Part 1 – The Witch

I am currently sitting in my room in the inn I stayed before. Why I'm here and not doing something....productive is another question itself. Alexandra is finding someone to fill the third party member slot. Frankly I believe its a good idea. The more people the higher the survivability of the whole group in most cases. But its been a couple of days now.....and the very few times I saw Alexandra she rejected all questions including what the cursed item really was. Because of that I was deeply depressed.

[You can go out right? Why don't you do something like take up a crafting skill?]

You mean become a blacksmith, tailor or sculptor right? No NEVER. I refuse to do those things.

[In that case go to the mage guild and read some books about magic. Despite Warlic teaching you, who is a master of magic, your expertise is lacking in all area. I have a lot to complain about in the battle against the Doom Knight]

Hey I got out of that alive....weren't you nervous as well?

[Well yeah, you have control over my power and when you die.....]

So what happens when I die?

[Well you can say something unpleasant happens to me. Judging by how much you don't want to die which is a lot higher than a normal person's I guess you have something you don't want to face when you die]

Yeah...its complicated. Well lets go, I might as well see how the magic I as taught and the magic in this world are different. Then I can adjust myself to be more efficient in combat.

I got up from my chair and started walking to the door. I held the door knob and was about to open it....

BANG

You have lost 50 mana

OW! The door flew open and hit me to the wall.....

“Eden I'm back~” said a certain person I know.

In an angry voice I said, “God damnit Alexandra, don't slam the door open!”

Alexandra looked at my pitiful state and said confidently, “Hey you can survive worse than this!”

This god damn woman is referring to the incident the happened a few days ago. After the head priest gave her the purify skill she was sent to the towns that were attacked purify the area. I'm guessing that she was gone due to that.

“Did you finish the purifying quest yet? Or did you spend your time finding a person to party with?” I asked knowing that Alexandra hated the purifying job.

“I did both~” said Alexandra very cheerfully. Where does this energy come from? When we faced the Doom Knight she was scared shitless and now....did something snap in her to become this?

Concern about her health since I have to party with her later I walked up to her and placed my hand on her forehead checking her temperature.

Startled Alexandra took a flew steps away from me saying, “What was that for?”

Feeling the warm left on my hand from touching her forehead I said, “Checking if you have a fever. You seem more energetic.”

At this comment Alexandra smiled brightly, you would not think that this....person if you can call her that was manipulating even the higher ups in several churches to get what she wants. She's also violent, loud and most annoying knows a lot about me.

I sighed at this fact and said, “So who's the new recruit?”

Alexandra quickly ran out the room and pulled in a small person roughly 150 cm tall into the room. This person was probably a girl judging by the height itself. Men tend to want to be taller than they are in most cases especially for short men. The person was wearing a robe for mages and had a pointy hat you see witches wear. She was also equipped with a wooden staff. How mage like. I thought you got someone useful Alexandra.

I glared at this fool that brought useless baggage.

“What's with that look. Hey take off your hat” commanded Alexandra while trying to pull away the pointy hat.

The girl was struggling to keep it on and prevent me from seeing her face. However she was facing the brute strength of Alexandra and the hat came off.

I saw the face of our new party member. The one word I can describe the face was 'cute'. She looked like a child and had shoulder length brown hair. I bet a lot of people would want her as a mascot.

“Hey what's the meaning of this Alexandra, kidnapping children. You're not that kind of person are you?” I asked hoping that she doesn't say 'that'.

Alexandra placed her hands on her hips and said, “What's wrong with liking cute thing?”

Damn she said it......trying to get how this person's mind works I said, “Even so kidnapping children is still..”

“Umm...I'm 15” said the girl timidly.

That still doesn't make things better you know....under international law, children are under 18 years of age....

“That doesn't matter, kidnapping a person is still...”

“I asked Alexandra to let me join...” said the girl blushing a bit in the process.

I see why Alexandra kidnapped you now...

[Eden are you into children?]

HELL NO!!!

“Ah!” said the girl suddenly.

Don't tell me...

“You can hear the voice can you...” I said trying to investigate this one. It seems this one is a powerful or unique one as well.

“Oh~ I didn't know you could do that as well!” exclaimed Alexandra. She ran to the girl and started hugging her. I don't get girls sometime...

[Hmm...how interesting. First the Doom Knight now this one...what class are you young one?]

Responding to llyfr the girl said, “I'm...I'm a Witch.”

When the girl said that I was kinda shocked. A Witch was a second class advancement.

“Are you perhaps over level 200?” I asked the girl.

The girl in respond looked away shy and said, “No I'm level 90...thanks to Alexandra here...”

That's strange....I could've sworn that Witches were normally....wait normal doesn't exist here I forgot...

[Oh are you a old type witch?]

Old type?

“Ye-yes” said the girl.

“Hey llyfr, what's a old type?”

[Witches now can be classified into two types. The new type that have powerful magic skills relying on themselves which are similar to mages and the old type that make contracts to fuel their skills using nature. I thought they were extinct...ever since the purge that span over countless worlds]

“Ma-master was one of the few survivors and passed on her skills to me even giving her title to me though....”

“Though?”

“I thought Witches were suppose to be girls!” the girl cried.

Wait what? Are you not a girl? This is confusing me...

“Don't worry Eden I checked already. This one is definitely a guy.” responded Alexandra in my confusion.

She lifted up the boy's(?) robe to show me 'that'. I see you really are a boy.....I made a depressed face when I saw 'that'.....

“By-by the way my-my name is Viv” said the guy.

The was the worse first impression I've ever seen.

Part 2 – Learning Magic

“Don't be depressed that another trap joins the team” said Alexandra trying to reassure me.

I stared at Alexandra in disbelief.

“What do you mean another trap?!” I retorted.

Alexandra and Viv giggled at my comment which annoyed me greatly. Honestly you couldn't tell Viv was a guy until you see....that like I did thanks to Alexandra here.

“Th-that reminds me Eden...Alexandra said you are a mage...” said Viv trying to start a conversation with me.

“Yes I am. Why?” I replied.

“Umm...can I ask you something about your magic. I heard from Alexandra that you use ancient magic...” said Viv timidly.

“Didn't I tell you to call me Al?” said Alexandra or rather Al.

“Bu-but....that's rude of me to call you....”

“Just call her Al” I said trying to move this slow conversation.

“You're not allowed to call me that Eden.” said Alexandra cutting me off.

“Why are we getting off topic?” I asked. Viv wanted to ask me about my magic not that I can explain.

“Why are you so mad? Fine I'll let you call me Al as well” said Alexandra making a face like she was comforting a small animal.

[What what do you want to know about Eden's magic young one?]

llyfr did you just cut in the conversation? Not that I care. I rather not have a conversation with Alexandra on what to call her publicly and privately.

“Um....master told me to seek a person using ancient magic...so I went to the mage guild and asked them......but there was no one who could use it.”

“Its not surprising since most mages might learn it for their second class advancement not no one wants to tell the world how they obtained it. Well I found a couple of wannable mages trying to extort poor Viv of her magic.” said Alexandra.

Wait extort? Why? How?

[I'm not sure. There are very rare beings that can steal skills but only the most powerful have that power. Some wannable mages won't be able to do that and even if they could copy one's spells, a witch's skill set is unique. I doubt they will be able to even use the spells properly]

“Why is that?” I asked. I just make spells on the spot when I need to.

[Like I said before, old type witches makes contracts to spirits to use more powerful spells. Don't you ever listen to me Eden?]

“So if they don't make the same contract then they can't use the skill” I speculate.

[Correct, now while we're on this topic what kind of contracts do you have?]

“Um...I don't have any....” muttered Viv.

[Hmm...that makes sense. Making these kinds of contracts are very difficult and most witches only have one contract over their life. Don't worry if Eden has the qualifications to make a contract, he won't be able to make one]

“Well thanks llyfr...using me as leverage to help the new kid....”

[Don't complain. You can't even use magic properly]

“What are you talking about I can use magic and killed many many creatures with my magic” I retorted.

“Well this is going to be interesting” smirked Alexandra.

[You are UNABLE to use the magic Warlic taught to the FULLEST extent. You are HORRIBLY UNSTABLE in the use of magic! If it were any other person, they would've noticed how to MAXIMISED your powers!]

“What are you talking about?!” I shouted.

“An-ancient magic is different from normal ma-magic in the way it works. Since it works by directly rewriting the world, its power vary on the person..” said Viv explaining llyfr's anger with me.

[Precisely! If you trained your mind then you would've been able to use so much more power especially during that battle with the Doom Knight where you were being suppressed even in power. You used more power during the fight with the Cyclops!]

“So how the HELL do I do this...whatever you want me to do!”

[For starters practice the basics. I believe you haven't been using your most basic spells recently. Your lack of skill proficiency is apparent in many areas. So start with your magic control skill]

“So now we have three people we can go to where that mana fragment is. You can practice along the way Eden.” said Alexandra.

God Damnit Alexandra you know much I have practising.

[Good Idea. We can at least make some progress. Do you have the supplies?]

“Yep, brought them a bit before I got here~” said Alexandra.

Man I can't just take a break now can I.

Part 3 – The long Trip

[First of all, I want you to get to the intermediate level of magic control. You are lacking in so many areas so we need to improve the part that affects the most skills]

llyfr was forcing me to do this while making me create a large number of light balls. I had to control each one individually as well. Viv was tasked to make my work even more.

“Um...you will have to move your light balls around our bodies. Its the best and hardest way to level your magic control up. My master taught me this...” said Viv while pointing where I have to move the light balls.

While walking with the other two, I tried to move my light balls around Viv and Alexandra's bodies. With the power of my imagination and as a guy in general this was pretty easy for me....well one of them was a guy but that doesn't really matter since he looks like a girl anyway.

Magic Control skill advanced to beginner level 8

Oh that was quick! My magic control skill was now at level 8.

“Hey Viv what's your magic control skill level?” I asked.

“In the advance levels” said Viv immediately shattering my hopes.

[Well at least one of you guys are competent]

“Hey what about me?” said Alexandra, annoyed at the fact that she wasn't included in that list.

[You, like Eden need more practise as well. None of your skills are in the intermediate levels. Even with your class strength's you are around the level of a normal person. This is not where you want to stay at]

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“But many people don't even bother with skill levels” retorted Alexandra.

[And that you why most people have trouble facing even the most simple creatures]

“Master made me do those kinds of activities until I got my skills to an acceptable level.” said Viv.

Well your magic control was at the advance level. What kind of person was your master to make your magic control go to the advance level?

“Master said that if you can't even do something so simple......then it wasn't worth letting me live. She made me keep on practising until I got to my current skill level. It wasn't until recently that I.... actually got to my level...”

[So keep on practising Eden. It'll take at least 2 months to get to the capital of that kingdom]

1 week later.....

Intelligent increased by 1

Concentration increased by 1

Magic Control Skill has advanced to beginner level 10. Skill has been converted to intermediate level 1

You now have greater control of magic and its use

Finally I reached the intermediate level of magic control.....

[Its about time.  I can't believe it took you a week to get to this point when you only need half the experience to increase your skill levels. Now you need to get to intermediate level for your magic mastery]

“And how am I suppose to do that?” I said ignoring the fact that llyfr just insulted me.

[Continue the same time with some basic elemental magic. Your magic mastery levelled up to beginner level 9 already. It won't be that long and you can finally start improving your elemental mastery which is still stuck in beginner level 7]

Fine fine. What should I do?

[For now get familiar with each element individually. Start with making a small ball of fire and controlling it freely. Start by creating a formation of the element. Then add in variables that creates the form and finally a variable that controls the actions of the spell]

Doesn't this stem to magic control as well?

[Well yeah, everything you use comes from your magic control skills]

This sucks, Alexandra and Viv are having some sort of fun together while I'm stuck practising this stuff.

[This will be worth it later on. Hurry up and start]

Fine fine. I imagined a small fireball floating over my open hand. In my mind the following sequence was formed.

Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball

Eventually after a bit a small fireball appeared. It was kinda hot but if I put it out llyfr will complain.

Concentration increased by 1

Man concentration was easy to increase.....

[Good now do the same thing as before like with the light balls]

Wait won't I get burnt if I do that?

[The point of this training is so you don't get burnt. Don't lower the output, your body won't adapt as easily if you do]

Okay then boss....I tried moving the fireball on my hand left and right by adding in the variable of 'Move Freely' in it.

It was kinda difficult without making it explode in my face but I managed to do it...wait this seems easier than I thought. Before I had to concentrate a lot harder to do the same thing with a normal light ball.

[That's correct. The point of this is so you can do what you usually do in this training in battle properly unlike what happened with the Doom Knight. You do realise that you weren't able to pull out your full power in that battle right?]

Yeah you told me before and it was unexpectedly harder than I thought. And also why didn't you tell me of such a method before that helps me controls my spells.

[I thought you would realise and besides your use to controlling your spells in a rough way. I don't want to risk anything until you get to the intermediate level of Magic Control]

Fine...now what do I do?

[Go back to training. I'll tell you if something important happens]

Right. I should try to make multiple ones like I did before when my training first started with Warlic. I imagined another fireball the same size appearing in my other hand.

Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast

The first fireball flickered but stayed intact. The second fireball was forming but it was kinda unstable. I have to focus. I tried to make a clearer image of the two fireball.

BOOM

You took 100 damage

Great....I see where this is going....

A while later.....

I was spinning 5 small fireballs around on my hand. It wasn't hot at all and I could easily make the fireballs move as I want them to using the following in my head

Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast ? Move Freely

[This took longer than I thought and your elemental mastery increased by only 10% giving a total of 35% to get to the next level but you still have much to learn]

What about the other elements?

[You already got familiar with those light balls right? That's the basic of light magic. On the other hand I have to teach you how to use this training methods for the other elements as well. I don't expect you of all people to know how to fully manipulate the elements at this stage]

Hey that's rude!

[Quiet! I'm your teacher right now so I get to say what I want. Any continue your work with fire. I need you to fully understand how fire works]

Some time later...don't ask me I wasn't paying attention to the time!

“Charge!”

“Kill them all!”

“Give me your money!”

What was all this noise? Hey llyfr what the hell is happening?

[Well bandits are attacking some merchants]

Should we help them?

“Eden lets go!” shouted Alexandra while already charging straight into the pack of bandits.

“SWORD WAVE”

Alexandra shot a wave and blasted away a couple of bandits in one go. Is it me or her sword wave was much stronger now....

“Al has been training her core skills after llyfr criticised her” said Viv while giving a small laugh.

“In that case I should help.”

Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Multicast(5) ? Move Freely

Five small fireballs were created in front of me and I could move them at will now without them flying off and exploding. There were 7 bandits attacking the merchants. Alexandra was taking care of all of them at once but I want to see what all that boring training contributed to my battle abilities.

“Wait! Let me mark them first” said Viv while holding me back on my arm.

“Marking?”

I was confused.

“I'll show you the skill details first.”

Marking Intermediate Level 3 (41%)

Marks the enemy to allow allies to see the target. When the marked enemy is killed, a small bluff to strength and speed is given to the party. Bluff time is reset every time a marked kill occurs. Also the party gains some extra experience when a marked enemy is killed

Strength Bluff: 13 points

Speed Bluff: 13 points

Time of Bluff: 13 minutes.

Holy....this skill was really really useful. No wonder why Viv got to such a level in such a short period of time.

“Mark!” said Viv.

Suddenly the 7 bandits that were being owned by Alexandra had a red outline around them and I could see them when they moved directly out of view. This was.....really useful. I didn't know that there were several enemies hiding in the bush.

Fireball ? Target Enemy ? Aim Shot ? Fire

I moved my fireballs quickly to those bandits hiding and burnt them to death.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”

“It burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnssssssssssssss”

“Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy”

Concentration increase by 1

This was really effective.....well one of fire's characteristics is to burnt stuff...I like it.

[Of course. Even though each fireball is small the amount of power in each of them increased several folds due to you giving it proper commands this time. Its a lot better than firing a large one and seeing that it did nothing to the enemy right?]

Fine I get it....you were right. The training proved effective but what will happen when I master the skill completely? When the skill reaches advance level 10?

[Then you will be more powerful than anyone else in terms of magic]

I looked at where Alexandra was fighting. It looks like she finished them off. She went up to me and said, “Looks like your useful again” with a smug look on her face.

“When was I ever not useful” I said remember how she was useless against the Doom Knight.

“You mean the whole time you left us against bandits that attacked us?”

“I was training. I couldn't help it. Ans besides I feel sorry for the bandits after you were done with them. I never seen such a violent and unladylike ugh”

Alexandra grabbed by collar and lifted me up. Damn this monstrous strength!

With my last bit of air in my lungs I managed to say, “And this is exactly why I said that.....”

Alexandra paused for a moment and dropped me on the ground. Did she realise what I was talking about at last? She was staying silent making some facial expressions while Viv was avoiding eye contact with me.

“Hey there. Thanks for helping us” shouted one of the merchants.

Nope a person came here and she had to drop me....

Alexandra turned around and said with a bright smile, “No it was nothing.”

A chill went down my back when she said those words.

The merchant laughed at her words and said, “I thought you were quick unladylike judging by the way you fought those bandits. Now I realise that I was awfully wrong.”

The merchant started laughing out loud again. Stop laughing or she will kill you later.

“Perhaps, me and my colleges may provide you with a lift depending on where your going if you help us keep our cargo”

A lift? Great I can stop walking!

[The walking is also part of the training you know. It helps increase your concentration and stamina both at once]

I see but hitching a ride is much better than walking. It'll save us a lot of time as well.

“We're heading to the capital of the Kingdom of Davion” I said not wanting for Alexandra to say one more word. I have a bad feeling about tonight....when she kills me in my sleep.

[Its your fault that she will kill you, you know]

“That's true...” said Viv confirming llyfr's words.

“Fantastic we are heading that way as well! Hop aboard and we can continue this wonderful trip!” said the Merchant.

Hmm...there's some sort of energy from that carriage. I wonder what it is.

Continue Misfortune?PreviousExitNext

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Author's Notes:

- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! (Even though I don't celebrate it....)

- Well this chapter was released early due to this damnable event

- Word count is around 4000

- So how do you like the loli trap witch Viv?

- New method of using magic! Yay! It'll be easier for me to describe what spells do. Note that this is still ancient magic....well I have to explain what ancient magic is in the TOC topic and such later so look it up and comment......it gets lonely there.