Three strings shifted into two, the lines connected like cobwebs to a central matrix. The spell shifted in her mind as Jennifer continued trying to join the various tendrils of mana. Five tendrils branched into twenty, the lines growing thinner the deeper she went. She pulled the lines, guiding them towards the matrix when her control wavered and the spell snapped, dissolving.

Jennifer let out a sigh as she opened her eyes. The spell crystal sat in her hand, glowing a light red.

the spider sent, sitting on the nearby desk where he happily munched on an apple twice his size.

“Yeah, I'm just tired of failing so many times. I’m not prepared for the more complex Tier-2 spells,” Jennifer replied, looking at the spell crystal with a mix of frustration and determination.

Xar sent from his position, his eyes still fixated on the apple, considering how to best eat the delicious food.

“I know I know, Rumina's already hounded me enough, conveniently ignoring how she was the one who fell unconscious. I don’t plan to use spells till the overdraw's healed completely. Worst case scenario, I can manifest with my other arm,” Jennifer replied, flexing her left hand while feeling acknowledgement flow through the bond.

Jennifer let out another sigh as she straightened her back and closed her eyes, reconstructing the spell crystal Nathaniel had given her. The past five days had consisted of repeating this and a few other simple exercises. The healer had prohibited her from using any mana whatsoever for at least a week. Then once that restriction had been lifted, Viel and the others had put her on a break to recover, only allowing minor manipulations like these to aid her recovery.

Jennifer paused as she felt Xar move through the room. The tiny spider made his way under her bed, near her storage chest. She heard the click of his jaws, as he touched his share of the reward, triumph and satisfaction traveled through their link. Amusement filled her as she shook her head once more at his antics.

the spider claimed, and Jennifer snorted in amusement.

she sent back, smiling at his indignant protest.

he replied. Jennifer felt amusement at the complex range of emotions she felt from the tiny spider.

Maybe sharing the reward for the Quest wasn’t the best idea. I probably shouldn’t tell him he can’t use the money.

Her eyes drifted towards the windows, buildings marking the sight of the ever shifting dungeon city standing outside. The past few days had passed peacefully. The guild remained quiet about its plans. And neither the adventurers nor Irwys had shared any information with her. The city itself had settled into its usual bustle as the month progressed, and at that moment Jennifer felt like all of it had been a dream.

the spider interjected into her reminiscing and she turned to look at the creature. Its white fur glistened in the sunlight, dark black eyes staring at her.

She felt a knot form in her gut as she was reminded of the night’s events, the burning city and the smell of blood filling the air.

It’s fine. We’ll be fine. I’ve told the guild. I’ve joined them. I’ve done my part. Now it’s for people more qualified than me to handle things and prevent the invasion.

Yet the nervous anxiety still filled her heart, the month’s end was drawing near. The Summit hadn't been announced this time. And she had a monster Mark in her home that the guild wasn’t aware of. Plus, her only way to defend herself, her magic, was taken from her.

The wooden floor creaked as she heard the sound of someone ascending the stairs to her room.

Jennifer got up, motioning for Xar to hide only to find he'd already vanished. She made her way to the door, opening it and found her mother standing outside, about to knock on the door.

“Ah, Jenn. You startled me, opening the door like that. Anyways, there’s someone from the Mage guild for you. Quick, go brush your hair and make yourself proper, then come straight down. Come on! Hurry up!” her mother said, bobbing up and down from nervous excitement as she rushed back down.

Mage guild? Ah... the academy hasn’t extended its date yet. Sera, I completely forgot about the academy with the invasion.

Jennifer stood a moment longer at the door, stretching out with her mana. Below she sensed a man and found him to be nothing more than an ordinary mage. Which was worse than having a mark in her house. She shut the door and moved to her desk. Opening her drawer, she took out some powder and hurriedly applied it to her arm to cover the dark channels running through the skin.

She spluttered, turning towards the spider sitting on her desk, his face impassive and unreadable as always. Not that she could read a spider’s expression anyways.

she sent back and turned towards the mirror as she left the spider to contemplate the new information.

She brushed her hair once, looking at herself in the mirror. She touched her hand to the glass, feeling the material reacting with her mana. Letting go, she turned around.

Xar sent and Jennifer paused. A moment of consideration later she extended her hand and Xar crawled up to her neck, snuggling himself in her hair.

Jenn sent, receiving a small click of his jaws in reply.

Making her way into the living room downstairs, Jenn found the Mage sitting on one of their chairs. She felt slightly irked at noticing that he had taken up her chair of all the ones present. Her father stood nearby, talking animatedly to the mage. Both of them turned their eyes towards Jennifer as she entered.

“Come in Jenn, this is Magus Reviol,” her father said. She turned her eyes towards the [Mage] sitting on the chair. A fairly young one from the looks of it, as the man still had a full head of colourful blonde hair without a touch of grey nor a wrinkle to be seen. A simple robe with the mark of the Guild crested on it was his only attire. He nodded at her and she dipped her head in greeting, walking up to her father.

Jennifer’s hand twitched, but she managed to keep walking without any other changes in her demeanor or movement.

“Nice to meet you Jennifer. My name is Darius. There’s no need to be so tense, I’ve just come to talk to your parents, and inform them about the Academy’s changes,” the mage said, a pleasant smile on his face.

Jennifer returned a smile of her own, trying to relax but knowing hers was far stiffer as she eyed the mage. she asked Xar.

She felt acknowledgement flow through the bond and Jennifer felt her wariness increase. Why would someone from the academy be here? Especially now? They don't bother visiting newcomers. Maybe some [Lord]’s kid, but definitely not me.

“Mr. Laine, please take a seat. I need to inform both of you about the changes to the Academy,” the mage said. Jenn's father nodded, taking a seat and she sat beside him, her eyes fixed on the man.

“Is there a problem?” her father asked, turning to look at Jennifer.

“No. No such thing. But as you're aware, with the dungeon shifts happening and the city seeing the influx of adventurers, the academy has decided to delay admissions this year. The dates will be sent soon as the plans are clarified.”

“I see,” her father said with a thoughtful look. “But surely only this information wouldn’t have a Mage as busy as you come here personally,” he said to which the Mage nodded.

“The Academy has shown interest in her abilities. Glass magic is a rare affinity, and some of the [Mages] in the Academy have felt Jennifer’s potential. Normally, the curriculum would be taught in the campus, but the Mage guild has decided to skip that and invite her directly to the Guild Headquarters.”

Jennifer’s eyes flew wide open as she stared at the man. She turned towards her father, who had a confused expression on his face, a frown spreading as he turned to look at her.

Xar sent, and she told him to hold.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Magus. Why would you need to take our daughter to the guild? I haven’t heard of the High Mages taking on students like this. Will the Academy not try to prevent such a course of action?” he asked and glanced at Jennifer for a moment. “And I wasn’t aware that my daughter possessed an affinity. Much less a rare one,” he said and the Mage frowned.

Jennifer gulped, panic spreading through her. The mage turned towards her for a moment, his brows raised until his mouth formed a small "O" as he looked at her father.

“It seems your daughter hasn’t told you, Mr. Laine. Allow me a moment,” Darius said and lifted his arm. A pulse of mana ran through her home and Jenn felt multiple wards establish themselves around the house within a moment.

Her father sat confused, and she knew he'd felt it as well. His mana sensing may not be as good as hers, but he'd been an [Enchanter] - [Meticulous Enchanter] - for years. And he wouldn't be losing his abilities anytime soon.

“No need for alarm. And I apologise for the sudden use of magic. I felt it prudent to establish a few security measures as the topic I’m about to share is quite sensitive,” he said, eyeing Jennifer.

She froze beneath his gaze, unable to say anything. She’d been avoiding trying to talk to her parents, it had just… never been the right time. Yet here was Darius the mage, ready to spill it for her. It was too late to stop it, and so she sat stiffly as the Magus continued.

“There are quite a few things to share. Your daughter, as far as I’m aware, has recently acquired glass affinity. But that's not the real reason I’m here. There's a war coming to Lienmont and your daughter plays a key role. She has a Mark, a magical construct manifesting on individuals chosen by unknown means and the Guild and High Council have their eye on her,” the Magus said and Jennifer felt tension bubbling through her chest.

The man glanced at Jennifer before adding, “Perhaps it would be better to hear the rest from her,” the magus said, his eyes turning towards her. She gulped as her father joined him, his eyes still wide.

Jennifer clenched her fists, as she turned towards the Magus before nodding. “Can we have a moment alone please?” she asked and Daruis nodded. He rose, stepping away as another ward formed, this time around her and her father.

She took a gulp of air, not looking at her father as she started. "There are quite a few things I’ve been hiding from you. I’m sorry. I was afraid of telling you. Because to tell you would’ve made my fears real. I may have lost all of you that night- A part of me still believes it's all a lie. A dream. Yet it’s not. I knew that already, and all I've been doing is running away,” Jennifer said, images of the burning city flashing through her mind.

She looked up at her father, and she felt his confusion and worry. She felt Xar’s anxiety mixing with her own, the spider reacting poorly to her mental state.

“I’ve gone and put myself in some trouble Dad. Just a little war that’s going to happen soon,” she said, looking up with a smile, even as her lips trembled, guilt stabbing at her heart.

Her father sat still, staring at her before he shook his head, a smile decorating his face. “I wouldn’t expect any less from my girl,” he said and Jennifer burst out laughing. Her Dad called for her mother, who walked through the ward, unaware of its presence. Both of them sat waiting for her to speak. Jennifer turned towards the mage finding his face impassive. She ignored the man, turning towards her parents.

Xar sent, but she ignored the spider.

She didn’t need a telepathic spider to tell her what her parents were feeling. A moment later, she began the retelling of her strange adventure.