Edwin ended up sleeping the entire evening and night away; only to yawn come morning, reaching his arms straight into the air even as he sits up, feeling comfortable and relaxed. Normally it wouldn't be so; sleeping on a bed big enough to fit nearly ten people in; but he was, and he doesn't really know why.

Still, after that, there wasn't any time to waste. A change of clothes, breakfast, and then off to the training ground with Lucien. The old man was in high spirits, considering his equally long nap the afternoon before and the fact he didn't get scolded. The old man seemed full of energy today, and Edwin couldn't help but be equally excited.

Sadly, Allisa was almost on the opposite end. She'd worked her nice blue butt off cooking dinner that no one but herself ate. Its easy to see why she'd be angry or down about that. But Edwin could only apologize, which set the woman off to blushing all over again.

“My...! Sir Edwin, don't go bowing to me!!!” Yep, that woman has some issues, but Edwin could only chuckle.

But in truth, things were not going that well. Everything was being rushed, and after Edwin finally got the chance to look out a window at the city proper, it wasn't hard to see why that was so.

The city of Jottenhiem was more than half in ruins. With the Citadel sitting on a bluff edge overlooking the city, only the buildings closest were even intact, much less properly utilized or occupied. Beyond that half-circle of neat and tidy stone buildings, the rest of the city could be called a cesspool.

At one point in time, neat and orderly lined streets had been built up with dwellings that could house a dozen or more families. Made out of stone mined from the mountains, the homes and workshops of the citizens were sturdy and functional and cared for. But after a night-time attack by the humans during the Second Eternal War, great swathes of the city were knocked down due to catapult fire.

Afterwards there were obvious attempts at re-construction, but it never took. More buildings were torn down for their resources, and what essentially was a shanty town formed. It was a pitiful sight, and even Edwin could not imagine trying to live in such squaller.

Even beyond the city walls, where great plantations or farms should have been were mostly barren. Some of the fields looked burned, even to his gaze. It isn't hard to figure out why. Successful farmers don't have the money to hire enough guards to patrol their lands; and anyone thought to have fortune was attacked by the downtrodden masses.

Its amazing to think that Jottenhiem survives at all in such a state. The city was the biggest slum Edwin had ever seen. It was probably similar to how cities like London, New York, or Chicago looked after their massive fires in the centuries before Edwin was born back on Earth. He couldn't help but feel bad about it.

But there wasn't any time for pity or feeling sorry for himself or others. Edwin had a job to do.

*DING*

The Imperial City of JottenhiemThe City of Jottenhiem was once the crown jewel of the united Demon Lands.

Ruled by the iron fists of the previous Demon Lords, its great wealth and access to local resources made it the biggest tourist site in the entire world of Eternia.

But after the Second Eternal War, without the diligent rule of the Demon Lords the petty infighting amongst the lesser noble houses left the city in a poor state, which has degraded even further until now all that remains is a shanty town full of the downtrodden and desperate.

Jottenhiem has very little agriculture.

Jottenhiem has very little resources.

Jottenhiem has almost no access to industry.

Jottenhiem's education levels are ranked at mediocre.

Jottenhiem's average health-care is almost non-existent.

Jottenhiem's treasury is nearing bankruptcy.

Jottenhiem's population of 73,000 citizens has reached 94% unemployment.New information has been added to the Codex menu.

Edwin was no longer surprised when he got such status messages; but he was surprised about the new information that was provided. A summary of the wealth and resources of an entire city. That was odd. Edwin even asked Lucien about it.

“Ah. Its because of your 'class' of Demon Lord. Due to the high status nature of such a class, you are given a greater amount of information compared to others. Everything you learn should be stored in your Status Crystal's Codex. It only stores information that you yourself know, but its a good way of keeping track of everything you are doing.” Lucien explains.

After that, they reach a courtyard encircled on the western side of the Citadel. Soft sand had been set to cover the ground, and several racks had been set up holding weapons from quarterstaff to greatswords. Whips, chains, and all the good stuff, too. Even needle weapons and bottles of (most likely) weak poisons.

“Here we go, Edwin. Given our lack of time, we're going to have to rush through a training regime. Demon Lords are naturally born with great fighting skills, and require very little teaching in order for them to achieve a near-perfect battle sense. You on the other hand are without those skills, and thus have to learn them through practice, practice, and more practice.” Lucien says, looking calm and collected; but that didn't stop him from fidgeting a little when Edwin wasn't looking.

“Alright, Lucien. What shall we start with?” Edwin asks, curiously looking over the items presented. They were of good quality, but without any ornamentation at all; bare carved wood and metal that's been shined. He does notice all the weapons have blunt edges.

“The world I came from had already moved beyond most of these martial weapons...” He mutters.

“We'll start with the quarterstaff, which is best for close and medium ranged combat. Proper stance and striking is a must, after all.” The old man says, moving to pick up two of the said weapons.

The quarterstaff comes up to almost Edwin's shoulder, and was a single length of carved and polished wood. These had been prepared with padded ends, making them balanced but slightly heavier than a normal weapon of the same type. Its apparent that injuries have to be kept to a minimum.

*DING*

Training QuarterstaffType:Blunt WeaponDurability:20/ 20Quality:CommonA quarterstaff specifically weighted and blunted for weapon's training.

Edwin blinks in surprise at that, and looks at Lucien. “Huh, so I even get status messages about usable items.”

“Yes, sir. Every object in the world has a status assigned to it. Only with the appropriate knowledge can you see the status of it, though. The Identify Skills are of great use for those who often find unique or uncommon materials and items.” Lucien explains, before walking toward the center of the training field.

Edwin follows him, swinging the staff a bit to get used to its heft and balance.

“Now then, let us assume the proper form. Face me and try to mimic my stance and how I hold the weapon.”

Edwin nods and does so, and soon enough he's facing Lucien, who's tone has taken on the macabre cadence of a drill instructor. The thought brings a fleeting smile to Edwin; but soon enough he finds it isn't all fun and games.

In fact, he failed. And failed, and failed again. He could settle the stance pretty well, holding the quarterstaff slightly to one side, its bottom forward with the top just over one shoulder; and each time Lucien would knock him down.

But Edwin wasn't the sort to give up; and would always jump back to his feet and try again. Trying to focus solely on Lucien or the staff he's holding seemed to make things worse; as he didn't have the reflexes to guard himself properly to the nearly lightning-quick strikes and pumbles that come his way.

Eventually though he started to widen his field of view; not focusing solely on what was in front of him. That's when he started noticing the slight twitch in Lucien's shoulders; and how he'd shift his center of balance downward or to the right or left. These were indicators of how and in which direction the attack would come.

But even if Edwin could see them, he still couldn't respond properly. So he still landed on his ass.

“Good, but it isn't enough to see your opponent move. You have to be able to predict it without thinking!” Lucien was pleased, but being short on time there wasn't any chance to slack off.

So Lucien fell back on the oldest saying there was: 'Pain is the best teacher'.

So he beat Edwin. Over and over and over again.

By the time the lunch hour came around, Edwin was battered and bruised and covered in dirt and sand. His legs, arms, shoulders and several spots across his chest were heavily bruised; as even with the padded tips on the quarterstaff, Lucien's blows were filled with ruthless strength and unerring accuracy.

“We'll give it one last go, Edwin. After that, its time for a bath and a quick lunch. You'll study with Allisa in magic during the afternoon.” Lucien says, settling back into his position while Edwin pulls himself up for one last go.

This time though there was no preemptive strikes. They were both still and silent, watching each other. The atmosphere became thick and heavy; and Edwin, who was already panting, found it even harder to breath.

But he pushes against the force, and settles himself into his newly learned stance. It wasn't as neat or as precise as Lucien's, but if what Allisa told him before was true, Lucien had literally centuries of experience under his belt.

Edwin decided to give it a charge then. He was tired of taking the beating while focusing solely on defense. So with a sudden shout he rushes forward on legs that felt like toothpicks, as sore as they were.

But his tactic brings a look of surprise to Lucien's face, and by the time he snaps his own staff up to intercept the strike Edwin had thrust at him, Edwin had shifted his staff around, bringing it back and then around; a solid feint that should have caught Lucien off guard; aimed for his legs as if to take them off at the knee. But Lucien jumps back, putting more space between them.

“Good, sir. Very good. You have to be able to both defend and attack at the same time. A quarterstaff is the perfect weapon to practice that with. Its length and with two sides usable, you can attack and defend at the same time once you learn how. Now, again!”

“WRAAAH!” Edwin gives another cry, and attacks at Lucien's behest, this time going for an arm blow. He's forced to twist the staff to one side though, at Lucien's sudden strike; but now that he's in the midst of the engagement, he saw the blow coming and was able to twist his own staff to intercept it; the clash between the two wooden quarterstaves ringing out in the courtyard.

Once, twice, and then a third time, he manages to block the heavy blows from Lucien; and even strikes back at the minute opening Lucien had left. He was simply too slow to hit though. The last blow from Lucien knocks him right across his head, and Edwin drops like a sack of potatoes, panting on the ground.

“That was surprisingly adept for the first day, Edwin.” Lucien has to admit, moving to set his own quarterstaff back in its rack before moving to help the decidedly unsteady Edwin to his feet.

“Here, sir. Sip slowly.” Lucien says, holding over a rather large travelers canteen. Edwin does so, knowing all too well how the stomach could turn if you force food or water into it after strenuous exercise.

Still, the water was greatly appreciated, and he started feeling more level-headed afterward.

*DING*

Combat BasicsBy successfully completing the first day of combat training with the old Goblinoid Lucien, you've learned the basics of the Combat Stance, Blunt Weapon, and Defense Skills.

Your diligence and unrelenting willingness to stand up regardless of the opposition has unlocked the hidden skill Blow Absorption.+2 Strength+3 Dexterity+2 ConstitutionNew information about the basics of combat has been added to the Codex menu.Combat Stance Skill learned!Blunt Weapon Skill learned!Defense Skill learned!Blow Absorption Skill learned!

Quite a few things had popped up, and Edwin looked it over before nodding his head. He was pleased, but still far too sore to give it any real thought at the moment. He couldn't help but give a slight groan as he walks to the weapons rack to put away his own quarterstaff, making sure to wipe it down at Lucien's instruction before doing so.

It wouldn't do to destroy the few weapons available to him, after all.

After that, its off to have a bath in his chamber, and a change of clothing. His clothing was sweat-soaked and covered in dirt and sand; but didn't smell bad. In fact, as far as he could tell he didn't have any sort of body odor at all.

But the warm bath, provided by magic cleverly hidden in the faucet was definitely relaxing; and he could have slept if given the chance. But his growling belly soon makes him get out to seek food.

Lunch was a simple soup made from the leftover meat and vegetables from the night before, and freshly baked dark bread that was still warm. It was good and filling, and his head finished clearing as he scarfs it down alongside Allisa and Lucien.

Its good to know he wasn't the only one to get hungry during training.

After that, it was time to study; which includes magic! Edwin almost cackled at the thought of learning powerful spells like a wizard; but he's careful not to around Allisa and Lucien. It wouldn't do to be seen as some evil bastard, right?

Still, the three of them settle into the study again, and this time it was Allisa in her maids' uniform that started the lecture.

“Ahem. Now, the basis of all magic is Imagination. You have to be able to hold the image of what you want to happen in your mind in order to achieve it. Every being in Eternia has a pool of 'mana' internal to them that they have to pour into the image in order for it to happen. Advanced magic is even more complex than that, but for now we'll focus on the basics. Elemental magic.”

The woman was quick to jump into the subject. Like all Elves, Allisa had a natural affinity to various sorts of magic, regardless of her stats. As a wizard or magician, she was on the low end; but she was competent enough to use magic even in her daily chores. Its why as the lone maid in the Citadel she's able to keep the place spotless.

“I'm going to perform a small bit of magic, and I'd like you to repeat it, Sir Edwin.” The woman says, although once again she's blushing after looking at him. That was getting odd, but he couldn't really spare the time to think about it just yet. Instead, he gives her a sharp nod.

Allisa takes a deep breath and holds up her right hand. Within moments, a flicker of -something- happens, and suddenly there's a flickering flame no bigger than a candle's flame floating just above her palm. It was a deep red color, and he could feel the heat of it even from his seat.

“This is the 'Flame of Warmth'. Its a beginner level fire spell, and is useful in both the dark and the cold. It can also be used to light camp fires or lamps if casted at a distance. Now I want you to cast it on your own.” Allisa explains its name and its affects, and Edwin nods again.

This time he raises his own hand, and after a moment of thought, starts to focus on the image that comes to mind. A small flame, warm and comfortable. With his eyes closed, he couldn't see it; but he could definitely feel the 'pull' it has on his mana; an odd feeling that he'd yet to experience.

It was like there was something else buried deep inside him, a pool of energy that had nothing to do with his physical body; and yet his all the same. It was very odd.

But it was the gasp of both Allisa and Lucien that brings his attention back to what he was doing, and he opens his eyes to see what he'd conjured. In the palm of his hand was a single flickering flame, except where Allisa's was a deep red color; his was so pale and silvery that it was even more transparent than glass. Almost invisible to the naked eye.

The heat generated from it though was several times more powerful than Allisa's was, though, and was stirring the air so much that it was blowing back his own fine, long white hair.

“Waah! I've never seen a pale flame before!” Allisa cannot help but cry out, and even Lucien looks troubled for a moment.

Edwin's focus wavers as he listens though, and the flame flickers out, removing the light and warmth from the study. All of a sudden Edwin feels tiredness, and his head goes all fuzzy before he shakes his head vigorously.

“Mental exhaustion is the other side of the coin when it comes to magic, Sir Edwin. Any being can generate and use their mana to create magic; but mental exhaustion comes from the focus required to hold the image required. You'll get used to it. From what I understand, the Wisdom stat boosts mental fortitude, allowing wizards to hold their magic for longer and more precisely.” Allisa explains after looking at Edwin's face.

“I'll go make some tea and give you time to rest a bit before we continue.”

Edwin can only nod, and closes his eyes against the fuzzy feeling in his head. It only takes Allisa a couple of minutes before she returns.

A cup of hot tea clears his head though, and soon enough they continue. Allisa goes through the full spectrum of beginner spells; fire, water, air, earth, even force.

She has to strain herself to do some of them, and she explains that everyone has elements they are good at and others they are not, based on their affinities. Most Blue Elves were specialized in water and air magic; but she was actually more adept at fire and earth.

Edwin even finds out that Lucien is adept at martial spells that empower the body or the weapon during combat, and can even create a shield of magic when he needs to.

Edwin also learns that because he was summoned from the 'Void', he doesn't have any specific affinities; and is instead able to directly influence how strong a spell is by how much mana he pours into them. With enough mana and focus, he could potentially turn even the weakest of spells into power magic.

“Sir Edwin, there's one last type of magic we can teach you at this point. That's Creation Magic. Its a unique and very difficult branch of magic. Even I'm unable to use it. Creation Magic is like the other types; except its effects are permanent in the world. Its used to create things out of nothing, or change the properties of an item you already have.” Allisa speaks with a great amount of reluctance, but Edwin could already figure out why.

“It takes a large amount of mana and focus to make it permanent, right?” He asks, and Allisa nods, before casting a glance to Lucien. After a moment, Lucien nods.

In the end, there's no reason not to try it.

“Alright, Sir Edwin. I want you to make a replica of the tea cup.” Allisa finally says, choosing something simple and basic to begin with.

Edwin doesn't go right at it though. Instead he picks up the cup; looks it over, feels its weight and tries to remember all of its details. Its actually hard to keep up with everything like that, but after about five minutes he sets it down and closes his eyes, raising one of his hands.

In his head, he's focusing all of his attention on that teacup, putting in as much detail as he can. It takes him several minutes in the silence before he feels he's gotten as much as he can, and then starts pouring in his mana.

And its quite literally sucked from him. More and more, he feels as if the spell is sucking him dry; and when it does he feels cold and empty. But the spell doesn't stop, and he realizes its also draining his stamina, which had taken a hit earlier during the day during his weapon training. He lets out a groan and topples over in his chair as his stamina is sucked up too, followed soon after by his health.

But even as Lucien rushes to lift up Edwin, who was barely conscious by then, a blinding flash of light erupts in the study, and there beside the original teacup is an exact replica. Except it isn't quite right. Its so pristine and translucent that it appears to be made out of flawlessly cut crystal instead of earthenware.

*DING*

Spell SuccessfulCreation Magic successfully cast, at the cost of a large amount of mana, stamina, and health.

Rest is required to regain the lost status.

By subverting the laws of nature in order to create, you have also learned how to destroy.Elemental Magic learned!Fire Magic learned!Water Magic learned!Air Magic learned!Earth Magic learned!Force Magic learned!Creation Magic learned!Destruction Magic learned!

Stat Gains+5 Intelligence+4 Wisdom+2 ConstitutionBy using mana, stamina, and health almost until the point of death, you have gained +50 in each of those stats.+50 Health+50 Mana+50 StaminaBy learning of the basic elements of the world, along with Creation and Destruction Magic, you've gained additional Void Affinity.

All Void Spells are stronger now.+100 Void Affinity

Light Magic unlocked!Darkness Magic unlocked!New information about Magic has been added to the Codex menu.New information about the Void has been added to the Codex menu.

Creation and DestructionCreation cannot come from nothing. Even in Eternia, there is a limit to the amount of raw materials available. Wizards can bypass this with Creation Magic, but doing so costs the wizard greatly.

By converting mana into raw material, an object can be created with the desired attributes.

Wizards with weak affinity to the elements of the world will find the cost to be far greater, and permanent.

Destruction on the other hand can be used to create raw mana out of the physical material of the world.

Absorbing raw mana is both dangerous and lucrative, as its purity is far greater than that a person can generate. But doing so too often comes at a great cost.

A wizard who overuses the forces of Destruction become unable to generate their own mana.New information about Creation and Destruction has been added to the Codex menu.

A great many new messages appear before Edwin's eyes; but he's so weak that he isn't even able to read them. By the time Lucien manages to get him up the stairs and into his rooms, Edwin is already unconscious, and all that's left is to lay him out on the bed. Its so big that it doesn't matter if he's laying properly or not.

“Well, my boy, you keep surprising this old man.” Lucien mutters to himself, although he gives a rare smile of something close to affection to the unconscious Edwin.

“A second night without eating dinner. Please don't make it a habit. Allisa will never let it down.”

-|- -|- -|-

And here is Chapter 3! I hope you guys enjoy it!

Chapter 3 was rather hard to get straight. It involves the start of training, learning new skills, and quite a bit of magic. There are no real 'spells' that require complicated chants or the like, but I think you guys will enjoy it anyway!

I had intended to get further along in the story here, like as far as the fight to gain control of Jottenhiem itself; but it didn't happen. It may in Chapter 4 though.

I'm going to post the Spells table here as well, so check it out!

Feel free to comment, leave suggestions, criticisms and reviews.

I'll also be leaving an updated Status chart here in the credits after each chapter. So far its only the Status Screen, but I'll eventually add others like Skills and the Codex.

Status – Chapter 3

Spoiler :

SKILL SCREENNAMEEdwin CastRACEVoid DemonCLASSLEVELDemon Lord / Master of Dungeons1

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:DungeoneeringF10.0%The skill required to create the 'Absolute Domain' of a dungeon. By using this skill, the Creator has the ability to set the size of the dungeon to be created. The features found in the chosen location will affect the nature of the dungeon created. Strong stone will reduce the effective size, but will increase overall stability. Valuable materials, ores, etc. That are within the chosen location can be harvested as minable materials or incorporated directly into the dungeons design.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon MiningF10.0%The skill required to clear out the interior of the dungeon. Similar to the regular mining skill, this one is specific in its usage within the 'Absolute Domain' of the dungeon. May be granted to others in order to rapidly create, fix, or change the layout of an already established dungeon.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon FillingF10.0%A skill used in conjunction with Dungeon Mining. This skill allows the Creator to close in gaps within the dungeon. Sometimes natural faults or cave-ins cause new parts to be added to the dungeon, in which Dungeon Filling is required to fix. This skill generates material already found in the dungeon based upon its location.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon TrappingF10.0%The skill required to create various physical and magical traps within the Dungeon. Used along with forging skills to create, repair, and replace traps.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon CommandF10.0%The skill used to command the various creatures residing within the Dungeon. Within the 'Absolute Domain' of the Dungeon, the Creator's words are law, and all creatures set within the dungeon are governed by such law. As skill level increases, more and more powerful beings can be set and commanded within the dungeon. Beings able to overpower the Dungeon Command skill may choose to leave without other considerations. This skill is also used to create Demon Contracts for freelance beings who may choose to join the Dungeon.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Dungeon TreasuresF10.0%The unique crafting skill of Dungeon Masters. Along with crafting skills, this skill allows the creation of unique treasures which can be used both inside and out of the dungeon. With every death of a creature within the dungeon, the Treasure stored within the dungeon gets progressively stronger and more valuable. Some are considered to be 'living', and provide a variety of effects.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Combat StanceF160.0%Proper stance is important in both attacking and defense. Without this foundation, the ability to defend yourself and retaliate against attack is degraded severely.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Blunt WeaponF155.0%The skill that governs the attack attributes of blunt weapons. Increases both attack power and speed, as well as defense when using blunt weapons.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:DefenseF179.0%An skill that governs all things related to defense. The ability to take hits and remain standing, as well as dodging and parrying. A high defense also raises combat awareness and the ability to see or sense attacks that cannot normally be seen by the eye.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Blow AbsorptionB113.0%A unique skill that supplements both Defense and Constitution when it comes to taking blows.

Greatly increases defense when it comes to taking blows from blunt weapons.

Increases defense when it comes to taking blows from bladed weapons.

Slightly increases defense when it comes to taking blows from piercing weapons.

Negates part of the damage received from falling or getting struck with non-weapon objects.

Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:Elemental MagicC135.0%The skill that governs the ability to use elemental-type magics. The higher the level, the more powerful that the related spells can be.

Part of the Magic series skill set.

Magic Screen – Chapter 3

Spoiler :

MAGIC SCREENNAMEEdwin CastRACEVoid DemonCLASSLEVELDemon Lord / Master of Dungeons1

Affinity LevelsVoidFireWaterAir50 + 100505050EarthForceCreationDestruction50505050LightDark--5050--

Usable MagicVoidBeginnerFireBeginnerWaterBeginnerAirBeginnerEarthBeginnerForceBeginnerCreationBeginnerDestructionBeginner

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