromancy. And I might have even read one recommendation from Skadi…

My true focus was on magic, especially necromancy, though. A nurse was nice enough to ask Gronir if he would visit me.

He entered with a chuckle. “You are supposed to be resting, young lady. Not trying to get an additional lesson.”

“Um, I was hoping you would be willing to answer some questions…” I did feel somewhat embarrassed. He was doing me a big favour, showing up in the infirmary to explain some things.

“I do enjoy your enthusiasm. And it is nice that you are trying to get more information before jumping straight into an experiment. I suppose that is mostly because you have been ordered to rest though.” He said.

He… was probably right.

“Since I have a lot of time to read I thought I could find a better spell for a new undead. The headmaster said I could use the corpse and I was hoping to create a powerful undead.” I admitted.

Gronir nodded. He sat down on a chair next to my bed. “I have seen the corpse. Your bombs did quite a bit of damage but the infiltrator possessed healing magic. She fixed herself up enough to flee but was intercepted by Irene. The foxkin was killed with fire magic but Irene used ice afterwards to preserve the corpse. Did you want another draugr, or vampiric undead?”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

I looked at him and asked the true question I had. “Could I create a tier three?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Did you want to interrogate her?”

“No, I mean, that would be useful, but you can create a tier three with a new soul right? I don’t think that raising someone who wanted to kill me would work well. Even if she was forced to obey me.” I said.

Gronir nodded. “Turning your enemies into tier three undead can be problematic. Creating a new soul and simply using the body would be better but it is hard. At least the corpse would be of high enough quality.”

“Hard is not impossible, right? What if my friends helped, with a joint casting?” I asked.

He stroked his beard. “It would be possible. We could prepare the corpse with some alchemical solutions. Let it soak for a bit. Then you would need to do a proper joint casting with a somewhat complex rune. To do this right would take some time and resources.”

“I do have some money saved up.” Although I was afraid it would not be near enough.

“The school does owe you a bit of a debt. There have been too many attempts on your life. I think Erik would not mind if we helped you out a bit. With resources, at least. You do need to cast the spell yourself. And I suspect we can provide Cassie with some ingredients….” He stopped talking and seemed to be considering something.

“I think I have an idea.” He said. “Once you have completed your exams and qualify as a senior mage, we can create your undead. Until then we will prepare everything. Don’t worry about the corpse. We will not only properly preserve it, we can use the time to strengthen it.”

“Could I make an undead with light powers?” I asked.

“That would be something exceedingly rare. Light mana is quite effective against undead. Most creatures lose that affinity if they are raised. Keeping the original soul would help there.” He explained.

“So, I will lose her magical potential by making her an undead?” I asked.

“Not necessarily. Even if you create a new soul the magic potential will be influenced by that body. And the body itself was likely accustomed to a big core. The undead would start out as a normal mage but this body should give it a least senior mage potential. Core size is not connected to the affinity.” Gronir said.

“So I could just make a draugr?” I wondered.

“Since we do not have the original blood a draugr would work. You could try a vampiric undead with substitute blood but it might be weaker than the corpse. You could try to not use a second element. Not using an affinity would increase the chance she retains some light magic but it would be a gamble.” He explained, then he stood up. “It seems that you have a lot to think about. And maybe some more books to read. I will have someone bring you one with the runes for a tier three.”

“Thank you, sir!” I said.

“And don’t forget to rest.” Gronir said with a chuckle, as he left.