Author's note: Triple release today, check for the other two chapters within minutes!

Vilen Town’s Mage Guild looked different than most buildings. Its majestic castle-like appearance caused awe in the nearby players and pedestrians. Entering through the guarded black iron gate, a glossy grey stone pavement leads to the entrance of a towering, five stories high building. The Mage Guild alone occupied over 15% of the Vilen Town’s interior.

The reception room of the guild was full of players and NPCs, discussing their recent experiences, events and ways to cast spells. At the sides stood several wooden desks where female secretaries provided information, guidance and missions. Even futher in was a bar where a jet black-haired woman with blue eyes sat at the table leisurely, nagged by another woman with grey, long curly hair and green eyes.

Icicle moved up the white stairs and stood at the entrance, unable to get through. The place was teeming with life, but that wasn’t the problem. Some asshole named Blutic stood right in the entrance, his arms crossed, entertaining the crowd.

“So, Vilenne, do you see the guy in the spotlight right there? He’s my disciple. You should really stop being so picky about your students, otherwise you’ll never have many to begin with.” Ivir, a Lightning Mage teacher laughed coquettishly. Putting that adventurer on the spot was her own idea.

“Hmph, the class I want them to inherit isn’t as easy as your Lightning Mage crap, Ivir. What I want to teach my students is to be self-sufficient. Nowadays, water magic hardly provides that, that’s why I lecture them in swordplay too. If all you came to do is mock me then get lost.” Vilenne said coldly.

“Now, now, don’t be so indifferent. We are both fellow teachers, let’s chat.” Ivir enjoyed the mockery.

“Look at those punks around.” the guy standing in the entrance raised his voice. “So weak. They truly don’t know what’s good for them. Choosing a useless class with a useless teacher. I thought that adventurers were supposed to be smart…” he derided.

“Excuse me, could you move?” Icicle asked politely.

There was no response. Blutic, the player in front of him continued speaking gibberish.

“I mean look at her, she’s a belle alright. But paying 5 gold coins or joining some training camp for a few weeks to get a class? Is it military or something?” Blutic mocked.

“Could you move, please?” Icicle decided to try again. Maybe that Blutic guy was deaf after all.

However, seeing as the player not only ignored him on purpose, but even spread his arms to block the entrance, Icicle had enough. He resolved to the greatest element of persuasion known to mankind – force.

As Icicle took a dozen steps back, he rushed in, quickly reaching his top speed. Nearing the blocking player, Icicle jumped, sending a flying kick straight at the his back.

“What is this green stuff you’re eating? Can it even be called a soup?” Ivir sneered. Both her and Vilenne were of a noble status.

“Why don’t you try it? It’s delicious.” Vilenne grinned.

“Hmph, eating a plebeian’s food? You must be joking. How could I even touch tha-”

At this moment, the guy who stood in the entrance flew inside with an enormous momentum. The surrounding people instinctively dodged the human projectile. The unlucky ones were grazed, staggering and then falling on their butts.

The man continued to fly through the crowd, bashing straight into talking Ivir.

Splash!

Ivir who reacted too late had her face land right in the middle of the green puddle of a dish. Her students looked on, petrified.

“Who would have thought it’s this hard to even enter this renowned institution.” Icicle patted his leather set, as if dusting it, slowly entering.

As all eyes diverted to him, Vilenne laughed out loud, clutching her stomach. The wooden chair she sat on reclined back. If it weren’t for the pillar behind her, she would have fallen to the floor.

Icicle calmly walked to one of the secretaries and asked for the whereabouts of the Water Mage Teacher.

“It’s the laughing woman at the table.” the female secretary pointed with her slender hand.

“Thank you.”

Ivir raised her head abruptly, green liquid dropping from her face, making her look like a genuine ogre. She glared around, trying to locate the culprit. That’s when she saw her disciple lying on the floor, massaging his sore back.

“Excuse me, are you the Water Mage teacher?” Icicle walked next to the women, suddenly gasping. Icicle looked at Ivir “I know you ladies need to take care of your eternal beauty, but this is the ugliest facial mask I’ve ever seen.” he said, shaking his head to dispel the sight of the cosmetic.

Ivir’s fists balled as she looked at the choking Vilenne. She laughed so hard that her fists were slamming the table. Tears of joy welled up in Vilenne’s blue eyes, making her melodious laughter all the more annoying. Icicle’s words only served to ignite the rage inside Ivir even further. She glared at him furiously.

“What? It’s not my fault that you look like an ogre now. Blame that little lapdog for blocking my way.” Icicle pointed at the groaning player on the floor and shrugged.

Vilenne finally stopped laughing. She would have gladly continued if her stomach didn’t already ache. She looked at the newcomer with amusement. “Are you here to get the Water Mage class?” she asked.

“Indeed. I’m kind of in a hurry so state your price.” Icicle said curtly.

“5 gold coins.” Vilenne said, wiping the tears in the corners of her blue eyes.

“Too much. I’ll give you two.” Icicle rejected.

Ivir looked at the two arguing over the price and felt sick. She was humiliated just now, so many people saw her face plunge into the bowl of green liquid yet the duo doesn’t care! “Wait, this could actually be an opportunity!” she thought.

“Oi, little bastard.” Ivir growled besides Icicle. “You’ll battle with my disciple right now! If you win, I’ll pay for your tuition. But if you lose, I’ll make sure to wash today’s shame with your blood!”

Icicle turned to Ivir, furrowing his brow at her unsightly appearance. “I accept your offer.” he said, immediately turning his gaze away.

Ivir was so mad she wanted to explode. Vilenne saw through her and “lent a hand”.

“Let me clear your face, you noble woman.” Vilenne chuckled, spraying water from her hand like a fountain, straight at Ivir’s face. “Here, all good now.”

Ivir’s face was now clear, but she looked like a stray, soaking wet dog. Lightning sparks traveled through her body, crackling on the surface of her clothing.

“Let’s go.” Ivir kicked her laughingstock of a disciple, making him stand up and stormed out with Vilenne in tow. Icicle followed them curiously. Saving some gold was more than alright with him.

They moved through the corridor, arriving at the dimly lit staircase leading downwards. Icicle followed behind the entourage of both teachers and disciples, hands behind his back. When they reached the bottom, he followed the people to the right. An entrance to a circular room entered his vision.

Walking inside, Icicle felt bewildered. Judging from the expression of other players, so were they. Although the room was located underground, it was perfectly lit. The purple walls glistened with a blue, wriggling glow. The grey tiled floor was covered in the same, blue swirling glow.

“Welcome to our underground arena. All kinds of disputes can be resolved here. Normally we don’t allow people to fight to the death, but since you’re both adventurers, you can choose to do so.” Blonde female called Cindy smiled brightly as she beckoned Icicle and Blutic to enter the arena.

Icicle was about to walk past the female when he suddenly stopped right in his tracks and looked at her with furrowed brows. He felt something familiar from her, but couldn’t get his head around it. Blackie whimpered and hid behind Icicle, nuzzling his leg.

Icicle noticed Blackie’s whimpering and knew this meant one thing – fear! He closed his eyes to get a better feeling of the situation. As soon as he did, inside his mind appeared an image of something overwhelming! He couldn’t quite see through it, but the air fluctuations around Cindy were distorting the area, as if something from inside her wanted to crawl back out to the surface. “What a monstrous aura!” Icicle thought.

All of this happened in a few seconds. Cindy who stood next to Icicle looked at him with a warm gaze, asking “Is there something on my face?”

Icicle shook his head and muttered “I see.” This had to be someone at the top of the food chain of this place!

As Icicle walked past Cindy to stand on the opposite side of Blutic, Cindy’s smiling expression disappeared as her closed green eyes opened. She felt a bit uncomfortable. “What was that? I’m sure he didn’t use any magic yet I feel like I’ve been seen through.” Cindy felt as if her underwear wasn’t there for a second. “Even those of [Master] level can’t get a feel of me with their [Sense presence] when I’m on the ground, yet right now…” she gazed incredulously at Icicle.

“It had to be my imagination.” she thought, disregarding the notion.

Both players were ready to go so Cindy didn’t tarry any further either.

“If you’re worrying about damaging this room, don’t. People of your level cannot break through the confines of the protective spell set up on this arena, so feel free to use all of your power.” Cindy said gently. Her eyes then shifted to Icicle. “Familiars aren’t allowed in the arena, either unsummon it or have it wait on the side.”

Icicle told Blackie to watch from the sidelines. Blutic glared at him enviously. He didn’t have a familiar yet.

“I assume you’ve chosen the battle to the death?” Both Icicle and Blutic nodded.”Very well. Although surrendering is out of the question, the acts of cruelty will be unquestionably stopped. You can begin with the sound of the gong.” Cindy declared, walking to the table where Vilenne and Ivir already sat comfortably.

“Hey Cindy, do you want to bet on the outcome?” Ivir asked cheerfully. She couldn’t wait until the classless brat gets obliterated!

“What’s the bet?” Vilenne asked blandly.

“5 gold coins!” Ivir grinned.

“Sure, I’ll play with you, but I’ll bet 3.” Vilenne placed the coins on the table.

“Well then, 3 gold coins it is!” Ivir searched her black robes. “Are you going to bet with us, Cindy?” Ivir asked respectfully.

“If my predictions are right then there’s no reason to bet.” Cindy said curtly.

Ivir looked at her Guildmaster incomprehensibly, about to ask what did she mean when the sound of the gong resounded.

Gong!

Blutic took out his wooden stave, shooting a couple of probing mana bolts at Icicle. He saw that Icicle was level 10, so he had to be careful.

Icicle stood still on the opposite side, hands behind his back. He had yet to unsheathe his weapon. “I only fought with the wolves before. Let’s see how it all works with duels.” he thought.

Three of the mana bolts hit him flatly in the stomach, making some of the air escape his lungs. Blutic thought his enemy was mocking him! He thus cast one of his skills – [Lightning bolt]!

A streak of lightning slithered through air like a snake. Ivir looked at the proceedings with a furrowed brow. This level of control was inadequate for her. “Hmph, this should be enough for this classless brat anyways!” she thought, smirking.

Boom!

[Lightning bolt] exploded on Icicle’s chest, electrifying him. The hair on his body stood up and goose bumps covered his skin. He felt something stirring inside his body. The pop up in front of him displayed a 2 seconds long stun effect. “I see, so this [Lightning bolt] is actually like a dulled, low voltage current.” Icicle noted mentally.

“All there’s left to do is to see if defending my vitals decreases the damage taken.” Icicle put up his guard like a boxer, his elbows touching each other.

“Why isn’t he retaliating?” Vilenne frowned. She couldn’t understand what the adventurer who just came to the Mage Guild was doing.

“He’s scared shitless, that’s why!” Ivir gloated.

Boom!

Another [Lightning bolt] followed by a couple of mana bolts landed on Icicle’s guard. “Hmm, the damage seemed to decrease by about 30%.” Having tested what he wanted, Icicle prepared to counterattack.

Cindy watched carefully. “He’s testing his limits on another adventurer. What an interesting person.” she thought.

Icicle moved, his guard put up, swaying left and right, sometimes stopping, other times zigzagging. Due to his high movement speed, he was able to dodge Blutic’s attacks with ease.

Blutic felt helpless. Icicle was keeping a distance from him, wasting his mana while moving erratically. However, to the spectators around it must have been a completely different sight. They saw Blutic missing every basic attack and skill! It was like watching an archer trying to shoot down the apple on a person’s head only to have him injure that person instead! What’s more, there were hundreds of people watching. This was humiliating to the extreme!

As Blutic was despairing over his situation, Icicle lowered his guard.

“Three hits.” Icicle said cooly, finally moving towards Blutic.

Blutic moved back, firing mana bolts whenever he could, only to see over 90% of them easily dodged. Even with the decreased distance he was so hard to hit! The projectiles that grazed Icicle did so little damage it was negligible. “Could it be any worse?!” Blutic gritted his teeth.

Icicle prowled, closing the distance with each passing second. Blutic who had a wall behind him had to utilize his movement skill!

Bzzzzzt!

A blue flash of lightning appeared and Blutic was gone. He seemed to ride the lightning like a windsurfer rides the wave, making a crescent shape on the ground.

This was [Lightning Rush], Lightning Mage’s ability allowing the user to escape from the melee range of a target. It was a perfect skill to put a distance between yourself and the enemy melee attacker. However, it used up a lot of mana and had an impressive cooldown of 1 minute. Blutic’s version of it was barely presentable, as it created a messy, winding trail on the ground.

Icicle merrily stepped on the remnants of the lightning, feeling the soles of his feet itch a little. He leisurely ran up to Blutic, dodging another salvo of mana bolts and threw out a right jab!

Blutic jumped backwards, trying to minimize the damage. He watched as Icicle’s fist drew closer and closer to his face. As he was about to grit his teeth to endure the pain, Icicle’s fist relaxed. Icicle’s thumb rested on his middle finger, turning the right jab into a flick!

Pa!

A crisp sound rang out as Blutic’s head jolted backwards. He had only 160 HP to begin with and now over 1/3 of it was gone. That seemingly weak flick did over 60 damage!

“That’s one.” Icicle smiled gently, utilizing his footwork to circle around Blutic.

Blutic hastily drank one of the mana potions he could barely scrape up money to afford and wiped his mouth. He tried to calm his heavy breathing and focus on hitting Icicle. Kiting was his only way to survive!

Five seconds of respite passed, upon which Icicle went in again!

Blutic cast a [Lightning bolt], making it scream through the air only to hit the spell protected wall.

Pa!

Another flick landed on Blutic’s forehead, making his head rattle. He felt as if a stampede of elephants ran over him. His forehead swelled, making it look like a chimpanzee’s ass.

Blutic couldn’t understand how could a mere flick do so much damage! He looked at the watching crowd. Females had their mouths covered with their hands, while males shook their heads disappointingly. This experience was too humiliating for him!

“That’s two.” Icicle said, as he relaxedly jumped back, letting Blutic recover.

Blutic never thought about buying health potions. His concept of mages portrayed the backliners who spammed buttons to kill monsters. He regretted it now. But that’s all he could do, for he had no way to replenish his health.

Since his spells hit nothing but air, Blutic turned desperate. He started imagining battle scenarios quickly. He thought of wagering his chances on one point blank [Lightning bolt]. However, even if he could stun Icicle, what then? He didn’t have enough damage to put Icicle down in one combo. On the other hand, he was about to die!

As a feeling of helplessness surged within Blutic, Icicle already appeared beside him, grinning evilly. Blutic in an act of desperation decided to throw a middle kick, hoping to imitate Icicle and deal some serious damage!

-2

Icicle didn’t even bother blocking the it. He just let the kick hit his leather armor.

“Not bad.” Icicle said, jolting his hand.

Pa!

Yet another flick made its way to Blutic’s swollen forehead. As it did, Blutic disintegrated into colorful dust particles. With both [Zircon earrings] and two items of the silver-flowing series, Icicle’s damage in the early game was unmatched. Even when classless.

“That’s three.” Icicle said, smiling faintly, looking at the place where Blutic stood just a second ago.

The surrounding crowd of people stared dumbfoundedly. Three flicks to the forehead actually killed someone… What in the world was that? However, their teachers quickly told them to disperse. They followed the lead and exited the underground arena, discussing the duel fervently.

Meanwhile, Icicle calmly walked over to the table. He looked at Ivir and knocked on the table with his knuckle. “Thank you for your patronage.”

…

Vilenne stood in front of Icicle in the backyard of the Mage Guild. According to her, it was her private area, as no one practices swordplay but her.

“That was an impressive use of items.” Vilenne said. She was quite impressed with the way Icicle handled Blutic. Not only has it improved her standing, Ivir’s domineering attitude was knocked down a notch as well.

Cindy crouched next to Vilenne, gently smiling. She wanted to play with Blackie so Icicle let her. Blackie was reluctant at first, but gaining his Ancestor’s consent was all he needed to let Cindy caress his fur lovingly.

It wasn’t a good idea to piss off whoever Cindy was. Icicle planned on getting a mission in the [Red Blooming Valley] if there was one, killing two birds with one stone, and Cindy seemed like a great person to ask for it.

“Let me ask you, why did you choose Water Mage class?” Vilenne asked straightforwardly. It was important for her students to know what they’re getting themselves into.

“I heard it’s a control class and I like to be in control of things.” Icicle smiled faintly. He was enjoying his view. Not only was Vilenne’s butt shapely, her two mounds towered on her chest, giving her a mature charm. Besides that, Icicle noticed a sword strapped to the Water Mage’s belt. Her lean muscles seemed perfect for a swordswoman. Overall, if the woman before him could cook, coupled with her exotic beauty she would be the perfect wife material.

“Keep your eyes where they should be, unless you want a whack, adventurer.” Vilenne hissed.

“For someone of your calibre you sure like to keep that charm to yourself.” Icicle shrugged helplessly. He couldn’t help his eyes wandering. He was a man after all.

Cindy chuckled on the side, playing with Blackie.

“Hmph, glib-tongued youngster.” Vilenne snorted. “Since you want the class then watch and learn!” she “subtly” changed the subject.

The backyard of the Mage Guild was adjacent to the north-east corner of the wall. Perpendicularly to the wall grew trees, providing a refreshing air. Various rocks stood among the trees, glistening in the afternoon sun. In front of the treeline was a garden, with miscellaneous flowers growing wantonly.

Vilenne pointed her slender finger at one of the rocks and a bubble of water encased it. She made it levitate, showing off her control. After it burst, she cast it again, this time moving the rock encased in water to the sides, displaying various potential uses to Icicle.

Next on her list was forming a little cloud that sent drizzling rain. As it fell on one’s body, its restorative effect took place, replenishing the lost health. Vilenne said it can also be used on multiple people, but the mana cost increases for each person under the effect.

After that, Vilenne conjured a transparent membrane. She asked Icicle to slash it with his sword.

Icicle swung once and he felt as if the sword slowed down inside the membrane. He took the sword out with some difficulty and slashed some more. Only after seven or so slashes did membrane break. Vilenne immediately cast another one.

“So, what do you think of this skill? It’s called [Liquid membrane]. Its physical defense is weak, but it does a great job at swallowing up magic attacks.” Vilenne explained.

Icicle nodded and looked at the window before him.

>

Congratulations adventurer, you’ve learned the basic skills of [Water Mage] profession. You are now a [Water Mage Apprentice].

Available skills:

[Mana manipulation]

[Healing drizzle]

[Water prison]

[Liquid membrane]

“Now it’s your turn.” Vilenne said, looking expectatly at Icicle. This was her first proper student.

Icicle tried using [Water Prison] but nothing came out of it. He didn’t know what to do! The only skill he had was [Soundless Fear] and he always activated it by stirring his aura. However, when it came to mana, he had absolutely no idea how to use it.

“What are you tarrying for? I saw other adventurers learning it immediately!” Vilenne scowled.

Icicle thought for a while and realized who’s the culprit behind this. “Goddamn vixen, you turned off the system assist too?!” Icicle cursed Nix in his mind.

He sighed inwardly, replying to Vilenne “I have no idea how to use mana. Teach me, please.”

Vilenne shook her head. “What an incompetent.” she muttered, walking behind Icicle. She gripped his wrist, pointing it the way she did earlier when casting [Water Prison].

“Can you feel the mana circling in your veins?” she asked blandly.

Icicle who was supposed to be examining his body enjoyed the pleasant sensation his back relayed to him. He moved back a little, pressing against two soft clumps.

“Move back a little more and you’ll say goodbye to your little brother.” Vilenne hissed.

Any right-in-the-head person would take this warning to heart and stop harassing the beautiful Vilenne, but not Icicle. He had to sacrifice a lot in his life, thus he learned how to cherish the opportunity. One can say he was used to living on the edge. His toes lifting, he reclined back on his heels, as if falling down on a cushion.

His back fell on two springy mounds, resisting his weight. His head was right above Vilenne’s two greatest treasures, looking straight into her blue, ocean-like eyes.

“It appears that someone needs a special lesson of [Mana manipulation].” Vilenne’s cherry lips distorted into a devilish smile. She pushed Icicle back and unsheathed her sword. Her aura surged as she imbued the blade with mana, making it glow resplendently.

“Now then, my little pupil, you’re about to learn what the sound of cracking bones is.” Vilenne smiled innocently.

…