Hi everyone! This is LikoPilio again! Firsttt, please rate and review my fic (it'd be great for my self-*cough*esteem and *cough* mental condition to see your review (and there are possibility if I were happy I'd increase my update frequency?)
Sorry for the sparse update, I did a little research on this chapter (I aimed to increase the character surrounding explanation, you know, the hair style, hair color, clothes type, clothes color, emotion, crowd emotion, environment, and so on) However it'd turned out to be 12-hours of first in depth research (I wiki-walked until my eyes got red).
Yes, I took the noble/royal title from "peerage in England" article in Wikipedia! Please don't be mad at me! I also took some term from tvtropes (it's a great site, for you who haven't visit it), and spell from dnd (even though I never played one, my current country simply doesn't have any player). Anyhow, Some of you perhaps will notice a rather weird plothole in this chapter, to those people I answer:
A wizard did it!
Thanks for Your Support
LikoPilio
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Five hundred moons ago, Parvan were known to be a simple fief which attended by her Marchioness of the Land, Theressa Millioresti Angelo de Pavan. Her ruling days were modest and humble, there were no conflict that couldn't be solved after three days of reasonable discussion, nor there were any breakthrough that exciting enough to giddy up the travelling bard to devote a song to her work. In her days, the common of Pavan were enjoying a simple life of belly-filling farming. Their motto were; work until your need were kept, then let's the happy jack ran amok.
The happenstance were occurring at the emerging days of Rosenheim. His Majesty, the Grace of People, Protector of Common, King Reinheart Neivelle Theodarren I of Serabough, Lavias, Baran, and of his other realms and territories were uniting the sparse settlements near Serabough to what the people knew as Rosenheim kingdom today. However, Parvan were a special case, located within the charted territory that His Majesty tried to include, half of the other Parvan territory were fell under the dominion of Briton Alliance. Her Marchioness herself were indifferent to the impeding development, either Briton or Rosenheim were fine, for what she deemed worthy were peace and content of her people.
Unwilling to create unnecessary enemy, His Majesty convey a well-placating writ with lot of purple-prose euphemism and subtle ennui to Hir Appointed of the Agreeing Council, Bearer of the Flag, Vistivious Mellindia Everal. Fortunately for Her Marchioness, His Majesty and Hir Appointed were both agree to put Parvan as independent region as the two sovereign symbol of friendship and reasonability.
Five hundred moons later, with the development of Parvan's Pass as the main trade road of Briton and Rosenheim, Parvan's economy were flourished. Most of the Parvan's townsfolk had left their clearing and open more interesting business. Quality store and shop were open in every corner offering purchase of highest quality and service to the passing merchant. For the more economically-challenged traveler, Parvan also provide the more cost-friendly peddler that could be visited in the central market.
Vin and Fou were just finishing their small shopping at the said's grocery peddler. They're restocking for Fou's artificial blood supply. Putting the last item to his hammerspace, Vin said a simple thanks to the merchant and bid their goodbye.
****
"Hello, welcome to Central Parvan's Magician Tower, how could I help you?" greet a smiling receptionist behind the front desk. From his forced smile, Vin could observed that the receptionist was tired, it was a late afternoon anyway, thus, understandable. However he still smiling despite his tiredness, professional indeed, the receptionist were wearing a simple ground-length magician robe with the tower sigil embroidered in his left muffler's patch, his brown hair were kempt in the popular curtain style; deviation from formal wear in earth, but not everyone were ready to throw out their fashion statement to compel to what the elder deem appropriate.
"Ah co--"
"Perhaps you were interested to become a Magician? Our tower provide five different type of magician, Neutral, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Water Magician. Neutral were able to learn all types of magic, however the strongest spell were only available to specialized magician, therefore specializing is more recommended." Vin was dumbfounded. Why the receptionist offer him to change to magician? Ah! He was wearing his beginner suit instead of those expensive outfit he bought at the Seamstress, therefore the receptionist were assuming he was a magician to be novice.
"To become magician you need at least 50 intelligence, pay 1 gold for the administration fee, and--"
"Tev! We ran out of egg!" shout a blue-robed magician as she approaching the receptionist who seems to be called Tev.
"What? You haven't baked the cake?" said Tev in disbelief.
"I'm busy!! I already stocked the ingredients in the kitchen! But someone use all the egg I bought!"
"Ohh.."
"YOU! You're the one who used those egg! TEV!!"
"Sorry Chie, I...was....hungry..."
"What kind of excuse is that? It's already too late to buy it at the store!!" Engulfed in anger, Chie emanating a large blue ball of magical spell aimed at the frightened Tev
Lord of Ocean hear my plea, Beseech my enemy with your raging roar! Destroy h--
"No Chie!! Don't! Pleeaase!"
Troubled with the development, Vin lightly tap Chie wrist, since spell of high caliber require utmost concentration to cast a simple gesture could break the spell casting. The blue ball in in Chie hand were pulsed, then flickered out.
"Here Miss, I've leftover egg, I want to make omelette for tomorrow breakfast, but it seems you need it more than I do." said Vin handing over three egg to Chie before she could said anything.
"..Ah? Oh! Thanks! Now I could bake the cake! But, who are you?"
"I'm Vin."
"Glad to meet you Vin, you're lifesaver, We're holding surprise birthday party for our Chancellor, but certain someone decide to use all of the remaining egg for himself" said Chie glancing coldly to Tev.
"Sorry..."
"Well, do you want to join the party, Vin? It'd be fun!"
"Sure!"
****
"SURPRISE!" shout thirty people in unison, two of them were blowing rainbow-colored confetti with the wind magic create a swirling pattern around the room. Three others were releasing balloon from what it seems to be teal-colored santa's bag continuously, gushing the flow to the surprised person who just entered the door.
"Oh my! What's this?!"
"Your Birthday party, Master Evellene!" replied Chie excitedly.
"We're set it up!" said Tev.
"Oh my, thank you all, I don't know what to say."
Needless to say Master Evellene -the Chancellor- were surprised and pleased to everyone kindness. Then she did what every birthday girl expected to do; blowing up the candle and making a secret wish, after that, she greet everyone with high enthusiasm (not to mention giving each guest a piece of cake).
"Ah, who we have here?! I'm quite sure I never met you before, child!" said Master Evellene to Vin.
"His name is Vin!! Tev ate all the egg to make the cakes! Luckily, Vin have some!"
"That's true.... Chie were already prepared to cast Ocean's Wrath to me! Vin is a lifesaver!"
"I see, thanks for saving my surprise party Vin, even though I didn't know it!"
"You're exaggerating Master Evellene! All I did were gave Chie three eggs!"
"Well it doesn't reduce the importance of those eggs, though! Hmm, by the way, are you here to becoming a magician like us? You even have a pet owl already! See that Tev, Chie! That's how you tell everyone you were a magician by a single glance! First impression is very Important!"
"Ah but--"
"Master Evellene here were a great Master! She's Neutral Magician specialized in Weather Control! In fact she's even the city official Weather master! She keep the day bright, and the needed rain pour on midnight so it doesn't bother anyone!"
"Now, now Chie. It seems Vin want to say something. Hmm? Isn't that right Vin?" said Master Evellene slowly caressing Fou. Suddenly a wavy yellow light were formed around Fou, three seconds later, the light flickered and reveal Fou's imp form.
"Now look what you've done, smart guy."
"Imp! Talking imp!" shout Chie.
"How it could get here?! I thought there is a protection for it! Vin is that your imp?"
"Oh my..." mumbled Vin.
"I'm very sorry at the trouble Master Evellene, Chie, Tev. However Fou were my...hmm...companion.. yes, companion..."
"Ohh, that's quite interesting. " said Master Evellene.
"I don't meant to be rude, but Chie and Tev seems troubled with the cakes when I was coming, so...."
"Well... what I meant is.. Err.. I came here because I need to borrow, well perhaps rent one of your lab... I don't really know the exact system."
"But I thought you're just a beginner Vin!" spouted Chie
"Well, not really, my other attire would attract too much attention, and Parvan's pass isn't exactly safe. Well..umm.. here my card Master Evellene." said Vin showing his Scholar identification card to Master Evellene.
Phio-Verivia Tower of Arcane Studies
11th Emerald Street, District of Advancement and Excellence, Serabough City, Rosenheim Kingdom
Under the right that had been vested by His Majesty, the Grace of People, Protector of Common, King Phillip Francis Theodarren III of Serabough, Lavias, Baran, and of his other realms and territories, His High Chancellor of Phio-Verivia Tower of Arcane Studies (a.k.a First Tower of Serabough) within current date of 15th Reff, Year 987
Decreed :
That Within the grace of His Majesty Blessing, Recommendation of His High Chancellor, and Acceptance of Serabough's First Tower of Privy Council had decided that Vincent Valitius in accordance of his astounding achievement in rigorous work of Vincent-Foulivious External Mana's Harnessing Formulae had been appointed as 5th Generation, First Scholar of Phio-Verivia Tower of Arcane Studies, Serabough.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Within the accordance of 7th Paragraph of Section C, Codex of Magic and Magician of Rosenheim Kingdom, Vincent Valitius were granted annual grant and scholastic privilege as mentioned by Section C appendix for his magnificent service to the crown.
Tremenis Einthward
High Chancellor of Phio Verivia Tower of Arcane Studies,
Serabough City, Rosenheim Kingdom
"Im-impressive! You're the elf boy that I heard so much about! I and the other chancellor almost got heart attack when Trem flaunting those 100 times use Eye from Above's scroll! I swore he doing it on purpose... "
"Umm.. thank you?"
"Ah, where's my manner? I'm Evellene Sorin, the Chancellor of Minnuet-Elmund Tower of Parvan's Branch, welcome Vincent Valitius, the esteemed First Scholar of Phio-Verivia Tower of Arcane Studies to our presence." said Master Evellene as she took a light bow.
You had mentioned your class! Familiarity increased by 50 points
You had mentioned your class! Magician at Minnuet-Elmund Tower would respect you more! Familiarity increased by 25 points
"Thank you for your welcome Chancellor Evellene, I'm most delighted." replied Vin as he bowed back.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Master Vin! I don't know you're Serabough First Scholar!" said Tev hurriedly.
"Me neither, Master Vin, Please forgive us!" add Chie.
"That's okay, Chie, Tev, you don't need to add Master, I'm definitely not a master magician, I'm simply a little bit more studious."
"But-"
"That's fine, I don't really keen with formality, as long I stayed here, I hope we could be friends."
"Oh, okay... Vin." said Chie.
"Umm, why do you come here again, Vin?" asked Tev.
"I need to borrow the tower's lab, sometimes idea just popped up during travel you see? And I like to test it."
"That's true! I wrote any interesting idea in my journal, you must be prepared to welcome sudden idea! Like yesterday I just finished warm-snow park in Marquees south garden!" said Master Evellene.
"Really? Could I come master?" asked Chie.
"I'd ask Marquees, Chie. But anyhow, is there anything else do you need Vin?"
Yes, Master Evellene, I'm currently seeking land in sale, I want to open a shop."
"What kind of shop?"
"Well, it's a bit secret for now, but one thing I could tell you, It'd be unique!"
"Hmm, unfortunately Parvan doesn't really have land to be purchased. With so much trade going on in Parvan, every merchant want to own a land, so I'm afraid currently there are no land in sale."
"But Master, how about the tournament?" said Chie
"What tournament?" asked Vin
"Ah yes, this year Marquees held a Tournament, the first prize is a piece of Land in central market, it's quite huge, about five shop size I think? If I remember correctly, It was Cecil's, she lost a bet with Marquees, and had to given up that store."
"That's awful!"
"Not really, she own, like, another twenty other store in town. It seems to me she just enticing Marquees to up his wager, I was there. Next thing we knew, she got three year tax relief for all his shop from the next bet."
"...."
"So, I think the Marquees is trying to make up his loss, you know, Entrance Fee, 10% Betting Tax, Admission Fee, Food Vending Right ,while he himself post his strongest knight in the Tournament. The tournament system is a simple one of one battle."
"Umm.. well, I think I'd try?"
"That's a spirit, Vin! It'd be nice to see magic-class win in tournament once in a while."
"Eh?"
"Well, our quick spell dealt little damage, and our longer spell need high concentration and long casting time to evoke, in one on one we basically an easy prey"
"...."
But don't worry! I have every confidence that scholar like you could Win! The registration is tomorrow, Chie and Tev would show you the place!"
****
"The admission fee for non-citizen is 100 golds, but with your fame I could reduce it to 71 golds." said the bespectacled elder at the registration desk. His pointy, long finger alternating with each other, giving impression that he would snagged all Vin money given a chance.
"That's expensive!" exclaimed Vin horrified.
"We know..." grumbled Chie and Tev simultaneously
"For citizen it's 75 golds, non-citizen 100 golds, that's why we couldn't enter it."
"I heard many of the participant borrow the fee from merchants at high interest."
"We don't want any debt."
"So we don't enter."
"Sigh, really, 71 golds? Fine, here sir." said Vin handing the admission fee.
"Thank you, your participation number will be #3214, please be noted that battle to death only allowed if both participant were freedman, battle would end if any of the participant were dead, incapacitated, loss hir consciousness, surrender, or expelled from the battle arena for five subsequent seconds."
"Okay."
"Your battle begin in five minutes, enjoy!"
****
The crowd itself not huge, in fact the stadium were rather sparse, only 1 in 4 seat were taken. According to Tev this was because the tournament were just preliminary, and only those who really into betting were present. The remaining spectator would wait until it reached semi-final to see more interesting battles. There were four arena in the stadium and due to being preliminary, all of them currently in use, Vin were placed in the outermost left arena.
"Why you use those newbie suit? Those guys with destroy you!" asked Fou.
"To throw them off duh! If I'm showed up as a no-threat newbie they'll ignore me and not put up too much guard."
"But the defense is like super Low!"
"That's why, this is my good outfit! I only put illusion on it to looks like a newbie outfit."
"Good, good, finally you have use for that overgrown cranial."
"Hey!"
"Shush! Your opponent here."
Vin opponent were a young freedman, probably around his twenty, his class were knight, he appeared to use a full-plate steel armor with sword and shield as main weapon. Looking at Vin in his newbie suit with a long wooden staff, Vin could saw the knight trying to hold back his sneer (probably sneering would reduce knight's honor point? Vin were not very sure). To the knight, Vin were a magician that had just finished his job change quest.
"Young mage! Don't you think it's too soon for you to enter this tournament?" said the knight, followed by the laugh of the crowd who nodding to his remark.
"Uh, um... I would try my best, sir Knight. P-Please bear with me." said Vin faking a stutter, the crowd laugh at his response, some of the spectator even took a pity to the cute little elf. Tev and Chie whom sitting in the crowd of course knew better, silently they cursed Vin shameless disguise.
"What are your plan?" asked Fou whispering to Vin.
"Keep the knight distracted for five seconds, I already prepared a perfect spell."
"Alright boy! Here I come!" said the knight sheathing his sword and marching forward. In instant Fou flied to the knight and slam his face with his owl's claw.
"Aw! What's this!" said the Knight trying to get Fou off his face. The crowd laugh even louder seeing that.
And shall the grace move thee, from thee predestined place!
After the five seconds Fou immediately flied back to Vin. The angered knight began to rushing again, but suddenly he began to writhing in pain and compressing his chest, he fell to the floor.
"Umm sir Knight, are you okay?" said Vin approaching the knight and poking him with his wooden staff.
"W- wh" mumbled the knight still holding his chest.
"Um I don't know what happen but I'm sorry about this, my teacher told me to win." said Vin as he began rolling the knight outside arena with his staff, meanwhile the crowd were silent, still shocked with this development.
"Mr. Referee, I think It had been five seconds?"
"Ah sorry! 5,4,3,2,1! The winner is Vin!" shout the referee.
"What! How could that be?"
"I don't know! One second the bird slamming to the knight face and suddenly he fell down."
"Do you see any spell cast?"
"No! I don't see any!"
In the corner Tev and Chie were nodding in amazement. Vin were a scholar afterall, every magician knew you should not mess with the one who create majority of spell.
****
"How?" asked Fou
"Teleport object. Pebble."
"I don't get it."
"Simple, I use teleport object to teleport very small pebbles to his coronary artery."
"Coro- what?"
"Coronary artery, blood vessel that give nutrient supply to heart, that pebbles blocking it, thus, giving him a heart attack."
"I never heard such kind of method!"
"Well, human body were weak from inside Fou! In fact every race weak from the inside! It just people prefer blasting fireball and sword slashing instead targeting the body's weakness. The former could be protected by armor, the latter? I'm not very sure."
"....I'm glad you're my master."