Jennifer’s heart pulsed with excitement as she walked up the hill, following the neatly laid brick road that led to the Academy’s ground. The place she’d dreamt of joining on her goal to become an [Enchanter] stood in front of her now.

Lienmont's Academy for Mage Crafts and Arts. Much better known as The Academy, was a well known institution with one of the largest libraries of the many magecraft academies in Zweiril.

Most, if not all of the well known [Mages], [Enchanters] and other magic related professions had graduated from this Academy. The name had become synonymous with success in any magical crafts or scholarly pursuits.

Jennifer dusted her clothes as she walked ahead, trying her best to maintain a proper look as she walked ahead.

Little blobs of light floated across the path, lightly illuminating the path. Jennifer saw the spell matrix spread all across the Academy powering them, though the circuits remained dormant during day time, absorbing and storing some of the sunlight as Light affinity mana.

Her fancy tickled, her eyes danced across the pathway. She noted the buildings protected by many shimmering wards and little rock structures floating in a display of some sort of art, held together by an earth shaping spell.

The Academy itself had multiple wards set on it, many a display of their capability and a lot others as simple life convenience. Patches of flowers bloomed all across the path, a sight that could be seen even during winter due to the Climate control wards present on the area.

This was a place of Magic, where she was among peers. Others who could touch the mana and bend it to their wills to form spells, those who studied and honed their abilities to mastery. Magic surrounded her here; mana layered even the stone tines beneath her feet to prevent cracking.

It wasn’t the fancy shimmering wards that the Academy held atop its sprawling buildings that made Jennifer’s heart leap. Instead, the ignition runes used to start fires, the little water taps with the water runes, or the heat preservation enchantments to regulate the temperature amazed her.

Magic seemed mundane within the bounds of the Academy, and she hadn’t even stepped within the central buildings yet. She wished to live this life one day, surrounded by magic in all aspects of her life. To learn the secrets of magic itself.

But none of that will happen if I cannot stop the invasion from happening.

Jennifer clenched her fist, recementing her purpose for being here. She wasn’t here as a student, or a young [Enchanter].

She was here as a Mark, and she had a task to fulfill.

Jennifer walked up to the entrance of the Academy, a large gate surrounded by two statues. The gate thankfully was open, and Jennifer walked within the premises with a final lingering look.

A pristine interior awaited her, polished marble floors with little runes carved into them. Jennifer looked around at the expansive reception hall, empty as it was. She looked around in confusion as a thought occurred to her at last.

She had no idea where to go.

“Hey, hey you!” a voice shouted from behind. A boy ran up the path, wearing a simple white robe with blue trimmings that marked him as a senior at the academy.

“Uhh, yes?” Jennifer asked, looking at the stange, boy, his golden hair glimmering as he ran up to her.

“Do you know if the combat test has begu- oh, sorry, first year?” the boy asked, curiously looking at her up and down. “Doesn’t matter, do you know where Magus Beritross is holding his class? Wait, why am I asking a first year, sorry!”

Jennifer stared as the boy began to rush away. “Hey! Hold on!” she called behind him as the boy stopped, looking at her in a rush.

“Can you point me to the reception?” Jennifer asked. The boy looked at her strangely for a moment.

“Right there, knock on the counter if you see no one. I need to go now, see you!”

Jennifer watched the boy run off, amused by his strange antics. She noticed the little glistening blobs of mana that flowed around him. A [Mage] most likely.

A smile curved Jenn’s lips up upon meeting a [Mage] so close to her in age.

Jennifer followed the path the boy pointed her towards. A tinge of mana touched her nose pleasantly, her eyes wandering across the statues and paintings lining the walls, alongside other decorations in the large hall-like area.

Jennifer walked up to the counter, looking around hesitantly. Then, she extended her hand and knocked on the wood.

“What do you need?”

Jennifer jumped at the sharp voice, looking for its source. A woman appeared, placing a tiny platform on the floor before climbing onto the desk, accompanied by grumbles. Jennifer had never heard such an interesting assortment of curses for furniture in her life.

“I’m Jennifer Laine, first year,” Jennifer said, watching the woman with fascination. Even in Lienmont, she’d never met a gnome before.

The short woman put on a pair of comically large glasses as she turned to look at her. “First year? You didn’t get the notice? First years will join late this year.”

Jennifer stared blankly for a moment before the words returned to her. “I wanted to apply for the position of certified Apprentice Mage,” Jennifer said.

The gnome woman raised her eyebrows comically high, the effect enhanced by her small stature and already large head for her size.

The woman opened a drawer, pulling out a large register. The pages flipped open, flapping across the table before they settled. The gnome woman dragged her finger across the page before settling onto one entry.

“Jennifer Laine. Seventeen years old. [Resourceful Enchanter] level 14. No special background,” the woman flipped the book close, before looking back at her as she added. “Confident are we?"

“Level 17,” Jennifer replied with a nod.

The woman stared at her a moment longer in surprise, before picking out a quill. “That’d explain it,” the woman muttered as she adjusted the entry in the book. "Well, follow along then.”

With a jump the gnome jumped down, cursing human sized furniture once more as she walked ahead.

Jennifer followed the woman, her nervousness building. The academy blurred past her, as she failed to keep track of the many, many wards, spells, artifacts and magical items she saw covering every inch of the academy. It was almost as if the Mages feared having any spot be non magical.

A room appeared further ahead as Jenn followed the gnome woman. With a grunt, the gnome woman pushed open the gate. Jennifer walked in a moment later.

“Beritross! There’s an apprentice mage test taker here. First year, deal with it.” the gnome woman said as she stood on her tiptoes, pointing towards Jennifer.

“What! Get someone else, I have a class today,” a man grumbled from further ahead.

Jennifer saw a group of about two dozen students standing in front of her, a quiet whisper going through them.

“No one else is free, you’ll have to take care of it. Or do this some other time,” the gnome woman replied, turning to look at Jennifer.

The Mage turned to face Jennifer and sighed, motioning her to come forward.

Jennifer thought she saw a smirk on the gnome woman’s face as she handed her a card and turned to walk out the chamber, leaving her with two dozen people staring at her.

Her gut churned. She’d never been good at dealing with attention, and being on the spot like this only made everything worse. As her eyes drifted across the students, she stumbled upon a familiar head of blonde hair looking back at her in surprise.

Jennifer stared at the mage’s outstretched hand, unsure of what he meant.

“Your card, give it here,” the Mage spoke.

Jennifer fumbled around, looking at the card the gnome woman had given her for a moment before handing it to him.

“[Resourceful Enchanter], decent-ish level, average mana output, but an enchanting class?” the mage raised an eyebrow as he turned to look at her.

“Did you lose some kind of bet?” the mage asked. The group of students behind her giggled.

Her cheeks flushed, and she bit the inside of her cheek lightly, regaining control of her expression and looked at the mage. “I did not. I am quite certain about taking this test.”

The mage returned her card, as he continued, “Very well. As long as you know that you only get a limited number of attempts at the position, I have no issues.” The mage turned towards the group of students and paused, scratching the stubble on his chin.

“Change of plans. We’ll be working on linked-shield casting today. The class will be limited to a linked Tier-1 spell that they have to maintain against you. Any counter attacks must all be Tier-1 and rebounds. No direct casting. You can use up to five skills and that’s it. If you guys lose, you’ll have a Fresher beat you in becoming an Apprentice Mage,” the Magus spoke, a grin forming on his face.

A wave spread through the students, some groaning and others muttering excitedly as they looked at her.

Jennifer stared blankly, as the words caught up to her. “What? But- an entire class of second years, isn’t that… Unfair?”

“Do you think combat is ever fair?” the Magus asked, turning to look at her with a serious expression. She noted the little scar on the right side of his chin, hidden beneath his beard. This was a man who lived within combat.

Jennifer nodded, turning to face the group of second years in front of her. She felt surprised when she didn't feel the crushing pressure she would’ve just a while back.

These were second years, second years who’d spent an entire year in this Academy of Magic. Yet, none of them had faced an invasion that burned the city to the ground. They hadn’t been trained by ranked adventurers and faced monsters straight out of a nightmare.

They hadn’t faced a Demon.

Jennifer let out a breath, calming her heart. She had gone through this month twice now, and lost her life two times to the upcoming invasion. It wasn’t a lot of time, but it had been enough to see her change.

“I’m ready,” Jennifer said as the mage clapped his hands.

“Alright! Take formation and start conjuring the spell,” the mage said.

Mana flared all around Jennifer as the twenty or so people around her took their position. She felt the spell forming, a glimmering barrier surrounding the students. Jennifer took a deep breath. She wouldn't underestimate them. They had many advantages she did not.

The barrier flickered for a moment, before the chained spell stabilized. Jennifer used [Lesser Arcane Analysis] on the spell.

Barrier (Linked)

Guard/Defense

Tier 1

A jointly cast barrier spell that provides a sturdy shield.

The spell has to cover all of them. It’s going to be thinned out. I just need to hit the right spots.

“Ready? Begin!” the mage shouted at the start.

Jennifer shot towards the shield with her Agile Wind. Mana circulated along her pathways, flowing as she’d been taught by Nathaniel. Jennifer stacked five glass mana bolt spell matrices on top of one another as she rushed directly towards the shield, and shot them all at once.

The shield flickered but maintained its shape. Beams of light shot in her direction upon the attack. Jennifer swirled her magic, forming a shard of glass that shattered the attack.

She formed and launched two blades of glass towards the shield. The students took a step back from the impact as the barrier shuddered, but it was far from broken.

A few students broke off. A saw a ball of fire form outside the barrier and shoot at her. A few other attacks followed behind.

Jennifer dodged to the side, swiftly turning around as she prepared a few more mana bolts. The students shifted as one, as did the structure of the shield, a second layer forming as it started to thicken in the direction she was in.

I need to find a weak spot and slam it. Hard.

Jennifer charged a mana bolt, pouring as much mana as she could into it while continuing to dodge. The bolt began to glow with a bright light, almost blinding her as it shot off towards the students like a lightning strike. Yet instead of touching the shield, the bolt shattered mid air, scattering into shards that pummeled the shield from multiple directions.

Jennifer saw the shield flicker to the left, a small dent in the spell matrix. She weaved a glass Wind blade, pouring in as much power as it could hold. Then, she layered in another Glass blade spell, letting the two feed on each other. A pair of blades manifested on her hand with the sound of howling wind.

A whirlwind of glass surrounded her as glass shards grew from the ground where she stood. Jennifer let the spell loose, her hand starting to numb from overuse.

The blades shot ahead, cutting through the spells as they slammed into the shield cracking it slightly.

A portion of it crumbled as the students within cried out. Jennifer stumbled as her mana buzzed through her body. Her eyes widened in mute surprise as she saw a large bolt of lightning rushing straight at her face.

“[Lune stone: Gu—” she canceled the skill mid way, leaping to the side. Lightning surged through her skin, making her tumble as beams of light followed behind.

Jennifer turned rolling as she saw the crack she’d formed slowly start to close up. She needed to hurry up.

“[Repair Matrix],” a voice spoke as the buried flickered, reasserting itself. “[Reinforce], [Guard], [Barrier]” other voices followed behind and Jennifer felt her heart sink. There was no sign of damage on the spell anymore, as it shimmered stronger than ever before.

I don’t have any mage skills. I can’t- how am I supposed to win here?

Jennifer channeled her mana, leaping as another bolt of light shot towards her. She turned, ready to cast her bolt when a thin bolt of light blinded her sight as another hit her chest, sending her tumbling.

“I think that’s enough—”

“No,” Jennifer spoke, mana swirling around her.

She rushed to her feet as the attacks resumed. Jennifer remembered the world Nat had shown her, a realization that she’d failed to grasp.

All this time, she’d been fighting like an [Enchanter], sticking to the ingrained habits she’d formed over the years. Meticulous, and step by step, with each rune accounting for one section of the spell.

But this was a fight of [Mages], and to win, she would have to fight like one.

Mana channeled in her core as Jennifer tapped into her glass affinity. It swirled, slowly rising to a crashing tide as her spell formed. Jennifer let go of her spell matrices, relying purely on instinct to guide her mana channeling.

Bolts of mana swirled around her, shooting ahead as she kicked off carried by wind. A single blade of glass remained held within her mind. Slot one.

She jumped, as fire licked at her, the students turning and distributing the mana across the shield to face the direction she was in.

Jennifer rushed faster, pouring more mana into Agile Wind as she shot ahead.

“[Light Rebound],” a voice came. A thick bolt of light shot at Jennifer. Jennifer formed a shard above her hand, leaping backwards to dodge the beam, wincing at the heat of it.

Another spell thrummed in her core, ready to be used. Jennifer drew on her mana all that she could. She couldn’t treat her spells like normal. It was glass, and it was meant to be used like glass.

The second blade was formed. Slot two.

Glass erupted around Jennifer, hundreds of tiny shards pummeling the shield. Beams of light shot at Jennifer and she formed floating shards to deflect any that came close.

Magic brimmed in her core. She held her stance, channeling both her spells together and piercing the blades together. The final blade slid into place. Slot three.

“[Triple Glass Blade],” she spoke, as she felt herself reach at a skill she didn’t possess. Her mana shuddered at her words.

The glass blades shot off, howling with the promise of destruction as a frenzy of glass shards trailed behind them. The tiles cracked from the cutting edge, a smooth line running through the stone.

The shield flickered for a moment, but the structure remained sturdy.

A large bolt of lightning shot at Jennifer with a cry of frustration. Jennifer stumbled, failing to garner enough mana to deflect the spell as she watched the spell head right towards her.

“Enough,” A sharp clap sounded out as the mage spoke, the lighting bolt dissipating mid air.“All of you will write a report on why a linked guard struggled against a single mage, a young one as well. And what you could’ve done better."

The students groaned and glared at Jennifer, but the mage held up his hand, cutting them off. "But, you won’t have to re-take your tests,” the mage added and the students let out a collective relieved sigh.

Jennifer crouched on the floor, a throbbing pain coursing through her hand. A pair of boots entered her sight and Jennifer looked up to see the mage standing over her, a slight scowl on his face.

“I’m of half a mind to cancel the test entirely with how recklessly you blasted off that last spell. But you did compete with a second year classroom as a freshman, and as a non-mage too. It would be a waste to not have you,” the mage said, eyeing her as he grabbed her hand and pulled her up.

“Come to my office, I’ll check to make sure there’s no lasting pain. You didn’t overdraw though, so you should be fine,” he said, to which Jennifer simply nodded.

She turned back to see the boy from before standing in the group, glancing at her before turning his eyes away. Jennifer clenched her fists, feeling frustrated. She had been close, so very close. If she had pushed her pathways further, or if she’d known about how to deal with a chained cast shield then she would’ve won.

I can try again. And the next time, I’ll know what I’m up against.

She tried to walk but her legs gave out. The tension in her body fell away at once as the smooth tile rushed towards her face. She heard shouts and a pair of hands grabbed her, arresting her fall. The quiet thrumming of glass mana pulsed between her ears, as her mind drifted through a haze.

Then, she heard the voice, a whisper of the world speaking in her mind, before it all faded to darkness.

[Class: Glass Mage] obtained!

[Glass Mage] has reached level 2!

[Skill: Glass Mana Pool] obtained!

***

Jennifer opened her eyes, finding mana pulsing through her body. With a drowsy mind, she looked around the chamber from her bed. Someone sat nearby, and she recognized the man as Magus Beritross, who was holding onto her palm. She tried to pull back but the Magus’ grip was firm as he continued to pulse mana through her hand with a frown set on his brows.

“Don’t move, you almost overdrew,” Magus Beritross said, as Jennifer gave up any resistance, and stared blankly at the white roof above.

“How long was I out?” Jennifer asked the mage, struggling to think. Post mana exhaustion symptoms. It had been a long time since she’d been that reckless with her mana output.

“About an hour,” the magus said, continuing his work. A few moments later he patted her hand, cutting off the mana flow. “You’re lucky there was no damage. Overdrawing can be the end of your spellcasting days. I’m as of yet unsure if your test should be nullified or not due to that act of recklessness.”

Jennifer closed her eyes, nodding at the Magus’ words. She already knew what overdrawing had done to her father.

But do I have that luxury? Especially if each death will just send me back?

She heard the magus sigh, and she opened her eyes, finding the frown softened on the man’s expression.

“I’ll overlook it this time, as long as you do not strain your mana pathways again. I don’t understand what made you desperate enough to try a reckless stunt like that in the first place. You’re not even a first year student yet, and perfectly capable of mingling in a class one year ahead of you. Why do you need to become an Apprentice Mage so quickly?”

Pulling her hand back from the Magus, she stared at him for a while longer, before replying with the most honest answer she could pick. “I have my reasons.”

“Very well,” the Magus replied with a tired sigh. “I suppose congratulations are in order. Glass magic is quite rare, and rarer still is a [Glass Mage]. Even if we disregard your aggregate level, just your affinity alone will help you with picking a mentor for your apprenticeship,” the Magus said, eyeing her from his seat.

Jennifer pulled her up, seating herself against the backrest of the bed. She was surprised by the lack of a pounding headache upon the motion, something that typically occurred after she went too hard on her mana reserves.

She ignored the lack of her headache for the moment, returning her attention to the Mage. “Did I… pass then?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course not. You’re impressive but that’s it. The test was still breaking through a linked cast shield and you failed in that. But you don’t necessarily have to be an apprentice to learn from a teacher here. You’ll get the opportunity directly in your third year, and we could skip you over to second year after we take some tests,” Magus Beritross replied.

She nodded at the magus’ words. It was about what she’d been expecting.

“Before we proceed, I must ask you how you managed to increase your mana pool so substantially. Normally I wouldn’t care, but from what I’ve recorded it’s close to double your last registered output in roughly two months of time. That isn’t normal. Are you using some magical enhancement substances? I won’t be using any truth spells but I’d suggest not lying.”

Jennifer stared at the mage in surprise. She inspected her mana pool a moment later, and found the depth of her mana a great deal larger than before. A size that had already been steadily growing from Nathaniel’s mana channeling method.

“It’s my new skill. [Glass Mana Pool]. I gained it alongside my level 2 [Glass Mage] class,” Jennifer replied, inspecting her spells. She tried to form a glass shard and found her mana flowing with ease as a shimmering shard of glass manifested above her hand.

“A mana pool skill at level 2, quite enviable. But with your overdrawing and desperation to continue, I’m not surprised that you got the Skill,” the Magus rubbing his chin as he eyed Jennifer. “I admit, you’re quite a curious girl. Glass mana and an enchanter who unlocked a [Mage] class post fight. Are you trying to forcefully level yourself through high-stress situations?”

“Force level myself?” Jennifer asked.

“Are you not aware of the concept? Levels are especially easier to acquire if you’re under duress. It’s a common practice during war to level up new [Soldiers] up to a suitable level. There are casualties, but those that survive level far faster than they would’ve otherwise. It’s applicable to all classes but the effect is most pronounced in combat related classes, like say, a [Glass Mage] class,” the Magus said, his eyes locked into Jennifer’s.

Jennifer chewed on his words as the realization of how she’d leveled up began to become more clear. She’d been a level 14 [Resourceful Enchanter] before the first invasion had occurred, and within the last two months or so she’d gained 5 more levels. It was an unheard of growth, even if it was distributed across two separate classes.

Almost all my levels had also resulted in a skill as well. I even got a Skill with no level up for my glass affinity.

“Regardless, I’m not your parent and you aren't a kid. The skill is a boon for sure, and it'll continue to help along your natural mana expansion,” Magus Beritross said, and Jennifer nodded.

“Thank you.”

“Thank me after you’ve successfully become a [Mage]. Or an [Enchanter], I’m unsure of what you wish to do with such divergent class focuses. Some sort of Combat Enchanter hybrid?” the Mage asked.

Jennifer returned an awkward smile at the mage’s word, not elaborating any further. I wish I knew.

“Anyway, if you want to skip a grade, you might be able to, with a month of classes on theory if you pick a combat specialization.” Beritross said.

Jennifer shook her head and the Magus nodded.

“Very well, in that case rest up. I’ll look forward to seeing you in the Academy,” the Magus asked, extending his hand towards Jennifer.

Jennifer shook the mage’s hand before he walked out. After making sure the Magus wasn’t around, she let out an exhausted sigh as she slumped down onto her backrest.

It was probably a bit stupid to head in so quickly to the Academy without preparing. And I still haven’t gotten anywhere close enough to being good with the light shaping exercise either. I’ll need to look into combined spell casting and shields, and how to counteract them. Would the library even have books on that? Maybe I can somehow send a letter to Nathaniel privately. Although sending it through the guild would be just another risk and might alert the demon. Then what if-

A knock on the door interrupted her.

“Come in, it’s open,” she said. The door opened with a click as the boy she'd run into before the combat class walked in.

A familiar boy walked within the room, light blonde hair glistening.

“Hey, I spotted magus Beritross walking out of here. Are you alright? I hope we didn’t go too hard with the spells,” the boy said, staring at her with an awkward expression.

Jennifer stared at the boy, the awkward expression growing on his face as the silence extended.

“I’m alright, thanks for asking. And also for helping me earlier even though you were in a rush,” Jennifer replied.

The boy laughed lightly. “It’s alright, our class got cut short after that spar anyway. I should probably be thanking you if anything. I wouldn’t have done too well on an individual combat test, and Magus Beritross is known for randomly changing them up. You never know what he’ll end up doing,” the boy said, closing the door behind him as he walked closer.

“So, you’re a first year right? What family? I don’t think I know of one that specializes in glass affinity, and that was some serious firepower for a first year, all the more so for one that hasn’t even joined,” the boy said, his light golden hair glistening. Jennifer felt the mana faintly covering the boy.

He smells like sunlight. That’s an odd thought.

Jennifer eyed the boy. “I don’t come from a Mage family. I’m Jennifer,” she said, extending a hand.

“Ah, right. I’m Livian, Livian Firgold. Second year [Light Mage].” Livian said, giving her a shy smile.

“I’ve never heard of a [Light Mage] before. Those light beams were you?” Jennifer asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Ah yes, those were my spells. As a [Light Mage] I can control light, and a lot of other things. The primary advantage is being able to turn invisible, along with other light based attacks that can pierce through barriers, but I think the class has more use in a utility field and research.”

Jennifer found her interests piqued at a new branch of magic she hadn’t heard much of. Light magic was rare, perhaps not as rare as Glass magic, but still quite rare. She cut her excitement short, reminding herself of why she was here. “Did you need something from me?”

Livian stared at her, his eyes diverted for a moment as he fumbled for his word. “Right. So, I actually had an offer for you. I’ll help you out with the Academy and stuff in return for a favor.”

“What’s the favor?” Jennifer asked, her suspicions rising as she looked at the boy.

“Ah, well. This will sound odd... I need to enter the dungeon. But not to adventure. I need to find a Light affinity monster, for a familiar.”

Jennifer folded her arms, raising her eyebrows at his words. “Can’t you just buy those?”

“Well, yes and no. The bond is stronger if I capture it directly. And I can’t survive in the dungeon without hiring a team. Which is what I was doing. But now the team I was talking to is refusing to go because of the earthquake. I’m hearing things about some Dungeon shift or something from my father. In any case, I wanted someone to go with,” the boy said.

“Why me? There should be other people you know, second years who may be willing to go,” Jennifer asked.

“Well. You don’t know my parents, and you aren’t in my grade, so it’s unlikely that you’ll tell on me to them. And, it felt like you knew how to fight. I hadn’t seen anyone just tackle spells like that and narrowly dodge them while swinging back with their own. It was almost like how a [Warrior] would fight,” Livian said.

Jennifer felt a light smile threatening to rise to her lips. Viel’s sword fighting lessons had paid off. She shook her head of the thoughts, she couldn’t afford to be randomly wandering around.

I can’t waste my time on random trips, not with the demons and the invasion still lurking around. And I still need to look into the Academy for the next month. Finding a safe place to go to when the invasion happens also takes priority. Even if I reset, I wouldn’t want that to happen with any of my family or Master or Rumian dying. Not if I can help it.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit busy,” Jennifer said and watched as the boy’s jovial expression dropped.

“Ah, alright. Sorry for disturbing you,” Livian said, as he turned away. Taking a last glance in, the boy walked out, closing the door shut behind him.

Jennifer took a deep breath in, before sighing. There was a lot to do. A new class to explore, magic to practice, Nathaniel’s mana pool expansion technique, her new skill.

Gathering her mind, Jennifer got up and walked out. She had a month to prepare. She’d need to make it count.