Nil

I woke up feeling a bit tired. I practiced a bit late last night. Krahinn’s curiosity got the better of him, which worked out for me. We originally weren’t going to have enough time to practice so he dragged me to Ygdazi to give us more time. Then into a he cast for even more time. I almost felt bad for Lux. Almost. Krahinn made me practice them until I got it right. And then some more; then he had an idea to make them better. In a matter of days, it felt like I grew by leaps and bounds with his insight. I need to figure out why he’s the Great Blasphemer. He was pretty tight lipped about it for now; it was all insight and discussion from him for the time being. It feels like he’s testing me. No idea how I was doing; I wanted to hope I was doing well. I was definitely smiling though. This feels a bit dirty. Krahinn possessed frightening creativity. Currently, I went looking for him before breakfast began. He likes sleeping on the roof. One later, I was standing by him where he looked haggard as he was rubbing his face.

“Is everything okay?” I inquired. Krahinn glared at me as he was in his what I think was his real form. I’m pretty sure the humanoid bird form with feathers is his actual appearance.

“Just the worst in the Realms ruining my sleep.” Krahinn yawned. I still was on the fence that he taught Luna it.

“Does it feed off regret?” I probed. Krahinn made a noncommittal head shake.

“Kind of. Regret, events similar to past ones, or the Lords feel like ruining your night trigger it. It is an oddly finicky that almost never works how you want.” Krahinn explained as he stretched.

“Why does it not behave? I don’t understand how a doesn’t work as intended or when you want.” I asked. in general seemed to work pretty much as intended.

“I guess you mostly care about highly practical and in general, so it is not surprising this would be a bit confusing to you. An often-overlooked aspect of is your mental state. For what you like to use, it mostly doesn’t matter the headspace you are currently in. More abstract requires a certain mental space to perform. One of the luxuries of your is the effects themselves are straightforward whereas the downside is envisioning some of the underlying mechanics is quite difficult. Luckily, you seem to be a nerd in both lives, and your original nerdiness is saving your current nerdiness. On the original topic, is a great example of a that requires the caster to be in the right mental state. like that have a habit of getting cast once your control slips while your mental condition is right.” Krahinn explained. His knowledge is truly extraordinary.

“Thanks.” I stated as we appeared in the dining room. Lux, Orga, and Ipnerslei looked smugly at me.

My victory streak shall be restarted today. Lux taunted me.

I wouldn’t get your hopes up. I shot back.

Someone is delusional. The great reign of Lux resumes this glorious day. Lux retorted, giving me a look that clearly illustrated her sense of self superiority.

Today is going to be a heartbreaking defeat. Krahinn taught me to barbecue you with. I informed her. The first statement wasn’t a lie, but she didn’t need to know the second was a bold-faced lie.

Good thing Ipnerslei helped me innovate a few things to deal with it. Your bad habit of showing off is going to be your undoing today. Lux replied with her smirk.

Your arrogance is astounding. Unfortunately for you, your talent cannot match it. I told her. Krahinn told me to expect Lux to use some spectacular , and likely improved .

Funny, I was about to tell you the same thing. Lux chimed. There was a bit of excitement at the table as I did a quick inventory. I noticed Grisbane glaring at Krahinn who smiled and waved back. He seemed oddly cheerful now.

“Someone is in a good mood.” Ipnerslei chimed with a smile.

“You are about to see true genius in action.” Krahinn informed them. I snapped my head to look at him, stunned. Luna looked stunned. Lux looked stunned. Everyone’s jaw dropped at Krahinn’s compliment. Even Ipnerslei made choking sounds as she struggled to swallow the tea she had been drinking.

“Thank you Krahinn.” I replied, not entirely sure what had him in such a good mood.

“What are you thinking me for?” Krahinn checked, cocking his head in confusion.

“Your compliment. I really appreciate it.” I told him. Krahinn looked confused.

“You’re hopeless, unfocused, untrained, an impulsive moron with zero control over yourself, and above all else delusional that I’d compliment your mediocrity.” Krahinn ranted. There’s the Krahinn I know.

“You were complimenting yourself. Okay. You had me worried for a second.” Ipnerslei sighed while wiping off her brow.

“What does that mean?” Krahinn challenged, not grasping her point.

“I thought I walked into an alternate reality where you’re nice, or Nil made some massive breakthrough you’d actually compliment.” Ipnerslei informed Krahinn.

“Oh, I see the confusion. I’m only complimenting that if he uses it correctly on the rodent. It was a little last minute for my taste, but if Nil correctly uses it that rodent should suffer an overwhelming defeat. I don’t think it’s possible to adapt to what we came up with on the fly for the vermin.” Krahinn explained, laughing at Lux.

“You’re very funny Krahinn. Lux is a , not a rodent. Stop comparing her to them, it’s beneath you and quite rude. I’ve never seen you do anything at the last minute, so stop with the lies.” Ipnerslei lectured Krahinn. Krahinn leaned forward with an evil smile.

“Ipnerslei, all I will say is this. is now the second most impressive Nil has come up with. Granted, this new one was a joint effort, mostly me. You are about to face likely my greatest innovation in the last millennia.” Krahinn threatened, smiling from ear to ear with all nine eyes glowing. Ipnerslei was generally featureless, but even I could sense her discomfort.

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“Nice bluff.” Orga laughed at Krahinn.

“Krahinn’s not bluffing.” Ipnerslei informed her. Lux looked at me, eyes narrowing.

You have no idea what we cooked up. I told her, smiling widely.

“What are you talking about?” Mom inquired, leaning in very curious about Krahinn’s threat. Krahinn just laughed.

“What did you come up with?” Ipnerslei snarled, her distress creeping into her voice. Krahinn chuckled some more.

“Why don’t we all witness this duel? It’ll be great.” Krahinn suggested. It was fun when he was on my side.

“What. Did. You. Do?” Ipnerslei interrogated, putting immense emphasis on each word.

“Relax Ipnerslei. The there is going to demonstrate what I imagine knowing you and Orga tremendous growth and improvement. Unfortunately for you three, I am turning out to be an amazing teacher.” Krahinn gloated. I wanted to say it was me being an excellent student, but Krahinn was currently pro-Nil, so I was going to keep my mouth shut.

“I did teach Nil the foundation. Not my fault I’m quite inexperienced when compared to an King.” Uncle Nez teased him.

“You did do an excellent job. If he wins our wager, you would still do the heavy lifting as I am more for insights and using the . I'd be more of the tutor.” Krahinn conceded. Ipnerslei got dimmer.

“I would be quite intrigued to witness this.” Papa interjected with a smile.

What is it? Lux pouted, sounding immensely irritated.

Remember that I got from Utol? I asked back, smiling at her. Lux looked much less than happy.

Krahinn figured out the . Lux spat, glaring at me. Her irritation and displeasure were radiating off her in waves.

I never said that. I pointed out as Lux obviously told the others.

“It’s not going to kill Lux, is it?” Orga checked, sounding panicked.

“No. It’s going to be, pardon the language I’m about to use, an absolute bezka to overcome. I look forward to seeing the live test.” Krahinn stated with a massive smile.

What did you and Krahinn create? Luna asked, looking at me curiously.

Krahinn told me I had to call it . I wanted a better name but noooo his highness wouldn’t allow that. I ranted to her.

You have bags under your eyes. How late did you stay up practicing it? Luna cooed with a playful grin.

I lost track of time. Krahinn wasn’t much better being honest. We both were engrossed in getting the combinations down and functioning. I answered as she poked my cheek.

Combinations? Luna probed. I was beaming at her.

This is going to be so forling dirty, but it is going to leave you all speechless. I bragged. Luna looked at me mischievously.

I will have to inform you that I will be telling Duthane about that foul language you’re using. Luna teased me.

Wow. Traitor. After I helped you figure out how to win your wager. I taunted her. Luna shrugged.

Someone needs to learn to act regal. Luna retorted as she poked me again.

“Focus. Disappoint her on your time not mine.” Krahinn interjected as he hit me between the eyes with an ice cube.

“He was not disappointing me.” Luna defended me to Krahinn.

“If it is about your eventual marriage, I am sure Speranza waits in breathless anticipation for the Crown Prince to go with the wildly original idea that his heir producer is the daughter of a Duke.” Krahinn mocked. He got a few glares.

“Krahinn!” Ipnerslei snarled at him.

“King Krahinn, can you please not refer to my daughter in such a crass and rude fashion?” Duke Dawnsfield requested, looking angered at Krahinn.

“Fine. Fine. I apologize for my rude remark.” Krahinn apologized with absolutely no sincerity in his voice.

“Thanks, Krahinn. I could feel the overwhelming sincerity in your apology.” Luna told him, looking completely unamused.

Sorry for him. I apologized sheepishly.

“What was wrong with my statement?” Krahinn defended himself out loud from Ipnerslei.

“Everything. We’ll talk about this later.” Ipnerslei sighed as she rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“I’d say future Empress, but Nil is talented enough to be the next ruler on his own. He doesn’t really need an Empress to help solidify his position.” Krahinn added on. Like that made it so much better.

“Moving on, let’s enjoy breakfast so we can get to the duel.” Mom suggested, clearly wanting Krahinn to stop talking.

I just want to be clear I don’t agree with what Krahinn said whatsoever. I informed Luna as Lux gave me a fiery stare.

I know Krahinn is a jerk. Luna sighed mentally.

I need to talk to Lux. I told her. She nodded like she suspected that answer.

What’s wrong Lux? I inquired as she was clearly pouting.

Why can’t I close the gap on you? Every time I try you just climb higher and higher. It’s not fair. Lux growled, sounding utterly incensed.

Because I was forced to meet the occasion or die. I had a horrible monster reveal he wants to kill everyone around me as horribly as possible before killing me. It’s a different kind of motivation Lux. I’m sorry you’re in this mess with me, but I don’t know if you fully appreciate the stakes. I answered. I felt kind of bad phrasing it like that, but phrasing things like this better was something I clearly needed to work on. Lux was clearly processing what I said.

I know you’re cheating by being older, I guess that helps. But I will find a way to win as I clearly need to become something better. Lux told me as she clearly made a decision.

You want to evolve? I verified a bit surprised.

Ipnerslei gave me an offer, and I think I need to take it. We can go over it after our duel. Lux replied, letting out an annoyed huff.

What was the offer? I probed, wondering what Ipnerslei offered Lux.

She said I might need a change in environment to compete with you and offered for me and Orga to go on a trip with her. Lux answered as she swiped some fish. I looked at Ipnerslei and Orga, and then Krahinn.

What is it kid? And you need to work on making a game face. Krahinn inquired, his face hardly changing.

Ipnerslei offered to take Lux on a trip to help her grow. I informed him. Krahinn let out a little shrug.

It’s a good idea. If she intends to do that, she also probably plans to rewrite the contract between you two. That kind of is her specialty. Krahinn explained as he calmly sipped his coffee.

That’s possible? I asked while trying to keep my face neutral.

If both parties consent, she’s an expert in the which is used to create binding vows, contracts, and other things. That you have is written in it for example. Krahinn told me.

There is based contract language and law? I probed. I tried not chuckling at the mental image of Lux dressed in a suit like a lawyer.

It’s technically the third specialty. Just, most beings never bother with it. Krahinn confessed. By his tone I knew he took little interest in the subject.

What do you mean by third specialty? I pressed. Why couldn’t Krahinn just explain things in one go?

and would be the first two. Contracts are a blend of the two with a very blurred line that have a lot of rules and conditions that need to be met. It’s a cluster of that falls into both but could technically be its own category. Krahinn elaborated as he looked bored.

Why had I never heard of this? I checked. This was definitely new to me.

Because it takes time to learn it and frankly its applications are quite narrow. It’s great though for making agreements no one can break. Krahinn shot back.

But can’t you just make a contract with yourself to force yourself to be better? I asked. Krahinn froze. His head shot to Ipnerslei as he asked her a question.

The great Krahinn doesn’t know? I taunted. Krahinn glared at me but said nothing.

According to Ipnerslei it is possible, just vows and contracts made with yourself tend to be temperamental and can have wildly unintended consequences. I’ll give you credit, I never thought of doing that. If you have more questions, ask Ipnerslei as she actually bothered learning all of that nonsense. Krahinn conceded, having visibly lost interest in the subject.

Understood. I quipped, not wanting to press my luck.

“Come on, we have a duel to witness.” Krahinn announced excitedly, bringing everyone to the courtyard for me to demonstrate what we had practiced.