After Adlington finished explaining the rune to Bates, he got bored and decided to read his book. However, being a researcher, he couldn't handle being inactive, so he went to bother the man, who was staring into the forest while drinking.
" Hey Bates I got a question," said Adlington while grabbing a needle from his storage
"Uh, sure what ya need"
" Did you come from a peasant family?"
"Rude to ask that but yeah, I became an adventurer after being sold into slavery by my family," said Bates while looking into the sky as if remembering his past
"So you've never tested your magic aptitude?"
"Nah, no need never needed to use more than just my sword to handle something," said Bates while grabbing his sword
" So do you mind if I give you one"
"Huh, wait what?
"I am a researcher, and one of the first things I learned was how to conduct one"
"Aint those super expensive tho," said Bates while looking at his nearly empty money pouch
" Are they? I guess, I mean they're easy to do but most magicians do"
"Ah so another easy way to make money from hopeful families"
"So? Let me do one?"
"All alright sure, it's pretty boring here "
The construction had almost neared its ending, by the time Adlington had approached Bates only detailing was left to be done
Addlongton then dragged Bates to a flat stone before prickling Bates's hand and collecting his blood on a small wooden plate
The magic test was quite simple as all it required was for blood to be tested, for in this world the ability to wield magic was determined by a set of vein-like structures in a human body
Before awakening as a wizard the veins weren't solid but more of a concept, and that even is only if they were born with them
The more talented a person was the more complex the veins would be, though this would become more obvious as one learned magic
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These veins became solid once someone learned to use magic
Once Adlington had collected the blood he used a small dropper to place an unknown substance and swish it together with the blood
"Well it looks like you got some talent, not enough to become a true mage," said Adlington while pouring the now slightly shining blood on the ground
" Might wanna see if you got a talent for the magic sword, I don't know how to do that tough" said Adlington as he headed towards the waving foreman
"Sir we finished our work, we will be heading back now before it becomes dark just let me know if it's to your satisfaction then you can sign, and that'll be it" said the foreman while pulling some papers from a bag he had been carrying
"let's take a wander around then"
The house wasn't the largest thing he had seen but it would do, he signed the papers and the crew started leaving, he was planning on staying here from now on
Bates hadn't left with them for some reason
The enchanting house stood proudly as a magnificent 3-story structure crafted entirely from gleaming wood suffused with a faint glow of mana. Its sturdy stone foundation supported the grand façade, adorned with expansive windows gracing only the second and third floors. At the heart of this remarkable abode, a massive door beckoned, devoid of any conventional locking mechanism, for its master had grand plans to fashion his own. A winding path of carefully laid stones led to the imposing entrance.
Crossing the threshold revealed a grand chamber, where a large animal hide lent an air of rugged elegance to the space. Adorning the walls, majestic pedestals awaited the proud presentation of the creator's most triumphant works. In one corner, a dainty tea table beckoned, while on the opposite side stood the formidable puzzle door, undoubtedly concealing the entrance to the mysterious dungeon. Had one dared to open it, they would have discovered sweeping stone steps descending into the depths of the unseen realm.
Venturing to the rear of the chamber, a doorway led to a lavish guest chamber, featuring a cozy arrangement of varied couches elegantly positioned around a crackling fireplace. Serving as a transition to yet another space, an additional doorway presented a regal dining hall, adorned with a modest table and chairs. Adjacent to this chamber, lay the entrance to the well-equipped kitchen, furnished with basic cooking implements, while a staircase ascended towards the upper chambers. Here, he envisaged crafting his research and experimentation sanctum, drawing inspiration from the surrounding magical energies. Encompassing the attic, two ornate cages stood sentry at its farthest reaches, concealing secrets known only to their enigmatic master. Within this ethereal space also lay his private chambers, featuring a secluded area housing a sumptuous bed, cupboards, and an adjacent private facility. The remainder of the attic was meticulously appointed with an array of storage solutions, from shelves to grand basins secured to the hallowed floors.
The allure of the house transcended the interior, extending to a charming annex comprising a bedroom, bathroom, and dining area. Imbued with magic, this annex was destined to become the sanctuary for his devoted aides, a tradition steeped in the mystique of sorcery. Seamlessly connected to the main dwelling through the kitchen, access to this enchanting space was confined solely to a solitary window gracing the bedroom of the cozy retreat.
He was home, but before he could truly dive into his research with passion and joy he had to deal with Bates who had been following him as he toured the place with seemingly no intention of leaving