"So..." Magnus sighed, his voice tinged with exhaustion, as he slouched against the roots of a nearby tree. Celia, seated beside him, chimed in, her energy drained.
"We managed to cover one hundred and twenty-five different mana spheres, ranging from those with a one-inch diameter to a meter. We also came up with twenty relevant categories for most of them." Any glimmer of interest or excitement they had had in their voices had long since faded; the two of them were drained.
They had spent the past few hours testing out mana spheres of different sizes, inch by inch, assessing their attributes—what they excelled at and where they fell short.
"I never thought I'd say this," Celia admitted softly, "but I think I'm done with magic for a while."
Magnus nodded in agreement.
"Oh, same here. I haven't pushed my brain this hard since I started doing my mental training." Just as he said that, a gurgling sound emanated from Magnus's stomach, soon followed by Celia's.
"Well, I guess that means it's time for you to live up to that offer," Celia said, rising to her feet.
"Yeah, no complaints from me this time. I could eat a whole buffet," Magnus replied, standing up too. He watched Celia start to head down the mountain when, suddenly, something occurred to him.
Oh right, I got so caught up looking into the default settings option that I forgot to try the manual configuration one. Well, I guess I can test it once before I go.
Magnus raised his hand and visualized creating a mana sphere, once again straining his mind. In the next instant, the Command Console appeared with the Debugging Protocol activated.
Magnus made his selection, opting for the manual configuration, and like normal, a mana sphere began to form from the strands of mana being generated out of nothing. It was the exact color and size as a mana sphere Magnus would create through the default settings, but strangely, nothing else occurred.
Huh, that's it? I thought I would get the option to, you know, manually configure it?
Not only did it seem like nothing was happening, but Magnus noticed he couldn't control the mana sphere he had created. Unlike the mana spheres formed with the default options, there was no mental link between him and this one.
"Ah, whatever. I'll figure it out next time," Magnus sighed. He was too exhausted to stay here for another hour trying to figure it out, so he turned around and went to catch up with Celia. He knew it would disappear on its own due to the suppression effect.
When the two of them arrived at the city gates, the gatekeeper recognized Magnus immediately and allowed both him and Celia to pass without any issues. By that point, the sun had long since set, casting a fading light across the sky, painting it in shades of orange and purple against the clouds.
As they strolled lazily through the city streets, Magnus turned to Celia with a question.
"So, where is this nice restaurant you mentioned?" Celia pointed straight ahead.
"It's pretty expensive, so it's in the upper region of the Lower City, which means more walking, unfortunately," she answered. They were both about to groan at the idea of having to trek even further before they could eat but stopped when they heard the sound of a carriage approaching from behind them.
Carriages weren't rare in Arlcliff City, though they were costly. Even Celia occasionally rode one from the Major General's Villa to Takerth Academy when she had the money and didn't feel like walking. However, what made this particular carriage stand out was how it came to a stop not far from them. It looked undeniably expensive, clearly belonging to a noble.
Magnus noted its sleek, seamless wood, coated in white paint with subtle gold accents. Most striking of all was the three-dimensional family crest on the door—a golden-eyed emerald serpent coiled around a jeweled scepter. The sight made many passersby widen their eyes, instinctively taking a step away from the carriage, as if afraid to even brush against it.
"Um, Magnus, we should probably cross the street," Celia said, tugging on his arm.
"Hmm, why? Is it owned by some important noble family? Are they dangerous or something?" Magnus asked as they took a few steps in the opposite direction from the carriage.
"I'm not sure," Celia began to explain.
"I've never seen that crest before, but when people react like that around a noble's carriage, it usually means it belongs to a—" Before Celia could finish her sentence, the carriage's door swung open, revealing the person inside. In an instant, Magnus's concern shifted to confusion.
Is that Luden?
The person who had stepped out of the carriage was indeed Luden. He was no longer wearing his Takerth Academy uniform, which had momentarily puzzled Magnus. In his normal clothes, he looked even more like a noble than before.
"So it was you; I thought my eyes had been playing tricks on me," Luden said as he approached Magnus and Celia, offering a friendly greeting.
"Hey, Luden. I didn't expect to see you here of all places," Magnus replied, returning the greeting.
"Yes, I know a lot of nobles don't like entering the Lower City for... reasons. However, I have some businesses in the area that I help my family manage, so on days like this, when I have time, I come by to check on them." As Luden explained why he was there, his gaze shifted from Magnus to Celia, who had withdrawn herself. It wasn't that Luden was intimidating, although he did have an air about him.
This was simply how most people acted around nobles: don't draw attention to yourself, and don't cause trouble. But when Luden's eyes landed on her, Celia knew she couldn't avoid saying anything.
"Um... Hello, my name is Celia, Celia Stoneworth," she said, lowering her head slightly. Luden's gaze seemed to change when he heard her family name, but then he smiled and extended his hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Celia was caught off guard by the greeting, but she quickly regained her composure and reached out to shake his hand.
"Likewis- I mean, of course, it's my pleasure as well," Celia responded, her words tumbling out awkwardly.
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Magnus couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in her demeanor compared to when they had talked about Luden in the past. Back then, she spoke about him with ease, but now that she could put a face to the name, she seemed much more nervous, like a deer caught in the headlights.
Still, Luden didn't seem to mind, as he nodded and turned his attention back to Magnus.
"Anyway, aside from me, I hope I'm not interrupting you two while you're busy?" To that, Magnus shook his head.
"No, we were actually just heading somewhere to eat." Hearing that, Luden's smile grew, and a glint flashed through his eye.
"Oh? In that case, why don't you two join me? I was just on my way to a small get-together at a restaurant in the Upper City." The offer was slightly tempting to Magnus. After all, it meant he wouldn't have to walk anymore, and there was no doubt the food would be good.
Then again, I'm not sure I want to get involved in whatever Luden considers a gathering. More importantly, Celia is already pretty uncomfortable.
As if he could see Magnus was about to decline, Luden said something else.
"I should let you know, Magnus, that this meeting is actually related to a favor I was going to ask from you. I wasn't actually planning on doing this yet, but since such an opportunity has presented itself, it would be a shame not to. Still, don't feel any pressure; even if you decline, we can talk at a later date." Those words made Magnus wince as he cursed himself in his mind.
I knew I would regret taking that bet, but I couldn't have imagined it would be so soon. Damn me and my weakness towards money...
Looking over at Magnus, Celia could tell he was a bit conflicted on what to do because she was there, so she spoke up.
"Magnus, how about you go with him, and I'll head home? It's closer to here than that restaurant anyway." Looking at her, Magnus was still a bit conflicted. He didn't want to just ditch Celia, but she obviously didn't want to go with him to follow Luden.
"You can treat me next time you have some time. Plus, I'm at the point where I just want to face-plant into my bed," she said with a genuine look that Magnus could totally relate to.
"Alright, if you say so. See you tomorrow, then," Magnus finally agreed. Celia nodded and turned to Luden, who had been observing their interaction closely.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," Luden said, his tone polite.
"The pleasure was all mine," Celia replied. With a smile, she turned to leave, pausing only to whisper something to Magnus.
"Good luck," she said, and then she was off, walking down the street on her own. Magnus watched her go for a bit before turning back to Luden with a heavy sigh.
"Alright, let's go see what you've gotten me into."
"Trust me, Magnus. Even though I'm the one asking for a favor, I think this will work out well for both of us in the end," Luden reassured him as they climbed into his carriage. He gave a soft knock, signaling the coachman to start moving.
"Well, if it's going to be such a great opportunity, maybe you can fill me in a bit before we get to... wherever it is we're headed?" Magnus asked, his curiosity piqued. Luden settled back against the seat, eyes fixed on Magnus across from him.
Luden was quiet for a moment, pondering. Finally, he nodded and asked, "What do you know about the politics at Takerth Academy, Magnus?"
"Uh... definitely less than I should. But since most of the students are nobles, I'd imagine there's a lot of shady shi- Um, I mean, interesting stuff happening behind the scenes." Luden chuckled at Magnus's words.
"Indeed, but it's not just that. Arlcliff City isn't just any city—it's the heart of the region, with its City Council wielding influence far beyond its boundaries. Plus, Takerth Academy isn't just any school; it's one of only two magic academies in the whole Batis Kingdom. This makes Arlcliff City a gathering place not just for the local nobility, but for nobles from across the kingdom who send their kids to Takerth Academy. It's a melting pot where different interests and people mix." Magnus was still unsure how this connected to him, but he kept listening intently.
"In a place brimming with nobles and budding geniuses from different backgrounds, it's only natural for connections to be made. More crucially, factions and alliances are formed."
"Factions? Like among the noble families?" Magnus asked, puzzled, but Luden corrected him.
"No, among the students themselves. Takerth Academy places its students' interests above everything. Even though they sometimes support the Batis Kingdom due to their ties with the Four Rings of Nobility, in the end, they are free to do as they please. But imagine what would happen if one of Takerth’s top students, whom the academy is keen on nurturing, clashed with another noble family, one with a less favored student, or a family who has no connection to Takerth whatsoever." Magnus rested his hand on his chin and peered out of the carriage window, mulling over the situation for a moment.
A few seconds later, his face lit up with realization as he responded.
"The academy would back a talented student, which means they'd also back the noble family that student comes from." No sensible person, noble or otherwise, would dare oppose any of the Ten Great Magic Academies. Naturally, the same holds for the noble family they support, whether that support is direct or indirect.
Seeing Magnus catch on, Luden continued.
"Naturally, noble families send only their finest to Takerth Academy—those trained from birth to be knights or mages. But just being a genius isn't enough. There are plenty of geniuses out there who never get to show their true potential. After all, who would let a dragon soar unless it benefited them? Those without backing from other noble families will falter, and even those with backing face a tough road without allies at Takerth Academy itself."
Magnus slowly grasped what Luden was explaining. He said, "I see, so that's why you brought up the creation of factions? No one would let a single noble family gain the support of Takerth Academy, so instead, they form alliances to fend off threats and share the benefits?"
Luden nodded with a smile.
"Yes, I'm glad you understand. These factions aren't just thrown together, though. The students in each faction must be talented. More importantly, the one who forms a faction has to lead it. Nobles are raised to feel superior; it's just in their nature. None of them wants to be subordinate; they all aim for the top. A faction leader has to manage everyone's interests and egos, all while looking out for themselves." As he absorbed the explanation, Magnus voiced a question, his tone tinged with uncertainty.
"So, are you saying you're different? That you don't feel superior to others? After all, you used 'they' and 'them,' not 'we' and 'us.'" At this, Luden couldn’t help but laugh, a sound that filled the carriage and seemed both infectious and oddly restrained.
"The fact that you even had to ask tells you everything you need to know, doesn't it?" There was a fleeting chill in Luden's silver eyes as he spoke, vanishing almost immediately.
"Anyway, let's stop beating around the bush. You've probably guessed the favor I’m about to ask, right?" Magnus had, of course, caught on; Luden hadn't been trying to be subtle.
"You want me to join your faction, don’t you? I've pieced that much together. But here’s the real question: Why me?" Despite his ties to the Major General, Magnus was otherwise just another student.
He lacked a notable background, influence, or experience and was just beginning his time at the academy. To an outsider, he didn’t seem particularly impressive. Luden should have been scouting a more seasoned student with a promising future. Yet here he was, showing interest in Magnus, who really wanted to understand why.
For a moment, the carriage was quiet, except for the soft sounds of the wheels turning and the gentle sway breaking the silence.
"I trust my instincts, Magnus, in both business and social matters. From the first moment I saw you, I sensed something different about you. You're not here at Takerth Academy to become a mage or climb the social ladder. No, you’re chasing something entirely different. I could tell by the way you behave in class, how you learn, and how you talk to me." Luden leaned back, clasped his hands together, and let out a chuckle.
"Of course, I must admit I was surprised when I saw your magical talent. I had my doubts about whether you were capable, given how little you seemed to know about the academy and magic in general, but my instincts have never let me down. And Professor Lazitha's reaction? Well, that told me everything I needed to know. That's why I'm making you this offer now," Luden said, extending his hand toward Magnus.
"You're not some noble whose ego I need to puff up, and our interests don't clash. That makes you the ideal ally. I want you on my team, and all I ask for in return is your help in climbing to the top. In exchange, you'll get my unwavering support, both inside Takerth Academy and beyond. I’m not sure what you're aiming for, but I’ll help however I can. And I'm not just spouting empty promises—I’ll back them up with real resources. So, what do you think?" The smile had disappeared from Luden’s face, replaced by the serious look of a seasoned businessman.
It was almost easy to forget that he was still just a teenager, and in that moment, Magnus felt the weight of Luden’s proposal; his choice would definitely shape his future.