“Before delving into the intricacies of spellcasting, it’s essential to prepare three fundamental elements,” she began, emphasizing her words by raising a finger. “Firstly, the construction of the spell formation requires a source of [Spiritual Force].” Her index finger stood upright in the air. “Secondly, the spell necessitates a steady supply of [Mana] to serve as fuel.” Her middle finger joined the first, signifying it. “And finally, the ingredients known as [Catalyst] act as vital components for the spell’s manifestation.” With her ring finger raised, she completed the trio.
However, she had more to impart. “Although mana and spell catalysts can be considered as one entity in advance spellcasting methods, such as Scroll-Casting or the notorious cheat-like Potion Casting of the Great Archmage’s, we shall focus on the traditional approach for now.”
She presented a collection of ingredients, arranging them in sets. A vibrant red powder, a sparkling gem, and various small vials containing liquids. “These,” the Warmage began, her voice filled with patience, “are spell catalysts, ready for use.” She proceeds to explain each catalyst in detail to Mordred, emphasizing their significance. As Mordred was only an apprentice mage, the resources provided were of low rank, and their consumption held little consequence.
“I must clarify that this is not the ideal way to learn magic,” she admitted, “but you will gradually acquire a deeper understanding of magical principles in the academy. For now, my priority is to teach you how to cast a [Fireball] spell, ensuring your ability to defend yourself on our return journey.” Drawing from her pocket, she produced a mobile phone crafted from a semi-translucent, reddish gem. With a few interactions, the device generated a holographic board, allowing her to draw using her fingers.
“Tonight, our focus will be on the foundational aspect of the [Fireball] spell,” she explained. “As the name implies, it conjures a ball of fire. However, according to the teachings of the Great Archmage, magic doesn’t have to be so unknown and exclusive—it can be an adaptable, pliable tool. Understanding its underlying principles empowers you to modify or even create spells of your own. You can alter the size of the fireball, its velocity, range, vector, and even explore exotic properties.” Observing Mordred struggling to suppress a yawn, she paused. “Perhaps, it would be better if you witnessed this firsthand.”
Sakuya took distinct spell catalysts in each hand. In her left, she held the red powder, while the right hand grasped a small, ruby-like crystal. In a hushed tone, she whispered incantations as magical circles of reddish hue enveloped each material. Swoosh! A red flame materialized above her left palm, while a purple flame appeared above her right.
Although the resulting fireballs differed in heat, color, radiation, and effect, they were fundamentally identical, both being [Fireball] spells.
Mordred fake-posited, “So this is what you mean by modifying the spells. Magic spells are not rigid… By using different catalysts tailored for the same spell formation, we can achieve varying effects.”
“Exactly,” she affirmed, clenching her hands. This disrupted the spell, causing the fireball to vanish. “You see, there are creatures that possess immunity to flames. For instance, mudbeasts lack traditional flesh and blood, rendering it impervious to conventional methods of extermination. However, if we employ an explosive [Fireball] instead of an incendiary one, we can disperse their mud-flesh. With sufficient explosive force, we can eliminate them instantaneously.” Sakuya displayed a holographic scene featuring a man being engulfed in flames. “Another example is our friend Kenji. His flesh possesses exceptional durability and adaptability, thanks to the nanoms integrated into his muscle and tendons. Normal fire cannot harm him, as his flesh is closer to some type of biological machine as opposed to human tissue. Thus, a specialized method must be devised if one wishes to eliminate him.
She tapped her lips thoughtfully. “Well, in any case, I’m not suggesting you should kill him. I’m merely using him as an example, understand? As the Great Archmage wisely proclaimed, ‘True power lies not in the magic, but in the one who wields it’.”
“I understand,” Mordred replied, feigning captivation by her teaching. Meanwhile, the two demons within his phylactery found it amusing to witness the ‘Great Archmage’ being instructed by a rank 1 brat, using the knowledge he himself had disseminated to the public.
“Excellent,” Sakuya genuinely expressed her satisfaction in being able to teach and grow closer to ‘Satoru’. In the grand scheme of things, she aimed to assist him in the best way possible, ensuring he owed her a considerable debt of gratitude.
Since Mordred had no conflict of interest with her, he did not directly reject her advances. Through subtle indications of acceptance, her effort becomes increasingly appealing to him. After all, he had already suspected that Sakuya hailed from a noble lineage or possessed a special bloodline. Having her as a partner for his mortal shell wouldn’t be a bad arrangement.
For hours, they talked, and their conversation progressively grew more profound as he “learned” more from Sakuya. Appearing as though he was a willing learner, to Sakuya their relationship rapidly progressed, akin to a sprout breaking through the soil, suddenly nurtured by the gentle warmth of the Sun.
Sakuya’s ‘night visit’ eventually came to an end with Kurogane’s tap on the tent’s zipper-door. “Hey, it’s already 7, you guys should’ve woken up hours ago.”
“Sorry… teaching him was fulfilling.” Sakuya opened the zipper-door, and her clothing changed into her usual martial robe.
Kurogane shook his head while muttering in a low voice, “I’ve always thought you swung the other way like our Sumire since you’ve refused the advances of various men… but it seems you’re into minors all along.”
The age of consent in Hartina Kingdom was 12 while ‘Satoru’ was 15, but both Kurogane and Sakuya knew; he just wanted to tease her. Internally, Mordred chuckled as he was reminded of this fact. Magic enables all sorts of exotic desires to be fulfilled, and yet people are still obsessed with underdeveloped children?
“Cough!” Sakuya faked a cough to divert the topic, “Anyway, do we still have spare fire-path cultivation food for Satoru? I believe he wouldn’t be fed with human food if he went back into his home… considering we, ah, fell out with his mother.”
Kurogane raised an eyebrow. “You’re lucky Katyusha has already thought this through.” He paused for a moment, then sighed. “Yes, she told me to prepare some which are suitable for Satoru… a large quantity of them, in fact Anyway, you should bring him to Sumire’s tent, she said there’s something that she needed to tell him.”
“Thank you, Kuro. You’re the best!” Sakuya entered the tent once more before emerging with Mordred in hand. “Let’s go, we need to report to Sumire quickly.”
“Miss Sakuya, you’re burning my hand…” Mordred complained as smoke accompanied by the smell of gradually heating flesh wafted from his hand. He is more adjusted to her type of radiation than normal, so it didn’t outright sear his flesh. Even so, Sakuya touching him when she wasn’t being careful with her radiation hurt him in the process.
“Oops, I’m so excited that radiation is coming out naturally.” She giggled a little as her searing body heat slowly reduced to an acceptable level.
While the two exchanged casual banter, Kurogane, who was left behind, shook his head. ‘Well, at least she’s less grumpy than she was before… or perhaps, she’s become happier now?’ He shrugged his shoulders, unsure of his own opinion of her.
A few remnants of their discussions and demonstrations still smoldered on the floor of the tent. He gave the piles curious glances before leaving the tent himself.
…
“Please, take a seat.” Sumire, the purple-haired mage, gestured towards a chair at the long table in the reception chamber. Unlike Mordred’s small tent, the vice-captain’s temporary lodging was spacious and could accommodate multiple rooms. The long table was set for twelve people, likely meant to accommodate all members of Twin Helix. At the moment, most of the seats were empty as the team members were working elsewhere. Since Mordred had been invited in, it would be impolite for him to delay.
“Heheh, this is good stuff!” Sakuya exclaimed, scanning the food on the table. The mouth-watering scent wafting from the dishes made her practically drool. Wiping her lips, she took a seat and started eating the closest steak-like meat on her plate. “This is Flamehorn Salamander’s tail steak, a rank 0 fire-path lifeform that is quite rare in the Land of Autumn Rain! Our captain managed to acquire some, so help yourself!”
Mordred obediently accepted the meat Sakuya put on his plate. Just from the aroma, he became more excited than expected, his mouth watering involuntarily. Observing Sakuya as she eagerly devoured her food without any reservations, he couldn’t help but feel that there was something unusual about the food he had been served. It didn’t appear to be laced with any drugs, but it still felt different.
When Sumire caught the strange look he gave his food, she smiled. “It seems like you truly are a special kind of genius blessed by the heavens. You were able to sense that this food isn’t ordinary, right?”
Blushing more than what was voluntary for his acting after being seen through, ‘Satoru’ nodded. “Y- yes. I might be uneducated, but I am not an idiot. Miss Sakuya wouldn’t want her image to be tarnished by eating just anything, but seeing her disregard what others perceive, then there must be something special about this food.” He replied, attempting to offer a retort.
“You’re absolutely correct!” Sumire praised. “Let me tell you that even in the academy, the food our captain prepares is highly sought after. Please, have a taste and tell me what you think.”
Mordred obediently followed her instruction. When he cut the meat with a dining knife imitating Sakuya’s table manners, it was as if he’s slicing tofu. The lack of resistance surprised him, as beast meat was known for its toughness. Beasts possessed powerful bodies, and their flesh was often durable. High-rank lifeforms even had flesh as strong as steel plates or made out of literal flames, making them difficult to process.
When he took the first bite, the meat practically melted in his mouth. Every subsequent bite hereafter only increased his desire for more. The meat’s tenderness and flavor were beyond his expectations. In the midst of this positive feedback loop, he forgot about table manners and started eating ravenously with his bare hands, succumbing to his primal instincts.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"My sincerest apologies for my uncouth display." Mordred's hand was already immersed in a colorful array of meat, sauces, and condiments before he even had the chance to register the gravity of the situation. By the time he did, his once-pristine face was a veritable mess, caked with a thick layer of oily fat and sauces that seemed almost impossible to wash off.
“Hahah,” Sakuya and Sumire chuckled at the same time before the vice-captain muttered her opinion. “Your first-time reaction was still less… uncouth than ours was. What do you think about the food?”
While Sakuya helped Mordred clean the mess he made, he pondered. “I definitely have eaten more than what my belly could handle. However, I do not feel bloated in the slightest. In fact, I am currently feeling energetic, my blood is pumping like crazy and filled with increasing strength. It’s like I’m exercising without doing anything. I should definitely do so, though, to digest it better. These must be special foods that couldn't be easily replicated.”
Sumire nodded approvingly. “You have made an excellent observation. As a rank 0 mage apprentice, it is imperative for you to understand the changes occurring in your body. Your physiology will gradually transform, additionally affecting more strange aspects such as your radiation, appetite, and even your sexual drive.” She said, looking pointedly at Sakuya.
Sumire decided to provide a more thorough explanation as they all digested their meals. “Ages past, high-rank cultivators dedicate countless hours to the mundane task of eating: what used to be an exciting and fulfilling activity has become a chore. This was because having extreme power in your body also meant extreme energy expenditure. In fact, the annual expenditure of a single rank 4 Paragon’s meal could support hundreds, or even thousands of rank 3 Legends. Let’s not talk about mages whose physiology does not allow them to physically eat for long hours or a mountain of food in one sitting, they are even more demanding.” Sumire continues to elaborate. “That’s why Mira village lacked rank 2 Lords, it is simply because the village is too small to support them. An infinite amount of mortal-rank or rank 0 resources are required to support a single Lord because digestion also requires energy!”
“I see.” Mordred nodded in understanding. The law of equivalent exchange is immutable, not even cultivators can ignore it. He based much of his understanding off of it, after all.
“As cultivation civilization advances, better methods of fulfilling high-rank cultivator’s needs are developed. For example, refinement-path experts have invented [Sustenance Potions] that could replace our biological need to ‘eat’. The corresponding sustenance potion contains sufficient amounts of nutrients and energy for a cultivator to go on for a period of time without having to eat. This method is now sufficiently advanced that for cultivators, eating has become a pastime.”
Sumire paused briefly before continuing, “Additionally, there are groups of scholars who have taken a different approach. Instead of fulfilling the need, they focused on suppressing the energy expenditure. Various self-suppression methods now exist that allow a mage like us to slow down our metabolism and restrain our radiation with the goal of reducing our energy expenditure in our ‘non-combat mode’. This not only conserves energy but also enables high-rank cultivators to interact with those of low-rank. ”
Sakuya interjected. “But using a self-suppression method for a long period of time would be detrimental, similar to a mortal suppressing their heartbeat for too long. Though, after the era of the Great Archmage, there are near-perfect self-suppression methods that allowed us to suppress our cultivation base around two to three major realms without consequences. However, suppressing one’s cultivation base has its latent danger in itself as we are susceptible to sudden attack.”
“Indeed.” Sumire concurred, reinforcing Sakuya’s point. “Naturally, there are also traditionalists who want to bring back ‘eating’ into a fulfilling and joyful activity. However, progress is minimal because refinement-path experts, the forerunner of this field, will mostly cater to the needs of major clans and royal families. In their eyes, sustenance potions is the most cost-efficient way to fulfill cultivator’s needs en masse. Even if they could ‘cook’ real food by using advanced refinement-path methods, it typically uses more resources because beast meat requires special treatment, thus ‘real’ high-rank food is a luxury. In the first place, sustenance potions are produced with various shapes, sizes and tastes, you suffer absolutely no loss in consuming them than truly ‘eating’ luxury goods.”
“Then… what about these foods?” Morded inquired curiously. “Even I can see that these are not luxury goods, but they surpass anything I’ve ever tasted in my entire life.”
Sumire smiled, “You see, our captain has been scouring countless numbers of minor inheritances throughout our academic years. In total, she had uncovered fourteen Great Archmage’s Minor Inheritances!” She spoke with evident pride.
“Fourteen!?” Mordred exclaimed, genuinely shocked.
While he didn’t have all his memories intact, Mordred knew that inheritances could be divided into two categories: True Inheritance and Minor Inheritances. The difference lay in their scale, with True inheritances often containing a fate-changing resource to a clan, such as the manufacturing method and the necessary facilities to construct a Floating Fortress. Minor inheritances, on the other hand, could range from a single weapon, some cash, a piece of armor, or even a single spell. Their value varied greatly.
Considering that successful mages are inherently wealthier than non-mages, the ‘Great Archmage' could be considered as the wealthiest individual on Morgen World. Therefore, the number and the scale of his minor inheritances might be comparable even to a True Inheritance of low-rank cultivators.
‘I think I left around a few million minor inheritances scattered around in all corners of the world, making it easier for me to quickly regain my cultivation and combat strength. It’s normal for some of them to be taken since I’ve made sure they are accessible for my weakened self, but the fact that Twin Helix’s captain could uncover fourteen within a few years is truly remarkable!’ Mordred thought in his mind.
“Hahah, fourteen was the confirmed count. We might never know the real number since even I wouldn’t be foolish enough to announce my achievement.” Sumire muttered.
“That makes sense.” Mordred replied. The Great Archmage was renowned for his refinement-path and lightning-path inheritances, so it wasn’t so surprising for someone who has allegedly pillaged fourteen of his minor inheritance to be able to refine cultivation food. After all, cultivation food was one of the Great Archmage’s core products alongside magic machinery artifacts and lifespan extension potions when he was still alive. If ‘Satoru’ were to gain a number of them, Mordred would also decide to keep quiet.
“Now that you understand the value of these foods, it’s time for us to address the next matter at hand.” Sumire telepathically arranges the dirty tableware before waving her arm, putting them into her dimensional storage. With the dirty table cleaned almost instantly, she took out some parchments and shoved it to Sakuya. “Explain these to him.”
“Ahh, I see.” Sakuya nodded in acknowledgement after skimming the parchment before turning to Mordred. “Satoru, the thing that you’ve asked of us has been fulfilled, we need you to sign this.”
“What’s this?” When he received it, Mordred could feel that this paper was no normal one. It is laced with soul power, as if it has been treated with soul-path methods. At first, he was wary since according to his memories, soul-path hasn’t been officially ‘invented’ in Morgen World due to the meddling of the gods, but then he remembered that soul contracts have existed in this world for thousands of years already. Although the method might be different, the goal remains the same.
“It’s a soul contract.” Sakuya explained as her finger traced the runic words engraved on the paper. “It’s written in Ancient Arcana Lingua, you should be able to understand it. These are the clauses of the contracts, you need to understand that what you’ve offered to us is a favor that could be repaid after you’ve become a rank 2 Lord or above.”
“So I owe ten people for this?” Mordred raised an eyebrow after reading the contract.
“That’s correct.” Sumire replied honestly. “All of us were aware of your talent, so you owe all of us to keep your secret. Whether or not we choose to get to know you better is up to each individual’s desire.”
“No, that’s not what I mean.” Mordred paused, seeking clarification.
Sakuya pointed at the list of names on the soul contract. “You can see our names here: Sumire, Alanis, Sakuya, Kurogane, Shirogane, Seraphina, Kumo, Kenji, Katyusha, and Captain.”
Mordred carefully reread the runic letters multiple times, making sure that he read the names correctly.
As if she had read his mind, Sumire provided further explanation. “You already know most of us, but some haven't properly introduced themselves to you. Twin Helix’s support and healer is the petite elf, Seraphina. As for Kumo, she only showed herself once before leaving elsewhere, and don’t try to remember her looks, she is currently in disguise. As for our captain, you can’t write her name because that's simply how she is. All this time, we’ve been uttering her name interchangeably with her title, but you must be perceiving our words ‘the captain’ or something similar.”
“How is that possible?” Mordred muttered, extremely shocked. Mind control and the like simply does not work on him, so he can’t fathom how a perception-altering method works without him noticing.
“Don’t believe us?” Sakuya grinned. “Then, look at my mouth while I repeat her name, Twin Helix’s captain is Captain.”
Mordred could hardly believe what had just happened. He was certain that what she uttered and what he heard was completely different. Her mouth definitely did not form the word ‘captain’, but even with his lip-reading skills honed over a literal millennia of espionage, he simply couldn’t decipher what she said.
“Unfathomable.” Sakuya and Sumire muttered simultaneously, satisfied with Mordred's reaction, “That’s how we explain our captain to a stranger.” The vice-captain added.
Mordred wanted to inquire further, but it seems like the captain’s counterintelligence methods were supreme. Investigative methods wouldn’t work on her. Instead of getting caught in a cycle of unanswered questions he decided to bury his curiosity and accepted it.
“The contract stated that none of you can force me to repay the favor. Instead, it encourages me to repay them when I am able to or feel inclined to do so. Isn’t that remarkably tolerant? Considering you could potentially extort me or something along the line with the contract…” Mordred voiced his opinion. “In fact, there’s even a clause that states I am to be provided with cultivation food until my acceptance in an academy…”
“You underestimate the value of a future-Paragon.” Sakuya patted his head. “It took us around four years to ascend into rank 1 in the Academy, and we have the captain who carried us the whole time. It might take you around three years, two if you were to excel like our captain. Sooner or later, your cultivation base will catch up, and at that moment, you’ll start to think about the fairness of our contract. Although there’s also a clause that said we can’t harm each other, with your speed of advancement, there’s no telling of how you can annul our contract or go around it. Instead of one that binds you, it's better that we nurture good relations with you from the start.”
Mordred was taken aback. The cultivation world is a dog eat dog world where people compete for resources. Although their perspective is not unique, it is worth commending. “Then, what if I delay or purposely cause you harm under the pretext of paying your favor back?”
“Pfft!” Sumire almost couldn’t bear to laugh. “Okay. There’s eleven of us, but why isn’t Ayame’s name written in the contract?”
Mordred had already noticed the discrepancy in the numbers. “I don’t know.”
She smiled faintly, almost with a hint of fatigue. It seems that Ayame has caused problems for the vice-captain. “She would be too embarrassed to demand payment from a future-Paragon. Even if you were to act up after you’ve become a Paragon, we can just ask the captain to tell her to deal with you.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Mordred was flabbergasted. He thought that Twin Helix being a ‘special’ team has its limits, but it seems like he was wrong.
Sumire and Sakuya glanced at each other before nodding, their eyes smiling in desire to tantalize Mordred. “You’ll meet her soon, so spoiling the surprise wouldn’t be fun.”
“Very well.” Mordred sighed. The contract’s terms are incredibly tolerant, but they couldn’t be completely ignored. Even if he suddenly wanted to ditch Twin Helix’s favor, he can simply alter the soul contracts later on. After all, he is also known as the Devil King of Death Tyrant in certain worlds, soul contracts are literally his bread-and-butter. “Since you’ve prepared the contract, does that mean what I’ve asked is done?”
“Un.” Sumire nodded before snapping her finger.
Seemingly acting under her cue, Katyusha suddenly entered the tent. “Привет! (Privyet)” She muttered in high spirits. “It would be a slow and painful death, but I’ve accomplished the task.” She then nodded at Sumire.
“Satoru, we’re switching you onto telepathic cognition. Do not resist.” Before anyone could react, Sumire whispered in a near-inaudible voice as her eyes gleamed in purple light. “Rank 0 wisdom-path magic spell, [Encrypted Mind Chat]!”