Chapter 3 - New Friends, Rowdy Celebrations
Lisa Esterhold, Captain of the Copperhold Guard
Workers were repairing the iron gate, supervised by two of Copperhold’s blacksmiths. Others were hauling away the goblin corpses to a large pile that would be burned later. The troll’s body was cut apart, being too heavy to lift, and the most valuable parts like its eyes and marrow were taken. They would be used as potion ingredients or reagents in the creation of magical items.
Lisa felt sick at the thought of drinking a potion made with troll toes, but it was better than bleeding to death on the battlefield. Herbalists are the hands of Jure… it’s just that you are better off not knowing what they put in those pungent concoctions of theirs.
Right now, they were in Copperhold’s western plaza. The most heavily injured defenders were lying on cots, busy healers tending to their wounds with potions, pastes, and unknown substances. Tom, the poor lad who lost a hand during the sally, winced as his stump was bandaged - it would be hard for him to make a living anymore. Lisa took note of him, and internally promised to shoulder his healing expenses and find him new work.
Brushing the sweat soaked hair out of her face, Lisa turned to the person who had saved so many lives this day. No one would guess that he was a mage at first glance. Dressed in unremarkable clothing, he was tall and of average build, with slightly messy brown hair and bright green eyes. He would be good looking… if he wasn’t covered in so much troll blood.
“Thank you again for your assistance, lord mage. I am Lisa Esterhold, captain of the guard.”
“Please, I’m no lord.” The man answered, waving his hands. “I’m just another traveler with a little talent in spellcasting. Ezekiel Hawk, at your service.”
“Good.” She said with a smile, visibly relaxing. “Sorry if I’ve been acting a bit stiff. Had to watch my language in case you were some thin-skinned noble, yeah? Captains have been beheaded for less.”
Ezekiel laughed, but he knew it wasn’t an exaggeration. This was that kind of kingdom.
Lisa was truly relieved that the mage wasn’t a visitor of the local count. Otherwise, that vicious bastard would surely use it against her. She could already imagine his despicable voice, saying something like “The mutt cannot even do its job without relying on my guests? Haah, maybe it really is time for you to step down. Go watch over your own kind in the kennels instead.”
“Um, are you alright?”
The mage’s concerned voice snapped Lisa out of her thoughts. She became aware of how much bloodlust she was emitting. Not good, that temper had gotten her into trouble too many times already. Shaking her head, the captain changed the topic.
“If you’re new in town, then you’re probably looking for an inn and the guildmaster.”
Seeing him nod, Lisa continued. “Most of the Adventurer’s Guild are out hunting a rampaging wyvern. They’ll be back by nightfall. If you want, I can introduce you to the guildmaster myself.”
“That would be wonderful.” Ezekiel said eagerly. “I was planning to register at the guild when the attack happened.”
“Excellent!” She said, and called over one of her guards. “Rick here will escort you to a good inn. He’ll also pick you up later tonight and take you to Copperhold’s biggest tavern. We’ll have to celebrate this victory, and you can meet the guildmaster there.”
As the mage and Rick walked away, Lisa thought back to their earlier battle. Hawk’s magic was too bizarre. Each fireball may have been weak, but to cast so many at such a fast rate… then there were those other spells he had casually flung at the troll. It takes years to master a single spell, how can someone at his age know so many? Nevermind that the boy can fight and wields a sword that can cut through troll skin.
Too odd. Lisa thought, rubbing her chin. Should I send an inquiry to the Mage’s Guild?
Shaking her head, the captain decided to ignore it for the time being. Ezekiel might be dangerous, but he was their benefactor today. If he’s dressed that simply, it means he doesn’t want people prying into his business. No point in possibly making an enemy of him.
* * *
Ezekiel Hawk, The Spellblade of Jure
Lazily rolling in my bed, I enjoyed the calm after our hard-fought battle. I was in a room at the inn Lisa recommended, having already changed out of my bloodstained clothes.
The ‘Homely Nook’ was a charming building with three storeys, wattle and daub walls, and a thatch roof. Many of the other rooms had their windows open, taking advantage of the cool summer breeze outside. Situated in the eastern sector of Copperhold, it was far away from the noisy bustle of the town’s main street. Perfect for a weary traveler.
When the old innkeeper realized who I was, he refused to take any payment and gave me one of the best rooms in the building, despite me insisting otherwise. I would later find out that his son was one of the guards at the western gate, which was why he was so grateful.
I wasn’t really lacking money though. One of the gifts that Jure gave me was a huge number of coins, so I never had to worry about gold while I was adventuring.
Sitting up, I looked at where this wealth was hidden - the very plain looking steel ring on my left hand. Yeah, it’s a bonafide dimensional storage ring. This was something I specifically requested from Jure, and she hesitated a lot before giving in. I just about squealed in delight when she handed it over.
“Don’t ever reveal its existence to other people, okay?” She had warned me repeatedly. “Space magic doesn’t exist in Ethna. Other mages would immediately know that this item is from a deity.”
So despite this highly convenient tool on my finger, I still have to travel around with a small ‘decoy’ bag filled with rations, cheap potions, coins, and other essentials. What a pain.
Ethna’s currency was fortunately very simple. A gold coin is equal to ten silvers, and a silver is equal to a hundred coppers. Adult commoners could live comfortably on two silvers a month. Meanwhile, a hard working and skilled craftsman may earn a monthly wage of five silvers.
My lovely goddess went a little overboard. Jure gave me a thousand gold coins, two thousand silvers, and more coppers than I can count. Are you trying to cause hyperinflation!?
Shaking my head, I decided not to think about it too much. As huge as this amount of gold might be to a normal adventurer, it wasn’t that big compared to a king or duke’s assets. For a person who wanted to usurp the throne, help the territory recover, then wage a war of unification across the entire continent? No amount of money in the world would be enough.
The ring contained enough food and water to last me for a year, in case I ever found myself stranded (or in a place with terrible cooking). However, its most valuable contents were the magic items and five spellbooks my family managed to save - the last of the Hawk clan’s legacy.
* * *
Now, let’s talk about my magic, and what makes the Circles so unique.
Back in the old days, Earth’s mages were fairly... primitive. Spells were more like rituals, some taking days to perform. Lots of chanting and animal sacrifices to make the tribe’s warriors a little stronger in combat, or to speed up the growth of crops.
Then we discovered runes and sigils - the language of mana. Carving the right symbols into items like staves can drastically improve the power and efficiency of magic. Using runes in a “formula” was also a very effective way to create powerful new spells. Incantations became shorter, and sorcerers started competing to see who was the biggest badass. Mage wars were fought in private, though, away from the curious eyes of ordinary mortals.
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One day, some crazy bastard had an idea: what if you carved runes into your very soul?
I have no idea what the fuck that guy was thinking, but he laid the foundations of the Circles of magic, ushering in a new era for us spellcasters. We were eventually able to perfect the process after generations of research and development.
A Circle is a complicated formation, made up of carefully woven runes and sigils. The mage carves it into their soul by directing mana like a precise laser. This is a very painful and difficult process. Once successfully formed, however, it has huge benefits.
Not only does your control over mana improve with each completed Circle, it also creates a place for permanently ‘storing’ spells. This completely removes the need for incantations or mediums like enchanted staves. The difference in power is staggering, and after enough practice, casting a stored spell feels as natural as breathing to a mage.
Each formed Circle can hold a maximum of five spells. The process of storing them is similar to what I described before, though much easier. We carve the spell’s rune formula onto the Circle itself, merging them together, but the level of a Circle determines how powerful its stored magic can be. We can’t just go around adding spells like
Now, I have to emphasize: Circle creation is dangerous. Making a mistake while cutting stuff onto your soul can have serious consequences, such as never being able to use mana again. It’s why you should never attempt to create the next one unless you have completely memorized the process. Even then, a lapse in concentration leads to failure, forcing you to try again.
So what spells do I currently have imprinted on my soul?
1st Circle Spells
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
2nd Circle Spells
1.
2.
3.
I still have two free spots in my 2nd Circle, which I plan to fill up with ‘control’ type spells from the Hawk family tomes. My 1st Circle magic will be enough to cover ranged combat for the time being, and
Also, I have to practice using my arsenal in this new world.
Lying back down on the bed, I drifted off to sleep.
* * *
Several hours later, I arrived at the tavern with Rick.
It was a chaotic den of laughter, shouting, and celebration. I recognized some of the fighters, who were bragging about their exploits in the battle earlier to anyone who would listen. The smell of cheap alcohol was strong, but oddly welcoming. There was even an arm-wrestling match going on with onlookers placing bets. Maybe I should join in with a wager of my own?
Before I could do anything, though, the place erupted in loud cheers. They had recognized me.
“There’s the man of the hour!” I heard a familiar voice call out. “Stop gawking and get over here!”
Lisa strode over to me, grinning widely. She was no longer dressed in her heavy metal armor. Instead, she was wearing leathers that didn’t fully hide her curves and highly trained physique. Lisa’s tail was visible now as well - the same black color as her hair and wolf ears.
Judging by the mug of ale in her hand and her flushed cheeks, she’d already had a few drinks.
The captain swung her free arm around my shoulders, then half-dragged me over to a table at the corner of the tavern. Along the way, many of the guards and tavern-goers clapped me on the back or raised their drinks in my direction. One of them pushed a pint of ale into my hands, which I happily accepted.
Sitting at the table was a middle-aged man, nursing a flagon. He had long blonde hair that was braided behind him, striking blue eyes, and a thick jaw covered in stubble. There was an awe-inspiring warhammer leaning against the wall beside him, and I had no doubt that he could wield it with his massive, powerful frame. Dressed in heavy plate armor that was covered in scratches and dents, this man was an experienced warrior who nobody sane would fuck with.
“Ah, this is the fearsome wizard who repelled the monster wave, eh?” The man laughed, standing up to greet us. He was taller than me by a full three heads. “All of Copperhold thanks you, lad. I am Robert Iceforged, leader of the Adventurer’s Guild in Bardoch Kingdom.”
“Well met, my name is Ezekiel Hawk.” I said, shaking his hand. “I was merely one of the defenders. The credit goes to everyone who fought to protect the town.”
He nodded approvingly at my response as Lisa and I took our seats. The captain’s tail wagged as she grabbed another tankard from a passing serving girl - hers was already empty. It’s hard to imagine that this loud and overly friendly drunkard was the same terrifying woman who minced dozens of goblins earlier, but I liked this side of her too.
“So how did you find yourself in Copperhold, Hawk?” The guildmaster asked me, taking a swig from his oversized flagon. Straight to business. “A talented young mage like you could easily be an officer somewhere.”
I scratched the back of my head, grinning sheepishly like a rogue caught red-handed. “Well, there’s a very upset viscount back home. He has sworn to drag me behind a horse cart if he ever manages to catch me. I… may have accidentally slept with his wife.”
Lisa and Robert stared at me, then roared with laughter. It was ridiculous, a talented mage having to run for his life after seducing the wrong woman? They didn’t believe it, but the idea was funny enough that they silently decided to stop asking further. I had already earned my keep, after all.
Most likely, they thought I was just an irresponsible noble brat or heir to a famous mage clan, having run away from my home country to make trouble in the world while I’m still young. They’d send inquiries, but wouldn’t suspect me of being a spy.
Wiping away his tears of mirth, Robert said, “Cuckolding nobility is a serious offense, boy. Don’t worry, if any angry viscounts come around, we never saw you.”
“Agreed.” Lisa chortled, taking another drink. “Be warned: many of the highborn ladies in this kingdom are beauties, but don’t let them sink their venomous fangs into you. Evil bitches, the lot of them.”
Then the guildmaster pulled out a small leather pouch, which he tossed over to me.
“This is?” I asked, opening it. Several coins were inside.
“A gold coin, four silvers, and twenty five coppers.” Robert answered simply. “Your bounty for killing the troll, plus the value of the materials harvested from it.”
“The townspeople are also pooling funds together for your reward.” Lisa added. “It should be available by tomorrow.”
For a while I just looked at the pouch in my hand. This was more than an ordinary person could make in a year, but I had earned it in a single afternoon. Then without further ado, I pulled out three gold coins from my pocket, dropped them into the pouch, then casually tossed it back at Robert.
Lisa was staring at me, wide eyed. The guildmaster raised an eyebrow, surprised as well.
“Please tell the townspeople to use the gathered money to cover the healing costs of the defenders.” I said calmly, taking a swig of ale. “As for that pouch… give it to the boy who lost his hand earlier.”
I wasn’t just doing this to be kind. Money was literally the last thing I needed right now. Doing this instead would raise my reputation and influence in the town further. Plus, such an obscene display of wealth would reinforce their suspicions of me being a naive, good hearted person with a powerful background.
“I suppose a mage wouldn’t be lacking in gold.” Robert chuckled. “So be it.”
“Ezekiel!” Lisa cried, turning serious. She quickly looked around the tavern to check if anyone saw what I just did. Then she continued, her voice low. “I know that you can take care of yourself, but for Autea’s sake, be more careful! Carrying around that much money is a good way to get stabbed.”
“Oh, right.” I said, nodding as if I had never considered the possibility.
She sighed, rubbing her head at my cluelessness. “Thank you. Everyone will be incredibly grateful for this, especially Tom. Just stay out of dark alleys, okay?”
Robert laughed. “Enough of that, Lisa, you’re acting like a mother hen. Now, why don’t I tell you two about the wyvern hunt? Fierce thing, the beast sweeped down on us like a tempest…”
For the rest of the evening, the three of us noisily got drunk, argued, and shared stories. Well, I mostly just listened. There’s no way I could talk about Earth or Jure, and they were probably sharp enough to tell if I lied.
Both of them are good people. If all goes well, they’ll be my generals when the rebellion begins.
* * *
Several hours later, the festivities finally died down. It was well past midnight, and everyone began drunkenly staggering home. The few sober guards had the unfortunate task of carrying those who passed out or were too inebriated to walk.
Robert and I agreed to meet at the guild tomorrow to finish my registration. Once I had the crest officially marking me as an adventurer, I planned to accept a few missions from the guild. It would be good combat practice, and one of the best ways to continue building my influence.
Lisa was still concerned about my safety, and quietly offered to walk me back to the Homely Nook. I immediately refused. Right now, I needed to be very deliberate in shaping how other people see me, and a person who needs an escort is definitely not king material.
Speaking of Lisa, she was the type to get more fired up and foul mouthed the more she drank. At one point she even challenged me to a contest, but I wisely declined. With her stamina, the wolf girl could probably drink the entire tavern under the table. Good grief.
And so I made my way back to the inn, humming a happy tune. It’s been a long time since I last had the chance to just sit back and get drunk with friends. My last year on Earth was filled with constant fear and anxiety - never knowing when our hunters would show up. It felt good to finally get a chance to unwind.
Now then, aren’t they taking too long to show themselves?
As if on cue, two hooded figures emerged from a nearby alley, blocking my path.
I turned around, and there were three more behind me. None of them were showing weapons, but leaving wasn't an option.
Looks like it’s time for ‘negotiations’. The question is, which faction is approaching me first?