- 86 -

Drew looked at his two broken wands, two failed attempts to get the crystalized mana rods to sympathize with the elemental aspects of the wood and the enchantments of the wands. They shattered after a few tests.

The carving of the wands had gone smoothly. Drew was able to utilize [Mage Hand] far more effectively considering he had leveled the ability up twice since his last crafting session.

Seems like [Mage Hand] is as dexterous at carving as my claws now. Unless I’m doing some extremely precise carving.

The first prototype of the stone wand exploded in a cloud of sand. They tried a wind wand and it similarly exploded in a gale force wind that scattered Damien’s notes everywhere.

The main issue was a conflict between the phrases for channeling mana. Having the option to simultaneously draw mana from two sources; ambient mana, and mana from the caster, caused the enchantment to overload.

Damien was certain the issue was the complex enchantment Drew had cooked up.

“There’s simply too much power in the enchantment. We cannot fit everything you are imagining into a 40 kn wooden wand.” Damien said after checking the math.

They re-wrote the enchantments from scratch and the next four attempts were successful.

The two enchanters had worked far into the night. All three moons passed through the sky at their own pace to witness the creation of 4 new wands incorporating an earthling’s understanding of programming.

Damien had channeled two casts of [Mage Hand] to set up three of the enhanced mana crystal enchantments. He used a tool to prune and shape several thin mana crystal rods.

When they got down to assembling the wands, Damien went into full lecture mode.

“Wands are made with a rod of crystallized mana, engraved with the specific enchantment, inserting the rod inside a wand with an affinity sympathetic to the spell multiplies its effectiveness.” Damien had explained.

“While wood is the most common, other base materials are used and a variety of alchemical ingredients are often used to amplify the synergy.”

After they had assembled the last wand and performed a few preliminary tests; Damien revealed he had made an extra purchase.

“Drew come over here for a moment.” Damien was surrounded by his notes. When Drew hopped over the old enchanter produced a leather cuff, like a wide bracelet. And it had three loops woven through it.

“This is a [Mage Sling].” Damien said. “Apprentices use them to store their wands. With a little work you should be able to modify it so you can wear it.”

New Item: [Mage Sling] - good quality, A spacial storage device specifically enchanted for storing wands. It can store up to 3 wands at a time.

“Thank you Damien. When did you make this?” Drew asked.

“While I could make it, they are not uncommon to find from reputable merchants. I purchased it from our friend today once I heard you were building out your collection of wands.”

He pulled up his right sleeve to show that he wore a similar one below his elbow.

“I know you have your storage ring, but these wands will not stack in the same slot like your potions do.” Damien said.

Oh man I didn’t even think of that!

“Think nothing more of it. It’s yours and may well help you in a fight for your life. Let’s get back to testing these new wands!” Damien clapped his hands together, excited to get started.

The inn keeper slammed open his shutters. He leaded out with a long nightcap on.

“Would you two shut up and go to bed?!” He shouted.

“Sorry sir! Our apologies!” Drew said.

“Indeed! It’s far too late for anything other than going to sleep.” Damien said as he started rolling his tools up in the work mat.

The innkeeper grumbled to himself and slammed his shutters.

“Hes making more noise with those shutters as we were.” Drew said.

Damien laughed.

“Quite right Drew. I’ll be retiring for the night. Might transpose the notes from today into a new book and keep them all in one place.” He said.

“We can put these wands through their paces tomorrow when it’s daylight out.”

The sky to the east was just flirting with the idea of lightening up when Damien’s light flicked off and he laid down to sleep.

He is a bit of a grouch, but I guess you have to be if you survive in this world long enough.

Drew took a quick nap in the rafters of the stables. Skurr never sleep very long.

- 87 -

Drew was awake again before Miia had dropped below the horizon to look at the new wands.

He had earned enough experience crafting the wands and from defeating the Forge Sprite to level up again.

No reason to hold myself back.

He selected yes and spent his two points on increasing his mana pool.

Now back to these wands!

Drew channeled mana into the Fire Aspected wand and brought it up to 3 out of its maximum 5 charges before he took a break to refill his mana reserves.

Theoretically these wands are perfectly versatile. Gonna need to practice.

I have seen the parameters for the Firebolt enchantment, so I know that combination works. If I treat the other elements like firebolt then I should be able to visualize the other elements just fine.

As he waited for his mana to refill, Drew took the time to carve a few of the ward medallions he would swap out on the palisade today.

Seems like Damien forgot that he was mad about the whole mob issue. And now I can put out any fires I happen to start. Win-Win.

John and Seraphina joined Drew at the table. John got to work making breakfast and Seraphina sat down at the table to make eyes at him while he cooked.

Huh, I guess she’s warmed up to me? She sat right down. No evil eye or spitting in my general direction.

“Seraphina, good morning.” Drew said.

“Good morning Skurr.” She replied with a smile.

John handed her a plate of eggs and sausages with a glazed breakfast roll with Yellow Skeetle jelly inside.

“If you don’t mind me asking…” Drew asked hesitantly.

The ice elf turned to give him a serious look.

Oh, there’s the icy look.

When he didn’t continue, she brushed aside a stray lock of her hair that had come out of its braid.

“Speak your question before my meal spoils.” She said.

“Well, I know we haven’t spoken much. You see I got the feeling you didn’t want me around. Like I was bad luck?” Drew flinched an expecting an angry response.

Instead Seraphina giggled, then apologized.

“I am sorry little Skurr. I have treated you unfairly. Yes. It is bad luck for an unmarried woman to see a Gallows Bird. Especially when she has a hopeful suitor.” She said.

John reached out to clasp her hand, and they shared a chaste kiss for a moment.

“It’s true. Lots of people know that Miia’s children follow those unlucky spinsters, widows, and those who have lost their true love.” John said.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“Oh really? I’m sorry, didn’t know.” Drew said.

That’s terrible! I’ve been affecting their luck this whole time?

The happy couple laughed again.

“I can give you some space. I can clean this carving mess up and go over by the stables to-“

“No no, it’s fine now.” Seraphina said. “John and I have found each other. Bella guides our love, we are safe from Miia’s foul fate.”

That’s a relief. Not that I’m some suave ladies man. But I like to think that I can play a solid wingman if the need arose.

MP: 95%

Drew picked up his water wand to charge next. As he channeled his mana into it Seraphina looked up from her meal.

“Is that a new wand?” She asked.

“It is, Damien and I made it last night.” He replied.

“May I see it? It’s beautiful.”

Drew passed the wand across the table with [Mage Hand] and the elf inspected the wand like a connoisseur might.

“Mhmm, excellent mana density, fine grain. This is Dyre wood. Great for water aligned enchantments. It has not been fortified against low temperatures. Be careful using this with ice magic. It is a fine quality for your first wand Drew.” She said.

She placed the wand delicately down on the table between them and Drew picked it up to continue charging it.

“Do you intend to sell it? I imagine you’d find a willing buyer in Valoria.” She said.

“On no, this one is for me. I have been using the [Fire Bolt] wand and wanted something to put out any stray fires.” Drew said.

“Oh that’s responsible of you. Which enchantment does this wand hold?” She asked.

MP:35%

The wand’s five charges were full and he needed to rest before charging the next wand.

“It’s a different kind of wand than the fire one. It’s a [Wand of Channel Water]. With practice I can use it to form a variety of spells. Actually, I could use some advice from you. Any advice on water spells?“

“Yes this is a good training wand for building up your elemental affinity. I’m glad that you are making the switch to the water alignment. It’s a foundation of my ice magic you know.”

She had forgotten about her meal completely and was leaning over the table to speak with Drew.

“Yes a wand like this would effectively increase your affinity with water. You could use it to cast any number of spells aligned with water. Think of water as mutable. Able to take any form. Unlike air with is uncontainable, water can easily be shaped. Of course my ice magic utilizes air affinities as well. To make the water cold you see. Although there is more to it than that.” She was leaning so far across the table by this point she was almost laying down on it.

A wand appeared in her hand, it was made of pure white wood, straight and well sanded to a smooth luster, and covered in a fine frost.

“This wand is something similar to what you have made, with the main modification being that the mana stored within mine is already aspected to water. The mana is more ready to form the beautiful crystalline structures of the spell. This cuts down on the casting time for my ice spells.” She said.

I get it, her wand’s enchantment must convert the mana to water mana before storing the charge, that way it can cast the spell that much faster!

“Of course, some people will say that that makes it harder for a mage to cast other types of spells. But what’s the point of that when ice magic is the most powerful and most versatile magic available.” Seraphina laughed as she held the wand out for Drew to take.

“Darling, let’s not corrupt the young bird just yet.” John stepped over and helped Seraphina find her seat.

“Oh John, he’s already chosen to align with water. It’s no harm. Why I held my first ice wand at rank 1. It’s perfectly safe.” She said.

I’m missing something here. John looks concerned.

“I made four wands, one for each mortal element. I would have made a light and dark wand but Damien said we didn’t have the right materials.”

Seraphina looked like she tasted something bitter.

“Oh don’t muddle up your affinities Drew. You will only make it harder to control your magic.” Seraphina said.

“Be careful Drew. It’s better to use wands like [Fire Bolt] or [Chain Lightning]. They do the heavy lifting to shape the mana to the correct affinity for the spell.” John said.

“Those are fine for beginners dear, but you cannot use crutches for too long or they hold you back.” She said.

I didn’t mean to start an argument.

“My brothers and I cook perfectly well in this enchanted stove without knowing a lick of fire magic.”

Drew spoke up again to derail the two lovers.

“Sorry. Can you explain it to me again? The wand you use converts mana to water mana and stores it, and you manipulate wind mana to form ice spells?” Drew asked.

“Oh no dear, I’m an ice mage. I have pools of water and wind mana. The wand does not convert my mana. It stores the wind and water mana I give it.” Seraphina said proudly.

Oh that’s how a mage does it then. And an enchanter stores un-aspected mana. It’s more versatile than aspected mana.

John looked concerned. He almost spoke but dropped the issue.

Seems like there are two camps on this topic. Which one is Damien in?

Muddling up my affinities sounds bad, but being versatile, and having a wand for each element would be very cool.

- 88 -

Marcus walked into the corral carting his two saddle bags. He did not strain under their weight.

“Good morning John, Seraphina, I hope you have been well.” Marcus said.

“Marcus! I haven’t seen you in a day. Where have you been?” John said. “We nearly left without you.”

“Aren’t we leaving this evening?” He said as he dropped his bags down beside their table. He sat down and waited for some breakfast. He made a point to avoid John’s questioning eyes.

“You got a room at the Inn. You are freshly bathed. I can smell the floral scent on you.” John said as he dished up a plate for the hungry elf.

“But all the rooms were full. I had the last one available.” Seraphina said. “Although we didn’t use it last night. The walls were so thin we could hear a passionate couple throughout the afternoon…”

Marcus reached for the plate of food but John pulled it back.

“It was you Marcus. And who else? Who were you dancing horizontally with? You sly demon!” John taunted.

“Not that it would be any of your business but I’m not ashamed to say that Ms Mara is a friend.” Marcus said.

John’s mouth hung open in surprise. Seraphina gasped. Marcus easily retrieved the plate of food from from John’s hand.

“Mara?? No wonder we haven’t seen her around. My brothers were looking to apologize for the duel!” John was nearly shouting.

Damien and the other two Johns were woken up by the rowdy conversation. The two brothers cheered from the tent at the news.

“I believe she has forgiven us.” One John said from behind their tent flap.

”Or she has forsaken you.” John said.

“Or perhaps it wasn’t about us at all? Perhaps it was dear Mara thinking of herself?” The other John mused as he stepped from the tent.

“What’s all this racket so early in the day?” Damien said.

The enchanter straitened up as he stood in front of the tent. His back popped in two places and he visibly relaxed.

“Has the blacksmith delivery arrived yet?” He asked.

“Marcus met a lady friend,” Drew said. “Although it may be ending between them after we leave?” Drew said. It ended up being a question to Marcus.

“It was always meant to be temporary. She’s human after all. I’m much older than her.” Marcus said and took another bite.

“Ha! Most certainly, a fling like that is never going to last a cycle.” Seraphina said.

How is that any different than her and John?

Damien and the Johns joined them for breakfast at the table. Breakfast was eggs on toast with fresh melon on the side.

Damien ate with gusto and checked his notes on the new enchantments.

The two single Johns cornered Marcus and had a hushed conversation off near in of the tents. They repeatedly made crude hand gestures. Marcus was unable to escape the conversation for several minutes.

“Alright, let’s head out to the fields and test the wands.” Damien said.

“Field testing sounds good. Which way do you want to go?” Drew asked.

Damien packed up his notes and hefted his toolkit up onto his shoulder.

“Leta head east, I haven’t seen that side of the city, and I heard that there are rabbits, and spider melons out that way.” Damien said.

“I’m not going out there to grind exp.” Drew said and he followed Damien to the entrance of the corral.

“No, that’s right, we won’t go on a killing spree. But we do want to calibrate your damage output.” Damien said. “I could summon some stone targets for you.”

“Hello to the travelers in the corral!” A man called.

He was pulling a cart with a waterproof canvas covering its cargo. He had a bright smile and strong arms. As he approached he spoke again.

“Are you folks expecting a delivery? Master smith said I would find you all here after the sun was up.” He said.

A John raised his hand in greeting and introduced himself to the man.

“Well met sir. We did order parts for our wagon. Are you from master Fischer’s Smithy? Judging by your gear you are an apprentice?”

“I am, William Stokes. Apprentice blacksmith, for the next half year, if all goes well.” William said.

He walked the hand cart into the corral and started to unload the crates near the wagons.

“I’ve passed my apprentice quests and only need to craft a masterwork item to complete my apprenticeship.” Will said.

Two John’s walked over to start laying out the parts and sorting their tools.

“Interesting enchanting work you have done with some of these parts.” William said.

Damien wked forwards and lifted up some of the enchanted pieces.

“Why thank you, as a blacksmith you must see plenty of enchantments yourself. Do you read the script?”

“No unfortunately I have not tried my hand at enchantment. Just give me a schematic and I can carve it into the metal.” He said.

Will stepped past Damien to look at the enchanted wheels.

“I’d give a gold coin to see the schematic for these wheels.” He said.

One of the Johns pulled Damien aside to ask about some of the parts and how they would be installed to the wagon. They were building up the reenforcement on the walls themselves to withstand and damage, and weather they might encounter.

Drew flew over to the crate and looked down at Will.

“Why would they be so valuable to you?” Drew asked.

The young man startled but caught himself before he stumbled.

Bah, not a very good reaction. Good poker face.

“Ah! Yes. The talking gallows bird! I half believed my master imagined it. My apologies.” Will said.

“No offense taken. Most people are alarmed at first, you are handling it quite well.” Drew said.

At least scream or shriek. That’s the best kind of reaction.

“Yes, well. You see its the way this is built up in layers. Whoever designed this wheel knows more about the materials involved than just their shape and form.” Will said.

“But you don’t read the scripts, how do you know what the enchantment does?” Drew asked.

“I can see it in action. As you strike it, no matter how hard, it does not deform. The load is evenly spread through out the material layers.” Will said.

“The idea is very simple, that’s why it’s effective.” Drew said. “I have another idea for a fender. It would smooth out the road as you pass. Making the ride faster and more comfortable.

“Fascinating. How does that work? I’ve never heard of an enchantment like that.” Will said.

“Well, by compacting the soil in front of the wagon, even just a little bit each time a wagon passes you remove any irregularities. I haven't’ worked out the details. It’s an idea I have.” Drew said.

“You are creating it? How is that possible?” will said.

“I’m an enchanter, I have my Enchanting skill up to level 9.” Drew said.

Damien hurried over to interrupt the conversation.

“Young William, could you lend those men a hand with the wagons? There's two silver coins for your time. We plan to leave after lunch, and they could use your help if you are able.” Damien said, producing two coins from his sleeve.

“Certainly Sir. Happy to help. My master won’t be awake for a few hours still.” He replied taking the coins.

He hurried off to the wagons to help the Johns and Damien signed in relief.

“Alright Drew, it’s time we go test your wands.”

“Mind if I join you?” Marcus asked.

He stepped up beside them during William’s entrance and had been listening silently.

“Certainly Marcus. Come along, and we will grab some lunch on the way back.” Damien said.

The enchanter packed up his toolkit, and a couple books to jot down notes.

“Marcus, you wouldn’t believe what we’ve been up to. I saw the largest spider melon you’ve ever seen!” Drew said.