《The Survival Guide of Hell-Difficulty Characters》 Prologue Dungeon Regime. An mmorpg, dungeon crawler game that suddenly exploded in popularity only a few weeks after its initial launch. Many players flocked to its database due to its unique take on character customization. Players do not choose their character name or their appearances, instead, the game itself will give the players options between pre-created characters that exist within the games lore. They can reroll their characters infinitely until they find a character that they like. Each character has their own set skills, personalities, and backgrounds, meaning one could explore an endless style of stories all the while build said character differently each run, even taking them on different paths to see the end result. [Silas Salvador - RetiZn logged into the game.] RetiZn, also unknown as Rez, got interested in the game just like any other player. He was a professional fps gamer who retired after suffering an injury to his hands that made it difficult to keep up in a fast-paced situation. After becoming hooked on the games unique style, combined with its easy-to-master controls, Rez breezed through the game as his first character, Javier Gomez, a commoner who became a holy knight after persistent hard work. Rez resetted the game after reaching a certain point with Javier. Dungeon Regime continuously and automatically pumped content for each character, including each of their paths, so technically he could have played as Javier for as long as he wanted. Instead, he chose to start again, and went through the game multiple times, choosing a different variety of dialog and key choices. After he got bored with Javier, he switched his character and did the same thing. Over. And over. And over again. Eventually, RetiZn became a username standing at the top of the leaderboardthe leaderboard that displays the most number of characters played. Many even gave him the nickname Rezet Maniac.. Rez had played Dungeon Regime with so many characters, and so many different styles, that none of them could appeal to his boredom. He wouldve chosen to take a break from the game until his eyes caught onto something while on the character choice menu. Silas Salvador WARNING: This character has a difficulty of 4*. Choosing this character can result in a less than favorable gameplay. Normally, the maximum amount of difficulty stars a character has is three. This was the first time Rezs game had randomized a four-star difficulty character for him. And of course, he chose to play Silas Salvador immediately, not wasting time reading the characters description. . . . [Ruelle Peregrine - Crowfest logged into the game.] Crowfest is a person one could call a hardcore gamer. They play alone and yet still manage to beat everyone who has a team. Since they tend to mind their own business, not much information is known about who Crowfest truly is. People have seen the username, Crowfest, in many other games before Dungeon Regime was released. They dominated the leaderboards in dungeon crawler-type games, and even had a spot in the speedrunning community. Only Crowfests close in-game friends know that they''re a she. She wanted to play with the sole purpose of having fun, but with so much time on her hands, she just happened to get into top ranks on the leaderboards. Many had suspected that Crowfest is a woman due to the fact that she only plays female characters in Dungeon Regime. At first, she started out only wanting to enjoy the character stories, but instead got addicted to the dungeon-crawling aspect of the gamemuch like how she did in the past. She became the top player regarding the amount of dungeons cleared. This leaderboard combined the statistics of every character played, while also displaying the average clear per character. Everyone elses average were only in the tens or at most twenties, but somehow Crowfest manages to reach at least thirty clears per character. Eventually, after playing with so many characters in order to try different dungeon-clearing strategiesCrowfest got fed up with the repetitive playstyle. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. So when she found out about the sudden appearance of a four star difficulty character, she took on the challenge and created a new character right away. But there was a catch. [The Character Silas Salvador is engaged to The Character Ruelle Peregrine.] [The Character Ruelle Peregrine is engaged to The Character Silas Salvador.] Apparently, one of the reasons why each of them was a four star difficulty character was because a co-op was necessary to progress. That day was the beginning of an odd frenemy relation between the ex-pro gamer RetiZn and accidental leaderboard grinder Crowfest. . . . PM please be respectful to each other in the private chat. Saturday, 17th June [11.56 pm] Crowfest: Are you online yet? [11.57 pm] RetiZn: Be honest, do you know what color grass is? [11.57 pm] Crowfest: What? [11.58 pm] RetiZn: Its almost midnightI''m about to head to bed. [11.58 pm] Crowfest: Srsly? I can''t progress through the story because apparently I need Silas to stand next to me for some reason. [11.59 pm] RetiZn: Cant it wait until tmrw? [12.00 pm] Crowfest: OkayfineHow about we meet ig at 10 pm sunday? [12.00 pm] RetiZn: Sounds good. K, cya. Im tired. [12.01 pm] Crowfest: Gn. Sunday, 18th June [10.23 pm] RetiZn: Yo Crow. You up? [11.25 pm] Crowfest: Sorry, I was sleeping. [11.30 pm] RetiZn: Did you not sleep last night or smth? [11.30 pm] Crowfest: I slept in, that''s allAnyway, we ready to do this quest? [11.31 pm] RetiZn: Yeah, but I have to go in like 30, so let''s be quick. [11.31 pm] Crowfest: ok . . . ***[ERROR.]*** ***~~~~ ~~*** **[ER~~]*** . . . YOUNG MASTER! The sound of a man rang inside his ears. To him, it was as if hed shouted from all the way across the other side of a mountain. The faded voice, despite being clear and thundering, did not wake him up. He only stirred slightly as he adjusted his arms, burying his head deeper into the makeshift pillows. It was until something slammed onto the table next to his ears that he finally jolted up from his sleep. He looked around and found his widened eyes met against a pair of frowning fiery red, peaking through the locks of his ash-blonde hair. Young master Silasyour father will be very disappointed in you. He didn''t say anything in return, only muttering a faint what under his breath as suddenly a massive headache struck his temples. His head landed in his palms, all he could do was wait for the pain to disappear. He recognized the feeling. ...Hangover? And did he just call me Silas? What, what happened? He eventually recalled that the red-eyed man was Einar Alston, a renowned swordsman from the Alston County, who was also Silas Salvadors personal knight. Einars posture remained stern. His personality leaned more towards the serious side, but he was never one to get angryor this angry. You got drunk while out drinking, young master, again. Silas Salvador was the youngest child from the Salvador March, a delinquent good-for-nothing that became a disappointment for his family. He even got the nickname The Young Mad Dog Marquess due to him arrogantly acting as if he would inherit his father''s seat. It was one of the reasons why, despite being of a lower title, Einar Alston showed no respect for Silas Salvador. Who would show respect to a trouble-maker child? Noble or not? Normally, this would be the time when Silas starts going on a wild temper tantrum for Einars rude behavior. Instead, Silas remained quiet. ...Alright, please escort me home. The knight appeared surprised by the young masters calm attitude. Though he merely brushed it off as him being too hungover to properly start screaming. Without saying another word, Silas got up from his seat and headed out the bar, ignoring the broken tables and chairs scattered around the floor. It was obvious what happened last night. I don''t know what''s going onbut let''s just head to the manor first.. Chapter 1: Engagement (1) Lady Ruelle, the brunette sitting across from her, Lilia Starin, drew her attention with a soft whisper. Were almost at the Salvador estate, it would be for the best if you wake up now. Ruelle blinked. It appeared to the attending maid that she was in a daze until now. Wait, did she just call meLady Ruelle? she restrained herself from going berserk inside the cramped space. Slowly, her gaze landed at the scenery outside the moving carriage, and as expected, she recognized the neat pathway leading up to a certain noble familys home. This is the cutscene I got when I played as Ruelle Peregrine. What is going on? We are meeting my fiance today, Ruelle spoke through her gentle smile. She made sure her words sounded like a passing thought. Lilia the maid gave her a nod, returning her smile with one of her own. Unlike hers, however, the brunettes joy was not genuine. The slight crease of her brows gave it away. Yes, Lord Silas is the youngest son of the Salvador house, after all. I pity herthe youngest daughter forced into an engagementwith a good-for-nothing no less. Ruelle was reminded of the dialog that shed read in the past. Even without telepathy or a big panel in front of her, she could tell what was going on in the thoughts of her maid. Their short conversation did not get the chance to drag on. Lucky her, Ruelle wouldnt have to fill in the remaining silence. The carriage came to a halt, and a Peregrine knight outside opened the door for her to step down. The knight even has the same stern look as shed remembered from playing Dungeon Regime. She decided to not pay much attention to him, though, since she has a much bigger issue to deal with. A delinquent fianceIf this is what I think it is, then Ill have to cancel the engagement at all costs. Ruelle Peregrine was a meek, timid character. Her dialog options at the beginning of the game annoyed her so much that she wanted to pull her hairs out. But she couldnt exactly blame her for being mentally weak, though. The Peregrine and Salvador once had a connection in the past, but the situation between the two families had turned sour after a civil war within the Oriens Empire several decades ago. Two family knights who each supported different princes, it was natural for conflict to arise. While these two may have a thing in common, The Peregrine is much more old school. Ruelle recalled the discomfort she felt reading the family background. They were a knights house that only allowed men to learn swordsmanship, while they disregarded women, and only saw them as tools for politics. Any women of House Peregrine who couldnt follow these rules would be shunned and hated, just like Ruelle, who had revealed her desire to become a knight at a young, naive age. Silas Salvadors fiancee originally was supposed to be Ruelles older sister, Cleo Peregrine, but she managed to pull some tricks and shifted the position onto her instead. It was easy for Cleo, the familys beloved, to convince their father to put Ruelle up on the role instead. A trashy man like that would suit you way better than me, Ruelle. You two are a match made in heaven! Ruelle shook the memories from her head. By then, theyd arrived at the estates guest room. The Salvador maids guided her to her seat while Lilia stood behind her. Tea and snacks rested on the coffee table in front of her. Would you like some tea, Lady Ruelle? Lilia asked quietly, she must have noticed Ruelles eyes were on the kettle. Ah, its okay. Ill drink them with my fiance. Ruelle gave an excuse. She didnt want to start eating anything right now. Maybe if I eat something, I might get stuck here foreverLike Persephone and the pomegranates. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. For nowI should let this story flow as they shouldso far everything is exactly like what the Dungeon Regime had writtenWait. she held herself back from screaming once more. In the original story, that son of a bitch Silas doesnt even show up! The current flow of the situation right now was still at the cutscene phases, but it was so memorable for her that she couldnt forget it no matter how much she tried. The original Ruelle wasnt eager to meet Silas either, but she had hoped that maybe the rumors about him may be false, or at least exaggerated for gossip. She was basically wishing he wouldnt be as bad as shed heard. But after waiting for hours, Silas personal knight returned to the estate without his master by his side, just to inform Ruelle that her fiance was too busy continuing his drinking streak to come meet her. BANG! The sudden noise snapped her out of her trance. Ruelle turned and found her widened eyes met with a familiar pair of azure blue. He had wind-swept golden locks that complimented well with the bright color of his eyes. His attire was simple for a noble, but much too messy to be called proper for his status. Seeing his panting face gave her a general idea that he practically ran all the way over here. I amincredibly sorrymy lady he spoke while trying to catch his breath. He wiped sweat from his flushed face while plopping down on the sofa in front of her. Einar, his knight escort, stood by him much like how Lilia did with her. Greetings, Lady Ruelle, Silas Salvador beamed while holding out his hand. Its nice to finally meet you, I am Silas Salvador, the youngest son of the Salvador family. The pleasure is mine to have you as my fiancee. . . . Thirty minutes earlier The ride back to the Salvador Estate was calm and quiet. Silas had been left alone to his own company while Einar rode on a horse right beside his carriage. Taking a deep breath, he gathered his thoughts while closing his eyes. This headache is way too real for it to be a dream, he put his arm up to his forehead, feeling the beads of sweat on his skin. Okay, sothis is the cutscene for the character Silas Salvadoralthough the details changed a bit since I didnt throw a tantrum, I still managed to get myself on the carriage home. Wait. The panging pain was making it difficult for him to think. At least the nausea wasnt severe enough that he felt the need to throw up. I missed some detailsI didntSilas wasnt going home until he threw a tantrumthen returned to drinking until the afternoon. After thatno, no. Silas went home and Einar was supposed to tell him that his fiancee came to see him todayWait, He leaned his head against the carriage window loud enough for Einar to spare a curious glance at the sudden noise. This means Silasmy fiancee is waiting for me at the estate! And Im going home looking like someone who got run over by a truck? While the matters of the near future rushed through his mind, the carriage had already come to a stop inside the Salvador Estate. Einar hopped off his horse and opened the door. Young master The knight got startled by the sudden gust of wind that rushed past him. It took him another second to realize that it was Silas whod suddenly bolted off the carriage. He must have remembered. Einar let out a long sigh and followed his master inside. Butwas he the type of man to care about an arranged marriage? . . . Present Silas had already expected Ruelle to be waiting for him inside the guest room. But seeing her in person was definitely different than through a monitor screen. As the game had described, she was a beautiful girl with long golden bronze hair and eyes like the finest of amethysts. The sunlight that reflected on her locks made them appear as if theyd been set ablaze. Ruelle only continued to stare at his extended hand while an uncomfortable silence befall the atmosphere. Silas could practically feel his smile faltering as time passed. Why isnt she accepting my greeting? Before things could get anymore awkward, Ruelle finally shook his hands. She gave him a bright smile as they let go. Hello Lord Silas. It was short, not to mention completely out of script. Silas couldnt hide his surprise, but he quickly returned his expression to a normal, polite smile. Ruelle is supposed to be a shy character, but she spoke very bluntly just nowdid the original plotline change along withno, that wouldnt make any sense. Lilia, Sir Einar, can you give us some space? Ruelle suddenly spoke. Now that Silas had taken a closer look, the girl in front of him was certainly different from the Ruelle Peregrine that he was familiar with. Those pair of amethysts stayed sharply fixated on him, shining colder than what should be from a character thats known for being reserved. The two mentioned servants gave each other a brief glance. Lilia was the first to leave, albeit with a hint of reluctance in her eyes. Einar continued to give his master a weird look for a bit longer, but eventually left the room as well. Now then, Ruelles smile faded in an instant, her friendly expression replaced by a stoic mask as frigid as the look in her eyes. The distrust was clear. You arent exactly Silas Salvador, arent you? Chapter 2: Engagement (2) Silas was taken aback by how immediate the question was. He turned to face the door for a moment, as if to make sure it was properly closed. A sigh left his lips as he returned his focus to the wary woman in front of him. Yes. Im not Silas, and youre not Ruelle, either. What is this? Double transmigration? Ruelle threw her hands in the air dramatically. Her words confirmed that she was at least from the same modern era as him. Wait a second. What? Silas raised an eyebrow. Dungeon Regimes characters are one of a kindso if you know how my characters supposed to act, then Then it clicked. REZ? CROW? Be quiet! Crow warned in a hushed shout. Her eyes briefly landed on the door, and fortunately, none of the servants outside rushed in. Anyway, this is great newsat least none of us are alone in this. Yes, yes, Rez let out a long sigh. He could feel his heart crashing against his chest. The possibility that he couldve been placed in Dungeon Regimes environment all alone with no one to turn to brought a new sense of fear to mind. Crow was right, at least none of them had to suffer by themselves. Especially you, what would you have done if Silas was still the same mad garbage character? Ruelle chuckled. Well, maybe killing him and running to the countryside would be a great plan. There was a moment of silence. But now I dont have to! I dont think I have it in me to get rid of that face. Silas expression soured. Youre still on about that? What? Ruelle scoffed with a shrug. Silas is completely my type. Blonde hairblue eyeshe has a cute look contrary to his personality, like a cat, and I LOVE cats. Ever since they had to play co-op in order to progress through their characters, the two of them werent always on good terms. Crow liked Silas Salvadors character design, so Rez had to read dozens of fangirl messages from her all the time. Their fights mostly revolve around Crow wanting to choose the Romance Route while Rez just wanted a Good End Route. It wasnt a surprise that their dialog options kept contradicting each other. The result of their bickering meant very little progress was made through the game. We should discuss our future plans, Silas sighed as he placed a palm on his forehead. Dungeon Regime might have given us many clues about the futurebut since weve only managed to get through 31% It was actually 21. Ruelle crossed her arms. Same difference. We didnt even make it a quarter way through the storyline. Lets brainstorm some ideas on what we should do next. Crowfest nodded. Alright, to be honest, since our characters'' stories are supposed to be hellishly difficult, I suggest we just try and find a way to survive. What did Silas character description said? Before the player confirms their choice on a character, the game tells them everything about said characters basic information, including their backgrounds and other necessary info. This information can still be found by playing through the game, but knowing them can be a huge advantage in choosing the optimal options. The players can even view the description on a characters routes too. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. RetiZn gave Crowfest a smile, and instantly her expression darkened. Rezyou didnt read the character description, did you? Haha, Rez found her cold gaze too prickling to look at. Yeah~I didnt read jack shit. It seemed that Ruelle was suppressing the urge to get up from her seat. She took a deep breath and shook her head. Even Silas was surprised at how fast she calmed down. Well, its not the end of the worldBut now this severely limits our options. And why is that? Okay, hear me out, Her words did not bring any comfort to Rez at all. Crowfest always says that when shes about to suggest a plan that he doesnt like. Ruelle and Silas are connected by their lores. So, to limit any possible variables, we should follow through the Romance RouteWAIT! Crowfest held out her hands way before Rez could move his lips one more inch from their resting position. Its much safer than our other routes. They focus on just that singular character, but then it would mean we have to play both routes at the same time, as opposed to going down only one route. Rez knew that it would be just like in the game. The Romance Route was an option for both Silas and Ruelle, but theyre endings that require the cooperation of the two players. Since he had played through so many characters, Rez had deliberately chosen romance for their routes too, but the reason why he didnt want to do it with the character Silas was It was embarrassing! Crowfest didnt need to know that though, and he planned on taking his secret to the grave. No way could he tell her that he didnt want to choose the Romance Route for a fictional character because he would be doing it with someone else. What she said was convincing, and ultimately the proper strategy moving forward. But Since this is technically reality now, then whats the need for following routes? Youre right, She answered instantly, as if shed already anticipated it. Im basically just trying to say that we should stay engaged, since the other routes I read for Ruelle ended up with her canceling the engagement with Silas and in the end becoming independent. We dont know the true nature of this world yet, so just to be safe, we shouldnt try to derive from the original plot too much and create variables. Rez was genuinely surprised. It was a well thought-out presentation. If he was a CEO of a company, he wouldnt hesitate to hire her. Forget the embarrassment, what she gave him was a sound, logical plan. Okay, fine, he nodded. I agreeit seems like you win in our route choice in the end. Crow gave him a bitter smile. But were the characters nowits different. She suddenly clapped, and her expression brightened a short second later. Okay! Now that thats settledwhat do you remember about our 21% progress? It was a huge mess, will the information even be useful? Silas frowned. It might not help much, but at the very least we should build our characters to be combat-ready, Crowfest held up a finger as if listing her groceries. That way, we can be ready for any situation thrown our way, no? Not to mention theres also the central plot of Dungeon Regime. Dungeon Regime was set in the medieval fantasy world where the natural order had been destroyed by a sudden burst of energy from an unknown source, canonically called The Mana Bloom event. The incident led to an imparity in space-time which created the portals that lead into dungeons. Excess energy that leaked from these mystical gates eventually terraformed the space of the world, ruining many kingdoms and turning lands that once were occupied by humans into strongholds for other creatures. Oriens Empire was one of the only human kingdoms thatd managed to withstand the effects of the Mana Bloom, along with only a few other kingdoms that were allied with Oriens prior to the event. Its been a hundred years since then, and humans have already adapted to the changes in their world. Dungeons still continue to appear randomly just like in the past, along with some unclosable portals that lingered around even through the passage of time. Aspiring adventurers wanting to test their strengths invade these dungeons, and in return for their efforts, their prowess may grow to the point beyond what was thought possible through regular means. But only selected individuals may enter these dungeons, which are the playable characters'''' that the game creates. Dungeon Regimes main storyline is still incomplete, but every player whos not living under a rock knows that it has something to do with the mysteries behind the worlds beyond the portals; the dungeons themselves. RetiZn knew what Crowfest was attempting to convey. Since this world is real, we cant just ignore the main storyline like we could in the game. Ruelle nodded. We dont know whats going to happen at the end of this plot, or what its got to do with dungeons, but we still have to solve this puzzle. Silas took another deep breath. Now he wasnt sure if the headache was from the hangover or their future problems. He decided to pour them both a cup of tea, but by then, it had gotten cold. Of course, well check up on the main plot, but right now I think we need to solve our immediate problems first. Ruelle took the tea. It seemed like she was willing to eat the food there now. One such thing is your horrible reputation, but I also have a suggestion that can kill two birds with one stone. Silas raised an eyebrow. Oh? Having gained his full attention, Crowfests grin went wide. Lord Silas, how about we go on a date? Chapter 3: Date (1) Ruelle dragged Silas by the hand, chuckling to herself like an ignorant child. The heat of the morning sun accompanied a gentle breeze that swept across the field, bringing with it the sweet aroma of the flowers nearby. Seriously, Ruelle briefly casted a glance behind her, seeing that her maid, Lilia, and Silas knight, Einar, were still watching them from a distance. Why are you acting so awkward? Its not like this is a real date. Silas didnt dare look her in the eyes. Despite the moderate temperature, his face felt as if it had been set on fire. Its just weird. She responded with an amused huff. Oh, what are you, five? What better way to fix your reputation than making it seem like you fell head over heels for your fiancee? They do say love can change people, after all. Silas narrowed his gaze, though still remained staring at the grass below his feet. Youre enjoying this more than you should. I cant deny that. Crowfest gave a shameless shrug. Finally facing her, RetiZn instantly found himself frowning at her satisfied look. Silas face is totally my type. Thats! He didnt need to look at himself to know that his face had gone as red as a tomato. What? Ruelle frowned, crooking her head to the side. Its not like Im calling you handsome, Rez. Im complimenting Silas looks. But Im Silas! Crow laughed. No youre not. Think of it this way, if you like a character in a movie, it doesnt necessarily mean you like the actor themself, right? Rez wanted to argue back, but what she said made perfect sense. He let out a defeated sigh and decided to shift his attention elsewhere. His eyes landed on the large oak tree in front of them. So, this is the place. The original plotline that theyd played didnt quite match with their current situation. It wasnt a surprise, though, considering that the dialogs they chose were completely nonsensical. They were supposed to reach this point near the end of the tutorial phase, but now theyre here much earlier. Ruelle settled down near the oaks roots, placing the picnic basket she carried with her on the grass. Sit next to me, those two are still eyeing us. Even without turning his head, Silas could feel the sharp stare of the maid and knight on his back. Since he didnt have much of a choice, he sat down. What did you bring? Some food and water, Ruelle scooted the basket closer and revealed the contents inside. I also snuck us a dagger each. A shame though that the marquessmy father didnt have many magic stones I could snatch. Their planned date werent only for the sake of fixing the young mad dog marquess reputation. Just like every other character, by the end of their tutorial, they would need to enter a dungeon. But they decided it would be for the best if they speed-up that progress so they could quickly gain some combat abilities. In Dungeon Regime, even if one were to choose a romance route for their character, there would be times when they need to fight, or use materials from the dungeons to lay a red carpet to their success. Silas took out one of the cookies in the basket. So we just have to wait here until the Impairment occurs. The Impairment is the name of the event where a dungeon opens. Itd gotten its name because RUMBLE. The ground shook. Bringing a nervous smile to Ruelles lips. Its happening. No matter how skilled a knight Einar is, he could never be fast enough to get to them in time before the Impairment. After all, it was named from the fact that the space around the dungeon portal would rip itself apart. Just like now. Cracks began to form around their surroundings. The sky and ground blended into one, the colors mixing like splashing random paint upon a blank canvas. It was making them feel dizzy just looking at it, though their hearts were pounding for an entirely different reason. Any normal human caught up in the Impairment would get torn apart along with the space around them. But that shouldnt be the case for the two of them, playable characters who were meant to enter dungeons in the first place. However, the absolute lack of senses sent an unknown chill down their spine. Just as the scenery around them disappeared into darkness, so did their ability to feel. There was no sound. The calming scent of flowers simply vanished like a temporary illusion. It was impossible to tell how much time had passedor if they were even alive. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. All they could do was hope one or the other would fill in the silence soon. [You have entered the Tutorial Dungeon.] [DetectingSilas Salvador.] [DetectingRuelle Peregrine.] [Forming a Party.] Rez opened his eyes to a pair of amethyst staring down at him. His vision adjusted as Crow slumped back with a sigh of relief. Thank goodness we made it. Were in the dungeon? Silas got up from the cool stone floor, rubbing the back of his neck. As he took note of his surroundings, Ruelle handed him a dagger. It had a normal appearance, leaving for the Peregrine familys falcon crest at its guard. It looks just like in the game. An abandoned mineshaft lit by the torches mounted on the cavern walls. The entire place reeked of an unknown, foul smell. Now none of them wished that the usual in-game message [A putrid smell permeates your nose.] was implemented in real life. Rez, Suddenly, a rectangular screen appeared in front of her. Now that weve entered the dungeon, we should check our stats. The Status Window only unlocks when the character experiences their first dungeon. There is also an option to show the screen to other members in a party, but it seemed that itd been set automatically, much to their convenience. Silas peered his head over to check Ruelles stats. < Status Window > Name: Ruelle Peregrine Age: 16 Species: Human Traits Titles: [Youngest Daughter of the Peregrine] Good Traits: [None] Bad Traits: [Timid Flower] Stats LVL: 1 STR: 5 CON: 4 AGI: 7 MAG: 5 Skills [None] <<>> As expected, everything was the same as it was in the game. The traits are stats that are useful to both story and battle-based mechanics. Some titles can make NPCs friendlier, though some are simply for show, like Ruelles status as a marquess daughter. The Good and Bad traits have a similar effect to titles, though are primarily story-based. Ruelles bad trait, , decreases successful interaction against NPCs. Usually, all characters would have at least one good, and one bad trait, but since Silas and Ruelle are four difficulty star characters, not only do they only get a bad trait, they also have no preset skills and horrendous stats. Crowfest let out a sigh. I was hoping that maybe I would get some plot-armor skillsConsidering that Im in a game world and all. Dream on. Rez chuckled and opened his own status window. < Status Window > Name: Silas Salvador Age: 16 Species: Human Traits Titles: [Youngest Son of the Salvador] | [Young Mad Dog Marquess] Good Traits: [None] Bad Traits: [Dog-like Delinquent] Stats LVL: 1 STR: 3 CON: 4 AGI: 5 MAG: 8 Skills [None] <<>> Seeing his own stats made him frown. I dont remember it being this bad. Why is my strength lower than yours? What do you mean? It totally fits Silas, Ruelle smirked. He did not like the mischievous glint in her eyes. How can a cute puppy like Silas be strong? Im not a puppy! Silas snapped at her, but she merely laughed it off. Despite his attempt at a glare, the blush on his cheeks didnt do him any favor. What??? Im not saying youre a puppy, Rez. Im saying Silas is the puppy. Rez couldnt even argue back. Itd been like this ever since theyd met. None of them had ever said any bad words, yet somehow Crowfest managed to counter back everything he tried to dispute. Whatever, Silas decided it was best to let it go before his face actually set on fire. We should focus on clearing the dungeon. It shouldnt be hard since this is the tutorial. Mhm. Rez didnt know whether Crow was listening or not, she seemed to be too fixated on putting and taking out the dagger from her inventory. The storage system was unlocked along with their status window. Oh yeah, Rez. What? I didnt get the chance to ask, but Crow decided to stop blinking her weapon in and out of existencebut decided to start throwing it up and down instead. Were you embarrassed about the whole date thing because you think Im a guy? Dont worry, Im not a catfisher. Huh? I wasnt embarrassed? Silas shook his head. But his response to that of all things only prompted a look of disbelief from Ruelle. And I already knew you were a girl. Oh, really? You were sure? A hundred percent. My gut feeling has always been accurate. Oh yeah, Crowfest rolled her eyes. The sarcasm was practically leaking out of her words. For sure. Anyway, lets go. Rez quietly followed her from behind, taking note to himself that she may very well be the most obnoxious woman hed ever met. Chapter 4: Date (2) The dungeons layouts shouldnt be much different from what theyd seen in-game. Along with the status window and inventory, theyd also gotten a mini-map function that they can call up with a single thought. But just like in the games, only the rooms and paths theyd been to would display on the screen. It didnt take long for them to encounter their first enemy. Since Ruelle was at the front, she quickly yanked Silas to the nearest boulder. Black-armored spiders? Rez became just as confused. He peeked his head around just enough to see several giant spiders roaming around the cave. They were about the size of an average horse, with obsidian-like exoskeletons and round eyes glimmering like the gemstones littering their habitat. Deep caverns are where they live, so it wasnt unusual for them to be there Silas faced goblins beforeand Ruelles were kobalts, right? RetiZn swallowed an unknown lump down his throat, retreating back into his hiding spot. Its randomized, theres a chance for it to be black-armored spiders. We just got unlucky. Black-armored spiders were considered beginner-level enemies, though the players were guaranteed to pass the Tutorial Dungeon no matter what they got anyway, so ultimately it didnt matter what the game put for them. But this was reality, and even if those spiders were at a beatable tier, they were still considered a difficult monster to deal with due to their tough armor and the access to venom attacks. Its possibleTheyre first-stage monsters. Silas gave a smile, but obviously Ruelle didnt buy his fake confidence. You want to beat them with these tiny daggers? She was practically shoving the weapon in his face, emphasizing her words. How could he disagree with her when the blade was barely bigger than his hand? We should go find the Weapon Room. The dungeons in Dungeon Regime have a similar layout to most dungeon-crawler games. There are rest stops, shops, puzzles, with some of the seemingly safe rooms that are not rest stops or shops being booby trapped as well. Crowfest wanted them to find the Weapon Room, a place that has a chance of being rigged with hidden mechanisms that may or may not kill them instantly. Since they were playing co-op, the chance of the Weapon Room giving two weapons instead of one increases significantly from the usual 50% to 90%. The beta versions of Dungeon Regime didnt have such a luxury, and many friendships soured due to the unfair distribution of weapons. Either way, the risks were already calculated, and Rez agreed with Crows plan. Alright, he whispered with a nod. Well sneak past them and find the Weapon Room. This time, Silas took the lead. He moved from one boulder to another, making sure to wait patiently for a spider to turn its head elsewhere before making his move. Ruelle followed closely behind him, it was a miracle that her heels didnt make too much noise on the stone floors. She was being just as careful, placing her foot slowly to minimize the sound. I should have insisted I wear pants Because the servants didnt even think she would be going into a dungeon, they dressed Ruelle up in a typical dress, a white one tied together by a violet ribbon that matched well with her eyes. There were only four enemies in the room, the exact same amount as the game, and theyd managed to make it to the other side without much issue. Silas let out a long sigh, no longer afraid that the spiders might hear him. They shouldnt be able to leave their block. But what if they can? Ruelle didnt want to take any chances. She quickly moved away, wandering deeper into the tunnel in front of them. If it still follows the layout of the Tutorial Dungeon, this corridor is trapped. Her feet didnt carry her too far. Its a simple trap from the floor and ceiling, right? We just need to quickly rush over it. Silas joined her by her side. We cant be so sure Crowfest picked up a nearby rock on the ground before hurling it as far as she could in front of her. The illuminated mineshaft tunnel didnt respond to her provocation at first, but then several steel spikes suddenly protruded from the ground and pushed the innocent pebble to the roof, crushing it mercilessly. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. As if nothing had ever happened, the ruthless spears retreated into the ground. RetiZns eyes had gone wide, mostly from how unexpectedly loud the traps were when it went off. Alright, so its pressure-trapped. Crowfest didnt answer him, instead she threw another rock. This time, the strength behind her fling sent it flying further than before. It did not touch the expected pressure point WHAM! And yet the trap activated anyway, precisely skewering the rock in half. No, not pressure. It detects motion. Ruelle took several steps forward. We have to jump over it when it starts to retreat. Woah, Silas seemed impressed. His widened eyes remained as round as before, though for an entirely different reason this time. He followed her without hesitation. You know a lot about thisor are you just naturally cautious? Ruelle scoffed, but she didnt do it out of arrogance. I learned from my mistakes. This time, she kicked another rock into the trap, and as she watched it go off, she readied her posture, lifting her skirt slightly. When the spikes began to retreat, she leaped over them and landed on the outer side with poise expected from a noble lady. I go into dungeons a lot when I play, if death from traps were a grindable statistic, I wouldve been top one on the leaderboard. Since Ruelle had already demonstrated, Silas was able to cross over without any issue. They continued their move. I wouldnt have expected you to die so many times to traps. Your instinct for traps is good. Instead of instinct, I would call itpattern recognition, Ruelle chuckled, the distant look in her eyes telling him that she mustve been thinking of the past. When you play so much of this game and see so many different types of traps, you start to know where or when they would appear. Are you good at puzzles too, then? I can solve them but She scrunched up her face. I dont like solving puzzles, they give me a headache, and I dont have a lot of patience. Rez laughed. I know, you kept messaging me online, telling me to hurry up and get on and such. Crow avoided his eyes, letting out a nervous laugh. He swore he saw a hint of pink on her cheeks. That! Im still very sorry about that. I didnt know at the time that you had a problem with your hand. She turned to face him, but her eyes were fixated on his arms. I guess this is sort of a blessing in disguise. They dont hurt anymore, right? Rez subconsciously looked at his hands as well. Now that I think about itYeah, He smiled. It was a painful memory for him, both the moment of the car crash and his retirement from competitive play. Daily life became a struggle with how painful it was to move in the way he did before, even playing the fps game casually was troublesome. Actually, Im ambidextrous now too. I was left-handed, but since Silas is right-handed, I can use both of them to write. Their arrival into the next room cut their conversation short. Theyd been carefree enough to talk since they already knew what the next block was going to be. Ruelle brought a hand to her chest and gave a dramatic gesture to the room in front of them. After you, Lord Silas, aint no way Im doing the puzzle. Rez frowned, though still couldnt help but smile at her choice of words. He walked in first. The cave opening had a different environment compared to the corridor or the room before. It was a cubical room with walls made of white marble. At the center, a podium rose from the ground, supporting a lone floating book. Puzzle Room, its your absolute favorite Crowfest. Rez chuckled. He didnt need to check behind him to know that shed most likely crossed her arms and rolled her eyes in the most dramatic way possible. He picked up the book, and immediately words began to form on the pages as if someone was typing on it. Solve the followingOh what the fuck? Silas expression turned dark the moment the letters stopped manifesting. The Tutorial Dungeons puzzle room only gives easy riddles that even a four year old would know the answer to, but what he was currently reading was way beyond appropriate for a beginner puzzle. What in the world is that? Ruelle made the mistake of peering her head over to look. Its a function question. A what question? Math, its asking me to solve a goddamn math equation. As his sentence ended, a quill rose from the empty podium. Rez yanked it from its place in frustration as he sank to the floor, leaning his back against the smooth surface. He flipped the book to an empty page. I dont suppose you happen to have a degree in math in real life? No, I still havent even finished college. Crowfest sat beside him, having a full view of what he was writing. Im also an English major. Well, Im not that good at math either, Rezs brows arched downwards as he scribbled down chicken scratches that could barely be made out as numbers, letters, and math symbols. We might have to fight a spider here if I get this wrong. You seem to be doing well so far. Crowfest raised an eyebrow. They werent as nervous about failing the puzzle simply because the punishment for the Tutorial Dungeons puzzle room only involved having to fight one basic enemy. Unlike you, Im not even in college, Rez paused for a moment. My best subject is biology, and thats way back in high school. There was a moment of silence as he went back to writing. Ah! Its -18! Silas exclaimed as he drew a large circle over his answer. He then began to write a few more things at the bottom of the page before hashing the second -18. It should be the answerits not that hard when I actually begin solving it. He turned the page back to where the question was written and inputted his answer below. Both of them rose from the ground. Silas placed the book back where it belonged and the number -18 slowly dissipated from the paper. Eventually, the gates on the other side of the room slide open. I knew you were a nerd. Ruelle gave him a friendly slap on the back. Before she could hear him dispute her words, she was already walking down the next corridor. He will let it slide for today. For some reason, being called a nerd wasnt so bad. Chapter 5: Date (3) The next two rooms were Rest Stop, and Shop. The Tutorial Dungeon planned on introducing the basic blocks that every player needed to know before they move onto playing the game itself. But it also leaves room for players to discover other mechanics for themselves, such as the . Since theyd completed the basics, they were rewarded with <100 Dungeon Coins> each. Ruelle and Silas decide to rest at the Shop while they browse through the options available for purchase. Unfortunately for them, despite exploring every nook and cranny, this Tutorial Dungeon didnt have the Weapon Room they desired. Basic healing potions are 20 coins eachBasic mana potions are also the same price. Its all the same, thank goodness. Ruelle let out a sigh as she bought herself a healing potion. The vial instantly went into her inventory. Is there even anything we can buy in the Weapons section? There are two sections in the Shop: Basics Section, and the Weapons Section, most players tend to find that the temporary buffs and healing potions more useful, considering that the weapons sold by the Shop dont have a very high grade. However, its certainly still useful for early game players, not to mention the fact that some low-grade weapons can still have their use even until late game. Its not like they have a choice at the moment, considering that they had no access to the Weapon Room for the better equipment. RetiZn wasnt a dungeon player, so he only trusted Crowfests words as a person on the leaderboard. What exactly am I looking for again? You said right? All Im seeing are F-grade weapons. The Basic Section of the Shop have limited sale slots, mainly the two basic or higher-grade health and mana potions, and two other spots for different items like buff potions, food, or utility items. The Weapon Section, however, can have up to ten slots opened at once. If theres nothing, Im going to buy a Haste Potion, Ruelle looked at the green vial floating on top of the display shelf. The price tag beneath it said that it was 40 DCs each, meaning she could possibly buy two with her remaining budget. The are exactly 180 DCs, so we have to combine our coins in order to buy itOf course, its not like theres a high chance of it appearAH! Silas head immediately turned at her sudden shout. His widened eyes noticed her dropped jaw. Crow? Whats wrong? That one at the back, Rez! The staff! Ruelle rushed over just as Silas came to a stop in front of the display shelf she pointed at. Encased within the glass box, a lean staff floated within. It has a wooden pole, at one end was a simplistic gold tip, and the other sprouted a deep blue crystal, the shine from the mineshafts torches gave it a mystical glow. Thats the ! Its only D-grade, but its one of the best basic mage weapons you can use! [Ruelle Peregrine transferred <80 DCs> to Silas Salvador.] [Received <80 DCs>.] Huh? Silas gave Ruelle a confused look. Youre not going to use it? Why are you giving me the money? Why would I use it when you have a higher magic stat than I do? Crowfests head slightly crooked. Ive always thought about it, but maybe it was difficult to reform Silas into a Salvador knight because he was meant to be a mage. It made sense considering that his magic stat is higher than the average person. RetiZn frowned, but he didnt dismiss her claim either. There was logic to her words. He never thought of it that way before since Silas Salvador simply looks like those types of redemption characters. What would be a better way to fix his image than to become the strongest swordsman in a family filled with knights? But the storyline didnt matter now, if necessary, he could simply switch to using a sword. At the moment, he needed to utilize his best stat if he wanted even the slightest chance to defeat the Tutorial Dungeon. Youre right. Nothing is certain anyway, so he gave her a short answer before purchasing the weapon. [Would you like to equip the as your Primary Weapon?] Yes. [The Weapon Skill, , is added to your Skill Tab.] < Weapon Description > Name: Sapphire Staff If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Tier: D Type: Staff Class: Magic Stats: (+2) to Magic Effects
  • Allows the use of the Skill
<<>> < Skill Description > Name: Magic Missile Type: Weapon Skill Tier: D Origin: Sapphire Staff Effects
  • Fires a bullet of magical energy, dealing damage to the enemy.
<<>> Silas summoned the staff into his left hand. It was heavy, but not too much to be a problem carrying it around during a fight. This thing surprisingly weighs a lot. He lifted it up slightly before letting it fall to the ground. The dull thud that it made upon contact sounded like a solid metal rod against concrete. He took out the Peregrine dagger from his inventory. Here, since I dont need it anymore, you can have an extra weapon. Thanks, Ruelle took the dagger, wielding it in her hand for a moment before it disappeared in a flash of light, replaced a moment later by a vial of health potion. Fair trade. She joked with a smile. Fair trade. Silas responded, gladly returning her humor as he took the potion into his inventory. He looked around the dull, cubical stone room one last time. Is that everything we need? Should we make a plan to come back here later? I mean, even if we want more stuff, we dont have any money to buy them. Ruelle shrugged, finding herself a nearby box to sit on. I guess the only thing to do now is plan out how we can defeat the . The Tutorial Dungeon gives another insight into the main aspect of a dungeon-crawler game: its multiple layers. The dungeons in Dungeon Regime have 3-4 floors per portal, with Elite Monsters guarding the lower floors below the . Difficulty of the dungeons scales with the players level, so the chances of seeing a becomes higher the more powerful the player becomes. Of course, the same applies to the Tutorial Dungeon, which simply ends the moment the player defeats its sole Elite Monster. The normally non-interactable objects now have their usethe entire aspect of the dungeon itself has gotten more realistic than before, Silas also found himself a seat. The nearby wooden boxes proved to be useful, even if they may be completely empty inside. Our strategy options should be more diverseAh. Since the dungeon typically follows a theme, we can assume that the Elite Monster will be the . Ruelle nodded along, crossing her arms as her head tilted while in thought. Its twice the size of a regular Black-armored Spider, so it trades speed for more power and defense. But since its a beginner mob, its also weak to magic, She clicked her tongue, the snap of her fingers at the end added a dramatic effect to her words. Arent we lucky? We just happen to have a mage right here. -Whose only spell is a D-tier Magic Missile. Silas added with a raised index finger. Seeing the look of disdain on Ruelles face, he quickly added, lowering his hand. But point taken. Ruelle sighed. Anyway, I suggest we go take out those monsters we left behind. Buying some haste potions should give us more of a fighting chance. Its a shame that our picnic basket didnt make it with us. Silas shrugged as he rose to his feet. Well, now that we have an inventory, we dont have to worry about losing our items anymore. How would that even work anyway? Ruelle asked with a raised eyebrow. They began to backtrack to the first room. In the game, we just consume food with the click of a buttondo we have to eat in the middle of a fight? I mean, probably, he responded, bringing up the minimap in the process. If its really inconvenient for us, we should just focus on getting potions instead. Food buffs arent really that important anyway. Thats truebut they still buff every stat, and it lasts way longer than potions. Her brows ceased into a straight line. For a dungeon maniac who values even a singular hitpoint of damage, she didnt like the fact that they would be missing out on the extra power boost. Maybe we can just have a picnic outside the boss room before we fight. Silas chuckled. Exercising immediately after a meal might lead to indigestion. The buff lasts for a long time anyway, waiting a bit shouldnt be a problem. They stopped in front of the trapped corridor. It should be safe for them to cross now since theyd already passed it once, but just to be sure, Ruelle kicked a stray stone towards it. As expected, nothing happened, so the two of them calmly walked over where the spikes once hid. Now, the next challenge lies in the four black-armored spiders in the next room. Ruelle summoned a dagger into each hand, and Silas readied the Sapphire Staff. After casting a glance at one another, they walked inside. [Combat Mode unlocked. You can now view your current ] [ are alerted to your presence.] Chapter 6: Date (4) Along with the system warning, the spiders let out a deafening screech. The closest enemy lunged itself at Crowfest, the two largest legs at the front up and ready to pounce. Oozing from between its massive fangs, vile, green venom dripped into the stone below, exposing its acidic property when it melted a hole in the ground. She dashed to the side, her swift moment narrowly avoiding the mandible-like claws. The dark spears found themselves impaled deep into the rocks. And the momentary immobility left room for her to counterattack. Though weak, her daggers sliced through the fleshy joints between one of the spiders legs. With a little more force, her second cut managed to sever the leg completely from the body. The spider let out a screech of pain, the boost of adrenaline allowing it to lift its limbs from the floor. It attempted to turn toward its attacker, but a sudden attack struck it dead in the eyes. While the monster was disoriented, its friends finally found the chance to join in the fight. With Ruelle in the middle of the battlefield, the three other spiders stood in the way, blocking any potential exit. Silas casted several more magic missiles, aiming them straight at the first spiders face. The attacks crashed hard into it, each connected hit causing a minor explosion that dented the arachnids armor. It was now blinded. With nowhere to go but back, Ruelle leaped onto the disabled spider. Feeling an unknown weight on its back, the monster shrieked and began to thrash. It did nothing to shake her off either, the more it moved, the further its allies stepped back to avoid crashing into one another. This isnt a game, Crowfest thought as a triumphant grin crept to her lips. Her daggers dug deep into the spiders back, and she ignored its scream while she slowly crawled closer to the monsters head. As long as it kills you, this is a free-for-all. She found the gap in between the arachnids skeleton. It moved back and forth along with the spiders thrashing head, exposing a hint of red under it. Freeing one of her knives, she drove the blade into the flesh beneath its armor, this time the monsters screech was loud enough to shake the entire cave. Rez! On it! RetiZn casted two magic missiles, firing them into the spiders face once more. It did not scream, only toppled forward and fell onto the cold, stone floor, green liquid oozing from its mouth and wounds. But it was still alive. Ruelle dislodged both her knives before impaling them through the monsters skull. An echoing crack! bounced through the cave. The spiders limbs twitched one last time, before going as still as the dead. [Killed 1 ] [Detecting ] [Due to the environment , EXP has been doubled!] [Greatest contributor is Ruelle Peregrine. EXP has been distributed.] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 3] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 2] Crowfest jumped off from the dead spiders back, wiping the putrid green blood from her cheek with the back of her hand. The satisfied grin never left her face. Well, theres three of them left. Distribute three stat points to Speed, and the rest into Strength. [Stat Distribution complete. Would you like to view your Status Window?] Save it. Im sort of busy here. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The moment she finished her thoughts, one of the spiders rushed towards her with its mouth opened wide. Although, its monstrous screech got shut off by Silas magic missile. Its strength appeared to have increased, and it wasnt difficult to guess what hed spent his three stat points on. Nice assist, Ruelle didnt keep her attention off her enemies. With her daggers at the ready, she rushed towards the staggering spider, her newfound speed leaving no room for it to react. Careful of drawing the other ones attention. Too late for that. Silas carefully walked around the cave, his eyes trained on the two remaining spiders. Their mouths were slivilating with venom, and their gem-like eyes clearly had food written within their unsettling shine. But with the increase in his magic stat, he shouldnt have a problem holding them off on his own while he waited for Ruelle to finish killing the other one. The spiders eyeing Silas attempted to creep closer, though they were met with a magic missile to the face each. A singular attack was enough to make them lose their balance, the dent in their exoskeleton was deep enough for a piece of their broken armor to pierce into flesh. One stood back up after a bit of a struggle, while the other laid on the ground, letting out tiny pained shrieks. It wouldve looked pitiful if it werent trying to kill him just a moment ago. Cmon now, whats taking you so long? He glanced at Ruelle, feeling his grip tightening against the Sapphire Staff. While it may look like hes perfectly fine, he was already using more mana than he should. You need to have two mana-usage skills to see the mana gaugeI dont even know if I have anymore left to use. [Killed 1 ] [Detecting ] [Due to the environment , EXP has been doubled!] [Greatest contributor is Ruelle Peregrine. EXP has been distributed.] Luckily, it didnt take long for the second spider to go down. Ruelle leaped from the dead monsters head and put herself between Silas and the remaining enemies. Did you run out of mana already? Probably. It was the only thing he could say. He didnt notice before, but it was getting harder and harder for him to stand straight. Most of his weight leaned towards the Sapphire Staff. From the looks of it, I landed a critical hit, one of them isnt getting up. Then that guys dying first, Ruelle rushed forward, her focus fixed on the immobiled spider. It had only one eye left, with half of its face already blown away by Silas critical magic missile. But the other arachnid suddenly put itself in front of its fallen comrade. It let out a broken cry before launching at Ruelle. How noble. She didnt have time to stop or change directions. If you want to die first, so be it. She leaped directly into the enemy, letting her heels dig deep into the cracks between its armor. Using the rest of her momentum, she uses one dagger as an anchor, pulling her foot from the monsters face before flipping onto its back. With her eyes now locked onto the spiders weak spot, the daggers in her green-soaked grip swiftly ended the battle. [Killed 1 ] [Detecting ] [Due to the environment , EXP has been doubled!] [Greatest contributor is Ruelle Peregrine. EXP has been distributed.] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 5] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 3] [ of Silas Salvador has been refilled.] Ooh, I leveled up twice! Ruelle slipped down to the ground just as Silas walked over to her. They shared a glance at each other, but upon seeing the stupefied look on RetiZns face, Crowfest frowned. Whats wrong? No, justHow did you do that? He pointed towards the dead spider next to her. I thought you were just fighting randomly before, but that just nowThat doesnt look like the moves of an amateur. Oh, Crow unsummoned her daggers, placing one hand behind her back. There was a slight blush on her face. I forgot to tell you, but I took lessons in real life. Martial arts lessons? My dads a retired boxer, and my grandmother owns a dojo, She shrugged. My mom didnt want me to learn how to fight, she was afraid I might grow up to be violent, though dad convinced her that it was forself-defense. It didnt look like it ended at just that. Rez walked over to the last remaining spider. No, A mischievous smile gave her eyes an unsettling gleam. The real reason dad wanted to train me was because he wanted me to do parkour with him. I get to learn how to fight and how to run away. Your dads very extreme Couldnt have said it better. Hes really into extreme sport Rez faced her just in time to see her expression dropped. But hes not here anymore though. AhIm sorry. It was the first personal thing hed learned about Crowfest. During their time quarreling and playing together online, they were only close enough to talk casually with each other. Its been years, so its fine. I still miss him sometimes though, Ruelles smile returned to her face. Her attention shifted to the last spider. You can have that one, Ive been getting all the last hitsand think of it as a thank you for listening to my story. It was hardly long enough to be called a story though. Silas could tell that it was a minor jest. With his given greenlight, he slammed the end of his staff down on the spiders head, ridding it of its last few remaining hitpoints. [Killed 1 ] [Due to the environment , EXP has been doubled!] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 4] [The has been cleared.] Chapter 7: Date (5) Along with the message, a beam of light shot from the ceiling. It lasted only briefly, and upon dissipating into small dust-like particles, a metallic chest appeared. Opening it, another light beam flashed, accompanying a system notification. [You gained <50 DCs>] [You gained <50 DCs>] Alright, we each got fifty coins. Ruelle exclaimed as she clasped her hands together. Considering that it was only the Tutorial Dungeon, the chest gave plenty more than usual. We can go back and buy two haste potions with our combined coins, then the rest can go into a mana potion for you. I dont think a haste potion for me is necessary, Silas shook his head. They decided to walk while they talked. What was the last item on the Basic Section? Ropes, she replied, glancing behind her to look at the corpses of spiders. Theyre sold for 5 DCs per coilby the way, are we not going to loot them? Silas halted his steps, and so did Ruelle. Without saying another word, he returned to the room, silently staring at the bodies before him. What would even be useful for the boss fight? We can save their venom for lateralthough we dont exactly have anything to put them in, Leaning her elbow on her palm, Ruelle balanced her chin on her hand while lost in thought. Silas nodded. It was a shame that they would need to leave all these materials behind when they got out of the dungeon. Tutorial Dungeon mobs dont drop mana cores eitherThe only one we could get is from the Elite Monster. The silence didnt last very long. A sharp click from Ruelles finger snap garnered Silas attention. I have an idea, she walked over to one of the torches mounted on the walls. Her actions prompted a look of confusion from Silas, though there was a hint of intrigued in his eyes. Ruelle returned soon after. Look, I can put it in my inventory. as she spoke, the torch disappeared from her hand, only to manifest again a second later. Theyd already established that some items that were once impossible to pick up could now be stored inside the inventory, so Rez didnt quite follow what she was trying to convey. With one raised eyebrow, he asked. Sowhat about it? Has anyone ever told you that youre very slow? Crowfest didnt look as annoyed as she sounded. Her obvious insult to his intellect earned her a look of contempt from RetiZn. Spidersbugsahem, arachnids, FIRE??? She waved the torch in his face. Okay okay! I get it! Rez took a step back from the heat, his nose stinging from the smoke. We can use the ropes as fuel to burn the boss. I get it now, happy? Ruelle gave him a bright smile, putting the torch back into her inventory. Yep, happy! Now let''s finish our preparations. . . . An imposing stone gate stood before them. Upon its worn-down surface, patterns etched deep into the rocks, and carvings were made in the appearance of twisting vines. Two pillars accompanied the gate, holding mesmerizing blue flames atop. Even without a big billboard or system messages, they knew that this was the Normally there would be a [Press I to Interact] message when we get this close and personal, Ruelle joked. Her crossed arms added another layer of confidence to the smug grin on her face. Oh, your keymapping might be different though, Rez. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Of course not, you think I play the game with an inverted setting? Silas responded with a raised eyebrow. The corner of her mouth twitched upwards. She gave him a shrug. Arent you left-handed? I thought you might walk with JKIL rather than ASWD. Silas rolled his eyes. Yeah, yeah, youre hilarious. Amidst the womans uncontrollable chuckle, he placed one hand on the stone gate. [Players Ready: 1 / 2] Ruelle wiped a stray tear from her eye before following his lead. [Players Ready: 2 / 2] A gentle click sounded from the gate. The large stone doors moved inward, dragging violently across the ground. The amount of dust they kicked up managed to completely block their view. Before they could see what was inside, a foul, rotten smell permeated to their nostrils. Just when they thought theyd gotten used to the scent of the spiders venom, the musty odor in this room made their eyes water. But since theyd already entered the Elite Monsters room, there was no going back outside. The creaking of the stone gates could be heard behind them, and soon after, their entrance was slammed shut. [Sy~~ Er~~r Dete~~] [WARNING.] Huh? Silas frowned as a red screen appeared in front of him. Glancing to his side, he confirmed that Ruelle also received the same message. She looked as baffled as he was. [Due to your low level, the chance of winning is significantly low.] [The System recommends you to retreat. Would you still like to pr] [ERROR.] This is Crowfests eyes went wide. As beads of sweat rolled down the side of her face, she hurriedly summoned her daggers. Her attention remained fixated to the front as the dust began to settle. Rez, take out your staff now! He did as he was told, although he still had no clue what was going on. Judging from the amount of red Im seeingI doubt this is supposed to happen. Of course not! She shouted through her gritted teeth. The low-level warning was supposed to appear before we enter the room! A sudden booming screech cut through the air, blowing away the rest of the dust. It revealed the presence of a monster three times larger than the spiders theyd faced before. With a body covered thoroughly in obsidian-like armor, its two front legs looked like greatswords that could easily pierce through steel. The eight red gems gleaming on its face fixated on them like a predator staring down its prey. But those sharp eyes were not this creatures most imposing feature. Upon taking notice of its two challengers, the monster let out another terrific shriek before unfurling its giant glass-like wings. [The Boss Monster is alerted to your presence.] Boss, boss monster? Silas grip on his staff shook. A heavy pressure pressed down on his shoulders. The longer he stood staring into those piercing eyes, the more he felt that it was getting harder to breathe. [ is growing around you.] [Silas Salvador has been inflicted with ] Rez! Snap out of it! A new type of force brought him out of his trance. RetiZn felt his back crash against the hard stone ground, and instinctively his eyes snapped onto Crowfests frowning face. Do you want to die? What are you standing around for? Get up and help me fight this thing! As she hopped off of him, Rez noticed that a deep trench had appeared where he had stood moments before, the surrounding stone now liquefied into a viscous ooze. Neon-green traces scattered around the hole caught his attention, and he recognized it to be the black-armored spiders corrosive venom. When did it fire an attack? While he stood around still perplexed about the sudden turn of events, Ruelle had already rushed forward. It may appear like a reckless choice, but she did not go in without a plan in mind. The spider shot another jet of venom from its fangs-filled mouth, aiming right at her with pin-point precision. Crow swiftly rolled to the side, letting the deadly attack whisk past her, and continued forward. When she got close enough, she drove her daggers towards one of its smaller legs. My stat points, put everything into strength! [Stat Points distributed.] 14> The tip of the blades shattered the monsters black armor with a sharp crack. They pushed past the broken defenses, managing to impale into the flesh beneath. Cries of pain erupted from the spider as Crowfest made a strategic retreat. While it may appear that shed struck a good blow, the shallow wounds revealed otherwise. I couldnt go any deeper! SNAP! Another terrific shriek shook the entire cave. A sudden swift attack had severed the injured half of the leg completely from the joint. Green blood gushed from the wound, the pain of losing a limb managed to stagger the giant spider. [Stat points distributed.] 15> [Stat Points remaining: 2] Sorry about that, RetiZn spoke with a wide grin. The gemstone of the Sapphire Staff gave off a beautiful shimmer, its light filled with power. Im ready now, Crow. Lets hunt this spider down. Chapter 8: Date (6) They didnt have the time to take note of their surroundings before, but now they realized that webs had covered almost the entirety of the cavern arena, leaving only the high ceiling; enough for the spider queen to fly. The giant monster recovered quickly from the pain. It let out an earth-shaking cry as its focus shifted towards the person whod taken out its leg. Silas remained steadfast and fired off several magic missiles. As the spells struck the creatures face, Ruelle went on the move. She swiftly navigated around the battlefield, weaving around the spiders blindspots and delivering precise slashes to its joints. The alternation between a blast to the face and the annoying, yet painful paper cuts made for an effective strategy. Only if Arachnes health points had reduced at all. In Dungeon Regime, only Elite and Boss Monsters possess an HP bar, while it normally appears on the very bottom of the screen for the players to see clearly, the spider queens health indication manifested as a floating icon above its head. And the red bar hadnt even gone down 20% yet. Their most effective attack seemed to be RetiZns . All Ruelle could do for this fight was limit Arachnes movements so it wouldnt go charging at the vulnerable mage. This isnt going anywhere! Ruelles words directed at Silas as she avoided a massive stomp from one of the queens legs. As she got back up, her daggers struck directly at the wound shed made before, this time severing it clean with a critical hit. The monstrous shriek left ringings in her ears while she continued to move. Should we just burn it now? Silas suggested. By the time his sentence ended, Arachne had already steadied its balance. A violent jet of venom fired from its mouth, but this time it continuously spewed the attack even when he dashed away from where he stood before. [Stat Points distributed.] 7> Good thing he saved up his remaining stat points just in case. While he may not know a lot about the dungeon aspects of the game, he knew enough that a measly five speed wouldnt cut it if he wanted to dodge a boss monsters attacks. With his increased mobility, Rez managed to avoid the spiders corrosive venom by the skin of his teeth. Crow didnt just stand there and watch either, her desperate hacking and slashing against the creatures legs simply proved futile in interrupting its skill. But at the very least, when the venom spray ended, the spider queen lost another one of its legs. SCKREE!! Getting rid of the supports meant that Arachne could no longer hold itself properly upright. The boss toppled forward, though still managed to stand by digging the front claws deep into the stone. Crowfest didnt give RetiZn a verbal response. Instead, she swapped out one of her daggers for a torch in her inventory. Seeing that, he summoned one of his own into his free hand. Alright, arson it is. They both threw their torches into the cobwebs around them, and they instantly caught flames. The spider queen screeched in anger as it launched a ball of venom at Silas. Since itd been aimed in a straight line, he dashed to the side without much thought. But the ball suddenly split into several smaller orbs, hurtling toward him far too quickly to evade. Desperate to avoid the projectiles, he flung his body to the side, crashing onto the ground and losing grip of his staff in the process. The weapon skidded across the floor, coming to a stop just beyond arms reach. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Looking behind him, the deadly spheres had bore several holes into the ground, one of them still sizzling ominously beside his leg. The close brush against misfortune sent shivers down his spine, if hed fallen a little bit closer to the attack, he couldve lost his foot just now. REZ! Crowfests cry garnered his attention, and his eyes snapped onto the sight of the massive monster crawling towards him. Its two giant claws dragged dust and pebbles along with them. He tried to push himself to his feet, but a sharp pain in his ankle sent him tumbling towards the ground once more. Shit. Arachne shrieked, raising its wings in preparation for flight. There was nothing that Silas could do, even if hed managed to fight through the pain and get up, he wouldnt be able to outrun a giant flying spider with an injured foot. But he wasnt alone; Crowfest had managed to climb onto the boss''s back and set Arachnes wings ablaze with another torch. As the spider was mid-flight, the loss of its wings caused it to crash back to the ground. Crow? Rezs brows furrowed as he took notice of the ropes coiling round the spiders limbs and body. The girl had dismissed her weapons, freeing her hands to hold the other end of the cord. While Arachne struggled to lift its own body weight, Crowfest inserted the rope into the gap between the spiders exoskeleton. Fire in the hole, bitch, she muttered to herself as she retrieved a torch from her inventory and stuffed it into the crevice, setting fire to the straw ropes. The boss screamed in agony, violently shaking and throwing Crowfest off balance. With the loss of a foothold, she crashed against the hard ground below, landing painfully on her shoulder with a sickening crack!. Her frustrated grunt got muffled by the spiders shrieks as she rolled out of the way of its wild stomps. Unable to move effectively, nothing could stop the fire from spreading throughout its wrapped body. [The Boss Monster is inflicted with ] Seeing an opportunity, RetiZn carefully crawled over to his fallen weapon. Using the staffs pole to support himself upright, he cast several magic missiles and launched them all straight at the fallen spiders face. The collision created multiple explosions, the flames further increasing the damage dealt against its tough hide. [Critical Hit!] SCREHIEKKK!! Please dont have a second phase at half hitpoints Rez spoke in between his spells. Upon feeling his good foot losing strength, he took out a mana potion and drowned the entire content. It tasted like blueberries. Arachne doesnt have a second phase, dont worry. Crow walked over to him with one hand clutching her injured shoulder. The white of her dress had been tainted green from the spiders blood, ash dabbled dark spots near the hem of her skirt, and her violet bow became loose and crooked. Is your foot okay? The condition of Rezs clothing wasnt much better either, his fall from earlier didnt just injure his foot, but also smeared dust all over his shirt. Whatever nobility remained in Silas Salvador had disappeared along with his hygiene. Im alright, I just twisted my ankle, thats all, a small smile crept to his lips before he even continued. But what about you? You tested for fall damage just now Haha. She responded with a dry laugh as she took out and drank a health potion. A soft green glow shimmered around her figure. When the light dissipated, she flailed the once injured arm around, only to yelp out in pain a second later. OwI guess its not a universal cure. RetiZn drank his own potion too, and while his hit points did refill to max, the pulsating pain in his ankle only lessened slightly. Risking a world of agony, he pushed his bruised feet downwards to test for the potions efficiency. The hiss that came after spoke a thousand words. Might be because its low-grade. Probably, Crowfest turned her attention towards the fallen boss. Unlike in the game, the monsters here react to attacks more realistically, if theyre in pain, they stagger or stop moving, just like Arachne. Those ropes wont burn foreverand I cant tell if its overheating even with all this fire around either. Do you have a plan? Uh, how did you beat this one in the game? Silas raised a questioning eyebrow. Being the dungeon player out of the two, he thought that she should know the answer to her own question. Arachne iswas an easy boss. Ruelle started as she took out a haste potion from her inventory, contemplating whether or not to drink it. Theyd spent their 100 DCs on the buff for her and use the rest to buy two more health potions and a coil of ropes with 15 DCs to spare. By the time I meet Arachne, I already have all the necessary gear and skills to beat it. Its weak to magic, fire, and piercingOh, and it can only move in a straight linebut thats just the usual insect-type monster weakness. You once told me that the enemies we meet in dungeons scale with our level, After seeing Crowfest nod in confirmation, RetiZn continued. You dont reckon Arachne got nerfed to our level, dont you? If it was, then my daggers couldve certainly gotten through the skin, She instantly disputed his words. I thought I was hitting a rock when I struck it. Then I guess the only thing to do now is to hit it until it dies? Following his own words, Rez shot another magic missile into the spiders face. The boss did not make a single sound and quietly took the attack without a fight. I think its down for good this time. It mustve gotten roasted alive inside that armor. Great, Ruelle resummoned both her daggers as a satisfied grin crept to her lips. For some reason, she appears most alive at the thought of killing monsters. This is exactly what I want on a date. Chapter 9: We Should Use Other Titles A magic missile struck the monsters head, crushing its armor and digging deep into its mushed skull. The spells reaction with the surrounding fire caused an explosion that spewed flesh and green blood in every direction. [Killed the ] [Achievement Unlocked: ''Boss Killer'' - Kill your first Boss Monster.] [Youve earned some EXP!] [Achievement Unlocked: ''Wow, a Dungeon!'' - Clear the ] [Youve earned some EXP!] [Due to the environment , EXP has been doubled!] [Greatest contributor is Silas Salvador. EXP has been distributed.] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 8] [ of Silas Salvador has been refilled.] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 8] Awh, you caught up to me now, Crowfest joked as the flames around them died down. Along with the boss monsters defeat, the dungeons environment got magically restored to its calm, flameless state, leaving only the minute traces of their battle. Just because you got the last hit. Its not my fault the system calculated the last hit as part of the contribution, RetiZn responded with a shrug, the cheery grin on his lips mimicking the girls own jesting smile. Well now, should we reap our hard-earned rewards? Ruelle managed to get ahead of him due to his injured foot. As he carefully made his way around the spider corpse, an electric blue spark manifested in the air before them. The embers grew larger until a portal appeared, accompanied by a pillar of light, much similar to the one theyd seen back at the regular Monster Room. As expected, the dissipating light revealed a large chest. Its metallic body had a shiny golden trim with gemstones dotting around as extravagant decorations. Ruelle only tapped it lightly with her hand and the chest automatically swung open. The dramatic light show glimmering from within brought a chill of anticipation down their spines, and soon several shadows emerged from within. [ cleared!] [Youve earned: x1 ] [Youve earned: x1 ] [Youve earned: x3 ] With the rewards automatically secured inside their inventory, Ruelle took out one of them. It had a spherical shape with a translucent surface, almost like an oversized marble. Should we open them now? She spoke without facing Silas, excitement clear on her wide grin. The smartest choice would be to save these rewards for the future. They had no determined class just yet, and the is only unlocked once the player had gotten at least three non-equipment skills. Even if one of them use both the skill books, they would be just one short. While the quality of the randomized items varies based on individual luck, Dungeon Regime also increases the chance of getting the players class-related item. Many people opted to save these types of rewards for the later stages in the game because of the boosted percentage. Without a class, whatever equipment they will get now truly lies in the hands of fate. Some players, mainly streamers, do use the Tutorial Dungeon rewards immediately as a way to randomize their class. But RetiZn prefered an optimized playstyle, similarly to how Crowfest like boosting her Damage per Second even by a miniscule amount. I mean In the end, Rez could only sigh in defeat. They dont have the luxury to be picky with what they have, and any delays could lead to their deaths. He took out his own orb as well. As much as I hate to do thiswe need every power boost we could get our hands on. Who knows how many more errors like Arachne would appear in the future. Crows expression turned grim at his words as she gave an understanding nod in response. Youre right, and its not just dungeons eitherWe barely know anything about Silas and Ruelles routes. From now on, this is a blind run. But then she suddenly grinned. Well, anyway! Lets leave that to our future selves, Im opening these! Like an enthusiastic child on Christmas, Crowfest activated the orb in her hand. It let out a gentle glow as its form began to shift. [Used x1 ] [Congratulations! You recieved: x1 ] < Equipment Description > Name: Darkwing Mantle Tier: B Type: Cape Class: Rogue The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Stats: (+3) to Speed Effects
  • Grants Equipment Skill
  • Grants Equipment Skill
<<>> A fur-trimmed coat appeared in her hands. Its body was a deep, pure black, like the shadows given form. The silky smooth surface felt comfortable on her bare palms, and the fluffy fur around the collar added depth to its simplistic design. ADarkwing Mantle!? Crowfest exclaimed in disbelief as she immediately equipped it. The cloak manifested itself around her body, covering the dirty dress beneath. She twirled around in her new attire, dragging the coats hem along the floor with her. RetiZn could only stare at her, equally as baffled at her unbelievable luck. The Randomized rewards from the Tutorial Tower only gave up to B-tier items, and the Darkwing Mantle can very well be one of the best equipment for an early game rogue class build. Just wow. Right!? This is literally the best item for a rogue! Crowfest came to a stop in front of Rez, practically flaunting the cloak in his face. He couldnt even bring himself to be mad at her ridiculous behavior, after all, he definitely would have done the same. Theres a secret crafting recipe that requires the Darkwing Mantle, I couldnt get it before since I accidentally hit a death route but Im going to get it in this run! RetiZn gave her a blank look. What secret recipe? Oh, its not a known information, she rolled her eyes, a smug grin creeping to her lips. I found out about it a while ago, who would be crazy enough to share it? Im keeping all the overpowered gear to myself, thank you very much~ Seeing his partner received something so great, Rez felt jealousy burning him from the inside out. He frowned in contempt and activated his own orb. Just you wait, Ill get something good from this too. Their eyes fixated on the spheres gentle glow, and as its form began to shift, the tension grew heavier around the two of them. Silently, Crowfest was rooting for her friend to receive a nice reward too. [Used x1 ] [Congratulations! You received: x1 ] < Equipment Description > Name: Hexbringer Tier: C Type: Accessory Class: Mage Stats: (+2) to MAG Effects
  • Grants Equipment Skill
<<>> Even when the reward had already appeared in his hand, both of them still remained silent. The shock of receiving a choker of all things had left them utterly speechless. But soon, Crowfest broke the ice, speaking carefully as if trying to avoid a landmine. UmI think it would fit you well, Rez. Fit me well my ass. The choker had a smooth, black leather body, adorned with a diamond-shaped pendant hanging by a silver hook; the clear blue gemstone in the middle indeed matched well with Silas Salvadors eyes. Ive never seen this thing before, its garbage, isnt it? No? RetiZn didnt want to believe her, but Crowfest sounded completely serious. The furrow of her brows almost made him think she was offended in the chokers place. Its not the best, but it''s decent equipment for this stage of the game. Bring up its skill menu for me. < Skill Description > Name: Hexbringer Type: Equipment Skill Tier: C Origin: Hexbringer Pendant Effects
  • Increases the chance to inflict to the enemy by 20%.
  • Ignore the targets Status Resistance or Immunity of C-tier and below.
  • Increase the wearers resistance to by 20%.
<<>> If you want me to be completely honest, Ive never used this thing for more than three dungeon runs, but it has its niche, Right now, Crowfest looked like a salesman trying to convince him to purchase her productsand he still does not feel like buying. Look, for a story player like you, this pendant could possibly negate any poison damage! Poison! Since were aristocrats, Im sure there will be plenty of poisoning attempts! Rez stared at her with narrowed eyes, for some reason, he felt as if theres something more shes not saying out loud. Uh huh, and? Crow threw her hands in the air. Ugh! Just wear it for the plus two magic! Well, shes not wrong about that. Extra stat points are extra stat points. He thought to himself, in the end yielding to Crowfests demands and equipped the accessory. Surprisingly, the leather felt comfortable against his neck. What he doesnt feel comfortable about though, is the fact that Crowfest kept grinning at him. He let out a tired sigh and looked at her with suspicion. What is it this time? Im not going to tell you, duh~ She couldnt speak properly from attempting to hold back her giggles. Even if she refused to say her reasons, it wouldnt take a genius to figure out her thoughts. Rez had gotten familiar with that distinct look in her eyes; the way she stared at him as if her mere gaze alone could devour him whole. YouYou crazy fangirl, I know youre thinking about Silas wearing a dog collar! PFFTHAHAHHA! Crowfest almost fell over from laughing, her cheeks became as red as a tomato, but it could never be compared to the look of sheer humiliation on RetiZns face. Oh my god, Rez. Im getting second-hand embarrassmentHow the heck did you come to that conclusion? Youre the crazy one here, not me! Rez brought his staff in front of him, though its lean pole did nothing to hide his body. All he could do was look away, not daring to meet her eyes. If thatsif thats not it then why did you look at me like that? Duh, Crow rolled her eyes, speaking as if stating the obvious. About how good Silas look in that dog collar, of course. I KNEW IT. He turned around, dragging the staff along with him. The sound of Crowfests laughter echoed around the cave, louder than the one before. He couldnt grasp how she could say something so embarrassing without even a stutter. No. Im a man of reason who does not indulge in a fangirls behavior. I am calm...calm As he repeated his silent chants to himself, something caught his attention from the corner of his eyes. Huh? Seeing RetiZn suddenly begin limping elsewhere, Crowfest followed him curiously. Rez? Is that what I think it is? He pointed with his chin. The cavern walls appeared ordinary at first glance, but Crow managed to spot a dark symbol etched into the stone. When Rez placed his hands on the eye-shaped inscription, a line of light split the walls open, and the newly made entrance parted to reveal a small room within. [Achievement Unlocked: ''Treasure Hunter'' - Discover your first !] [Youve earned some EXP!] [Achievement Unlocked: ''Oh, there you are!'' - Find a as a ] [Youve received x1 ] Ahhaha, Now, Crowfest could barely let out a proper laugh. She leaned her non-injured shoulder against the wall, staring in disbelief at the they had desperately tried to search for. Wow, look Rez, we got a point zero one percent achievement! Im so happy~ yay~ RetiZn leaned his whole weight against his staff, feeling the strength drained from his legs. I think Im gonna throw up. Chapter 10: Like This? ‘Pray for Good RNG’? Along with its maze-like layout and multi-floored structure, added an extra layer of intricacy to the dungeons within Dungeon Regime. These secret blocks hiding from the players sight give out rewards for their keen attention to detail. The rewards could range from some Dungeon Coins to useful items, and some of them even hide lore-related information inside them as well. Its always welcome to find one of these rooms, but the players wont be punished for not finding them either. Due to a bug in the games code, a player had reported discovering a in the form of a . While initially an error, the developers had decided to keep it in the game, calling it a feature. However, the low occurrence chance meant that it became a lost detail in the games near endless features. [Achievement Unlocked: ''Oh, there you are!'' - Find a as a ] [Youve received x1 ] All we got for this is a fucking trophy. Ruelle dragged her feet into the room, trying but failing to quell her murderous chuckles. I would rather get EXPs for the achievement. Im going to sell the damn thing once I get out of here. Silas chose to remain by the entrance for a moment longer, but he eventually picked himself back up and followed her inside. Arent achievement trophies locked to the players ID? This isnt a game anymore, and even if I cant sell it, Im going to find a way. Deep into the secret room lies two weapons. They hovered a few feet off the ground, surrounded by a soft scarlet glow. At first, nothing about the items seemed interesting enough for any of them to comment on, but when Crowfest had managed to get a better look at them, she instantly let out a shocked yelp. WHAT THE FUCK, THEYRE S-TIER! And when RetiZn realized it too, he screamed. HUH? THEYRE ACTUALLY S-TIER? The Tutorial Dungeon can only give out at most an A-tier item, whether it would be a piece of equipment from the random reward item, or a weapon from its Weapon Room. However, their shrieks were not one of joy. Dungeon Regime wanted to keep players from exploiting the function, so they introduced the tier-lock system, which prevents players at certain levels from using strong equipment to simply breeze through the early or mid game. A-tier items can only be used once the player has reached Level 10But S-tier weapons have a level requirement of 20. The chances of finding an A-tier weapon is already significantly low, at around 2%, but for them to find two S-tier weapons inside a dungeon that shouldnt even be able to spawn them at all Ruelle could only stare in disbelief. Now I think Im going to throw up. We still have to take it, Silas limped over to the item on the right; an intricate metal-bound book. Theyre S-tiers, after all, even if we cant use it. [Received x1 ] [ has been added to your inventory.] < Weapon Description > Name: Witchs Codex Tier: S [LOCKED] Type: Tome Class: Magic Stats: (+10) to Magic | (+5) to Constitution Effects
  • Increases the chance to inflict by 10%
  • Increase the users by 10%
  • Decrease the opponents by 15%
  • Decrease by 5%
Bonus Effects
  • Contains the spells of the witches (useable outside of combat)
<<>> Contains the spells of the witches? Upon hearing RetiZns confused tone, Crowfest peered her head over to read the description screen. He took a glance at her, and noticed her brows slowly arched downwards the longer she stared at the translucent window. Thisthis weapon doesnt have a bonus effect, Ive used it before so Im sure of it, she sounded as intrigued as she was baffled. Maybe we arent totally fucked after all. Check the other one too, Rez pointed towards the remaining item; an obsidian-black scythe, gleaming a hint of purple around the sharp end of its blade. As per his suggestion, Crow picked up the weapon. [Received x1 ] This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. [ has been added to your inventory.] < Weapon Description > Name: Presence of Death Tier: S [LOCKED] Type: Scythe Class: Warrior/Rogue Stats: (+5) to Strength | (+3) to Agility | (+2) to Constitution Effects
  • Grants Weapon Skill
  • Grants Weapon Skill
  • Increase the users by 10%
  • Decrease the opponents by 10%
Bonus Effects
  • Encases the user in an uncanny aura (useable outside of combat)
<<>> Thats so vague. Crow remarked, though without a hint of annoyance in her voice. Instead, her eyes seem to shine brighter than before, the excitement of a child receiving her Christmas present returned to her expression. But this thing is so cool. Edgy as hell, but SO cool~ I cant wait to reach level twenty. Can we assume that we dont need to use them to access the bonus effects? Rez sounded just as delighted, anticipating more to come from these unexpected turns of events. With Crow watching him tensely, he summoned the metallic book into his free hand. It had a silver accent crafted in the design of vines and leaves, with an unknown blue material shimmering beneath it. When he looked closer, the azure surface seemed to be moving. The size and metal made it difficult for him to hold the book with one hand. He dismissed his staff for the time being, leaning his weight onto his uninjured leg. With the book secured in both his grip, he flipped its pages open and watched as the ink materialized before his eyes. Woah, Crowfest muttered under her breath as she stared wide-eyed at the intricate letters on the time-worn papers. Apart from words, pictures of intricate circles and other images appeared alongside them as well. This is a proper magic bookand its in English too? Yeah At her words, a sudden realization struck him. Wait, Crowwere speaking, I just realized were not speaking English right now. She didnt respond for a moment. Youre rightWhat the heck? Thats so weird You think its because of our bodies memories? No, I dont remember anything about mySilas past at all, so that cant be right. Me neither, Ruelles brows furrowed into a tight knot as she crossed her arms. Well, if I think hard enough then I can recall some informationI think were just moving on muscle memory. He stared at her. But speaking another language fluently? Well, I dont feel like Ive replaced Ruelle, even if theyre still blurry, I remember things that my supposed sisters said, or how I felt when I realized I was getting engaged. Crowfest tilted her head. While perplexed, she sounded rather calm. Its like watching a slideshow from a different perspectiveTheyre my memories, but also not mine at the same time. Since things had gotten hectic the moment they came into this reality, none of them had the chance to properly address their situations. The questions of how and why completely slipped from their minds when the gaze of death loomed over their heads. One mistake, and they could walk down a path of no return. I want to get some answers now too, but thats not as important as surviving. Crowfest nodded as she lowered her arms. Yes, I agree. I think we should grab the core from Arachne and leave this place, my maid and your knight are probably still waiting outside. Time moves slower in the dungeon anyway, it probably hasnt been long since we left. I guess youre right, she turned and left the hidden room, followed by RetiZn when he called for his walking stick again, replacing the magic book with it. Oh yes, we still have the skill book to open. As they stopped by Arachnes silent body, she summoned the into her hands. It had the appearance of a regular leather-bound book, although much thinner and smaller than the . Flipping its pages, it became surrounded by light before disappearing, replaced by a notification screen. [Received the Active Skill: ] < Skill Description > Name: Flash Slash Type: Active Skill Tier: B Cooldown: 60 seconds. Effects
  • Imbues the users weapon with a powerful aura, temporarily increasing the Speed Stat by (+2). Attacks always result in a .
<<>> Oh, this is quite good. Satisfied with her given skill, Crowfest dismissed the description panel. A guaranteed fifty percent increase in damage per hitthe speed buff is nice too, Ill take it. Your luck is unbelievable, RetiZn took out his own skill book, staring down Crowfest with eyes filled with jealousy. You should buy the lotteries. Hearing his words, she chuckled. WellI havent won the lottery yet, so I guess my luck only works in games. Rez scoffed. Alright, watch. Im going to pull something OP. [Used x1 ] [Received the Active Skill: ] [Conditions fulfilled. You can now view ] [Cost of is now visible.] < Skill Description > Name: Charm Type: Active Skill Tier: C Cost: 10 MP Cooldown: 20 seconds. Effects
  • Acts cutely to prevent the enemy from attacking. The chance of success varies.
  • Imbue the users attacks with the chance to inflict on the target.
Bonus Effects
  • Increase the users charisma outside of combat.
  • Increase the success chance of interactions outside of combat.
<<>> Crowfest instantly bursted into a fit of laughter while RetiZn stiffened as he stared at the skill hed received. Oh, thats certainly an OP Skill alright, Im quaking in my bootsFROM LAUGHTER THAT ISHAHA Rez sluggishly grabbed the system panel before suddenly hurling it across the cave. The innocent holographic plate shattered instantly upon impact, its shards dissipating a second later. Haha, seems like youre not that hurt after all. Crow wiped tears from her eyes, the grin on her lips still quivering from hysteria. I injured my ankle, my arms still work fine. Rezs voice sounded creepily calm as he turned towards her. Now that thats done, we should move on now, no? Like Im ever going to let this go, Crowfest thought to herself, but did not dare to say it out loud. RetiZns little smile gave her chills, like a quiet moment before a turbulent storm. For now, she replied with an understanding nod. Chapter 11: Yes, but I was meaning. “Official Step One” is one of the valuable resources in Dungeon Regime. They can be used for a variety of things depending on its grade, such as creating equipment, buffing existing gear, and even feeding summons with it. Lore-wise, the core of dungeon creatures have other important uses as well, mainly the Oriens Empires Magic Tower performs research with them. Most notably, theyd used the core of a Thunderbird to generate electricity for the empires technological benefits, enabling them to mimic some of the basic modern appliances. And considering the fact that in-game lore has now essentially become as important, or even more important than game mechanics, harvesting Arachnes core will prove beneficial one way or another. Even if she couldnt use its abilities, the giant scythe, Presence of Death, still has some usage. Crowfest cleaved through Arachne waist, severing the head from the abdomen. Typically, a monsters core is located around the center of their body, so this was a good place to start looking. There. RetiZn pointed towards an ambiguous orb surrounded by green liquid and flesh, his keen eyesight instantly spotting the boss core. As she knelt down to pluck out the fist-sized sphere, Crowfest raised her eyebrows in surprise at his quick discovery. I played FPS games until Im near-sighted, you bet Im at least gaining a skill from that. Another blessing in disguise, huh? She smiled as she rose from the floor, whisking the boss core into her inventory. You dont have to wear glasses anymore. I actually wear contacts, but I get your point. Alright, since weve done everything we need to doLets get out of this smelly place. Crowfest suggested, willing the giant scythe back into her inventory alongside her Darkwing Mantle. When the two of them stopped in front of the portal, she placed one hand on its swirling mass, letting a mysterious force pull her through. OH! You cant call me Crowfest when were out there, okay? She managed to speak just in time before she disappeared. RetiZn turned around one last time, and followed her lead soon after. [Exiting the ] [TIPS! Some Dungeons have special environmental effects. For example: the Tutorial Dungeon doubles the amount of EXP gained by slaying monsters! Be sure to pay attention to your surroundings!] As soon as they felt their feet touch the ground, their eyes squeezed shut from the blinding light of the sun. Their senses soon returned to them, and the sweet aroma of the flowers nearby brought back the feeling of familiarity. Ruelle opened her eyes first just in time to see that her maid, Lilia, had taken notice of them. My lady! The brunettes hazel eyes glistened with tears as she rushed towards her. Ruelle took a glance around her surroundings, first noticing that the portal behind her had already disappeared, and that many of Salvadors knights had come on scene, judging by the scarlet lion crest engraved on their armor. Lilia, She didnt expect to play into her role immediately after returning from the dungeon, but she put on the calmest smile she could. Please dont cry, I am alright, Lord Silas protected me. Silas glanced at her briefly, though his attention got snatched away by the sight of Einar, his knight, dashing towards him with widened eyes. Young master, are you hurt!? A hint of anxiety leaked from his quivering voice. I only twist my ankle, dont worry, Silas adjusted the grip on his staff, wanting to lighten up the knights mood, he flashed a grin. Hey, I have to at least come back alive so you can keep your job. Stop fretting so much about this and call the knights back. How can I dare not worry for my masters safety? His attempts proved futile as Einars frown only deepened at his words. Im glad to know that youve only sustained minor injuries, but both you and Lady Ruelle just got swallowed by a dungeon In game, there may be millions of players who could enter and exit dungeons as they please. However, this world no longer operates like a game, Dungeon Regimes lore stated that only a minor percentage of the population can enter dungeons, and that the in-game system doesnt exist to help these people at all. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The chance of them getting caught up in an Impairment and surviving is already miniscule, but them living and then exiting the dungeon? To the people of this world, it sounded utterly impossible. We got lucky, thats all. Silas shrugged, glancing at Ruelle for a moment. The monsters in there werent too difficult for us, and we managed to find ourselves some weapons to fight them with. Im serious, Einar, were okay. Seeing his masters earnest look, the knight let out a defeated sigh. Einar turned to the others waiting nearby, and signaled for them to leave. Marquess Salvador will be returning from the battlefield soon, young master. Please rest up in the meantime, when he learns of this incident, he will definitely summon you for an audience. Oh by the way, Ruelle suddenly spoke up, garnering their attention, though she seemed more focused on Silas than anyone else. Our engagement party is next week, right? Can I stay at your estate until then? ??? Silas stared at her with widened eyes, surprised by the sudden revelation. The plot of the engagement party had completely slipped his mind until now. Before he could give an answer, Lilia spoke up first. But my ladyshouldnt you return to the estate and inform Marquess Peregrine? Sir Einar had already sent a letter too Then send another one, Silas responded instead of Ruelle. Having made his final decision, he will play along with Crowfests plan. Its more convenient this way. She can rest exactly where I can see her, and the engagement party is held at my estate anyway. Einar made a face. Young master, you two may be engaged, but living under the same roof is a bit Whats wrong with it? Were going to get married in the end anyway, Silas shrugged, glancing to his side to see Ruelle struggling to contain her grin. Maybe this is a bad idea, the thought briefly crossed his mind, but he continued, sounding as confident as he could. Im going to nurse my fiancee back to perfect health. Why? Are you trying to get in the way of my purelove? He may have stuttered at the end, though luckily none but one cheeky Crowfest noticed it. She decided to support his play and spoke up, placing a hand across her injured shoulder. I bumped my shoulder when he saved me from a monster. Im grateful for his sincerity, Sir Einar, please let me stay at the estate. I think it should be alright, Sir Einar. Suddenly, Lilia joined in too, giving the knight a bright smile with her eyes practically sparkling. The two of them had yet to fully analyze Lilias character, but Crowfest remembered briefly about her being an absolute sucker for romance. If Lord Silas wants to express his sincerity to Lady Ruelle, we shouldnt separate them! Einar looked far from convinced, though Silas noticed a hint of hesitation in his demeanor. Seeing an opportunity, he quickly grabbed hold of it. No? But why not? Silas put on the most desperate and disappointed look he could, staring at his knight like a child begging his parents for a toy. [The effects of are in use.] Einar cringed, though not for the reason they thought. Okay, okay! Defeated, he could only let out a long sigh as he placed one hand against his temples. The frown on his face never ceased. Just please dont ever make that face again. [Einar Alston is unaffected by ] Thats great! Lilia clasped her hands together, preventing Silas from experiencing any more humiliation for the time being. With her smile now brighter than before, she turned to Ruelle. My lady, Ill return to the manor and personally inform your father. Please do not worry and leave this to me! Ruelle returned the maids enthusiasm with a calm smile, fitting for her character as a timid flower. I would appreciate that Lilia, thank you. She directed her next words at Einar. Sir Einar, could you please escort us to the estate? I feel bad for making Lord Sillas stand with his injured foot. Ah, It seemed that Einar had forgotten about his lords twisted ankle, though he quickly covered up his mistake and responded to Ruelle with an understanding nod. He casted a hesitant glance at Silas. Do you need my assistance, young master? No, its alright. I have my own walking stick. As if to prove his welfare, Silas took several steps forward, dragging the Sapphire Staff along with him. Einar stared at Silas for a moment. What is it, might I ask? No you may not, he wanted to say, but refrain himself from doing so, instead he gave the knight a casual smile. Its Lady Ruelles, we found it in the dungeon. While he just lied straight to Einars face, it sounded believable enough that he simply let it go after an acknowledged nod. He turned around and guided the two nobles to their carriage; the same one theyd used before. It had a moderate, yet imposing design, much like everything else belonging to the Salvador family. Hanging in display for everyone to see, Salvador''s signature red and gold flag decorated the exterior of the car. When they had taken their seats, silence weighed heavily in the air around them, until eventually Crowfest bursted out laughing. That was so unnecessary, Rez! What was that? Did you try to use against Einar? He knew she would never let his embarrassing moment slide. Hiding his heated face in his hands, he mumbled a bad word under his breath, but the insult only made Crowfest shriek even louder. Will you just shut up for once? She shifted in her seat, leaning her back against the window and placing one leg up on the cushion. Someone might mistook her for a gangster if they didnt know any better. Wiping a tear from her eye, she finally stopped laughing, although her wide grin still remained. Okay, I had a good laughBut in all seriousness, we should properly prepare for the engagement party. This banquet is our opportunity to fix Silas reputation. Rez lowered his hands, letting them fall to his lap. Acting, yeah I can totally do that. He might have sounded sarcastic, though Crow knew that he spoke out of sincerity. It became easier for her to read him now that theyd spent some time face to face. I know you can. What you did earlier was good already, so just keep that up. Soon, their carriage started moving, and Silas couldnt help but dread the things to come. Chapter 12: Step One (1) Mahogany bookcases stood tall around the quiet library, their spaces were filled with tomes and books with spines bearing titles written with symbol-like letters. The soft redolent scent of aged papers mixed with the beewaxs aroma added a layer of serenity to the room. Dust motes danced in the shaft of sunlight that peaked through the tall windows. Silas and Ruelle settled in the center of the room, where a massive oak table stood as the focal front with few books laying on its polished surface. As Silas flipped through a page from the Witchs Codex, Ruelle glanced up at him from her own seat, opposite of where he sat. YourI mean, Silas dad is coming home today, right? What are you going to do? He didnt look away from the books pages. Im thinking whether I should tell him the truth, a short sigh escaped his lips as he leaned into his chair, hands still placed by the tomes side. Ive been faking my foot injury for these past two days because Im still not sure about the correct optionWhat would the marquess think about his son becoming a mage? He even scared the estate doctor into lying about the severity of his foot trauma. Hearing his words, Ruelle only narrowed her eyes, frowning slightly as she responded. What does that have to do with you roleplaying as an old man? Silas did not find that funny. Just because Im using a walking cane doesnt mean Im oldAnyway! Youre distracting me! With a shake of his head, he continued. Marquess Salvador would definitely ask me about what happened in the dungeon. Im sure he expects me to suddenly awaken as a master swordsman or something. Youve read the lore too, so you should know how persistent that old man is. Marquess Creston Salvador, a stern warrior who lives by nothing but a knights honor, has raven black hair that made his electrifying blue eyes shimmer like flashes of lightning. After an arranged marriage with Esmeralda Goldwyn, Silas mother and the current marchioness, he promised her to grant all the riches and comfort he could in exchange for bearing his heirs. Creston and Esmeraldas first son, Lysander Salvador, turned out to be a near carbon-copy of his father. With identical dark hair and cold, deep eyes, Lysander grew up under direct supervision from the marquess, becoming a strong swordsman that gladly followed his own father to the battlefield. Even their third child, Rowena Salvador, showed great sword talent at a young age of ten years old. The son and daughter received all the love and affection from their father, but not Silas Salvador, the middle child who showed no skill in swordsmanship. Creston had hoped to mold the young Silas into a great swordsman just like his first son, though because of the hellish training that he forced the child to go through, Silas ended up disliking swordsmanship entirely. Growing up under the pressure of his father and his brothers scorn, the child eventually became the Young Mad Dog Marquess. Ruelle pursed her lips, eyes landing somewhere by her side. She responded with a hint of uncertainty in her voice. I get your pointBut dont you reckon he wouldyou knowaccept that you have more potential as a mage, and that youre not entirely useless anymore? Silas squinted in suspicion, feeling that shed used the moment to sneak in an insult just now, but he decided to let it pass. Maybe youre right. But Crow, if we pick the wrong option, theres no going back. What if Silas was meant to be a swordsman? What if it was difficult before because it was coded that way? But what if Silas was never a reformation-type character in the first place? Ruelle argued, leaning forward to rest her arms on the table. We dont even know what your plot is because a certain someone refused to read the description. He couldnt even refute her words, only giving her a sheepish look. Alright, fine, you got me. Putting his hands up in defeat, he continued. But lets think about it this way: What benefit would we get if we choose to reveal our skills? Now it was Ruelles turn to go quiet. Her brows slightly arched into a frown as she gave his question a deep thought. Apart from obviously getting rid of your trash good-for-nothing status, Ruelle would also get to show her potential as a swordswoman. Thats my plot, by the way, I know this because I actually read. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Silas suddenly found it harder and harder to ignore her plain insult, yet he pretended to be oblivious anyway despite the deep frown on his face. Okay, and? And, Stressing out the word the same way he did, Ruelle prepared to make her counterspeechexcept it never came, instead she let out a sigh in defeat. Alright, Ive got nothing. Fine! Well keep lying to the marquess through our teeth. A smirk crept to Silas lips as he shifted his focus back to the pages of the Witchs Codex. Flipping a page, he spoke in a sing-song voice. Appear weak when youre strong, and strong when youre weak. Cringe. That completely shut him down, wiping the smile clean off his face. Well, since no ones coming to get you yet, can you answer my question? Silas glanced up from the book. Shoot. Why RetiZn? She sounded genuine as her eyes glimmered in anticipation. You really dont watch my interviews, huh? Silas smiled, watching as Ruelle rolled her eyes at his sarcasm. I swapped the letters from the words Rest In, like Rest in Peace, so thats where I got Retin, and the Z is from my real name. Why not just use something like Ripper? He shrugged. I wanted to be original, then he asked. Youre not curious about my real name? Ruelle went quiet for a moment, but eventually she responded, her head tilting slightly to the side. Well, of course I want to ask, but Im not sure if it would be rude or not. Not expecting that to be her answer, Silas scoffed in amusement. So youre fine with insulting me straight to my face but not with asking my name? Yes? She answered without missing a beat, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. The look on her face showed clear confusion, but by this point, Silas knew she was messing with him. Its Zeke. He replied, sighing to himself. Zeke, like, short for Ezekiel? Yep, he gave up on trying to read the book, showing more interest in their conversation now. Leaning back into his chair, he continued. Now can I ask the same thing? Of course, Im going to tell you anyway even if you didnt ask, She gave him a smile. My username is short for Crow Festival. No hidden meanings, I just really like crowsand cats too, of course. Her answer made him smile. Sounds like a Crowfest response, alright. As for my real name, Ruelle suddenly extended her hand to him. Its Circe, nice to officially meet you, Zeke. While the unexpected greeting did confuse him, Silas shock remained brief. He gladly took her hand for a firm shake. Yes, nice to meet you too, Circe. . . . After only a few minutes, a maid entered the library and informed them that Marquess Salvador had returned. The Marquess is asking for the both of you, my lord and lady. I wonder why hes calling me too. Ruelle pondered quietly to herself, though with Silas walking by her side, her words didnt seem very secretive. Since no one was around, Silas held the wooden cane like the sheath of a sword. You were in the dungeon with me, he probably wanted to confirm my words through you, a cunning smile formed on his lips. Of course, its because he doesnt know that youre in on this with me. Ruelle responded with a sarcastic roll of her eyes as they turned a corner. But without warning, she suddenly pulled Silas back along with her. The fuck? That almost gave me a heart attack. Silas could still feel his heart thumping against his chest. Lysander was there, Ruelle explained calmly, peeking her head over to see Salvador''s eldest son standing like a stern statue in front of his own fathers office. Luckily, he had his eyes glued elsewhere out the window. Guess hes the first bossQuick, put down your cane. When theyd readied themselves, the two of them resumed their walk, turning the corner to directly meet with Lysanders cold gaze. As one pair of azure blue met with another, Ruelle put on a polite smile as she curtsy, grabbing onto her cream-colored dress. Good afternoon, Lord Lysander. While Lysander may appear aloof, he still possesses manners worthy of a noble households heir. He swiftly returned her courtesy with a bow of his own. Good afternoon to you as well, Lady Ruelle. Casting a brief glance towards Silas, Ruelle silently nudged him to greet the young man. Having received the message, Silas gave Lysander a short, unreadable stare, before smiling and bowing to him as well. Hello brother, I hope you didnt get hurt during your expedition. It seemed that Lysander did not expect Silas to bow back, though he swiftly controlled his expression, returning it to neutral. He may have tried, but Ruelle noticed that he snuck a look at her as he replied. No I did not. But what about you? I heard you and Lady Ruelle fell into a dungeon. As you can see, Silas tapped his cane on the ground once, maintaining his cool smile while he spoke. I protected my fiancee with my body and twisted my ankle. Lysander looked down at Silas foot. When he found nothing out of the ordinary, the young knight pushed the door behind him open for the two of them. I have delayed your meeting for far too long, my apologies. With Lysander voiding his suspicion, they have one last hurdle to overcome: Marquess Creston Salvador. Chapter 13: Step One (2) Carmine curtains veiled the windows, dyeing the diminished sunlight red and casting a scarlet hue over the darkened room. Marquess Creston Salvador stood behind his ebony desk, hands clasped firmly on his back. With his head slightly tilted upwards, his gaze fixed on a sword mounted on the wall. The lingering memories from Silas Salvador reminded Zeke of the history behind that sword. While its showy black and gold scabbard surrounded the weapon in an alluring air, he knew better that inside rested a shattered blade, broken from the final battle of its previous wielder. Circe pushed through the stagnant ambience, giving the marquess a courteous curtsy, much like the one she did before. Good afternoon, Marquess Salvador. Following her lead, Zeke lowered his head as well. He spoke with an unnatural stiffness, unlike Circes words which brimmed with confidence. Hello, father. Creston soon turned to face the both of them, hands still remained folded behind him. Good afternoon, Expected from this stern man, he kept the greetings brief, moving on quickly to the main point of their visit. I heard that both of you got caught up in a dungeon. How is your injury, Silas? Zeke forced a smile. Its manageable, I should be in good health by the time of the engagement banquet, father. Silence filled the room once more as Creston stared down at his son. Zeke had no idea what thoughts ran behind those unwavering, frigid eyes, but the weight of his gaze kept him from squirming away. Both of you, tell me what you did inside the dungeon. Circe and Zeke shared a brief glance. As per their silent agreement, Circe spoke first. We encountered some goblins, Marquess, the start of their fake story begins now. Lord Salvador picked up a nearby sword and protected me. After that, we were able to move on from room to room without any hurdle. I also found myself a magic staff to use as well. Since the people of this world knew very little about the dungeons, it took Circe almost no effort to manipulate the details. Marquess Creston had only heard about this elusive phenomenon from other people, and he is also one of the many unlucky percentages who cant enter the dungeons himself. Creston nodded along with Circes explanation, knowing full well how even inexperienced civilians could still defend against goblins when they have access to bladed weapons. And the boss monster? It was a goblin chieftain, father, Zeke chose this moment to speak. Since we both have no combat experience, we were clumsy and made a few mistakes, but we managed to kill it after some time. Hearing his words, Creston lifted his chin. Though his facial expression remained unchanged, they noticed a hint of satisfaction in his demeanor. Now do you see the importance of swordsmanship, Silas? What would he have said if I didnt make it out fine? The thoughts ran through Zekes mind. Probably the same thing, but in an entirely different tone than this one. Yes, I do now, He replied with a sad expression, regret etched deep in his voice. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Circes eyebrows twitched slightly upwards, most likely surprised by his sudden genuine acting. Father, please allow me to learn swordsmanship again, so that I may protect Lady Ruelle and those whom I hold dear. With Silas blurry but important memories, Zeke managed to say the exact things that Marquess Creston wanted to hear. The cool swordsman could barely contain his joy, despite trying to keep a straight face, the excited gleam in his eyes remained prominent. Of course, now that youve come to your senses, I will appoint Sir Einar as your teacher once again. Not missing a beat, Zeke responded to the marquess with a graceful bow. Thank you father, I shall not disappoint you. Creston accepted the promise with a short nod. Yes, now you two may leave and get some rest, As they turned to depart, the marquess suddenly spoke. Ah, Silas, call your brother in for me while youre out there. Yes father, have a good rest of your day. After Zeke and Circe gave Creston their farewell bow, they exited the office. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Lysander had been standing outside the room this entire time. When he noticed the door swinging open, his gaze met with Silas own pair of blue. Father called you, by the way. The older brother blinked. Alright. Lysander watched the two disappear behind a corner for a brief moment before entering the office. You summoned me, father? I did, Creston stared down his eldest son, whatever hint of emotions hed shown his previous visitors had completely left his expression, returning it to its usual cold, stoic state. I have a task for you, Lysander. The young knights eyes widened. What might that be? Creston narrowed his gaze. Keep a close watch on Silas. . . . Your acting is way better than I thought, Circe remarked in a hushed voice, grinning with satisfaction. Well? You said youre going to learn swordsmanship, whats the plan? Youre really not thinking about doing it with those three strength stats, aren''t you? Now that they were alone, Zeke no longer needed to feign injury. He held his cane by the pole, keeping his eyes straight on the road. Despite his efforts, Circe still noticed his minute frown. Of course not, his answer almost came out as a growl. I have until after the engagement party until the lessons start, theres plenty of time. Yeah, Circe rolled her eyes after a short huff. After all that talk about not disappointing him, it would be pretty awkward if he started to notice that youre way too weak to even hold a sword right. Thats why I have an idea, a smirk lined Zekes lips, adding a layer of confidence to his words. All I need to do is find out how it works here, and learn it before the time comes. Then itll be like we never lied! Despite hearing how assurance he sounded, Circe narrowed her gaze in suspicion. What is this? Some secret game mechanic that only the great RetiZn knows about? Zeke chuckled. Of course not, as they arrived in front of the estates library, he gave Circe a poised look. Im going to abuse the hell out of this one common in-game mechanic. The library remained the same as theyd left it. Not many people come around this part of the household, leaving only for the servants keeping the place clean for its eventual use. It became the perfect place for the two of them to meet without being subjected to anyones attention. When theyd taken their seats, Zeke recalled the Witchs Codex from his inventory, placing it on the table. Do you know about the mechanic? Dungeon Regime uses Aptitude to describe any non-combat skills a character possesses, such as reading, persuasion, flirting, and even being exceptionally good at eating. The players can unlock this mechanic simply by playing through the story, and there will be a tutorial which automatically unlocks an aptitude depending on the character. Yeah, I know about it, Circe tilted her head, now suddenly interested in what he had in mind. But isnt it only useful for story mode? Youre not the only one who keeps all the overpowered shit to yourself, Crowfest, Zeke stressed out her in-game name, looking at her with a face overflowing with pride. Since the story game mode is his territory, he thought this was his time to show off. When used correctly, the mechanic can also increase the characters battle prowess too. Of course, the game doesnt tell you this, and the chance of success is very low if you dont know how to do it properly. Hows that? Speechless, right? I spent literally two months experimenting with the techniques. No one else knows this but me. He thought to himself, lost in a sense of triumph. Circe remained silent for a moment, staring at Zeke with widened eyes filled with surprise. Eventually, she spoke, clasping her hands together in amazement. Oh wow! I never knew that, so this technically means you can learn combat-related skills by exploiting the Aptitude mechanic, right? Zeke didnt expect her to sound so enthusiastic about it, or to suddenly compliment him either. Her words left him speechless, but he quickly pulled himself together, closing his agape mouth as he cleared his throat. Now he felt like a complete fool. AhemYes, though since getting an Aptitude depends almost entirely on luck, people usually dont use this mechanic unless they need it for a storyIm just taking a guess here, but I probably wont need to do any of the complicated things since this isnt a game anymore. Circe blinked at him. What do you normally do? Well, Zeke drummed his fingers on the Codexs cover. You know that minigame you have to play to unlock an aptitude? The one where you have to tap when the cursor reaches the green part? Getting an aptitude is just repeating the same thing over and over again until you get good at it, but unlocking an aptitude for combat requires moredetails Yeah? A slight frown appeared on Circes face, wondering silently to herself why he needed to drag his story on for so long. First, your combat class needs to match what you want to learn, so if youre a swordsman, you cant get a mage-type aptitude, Finally, Zeke got to the main point. Then you need to use your class-related skill one hundred times while in story mode, and in a specific area matching your class. After that, the aptitude minigame menu would pop up, then vola! You repeat this like how you normally would until you get your ultra-rare aptitude! Despite getting her desired answers, Circe did not look amused. Leaning back against her seat, she shook her head as she sighed. And you say Im the one who needs to touch grass. What was that? Nothing. Circe shrugged, dismissing the apprehensive look on his face. Not wanting Zeke to start thinking about unnecessary things, she swiftly diverted the subject and put a smile on her lips. Well then? Show me what youve got. Chapter 14: Step One (3) [FIXED] Spiral enameled stairs lead up to the mezzanine, where Circe and Zeke had chosen as their new, prefered spot. The moderate space made them feel more confined compared to the librarys roomy atmosphere. With a large circular window offering a birds eye view of the Salvadors glamorous garden outside, the ambience was perfect for a calm indoor read while still basking in the warmth of the sun. That only applies if theyd plan on simply reading, though. Your plans a flunk, Zeke. A brief yawn escaped Circes lips, boredom oozing from her slumped form. She leaned her back against the railings as she watched Ezekiel crumble a piece of paper into a tiny ball. Its not over until its over, Hearing how lethargic his voice sounded, Circe had every right to believe Zeke may have already lost his mind. As he threw the ball into a pile of its own kin, he grabbed a fresh paper from a stack by his side. The ink pen in his hand quivered when he wrote on it. I did say that things might not be the same because this isnt a game anymoreBut I just need the aptitude menu to activate and well be good to go from there. Circe looked genuinely concerned, having watched Ezekiel draw or discard magic circles for the past hour. The bloodshot look in his eyes gave her a frightening hunch that he may have not blinked this entire time either. You dont figure that maybe the aptitude mechanic is now morerealistic? Like, if you want to learn magic, you actually have to do it properly, unlike in the game. After placing his finished product on the successful stack, Zeke stared at her, sending a slight shiver down her spine at the crazed look in his eyes. Are you implying that Im wrong? Circe averted her gaze as she pursed her lips, nervous that her next words may be her last. Well, since youve definitely made over a hundred magic circles, and theres no sight of the aptitude windowIm just saying that maybe you should, you know I should what? What the heck is wrong with him? Hes freaking me out. She decided best to keep her inner thoughts to herself, giving Zeke the calmest smile she could muster at the moment. As if trying to avoid walking on tripmines, she carefully handed him one of the magic circles he drew. Try activating it instead. Momentarily, Zeke looked at her with an unreadable expression, the fatigue mixed with some unknown desperation may have conflicted with his inner logics, but luckily for Circe, he remained stable enough to at least hear her out. Flipping the Witchs Codex to another page, Zeke made some modifications to the magic circle as per the books example. Wait. Circe narrowed her eyes at the tomes pages. The Witchs Codex laid on Ezekiels laps, partially concealed by his arms as he bent over to write the papers on the floor, and yet she could barely make out its context just by the inconspicuous drawing of fire on one of its worn papers. Zeke, youre not thinking about lighting fire in a place filled to the brim with books, right? Its a fireball spell, dont worry, it won''t spread. Circe cringed. This is like trusting a toddler with a button for launching nuclear bombs. Zeke, how about you pick something likean ice spell? Its probably safer than WOOSH! A stuffed scream sounded in her throat as Zeke cut her off with the activation of the magic circle, the paper disappeared like ashes vanishing in a sea of fire, consumed instantly upon usage. As he promised, the small, fiery ball remained calm and contained, floating inches above his opened palm. But nothing happened. Zeke slowly lifted his gaze from the sphere, finding the violet eyes of a certain panicking girl. For a second, he looked as if he was thinking about releasing the spell straight into her face. [Conditions fulfilled. unlocked.] [Achievement Unlocked: ''Learn some Skills'' - Unlock the function.] A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. [Youve gained some EXP!] [ learning in progress] [Congratulations! Youve gained the Aptitude: ] With his focus now shifted towards the new notifications, the fireball in Zekes hands vanished, his surprised eyes now locked onto the panels before him. No way. Since the letters appeared inverted, it took Circe a moment to realize that Zekes shock hadnt been because her methods worked. M-Mana Overlord? < Aptitude Description > Name: Mana Overlord Rarity: Unique Type: Magical/Combat Effects
  • Grants superior control over mana.
  • Increase success chance in learning magic-based skills
  • Increase magical insight of the .
<<>> [Conditions fulfilled. unlocked.] [Achievement Unlocked: ''Classy~'' - Unlock your first ] [Youve gained some EXP!] [Due to the Aptitude , your class has been automatically set to ] [Chances of gaining class-related skills and items increased.] [You now gain one extra upon level up.] Circe knew nothing about the hidden combat aptitudes of Dungeon Regime, but she does understand that Unique is the highest rarity that an aptitude could possess. These one of a kind boosts to certain story-based interactions drove many players to insanity trying to grind them for their characters. At most, having a single Unique aptitude would be a blessing in itself. Zeke had been staring at the aptitudes description for quite some time, sitting as still as a statue with his mouth wide agape. But suddenly, tears began to roll down his cheeks, startling Circe with the unexpected reaction. !? Zeke? Are you Its Unique Zeke whimpered under his breath, it wouldve gone unnoticed if Circe hadnt been standing so close to him. ThisIve played so many charactersthis is my first Unique AptitudeII Since he usually acts so aloof, Circe never thought of Ezekiel as an emotional type of guy. Brushing it off as simply his fatigued mental state, she scooted closer and gave him a pat on the back. There, thereYou did great, it was worth drawing a hundred of these, right? She picked up one of the papers as she spoke. Zeke stifled his sobbings, taking the magic circle from her hand. Ill draw one for you. Circe unknowingly covered her mouth with her hands, staring at Zeke with sparkling eyes as he drew something onto the magic circle. Oh, oh! I hope I get something nice too! With her excited squeal, Zeke handed the finished product to Circe, and she immediately poured her mana to activate it. [Achievement Unlocked: ''Learn some Skills'' - Unlock the function.] [Youve gained some EXP!] [ learning in process] [] [But it failed! Better luck next time!] The two of them stared at the notification screen in silence, but after a moment, Circe felt a slight pressure on her shoulder. Zeke gave her a blank look, tear stains still shading his cheeks, alongside the slight reddish hue on his nose. I guess you used up all your luck in the dungeonWell, maybe you actually need to draw the circles a hundred times. RightIts not like I need a mages aptitude anyway. Circe could only respond with a dry laugh. . . . Because theyd spent way too long cooped up in the library, they decided to take a breath of fresh air in the garden before dinner time. Circe walked with her hands clasped loosely behind her back while Zeke followed close by, half-heartedly limping along with his cane. Both of them casted a brief glance behind them, checking to see if anyone had decided to snoop around. The servants seemed pleased that their problematic young master had gotten meek after meeting with his fiancee, though some also wished to see the prospering of a youthful romance. Circe had to dismiss Lilia from trying to follow them earlier. This place really is huge, the passing comment broke through the silence. Circe cracked a smile, noticing Zekes silent gaze on her. Whats up? You look really out of it Mhm, he answered softly as he returned his attention to the scenery before him. Flowers and hedges trimmed to perfection lined up the path, separated only by neatly lined rocks that barricaded the dirt below. Each plot of field had a different type of flora within them, not that he knew any of their names. Its justmaybe its because Ive been tense this whole time, I feel like I can finally relaxThe fatigues catching up to me now I guess. Circe opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly decided to keep her words to herself. The abrupt reconsideration got Zeke curious. Youve got something to say? Itd ruin the mood, though. She didnt look at him when she replied, instead she let her gaze wander to the flowers around them, the gentle smile on her lips growing slightly wider. He could just about guess what she wanted to say: Its not over yet. I know, we still have a long way to go, but hey, its a start at least. Yep! Circes cheerful voice brought his attention to her. He hadnt realized how far shed walked, but when she turned around, a sudden breeze blew over them, bringing with it the stray pedals and sweeping her gold bronze hair to the side. But hey! At least well have each other, right? Zeke responded a moment too slow. Yeah, youre right. Though it seemed that Circe hadnt been paying much attention, he swiftly turned around, staring at the silhouette of the estate in the distance. Lets head back now, we should prepare for dinner. Oh yeah! We have to eat with Marquess Salvador! The sudden reminder got Circe rushing ahead of him once more, with the wind still blowing gently behind them, the scent of flowers began to overwhelm his nose. Thank god she didnt turn around. Despite the cool breeze, Zekes face felt as if itd been set ablaze. Chapter 15: Banquet-eve Dinner passed by without much issue, Circe and Ezekiel simply ate beneath the heavy, uncomfortable silence, not daring to look up from their plates and risk meeting eyes with either Creston or Lysander. Silas mother, Esmeralda, did not join them today, as she always eats at her own place. With the sun falling past the horizon, the crescent moon rose in its place. Zeke changed into a simple tunic and pants, choosing the lightweight fabric for its comfortable texture. His feet carried him over to one of the guests rooms, where a gentle, nightly breeze brushed against his face as he made his way to the terrace. There sat Ruelle Peregrine as she stared ahead at the bright arch above, its presence robbing the stars of their shimmering lights. With the only celestial body glistening in the darkened sky, her focus remained solely on its brilliant beauty. She wouldve continued to admire it in the comfortable silence if not for the weight of Ezekiels own eyes piercing her side. Why are you just standing there? As she shifted her gaze towards him, her fingers swept a strand of hair behind her ear, attempting to prevent the breeze from blowing the locks into her face. Take a seat. No one followed you, right? Ah, Zeke strolled over to the chair opposite of hers, avoiding looking into her sharp, glimmering eyes. Quickly recomposing himself, he sat down and locked his focus to the scenery of the sky instead. Yep, not even Sir Einar knows Im out of my room. Circe stared at him briefly before speaking. Why are you suddenly awkward? Im not awkward? Without looking at her, Zeke summoned the Witchs Codex and shifted his attention to its pages instead. But simply refusing to acknowledge it wouldnt get rid of the real blush reddening his face. Is it because Im wearing a nightgown? A dubious smirk crept up her lips as she placed her elbow on the armrest, leaning her cheek into her knuckle. Circe had chosen comfort over style as well, her plain, white nightgown had long sleeves to combat the chilly night, though the low collar exposed much of her neck. Its fully covered though, I cant tell what youre thinking at all. Zeke glanced up from the book, his eyes narrowing from the annoyed frown on his face. You should be more conscious of yourselfsince youre a woman. His words earned him an amused snort from Circe. Its a nightgown, sure I might not be wearing anything else underneath but its not like you will do anything. Im serious! He raised his voice, but instead lowered his head. Youre right, I wont do anything, but what if I was someone else? Circe rolled her eyes. Only you would get worked up over seeing a woman in her bedwear. Youre starting to sound like my mom. Then your mother is teaching you well. Seeing Zekes frown deepened, the big grin on Circes lips began to fade. She remained smiling as she dragged out a shawl from behind her and covered her shoulders with it, wrapping it around her exposed skin. Of course I know what Im doing, I brought a shawl with me because of it. I only did that to mess with you, The stupefied look on Zekes face almost made Circe burst from trying to hold her laughter. As he stared at her like she was some sort of alien specimen, she let out a short chuckle. Your reaction is cute though, I guess I can thank you for entertaining me by apologizing. Im sorry Zeke, I made you uncomfortable, didnt I? Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Instead of answering, the frown on his expression loosened slightly, but he only looked away, responding with a dramatic huff. Whatever. Circes smile froze for a moment. Whats with the tsundere-esque attitude? Ill take that as a Okay, I forgive you, then. She watched Zekes scowl slowly eased until his face returned to its resting expression. The Witchs Codex appeared to have completely captured his attention. Their little meeting tonight had no meaning, they simply wanted to relax under the night sky. With the artificial light from the room, the terrace became illuminated enough for Zeke to read in even in the dark of night. Circe leaned forward, shifting her elbows to rest on the table between them. Her eyes found themselves lingered on the loose threads of Zekes tunic, a clear result of his laziness when dressing. Did he not entrust his servants with his attire? To be honest, your nightwear is way more provoking than mine, Lord Silas. Without looking up from the book, Zeke replied coldly. Shut up. . . . The Salvador March has an exclusive training arena for the members of the household. Its wide, spacious area allowed for all-out sparring when needed, and the armory contained many types of swords and even other weaponry ranging from bows to maces. With the building located in a separate section from the main estate, silence and privacy is guaranteed when using the facility. Circe and Zeke had been sneaking over whenever they got the chance, Circe especially needed to hone her combat skills for when they would require it later down the line. While she trained her swordsmanship, Zeke would be watching from the sideline, reading the Witchs Codex in an attempt to learn a skill. But other than the magic circles, he had not succeeded. [ learning in progress] Oh! Zeke look! Wiping sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her shirt, Circe called Zeke over at the sudden appearance of a notification panel. Theyd managed to come to the training ground under the pretext of going on dates around the estate, and with the use of the inventory, Circe could change out of her dress into something more suitable for swinging a sword. [Congratulations! Youve gained the Aptitude: ] < Aptitude Description > Name: Aspiring Swordsman Rarity: Rare Type: Special/Combat Effects
  • Increase bladed-weapon mastery speed.
  • Grants combat insight to bladed-weapons.
<<>> Oh, this one is good, Zeke commented as he glossed over the aptitude description. Ive gotten this one a lot for my swordsman-type characters. The Special type is just a fancy way to say its growth-related. This games developers are just trolls, Circe dismissed the screens as she walked over to the bleachers, taking a seat on the lowest stair. Why keep these combat aptitudes a secret feature? They clearly have an impact on the characters dungeon runs. Zeke settled down next to her, where all the papers and ink lay scattered all over the place with only one stack kept neatly placed beside him. Dungeon Regime is all about discoveryThats pretty much one of their slogans. Besides, its actually in the patch notes. What? The secret features section, Zeke gave Circe an equally baffled look. Its where they give hints about extra added features for the patch? You dont seriously think that I randomly woke up one day and thought Oh! Im going to spend hours of my life pressing the attack button in the training ground., right? Circe shook her head. Of course not, Im just trying to think of when they released it. I mean, its no surprise that no ones found it yet sincethe only hint they gave was Keep up those Aptitude grindings!. He even raised his voice to sound the part. The look on Circes face threaded between confusion and disbelief. Yeah, theyre definitely trolling. Zeke scoffed with a shrug. It makes the game unique, though. I guess, Circe leaned her back against the row above her, placing her arms on it as she gazed at the sky. The gentle sunlight tempered by a cool breeze made the day a perfect choice for combat exercises. She especially enjoyed the refreshing feeling of the wind as it swept over her sweaty skin. We also get to experience that uniqueness firsthand tomorrow. Zeke nodded along, though remained occupied by drawing magic circles on the small papers in his lap. Distracting himself with repetitive work, he thought maybe then he wouldnt be stressed by tomorrows upcoming engagement banquet. Chapter 16: Banquet (1) Delicate chandeliers bathed the banquet hall in soft illumination, their dancing lights causing the warm, muted tones of the walls to shimmer like stars in the night sky. Crimson curtains draped the tall, arched windows, veiling the evening from view. Intricate designs adorned the polished marble floors, their golden accents gleaming beneath the blinding lights. A long, rectangular table stood at the side of the hall, offering a wide array of food, drinks, and desserts, while an empty area awaited as a dance floor. Guests from across the empire began to fill the room, indulging in beverages and enjoying the calming music played by musicians positioned in a far corner of the hall. Entering, Lord Silas Salvador and Lady Ruelle Peregrine! The knights announcement along with the audible noise of the doors swinging open caught the nobles attention. All eyes landed on the appearance of two young aristocrats, and immediately their whispers began to drown out the quiet background music. Thats Lady Peregrine? Has House Peregrine always have such a beautiful daughter? How come we havent noticed her if shes this gorgeous? Ruelles gold-bronze locks flowed down her shoulders like a caramel waterfall, resting just beyond the middle of her back. Long, violet dress draped her petite form, adorned by pearl-white laces that blended well with her piercing amethyst eyes. Along with a black folding fan, moderate jewelry embroidered her ears and neck. And thats him, right? Salvador''s infamous troublemaker. Hes different from the rumors The maids did well to tame the wildness of Silas hair, slicking them back into a kempt style. His dark blue uniform reflected Salvador''s specialty as a house of knights, yet remained extravagant enough to pass as a proper attire for a banquet, it surprisingly went well with the black choker around his neck. The golden shine from the epaulets on his shoulders matched the color of his hair, and the outfits deep tone brought out the fierce shine in his azure-blue eyes. Ruelle had her arm locked around Silas as they walked down the hall. Soon, the whispers and gossip of the nobles around them died down when the two of them reached the front of the banquet hall, where the hosts; Creston Salvador and Esmeralda Salvador awaited. Weaved from the finest silk chiffon, Esmeraldas pastel gold dress complimented her shimmering blonde hair. Delicate floral embroidery in shades of silver embellished the bodice and hem, with gentle lace panels lining the dress neckline. The low collar left room for her modest pearl necklace to rest gently against her fair skin. Unlike Silas, Marquess Crestons uniform was jet black, matching with the color of his hair. Do you like your attire, Silas? Ive kept it especially for the day you finally choose the knights path. Silas father asked with a gentle smile; a rare sight to see considering the marquess usual aloof personality. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Ruelle and Silas first greeted their elders, offering each of them a courteous bow. Yes, father. I thank you again for this opportunity. Youve grown well, Silas. Esmeralda spoke, her smile was as beautiful as her delicate face. Even if her voice sounded soft, Silas could still hear her honeyed tone ringing like a chiming bell in his ears. Ive heard youre quite fond of Lady Ruelle. Silas responded with a smile, not wanting his awkward behavior to shine through. Of course, mother. More than anything, Im willing to give her all that I have. Hearing his words, Ruelle couldnt help but blush. Her eyes averted elsewhere as she spoke in a stutter. OhLord Silas, how could you say that in front of Mother? Silas maintained his smile, ignoring the minute chill that ran down his spine. What the fuck. I cant even tell if shes faking it. Sister! An unfamiliar voice called out to Ruelle, prompting her to turn around. The woman had similar semblance to her, although she appeared to be a few years older with a much darker shade of hazel brown and a more profound pair of eminence purple eyes. She wore a carmine dress, adorned with a multitude of jewelry matching with the deep red of her silky garment. The womans eyes landed on the marquess and marchioness. Oh! Where are my manners, she swiftly curtsy, her posture perfect and graceful. Good evening, Marquess and Marchioness, I am Cleo Peregrine, the eldest daughter of the Peregrine family. I first must apologize that my father and brothers could not make it today due to an issue in our household. But Marquess Peregrine would be sending gifts to House Salvador as well as an official apology once the matter is settled. Tell your father not to worry too much about it, Creston raised a hand, his expression now returned to neutral, though Silas noticed a hint of annoyance in his usually unreadable eyes. Before she could notice his inner thoughts, Creston turned to his son. Well, Silas. How about you let your fiancee catch up with her sister? Im sure they have quite a bit to talk about since they have not seen each other for so long. Ah Silas casted a glance at Ruelle, and she responded with a silent stare of her own. While they may not have telepathy, Silas can still tell that she could handle her problems on her own. Albeit a little worried, he gave Ruelle a smile. Of course. Well then, my lady. I will be by the food table if you need me. Silas gave Ruelle one last glance of concern before departing, and soon his parents also left privacy for the two sisters. When they found themselves truly alone, Cleo crossed her arms as she stared her sibling down with a conceited grin. You seem to be doing well, Ruelle. How is Lord Silas? What is this? I know she has a horrible personality, but why that smug look? Her inner thoughts did not show on her face, continuing to keep a polite smile spread moderately across her lips. Hes quite lovely, unlike what the rumors said about him, she noticed several pairs of eyes had taken interest in their conversation, but she didnt spare them a moments thought for the time being. But should you be asking about someone elses fiance? Her last comment came without warning, startling Cleo as her eyes went wide from surprise. While she may have swiftly masked her face with a friendly smile, Ruelle knew otherwise that her sister felt frustrated about her words. Ruelle, youre my beloved sister, I am simply asking out of worry. If my own flesh and blood had to marry an incompetent man, I would be devastated! At Cleos reply, Ruelle maintained her calm demeanor. But everyone knows that Silas was incompetent, this lying bitch. Her thoughts luckily did not betray her smile, instead her rage subsided rather quickly for such a turbulent storm. Sensing an opportunity, she unfolded her fan and covered her mouth. The sharp glance she casted towards the two women nearby caused them to flinch in surprise. Oh, sisterOf course you would be worried. Shall I prove it to you, then? I could call him to join us right now, if you dont mind. Wha-what? Cleo couldnt contain her shock this time. As they both turned towards the food table, they saw Silas conversing with Lysander Salvador, who was wearing the Salvador knights eye-catching red uniform. Look, Lord Silas is busy right nowWe shouldnt interrupt them, Lady Ruelle. From others point of view, the two brothers may appear like theyre having a conversation, but Ruelle knew better than that. Silas resting face betrayed a hint of annoyance as Lysander continued to speak, not realizing that his brothers mind had already wandered elsewhere. Its alright, Ruelle gave her sister a bright smile and turned to Silas, shouting for him from across the hall. Lord Silas! Could you come here please? At her abrupt yell, the banquet room fell into a heavy silence. All eyes shifted towards Ruelle, wondering why a noble lady would choose to call out to someone instead of walking up to them. Despite her incredible rudeness, the crowd could not help but find the situation intriguing. How would the Young Mad Dog Marquess respond? Chapter 17: Banquet (2) Almost instantaneously after she called, Silas made his way over to her, not once glancing at the stunned older brother standing by his side. When he reached her, he spoke with a bright smile. Yes, my lady? The corner of Ruelles lips arched upwards, controlling herself not to suddenly burst into a laughing fit. Silas response was so out of character that she couldnt help but think about how he must have been feeling on the inside. I wanted to introduce you two, Ruelle gestured towards Cleo as she closed her fan with a loud snap!. Lord Silas, you two have met before, this is my elder sister, Lady Cleo Peregrine. Without skipping a beat, Silas gave Cleo a graceful bow with an unwavering smile. Good evening, Lady Cleo. I hope you are enjoying the banquet so far. Since she needed to react fast, Cleo had no time to worry about the fact that Ruelle just snapped her fan at her. After returning Silas greeting with a curtsy, she replied. Yes I am, thank you for your invitation, Lord Silas. Oh, you should be thanking my father, Silas took a quick look at Ruelle, finding her looking at him from the corner of her eyes as well. He was the one who sent the invitation. We left all the preparation to the elders, you see, since we are inexperienced in hosting a party. What the hell is your endgame, Circe? Play along with me. Lets have fun. Cleo chuckled in response, hovering her hand near her lips. Of course, that is understandable, after all, my sister is very clueless about these types of things, by then, the crowds attention had already fixated on them, and quiet whispers filled the ball rooms atmosphere, so much so that the calming music failed to dispel the uncomfortable feeling that hung in the air. I hope that her numbing sense of fashion has not caused you too much trouble, Lord Silas. Numbing sense in fashion? Ruelle found her sisters words rather hilarious, so instead of feeling anger, she suppressed the urge to laugh. Casting a glance at Silas, she noticed the bewildered look on his face that disappeared just as quickly as it showed. How will he respond to this? Damn, meaningless drama is sure fun. Lady Cleo, Silas tone lacked the warmth it had before, now replaced by a frigid cold as he stared Cleo down with a steely gaze, his azure blue eyes starting to resemble his fathers terrific stare. Are you implying that I have a numbing sense of fashion? Since it was me who chose this dress for my lady. Ruelle could only face Silas in silence, her expression frozen from the unexpected response. Hegot angry? Ah! He must be going for that troupe, nice taste. Cleos eyes went wide with surprise and she swiftly answered with a nervous chuckle. WhatWhat makes you think that, Lord Silas? I did not say anything about her current dress, I was simply Really? Silas cut her off, causing Cleo to flinch as she averted her gaze to the floor. But since earlierIve seen you stare down my fiancee when you were conversing with her, so I apologize if your words just now sounded to me likean excuse. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. At his words, the banquet halls whispers grew louder. Lord Silas is very perceptive of his fiancee, huh? He was watching her even from across the room. So he saw what Lady Cleo did? Ive heard rumors that the sisters werent so fond of each other The rumors are true, Ive seen their disharmony at other parties before too. By that point, Cleos face had turned a bright shade of red, matching well with her carmine dress. With her hands balled into tight fists, she couldnt do anything but lower her head as if shame had pressed down her neck. Seeing that shed kept quiet for long enough, Ruelle decided to intervene, tugging at the cuff of Silas shirt while looking up straight into his cold eyes. My lord, please stop, this is quite enough. As the ice in Silas gaze melted away, a panicked look replaced his frigid expression as he responded in a frantic voice. Ah! My lady, Im very sorry for not keeping our promise, Ruelle almost laughed, though she hid it behind an understanding smile as he continued. But how could I, as a man, stand still and listen as his fiancee is getting insulted? I hope you can find it in you to forgive me, Lady Ruelle. Oh, dont be silly, my lord, Ruelle widened her smile, looking up at Silas and spoke as if the two of them had gotten lost in their own world. You stood up for my honor, that alone is enough to move me. I already cannot express my gratitude, so how could I show you anger? Ding ding! Ahem, attention, please. Creston Salvador spoke after garnering everyones attention with a click of his fork against glass. Beside him, the marchioness eyed her young son with a merry expression, clearly intrigued by his lovely attitude towards his fiancee. As a display of friendship and love between House Salvador and House Peregrine, I, Marquess Creston Salvador, have hosted this banquet to officially commemorate this joyous occasion, along with exchanging engagement rings to finalize their connections. Creston paused as he turned to the main stars of the event. If our lovely couple could please spare the time? Without hesitation, Silas extended his arm to Ruelle, and together they made their way towards the marquess. Creston presented his son with the ring box, and Silas promptly dropped to one knee, opening it to reveal a stunning ring crafted from gold and amethysts. Lady Ruelle Peregrine, would you marry me? To the people around them, Silas Salvadors wide smile made him look like the happiest man in the world, but since Ruelle stood directly in front of him, she immediately spotted the dull, lifeless look in his eyes. Hurry up, they seem to say. She didnt hold back her chuckles this time as she extended her left hand. Yes! At her words, Silas swiftly slid the ring onto her fingers, and the crowd clapped in congratulations while he got up from the floor. Unexpectedly, he planted a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, earning him multiple surprised gasps from the nobles. This means I get to have your first and last dance for every event, right? My lady? Ruelle nodded eagerly. Of course, my lord. Before that, Creston glanced at Silas, as if checking if his son would speak up or not. I would like to thank everyone here for coming to the banquet. I hope all of you will continue to find House Salvador and House Peregrine as your trusty companions. That is all, please enjoy the rest of the night. The compacted closing speech matched someone like Creston Salvador perfectly, and right on queue, the musicians amped up their music, signaling the start of the dance. As the focal point of the ball, Silas and Ruelle walked to the middle of the hall, and after exchanging a graceful bow, they locked hands and began to dance. While they glided across the floor in an elegant waltz, murmurs of amazement from the onlookers filled the hall once more. I never knew that Lord Silas could dance so well. Isnt it obvious? He probably practiced just for this occasion so he could dance with Lady Ruelle. The lady is quite good too, her form is perfect. Soon, their voices faded into silence as they watched in awe of the sophisticated beauty that radiated from their forms. The nobles low expectations for the engagement party stemmed from their belief in Silas Salvador terrible rumors, and the trust of those nobles whod seen the vicious side of the young aristocrat further made the scene before them even more unbelievable. Silas Salvador has changed. Ruelle Peregrine, his fiancee, is the one who induced this positive development. When the song ended, Silas and Ruelle parted before bowing to each other once more, immediately, the nobles began to clap in admiration for the two of them. The only one who didnt was Cleo Peregrine. She stood at the very back of the crowd, her hands shaking from how tight shed balled them into a fist. Blood seeped from her bitten lips as she glared at Ruelle with widened eyes. Why you of all peopleYoure not supposed to be happy. Chapter 18: Banquet (3) After escaping the crowd of curious nobles, Zeke and Circe found themselves in the garden, walking along its gravel path, lit by the magical street lights along the sides. As they strolled alone under the twinkling sky, they chatted about their performance in the banquet hall. Im surprised you didnt get nervous, Circe mused as her eyes traced the stars, smiling softly to herself as she enjoyed the nights view. Seems like youre used to faking our love story now. Zekes cheeks turned a faint red shade at her words, not welcoming the reminder in the slightest. His eyes averted to the pebbles below him and he irritatedly kicked one of them, the rock made silent clicks as it skidded across the ground. It was fine up untilthatpart You mean, Circes gentle smile got replaced by a mischievous smirk. Casting a look at him from the corner of her eyes, she continued. The part when you asked for my hand in marriage? Her unhesitant reply brought more heat to Zekes face as a frustrated frown darkened his expression. Just how long are we supposed to keep this up? Until marriage? After marriage? For the rest of our lives here? Suddenly, he faced Circe with a serious look, and her smile faltered. Am I the only one who feels that this is wrong? Wrong? Circe didnt expect that of all things to come out of his mouth. By then, theyd halted their steps, and she eyed him with a look of disbelief, feeling her heartstrings tugging at her chest. If you didnt like the idea, why didnt you say so? Instead of forcing yourself to do this, you shouldve backed down when I first proposed the idea. Now Zekes eyes widened with surprise, not foreseeing that Circe would get angry at him. Youre misunderstanding me, Circe. I just He bit his lips and continued a moment later. Marriage is a big deal, you know? Wouldnt it be better if you marry someone you love? Im practically as horrible as the Peregrine House, forcing you into a loveless marriage. Circe couldnt find her words for a second. Is this why youre so awkward about it all the time? Because you were trying to consider my feelings? I thought you were just acting like a middle schooler. Thats part of itHey! Zeke glared at the sneaky remark, and it promptly earned him a chuckle from her. Circe gave Zekes arm a light punch, her smile remaining on her lips. You see, Im not the type to ponder about the future, I just want to do the best I can in the present, while she spoke, she began to walk towards the water fountain a few dozen steps from them. Even if we have to fake this for the rest of our time here, I actually dont mind that, when she suddenly faced Zeke, she had the widest smirk plastered across her lips. What about you? I had an impression that you didnt seem to mind either, so I didnt speak up about itWas I wrong? It took Zeke a moment to register the meaning of her words, but after he realized that hed fallen prey to her teasings once more, a deep crimson hue flushed across his bewildered face. N-No! I was onlyworriedaboutyou. His voice grew quieter with each word. To that, Circe laughed. Hey, were only lovers by name. Im just glad we get along enough that at least my married life wont be so tiresome, and even if I do suddenly fall in love with some other male-lead-quality men out thereWhy bother thinking about something so far and uncertain in the future, right? By then, Zeke had calmed down somewhat, and he responded to Circe with a long sigh. I noticed this earlierBut youre way too carefree. Circe shrugged as she took a seat by the fountains edge. And youre way too anxious. Ease up, Zeke, weve got plenty more pressing matters to care about, it would be bad if you suddenly collapse due to high blood pressure. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. For some reason, Zeke felt as if Circe had just insulted him just now, although he couldnt exactly tell where shed snuck the sassy comment in. Since he could only be suspicious, he flopped down next to Circe and decided to let it go. AlrightWhats next on our agenda? After this balltheres one more at the royal palace for a victory celebration, right? Yes, although I feel like theres an event before that Circe tilted her head in deep thought. All I know is: after the royal banquet, our future knowledge ends there. Rumble Startled by the sudden tremors in the ground, they stared at each other in surprise. But before they could utter a word, a notification screen materialized in front of them each. [Warning! An unexpected event has occurred in the storyline!] This Zekes face darkened with fear as his eyes fixated on those words. How is this even possible? Were not supposed to get this until Rumble.. As another vibration reverberated through the ground, a glaring blood red panel replaced the one before them. [You feel the air shiver with unknown power.] Like a candle snuffed out by the wind, a sharp, icy sensation trickled down their spines, stealing the warmth from their bodies and replacing it with nothing but frigid dread. A sudden burst of energy that pulsated through the air made it difficult to breathe as the world around them shattered like a fallen mirror. And within those fractured shards, glowing, wild eyes peered from the dark. [The Special Event: Broken Impairment has begun.] Along with the announcement, several creatures emerged from the cracks before them, their yellow eyes shimmering with hunger as they stared deep into Zekes widened gaze. One of them let loose a fierce snarl as it leaped towards him, silver claws glistening like sharp daggers under the moonlight. Luckily, it didnt get too close as a precise sword strike cleaved its head clean from its body. [Killed x1 ] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 9] ekeZeke! Zekes attention snapped towards Circe as she frantically screamed his name, her hands clutching a bloodied sword. Whats up with you and blanking out during a fight? Cmon, help me here! As she spoke, the wolves eyed her with vigilance as they let out low growls in an attempt to intimidate their prey. I He tried to rise to his feet, but a piercing headache kept him anchored to his seat. While Circe dealt with another wolf that dashed towards her, Zeke continued to stagger, nausea spinning his vision. [Silas Salvador is inflicted with ] Realizing that her friend wasnt in the condition to assist her, Circe steadied her stance and prepared for combat. The four remaining wolves circled around them, preventing all potential escape routes. Her eyes glided from one enemy to another, careful not to let nervousness show on her face. If the predator noticed fear in their prey, theyd surely pounce. The wolf on her left moved first, rushing towards her with its maw opened wide to reveal the razor-sharp fangs within. Circe swiftly rolled to the side, avoiding the first enemy, then raised her sword to block a strike of another wolf. Her swift slash cleaved through its paws, eliciting a broken cry as it staggered to the ground. Because Zeke became a stationary target, the other wolves decided to shift their aim towards him instead. Unfortunately for them, Circe had invested all of her previous stat points into Speed, and with another precise vertical slash, another wolf fell. But no matter how fast she could move now, she could never engage both enemies simultaneously. The wolf that stood furthest from her already was inches away from snapping its jaws at Zekes arm, and Circe could only hope that his injuries wouldnt be too severe as she fended off another wolf that pounced at her. Slash! A familiar sound of blade cleaving through flesh rang through the air as Circes sword pierced the wolfs chest. While she pulled her weapon out from the monsters corpse, she turned to check on Zekes condition, only to find Sir Einar standing over a dead wolf with blood plastered across his sword and armor. SirEinar A nervous smile crept up Circes lips as she slowly called the knights name, though instead of paying her any mind, Einar shifted his cold eyes towards the remaining wolf. It squirmed in pain on the ground, unable to stand properly due to its missing front paws. But as he was about to kill the wolf, she beat him to it, stabbing her sword through its skull. [Killed x1 ] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 10] With no enemies remaining, Einar shook the blood from his sword and sheathed it on his hip. Well, Lady Ruelle, care to explain whats going on? Chapter 19: Banquet (4) Is that important right now? Circe rushed to Zekes side as she dropped her sword, noticing how pale his complexion had become. While Einar knelt to the ground, she sat down beside Zeke and placed a hand on his temple, feeling the burning heat that responded to her touch. ZeSilas, are you okay? Instead of words, Zeke responded with a shake of his head. Its he gathered the strength to speak, only to wince in pain a second later. Magic Inundation Magic Inundation? Einars voice reminded them of his presence, his brows furrowed into a confused frown as he looked at Circe. Thats a condition only experienced by people who are sensitive to manaIs Lord Silas a mage? With no other choice, Circe nodded in confirmation, letting the tired Zeke fall onto her shoulder. Wekept it a secret from everyone else for personal reasons, and I hope that you would do the same for us, Sir Einar. At her words, silence hung in the air between them, but it lasted only briefly as the knight gave a hesitant nod while discontent showed in his scarlet eyes. I would be lying to the marquessbut I will keep your secrets out of respect for you, Lady Ruelle, I do not wish for you to get into trouble because of Young Master. Magic Inundation, a status condition that only mages have to deal with. When coming into contact with an immense amount of mana, they would suddenly feel weak as nausea and piercing headache threaten to split their temples apart. However, Magic Inundation is still a rare condition, only mages with high sensitivity to mana have a higher chance of catching the affliction. It must be because Silas has the Mana Overlord aptitudeImpairments release strong magical energy, so his body taking all that at once mustve worn him out. Circe speculated as she propped Zeke into a more comfortable position, letting his entire body weight pushed against her side. With that done, her attention shifted towards the knight on the ground. Sir Einar, hows the condition at the banquet hall? The Broken Impairment appeared to have swallowed both Lord Lysander and Marquess Salvador, so the situation is currently being controlled by the Salvador knights, Einar responded sternly as he would with any normal report. While many nobles had been caught up in the wolves attacks, fortunately, there was no fatality just yet. Just yet. Circe may not focus a lot on story mode, but she had intentionally played chapters that pertained to Broken Impairments for events and other potential rare drops. Unlike Dungeon Breaks, which is a phenomenon where enemies from within dungeons manage to escape to the outside world, Broken Impairments occurs as a result of an error in creating a portal. So instead of a normal dungeon appearing, a wide area is instead transformed into a semi-dungeon. Because the event covers such a large parameter, Broken Impairments are considered to be even more dangerous than Dungeon Breaks. But even if its only half a dungeon, theres still a boss that you need to defeat in order to restore the broken space, Circe stared ahead at the cracks weaving around the air like a spiders web. The problem isIt could either be an Elite Monsteror a Boss Monster, since this entire place is incomplete. She casted a side glance towards the knight. I believe you know how Broken Impairment works, Sir Einar. Yes, I do. All Salvador knights had been taught how to deal with monsters, including phenomenons like Broken Impairments and Dungeon Breaks. Circe shifted her focus towards Zeke as she quietly brought up the party menu. < Party Status > P.1 || Silas Salvador (LVL: 8) - HP: 100% - MP: 400 - SC: (0:02:07) P.2 || Ruelle Peregrine (LVL: 10) This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
  • HP: 100%
  • MP:
  • SC:
<<>> Silas needs about two more minutes, then we can go and clear the Broken Impairment. Unexpected to hear her declaration, Einars eyes turned wide from shock. Lady Ruelle, Magic Inundation can last up to weeks for frail individualsand apart from that, you want the three of us to clear the Broken Impairment? Since Einar did not know the whole picture, his concerns sounded reasonable, but Circe merely smiled. You dont really think that weve only lied about our skill set, do you? It took Einar a moment to realize what Circe had meant, and after her words clicked like a fitting puzzle piece, his expression distorted from surprise. Oh. . . . Just as Circe had said, Zeke returned to a normal condition after two minutes almost on the dot, much to Einars disbelief. Now, the group wandered through the labyrinth of fracture spaces, avoiding any unnecessary battle as they made their way towards the banquet hall, located in a building separated for guest-related activities. Young Master. What? Einar didnt meet with his masters eyes, instead remained fixated on the path ahead with his right hand laid atop the grip of his sword. Since youre a magewill you still be taking your swordsmanship class? The Sapphire Staff made gentle clicks on the ground, cutting through the silence thatd momentarily filled the air. After a second of thought, Zeke replied in a sharp tone. Of course, Ill have to show resultsno matter if its only an illusion. This actually works out for the best since then I dont have to hide my schemes every time we train. Schemes? Einar raised an eyebrow. Ill tell you about it later, Zeke tightened his grip on the Sapphire Staff, light shining from the azure crystal. Weve got company. Grrrrr A sudden low growl interrupted their conversation as a wolf stepped out of the darkened fragments in front of them, followed soon by the rest of its allies, amounting to eight in number. As Einar unsheathed his sword, he glanced towards Circe. Lady Ruelle, please take care of the left side. Without giving her a chance to respond, one of the wolves barked and lunged itself towards Circe, its fangs aimed for a fatal blow. Her sword made a swift arch through the wolfs neck, the force sending it flying to the side, where it landed lifelessly on the ground beside her feet. Immediately after, another wolf jumped in the place of its fallen comrade, rushing at her while her focus still remained on the dead wolf. When it attempted to sink its massive canines into her arm, a sphere of energy struck it in the stomach, flinging it across the ground until it came to a dead stop in its crater, unmoving. Unexpectedly, Einar had already slain two of the wolves on his own, leaving only the remaining four. Seeing their brethren die off like moths thrown into flames, theyd taken several steps back while staring at them with hesitation. But without a shred of mercy, Einar rushed forward and swung his sword at the closest target, blinding the wolfs eye as it let out a whimper in pain. Another beast tried to help its friend, but Einar had already swept his sword half-way through the air, connecting with the second wolfs neck, as if hed already predicted the monsters behavior. Despite the direct hit, the sword didnt cut deep enough, allowing both the injured wolves to regain their footing moments later. Einars eyebrows creased into an irritated frown as he struck the one-eyed wolf once more, only for it to suddenly jump to the side, avoiding his blade before chomping down on his wrist. Its fangs dug through the metallic arm guard as if it was leather, making him wince in pain. Oh no. With him now completely defenseless, the remaining wolves used this opportunity to rush him from every direction, their maws and claws ready to tear him to shreds. Luckily, Circe was already on the move, and the injured wolf soon fell to her sword while the one that stubbornly held on to Einars arm got blasted by Zekes magic missile. [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 9] Circe swung her sword at one of the remaining wolves, while Einar struck the other. Circes blade cleaved right through the beasts neck, severing the head clean off its body. Einars opponent managed to evade his initial attack, but soon met with Zekes magic missile, falling to the ground dead like the others. [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 11] Einar, are you alright? Zeke and Circe rushed towards the knight as he flopped down to the ground, panting heavily while wiping sweat from his forehead. As Zeke knelt to his level, his concerned frown locked onto the blood seeping from the dented arm guard. Its nothing worth your worries, Young Master, Einar spoke in a reassured tone, albeit slightly out of breath. Wanting to prove his words, he took off the metallic piece and revealed puncture wounds where the wolfs canines had sunk through. This is what armor is for, it mightve been strong enough to pierce metal, but at least it couldve been worse. Despite the superficial injury, Zekes anxious frown remained on his face. You could still get rabies from this Einar stared at his master for a moment, a hint of surprise visible in his slightly widened eyes. I never thought Id see the day when he actually came to care about my wellbeing. ZeSilas. Circes voice garnered Zekes attention. As he looked up, he saw her frowning face staring ahead at the direction of the banquet hall, although upon further inspection, he realized that she had the minimap hovering beside her vision too. What are the chances of a Broken Impairment carrying over the Boss Monster? Zeke couldnt tell why she asked such a question. With a small frown, he responded in a perplexed tone. Since dungeons typically have more Elite MonstersIts a one in four chance. Why? Are we facing a boss? You might want to come see this. After giving Einar a glance, Zeke walked over to Circe, watching as she slid the minimap closer to him so he could see what she wanted to show him. What is this? Instantly, his eyes widened in shock. Chapter 20: Banquet (5) Outside of dungeons, the behaves differently. Instead of showing only the areas that the players had gone through, story-mode minimaps automatically reveal the layouts of the locations, such as the arrangement of a floor, or where certain story-related rooms are in a building. Apart from hidden rooms or special locations, the story-mode minimap will reveal nearly every detail one could ever need to get around the world of Dungeon Regime properly without a need for tedious explorations. But during combat events like Dungeon Breaks or Broken Impairments, the location of portals, shattered spaces, and enemies will also reveal on the minimap in noticeable symbols. Blue circular icon for Portals, dark shard-like icon for Shattered Spaces, and red dots for monsters. What Zeke and Circe saw on the minimap appeared relatively normal at first glance, but after looking at the image for a second longer, they saw two red upside-down triangles scattered across the map, along with a large, deep crimson face resembling an angry demon. This is messed up. Zeke could only muster a dry laugh as he shook his head in denial. Two elite monsters and a boss monster? They expect us to fight them with just the three of us? Young Master? Lady Ruelle? Einars concerned voice sounded from behind them, though they didnt turn around as he continued to speak. My apologies, I couldnt help but overhearEven without me, I believe the Salvador knights will be enough to defeat one of the elite monsters, and the commander can stand his own against the other one. Didnt you say that my brother got separated by the shattered spaces? Zeke and Circe faced Einar, their expressions returning to neutral after theyd taken a moment to gather themselves. And the knights all need to protect the guests that came here, leaving them open to the wolves weaponless might not be a good idea. I understand your concerns, Einar responded with a stern face, as if hed already weighed the pros and cons of his plan. But leaving the Broken Impairment for too long can replace this entire space with the dungeons layout. If we gather all the civilians to a safe space, we should be able to afford deploying the knights elsewhere. We could try and wait for both Lord Lysander and Marquess Salvador, Circe suggested as she crossed her arms. Shattered spaces are a one-way portaleither the dungeon monster comes out, or one of us gets caught up during its formation and gets locked in. But with their skills, it shouldnt be long until they find their way out. Wait, Zekes sudden stern tone commanded attention from Circe and Einar. As their heads shifted to meet his eyes, he continued speaking. We dont necessarily need to fight them here, right? So instead of waiting for my father and brother, we can just lure the monsters to them. While Einar continued to stare at him with a baffled expression, Circe tapped her palm with her fist, a look of comprehension dawning on her face. Oh! Youre right, that could work. How about we let the knights handle one Elite Monster? That way, we dont have to risk having two strong creatures chasing us all at once. Zeke looked at the knight, wondering why he maintained his stunned silence. Einar? At first, Zeke guessed that he had something to say about his plan, but the thought vanished when Einar shook his head. My apologiesI just didnt think that Young Master could come up with something like this. Genuine disbelief laced Einars words. If Zeke hadnt known any better, he wouldve thought that his knight was being sarcastic. Its an excellent strategy, then I will rally up the knights once weve made sure all the guests are safe. Do you two perhaps know where each of the elite monsters are? Circe nodded, responding with a poise smile. Yes, theres one loitering around the east of this garden, and another close by to the banquet hall. They expected Einar to ask how she could pinpoint their locations with clear confidence, but instead he simply nodded. Then we shall take the latter one. What will you two be doing with the boss monster? Circe and Zeke exchanged a glance, smiling at their silent conversation. Well fight it, of course, returning his focus to Einar, Zeke gave him a bold reply, his words confirmed by Circes satisfied nod. You dont have to worry about a thing, just focus on killing the elite monster, and well take care of the rest. Einars lips creased into a straight line, a doubtful look reflected clearly in his eyes. Despite feeling uncertain, the knight gave in anyway and nodded. Your wish is my command, Young Master. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Cut it with the formalities. Zeke answered with a playful scoff. I know you like being sarcastic. His jesting words instead earned him a confused frown from Einar. But I never I know. Waving his hand in dismissal, Zeke turned to the path ahead. Learn to take a joke. . . . They decided to go their separate ways, letting Einar rush forward to the banquet hall all by himself. Since Circe had already given him first-aid on his bite wound, they didnt need to fret about the knights well-being, believing that he could take care of himself even without their assistance. Circe acted like the spearhead of their march as they swiftly navigated through the maze-like structure of the garden. With her sword, she easily cleaved through the wolves that bolted out from the broken shards, leaving any that she couldnt reach to the destructive power of Zekes magic missiles. [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 10] [Stat Points remaining: 8] [Invest x8 Stat Points in ?] 38 (+4)> Too occupied by the minimap, Circe didnt notice a wolf blocking her path. However, she quickly summoned a dagger from her inventory and hurled it at the enemy, striking it with a bulls eye square in its head. Shortening the remaining distance with a single leap, she pierced the tip of her sword through the wolfs neck. [Killed x1 ] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 12] [Stat Points remaining: 12] [Invest x6 Stat Points in ?] [Invest x6 Stat Points in ?] 20> 28> Were here. Circe announced after she pulled her sword and dagger from the wolfs corpse. As she carefully made her way over to a tall hedge ahead, Zeke stepped around the dead body, stopping right behind her. Heavy footsteps sounded from somewhere in front of them, announcing the presence of a large beast. Peeking their heads up ever so slightly, they could see the form of a majestic wolf as it paced around the opened area. Cladded in silver fur, moonlight seemed to envelope the creature in a gentle embrace, making the coat shimmer like the surface of a lake. Its pair of sharp, topaz-colored eyes surveyed its surroundings with vigilance, shining just as brightly as its body. [Elite Monster: ] Upon further inspection they noticed darkened patches around the wolfs face, drawn into a mysterious pattern, seemingly unremarkable at first glance. Along with its abnormal size, those ambiguous lines were the only unordinary points about the Moonglow Fenrir. Wait. Zekes brows knotted into a suspicious frown as he took a closer look at the monster, his whisper barely audible to Circe, though she still heard it, evident by the fact that she glanced at him. I recognize those shapesitsa symbol for wind. Its in the Witchs Codex. So this one is a wind-type Fenrir. Circe mused to herself, opening her inventory, and with a single thought, an illusive black fur coat wrapped itself around her shoulders, its long hems barely touching the ground. [Equipped ] [ has increased by (+3)] Circe faced Zeke as she whispered. You reckon thirty one points in speed is enough to outrun the wolf? Maybe, considering that its also a wind-type, while he responded, Zeke took out a piece of paper from his inventory, handing it over to Circe. When she gave it a look, a system panel informed her of its description. But you can use that, just in case. < Item Description > Name: Magic Scroll - Agility Tier: D Type: Consumable Cost: Original Owner: Silas Salvador Effects
  • Consumes mana to increase the users Agility Stat by (+5) for 60 Seconds.
<<>> Without needing to be told twice, Circe gave a wide, satisfied grin in response before activating the magic circle. As the item vanished like paper consumed by fire, a soft, green glow enveloped her frame. [Consumed x1 ] 28 (+8)> With the increased stats, a surge of confidence rose within Circe as she stepped out into the field. Hey! Her arrogant shout successfully drew the attention of the Moonglow Fenrir. When it faced her, she lunged the bloody dagger into the wolfs face, embedding the blade deep into its left eye as it let out a thunderous cry in agony. Now as angry as it could be, the Fenrir let loose an earthshaking growl before dashing towards her, killing intent oozing from its bloodshot eye. Circe swiftly stepped to the side, avoiding the wolfs claws as it tore holes into the soil where she once stood. With her gaze locked on to the nearest shattered space, she wasted no time and rushed into it, hearing the beasts thundering steps pursuing closely behind her. When the two disappeared into the void, Zeke nonchalantly stepped out of his hiding place before following them through. Chapter 21: Banquet (6) As Zeke emerged from the other side, the Moonglow Fenrir and Circe had engaged in combat. While the beast attempted but failed to catch the nimble girl with its claws, she delivered multiple shallow cuts in between her dodges, tainting its silver fur in red. From the small smile on her lips, Zeke could tell shed been toying with her opponent. Circes true intention, however, was to wear out the wolf before she could start executing the next part of their plan, and by the time Zeke had appeared, her goal already appeared within reach, seeing as the fenrirs movements became more sluggish than before. After determining that shed done enough, Circe whirled around and sprinted forward with all her might. Her speed buff had run out a few seconds ago, yet despite that, the Moonglow Fenrir could barely catch up to her with its limbs gashed and fatigued. Bringing up the minimap, she quickly pinpointed the location of her intended destination, marked by two yellow dots in front of a green arrow pointing towards them. Looks like theyre nearby, great. Trees that touched the clouds covered the grassy floor as far as her eyes could see, the spaces between them large enough for an organism as large as a fenrir to navigate through with ease. Since the area around her path lacked obstacles, she could easily maintain her speed despite her attire. Large shrubs soon came into her view, but the minimap informed her that her destination awaited just beyond those bushes. As the Moonglow Fenrir found the strength to leap towards her, Circe timely spun around, her eyes meeting the wolfs fierce claws with a wide grin. As her body began to disappear, the fenrirs razors struck the bushes behind her instead. It looked around while sniffing the air in an attempt to find its prey, but it could do nothing but growl in frustration as it realized that shed already fled the scene. What was this thing chasing? Without warning, the Moonglow Fenrir got struck by a swift attack that left a shallow wound across its neck. While the wolf screamed in pain, Lysander Salvador swung his sword again, only for the monster swiped it away with its claws, pushing him back slightly. Another sudden attack gave the beast no chance to recuperate, this time a much stronger slash from Creston Salvador cut deeply into its side, drawing out a deafening cry from the wolf. It was most likely running away, he responded to his son as he shook the blood from his obsidian-black sword; a signature weapon of Marquess Salvador. Look closely, it has wounds all over its body, and theres a dagger embedded in one of its eyes. Ah I see, Crestons devastating blow left the Moonglow Fenrir lying on the ground, stained by the pool of its own blood to await its inevitable death. With the threat gone, Lysander spared the wolf no attention as he nodded like an eager student acknowledging his teachers words. It must have come from the banquet halls side, seeing as that dagger is from the Peregrine house. Has someone requested their help? That is unlikely, As the wolf drew its last, shallow breath, Creston lowered himself and plucked the weapon out from its eye. Inspecting the dagger closely, he confirmed the unmistakable falcon crest separating the handle from the blade. Lady Ruelle or Lady Cleo mightve let someone borrow itbut judging from her personality, its most likely Lady Ruelles. Lysander stared at the wolfs corpse, his eyes specifically focused on the multiple shallow cuts riddling its body. But who would be so childish to make these unnecessary attacks? Certainly, our knights wouldnt be so dumb as to waste time toying with an elite monster. A smile crept up Crestons lips. Then it must be Silas, he drove an elite monster into a corner and forced it to flee back into the shattered space. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Father Lysander looked at the marquess with a bewildered expression, fortunately, his father had his eyes locked on the dagger in his hand to notice the disbelief on his face. It does make senseonly my brother could even think about playing around in a fight. Thats why I told you to keep a close eye on him, Creston lowered the dagger, turning to face his son. Every genius swordsman has their own way of fighting. If Silas really has awoken a hidden talent when he got swept into a dungeonthen we should watch and nurture him carefully this time. It took a moment for Lysander to reply. Of course, father. Creston nodded as his face returned to neutral. Now then, looking around, the canopy of leaves left little room for light to reach the ground, cloaking the forest in an eternal dusk. If they hadnt known any better, they wouldnt have noticed that they were in an incomplete dungeon. Since the wolf came from that way, there should be a shattered space we can use to get back home. I will lead the way, father. Lysander volunteered, stepping around the fenrirs corpse and they both headed towards the exit. . . . After delivering the elitest of packages to their owners, Circe circled around with the minimap and found Zeke sitting by the new shattered space hed found while waiting for her return. She could see him twiddling with the sapphire of his staff as she got close. Im home honey! Did you miss me? As she jested in a high-pitched voice, Zeke looked up at her with a blank look. No, his cold response came almost instantly, and he soon changed the subject as if pretending that she never said anything. How did it go? Those two didnt see you, did they? Since her joke earned no funny reactions out of her target, Circe responded to Zekes question with a roll of her eyes. Of course not, it would be embarrassing if Im still spotted with the skill. Alright, since thats cleared up now, Zeke rose from the ground, brushing dirt from his hands. His rushed demeanor hinted that he didnt want to leave any free section for Circe to jam in one of her teasings. Lets get out of here and quickly kill the boss. With mutual agreement, they stepped through the shattered space and reappeared in another forest, this time with normal-sized trees that left little room for giant wolves to roam around. Circe immediately brought up the minimap for the two of them as they tried to figure out where the shattered space had taken them. Ah, I remember this place, Zeke stared at the floating panel between them, noticing that the demon icon was right in front of them, their location indicated by two green arrows. This is the eastern forest that House Salvador had cleared out, its now just a place for an outing, usually Esmeralda comes here for a picnic. Then we have to clean this place up, Circe called a sword and dagger into each hand as a smirk crept up her lips. So no mutts can ruin the scenery for your lovely mother. Now before that, With his free hand, Zeke took out several papers from his inventory. Buff up first, this ones for strengthand this ones the haste that you used before, all of them last one minute so just watch out for the timers. Circe dismissed her dagger before taking them, at a glance, she roughly counted a total of six magic papers. Woah, how many did you draw from those empty circles? Five of each, Zeke responded with nonchalance, shrugging as if he saw nothing much of his efforts. I find magic circles to be relatively easy to learnbut for some reason I still cant learn any of the spells from the Codex, its starting to annoy me. Hey, at least with this, we dont even have to buy buffs from the shop anymore, Circe grinned in an attempt to bring up his spirit. Ever since before, she noticed that Zeke seemed to think very little of his given skills. Are you still hung up on having Charm as your only active skill? The frown on Zekes face spoke a thousand words, and she couldnt help but laugh at his silent response. As Circe continued to choke on her hysteria, Zeke shifted his attention towards the direction of the boss monster. Im scouting ahead first. H-Hey! Circe wiped a stray tear from her eye before quickly following Zeke, stopping herself from laughing any further, but she couldnt wipe the smile off her lips. A few minutes of silent walking led them to an open area of the forest, as both took cover behind the trees and bushes, they peered their heads over to see what sort of creature they would soon face. Standing on two legs, the creature resembled the werewolves depicted in many fictional stories. It has a large, muscular build covered entirely in gray-silver fur that shimmered gently beneath the moonlight, and a pair of intelligent scarlet eyes. Familiar markings embellished its face, the darkened lines traveled down to its neck and arms, resembling twisted vines with thorns protruding outwards. A worn, leather coat draped around its shoulders that strangely matched with its loincloth, along with a necklace made from alternating large and small fangs. [Boss Monster: ] Chapter 22: Worshipper of the Moon [Boss Monster: ] As Circe quietly activated the magic scrolls, she and Zeke exchanged an understanding glance. She nudged her chin towards the opposite direction, and Zeke responded with a short nod before creeping over to the other side. Replacing the rest of the magic scrolls with a dagger, she took a deep breath and stepped out from the bushes shadows. [The Boss Monster is alerted to your presence.] Rokan the werewolfs cold gaze met with Circes as she boldly revealed her position to the enemy. Unlike the Moonglow Wolves, Rokan remained calm as it watched her with clear vigilance, its head slightly crooked, as if closely studying her demeanor. [ is growing around you.] [Ruelle Peregrine has shaken off the ] My second boss fight in this world Taking her first step to the side, the wolf mirrored her movements, and soon they found themselves carefully circling around each other, their gazes unblinking. Alpha Wolvesare both strong and fast, if I get hit even onceI mightno, Ill die. If theyd had to fight any other bosses, their lack of night vision would certainly make the battle too risky to attempt, however, the Moonglow Wolf species all have the trait of glowing when under the moon, and turn nearly invisible when the sun rises. With Rokan constantly revealing its position, Circe didnt have to worry about losing sight of her opponent. Circling around the boss didnt just allow her to observe its behavior, but shed been silently luring the wolf into that one perfect spot, and when a prominent light shined from the shadows behind Rokan, she instantly leaped forward, her sword arching through the air. Rokan swiftly reacted to the sudden attack, its claws extending into ten fierce daggers of its own as it prepared to parry. But an unknown force struck hard against its back, causing it to lose balance and stumble forward. Now unable to block, Circe''s sword connected with Rokans shoulder, though she couldnt dig any deeper into the wound. Unexpectedly, the wolf regained its footing almost instantly, forcing her to retreat as a frown crept up her face. Its tough, my strength isnt enough to cut it? As Circe took a step forward, a thunderous explosion erupted from within the woods, and soon a large figure flew out from the shadows, landing against the ground with enough force to draw spiderwebs into the soil. Rokans once shimmering fur now had patches of burnt marks visible all over its body, and as it slowly staggered to its feet, Zeke emerged from the darkness with a fireball floating above his free hand. Not letting Rokan recover, Zeke shot the sphere of flames at the boss, following it up with a magic missile from the Sapphire Staff. Two spells intertwined like a dance of ice and fire, hitting their mark with the same booming outburst as before. Zeke looked at Circe, noticing her widened eyes and mouth slightly agape. What? I didnt know you could do that. She turned back towards the fallen wolf briefly, seeing that parts of its fur had gotten burnt to the point it revealed its charred, reddish skin beneath. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. [The Boss Monster is inflicted with ] I noticed that magic missiles reacted well to fire back when we fought Arachne, so I wrote some fireball spells just for this combo. Zeke explained as a magic scroll appeared in his free hand, soon replaced by a fireball as he activated it. Though instead of attacking, a sudden look of surprise dawned on his face. Uh, Circe, is it supposed to do that? When Circe snapped her attention back to Rokan, her eyes turned round, noticing the health points bar above its head. Yes, but its not a good thing. Rokan soon rose to its feet, before suddenly letting loose a deafening howl to the night sky above, its echoing voice forced them both to block their ears from the sheer volume. As if responding to its call, a gentle beam of light fell upon Rokan, and the markings on its face and body emitted a soft, green glow. All they could do was watch in horror as its cut wound mended to a close, leaving only the burnt marks that persisted. [The Boss Monster has reached the required threshold.] [The Boss Monster has activated ] 80%> Get ready, Circe swallowed down an invisible lump, holding out her sword in a defensive stance as she reactivated the magic scrolls once more. Summoning her dagger back into her left hand, she fixed her eyes on the wolf, as if afraid one blink would cause her to lose sight of her opponent. This is its second phase. [ has increased the Boss Monster s speed, sacrificing its defense.] Rokan coldly stared at the two of them, letting its limbs fall defenselessly to its side, and when they least expected, it disappeared in a green blur. Circes gaze traced Rokans movements the best she could, finding herself moving on pure instinct as she dashed towards Zeke. Just as shed predicted, her sword met with the giant cleavers of the wolf monster, if shed been any later, those claws wouldve shred through his body. Zeke! One good shot, okay!? If you can give me the right angle! Thinking quickly, he scrambled out of the way and allowed more room for Circe to move. He kept his distance as far away from the close combatants as he could, his fireball and Sapphire Staff ready to shoot the moment an opportunity arose. Rokan growled as it swatted her away once more, but unlike before, Circe immediately went back in for an attack, not wanting to leave any room for it to target the mage this time. Their blades clashed, and she instantly felt the difference in their strength. I knew it, holding a sword with one hand is a bit much. With that thought, Circe made use of her dagger to the fullest, hurling it towards Rokan as she let herself get pushed back. But the wolfs speedy claws stopped the dagger dead in its tracks. As it threw the weapon to the side, it rushed forward, disappearing into an afterimage once more. Circe held her sword up in anticipation for a frontal strike, but her eyes caught the sight of dust whisking right past her. Is it aiming for my back? At that moment, she felt her limbs froze, unable to turn around as her mind commanded. Chilling cold ran down her back, like a looming, unforgetting presence that she simply couldnt ignore. I canta|movea| As she watched her hands shake uncontrollably, only the thought of death crossed her mind. [Boss Monster has activated ] BOOM! Never had Circe been happier to hear the sounds of explosions. That familiar sound of her trusty friends attack landing a direct hit on his target snapped her out of her trance as she turned to face Rokan, who now knelt several meters away from where it once stood, red eyes glaring daggers at the person behind her. Sorry, it dodged. Zeke spoke calmly as he summoned another paper from the inventory, turning it into a fireball. After this one, I only have one more left. Circe didnt turn around, but she could feel her lips curling upwards into a smile. Taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart, she held out her sword, this time her stance radiated pure killing intent. You wont have to use it, then. [Ruelle Peregrine has shaken off the ] With that, Circe rushed towards Rokan once more, and it responded with a slash of its claws, sending streaks of green energy towards her. She rolled over to the side, dodging the attacks, and continued running until she got within range to deliver a strike of her own. AGI: 28 (+10)> Rokan faced Circes strike with its claws, however, the sword passed through them like a hot knife through butter, and as the wolfs eyes widened, her blade made a deep slash in its neck. [Critical Hit!] 34%> Now with the window of opportunity, Zeke let the fireball and magic missile fly straight towards the disoriented wolf as Circe dashed back. The attacks combined and crashed into one last massive explosion. [Killed the ] [Equal contribution to battlea|EXP has been distributed.] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 11] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 13] [ cleared!] Chapter 23: Calm after the Storm [ cleared!] Accompanied by the clear notification, the surroundings began to restore themselves to normal, cracks and shards that once fractured the space around them mended to a close, disappearing as if theyd been a figment of their imagination. Stains of blood from the Alpha Wolf faded from the ground, followed by the boss body as it let off a soft, translucent glow. As Rokans corpse vanishes, it left behind several items, all giving off gentle lights corresponding to their respective rarity. But as both of them walked closer, Circe suddenly stumbled, before she could fall, she thought quickly and impaled her sword into the soil. Circe? Worried, Zeke rushed to her side, noticing her quivering grip on the weapons handle despite the darkness. Whats wrong? Did the wolf get you somewhere? Are you hurt? While they might not have known each other for long, Zeke considered her behavior to be abnormal compared to before. Hed seen her fight, and he knew she wasnt the type to get shaken this easily. As Circe dropped to the ground, Zeke followed suit, bringing the Sapphire Staff with him. From the crystals blue light, he could see the pained expression on Circes face. Yes, but it wasnt from Rokan, she brought up her knees, revealing the deep red streaks lining the exposed parts of her feet. I shouldnt have run in these heels, maybe fighting barefoot wouldve been better. Noticing a hint of blood on her blisters, Zeke winced as if he felt the pain on his own skin. Yikesthose look horrible, I doubt you can walk back in this condition. Youll have to carry me, then. She smirked. Or I could go call for someone to come pick you up. Thats cold, Circe pouted as she watched Zeke get up to his feet. Youre going to leave a girl in the middle of this dark forest? Zeke stared at her blankly for a moment. As he responded, he leaned the staff towards her. Ill lend you the Sapphire Staff, then. Circe had been responding under the pretext that Zeke was joking around, but after realizing that he was serious, she gave him a cold glare. Okay, seriously, dont you dare leave me here. Not expecting her to get angry, Zeke retracted his hand, swallowing a nervous lump down his throat. Im sorry, that was inconsiderate of me, Ill carry you back. He replied meekly. Satisfied, Circes frigid expression veered into a smile. Thats so nice of you, Lord Silas. Now, go pick up those items so we can get out of here. After responding with a nod, Zeke started whisking all the shiny objects into his inventory, not bothering to check their descriptions since Circes injury came first. As he returned to her side, he put the Sapphire Staff away, the lack of illumination fortunately solved by the moonlight. As for our fake storysince the corpse isnt here, we can just say that I solod it or something. What about the sword? Circe had a forlorn look on her face when she stared at the sword, its once flawless blade had become chipped and bent, even if it didnt possess any special affinities or give her any stats, she still felt great attachment to the friend that allowed her to see the next sunrise. I feel bad leaving it hereIt did so well protecting me. Zeke made a face, inducing a suppressed puff from Circe. You protected me too, of course! You dont have to feel jealous~ Her words brought a deeper frown to Zekes expression, for a moment, she forgot about the stingings on her feet. Im not? If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Whatever you say~ Before Zeke could snap at her teasing, she held up both her arms like a child asking her parents for a lift. Pick me up, daddy! Zekes face went blank. What the fuck. HAHAHAH! Despite the pure look of disbelief on Zekes face, he knelt down and lifted Circe from the ground without much fuss. As she wrapped one arm around his neck to get a better grip, she grinned widely. Thank you, Zeke. Zeke looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Whats this for? Well, everythingbut mainly for being here. Now that the adrenaline from their battle had dissipated from her system, Circe felt the fatigue rushing to her mind. The weight of her head felt heavier to lift up and she leaned against Zekes shoulder for support. To be honest, I wanted to look cool, so I didnt feel scared at all when we fought monsters like this. Look cool? Zeke huffed, smiling as he walked, surprisingly, his measly three strength stats managed to carry her entire weight. She couldnt see a sign of struggle from him at all even as she stared at his face, barely visible under the moon. Who are you trying to look cool for? Theres no one here. Circe chuckled, shaking her head at how foolished he sounded. You dont count yourself? Youre here. For a moment, Zeke didnt respond. Youre already cool enough, though. His voice barely counted as a whisper as the smile dissipated from his lips. Despite his attempt at being secretive, he should know that Circe could definitely hear him at that distance. Normally, she wouldve teased him about it until the soft blush on his cheeks flared into a wildfire, but just this once, Circe accepted his compliment with a bright smile. Thats the nicest thing youve said so far. No? Hesitance crept up his face. Really? Im sure Ive complimented you plenty. If youd start listing things, then Ill really be dissapointed. Circe chuckled as she closed her eyes, letting the drowsiness wash over her. Youpass Zeke glanced down at Circe, noticing that shed fallen sound asleep before he averted his attention back to the moonlit path. Better get her to bed quickly., the thought passed through his mind as he walked, not minding the weight of a teenage girl pressing against his arms, nor the gentle, yet warm breath brushing against his neck. He didnt mind indulging in this serene moment just for a second longer. . . . As Creston Salvador watched the last carriage leave the Salvador estate, he let out a long, tired sigh, thumb and index fingers clutching his temples tightly. Frowning, he glanced at Esmeralda Salvador. Shed been anxiously staring into the darkness beyond the mansions lights since before, biting her lips in anticipation as she hoped for a certain boys return. Someone killed the boss when me and Lysander got out of the shattered spaceI assumed its Silas, I told myself not to worry and tended to the guests firstbut where is he? Maybe I should let Einar warrant a search party now Step. Before he could follow through with his thoughts, Crestons head snapped towards a sudden noise, prompting Lysander to follow his gaze curiously. Not long after, Silas emerged from the nights darkness with Ruelle sleeping peacefully in his arms. Silas! Esmeralda called as tears of relief brimmed her eyes, garnering the youngest sons attention, who looked as if hed just come back from an exhausting excursion. Dirt and dust smudged his once perfect attire, and his face looked worn with droopy eyes that appeared as if they would suddenly shut close at any moment. Oh thank the godsare you okay? Youre not hurt, right? MotherFather, his voice sounded hoarse, yet they still brimmed with energy as he looked at Ruelle. My lady had fallen asleep from exhaustionshed been running around in those tight heels and gotten hurt, please take care of her. What about you? Creston gave his son a worried look. Answer your mother, Silas. Are you hurt anywhere? I am alright, as you can see, I can still carry Lady Ruelle just fine, Silas voice almost sounded like a frustrated grunt as a slight frown creased his eyebrows. But when he spoke again, he let out a sigh. My apologiesI got cranky because my lady is hurt, I ask that you take care of her injuries first before tending to me, but all I want right now is restIm very tired. Creston and Esmeralda shared a glance, and once the marchioness nodded, Creston turned to Einar, whod been standing quietly behind them as he awaited his orders. Sir Einar, take Lady Ruelle to the estate doctor. As you command, my lord. The knight bowed before taking the sleeping lady into his arms, the two young noble and servant stared at each other for a brief moment, yet none of them spoke a word. After giving one last bow to Silas, Einar headed back into the mansion. Lysander. Creston called his eldest child. Yes, father? Unlike the parents, Lysander had not a hint of worry for his little brother on his stoic expression. In that moment, he appeared like the cold, strict marquess that Creston was renowned for more than the man himself. You take your brother back to his room. Um Esmeralda suddenly spoke up, a hesitant look shown clearly on her expression as she looked at Silas with a pleading gleam in her eyes. Speaking with her usual honeyed tone, she gave him a gentle smile. I can take him inside, will you come with me, Silas? Surprisingly, Silas nodded. Okay, mother. Silas usually doesnt care about Esmeralda at allmaybe its because of Lady Ruelle that hes learning to treat women better? Dismissing it as him simply being too tired to care, Esmeralda beamed while taking his hand into hers. Oh my, immediately, she felt the cold seeping into her palm. You must be freezing, lets get you back inside, cmon. As the two of them headed into the mansion, Creston and Lysander followed suit. Chapter 24: Tea Time (1) Circe opened her eyes to a familiar view of the ceiling. As she groggily rose from the comforts of her bed, Zeke looked at her from his seat beside the bed, placing down the Witchs Codex onto his lap and asked in a quiet voice. Hey, good morning. How are you feeling? Im aching all over, Circe responded, feeling the soreness settling into her muscles as she fumbled with the blanket. Seeing the bandages on her feet, she let out a long sigh. Did I sleep long? Hows everyone else? Not really, you slept for around twelve hours, its noon right now, Zeke pointed towards the window with his chin. Beyond the glass shimmered the afternoon sun, its light barely filtered despite the thickness of the curtains. I ran into Lilia earlier, she went with Cleo to your estate and cleared everything up for you again. Apparently, your sister was very shaken since it was the first time she saw a real monster, let alone blood. To be honest, I dont really care about CleoIs Lilia alright? Her tones shifted dramatically as she mentioned different people. She spoke plainly about her sister, but showed genuine concern when it came to her personal maid. Zeke seemed to share the same sentiment, as he simply skipped over to Lilias matters when he responded. I asked her the same thing, shes fine. Most of the servants were hiding in the kitchen and they fended off any stray wolves with the utensils there. The image her mind concocted made her smile. Thats funny to think about, I can imagine Lilia bonking a wolf with a frying pan. Her contagious jest spreaded to Zeke. Haha, I didnt think of it like that, it does sound funny, but Circe noticed that his smile appeared slightly weak. Oh yeah, my mother invited us for tea, though she said that you dont have to come if you cant. You look a little worn out, is something wrong? Circe couldnt help but focus on the tried look in his eyes, frowning slightly with worry. Oh, its nothing, I just came back from my morning lesson with Einar, Zeke waved, as if brushing off the topic as a simple matter. Im starting todaya|and even though he knows Im a mage, he trained me like he was expecting me to be some sort of magic swordsman hybrid. Judging from his loose tunic and rolled up pants, it seemed as if Sir Einar had ordered him to run through a storm. Now that shed heard his whinings, Circes furrowed brows creased into a smile. Well, your strength stat is lower than a girls, so Im not surprised if you struggle to even hold the sword properly. Energy returned to his eyes as Zekes head snapped towards her, the frustration overriding the fatigue. Hah? I carried you back last night! Stats are just a number. Its because Im light as a feather, Circe shrugged sarcastically, her smile growing into a mischievous grin. A sword is not a feather, Zeke. Besides that, Zeke let out a huff as he straightened his back. I have my strength scrolls, so technically I have eight points in strength, thats above average. Above average for a teenager, but still low for a teenage boy. Circe laughed. Hearing that, Zekes expression soured. Fuck, its because Silas was too busy ruining his health by underage drinking. I had to get down on my knees just for Einar to let me use the buffs while training. Speaking of underage, Circe leaned her back against the headrest. Were sixteen, right? The empires laws state that children can get engaged and even marry at fifteendoes that mean our wedding will take place once were seventeen? Usually engagements last one year, right? Zeke tilted his head with a blank look. Dont they last one year because it takes a long time to book a wedding? Or its just that the couple wants to wait beforetying the knots, shrugging, he continued. Ive been single my whole life, and my only source of information on romantic relationships came from my bragging friends. But since this is an arranged marriage, maybe our fathers have the final say in the end. Im surprised youre not freaking out about the idea of marriage now, Circe made a dramatic look as she clapped. Talk about character development. Really? Thats what you want to focus on? Zeke narrowed his eyes in disbelief. Since youre not going to care either way, Im not going to embarrass myself by getting worked up again. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Aw, how unfortunate. Circe scoffed as the marchioness invitation crossed her mind. Oh, and about the tea party, Im joining you too. I want to eat something sweet right now. Youre going to walk with those injuries? You got really scary blisters on the soles of your feet. Zeke looked at her with widened eyes, but she could see genuine worry in his surprised expression. I can have the doctor get you a wheelchair. Wheelchairs exist here? Circe tilted her head, perplexed by the revelation. Of course? Equally as baffled, Zeke replied. You think an empire thats managed to mimic electricity couldnt think of something like a chair with wheels? Thats a fair point Circe blinked, nodding in acknowledgement. As she looked down at her plain nightgown, she glanced at Zeke from the side. By the way, who changed me out of my clothes? For some reason, Zeke simply stared at her blankly, refusing to answer. Circe couldnt help but feel suspicious of his sudden silent behavior, but after a moment of thought, she laughed. You almost got me there, very funny Zeke. A small smile crept to Zekes lips. Damn, cant you be a little less keen? I mean, who else but the maids would change me? Duh, Im not stupid. She rolled her eyes. It was worth a try, Zeke got up from his chair, walking towards the door. Alright, wait here, Ill have a maid tend to you while I go get that wheelchair. . . . The marchioness living quarters stood on the far, opposite side of the main estate. Enchanted by the beautiful paintings and antiques, an entirely different atmosphere radiated from the marble walls as Zeke and Circe traversed through the hallway. Unlike the stern interior of the marquess side, Esmeralda had breathed life and energy into the decorations around them. Lilia gently pushed Circes elegant wooden wheelchair along while Zeke followed right by her side. My lady, the maid spoke softly, her excited smile contrasting her gentle tone. Marquess Peregrine has given you permission to stay at the Salvadors estate until the royal banquet. Isnt that wonderful? You get to spend more time with Lord Silas. Its not like that guy wants me back home. Circe chuckled at the brunettes joyous voice, thinking that she sounded happier than the mistress herself. Unfortunately, the banquet is only two weeks from now. I wish I could stay here forever, she flashed a bright smile towards Zeke. Right? Lord Silas? Indeed, Zeke responded without missing a beat. Though, at least weve gotten two weeks because the banquet got pushed back due to some issues in the royal palacethats what my father told me anyway. If I could offer my insignificant input, Lilia started. Ive heard rumors that the crown prince got himself hurt while horse riding, but some people were saying that the second prince deliberately crashed into him. Well, the second prince has always been a bit of a brute, Zeke recalled some details hed read in the past as they made a turn. Using Silas Salvadors imperfect memory, he guided them through the maze-like hallways. Its not surprising that people would start pinning the blame onto him, especially when the crown princes faction is getting sensitive these daysAh, looks like were here. Soon, the sight of a beautiful greenhouse welcomed them. Vines and other flora gleam like gems under the permeated sunlight, shining down on the pearlescent tea table in the middle of the flushed jungle. The aromatic, yet delicate scent of flowers hung in the air, inducing serenity with each breath they took. When Zeke walked closer, Esmeralda Salvador looked up at him with a smile as bright as the afternoon sun. Ah! Hello Silas, and Lady Ruelle. Im grateful that you can join us despite your injuries, I hope my invitation didnt put too much pressure on you. No no, thats not the case at all, Marchioness, Circe returned the womans gentle smile as Lilia wheeled her to the table. Im actually craving for some sweets, so I simply took advantage of your invitation. You dont need to worry about me at all. Her jesting words enticed a soft chuckle from Esmeralda, bringing her fingers up to her lips. With her immaculate beauty, a graceful aura envelops her every move, even a simple brief laughter made her shine like an angel sent from the heavens. Oh my, please wait a moment, then, my maid is currently on her way here with our tea and treats, She placed her hands on her lap. I actually call you here because I wanted to thank you, Lady Ruelle. Thank me? Genuine surprise widened her eyes. Yes, Im glad that youre Silas fiancee, Lady Ruelle, Despite her smile, Esmeralda had a forlorn look in her eyes as she shook her head, sighing in disappointment. I am ashamed as a mother, since I couldnt even set my sons behavior straight. I never got to know about his antics until after several months had passed She suddenly faced Zeke, causing him to flinch. You dont still drink, do you? I know fifteen is the legal age but no woman would like a drunkard as a husband. No, mother. Ill only drink on special occasions from now on, it took Zeke a moment to gather himself, forcing a smile as he replied. Soon, a maid walked in with a trolley and brought their tea and desserts to the table. Thats good, Esmeraldas smile grew wider when she saw Circe chuckling quietly to herself from the corner of her eyes. Im glad youre marrying someone you feel genuine affection to, at the very least, youll have a friend you can lean on for the rest of your life. Her words reminded Zeke of some stray information hed read while playing Silas Salvador. Out of all her children, Esmeralda adored Silas the most, perhaps because Creston would take the kids almost immediately after they were born, she never got the chance to grow attachment to any of her children. Silas was the black sheep of the family, a child that Creston couldnt shape to his image, and so Esmeralda wanted to give her young son the love that his father didnt give him. Even if that same child refused to spare her any time of day. Mother, Zekes solemn voice garnered a blank look from Esmeralda. Im sorry for causing you any worry and pain until now, I will make it up to you starting today, if you could please forgive me. His unexpected apology brought a heavy silence to the atmosphere between them, but Esmeraldas warm smile instantly shattered the icy tension. Oh, Silas, my baby Her murmurs choked from the tears swelling in her eyes. Im your mother, Silas, how can I not forgive you? Zeke didnt expect this reaction from Esmeralda either as he frantically stood up, bolting to her side. By then, tears had trickled down her cheeks. Mother, please dont cry, a panging pain stung his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. Did I make you sad? Im sorry, I never Im not sad, Silas, her maid handed Esmeralda a handkerchief. While she wiped the tears from her face, she smiled at Zeke. These are tears of joy, from a mother thats happy to see her son grow up. Having sat in stupefied silence this entire time, Circe decided to lift the mood, nodding along with the marchioness words as she spoke. Yes, Lord Silas has been quite childish until latelyOr at least hes still kind of am. Lady Ruelle Zeke looked at Circe with a smile, but no one but her would be able to see the threatening glimmer in his crescent eyes. Thats quite a hurtful thing to say about your fiance. Their lighthearted laughter replaced the somber atmosphere. Chapter 25: Tea Time (2) "Is the cheesecake to your liking, Silas?" Esmeralda inquired as she set down her teacup, glancing up at her son. Zeke had already devoured half of his dessert. "I remember they used to be your favorites, so I made sure the chefs prepared plenty of them today...Oh! But that was quite some time ago...Do you still enjoy cheesecakes?" Yes I do, dont worry, Im sure whatever you give me will be delicious, mother, Zeke responded with a gentle smile. Me and Silas share the same tastes in food, it seems, thats convenient at least. The thought passed his mind as he glanced at Circe, watching her stack another plate on top of her ongoing pile. I didnt know you liked Eclairs that much, my lady. I enjoy desserts in general, Circe dragged a plate of cupcakes closer to her, eyes sparkling merrily at the mere sight of sweets. What about you? Until now, I had no idea that you liked cheesecakes. Staring at her excited demeanor, Zeke figured out her genuine curiosity. He took a bite out of his dessert and replied. I do enjoy mild sweets like cheesecakes, but strawberries are also goodI dont like pure chocolate though. Circe tilted her head. Pure chocolate? I meant chocolate as bars or drinks, I prefer things like chocolate cakes. Zeke clarified, slicing through his cheesecake with the fork in his hand. Thatsyoure quite picky, arent you? Circe chuckled as she took a bite out of a strawberry cupcake, her smile widening as the sweetness melted into her tongue. Thats good though, just give me all your chocolates, and Ill eat them for you! Hearing her bubbling voice, Zeke couldnt help but smile. Of course, he ate his dessert, finishing his first plate before settling it aside. Taking a sip of tea, he let the clean taste blend in nicely with the sweetness, washing it all down his throat. If thats what you want, then I can always let you have them, my lady. Esmeralda silently drank her tea, smiling softly at the rosy atmosphere. As she glanced towards her maid, the short-haired brunette could only respond with an awkward smile. I feel as if I am holding the two of you back, she returned her focus to the two young nobles before her. Having successfully garnered their attention, she set her cup down on its plate. Like a third-wheel watching a blossoming couple lost in their own world. The two of them shared a glance before smiling at the marchioness jesting comment. As he replied, Zeke shook his head. No, not at all, mother. If theres something youd like to talk to us about then feel free to speak up, weve had plenty of dates until now. Circe chuckled. Yes, Marchioness, its been a while since youve talked to Lord Silas, Im worried that I might be stealing too much of his attention from you. If thats the case Esmeralda faced Zeke as he raised his cup of tea to his lips. When do you two plan on getting wed? Cough! Almost dropping his drink, Zeke bent over at the marchioness unexpected question. Circe appeared more surprised that he choked on his tea, lightly tapping his back as he straightened himself and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. That! He briefly glanced at Circe, but she didnt look back and instead returned to her cupcakes. How helpful. We thought about taking it slow for the time beingmaybe once we both turn seventeen or eighteen. But thats quite a long time, Esmeralda replied, bewilderment clear in her tone as she brought her hand to her lips. I thought you two might want to tie the knots as soon as possible. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Marriage is but a ceremony, Marchioness, Circe spoke up, settling another empty plate onto its pile. Married or not, we still love each other very dearly, so we simply see no point in rushing it. But besides that As she looked away, a timid frown creased her brows. I am still growing, and I would like to look my best when Im wearing my wedding gownAh, its quite a childish reason, isnt it? No, of course not! Esmeralda chuckled at her sudden shyness. But you are right. Since both of you are already engaged, the bonds between the families have been established as planned. The lord told me he will leave all the decisions to you, so please dont feel pressured by my question earlier, it was simply out of curiosity. Maam, The marchioness personal maid leaned in to whisper into her mistress ear. My apologies, but its time for your appointment. Oh my, is it time already? A disappointed look crossed her face. Esmeralda faced the two of them with a soft smile. Im sorry you two, but I have prior arrangements to attend to. You can finish your desserts all by yourself and leave once youre done, okay? Ah, alright, Zeke nodded in acknowledgement, though surprised that she had to leave all of a sudden. Have a good day, mother. I hope to have tea with you again sometime, my lady. Circe gave the marchioness a smile. Returning their courtesies with her own smile, Esmeralda rose from her chair, carefully lifting her pearlescent dress. Thank you, Ill be sure to invite you next time as well, Lady Ruelle. As her maid guided her to the entrance, Zeke suddenly got up to his seat, the sudden noise garnering Esmeraldas attention. He stared at his mothers surprised expression as he spoke. Mother, Illvisit you more often. His brief words sounded awkward, and anyone would have thought he may have faked it for the sake of courtesy. However, Esmeralda did not think so, smiling brightly in genuine joy. Thank you Silas, I look forward to seeing you again soon. With that, she left the greenhouse. Letting out a sigh of relief, Zeke sat back down. Lilia, he called the maid calmly, his tone unlike the frantic rush hed shown before. Can we be alone for a moment? It wont take long for us to finish here anyway. Lilia instantly replied in earnest. Yes, of course, my lord! I shall take my leave, Lady Ruelle. Before Circe could turn to face her maid, Lilia had already disappeared. Is she your maid or something? She let out a lighthearted chuckle as she grabbed the plate filled with chocolate chip cookies. Anyway Zeke, whats up with that earlier? You really acted like her son just now. I kind of am? Zeke took one of the cookies from Circes plate. Maybe I justsee my own mother in Esmeralda, his gaze averted to the plants around them. Adopted mother, to be exact. I was an orphan. Oh. Circe gave him a sheepish look, and he laughed. Hey, its nothing serious, I never even knew my real parents faces, Zeke shrugged nonchalantly. They just left me at the orphanage when I was a babya|I was lucky that I got adopted. My mother was a great womanunfortunately, she isnt here anymore. She raised you alone? Her question sounded hesitant. Yeah, she was a university professor, teaching biochemistry or somethingI never really asked, Despite having his head focused elsewhere, Circe still noticed the downcast on his face. I wasnt as bad as Silas, but I never really paid my mother much attention. I didnt even notice that she was ill for quite a whilea|until it was too late. A forlorn smile appeared on his lips. Maybemaybe I just saw myself in Silas, and I want to at least do things right this time, you know? Im sorry, Circe locked her fingers together nervously. Chuckling, she continued. Im not very good at comforting people, I could barely comfort myself when dad passed. I wasnt looking for comfort or anything, Zeke smiled as he faced Circe. I should be sorry for oversharing, I didnt ruin the taste of your cookies, did I? Of course not, Swiftly snatching the cookie from his hand, Circe took a bite out of it. Besides, you can talk about anything with me, and Ill do the same with you. Weve only got each other in this world, right? Zeke let out a soft huff, taking a new cookie from the plate. As he spoke, his smile grew wider. Sure, I guess youre right. . . . With a few hours until dinner, they decided to spend the remainder of their day in the library. Sitting in their spots atop the mezzanine, Zeke summoned all the items hed gotten from the Alpha Wolf last night. We got pretty lucky with the drops, even though its less than actual dungeon rewards. So two skill booksand the monster core, Circe took one of the leather-bound books for herself. Glancing at the green orb, she noticed that it had the same color as the patterns on Rokans body during its second phase. Yeah, normally bosses outside of dungeons drop only one skill book, and five percent for the second. Zeke lightly tapped Rokans core, dismissing it back into his inventory. Since you went first last time, how about you let me open mine first? A smirk crept up his lips as he looked at Circe mischievously. Oh hoho She crossed her arms as she tapped the books spine against her shoulder. Returning Zekes grin with one of her own, she responded with a challenging nod and spoke in an arrogant voice. Well then Mister Overlord of Mana, lets see if you can get anything better than Charm. Despite the smile on his face, Circe could still see a frustrated glint in Zekes eyes. Well see about that. As he opened the skill book, a golden light erupted from its pages. Chapter 26: Training (1) [Used x1 ] [Received the Active Skill: ] < Skill Description > Name: Gravity Type: Active Skill Tier: A Cost: 200 MP Cooldown: 50 seconds Effects - Press down on the target(s) in an AoE effect with intense force for 10 seconds. Skill can be used indefinitely, costing <50 MP> per second, immobilizing the caster, and increasing the by 10 every second. <<>> Holy fuck. Zeke stared at the system panel in disbelief. Looking back and forth between Circes agap mouth and the skill description, it took him a moment to recompose himself as a wide grin crept to his lips. Haha, this is definitely better than Charm, or any of your skills in this case. Its A rank, Circe, and one of the best support skills there is! Circe narrowed her eyes, giving him an annoyed stare. Oh, you keep wallowing in your success, a golden light erupted from the skill books pages as she snapped it open. Watch, Im going to get something better. [Used x1 ] [Received the Active Skill: ] [Conditions fulfilled. You can now view ] [Cost of is now visible.] < Skill Description > Name: Phase Type: Active Skill Tier: A Cost: 30 MP Cooldown: 90 seconds Effects - Dashes forward with a maximum distance of 5 Meters, when an obstacle is in the path, the user will stop behind it. - Any attack performed after using will always result in a - Killing an enemy after using resets its cooldown and restores <10 MP>. Bonus Effect - When paired with any type weapon, the attack after using has a 100% chance to inflict <<>> Circes thunderous laughter shook the entire room as Zeke could only stare at the holographic panel in sheer disbelief. Taking a deep breath in a futile attempt to calm herself down, Circe gave Zeke a wide arrogant grin. Hows a top-tier mobility skill, hm? What? Cat got your tongue? Theres no way. A slow shake of his head accompanied his quiet mumbles. You did not just do that. You didnt make that call, no. I refuse to believe that just happened. Different skills suit different classes and playstyle. Mages'' abilities often consume a lot of mana but typically have low cooldowns compared to warriors. On the other hand, warriors possess skills that use low mana but have longer cooldowns instead. Fighters, archers, and rogues rely more on synergies between their skills and equipment, while mages simply rely on gear for their stats or damage-amplifying effects. An easy example would be the comparison between their two A-tier skills. Paring up with bladed weapons works better due to its bonus effect, while can hold its own even without any synergies or equipment. Hey, no need to be sad, Circe spoke, and although it looked like she tried to comfort Zeke, her sarcastic tone said otherwise. As she dismissed the system panels, she took a glance out the window, noting the time. We have two weeks until the next major event, so we can just sneak out and go clear dungeons somewhere. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. I guess youre right, Zeke let out a sigh, deciding to ignore her sassy remarks from earlier for the sake of his blood pressure. Lets go get ready for dinnerDo you need help getting down the stairs? As Circe rose from the floor, her hand grabbed hold of the railing while she watched her bandaged feet closely. NoI can do it myself, thanks. She may have insisted but Zeke couldnt help but wince at her every step as descended the stairs, eventually reaching her wheelchair safe and sound. When Zeke reached the first floor, Circe beamed. AlthoughI wouldnt mind at all if you could push me. Haa. A hint of sarcasm tinged his sigh as Zeke began wheeling Circe out of the library. Very well, my lady, Im at your service. He smiled. Hearing his words, Circe grinned with satisfaction and leaned back against the comfort of her seat. What a gentleman you are, my lord. . . . The next morning, Circe and Zeke met at the training center, wearing comfortable clothes in preparation for their swordsmanship lesson. As Circe loosely tied her hair into a ponytail, their heads turned to the thump of footsteps sounding from the entrance. Lady Ruelle? Einars surprised expression didnt match with his calm tone. Unlike the two of them, he wore the full Salvador knights uniform, and had his left hand resting against the handle of his wooden sword. I didnt know you would be participating today. Ah, would that be a problem, sir? Circe already had a dummy sword fixed by her waist while Zeke remained engrossed in the Witchs Codex, leaning comfortably against the bleachers upper step. If one didnt know any better, they wouldve thought Circe was the one Einar originally trained. Not at all, my lady, I simply didnt expect you to train with usI thought your injuries would hinder you, but it seems my worries are for naught, Einar smiled as he gave the young noble a bow. Glancing towards Zeke, the sight of his masters nonchalance brought a stern look to his expression. Young master, its time for training. Zeke glanced up from the tomes pages, silently staring at his knight for a moment, his stoic expression unreadable. Eventually, he rose to his feet and swapped the Witchs Codex with the wooden sword he laid by the bleachers seat. We already warmed up before you got here, so just start. Einar took a second to think. Raising an eyebrow, he questioned. You warmed up and immediately went to rest? It was literally five minutes. Zeke responded with a voice filled with disbelief. Young master, Einar sighed. You barely have any basics in swordsmanship, let alone the stamina to keep up with it. If you want to at least fool the marquess, youd need to put in more effort than this. I am, Zeke pointed to the bleacher behind him with his thumb, specifically the Witchs Codex. If I can learn body strengthening magic, then I dont need to train my stamina, all I need to know is how to move properly, thats all. Einar shook his head. I disagree, it is easier to play the fool as a scholar, than to play a scholar as a fool. Sir Einar, Circe interrupted their conversation, poking her head in between them with a bright smile. If you want to convince Lord Silas, youd need a better method than this. Zeke raised an eyebrow as he scoffed. Even if its you, my lady, this is a bit of a Suddenly, Circe unsheathed her sword and pointed it towards him, cutting off his sentence. Silas! If you want to ditch the training that badly, then youd have to win against me in a duel! [Party Member Ruelle Peregrine challenged you to ] Zekes widened eyes stared at the tip of the wooden sword for a moment, unable to find a reply. But after her words sank in, a wide smirk crept to his lips as he smacked her sword away with his own. Alright, fine. I accept, he turned to Einar. You can be our referee, right? Einar let out a long sigh before nodding. Yes. [Party Member Silas Salvador accepted the challenge.] [PVP mode on.] Circe and Zeke took opposition, leaving appropriate distance between the three of them. As Circe held out her sword, she asked with a smile. How about we do this with Anything Goes? Hearing her proposal, Zeke laughed and nodded. Fine by me, but you better not regret this decision later, my lady. With his words as confirmation, Circe immediately rushed in. Her injuries may have slowed her footing, yet she still managed to close in their distance in mere seconds. Despite her unmatched swiftness, Zeke predicted this and raised his sword to block the incoming slash. But as he prepared to counterattack, Circe had already drawn her sword back and delivered another blow. Relentlessly, she struck at Zekes sword, leaving him no choice but to keep defending. What the fuck, she hits like a truck. His struggles started to show on his face, though Circes expression remained focused as she kept pushing him back little by little. At first, Einar didnt want the two nobles to start sparring just yet, but now he couldnt take his eyes off of them as he watched with great interest in the ladys skills. Her strength is goodits not easy for a woman to match a mans power, but maybe Lord Silas is just weak? Shes even holding herself back right now. I need just a tiny window Zeke gritted his teeth through the ache rushing through his wrists like an electric shock. Comparing their stats, he knew full well that Circe didnt use her full strength, and yet he still struggled to even hold his sword steady. Ah! I have that! !!! Circes eyes went wide as her persistent attacks slowed to a halt, giving Zeke the opportunity to finally swing his sword. With the second of breathing room, Zeke looked to end the battle instantly as he aimed for her side with all his strength. CLACK! Ha, I didnt think that would affect me, Despite the spells effect, Circe overcame the status condition with her speed alone. Pushing Zeke back, she gave herself enough time to retreat. I guess its because I find you cute. Circes eyes turned cold. My turn. With a blink, Circe vanished from where she once stood. Reacting purely on instinct, Zeke swung his sword behind him, and fortunately met hers with his own, sparing his neck from the blunt blade. Were you trying to kill me with that? Nervousness flickered across his smile. Her eyes betrayed her stoic face. You should be able to live one crit from a wooden sword. Fuck, did I make her mad somehow? I dont remember pissing her off? As another burst of pain burned in his wrist, Zeke activated his other skill. An intense force pressed down on Circe, forcing her to lower her sword. Despite lacking a form of defense, a glint of confidence sparked in her eyes. Ha, nice try. She grinned and disappeared once more. Feeling a light tap on his neck, Zeke dropped his sword and raised his hands in defeat, scoffing as he smiled. Well, I lost. [Silas Salvador forfeited.] [Winner: Ruelle Peregrine.] [PVP mode off.] Chapter 27: Training (2) Clap. Clap! Sir Einar clapped and walked towards them as Circe lowered her wooden sword, letting Zeke pick up his own on the ground. That was a fabulous fight, he remarked in a genuine tone, then turned towards Zeke. Especially you, Young Master. Despite your differences in skill, you managed to keep up well. I noticed that you have good instincts, he glanced at Circe. Even if it may not be enough to match Lady Ruelles performance. So dungeons truly do give a major boost to ones abilities. A forlorn smile played on Zekes lips, dulling the light in his eyes. Oh, wellLady Ruelle was holding back against me the entire time, it appeared that he took Einars words as an attempt to comfort him. Since Ive lost, I will keep my promise and train as you said. But go easy on me, alright? Im so weak that I got beaten by my fiancee. Hearing his dejected voice, Einar slowly nodded, giving in to the young masters earnest plea. Very well, Ill lower your daily requirements from five hundred swings to three hundred, that is the lowest I, as a teacher, am willing to compromise. Joy swept away the desolation on Zekes smile. Thank gothank you, Sir Einar. Oh, Lady Ruelle, choosing not to acknowledge Zekes slip-up, Einar turned to Circe. Would you mind helping me with Lord Silas training? I shall do the same and help you improve as well. Seeing as you already have the basics down, it shouldnt be difficult to build up your skills from here. Circes eyes lit up with glee. That would be greatly appreciated, Sir Einar, delight bubbled up from her voice, reflected in the curve of her lips. Though Id be using a variety of bladed weapons, so I would like for my lessons to be flexible, if thats not too much to ask. Of course not, Lady Ruelle, Einar nodded in understanding. I shall adjust my lessons to fit your needs. Im happy simply knowing that my teachings could help foster the younger generations. Youre barely thirty, why are you speaking like youre an old man? Zeke laughed, causing Circe to chuckle as well. Einar returned their jests with a smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of provocation. Young Master, if you have the energy to make a joke, then I assume youre ready to continue your training? Ah. Swallowing down an invisible lump, Zeke forced himself to smile. Yes, you wonttake back on your words, right? When Einar simply took out his wooden sword, the thought of fleeing crossed his mind for a moment, until Circe flashed him a wide grin. Youre fucked. Fuck. A glint of dismay flashed across Zekes eyes. . . . Many repetitive days passed by spent on training the sword, and the two of them had improved a lot compared to when theyd just started. Due to her aptitude, Circes proficiency increased at an abnormal rate, surprising even Sir Einar. House Peregrine made a big mistake not allowing you to learn the sword, you clearly have the talent for it. Hed said to her. While her swift improvement impressed the swordsman, Zekes development brought Einar as much joy, perhaps even more than Circes. I never thought Id see the day! Congratulations, Young Master, you now pass as a novice swordsman! Even if Einar had exclaimed with a voice filled with elation, Zeke couldnt help but feel like he just got insulted for his lack of skills. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As a reward for his hard work, Sir Einar allowed Zeke to take a break from training for three days, and he planned on spending them very wisely. Is that book all you know in life? Circe grumbled with her chin resting against her opened palm. Theyd once again found themselves atop the librarys mezzanine as Zekes obsession with the Witchs Codex began to show. I didnt think anything at first, but you really read it every chance you get. But its very interesting, Zeke responded without looking up from the tomes pages. It doesnt tell me the tiers so I dont know which one I can or cant learn, but recently Ive been trying to figure this out. As he spoke, he placed the Witchs Codex on the floor, turning it over for Circe to read its contents. A large, intricate circle filled up a forth of the left papers space, while descriptions and other enigmatic patterns spread out across the two visible pages. From what Circe could make out at first glance, she noticed the words Falling Stars written in bold letters beneath the magic circle. Unable to grasp the pages context, her eyebrows raised in puzzlement. What am I looking at exactly? Falling stars, of course, As an excited smile spread across Zekes brightened face, Circe looked at him with a frown, thinking that he deliberately tried to mess with her. His next words disputed that thought, though. Or in Dungeon Regime, the spell is called Meteor Shower, it has a cool name, but since its only a B-Tier spell, I might have a chance in learning it. Now understanding Zekes intentions, Circe nodded along in agreement, thinking that his plan sounded reasonable. Oh I see, so youre going full support mage build? Yeah, I have the Hexbringer Pendant, and two of my skills focused on support, so I see no reason why I should be stubborn and go for DPS, Zeke spun the book back towards him, eyes darting along its pages in great interest. Especially when youre already dealing good damage, and I actually like playing support. It checks out. You like playing support? Circes eyes went round with surprise, lowering her hand from her chin. Wow, youre one of a kind, I havent met many people who like the support class in Dungeon Regimeor any game for that matter. I mean, seeing big numbers is satisfying too, but Zeke glanced up at her as he grinned. The pride of being the one who keeps your team alive, or allowing those people to deal the damage in the first place is a unique feeling in itself, you get me? Circe took a moment to think, a slight frown creasing her forehead. I guess that makes sensealthough Im really bad at playing healers and buffers so I cant relate, untying the knot of her brows, she flashed a smile. But I feel comfortable around real supporters too, so Im definitely going to help you with this one. Do you need me for anything? The two of them had decided to stick to each other like glue simply because they didnt like the thought of navigating social interactions on their own. It felt safer knowing theres someone else by their side, waiting to give the other their support. Even if Zeke could simply read in the library alone while Circe could go train at the arena, she chose to accompany him because neither of them wanted to be alone. Though the fact remained unspoken between the two of them. Well, Im not going to learn Meteor Shower right away, I actually have something else in mind right now, Zeke flipped the Witchs Codex to a specific page before placing it back down for Circe to see. This is what Ive been looking for, a way for us to finally put the monster cores to good use. Unlike the previous pages, the ones Zeke showed her had less words, and a lot more images with some descriptions beneath them. They depicted the picture of a spherical shape shifting into formless energy via the use of magic circles. Once again, Circe didnt understand anything in front of her even though it was in English, but she did see more bolded words like Conversion, Heart of Beasts, and Mana. Wait A memory surfaced in Circes thoughts, bringing a frown to her face. Realization flashed across her expression as she snapped her fingers, eyes widening in surprise. Dont tell me this is Alchemy. Ding ding ding! Zeke gunned his fingers and smirked, using his other hand to point at the gas-like mass shown on the tomes page. Yep, the Witchs Codex is too thick to get through in one go, so I completely missed this chapter when I skimmed over it the first time. Now with this, we have access to Alchemy without needing to find the Alchemist NPC. Alchemy, a function in Dungeon Regime that allows the players to convert their materials into another, its main purpose is to reduce tedious farmings when they require specific materials. However, that only scratches the surface of Alchemys capabilities. Completing a series of quest lines assigned by the randomized Alchemist NPC will unlock the Alchemy functions additional abilities. But since the function no longer operates like in the game, finding the Alchemist for the two of them would not change anything, in fact, it would merely be a waste of time and resources. Besides that, Dungeon Regimes alchemists are amongst rarest occupations in all of Oriens Empire, and a skilled alchemist is even rarer than the chance to get struck by lightning. Legitimate alchemists in the games lore can actually turn lead into gold, and the one called The True Alchemist can even create energy from nothing. Alchemy Circe muttered under her breath, her mind racing at the opportunities thatd just opened before them. Theres a section about it that tells the story of an alchemistone that can harness the strength of monsters Yep, you remember correctly, As Zeke spoke with an exhilarated grin, a green sphere appeared in his palm. And were going to extract these cores for all that they can give us. Ha. Following suit, Circe summoned Arachnes Core into her hand, staring at its vile dark green color, like the appearance of toxic wastes near factory waters. The thrill of possibilities sent shivers down her spine as a smirk danced on her lips. I like the sound of that. Chapter 28: Training (3) After finding themselves some ink, Zeke carefully balanced the Witchs Codex on the mezzanines railing, clearing out room for the magic circles. Dipping the brush into the inkwell, Zeke began drawing three intersecting rings as the outlines for the ritual, before filling them in with the details mirroring the Codexs pages. Circe stood from the sidelines with her arms crossed, eyes glued to his meticulous work. As she watched closer, she noticed the ink squirmed to life, wiggling into their proper shape whenever Zeke made a mistake. So thats how you always seem to draw perfect circlesthats magic too? Unsurprisingly, Zeke didnt respond back, having lost himself in deep concentration. His furrowed brows only focused on weaving the ink into the precise circles hed seen in the Witchs Codex. As one line connected with another, Circe watched with increasing awe at how Zeke managed to entwine them all together without lifting his brush once. Despite the intricacy of the circles, it didnt take long until Zeke straightened himself. Letting out a huff, Circe got the impression that he may have held his breath the entire time. There we go, now we just have to hope it works, either that, or it explodes. His words wiped the awe from Circes face, replacing it with shock. What? Well, the circles are all activated, Zeke explained in a nonchalant tone, contrary to the steep cost of the mentioned mistake. Im sure of this because my mana is still in the ink even though I already lifted the brush. So, it either works properly, or I just drew one good magic bomb. Circe made a face. Why is it that every time I find myself watching you do magic, theres always a dangerous catch? Hey, its just a possibility, Zeke waved his hand as a smile dawned on his lips. I was just saying, I have the Mana Overlord aptitude, so if something truly is wrong then Ill sense it first. The mana in these circles are stable, theres no need to worry about a point one percent chance. Circe grimace. You know how we are with those chances. Did you forget about the golden trophies in our inventories already? If youre scared, why dont you go wait downstairs? Zeke suggested as he picked up Rokans Core by his side, placing it down on the intersection between the three circles. Despite having nothing to keep it steady, the sphere remained still inside the inked lines, as if held together by a mysterious force. Swallowing nervously, Circe shook her head at Zekes recommendation. No, I trust you, her moment of vulnerability lasted for only those few seconds. Besides that, I have to be here to see your face if the circles do explode. Haha. Zekes face remained expressionless as he hovered his hand above the ritual, letting the energy flow from his fingertips and activate the magic circles. While outsiders couldnt perceive the strings of magic, the bright light emitted from the ritual signaled its success. Inked lines began to glow hot red with mystic power as sparks flew from the Rokans Core, arching around its surface like solar flares bursting from the sun. As the spheres surface started to ripple, the luminance of the ritual suddenly converged into the irregular shapes center, combining into one floating mass. [Congratulations! Youve gained the Aptitude: ] < Aptitude Description > Name: Mystic Craftsman Rarity: Rare Type: Magic/Crafting Effects Grants access to Increase understanding in Increase success chance when doing <<>> Oh woah, Circes eyes turned round at the notifications sudden appearance. You got an aptitude for that too, talk about bonus. Before Zeke could respond, his eyes snapped onto a hint of movement in the corner of his eyes. [Extraction Complete!] Another system panel interrupted them. Their attention snapped back to the shapeless mass hovering above the magic circles just in time to see it took form into a sphere once more. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. [The Passive Skill: is extracted from ] < Skill Description > Name: Winds Grace Type: Passive Skill Tier: C Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects The wind favors you, granting permanent (+3) to Agility. Bonus Effects Temporarily grants (+3) Agility when using a skill for 20 Seconds. <<>> Wow, Zeke did not sound impressed as he read the skills description. Glancing at Circe, he nudged his chin towards the floating mass. Its totally useless for me, so you can have it. Really? Circes widened eyes flickered back and forth between him and the skill, disbelief plastered across her expression, yet it couldnt mask her child-like excitement. After Zeke nodded in confirmation, Circe beamed and reached her hand towards the irregular lump, watching as it gave off a soft glow before disappearing into particles. [Received Passive Skill: ] 31> [Conditions fulfilled. unlocked.] [Achievement Unlocked: ''Classy~'' - Unlock your first ] [Youve gained some EXP!] [Reading Skill TypesOptions generated.] [Please choose your starting class.] < Class Selection > Warrior [RECOMMENDED] A beginner-friendly balanced class, perfect for those who''re just starting out. They primarily use close-range weapons, and excels at dealing damage while also soaking some damage when necessary. Archer This class excels at picking off enemies at a distance, dealing a significant amount of damage but is extremely frail. One hit from an enemy could spell disaster for archer classes, so it is not recommended for beginners. Rogue An expert-level class that has the best mobility in the game, and while they are good at moving around the map and dealing strong single-target attacks, they have very low . It is a mix between an s frail body and a s great close-range damage. <<>> Dismissing the other notification panels, Circe left only the class selection window open as joy flickered across her expression, turning the corner of her lips into a subtle grin. We all know what class Im picking. With the confident exclamation, she tapped on the last option of her selection. [Class Selected: Rogue.] [Chances of gaining class-related skills and items increased.] [You now gain one extra upon level up.] Circe let out a squeal in delight, waving her hand at all the panels in front of her to clear them away. Finally! Ive been waiting to get myself a class! Oh, we still have the Arachnes Core left, Zeke interjected as he extended his hand, asking for her to hand the last orb over. When he received the sphere, he placed it down on the magic circles as he did before, and watched the magic ritual begin once more. [Extraction Complete!] [The Active Skill: is extracted from ] < Skill Description > Name: Web Weaver Type: Active Skill Tier: B Cost: 20 MP Cooldown: None Effects Allows the user to generate and control strong spider webs from their hands, consuming initial <20 MP> for the first 10 Meters, and increasing the cost by <10 MP> every extra Meter. Strings can harden and become sharp wires. Attacks by inflict and deal damage. Bonus Effects The user can imbue certain with into their webs with no extra cost. <<>> Reading the skills description, Circe let out a sharp whistle. Its perfect for you, but in any case, I think Arachnes skills are all useful for a support mage considering that she inflicts poison. It is, but to be frank, I actually wanted this one the most, Zeke admitted with a smile as he waved his hand over the irregular mass, registering the skill into the system. While dismissing all the notification panels, he shifted his focus to Circe. Ive seen this one guy doing a Web Weaver build online, it was already cool in game, but now I want to know what else I can do with real physics. You found the build online? Circe brought her hand to her chin, brows furrowed slightly in deep thought. Is it from a guy named Yokurt? Yeah, a surprised look dawned on Zekes face as he stared at her with widened eyes. How did you know? You watched that video too? Circes brows unknotted. Well, a sheepish look crept to her expression. Yokurt was my online friendand I was the one who gave him permission to do a video about the build I came up with. He did mention that, if I remember correctly. Zekes expression froze as he eyed her blankly for a moment. OhOH. Suddenly, his confusion shifted into excitement in the blink of an eye, startling Circe as she leaned back in shock. You made that build? Thats fucking sick! You have to tell me your thought process on that one. It was the only DPS build that I like since Yokurtor I guess you said it could double as a good support build and Wait! Circe brought Zekes ramblings to a sudden halt. Taking a deep breath, she allowed a few seconds of silence to calm the both of them down. Whew, I never knew you could get so energetic, one thing at a time, alright? Even Zeke looked just as stunned as her, perhaps he didnt know that he could get that hyped up either. Yeah, sorry, my excitement just bursted after seeing that I got the skill I like, Zeke looked down at his fiddling thumbs with a dumbfounded look on his face. But if you couldmaybe you cantalk about it with me? Oh my god, Circe counted it as a blessing that Zeke couldnt see her hand covering her wide grin right now as an unknown heat crept up her cheeks. Hes so cute! Of course! After swiftly recomposing her demeanor, Circe put on a beaming smile. You worked hard on these magic circles just for this moment, right? But lets first clean up all the ink and we can go take a walk in the garden. Oh, dont worry about it, excitement lingered in Zekes eyes, curving his smile further upwards. Since its already become a temporary ritual, the ink will disappear when the mana fades. So lets go out right away. Hearing the urgency in his voice, Circe couldnt help but laugh, a wide grin spreading across her face. Okay! I give that this is the pass for talking about Dungeon Regime builds with you? Sure, Zeke nodded as he rose from the floor, Circe following soon after with a careful maneuver to avoid her healing foot. I actually enjoy listening to analysis of these things, even if I dont use them myself or go on dungeon runs often. Im not surprised that youd like talking about them though. Ive been holding back since I couldnt find the right moment to start rambling until now, Circe flashed him a mischievous grin as she descended the stairs. Turning around, she watched Zeke taking his steps behind her and exclaimed boldly. So you better prepare for it! Chapter 29: Siblings (1) A cool breeze danced to the morning suns gentle warmth, casting a comfortable ambience over Circe as she strolled along the veranda. Immersed in the calmness of silence, she let her gaze wander to the garden beyond the tall pillars, the strong aroma of flowers swiftly captured her attention. She wore a purple dress that Lilia had brought her from the Peregrine house, and once more secretly loosened her corset for comfort, if not for her maids insistence, she wouldve completely taken them off. As she took a turn, a silhouette caught her attention from the corner of her eyes, causing her to halt her steps, turning to face a small child looking up at her sternly. Oh, my apologies, I almost didnt see you there, it took her a moment, but once Circe recognized the little girl, she gave her a graceful curtsy. Good morning, Lady Rowena. How was your training? Rowena Salvador, the youngest child and only daughter from the Salvador House, had her long, raven-black hair tied into a high ponytail, and wore a comfortable dress shirt and pants suitable for swordsmanship training. While she may have inherited Esmeraldas emerald eyes, the frigid gleam within them mirrored her fathers, Creston Salvador. It was alright, my lady, thank you for asking, despite her haughty demeanor, Rowena answered in a calm voice, returning Circes curtsy with a bow. If not for her petite frame and sweet timbre, any wouldve mistaken her as a boy. But why are you here alone, my lady? I thought my brother follows you around like a parasitic worm these days. Parasitic wormOh my god. The childs words brought a smile to Circes lips, displaying her amusement. Rowena may attempt to behave like a grown adult, but her half-formal language still showed her true age. Lord Silas is still in bed, you see, Circe replied as she snuck a glance to the scenery beyond the veranda, noting the half-lit sky. Unlike us, hes not an early bird. Im sure you know what hes like. Rowena scoffed at her words, crossing her arms as a frown creased her forehead. I hardly want to acknowledge that person as my older brother, hes been nothing but disgraceful to our family, for a moment, Circe saw a flash of Lysander Salvador within her poise. He doesnt care about swordsmanship and goes around causing trouble for the people! Even Father chose to ignore him because no one could deal with him! Was Silas that bad? Then Circe recalled Silas Salvadors drinking habits, causing her to shudder. Actually, yes, his emotions turn into a turbulent storm whenever hes drunkand gets angry way too easily. But I guess hes better now, Rowena continued, the frustration in her voice now faded. Lowering her arms, she gave Circe a soft smile. I have you to thank, Lady Ruelle. Were you a dog whisperer in your past life? Because you seem to have a good handle with wild dogs. Circes hysterical laughter quickly got suppressed as her hand shot to her mouth. Oh my goodness, wiping a stray tear from her eye, the wide grin that lingered brightened her expression. First hes a worm, now hes a dog? You sure have your way with words for someone your age, Lady Rowena. Standing with her arms akimbo, Rowena puffed out her chest as she put on a proud face. Of course! My nanny said that Im the smartest girl in the march! When the little girl looked at Circe with eyes shimmering with joy, she couldnt see any trace of the stoic marquess in her anymore. Im starting to like you a lot, Lady Ruelle! Can we have tea together? I want to talk to you more! I would love to, Lady Rowena, Circe could feel herself getting more comfortable talking with the girl, even more so than Lilia, whom she knew better due to Ruelle Peregrines lingering memories. Genuine joy flickered across her face as she spoke. Since were going to be family soon anyway, youre free to speak however you want, Lady Rowena. Im sure its difficult minding your words constantly. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Rowenas expression lit up even brighter than before. Really? You dont mind? Why would I? Circe chuckled at her reaction, finding the little girl too cute to belong to a stern family like Salvador. Please dont take this as me looking down on you for being a child, but I believe that children like you shouldnt fret with these things until youre at least a teenager. As Rowena beamed at her, Circe got the impression that she may start bouncing around at any given moment, seeing her joy bubbling in her every word. Okay! Then can you call me Rena? Ive always wanted to use nicknames with someone! Circe nodded. Alright Rena, then you may call me Ruelle too. Ruelle Rowena looked down for a moment, appearing in deep thought. When she glanced up at Circe with a hint of hesitation in her eyes, uncertainty tinged her voice. Um, can I call you Sister? Sister Ruelle? Circe instantly froze, feeling as if her heart had gotten pierced by an arrow. Oh my god, shes so cute! After replying with a frantic nod, Circes smile grew wider. Yes! Were going to be sisters in the future anyway, so Im okay with that. Should we go talk some more over tea, Rena? Yes! Beaming like the sun, Rowena grabbed Circes hand and began dragging her somewhere, excitement oozing from her every step. . . . The intense force reverberated throughout Zeke''s arm as wooden swords clashed against each other. He gritted his teeth, eyeing the stoic Lysander Salvador in front of him as the latter effortlessly held out his weapon in defense. Damn, why did this guy have to show up all of a sudden? Lysander abruptly came to the training center, and after watching him swing his sword around for a while, he decided to ask Einar to let him spar with his younger brother. Since Einar, the vice commander, couldnt ignore the words of his commander, he hesitantly stepped back and let Lysander into the field. Without much choice, Zeke secretly used up his speed and strength magic scrolls, hoping to at least give himself a fighting chance. It did jack shit! His thoughts screeched to a halt as Lysander pushed Zeke back with a slight nudge. Thats enough. Lysanders cold, commanding voice unknowingly stiffened Zekes shoulders as they both lowered their swords. Your strength is still lacking, but youve got good stamina. I can believe it if you were simply persistent while fighting a monster even if youre this weak. Thats because I decided to spend my last stat points on Constitution. Letting his thoughts pass through his mind, Zeke forced a smile and bowed to his brother. Thank you for your compliment, Ill take your advice to heart, brother. His expression may appear stoic, but Zeke could spot a flash of uncertainty in Lysanders eyes. Were you being sarcastic just now? No, why would I dare? As Zeke straightened himself, his arched brows spoke clear of his confusion Seeing the genuine bewilderment on his brothers face, Lysander simply shook his head in response. Never mindWhen will your morning lesson end? I would like to have a talk with you. Talk? Zeke didnt notice his own tone as wiped sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his dress shirt. What do you want to talk to me about? Lysanders cold eyes watched Zeke mount the dummy sword back onto its racket, they darted towards Einar for a moment, but swiftly returned to their main focus as Zeke faced him. I will tell you in private. It is an important matter so I would appreciate it if you could spare me your time. Of course, Zeke casted Einar a glance, and the knight responded with a silent nod of his head. Now with his teachers dismissal, a hint of joy flickered across his face, bringing a small smile to his lips. We can talk right now, so lead the way. Zekes sudden mood switch didnt go unnoticed, but Lysander quickly connected it with the reaction that a child would make after his class ended. Very well, follow me, as they passed Sir Einar, Lysander spared the knight a look. Thank you for your hard work, Vice Commander. I will see you for afternoon training. Einar responded with a swift salute. Thank you, Commander! Even I didnt know that Einar was the knights vice commander until recently, Zekes thoughts ran rampant once more as he silently followed his brother to the main estate. Heat from the morning sun pricked against his skin, but the breeze coolly tempered the hot weather. I dont know much information about Einar at all, apart from the fact that hes Silas personal knight escort, and the middle child from House Alston. So hes shuffling his work? Or is my brother just too competent that Vice Commander is just a fancy title? Soon, his train of thought once again screeched to a premature stop, having arrived at their intended destination. Lysander opened the door for them, revealing the interior of a room that shared similarities to the one hed first met Circe in after falling into the game world. A sense of nostalgia briefly flickered across his mind as the brothers sat down opposite of each other. After Zeke gave his surroundings another moment of surveillance, he realized that Lysander had picked a place with the fewest people, ensuring utmost privacy. Whats so important that he needs to drag me out this far from the main wing? Chapter 30: Siblings (2) Despite keeping his composure, Zeke could feel his skin crawl under his brothers stern gaze. As he opened his mouth to speak, Lysander beat him to it, starting with a low mutter. Silas. Yes? Zeke leaned back against the couch, hoping that the softness of the cushion against his skin would help lessen the tension. You see, Lysander kept pausing in between his words, slowly replacing Zekes nervousness with irritation, yet he swiftly pushed them down before they could hang on his sleeve. During the banquet a few days agoI met this lady, at that moment, Zeke noticed a flash of unease flickering across Lysanders face, turning his brows upward in surprise. Lady Penelope Beaufort, you should know her, right? Yes, Zeke responded, confusion clear in his voice. The mere recollection of the ladys name brought back memories rooted deep within Silas Salvadors body. Shes the daughter of Baron Beaufortthe house that owns territory and mines near the mountains. Why? Did something go wrong with the trading routes again? After the Mana Bloom event, aristocrats whose territory lay closest to the empires borders often get bombarded with constant monster attacks. Itd been the reason why Earl Goldwyn earnestly gave his daughter to Creston in return for protection. House Beaufort has the same reason for forging an alliance with House Salvador, apart from the fact that the soldiers clean up trading routes instead of guarding the house itself. No, everything is perfectly fine, Lysander disputed Zekes thoughts, causing him to frown deeply. As Lysander locked his fingers together, he continued with the typical stern look on his face, but Zeke noticed the uncertain glint in his eyes beyond his confident facade. I need your opinion on how I shouldapproach Lady Penelope. The fuck? Am I dreaming? Is this guy seriously asking for that kind of advice? Zekes face luckily didnt betray his thoughts, and while he internally thanked Crestons genes for his stoic resting face, he responded in a careful tone. Approachas in, youd like to be in a relationship with her? Without missing a beat, Lysander nodded sternly. Yes, you understood me correctly. I believe consulting with an experienced person would yield better results. Woah, hes dead, fucking serious. That is the face of someone in love? Zeke could barely hold back the grin from reaching his face. I thought he only had Creston and swordsmanship in his brainApparently I was wrong. Finally, twenty-year-old Lysander Salvador has found the third thing he likes in this world. Before his silence could drag on for too long, Zeke nodded to his brothers words and crossed his arm, pretending to be in deep thought. But shit, Im not in a real relationship, how the fuck am I supposed to give him advice? As he kicked those thoughts from his mind, Zeke brightly smiled. You came to the right person, brother. No you did not. First of all, not all women are the same, so you cant use the same method for every lady, keep this in mind. After seeing Lysander nod, Zeke continued. Now, analyze your tarobjective of passion, unlike Lady Ruelle, Lady Penelope is quite timid, and is especially shy around men Lady Ruelle isnt timid? Lysander raised an eyebrow. Fuck, I mixed up Ruelle with Circe. Keeping a steady smile, Zeke responded. My apologies, my lady isnt as shy with me as she is with other people, I sometimes forget that she doesnt do very well in crowds, before Lysander could start thinking too deeply, Zeke swiftly got back on topic. Anyhow, approaching Lady Penelope in a normal way would be too risky, she might feel intimidatedespecially since youre of a higher standing than her. That is true A frown darkened Lysanders face. Then what do you suggest I do? To be honest, I dont know either, Zekes thoughts ran faster than they ever had in his life, as if racing against an invisible time limit. How do you ask a woman out on a date? Damn, Circe wouldve been a much better consultant than me, a woman would know how she wants men to ask her out, right? ShitUh, maybe How about you create a coincidental scenario? Zeke wanted to hide in a hole at that moment, but he kept his thoughts well-hidden and persevered. Getting a woman to like you is like overcoming a wall, but you mustnt climb over it or break it. You must be gentle, and push the wall away little by little. So if you start approaching her while shes in a safe space, she might feel more comfortable letting you get closer. Start with visiting her house and accidentally meet her under the guise of you being there for business. Oh, that makes sense. As Lysander nodded in understanding, Zeke wondered whether he should feel grateful or horrified that Lysander didnt even question the logic of his advice. But will that guarantee that I meet her? Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Shouldnt be too difficult to find her, no? At that point, Zeke continued to speak whatever came to his mind, feeling the pressure of his mountain of nonsense he kept stacking atop one another. But if you really dont see her in the mansion, then another option is to catch her off guard. Lysander tilted his head. Did you not say to approach her carefully? I did, but I was bullshitting you moron. Nodding, Zeke replied. I did, although if you dont let the shock and confusion sink in, you could use that chance to ask her out. The moment you accidentally bumped into her, just say: Oh, Im sorry, I did not see you there. As a token of my apology, I would like to treat you to dinner. Something like that. What if she rejects it? Then say that you insist, because itd make you feel at ease. Zeke wondered if he should laugh after seeing Lysanders impressed expression, but luckily managed to distract himself before he could burst. If youre sincere with her, then she should see your efforts and give you a chance. Women like sincere men, Lysander, so be honest with her, confess when youre at dinner while youre at it. Hm, yes, alright. I understand what I should do now. Lysander abruptly stood up. My apologies for keeping you here for so long, brother. Thank you for your wonderful advice, you can get going now. Ah, its nothing, of course Im happy to help you. Have a nice rest of your day! Zeke forced a smile as he rose from his seat, and after giving Lysander a bow, he swiftly walked out of the room before his brother could say another word. Having escaped the snippet of hell, Zeke let out a long sigh of relief. Thank god I read all those romance novels, Im just taking cliches out of their books for that whole conversation. As he took a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Zeke dragged his feet across the hallway. . . . So there was this time when Knock knock Rowenas words halted as she turned towards the door. Who is it? Silas Salvador. Is Lady Ruelle in there? Yes, a small frown crept up the girls face. Glancing at Circe for a moment, she responded back to the voice outside in a stern tone. But you may not enter. There was a moment of silence. What? Circe didnt hold back her chuckles, covering her mouth with her hand to prevent herself from bursting into hysteria. As the image of a fuming Silas Salvador invaded her thoughts, Circe spoke to Rowena, lowering her hand. Rena, you can let him in. Huh? The little girl stared at her with disappointment gleaming in her eyes. ButBut this is our girl talk! Boys arent allowed! Oh my god, what do I do with this cuteness? Circe smiled and turned towards the door. Oh dear, Lord Silas. Did you hear that? Lady Rowena said that this is our girl talk and boys arent allowed. Rowenas hands shot to her mouth, her eyes sparkling with joy. Big sister! Fine, Ill leave. Frustration etched in his tone as the sound of heavy footsteps faded into silence. When the two girls turned to face each other, they bursted into a fit of laughter. Sister Ruelle is such an amazing dog whisperer! Rowena clapped in excitement as she leaned back against the couch, her small feet lightly kicking the edge of the coffee table in glee. Im glad that its you whos going to be my sister-in-law! Ive always dreamed of having a big sister like you! The honor is mine, Rena, Circe chuckled. Well now, what were you about to say before you got interrupted? Oh right! So there was this time when Eldest Brother fell down the stairs. He got up and acted like I didnt just see him slide down the steps like a sheet of paper! She sure talks a lot about Lysanderis he her idol? Deciding not to dwell in her thoughts, she asked. You have quite a lot of stories to share about Lord Lysander, do you perhaps look up to him? The sudden question made Rowena think for a moment, a light frown creeping to her brows. Look up toNo, Rowena stared at her with determination. I want to surpass him! Ill beat him in swordsmanship and show Father that hes not all that special! Ohso its more like sibling rivalry. Intrigued, Circe inquired further. Thats quite the goal, Im sure youll succeed since its you, Rena. Although, does that mean you dislike your brother? Because hes the opponent you need to beat? Rowena shook her head. Nope! I like Eldest Brother, he taught me many things, as she picked up her half-drank cup of orange juice from the coffee table, she continued. Its just that sometimes Father looks at Eldest Brother all the time and doesnt come to see me very muchIm either at the training ground or spend time with my nannyI want to show Father that Im capable too! Behind her child-like voice, Circe could hear Rowenas loneliness through her words. Shes only around ten years oldyoure telling me shes been swinging a weapon around and not receiving love from her father? Circe hid her worries behind a smile and spoke. What about your mother? Im sure Lady Esmeralda wouldnt mind spending time with you. Really? Rowena looked at her with a hint of disbelief. ButI never saw her outside of photosand she doesnt come to see me either soI dont think she likes me. Thats not true at all! Circe took a deep breath and calmed herself down, careful not to raise her voice. Lady Esmeraldais a delicate lady, but I can tell you that she loves her children very much. Instead of her disliking you, the marchioness is more likely to believe that you hate her, Rena. But why would I hate my mother? Confusion flashed across the little girls face. I cant exactly tell her that I know about Esmeralda briefly from reading it in a game and that its her real feelings about her children. Circe brushed away her thoughts. She has her own circumstancesbecause she doesnt believe that she could raise children properly for the Salvador house, they assigned nannies instead. Perhaps she thinks that you would hate her because she was never there for any of your important moments. How can anyone hate someone whom theyve never met? Rowena stared at her own reflection in the juice, seeing the confused little girl look back. I dont understand You dont have to understand it right now, but maybe later in the future. Circes genuine smile replaced the fake, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Thank god she still has the innocence of a child even in a family like this., the thought briefly crossed her mind. How about we go meet Lady Esmeralda together? Ill come with you so you wont be alone. Rowena seemed hesitant as she glanced up from her drink. Will she really not hate me? Circe dawned a confident smile. Ill give Lord Silas a punch in the gut if Im wrong. At her promise, Rowenas face lit up instantly. Alright! Then Ill go! Chapter 31: Siblings (3) Gently placing her book down, Esmeraldas eyes landed on Zeke, who laid his chin lazily on the table. As a smile danced on her lips, she spoke quietly. Silas, youll ruin your posture if you sit like that. Zeke turned his head, resting on his cheek instead. Mother, Ive been thinking about this for quite a while, but why is it that you dont join the rest of us for our meals? Silence fell upon the two of them, but soon Esmeralda spoke, her smile unwavering. I dont want you to get the wrong idea about my affection for my childrenbut I simply do not feel very comfortable around the marquess, unexpectedly, she answered Zekes question. I can attend banquets with him for the sake of courtesy, but other than those special occasions, we are both satisfied with our standings. Marquess Salvador has kept his promise, so it is only right that I keep mine. Do you hate him? Father, I mean, Zekes expression remained stoic, and he noticed the uncertainty flashing across Esmeraldas features for a brief moment. He wanted children-soldiers, and took us away the moment were born. Do you resent him for that? Rather than hatred Esmeralda averted her gaze to the opened book before her, yet her eyes couldnt focus on the letters at all as she responded. I simply accepted it as reality. The Salvador House follows this tradition, who am I, an outsider, to interfere with them? Turning to face Zeke once more, a smile brightened her expression, though he still noticed a forlorn glint in her eyes. Even if its only you who bear no resentment against my negligence, as a mother, I am happy. I even thought it was fine when your father didnt love you as much as Lysanderbecause it meant that Ill be the one to give you the affection that you deserve. Arent I a bad mother for thinking that? Because in the end, you still didnt grow up loved. Zeke could only stare at the marchioness in silence, his questions had come as a simple passing curiosity, never hoping for her to answer him in earnest as she did. Maybe its because of Charm? It increases successful interactionsis that why she felt compelled to reply? A bitter taste lingered in his mouth as Zeke broke through the quietude. Youre wrong, mother, he started as he straightened himself, his voice deeper than normal that it even surprised him. I was loved. You took care of me despite not being confident about raising me. You let me roam free because you didnt want to restrict my freedom. Its my fault that I grew up the way I did after I took your love for granted. Thats why Im going to set things straight, he took Esmeraldas hands into his. Mother, I can confidently say that us three siblings do not hate you just because you chose to let us live as a Salvador. So please, rid yourself of this meaningless guilt. Hes right, mother. Their heads turned to meet with the determined gaze of Rowena Salvador as she approached them while Circe followed behind her. When she got close enough, she lowered her head into a graceful bow. Good afternoon, motherand brother, she gave Zeke a brief glance before straightening herself. I came here because I want to meet youthough I never expect to learn of your true feelings by eavesdropping, I offer my sincerest apology. When did you come? Zeke looked up at Circe as she responded with a smile. A little while ago, when you were making that whole speech of yours. I found it rather adorable. Circe settled down on the chair next to him, taking a deep breath of the flowers scent in the greenhouse. Rowena, Esmeralda looked at her daughter, tears brimming the edges of her eyes. The little girl treaded closer to her mother as she reached out to hold her hands in hers. II appreciate you coming all the way here to see me. Could you find it within you to forgive me for not being there for you all this time? Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Mother Rowenas face lit up with a bright smile. How can I forgive someone who hasnt done anything to seek forgiveness for? I should be the one to apologize for getting the wrong idea all on my own, a hesitant look flickered across her expression. So from now on, could you please take care of me? I want to get to know my mother more. Hearing Rowenas earnest words, Esmeraldas lips broke into a warm smile. Of course, Rowena. Youre free to visit me whenever youd like. Gleams of joy shimmered within the little girls eyes. Really? Then can I enjoy tea time with Mother too? If that''s what youd like, then I can have my servants prepare drinks and snacks for us right now. Esmeralda glanced towards her personal maid standing by the greenhouses entrance. Yes! Rowena responded eagerly, her eyes becoming rounder than before. Ah, on that note Circes words garnered all their attention as she rose from her seat. Turning towards Zeke, she continued with a soft smile. I believe the two of us have somewhere to go, Lord Silas? You came to fetch me earlier, no? Without missing a beat, Zeke nodded. Yes I did, he got up as well. Mother, Sister, it seems like well have to leave you both to your own companies for today. Its alright, Esmeralda beamed, sending Circe a joyful glance. Ive accompanied you in place of your fiancee, now it is time that I return you to your rightful woman. A soft chuckle sounded from Zeke as he responded. Ill come visit you at a later time, Mother. Please take care and enjoy the rest of your day. Esmeralda nodded. As with you, Silas. When Zeke turned around to leave, Circe spared Rowena one last smile. Have fun, Rena. Rowena flashed a wide grin at her before Circe soon followed Zeke out of the greenhouse. Hearing the faint sound of chatter behind them, the two gave each other a knowing glance and their lips turned up into a subtle smile. So, why did you come to see me? Circe asked once theyd found themselves alone in the hallways, clasping her hands behind her back. You even got access-denied by a ten year old. Well, Zeke refused to acknowledge her teasing, keeping his focus straight on the road. I wanted to ask more about the Web Weaver build you told me about last time. But I also want to show you something, mind heading to the training grounds right now? So you want to spar? When Zeke responded to Circes grin with one of his own, excitement flickered across her face. Youre on, and if I win, you have to grant me a wish, okay? Zeke huffed. Im confident this time, so Im sure Ill win. Better start daydreaming about that wish now, because its never becoming a reality. . . . After arriving at their destination, Circe swapped out her dress for her usual training attire and summoned an iron sword into her grip. She watched closely as Zeke tread across the field, stopping a good distance away from her. A short nod from Zeke signaled the beginning of their duel, and Circe instantly shortened the length between them with a single leap. Shing. A sharp vibration echoed through the air as an obscure, shimmering light slowed her movements. What is that? In a split second, she made the decision to retreat, causing the invisible attack to strike the ground below, creating a thin trench within the soil. As her confused gaze met with Zekes confident expression, she saw that he had his hands nonchalantly crossed behind him while something kept glistening ever so slightly beneath the sunlight. It didnt take her long to figure it out and a smile crept to her lips. Wow, the webs arent anything like in the game at all. Right? Not wasting time, Zeke initiated another attack, his near invisible strings whisking through the air like deadly blades looking to cleave through her flesh. We can see it clearly because the game was designed that way, but you cant really see a single thread of a spiders web in real life. Its shining just a bit like its made from metal. Circe noted as she swung her sword, feeling a slight force pushing against the edge as she sliced through the unseeable wires. So you can somewhat see them while theyre hardened. Well. The sudden boost in speed sent Circe gliding across the ground, completely vanishing from Zekes line of sight. As he turned around, Circe reappeared with her sword ready to strike. Its nothing that my speed cant handle. What are you two doing? Lysanders unexpected appearance startled them both, causing Circe to stumble straight into Zeke and fall onto the ground, the impact sending Circes sword skiddling away in the process. Ah! Lord Lysander! Without regard for Zekes well-being, Circe perked up at the young knight as he looked down at them with a confused expression, judging from his face, she concluded that he didnt see her use her skills. We wereLord Silas was practicing! I was curious so I came to watch! Lysander raised an eyebrow. But why were you holding a sword, Lady Ruelle? She wanted to try swinging it, Zeke spoke up in a raspy voice. His pained expression prompted Circe to get off of his chest, letting him sit up. We were just playing around brother, so theres nothing for you to worry about. Anyhow, what might you be doing here? Clearing away his suspicions, Lysander responded. I wanted to inquire you some more on that matter we talked about, but its good that Lady Ruelle is here too, I would appreciate her input as a lady as well. Circe gaved Zeke a glance. Whats this about? Zeke looked back with a tired expression, and it was all she needed to shudder at the endless negative possibilities. Lysander continued. Id like to askWhat sort of gifts would be appropriate to present to a lady? Silence befell the three of them. He came all the way here for that!? Chapter 32: Real Date (1) In the bustling afternoon streets, a kaleidoscope of chatter and colors enveloped their senses. Pedestrians weaved through the throng, creating a rhythm of footsteps against the cobblestone pavement. The aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with the tantalizing scent of spices wafting from the nearby market stalls. Woah, Circes widened eyes looked around the busy sidewalk, in awe at the sheer amount of people. I knew the games streets were filled with NPCs, but seeing it in person is entirely different. All these peopleare alive and breathing. Zeke stuffed his hands into his trousers pockets, both of them wearing simple clothing to blend in with the commoners crowd. Ive seen it briefly when I first opened my eyes as Silas, though I was too hungover to properly take a look at it. We never had the chance to take all this in properly, huh, Circe mused as her gaze remained fixed to the scenery before her. Maybe were taking all this too well. This isnt our body, yet somehow everything feels so naturalthe way we speak, the way we move as if noble etiquettes were second nature to us You said it yourself that you wouldnt think too much about it, taking one hand from his pocket, Zeke swiftly pulled Circe towards him by the shoulder, watching calmly as a cyclist sped past the two of them. And Ive decided to do the same. Yeah I sometimes spook myself looking at my own reflection, but we have the games ending ahead of us right now, so we shouldnt think too deeply about useless things. Circe chuckled, not flinching at the slightest even though she couldve gotten run over. I guess seeing all these people living their lives is like a wake-up-call. Like, all of this fantasy thing is real, you know? Thatmakes no sense. Zeke let out a huff as the corner of his lips tucked upwards into a grin. Right, its a bit too late to be worrying about it now. Circe found her gaze wandering towards Zekes hand, still gripping her shoulder. By the way, when are you going to let me go? Oh, sorry. A sheepish look flickered across Zekes face, dropping his arm to his side. He looked away in embarrassment. Anyway, were here to explore, right? So lets focus on having fun. Sure, Circe decided to let things slide, though remained smirking mischievously as she looked ahead towards the many stores lining the sidewalk. Esmeralda gave you a lot of money, right? So we should spend it all as basic courtesy. Youre not making any sense today. As Zeke regained his composure, his cheeks became tainted red once more when Circe suddenly grabbed his hand. Cmon! Youre my sugar daddy for today, buy me stuff! Her enthusiastic claims accompanied the excited look on her face as she dragged him forward. . . . They made their first stop at a boutique Circe randomly picked out. The building made from pure black material outlined in gold easily caught her attention as it stood tall in the midst of the other stores. Heading inside, the bell by the door chimed, signaling their arrival. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Hello customers, a female stylist walked up to them as they looked around, taking note of the simplistic design in the store that matched well with its exterior. Welcome to Regal Raiments, my name is Kelina Wrights. How can I assist you today? Hello Miss Wrights, Circe greeted the brunette with a bright smile. Im looking for some new clothes right nowI dont have anything I want in mind, although I would also like to choose one to attend the royal banquet in a few days. Oh my! Kelinas hand shot to her lips, her brown eyes widening in surprise. My apologies, but this is the first time that a noble lady has bought such an important dress from our shop Her gaze subtly met with Zekes, and realization flickered across her face. You must be Lady Ruelle Peregrine! Oh my goodness, Im sorry that I couldnt recognize you! Theres no need to make such a big deal about it, Zeke crossed his arm, genuine discomfort plastered across his expression. Bring us the catalog. Yes, my lord! As Kelina swiftly rushed to fetch them the stores catalog, Zeke turned to Circe while they found themselves a seat. I thought you already had a dress for the banquet? I didnt like it, Circe shrugged, watching as Kelina hurried over to them with a thick book in hand. It cuts off way too much of the back. Who thought that was an appropriate dress for a teenage girl anyway? Upon the stylists return, Zeke quietly took the catalog from Kelinas shaking hands. Ignoring the nervous look on the womans face, he placed the book on his lap and opened it for Circe to see. Multiple dresses of different designs and colors presented themselves upon the pages, the vibrant images drawing in Circes attention, making her eyes sparkle with glee. So she likes fashion? Thats a bit unexpected. The thought crossed his mind as his eyes wandered from the catalog, finding themselves focusing on Circes brightened face instead. Not once did it cross his mind that the employees within the store sneakily snuck a few glances at the two of them. Why did they choose our store? Are they on a date? Of course they are, why would they be together out here otherwise? Mm Circe hummed as she flipped through another page of the catalog, a slight frown creasing her brows. I really dont know which ones to pickTheyre all so pretty. What do you think? Her eyes met with Zekes. Instead of answering, Zeke turned towards Kelina and held up the catalog. Can I have everything in this catalog? Just send them straight to the Salvador estate. I, there are some products that have sold out, my lord. Then just give me the ones that you have. Too stunned to speak, Circe simply stared at him with widened eyes as Kelinas quivering hands took back the catalog from Zeke. Kelina responded with a stutter. Y-Yes, my lord. Shall I send the bill to the marquess as well? No, Ill pay upfront, Zeke responded with nonchalance as he took out a cloth pouch from his trouser pocket. Giving it to Kelina, he asked. Is that enough? The stylist settled the catalog down on the table before opening the bag, and she immediately let out a muffled cry seeing its content. My, my lord! This is way too much! As she replied, her widened eyes remained fixed on the shimmering gemstones filling the pouch to the brim. Well, I still havent grasped the currency that they use yet, I never really paid attention to the little details. After a moment of thought, Zeke took out another bag from his pocket. This time golden coins filled its space. What about this? Swapping the gems for the gold, Kelina nervously counted the estimated value. Its a few coins too much, my lord. She took out several golden coins and gave them back to Zeke. Having received the leftover money, Zeke stuffed them back into his pocket as he stood up along with Circe. Alright, Ill leave this to you then, Miss Wrights. Unlike with nobles, he didnt bother thinking about his word choices. Before they left, Kelina didnt forget to give them a farewell curtsy. Thank you for shopping with us! As they stepped onto the streets, Circe finally snapped out of her trance and gave Zeke a light smack on the back, a wide smile dancing on her lips. Oh my god, I said youd be my sugar daddy for the day but I never thought youd actually buy the whole damn catalog. How did you fit that big pouch in your pocket anyway? Despite the jesting hit, Zekes back still stung for a few seconds. He responded as they walked. I didnt, I put them in my inventory and made it look like I pull them out of my pocket. Circe held back her laughter by covering her grin. What the hell? They didnt notice anything wrong with that? Zeke shrugged. Who would pay attention to the lower half of my body? That sounds wrong out of context, please dont ever say that again. Circe made a face. Anyway, where to next? Pretending that he didnt hear anything, Zeke swiftly changed the subject, bringing a cunning grin to his lips. I still have a lot of funds to burn for my lady. Circe smiled back, going along with Zekes flow. You seem genuinely excited about this, dont you? This is my first time holding this much money in my hands, what else am I going to do but recklessly spend every dime of it for no good reason? As their laughter faded into the crowds ambience, the two of them made their way further down the road. Chapter 33: Real Date (2) They decided to have lunch at a nearby cafe, its pastel-colored ambience a stark contrast to the luxurious feel that the dress shop radiated. While Circe admired the cafes cute decorations, Zeke occupied himself by watching the passerby outside the large glass pane. Dungeon Regime takes inspiration from the Victorian Era, though they also mixed in some modern architecture and technology to show the development of the empires magic knowledge. The thought passed Zekes mind as he stared at the different buildings across the busy street, leaning his chin on the palm of his hand. I wonder if I can start replicating the technology from Earth and sell them. The sounds of footsteps snapped Zeke out of his thoughts. As he and Circe turned, two waiters had placed their orders down on their table. Is there anything else I can help you with? No, its alright, thank you. Circe responded with a smile, and one of the waiters promptly returned it with one of his own. Its no problem, my lady. Then, please enjoy your meal. Circe had ordered a plate of finger sandwiches, chocolate glazed donuts, and a glass of strawberry smoothie, while Zekes side of the table had a lot more orders, starting with a stack of pancakes, drowning in thick syrup, one plate of two croissants, a dish of apple pie, a cup of black coffee, and to top it all off, a whole pound of cheesecake. They actually delivered all of these at the same time? Zeke chuckled in disbelief as he plunged his fork into the pancakes, feeling the spongy dough fight back against the light force. Magic sure makes things a lot easier, huh? Im more surprised at what you ordered, Circe stared at the cheesecake filling up half of their tables space, her expression unreadable behind her glass of smoothie, though the amusement rang clear in her voice. Can you even eat all this? Are you trying to kill yourself with diabetes? Im not going to eat all of them at once, duh, Zeke said after swallowing his pancakes, by then, hed already devoured half of them. The inventory would keep them from spoiling, so I can just keep the food in there until I want to eat them. Apart from that, I also need to test something out. Test how fast you can eat a pound of cheesecakes? Circe''s face contorted after seeing Zekes pancakes disappeared little by little while she still held onto her first sandwich. Are you racing with someone right now? Why are you eating so fast? Im not, Zeke looked at her, confused. Im just hungry. And these pancakes are really good. Circe took another bite out of her meal. Has your dad been starving you? Its the opposite, actually. He ordered the chefs to make more protein-rich food for me, probably because I need to build muscles, Zeke finally slowed down, taking a sip out of his drink. The pure, bitter jolt of black coffee washed away the saccharine aftertaste in his mouth. But man, you have to admit, being a noble sure is great. Yeah, it didnt hit me until now how much power we have in our hands, a small smile flickered across her face, airing every bit of delight. By that, I mean how rich we are. Though I think Salvador has more money than Peregrine? Yep, because Esmeralda was a Goldwyn once, Zeke recalled the information hed read from the estates library. Goldwyn occupies the land between Oriens and Viridis, so they take full advantage of the trade routes along with their agricultural goods. Despite only being an Earl house, theyre rich enough that they didnt have to worry about running out of money even during wars. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Viridis Kingdom Circe sipped on her smoothie as her thoughts wandered. The game doesnt say much about them, though theyre an important ally of OriensTheyre also the first to accept elves into their kingdom as official citizens. Viridis already has a strong connection to nature in their history, Zeke nodded, now moving on from his empty pancake plate to the croissants. He tore the pastry into small pieces and dipped them into his coffee. Its no surprise that the elves like Viridis land. But apart from little details in world-building, I doubt well have anything to do in Viridis, or the other allied kingdoms any time soon. Who knows, were just living day-to-day right now without much of a clear goal, Circe commented as she lifted the pie server, sneaking a piece of Zekes apple pie for herself. Theres no rush, of course. Since the games ending isnt the end of the worldor at least things seem that way. True, Zeke nodded in agreement. If its really going down a route like that, then the story writers should give the players asense of urgency, you get me? Circe stabbed her fork into the pie. Yeah, I got it. But like you said, we dont know anything at all, Zeke tore the other croissant apart. We just need to live as our characters, then maybe one day everything will become clear. At that point, Im sure well be strong enough to be labeled as overpowered main characters. Seeing Zeke make a joke with a straight face, Circe couldnt help but chuckle, letting a smile spread across her lips. Yeah, well be strong enough to throw hands with gods. Zeke snorted, smirking. I dont want to throw hands with gods, though, as cool as thatd be. Why not? Circe chuckled. Too much work for a good-for-nothing. I just want to live like a spoiled, rich kid. Is that so wrong? Circe made a stern face. No, you have a point, let me join you. Chuckling to themselves like children, the two of them continued eating the rest of their food amidst the cheery atmosphere. . . . After Zeke stealthily whisked away the pound of cheesecake into his inventory, he paid for their meal and left the cafe. Not long after, they found themselves at the town square. A large water fountain stood as the focal point of the plaza, where many citizens walked by while children ran around in a game of tag. The splashing of the cascades acted as a white noise amidst the busy chatter. Circe took a seat by the edge of the fountain, gazing ahead at the rowdy kids with a smile on her face. This is nice. Everythings so peaceful. Zeke walked over to her, holding two pork skewers in each hand. Right, and the foods delicious too. As he spoke, he gave half of the skewers to Circe. Biting into the meat, the aroma of pork grilled to medium-rare combined with the richness of the spices bursted in Circes mouth. She could feel herself melting alongside the skewers intense flavor. Where the heck did you find these? Theyre so good! Its the power of street food, Zeke swiped all of the meat from his skewer out in one go, dragging the pork alongside the vegetables. A perfect blend of the greens bitterness and the meats tender grease brought bliss to his tongue. This is kind of making me homesick. Theres a barbeque vendor near my place and Ive eaten there since I was young. Do you think we can go back? Circe looked down at her skewers, a gloomy look spreading across her face. I mean, its not that I dislike this placebut I have family and friends back there. Zeke settled down next to her, the once delicious aftertaste in his mouth now turning bland. Usually in these types of settingsthe main characters can return to their original world after they complete their quest, right? Maybe once weve reached the games ending, we can go back home. Circe chuckled, warmth replacing the shadow on her expression. What makes you think that were the main characters? Seeing her laugh once more made Zeke feel satisfied too. He smiled and responded with a playful shrug. I did say that I have good instincts. Lets just sayits a hunch. A hunch? So youre not even confident? Circe snorted, her smile growing into a toothy grin. Zeke laughed. What makes you think that? Where was it implied that I wasnt confident? Alright, alright, Circes eyes averted to the children not too far from her, now moving on from tag to a game of hopscotch. Silently, she wondered how they played despite not having the layouts drawn on the ground. Lets go with that then, trusting your instincts means youre confident. Zeke finished the last of his skewers as Circe continued nibbling on her second pork brochette. I enjoyed myself today, by the way. Surprised by the sudden confession, Circes widened eyes found themselves locked on Zekes expression in an attempt to read the emotions on his stoic face. Despite his attempts at remaining calm, she still noticed a tinge of scarlet dabbed on his cheeks. A giggle escaped her lips. Same here, its nice to go out under the sun once in a while, but after she gave herself a second of thought, heat rose to her face. This is kind of like a date, isnt it? A real date. Circe snuck a peek at Zekes expression, and while his cheeks remained as red as before, the seriousness on his face never wavered. Zeke glanced up, but he averted his eyes back down the moment he met her intense gaze. You didnt have to say it like that. It couldve just been a nice little hangout, you know? After seeing him blurt out whatever his flustered mind could, Circe felt more relaxed. Hes still a cute idiot. Chuckling to herself, she responded in a playful tone. Sure, this is just a nice little hangout. A welcomed silence befell the atmosphere between them. They quietly enjoyed the rest of their food while listening to the calm splattering of water from the fountain behind them. Perhaps the cool mist could help dampen the heat on their faces. Chapter 34: Actually, we lied. Seeing the sky turn a shade of orange from the setting sun, the two decided to head back home, retracing their steps towards where their coachman presumably awaiting them. The street''s calm silence brought with it a sense of tranquility as they walked down the road, sparing glances at the people around them either returning to their abodes or preparing to close their shops for the day. Zeke couldnt help but smile when he saw a teenager tripping on his own feet while his two friends choked on their own laughter, refusing to help the fallen boy. They remind me of my teammates. I wonder how theyre doing now? Theyre probably still training for the quarterfinalsor getting scolded by Coach for goofing around. Zeke? Circe turned around when she realized that Zeke had halted his steps, eyes fixated on the boys from across the road. Turning to see what had caught his attention, she felt a tinge of pity tightening her chest. Ohof course he still knows some people back home. After a moment, Zekes attention returned to the front, his gaze meeting with Circes eyes as she turned towards him. He gave her a sheepish look. Whoops, sorry. I got distracted for a bit there. Oh god, thats a silly thing to be embarrassed about. Circes chuckle mirrored her inner thoughts. For a moment there I thought you needed to use the bathroom. Is that supposed to be funny? Despite his words, Zekes lips broke into a grin. Circe crossed her arms and puffed out her chest. Of course, Im the funniest person alive. Unlike you The two of them both went quiet as something else caught their attention. A system panel abruptly manifested in front of them, cutting their conversation short. Although, when they gave the message a read, their eyes would turn wide in surprise. [You sense a familiar energy nearby.] Wait, then this meansZeke, Circe began to frantically look around, excitement pouring from her poise. This is what I think it is, right? Definitely, while he may be the most composed out of the two, Zeke couldnt hide the delight shimmering within his eyes as he joined Circe in the search for the mentioned energy. Theres a somewhere. As the name suggested, lurked within the Dungeon Regimes deepest shadows, waiting for to step near them before revealing themselves. These obscure dungeons formed in random places, whether it would be inside caverns, in the middle of town, or even under water. Since Hidden Dungeons locations randomize each run, it prevents the players from simply returning to the same spot over and over to challenge them. Zeke felt the strings of mana twirling in the air, becoming more prominent with each passing second. Beckoning for Circe to follow him, the two quietly made their way into a nearby alley. Immediately, the mana grew heavier, pricking at every inch of his skin. Its at the end of the alley. He spoke with a confident smirk. At his words, Circe strode deeper into the backstreet. The looming shadows from the buildings around them veiled what little light remained of the evening sun, adding a sense of mystique to the heavy anticipation hanging in the air. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. When they reached the end of the path, Zeke shuddered at the sudden shift of mana as blue sparks flared to life before their eyes, growing larger until they formed into a portal. [Achievement Unlocked: ''The Masked Spark'' - Discover a !] [Youve earned some EXP!] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 14] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 12] Woah, Circes voice brimmed with satisfaction as she cleared away her notifications, grinning widely. We mustve been really close to leveling up for a few dozen points to do the trick. Alright, Ill invest my skill points now. AGI: 38> Ill put mine into more magic then. Zeke spoke while summoning the Sapphire Staff. MAG: 42 (+4)> Now then, Circe swapped out her dress for her training attire and draped the Darkwing Mantle around her shoulders. After calling a sword into her hand, she marched forward with confidence. We have a dungeon to clear. Of course, Zeke followed suit as he watched Circe disappear into the portal. What is a better way to end a date? [You have entered the ] . . . [TIPS! Two heads are better than one! Think about bringing your friends with you when dungeon-diving! Who knows, an extra pair of hands may save your life one day.] . . . Stepping through the otherside, they instantly squint their eyes shut at the bright light. Their skin prickled against the suns warmth, reminding them of the fact that time behaved differently within dungeons. Zeke opened his eyes to take note of his surroundings. Sturdy, black steel weaved together to create a lattice-like pattern that formed the shape of a dome, its curved walls rising to the vast, empty sky like a giant bubble made of glass and metal. The distinct scent of earth and greenery reminded him of Esmeraldas greenhouse. So this is an aviary, Circe whistled in awe as she looked around. It isnt hard to guess that were going to fight birds here. Thank god we have someone with a Gravity spell in our party, right Zeke? Yeah, what a blessing, Zeke rolled his eyes as Circe chuckled at his sarcastic tone. Striding towards the tube-like tunnel in front of them, he turned to Circe, stopping after walking only a few steps inside. Well, thank god we have a trap master in our party, right Circe? Circe rolled her eyes with a wide grin. Oh definitely, but this path isnt trapped, so were good to move on. Their bodies subconsciously tensed up the moment they set foot inside the first room, ridding their expressions of the leisure that once lit up their faces. Now Circe stood in front of Zeke with her blade out and ready to strike at anything that moves, while the Sapphire Staff gleamed dangerously, enveloped in power. Silence Rustle. !!! Circe swung her sword the moment she saw something rushed towards her from the corner of her eyes. A pair of talons grazed against the surface of her blade, though they swiftly retreated as the creature let out a frustrated screech. Her face scrunched up the moment she registered the monsters appearance. Woah, its ugly. [ are alerted to your presence.] At least the developers didnt actually give them human faces, Zeke commented as he fired a magic missile into the first harpy, striking it out of the sky for Circe to swiftly end its life with a single stab through the chest. But youre right, theyre still ugly. [Killed x1 ] Seeing its comrade die, the other harpies emerged from the bushes and trees, screaming from their crooked beaks. With their aerial mobility, they didnt need to worry about running into each other while they attacked their targets, unlike when they fought against the bulky spiders. CAWW!! Nine harpies drove towards them all at once, their talons spread wide and ready to strike, Circe dispatched the nearest enemy with a horizontal cut before her sword weaved towards the other, cleaving through the large talons with ease. [Killed x1 ] [Killed x1 ] Zeke had moved away from Circe, giving her a wider area to swing her sword. After activating the skill, the harpies that circled around him grew hesitant to attack. What? Zeke couldnt help but smirk, chuckling at the baffled look on the birds faces. Too handsome to kill? Three harpies went down to three magic missiles. [Killed x3 ] Circe remained focused on the remaining enemies, though she just happened to be within earshot of Zekes words. A smile spread across her face as a harpy evaded her sword. Seriously? Too handsome to kill? I mean, you have a point, but cmon. While her attention briefly shifted to Zeke, the birds quickly took advantage of her moment of blunder and drove in at the same time, screeching at the top of their lungs. Just as their talons were inches away from her face, the harpies suddenly got knocked to the ground by a mysterious force. Zeke frustratingly picked at his ear as he watched the rippling mana traces pressed down against the birds. Damn, these chickens almost broke my ear drums. Heh, not even close. I planned that. Circe grinned as she went around stabbing each harpy one by one while Zeke continued keeping the intense gravity field active. Soon enough, only the two of them remained standing. [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 15] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 13] [ of Silas Salvador has been refilled.] [ cleared.] Chapter 35: Sidetracked (1) AGI: 35 (+3)> MAG: 46 (+4)> After they distributed their stat points, a beam of light shot from the sky, bringing with it a metallic chest; their reward for clearing the Monster Room. When Zeke gave the chest a light tap, the lid swung open and let off a golden glow, accompanied by a system notification for each of them. [You gained <40 DCs>] [You gained <40 DCs>] Alright, lets move on to the next room. Circe exclaimed with a satisfied nod. Waving her hand at the system panel, she led their march and strode towards the tunnel in front of them. The metallic gate that once blocked their path swung open, letting them walk through. Any traps this time? Zeke halted his steps, coming to a stop behind Circe. Nope, she responded with assurance, despite her confident smile, she swept her eyes across the narrow paveway once more time. I dont see any odd structuresso we should be good to go. Trusting the trap masters words, Zeke first went on ahead, followed by Circe. As expected, nothing happened, and they managed to safely arrive in the next room. [ is alerted to your presence.] Zekes eyes met with a harpys flustered gaze as it instantly went on the offensive. Since it was already in the sky before they entered, the bird drove towards him with its talons locked and ready to strike. Unfortunately for the harpy, Circes swiftness surpassed it. Her sword sliced both talons clean off their joints the moment it got within range. CRAWRR!! As the wounded birds blood-gurgling scream pierced the air, it alerted its comrades of the intruders. Dozens of harpies rushed out of the dense flora around them, their claws and beaks shimmering with power. Circes sword struck down the two closest enemies, and Zekes magic missile landed on the one sneaking up behind her. [Killed x2 ] [Killed x1 ] Huh? Suddenly, a prickling sensation prompted Zeke to jump to the side, narrowly avoiding an attack shot by one of the harpies. Facing his opponent, he noticed the magical energy in the air began to swirl towards the birds, gathering around their chests. While Circe remained occupied with the harpies attacking her with their talons and beaks, Zeke raised his Sapphire Staff in anticipation for the birds magic attacks. One of them eventually shot a blue projectile towards him, and he promptly counteracted with a magic missile. The two spells collided mid-air, causing an explosion that masked the battlefield in smoke. Judging from the attacks reaction, Zeke realized an important factor about the harpies. Ah hah, so theyre water elementalists. Suddenly, a harpy dashed through the water vapor with its talons surrounded in azure light. With no time to think, Zeke raised the pole of his staff to block the claws. The force from the birds kick reverberated throughout his body, knocking him back as his feet dragged against the dirt. Holy shit, its strong. Hey you, Circes voice sounded from the dissipating smoke, garnering the attention of the harpies. Before anyone could catch a glimpse of her body, the harpy that attacked Zeke got its back split in half. Get lost, Im the only one who can bully him. [Killed x1 ] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 16] This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. When the area became clear, the once green ground had been dyed crimson from the harpies blood, the several monsters that fought against Circe earlier now laid as corpses on the floor, their backs cut so deep that the wounds mirrored on their chests. Now, only half of the harpies remained from the twelve. Circe turned to face her opponents, who all eyed her with wariness unwarranted from their beast-like behaviors earlier. Though perhaps its because of their animalistic intellect that made them know danger by instinct, recognizing their position as prey, and her the predator. Raising her sword, Circe targeted the harpy closest to her first. With one enemy swiftly striked down from the sky, she activated her skill again, creating a chain reaction of attacks that left no room for the birds to react. One attempted to flee but met the same fate as the others; a powerful slash cleaved its body in half. [Killed x6 ] [ cleared.] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 17] [Mana of Ruelle Peregrine has been refilled.] [Achievement Unlocked: Perfect Combination - Perform your first attack.] [Youve earned ] < Item Description > Name: Skill Fusion Scroll Tier: A Type: Consumable Source: Achievement Reward Effects Allows the user to combine two similar skills into one. <<>> Huh? Combo? Circe stuck her sword into the ground as she wiped away the blood thatd managed to splatter onto her face. Staring at the system panels in front of her, she glanced over at Zeke making his way towards her. I didnt know that using one skill consecutively counts as making a combo. I didnt know that either, Zeke replied in a surprised tone as he peered his head over to read the panels. By then, their chest reward had appeared, though none of them paid attention to it. Are you going to use it now? Probably, Circe took out a worn roll of paper from her inventory. Bringing up her status panel, she stared at the two skills she had in her possession. Phase is a pretty good skill on its own, but theres actually a better version of it that I can get from this fusion. Can get, Zeke emphasized her words with raised eyebrows. So youre saying its a gamble. A gamble which theres no loss, Circe shrugged as she activated the scroll, letting it disappear into particles of light. Theres not a lot of fusion skills that are bad, so whatever I get from this should be beneficial. [Used x1 ] [Please select the Skills for ] [ + ] [Skills selected. Begin ] [...] [ complete! Youve gained the Active Skill: ] OOH! The two of them exclaimed at once at the notification, Circes eyes shimmering with excitement as a wide grin danced on her lips. Immediately, she brought up the description panel. < Skill Description > Name: Assassinate Type: Active Skill Tier: S Cost: 20 MP Cooldown: 100 seconds Effects - Imbues the users weapon with a powerful aura, temporarily increasing the Speed Stat by (+5) for 120 seconds. Attacks always result in a . - Dashes forward with a maximum distance of 7 Meters, when an obstacle is in the path, the user will stop behind it. - Killing an enemy after using resets its cooldown and restores <5 MP>. Bonus Effects - When paired with any type weapon, the attack after using has a 100% chance to inflict - Attacking enemies without being notice increases the damage by 20% - ignores 200% of the targets defense inflicted with or <<>>] Since skills cannot be transferred, the level-cap rule only applies to items and weapons, meaning any S-tier abilities gathered from the players own strength were fair game. The twenty mana points must have been from Flash Slash, Circe deduced as she swept her gaze across the description panel, exhilaration oozing from her poise. She excitedly grabbed hold of Zekes arm and shook him hysterically. Its really an S-tier, Zeke. A freaking S-tier skill! I knew Phase was the predecessor of Assassinate but to think that I actually got it! I know right!? Zeke didnt mind getting shook, simply too excited to see the appearance of a powerful skill. His grin spreaded just as widely as Circes. Should we go test it out in the next room? While I was fighting earlier, I had an idea for a strategy. Despite the fact that shed stopped shaking him, Circes hands remained firmly grasped around Zekes arm as she stared up at him, wide eyes sparkling in anticipation. Oo, lets hear it then! You know how the harpies rushed towards us at once the moment one of thems alerted? Zeke began his explanation as they made their way over to the chest reward, Circe still hanging onto him. I was thinking that we could use that to our advantage. I can immobilize them or at least keep them steady enough for you to clean everything up with Assassinate. Oh! That would certainly make clearing this place a lot faster, Circe finally let go of his arm, making her way over to the chest. After giving the lid a tap, she shifted her attention back to Zeke. And you could also get more EXP for participating. Didnt you say you wanted to focus on putting points into constitution? [You gained <40 DCs>] [You gained <40 DCs>] Yeah, though Ill do that after I get my magic up to fifty points, Zeke swiped the notifications away from his vision. Its already fifty if Im counting all my equipment, though Im mainly doing it for the mana since equipment stats don''t count towards that. Circe crooked her neck. But why do you need to level up constitution? Doesnt that just affect health points and defense? After gaining the Mana Overlord aptitude and reading the Witchs Codex, I learn a lot about magic, Zeke began as his gaze shifted between the three gates thatd opened up around them; one at the front, and two on either side. The body is just as important as the core, so strengthening my body for the purpose of magic will prove beneficial alongside increasing my stamina for sword training. Its killing two birds with one stone. Hearing his reason, Circe nodded in acknowledgement. Oh, I see, thats pretty clever, or so Zeke thought. From the blank look on her face, he doubted that she truly understood. These things wouldnt be possible if this is still a game, huh? Since stamina isnt a stat in Dungeon Regime. Thats great and all, Zeke steered their conversation towards a different topic, pointing towards the gates with his thumb. Ill let you pick our path, where should we go next? Immediately, Circe responded. That way! She exclaimed with confidence as she pointed towards their left. The tunnels all looked identical, so none of them could tell what lurked on the other side. As Zeke turned, Circe already got ahead of him. Cmon Zeke! We have flying chickens to kill! Chapter 36: Sidetracked (2) The next room ended up being the Puzzle Room. Apart from the floors, which split apart into multiple segments, the design remained the same as the other two rooms theyd been to. Before they proceeded, they backtracked to the crossroad, wanting to check the two remaining routes. A singular chest in the middle occupied the northern room, while the one on the right appeared like the usual monster room. Since that chest room is most likely trapped, lets go kill the birds first. Circe suggested in excitement, striding towards the eastern block without waiting for Zekes reply. As they arrived at their destination, Zeke went on forward, drawing in the three harpies attention that flew out in the open. Alright, game on. He stood his ground as the birds swooped in, their talons out to kill. [ are alerted to your presence.] Squak? Suddenly, the harpies movements slowed to a halt, eyeing Zeke with clear hesitation seeping from their demeanor. A cunning smirk grew on his lips as he tapped the ground with his staff, sending a ripple of mana across the field. As the invisible force swept over the hidden harpies, they suddenly emerged from the shadows and rushed towards him. Expecting this reaction, Zeke held out his free hand, his grin growing wider. These idiots. Snapping his fingers into a tight fist, all the harpies suddenly found themselves stuck mid-air. As some of them struggled, the light reflected off their invisible binds shimmered mockingly. Now, Circe! Right! With Zekes callout, Circe rushed forward from behind him. Her sword drawn back as she leaped towards the closest target. With lightning-like swiftness, Circe bounced from one harpy to another, slicing their backs with such force that it cleaved their bodies clean in half. In the blink of an eye, she landed back on the ground as pieces of what remained fell from the sky. [Killed x14 ] [Greatest contributor is Ruelle Peregrine. EXP has been distributed.] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 18] [ of Ruelle Peregrine has been refilled.] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 15] [ of Silas Salvador has been refilled.] [Achievement Unlocked: Clean Sweep - Killed all the enemies within a with one attack.] [Youve earned some EXP!] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 16] Not bad, this plan of yours, Circe faced Zeke as she shook her sword, painting a crimson arch on the grass. You even got the achievement, even though it was an assist. Right. It was coded that way so its easier to get, Zeke made his way towards the chest reward. Tapping it once, he watched as the system notification informed him of the coins they earned. With a suspicious frown, he turned to Circe. Though Ive just noticed this now, but isnt this dungeon giving us a lot of EXP? You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. [Youve gained <30 DCs>] [Youve gained <30 DCs>] Circes brows rose as the sounds of creaking gates erupted from her side. ActuallyYoure right. This is just the first floor and Ive already leveled up quite a bit, she opened her status window and checked her level. Eighteentwo more levels and I can use the S-tier scythebut this development is a little too fast. If were counting the Broken ImpairmentTechnically speaking, weve only cleared three dungeon floors, Zeke held up his fingers as he spoke, his eyebrows slightly creased. The Tutorial Dungeon gives double EXP, so its not unusual to level up a lotthe Broken Impairment enemies count to around one floor worth of experienceyet just three enemy rooms in a Hidden Dungeon gives just around the same as the latter two? That doesnt make any sense. Who knows, maybe its an error like with Arachne, or the out-of-script Broken Impairment. Circe shrugged. Hm, Zeke shook his head. Harpies are the appropriate monsters to appear at our level, but dont you feel like we killed them too easily? If its really an error like you said, then there must be some sort of twist to this.] Circe took a moment to think before nodding. I agree with you, it does smell fishy. But since we dont know anything now, we should focus on clearing this place. The deeper we go, the clearer things should be. Thats true. Zeke strolled to the newly opened room, letting Circe follow behind him. Once they stepped inside, the scent of tranquility greeted them. Surrounding a pond in the middle, lush greeneries and flora enchanted the room in a calming aura. Their fatigues melted from their bodies the moment they caught a wisp of the flowers scent. Ah, this is the Rest Stop. Great, lets take a break here for a bit, Circe walked on ahead of him as she stretched her hands high in the air, her sword nowhere to be seen. Plopping down on one of the benches near the water, she raised both her legs onto the seat. Then we can backtrack and see what the other rooms about, I can feel this floors layout coming to an end soon. . . . Entering the chest room from before, Zeke carefully observed his surroundings. Bushes and trees parted for the sole metallic chest acting as the blocks focal point. As his attention fixed on the box, he raised an eyebrow. Doesn''t seem like there''s anything unusual in hereSo it''s just a normal room with loot? Unlike him, Circes narrowed gaze shimmered in suspicion. She crept closer to the chest, holding her sword out in defense. Normally they don''t appear this early in the gamebut When she reached her hand towards the chest, it suddenly lunged at her, revealing multiple rows of razor-like fangs and a long, pointed tongue. Since Circe came prepared, a vertical strike of her sword sent the living chest flying backwards. Landing a few meters away from her, the monsters mouth opened to let loose whatever hid within it. Black tendrils rigged with teeth-like spikes shot into the sky before arching down towards the closest target. Fortunately, Zeke reacted first and shot the whips with a magic missile, forcing them to retreat. A nervous smirk formed on his lips. Ha, your trap instincts even work against Mimics, huh? Circe dashed backwards as the mimics tendrils rushed at her once again, letting their pointed tips impale into the ground. Not a good time to talk, Zeke. Immobilize it. Aye aye, captain. As per her order, Zeke held out his free hand and a sudden unseeable force pressed down on the tendrils, anchoring them to the ground. With the window of opportunity, Circe lunged past the mimics limbs, reaching its main body in a single leap. Since the monster couldn''t move, her sword pierced into the mimics mouth, and she felt pressure fighting against the blades strength. I mustve gotten its core. Game over, then. [Killed x1 ] [Achievement Unlocked: Wait. You''re not a Chest - Discover and Slay a Mimic.] [Youve earned some EXP!] [ dropped <80 DCs>] [Ruelle Peregrine - in Possession: 205] [ dropped ] Pulling out her sword, Circe didn''t need to turn around after hearing Zekes footsteps behind her. Ha, it gave you a new toy, Zeke. she grinned as they watched the mimics body dissipate into light, leaving behind a staff on the grassy bed. < Weapon Description > Name: Arcane Resonance Tier: B Type: Staff Class: Mage Stat: (+3) to Magic Effects Grants the skill Bonus Effects Increases the users control over mana. Increases the users resistance to <<>> Zeke picked it up, immediately swapping out the Sapphire Staff for the new Arcane Resonance. It had a silver body adorned with sapphire accents. A singular blue diamond-shaped gemstone hovered in the heads curvy parameter. [Equipped as your Primary Weapon.] [The Weapon Skill, , is added to your Skill Tab.] [Equipped as your Secondary Weapon.] Huh, I didnt think that would work, Zeke resummoned the Sapphire Staff into his other hand for a moment, whisking it away once more after he confirmed his curiosity. Seems like you can dual-wield staves here. Thats great, isnt it? Circe didnt sound surprised as her gaze averted to the newly-opened gate ahead. Now you dont need to swap out their skills and can just use both magic missile and magic blast. Weapon Slots in Dungeon Regime allowed the players to quickly switch between their weapons with a single click of a button, also known as Quick Swap. Some weapons can only be used in the Primary Weapon slot, such as a mages staff, greatswords, and weapons that come in pairs. With the games limits lifted, Zeke can now use both his staves in battle, not needing to swap them out through the inventory. Oh yeah, a sudden thought came to Zekes mind. His abrupt callout earned Circes attention. Setting our weapons as either Primary or Secondary binds them to our IDs, right? If theyre boundthen cant we do something like Zeke threw his new staff to the side, only for it to reappear back into his grip a second later. Something like that: Weapon Recall. Oh! Circe exclaimed in surprise. It mustve used the same principles as weapons like the Throwing Knives and Combat Cards. I thought they just materialize new ones once theyre thrown, but if theyre retrieved instead This couldve been useful to know in our previous fights, Zeke let out a sigh as his lips curled into a forlorn smile. What a pity, but at least now we have a new trick up our sleeves. A trick that Im definitely trying out in the next monster room. Circe smirked as she summoned a dagger into her free hand. Chapter 37: Sidetracked (3) Backtracking once more, the two found themselves standing in front of the Puzzle Room. The floor splitted apart into multiple floating platforms, revealing the vast, endless sky below them. When Zeke stepped inside, a system panel appeared before him. < Puzzle : Build-a-Bridge > Objectives Form a path in the middle to the other side with the floating platforms. Obstacles You cannot move a platform twice in a row. Time Limit None. Requirements None. [More Info] (If the puzzles objective is still unclear, please refer to the [More Info] tab. Once youre ready, please press the [Start Puzzle] button.) [Start Puzzle] <<>> Eh? Isnt this pretty easy? Circe peered her head over to read the description panel as they put their weapons inside the inventory, watching Zeke nonchalantly press the Start Puzzle button at the very bottom of the screen. [Puzzle Start!] Another monitor replaced the other one, showing the digital birds eye view of the platforms ahead of them. Zeke experimentally moved one of the square icons, and the floating plates mirrored the gesture as expected. Better if its easy, no? Im not doing another math question. [ERROR!] Zekes face contorted as a sudden notification blocked the screen, its body flashing red as if mocking him for his words earlier. Fuck, I jinxed it. [An has been added in ] [Added Obstacle: The player must answer a question before moving a platform. If the player answers incorrectly, the entire field resets and a random number of enemies will spawn.] Maybe next time you should just shut up. Circe spoke with a jesting grin on her face. As Zeke begrudgingly cleared the eerily red tabs in front of him, she noticed that the platform hed moved before had hovered back to its original place, secured against the right most side. ... Despite knowing that shed used the moment to belittle him, Zeke simply took the hit to his pride without a fight. Soon, a new panel appeared before him, containing their first question. [Question #1: What is the chemical symbol for Potassium permanganate?] [Answer] Circes eyes narrowed as her brows knotted. What the fuck is potassium permapermanI cant even read that. Potassium permanganate, as Zeke clicked on the Answer button, an input panel and keyboard appeared in its place. I know this one, its KMNO4. [KMNO4] [Confirm your answer?] This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. [Yes] [] [CORRECT! You can now move one platform.] I knew I can count on this nerd, Circes lips twisted into a proud grin as she gave Zekes back a light tap. Despite the little force exerted, Zeke could still feel a small sting spread across his skin. Watching him move a block on the puzzle panel, Circe spoke. Since we can only move one step at a time, shouldnt we plan out what platform to start with first to minimize the amount of questions? [Next Question] Youre right, Zeke nodded along with her words, eyes focusing on the screen ahead. Im moving this bottom right one just because theres no other platforms in its way. If youve got any suggestions then Im happy to take them. What youre doing now is fine, Circe pointed at some of the other isolated squares on screen. We can focus on moving these first. Okay. Zeke pressed on the Next Question button, bringing up the quizz screen. [Question #2: Who is the author of the poem The Raven?] Great, another easy one, Zeke brought up the input screen before typing in the answer. You should know this one too, Miss English Major. [Edgar Allan Poe] [Confirm your answer?] [Yes] [] [CORRECT! You can now move one platform!] Circe rolled her eyes. Im sure everyone knows this, the Raven is one of Edgars most famous works. Right, Zeke chuckled as he moved the other platforms on the puzzle screen, turning to see his movements reflected in reality. Since the questions arent that hard, well get through this in no time. . . . [Question #12: What is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus emits particles or energy to become more stable?] What the fuck, Zeke, Circe stared in horror at the question proposed by the system. By then, Zeke had crouched on the ground while pressing his forehead against the side of his intertwined hands. From where she stood, she couldnt see his expression. You really shouldnt have said anything. Why are the questions getting more ridiculous? And theres still a few more platforms left. Zeke reached out his index finger, slowly tapping on the Answer button. As the input panel and keyboard appeared in front of him, he hesitantly typed his answer down. Hey, if I get this wrongYou better not hit me. Circe shook her head. As if I can hit you, I cant even guess the answer. [Covalent bonding] Heavy silence pressed down on their shoulders, yet Zeke remained conflicted whether he should confirm his answer. After a whole minute of staring at the input screen, Zeke eventually decided to delete everything. You thought of something better? Circe dropped down next to him, staring at his tightly knotted brows as he began typing a new answer, clear epiphany reflected in his narrowed eyes. [Radioactive decay] [Confirm answer?] Zeke pursed his lips. I doubt its covalent bonding, since the question suggested that its only one atom becoming stable. So this has to be the answer. Then go for it, Circe crossed her arms. Im surprised that we got this far, considering that there was a whole math equation in the two previous questions. Alright! Zeke squeezed his eyes shut, tapping on the Yes button. [Yes] [] [CORRECT! You can now move one platform!] Zeke Circe started as the corner of her mouth curled into a smirk. Seeing as Zeke still had his eyes closed, she forced out the most dejected tone she could. You need to see this. Cmon, look at the panel. Curiosity bubbled inside his chest, prompting Zeke to open one eye in anticipation. When he realized that hed gotten the correct answer, he leaned backwards, letting himself fall against the grass. A giggle escaped his curled lips as he spoke, voice shaking. Oh my fucking god, Circe, dont scare me like that. By then, Circe had taken over the puzzle screen. She laughed while moving a block over to the half-built bridge, only two more blocks remained floating at the furthest edges. My greatest apologies, Mister Genius, please get up and solve the next question. [Question #13: Which country has the most time zones?] France. Circe answered instantly while Zeke barely rose from the ground. Swiping the keyboard from his side, she typed in the answer herself and confidentially submitted it. [] [CORRECT! You can now move one platform!] Zeke gave her a raised eyebrow. Really, you know some of the most random things. Even the capital of Liechtenstein. Circe rolled her eyes. My brain tends to store only the random information I come across, and never the things I actually need to know. Also, Zeke spoke while he moved one of the platforms one block from its original position. Its kind of odd that its asking us about the facts on Earth, but Dungeon Regime exists on an entirely new planet with its own continents. I was expecting questions related to it, to be honest. Circe looked at him with a frown. And you keep pointing out some of the most random things. Youre making me think too much. Isnt that good? You usually dont think about anything anyway. Nice insult. Circe lightly elbowed him. Thanks. Zeke responded bluntly as he brought up the next question. . . . [ cleared!] [A+ performance!] [Youve earned <100 DCs>] [Youve earned x1 ] With their rewards secured inside their inventory, the two of them headed inside the newly-opened tunnel. Emerging on the other side, the sight of a medieval-style market greeted them as soon as they entered. Oh, its a shop, Circe mused as she walked further into the room, attention shifting between the two sections on either side. We dont really need anything from here thoughmaybe health potions and buffs? Zeke headed towards the Weapons section, scanning each booth to see that the shop only had six displays, unlike the maximum ten hed seen in the Tutorial Dungeon. You need a new weapon, even if you''re close to unlocking the requirement for the scythe. Getting one for the stats temporarily should be fine though. Yeah, the stuff made outside doesnt do anything, Circe took out her sword, staring at its chipped edges with pity. It cant match up with my strength anymore, Ive only used this one for a bit and its already chipping. Right Zeke dragged one of the boxes nearby to sit on. Then we can take our time here, Im going to get some shut-eye, if you dont mind. Circe smirked. Used too much brain power, huh? Yeah, Zeke responded dully as he leaned against the vendors pole, closing his eyes. If anything comes up, wake me. Chapter 38: Sidetracked (4) With Circe left to her own company, she made her way over to the Weapons section. Staring at the six display shelves before her, she crossed her arms, eyes darting from one showroom to another. ...A sword is nice for the range, but the rogue skills I could get in the future mainly scale with daggers. I should get used to using them instead. Her gaze stopped on the shelf at the leftmost back. A pair of silver daggers shimmered in their glass cages, as if trying to garner her affection. Interested in its design, Circe walked over and brought up their description panel. < Weapon Description > Name: Serpent Twins Tier: D Type: Dagger Class: Rogue Stats: (+1) to Agility | (+1) to Strength Effects - Attacks have a 10% chance to inflict <<>> Black, scale-like leather wrapped around the daggers grip. Their guards mirrored the shape of a snake''s head while curved, silver blades protruded from the serpents opened maws. The jagged edges by the base of the blades mimicked two deadly fangs. This one looks the coolest, Circe whistled with a smile. Turning around to the other displays, she saw that the Serpent Twins were the only daggers for sale. It''s not cheap compared to the Tutorial Dungeon, but I''ll take them. [ : 200 DCs] [Ruelle Peregrine - in Possession: 305 > 105.] [Purchased x1 ] [Equipped as your Primary Weapon.] [ moved to ] After dismissing all the notices, Circe recalled her new weapons into her hands. The leather handles fitted nicely in her grips like a perfect pair of gloves. Despite her proficiency with the sword, each movement she made with the daggers felt more natural. ...Classes have no effect on the in-game character, but I guess they do here in real life. Satisfied with the results, Circe dismissed the weapons. She made her way over to Zeke and gently shook his shoulder. Zeke~ Wake up~ I''m done choosing my new toys. It took a moment, but eventually Zeke opened his eyes. As he groggily sat up, stared at her blankly. Uh, huh. What did you pick? Serpent Twins, they''re dual daggers. Circe summoned them again, flaunting her new weapons with a bright smile on her face. We can move on, then, Zeke followed up with a short yawn. Getting to his feet, he dragged his feet over to the Basic section of the shop. Health and mana potions occupied the first two slots, while the remaining displays contained two vials; one in a different shade of blue from the mana potion, and another having clear liquid inside. Are you getting anything else? Since I still have your buff scrolls, I probably won''t need any speed or strength potions, Circe walked next to Zeke, eyes landing on the vial containing the colorless liquid. Oh, Ill get one of these, though. [ : 30 DCs] [Rulle Peregrine - in Possession: 105 > 75.] [Purchased x1 ] < Item Description > Name: Cleansing Potion Tier: D Type: Consumable Source: Dungeon Shop Effects - Clears any negative from the consumer. Only works against effects lower or equal to the s tier. <<>> Zeke nodded as he shifted his attention towards the other potion. Its blue gleam reminded him of sapphire; a shade darker than the mana potions. Then Ill take some of these. [ : 20 DCs] [ : 40 DCs] This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. [Silas Salvador - in Possession: 210 > 70.] [Purchased x3 ] [Purchased x2 ] < Item Description > Name: Magic Potion Tier: D Type: Buff Source: Dungeon Shop Effects - Grants 20% increase in damage for 120 seconds. <<>> Maybe you should learn how to brew potions, Circe suggested, twirling around the daggers between her fingers. That way, we won''t ever need to bother trying our luck with the shops ever again. Zeke scoffed as a small smile crept to his lips. Even if I do learn it, where am I going to get all the ingredients? Dungeons, of courseOr we could potentially sneak out to the empires borders, Circe playfully pointed the tip of her blade towards Zeke, speaking as if pointing out the obvious. Since magical ingredients follow wherever magical monsters are. Zeke crooked his neck, lips pursed into a straight line. Mm, maybe, but for now I''ll focus on learning spells. There should be a chapter on potion brewing in the Witchs Codex. I would assume so, Circe huffed, the corner of her lips stretched into an amused smirk. It''s called the Witchs Codex, Id be more surprised if there''s not a page about mixing weeds and eyeballs in a large cauldron. Zeke gave her a blank look for a moment. Weed? The thought passed by as quickly as it came, but he decided against asking Circe for an answer. Well, since we''re done here, quickly averting the subject, Zeke turned to the tunnel where theyd come from. Should we go clean up the rest of the mobs? Im ready to move on from this floor, to be honest. Yep, Circe stretched her arms in the air, the way she moved around while holding onto two deadly blades brought a hint of concern to Zekes expression. It went by unnoticed, though. Let''s get a move on. There''s the path in that trapped mimic room that we haven''t explored yet. . . . Instead of finding any more harpies to kill, the two found themselves standing before a large, swirling gate in the middle of the lushed aviary. ...That''s it? Zekes brows arched into a frown as he glanced towards Circe, noticing the equally confused look on her face. I''m not the dungeon expert herebut I''m pretty sure that we haven''t gone through ten rooms yet. A dungeons layout is randomized each time, so the paths connecting the blocks will each feel like a fresh experience for players diving into these portals, no matter how many times they repeat. However, every floor will have a total of ten rooms, leaving for the portal room and the starting room. This number is not ever changing like the dungeons construction. Maybe this is why we''re getting so many experience points, Circe had put away the Serpent Twins when she realized that they''ve already reached the end of the level. Crossing her arms, she called for the minimap. One, two, threeseven. Three rooms are missing on this floor, and there''s not even an elite to kill. I knew it, Zeke narrowed his eyes. Somethings very suspicious here, this portal isn''t going to take us straight to the boss room, is it? Circe snorted with a roll of her eyes. Thatd be absurd, after seeing the contempt on Zekes face, she nervously laughed. ...But not outside the realm of possibility, considering what weve been going through so far. Silently, Zeke took out the Arcane Resonance. Just to be safe, I''m holding onto my weapon, his words prompted Circe to do the same, summoning the Serpent Twins into her grip. As she gave him an understanding nod, Zeke took a step forward and took a deep breath. Well, it''s not like we have a choice here. We can''t log out, or save scum, or use a return stonesince we don''t even have it. Yeah, despite her short answer, Circes voice lacked any hint of nervousness. Zeke turned to her, wondering silently to himself whether she had any sense for danger. We haven''t distributed our stat points yet, right? Let''s do that first then. Zeke nodded, bringing up his status window. After a moment of calculation, he used up his stat points as planned. [PNTS: 12 > 0] [CON: 8 > CON: 16] [HP: 80/80 > HP: 160/160] [MAG: 46 (+7) > MAG: 50 (+7)] [Stat: has reached the required threshold.] [New stat unlocked: ] < Stat Description > Name: Extrasensory Current Points: 5 Requirement: Reach 50 Stat Points in Effects - Increases the characters sensitivity to magical energy. - The higher the stat, the more influence the character can assert on mana. Cannot be increase using [See Details] - 5 Points : Reduce mana cost of skills by 5% - 10 Points: [LOCKED] - 15 Points: [LOCKED] [Show More] <<>> There we go, Ill focus on leveling the con stat now since I got what I wanted. Zeke dismissed the panels before him, feeling the strings of mana in the air more prominently than usual. Despite already possessing the Mana Overlord aptitude, the Extrasensory stat increased his magic perception to even greater heights. Circe thought about her choice for a bit longer, the frown on her face reflecting her troubles. Agility also increases critical hit chance, but since my skill already guarantees a crit, I should invest into damage Shouldn''t you be trying to get the Instinct stat from Agility? Zeke tilted his head. You''re right, but how would a five percent dodge chance even work in real life? Circe sighed. In the game, the attack just goes through the character, but I doubt itd be the same here. Ah, I get it, Zeke nodded as his brows knitted, realizing that she made a good point. There''s a chance that the bonus could just be completely uselessso you''re gunning for the Spirit stat from Strength? Shaking her head, Circe responded. It''s the same thing with Instinct, how would the attack speed bonus work? Id rather get the Willpower stat from Constitution for the damage reduction, since at least that''s straightforward. Well, Zeke shrugged. You can only get one from the first stat that reaches fifty points, so youd have to pick between Instinct and Spirit eventually. Silence hung in the air between them as Circes attention remained fixated to the status screen before her. Eventually, after a minute of contemplation, she distributed her stat points. [PNTS: 12 > 0] [AGI: 35 (+4) > 47 (+4)] When Zeke peered his head over to see her choice, he let out a short whistle along with an acknowledging nod. I had a feeling you were going to choose Instinct. A smirk danced on Circes lips. Since both my options have the same uncertainty, I''ll just pick the most interesting one. Now then, let''s go to the second floor. Circe continued, looking up at the portal before them with a shimmer of determination in her eyes. As she took a step forward, the swirling gate reached its smoke-like tendrils towards her, as if attempting to embrace her. Soon, she disappeared into the portal. Zeke tightened his grip on the staff before following Circe through. Chapter 39: Sidetracked (5) The sight of ruins greeted them upon arrival. Basked beneath the shimmer of the evening sky, broken, crooked steel bars surrounded the parameter of the floating island. Leafless trees and dying bushes stood as an echo of the once lush forest, surrounding the atmosphere in a chilling aura of death. [ - Floor 2.] Circe took the lead this time, striding towards the worn path connecting to the next room. While they walked, Circes eyes remained glued to the floating paveway by her feet. Some of the steps had gaps in between them, revealing the bottomless orange sky below. What do you think would happen if we fall? Zekes voice cut through the silence in the air. Unlike Circe, he didn''t show an ounce of worry as he crossed the broken bridge. Do you think wed just lose some health and teleport back up like in the game? Whatever the answer is, Circe responded in a low tone. Soon, they arrived at the gate to the next room. I don''t want to find out. Entering the new block, they immediately met with the monsters that lurked within. However, unlike the harpies theyd faced before, these creatures stood almost as tall as Zeke, with eagle-like heads and buffed bodies, their talon hands each gripping worn-out scimitars, the edges dyed red in blood. [] [ are alerted to your presence.] Upon spotting the intruders, the six-foot abominations spread their wings and drove at them with great swiftness despite their body size. Circes daggers clashed against the closest enemies blade, piercing the air with the sharp sound of metal against metal. Oh shit! They''re strong! Circe exclaimed as she put more force into her arms, successfully pushing her opponent back, allowing her to quickly block the sword of another bird warrior beside her. From what he could see, Zeke counted a total of four aviankins, but he kept the thought at the back of his mind that there could be more hiding elsewhere. Focusing on the situation at hand first, he raised his staff and shot a beam of energy towards the monster closest to him, while firing magic missiles into two other birds, sending them tumbling to the ground. Now with some breathing room, Circe activated Assassinate. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared behind the aviankin. As the bird stumbled forward from the lack of counter force, her daggers etched a deep cross into its back, garnering an ear splitting shriek from the monster. !!! Unexpectedly, the wounded aviankin whirled around with its sword arching through the air. Despite the surprise attack, Circe managed to block it with one of her daggers. If shed been just a second slower, she wouldve gotten decapitated in an instant. It''s not dead!? What the heck!? Before Zeke could respond, his eyes caught a hint of movement from the edge of his vision. Swiftly raising his weapon, he met the other aviankins sword with the metallic pole of his staff. Is it just me, or is there a sudden difficulty spike? Since her opponent got inflicted with Open Wound, Circe felt that her opponents strength could no longer match against hers. After swiftly pushing the scimitar away from her face, she dragged her other dagger down the birds chest. [Killed x1 ] After seeing the death of their comrade, the two aviankins not locked in combat rushed at Circe with their scimitars arching through the air. She parried one with both her daggers before instantly turning to the other. Zeke? Busy! While Circe had her eyes fixed on her targets, the sound of explosion sounding from Zekes side spoke of the ongoing battle. Stepping backwards to avoid the timely slashes from the aviankins blade, Zeke found a window of opportunity and fired off a magic blast. But the bird simply raised its scimitar, splitting the energy beam in half as it let the separated bolts brushed past its shoulders. It blocked again! Zeke gritted his teeth, a frown creeping up his face. Try this then! Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. As Zeke retracted his staff, the aviankin thought to use the moment to close in their distance, instead, it suddenly found its limbs bound by an unknown force. The bird of preys eyes allowed it to spot the slight movement of the webs as it tried to move. Despite Zekes casting speed, the aviankins strength managed to overpowered the webs grips, and it raised its blade just in time to block the magical bullet. Smoke masked the area between them when the attack collided against the edge of the scimitar. But a second later, the monster emerged from the dust, its sword already locked at Zeke as it prepared a horizontal strike. Ha, Seeing the scimitar gleaming under the setting sun, instead of feeling fear, Zekes mouth curled up into a wide grin. I finally got you. A powerful force instantly slapped the aviankin back down on the ground, its sword knocked out of its talons upon impact. The thunderous painful cry that followed garnered its allies attention, as they immediately shifted their focus away from Circe and dashed towards the mage. The one closest to Zeke got its back cleaved by Circes dagger, while it did not kill it instantly, she managed to stop its momentum for long enough that she could turn her attention towards the last bird. Both her daggers collided against the scimitar, locking it in a stalemate. Zeke! Shoot the other one! Huh!? I can''t cast another spell while I''m using Gravity! ...WHAT!? Zekes eyes fearfully glanced down at the injured aviankin as it began to rise to its feet. Using its sword to support its wounded body, the bird sent a sharp glare at Zeke. With its last ounce of strength, the warrior threw the scimitar at him, forcing him to move out of the way. As the sword impaled into the ground where Zeke once stood, the effect of the gravity spell got lifted, allowing the fallen aviankin to stand back up. Luckily, Zeke whirled around just in time to cast another spell, pressing it back down to the ground. [Killed x1 ] Soon, the wounded monster fell to its injuries. Now with the threat neutralized, Circe focused her full attention on her opponent. Gritting her teeth through the ache in her arms, she pushed back against the scimitars with all her might, only for the aviankin to fight even harder against her strength. But Circe only needed those few seconds, as soon as her skill finished its cooldown, she activated it and disappeared behind the creature, letting it stumble forward with its own momentum. This time, she thrust both her daggers through the birds chest, instantly killing it. [Killed x1 ] I should have done that from the start. As Circe internally cursed herself, she shifted her attention to the remaining monster, still struggling to get up from Zekes magic. After she pulled her daggers out from the corpses body, she threw one of them into the aviankins skull. [Killed x1 ] Finally! Zeke gasped as he sank to the ground, resting both arms on his knees. His hands loosely held onto the Arcane Resonance while he stared blankly at the sight of carnage before him, beads of sweat running down the side of his head. Ace mobs were supposed to be hard, but the difficulty spike was way too big from those easy harpies Instead of responding, Circe remained silent, eyes locked onto each one of the aviankins corpses. ...Hey, we killed all of them, right? Yeah we did, since nothing else is coming out Zeke responded as he glanced at Circe, fatigue now prominent in his eyes. But then he suddenly got up to his feet. Wait, with a widened gaze, he stared at Circes stern face anxiously. There isn''t a notification that said we clear this place. So there''s more? Not just that, Circe opened her status window. After confirming her suspicions, she swiped the panel towards Zeke for him to see. I got no experience from killing these birds. Now there''s surely something wrong with this dungeon. Zeke shook his head as he pursed his lips. ...What dungeon mob doesn''t give out EXP? From what I know, only summoned creatures from another monster. Like the lich mobs or vampire lords, Circes voice remained unusually calm. These aviankins surely aren''t zombies. I don''t know why they''re not giving us any EXP either, it could just be bugged like the Tutorial Dungeon. Hearing her explanation, Zeke slowly sat back down on the ground, one free hand gripping the side of his head as a frown darkened his expression. ...But the gate isn''t open either, so how do we even get out of here? THUMP. CREEEAK! Both their heads turned the instant they heard something coming from the closed gate behind them. To their horrors, an unknown behemoth stood behind the tall, broken bars of the ruined aviary, its giant talons slowly pushing the metallic rods to the side. What the fuck is that? Zeke got up to his feet as he took out one of the mana potions from his inventory, drowning its entire content in preparation for combat. It''s standing this close yet we still can''t take a peek beyond the gatesI can''t tell just from the hands, but it''s definitely some sort of aviankin. Circe recalled the dagger shed thrown back into her grip, eyeing the shadowed monster with vigilance in her poise. Soon, the creatures masked form stepped into the afternoon sun. Dark gray and white feathers covered its scar-ridden, muscular body, though it lacked the wings that all the other aviankins possesed. The blood on its bulky armor gleamed menacingly as it eyed them both with its sharp, unwavering gaze. [ERROR!] [ is alerted to your presence.] Chapter 40: Sidetracked (6) Silence weight down their shoulders as the air went still. The heavy atmosphere reminded them of the time they first fought against Arachne as a familiar sensation prickled down their spines. That''s an elite, Circes voice barely made a sound, too soft to break the ice, but loud enough that Zeke acknowledged her statement with a slow nod. Remember, a named elite is stronger than normal elites. ...Yeah, Zeke responded quietly. Butwhy isn''t it moving? Despite the time that''s passed, Nasrin remained still, staring at them calmly as if it saw no threat in its enemies. This feeling Circes thoughts rushed through her mind as she silently debated whether she should use the chance to attack the monster while it refused to move. It''s similar to when I fought against bossesBut I''m sure this guy is only an elite. Does a named elite also give the same pressure? Nasrins gaze suddenly flickered towards Circes. As their eyes met, she unknowingly felt her shoulders relax. No, much to Zekes surprise, Circe put away her daggers, letting her empty hands fall defenselessly to her side. It''s the presence of the strongeven stronger than Arachne and Rokan combined. ...I don''t know how, but, Circe turned to see Zekes bewildered expression. Nasrin isn''t an elite, it''s a boss. You''re notwere not going to fight it? Despite the quiver in his voice, Zeke managed to keep what remained of his composure, though refused to let his staff go and remained vigilant of the monster before them. No, from the look of things, it doesn''t want a fight either, Circe gestured towards Nasrin with her chin. But even if we do decide to fight it and give up a limb or two, wed still lose. It''s way too strong for our current selves. Much to both their surprises, Nasrin nodded in response. That is correct, even more surprising, itshe began to speak. As Nasrin lowered her head, she continued. I apologize for startling you, Otherworlders. My name is Nasrin, the leader of the Weisswynn Tribe. Hello Nasrin, Circe gave the bird a friendly smile, seeing Zeke put his staff away from the edge of her vision. I''m Circe, and that guy''s Ezekiel. Why did you come all the way over here? Nasrin straightened herself. After sensing your presence, Ive been watching you two since your battle against the Aqualin Tribe. As Ive confirmed your strengths, I decided that you two shall be the chosen warriors to liberate us from this endless cycle. At that point, both Circe and Zeke expected the system to show them some kind of quest panel. But after a few seconds of silence, nothing came up. Zeke decided to speak, brows slightly creased. Hold onMiss Nasrin, can you explain more? Whats this about liberation? Nasrins eyes widened as confusion flickered across her face. I assumed that you two knew about us when you entered this place. Is it that you stumbled upon the Aviary by accident? I wouldn''t call it an accidentbut yeah, we have no idea what you''re talking about. Hearing Zekes reply, Nasrin turned her head towards the gate shed broken through. Alright, then follow me, she didn''t wait for the two to respond and walked forward. A hundred years ago, an ancient aviankin sought to take over our land. Without much of a choice, Circe and Zeke exchanged a glance before following Nasrin into the next room. Nothing differed from the ruined wasteland before, but they soon noticed the worn, stone statue of an armored aviankin standing in the middle. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Nasrin came to a stop in front of the statue, staring up at the birds stoic, lifeless expression. This ancient aviankin, whom we have thought perished along with his kind, called himself Tarren. He called forth storms and wind, destroying everything in his path. He threatened us that we either stand beneath or against him, and those who chose the opposition will die by his talons. As Zeke and Circe got closer, Nasrin took a step to the side, allowing them to see the plate mounted to the statues foundation. In honor of the great warrior, Corvus Blackwing of the Noxus Tribe, the Feller of the Thunder Tyrant Zeke read aloud with eyes narrowed into a slit. Corvus was the last remaining member of his tribe, Nasrin explained, a hint of forlorn longing reflected in her keen eyes. He came to Weisswynn for refuge while swearing to take revenge for his family. We were already part of the resistance, so we gladly accepted him into our tribe. As Nasrin spoke, Circe and Zeke examined the aviankin statue more closely. Blackwing stood tall and proud with his talon hands opened by his sides, lacking any form of weaponry. His wings spreaded past his broad shoulders, a strong posture that radiated the aura of a hero in fairytales. Weve fought many battles upon gathering our forces. Having to cleave our talons and blades through our own kind had caused us much misery, though Corvus always pushed through without hesitation, he told us that: They had forfeited their rights as citizens the moment they became soldiers, and as soldiers, they are no more than enemies needed to be killed. While Nasrin didn''t have a human face, Circe still managed to see the glint of a smile in her eyes. You seem to admire him a lot. Yes, I do. We all do. He was a hero, after all, our heroBut in the end, he sacrificed his life to put an end to Tarrens reign of terror, Nasrin looked up at Corvus statue once more, this time, her expression went dark. ...If only our peace could last forever. Nasrin turned to face the two of them, the look in her eyes sent shivers down their spine. Even though she bore no malice towards them, they still managed to feel her rage. Many tribes that followed Tarren only did so out of fear, and they returned to coexisting with us when the war ended. However, there were lunatics that got drunk on the taste of power. They sacrificed thousands of aviankins and revived Tarren. ...And this is where Tarren is? Zeke asked in a quiet voice, to which Nasrin responded with a nod. Yes, after his resurrection, he tore our continent apart and left only his devoted followers alive, Nasrin looked down at her talons. Wewe did not survive, but Tarren knew that our tribe had put up the most resistance, and that we were the ones who assisted Corvus in his quest to slay Tarren. That bastard killed half my people and left the rest of us in this state; neither alive, nor dead. Ah, Circe glanced towards Zeke, noticing that he also looked at her. So that''s why we didn''t get any EXP when we killed those eagles. They''re like ghosts in a way. You could say that, Nasrin nodded. Though if I may askWhat is this EXP thing that you''re talking about? Uh Circe pursed her lips, but quickly spoke a moment later. It''s a human thing, you don''t need to worry about it. Nasrin stared at her for a second. Ah, alright She continued, glancing towards Zeke. As Ive told you before, Id like for the two of you to slay the resurrected Tarren. I will be assisting you in battle, of course, but since your current selves are far too weak, I will train you myself. Zeke frowned. But we can''t stay here for too long since we have somewhere else to be. Circe nodded with worry. Yeah, even if time moves a lot slower than on the outside world, we can''t possibly get stronger in such a short time. Well, of course I cannot train you to perfection with so little time, Nasrin crossed her arms. I will at least increase your strength so you won''t simply be dead weight when we fight Tarren. Do you wish to know the real reason why I decided to put my one and only attempt at escape on you two? Even though none of them replied yet, Nasrin answered anyway, pointing towards Zeke with her talons. Despite being male, that human somehow has the power of a witch coursing through his veins. With his magic, we have a chance at victory. Hearing that, both their eyes widened with bewilderment. Zeke pointed at himself, while Circe pointed at him. Me? Him!? Why are you surprised? Nasrin crooked her head, eyes landing on Circe. As his partner, should you not know your own teammates capabilities? Well, yes, Circe shrugged. I know that Zeke can adapt quickly to magic, but he''s our key to victory? I find it hard to wrap my head around that. Zeke narrowed his eyes on her. ...Are you making fun of me right now? Circe responded with a soft smile. If that''s what you think, sure. Nasrin swiftly drew their attention back to her with a cough in her fist. ...There''s another reason for my choice, she looked at Circe, more specifically, her gaze landed on the Darkwing Mantle draped around her shoulders. I believe it is fate that I get to meet someone who possessed one of Corvus items. That cape you''re wearing, Circe, do you know that it''s in its incomplete state? Ah, Circe glanced behind her, staring at the Darkwing Mantle. Yes, I do know that Id need some other items to unlock its full potential she turned back. But what does that have to do with anything? Nasrins gaze landed on Corvus statue, a hint of a smile returning to her expression. Practically nothing, but Id like to believe that my dear friend has shown me the light once more. Chapter 41: Nasrins Request (1) Turning to face Zeke, Nasrin beckoned him forward with her talon. We will start immediately, although Ill be showing you the aviankins magic, so while I train Circe, do your best to learn these spells as fast as you can. You know magic? Zeke tilted his head, a slight frown creasing his face. I don''t sense any mana from you though. I can''t use magic, yes, as Nasrin responded, she began to draw shapes into the soil with her sharp nails. It didn''t take long until the image of a magic circle took form. But Ive seen my shamans works, they''re not perfect copies, but since witches are good with these types of things, youll be fine. Hearing her explanation, a look of confusion flickered across his face. ...Im not a witch though, he frowned more after seeing Nasrin straightened, having drawn three circles on the ground. Thesearen''t complete. Obviously, Nasrin looked up at him. I can''t remember every single detail on a magic circle, after all, so this is all youll have to work with, she gestured towards her drawings. The one on the right is a barrier spell. The middle one is for increasing speed, and the last one is a frost spell meant to slow enemy movements. As Zeke stared at the loosely-drawn magic circles before him, he plopped down onto the dirt, crossing his legs. I could just learn these types of spells on my own, is there a reason why it has to be these ones? Because they''re ancient magic, Nasrin responded as she rose to her feet. You really don''t know anything despite being a witch yourself, huh? Witches draw their strength from the purest source of mana; from nature itself. It''s better you learn the old form of magic rather than whatever you modern folks came up with for the sake of your own convenience. I just said I''m not a witch Zeke glanced at Circe briefly, judging by the look she returned that even she hadn''t heard of anything about this part of Dungeon Regimes lore either. ...How do you know what modern magic is like when youve been stuck here? It''s like that in my original world too, Nasrin shrugged, turning around. We aviankins live with nature, occasionally, some of us, including myself, would venture out into the human kingdoms. That''s when we realized magic has steered far from its original, pure form. It''s hard to find a human who knows how to use mana in its base form, apart from the witches, that is. Zeke returned his gaze towards the magic circles on the ground. Summoning the Witchs Codex, he began flipping through the tomes pages. Alright, maybe I can find something here The thought passed his mind. ...Now that he''s occupied, Nasrin turned to Circe, her keen, fierce eyes studying her poise like a predator looking down on its prey. Take out your weapons, it''s time to whip you into shape. Ive watched your battles, and Id say your movements are much too basic, Circe. All youve got going for you is speed, which I assumed it''s a short-burst type of technique. Circe summoned her daggers into her grips, getting into a battle stance immediately. It''s a bit complicated to explain for you, but we can say that it''s a technique, yes, she watched as Nasrin nonchalantly strolled to the other side of the field, gaining enough distance so a battle wouldn''t disturb Zeke during work. There are conditions to use that technique consecutively. It''s bad when I''m fighting a single target, but amazing if I can pick off enemies in a group. I assumed so, Nasrin responded with an understanding nod as she got into position, holding out her talons. Evening sunlight reflected on the sharp, black claws, creating the illusion that they might have been made from steel. Though your base speed is pretty decent as well- Suddenly, a gust of wind blew from Circes left. Before her body could react, her gaze landed on Nasrin beside her. -but it''s still far too slow to keep up with me. ...Ha, Circe felt the corner of her mouth tilted into a nervous grin, eyes falling onto Nasrins talons lightly pressed against her neck. Are you kidding? I couldn''t even see you. As Nasrin lowered her hand, she spoke. We wont be training your speed, Circe. Instead, I''ll be training your dodging skills. Dodging? Circe blinked. I know what youre thinking, if you''re fast, you can dodge, right? But, Nasrin turned around. If you can react to danger before your opponent moves, then you won''t need to rely on speed as much. ...Won''t that require years of training though? Circe asked, watching as Nasrin returned to her original position on the other side of the field. Gaining an instinct like that could only come from real battles, I doubt we have that much time. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Well, normally I would just beat you within the inch of your life, Nasrin shrugged, leaving Circe to wonder in horror whether she meant it as a joke. But we can''t afford any life-threatening injuries here, so Id force it upon you instead. Circes confusion only deepened. ...Werent you going to beat me because you wanted to force that instinct on me? Otherworlders, Nasrin disappeared once more, now suddenly standing right behind Circe. Possess an incredible amount of growth rate. So great in fact, that the human kingdoms where I came from would deliberately summon them as soldiers. It''s how I came to know of the Otherworlders existence in the first placeBecause Ive met and fought against one before. Circe could feel her heart banging against her chest as she turned to face Nasrin. Even though they intended to train, she still felt afraid of the power Nasrin possessed. One day, he was just some weakling I didn''t pay much attention to, Nasrin continued, placing her talons on Circes shoulder. She realized later that Nasrin had attempted to stop her from shaking. Then after a week, he suddenly returned, way too strong for me to defeat. Quite unfair, if you ask me, Nasrin let out an amused huff. Well? My method seems to be working so far since your bodys naturally reacting to a stronger presenceor maybe you were like this from the start? Circe took a deep breath. Smiling softly, she responded with a shake of her head. No, Id say Id gotten sharper only because I was focused on fighting. But for a human, your primal instincts are extraordinary, Nasrin lowered her hand. Give yourself some credit. I don''t need you to surpass me, only to be capable of taking care of yourself when we fight Tarren. I understand, Circe looked at Nasrin, a wide grin creeping up her lips. Let''s do this again. One attackIf I can dodge one of your attacks, that''s good, right? As Nasrin strode over to the other side, her chuckles echoed through the air. Yep, that''s fair enough, she turned and raised her talons, a hint of determination reflected within her eyes. Show me your strength, Otherworlder. . . . BOOM! The ground shook with intense force as dust covered the field. Nasrin lowered her talon, feet striding towards her fallen foe. ...Are you alright, Circe? Worry etched in her tone as she watched Circe struggle to get up from the ground. I amalright, she croaked out a response. Her shaky arms lacked the strength to lift her body weight, and she soon found herself facing the dried grassy bed once more. Dirt and sweat drenched her attire, while parts of her skin riddled with bruises and minor cuts from training. No, actuallyBreakI need a break Yes you do, Nasrin crooked her head to the side, her voice still filled with concern. I''m glad to see that you have the stamina to hold on for two hours, though. Before Circe could reply, her tired gaze caught onto a notification that manifested in front of her face. As she read its content, she slowly rose from the ground, eyes turning round with surprise. [The dungeons energy resonates with your body.] [ increased by 1.] AGI: 48 (+4)> What the- Circes brows arched into a frown. Her head snapped to the side, where she saw Zeke reading through the Witchs Codex while leaning leisurely against a tree. ZekeZeke! Hm? Zeke glanced up from the tomes pages, revealing a hint of fatigue under his eyes. You''re taking a break? How did the training go? His voice sounded strained as he watched Circe sit down next to him. Look, she showed him the system notification, and just like her, Zekes eyes widened at the sight as well. It only went up by one point even though Ive been doing this for two hours, but isn''t this doable? I just need two more points to unlock the Instinct stat. The dungeons energyhuh, Zeke stared at the sentence before him, head slightly tilted to the side. Maybe it''s related to the fact that the game mechanics have adapted to fit reality. This is good news though, we can figure out the real reason later. Nasrin soon joined them under the shades. Hows your progress coming along, Ezekiel? She asked with her arms crossed. Oh, right, Zeke held up one palm. Suddenly, overlapping blue magic circles appeared above it, slowly rotating in different directions like gears in a machine. Not done yet, but it''s coming along nicely. I can feel that I''m close to learning the barrier spellthough I''m missing something to hold all of this together. ...Is it not held together right now? Nasrin asked. Think of this as a projection, like an empty spell with no power behind it, Zeke explained as he moved the circles to the front, expanding their sizes for better view. Lowering his hand, he stared tiredly at the spinning arcanes. I looked through the Codexand I assumed that I''m dealing with an elementless spell: Mana Barrier. I just can''t grasp the strengthening part of the magic, all I can do right now is create a mana sheet that''s as weak as paper. As Zekes eyes trailed to the side, he caught the blank looks of both Circe and Nasrin. ...I have no idea what you''re talking about, Zeke, Circe blinked at him. Keep all that nerd stuff to yourself. My head almost exploded with information overload. At her words, the magic circles suddenly shattered into dust, unable to hold themselves up properly due to the casters loss of concentration. I''m too tired to fight back right now, Zeke growled in frustration, eyebrows knitted into a deep frown. Bringing up his inventory, he took out a slice of cheesecake from the pound he saved earlier. If I don''t eat more sugar right now, I might die Eh? Give me some too! Circe stared at the dessert hungrily. ... Zeke silently decided against giving Circe a slice of his precious cheesecake, but after seeing the desperate look on her face, he could only let out a sigh in defeat. Summoning one more slice into his free hand, he gave it to Circe along with a spoon. Yay! In an instant, Circe dug into her dessert. The energy in her voice made Zeke wonder if shed really received two hours of non-stop training in the first place. Chapter 42: Nasrins Request (2) After their break, the two returned to their respective training sessions. Nasrin continued to help Circe refine her instincts, while Zeke inched closer and closer to learning the barrier spell. Hours passed, and as Circe laid on the ground with her arms spreaded beside her, she stared intensely at the sheet of clouds sailing along the dusk sky. Though specifically, her eyes fixed on a system notification that floated in her vision. [The dungeons energy resonates with your body.] [ increased by 2.] AGI: 50 (+4)> [Stat: has reached the required threshold.] [New stat unlocked: ] < Stat Description > Name: Instinct Current Points: 5 Requirement: Reach 50 Stat Points in Effects Heightened the characters sensitivity and danger sense. The higher the stat, the sharper the character becomes. Cannot be increase using [See Details] 5 Points : Increase the characters detection by 5% 10 Points: [LOCKED] 15 Points: [LOCKED] [Show More] <<>> So it changes dodge to this detection thing, Circe thought to herself as she rose from the ground, brushing dust from her hands. That makes sense. I can already feel the stats effects, her eyes locked with Nasrins as the bird made her way to the other end of the field once more. ...Ill dodge this next attack. Nasrin kept eye contact with Circe. Hm? Her aura changed, taking a closer look at her trainee, she noticed the intensity in her gaze. It reminded Nasrin of the look of her now-fallen soldiers; a raptors piercing eyes. Something mustve happened. Alright then, without warning, she rushed forward. Let''s see what shes got. !!! As a cold sensation ran down her spine, Circe jumped back, causing Nasrins claws to dig themselves into the ground where she once stood. While her eyes still couldn''t follow the attack, her body moved first as if itd predicted the incoming danger. Nasrin straightened herself, a hint of a smile flashing across her features, Good job, you finally dodged. mockery tinged her cheery voice. Circe flashed a smile. Thank you, it''s because you helped me that I gained new strength, her attention landed behind her, seeing Zeke still occupied with the Witchs Codex. Zeke~! Are you done yet~? Im pretty much done with the barrier one, Zeke responded calmly, tired eyes remained fixed on the pages of his spell tome. I''m close to figuring out the buffing magicIll get started on the last circle as soon as I''m done. Nasrin walked over to Zeke. Would you mind showing us your barrier magic? her voice managed to draw Zekes attention away from the Codex. Id like to test out its strength, if you don''t mind. Sure, Zeke replied without missing a beat. As he rose from the ground, he stored the magic tome into his inventory. I doubt I have enough magic to withstand your attack, Nasrin, but I''m confident that I can block any of Circes, he pointed his thumb at the mentioned girl. Despite the fatigue riddling his expression, Zeke managed to crack a smile. Will that substitute as an appropriate test? Nasrin glanced at Circe, noticing her sarcastic smile and knotted brows. ...Yes, Ill judge both your strengths at the same time, so that''s more beneficial. Alright then, Zeke sneered as his thumb cracked each finger one by one. Hit me with your best shot. Circe laughed, her eyebrows twitching at his taunts. Alright then, but if I break your little barrier, youll have to let me hit you with all Ive got. Fine by me, Zeke shrugged, the corner of his mouth growing wider. Cus I doubt that you can, anyway. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. As Circe called the Serpent Twins into her hands, Zeke extended one palm and conjured up his magic. Bright blue spreaded around his body, rising to form a large translucent dome seemingly made from fragile glass panes. When it finished constructing, he lowered his hand. [Mana Barrier] < Skill Description > Name: Mana Barrier Type: Active Skill Tier: B Cost: 80 MP Cooldown: 15 seconds Effects - Creates a construct that protects the user from in a 5 Meters radius. - When the Mana Barrier breaks, grants (+5) to the user and ally targets within the skills radius for 60 seconds. <<>> Hoh~ Nasrin crossed her arms, nodding in acknowledgement. I''m not a mage myself, but I can tell that you possess dense mana. Your turned out stronger than what my shamans can cast. Despite Nasrins high praise, Circe scoffed at Zekes proud barrier. So your Mana Barrier is B tier. No biggie, she raised her daggers. How can it defend against an S tier skill? A chuckle escaped Zekes grinning lips. Youll see when you attack. I don''t need to be told that twice! Circe roared as she activated Assassinate, closing in the distance between them in the blink of an eye. Her daggers crossed into the magic barrier, and she felt little resistance against her direct hits. Despite that, Circes jaw went slack when she saw not a single scratch on the blue surface. Its shimmers began to look taunting in her eyes. ...What the hell? Assassinate couldn''t affect it? a second later, realization dawned on her face. Oh wait! There''s that you could do. As expected of you, Circe, Zeke nodded, confirming the thought she had. You''re always sharp about these things. Yep, this isn''t just one barrier spell. [Strengthen] < Skill Description > Name: Strengthen Type: Active Skill Tier: C Cost: 60 Cooldown: 30 seconds Effects - Increases and by (+3) for 30 seconds. Bonus Effects - Skill can be used on another spell to increase its effectiveness at the cost of double the mana. Can be reduced by mana-reducing effects. <<>> Remember when I said I had trouble with strengthening the spell a couple hours ago? Zeke waved his hand, dispelling the magic barrier. While I was messing around with it, I just happened to learn the Strengthen spell along with Mana Barrier. Circe laughed. Accidentally learning something sounds unbelievable. Yes. Yes it does, Nasrin spoke up, her voice garnering both their attention. A mixed look of awe and disbelief plastered across her features. Ezekielare you sure you don''t know that you''re a witch? Zeke nodded. You mightve gotten confused because I learned my spells from a book called Witchs Codex. My father is a swordsman and my mothers history is normal as well, he lifted a finger as he listed his thoughts. No one in my family uses magic but me, for all I know. Nasrin looked down, her bird face seemed to scowl. Anyone can learn original magic and become a witch, but pure blooded witches are much more powerful, she murmured, though her voice rang loud enough for both to hear. You may be right, Ezekiel. But do keep an eye out for the possibility. Even in my world, there are a lot of so-called knight families whose bloodline originated from witches. Zeke and Circe exchanged a glance. His attention returned to Nasrin as he replied with a nod. Alright. Now then, Nasrin inclined her head in agreement. Circe can take a break while you continue to learn the remaining spells. If we want to spare time for the battle ahead, you must hasten your progress, Ezekiel. No worries. I got this. Zeke winked and raised a thumb, earning him a roll of the eyes from Circe as she scoffed at him. All he could do was glare at her, unable to form a word of argument. He didn''t know why shed laughed at him in the first place. . . . < Skill Description > Name: Zephyrs Blessing Type: Active Skill Tier: C Cost: 60 Cooldown: 30 seconds Effects - Increases by (+5) for 30 seconds. <<>> < Skill Description > Name: Frost Grasp Type: Active Skill Tier: B Cost: 90 Cooldown: 30 seconds Effects - Spreads a frigid mist across a wide area, inflicting targets hit with the debuff. - Targets with low and or reduced status resistance have a higher chance of receiving the debuff. Bonus Effects - Infusing an attack with this skill gives it a 20% base chance to inflict onto targets at the cost of increasing the cooldown by 50%. Effect lasts for 100 seconds. <<>> Zeke laid with his back on the ground, facing the permanent sunset sky above him. His tired eyes unfocused from one moving cloud to another, as if trying to avoid looking at the icy mess that scattered around him. Hello Zeke? Earth to Zeke? Circe peered her head down at him, her hands loosely crossed behind her back. Woah, you''re definitely way out of it. Are you okay? No, Zeke responded bluntly. I feel sick. And cold. Duh, Circe rolled her eyes. You got Winds Grace working after a few minutes, but then spent an entire hour fixated on that ice debuff spell of yours. Mana exhaustion feels horrible, Zekes words began to slur over one another. ...Im gonna take a nap. Before anyone could say a word, Zekes eyes closed shut, his chest rising and falling to a rhythmic beat. ...I guess we can let him sleep for a bit? she giggled at Nasrin, who couldn''t stop scratching at an icicle spike created from one of Zekes many mistakes. Yes, of course, Nasrin straightened herself, though her eyes remained fixed on the frozen spear. ...For a mistake, his ice magic sure is strong. Circe didn''t hear Nasrin speak as she occupied herself with slowly moving Zeke out of the circle of frost. When she lifted him up into her arms, his head leaned against her chest. ...Im not sorry, his sleeping face is cute. A smile broke across her face. Chapter 43: Raptor of Storms (1) Opening his eyes, Zeke found himself staring up at Circes chin, realizing immediately that shed rested his head on her lap. Despite the dull headache still persisting on his temples, he lazily rose up. ...Did I sleep long? Nope, just an hour or so, Circe replied, her eyes still remained fixed on the scenery in front of her. If you''re alright now, we should get going. Zeke checked his status window, specifically checking if he had recovered enough mana for their upcoming battle. Yeah, I''m ready, he dismissed the screen and got to his feet, eyes landing on Nasrins figure leaning against the bent bars. Nasrin, you can lead the way now. Good to see that you''re up, Ezekiel, the bird warrior seemingly smiled, seeing as her eyes gleamed with jest. Nasrin turned and strode through the gates, followed by Circe and Zeke as they both called their weapons into their hands. We will be taking the portal up to Tarrens lair. Be careful, the terrain is not meant for ground dwellers. I understand, Circe nodded. Soon, they emerged into another identical room, this time with a swirling portal in the middle. But what about you? You don''t have wings either. ...Tarren might have clipped my wings, a chuckle sounded from Nasrins deep tone, sending a jolt down their spines. But he shouldve killed me while he had the chance. As they stopped in front of the portal, Nasrin turned to face them. Remember, all you need to do is support me, and Ill take care of the rest. she looked back at the portal. ...Andit doesn''t matter what happens to me, while alive, I''m nothing more but a dead man walking. Avenging my fallen comrades is all I care about, a brief glance casted their way. Understand? Even though Nasrin didn''t say it directly, the both of them knew what she meant. Reluctantly, they nodded. ...Yes. Shell do anything to get revenge, even if she dies. Good. Nasrin let out a lighthearted chuckle, as if her words earlier were obsolete. Were going in. . . . Emerging through the other side, the roars of the raging wind muffled their hearings. As they gazed ahead at their surroundings, they saw multiple floating islands dotted around the large, open area they currently stood on. [ - Boss Room.] BOOM Lightning flashed across the stormy sky, followed by a sudden gust of wind stronger than the ones around them. Nasrins head snapped onto something in the distance, making the two follow her gaze in curiosity. Yet, they saw nothing but muted clouds. ...He''s here. BOOM ROARRRRR [WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!] [High level difference detected!] [WAR] [The Boss Monster is alerted to your presence.] [ is growing around you.] It emerged from the turbulent storms around them, soaring through the thunder clouds as if it governed them all in its fierce, iron talons. Each beat of this tyrants wings caused massive electrical surges through the clouds. Tarrens roars shook the skies like the cry of thunder, his six ashen wings had a tinge of white beneath each feather, making it seem like lightning ran through his every plume. ...So that''s Tarren. Circes voice hitched in her breath, eyes widened with bewilderment at the sight of the ancient avainkins giant body descending to the ground. When Tarrens claws touched the ground, he suddenly let out a terrific cry. Lightning crackled from around his body as his gaze locked onto Nasrins. Ha, so you have returned at last, Leader of Weisswynn. Did you think that you could defeat me after finding yourself two measly Outsiders? With a dominating presence, Tarrens voice reverberated through the air, carrying the heaviness of a thunders growl. That alone made Zeke and Circe tense up unknowingly. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Despite that, Nasrin didn''t waver, raising her head to meet the tyrants eyes coldly. Karma always catches up, Tarren. Today, I shall vanquish you and free my people from your rule. HAHAHA! literal lightning accompanied Tarrens booming laughter. Fool, I am a proud member of the Ancient Aviankin race. And you are nothing more but a mere copy; a fraction of our might. Did you forget? It''s because we are GODS that you worship us as one! Nasrins frown deepened. If this is what a god amounts to suddenly, she rushed forward, her single, powerful kick creating a crack in the ground. THEN WE DONT NEED ONE! With that single leap, Nasrin reduced the distance between her and Tarren in an instant. Even though she moved first, Tarren still managed to react to her incredible speed, meeting Nasrins claws with a breath of lightning. As their attacks collided, an explosion covered the battlefield with smoke, but soon Nasrin emerged from the veil once more, leaping up towards Tarren now with her body covered in a turbulent, golden swirl. Seeing the shimmering power by her hands grow into large claws, Tarren flapped his wings and propelled himself backwards, letting Nasrins cleavers drag through the empty air. Despite avoiding the main attack, the gust of wind generated from it sliced through everything in its path, shattering the ground to pieces while slicing a shallow wound beneath Tarrens eye. Hmph. You move well despite lacking wings. Tarren sneered as he gained distance while Nasrin landed back on solid ground. He didn''t let her move a single step from where she stood, shooting a breath of lightning towards her. While Nasrin dashed backwards to avoid the first bolt, a second one unexpectedly came from above and struck her relentlessly. But when the electricity dissipated, Tarrens eyes widened with surprise, seeing that a blue dome of mana had protected Nasrin from the attack. How? Suddenly, a searing pain erupted from Tarrens foot, causing him to stumble forward from the burning agony. When his head snapped around, he noticed Circe twirling her daggers mockingly by his wounded ankle. You damn human! [The Boss Monster is inflicted with ] Tarren breathed lightning onto Circe, but by the time he attacked, shed already disappeared and returned next to Zeke. Hes hella rude. I guess that means we can curse at him, fair game, right? < Skill Description > Name: Shadow Glide Type: Equipment Skill Tier: B Cost: None Cooldown: 70 seconds Effects
  • Allows the user to travel along the shadows. Speed caps at Mach 1
  • Effect lasts for 10 seconds. Usage beyond that consumes 10 Mana per Second and increases the cooldown by 10 seconds every 30 seconds of extra usage.
<<>> Guess so, Zeke shrugged as he absentmindedly cast another spell. This time, a soft green glow enveloped both Circe and Nasrins body. Maybe if you do it a lot, it might turn into the Taunt skill? [Skill synergy detected!] [ reacts to ] [Grants (+3) Agility to Ruelle Peregrine for 20 seconds.] [Achievement Unlocked: Team Synergy - Have a party members skill activate another members skill effect.] [Youve earned some EXP!] Only one way to find out. Circe smirked as she rushed forward, briefly sending a glance at Nasrin. With the signal received, she began running as well. They parted ways the moment they got closer, causing Tarrens breath attack to miss by a hairs length. Unfazed by the powerful strike, Nasrin leaped into the air once more, aiming her golden claws at Tarrens eye. However, the tyrant quickly turned his head. His swift thinking forced Nasrin to repurposed her powered talons, crossing them in front of herself to block the incoming lightning breath. As the bolt sent Nasrin flying through the air, Tarren beat his wings and leaped into the sky, dodging Circes Assassinate and knocking her off balance with the updraft. Tarren let out a thunderous roar that shook the earth and sky, his attention now shifted towards Zeke standing at the very back. Child of a Witch! I will kill you first! With the warning, Tarren swooped in towards his target, beak opened wide to reveal sets of canines lining his mouth like the maw of a beast. Despite the immediate danger, Zeke felt no sense of urgency, simply raising his staff and casted Mana Barrier and Strengthen. Yeah yeah, go for the mage first. I get it. Zeke rolled his eyes. The moment Tarren crashed onto his barrier, he felt his wrist shake as he felt the force of the birds strength through the spell. Just when he thought he could endure a slight ache, Tarren backed up and breathed lightning onto his shield, the prominent pain now creasing his brows. ...Okay, I''ll admit, you''re not just an oversized chicken. As a crack formed on the mana shield, Tarren suddenly stopped his attack and flew upwards, dodging Nasrins golden claws once more. Tch. she clicked her tongue in annoyance, watching Tarren circle back around once more as he prepared another breath attack. Oh, no you don''t. Zeke quickly dispelled his barrier and stepped forward. Striking the end of his staff to the ground, its sapphire began to glow with power before Tarren suddenly got smacked onto the ground by an intense force. + [Achievement Unlocked: Perfect Combination - Perform your first attack.] [Youve earned ] LET. ME. GO! Tarren attempted to fight the gravity field, but the more he struggled, the further he dug himself into the cracked ground. As he glared at Zeke, the mage nonchalantly pulled out a vial and downed its deep blue content. [Consumed x1 ] [ damage increases by 20% for 120 seconds.] Potions work for CC skills too, Zeke threw away the empty vial as Circe and Nasrin both jumped onto the fallen boss. So in conclusion: Get fucked. Circe activated Assassinate and ran her daggers down Tarrens back, ignoring the shrieks of pain and curses that followed after. At the same time, Nasrins golden talons worked on severing one of Tarrens many wings. It looked like the battle was over. [The Boss Monster has reached the required threshold.] Special Chapter 1: Expectations House Beaufort. While their accommodation may not be as large as Salvadors, Lysander still found them rather impressive for someone with a Barons title. Under the pretext of business, hed been coming in and out of the Beaufort House, hoping to one day finally catch a glimpse of the baronys one and only daughter: Penelope Beaufort. Unfortunately, a few days had passed with no such luck. Lysander let out a tired sigh as he leaned against the sofa, taking a small sip from his tea. Itd been a few minutes after hed arrived at the barony, but this time not with a single document in his hands. Brothers suggestions seemed alright, but at this pointWho knows how long this is going to take? he frowned while fidgeting with the cups handle, After that dayI just can''t get her out of my mind. I want to see her again. Sounds of footsteps came from the door as it swung open. Lady Penelope has arrived, sir. House Beauforts maid held the knob ajar for the young lady to walk through. Lysander had to suppress the urge to stand up, but he did not stop himself from staring at Penelope Beaufort as she made her way to the seat opposite of his. If Esmeralda Goldwyn was seen as the golden fairy of the forest, Penelope Beaufort resembled a graceful dryad silently lurking within the trees. Her brown, curly locks rested by her shoulders, matching the colors of her rich terracotta dress. Shed adorned herself with minimal jewelry, yet even so, those few decorations could never outshine their wearers deep forest-green eyes. Penelope held Lysanders gaze as she curtsy, Good morning, Lord Lysander, her words rang like sweet honey, made even more pleasant by the small smile on her lips, To what pleasure do I owe you this visit today? Lysander followed her movements as Penelope sat down. It took him a moment to realize that he had yet to answer the ladys question. Clearing his throat, he responded, I, the pleasure is mine, Lady Penelope, Ive been wanting to meet you. Oh my, Penelope held her fingers to her lips, gaze slightly widened in surprise, Then is there something youd like to discuss with me? ...Firstly, Lysander picked up a nicely wrapped box hed rested by his side, extending it to Penelope, Id like you to have this. This is my gift to you. Now the lady seemed even more confused, but she accepted the box anyway. Curiously, she carefully pried her gift apart until she got to the contents inside. Seeing her expression lit up made Lysander let out a quiet, relieved sigh. Oh! These are empty runes! she picked one of the small, thin rock slabs from the box, eyeing it enthusiastically. At first, Lysander didn''t want to give mere stones as a gift to Penelope, but after Silas spent half an hour explaining that shed been researching ancient runes, Lysander decided to put his trust in the expert. I''m glad I listened to him. She''s happy with it too. Thank you for these, Lord Lysander, Ill be putting them to good use, Penelope flashed him a bright smile, and he swore he felt his chest tightened all of a sudden, I''m glad you gave me the empty ones. The baron kept buying me used runes. How could I practice drawing them on my own if they''ve already been tampered with? Penelope placed the rune back and looked away, Ah, my apologies, her abrupt change in attitude confused Lysander for a moment, I didn''t mean to rambleI was just so happy. Its alright, my lady, he responded quickly. Itd not been until recently that Lysander learned about Penelopes habits of speaking her mind. While the baron and baroness didn''t restrict their daughters behavior, high society had greatly reprimanded her for being too open. II do not mind it at all. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Penelope looked up at him, a slight hint of doubt visible in her eyes, ...Oh, do you mean it, sir?" Looking at her expression, Lysander didn''t even realize hed given her a soft smile, Of course my lady. Why would I stop you from speaking when you''re sharing your interests with me? he suddenly got conscious of himself, but didn''t lower his head, InsteadI, Id like to know more about you; about what you like, and what you dislike. If you wouldId like the honor of sharing a meal with you, Lady Penelope. When Penelope simply stared at him blankly instead of responding, Lysander felt his heart drop to his heels. He thought he may have rushed things too quickly. Or maybe he came off as pushy in some way. But then Penelope replied, smiling brightly, Of course, Lord Lysander. Perhaps you have a date and place in mind? Lysander somehow contained his laughter of joy, instead his expression remained as stoic as ever, leaving for only a slight tug of his lips, barely visible at all. ...There''s a restaurant my brother recommended near Salvador March. If you don''t mind a bit of traveling, I shall come with a carriage by evening tomorrow. I do not mind the slight distance, Penelope chuckled, bringing her fingers to her lips once more, If it''s Lord Silas recommendation, then I am sure it''s quite worth the trip. Lysander only asked for a few places in case hed managed to find Penelope, but he didn''t think that she would agree to it because it was Silas choice. ...Has my brother gotten famous in high society lately?" Of course! Penelope clasped her hands together, a slight blush hinted on her cheeks, Lord Silas and Lady Ruelles love story is all the rage in the circle~ every lady wished to have a man like Lord Silas! Lysander froze the instant he heard that. A second later, he found the strength to ask, Why-and why would that be, my lady? Penelope blinked. I thought you would know, Lord Lysander, since he''s your younger brother. Lord Silas clearly took great care of Lady Ruelle, even though they only got together because of an arranged marriage. Even ladies that still stick to old-school thinking now wish to have a marriage filled with love like theirs! Silence filled the air between them, but Penelope broke it soon after. Her eyes had gone wide from a sudden realization. Ah! Lord Lysander, please do not take this the wrong way. Id still love to have dinner with you. That Lysander stared at Penelope, his expression now back to its usual stoic look. Even though he knew she simply admired his siblings love life, he couldn''t help but feel frustrated. His words came out too quiet for anyone to hear. ...Ill be even better than him. What was that, Lord Lysander? Penelope tilted her head, but got startled when Lysander suddenly looked up at her. Ill be even better than him, my lady! ??? Ill be so much better than Silas that you need not be envious of their relationship anymore! By the time Lysander had blurted out those words, it became too late to stop his face from heating up beyond his control, I implore you find it within you to give me a chance even after tomorrows dinner, my lady. I swear by my honor as a knight and heir of the Salvador March that I shall not disappoint you! Another blanket of silence befell the two of them. Speechless, Penelope could only stare at Lysander with slightly parted lips, widened eyes still remained fixed on his flushed face, as if trying to read his thoughts. Eventually, her merry laughter broke the tension. Oh mywas I afraid of you for nothing, after all? YouYou were afraid of me? Before Lysanders horrors could settle in, Penelope cut him off, I thought you were a cold man with nothing but swordsmanship on his mind. I am sorry if such thoughts have offended you, Lord Lysander, I should have gotten to know you more before coming to a conclusion. It-It is alright Truthfully, Lysander didn''t know whether it was a good or a bad thing. I would have denied your advances tomorrow if you hadn''t asked me to spare you a chance~ Lysander flinched, his muscles tensing up in an instant. Definitely a good thing! Im glad I said all those embarrassing things on impulse! A chuckle escaped Penelopes lips, It''s a jest, my lord. While I was afraid and confused as to what purpose youve asked me out for dinner, now I know that you''re simply trying to court me. Lysander flinched again, this time because he did not expect Penelope Beaufort to be this much of a straightforward person. I thought she was reserved and shyShe''snot what I expected at all. He found himself advertising his eyes from Penelopes intense gaze. Not even his father''s stern looks could phase him this much. IYesYes, Lady Penelope, I am courting you. Thank you for your honesty, Lysander couldn''t tell from Penelopes smile if shed meant it as a joke, I look forward to the meal tomorrow, my lord. ... Lysander only held her gaze briefly before looking away once more, his only response came in the form of a short nod, and for some reason it earned him a few lighthearted chuckles from Penelope. In the end, they ended up the opposite of each other''s expectations. Chapter 44: Raptor of Storms (2) [The Boss Monster has reached the required threshold.] A sudden whirlwind enveloped Tarrens wounded form, pushing Nasrin and Circe away with a forceful gust. As they landed by the tornados perimeter, they realized that the wind had managed to sneak in a couple minor cuts onto them. Phase two, Circe called out, tightening her grip on the Serpent Twins as she raised them in front of her. Zeke, did Gravity get disabled? Pretty much, Zeke responded in a low tone, his arrogance from earlier nowhere to be found. A stern look darkened his expression as he held out his staff, ready to cast a spell at a moments notice. I just need another opportunity to use it again. For now, Ill use Frost Grasp for CC. As soon as Zeke finished speaking, the wind around Tarren blasted forward; the invisible blades that fanned in every direction forced them to back away. At the center of the cocoon of storm, Tarren let out an earth-shaking roar. Sparks flew violently from his body as thunder responded to his raging cry. Even though Tarren had been verbal since earlier, he didn''t say another word as he began summoning a storm of lightning around the arena. Each strike from the sky accurately pinpoints the location of everyone on the field, forcing the vanguards to go on the defensive while Zeke had no choice but to take each powerful bolt with his Mana Shield. As the onslaught of lightning and thunder continued, Nasrin retreated into Zekes barrier. Tarrens attacks will be more frequent this time, it leaves us little room to attack. she told him, calmly observing the arches of electricity curling around the boss. Then what should we do? Zekes attention never left the enemy, his brows knitted into an annoyed frown. Even with your aura, were not making any progress at all. Should I buff you with everything Ive got? Aura. The manifestation of strength from a martial artists body. It serves as the rival force to a mages mana, and a person cannot master both energies in one body. Nasrin has gotten a good grasp on her aura. Usually, a novice could only form an aura around their weapons, but Nasrin managed to envelop her entire body with it, using it as a protective shield, while also shaping the aura into extended claws for combat. Even Creston couldn''t utilize aura to this extent. Zeke recalled. Yes, and Ill rush in for Tarrens neck. Nasrin responded, and Zeke nodded in confirmation. Receiving his answer, she stepped out of the barrier just as two layers of magic coated around her form. + With the given support, Nasrin confidently rushed forward, drawing her claws back in preparation for a timely slash. Though as she weaved around the relentless lightning around her, Circe suddenly emerged from the storm of attacks and leaped into the air. The boost from her skills effect allowed her to reach Tarrens neck in a single jump. With all her strength, Circe thrust both her daggers into the boss skin, letting gravity drag long, deep wounds down his body. ARRGGGH! YOU IMBECILE! Circes surprise attack earned her a threatening roar from Tarren. As the bird staggered from the pain, Nasrin made a stop below him before uplifting her claws, slashing deeper into the wounds. The thunderous cries that followed got backed up by Tarrens lightning breath, this time, the bolts arched to Nasrin and Circes movements, striking them both with deadly accuracy. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. + You annoying bugs! Tarren screamed as he glared at Zeke from across the field before firing another lightning breath from his fang-ridden beak. Bolts of electricity splitted into multiple streaks, gliding across the air in the blink of an eye. Despite their homing ability and destructive power, Zeke never disabled his Magic Barrier, and the attacks simply got absorbed by the shield. CRACK! As shards of broken glass fell to the ground, a sudden jolt of pain ran down Zekes wrists, spreading all over his body as if hed gotten struck by Tarrens attack. His back arched from the pain, but he gritted his teeth and bared with it. Fuck. The attack went over the barriers limit? [Granted (+5) Defense to Silas Salvador for 60 seconds.] Tarren prepared to fire another breath of lightning, but Circe and Nasrin emerged from the dust cloud, syncing their attacks on Tarrens wounded neck. Blood spewed in place of the lightning breath, forcing Tarrens head down from the pain and agony. With his bronchia filled with blood, Tarren could only glare at his enemies as the health bar above his head slowly whittled down. Both vanguards rushed in once more to deliver another attack, but Tarrens five remaining wings swiftly carried him into the air. As the boss attempted to flee, he suddenly found himself unable to move. + [The Tyrannical Thunder is inflicted with ] Even though Tarren managed to break free from the near invisible wires with his strength, the status condition had already begun to spread into his plumes and skin. His movement slowed down just enough for Nasrin to leap up, knocking him out of the sky with a single axe kick to the spine. Now! Nasrin called out to Circe. Blades drawn back and ready to strike, they both rushed towards the fallen bird. However, the arches of lightning around Tarrens form suddenly lashed out at them. As they blocked and retreated, the tyrants widened eyes snapped towards them, shimmering with rage and malice. Even if it could no longer speak, his gaze told a thousand words. [The Boss Monster has reached the required threshold.] [The Boss Monster has activated ] [ has cleared the Boss Monster of all Status Conditions.] [ grants increased stats to the Boss Monster for 30 seconds.] Before any of them could react, Nasrin got flung across the ground by an invisible attack. Her aura armor may have protected her from lethal damage, but it didn''t fully absorb the impact, and sickening cracks! can be heard between the rumbling thunder. Broken roars sounded from Tarrens sliced throat as arches of lightning shot forth from his body. They aimed at their closest target; Circe, forcing her to activate Shadow Glide. Her choice of destination landed her next to Zeke. Tarrens in his desperation phase, Circes eyes briefly landed on Nasrin, watching as she slowly rose from the ground, broken from her forceful impact. I ask for one good CC, Zeke, can you do that? [WARNING! The Boss Monster has gone berserk!] Despite her injuries, Nasrin fearlessly rushed forward, jabbing her golden claws into Tarrens fierce lightning bolts. The explosion that followed muffled the conversation between the two of them, but Zeke responded with a nod. Unless I get closer, I can''t cast Gravity at this distancebut I can buy you one second with Web Weaver. Good enough. With a nod as a response, Circe sprinted towards Nasrin. Tarren once again rained down concentrated strikes of lightning onto the vanguards, but this only served to narrow the boss vision with all the flashy attacks. + Near invisible strings wrapped around Tarrens limbs, immobilizing him. Zeke held onto his webs with all his strength as the boss struggled against his grasp, roaring in frustration in sync with the lightning running from his body. As one string snapped against the winning force, Circe had already gotten in position. One Assassinate carried her to Tarrens neck once more, and a crossed slash deepened the pre-existing wound. Nasrin paid no attention to Tarrens pained cry, leaping into the air as she gathered all her energy into her right talons. ...Go to hell, fucker. With one last slash to the neck, the head slid off his body, rolling onto the ground while it left trails of blood on the rocky floor beneath it. [Killed the ] [Equal contribution to battleEXP has been distributed.] [Temporary Party Member - Nasrin did not receive EXP. Recalculating] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 19] [Ruelle Peregrine has leveled up! LVL: 20] [Rulle Peregrine has met the requirements. S-Rank Equipments can now be used.] [ has been cleared!] Chapter 45: Sunset [ has been cleared!] Nasrin dropped to one knee as a beam of light materialized in front of them, her breathing labored and shallow. I did itMy fallen comrades, your deaths have been avenged," she muttered through her exhaustion, closing her eyes as she felt tears well up. A portal appeared behind a golden chest; the one that had manifested from the light pillar. With a small smile on their faces, Zeke and Circe turned to approach Nasrin, both edging closer to her. Before any of them could speak, shimmering lights suddenly appeared, dancing around Nasrin as her body began to turn translucent. She lowered her hand to inspect herself in surprise, but soon raised her head to meet with her two heroes. Her lips formed a slight grin. It seems that I am now free from this place. Nasrin Circe''s voice dropped unusually low, and her visage darkened as if a dying friend lay before her. Even though theyd met for a brief moment, as comrades whod fought side by side, she couldn''t help but feel glum by their departure. Nasrin seemed to understand Circe''s sentiments, staring up at her as she extended her talon to her hand. Circe, Nasrin nodded at Zeke, Ezekiel, I thank you both for helping me achieve this final goal of mine. "Of course," Circe said, her melancholy look lightened by a big grin. You can go now, Nasrin. Its been nice knowing you. Truly, as her body began to fade, Nasrin shifted her attention to Zeke; most likely, her next sentence would be her last, Ezekiel, keep in mind what Ive saidit might become of help to you someday. Zeke just reacted with a nod, his face too impassive to discern any emotion from its blank canvas. Despite his silence, Nasrin''s brightened expression indicated that she heard his silent goodbyes loud and clear. Farewell, Otherworlders. Nasrin''s body faded into nothingness as it melted into light and drifted into the skies. Zeke and Circe trailed the glittering streaks upward, their stillness marking the final minutes of their fleeting encounter. ...So thats it, Circes quiet voice broke the silence between them. Before she could continue, she caught onto something sitting on her palm; on the hand Nasrin had grabbed on to. When she saw what the item was for, her eyes widened. Isnt this!? [The Original Owner of : Weisswynns Chief - Nasrin forfeits a part of their strength to Ruelle Peregrine.] Woah, Zeke sounded impressed as he leaned closer, reading the notification panel in front of Circe, A boss willingly giving their core to a player is very rareNasrin mustve given you hers as a departing gift. Hearing his words, a grin formed on Circes lips. Youre not jealous that she didnt give you anything, right? Of course not! Zeke huffed in frustration, a deep scowl forming between his brows. He went on, gesturing with his thumb to Tarren''s body, "This means I get to have Tarren''s core. Thats fair, right? Pfft, sure~ Circe responded with a playful roll of her eyes, Assuming that whatever you get from Tarren is for mages, that is. Dont you dare say that, Zeke practically growled, Ill get a good skill from Tarren, because hes a high-leveled boss. Okay, okay, Circe raised her hands defensively, but the toothy grin on her face still lingered. Rather than teasing Zeke more, she changed the subject, Anyway, since Im level twenty now [Equipped as your Secondary Weapon.] The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. [ has been moved to the Inventory.] [Equipped as your Primary Weapon.] STR: 25> AGI: 53> CON: 6> HP: 60> [The Weapon Skill, , is added to your Skill Tab.] [The Weapon Skill, , is added to your Skill Tab.] An obsidian-black scythe materialized in Circes palm, the unending storm surrounding them intensified the hint of purple around its keen edge. As if the weapons imposing stature didnt appear threatening enough, its bonus effects made the scythe exclude an uncanny aura; as if Death itself stood in Circes place. Isnt it just so cool? With pride, she declared while performing a dramatic dance with the Presence of Death. Despite it being her first time using the weapon, she handled it far too skillfully for a novice. I can already imagine the skill combo I could use for this thing. I cant wait to raid more dungeons! Yes, yes Zeke responded in a dejected tone. As he brought up his status window, he eyed the number of his level with a small frown. I''m just one level away from my S-Rank weapon too. So let''s grab our rewards and get out of here. Agree, Circe nodded, her smile still as bright as ever. She strode over to Tarren''s motionless body and cut through the enormous bird''s back, ripping the feathers and skin like she had done with Arachne''s corpse. As she removed the boss monster''s core from the wound, she whistled with joy, "This scythe slices so good~." Zeke extended his hand, demanding, Now give it to me. Without a verbal response, Circe recklessly threw the glass-like sphere towards him. Fortunately, Zeke managed to catch it with one precise swipe of his hand. [ has been moved to the Inventory.] As Zeke made his way to the chest reward, Circe hopped down from Tarrens corpse, walking to his side. They shared a brief glance at one another before Zeke extended his hand towards the chest. It gave off a golden glow and swung open. [Youve earned: x1 ] [Youve earned: x1 ] [Youve earned: x5 ] After they received their rewards, the chest blinked a flash of gold once more before disintegrating into light. Zeke turned to Circe and asked, Do you want to open our rewards here? No, she responded with a shake of her head, It''s been hours since we left. Even if time moves slower here, it must be pretty late outside. Zeke nodded in agreement, Alright, then let''s go. They faced the dungeons scenery once more; the raging thunder and perpetual storm persisting even after their lords death. Although they both secretly agreed that it had a certain beauty of its own, they did not want to go back if they could help it. Once is enough. With that, they turned to the portal, and walked on through. . . . The smell of rain dissipated as soon as they stepped foot onto the familiar ground of the alleyway. Diminishing sunlight peeked through the gaps between buildings, signaling the days end. Zeke and Circe quietly walked onto the streets, now barren of its people with the rise of dusk. Without exchanging any more words, they made their way towards the coachman, promptly awaiting their arrival at the nearby stables. The man quietly bowed in respect to the young nobles, opening the carriage door for Lady Ruelle and Lord Silas. They appreciated him for not giving them looks for being late, or at the very least kept his curiosity to himself. When the coachman closed the door behind them, Zeke and Circe let out the breath they didn''t realize they were holding. Phew! Its nice that he didnt ask us where we were. Circe slumped down on her seat in relief. Servants wouldnt care about what their masters are doing anyway, as Zeke responded, the carriage jolted forward, But man, am I tiredI used up way too much mana, its catching up to me. Oh, by the way, Circe straightened herself, You said you wanted to try something in the dungeon? What was it? Ah, right, a slice of cheesecake appeared in Zekes hand. He suddenly took a bite out of it, not caring if he got his hands dirty, I wanted to know if bringing food into the dungeon would make them give us buffs. It doesnt. Circe rested her legs up on the seat, stretching it as far as she could. Because of herCRuelles petite stature, there was plenty of room. Maybe if were the ones who make the food, those could give us buffs. Probably, Zeke shrugged, Theres an achievement for cookingso Ill probably do that to get myself to level twenty. A chuckle from Circe rang through the carriage, You know how to cook? Why, of course? Zeke responded with a raised eyebrow, the look on his face made it clear he wasnt joking, I know how to cook a few dishes. Even if all I do is game, I also take care of myself, there was a slight pause as Zeke narrowed his gaze at Circe, ...Dont tell me you think all I eat are cup noodles. Auditably gasping, Circe placed a hand to her chest, Wow, you dont eat cup noodles twenty four seven? I cant believe it! Zeke didnt find the sarcasm funny, as clear annoyance spread across his deadpan face, Ill show you what I can do. I can even make desserts, you know? Because I have other hobbies other than gaming too. Wow! So a pro gamer does other things than play games all day? Unbelievable! Okay, it was alright the first time, Zeke shook his head, You didnt need to make that joke twice. As the sound of Circes hysteria filled the cabinet, Zeke couldn''t help but find himself smiling at her goofy reaction. He leaned his chin against his palm, turning to watch the sunset outside the window. For some reason, he found Circes laughter oddly comforting as they ride back home. Chapter 46: Growth (1) As soon as the two of them reached Salvador''s estate, night had already overtaken the sky. Fatigue spreaded throughout their entire body now that the adrenaline had dissipated. After taking a bath and changing into their nightgowns, they both crashed onto their beds, falling asleep instantly. Next morning soon arrived, and Circe leisurely made her way down the hallways of the grand mansion. His room isah, here. Her thoughts rambled on as she made a stop in front of one of the many doors within the estate. Opening it, the contrast of light between outside and inside told her that the owners room still remained asleep. Circe closed the door behind her. Walking towards the bed, the sliver of light peeking through the drawn curtains casted a glow on Zekes resting figure. A thick blanket covered his entire body, leaving for only his head. Now Circe noticed how chilly the room was. Its already nine in the morning, Circes voice came as barely a whisper while she climbed onto the bed, her knees sinking into the soft mattress, Youre always like thiswaking up late, but also sleeping so early. I came here because I got bored waiting The more Circe stared at Zekes face, the more she started to notice the little details shed missed before initially; his relaxed expression that somehow looked as cold as the air in the room; his slightly parted lips that made her realized how thin they truly were; and his blonde locks now even messier than normal. ...It looked like a birds nest. She thought while suppressing a laugh, letting it show on her lips as a small smile. Her fingers subconsciously swiped a few strands off his forehead, Nomore like a stray cat? I remember seeing a kitten with fur just like his hair. The hell are you doing? Before Circe could react in time, Zeke had woken up. His eyes seemed to spark like electricity under the glimpse of the morning sun. Circe swiftly retracted her hand, but when she opened her mouth to speak, Zeke suddenly turned over and pulled the cover over his head. ...Don''t bother meit isn''t time for me to wake up yet. His hoarse voice snapped her out of a trance. A bit of heat rushed to Circes face, What do you mean? It''s quite late now, how long do you plan on sleeping for? She started rambling without realizing; an attempt to push down the embarrassment, Are you a cat? Do you even know how much you sleep a day? Waking up so late just to go to bed so quickly Under the blanket, Circe had no way of seeing how red Zekes face had become, nor could she hear the silent screams rushing through his mind. As he responded, somehow his voice remained steady, Get to the point. What are you doing in my room? ...I was waiting for you to wake up, Circe fiddled with her thumbs, I wanted to open the dungeon rewards with youand also I need your alchemy skills to claim Nasrins gift. After a moment of silence, Zeke eventually pushed the blanket away. Sitting up, he stared blankly at Circe. You couldve just woken me up normally Yawning, he brought up the system panel, though this time, it displayed the mystical lines and circles needed for the process of alchemy, This is what game systems are good forI don''t need to draw it multiple times since I already did it once, he held out his hand towards her, Give me the core. When Circe handed Nasrins core over to Zeke, he placed it in the middle of the three overlapping circles. The system absorbed the item into its interface before a bright light shined from the screen. [Extraction Complete!] [The Passive Skill: is extracted from ] < Skill Description > Name: Eagle Eyes Type: Passive Skill Tier: A Cost: None Cooldown: None If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Effects
  • Tremendously improve the users eyesight
Bonus Effects
  • When granted a , the user gains (+3) to Instinct [ACTIVE]
<<>> EAGLE EYES? Circe tackled Zeke so hard he barely couldn''t catch himself in time. Her widened eyes continued to stare at the description panel in disbelief, Nasrin gave me such a good skill? Oh my god A hint of tears welled up in her eyes, II wish I could''ve thanked her again [Received Passive Skill: ] INS: 8> I don''t know much about skills, is it that good? Zeke tilted his head as he took out Tarrens core from his inventory. Its description might not seem like much, but the tremendous increase is just as it says, Circe pointed at her eyes, though Zeke couldn''t see any differences within them, he felt that her gaze had become more intense, as if she''s looking at something he couldn''t see, Too bad though, it doesn''t give me night vision. Itd be weird if it did, Zeke let out a short huff, placing the electrifying yellow core into the alchemy screen, Since eagles can''t see in the dark. [Extraction Complete!] [The Passive Skill: is extracted from ] < Skill Description > Name: Tyrants Majesty Type: Passive Skill Tier: S Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects
  • Both enemies and allies have a high chance of being inflicted with when in visible range. (Can be disabled)
  • The users dominating presence causes all enemies to receive a 10% debuff to all stats when in visible range, while allies will receive a 10% buff instead. (Can be disabled)
  • Enhances the effectiveness of all Crowd Control abilities by 20%
Bonus Effects
  • Increases all stats by (+2)
  • Interactions with NPCs have a higher or lower chance of success depending on the effectiveness of the effect.
<<>> ... the two of them stared at the description panel in silence. Circe blinked, turning to face Zeke with a look of pure disbelief plastered across her features. With the extra light from the system itself, she could somewhat see his blank expression; he didn''t seem to believe what he was seeing either. ...Is that real? Zeke broke the ice, squinting at the letters before him as if doing so would reveal its hidden messages, There''s no way the developers added this. Why is it so overpowered? There''s literally almost no drawbacks to this skill. Circe shook her head, I don''t know, Ive never seen it either, while Zeke suspiciously reached his hand out to claim the skill, she continued, Though I guess we should be grateful for getting it. It''s a skill from the strongest boss weve fought so far, after all. [Received Passive Skill: ] STR: 5> CON: 18> AGI: 9> MAG: 52 (+7)> EXS: 7> HP: 180> MP: 620> Zeke stared at the skills name written on his status panel, ...It''s actually real, even though he closed the alchemy screen, Circe can still make out the silhouette of his doubtful face, You know what. You''re right, Circe. I''m not gonna think about it and just be grateful that I got the skill. A book materialized into Circes hand. She waved it around as she looked at Zeke, We still have the chest rewards and stat points to distribute. What do you want to do first? Might as well do the stat points now. Zeke responded as he brought up the system panel. Ill split ten into Magic and the rest into Constitution. MAG: 62 (+7)> CON: 25> MP: 720> HP: 250> I thought you won''t be leveling magic anymore? Circe inquired, bringing up her own status screen. While she pondered about her choices, Zeke responded, Ill level it up too, but I''ll also start distributing more points into Constitution as opposed to dumping everything into magic. Yeah, and speaking of which Circe waved her hand half-heartedly, I''m dumping everything into Agility. AGI: 66 (+4)> Youre committed to going full Agility build now? Zeke raised a questioning eyebrow. Ill invest some points into Strength if I have to, but I don''t really need it at the moment, Circe scooted back until she could rest against the headboard, It''s good to be strong, but after thinking about it, being fast enough to deliver attacks or avoid them entirely is better than receiving a hit head on. Seeing Circe get comfortable in his own bedroom, Zeke moved back with her too. He shifted the pillow onto his lap and leaned back, I have a similar thought. Since I''m going for a support mage, I''ll be very frail. Too frail. So I intend to develop my stamina with the Constitution stat while also gaining the benefits of having more hit points. Circe let out a chuckle, Before we knew it, we''ve both adjusted to the system here now, her smile remained as she looked at Zeke, holding up the Random Skill Book, Anyway. Let''s continue our unboxing spree, shall we? Zeke returned her words with a snicker of his own. He noticed how she swiftly changed the subject, if hed been absentmindedly listening to her, he might not have even noticed. Alright, a book appeared in Zekes hand, There''s nothing much to do but gather our strengths and grow. Chapter 47: Growth (2) Zeke opened his Skill Book first. It gave off a golden glow before dissipating into light. [Received Active Skill Polymorph] < Skill Description > Name: Polymorph Type: Active Skill Tier: A Cost: None Cooldown: 60 seconds Effects
  • Allows the user to transform into any living creature theyve seen once. (Due to the users current status, will be limited to forms) [See Details]
Bonus Effects
  • During the users morphed state, some functions will be restricted.
  • The user will receive every ability or learn temporary skills depending on transformation.
<<>> Polymorph? They both exclaimed at the same time. After glancing at each other for a second, Zeke clicked on the See Details button and brought up a different panel. < Additional Detail > From: Active Skill Type: Base Effect Description The user will unlock more possible transformations as they gain mastery over magic. Originally, this skill belongs to Tarren the Tyrannical Thunder, and his polymorphic abilities allow him to maintain a smaller form or even shift into a humanoid appearance. has automatically unlocked different forms for the user based on their affinity and status. Here are the list of the possible transformations for the Silas Salvador:
  • Common Raven
  • Ginger Tabby Cat
  • Axolotl
<<>> Zeke laughed after reading the description, What the fuck, I can change into an axolotl? You should try it, Circe elbowed him with a smirk. I think the skills giving you transformations that you can use in different environments. Axolotls for aquatic travels? They can''t see very well though. Zeke chuckled. Hey, it was chosen based on you. So maybe it thinks the cutest predator is a perfect match for you. Zeke didn''t respond. His silent stares coupled with the expressionless face made it impossible for Circe to peer into his thoughts. Eventually, he spoke. ...I thought about it, and I''m pretty sure axolotls can''t stay out of water for long. Circe narrowed her eyes. Are you changing the subject? Silence. ...No? Well, if you don''t want to turn into an axolotl, then be a cat, Circe poked his waist with an index finger. She felt him recoil at her touch and she instantly bombarded him with jabs. Cmon. Try it out just once! I wanna see it! Zekes lips quivered as he tried to suppress his laughter. Tilting away, he blocked his waist with his hand. Cut that out! Fine! Ill do it! Circe stopped after hearing what she wanted. Zeke let out a sigh and activated the new skill. Nothing flashy happened, but in the blink of an eye, a fluffy, amber-furred feline sat in Zekes place. It retained Silas Salvadors signature electrifying blue eyes, while also wearing the black choker around its neck. Circe squealed in adoration and gently picked up the cat. Oh my god, you''re so cute! A quiet meow sounded in response, garnering a raised eyebrow from Circe. ...Can you not talk? Is this what the restricted functions meant? Of course I can talk. HOLY FUCK! Circe dropped the cat in surprise, but Zeke easily landed on his feet. She blinked rapidly and laughed a few moments later. Oh god, that surprised me. Why didn''t you just speak? I was testing if I could, Zeke lowered himself to the mattress, tugging his small limbs underneath his fur. It seems I need to constantly use mana to maintain my human voice. Or else I''ll just sound like a normal cat. So it uses mana? But the skill panel said it doesn''t. The initial transformation process doesn''t require mana, but I guess the other functions do, Zeke looked up at Circe, Which I think they should elaborate, though it''s whatever, I guess. My mana regenerates faster than the rate I''m using them anyway. So I guess this is a niche skill, Circe reached out her hand to stroke the cats head. She was surprised Zeke let her touch him. Though I certainly don''t mind you staying as a fluff ball forever. If I don''t have things to do, I wouldn''t turn back either, A short yawn followed, revealing the sharp canines in his mouth, It doesn''t feel weird at all, in fact, it''s sort of comfy. Circe chuckled, Maybe you were a cat in your past life. Anyway, Zeke got up and arched his back, as if stretching the laziness off of him. In between those few seconds, hed already shifted back into his human form with his clothes still magically intact, We still have your skill book and random equipment to open, right? Let''s get on with it. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Circe stared at him, ...What would you do if your clothes didn''t transform with you? I didn''t think about that, and I don''t want to. Zeke responded immediately with a straight face. A moment of silence fell between them. Circe didn''t say anything in response as she shifted her attention towards her hands, calling the skill book from the inventory. Without another exchange of words, she flipped the pages open, letting the warm yellow hue lit up the room. [Received Passive Skill Kinship] < Skill Description > Name: Kinship [Convertible] Type: Passive Skill Tier: A Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects
  • The user can select a single type of animal or monster to form a with. [See Details]
  • (More Information will be shown once the user selects their desired )
<<>> Oh! Circe exclaimed in excitement the moment she read the skill description. Looking at Zekes raised eyebrow, she clarified, I used this skill a lot in my runs. You can probably guess why. Zeke frowned for a split second, but then realization dawned on him, Ah, he snapped his fingers, Crowfest, right? Smirking, Circe brought up the new skills details panel, It''s time I get to indulge in one of my obsessions. < Additional Detail > From: Passive Skill Type: Base Effect Description Current Kinship: Any species or type of monster can be chosen, however, the rate of success for varies between their strengths. Choose wisely, as you cannot change once itd been established. [Select Kinship] <<>> [Select Kinship] [Selected Species: Corvus] [Confirm your option? WARNING! This cannot be changed.] [Yes/No] [The Skill Description for has been changed!] < Skill Description > Name: Corvus Kinship Type: Passive Skill Tier: A Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects
  • Any and all entities designated as part of the Corvus species will become friendly towards the user. Increasing positive interaction chances.
  • Eliminates the language barrier with the Corvus species.
Bonus Effects
  • Due to the tier of the skill, the user gains the bonus , commanding respect from any Corvus entity.
<<>> There we go, satisfied with her reward, Circe dismissed the system panels, Now all that''s left is to get our random equipment. Ill go first. Zeke didn''t get the chance to say anything in return, and could only watch in silence as Circe took out a familiar sphere from her inventory. It gave off a flash of light and a silver ring appeared in its place. [Received Summoners Ring] < Equipment Description > Name: Summoners Ring Tier: B Type: Ring Class: Tamer/None Stats: (+2) to Highest Stat Effects
  • Adds the Attribute upon equipping.
  • Grants the Equipment Skill
<<>> < Aptitude Description > Name: Novice Beast Tamer Rarity: Rare Type: Specialized Effects
  • Grants a new to view information on captured
<<>> < Skill Description > Name: Summon Storage Type: Equipment Skill Tier: B Origin: Summoners Ring Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects
  • Allows the user to designate captured and tamed entities as
  • Due to the tier of the skill, only creatures with a tier equivalent to or lower than B-tier can be tamed.
  • The user can store up to 20
<<>> Oh, nice, Circe immediately slipped the ring through her left middle finger. It seemed a little too big for her lean hands at first, but the jewelry magically fitted itself to match her size. It''s not a bad find, considering I just got a perfect skill for a summoner build. AGI: 66 (+6)> [Equipment Skill Summon Storage is added to the Skill List.] Assassin summoner hybrid? Zeke took out his own unopened reward. Staring at the system panels as Circe slowly cleared them out, he gave an approving nod. Since you''re not planning on using any magical beasts, I think it can work. Heh. I can make any build work, Circe declared with a wide grin, Though on a serious note, unless I get another tamer skill or equipment, I doubt itll be useful for real combat. Zeke shrugged as the random reward orb shone brightly, You never know your future, after all. [Received Scholar''s Cloak] < Equipment Description > Name: Scholar''s Cloak Tier: D Type: Overwear Class: Mage Stats: (+2) to Magic Effects
  • Grants Equipment Skill
<<>> < Skill Description > Name: Mana Recovery Type: Equipment Skill Tier: D Origin: Scholar''s Cloak Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects
  • Moderately increases the user''s Mana Recovery rate.
<<>> As soon as the description panels blinked, a hooded cloak appeared in Zeke''s hands. It looked as if it''d been woven by magic itself, excluding a hint of mana from its black fabric and gilded embroideries along the edges. Deep blue underside, where it held a golden brooch that connected one side to the other. The yoke of the cloak extended to the middle of the long sleeves, also adorned with delicate golden filigree, mimicking the curling tendrils of vines. Huh, Zeke huffed as he nodded in approval. It''s some equipment. So I''ll take it. Since we''re done here, Circe slipped off of the bed as Zeke placed his newly acquired cloak into his inventory, Wanna go grab breakfast? I still haven''t eaten yet. Sure, I haven''t bathed yet but we can eat first. Zeke rose to his feet. But when he reached the door, he noticed that Circe didn''t follow him and turned to face her with a small frown. ... Circe gave him a blank stare. ...Go shower, I''ll wait. Zeke went silent for a moment, though eventually moved towards the connected bathroom. Something sounded from his lips, and while Circe may have stood far enough to not hear him, she could pretty much guess? what sort of words left his mouth. Chapter 48: Suddenly, new lore. (1) So, how was yesterday? Esmeralda faced her youngest son, bright green eyes practically sparkling with excitement. While she normally doesn''t join Creston Salvador for meals, it seemed her curiosity couldn''t keep her away. Zeke put down his utensils, expression remaining still even though his eyes had slightly widened in surprise. It went well, I bought my lady some dresses for the upcoming ball. Ah, those clothes, Esmeralda nodded in recognition, Did you use all of the money I gave you? Zeke didn''t respond immediately, startled by the sudden inquiry about his use of the many gems she gave him, ...There''s still some left over. He spoke slowly. Oh, that''s not good, contrary to what he expected, Esmeralda''s brows knitted into a frown as she shook her head, Dear, you should''ve used every single coin I gave you, she turned to Circe, Is he keeping the money for himself? Surely he isn''t trying to buy more alcohol, right? MotherC Of course not, mother, Circe spoke up before Zeke could say another word. A smile spread across her face as she glanced to her side, noticing Zeke''s horrified expression. I didn''t need so much clothing anyway, so I had us go out and eat something delicious instead. Yeah, I bought her food and desserts, Zeke explained the moment Circe''s words ended. His rushed tones gave away the fright. I already told you I quit all that nonsenseC Esmeralda''s sudden laughter cut off Zeke, she wiped a stray tear from her eye before she spoke, I''m only teasing you, Silas. I know you''ve changed for the better, her expression softened, It sounded like you two had fun, though. That''s good, you should go out while you still can since the academy is almost done with reconstruction now. Zeke and Circe faced each other. While they didn''t say anything, their confusion was clear. Academy? Right, Creston announced his presence, so far having stayed silent while eating his breakfast, I heard news that it will open its door once more after the royal banquet. You two should get your clothes fitted just in case. Yes, father. Zeke responded on auto-pilot, careful not to let a hint of surprise show on his face. The revelation of an academy remained hanging in the air as they finished the remainder of their meal. As the uncomfortable silence started to crawl on their skin, Zeke and Circe got up from their seats at the same time, though before they could excuse themselves, Creston raised his head. Silas, have you seen your brother lately? It took him a moment to respond, I believe he might be meeting someone. Creston frowned, Someone? A potential future marchioness, perhaps, Zeke knew roughly that Creston had been trying but failing to find a partner for his eldest son; the heir to the march. Zeke''s words sparked a clear interest in the marquess as he continued. She is Lady Penelope Beaufort, my brother came to confide in me about her a few days ago. Oh, Lady Penelope? Esmeralda''s expression brightened in an instant, She is a rather lovely lady, I believe Lysander made a good choice. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Hmm, Creston''s eyes downcasted, deep in thought, If he truly loves her, then there is nothing I can do to stop him, even if he wants to marry a woman of a lower status. What other lady would Lysander even fancy? Esmeralda turned to Creston, her expression now returned to neutral. You''ve tried pairing him up with a lot of women yet he rejects them all. Creston frowned, But one of them even had feelings for Lysander, I truly believed that she was the one. Because she loved him, or because she was from a ducal house? Esmeralda shook her head, You know Lysander is not the type to care for power. Even if you''re only trying to find him a good partner out of needless worries, he wouldn''t accept it. The marquess lips parted only to close a moment after, whatever he planned on saying, hed changed his mind. ...None of it matters now, either way. Since he''d found someone he fancies. Esmeralda turned towards Zeke and Circe, I''m sorry children, we''ve kept you here for long enough. Go have fun for today. Zeke nodded as he bowed, Well then, have a good rest of your day, mother, father. They finally left the dining room, and instantly both of them let out their tired sighs. Circe leaned one shoulder against the wall, speaking in a low tone. That was a lot of information to take in Yeah, Zeke massaged the bridge of his nose, First of all, there''s thisacademy. I know we''re in uncharted territory, but this is not what I was expecting, Circe pushed herself off the wall and started walking, AcademyShit, I still have to go to school? We should find some information on it, Zeke replied as he followed her, his eyes darted around briefly to confirm no one had heard Lady Ruelle say shit. If a big academy was under reconstruction, maybe there''s something written in newspapers. Or we have items from when we did go to school, Circe added, I can go look through the libraryif they even keep old newspapers in this day and age. You should go on a treasure hunt. I''m fine with that. They came to a stop in front of the library. Circe pushed the door open, turning around, Let''s meet here as usual when we''re done. She said to him before entering the room. Now alone, Zeke turned and made his way down the hallway, I didn''t really pay much attention to Silas room. It seemed rather normal fora troublemaker child. Walking past some servants, he noticed their curious glances casted his way. Understandable, I guess, Zeke tried his best to keep a straight face, ignoring the weight of their stares pressing against his back, A demon child they knew so well changed overnight, it''s obvious they''re noticing that it''s odd. Nothing notable distinguished Silas Salvadors bedroom from the rest of the many doors lining the chamber. Though as if moving from muscle memory, Zeke managed to find the right entrance everytime. While curtains still masked the large windows, the late morning light was enough to illuminate the once dark room. The normalcy of the furnishing had shocked Zeke when he saw it for the first time; he expected something less tidy and clean from the notorious mad dog. Can''t judge a book by its cover, I guess, though maybe the world''s just filling in for the parts we players didn''t get to see. Two nightstands occupied the space next to the king-sized bed. Footstools at the end of it served as both chairs and tables for whenever he needed to rest his clothes while he undressed. A large wardrobe stood on the far end of the room, and next to it was a small powdered table with a face mirror in front of it. Looking around, Zeke could see a large circular carpet in the middle of the room, its design oddly mesmerizing to watch, and he had zoned out multiple times simply tracing the lines in his mind instead of sleeping. In front of the curtained windows, a set of tables and chairs made for a nice place to sit while bathing in nature''s shine. Zeke recalled seeing a blazer with some sort of crest embroidered into it, so he checked the wardrobe first. Since it had a unique deep marine color, Zeke found it in just around a minute of fumbling around the many other clothes hanging inside. The blazer had a simple design; navy blue with golden rims around the edges and the top of the breast pocket. Looking closer, the golden buttons had a silhouette of a wyvern etched into them. Even the pins on the cuffs had it too. Must be the academy crest, he tilted his head as he turned the clothe over, seeing a much bigger shield-shaped insignia on the blazer''s left arm with the same wyvern drawn within in the same gilded threads; it had its wings spread wide while facing forward as its tail curled around a round object. The letters below it curved with the shield''s parameter, written in something other than the language spoken natively in the Oriens Empire, though Zeke barely made out the letters as a mix between recognizable alphabets and seemingly random shapes. AAithAither? Zeke''s frowns arched lower with each attempt at pronouncing the word. I know it''s Greek, but I can''t remember how to read this. It''s Aithersomething, I don''t know. The second half''s probably Academy though, He gave up and put the blazer back into the closet. I''ll go look for something else. Zeke moved on to check the nightstands drawers, but as he knelt to the floor, his eyes traced towards the slightly elevated bed. ... Edging back a bit, he lowered his head and peered into the darkness, expecting to see the otherside. But instead, something stood into his field of vision. Chapter 49: Suddenly, new lore. (2) What''s this? Zeke muttered out loud. Frowning, he brushed the item carefully in his direction. ...A box? He got up from the floor, both arms cradling a square cardboard box. The box was rather clean, seemingly touched often leaving no time for dust to gather. Zeke peered inside and saw two stacks of books. Ah, these must be textbooks, he deduced from one of the headings; Theory of the Sword. Since he got what he needed, Zeke headed back into the hallway, trotting towards the library with the box full of books. At his arrival, Circe opened the door to meet him, I was just about to go get you, she widened the gap for Zeke to walk through. "...What is that?" she said, scowling as she closed the door behind her. "Textbooks," Zeke said as soon as he placed the box on the table with a loud thud. Several newspapers were lying open in front of him, he noted. Seems like you also found clues? Circe nodded and took a seat, bringing one of the newspapers closer to her. Aitheras Academy. Apparently half of it got destroyed in a fire last year, so it''s been closed and under reconstruction. A fire? A scowl formed on his face as Zeke pulled out the books in the container one by one, reading their titles as he went. At the bottom, a large book took up the space of the two piles, Oh, this is the handbook. Circe raised an eyebrow, Looks a little too big to be called a handbook at this point, she watched Zeke lay it down in front of her. The title read: Aitheras Academy: School of Swords and Magic, written in bold gold letters on top of a large castle-like structure, assumed to be the academy itself, Oh, so this place teaches both swordsmanship and magic? ...This thing has mana on it too, Zeke remarked as he flipped the pages. Despite its size, it wasn''t as thick, I can''t tell what spell was casted, though it doesn''t feel harmful. Maybe it''s for some sort of feature. As soon as he finished, Zeke found a page containing a timetable with each subjects labeled in blocks. Ah, this is where the mana is gathered, his eyes landed on the schedule''s head, and he read it outloud, Schedule for novice knight Silas Salvador, school rank five six sevenout of a thousand students!? Schedule for Novice Knight: Silas Salvador. School Rank: 567/1,245. Overall Knights Rank: 3,447/5,429 That''s probably only accounting for everyone that''s a novice knight too, Circe rested her chin on her palm, Well, you''re around in the middle, at least that''s alright. Zeke sighed, Looks like the timetable is tailored for each student, why couldn''t that be implemented in real life? Ha. This is a fantasy world, what do you expect? Circe chuckled, I''ll have to check what classes I have after the royal banquet. I would assume I''m not in the swordsmanship classes. Zeke opened the book to another page, Oh, this explains the rankings and grades. Aitheras Academy separates its students into classes depending on their desired goals: Swordsmanship for those who strive to become knights. And magic for those talented in mana. The academy does not discriminate between class, age or race. Note: Grades only separate the students by topics of study, and not their real strength. Swordsmanship Grades:
  • Freshman (1 Year).
  • Novice (1 Year).
  • Intermediate (1 Year).
  • Expert (1 Year).
*Students may skip or study for an extra year depending on different factors. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Mage Grades:
  • Freshman (1 Year).
  • Apprentice (1 Year).
  • Adept (1 Year)
  • Master (1 Year)
*Students may skip or study for an extra year depending on different factors. The page next to it talked about rankings. Once a month, the rankings of students will be decided by different formats such as paper tests, duels, tournaments, etc. The students are only ranked within their grades. The Overall Ranking is decided in strictly a tournament format annually (future changes may apply), where all students in their respective field of study regardless of grade gather for a duel that could last the entire month. *The school rank is not to be confused with the official ranking issued by either the Royal Knight Commander or the Grand Magician. Zeke flipped to the next page after they''d finished reading, Dormatories? We have to stay in dorms? Dormatories are separated by fields of study and gender. All grades stay in the same building, only on different floors. The layouts for all dormatory buildings are shown below: Two upside down L shapes were broken into straight pieces, each block signifying the dorms with blue being the boys dorm and pink being the girl''s. On the left stood the mages'' building, while on the right was the knights''. Other infrastructure, including stores, a maintenance center, and even a blacksmith for the knights, was situated in front of the buildings primarily to offer the students whatever services they could require. Girls on the sides, and boys get to walk a lot further to get to their rooms, Circe laughed, I like this layout. Zeke rolled his eyes, but otherwise remained silent as he turned the last few pages. Most of them didn''t provide any other necessary information, only listing the subjects that the academy teaches. Then he got to the last page, and his eyes instantly went wide. Thisis a dorm key, Zeke picked it up, noting the number 245 carved into the metal, ...I get to take it home? I thought the academy would hold the key for the students. Dunno, maybe Silas stole it. Circe shrugged, How did it even hold itself inside the book? There''s no pocket or anything. Zeke placed the key on the back cover, and immediately it snapped onto it as if pulled by a magnet. It''s magic, not magnets. If it''s something that came with the book then I guess they just give the students their dorm keys. Circe leaned back. Zeke spoke, ...That''s all, right? Yep, and I guess we''re free for the rest of the day. Should we go out and get our academy uniforms fitted? I doubt Ruelle outgrew hers though. Circe began cleaning up the table, folding the newspapers and gathering them into one stack. I actually want to do something first, Zeke answered as he placed his textbooks back into the cardboard box, I can probably push to level twenty, so I''ll get that done today and we can go out again tomorrow. Circe faced Zeke with a raised eyebrow, Where are you going to get experience points here? How else? With a still expression, Zeke stared at Circe, By cooking, of course. . . . After Zeke returned the textbooks to their original place under his bed, he met up with Circe in front of the main kitchen. Since it wasn''t time, only a few staff manned the place, mainly keeping it spotless in preparation for the next meal in a few hours. Walking inside, Lilia instantly turned towards them, Ah! My lord, my lady! What might you be doing here? Circe offered her personal maid a smile, Hello Lilia, we would like to use the kitchen for a moment. Could you please step out? Oh, Lilia''s eyes briefly landed on Zeke, but they snapped back in an instant. By then, the other servants had taken note of their conversation, Of course, my lady. May I ask what you plan on doing? I''d like to be of assistance if I could. Ah Circe glanced at Zeke, Lord Silas wanted to cook for me, so I''m here to watch him work~ Is that a problem, Lilia? It took the maid a moment to answer, her eyes still widened, and her forced smile didn''t hide her surprise, Not at all, my lady! We will be taking our leave now. As quiet as the wind, the servants all went out of the kitchen, leaving the entire space for the two to use. Zeke looked around for a moment like a soldier accessing his battlefield. As expected of a noble''s kitchen, there''s a lot to work with. Circe watched Zeke stride across the room, heading for the prep table. ...You seriously know how to cook? What dishes do you usually make at home? Zeke shrugged and answered, I sear steak for myself. I also like making spaghetti bolognese, but mainly I prefer meat. Those seem easy to make. Circe crossed her arms with a raised eyebrow. Zeke''s brow lifted as well, Because you asked what I usually make? I mean, I can cook any meal as long as I have the recipe, he opened the large refrigerator behind him; its technology courtesy of magic judging from an intricate circle drawn on the side. ...since cooking doesn''t yield many experience points, I''ll have to make multiple dishes. Do you have anything you want to eat? Chicken, Circe replied almost instantly, I kind of crave chicken right now. Bet, Zeke straightened himself after sweeping his eyes across the full contents in the fridge. I''ll make a course meal, I guessthough I have no idea what''s in a course meal, I''m winging it. Circe''s eyes narrowed to a slit. Can you really blame her for not believing that Zeke can cook? Silently, she prayed the kitchen did not catch on fire. Chapter 50: Royal Banquet (1) Much to Circe''s surprise, the kitchen did not catch on fire, and instead the aromatic scent of roasted chicken filled the air. She couldn''t believe her eyes when Zeke placed the steaming hot chicken thigh in front of her, staring at it with her lips slightly parted. That looks so good, what the fuck? Circe mumbled as Zeke placed a plate of pastry twists beside it. Turning her head, she noticed that he''d made them using asparagus and bacon. You weren''t kidding when you said you can cook. Zeke scoffed as he turned back to the oven, speaking while he took something out of it. Circe noted the smell of chocolate and her heart sank, realizing that he''d also made desserts. Why the hell would you assume I was joking? He placed the chocolate pie on the table before he took off the baking gloves. Circe raised her hands in defeat, Okay, I yield. I''m sorry for doubting you, her eyes remained glued to the roasted chicken, When did you even make the chocolate pie? I only saw you take out the things for the chicken. I put the ingredients in the inventory for a moment, Zeke shrugged, Thought it''d make taking them out easier. [Congratulations! You''ve gained the Aptitude: ] < Aptitude Description > Name: Skilled Chef Rarity: Uncommon Type: Crafting Effects Increase chance of getting a when cooking or baking. Grants a 10% increase to the buffs of meals cooked by the user. <<>> [Cooked a perfectly!] [Gained some EXP.] [Cooked a perfectly!] [Gained some EXP.] [Baked a perfectly!] [Gained some EXP.] [Silas Salvador has leveled up! LVL: 20] [Silas Salvador has met the requirements. S-Rank Equipments can now be used.] While Zeke''s attention was fixed on the system panel, Circe had already found herself an empty plate and utensils to dig into the food. That didn''t take as long as I thought, I would''ve made soup if three plates didn''t edge me to twenty. [Equipped as your Secondary Weapon.] [ has been moved to the Inventory.] [Equipped as your Primary Weapon.] MAG: 62 (+17)> CON: 25 (+5)> By the time he looked up from the status screen, Circe had already finished the appetizer twists pastry. Is it good? He asked as he pulled over a chair to sit on. With her mouth still filled with food, she nodded enthusiastically in response. As Zeke rested his elbow on the table, he hid a small smile beneath his palm. It''s nice to know that even in another world I still have my cooking skills. You''re not gonna eat? Circe could finally speak, though her focus had already shifted towards the roasted chicken. Nah, Zeke shrugged, You said you wanted to eat chicken, so I''ll let you have all of it. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Even the pie? Even the pie. Circe stabbed her fork into the meat a little too hard, Sweet! Don''t change your mind later! Watching her slice up his chicken into pieces, Zeke couldn''t help but feel oddly bittersweet. Not because his methodically crafted meal was getting torn to bits, but he simply realized how peaceful things were at the moment. . . . Days passed, and the two of them now stood inside a glamorous hall dyed golden from the grand chandeliers hanging on the high ceiling. Chiseled arches framed the tall windows, covered by thick, velvet curtains which veiled the evening sky outside. As expected of a grand event, the royal family did not hold back one bit in hosting the celebratory banquet. Soft, yet clamorous music filled the palace, and the indistinguishable scent of fine beverages whisked past their noses each time a butler waltz through. With them standing near the food tables, they could clearly see cuisines high in both quantity and quality laid for all to pick out as one pleases. Most were desserts, but they noted some light food that one could eat in one or a few bites. Circe wore an off-shoulder dress, seemingly woven from fine golden threads. Delicate flowers and vines embroidered on the blouse, making the chiffon band that trailed from the high collar look like pedals wrapping around her arms. The skirt flew down from the cinched waist, cascading in layers of silk and chiffon down to her ankles. Her hair plaited in a waterfall braid, embellished with pearl ornaments which made them shimmer like stars beneath the chandelier lights. She wore thin make up, mostly to sharpen her bright violet eyes and add a shade of pink to her porcelain cheeks. Matching with Circe, Zeke''s attire alternated between ivory white and embroidered with gold. An electric blue brooch fixed to the cravat on his white dress shirt, connected to the pin of his overcoat which he draped over one shoulder. His black blazer had golden hems and buttons, contrasting his ensemble''s brighter colors. An onix leather belt held together his matching trousers, with the buckle embossed with the symbol of the Salvador house. Unlike his usual wild, untamed hair, Zeke had his blond locks slid off neatly to the side, making him appear much less like a spoiled rich brat and more of a proper noble young man. Zeke did only comb his hair a bit, but in the end Circe dragged him back inside the dressing room and tidied them up herself. I feel really out of place, Zeke muttered as he leaned slightly closer to Circe. A soft scent of flowers hit his nose, I mean, I''m already not Silas Salvador, but this kid didn''t even contribute anything to the battle and I''m getting praised along with them. Circe chuckled, inclining her head towards him, I think they''re specifically praising Lysander and Creston, not you. Of course I thought about it like that, Zeke''s brows touched, But still. Before Circe could respond, the entire hall suddenly went silent. They shifted their attention to the front, noticing several people standing on top of the mezzanine. Immediately, the recognized the five as members of the royal family. Thank you everyone for coming today, King Arzhel Oriens IV spoke in a booming voice. He was a middle aged man with fiery red hair and piercing crimson eyes. His resting face had a similarly frigid feeling to Creston''s, though it held the wisdom of age rather than stories of untold battles. To celebrate the commendable feats of Marquis Creston Salvador and his heir Lysander Salvador, this banquet is hosted personally by the royal family. They had vanquished the monsters plaguing our borders for many years, buying us precious times to prepare for the future waves, the king raised a glass of champagne, Let us toast to our two brave heroes. Zeke and Circe looked at each other, and the former spoke first. He''s still pretty blunt, huh, he picked up a glass from a passing butler, Just a simple congratulations, this is why I like this guy when playing through the game. It was getting tedious spamming my keyboard through the dialogs. Circe covered her mouth with the back of her hand, silencing her chuckle, Yeah, but I personally think he''s a well-written NPC, and also the luckiest. I mean, a descendant of a high elf as his wife? Queen Ophelia is one if not the strongest holy magic mages in the kingdom. I know right? Zeke twirled the champagne along the rims absentmindedly as he responded, I would say that only the Saint rivals her when it comes to holy magic. I read in the lore once that the queen could revive someone from the dead, that''s something even the Saint couldn''t Hey, Silas! Someone interrupted their conversation, drawing the two''s attention towards them. A young boy stood with his arms crossed, his attire an alternation between black and red, matching with the color of his wild locks and fiery red eyes. He had a wide, proud grin on his face as he spoke again, I see you''ve gotten yourself a fiancee! The academy''s opening back up soon, right? I hope you don''t get too distracted! Upon realizing the teen''s identity, Zeke and Circe instantly responded with a courteous bow, I greet the Star of the Empire. They spoke at the same time. Oh c''mon now, the Crown Prince Julius tilted his head with a chuckle, I know we haven''t seen each other in a year, but there''s no need to be so formal to your friend now, right? Zeke kept a straight face. Huh? Silas and Julius knew each other? He quickly flashed a smile and replied, I mean, you are the crown prince. I have to show some manners, right? Julius went quiet for a second, but then bursted out laughing so loudly that heads turned towards them. Oh god! That was the funniest thing I''ve heard in a long while! Since when do you of all people have manners? Even though it was directed at Silas Salvador, his words still offended him, but Zeke remained smiling, Is it wrong to want to look good in front of a girl you like? Oh, is that so? Julius gaze landed on Circe, and she unconsciously smiled, Now that I''ve taken a closer lookyou truly are beautiful, my lady, the prince placed one hand across his chest, leaning forward slightly, Might I be so bold as to request your first dance? What the fuck? Now Zeke really started to get irritated, but he carefully hid his expression. His gaze landed on Circe, expecting her to be just as shocked, and perhaps as frustrated as he felt too. No thank you, Circe responded instantaneously without a moment of thought. The bright smile on her face almost made Zeke believe she''d said it as a joke, While it may be an honor to dance with your highness, but I promised my first dance to Lord Silas already, I hope you can understand, Prince Julius. Zeke had to stop himself from sighing in relief. Thank goodness He didn''t even notice his smile grew wider. ...Well that''s a shame, Julius straightened himself and lowered his arm. Turning to Zeke, he patted his shoulder twice, I was kidding by the way, I''m not unreasonable enough to steal someone else''s fiancee. Zeke laughed, though not for the reason Julius thought, Haha, I know you''re joking. I told Lady Ruelle in advance that you may joke around with us a bit. So fuck off, you womanizer. Julius retracted his hand, ...Aren''t you rather prepared? It''s nice that you told her about me, I was really afraid she wouldn''t take the joke well. He turned around, facing them for a moment, I''ll leave you too alone now, it seemed I interrupted a conversation earlier, so I apologize for that. Enjoy the rest of the banquet. When Julius finally disappeared into the crowd, the two of them turned to each other. Circe spoke up first, You were smiling, but your eyes were practically stabbing him, you know? Zeke clicked his tongue, I can''t believe Silas hang out with that kind of guyThere''s character information on Julius, but this is the first time I''ve heard about them being friends. I mean, it was harmless, right? Circe shrugged. Zeke shook his head, Of course not, the game described him as an arrogant womanizer, remember? Do you not have any sense of danger? Why would I feel endangered if you''re here with me? The response startled Zeke. Circe smiled at his widened eyes and continued, What''s wrong? You want to have my first dance that much? Zeke''s eyes narrowed, diverting to the side, It might not be real, but I can''t just have some guy come over and take my fiancee from me. He expected Circe to start teasing him nonstop until she''s satisfied, but instead only silence followed. Surprised, his attention returned to her face, and saw a small satisfied smile spread across her lips. That''s great. You did good. Before he could ask what she meant, Circe grabbed one of the champagne glasses from the nearest waiter. When she began drinking it, Zeke wondered if her cheeks had always been that red, or if it was just the powder making it look that way. And if his face burned due to the frustration towards Julius, or something else. Chapter 51: Royal Banquet (2) They only drank one glass of champagne each. Because although this world''s laws legalized drinking at their age, their conscience weighed on them too much to continue. Instead, they settled with the light sweets and snacks provided by the ball. Since most of the nobles had swarmed around Creston and Lysander, the two of them had all the space around the food table to themselves. While they silently munched on their snacks, two little girls approached them. Rowena wore a deep pink dress with black chiffons alternating along the layers of her skirt. Although her attire looked rather adorable with its flowery design, Rowena''s innately sharp features made it seem out of place. Next to her, a much brighter child beamed at Zeke as she got closer. She had long, pearly locks that sparkled with the silver tiara resting atop her head. The hem of her golden dress trailed behind her like a gilded river, if not for her small body, she may have looked like a queen straight out of a fairytale. Lord Silas! The little girl exclaimed in a honeyed voice. Circe even smiled a little at her practically bouncing up and down while trying to stay well-mannered. You look lovely today as always! It took Zeke a moment to recognize her identity, but as soon as he did, he and Circe gave her a courteous bow, Thank you, princess. You''re beautiful as well. Awh, why is Lord Silas being so formal with me? Princess Vivian pouted, I told you before that you can call me Vivi! After all, you and I will become husband and wife soon! Hearing those words almost made Zeke scream, though he managed to keep his expression still as he raised his head. Glancing at Circe, he saw brief surprise flash across her face. ...What? Viv, what did I tell you? My brother''s no good for you, Rowena crossed her arms, and even though her words definitely meant to insult him, Zeke couldn''t agree more with them, Besides that, Silas already engaged, you know? Vivian''s face dropped. She began to look around with fire burning in her scarlet eyes, What!? Who is it? Who dare take my beloved husband away from me!? She''s right in front of you, Rowena sighed as she pointed at Circe with her chin. When Vivian turned to her, she gave the girl a smile, That''s Lady Ruelle Peregrine. I doubt I need to say anything further. It''sLady Ruelle? Vivian almost sounded as if she didn''t believe herself. Her brows slowly arched downwards, the reality settling in for the young girl. I can''t believe it! Vivian glared at Circe, her eyes glistening with tears, Give him back! Give my hubby back to me! Circe blinked, facing Zeke just as he looked at her, What do I do? I don''t know? What are we supposed to do? Should I respond honesty or? I don''t know! Argh! Stop having a silent conversation in front of me! Vivian stomped the ground, her hands gripped tightly into fists. She turned to Rowena and pointed at Circe, Rena! Tell her you don''t want her as your sister in law! I''m a better candidate for that spot anyway! Rowena briefly glanced at Circe, though before her friend could notice, she looked back and sigh, Sorry Viv, but Sister isn''t a bad person. She''ll take care of Lord Silas for you. She placed a hand on Vivian''s shoulder. Besides, you''re ten years old, you''re at no age to marry anybody. No! I won''t accept this! The princess shook her head as she turned away. She glared at Circe and pointed at her again. I''ll tell my father to break off this engagement! Vivyou know the king won''t do anything about this. You''ve tried like a hundred Don''t try to stop me Rena! You traitor! Wait until my father hears about this! With that, the princess stormed off. Zeke pinched the bridge of his nose, What in the actual fuck just happened? You know how Vivian is, Rowena didn''t even comment on her brothers use of language. Zeke initially forgot it when he spoke, though he had to thank Silas horrible reputation for covering that up. She just likes you because apparently you''re Rowena narrowed her eyes, Handsome You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. She''ll grow out of it, Circe chuckled, looking at Zeke, It must be nice to have a princess admire you so earnestly, right? My lord? Zeke resisted the urge to punch her and smiled, Well, I am used to it. Before anyone could speak, they noticed the background music suddenly got louder. Nobles from all around them began pairing up to dance in the middle of the hall. Rowena stared at them absentmindedly as she spoke, Are you two going to dance? It would be odd to say no. Circe nodded, Yes, turning to Zeke, he''d already held out his hand, Then, shall we? The honor is mine. Zeke smiled, and Circe couldn''t help but smile back. Even though they hadn''t practice since their dance at the engagement banquet, their bodies still moved purely by instinct. At that point, none of them felt uncomfortable, shifting to the music''s tunes as if they''d danced together for hundreds of times. You know, Circe whispered just loud enough for her partner to hear. Hm? Zeke raised an eyebrow. Ifhypothetically, we can''t go back to our original world, a smile carefully spread across her face, I wouldn''t mindjust staying here, and doing this forever, she spun around as Zeke held her hand up, It''s fun, dancing to classical music without a care in the world. Zeke scoffed, a grin forming on his lips, Yeah, I get it, he glanced around at the other nobles around him. They all had a smile on their faces. It would be nice if our world was this peaceful. Kind of naive of you to think that way. She teased him. I know, Zeke rolled his eyes, earning a giggle from Circe, But then you''d be a hypocrite also for saying that. Right, by that time, the music had slowed down, signaling its inevitable end. They parted from each other and bowed. It''s impossible to ask for a world with nothing but peace. Well, As Zeke straightened himself, he held out his hand, I think it''s fine to hope for something like that. Even if this world is filled with adversaries, he beckoned with his fingers, Technically, we''re the protagonists, so we''ll have to save the world even if we don''t want to. Circe laughed and took his hand. She was sure her voice managed to garner some attention, but at that moment, she didn''t care. That''s true, we can just make the world peaceful ourselves. Yep! Zeke guided them towards the entrance, Now let''s make our escape. We already show our faces so there''s no need to stay here. Where are you two going? Zeke almost jumped out of his skin as Rowena''s voice rang out behind them. Circe crooked her head towards the door, looking at Rowena with a smile, We''re heading out for a walk. It''s a bit stuffy in here, so how about you join us too? Rowena glanced at the floor, Wellwouldn''t I be interrupting you two? Nah, Zeke replied instead, waving his free hand around nonchalantly, Since your friend kind of ditched you, I''d be much more at ease knowing you''re not alone. Hearing that, Rowena frowned, Don''t treat me like a child, Silas. I know how to take care of myself, her expression shifted the moment she faced Circe, Please take care of him sister. Make sure he doesn''t get lost somewhere. Huh? Hey! Zeke glared at the little girl as Rowena began walking away. She turned and sticked her tongue out at him before she disappeared into the crowd. Circe chuckled, Wow, you got owned. Sighing, Zeke dragged them both out the door, Yeah, whatever. It''s not like she''s my real sister anyway, why should I care? You still cared enough to invite her with us. That was then, and this is now. I won''t even show an ounce of my care towards her next time! Yeah, sure, Circe glanced down, By the way, how long are you going to hold my hand for? ...Why? You don''t want me to? Zeke stared at her. She couldn''t pick up anything on his blank expression. Cursed the Salvador''s natural stoicism, Circe internally whined. That''s not it, she responded, But why would you want to hold my hand? Because I can. ... Circe narrowed her eyes, but Zeke didn''t even flinch. She sighed and lightly shook their interlocked hands, Alright, fine. Let''s go. She didn''t expect him to smile at her at all, and while he happily dragged her down the corridor, she was still too dumbfounded to say anything. ...Are you doing this because I teased you earlier? Circe frowned at him. ...Who knows. He didn''t even bother to hide his grin. Circe pouted, You''re being childish. Am I? She couldn''t find her words. Zeke merely chuckled at her silence and continued to guide her outside. If only she could blame it on the alcohol for making her cheeks heat up. I hate myself for thinking this is cute. Zeke let go of her hands once they reached an open area. He went ahead and threaded along the colonnade, eyes glancing towards the vast royal garden next to them. Circe followed without much thought as she took note of the silver lights casting a cool glow on the flowers below them. ...I almost forgot that this world isn''t really real, Zeke''s whispers rang out through the silence between them. Circe didn''t even notice how quiet it initially was until he spoke. All the events we know from the game are already behind us. From now on, we won''t know if we step into a death route until we''re already on it. Circe''s brows arched slightly, ...We both know this. What are you trying to say? Zeke stopped walking, but didn''t face her when he replied, Aren''t youscared? Because I am, there was a short pause; from the both of them, If, if even one of us messes upthe other would be completely alone. ...Oh c''mon, I won''t mess this up for us, as Circe''s response poured out, her frown deepened, It sounded like you don''t have much faith in me even after saying all that stuff back there. Zeke whirled around, eyes widened in distress, I''m not saying it''s you, Circe, his voice had a hint of desperation she couldn''t ignore, I said those things because I was trying to look cool, he averted his eyes to the ground, But I''m actually nervous. The future has always been uncertain, but we''re unfamiliar with this world. I justI''m anxious about the unknown variables. Circe relaxed as she let out a short sigh, I''m not trying to invalidate your worries, but I think you''re overthinking too much, a realization hit her then; perhaps he kept joking around while trying to mask his anxieties. Circe took a few steps closer to him as she replied, It''s fine, Zeke. If you can mess up, I can mess up too. When the time comes, I''m sure we both can think of something. She tried to read his expression again, but to no avail. Zeke merely looked at her without a flash of emotions on his face. His voice, however, carried some hesitation when he muttered. ...Yeah, you''re right. Sorry for souring the mood when we were already doing fine. It''s alright, Circe chuckled, relieved that, even if briefly, she''d managed to keep his mind off of the bad thoughts, Like you said, we''re doing fine right now, so let''s just focus on the present and Tap. Although it was a small sound, both of them immediately tensed up as they glanced around. Circe had her hands slightly raised, ready to summon a weapon the instant she sensed danger. Zeke focused on a particular spot in the bushes of the garden, eyes widened as if looking straight at something. When Circe noticed that, she carefully asked, Zeke? What are you looking at? ... He didn''t reply at first, but when he spoke, his words weren''t directed at her, ...Hey, I see you in there. Come out. The leaves moved in response as a figure rose to their feet. They wore a full black attire, blending in with the night perfectly like a passing shadow. None of them could see the face properly, though they noted that his eyes were also black. I''m surprised that the mad dog noticed my presence, the mysterious man pulled out a short sword from his belt, But no matter, both of you will be coming with me. Chapter 52: Kidnapped. (1) They had no idea who the person in front of them could possibly be. And despite the threat, the two of them knew they weren''t in any danger. How did this guy get in here though? Zeke''s brows arched with the thought. He casted a glance at Circe, and she looked back at him with an equally confused face. While they shared a silent conversation, the mysterious man crept closer, holding out his short sword as a clear threat. Come on. Get moving and follow me quietly. Without saying a word, Circe stepped forward. The man slightly lowered his weapon, eyeing Silas, Good, now you come here. Circe chose that moment to strike. Her hand moved faster than the intruder could see, and the short sword fell to the ground in mere seconds. A cry of pain rang out from the man as he staggered backwards, gripping his twisted wrist with his other hand. For someone who managed to sneak himself into the royal palace, you''re nothing special. Circe remarked with nonchalance as she watched the stranger glare at her, now disoriented from both the pain and the fact that a teenage girl just disarmed him. No surprise, Zeke narrowed his eyes, Since this guy''s a mage trying to play swordsman. The man couldn''t hide his surprise, but it soon got replaced by suspicion as he croaked, ...How do you know that? Zeke shrugged, It takes one to know one. That''s impossible! Taking several steps back, the man''s cautious eyes never blink at them, I specialize in cloaking spells, only highly skilled mages could detect me! Did he tell you that I was coming? He betrayed me didn''t he!? A frown creased Zeke''s forehead, Who''s he? What are you talking about? Instead of responding, the man whirled around and dashed away. Circe attempted to follow, though she soon stopped in her tracks once someone else smashed his fist into the intruder''s face, knocking him out in an instant. So this is where you two went, Clad in Salvador''s signature knight uniform, Einar let his raised fist fall to his side, Have any of you seen Lady Rowena? Someone told me she went out with you. Huh? No she didn''t? Circe replied, and her words brought confusion upon Einar''s expression. As Zeke knelt down to the mysterious man''s unconscious body, she continued speaking, Silas tried inviting her to come with us, but she declined. Why? Did something happen? Einar took a moment to reply, his eyes darting towards the man he knocked out, ...I thought it was nothing since this is the royal palace. Seemed like I was wrong, he looked up, I am not sure if this is a serious matter just yet, but would you mind searching the area for Lady Rowena? I will take this man to the knights and have them send out a small search party for the time being. After giving him a nod in confirmation, they split up. Zeke and Circe headed into the garden as Einar dragged the unconscious man along with him. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. She couldn''t have gone far, right? Circe spoke up, though Zeke didn''t reply, instead walking ahead of her as if he hadn''t heard a thing. ...Zeke? She called out, but still failed to draw his attention. Only when Circe caught up to him did he finally face her. Just like before, she couldn''t pick up a hint of his thought on his stoic face. ...If that guy managed to get in, who knows who else came along with him. Circe pursed her lips, Hey, it''s Rowena, she''s better than you at swordsmanship, remember? Her attempt at reassuring him failed. A frown darkened Zeke''s face as he hissed, She''s at a ball, there''s no way she''s carrying a weapon with her. Unable to refute his words, Circe''s silence prompted Zeke to stride further into the garden. By then, he''d began shouting Rowena''s name, each time louder than the last. ...And he said he didn''t care about her. A smile formed with Circe''s thought. She joined Zeke in his search, calling out the girl''s name as well. Despite their efforts, nothing but the night''s silence responded to them. Circe could see Zeke getting more agitated as time passed, and she too felt anxious at the possibility of something happening to the little girl. When they heard a rustling sound coming from behind them, Zeke''s head turned so fast Circe feared he might''ve given himself a whiplash. It wasn''t Rowena, but Lilia who had came to greet them. Circe didn''t like the look on the maid''s face. ...My lady, my lordthe marqius called for the both of you. My father did? Zeke frowned, What happened? Did you find Rowena? It look Lilia a moment to respond, judging by the flash of fear in her eyes. She lowered her head, her words came out slow and steady as if she worried about stuttering. ...His lordship simply told me to call for you two. My sincerest apologies, Lord Silas. Hey, Circe whispered to Zeke with a slight frown, You are scaring her. Cut it out. For a moment, Circe saw a hint of frustration flickered across his face. It quickly disappeated as Zeke took a deep breath and nodded, ...Lead the way. . . . In an empty guest room far from the banquet hall, Lysander and Creston had been talking as Zeke and Circe entered. Einar glanced at them from the door, slowly shaking his head. The message was clear: We found nothing. What about mother? I sent her back home first so she could rest, I''m sure the news shocked her quite a bit. Creston faced the two children after answering Lysander''s question. He let out a long sigh and began explaining. None of our knights found anything. The royal guards interrogated the man Einar caught. He caved rather quickly and told us he entered through stealth magic. His goals, Lysander took over, are still unclear to us. But he showed clear hostility towards Father when we entered the interrogation room. Okay, and? Zeke''s tone scared Circe. He sounded as if he wanted to kill someone. What about Rowena? They didn''t find anything? Not a single trace? She couldn''t have disappeared all of a sudden without kicking up a big fuss. They should consider it a blessing that Creston didn''t comment on the way his son spoke to him, You know your sister well, Silas. Rowena will be safe on her own. ...What? Zeke''s frown deepened. He looked at Circe for a moment, expressing clear disbelief. It''s clear she''s been kidnapped, and you''re saying it''s fine? Now it was Creston''s turn to get frustrated, Rowena is well trained. She is definitely fine. Zeke threw his hands in the air, Are you kidding me!? She''s ten years old! He declared before anyone could speak up, Sure, she might be way better than me at swordsmanship, but did you forget that she doesn''t have a sword? And no matter how good this damn family is at combat, it''s way out of line to expect a child to fend for her own. Lysander stepped forward. Unlike his father, he had a calm expression, and his tone remained steady as he spoke, ...Silas, I agree with you, but we''ve sent the best knights to search the area. We''re believing Rowena will be fine because she''s a Salvador, not that we''re expecting her to do anything rash. Circe found this to be the right moment, grabbing Zeke''s arm to get his attention. She whispered to him, He''s right, calm yourself down. Why are you getting so worked up anyway? This isn''t like you. Zeke stared at her as if she was crazy, She''s my sister. Is she? Circe blurted out in the heat of the moment, but luckily it seemed to have snapped Zeke back to reality. She felt his arm relaxed in her arm as he faced Creston and Lysander. Letting out a sigh, he spoke calmly. ...I got frustrated for a moment there. I''m sorry. However, I will not leave this to the knights to handle. I will search with them. Fortunately, Creston cooled down along with his son, Do as you pleased. I have to discuss the security within the royal palace with His Majesty. Without waiting for anyone to say a thing, the marquis strode out of the room. Lysander spoke soon after his father left, I will go with you, Silas, he faced Einar, Sir Einar, please continue to oversee that intruder''s interrogation. We must make sure he doesn''t attempt at his own life since he''s the only clue we''ve got. Yes, my lord, Einar bowed and exited the room immediately after. Lady Ruelle, Lysander turned to Circe, It will be best you stay here, or return to the Peregrine estate with Lilia. Since it''d be oddly suspicious if she protested against the idea, Circe simply nodded in agreement. Yes, she nodded at Zeke, My lord, take care of yourself. Zeke stared at her without speaking for a moment. Soon, he nodded in response, Be careful on your way there. She still felt reluctant to leave, but without much of a choice, Circe opened the door, meeting with Lilia on the other side. As she stepped out, she briefly saw the anxious look on Zeke''s face. Circe understood his feelings well, she too worried about Rowena''s well-being. Chapter 53: Kidnapped. (2) They borrowed two swords and horses from the staples before leaving the palace. First, they started circling around the nearby areas, mainly because Zeke insisted despite Lysander disputing that the knights had already searched there. Since they couldn''t find anything worth noting, they headed elsewhere. ...I just now realized that I never truly knew any of you. Lysander''s quiet voice cut through the rhythmic sound of hooves, earning Zeke''s attention. What do you mean? He asked as he faced his brother. Just like how Circe couldn''t read his expression, Zeke couldn''t discern Lysander''s either. I''ve only known you from your Lysander paused for a moment, Childish tantrums and questionable behaviors. I even thought you might''ve been adopted at one point. When Zeke didn''t say anything, Lysander continued, But now I know there''s more to you than just your horrible reputation. Zeke frowned, Your point being? I just want to let you know that you are a Salvador, even if others tell you otherwise, Lysander looked at him, ...What you said to Father earlierit reminded me of what he often said when I was younger. Despite having no information on their childhood, a certain sentence suddenly came to his mind, ...That a Salvador always fights for what he believes is right? Yeah, Lysander faced straight ahead as their horses trotted closer towards a forest near the back of the palace. From close by came the sound of flowing water. I''d always nodded along, thinking whatever Father said was right. I never truly stopped to think of what he actually meant by thatUntil now. Lysander''s short chuckle made Zeke flinch. He didn''t expect him to laugh, let alone smile at him of all people. You''re a Salvador, and my brother through and through. That was the first time I''ve heard you get angry yet remain within reason. ...You thought I was being reasonable? Zeke raised an eyebrow. People often say I take after Father, Lysander shrugged, I didn''t like that comparison since I thought I could never be as good as him, but now I have to agree that we''re bothinsensitive. Zeke rolled his eyes, You just realized? I don''t know you, Lysander''s attention shifted to the forest before them. They''d reached the edge by then. And that just proves I didn''t know Rowena as well as I thought. I want to believe she will be alrightbut she''sshe''s still just a kid. You had to say it out loud just for me to realize that. ...You''re being very confusing today, you know that? Zeke scoffed, a small grin spreading his lips. I am trying, Lysander sighed, I don''t want my insensitivity to ruin my chances with Lady Penelope. Zeke laughed, She''s got you in her palms, huh? Lysander raised an eyebrow, You''re one to talk. Hey, we''re in an equal position in our relationship, by then, the two of them had gone into the forest, following a river that converged into a lake near the palace. If Zeke recalled correctly, it''s a sightseeing spot for the royals. Just that I hold her slightly higher than myself. Slightly? Slightly. He couldn''t see probably in the dark, but he swore Lysander rolled his eyes at him just now. Before he could comment on it though, the older brother suddenly stopped the horse, pulling on the reign so hard it startled the poor steed. Wait, wait, stop! Lysander dismounted and knelt to the ground, These aresomeone was here not long ago, there are traces of horse hooves and wheels. Zeke frowned, trying to see the details Lysander pointed out. He could somewhat make out the trails, but couldn''t be as sure as to what they were. So a carriage in the middle of the night? That certainly screams suspicious. But isn''t there a small village nearby? If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The hooves face the forest, so they''re definitely not coming from there, Lysander explained as he rose to his feet. As he hopped back on his horse, he beckoned with his chin, Let''s go check. Despite his initial skepticism, Zeke tightened his grip on the reign and rushed ahead. He''d seen and memorized all the locations of Dungeon Regime, so he knew roughly that the mentioned village awaited straight in front of them. Soon, the faint lights of civilization flickered through the leaves. Zeke entered the village first and stopped right beside the nearest woman he saw. Hello! Zeke tried to sound as casual as possible, seeing as he''d accidentally startled the woman, Do you happen to see anyone pass by here? Preferably in a carriage? As Lysander pulled up next to him, the woman had calmed herself down and responded, pointing behind them, Yes I did, sir. We were gathered for a feast when I heard wheels coming from outside. I did not think much of it though, so I never saw where they went exactly. Then is there anything else near here? Lysander asked, Someabandoned buildings? Or anywhere in particular that those people may have stopped by? ...There''s something, Zeke spoke up instead. He turned to the woman as he snapped his fingers, Mineshaft, there''s an abandoned mine around here, right? His words sparked realization in the woman''s eyes, Ah yes! I remember now, she eagerly nodded, My grandfather used to work there before it was closed down. We''d already sealed off the place as per His Majesty''s orders. Lysander stared at Zeke, You know where that is? Roughly, he nodded, But it''s as she''d said, the mine''s been closed off for years. It''s a good enough of a place for them to hide, Lysander tugged on the reins, getting his horse moving, Let''s go Silas, lead the way. We have no time to waste. Silas turned to the woman one last time, Thank you! Enjoy your meals! Flicking the rein, he cut off Lysander''s horse and led them back into the forest. Not long after, they arrived at their destination. The worn wooden frames structured around the opening blended in with the surrounding, but Lysander swiftly pointed it out before Zeke rushed past it. As expected, the entrance had been reopened, the wooden barriers laid fragmented nearby. After they tied their horses to the nearby trees, they quietly headed inside with Lysander leading the way, taking out their swords as precaution. As it began to feel like forever had passed due to the darkness, they soon saw light at the end of the long descend. Torches lined the giant chasm, lighting up the rusted railways and minecarts. Zeke could clearly make out the footsteps printed on fine dust. Some of the passages before them had been blocked off by rocks and debris, most likely from the cavern''s natural erosion. The ones that still remained opened, though, all had their torches lit up, signifying usage. Lysander walked to the tunnel furthest from them, ...I hear something coming from here. he whispered, trying not to make his voice bounce off the walls. Without the need for further elaborations, they both threaded into the tunnel. The mineshaft had plenty of room for the two of them to walk beside each other, though Lysander still took the lead as they descended the bore. There were other paths branching from the sides, but they remained walking straight forward. When they came to a forked path, Lysander suddenly stopped, just in time for someone to turn the corner and got startled by the presence of two intruders. But before the man could even let out a scream, Lysander swiftly cut him down, slicing his throat in one clean movement. ...That surprised me, Lysander stated calmly as he shook the blood off his sword, At least we know we''re in the right place. You considered that as getting startled? Zeke didn''t say anything out loud, simply nodding along with the older brothers words. We should quickly move. That guy''s probably patrolling the area, they''ll start to suspect something''s up when their buddy doesn''t return. With that, they made their way further down the tunnel. Along the way, they came across several more men, all of which had similar dark clothing Zeke saw the palace intruder wore. They proved to be no issue for Lysander to handle, each going down as easily as cutting through paper. It aroused both their suspicions. Clearly, something didn''t add up. ...They''re most likely just random people they paid to do their chores, Lysander noted as they made a turn. Zeke had already lost count of how many times they changed paths. Be on high alert, you never know if there are any Before Lysander could finish speaking, a ball of fire hurled towards them from around a corner. Luckily, he reacted in time and deflected it with his sword. Show yourself! There was no longer need for any stealth. Lysander put up his guard, coating his weapon with a layer of translucent energy: his aura. Who are you, and what is your purpose for kidnapping Rowena? Straight to the point, your personality is just as the rumors described it. A man''s deep, hoarse voice rang out as he revealed himself. Similarly to his henchmen, he wore dark clothing; a black hooded coat masking his face, showing only his arrogant smirk and bearded chin. ...His mana is dense, Zeke instantly recognized the man as a strong mage, and he couldn''t help but swallow down a nervous lump in his throat. That fireball was probably just a test to gauge Lysander''s strength, and if I''m correctthis guy''s way out of his league. I''ll have you know that I''ve struck down many mages like you on the battlefield, Lysander gripped his sword, extending his aura into a more solid form. Though Zeke couldn''t see his expression, he could tell that he had a cold, stern face like always. All of them had the same demeanor as you did, but they fall the same either way. The mage merely laughed, his voice echoing through the cavern walls. Zeke even feared the ceiling would topple down from the sheer intensity of his tone. Oh, really? You seemed rather clueless about your situation, Lysander Salvador, unlike your little brother over there who seemed to know exactly who he''s facing. Zeke didn''t expect to get mentioned. ...Did he read my mana? Even though I hid it? Don''t look so surprised, the mage chuckled, Even the grand mage couldn''t fully conceal his mana, what''s an amateur gonna do about it? Lysander glanced back at Zeke, a look of clear confusion flashed across his once ice cold features, ...Silas? What is he talking about? Zeke clicked his tongue in frustration, ...I was planning on hiding it for a little longer, but I guess I have to let the cat out of the bag. Lysander didn''t try to stop him when he sheathed his sword and stepped in front of him. Zeke stared at the opposing mage, not showing a single thing on his face. Unlike the man, he clearly saw a hint of frustration judging from the slight twitch on his lips; he tried to read him, but couldn''t find a single thing. I''ll let you go first, Zeke spoke in a voice brimming with confidence, This time, use something stronger than a basic fireball. The mage snickered. He failed to hide the annoyance behind his smug smile. As you wish, kid. I''ll let this spell be the last thing you get to see. Chapter 54: Kidnapped. (3) The mage took out a wooden wand from his coat. Pointing it towards Zeke, he began chanting, Ancient sparks of heaven, I call upon the Spirits of Blaze As Zeke stood there watching the man cast his spells, he stared ahead at the formation of crimson mana swirling from the wand''s tip. It condensed into magic circles, nearly covering the mage from head to toe. Lysander slightly leaned in to whisper, ...Are you not going to stop him? Stop him from what? Casting the spell, Lysander sounded confused, Don''t tell me you plan on letting him finish it? Even I can tell it''s a powerful spell. Zeke didn''t respond immediately. Soon, he tilted his head just enough to make eye contact with his brother. A wide grin spread across his lips. ...Just watch. embody the fury of the sun and rain destruction upon my enemy! The magic circles pulsated with power, Burn them to cinders, Wrath of the Sun! BOOMM!! A column of flame wide enough to engulf the entire tunnel surged from the mystical rings. It struck its target so hard and fast that even Lysander got startled from the noise and intensity. He had to put up his arms to shield his face from the heat. What happened to Silas? I can''t see anything. AHAHAHAHAHA! The mage''s thunderous voice rang out from behind the massive fire, When it comes to fire magic, I could burn even the most skilled aura users to cinders! No matter what trick you pull, a greenhorn mage like you could never block this! Could never what now? Huh!!?? When the flames died down and the circles flickered away, Zeke remained perfectly unscatched, standing inside a translucent, glass-like sheet that had shielded him from the attack. Even though his hood covered most of his face, the mage could not hide the sheer confusion in his voice as he stepped back, How, howThat is not possible I mean, I can block S tier skills so your chuunibyou magic definitely can''t hurt me. Zeke resisted the urge to speak his mind. Instead, he smiled. Oh, and you said my brother couldn''t sense the danger he was in. Not letting the man speak, Zeke took out the Arcane Resonance from his inventory and aimed it straight at him. For a split second, his smile grew into a twisted smirk, You are sure one to talk. As the energy beam approached the wizard, he extended his palm, causing the ruby on his ring to flash. It formed a barrier of crimson that took the shock, but it broke in a matter of seconds. Oh? That ring looks interesting, I didn''t expect you to block that. Zeke commented, eyes glued to the gem''s fading gleam. ...Who are you? Hm? The mage snarled through gritted teeth, I asked who you are! Chantless is an impossible technique for an amateur like you to learn! While they could barely hear it under all his frantic screaming, a hint of terror shook his voice, That spell of yours was so powerful and yet it doesn''t show its magic circle! Zeke blinked at the man''s word, turning to face Lysander just in time to see the shocked look on his face. ...Is that a big deal? You don''t know? The brother sounded even more confused than him, The number of mages able to cast spells chantless is already in the two digits. But as for mages who can hide the magic circles of strong spellsonly the Grand Mage had succeeded in doing soonce. When Zeke returned his attention to the mage, he''d already whirled around in an attempt to escape. With quick thinking, Zeke extended his hand and instantly the man''s limbs froze in place. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. WhaWhat is this!? He screamed as he tried but failed to struggle out of his invisible bindings. We''re not done here yet, so where do you think you''re going? Zeke smiled, walking closer to the mage with Lysander trailing behind him, You''re going to answer some questions, and if I''m satisfied, I may consider letting you go, okay? The man grinded his teeth, Fuck off! I refuse to do as you say, you damn aristocrats! Zeke narrowed his eyes, Oh really? As the mage opened his mouth to argue, he suddenly realized he couldn''t find his words. Frigid air replaced the usual temper of the abandoned mines. If he hadn''t known any better, he would''ve thought a blizzard swept through these tunnels. First of all, Zeke''s face cleared away all emotions, left with nothing but ice in his tone, You''re going to have to tell me where you took Rowena. ...And why would I do that? The mage swallowed down an invisible lump in his throat. He may not have noticed, but his body had began quivering, Even if you torture me, I would not utter a word that will harm my brothers. Zeke laughed. However, his still face did not match with his voice. Torturehuh? Thank you kindly for the idea SNAP. AHHRRGGHH!!!! With his right arm now bent all the way over his back, the man could only let out cries of agony as tears stung his eyes. His hood lifted slightly as he looked up at Zeke, and pure dread gripped at his throat when he saw nothing on his face. He actually hurt meThat kid actually hurt me Thoughts rushed through his mind faster than ever before, He won''t stop until I speak, right? Will he keep going until I''m dead? What if I pass out? What will he do to me? Feel like speaking now? Zeke tilted his head, Or maybe you need to be reminded of your position more. What should I break next? He lifted his hand, letting the strings from his fingertips flickered mockingly under the torches light, There are two hundred and six bones in the human body. I just bent your arm out of its socket, but imagine how much more painful it would''ve been if I snapped it completely? The mage turned towards Lysander, seeing the surprised look on his face, he felt a glimmer of hope, D-Do something! He''s going too far! Shouldn''t you stop him!? Stop him damn it! ... Lysander slowly looked at Zeke, and he too stared back at him. Eventually, after grueling seconds had passed, the brother spoke, Silas, break his femur. As the mage''s expression twisted in horror, Zeke smiled brightly, With pleasure. He replied earnestly and tugged his fingers back, sending another nasty crack! around the cavern alongside the man''s screams. ...The room A mumble sounded from the man, too low and hoarse to hear properly. What was that? Zeke tilted his head. A room! A room at the far end of this right turn! She''s being held there! The mage snapped at him, fear lacing his every word. Reason? Lysander planted his sword into the ground. ...We want to get our revenge on Creston Salvador, the mage''s voice went low, clearly afraid to speak badly of his interrogators father, He took away our homesour family! How are we supposed to simply forgive him and move on!? Zeke shared a glance with Lysander, ...Father doesn''t sound like the type to go around taking homes and families. Are you fromLendorr? Lysander turned back to the mage, asking in a careful, uncertain tone. Lendorr Kingdom. Zeke knew this name by heart due to its major role in Dungeon Regime''s lore. Once a large kingdom filled with prosperity, the distant emperors managed to integrate it into Oriens land. While many rebellions and assassins came from Lendorr, the emperors of those times only punished those responsible, and never the innocent. However, during King Arzhel''s rule, a massive dungeon break occurred in Lendorr. They sent soldiers to deal with the issue, but it became uncontrollable in just the mere minutes it took for their elite forces to get there. Reluctantly, Arzhel ordered his trusted friend, Creston Salvador, to wipe out everything that the monsters touched, else the contamination from the dungeon could spread to other areas of the empire. For the better of the majority, the king made the difficult decision to cut off Lendorr completely, making it one of the worst catastrophes and tragedies known in Oriens history. ...The king even issued that day to become a holiday so the people all over the empire could mourn the loss of those thousands that''d been sacrificed for the greater good. ...Yes, the mage croaked, I am one of the few survivors from LendorrWe have been planning this for yearsnow we made the move to take our revenge. I understand where you are coming from, Lysander sighed, But if you hold such a deep grudge. Why now? The destruction of Lendorr happened long before my father even got married. That''s the point, The mage sneered, He had no weakness back then, but now he does. Still, you could''ve executed this plan after he got married or had his first child, Lysander narrowed his eyes, Why? There are holes in your story that I cannot understand. He should still be scared of me, Zeke tried to read the mage''s expression, but saw nothing worth noting, What is he trying to do? Buy time? That doesn''t make senseor is he just rambling on and on because he was in pain? ... the Lendorrian turned towards Zeke. Even though his body quivered in fear, he still raised his head to make eye contact, revealing the pure black orbs beneath the hood. ...You can and will hurt mehowever, there is nothing I fear more than that man. Soso pleaseeven if you put me through hell, I cannot say anymore than I already have. Someone he''s more scared of than getting brutally tortured for information? Zeke hid his surprise well beneath his mask of indifference. Letting out a long, disappointed sigh, he replied, It''s no matter anyway, you will be captured and interrogated either way. Lysander, if you please. At his words, Lysander smacked the mage at the back of his head with the sword''s guard, knocking him out instantly. His unconscious body slumped forward, though still held up by the near invisible threads. Zeke let the man down and tied up his limbs with the strings. Soon, the silence between them broke as Lysander spoke, ...Do you want to talk about how you lied to everyone? Not a single emotion shown in his voice, What exactly happened in that dungeon, Silas? Same details, Zeke replied nonchalantly as he took the lead, turning right as the mage had said and began walking towards the end of the tunnel, Only difference is that I''m the mage and Lady Ruelle was the swordsman. She''s way better than me. Ah huh. Zeke didn''t turn back as he asked, ...Will you tell Father? No. Why not? A moment of silence, Do you want me to? No. His reply came instantaneously. Then I won''t utter a wordeven if it might get me in trouble later, Lysander let out a chuckle, Whenever you''re ready to tell the truth, go for it, I may or may not defend you depending on Father''s mood. Hearing the all-serious Lysander make a joke earned a joyful laughter from Zeke, Thanks bro. The choice of words may have startled Lysander, but he composed himself not long after, You''re welcome. Despite walking at the front, Zeke could practically hear the smile from the brother''s voice. Special Chapter 2: Speed Ticket Never in his twenty years of living had Lysander Salvador imagined himself in this situation: nervous, and more self-conscious than his first debut in high society. His stoic face may make him appear calm, but with Penelope Beaufort walking next to him in her simple, yet fitting blue dress, his heart refused to calm down. Today''s restaurant was rather interesting, Lord Lysander, Penelope''s sweet voice snapped him out of his trance. Glancing towards her, he noted her glistening emerald eyes as she smiled at him. They were beautiful, he thought. Did your brother recommend this one too? Ahno, Lysander dragged on his reply for longer than natural. Penelope didn''t seem to notice though, or she thought little of his behavior and didn''t react. He shifted his focus to the streets and continued. Is it odd? I went around looking for places to take you and found that restaurant. It wasn''t famous, but I enjoyed their food. Penelope remained quiet. Lysander felt his chest tighten for a moment, but he unknowingly let out his breath when she eventually replied with her smile growing wider. Thank you again, Lord Lysander. You''ve clearly put in the effort for me, and I appreciate it. He''d been scheduling a meeting with Penelope ever since they got to go on their first dinner. Sometimes he wondered if he was bothering her, but he was glad she didn''t seem to mind, and even enjoyed their outings. Before Lysander could respond though, Penelope suddenly gasped and pointed towards something from across the streets. Oh my! Look at that! It seems Lord Silas also took Lady Ruelle out today as well! Brother did? Lysander''s attention snapped towards them. They walked out of a clothing store, and he recognized it as the place where he used to get his measurements for his academy clothes. Ah, right, that place''s opening back up soon. Silas clutched two neatly wrapped paper bags under his armpit while Ruelle happily skipped along the walkway. Lysander had never seen that timid girl look so joyous, and to think it was his ex-troublemaker brother who''d made her smile so genuinely. ...I wonder if I can do the same for Penelope. He''d gotten so lost in his thoughts that he didn''t even notice Penelope crossing the streets. She called out to the two of them, not realizing that a carriage was rushing towards her at full speed. Lady Penelope! Lysander''s body moved on its own, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her back just in time. The coach pulled on the reins and stopped the horses as well, the old man looked just as startled as the young lady he''d almost ran over. Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Oh my godI am so sorry! Penelope turned to the coachman and bowed apologetically. She also looked at Lysander and began apologizing profusely. My lord, I shouldn''t have crossed the streets without looking! This is all my faultI''m very sorry! Lady Penelope! Ruelle''s voice rang out as she and Silas rushed over to them. Before she could say anything else though, a person exited the carriage. What''s all this about? It was a middle-aged man with a stern face. He wore a pristine, black suit, and a monocle on his left eye. He appeared limp in his right leg since he held a cane when he walked out. Do you know that you children are delaying important work here? How will you compensate if I am late for my meeting? To Lysander''s surprise, it was Ruelle who responded. Her voice was calm. Mister, she already apologized for her mistakes. If you''re really going to be late then you should get going. Her words ignited a spark of anger in the man''s eyes instead. Lysander could see him tightening his grip on his cane. Young lady, I don''t know what house you are from but you should refrain from using that tone with me, the man pointed at Penelope with the stick, I am asking her how she will compensate me since she gave me the trouble. You shouldn''t be defending her. Lysander frowned, Hey, sir. She''s right, if you are late then you should hurry and look over this little mistake just once. No one got injured so I don''t see why you, a busy man, should bother with this. My lord, it''s alright, Penelope whispered just loud enough for him to hear. Looking at her expression, she didn''t seem to care much about the man''s words at all. Penelope turned to him, holding her head high. If you want compensation, then I will pay you. Is that alright, mister?This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Wait. All heads turned towards Silas as he held out a piece of paper, handing it over to the old man who took it with a hint of confusion on his face. When he read the contents on the paper, his eyes widened in anger. What is this!? A fine!? What gives you the right to Where did he even get that from anyway? You are on Salvador soil, Silas cut him off coldly, pointing towards the ground as he stared at the man. Lysander had never seen that sort of look on his brother''s face. And as long as you are on this land. You will abide by the marquess laws. You were going way over the speed limit for this area, Earl Holston. So what? If you know who I am, you should know my importance! Holston snapped back. Yeah, sure. You own some business that makes you a few bucks. So what? Silas mirrored his words, yet somehow still maintained a cold tone. You asked what gave me the right to fine you? Here it is. Silas walked over to Lysander and grabbed something from inside his coat. He didn''t even have the time to react as Silas flashed the family badge at Earl Holston. Instantly, the man''s face turned pale. This proves that he''s a member of the Salvador house, and with the way I''m speaking to you, I''m sure you can guess who I am. YouYou are Silas Salvador? And that''s my brother, Lysander Salvador, heir to the march, Earl. Silas clicked his tongue, The lady who you just dismissed is my fiance, Lady Ruelle Peregrine, who, mind you, is still of a higher standing than you, Silas didn''t leave any room for Holston to speak, And this woman whom you are trying so hard to humiliate, is my brother''s lover. So you better fuck off with the fine before I do something I won''t regret. Even though the earl clearly got intimidated by their higher status, he stood his ground and argued, Wait, my lord. It is my mistake that I couldn''t recognize the both of you You couldn''t recognize the heir to the fucking march? Silas raised an eyebrow, and Lysander briefly heard Ruelle chuckle softly at his words. You must be living under a rock, but I guess we are all wearing casual clothes so I can see why a man your age might have trouble seeing. I recommend you go get your monocle checked after this. But go on. Although clearly frustrated, the earl continued, If I am to receive punishment, shouldn''t the lady also? She crossed the road without looking. There are laws for that, yes, Silas nodded as he crossed his arms. For a moment there, it seemed like Earl Holston had defused the situation, until Silas pointed at the ground again. But this is the crossroad we are standing on, no? A fine would''ve been applicable if Lady Penelope had crossed the road in any other place other than here. She will receive warnings as per protocol. But unlike you, speeding dangerously in a densely populated area, you are more than fucked. Oh yeah, Ruelle suddenly spoke up. She looked at Penelope and asked, Isn''t one of your business partners Earl Holston? Technically, Salvador has more shares and authority than them, so how about we cut them off so they can''t do business in your territory? Holston''s eyes went wide, WaitwaitLady Ruelle, you can''t just make that call Great idea, Lysander nodded as he glanced at Silas, who by then had a wide grin on his lips, I will talk to both my father and Baron Beaufort about this. Although I doubt they will agree to cut off Earl Holston entirely, this type of behavior can affect the look of our business Right. Who would want to buy stuff from a guy who would''ve run over their child today or their wife tomorrow? Silas shrugged, and Earl Holston''s face only got redder as the onlookers around them began whispering among each other. Well, we''re done here so just fuck off to wherever you wanted to go before all this crap. Don''t forget to pay the damn fine on the way there! Earl Holston didn''t reply, instead silently bowed to all them and quickly got back into his carriage. Soon, he was gone, and they could finally get off the road. Thank you everyone, Penelope smiled awkwardly, And umI''m sorry. I would''ve said something myself but I''d rather not escalate the situation. You were not at fault, my lady, Lysander''s brows slightly arched, he didn''t even realize that his hands still held onto her arms. This could''ve been avoided if the earl had dismissed the situation as an honest mistake. But this would have also been avoided if I hadn''t been so reckless Penelope sighed. Ruelle spoke up, taking the girl''s hands into hers, It''s alright, Lady Penelope, it''s in the past now. You shouldn''t fret over something that has already happened. Right, Silas nodded, Oh yeah, here''s your warning: look left and right before crossing the road, and make sure any carriages stop or go past you before you start walking. Silas grinned, crooking his head to the side, There. Now that pesky earl won''t complain that I was being unfair, right? Lysander looked at his brother, I''msurprised you know traffic laws. And in turn, Silas looked at him as if he was insane, Even a child would know. The traffic laws are as basic as they could get. They just recently implemented speed limits, right? Yeah, and how could you tell he was going too fast? Lysander tried to read anything on his brother''s face, but to no avail. Since when did he get so good at masking his emotions? Usually, you need a magic tool to measure speed. What? You think the earl wasn''t going fast? Silas rolled his eyes, You don''t need a device to tell you if a carriage is going too fast when all you could see of it is a blurry streak. We''re lucky you were there to catch her or else it would''ve definitely crashed into her. She''d die instantly at that speed, you know? Silas, Ruelle spoke in a stern voice, glancing at him while still gripping onto Penelope''s hands, Don''t scare her. It''s fine now. Thatwasn''t my intention, Silas gave Penelope a slight bow, My apologies if I had said something I shouldn''t. No no, you were right, Penelope looked at Lysander, even though her expression remained calm, he noted a hint of terror in her eyes. Yes, I certainly would not have survived something moving at that speed. Ruelle let out a sigh, Okay, let''s stop talking about the possible death routes for now. Since we''re already here, how about we go find something to eat? Oh, I''d love that! Penelope''s expression brightened in almost an instant, I wanted to call the both of you over for this exact reason, she turned to Silas, I heard Lord Silas recommended a lot of places for Lord Lysander. Would you happen to have any more places we could go to? Silas remained in thought for a moment, ...There is. How about some desserts? I know a place that makes very good cheesecakes. Chapter 55: Kidnapped. (4) So you awakened as a mage when you got caught up in that dungeon, right? Lysander inquired as they descended the tunnel. This time, no one came to stop them. Why did you decide to hide it? Zeke''s focus remained on the path before him, the sound of footsteps and the Arcane Resonance''s pole tapping against the ground filled in the silence between them. Telling the truth from the start may have sounded like a simple task. Although he and Circe gave the excuse that there wasn''t any benefit in speaking about them, deep down, Zeke felt something else holding him back; an emotion he couldn''t pinpointuntil now. I was scared, Zeke concluded after going back to that point in time. I was scared, and he repeated it outloud for Lysander to hear. Since he remained silent, Zeke took it as a sign for him to continue. I just blurted out whatever I could think of at the time, so people thought that the staff we took from the dungeon was Ruelle''s, and I''m the swordsman who protected his fiancee like a true knight. A moment of silence filled in between them, but Zeke soon broke it as he spoke again, Father was probably ecstatic to know that his good-for-nothing son finally did something to meet his expectations, Zeke sneered. He couldn''t stop talking, I was afraid that if I came clean about what actually happenedhe would be disappointed in me again. ...Silas Zeke crooked his head just enough for him to make eye contact with Lysander. As they both stopped walking, a smile formed on Zeke''s lips when he saw the look on the brother''s face. I''m done with all that, you know? I had never been good at swordsmanship anyway, but this entire family revolves around it. For someone as strict as our fatherwould he even accept that his son became a mage instead? Lysander bit his lips, brows slightly arched downwards, It''s not like you''re any ordinary mage, Silas. You''ve actually got talent for it. If you talk to Father properly then I''m sure Lysander. Zeke cut him off, his smile growing wider, When the time comes, I will deal with it. But for nowI''m too much of a coward to tell him the truth, he shifted his head to the front and started walking, ...He was so happyI know it''s stupid, but I couldn''t even bring myself to think about correcting him after seeing how satisfied he was. No one said another word as they marched down the tunnel, eventually coming face to face with a wooden door. Lysander raised his sword to strike down the plank bolting it shut, but Zeke stopped him by blocking his path with his staff. Wait, he stepped forward to inspect the door, eyes narrowed to a slit, Isn''t it suspicious? Why isn''t there a single guard here? ...I don''t sense anyone nearby, Lysander remarked, though had yet to sheath his sword, And I''m not hearing movement behind the door either. Yeah. Right. Zeke traced his eyes along the door, prompting Lysander to do the same even though he couldn''t see anything peculiar about it. This thing''s rigged with so many spells. They tried to hide it but the concealment circle is rough work. ... Lysander stared at his brother with a blank look. Zeke didn''t look at him as he continued to fixate on the magic. Can you dispel it? Eh, I could try, Zeke shrugged, Though if I failthe circuit might explode in our faces. You don''t mind that, right? Despite hearing the seriousness in his tone, Lysander narrowed his eyes at him, ...Is that a joke? Second part? Yeah, Zeke placed his hand on the door, pouring his mana from the tip of his fingers. To Lysander, all he could see was an ordinary, old wooden door. First part? No. This is a delicate job so don''t disturb me. With Lysander making the reasonable decision to stay quiet, Zeke focused entirely on the task at hand. Only the voices of his own thoughts accompanied him as he felt around the magic circle with his mana. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. According to the Witch''s Codex, magic circles are formed from strings of words, Suddenly, the rings of light became visible for all to see, and he could hear Lysander''s faint gasp behind him. Cutting off the sentences unravels the spellthough I still have to be carefulinterrupting the wrong lines can give unpredictable results. [Achievement Unlocked: Magic Lock Picker - Disable any type of magical traps!] [Gained some EXP!] [You''ve gained the Active Skill: Circuit Disruption''] [The Tier of the Active Skill Circuit Disruption has increased due to the Aptitude Mana Overlord] < Skill Description > Name: Circuit Disruption Type: Active Skill Tier: A Cost: Dependant on usage. Cooldown: None. Effects
  • The user gains the ability to see and dispel magic circles via the use of mana.
  • Accuracy and efficiency of the skill depends on the user''s knowledge on magic.
  • Casting speed depends on the users computing abilities.
<<>> Not so long after, the circles before him flickered and faded away. As Zeke put away his staff into the inventory, Lysander broke down the wooden plank with his sword. They entered the room and found not a single source of light within, but Zeke''s eyes met with a familiar pair of emerald green sitting in the middle of the cave. Rowena! His feet moved without thought, kneeling down in front of the little girl as he inspected her from head to toe. She had no visible injuries, though her dress had some rips and tears, assumed to be from struggling against her captors. Are you okay? Did they hurt you anywhere? Zeke couldn''t read Rowena''s expression at all, she simply stared up at him and replied in a low, dull voice. I''m fine. Silence fell in the air between them, but soon broke from the girl''s hitched cries. Rowena hid her face in her palms as she mumbled between her breaths, Don''tDon''t look at mePlease don''t look at me Without saying a word, Zeke carefully pulled Rowena into his arms, and she instantly broke down, screaming into his chest as she held onto his shirt. It''s okay, you''re fine now. You''re safe. Zeke patted her back and whispered calmly. I''m scaredit''s dark and I''m scared! Zeke could only imagine how she must have felt, being forced to sit around in total darkness hoping someone would come rescue her soon. I''ll fucking kill them, Zeke gritted his teeth, They don''t deserve to live. How can they do this to a little kid? Okay, let''s get you out of here. He spoke in a reassuring tone. As Zeke pulled Rowena up to her feet, everything suddenly began shaking. A thunderous explosion sounded from outside, and he instinctively put up a magic barrier just in time to prevent the pieces of the ceiling from hitting any of them. Lysander! Get moving! Don''t need to tell me that! They all rushed back into the tunnel, following the path they once tread. The moment they emerged back into the opened cavern, chunks of rocks fell on top of the entrance, sealing it closed. Zeke let out a relieved sigh as he sat down on the ground, disabling the shield in the process, Hey, what about that mage guy we tied up earlier? He asked while they all tried to catch their breaths. Lysander''s brows furrowed as he glanced at him, ...You''re right. I didn''t notice anyone on our way out, he took a deep breath and straightened himself, having recovered in a near instant. You tied him up with thosemana threads, right? Maybe he broke out since it wasn''t strong enough. No way, Zeke scoffed at his words, Those threads on their own can hold back boss monsters, and I made sure to use a strengthening spell on them just in case. Lysander took a moment to respond, ...Whatever happened, he turned towards the exit path, We don''t have the time to think about that right now. We''ve got company. Zeke placed himself in front of Rowena as his eyes landed on a group of four men emerging from the tunnel. Lysander held out his sword in defense as one of them took a step forward. A black robe concealed his expression, though unlike the mage they''d faced earlier, this person held himself with intimidating grace. Lysander, that guy''s a strong mage too. Zeke warned in a low voice, though the echoey cavern walls allowed him no privacy. ...Stronger than you are? Lysander raised an eyebrow, his tone dead-serious. Hearing that, Zeke rolled his eyes and snorted, Depends. But I am confident. Since you''re here with me. Zeke put on the Scholar''s Cloak and summoned the Witch''s Codex, letting it hover a few inches above his hand. The rest of the men revealed themselves as swordsmen when they unsheathed their blades. Seeing the opponents take on an aggressive stance, Lysander unleashed his aura. His signature electric blue light coated around the sword. I''ll support you, Lysander. As he spoke, Zeke used his skill and stepped back, edging Rowena along with him, Trust me and go wild. Lysander looked down at himself, seeing a cool, green light enveloped his form on top of his aura. He clenched and unclenched his fist, a satisfied smile rose to his lips. My body suddenly feels lighter The quiet mage slightly moved his chin, and one of the swordsmen rushed at Lysander, blade drawn back and aimed towards his neck. Despite his opponents swift footwork, Lysander was faster. He sidestepped the attack and retaliated with a horizontal strike. The man guarded, only to find his sword shattering like glass upon contact, and the blade continued forward until it cut through his abdomen. Blood gushed out like a leaked dam, and in mere moments, only Lysander remained standing. Choose wisely! He pointed his sword at the remaining men, All of you shall pay for your crimes! Surrender, or die! Chapter 56: Half-Lich of Lendorr (1) Silence fell in between both parties, but with another nod from the mage, the remaining two swordsmen drew their weapons and charged at Lysander with incredible speed. He easily blocked the first strike from the nearest enemy, reflecting their blade away just as another rushed past him; his aim clearly Zeke and Rowena standing in the back row. Silas! Lysander shouted over while still clashing swords with his opponent. I know! As he replied, his Mana Barrier defended against the attempted surprise attack. The man withdrew for a moment, then struck the shield again as if hoping it would yield better results. By that time, Lysander had already slit the other swordsman''s neck, and changed his target towards the one mindlessly bashing against the magical barrier. Zeke brushed off the feeling of Rowena pulling against his sleeve as he frowned at the man. ...Why do they not seemhuman? What do you mean? Lysander inquired with a raised eyebrow, impaling his sword through the enemy''s back, straight into the heart. As they watched the body fall helplessly to the ground, Lysander turned towards the last one standing; the mage. How can they not be human, when they bleed crimson just the same as us? No A sudden chill ran down Zeke''s spine. He looked back and forth between the corpses and the mage. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, apart from the man''s alarming calmness, until he finally noticed something wrong about the entire situation; a faint streak of light from the bodies had been trailing towards the manand it''s not mana. What the fuck? There''s, there''s actually one of these in the empire? ...Silas? Lysander didn''t look back, though his expression had definitely shifted with his confused tone. That manno, that thing isn''t any ordinary mage Zeke stood on guard, alert eyes stared daggers into the enemy before them. That''s a Lich. ...Kukuku, the deep, echoey chuckle sounded from the cloaked figure, CleverClever boy [Warning! An unexpected event has occurred in the storyline!] You don''t fucking say? Zeke gritted his teeth, trying his best to ignore the flashing red screens in front of him. [The Special Event: Escape the Half-Lich has begun.] As Zeke frowned at the Half-Lich part of the message, the enemy extended his hand, revealing the bones and chunks of rotten flesh beneath his robe. A vile green flame shot forth, luckily repelled by a well-timed Mana Barrier. ...Alright, now what do we do? Lysander glanced back at Zeke while the relentless attack kept pushing against the magic dome. Although it held on rather easily at first, cracks soon began to form on its blue surface. It''s not at the level of a boss monster yet, Zeke responded calmly, turning to Rowena as he studied her expression; fear reflected in her widened blue eyes, and it broke his heart even more to see her gripping his sleeve so tightly her entire body quivered. But it''s probably on par with an Elite MonsterHow did the Lendorrians even get something like that to fight for them? Right as he finished speaking, the Mana Barrier shattered, forcing Lysander to guard with his sword aura and blocked the flames. Fortunately, the five defense points granted when the skill broke down allowed him to fully defend unharmed. Or at least it seemed like it at first. Without warning, Lysander dropped to his knees, breathing heavily as he clutched at his chest. His pained expression forced a glare at the lich. What? I suddenly lost all my strength Zeke frowned as he brought up a system window, checking for abnormalities. Fuck, I should''ve known it would have something like this < Character Status > Name: Lysander Evan Salvador Trust: 70% (Good) Gender: Male Age: 20 HP: 80% (Declining) Status Condition: | [Other Info] (Character Status is unlocked when the Player interacts with the NPC. Additional information will be revealed once the Player gains more insight into the Character) Character Knowledge: 80% <<>> Weakness reduces stats by fifty percentand Life Drained signifies that he''s getting his hit points chipped every secondThe Cleansing Potion is with Circe too If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Zeke''s brows arched further down as he raised his head to the lich, watching it prepare another spell. The same wicked fire as before rushed forward and Zeke responded in kind with a strengthened Magic Blast. For a moment, they appeared evenly matched, but Zeke could feel his skill getting pushed back little by little. Silas Lysander croaked and turned towards him, If you have a plan, better say it now quickly. He couldn''t find a response, and only pursed his lips as anxiety crept up his throat. It wouldn''t take long until he lost the contest of strength; something he never expected of his 84 Magic stat points. ...What do I do? If I go down here, none of us are making it out alive, he briefly glanced at Rowena, I can''t lose, not while I still have something important to doFuck, if only Circe is here with meshe''ll know what to do! Until he suddenly remembered an important detail, and it brought such relief to his tensed frame that he let out an audible laugh. Never mind, we may still have a chance after all, Zeke grinned at Lysander, watching his confused expression melt away. Time. We just need to buy time. A small vial appeared in his free hand, its blue liquid sparkled like azurites from the surrounding torches. Zeke pulled the cork with his teeth and downed the entire content. Unlike the blueberry taste of the mana potion, this one had a peculiar bubbly flavor. It reminded him of the blue hawaii cocktail. [Consumed x1 ] [ has been increased by 20% for 120 seconds.] Afterward, Zeke threw away the empty vial and took out the last remaining mana potion in his inventory. He drank that as well while his Magic Blast steadily pushed back the lich''s column of green fire. [Consumed x1 ] [Mana has been restored.] Now for the final touch. [Skill Synergy detected!] [ reacts to ] [The Equipment Skill now has a chance to inflict upon contact.] [Mana consumption has been slightly offset by the ] Magic Blast eventually overcame the lich''s attack, striking it dead center in the chest. The impact drove it hurtling into the cavern wall, and frigid mist began to blanket the entire battlefield. Woah! Rowena exclaimed, her widened eyes now looking up at Zeke with a mixture of awe and joy, her fear nowhere to be seen, Why didn''t you tell me you were this strong of a mage! That was amazing Silas! Seeing her so happy, Zeke couldn''t find it in himself to dispute her words. With a small smile, he sighed and patted Rowena''s head, Thanks, but it''s still too early to celebrate, he turned to Lysander as he began rising to his feet. Zeke pulled a health potion from the inventory and gave it to him, Drink it when you feel like you need to. ...What is it? Lysander took the vial and inspected its crimson content upclose. It will restore your energy that the half lich took from you. As Lysander lowered the container, he raised an eyebrow, Half lich? Necromancers who absorb a large amount of lifeforce eventually turn into liches, Zeke explained, But that one''s stuck between humanity and undead. It''s still in its incomplete stage. The deep mist began to clear. Zeke stared at the creature as it rose from the ground, its robes slightly tattered and revealed the flesh and bones beneath. Now with the hood drawn back, they could see the lich''s face; the left side still had flesh while the right had rotted away to the skull. Its remaining dead eye contrasted with the shining dot in its socket of the other eye, still burning with the fury of life. [The has revealed themselves.] For a moment, Zeke almost felt pity for the guy, but reminded himself of all the lives it must''ve taken to turn itself into such a monster. And that meansif it still has flesh, Zekes expression darkened, shedding away any remaining shred of sympathy, Then it can bleed. Threads near invisible to the naked eyes flew towards the lich at high speeds, leaving no room for it to react. They cleaved through everything they touched, even the ground they glided on was not spared from their sharpness. Zeke aimed for the limbs, severing them completely with ease. However, the limbs simply mended themselves back into place, a familiar green flame from earlier closing the cuts completely. Zeke''s demeanor remained calm as he spoke, Lysander, go chop that thing up and don''t get hit. Retreat first if needed, I can''t always put up a shield for you. Only responding with a short nod, Lysander adjusted his hold on the sword and rushed towards the lich. It held out its hand and sent several green fireballs his way, but Lysander reflected them all with the aura around his sword. He''d increased his power output, now careful not to let even a strand of his hair touch the flames. Silas! Rowena called out to Zeke, I want to help! You have something in that spatial magic storage of yours, right? I can help you! Spatial magic storage? Ah, that''s probably what the inventory looks like to them. I do have a sword, but Zeke replied, but just as he turned away, he suddenly remembered, Oh wait, actually I have something better you could use. Six papers appeared in his hand, This is all I have, but I believe in our odds. Just keep using them while we do the rest. People who can control even a little bit of mana can activate them quickly, though tearing the paper also works too so anyone can use a Magic Scroll. Thesethese are! Rowena stared at the papers in her hands in shock. One of them had a red magic circle drawn on it, while the rest were blue. Aren''t Magic Scrolls really expensive? Where did you even get these? Where else? I made them myself. Zeke turned back to the battle at hand just as Lysander retreated to his side, narrowly avoiding the lich''s flames. Of course you made them, he commented with a sigh, I''m not even surprised. Oh, and you take this one, Zeke handed over another paper; one with the strengthening buff, It should increase your power for a short duration, but it will be enough for us. As Zeke put up a Mana Barrier to stop another one of the lich''s attacks, Lysander carefully took the piece of paper from him. ...You better come with me next time I''m on an expedition. You know how mages are with these kinds of things. Dungeon Regime''s mages hold a much higher importance than knights. Comparing a swordsman who''d mastered aura and a magician who''d mastered magic, anyone would prefer the one that can wipe out an entire army with a single flick of their hand. But that also meant that most mages hold high pride for their skills and power. Of course, magic typically requires time to cast, and this especially holds true for powerful spells. However, the Grand Mage had demonstrated that, if done correctly, even the most destructive of spells can be casted in seconds. ...I''ll consider it. Zeke responded with a forced smile, though none of them had the time to dwell too much on each other''s reactions. Lysander shredded the paper with his teeth, and a warm, red glow enveloped his frame. On top of it, Zeke recasted Zephyr''s Blessing, adding the speed buff on top of the strengthening. The moment Zeke let the Mana Barrier break, Lysander dashed at the lich with confidence. His sword drew a wide arch towards its neck, though it defended well with a Mana Shield of its own. Unlike Zeke''s, it had a toxic green color, and radiated a frigid air of death that couldn''t possibly belong to the mana he knew. ...It''s probably Lifeforce, Zeke frowned, Disgusting. Using other people''s lives as tools for your cause. I have to kill it here so it never becomes a full lich and harms anyone else. Rowena threw the fireball spell first, striking the lich in the face. The temporary loss of vision allowed Lysander to sneak in an attack to the neck once more. Though just like the other limbs, it simply reconnected after a second of separation. Now a blast of frost shot towards the lich relentlessly, the combined forces of Rowena''s borrowed Magic Scrolls and Lysander''s slashes left little room for the lich to recover. As ice began to creep up its legs, Zeke casted Web Weaver once again and rained down razor sharp wires onto it. There we go! Web Weaver finally got the poison on it! Zeke celebrated his success silently. Now, it was only a matter of time until the half lich fell to the power of debuff stackingRight? Chapter 57: Half-Lich of Lendorr (2) Of course things didnt go smoothly. A ring of energy bursted from the lich''s body, pushing everything away from it. Lysander backed away begrudgingly, but just as he prepared to rush in again, the monster suddenly hovered up from the ground. Wicked, green flames danced around its figure. Faint screams resounded from those fireballs like trapped spirits crying out in agony. The ground beneath them shook violently as the earth swallowed the corpses, only for them to rise back up, their limbs moving once more. He''susing undeads! Lysander gritted his teeth as he struck the nearest target. The sword enveloped in aura cleaved the zombie clean in half, and yet it merely stumbled and kept moving. Ugh! They''re not strong, but they''re hard to deal with! I''m sorry but we have to ignore them! Zeke shouted as more undeads rose from beneath the soil. Most of the revived army consisted of skeletons, which he guessed belonged to the ones who perished within the mines long ago with no way to escape. That thingit''s trying to ascend! Along with the bones and corpses, green wisps had also floated up from the ground, joining the other flames with the half-lich. Zeke couldn''t pinpoint exactly what they were, but he can make an educated guess that those were the residual life forces of the dead. Since it''s been a long time since those people passed, the energy shouldn''t be as strongbut what if it''s enough for that half-lich to turn into its complete form? Zeke''s thoughts ran wild as he fired off Magic Missiles and Mana Blasts to hold off the ever growing horde of undead. There''s a high chance that it will be enough! Taking its current strength into considerationI have to find a way to stop it somehow! Silas! Even Lysander began struggling to hold off against that many enemies all at once. He tried wiping them out with a blast of sword aura, but more only came to replace the ones he put down. I have never encountered something this strong before! What do we do!? His voice sounded rushed, though Zeke didn''t hear an ounce of panic in Lysander''s tone. He wondered if his experience on the battlefield against monsters gave him that courage, or if his panic tone naturally sounded calm. Either way, he had to think of something fast. As he casted Zephyr''s Blessing on Lysander again, Zeke responded, ...I don''t know if this will work, but I need time! Don''t think about anything else and attack that fire barrier! An intense force pushed down every enemy within sight, the restrictive movements of the undead allowed Lysander to fully focus on the real target. He dashed through the crowd and began relentlessly hacking away at the half-lich''s shield. Though while the sword aura managed to cut through it, the flames would mend the wound shut in seconds. ...Silas, Rowena looked up at Zeke, a worried expression plastered across her face, What are you trying to do? ...I can''t cast anything else when the gravity field is active, Zeke responded sternly, HoweverI can still read my opponent''s magic circle! I expected thisBut that magic looks so complicated, Zeke intensely frowned at the multiple magic circles spinning around the lich like gears in a machine. The longer he stared at them, the more nauseous he felt. Even if it causes a Mana ReboundI have to do it. We''re fucked anyway if it awakens as a full lich. Silas!? Lysander shouted his name, and he could see the fatigue catching up to the swordsman as his movements slowed down considerably. Wait! I''m trying to dispel the ritual! Can you do that!? I am trying!! A throbbing pain pulsated through his eyes from gazing so intently. He barely even noticed the taste of iron on the tip of his tongue from biting his lips. I can''t read any of the lines clearlyI''ll have to gamble on my gut feeling Lysander, step back! I''ll disable the gravity spell! And the moment he did, Zeke swiftly expanded his mana outwards. Like sticking a foreign object into the teeth of the cogs, he intercepted the spell, causing the circles to become visible. They flickered briefly before losing their brilliant lights, and the wicked flames soon faded away with them too. However, the moment of relief was short-lived. An aftershock outbursts from the half-lich, its massive energy returned to the original sender: Silas Salvador. He didn''t even have a split second to react as searing pain shot through his eyes, forcing a scream of agony from him. Silas! Both siblings exclaimed in surprise as they knelt by his side, whose trembling hands covered his eyes as he hunched over in pain.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! FuckThat hurts! Zeke pulled his palms away, confirming that his vision had turned scarlet. He could barely see his own blood in his hands. I destroyed the spellbut it still caused a Mana Rebound anywayDamn it! [Due to Mana Rebound, you cannot use skills for a short duration.] Now freed from Gravity''s influence, the undeads could now move freely once more. Lysander rose to his feet and held out his sword, eyes darting from one target to another. Specifically, he kept his attention on the half-lich as it descended back to the ground. ...If it''s Mana ReboundSilas probably can''t cast spells for a bit, Lysander swallowed, I''ll have to hold on until then Taking out the health potion from his pocket, Lysander quickly drank the entire content before discarding the empty vial. Instantly, he felt his energy revitalize, and with it a surge of confidence rose to his chest. I can do this. Lysander waited until the zombies rushed at him first, striking them down with his sword aura and keeping them at bay. He occasionally spared a glance at the lich, though it simply stood still and watched him fight without showing any signs of moving. ...Why is it just standing there? Because it''s suffering the same thing as me, Zeke hissed through the pain, one hand gripping onto Rowena''s as he tried to fight through it. It was in the middle of casting, and I interrupted it, it''s guaranteed that the caster would suffer a Mana Rebound when their magic circle got forcefully broken. You mean it''s in pain? Probably not. But undeads require magic to move. Since it''s got its mana sealed for a moment, that''s probably why it isn''t moving. Then Lysander stabbed a zombie through the chest, swinging the blade to get the limp body off of it, How are these still moving? Because undeads can move independently from the necromancer, It wasn''t Zeke that responded, but another man''s voice rang out from above. Suddenly, the ceiling toppled down in front of them and crushed all the undead standing beneath it. They''re given mana the moment they''re reanimated, so even when the necromancer can''t use magic, his servants can still move freely. Zeke couldn''t see properly, but he still managed to get a glimpse of the man hovering beneath the moonlight. His pure white robes fluttered with the midnight breeze, and his long hair that reached his ankle seemed to sparkle like the finest silver. In his hand gripped a staff made from wood with a large white gemstone floating above it. He had only seen this person once or twice in the entirety of his Dungeon Regime career, though Zeke immediately recognized that man at a glance. ...Grand Mage Solren? Before Solren could get another word out, something fell from the sky. It flew so fast that the moment it crashed into the half-lich, the ground shattered and shook with the intense force. And although the dust made it impossible for Zeke''s ruined vision to see properly, Lysander''s swift bow told him all he needed to know; he didn''t even greet the Grand Mage, but instantly showed respect to that person. There was only one he could think of that matched the current situation. ...Father, we found Rowena. As Lysander raised his head, Creston Salvador pulled his greatsword out of the half-lich''s broken body and strode over to them. ... Creston''s gaze swept between his children for a brief moment. Silence had never felt so suffocating before, only this man could create such a pressure. I commend you for finding your youngestHoweverwhat is the meaning of this, Silas? I Zeke couldn''t exactly come up with an excuse, especially when the Scholar''s Cloak fit so nicely on his shoulders and the Witch''s Codex still hovering obediently by his side. First, he put his two items away into his inventory before he responded. I am sorry, Father, for hiding this from you. I wasafraid I would disappoint you for the second time. Creston sighed, his expression unchanging, By lying to me, you''ve disappointed me plenty. Wait, wait, Solren garnered everyone''s attention. He had a bright smile on his face as he lowered himself to the ground, walking towards Zeke, C''mon Cres, can''t you see your son''s injured? At least show some care before you start getting all pissy. The Grand Mage and the Royal Knights Commanderthey both swore loyalty to the emperor, so they''re practically colleagues. Zeke thought absentmindedly as Solren bent down to look at his injured eyes. Even though he looks younger, Solren is the same age as Creston. That''s what magic does to someone, I guess. ...Apart from that, Cres. Do you know how extraordinary Silas is? After only a brief inspection, Solren straightened himself. His azure and gold heterochromia eyes contrasted with Creston''s frigid blue. I''d say he''s a one in a million talent. You can''t find any magician in the empireNo, in the world with such a strong affinity to mana. ...Is that so? Despite his indifferent tone, Creston''s raised eyebrow clearly meant he showed interest. Why would I lie, my friend? Even if he did hurt himself in the process, he dispelled an ascension ritual, Solren continued to speak as if boasting about his own child, You might not know, but ascension rituals are different for each type of monster and individual monster. It''s not something you can memorize and dispel on a whim. ...You sound excited, Creston planted his greatsword in the ground, If he is so great, then would you say he''s better than you: the Grand Mage? Solren laughed, Of course not. Not right now at least. But I guarantee you, he will surpass me when given the right training. He shifted his attention to Zeke, Hey kid, the Mana Rebound can''t be healed by magic, you know why, right? ... Zeke couldn''t follow the Grand Mage''s intentions at all, yet he answered anyway, Because my mana circuit is erratic, and coming into contact with mana will make things worse? Exactly. Solren turned back to Creston, gesturing to Zeke in a dramatic manner, See? Natural born magician. Now, if you would, let me take him in as my apprentice. Uh, waitHuh?? Zeke almost forgot he was in pain for a moment there, his eyes widened to match his dumbfounded face. Creston pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long sigh. Without saying a word, he walked over to Zeke and spoke, Silashow good are you at magic? Though still perplexed by the entire situation, Zeke couldn''t help but feel annoyed by the question. It felt as if Creston had looked down on him. He let out a soft chuckle and glanced at Solren, WellNot counting the Grand Mage, I''m confident that I''m the best in the empire. Hearing that, Creston scoffed at him, though the smile on his lips made it clear that the answer satisfied him. He gave his son a pat on the shoulder. It''s bad to lie, but I will overlook this once, he turned back around to sheath his greatsword on his back, Make your own decisions, you can accept that white dog''s offer if you''d like. Just remember that a Salvador must always take pride in their strengthEven if yours do not lie in swordsmanship. White dog!? Will you stop with that nickname already!? Solren pouted, though didn''t receive a response from Creston as he leaped back to the surface with a single jump. Zeke could hear Rowena squealing in excitement beside him, probably happy that their father took it better than they thought. Lysander gave him a short nod as well, and Zeke instantly felt an unknown weight lifted off his chest. Of course, father, he mumbled under his breath before turning to Solren, who''d been staring at him in anticipation, And as for your offer, Grand Mage. Could we talk about it in detail after I''ve recovered? I understand, Solren sighed with pity, though his expression held acknowledgement, Would you like to change your academic track? I can arrange that with my recommendation letter. Oh, Zeke didn''t even think about the academy until now. He saw no issue with the offer, in fact, being in a proper class could prove useful for the future as well, I''ll gladly accept your benevolence. Thank you, Grand Mage. Don''t mention it! Solren laughed, Justmake sure to view my other offer in a more favorable light, okay? ... Zeke maintained a smile, Of course. Chapter 58: Time of Recovery. [The Special Event Escape the Half-Lich has been cleared!] [Gained x1 Random Skill Ticket] After dismissing the system panels, Zeke and the rest made their way back to the surface. Despite his limited vision, he could see the perfectly circular hole created by the Grand Mage. He didn''t have the energy to ponder it at the moment, so he continued dragging his feet toward the spot where he and Lysander had left their borrowed horses. Before Zeke mounted his steed, Creston suddenly took out his greatsword, the sheer speed generated a gust of wind following his abrupt movement. Who''s there! Show yourself at once! Silence ...Are you sure you''re not just being too sensitive, Cres? Solren crossed his arms in nonchalance as he stared ahead at the direction where the sword pointed. Solren, they might be invisible. Hearing the ice in his tone, the Grand Mage sighed. He did not need to be told twice and held out his staff. A blinding glow emanated from the floating gem, seeping through the gaps between the trees and lighting up the area like a second sun. Almost in an instant, Creston leaped into the bushes. A surprised scream sounded out not long after, but Zeke had a feeling he''d heard that voice before. Wait. Don''t tell me ...Lady Ruelle? Creston walked back out holding Circe by the hood of her Darkwing Mantle. His perplexed expression faded as soon as he let the girl down. What might you be doing here? Didn''t we tell you to return home? I Circe glanced at Zeke, a brief moment of asking him for assistance, though even he didn''t know what he could say at that point. I was simply worried about my lordthat''s all Lysander spoke up instead as his father quietly returned to the forest, Still, what you did is reckless. Well, it''s alright in the end, when Creston returned, he threw something into the ground. Upon closer inspection, Zeke realized it was the same fire magician he''d fought back in the cave. Despite the multiple shallow cuts on his face, he was only unconscious. Since the little lady did catch this rat for us. Ah Circe turned to Zeke. He sighed, It''s fineThey already know our secret. Though she seemed a little surprised by his words, Circe managed to face Creston with confidence. I caught him just as he appeared using a teleportation scroll. I thought he might''ve been important since I recognized Lord Silas threads on him. ...Did you need to cut him up like that though? Zeke glanced at the unconscious man. I already pulled his arm out of its socket and broke a femur To that, Circe gave him a bright smile, Well, he started spouting nonsense about killing Lady Rowena from the start or whatever, so I may have acted a little out of line for a bitI controlled myself and didn''t kill him though~ Silence filled the air yet again. Oh, don''t worry about it, my lady, Zeke smiled back just as wide, After we get all the information we need from him. We can cut off his tongue for saying something so foul. Just his tongue? Maybe we should gouge out his eyes and make him tear his own vocal cords with his screams. Zeke turned to Rowena, dismissing the surprise and horror on her face, Rowena, what would you like to do with that guy? He kidnapped you, you know? I won''t blame you if you want his limbs shredded one by one. Uh Rowena glanced at Creston, but after seeing not a hint of dismissal on his face, she turned to Lysander; he had the same expression as their father. I am angry at them for what they didyes, but I prefer to leave the punishment up to the proper justice system. Zeke smiled at her words, Aw, my baby sister has grown up so well, he lifted her up onto the horse, How mature of you. But if you change your mind lateryou can always tell me. I told you not to treat me like a child! Rowena frowned. But you cried into my arms just now though That''s! Her face turned bright red, That was a moment of weakness! A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. After letting out a long sigh, Creston silently left the group. Solren watched the marquess for a moment, then returned his gaze to the two siblings while leaning in to whisper to Lysander, their sounds of laughter and banter continuing in the background, ...I thought those two don''t have a good relationship, was I wrong? I believe it''s merely because they never got to know each other until recently Lysander responded quietly, ThoughSilas can definitely be a better older brother to Rowena than I ever could. I learned that today. Hm Solren turned back to the scene, accidentally making eye contact with Circe. She gave him a smile and a courteous bow, to which he accepted with a smile of his own. I''m surprised this family has acknowledged the good-for-nothing youngest son. Though the fact that the lady can be sovicious surprised me even more Lysander chuckled, They''re a perfect match, don''t you think? Totally, Solren responded as Lysander hopped onto his horse, It takes a crazy to get along with a crazy, after all. . . . Some time passed, and now they only had five days left until the reopening of the academy. As promised, the Grand Mage had submitted a request to the Headmaster, allowing Silas Salvador to transfer to the magic faculty without issues. I would read the new schedule I got from Solrenbut I can''t really see anything right now Zeke let out a sigh as he leaned back against a pillow. Even though a bandage covered his eyes, he could still vaguely see the sunlight seeping through. What did you just sigh for? Circe''s voice ran out from beside him, Did your eyes hurt again? No Zeke mumbled, recalling the time he screamed at the top of his lungs when he suddenly felt intense pain in the middle of the night. The estate doctor quickly gave him painkillers, and he still took them till today. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you said you would stay at the Peregrine''s estate. Circe shrugged, though there was no way for Zeke to know that, Is there a rule saying I can''t visit? Did you know how worried I was when I saw that you got Magic Rebound? She''d explained that she rushed out of the banquet hall the moment the system notified of her party member''s status ailment. Luckily, the minimap guided her towards his location precisely, and in the process almost caused Lilia a heart attack due to her sudden disappearance. ...How was that place? Zeke inquired, kicking the blanket away from him. He hadn''t gone outside for two days, and the weight on his lap began to irritate him. And I''m sure you looked through your academy schedule already? ...One thing at a time, Circe let out a sigh, a small smile decorated her lips, The estate is just like what we''ve seen in the game. It''s as big as this onethough it certainly felt muchgloomier, somehow. She paused for a moment, her eyes darting up, recalling her memories, Ruelle''s siblings didn''t bully her, surprisingly. I guess Cleo did give me a nasty glare when I walked past her in the hallway oncethe two brothers and the father didn''t even look at me while we were having dinner. Ruelle''s mother passed away, right? If I remember correctly Yeah, Circe nodded along with her own words, We never got to the part where they revealed why Ruelle''s so hated in her familybut now I know. It''s because her mother died right after giving birth to her. ...Oh, Zeke couldn''t find his words for a moment, They didn''t say anything about thatbut is that it? How is it the child''s fault that the mother died? That''s just unfair. I know, Circe sighed, But that''s the setting. Besides, the Peregrine family is rather old school like some of the aristocratic household. They still think women belong in the kitchen, after all. Which is totally bullshit. Zeke frowned, but immediately relaxed his expression when a sharp pain ran through his eyes, realizing that he glared by reflex. Circe chuckled, Anyway, she placed something down on the bed beside him, judging from the dull sound it made, he roughly estimated it to be fairly large. I brought my academy handbook with me. Schedule for Apprentice Mage, Ruelle Peregrine. School Rank, six hundred and fifty nine over one thousand two hundred and forty six. Overall Mage Rank is three thousand six hundred and two over five thousand four hundred and sixty one. Schedule for Apprentice Mage: Ruelle Peregrine. School Rank: 659/1,246. Overall Mage Rank: 3,602/5,461. I believe we are continuing the second semester of the grade, Circe continued, We''ll definitely graduate late because everything''s been delayed by a year. But hey, the subjects seem pretty fun. We didn''t read the curriculum last time. Zeke turned towards her despite the fact that he couldn''t see anyway. What are the subjects we''re going to learn? Each schedule is different anyway, so I''ll just read some of the possible subjects you could get. Circe flipped the handbook over a few pages. Here are the main subjects: First is Intermediate Arcane Studies, it''s an expanded version of the Basic Arcane Studies which focuses on spell composition and sigil drawing. Next is Spell Theory two, this one teaches more about intermediate-level spells and magic channeling. ...I don''t see the difference between those two, Zeke tilted his head, They sound similar. How would I know? Circe laughed, Even Ruelle isn''t that good at magic, her schedule''s more focused on non-combative forms of magic and other studies. Hah, her family would do anything to prevent her from becoming a swordsman, even if they have to make her academy grades horrible. I know right? Circe scoffed, as if brushing off the matter, Anyway, next are Elemental Magic two and Defense and Protection Magic one. The former focuses on elemental combinations and the latter will start teaching about barriers and counterspells. Learning Counterspells will be very useful, Zeke noted, I wouldn''t need to use so much brain power to decipher a magic circle. Just cast one Counterspell and it''s all good. Counterspells are very hard to learn though, Circe hummed, And while they''re certainly useful for disabling spells in a single chant. It''s more situational since every spell has its own counter. You basically have to memorize every form of magic including their Counterspells for the art to be effective. After a moment, Zeke nodded, I agree with you on that, but still, even if I can''t find much use for Counterspells, learning about them might help me use Circuit Disruption better. Fair point. Circe flipped a page on the handbook, Okay nextPractical Alchemy two, this just teaches more combinations of potions from its first partOh shit there''s Basic Botany. ...Why the Oh shit? Zeke frowned briefly. Because I''ve always hated botany when I was in high school. It never clicked with me, Circe sighed, Next isAh, this is one of the secondary subjects: Intermediate Magical Engineering, focuses on artifact creation. Ruelle has this class on her schedule if I recallshe mainly has it and alchemy. Oh, and also Personal Combat, it''s a very important class since it teaches self-defense for when a knight doesn''t have their sword or if a mage can''t use magic. Though it isn''t a main classfor some reason. I think it should be. Well, you can''t really fit every subject into a curriculum, Zeke slowly slid down the pillow, eventually laying on his side. The morning''s still young, but the pain medicine he took clouded his mind, Is there anything else? Yeah, there are these Special Classes that we can participate in to earn extra marks, although they''re not mandatory, Circe flipped the book to another page, Every Friday, or on the last day of the school week, the professors of each grade will hold these classes. It could be a joint event between two tracks or two separate events. Apparently we get to do something new every week since the activities rotate. Some of them arecapture the flagsurvival trainingoh! There''s even board games in here. Woah, Zeke managed to sound excited despite the weakness in his voice. He didn''t even protest when Circe began twirling her fingers around his hair. I guess that''s another reason for students to look forward to Fridays. Circe chuckled as she patted his head, Exactly, the room fell into silence. She waited for Zeke to speak up, but she heard nothing but his rhythmic breathing. Quietly, she smiled and got up, taking the handbook with her, ...Is my voice boring or soothing? I can''t tell. She covered her lips with the back of her hand and chuckled, Get well soon, my lord. Chapter 59: Genius in Magic Clashing wooden swords dulled the sound of flipped papers. The morning''s gentle rays balanced out the chilly air; a perfect time for a friendly spar, as Lysander and Rowena seem to think so too. Despite the little girl''s bandaged arms and legs, she moved as if she was in perfect health. Her wide grin contrasted with the older brother''s stoic expression, though they still seem to enjoy themselves greatly, judging by how they''d been trading strikes until sweat soaked their clothes. Zeke let out a relaxed yawn as the Witch''s Codex hovering before him turned to a new page. It had been five days since the kidnapping incident, and his eyes healed up nicely. Although the physician still suggested rest, he felt caged staying cooped up in his room all day, thus he decided to come out for some fresh air. Ah! A surprised gasp from Rowena followed a sudden noise. Zeke remained fixated on the Witch''s Codex even as she shouted at him, Silas! Watch out! A rogue wooden sword flew towards the bleachers. Lysander swiftly moved across the field, though Zeke''s Mana Barrier outsped him. The sword bounced harmlessly off the shield and onto the ground, only another yawn escaped Zeke''s lips throughout the entire ordeal. That thing got flung so fast, it probably could have killed someone He glanced up at Lysander, noticing his heavy breathing from built up fatigue, You didn''t put too much force behind that, right? His gaze swayed away from Lysander, his attention shifting to Rowena, Are you hurt? Ah, nope! I''m perfectly fine! As proof, the little girl flexed her dominant right wrist. Zeke studied her smile carefully, and concluded that she stayed truthful. What about you? I heard you''re alright now, but didn''t the doctor say you should still rest? I''m not really exerting myselfand I usually read here, Zeke let the book flip itself to a new page, Besides that, I''m bored laying around doing nothing in my room, Lady Ruelle also told me she''ll stay at her estate for these last few days. Huh? Why? Zeke had asked Circe as she helped him take out his bandages. His widened eyes met with her casual smile, and he couldn''t help but feel oddly frustrated by it. ...I need to prepare for the trip to the academy, Circe''s response back then came after a few seconds of hesitation. Zeke couldn''t tell if it meant anything, so he let it slide, It''s a girl thing. You wouldn''t understand~ That makes no sense. What could you be doing for two days? What? You can''t even be apart from me for two days? Her chuckles didn''t move him at all. Seeing that, Circe let out a sigh, I just thought I should get myself used to Ruelle''s family. That''s allI justgot a little curious. Zeke closed his eyes and huffed, snapping himself back to the present, She was trying to make it sound casualbut it seems she found something worth taking note ofI''ll just ask her later when we get to the academy. You said you found that book in the dungeon? Lysander inquired as he picked up a towel and a water can on the bleachers. His clothes stick to his skin as if a downpour had swept across the training ground briefly. The entire thing is in Ancient Oriens, when did you even find the time to learn a dead language? ...Ancient Oriens? Isn''t this just English? As the thoughts passed his mind, Rowena had grabbed the Witch''s Codex from the air and began flipping through its pages. She had an excited look on her face, but it quickly faded the moment she realized she couldn''t understand a single word. Either the language changed to look like English from my perspectiveor the game''s designed it so that English itself is Ancient OriensI''ll have to find out about it later. In response to Lysander''s question, Zeke simply shrugged, Eh, it''s not that hard to learn, he feigned a smirk, Maybe it''s because I''m a genius. Maybe. Lysander didn''t even question him, nor did he notice a hint of doubt on his face. He sincerely took his words as the most viable truth. Ancient OriensI heard that only people in the single digits could read it. The language itself is deeply rooted in magic, apparently. Rowena returned the book to Zeke, eyes sparkling in curiosity, Speaking of! I''ve read that translations from Ancient Oriens to Central caused most spells to lose their original strengthwhat do you think, Silas? The Witch''s Codex floated up above Zeke''s palm, opening its pages once more. As it stopped at the exact content he''d been reading up until now, he spoke, Mana is the energy that gives words power. So to be honest, I don''t think the difference in language is what causes spells to lose strength. Then are you saying the lack of mana; the fact that mages had gotten weaker than the past, is the real cause? Rowena seated next to him, craning her neck as she asked with deep interest. Nope, Zeke shook his head, I believe its the error in translation. To clarify, the modern spells are incomplete. Specific words in Ancient Oriens may have an entirely unique meaning that the Central language cannot fully express. If it''s really the words themselves that give a spell its strength, then Chantless should be a technique that completely cripples a mage''s combat prowess. Clap, clap, clap! All three heads turned to meet with a familiar face walking closer to them. The Grand Magician still wore his usual pearly robes, though he had his silver locks tied up in a ponytail today. What an excellent understanding of magic you have, Silas! Solren''s calm smile couldn''t cover up the excitement in his voice, Your words aren''t wrong, though we cant be sure if its entirely correct either. It''s only a theory on paper, one that I wrote myself.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ...What brings you here, Lord Solren? Lysander stared at the mage with a blank face. Oh, do I need a reason? Solren''s smile grew wide, his gaze landing on Zeke, I''m simply here because I heard the young master has recovered~ You see, I''ve been so restless about the offer I gave last time that I couldn''t wait another day to hear his answer. A master-disciple relationship with the Grand Mage himself. Any Dungeon Regime player would drool at the thought of getting such a rare opportunity, after all, Solren was an NPC notorious for being extremely picky. He wouldn''t accept anyone less than his skyhigh standards. Zeke had mulled over his choice for the past few days, and he came to a conclusion after Circe gave him her opinion about it. As the silence around them grew heavier by the second, Zeke stood up and looked Solren right in the eyes. For a brief moment, he saw a hint of anxiety flashed across the man''s face, though it quickly got buried beneath his gentle smile. It made his lips twitch in amusement, though he hid it well by giving the Grand Mage a graceful bow. I accept your offer, Lord SolrenNo, Teacher. It is my honor to be a disciple of the Grand Mage. When Zeke straightened himself, he saw Solren put on the brightest smile. He looked as if the sun shone away from the sky, letting the silver mage outshine the star itself. You scared me for a moment! I should be thanking you, Silas. I thought I was never gonna find someone who''s worthy to teach until the day I die! ...That''s because your standards are way too high. Now! Solren clasped his hands, Apart from that, I''m also here to modify your academy handbook. I already did that when I entered the estateso let''s move on to something more exciting! Solren peaked his head over to take a look at the Witch''s Codex, I''ve had my eyes on this book ever since I saw it that daythe dungeon''s energy is very prominent in this oneand everything''s written in Ancient Oriens as well. It''s such a shame that I can''t read any of these~ The Grand Mage doesn''t know Ancient Oriens? Rowena blinked, her widened eyes riddled with surprise. As you know, not only is it a dead language, it''s also very difficult to learn, Solren replied with a smile, though his expression still held a slight solemn look. There isn''t a book left in the empirein the entire world that could help in deciphering the language. Only a few people that have Ancient Oriens passed down from the past generations could still speak it today. They''re all well-protected individuals working under the royal family and the Magic Tower. Solren smiled at Zeke, But now we have another person who could read Ancient Oriens. Truly, Silas is born to walk a mage''s path. He sat next to Zeke, What were you reading, by the way? ... He hesitated for a moment, I''m trying to learn a spellit''s called Meteor Shower. Oh? Are you choosing the Star''s Path? Solren sounded intrigued. I''m not sure yet, Zeke focused on the contents of the Witch''s Codex. As he held out his palm, mana swirled around like dancing embers, I don''t even know what element I''m most proficient at. I''ll find that out once I return to the academy so I''ll start properly pathing later. Solren crossed his arms, You have your great master sitting right next to youWhy not just ask me to evaluate your element compatibility? Oh, Zeke glanced at Solren, closing his palm and extinguishing the sparkles, I had no idea you could do that His expression remained blank, If you please. Despite his pouty sigh, the Grand Mage still did as he asked. He held out his hand and conjured a magic circle. It didn''t appear complicated, with only the lines on the outside spinning and turning while the middle circle had nothing in it. Soon, the blank canvas turned electric blue. Sparks flew around the circle before converging in the middle, filling the empty spot with the symbol of a thunderbolt. Your element is electricity, Solren announced with a smile, I honestly expected ice since the circle became blue. This means Suddenly, the cyan light began turning purple, dyeing the lower half of the magic circle a mesmerizing indigo. Drifting, star-like particles flew towards the center, their beautiful shine occupied the empty spaces next to the lone thunderbolt. Solren''s face couldn''t hide his confusion and awe as his entire body quivered. ...ThisI can''t believe itYou''re a dual-element mage. Really!? Lysander and Rowena shouted at the same time. That only left Zeke, who could only sit in silence, too dumbfounded to speak. That only appears in one in ten thousand cases! Lord Solren is the only living dual-elemental mage right now! Rowena jumped up and down in her seat, more excited about the news than the rare mage himself. Solren steadied himself and sigh, though his lips had broken into a proud smile, Lightning and Star''s Path. At this rate, you could become a ruler of the skies, Silas. It''s kind of ironic since your name means forest''. So electric and space Zeke had finally caught up with the entire situation, returning his expression to neutral calm, That''s probably why it was so difficult to learn magic of other elementsI plan on going for a Support Mage build, but at this rate, I could probably deal a ton of damage from debuff stacking too. That''s good news. I''ve heard a star element magician is especially rare. Zeke looked at the Witchs Codex. ... Everyone simply stared at him after that reply. Eventually, Solren spoke, his hand shooting to his forehead the moment he canceled the magic circle. All that for: That''s good news? As expected, even if I have the talent, I could never hold a candle to a genius. Zeke had barely been listening up to that point. After learning his compatibility, he became more eager to learn a skill. He gathered mana into the palm of his hand, swiftly yet carefully forming them into a magic circle. Lines of mana spun around it like woven silk, and if one took a closer look, they would see tiny letters etched in those very fabrics. [ learning in progress] Zeke closed his palm before extending it outwards. The magic circle had disappeared, yet the mana still lingered. In response, the sky suddenly turned purple, and rocks fell onto the ground like a rain of meteors. [You''ve gained the Active Skill: Meteor Shower.] [The Tier of the Active Skill Meteor Shower has increased due to the Aptitude Mana Overlord] < Skill Description > Name: Meteor Shower Type: Active Skill Tier: A Cost: 100 mana Cooldown: 60 seconds Description
  • The user calls upon a meteor shower at a designated location.
  • When the skill hits a target, it creates a pulse that radiates outwards for up to 20 meters, dealing 10% of first hit''s damage.
  • Anything coming into contact with the wave will be inflicted with for 280 seconds.
<<>> < Status Description > Name: Astrality Type: Buff | Debuff Element: Space Parent Status: None Upgraded Status: None Description
  • Ally Effect: Enhances all stats by 5%. Grants healing over time up to 50% of the target''s max HP. All attacks made by allies bypass 10% of their target''s defense.
  • Enemy Effect: Reduce all stats by 5%. Any healing effects gets negated or reduced depending on the rank of the skill that had inflicted . Enemies gain a 10% chance of getting inflicted with another Status Condition.
  • cannot stack.
  • from the Active Skill can cancel healing effects of up to A-tier.
<<>> Haha Solren let out a dry laugh as Lysander and Rowena stared at the ruined training ground speechless. Zeke faced the Grand Mage, meeting with the slight horror in his eyes. Maybe you''re not a genius after allYou''re a monster. Chapter 60: Family Meal Creston''s eyes swung open the moment a familiar rhythm of footsteps rang within earshot. He faced his old friend Solren as the mage sat on the couch opposite of him. How did it go? His usual cool tone held a hint of genuine curiosity. To his question, Solren chuckled, leaning further into the fine fabric of the backrest as a maid prepared tea for them. You created a monster, Cres. If I didn''t know any better, I would''ve thought he wasn''t human. While the Grand Mage had a much more outgoing personality than him, Creston knew that despite all his merry attitude, he had a great talent in masking his feelings, even if he tends to slip up for a second. For the entire few decades they had been together, Creston never heard Solren sound more terrified than he was now; a genuine fear mixed with pure awe. Hearing him brought a frown to his face, ...Aren''t you exaggerating? Solren scoffed, hand moving straight towards the plate of cookies that''d been served along with tea. The servants of House Salvador knew that the Grand Mage loved cookies. It might sound like I am, but as someone whose talent in magic had been unrivaled since my childhood, I instinctively knew Silas has great potential, he took a bite out of his cookie, and his expression melted in an instant, You should prepare yourself, Cres~ I am the White Dragon of the Tower, but Silas would probably become the Dragon of Salvador after he graduatesactually no, maybe even before that. ...The moniker of a dragon, only given to the best and strongest magician? Creston cracked a smile, That certainly sounds tempting. I am looking forward to the day my son grows to receive such a title. Solren shrugged, Man. You and your obsession with strength, as the mage got up, he grabbed the plate of cookies with him, Thats basically all I have to reportI have to go back and finish my papers, so is there anything else you want to know? Did you check his element affinity? Creston ignored the daylight robbery. Oh, yeah. He''s a dual-elemental mage, Solren replied so casually that it made Creston''s surprised expression look exaggerated. See? Even you can''t hide your surprise. I almost lost it too. His elements are Lightning and Star. Creston calmed himself down, ...He might as well conquer the skies at this point. Right? Solren laughed, I told him that too. Great minds think alike~ Ah! Before Creston could speak, Solren suddenly whirled around, I''ve got something to tell you too. Silas will definitely throw meteors at me for this, but I still think you should know about it. A frown creased his brows, ...What is it? You know how dungeons have a unique mana of their own? Solren''s expression suddenly shifted. It held no emotion. I''ve gotten the chance to meet with some people who''d escaped from falling into a dungeon. They give off a small amount of those unique mana, but Silas? Solren averted his gaze to the floor, He and Lady Ruelle had definitely gone into a dungeon more than once. I''m not saying this to snitch on them, but I think you should let them go wild, considering that they''re doing this like it''s nothing. ...Im not worried about Silas, but Lady Ruelle''s matters are to be discussed with the Peregrine. Creston stated calmly, his face relaxed. Oh really? Solren raised an eyebrow, But she''s going to become Ruelle Salvador in the near future anyway. Besides, are you really going to let that girl be at the mercy of that trashy excuse of a human? ...Marquis Hael would be ecstatic to hear that from you. Woah, a joke from Creston Salvador, Solren teased, I''ll take that as a no. Good choice, or I might really start to let the two of you share that nickname. Since Creston remained silent, Solren headed towards the door. Before he left, he paused shortly, though remained facing the exit, ...It''s been two decades, Creston. You should really get your shit together. The marquis remained still even as his friend left. He took a deep breath and crane his neck to look at the ceiling, eyes lost in the intricate patterns painted above. ...I knowof course I know thatbut the problem is: how? . . . After Solren left to find Creston, the three Salvador siblings began their trek back to the mansion. Rowena had been bouncing around Zeke non-stop ever since they returned. Swordsmanship is cool and all, but magic is a hundred times cooler! She looked up at him with sparkly eyes, I wish I could learn magic her expression suddenly turned gloomy, I don''t have enough mana to do it though. Zeke huffed and gave the little girl a pat on the head. Ever since he''d gotten the Mana Overlord aptitude, he saw how everyone in the family had very little mana. Enough to cast simple spells, but definitely not enough for someone like Silas Salvador to be born. They were a true family of knights. Nature had gifted them bodies tailored for aura, and yet despite it all, they managed to give birth to a mage. It''s not all fun and games. You never liked reading, right? You have to study a lot if you want to become a good mage. Rowena pouted, I, I know you don''t like studying either! Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Eh? Zeke chuckled, I''m actually a pretty diligent student when I put my mind on something. That''s! Rowena went quiet, her expression turned meek, Actually, that''s true. You already proved it. As they made a turn, Solren came around the corner and barely stopped himself in time. He checked if any of his cherished cookies fell off the plate before flashing the three of them a smile. Sorry about that, I was just about to leave, he turned to Zeke, Oh, right. Do you know what Origin Magic is? Unless they live under a rock, every Dungeon Regime player knows that term well: Origin Magic, like its namesake, refers to a delicate yet powerful art that belongs entirely to the magician themself. No one could copy it, although there had been cases of it getting passed down the family line. The moment Zeke responded with a nod, Solren continued. Your lightning element is unique. You should try turning it into Origin Magic. ...Creating Origin Magic is quite difficult, though. Despite his words, Zeke''s voice remained steady. Solren quickly caught onto the slight annoyance in his tone. He laughed as he replied, I will teach you. But of course, Origin Magic manifests differently from person to person, so at best I can only act as a guide. You will have to make the journey on your own. Of course, Zeke nodded as a smile broke across his face, Should I study on a particular topic ahead of time? Oh my, Solren blinked, Uh, I did not expect thatYou could try learning some lightning spells. Perhaps at least get to the intermediate level. I''ll start teaching you after you''ve adjusted back to academy lifePerhaps in two weeks. Aren''t you underestimating me a bit, teacher? Zeke tilted his head. He couldn''t help it at all. One week. Give me one week after academy starts. I believe I could do that much to live up to your expectations. At that point, Solren saw no point in arguing. His skills backed up his confidence. ...Alright, but if you need an extension for whatever reason, feel free to contact me. Solren handed a badge to Zeke. Its pure platinum body had the image of a dragon carved into it, its eyes an alternating color just like the Grand Mage himself. Just poor mana into it, I''ll easily recognize yours and respond as soon as I can. Yes, thank you teacher. Zeke smiled and offered a courteous bow. No need to be so formal, Solren patted him on the shoulder as he lifted his head. I''m technically your uncle, you know? Me and Creston are blood brothers! We swore in front of Arzhel that day and Solren. Speak of the devil, Creston Salvador''s stern voice rang from behind Solren. While his expression remained as still and stoic as ever, the look in his eyes screamed cold-blooded murder. Did you not say you have to finish your research papers? Why are you still here? Oh c''mon, I was just having a little farewell chat~ Solren waved his plate of cookies around. I''m on my way out anyway, it''s just so happened that I ran into these cuties. Creston remained steadfast, immovable like a stone statue, You can teleport, Solren. There''s no need for you to walk out the front door. Ngh! Solren narrowed his eyes, pouting like a child who got denied candy by his parents. Despite his silent protest, he drew a magic circle beneath his feet. Fine! In return, I''ll be taking these cookies with me! ...Do as you wish, you were already planning to take them anyway. Creston sighed. Solren''s expression brightened as he turned to Zeke, giving him a short wave as the circle''s light engulfed his figure. Soon, he disappeared, and left behind only his farewell smile. Lysander faced his father, ...Would you like to join us, Father? Creston''s emotions still remained unreadable, Where are you going? To have lunch with Mother. Zeke wondered if his healing eyes mistook it, but he thought he saw Creston cringed at the response. ...Very well, his voice held steady. Zeke thought he must''ve seen wrong, But will you be going in those attires? Only Silas look presentable, even if hes in house clothes. I do not mind. Everyone turned towards Esmeralda as she announced her presence. The personal maid walked a respectable distance away from her mistress. It became more difficult to take note of her when Esmeralda''s pastel pink dress gave her the appearance of a fairy draped in cherry blossoms. I was wondering why you three were late. It seemed Lord Solren held you back for longer than planned. Mother, there''s no need for you to personally come get us. Lysander remarked. Mother! Rowena rushed to Esmeralda''s side, hugging her leg as she looked up at her gleefully. Did you wait long? We were just about to come over! So it seems. I came out for no reason. Esmeralda chuckled, lowering herself just enough to ruffle the little girl''s hair. Let us go, then. Before all the food gets cold. As she straightened herself and turned to leave, she turned to face them, specifically Creston, and offered a polite smile. You are free to join us, my lord. The marquess remained quiet, but followed them to the marchioness quarters anyway. Soon, they arrived at their destination and a butler opened the door into the dining room for them. It looked identical to one at the marquess estate, only the decorations differed, albeit so slightly that no one would notice unless they paid attention. Creston and Esmeralda took their seats on the opposite end of the table, while the children gathered around the remaining seats. Zeke and Lysander sat close to Creston, but Rowena opted to sit near Esmeralda. I wasn''t expecting an extra seat, so I only set the small table, the marchioness explained calmly as the servants delivered their meals, I hope my lord does not mind. ...Of course not, Creston shook his head, I intruded on a scheduled meal. I should not complain. They usually dine on a longer table, though this time, the close proximity of their seats brought an odd feeling to Creston''s chest. He had no issues eating with other nobles and his eldest son, yet for some reason, the family gathering made him nervous. It seemed only the marquess felt that way, since the other Salvadors nonchalantly dug into the appetizers while waiting for the main course. Creston took a deep breath and picked a piece of garlic bread to munch on. Silas, why are you using your hand? Lysander frowned at Zeke, his fork and knife stopping half-way from tearing apart the bread on his plate. Zeke looked at him as if he was crazy, Who the fWho eats bread with a fork and knife? In an act of defiance, he took a bite off of his snack. You''re of noble blood, show some dignity. Lysander''s eyes caught on the sight of his father uncaringly eating the bread in his hand. They held each other''s gaze in silence for a moment. Eventually, the elder brother lowered his utensils. ...I take that back. It''s whatever. Should be fine if it''s just us, Rowena murmured, her mouth still filled with half a spring roll, Who even cares about the proper table etiquettes these days? You''re such a boomer, Lysander. A boomer??? Lysander''s genuine confusion earned a stifled laughter from Zeke. When the elder brother looked at him, he almost choked on his food. Silas? What is she talking about? Circe definitely taught her that. What the fuck!? Zeke carefully swallowed and took a deep breath, calming himself down. In short, she called you an old man, brother. Lysander narrowed his eyes, facing Rowena, What!? She smirked and shrugged, Exactly as Silas said. You''re a boomer, Lysander. And suddenly the atmosphere became lively. Zeke had never seen someone as calm and collected as Lysander got so flustered before. He kept making arguments about her mannerism, but Rowena simply laughed and made quips right back at him. From the edge of his vision, Zeke saw frustration flashed across Creston''s face. Before he could speak up, Esmeralda let out a soft chuckle, melting the ice off of the marquess expression in an instant. He simply returned to his meal quietly as if nothing ever happened. Zeke looked back and forth between Creston and Esmeralda. No one noticed it, but his brain immediately began analyzing that abrupt behavior just now. He backed down? The Creston Salvador decided to let things slide? No freaking way By then, the main course had arrived. The two siblings still continued their bickering even as the food had been set down in front of them. Zeke snuck a glance at Creston for a moment, and noticed how his gaze kept sliding onto Esmeralda whenever she moved. He only decided to pick up his own utensils when the marchioness began eating. NahI''m definitely overthinking this. Their stories suggested zero romance potential. Zeke lightly shook his head, shifting his attention towards his plate. Today''s lunch consisted of roasted chicken salad. The aroma of the meat and spice completely pushed aside whatever thoughts ran through his mind a moment ago. Surely, they weren''t more important than filling his stomach. Chapter 61: Roadtrip The academy uniform featured a crisp white dress shirt as the base layer, accented by a red and gold necktie tucked neatly under a tailored navy blue blazer. Matching dark blue trousers completed the set, while sturdy leather shoes offered both comfort and mobility. Over the ensemble, a black cloak draped elegantly across the shoulders, fastened by a golden pin embossed with the academys insignia. The cloak''s red-lined interior added a striking contrast to the rest of the uniform. Zeke stood basking in the early morning sun, watching as the servants moved his luggage into a carriage. A long yawn brought with it sleepiness and fatigue. He felt as if a thick fog had settled in his mind, each thought moving sluggishly like it had been dragged through mud. Young master, Einar''s voice gained Zeke''s attention, though it did not make him any less groggy, We''re done loading the carriage. Is there anything else you need to take with you? ...None that I could think of. He replied after a moment of consideration, his voice sounded vacant. Silas Salvador has no personal maid. Unsurprisingly, his less than favorable personality caused everyone to quit after only a few days of serving him. He only had Einar to assist him in certain matters, and will also travel to the academy along with him. Are you sure you didn''t forget anything? Circe''s sudden appearance startled him awake. Now with eyes widened and alert, Zeke stared at her as he replied, Well, technically you, but since you''re here now my answer remains the same. The female and male uniform looked practically identical, the only difference being the short skirt that they wore on top of their leggings. Let''s go sit in the carriage, Circe gave him a bright smile as she grabbed his hand, It''s been two days since I last saw you, I have a lot of things I want to talk about! Uh, sure Now that his heart rate had slowed down, the sleepiness instantly rushed back in. Zeke let Circe drag him over to the carriage next to the cargo holder, leaving Einar all alone. Seriously, that place is the worst! Circe initiated a conversation the moment she closed the door, isolating them from the outside world. As Zeke sank into the seat''s cloudy cushion, his eyelids threatened to close. Meanwhile, Circe rested her elbow on the window sill and propped up her chin. No one bothered me, sure, but it felt like they were deliberately ignoring me. ...Even the servants? Zeke inquired, his voice low from fatigue. Not Lilia, but yes, Circe sighed, shaking her head, Though they were also acting particularlydodgy around me. I first brushed it off as just them being mean to Ruelle as per usualBut I just can''t help but think they''re hiding something. Hearing that, Zeke straightened himself and asked, Was that why you wanted to stay for two days? Circe nodded, a smile breaking across her face, though her downcasted eyes contrasted the expression, Yep, though unfortunately I didn''t have enough time to look into it further. They were really on guard, especially around the marquess office. A heavy silence settled between them. Zeke turned his gaze to the window, attention drawn to Einar and Lilia as they climbed into the carriage loaded with their luggage. From where she sat, Circe could barely discern Zeke''s expression. Though his face remained blank, the faint flicker revealed thought stirring behind those distant eyes. Eventually, Zeke mumbled, his attention lingering on the view outside, ...If your gut tells you something is wrong, then it is most likely correct. As the carriage jolted forward, the soft creak of the wheels filled in the silence. Or maybe it''s just a typical case of corruption. We''re talking about House Peregrine here, after all. An unknown weight dissipated in an instant, bringing a smile to Circe''s lips. Yeah, that definitely sounds plausible, she turned her gaze towards the view outside, the bustling streets brought with them a sense of nostalgia. They''d only come to this world for about a month, but it was enough time to grow attached to the little things they see passing by the carriage windows. ...It won''t hurt to be cautious, her words came out as a soft mumble, but held the weight of the truth that their brief silence agreed upon, Let''s just keep an eye out. Zeke swallowed down an invisible lump in his throat, the anxiety of the unknown ran cold sweat down his spine. Not daring to break the quiet, he gave her an acknowledged nod and shifted his focus back to the window. For a long while, they sat in complete silence, with only the gentle clicks and creaks of the carriage cutting through their thoughts. They both knew that worrying would do them no good, but they still couldn''t help but dwell on their own words, wishing for a smooth path in the times to come. . . . You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ...So what happened? Circe''s question broke through the silence between them, a look of nonchalance dawning on her face. As Zeke drew his attention away from the view, she continued to ask, Did you decide to accept Solren''s offer? Yeah, I did, Zeke responded, his voice lower than normal. By then, the sun had risen past the horizon, yet he still couldn''t shake off the drowsiness in his tone. He also offered me an element assessment. Apparently I''m a dual element mage, Circe''s eyes slightly went wide at his words, though he''d spoken with such indifference that it made him look arrogant, My affinity''s Lightning and Spacethough it seems they call the Space element Star in this world, probably because the concept of another layer beyond the sky doesn''t exist to them yet. Lightning and Space Circe brought her fingers to her lips, eyes averted down as her brows furrowed in deep thought. Silence enveloped them once more, but soon broke apart. When she lowered her hand, she spoke in a stern voice. That''s a damage-heavy element in combination with the element with arguably the best status condition in the entire gameYou might want to go DPS too to maximize your build. That''s what I think also, Zeke nodded along, I took it as a chance to learn Meteor Shower. The skill even increased from B to A rank because of my Mana Overlord aptitude. Circe raised an eyebrow, ...Eh, the rank of your skills didn''t increase when you learned Strengthen, Mana Barrier, and Wind''s Grace, but Meteor Shower is an exception? Deep thought flickered in her eyes again, Maybe there are specific criterias for it to activateI wonder what that could be. Not just that, Zeke leaned against the window, But Circuit Disruption also got the same treatmentAnd uh, he frowned, glancing at Circe with curiosity in his eyes, Why do you keep calling Zephyr''s Blessing by the wrong name? I noticed this before but never got around to asking. Circe expected his reaction, and she replied calmly, It''s no surprise you don''t know since you''re not a combat-focused player, but they changed the names of a lot of skills when they added new ones in patch one point two four. That may sound like some random numbers, but even Zeke remembered that particular update. A knowing look flashed across his face as he replied, Ah, the Skills Expansion Update, I only cared for the ones that impacted the story mode since they added several hundred skills into the game. Yeah, it used to be called Wind''s Grace before they used that name for the passive skill, and changed the active skill to Zephyr''s Blessing. I sometimes mix up the old versions. Her fingers shot up one by one, listing her words, They also introduced Tickets into the game which makes it easier to grind for Skills and Equipment. Hearing that sparkled realization behind his eyes, Zeke opened his inventory as he spoke, a hint of excitement tinged his voice. And speaking of which he took out a piece of paper, crafted from pure gold with the word Skill engraved onto it. I got this as a reward for the Special Event with the half-lich. Circe''s expression brightened as she spoke in a rushed tone, Oh! Use it, use it! Seeing her excitement, a smile broke across Zekes lips, Alright. A blinding light enveloped the golden ticket as it levitated above his palm. It expanded outwards, but swiftly retracted into a fine point before disappearing, leaving behind only traces of shimmering particles. In the ticket''s place, a system panel appeared to announce his prize. [Used x1 ] [Congratulations! You''ve gained the Passive Skill ] Both Zeke and Circe screamed the instant they read the notification. Just the name of the skill alone had a heavy ring of power to it, and Circe swiftly switched sides to get a proper look at the description panel. This is ridiculous! I haven''t seen this skill before but I already know it''s good! Her voice held disbelief along with a tinge of excitement. The look in her eyes betrayed her exhilaration in an instant. < Skill Description > Name: Absolute Calculation Type: Passive Skill Tier: EX Cost: None Cooldown: None Effects
  • Grants the user heightened processing power beyond human limit.
  • Skill can be turned on and off to prevent overloading the user [Currently: OFF]
  • Proficiency of the skill can be increased with practice and proper understanding of the calculated material.
Bonus Effects
  • The Exclusive Skill of Silas Salvador grants the user a permanent (+5) to both and
  • When used by the Character Silas Salvador, the backlash from overusing the skill decreases by 50%.
<<>> [Achievement Unlocked: One of a Kind - Unlock your first Exclusive Skill!] [Gained some EXP.] [Gained x10 ] Silence filled the air as they read through the system panels one after the other again and again. Zeke had been so lost in thought that he forgot to close his gaping mouth, only remembering to do so when he finally spoke. ...Silas Exclusive SkillI have so many questions right now. As the name suggests, each character possesses their own unique Exclusive Skills that cannot be found in any other character. Some of them share similar or the same names as regular skills, but the unmistakable rainbow EX tag along with extra effects set them apart. Usually, a character possesses at least one of these overpowered skills, but there have been cases where they could gain up to five Exclusive Skills. I never knew you could pull an Exclusive Skill from a ticket? Confusion and skepticism laced Circe''s tone. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion at the system panel, reminding Zeke that she did the exact same thing when he got Tyrant''s Majesty, but for a different reason this time. It must be because we keep getting unexpected events that even the normal game system is bugged out Her legs and arms crossed as she lifted her chin, eyes still full of doubt, But apart from that: Absolute Calculation? Silas doesn''t seem like the guy to have something like that, and as an Exclusive Skill no less. Zeke''s lips thinned into a straight line. She had a point, yet for some reason, he felt like the skill was already in the right place. Whatever it iseven if it''s a bug, this skill is basically a cheat skill, Zeke brought up his skill panel, pointing towards the Circuit Disruption listed under Active Skills. With Absolute Calculation, I could probably disable any spells within my scope of understanding. Though her expression held onto the last bit of doubt, Circe nodded along with Zeke''s words. You''re right, if you train well then you might become the most busted mage in history, now her voice held a hint of intrigue, the interest of a battle-addict gamer surfaced to her expression, I can already see the dream combo. You better not slack off with your studies, Zeke. Hearing that made him scoff, his gaze caught onto the sight of a large infrastructure far in the distance. It looked like a castle. As if, unlike you, I actually don''t mind studying. He crossed his arms, speaking in a mocking tone. Circe smirked as she lightly elbowed him, Then why did you not go to college? Zeke turned back to Circe, now with a deep frown ceasing his forehead, I landed a proper job as an esport gamer. I didn''t have the need nor the time to pursue higher education. I know, I know, Circe replied in a half-apologetic voice. Turning to the window by Zeke''s side, she pointed with her chin as a small smirk spread across her lips. It''s fine though, since you''ll be back to school in just a moment. We''re almost at the academy. Chapter 62: Aitheras Academy (1) While its magnificence certainly couldn''t hold a candle to the royal palace, Aitheras Academy itself still looked like a castle. Large, sturdy walls surrounded the area similar to barriers of a major city, with guards stationed like vigilant statues adding another layer to their strict defenses. Since their carriage had a clear symbol of the Salvador household hanging on its banners, the guards merely acknowledged their presence with a glance while they passed through the giant gate. Up close, the infrastructure of the academy looked even more imposing. A vast garden occupied the spaces between the roads, all of which lead to a big water fountain in the middle. Zeke noticed the sparks of mana dancing around the center, if not for his keen senses, he would''ve mistook them as water droplets shimmering beneath the morning sun. Every building had a different design, though mainly built from ivory white bricks and scarlet rooftops. The largest facility stood before them with grand stairs leading up to the entrance, its doors opened and ready to receive its students. Their carriage came to a screeching halt in front of those stairs, and soon Einar Alston opened the door for the two of them, We''re here. Lilia and I will take care of your luggage so just go wait for the reopening ceremony in the grand hall. Alright, thanks, Zeke got off first before extending his palm for Circe. Without saying a word, she lightly grabbed it and exited the carriage as well. You got the key, right? It''s not the knight''s dorm this time so don''t get it mixed up. Einar''s expression remained still, though a hint of frustration flickered through his gaze for a moment, ...Yes, Young Master. No need to worry, I won''t make a mistake. Zeke chuckled at the knight''s response as he watched their carriage leave, letting the others behind it drop off their young masters and ladies. I know you won''t. Ease up. We''ll be going now. At his words, Einar huffed and smiled. He lowered his head into a courteous bow, Have a nice day, Young Master, Lady Ruelle. Circe casted a glance at Zeke, and their eyes met each other. Despite the silence between them, they understood each other clearly with just their gaze. One single look of affirmation; an attempt to ease a sense of anxiety that came with the new setting. Circe''s lips broke into a smile at the realization, and so did Zeke''s. Without saying a word, they ascended the stairs, hands still clasped tightly together. Vaulted ceiling made the hallway feel way larger than it already was. Though the murals drawn atop caught their attention, the students around them also seemed interested. Judging by their reactions, it seemed like a new addition. ...What do you think they are? Circe whispered her question, eyes captivated by the beautiful blend of colors, each drawn meticulously into characters of an epic: a knight and a dragon locked in combat. There should be some sort of meaningI can''t think of anything though. Aitheras Academy''s crest is a wyvern, not a dragon, so that rules out one possibility, since Circe had her neck craned to stare at the artwork above her, Zeke kept his eyes straight as he guided them down the hall. Could be thatthe knight is the swordsman and the dragon is the magician. Dragons are considered the strongest in terms of magic. They give titles to powerful mages, like how the Grand Mage has the nickname: White Dragon of the Tower. ...Is that so? Circe lowered her head, now interested in the neat red carpet laying out their path. I don''t pay much attention to the story stuff, let alone the lore. Though it feels a little unfair that dragons symbolized magicians. Zeke scoffed, the corner of his lips twisted upwards, What? You think that it''s unfair to put a human against a giant fire-breathing lizard? Circe faced him with a raised eyebrow, though her voice had a sarcastic hint to it as she smirked, It''s a giant fire-breathing lizard that can fly, Zeke. Hairless monkeys stand no chance. Hey, hey. Look who it is! Before Zeke could reply, someone else spoke up. His voice held such arrogance that both of them felt annoyed the moment they heard it. Needless to say, an older boy had successfully garnered their attention, along with dozens of others that looked their way out of curiosity. Two male students stood before them, the one that''d spoken earlier had onix black hair and familiar purple eyes. He held himself with vanity as he stood staring them down, arms crossed and chest puffed up like a big bull. Next to him, an identical figure eyed them with a blank face, his bronze hair held a similar shine to Circe''sto Ruelle Peregrine''s. Zeke saw how Circe looked at those two, but he didn''t need the hint to figure out their identities at all. He knew them by name based on the game''s description of their personality: the twins of fire and ice. Lord Albertplease mind your manners. Oh come on, Silas, Albert, the one with black hair, shrugged off his stern words, I''m just happy to see my baby sister. What''s wrong with me greeting her?If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Happy to see her? Zeke scoffed, unknowingly tightening his grip around Circe''s hand, I heard you ignored her while she was in her own house. Stop it with your fake ass acting and get lost. Or what? Albert spreaded his hands to the side, shrugging as he taunted, Are you gonna cause problems on your first day? Come on, there are a lot of witnesses here that will back my claim that you threw the first punch. Right, Aiden? His twin brother, Aiden Peregrine, nodded along. The cold expression he had differed vastly from Salvador''s signature resting face. While their cold demeanor radiated grace and strength, Peregrine''s held nothing but hubris. Besides that, Aiden finally spoke, his voice slightly deeper than his brother''s, but oozed the same arrogance nonetheless. He lifted his chin like a king looking down at his subjects. You''re not even in our league anymore, Silas. I heard that you changed your faculty to magic. What dirty tricks did you pull? I can''t believe a noble swordsman would do something so ridiculous for a mere woman. Those words sent the crowd into a flurry. Their whispers of disbelief resounded through the air, echoing Aiden''s statement that Silas Salvador had switched from swordman to magician. Even though Zeke had his attention on the two Peregrine brothers, he overheard them saying that he changed his course to follow his fiancee. Ridiculous? You''re the one who''s ridiculous, you misogynistic fuckers Zeke mumbled as he turned away, his voice drowned out by the hushes around them. What was that? Albert took a step forward as his hands balled into tight fists. Even though hed heard nothing, he immediately assumed that Zeke insulted them. He kept quiet and dragged Circe along with him. Although all the noise would soon die down as someone suddenly walked up to the podium at the very front of the hall. His mere presence held enough pressure to command the room into silence. Even Albert''s anger subsided the moment his eyes landed on the figure before them. He had pale blond hair tied into a small ponytail by a matching ribbon; a cute look that contrasted his formal pearly suit and cold golden eyes. Despite the ice in his gaze, his smile shared the same warmth of the sun''s rays shining through the windows around them. Greetings, students of Aitheras Academy, a gentle voice boomed with authority around the grand hall, My name is Desmond Tierney, and as of today, I am the new Headmaster of Aitheras Academy. As Desmond paused, curious whispers filled in the brief silence before the man spoke again. An unfortunate event had required us to reconstruct our facilities nearly from the ground up, hence we had to close our gates for an entire year. An entire year of valuable knowledge that shall not be kept locked behind our doors no longer! He gestured dramatically, though still kept his manners moderate for his speech. I may be lacking in many ways due to my inexperience, but I swear upon the gods and our empire that I will fulfill my duties to the best of my abilities. This is my message to you: the future of Oriens, this space shall be your second home, and a place where your talents shine like stars! Let us begin the reopening ceremony of Aitheras Academy! The moment those words trailed into silence, a round of applause erupted from the students. Zeke and Circe even found themselves clapping along with them. Only one in the entire crowd kept themselves from going with the flow; Aiden raised his hand high and asked. My apologies, sir! But what about our old Headmaster? Just as abrupt as they came, the applause ceased. Desmond''s lips curled further upwards, and he replied calmly, He resigned due to personal reasons, Mister Aiden. I know I do not possess the same qualities as Lord Nolan, but I am confident that I can fulfill his role as the Headmaster. Desmond turned to his side, But I understand your concern. If you wish to confirm my qualifications, I will let the Grand Magician give his confirmation as we continue the ceremony as scheduled. Right on queue, a bright magic circle manifested on the stage next to Desmond. Mana twirled around each strand in a helix before they solidified into a humanoid shape. When the light dissipated, Solren Pryce appeared with his trusty staff in hand. He smiled just as brilliantly as his magic and spoke, cutting through the students surprised mumblings. Hello everyone! If they didn''t know any better, none of them would''ve believed he was the Grand Magician based on his mannerism alone, It might be a tiny bit sudden, but yes, our old Headmaster, Lord Nolan Doyle had chosen to retire from his position. Don''t worry though! Me and CreCI mean, the Royal Knights Commander guaranteed that Lord Desmond is qualified for the job! Aiden Peregrine meekly lowered his hand, although his expression remained the same. As he spoke, he lowered his head in a bow, It was not my intention to doubt Lord Desmond, my apologies if I had spoken rudely. I have no qualms about the King of Machinery becoming this academy''s headmaster. Hearing that, Circe leaned in closer to Zeke, ...What''s the King of Machinery? Desmond''s title? Yeah, Zeke whispered back, Desmond''s mana is below average, but he makes up for it in his talent in magic engineering. He invented all the modern technology with the Magic Tower, but it''s safer to say that Desmond''s the brain behind all those projects and the Tower just supplies him with materials. Oooh, Circe nodded along, It''s a bit odd for him to be the headmaster, but I guess he has enough fame and influence for the seat. Desmond was a commoner before, Zeke continued explaining, But due to his contribution to the advances of Oriens technology, King Arzhel gave him the title and land of a Viscount. It might be low on the power pyramid, but he''s definitely a force to be reckoned with. Now that that''s cleared up, Solren took back their attention as he clasped his hand. Suddenly, cards manifested out of thin air and fell into the students grasp: one for each person. There isn''t much to talk about for a ceremony~ you''re just here to receive those and hear about the new changes we''ve implemented in the academy! At the front of the silver-plated card was the student''s picture and basic information, ranging from name and gender to the faculty and rankings, similarly to the ones addressed in the timetables. Those are your Identification Cards. Make sure not to lose them at any cost! They''re veeerrrry important because they will contain information about individual students! Solren continued to speak, his voice laced with enthusiasm, Not only can you see your total scores real time, you can also view your class schedule from the card! At those words, all of the students brought up their timetables. They appeared like holograms hovering above the card. Zeke and Circe noted that it had a similar feel to the system window. It seemed like the rankings are all reset, he peered over to look at Circe''s schedule, realizing that she also did the same thing, Not a surprise, since we missed an entire year, it''d be unfair to put them in the same ranks. ...Hey, Circe raised an eyebrow, gaze remained fixed to Zeke''s holographic timetable, Why is your schedule practically the same as mine? A frown creased his brows. Zeke glanced up briefly and met eyes with Solren, who in turn gave him a playful wink. The Grand Mage resumed his talk as if nothing happened. ...It''s probably Solren trying to be considerate to Silas. You will be using your ID Card for pretty much everything in the academy from now on, Solren snapped his fingers and created a big screen behind him. Images of a large canteen then appeared on them like a projector. From roll calling to borrowing books from the library, and even buying food and using other facilities in the academy! You have to trade in your real money for an equal amount of currency in your card. Of course, you can withdraw your money at any time you''d like just by heading to the special booth stationed in every canteen or facility that requires money in exchange for their services. Solren snapped his fingers again and changed the images on his magical projector. This time, it showed a large colosseum. As you''ve already noticed, your original rankings have been reset. This isn''t just because all of you have taken a year long break, but because a lot of you had taken it as an opportunity to switch faculties. Due to this, the Rankings Month will be held earlier than before. You only have three months to prepare for this alongside your test for the Students Ranking. Despite all the groans and grunts from the students, Solren continued to smile as Desmond now took his turn to speak. That is all for today. You may check out your dormitories or the academy layouts during your free time. There will be no classes until afternoon. If you have any questions, refer to the handbook we''ve given you, or ask the professors in their respective offices. All of them are willing to clear up any confusion for you. I hope you have a wonderful time once more at Aitheras Academy. May the gods blessings be with you. Special Chapter 3: Becky and Spades Wooden swords met with such force that one flew right out of the wielder''s hands, spinning through the air before impaling into the ground. Zeke clutched his right wrist as he winced in pain, Ow, ow his mind focused on the panging ache pulsating up his arm, not realizing Circe and Einar coming closer to check up on him. Are you okay? Circe asked with furrowed brows, I didn''t mean to put so much force behind that hitI''m sorry No, it''s fine, Zeke held out his hand for Einar to see. As the knight took his wrist into his palm, he noticed them quiver slightly with the pain. I twisted my wrist weirdly to try and block it. It''s partially on me too. ...Yeah, Einar slowly guided him towards the bleachers, where a first aid box laid ready for usage, And besides that, I''ve been noticing this for some time nowbut I feel like you''re a bit awkward with your right arm. ...Really? Zeke sat down and let Einar tend to his injury. As he watched the knight apply ointment and bandage up his wrist, he continued, What exactly made you think that? Well, I am technically left handed Einar finished his work in mere moments, letting go of Zeke''s wrist as he replied, Your form is perfect for a beginner, yet each attack and parry felt unnatural. You''ve been taught to write with your right hand your whole life, yes? Zeke glanced at Circe briefly, Yeah, and what''s that got to do with this? I''m just saying that it means you haven''t tried using your left hand at all, Einar went to grab Zeke''s wooden sword, handing it into his healthy grip. It''s just my suspicion, but try it. After giving a nod to Circe, they returned to the arena. Circe adopted a one-handed grip since Zeke had only one hand to utilize. At Einar''s verbal signal, they clashed swords. Their movements became more in sync, if one tried to attack the other, they would manage to twist their blades to block it each time. Despite this, Circe still managed to knock the wooden sword out of Zekes hand, claiming victory once more. ...That was clearly better. Zeke may have lost, though he felt satisfied with learning something new. He picked up his sword, and the both of them placed their weapons back on the rack. It''s a rare case, but some people are born with the ability to use both their hands proficiently. You may not have noticed since you''ve been trained your whole life to be right-handed, Einar spoke up as they headed over to the bleachers, Your future lessons will have to be mirrored now. I think it''s a fair trade considering that you''re fighting at your best. Circe elbowed Zeke lightly, And you can use your right hand when you''re feeling playful. As Zeke replied with silence and a raised eyebrow, Einar continued speaking, Anyway, you two did well for today so I won''t keep you here for any longer. Have a good day, Sir Einar. Circe waved goodbye, and the knight flashed her a friendly smile. Likewise, my lady. If any of you need me, I will be training with the other knights before lunch time. With that, Einar left the training ground, leaving Zeke and Circe alone to their own companies. Hey Zeke, Circe called out, a small smile lit up a playful look in her eyes, We haven''t had the chance to visit the stables yet. Wanna go? After a moment of consideration, he responded, Hm, it''d be nice to get familiar with horseback riding for the futureSure.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Walking over to the stables didn''t take as long as they thought despite the size of the marquis estate. Situated near the servants quarters, the stables still maintained a rich aesthetics just like the rest of the buildings surrounding it. A riding course located nearby provided space for practice, and beside it, a large, empty field allowed the horses to roam freely when not on standby. Only two men occupied the stables, the groom and the stablehand. As soon as they noticed Zeke and Circe approaching, they paused their merry conversation and gave them both respective bows. Good morning, my lord, my lady. What''s the occasion for this visit? One of the men they presumed to be the stablehand greeted them with a wide smile. He had a slight accent when he spoke. As you can see from our attire, we just returned from the training ground, Zeke spreaded his arms to the sides, My lady here came to watch, and she said she wanted to try riding a horse. Could you arrange that? The two men shared a glance, their lips widening into joyful smiles. Right away, young lord. He turned to his friend, Sam, you handle Lord Silas steed, I''ll fetch Becky. When the stablehand and Sam the horse groomer disappeared into the building, Circe leaned in to whisper something to Zeke, Have you ever ridden a horse before? Nope, Zeke slightly shook his head, Have you? Yep, only once though. I told you my dad was a bit hardcore, right? He took me to a race course once and I got to ride one of the horses. Hearing the joy in her voice as she recalled the past, Zeke inquired with his lips upturned, That sounds nice. How was it? Haha, Circe gave a dry laugh, though she remained smiling after seeing the look on Zeke''s face, I fell off the horse and cried a lot. I even screamed how it was my dad''s fault since he was the one who took me there. PFFT! Zeke covered his mouth, What the heck? Were you young at the time? Yeah, I was ten. Who the heck let ten year olds ride a fricking horse anyway? I should''ve asked if they had ponies. Were you hurt though? Zeke wiped a stray tear from his eye, having managed to suppress his laughter but at a cost. Not badly, just some bruises since I fell while the horse was standing over mud, Circe shrugged, I was more frustrated at the fact that I got dirty rather than falling. My lord, my lady, the stableman and Sam returned, holding the two horses reins each, We will be waiting for your return here once you''re done with your outing. Zeke barely had time to react when the men handed over the reins. Looking up, the two horses stared down at him like curious children. Before he could say anything, Sam beat him to it, The brown horse is Becky, she''s a Welsh Cob that''d been gifted to us by the king, though the marquis gave permission for her to be ridden by anyone. As if responding to the groomer''s words, Becky snorted and lightly shook her beautiful blonde mane. And this black one is yours, Lord Silas. He''s a Friesian breed you''ve named Spades, Sam paused for a moment, ...Ah haha, you haven''t ridden Spade at all, so I suggest it would be wise to get use to each other first. ...Thanks. Since Zeke didn''t say anything else, the groomer and the stableman bowed to the two of them once more. We will be here if you need us. Enjoy your outing. When they finally left, Zeke let out a long breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. ...Circe, I have no idea what to do with these guys. He sounded calm, though Circe still noticed how stiff Zeke had gotten, not moving an inch since the reins had been passed on to him. She took Becky''s for her own and replied, Just take them out for a walk first. They seem pretty used to humans so they probably won''t go wild on you. While Becky had a small stature and gentle appearance, Spades stood just about as tall as Zeke, his silken black fur shimmered softly in the sunlight, showing off the firm muscles underneath. Even the horse''s entire demeanor seemed graceful as he stood calmly with his head held high. ...Do I have to bow to him? I feel like I''m being very disrespectful right now. Zeke sounded serious. Don''t be ridiculous, Circe chuckled as she shifted her focus towards Becky. Gently running her hands along her muzzle, the horse responded in kind with a relaxed exhale. Hi Becky, I''ll be in your care for today. Let''s go for a walk, shall we? Without leaving any room for Zeke to speak up, Circe turned and began guiding Becky towards the field. Zeke wanted to call after her, but he felt more afraid that his loud voice might startle his horse. Swallowing, he turned to Spades. ...Hello, Spades. Spades snorted. Zeke took it as a sign that he accepted his greeting and smiled, Please don''t kick me or throw me off your back. I''ll be sure to attend to you more often from now on, so let''s get along. He waited for a moment to assess the horse''s reaction. When Spades showed no sign of contempt, he carefully edged him towards the field. By the time he grew comfortable enough to relax around the horse, Circe had already hopped on Becky and slowly rode her around the tracks. Oh, Circe took notice of him, turning the horse along with her. As she spoke, her lips widened joyously, Look, I still remember how to ride even after all those years. Yeah, I can see that, Astonishment tinged Zeke''s tone. Watching Circe steadily increase the speed, he took in the mannerism of both the horse and the rider. Minor movements and shifts prompted the other to adjust, as if communicating through those minute body languages. ...You''re amazing. What was that? Judging by the look on her face, Circe truly hadn''t heard him speak. Zeke turned towards Spades, running his fingers through his pitch black mane, Nothing. After a moment, he decided to walk the horse for a bit around the field, Hey Spades, I will try not to get nervous but you''ll have to go easy on me, okay? I don''t know if this body will move along automatically like it did when me and Circe had to dance. The thought flashed through his mind as his gaze fixed on the grass, I''m kind of scared. I''m going so fast! Zeke look! Circe shouted from across the field, and there he saw her galloping through the course like a passing breeze, jumping over the obstacles laid out before her easily. Spades snorted and lightly nudged at Zeke, garnering his attention, What? the horse whined and poked him again. Though unsure, he crooked his head, asking, ...Do you want to go for a ride? After hearing Spades content neighs, Zeke let out a pang of laughter, Alright, let''s go then. Can''t let them have all the fun, right? Chapter 63: Aitheras Academy (2) After the ceremony, Albert tried to rekindle their argument, his frown fixed on his targets as he pushed through the sea of students. But Zeke, anticipating this, had already slipped out of the hall with Circe as soon as the event ended, paying no mind to Albert''s furious shouts echoing behind them. ...You''re always getting worked up in my steed, Circe chuckled as they made their way out of the building. Zeke had been reading the minimap he brought up in front of him, though his attention swayed when she looked at him. I appreciate it, honestly. Although I still think it''s fine not to engage. You''re not angry at what they said? A frown darkened Zeke''s expression as he stared back. I still think you should''ve said something. At this rate, they''re going to keep belittling you knowing you won''t fight them. As much as I like verbal battles, Circe''s focus shifted to the pathway before them. Judging from the minimap, it should take a few more minutes to reach the dormitories. We can achieve a much more satisfying revenge by crushing them in the tournament. I saw in the updated handbook that there will be a new format implemented that allows swordsmen and mages to go up against each other. Despite her words brimming with confidence, Zeke''s expression remained sour. But you''re a mage right now, by technicality. They didn''t say anything about a mage using a sword, did they? Circe shrugged, a mischievous smile breaking across her lips, Besides, if I do this well, I can maybe get a recommendation to change tracks like you did. His tensed shoulders relaxed as he let out a sigh, You''ve already planned ahead that far? Circe gave him a toothy grin, her hands playfully clasped behind her back. Hehe, yep! But in case you misunderstood me, her lips connected as they widened, turning her eyes into sharp crescents, I''ll have you know that I am no pushover. I will make sure to pay back my debtwith interest a thousand fold. Zeke responded with a dry laugh, careful not to meet her gaze. Should I feel sorry for those brothers? he wondered. The glint in her eyes was anything but sane. Eventually, he said, If you need someone to help bury the bodies, Im right here. Their shared chuckles drew a few curious glances from nearby onlookers. These soon turned to wide-eyed disbelief as Solren appeared before them in a burst of magic, glittering sparks cascading around him. "My nephew!" he declared grandly, his booming voice cutting through the murmurs. Zeke stiffened, already regretting every life choice that brought him to this moment. From the corner of his eye, he swore he saw Circe mutter a curse under her breath. Solren either didnt notice or didnt care, his grin widening as he gestured theatrically. "Did you like the adjustments I made to your schedule? I personally ensured yours and Lady Ruelles align as closely as possible! Uh huh, Zeke didn''t bother to fake his reaction, by then the whispers around them had grown tenfold, and he could already picture the future events that would unfold after Solren had boldly announced their relationship. I appreciate it, teacher. Although there was no need for you to call me nephew''. A dejected look swiped the enthusiasm off Solren''s face. Do you hate the idea of me being your uncle that much? He stifled a cry, wiping his eyes with his sleeves, I even did you another favor! I managed to convince them to allow the both of you to sleep in the same building! Aren''t I the best uncle? I won''t allow anything to get in the way of Wait. Hold on! Zeke pressed his fingers to his temples, frowning as if trying to massage the absurdity out of his head. Beside him, Circe looked equally stunned, her jaws went slack, frozen in disbelief like a doll that''s lost its wind. You put usa boy and a girlin the same dormitory? What in the world are you thinking? Solren blinked at him, his expression one of genuine confusion, as if Zeke had just asked him why the sky was blue. But you two are bound to be wed someday, he said, gesturing lightly with his hand. And youre both engaged, so I dont exactly see the problem here. His head tilted slightly, as though marveling at his own brilliance. Circe broke her silence with a low groan, rubbing her forehead. Oh, wonderful, she muttered, sarcasm dripping from her words. Nothing like a premature honeymoon to make things even more awkward. Zeke gawked at Solren, his voice rising in exasperation. Youdo realize were sixteen, right? Solren''s blank stare told them all they needed to know: he still couldn''t find the faults within his logic. I don''t get itbut it''s not like I''m putting the two of you in the same room. Just that you can stay in the same building, his voice had gone low, carefully choosing his next words. If you really don''t like it, I can get you your proper rooms Zeke let loose a sigh of relief, but Circe spoke up before he could. Wait a moment, her words sparked hope in Solren''s eyes while Zeke frowned at her in confusion. We can check it out before we decide, right? If it''s appropriate enough then I don''t see why we should decline the special treatment.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Exactly! Solren clasped his hands together, ecstasy brimming from his voice. Besides! It was originally planned for Silas since he''s my apprentice. I''m having him stay at my place so he could receive his mentorship smoothly! I simply asked them to allow Lady Ruelle to tag along too. ...Okay, Despite caving to the mage''s enthusiasm, Zeke still stood on guard, his eyes narrowed in skepticism. But you don''t actually live on campus, right? So where are we staying, exactly? With his arms akimbo and a boastful tone, Solren replied with a hearty laugh. What a silly question! Before any of them could speak a word, a magic circle shimmered to life beneath them. In the blink of an eye, their scenery shifted, now they stood in the middle of a grand lobby. My greatest creationthe Magic Tower, of course! They would''ve mistaken the place as a typical noble''s mansion if not for the opened rooftopliterally. They could see clouds waltzing by their heads, the walls and sky bled together, their edges melting like damp watercolors failing to blend. Were currently at the very top of the tower: my personal quarters and office! Solrens grin stretched with pride, his enthusiasm met by Zeke and Circes shared look of disbelief. You wont get lost, he added with a wave. And since Ive given you permission, any door will lead to your room of destination! Just dont use the same door at the same timeunless you want things to get...messy. Zeke and Circe shared brief, tired glances at each other. By that point, they''d given up trying to make sense of Solren''s judgment. With a long sigh, Circe spoke up, her hand slightly raised. ...What about our luggage? Oh, I already took them from your servants. Theyre in your rooms. Solren''s grin grew wider as if he''d already expected the question. You don''t need to worry about a single thing~ He added in a sing-song voice, spreading his arms wide like a proud showman. Feel free to check out the rest of the floors below you if you''d like! Solren then pointed to the floor, showing them a large, intricate circle drawn in deep blue on the polished tiles. When you''re ready, you can commute from here to the academy easily just by standing in this magic circle and let Silas pour some mana into it! Circe let out a dry laugh as she ran her fingers through her bangs, Wow. You really prepared everything, huh? She spoke in a tone just as dull as her expression. There''s a catch, isn''t it? Even if Silas is your apprentice, a teacher of your calibre wouldn''t go as far as to drown his student in luxury for free. Solren''s demeanor shifted at her words, his brief silence turned his smile mischievous. How sharp He crossed his arms, nodding in acknowledgement, I won''t ask for a lot, of course. Just that whenever the both of you snuck out to clear a dungeonI want you to bring back a monster core for me. Although Solren had spoken with a nonchalant tone, his request implied that he knew about their secret explorations. Zeke and Circe shared a glance, the silence between the three of them growing heavier by the moment. ...That''s not an issue, just as Solren started to feel tense, Zeke broke the ice, facing him with a long sigh, But since you somehow knew about thatdid you tell my father? He tried to hide it, but a nervous flicker crossed Solren''s face, his gaze darting briefly to the floor. Well CresI mean, your father said he didnt mind, he stammered, glancing back up to meet Zekes stoic expression. The lack of any clear reaction only made him more uneasy. He hesitated, pursing his lips before continuing, Im not trying to be demandingbut just one monster core, okay? Solren clasped his hands together and flashed a playful grin. Itd be great if it had a specific elemental affinityyou see, were searching for a stronger energy source to substitute for magic crystals. Circe crossed her arms, head slightly tilted in consideration. Eventually, she responded, I don''t see any issue with that. I would assume the fire or lightning element is more useful than the rest? Her attention landed on Zeke as he hummed at the question. Glancing at Solren, he spoke with a hint of uncertainty, Those may be incredibly destructive elements, but that doesn''t always mean they''re most suited for the job. Controlling the right output is also a key to making a good energy source. Stability is honesty more important. Admiration sparkled in Solren''s eyes, Oh, as expected from my pupil! I haven''t even begun to teach you anything and you''re already so smart! He clasped his hands in a prayer and gaze to the sky. It seems the gods have not yet forsaken this old man! I never thought I''d ever gain a mentee for the rest of my life! At some point, his dramatic gesture started to look serious, Thank you, oh god of mana, for allowing my first and last disciple to be so talented! Circe glanced at Zeke and scoffed, her crossed arms now complimenting the smug look on her face. Seriously? Out of all the good guys in the world, you chose him? Of course, Solren sounded dead serious as he shifted his demeanor, letting his arms fall to his sides. I could stand here and talk about what a rare gem Silas Salvador truly is and we''ll never see the end of today. He gave Zeke an acknowledged nod before continuing, one eyebrow raised as he looked at Circe, What about you, Lady Ruelle? I''m surprised someone like you accepted the love of such a troublesome boy. The sudden question caught them both off guard. Circe, however, quickly masked her surprise, replacing it with a radiant smile as she intertwined her fingers with Zeke''s. Ignoring his flustered expression, she replied smoothly, Why else? He''s cute and lovely. What''s not to like? She turned her gaze to Zeke, her eyes sparkling with warmth. The fact that he''s willing to change for me already earned him a part of my affection. While curious at first, hearing her reply replaced Solren''s inquiry with an impassive look. He let out a dry laugh as his hand unwittingly grabbed the back of his neck. ...I''m not quite sure whether to feel happy or jealous, to be frank, a forlorn smile lingered on his lips. He noted Zeke''s absentminded stare at his interlocked hands, though thought nothing of it. Such untainted love is hard to come by. I hope both of you cherish it well while you still can. Solren lightly shook his head, snorting as he took out a piece of paper from inside his coat, Oh, what am I saying, ignore the ramblings of this uncle who felt jealous of teenage romanceSilas? He garnered Zeke''s attention before handing the slip over to him. That''s for teleporting back to this place. Ill give you a few more later tonight, but be sure to learn it so you can make your own whenever you wish. Zeke took the paper without much thought, his eyes darting along the intricate patterns of the magic circle. Yeah, I''ll do that Solren stared at him for a moment, but otherwise remained quiet about his sudden distracted demeanor. Instead, he spoke to Circe, his smile now turning bright once again, Well then, that''s pretty much all. I still haven''t finished writing that paper since a few days ago, so I better go get that done and over with before my subordinates think I''m lazy. ...It might be too late for that, Grand Mage. Circe chuckled, earning a dramatic gasp from Solren. Oh, that''s not good, is it? Ill have to fix my reputation before its too late! Solren snapped his fingers, and a gust of magic swirled around him, ruffling the air with a faint hum. Ill see you both at dinner! he declared, vanishing in a flash of light that left an iridescent shimmer behind. Only when Solren left the scene did Circe let go of Zeke''s hand. Before an icy silence could settle, she spoke up first, eyes studying his inattentive behavior in a futile attempt to read his expression. What''s up with you? I thought you don''t mind holding hands anymore? That''s not it, Zeke replied with a nonchalant shrug, slipping the piece of paper into his coat pocket. Instead of facing her, he stuffed his hands into his trousers pouch and walked over to the doors. ...It''s nothing. Don''t mind me. His response brought a curious frown to Circe''s brows, though as much as she wanted to know what went on in his mind, she doubted he would willingly give her an answer after a reply like that. Sighing in defeat, she quietly followed behind him Completely oblivious to the whirlwind of thoughts going on inside his mind. That can''t be right Zeke''s face burned with a heat he couldn''t suppress and didn''t dare to turn around. She was just actingSo why did my heart skip a beat? Chapter 64: Aitheras Academy (3) They checked out their bedrooms afterward, picking up a sling bag full of books that Solren no doubt left for them. Its entire body had been woven from fine black cloth, with sturdy leather straps ensuring it could withstand the test of time. Not only that, Zeke noted a faint hint of mana etched in the fabric, and they found out that a space expansion spell had been casted on them. No wonder, I could barely feel the weight despite all the thick books in here, Circe mused as they made their way back towards the teleportation circle in the lobby. While Zeke''s attention lingered on a textbook he picked out from the bag, she continued to speak, Anyway, I''m getting really hungry. You reckon they have something like instant noodles in the cafeteria? Her question sounded so ridiculous, it made Zeke halt his steps. He glanced up from the book with a small frown. Why would they have that in a fantasy world? Besides, noodles aren''t even that popular in the empire. This place has more of a western feel. Circe pouted at his stern response, Of course, I know that She glanced at him as the sound of his book snapping shut broke the quiet, her eyes flicking to the magic circle glowing under their feet. As she crossed her arms, she leaned slightly toward him with a small smirk. But I still reckon they have some form of noodles. Zeke gave her a blank stare, and despite the magic circle''s brilliant shimmers enveloping their bodies, his expression somehow remained dark. ...Sure. Circes hysterical laughter echoed through the air, sharp and unhinged. In a flash, they vanished from the scene, leaving behind only the faint shimmer of magic. . . . Numerous floating candles casted a warm glow across the vast room. Rows of polished mahogany tables lined up in the middle of the cafeteria, surrounded by stores each selling different delicacies, ranging from light snacks and desserts, to full course meals which enveloped the air in a mixture of aromas. Despite its grand size, students still managed to cram the hall to the brim, filling the atmosphere with cheery chatters and clangs of utensils against platters. Zeke and Circe managed to reserve their seats near the back. Having entered the cafeteria early, they didn''t have to wait as long to receive their orders. As per her craving, Circe ordered a big bowl of chicken noodles, while Zeke opted for a humble plate of medium-rare steak. What''s our class this afternoon? Circe asked as she twirled her fork around the noodles. Her eyes sparkled, and a satisfied smile played on her lips. She must''ve really enjoyed her meal. Zeke slid his student I.D from his breast pocket, his other hand still loosely gripping the fork. With a single thought, a holographic projection flickered to life above the card, displaying the timetable from the ceremony. Weve gotSpell Theory Two next, he said, his tone as flat as his interest in the subject. Returning his attention to his plate, he frowned slightly. But not all of our schedules line up. So check yours too. Just to be sure. In the midst of slurping up her noodles, Circe looked at him with narrowed eyes. A fleeting displeasure flickered behind her gaze, though it lasted only long enough to keep Zeke wondering why she made that expression as she took out her own I.D from her skirt pocket. A similar projection manifested before her. She took one glance at it and immediately put the card back where it belonged. We have the same class. Resting her utensils in the bowl, she stared absentmindedly into the leftover soup as she continued, her tone now held a hint of frustration. Do you know what Spell Theory is about? Zeke didn''t answer immediately. For a moment, he quietly stared at her, face too stoic to discern whether he felt confused at her sudden question or he simply thought about it a little too hard. Though it didn''t take long for him to reply, his voice tinged with slight uncertainty, Spell Theory is a class that focuses on the functions and concepts of magicIt''s explained in the handbook, why did you ask? Circe rested her chin on the back of her palms, pressing her elbows on the table. It sounds like such a hassle, a big, tired sigh escaped her lips, If it''s Arcane Studies, I can at least get a decent grade since it''s mainly made up of history and magical ethics. She frowned deeply, her face contorted in a mixture of horror and disgust, But Spell Theory? I can''t even control mana. And now that Solren published his new research on magic, the entire class changed to match his discoveries. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Ah, I heard about it, Contrary to her, Zeke appeared as cool as a cucumber. He nonchalantly chopped up the last bits of his steak while speaking. It''s about how different languages affect the strength and outcome of a spell. He didn''t even realize how his voice grew to a higher pitch the more he spoke about the topic. Even while finishing the remainder of his lunch, the spark in his eyes reflected his clear interest. The research itself just offered a few worthwhile theories, but since it''s so closely related to the subject, now students can get the chance to figure out the rest of this impressive puzzle too. Although her eyes looked dead, Circe managed to crack a smile, Ha. Only a nerd like you could get excited about that. She scoffed, turning her gaze away as she mumbled, What''s so impressive about more work anyway? The entire thing is fascinating, Unbothered by her words, Zeke continued speaking with enthusiasm. Since people had spoken Central for thousands of years, the language became a part of magic too. Spell Theory used to just be about learning how and why similar words produced different results, but now with the new discovery, the class should become much more interesting Despite trying her best to ignore his ramblings, Circe couldn''t help but turn back to his bright grin. She found it difficult to resist. Especially when he looked so cute, she thought, a tinge of pink lightly dabbled her stoic face. DI~NG, DONGDINGGGDONGGG Cutting Zeke''s words short, deep, metallic chimes echoed throughout the hall, garnering the attention of everyone in the cafeteria. They looked around to see students rising from their seats, unbothered by the sudden noise as if it was routine. That must be the school bell, Zeke concluded as he got up, one hand holding onto his empty plate while the other adjusted the band of his sling bag. As Circe grabbed her bowl, he pointed towards one of the stores with his chin. Do you wanna grab a drink? Apparently they allow us to bring it into classas long as you clean it up yourself when you spill it. Oh, really? A wide grin broke across Circe''s lips, her expression now clear of the displeasure she once had. Alright, count me in. Go stand in line for me and I''ll return the plates for us. She held out her free hand, eagerly beckoning for Zeke''s platter, Get me a strawberry yogurt frappe! Smiling at her sudden shift in behavior, Zeke handed Circe the dish, Alright, but aren''t you being a little too ambitious? What if they don''t have that? Of course they do, I bought a bunch of it when I played through the game, Circe scoffed, her smirk growing wider, What? Did you think I wouldn''t know? I''m not that clueless about story-based things. If they have ice cream, then they''re bound to have yogurt frappe. A short sigh escaped Zeke''s lips, though he remained smiling faintly as he took out his student I.D. Okay, okay. I''ll get you your drink. Let''s hurry up before we''re late for our first class. With a nod from Circe, they both parted ways, one heading for the tray return station, while the other found a moderately long queue in front of a drinks store. Seems like this place''s pretty famous, Zeke glanced around, noticing that each wall had its own drink shop, most likely to accommodate the large number of students. Yet, only this particular store had customers by the end of lunch time. Though this is also the only place that has strawberry yogurt frappefrom what I could see anyway. Not long after, a male student queued up behind him. And there goes my idea of checking the other stores, Zeke returned his focus to the front, We''re gonna be late if I dilly dally. I''ll find out more later. While his thoughts wandered around, his queue had shortened by a considerable amount. Three students left until it became his turn to order, and only then did he realize that he had no idea what he himself would like to drink. In a rush, Zeke peered his head over and squinted at the large blackboard menu. Bright, colorful chalk spelled out: TODAY''S SPECIAL: CHOCOLATE MATCHA SMOOTHIE, in big, bold letters. It piqued his interest, and he decided not to waste more time looking through the regular servings on the magical projectors by the store front. When his turn finally came, he told his order to the young lady behind the counter. One strawberry yogurt frappe and the special menu please. Your order''s coming right up, the cashier smiled at him as he tap his student card against the magic circle emblem she offered up, Please wait a moment. Here you go, please enjoy! True to her words, he only had to wait five minutes for his drinks to arrive. Next time, if you bring your own cups, you will get a discount. Nodding at the information, he took the drinks with a courteous thank you before letting the student behind him order. Apart from their metallic containers, they looked pretty much identical to the ones he often saw in expensive cafs back on Earth. As he marveled at the beautifully crafted beverages, Circe came up to him with an equally stunned expression. Woah, those look so cute! She took her frappe in excitement, drawing the metal straw closer to her, I wish I could take a picture of this, but oh well! Taking a sip, she squeal happily at the sweetness overflowing her tastebuds. The lingering aftertaste of milk and yogurt left her with a thirst for more. It''s so good! Circe drank it again as she looked at Zeke, Let''s go enjoy them in class. I overheard some students talking earlier but our teacher''s coming in late as well. We can still make it! Alright, Zeke nodded, and they began making their way out the cafeteria. He brought up the minimap while they walked, eyes locked onto their destination marked with a golden arrow. Class A1504So it''s the fourth room of the first building on the fifth floor. While Circe continued to sip her frappe, she opened up her schedule, looking at the small text written beneath the subjects names in brackets: the location of their classes. I wonder what the letters at the front mean. Who knows Zeke shrugged in nonchalance, stirring his drink with the straw, Might dictate rankor maybe the size of the room. As Circe hummed in thought, he finally drank his smoothie. In an instant, a soothing scent of green tea filled his mouth, its typical bitterness tamed by the cholocate''s saccharine aroma. Unexpectedly, he found himself biting down on small, crunchy chunks of sweetness. Circe seemed intrigued, especially when Zeke looked so awestruck as he chewed on the chocolate and ice. Is it that good? Can I try? Sure. Zeke nodded, tilting the glass towards her. He thought she would take out her own straw to drink it, but instead she uncaringly took a big sip from his. Too stunned to speak, Zeke could only take back his glass silently, mouth hanging agape in shock. What? Circe raised an eyebrow at his reaction, her expression turning as sour as her tone, Is it because I drank too much? Sorry, I didn''t think it''d bother you this badly. That''snot it Zeke averted his gaze as warmth gushed to his cheeks. He replied in a low mumble, You took my straw Circe''s eyes slightly turned wide, Oh. Her sheepish expression held a hint of shyness. Clearing her throat, she did her best to ignore her light blushes and replied, Sorry. I should''ve asked first. Ask? Ask for what?? Zeke got confused at her answer, though decided not to press for an explanation. By the time he managed to face her, he''d somewhat calmed himself down, Never mindWas it good though? Circe fixed her gaze to the path before them, the redness from her cheeks fading away, replaced by a small, satisfied smile. Yep, it was delicious. As she walked ahead, Zeke took a moment to drink some more of the smoothie. This time, he could taste strawberries, and it made his face turn just as red as Circe''s frappe. He was glad she didn''t see what he just did, nor the uncontrollable smile he failed to wipe off his lips as he followed behind her. Chapter 65: Spell Theory Chatters of students echoed across the vast lecture hall, filling the air with a sense of camaraderie that reminded Circe of her days in college. Most people sat in pairs or groups, while a few chose solitude. Not a single student seemed out of place as they busied themselves while awaiting the professor''s arrival. The room itself had a modern design, though constructed from natural materials fitting for a fantasy world: Fine, lacquered wood with a mixture of white marble, and tall, arching windows where sunlight soothed the atmosphere with its warm rays. Right at the front, a lone podium stood atop a slightly elevated platform, occupied by three blank blackboards waiting to be written on. Circe and Zeke chose their seats right in the middle, where only two other students sat while facing each other, seemingly too engrossed in their conversation to notice them taking their place by their side. They didn''t pay much attention to the boy and girl pair either, and faced the front while quietly sipping on their drinks. Looking around, others seemed to have brought their own beverages as well, most having metallic covers to prevent any inopportune accidents. Not too long after they arrived, the students wild chitchats abruptly ceased, and in their place, taps of heels against wood resounded throughout the hall. A middle-aged woman rose to the podium, laying her heavy books on it with a solid thud. She gazed up at them, her ruby-like eyes as sharp as thorns on rose bushes, and her long, blazing hair held a hint of white on several strands. Good afternoon students, Age resounded within her frigid voice, a tinge of wisdom that could only be found in enlightened sages. Her neat, pearly robes clearly reflected that status. My name is Amelia de Roselle, I am a professor in Spell Theory. Although we have some new faces in this faculty, Her sharp, fiery gaze briefly landed on Zeke, I will not adjust my teachings for their comfort. Now, let us start today''s lesson. Without further delay, she turned to the blackboards, pulling a piece of chalk from its box. We''re starting on Page 67 of Spell Theory two. While the students scrambled to get their books out, the professor calmly drew on the blackboard. By the time Zeke and Circe placed their books on the table, she''d already finished and turned towards the class. As you know, Amelia stepped to the side, letting the students get a better view of what she''d written, A mage can achieve a variety of effects with the same spell, simply by changing a few letters in their incantation. She exchanged the chalk in her hand for a pointer stick, using it to show the class two identical magic circles she''d drawn on the board. I assume that none of you slacked off during the academy''s reconstruction, Amelia''s piercing gaze froze the room, Can anyone answer what these magic circles do? Everyone remained silent, some glancing at their friends while others shook their heads meekly. No one knew the answer to her question, and Amelia''s unchanging expression meant that she expected as much. I didn''t have high hopes anyway, Unexpectedly, she turned to Zeke, Silas? Since you''ve managed to transfer here by the Grand Magician''s recommendation, care to answer? Now all eyes shot towards him. Zeke remained calm as he briefly glanced at Circe, who in turn averted her gaze with a sheepish look on her face. Great, even my only friend abandons me, he thought to himself before quickly shifting his attention back to the front. ...I am not sure, Zeke''s gaze shuffled between the two circles. They might appear identical at first glance, but he quickly noted the slight difference in one of the outer rings. Though I believe they''re both fire spellsPerhaps Flames of Glory, to be exact. Amelia raised a questioning eyebrow as the students began whispering amongst each other. And what is your reason for believing so? Without skipping a beat, he replied, Magic circles are formed from strings of words, condensed so tightly that they appear like thin threads, Zeke silently thanked the Witch''s Codex as he continued, We can decipher those words to determine what spell we''re dealing with. However, the forms they take also correlate to the elements of a spell. Using both information, it''s a fast way to analyze a spell without the need to unravel an entire circle. Although her expression remained the same, a hint of intrigue flashed across Amelia''s gaze. So you''re saying that the shape of a magic circle can determine a spell''s element? On what ground? Geyser'' and Spitfire both have similar geometrical structures. You said it yourself, professor, Zeke''s brows slightly arched, They are similar, but they''re not the same. Looking at a magic circle is like looking at art. While there are multiple interpretations of art, the emotions you feel behind it are largely the same. He kept on answering, too engrossed in their exchange to notice everyone''s intense stares, The water magic, Geyser, may have a fierce design like the fire magic''s Spitfire, but it still retains the unique grace and flow of a water spell. There was a moment of silence, ...Alright. Now, answer this question, Amelia tapped the pointer against the closest circle to her; the one Zeke noted had an odd outer ring. These two circles, what are their differences and how do they affect the outcome of the spell?Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Zeke took a moment to think, gaze traced downwards to the open book before him. Nothing on it proved useful to the question, though he hadn''t intended on searching for answers there anyway. Eventually, he looked back up and replied. I''m sorry professor, but I have reasons to doubt that you are using the standardized version of Flames of Glory. Amelia''s brows twitched as anger flashed across her features. Are you implying that I am using an illegal version of an authorized spell? Unknowingly, Zeke had tightened his fists, anxiety rising to his throat. If a mage unaffiliated with the magic tower goes around using a magic circle they came up with on their own, the charges they face may vary from a large fine to years of imprisonment. It may not sound like a huge deal, but for mages, being accused of magic-related crimes wound their egos. Despite this, Zeke nodded in confirmation. I am confident. It''s similar enough to the standard version, but I can see that both of them are adjusted ever so slightly. Elaborate. This time, Amelia''s voice lacked any hint of the anger she showed before, now returning to her usual monotone. The one to my left has an extra sentence written in the inner rings, Zeke explained as he stared intensely at the blackboard, I''ll need to take a closer look to see what the change is exactlybut as for the one to my right, He narrowed his eyes, One of the outer rings seem to have been taken from another spell. If I have to guess, that one will explode in your face if you try casting it. Amelia could barely contain her satisfaction as her lips broke into a wide grin, As expected of Lord Solren''s apprentice. On top of knowing topics covered by third and fourth years, your answers also lacked any hint of flaw, she nodded in affirmation, making Zeke let loose a sigh of relief as the professor shifted her focus to the blackboard, Yes, these two circles are adjusted variations of the intermediate spell, Flames of Glory. Worry not, I have been given permission from the Magic Tower to use these in today''s lesson. Her expression suddenly turned dark, However, the ice in her tone sent shivers down the students spine, If I catch anyone trying to use these once this class is over. I will personally make sure you pay the consequences. But just as abruptly as it came, her stern expressions softened. Though I doubt anyone here would be that much of an idiot to try it, she shrugged, Especially when Mister Salvador had already stated that one of them will explode the moment you try casting it. While the tension from Professor Roselle''s rigorous questioning still hung in the air, it slowly faded away as time went on. She seamlessly eased the performance at the start of class into a full blown lecture, leaving no opening for anyone''s attention to slip away. Unless that person happens to be Circe, who had been staring at her twiddling thumbs for the past half hour while Zeke jolted down notes onto the textbook. It became a comical sight for anyone who noticed: the notorious Silas Salvador giving his full attention to class while Ruelle Peregrine had her mind wandering elsewhere. Two hours passed, and a familiar chime snapped Zeke''s attention away from his notes. Looking up, Professor Roselle had also paused her lecture, Alright, that''s all for today, but before anyone could utter a word, she swiftly spoke up, Before you go, I will be assigning a group project for you to work on. Don''t worry, you can submit your work even after the tournament, but you can get extra marks if you turn it in early. The mere mention of extra marks garnered everyone''s attention; most likely the only thing keeping them from feeling displeased by the homework. When Amelia snapped her fingers, a piece of paper appeared in front of each student, Get into groups of four. It can be from this class or even from Professor Wallace''s. All the details are on that paper, but if you have questions, you can ask either one of us. Even while Amelia spoke, she already lost a majority of the class attention as they rose from their seats to find their group partners. Seeing that, she let out a sigh, slightly smiling. Alright. Class dismissed. Zeke first took the time to read the contents on the paper: GROUP ASSIGNMENT (4 people) Task Word imagery can shape a spell''s manifestation. Write at least 2 spells around any theme of your choosing. You can either use existing spells as reference, or create your own. If you choose to edit authorized spells, they must be submitted along with proof of permission from the Magic Tower. Marks Creativity: 5 Points Originality: 5 Points Understanding: 5 Points Efficiency: 5 Points Teamwork: 5 Points Total: 25 Points (Extra submissions can get you 1 Point per Spell) Due Date After the Ranking Tournament in 3 months time. Early submission can grant you up to 5 extra marks. Depending on the quality of your work. Wanting to discuss their potential group partners, Zeke turned to Circe, though she''d already gotten one step ahead of him as she conversed with the students sitting next to them. When she felt his gaze on her, she faced him. Oh, you don''t mind letting these two join our group, right? Circe pointed behind her with a thumb. Although briefly, he saw the students smiles fading ever so slightly when he looked at them. Let me introduce you, this girl here is Irelia Clover, and the boy next to her is Johan Lox. Hello, Irelia looked at Zeke meekly as she gave a small wave. Her appearance stood out quite a bit. She has unique, long forest-green hair, with a pair of emerald eyes that shimmered like real jewelry as sunlight struck her porcelain face. Spell Theory isn''t our fort, so I hope we won''t be too much of a burden Johan nodded along, a hint of nervousness flickering across his amber eyes. Even with his head slightly lowered, his long ginger bangs failed to hide his expression. But we will help with anything you ask of us, Lord Salvador The boy''s polite words caught him off guard for a bit. Glancing at Circe, Zeke carefully chose his next words. No need to be so formal. You can just call me Silas. I saw that you were talking with my lady just fine, so feel free to do the same with me. Ah, Johan''s eyes turned round as he looked up. He quickly turned away when his cheeks started to turn red. Im sorryit''s because the lady was so friendly to us that I forgot our difference in status Circe chuckled at his modesty, It''s okay. As long as we''re in the academy, our status outside doesn''t matter. B-but Johan pursed his lips, At the very least, Irelia is the daughter of a merchant''s guild master. I''m just a commoner with no standing Who cares? Zeke shrugged, trying to ignore the fact that it came out harsher than he expected. Just be comfortable, we''ll be seeing each other quite often anyway. Right, Irelia gave Johan a bright smile, patting him on the shoulder. Her small gesture uplifted his tensed form as he smiled back, seeing this, she turned to Zeke. So, when are we starting this project? How about after school? He suggested, to which everyone nodded along in agreement. Irelia spoke, Sure, me and Johan hung around in the library at that time anyway. Let''s meet there? Zeke and Circe exchanged a brief glance, before the latter replied, Alright, that works. Great! Irelia beamed as she stood up, her demeanor just now contrasted the nervousness she showed at the beginning, though it seemed that she simply got more comfortable knowing Silas Salvador wasnt going to bite her. By then, the other students had already begun leaving for their next class, We''ll see you all after school! Chapter 66: Arcane Studies Their next class took place in an identical classroom, albeit slightly smaller than the one they used for Spell Theory. This time, the professor was a young man with wild blonde hair and sky-blue eyes. He wore a simple white dress shirt over pants, with a bright red necktie that made him stand out as he walked on stage. Hello everyone! His thundering voice carried over the excessive enthusiasm. He grinned as he continued, I''m sure most of you here have already met me, but for the newbies: my name''s Tyler Gerran, and I''ll be teaching you Intermediate Arcane Studies for this semester! As Zeke flipped over the pages of his textbook, Circe scooted closer to him while dragging her glass of unfinished strawberry frappe with her. Hey, I''m bored. She whispered, her voice sounding as weary as she implied. Hi bored, He smiled at her, though it morphed into a frown in an instant, I''m busy. Today''s the first day, Tyler continued talking in the background, drawing Zeke''s attention to him in an instant. He ignored the look of contempt on Circe''s face. So I''ll be going easy on you guys and start by giving a summary of what we learned last time: understanding mana. Professor Gerran took out a small device from his shirt''s pocket. It looked like a discOr a steampunk-themed beyblade, Zeke held in his chuckles as he watched Tyler stick the odd machine onto the black board. In an instant, a blanket of mana spreaded across the surface, shifting to form large, bold letters atop a white background: UNDERSTAND MANA WITH ME (Prof. Gerran) ;) ...How does he know what emoticons are? With his question left unanswered, Tyler resumed his lesson. As you all know, there are two primary sources of mana: External and Internal Mana, as he spoke, the images on the magical projector changed along, depicting cute illustrations drawn by hand. External Mana exists everywhere all around us: from the bottom of the ocean to the tips of the clouds. They also go by the name of Natural Mana because of this. Tyler changed the slides again. For Internal Mana, like its name suggests, it is the energy that exists within all living beings. It''s not limited to mages, swordsmen may also be born with mana. However, aura training and manifestation can delay or prevent the emergence of mana. Briefly, Zeke caught the professor''s gaze, but it may have been an accident since he continued on without a hitch. The amount of Internal Mana within a person cannot decrease or increase by unnatural means. Only on special occasions, such as receiving aura, would Internal Mana leave the body completely. So, how does that information affect magic as a whole? Tyler began pacing around, Now that you know the different types of mana, you can better choose a method of control that fits you most. Some may be born with a lack of Internal Mana, but possess exceptional control over External Mana. Do you understand what I mean? Upon receiving acknowledged nods and murmurs from a majority of the students, Tyler continued. As for their pros and cons, External Mana is considerably a lot easier to manage and learn, however, casting with it reduces the firepower and effectiveness by a considerable amount. The modified blackboard now showed the doodle of a mage utilizing different mana controls, symbolized by the blue swirl either inside or outside the caster, It may not look like much when comparing basic spells, but once it gets to stronger, more precision-based magics, the difference starts to become more prominent. Hearing that, many of you may now think about switching to Internal Mana Control, Tyler clicked his tongue as a playful smile lingered on his lips, But I''ll have you know that it is way more difficult to master than the standardized External Mana Control. After all, it is the basis for the coveted technique: Origin Magic. He shrugged in nonchalance, noting the few disappointed looks on the students faces. Besides that, you''ll need to possess above average Internal Mana to effectively utilize the control technique. Sure, there''s nothing wrong with learning it, but it won''t be as much of an effective use of your time and energy. The blackboard''s image shifted, but this time, only a large smiley face emoticon glared back at them, with a small, cursive thank you written underneath. That''s the summary of last semester''s lessons. Does anyone have a question?Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. At first, the students remained silent. But before Tyler could resume his lecture, Zeke promptly raised his hand. An excited smile played on the professor''s lips as he spoke, Mister Salvador? Shoot your shot. I''ve read some books about the history and origin of mages, Zeke began, mixing in some lies within truths. While he had been reading, he''d only stuck to a few books thus far. Though I still don''t understand how modern mages differ from the witches of the past. Tyler''s eyebrows twitched upwards, amusement dancing across his features. His smile grew wider with each word he spoke, That''s a great question! He walked to the center of the stage, It seems you''ve read further up the chapters in the Intermediate Arcane Studies textbook. We''re going to learn more about that tomorrow, but I can indulge your curiosity. With a snap of his fingers, the blackboard''s imagery shifted once more, now changing along with Professor Gerran''s explanation. In the past, magic was considered a sacred power. Using magic was seen as a great taboo and blasphemous to the people then. For reasons unknown even in our present time, back then, women had a higher chance to awaken mana than men, and their power is exponentially stronger as well. This began the long, dark point in history known as the Era of the Witches. The blackboard''s arts shifted. One side showed the oil painting of women draped in black raining down magic onto screaming humans, their faces filled with despair. On the other half, the people gathered around a blazing bonfire, with the silhouette of a woman flickering within the flames. Discrimination and fear of the unknown plagued the land, humans began hunting down witches in the name of god, causing them to retaliate in an attempt to fight against their unjust killings, though his lips smiled, the distant look in Tyler''s eyes told a different story. From what we could infer from the historical evidence, it appears that witches utilize some form of Internal Mana control to influence External Mana. A hint of intrigue laced his voice. That is something we''ve tried but failed to mimic. They''re different types of mana, mixing them is impossible by both theory and practice. Somehow, the witches found a way to do it, and that makes them unparalleled in terms of magic. Professor Garen let out a long sigh, It''s unfortunate that the witches bloodline had long faded through time. We speculate that the impurities of mixed bloods cause their magic to weaken until it eventually disappears. And that''s about it, Tyler beamed as he looked at Zeke, Anymore questions, Mister Salvador? Zeke nodded, I have no more questions about witches. But, he quickly added, Is it true that mages have existed since before the Mana Bloom? Professor Gerran went quiet, his eyes slightly turned round, surprised by the unexpected question. Oh, yes. The Magic Tower had existed long before Lord Pryce became its master, after all. His demeanor returned to normal as he continued, But you''re right to doubt the information''s authenticity. Back then, mages weren''t particularly powerful, and people saw them asodd scholars more than anything. The Mana Bloom had changed that, Gerran said as he crossed his arms, eyes averting to the side in deep thought, Although it did ultimately send millions to ruins, magic took a stronger root in our world He shifted his gaze towards Zeke, a small smile played on his lips, I see why you asked that question now. Do you also believe that the Mana Bloom isn''t an event, but rather a pre-existing phenomenon? As Circe looked at Zeke with confusion plastered across her face, he nodded at Tyler''s question. Yes, I do. It wouldn''t make sense otherwise why mages began appearing more often after the Era of the Witches. They could be the offspring of witches, but if their power can fade throughout generations, then magicians would not exist today. Professor Gerran''s thunderous laughter echoed throughout the hall. Ha! Like master, like disciple. I''m jealous that Lord Pryce managed to find himself a hidden dragon. he sighed, We don''t know for sure, of course. But the Grand Mage''s theory planted a seed of doubt within our known history. Perhaps someday we will have our answers. Suddenly, Tyler clasped his hands, the sharp noise jolting every drowsing student awake. Well then, if anyone has more questions for me, I''ll be happy to answer! If not, you''re free to sit here and do whatever you want until class''s over. With that, the class erupted into a flurry of chatters. Circe took it as an opportunity to garner Zeke''s attention again, wrapping her arms around his while pouting playfully. Can Mister Busy entertain me now? Zeke let out a sigh. Okay, I get it, his voice sounded exaggerated, but the smile on his lips hinted of his merriment. What do you want us to do? Well Circe beamed, and for a moment, Zeke thought his heart flatlined. Failing to notice the faint blush on his cheeks, she continued speaking. Could the honor student please start by telling me why you''re so invested in school so suddenly? Zeke raised an eyebrow, I thought I already told you that I find the subjects interesting. You asked very specific questions earlier, Circe pulled back, straightening herself as she looked him in the eyes. For once, he couldn''t read her face. Is it because of what Nasrin said a while back? ...Witches were scattered throughout the lore in the game, Zeke replied, his expressions stiffened in deep thought. But they''re weren''t any deeper details on them, so I thought they held no importance to the story. Zeke''s eyes glanced at the textbook laying before him, Reading the Witch''s Codex drove me to find out more about them, and when I read through the books in the estate''s library, I realized that they were more interconnected within the lore than I initially believed. So the question remains Looking back at Circe, Zeke noted the intrigued glint in her eyes. Why didn''t the developers add more details on the witches when they''re practically the predecessors of magicians? Although the chatters continued to resonate around the hall, silence had fallen in between them. Eventually, Circe broke the ice, her lips parting to speak. ...Maybe it''s just a plot hole. Zeke rolled his eyes, caught off guard by the blank expression that contrasted her wordsor perhaps she simply didn''t care. Are you entertained? To that, Circe''s lips broke into a large, smug grin. Totally. . . . An eerily empty hallway stretched out before them as the sound of their heels accompanied them through the quiet. A gentle breeze carried with it the scent of flowers from the garden next to them, drawing their attention often to gaze upon the beautiful bushes and shrubs. What''s this last class again? Circe asked, her hands nonchalantly crossed behind her. With his eyes still fixed on the holographic map, Zeke responded bluntly, Elective study. Hearing that, Circe raised an eyebrow, What the? Then where are we going? Where else? Zeke glanced up from the minimap, instantly spotting a familiar figure standing in the distance. The moment Solren Pryce noticed him, he beamed as he flailed his arms around, gesturing them to come closer. No more words needed for Circe to understand the situation. She took a deep breath and sighed. I wish I could change my track sooner With her fervent desires left unfulfilled, she begrudgingly stepped forward. Chapter 67: Elective Study(?) Before the two students arrived, Solren had been loitering in one of the teachers loungesa secluded space tucked away in the quieter part of the academy. Its barren location made it far less lively than the other bustling staff rooms, which was exactly why he preferred it. This particular room, however, held more significance: it was a place Professor Amelia de Roselle often visited. His true intention had been to meet her here. As he idly admired the meticulous work of the academys unknown gardener, the familiar sound of footsteps pulled his attention. Glancing to the side, he saw Professor Roselle approaching, the thick book from her earlier lesson still tucked under her arm. Hello, Amil. How was class? Solren greeted her with a casual warmth, calling her by a nickname that suggested familiarity, though his youthful appearance might have made their relationship seem unexpected. Of course, Solren''s true age far exceeds his young face. The stern professor didnt seem to mind. In fact, her lips curved into a small smile at the Grand Mages informal greeting. The same as always, Solren, she replied with a nod. I kept an eye on your baby dragon as you requested. He definitely lives up to your expectations perhaps even exceeds mine. Solrens grin broadened at her words, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. One might think Silas Salvador was his actual child. For someone so difficult to impress, it seems my apprentice is even greater than I realized. Amelia shook her head lightly, though her smile lingered. I passed Professor Gerran earlier, she said, her tone carrying a note of amusement. He couldnt stop complaining about how jealous he was of you. Its a good thing you snagged Silas before the other magicians could. As Solren''s lips parted to reply, he saw some familiar figures in the corner of his eyes. Speak of the Devil, looks like they''re here. a bright smile broke across his face, and he waved his arms high above his head with an exaggerated enthusiasm. To his delight, their expressions shifted into visible displeasure. Truly, drawing a reaction out of them brought him much joy. . . . Is there something you need me for, teacher? Clear exasperation laced Zeke''s tone. As he spoke, his gaze briefly met with Professor Roselle''s. You kept signaling me over with your mana. Were you testing me? He raised an eyebrow at the Grand Mage, Or did you want to show off your disciple to your colleagues? Solren laughed, You''re on point! Standing with his arms akimbo, his proud grin added a dramatic flare to his demeanor. Although, all of a sudden, he began speaking in a serious voice, the grin fading into a small smile, Doing this has its own advantages as well. Not a lot of people acknowledge you, Silas, even if you''re my student. Zeke stared at him, face void of emotions. His silence remained brief as he took some time to think of a reply. ...What point are you trying to prove? That you got here to this point purely from your own skills, Solren''s response came in an instant. His eyes shimmered with an unknown emotion as he smirked. Which is why you''re here for your Practical Combat class. Zeke and Circe shared a glance, speaking at the same time, Practical combat? It''s the theme of tomorrow''s Special Class, Solren explained, now they realized that he''d been eyeing Zeke with a look full of crazed obsession. Did you forget that it''s Friday tomorrow? That''s why you have to win, Silas. Beat the shit out of every opponent and show them that you''re the strongest! Solren, Professor Roselle finally spoke up, sighing with a small frown on her face. I think it''s time I tell you that we''ve changed the theme for tomorrow''s Special Class. Hearing that, Solren turned and stared at Amelia, his exaggerated look nowhere to be seen. ...Since when? Since yesterday, the corner of Amelia''s lips curved up slightly. We were all discussing it, though you never showed up.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Then Solren pursed his lips, a nervous look flickered across his face. What did you all change it to? A joint competition, Amelia started with a chuckle, The game of choice is chess. Horror dawned on his expression as Solren whipped his head around, staring at Zeke with wide-eyed anxiety. Do you know how to play chess? He questioned in a mumble. Uh, Zeke frowned, a judgemental look escaping his mask of indifference. YesI can play chess, though I''m not very good at it. That''s okay! Solren''s face brightened in an instant. Clasping his hands together, he exclaimed. We can still make it if we start training now! He whirled around, heading for the nearest door. Come! The teacher''s lounge is the perfect place for this! ...I''d rather not, His reluctance etched plainly on his face, but his feet betrayed him and kept pace with his teacher. Circe and Amelia looked at each other for a moment, before falling into step behind the pair. . . . ...I thought you said you weren''t very good? Solren forced a smile, glancing up from the chess board as Zeke made his move: the White Rook from A1 slid over to F1, giving the Black King a check. I surprised myself just as much. Did not expect myself to last this long. Zeke replied in a tone opposite of his words; a cold, dull tone, threading between indifference and arrogance. He watched as Solren carefully moved his king upwards from F8 to E7. Meanwhile, Circe and Professor Roselle spectated from the sidelines, deep calculations flickered behind their eyes as they stared intently at the board. With Zeke''s three-points material disadvantage, the endgame seemed to lean towards Solren''s favor. Solren moved his own Rook in front of the White Rook, looking to trade off the pieces. Zeke promptly ignored the offer and gave another check to the Black King. In response, Solren moved his king to D6, where his Knight and white-squared Bishop sandwiched it from top and bottom. Zeke gave his next move a bit of thought, eventually settling with moving his black-squared Bishop backwards from D2 to E1. Unfazed by the seemingly useless move, Solren slid his own Bishop to B5, attacking the White Rook. The previous Bishop move didn''t go to waste, however, as Zeke gave a check to the Black King on G3, forcing Solren to move it back one square. Briefly, Zeke glanced at the clock sitting beside them, revealing that he only had around thirty seconds left while Solren still had forty. He decided to finally accept the Rook trade, getting rid of his most powerful piece in a final desperation. Solren took a bit of time to think, and began pushing his few remaining Pawns forward, clearly with the goal of promoting one of them to a Queen. Zeke had the same idea, but changed his mind and moved his Bishop to D4. Solren frowned at the move, but kept pushing his Pawn forward anyway. Zeke chose King F2 as a response, and Solren continued with his Pawn attack. After Zeke slid his isolated Pawn forward to lock the previous piece, Solren moved his pawn on the other side of the board, prompting his opponent to do the same. When Solren nonchalantly moved his King forward, it seemed that Zeke had no other way to fight backUntil Zeke decided to trade his few Pawns away. Ten seconds later into the match, Solren noticed the window of opportunity given to his opponent by his own blunder. He''d accidentally moved his Bishop away from a protected square, losing one of his Pawns to the White King in the process. That''s fine, Solren''s confidence slipped into a small grin, glancing up to see that Zeke''s expression remained unchanged. Despite his stoic face, he liked to think that the boy was panicking inside. I still have plenty more pieces. But when Zeke made his move, the smile of certainty faded away in an instant. Oh, wow. Solren rang his fingers through his hair, chuckling like a madman as he stared with wide-eyed disbelief at the board before him. While Circe kept frowning at the position of the pieces, Solren extended a hand towards Zeke; an offering for a draw, I did not see that. Good game, Silas. It was my fault for underestimating you. It''s a draw? Circe inquired, looking back and forth between Zeke and Solren as they shook hands. I don''t see itDid Silas force a draw? It wasn''t forcedreally, Amelia huffed, a small smile dancing on her lips, failing to hide the amusement in her voice. But if not a draw, Solren would lose the game when Silas promotes a Queen. Yes, because you can''t checkmate with opposite-colored Bishops, Solren began moving the pieces back to their original position. When he finished, he glanced at Zeke with a raised eyebrow. Though, I''m surprised you know how to play for a draw, but not a win. Do you have any idea how hard it is for new players to see draws? Zeke shrugged in nonchalance, I just got lucky, I guess. Before Solren could reply, the faint chimes of the bells interrupted him. Oh, it''s time already? Genuine surprise laced his voice. Standing up, he flashed a smile at Zeke. Do you have any prior engagements? If not, you could stay here and play another game with me. Actually, we do, Zeke replied in an instant, glancing at Circe as if asking for assistance. Luckily, she got the message, and chimed in with an eager nod. We planned on meeting with our friends to start on Professor Roselle''s project. Amelia''s face brightened, satisfaction clear in her gaze. You''re doing it already? She nodded in approval, I look forward to seeing your group''s work. Though dejection was clear on his face, Solren still managed a smile. Well, that''s a shame, he said, his voice dipping briefly before he instantly bounced back, grinning from ear to ear. But you have to win the competition tomorrow! This is all for you to Smack! Professor Roselle smacked him hard across the back, cutting his sentence short. Ack! It''s just a friendly match between students, Amelia let out a long, worn sigh, shaking her head slightly. The winning prize isn''t much anyway, just a silver ring we found near the empire''s borders. Ah, that? Solren arched his back, face scrunched up from pain. It didn''t seem to have any dangerous magic on it, but I can tell that it''s from a dungeon. Is it okay to give that away? Amelia narrowed her eyes, ...Is that why you want Silas to win? So you can take the ring for yourself? Solren''s eyes turned round, staring at her as if she''d just insulted his entire bloodline. No? His cracked voice didn''t make him sound any more believable. By then, Amelia had already rolled her eyes in disbelief. I just thought it was a shame to give away something so academically valuable, he shrugged, yet avoided her gaze, that''s all. Right. Obviously, Professor Roselle believed none of that, but simply decided to let the matter slip as she focused her attention on the two students. You two are free to go now, the Grand Mage had held you up for way too long. As she stretched Solren''s title, the man himself began pouting like a child. Circe and Zeke exchanged a brief look before the latter spoke. His voice held a hint of uncertainty; unsure of what tone to use. Thank you, professor. We''ll see you tomorrow. But you''ll see me at dinner! Solren changed his expression again, now lighting up like a big, energetic lightbulb about to burst into a million glass shards. By then, however, the pair had already turned on their heels and headed for the exit. Solren, either oblivious or entirely unfazed, continued waving and calling out from where he stood. Even after the door clicked shut behind them, his exuberant farewell echoed faintly through the hall.