- Day 13 -

Stones

Dressed in my clean, blood-free clothes, I can't help but feel more relaxed. The stress and inner-ear injury from the catacombs are still weighing on me, what with our encounter with the Rakshaw and all but I do feel more like myself now we're back home…

There's a number of things I need to do today but getting the stones to Graham takes priority. The defences around the city are not something I would like to gamble with after all.

Once delivered, my next stop would be to visit Zero and learn more about magic. I need to increase my arsenal of spells if I want us to be able to kill that ridiculous monster the next time we head into the catacombs. I also need to deal with William and talk with Alexander about where we are with the preparations for the expedition--

Mmm.

I'm hit with a fantastic aroma of cooked gammon; Millie must have finished cooking.

I should head down and get something to eat before rushing off to deliver these over to Graham…

Downstairs, I find Millie has indeed finished preparing a modest breakfast of eggs, gammon and toast for everyone in a 'do it yourself' style by placing everything in the centre of the table. Somehow, Risks' retelling of our escapade is still going on, and it seems even Millie is now engrossed as she's hovering near the kitchen door listening intently.

I take my usual seat opposite Sybil and help myself... Is--

"Is something burning?"

"Oh! The hash--"

Seems the tale was too riveting for Millie. She's wholly cremated the hash and is practically in tears about it..

*Sigh*

I grab a handful from the extremely heated pan before chowing down...

It's certainly not the worst thing I've eaten, but I wouldn't be in a hurry to do this again. Kate practically wets herself laughing at my clearly distressed face as Millie gives a slight sniffed chuckle before rushing to get some water. It's chokingly dry after all.

With Millie successfully cheered up and not feeling as distressed about the whole thing. I let Risk and Bella know I'm heading out.

"How're you still full of energy? Aren't you exhausted?"

Bella asks looking oddly concerned.

"Not really... I'm still coming down from all the fighting, though it maybe more to do with all the potions I chucked back. Besides, I really want to get these stones to Graham before more of my requisition orders come in."

"Then I guess we're coming too--"

"You two should rest with everyone else. Once I drop these off, I have some errands to run... like collecting the alcohol--"

"Nice try doe. Don't you forget we're your bodyguards."

Since when has Bella taken that seriously?

"...Well, if you insist. I'll be warping all over the place, so I guess I can take you--"

"Ah. Second thought, I'm sure he'll be fine without us, right Risk?"

He silently nods... I have to admit that I wasn't expecting Risk to not protest at all.

Deciding to ignore my ever growing concerns about Risk and after having thanked Millie for an interesting breakfast, I choose to head off to the tavern first. I did promise Bella booze after all, and it's just across the road so it'll be a nice walk to settle breakfast. Plus its another beautiful day with clear skies in the mild morning sun. Lot’s of birds chirping happily, people rushing around doing their daily routines and a gentle breeze whipping now and then overhead.

Who wouldn't want to take a stroll on a day like this?

The tavern looks to still be opening up, but the young slave girl recognises me and waves me over. I order 20 barrels of various ales, which should hopefully be enough to keep Bella entertained for a week or so... hopefully anyway.

I pay for them using my own coin over the requisition order. Seems only right and I don't want to be raising any eyebrows by flashing it for something like this.

*blink*

- Purple Coin Chest -

--

Gold King Coins x134 -> x131

--

They'll be delivered sometime after midday, so that's one errand off my list and a happy Bella.

Next, the Magistrates building…

*Zip*

I warp myself outside before heading inside at a relaxed pace.

I can only imagine the chaos it would cause should I go directly to Graham's office, what with all the guards here. Better to air on the side of caution in matters where my head is concerned. Besides, I finally have a moment to take a look at these portraits lining the stairs…

...The Armstrong, Syvian and Taylor families look to have long dominated the military.

Nearly every picture lining the walls is someone in one of their three family lines and it pretty much alternatives between Armstrong and Syvian for the military commander position--

Meh, it's interesting to think about, but no real information is to be found here. If I want to know more, the library is my best bet…

I continue on and announce myself to Graham's aide before taking a seat. I'm not kept long before the aide returns and takes me into the office where Graham is stood beside his drinks cabinet, one arm behind him while grooming his beard with a white-gloved hand. I immediately get the sense that something is off by both his posture and expression.

"Aburi. What brings you here so early?"

I spot the fanned out papers on his desk... Ah.

"I came to deliver something to you. Would you mind if I put up a barrier?"

"Oh? I'll allow it. Shall we?"

He gestures to the desk, and we both take a seat.

[Vacuum Barrier] (50 MP + (2PI * Radius MP) | 10 MP every 5 minutes)

"Hmm? I'm not familiar with this magic?"

"It's a Vacuum barrier, dark element."

"Ah, so Harry has been forthcoming with his teachings, good, good--"

He strokes his beard again while looking pleased. I don't have the heart to tell him I didn't learn it from Zero.

"So Aburi, why--"

*Blink*

I lay all the stones on the desk in front of him, causing him to stop mid-sentence and instead stare at them. It's a little awkward, so I guess I'll do the talking.

"We had quite a successful session in the Catacombs last night, and this is the entire haul. I wanted to get them over to you as quickly as possible in case of an urgent need, but also because I'm sure my rate of spending has no doubt caused you to question my character--"

I naturally gesture to the pages fanned out on his desk.

"--I'll most likely continue to spend as I have been, but if I have gone too far, please let me know, and I'll try to find other ways to finance our goals."

"..."

Seems he's genuinely lost for words. His expression is priceless, but he does eventually regain his composure.

"Aburi, this... These essence stones right here, they'll keep the defences online for several months! You gathered--"

Wait, what? Several months? AE?

[** Incorrect. Stones provide 1-month passive power **]

"Apologies Graham but I'm slightly confused. Did you say several months? According to my own calculations, these stones won't last more than one?"

"Hmm. Yes, well, if this were any other Kingdom, you'd be quite correct Aburi, but as we couldn't get more stones, we’ve been continually researching how to get the most out of our dwindling supply. For decades, we've refined the method as best we can. I assure you, these stones right here will undoubtedly last us several months, of that, I am quite sure."

..AE?

[** Knowledge missing. Cannot confirm **]

Seriously? Here I thought you were all knowing AE?

...I don't like this, but logically, this must mean there's information out there besides that which is available via the 'wave' AE exists on. Based on Graham's revelation alone, I'm comfortable in assuming information people are trying to keep secret is one type but there are likely other exceptions as well…

I'll just have to take this into account when making future plans and consider it lucky I found that out now--

"--Is something the matter?"

"Apologies Graham, I was simply lost in thought... I guess this is perfect then; I'll leave these with you as planned."

Graham nods looking terribly pleased with the bounty before him.

"Wonderful. I'll get the stones to the arrays as soon as possible."

With this, I can proceed onwards to Zero and learning some new magic!

...No. With the stones delivered, I need to warn Graham about William. I didn't plan on revealing this just yet but... A warning in passing is warranted.

"One more thing Graham. You shouldn't trust William Trove."

Graham's face goes from all smiles to that of concern.

"I cannot tell you more right now but be very wary of what you tell him."

I say while looking at the stones, hoping he understands my meaning.

"Hmph.. Very well."

He says while nodding once. Graham may already have had doubts about William himself based on how readily he accepted my warning. Maybe he has his own spies telling him something similar?

*Zip*

I leave the magistrates and head for the Mage Quarter to find Zero.

Admittance to the Mage Quarter is strictly prohibited unless by appointment or authorisation. It's not hard to understand why when you have talented mages developing new skills and researching various technologies. As Graham previously told me that Zero had been ordered to train me, I'm hoping I'm authorised to visit as I please--

"Halt! State your business here."

A rather old and venerable guardhouse knight appears as if from thin air to stop me entering through the large golden barred gates.

"I'm here to see Mage Zero. I believe I should have a blanket pass to visit him whenever I wish. I am Aburi Draconis."

Giving a slight bow as I talk. My adopted mannerisms have pretty much become second nature after all.

"Draconis? Yes, we were told to escort you anywhere you wished to visit inside the quarter..."

Trailing off at the end and now just starring. You know that's rude, right?

"Is something the matter?"

"Well..begging your pardon Sir Draconis, I wasn't frankly expecting someone... of your race to be granted access. We all thought it was a joke when we were told you were an Elf."

Sigh.

"No no, I imagine it would be a surprise. My race has avoided human Kingdoms for years after all. Could you should me to Master Zero?"

"O-of course *Ahem* This way."

The good news is, once I've visited him once, I can come and go without a chaperone...

For the next 72 hours anyway…

The knight leads me through the extremely well-kept streets, past manor after expensive looking manor.

Due to the distance we've toured, I had wondered why we didn't take a carriage from the start, but oddly, there hasn't been any carriages pass us along the way. It's not because of a lack of roads though.. Perhaps it's a security measure?

Anyway, apparently renowned mage families reside in all of these manors, but Zero lives in this one and Babel, who I've still yet to meet, the one next to it.

The venerable knight asks me to wait here at the large double gate while he heads off to talk to another younger knight standing at the entrance to Zero's manor, quickly returning with him in tow.

"Jaden here will escort you the rest of the way Sir Draconis."

"Thank you..um. Sorry, I never got your name?"

"Wistoph Sir."

"Knight Wistoph, thank you."

He bows slightly before heading back along the road we just travelled by himself.

The outside of Zero's manor is much like all the others nearby with a large grassy courtyard, tall iron-spiked fence atop a half-metre stone wall. The main building itself is in the now synonymous Sinki-style architecture, and there's nothing really remarkable about the property as a whole. I guess the only exception to my statement would be that overly large oak tree in the centre of the courtyard and the pathway that wraps around it.

Knight Jaden gestures for me to follow him, leading me into the manor itself.

It's certainly not as grand as General Alexander's, but it doesn't seem any smaller either. Instead of marble and expensive woods, Zero's manor is decorated with red hardwoods and green stripy wallpaper. It's a much more comfortable space in my opinion but still far grander than my tastes would allow for myself. The colour scheme also makes the rooms rather dark, despite it being almost midday.

The entranceway has a large staircase on the left wall, and I continue to follow the guard up until we arrive at the first room on the landing. Jaden gestures for me to wait here as he goes inside but returns almost instantly and gestures me to go in. I'm starting to think that Jaden might be mute…

I wander into the room and almost immediately lose my jaw to the floor. The massively spacious open-plan room has various large, heavy-looking tables and bookcases littered about the place. They're entirely covered in scrolls, parchment, books and different small models. I can't help but look around in absolute wonder. Zero isn't just a mage, he's also an inventor!

Various contraptions lay beside their smaller model counterparts throughout the sizeable well-lit room, but shamefully, I can't decipher any of their purposes.

AE, what does this do?

[** Mana Projector. Displays image by weaving mana onto a surface **]

...Oh. Wait, like what I wanted you to do with the map?

[** Correct **]

..Can you learn the skills I need from this device?

[** Accessing... **] [ Mana Focus Learned ]

[ Mana Weave Learned ]

I'll take that as a yes! Explain them to me.

[** Mana Focus **]

[** Concentrate stored Mana at the desired location. Mana can be ignited **]

[** Mana Weave **]

[** Allow intricate movement of flowing mana. Complex spell patterns can be drawn and activated **]

So usefully for traps and such--

I spot Zero in the far corner tinkering with something.

"Good morning--"

"Why are you here?"

Without even adjusting his gaze huh. As sociable as ever I see.

"You're busy, I see that. Just point me to your reading material on spells matching our affinity, and I'll leave you to your work."

He sighs loudly before putting down the.. thing, for lack of a better descriptor, that he's holding and turns to me, scanning me up and down before speaking.

"Hmph. Follow"

He leads me back to the landing and to another room at the end of the hall.

"Here, my library. Read what you will, but nothing leaves this room. Come and go as you wish. Now leave me to my work."

Geniuses usually are hard work with, in one way or another, right?

...Fine, so we're never going to have cake together. You've given me what I need I guess.

"Thank you Zero. I'll do my best to not bother you further."

He shakes his head as he leaves the room, closing the door behind him. So this is Zero's library... Just how many books are here?

[** Calculating **]

[** 12,462 **]

..And how long would it take me to learn everything from them?

[** Calculating **]

[** 101,904 hours. Reiterate. 11 Years **]

Yeah, that's not going to happen. Can you pick up the contents of these books on your 'wave'?

[** Correct. No Interference detected **]

Then organise the books into categories, assign metadata based on the content of the book.

[** Processing... **]

[** Data compiled **]

Okay, how many texts depicting Dark magic spells, specifically those I can use now.

[** 1,112 **]

Remove any I would consider being duplicates of others.

[** 421 **]

Now assign a point value system on magic I would want to learn. Eight for offensive, four for supportive, two for passive and one for research. Compile the highest scores and throw away the rest.

[** 108 **]

Seriously? ...Organise by highest overall value and point me to the first one. We better get started.

…

[ Darkness Field Learned ]

A spell that summons a thick black mist around the caster (2*PI*INT)m. Good for masking a battlefield but only the caster can see through it. Not useful for team fights.

[ Blind Learned ]

[ Mass Blind Learned ]

Pretty much as the name suggestions. Blinds targets for INT+WIS seconds on success. Seems success rate is based on magic attack vs magic defence divided by two... AE, these books keep mentioning spells by levels?

[** Spellcasting is divided into levels of complexity **]

[** Levels 0 to 1 require mana but do not require a chant **]

[** Levels 2 to 4 require mana and a chant but not a spell circle **]

[** Levels 5 to 8 require mana, a chant and spell circle but no reagents **]

[** Levels 9 to 12 require mana, a chant, a spell circle and reagents **]

Then... how am I able to cast without chanting?

[** Expert Mana control **]

[** Racial trait **]

[** A chant is used to focus mana. You do not need to chant **]

Ah, makes sense… Wait, what level is [Warp]? Actually, [Mass Warp] intrigues me more...

[** Level 2 **]

[** Level 4 **]

Seems a little too powerful--

[** Spells are under special classification **]

Special classifications?

[** Limitation of Effect **]

[** Special activation right requirement **]

[** Detrimental effect on user **]

[** Divinity factor **]

Whoa, whoa, slow down. So [Warp] and it’s counterparts have are low level because they’re in this ‘Special Classification’ group. Which classification do they specifically fall under?

[** Detrimental effect on user **]

How so?

[** Mental corrosion **]

...So you’re saying if I keep using it, I’ll slowly go insane?!

[** Negative. Immunity of effect provided. Racial Trait **]

Okay... but what about those I warp?

[** Unknown. Data required **]

Wait, Zero uses this spell all the time? Is there like a minimum cooldown to use it safely or something?

[** Unknown. Data required **]

...*Sigh* I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on them then. I could just ask Zero but I doubt he'd be forthcoming with an answer. I'll just have to keep this in mind...

Ugh. These books are immensely thick and mainly contain observations and analysis on why one spell isn't as good when compared to a higher counterpart spell in the level 5-8 range. Despite what the books say, anything that increases my options in a fight will always be of some benefit so I'll take what I can get. I just wish the spells were easier to find...

[ Void Binding Learned ]

[ Mass Void Binding Learned ]

Tentacles spewing up from the ground that wrap around targets preventing or inhibiting movement. Useful for taking prisoners I guess, but it's not very powerful by itself…

[ Hallucinate Learned ]

[ Mass Hysteria Learned ]

Create optical and auditory illusions. Instil fear and panic. Effective primarily against sentient species. Can work on lower based lifeforms but results will vary…

...

If I read one more book by this Greyson fella, I may hunt him down and murder him... Or piss on his grave should he be dead.

The author is such an arrogant, moany, little man that reading anything by him is such an arduous experience. It feels like days just to try and find the actual spell he's referencing as he put layers on everything he talks about and fragments the compositions...

I guess if I'm being fair though, his technical analysis of the spells is far more insightful than any of the other authors, when you eventually find the spell I mean, but I feel really bitter admitting that. I do feel like he's giving me a clear picture on the flaws of various spells...

[ Gravity Learned ]

[ Gravity Field Learned ]

Applies invisible downward force on an opponent. Level 3 and Level 4.

[ Demi Learned ]

[ Demios Learned ]

Similar to [Void Lance] but lower in level. [Demios] is a multi-target skill so may be useful even if it's only level 3. [Void Lance] is level 4 apparently.

AE, show me some level 5-8 offensive magic... Give preference to books by this Greyson guy. Remove duplicates and show me to the first book.

[** Processing... **]

[** Done **]

Well, back to it.

[ Void Ripper Learned ]

Creates a disc of dark element that can be thrown. The primary drawback is its range. Level 8.

[ Void Field Learned ]

Creates an area of dark element that blocks all senses, increasing magical power of dark elemental spells. The field is non-discriminate so allies would be caught in it. Level 6.

[Activate Night Eye]

[ Gravity Well Learned ]

Level 7 version of [Gravity Field] basically. No clear drawback, well besides the insane mana cost so it should be useful.

[ Demi Field Learned ]

Level 6 [Demios]. A large area of attack spell but it's weak. Very weak unless targets are weak to Dark elemental attacks... Can cause blindness though…

*Yawn* These books are not easy to understand at all.

There's a level of difficulty here in actually picking up the spells as an actual understanding of the 'phase wave alignment' that seems to only come after years of practice.

Picking up a level 8 spell took me some serious time and effort and anything above level 8, forget it. It's so far beyond me right now, even with the cheaty learning system I've been gifted I feel like I'm banging my head off a wall.

For example.

-- "For the nexus of co-activity to form, one must first detach oneself from the physical manifestation wave of the Elus realm. Only then can wave energy be passively manipulated into a cohesive weave, drawing not just from Elus but every known wave thereof."

...Yeah, I swear, none of these books are any better…

Elus, that's what we see I think? No, it's probably the 'wave' we reside...

I think the books are trying to tell me I need to be drawing energy from somewhere other than here or just myself? That’s the most likely answer I can come up with anyway as when I use mana in a spell, I do feel like a tether forms, linking me to something. It's hard to really grasp though, and it's more an elusive feeling than an actual physical tether....

Jeez, I don’t understand at all...

I should be annoyed by this, but I'm really not. A steep learning curve is a welcomed change if I'm honest. I was getting bored with how easy everything was. This should keep me entertained for a while.

Hm? AE, what's this book about?

[** Theoretical wave enhancement. Increasing spell power through wave optimisation **]

A book by 'Zero' himself hmm? I'll borrow this and put everything else back. I activated [Night Eye] awhile back, so it's bound to be late.

HP: 1633 / 1633 MP: 3430 / 3430 ST: 2286 / 2286

Hunger: 68% Thirst: 48%

Blood State: Low

I'm also quite hungry.

[Deactivate Night Eye]

*Zip*