《My Magus Academy is Run by Players?! [Western Cultivation LitRPG]》 Glossary Academy main page: Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 290 Academy Grade: Level 2 Total Acolytes: 184/250 Progression Value: 210/250 Academy levels: Level 1 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, 1:1 time Level 2 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, 1:1 time Level 3 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, 2:1 time Level 4 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, 2:1 time Status screen: Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 420/420 Power Rank: Elemental Adept Magus Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (prototype schematic, -) Status: Healthy Strength: (31) Agility: (30) Vitality: (31) Magical Power: (41) Infused Mana (total): (417 420) Spell Repertoire: How stats work: Average humans have Strength, Agility, and Vitality stats at value of 5. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. For each increment of 1 point, the individual becomes 10% stronger than its previous stats. So, 2 points in Strength means 2,1 instead of simply 2. Average stats according to the stages of power: First-rank Initiate Attunement: 12-15 on SAV and 1-10 on Magical Power Second-rank Initiate Attunement: 17-20 on SAV and 15-20 on Magical Power Third-rank Initiate Attunement: 22-25 on SAV and 25-35 on Magical Power First-sigil Elemental Adept: 33-34 on SAV and 43-44 on Magical Power Second-sigil Elemental Adept: 35-36 on SAV and 45-46 on Magical Power Third-sigil Elemental Adept: 37-38 on SAV and 47-48 on Magical Power Fourth-sigil Elemental Adept: 39-40 on SAV and 49-50 on Magical Power Fifth-sigil Elemental Adept: 41-42 on SAV and 51-52 on Magical Power Sixth-sigil Elemental Adept: 43-45 on SAV and 53-55 on Magical Power Every known element (in the story so far): Anemo, Geo, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, Electro. (Basic) Lux, Umbra, Bio, Necro. (Rare) Cosmo, Chrono, (Extremely Rare) Other than this, theres also non-elemental magic. Aptitude level: Mundane -> faint -> ordinary -> glimmering -> bright -> shining -> radiant Sub-level: inferior -> intermediate -> advanced -> superior Mundane: Individuals with Mundane aptitude have little to no affinity for manipulating mana. Their chances of becoming a Magus are practically impossible, and they are likely to focus on other professions or skills. Faint: Faint aptitude individuals possess a slight sensitivity to mana but lack the innate talent to harness it fully. Their chances of becoming Elemental Novice acolytes are extremely low, much less an official Magus, and they may only master basic spells with great effort. Ordinary: Ordinary aptitude individuals show potential in mana manipulation and spellcasting. They have a slight chance of becoming an official Magus with proper training and guidance. Glimmering: Glimmering aptitude individuals display a natural gift for controlling mana and mastering a wide range of spells. They have a significantly higher chance of becoming a Magus, and their progression in spellcasting is relatively swift. Bright: Bright aptitude individuals are born with rare talent, allowing them to excel in the art of spellcasting. They are guaranteed of becoming Magi and can quickly ascend to higher cultivation stages with proper guidance and resources. Shining: Shining aptitude individuals are once-in-a-generation talents and possess unparalleled affinity for mana and spellcraft. They are destined to become powerful Magi if they dont die and can access profound magic that others can only dream of. Radiant: Radiant-level aptitude individuals that are only said to appear in legends. They are destined for greatness, becoming legendary Magi with unrivaled power and knowledge of the arcane arts. Rank of Magic Equipment: Low-grade magic tool: First-rank Initiate Attunement acolyte Mid-grade magic tool: Second-rank Initiate Attunement acolyte High-grade magic tool: Third-rank Initiate Attunement acolyte Superior-grade magic tool: Elemental Adept Magus Low-grade magic artifact: Nexus Temporal Magus Mid-grade magic artifact: Sigil Master Magus High-grade magic artifact: Nexus Conjurer Magus List of Players List of players: First batch: Second batch: Later batches: Non-players (notable): Volume 2 Alpha Version 0.3 batch: Chapter 1: On the Brink of Death Damn! Damn! DAMN!! Victor pressed his hand against a deep, dark wound on his stomach. Blood soaked through his acolyte robe and the clothes underneath as he used his infused mana to try to stem the bleeding. Fuck, are those bastards on my tail? He cast a sidelong glance all around. The forest loomed over him with the moon casting ominous shadows through the trees and across the narrow pathway he limped along. A cold wind whispered through the leaves, but the eerie surroundings were not what bothered him most. It was the betrayal the fact that this poison-infected wound was inflicted by fellow acolytes he once called friends. Victor took a deep breath, wincing at the pain. Memories of the attack flashed through his mind. He had been at his peak of anticipation, holding the broken artifact that would open the pocket dimension. Then without warning, a forbidden spell shattered the defensive magic tool his family gave him, tearing into his flesh and infecting him with poison. Their leader, Graviel, forcefully stole the broken artifact from his hand. The shock of the betrayal had frozen him in place more so than the damage to his body. How na?ve hed been. Granted, the artifact held unimaginable value that even Nexus Temporal Magi would covet, but hed never expect his friends to turn on him. His face twisted into a grimace as he stared fiercely into the forest. Mark my words! Victor growled, his voice laced with determination and an unyielding resolve. Once I escape this wretched place, I swear I will take revenge! Gritting his teeth, he summoned every last ounce of strength, pushing his body to its absolute limits as he continued to flee. As a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, he had an above-average constitution, but it wouldnt be enough to keep going. The vastness of the Thornwood Forest made it increasingly difficult to discern the path to the exit, and the poison was causing his consciousness to flicker in and out, leaving him disoriented and unable to distinguish left from right. But then, a clearing materialized before his eyes, a respite from the oppressive darkness of the forest. An old building stood within the heart of this eerie woodland, captivating his attention. A-An academy? Victors weary eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Another person might have confused the old building for something else, but he was an acolyte. He recognized the magical traces left behind and easily deduced what this was. Whys there a Magus academy here, of all places? No it looks like it has been abandoned, and theres only one building. He noted that the structure seemed rather well preserved, despite the overgrowth and untended surroundings that suggested it hadnt been used in many years. Right now, this was his last hope. Maybe some supplies were left behind that he could use to concoct an antidote. If not, hed die here. It was no ordinary poison that infected him and without a cure, he would be dead by this time tomorrow at most. Gathering his last bit of strength, he pressed forward, and as he drew closer, the details of the structure became clearer. The walls were constructed of marble, and the crystal-clear windows reflecting moonlight made him question if it were truly abandoned at all. Victors vision blurred as he stumbled through the main entrance, his body moving on autopilot. His legs carried him forward without thought, driven by a subconscious need to explore deeper into the building. The hallways seemed to stretch endlessly, the dim lighting casting long shadows as his footsteps echoed. His mind was foggy, as though wrapped in a dream, unable to focus on any one detail around him. Then, something broke through the haze. He stopped abruptly, his gaze locking onto a strange structure ahead. A floating cuboid hovered above a pedestal, surrounded by glowing, intricate ring-like patterns of magic. The rings spun slowly, radiating a faint hum that seemed to clear the fog from his mind, sharpening his thoughts for the first time since entering. The sight of it was mesmerizing, and Victor couldnt shake the feeling that this was what he had been unconsciously drawn to all along. What is this? Victor coughed, his breath catching as the poison finally took its toll. Dirty blood dripped from his mouth as his body fell, his hand touching the edge of the pedestal. Is this it for me? As his consciousness waned, a brilliant light became the final fleeting image of his memory. *** Victors eyes fluttered open, revealing a ceiling of dark bricks above him. I didnt die? he murmured as clarity gradually returned. It wasnt a dream? Perplexed, his gaze set on a pedestal-like structure in front of him. He clambered to his feet, surprised to find his body didnt hurt in the slightest. The wounds that had ravaged his body, especially the gash in his stomach, were gone without a trace. Even the poison seemed to have been cured. Stranger still, his blood-stained robe and clothes looked as good as new without a drop of blood or a thread out of place. Suddenly, an intense pain exploded in his head, forcing him to clutch his skull as he recoiled on the ground. Aaagh!! Foreign memories flooded his brain like a torrent of water bursting from a dam. From childhood to adulthood every moment came to him with such clarity it was as if they were his own and he had lived another life. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. When the pain subsided, Victor stared blankly at the ceiling. He blinked and took a deep breath, sobbing ever so slightly from his aching head. Who am I? Am I Simon or Victor? Why do I have memories of a place called Earth? His mind was a mess. It felt like he was hallucinating and perceiving himself as two or more individuals, as if he was in a hypnopompic state. It took several minutes for him to sort through the fragments in his mind another life as Simon Anderson, a graduate from an average university who had just joined an IT company. From Simons point of view, an excessive intake of caffeine and an overdose of spreadsheets had catapulted him into a whole new dimension. Victor smiled in irony that the same fate had almost befallen him there again. But it was true. Simon had lived in a world of Magi called Seraphia as Victor from the Magus family of Asteriscus for eighteen whole years. The identity of Simon Anderson was not of much concern to him. But still, how come he only remembered his past life now? Was this really his past life memory or just someone elses memory that was inserted into him? More importantly, why was he still alive after what he had gone through? These three unanswerable questions were superseded by the two lines of text that suddenly appeared before his eyes. [Magus Academy System integration successful.] [You have been registered as the headmaster of this academy. Since it has no name at the moment, you are free to give it a name.] Whoa! What is this, a hologram? The sudden notification took Victor aback, but he remained calm as he stood. He had read many stories in his past life, and it wasnt all that rare for people in this world to stumble upon a dead Magus inheritance. Like a bolt from the blue, a high-pitched voice came from behind him. Congratulations, Master! You have been chosen as the headmaster of this academy. Ill be happy to assist you in every way I can! Huh? Whos there?! Victor stumbled backward, turned on his heels, and couldnt help but have his jaw drop. It is I! Cute lil ol me! The floating creature pridefully hit her chest. She was a fairy a mythical being said to have disappeared tens of millennia ago. Surprised to see a fairy? The fairy, petite and just a tad smaller than a Barbie doll, had flowing hair split evenly between striking black and luminous white. Her delicate, doll-like face radiated beauty, with porcelain-white skin, and captivating eyes with golden pupils that gleamed mysteriously. She wore a pretty dress that matched her white and black hair, and a pair of iridescent butterfly wings fluttered on her back erratically. Despite her cute and mischievous appearance, Victor was sure of one thing: This fairy had the answers he was seeking. Of course! More importantly, who are you? Why do I remember my past life, and why am I alive? Not that Im complaining. His thoughts raced. What did she mean by being chosen as the headmaster? What academy was she talking about? So impatient, aren''t you? The fairy giggled. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lizbeth, an assistant to the headmaster of this academy. I shall guide you in your endeavor to make this academy the greatest there is in the whole universe! Oh, and I will also elucidate every facet of the Magus Academy System, down to its very core. But first, I will commemorate this moment with a speech With a mischievous glimmer in her golden eyes, she placed a hand over her heart and began to recite, Together, we shall weave a legacy that will shine across the stars, echoing through the ages like a timeless melody. With every step, we I see Victor interjected, sensing the speech would never end. Is there no way to refuse? Most characters in stories from Victors previous world would accept such an offer without hesitation, thinking that it was a cheat. However, as someone who had lived in this world for long, he knew better than them. As if being rinsed by a bucket of icy-cold water, Lizbeth snapped. Whaaat?! Of course not! How long do you think Ive been waiting for this moment?! Calm down I mean, after all, Im only at the third-stage Initiate Attunement. Even the academy he studied at the Arcane Radiance College had Elemental Adept Magi as the lowest level of professors. To put it into perspective, no one would be stupid enough to join an academy with an Initiate Attunement acolyte as the headmaster. Never mind recruiting geniuses, even the most desperate candidates would be repulsed by the idea of joining. Look, the moment you are registered as the headmaster of this academy, your life is intrinsically tied to its existence. Should the academy fall, your own demise shall follow. Consider this: Why do you think you still draw breath despite enduring severe poisoning and sustaining grievous wounds? Seriously?! Victors heart sank as he considered the implications. Anything could happen to this place! What if some kind of natural disaster hit this place? What if some high-ranking Magi battled around this place and inadvertently razed it to the ground? Im dead serious. She gave him a smile. A smile that said a thousand words and was far more menacing than anything Victor had ever seen. Scary But after thinking it over, Victor figured this wasnt a totally bad thing. It was a System cheat, after all; there was no way itd be useless. All he had to do was man up and face the challenges coming his way so that he could one day claim what was his the broken artifact as well as the treasure that it led to. Finding the silver lining to it, Victor asked one more thing. But how am I supposed to gather acolytes for this academy? Well, he couldnt just recruit some random peasants, could he? As if waiting for that question, Lizbeths mouth curled into a condescending arc, and she answered, Hmm-hmm! Simple! You can summon players into this world. **** I have yet to post this story on Amazon. If you see it on Amazon or anywhere else except on RoyalRoad, ScribbleHub, or Patreon, then it is the work of a thief. Chapter 2: The Intricacies of the Magus Academy System The floating cuboid structure, to Victors surprise, was the source of the holographic projection. Even more astounding, it could connect to the internet on Earth his homeland! No wonder the fairy said that he could summon players into this world. With this kind of device, Victor no longer doubted the possibilities of accomplishing such absurdity. On top of that, it seemed that only three years had passed on Earth after he reincarnated into this world, and it was the year 2026. Master, you can check the mission here, in the Headmasters Journal tab. Lizbeth skillfully manipulated the holographic screen and accessed a specific page. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: No Players, No Game You must secure a batch of uninformed individuals to become players in your game. Whether its through the creation of an official website for a deceptive game or employing other methods, regardless of their legality, your goal is to secure a batch of unsuspecting participants. Type: Main mission Total Participants: 0/10 Reward: 100 academy points So, I need to deceive a bunch of people first, huh? Victor pondered, rubbing his chin in contemplation. Also, what exactly are these academy points? What are they used for? Lizbeth''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she replied, Academy points serve as a currency within the System. They grant you access to various offerings, such as meditation techniques, essential resources, and much more. Oh, and you can even acquire arcane lootboxes through your points an intriguing form of gacha that may hold great surprises. As soon as Victor heard the term gacha, a flicker of excitement danced in his eyes. In his previous life, he had been a devoted fan of gacha games, and the mere mention of it now ignited a spark of anticipation within him. Knowing that the System offered the possibility of a similar experience, he was more than eager to dive into this. Alright then, lets get this started! Victor cracked his knuckles, then swiftly opened the web browser through the holographic screen and typed on the holographic keyboard. Upon gaining access to the internet, the first thing Victor searched for was not candidates for his game but instead he wanted to check on his family from his previous life. Though his father had passed away during his high school years, he still had his mother and elder sister. Even though he was still unsure whether they were truly his memories or not, the fact remained that they were his now and he felt an attachment to them. However, as he delved into the depths of his search, he came across a sorrowful revelation. It appeared that not long after his family had learned of his passing, his mother had also departed, leaving his elder sister as his sole remaining relative. He knew because he saw photos of both funerals. To his surprise, he didnt feel as overwhelmed with sadness as he had expected. Perhaps the experiences of living two lives had lessened his attachment to familial relationships, or maybe it had something to do with how Magus families treated their relatives. He let out a resigned sigh. Its not like I can trouble my sister with this matter. I bet she wouldnt believe me, either Victor shook his head. His elder sister already had a family of her own, so it would be wrong to bother her. What about his distant relatives? Considering three years had passed since his passing, no one would believe him and probably assume it was a scam. He hadnt been particularly close with most of them anyway. There was one distant cousin named Vincent, though, who Victor was close with and might have been intrigued by this project. The only problem was that Vincent had vanished two years before Simon passed away, leaving behind a trail that led to a particular glass-encased room on his campus. What about his classmates? The same problem as before. His girlfriend? What girlfriend? His colleagues? He barely worked in his company for a month Furthermore, Victor found that almost all of them had already deleted him. Even if that were not the case, he still would not send them a message. After all, they all probably thought he was dead, and receiving a message from a ghost would be terrifying. Thus, through the process of elimination, there was only one remaining option for him to find players. Victor opened an app with a logo consisting of a chat bubble with a white gaming controller inside Discord and logged in to his account. Fortunately, his account had not expired or been kicked from the server he had frequented in the past. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The Discord server, known as Gamers Empire, stood as a bustling hub for gaming enthusiasts. With over one thousand members and about two hundred active players, the server provided a space where both seasoned veterans and casual gamers could come together and make connections. At its peak, it even hosted a dedicated Minecraft realm! In the past, Victor had spent countless hours engaging with the lively members of the server. They were not just names on a screen; they had become familiar companions and with stronger relationships than even his colleagues in the physical world. And most importantly, despite the shared adventures and discussions, Victor had never met with these netizens face-to-face. This fact made them the perfect leeks. As for whether they would believe him or not, that would depend a lot on his acting skills. So, without further ado, he began a discussion: CyberWarlock: Hey @everyone! Gather round, I''ve got some exciting news to share. But first, I want to ask, what would a fully immersive virtual reality game look like? Noobzilla: Whos pinging?! Dont you see the servers rules? If its not important, then dont ping! PleaseBugMeNot (Administrator): Cyber? ?? I thought you were dead because of the pandemic Havent seen you for years. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Whats all this buzz about? ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Well, if you ask me, Id say a fully immersive VR game is like something straight out of an anime or a blockbuster movie, like Sword Art Online. I bet itd be a similar experience to that. PleaseBugMeNot (Administrator): You mean well be trapped in a death game for years? Storm Bringer (Administrator): Stupid! Thats not what Zero is trying to say. Lets wait for Cyber to finish explaining. Except for the first busybody, Victor was surprised that the administrators and server owner were engaging in discussion he had initiated. These three gamers were among the closest to him on the server. It was heartwarming to see they were still active and remembered him. CyberWarlock: Thats what I was about to tell you guys. What if I told you guys that there will be a fully immersive virtual reality game thats gonna take the gaming world by storm? A VR game where its hard to distinguish reality from fiction. SuperNovaX (Moderator): You mean like where sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste all are the same as the real world? MikeIsHandsome1000x: Impossible. Three years might have passed in the other world, but it seemed VR technology had not yet reached the stage where fully immersive games were a tangible reality. At most, it was likely in the process of adapting to advancements such as haptic technology. CyberWarlock: I mean, what if. If it does exist, would you like to try such a game? PleaseBugMeNot (Administrator): Of course! Do you even need to ask? Especially you know what Im talking about. (? ?? ?) Locktekei: But what gives? CyberWarlock: Well, I wouldnt be asking these questions if I didnt have something to back it up. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Are you implying that youre developing some kind of a fully immersive virtual reality game? As the server owner, Zero was naturally intelligent and quick on the uptake. Victor knew this very well, especially after playing rounds and rounds of Valorant together. Zero always saved his skin by carrying the game with his brilliant tactics. CyberWarlock: Correct. Thats precisely the reason why Ive been offline for such an extended period. As a matter of fact, the IT company I worked at has been working on developing a fully immersive virtual reality online game. After slaving away in my company for three years nonstop, I was recently promoted to the position of promotional team manager. Right now, we are looking for closed-alpha players to test the game and give us feedback. Since he needed an identity to bluff these gamers, he didnt mind using his previous status as a programmer at an IT company. The Discord server immediately went abuzz with comments from people who were not buying his absurd story. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Wait a minute, @CyberWarlock. That sounds too good to be true. How can we trust that this isnt just another scam? ?? Captain Derp: +1. MikeIsHandsome1000x: As I thought, its a scam. ( ޣ) CyberWarlock: I understand your skepticism, but I assure you that this isnt a scam, and my words hold genuine weight since Ive seen the development firsthand. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Sorry, but its a bit hard to believe. Its not every day that someone claims to be a part of such groundbreaking development. Can you share anything that proves that this game isnt some exaggerated claim? PleaseBugMeNot (Administrator): Yeah, we cant just accept it at face value. At least link us the games website so that we can check it for ourselves! Victors head swiftly jerked back as he slapped his face. He had forgotten to make an official website for the game! Crap. These people are harder to fool than I expected He had thought that being their old online friend and returning after being gone for so long would be enough of a reason to convince them, but human intuition proved a wild card, stubbornly resistant to deceit. Plus, making a convincing website would require more time than he currently had at his disposal. Just hacking something together on WordPress real quick wouldnt be enough to fool them. Seemingly anticipating that this would happen, Lizbeth chimed in with a smug smile and hands on her hips. I foresaw this turn of events, so while you were busy captivating those gamers, I took the liberty of crafting an official website. Hows that possible?! It hasnt been ten minutes! Drawing from his extensive experience in utilizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with his proficiency in various front-end languages, Victor was well aware of the significant time investment required to craft a truly exceptional website with good UI and UX, even with the use of bootstraps. Even more so when developing an interactive website while incorporating languages like PHP See for yourself. Lizbeths smug expression grew even more pronounced as she showed him her screen. Victors eyes almost popped out of their sockets upon seeing the official website that Lizbeth had created. The sheer attention to detail and the stunning visual design alone were enough to leave him in awe, but what truly blew his mind was the extraordinary content of the website. It listed the topography of the academy as well as details explaining it. To top it all off, it had all the immersive atmosphere and polished aesthetics found in multi-billion-dollar MMORPGs! When did she get the chance to take photos of the surrounding area? Holy shit! Naturally, I didnt just concoct this out of thin air; I had prepped the template and gathered the materials well in advance, Lizbeth admitted, shrugging casually. Victor grinned as he returned his attention to the chat. With such a detailed website in hand, winning them over was going to be a cakewalk. Chapter 3: Tricking Unsuspecting Players On planet Earth, in a certain office of a retail gas station, William looked over a server chat message through his laptop. His initial thought was that this was a scam. It was not uncommon for fraudsters to promise something that was too good to be true, only to lead unsuspecting people to gambling sites, phishing schemes, downloading malware, or worse. Nevertheless, the one who gave this information CyberWarlock was his good online friend throughout his college days. Moreover, the opportunity to partake in a fully immersive VR experience had been a dream of his since his childhood. Thus, William chose to take a leap of faith and extend CyberWarlock the benefit of the doubt. If it was truly a scam, he could promptly withdraw his involvement as soon as any indications of deception arose. With his PleaseBugMeNot account, William clicked on the URL link that Cyber posted and was immediately perplexed by the website. The first thing that caught his eye was an art cover featuring a wizard and a witch, set against the backdrop of a majestic academy. The wizard exuded an air of wisdom and possessed a striking handsomeness, while the witch displayed a captivating beauty with a well-proportioned figure that would undoubtedly capture the attention of most men and maybe even certain women. Both were adorned in their signature mage hats and attire. This wasnt the only image here, as other beautiful images of landscapes and powerful mythical creatures decorated the whole page. Is this really not AI-generated images? William muttered as he navigated through the website. AI technology has made significant advancements in recent years. By now, it was almost impossible to tell the difference between AI artwork and pieces created by skilled graphic designers. Holding the mouse, he scrolled down until his cursor ended up on the part where that might lead to the registration page. Magus Academy Online Unleash the Magic Within, Rise as an Acolyte, and Shape Your Destiny in Magus Academy Online: The Ultimate VRMMORPG Adventure Begins! Currently in Closed-Alpha Stage [Join Now] Turning back to the Gamers Empire server, William noticed the server was experiencing a surge in activity from the link being shared. Many users were watching the screen with great interest even though they hadnt sent a single message, perhaps awaiting someones review of the official website. Within a large Discord server like this, it was expected to have a considerable number of long-time lurkers. It was becoming increasingly apparent that among the newly emerging users, there were unfamiliar faces that had remained in the shadows for years, their presence only now coming to light. CyberWarlock: In this game, the level of immersion and realism is truly unparalleled. Every sense you experience in the real world will be faithfully replicated within the game. The in-game time mirrors the passage of time in the real world, maintaining a 1:1 ratio with a slight time difference corresponding to the Eastern Time Zone, roughly 12 hours ahead. Since the game operates through a unique dream interference mechanism, playing it feels akin to being in a state of deep sleep. Alright, then. Ill check out what kind of game you are, William murmured, intrigued. He clicked the Join Now button, and then began filling out the information to make an account. There was no guarantee that this was not some kind of scam to get peoples data and sell them on the dark web, but he didnt care too much about it since it wasnt like the website was asking for their banking numbers and passwords. There was also a short Terms and Services that he didnt bother to read, just like youd find in any other game. When he was done, he clicked the Register button, and the page immediately changed to the total number of applications. Total Applicants: 1 *** Phew! All done. Victor stretched as the number of participants increased by the minute. As soon as it ticked up to a total of ten, he received a notification in the form of three lines of text on a blue holographic screen. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have done a great job in tricking unsuspecting players into becoming participants in your game.] [The reward (100 academy points) has been issued.] Lizbeth clapped her hands together. Congratulations on completing your first mission, Master! Geez, dont startle me, Victor said, annoyed. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Teehee! She smiled mischievously. You can check the new mission in the Headmasters Journal. I see Good to know. As he was about to check the new mission, Victor realized that the applicants were coming from all over the world, meaning these players would be in different time zones. Quickly, he opened the Discord server and typed in: Currently, only US applicants will be accepted for the closed-alpha stage. However, as development progresses, we plan to expand participation to individuals residing in other countries and regions. Additionally, you can still register even if you are from outside the country. Nooo! This is discrimination! When will you accept players in Asian regions? The message garnered a range of responses. It wasnt that Victor was being racist, but micromanaging a diverse player base with different active times right from the start could prove quite challenging. Therefore, he decided to hold off on explaining his reasoning and simply promised to provide a more comprehensive update once he had finalized a few things. Besides, the United States alone hosted millions of gamers, which would be more than enough for now. To begin with, it was bizarre how the Eastern Time Zone would have precisely twelve hours difference from the time of this world. Victor had asked Lizbeth about it, and she said that the previous headmaster had anticipated all of this and made arrangements in advance. How weird. But when he asked who the previous headmaster was I dunno, was the answer that Lizbeth gave him. All I know is that youre the second headmaster of this academy. She couldnt have been more ambiguous than that. In addition to this, what about the delivery of the consoles required to connect these players to this world? Lizbeth had explained that these players would be given gaming capsules to connect to this world. The technology required aside, where were these capsules even manufactured, and how were they delivered to the players addresses? Rest assured, the System has its own ways of handling this. All that matters is what we do on our end, Lizbeth assured. Right. As long as it benefited him, Victor wouldnt waste time questioning the hows and whys. This didnt mean that he would completely turn his brain off, but he decided to hold off on asking too many unrelated questions until he got a better grasp on things. Oh, thats so. Is there a limit to how many players we can summon? Victor inquired, eager to understand the boundaries of their capabilities. Lizbeth considered this for a moment, then answered thoughtfully, For now, there isnt a set limit. Naturally, creating bodies suitable for the players would require resources, which we have a limited amount of right now. I say, we can currently create ten bodies at most. Figures If we can summon a thousand at once, that would be overpowered One more thing. How do the players come to this world, and how do they return? Im sure it cant be that once they are summoned they can never return home. Right? Victor assumed there should be some kind of supernatural means to do the job. The word bodies that she mentioned might very well be a big hint to the answer. I believe it would be more efficient to guide you through the academy first, the fairy offered. I would be delighted to show you the wonders it contains. Mhm, sounds good. Guess I should clarify a few things to the players first before that, though. Given the limited resources, Victor decided to summon only five players in the first batch. Any more, and he might have more than he could manage, especially since he was largely on his own, apart from Lizbeth. At any rate, what was most important was to make rules so that these players would obey him. One had to know that Victor was tasked to develop the academy to be the greatest in the universe. Failure meant placing his own life in jeopardy. As headmaster, Victor had the absolute power to kick any disruptive players and impose permanent bans, if necessary. Still, he couldnt outright force them to utilize their gaming capsules to partake in the online world and work for him. The Magus path, especially, was known to be a challenging and demanding journey, requiring a lot of time and dedication. That was why he selected those he trusted and thought were the most qualified. He knew caution was essential; one wrong move could spell his demise! As such, after sending an invitation to their respective emails, he added the five lucky players to a Discord group he had just created. CyberWarlock: Sorry for the sudden invite. I want to make some things clear with the first batch of applicants Victor proceeded to explain the essential equipment for the game, known as gaming capsules, plus he forbade anyone from tampering with them. He stressed that breaking or attempting to dismantle the capsules would result in the loss of their eligibility. For one thing, revealing the magical nature of these devices could attract unwarranted and potentially hazardous attention, a scenario best avoided. However, he was certain that his warning might not dissuade unscrupulous individuals, considering this kind of technology did not exist in reality. Luckily, Lizbeth guaranteed him that nothing on Earth could break open the capsules, and even if they could partially destroy them, the capsule would self-destruct. Victor was thankful for this fact as he couldnt exactly return to his old world and call the police on someone for damaging his property. PleaseBugMeNot: Awesome! ?? Cant wait for this gaming capsule to arrive. Storm Bringer: If this game is truly as good as you proclaim, I will stream it to my audience for free! As far as Victor knew, Storm was a streamer with thousands of subscribers. Although his channel wasnt big, his free endorsement was more than welcome. SuperNovaX: Sweet! Dont worry about the safety of the devices; we promise that no harm will be done to them! CyberWarlock: Glad to see that you guys are being cooperative. If they are damaged, I cant explain it to the company. ZeroXScyth: Um, theres one thing I want to confirm. Are there any charges? CyberWarlock: No, no fees. At least, my superior has yet to say anything about charging fees during the development phase. But there will be no reward either. PleaseBugMeNot: Neat. MikeIsHandsome1000x: I still cant believe that this so-called gaming capsule exists. Well, I guess well see if this is a fraud or not. Skepticism permeated the chat as it seemed doubts still lingered over Victor''s claims. The first four people that Victor verified were people he knew very well, and luckily, they all lived in the US. As for Mike, this guy was once a hardcore MMORPG gamer who spent thousands of hours obtaining the finest equipment on the server, according to his profile. Inviting him would serve as a means to demonstrate the games authenticity. Closing the holographic screen, Victor turned around and said, Guess my work here is done. Lets go on a tour of the academy. Please, show me what it has to offer. Mm-hmm! Lizbeth eagerly perched on Victor''s shoulder, excitedly pumping her tiny fist. Full steam ahead! Hey, dont treat me like your personal transport, Victor retorted as he walked out of the room. Chapter 4: Tour of the Academy The tour of the academy ended shorter than expected, as there was only one building the one Victor named The Headmasters Building. While it was of significant size, encompassing several floors, it had different areas serving specific functions. Among these was the prestigious Headmasters Office, and adjacent to it were several well-equipped meeting rooms. Near the entrance, the reception area was reminiscent of a regal ballroom. Additionally, there were auxiliary spaces for storage and other administrative functions. The interior was well-furnished. Mana lamps and chandeliers adorned the walls and ceilings, casting a warm, enchanting glow throughout the spacious rooms. Richly decorated tapestries depicting scenes of ancient magical battles adorned the walls, while intricate magical symbols were etched into the marble floors. Victor found it weird that no one had come and robbed this place clean while it had been left unattended. One thing that caught Victor off guard was the location of the cuboid structure. When he had first arrived he had instinctively ended up in the buildings basement, where the only entrance was a hidden door concealed at the rear of the Headmasters Office sealed by high-level magic that no Initiate Attunement acolytes such as himself could hope to break. So, he found it curious that he had ended up there. While bewildered, Lizbeth, with a voice laced with a hint of mystery, explained, The previous headmaster has meticulously arranged everything. Even your arrival, on the brink of death, was part of their grand design. Her words left Victor even more perplexed, wondering about the true intentions and motives of his enigmatic predecessor. Whomever this previous headmaster was, they mustve been a very powerful Magus. Whats the first headmasters name? Victor was more curious than ever, so he couldnt help but ask. As I have said before, I dont know. Its possible my memories of them were intentionally erased. Lizbeth shrugged her shoulders. Forget it Asking you is like asking a rubber duck for the meaning of life. Victor was slightly disappointed but not discouraged. He had only recently assumed the position of the headmaster; as the mission progressed, he suspected that the secrets hidden here would gradually be revealed to him. How rude! Lizbeth puffed out her cheeks and kicked his shoulder. Well, at least this rubber duck knows how to float! At last, Victor ambled outside the building. So far this tour had yet to reveal to him where the players would be summoned. Intrigued, he asked Lizbeth, who was still sitting on his shoulder. Are there more facilities in this academy? While the Headmasters Building is grand, its lacking many essential components one would expect for an academy, if you catch my drift. He thought back to the Arcane Radiance College where he had studied, which had all sorts of departments specializing in many fields, like the Department of Potioneering, Department of Herbology, Department of Spellcraft, Department of Enchantments, Department of Magical Creatures, and so on. At present, this academy only had a single building, the Headmasters Building. It felt incomplete If youre feeling disappointed by the lack of facilities, then theres something you should understand: Not everything in this world comes for free, Lizbeth explained, gesturing vaguely around her before continuing. However, there is a way to unlock more facilities; you can check the System to get some information. Should we go back to the basement? Victor suggested, unable to hold his interest. Nope, theres no need to backtrack and access the System through the Nexus Beacon. In fact, you can do it remotely right from here. Ah, so thats the name of the cuboid thingy. How do I do that? Check your wrist, instructed Lizbeth, to which Victor quickly complied by pulling up his right coat sleeve, but he saw nothing. No, the other one, Lizbeth corrected. O-Oh. Victor checked his left wrist and noticed a black, bracelet-like mark. Huh? Is this some kind of sigil pattern? No its not as complex as that Victor wore a long coat with his familys crest mark under his robe, so he had never noticed any anomalies on his body, nor had he felt anything out of the ordinary. But the appearance of a strange tattoo-like pattern on his wrist was the least of his concerns at the moment. Still, he couldnt help but wonder if this mark served a more nefarious purpose perhaps it could act as a failsafe and ensure his demise should the academy ever be destroyed. Now, try to inject some of your infused mana into the Master Shadowlink Mark. Victor cast off the suspicion for now, and abided her command, channeling infused mana into the mark. All of a sudden, the black mark shone, and a holographic screen identical to the one projected by the Nexus Beacon appeared before his eyes. This seemed to be the main tab of the System, as it was named Academy Status. Academy Name: - Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 100 Academy Grade: Level 1 Total Acolytes: 0/100 Progression Value: 0/100 Neat, Victor thought as he searched for more information by fiddling with the screen. He soon found another page. Level 1 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, 1:1 time Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.Level 2 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, 1:1 time Level 3 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, 2:1 time Hrm, I guess the only way to add more facilities is through the System Victor mused, stroking his chin. Or you can unleash your creativity and build them yourself, Master, Lizbeth added to his statement. Riight Easier said than done. That said, in order to gather progression value, Victor could only rely on the arrival of players to aid him in developing the academy. Maybe there would be specialized missions designed for them, offering opportunities to increase it. Say, Victor began, scratching his head, it says here that this academy should have a level-1 Nexus Tower. Where would that be? Surprise, surprise! Lizbeth grinned mischievously. Its actually right in front of you just one hundred meters away, to be exact. Seriously?! Victors eyes widened in disbelief. In the pitch-black darkness of the night, devoid of any moonlight save for faint stars in the sky, it was practically impossible to see further than twenty meters ahead. Consequently, Victor didnt realize that there was another building so close. Still, with his extraordinary perception, how had he missed such a conspicuous landmark? Lizbeth nodded enthusiastically. Yep! Follow me, and I''ll show you. Prepare to be amazed! She then launched from Victors shoulder and flew into the darkness. The fairy was like a lamp glowing in the nighttime to guide his way. Victor snapped his fingers, and a faint white light lit up around him. Being a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, manipulating energy particles for daily activities was simple for him. And thus, he trailed Lizbeths fleeting figure. A hundred meters away, he was met by an imposing structure of purplish-black stone, gleaming like polished obsidian. It rose like a towering spire, reaching a height of at least fifteen meters. No wonder that Victor had missed it earlier its color seamlessly blended with the darkness of the night, and he could sense that it had the ability to absorb mana from the surrounding air. He couldnt help but feel perplexed, as he was certain this structure hadnt been here during the first time he came. Whoa! Is this the Nexus Tower? Is it connected to the astral space? Victor looked up at the towering structure, his mouth agape. Bingo! One hundred for you! However, its not used for long-distance travel to other planes. Ysee, this is the very reason that people from your old world can be summoned. The Nexus Tower acts as the gateway between dimensions. I see Victors mind raced with the implications. He entered the structure and marveled at what he found inside. Chambers with tanks that resembled cryogenic pods or clone vats lined the walls. There were ten in total. In the center of the structure was a pool filled with ethereal energy, the likes of which Victor had never seen before. After all, he was only an Initiate Attunement acolyte, and the travel between astral space was limited for Nexus Temporal Magi and above. This is insane! The structure alone could fetch tens of thousands of intermediate-grade mana crystals. Selling it to a high-ranking Magus would make Victor wealthy beyond imagination. Nevertheless, the transaction between Magi had to be done with equal strength; otherwise, revealing something so valuable to someone of higher power could result in his own demise. Whats that? Victor pointed at a peculiar machine resembling a crematorium, except this one was magical. Thats an essence converter. To make biological matter, especially extraordinary life forms like Magi, you will need the essence of other similarly extraordinary life forms, and that thing extracts just that Of course, it can also extract ordinary life forms. For now, on the digital screen of the essence converter, there was the number 10. It seemed that one point corresponded to one body. Interesting! Victor grinned in anticipation. He couldnt wait to fill it up so that they could summon more players to join their cause. About the players, do we have an estimate of how long it will take for the incubation process? Twenty-four hours. As soon as those players receive the gaming capsules and put their bodies inside, the capsules will scan them and send their data here. Huh? Would they have the same bodies they had on Earth? If the other party is an elderly person or a child, that may be fatal Victor made a mental note to meticulously screen players to avoid such accidents You can customize the settings as you see fit. At the moment, these pods are configured to generate human bodies corresponding to the inhabitants of this world and are adjusted to fit the setting, meaning they will all have youthful bodies. I think I have the perfect approach to this, Victor said, deciding on a setting. He believed that to integrate with the inhabitants of this world effectively, they needed to embrace the local customs, embodying the adage When in Rome, do as the Romans do. However, he was mindful of not altering the players races or appearances too drastically. His solution was to create a harmonious blend of their original features with those of the local populace. In Seraphia, the human population predominantly displayed Caucasian traits and was often characterized by vibrant hair and eye colors. Yet, it was not uncommon to see some with Asian features, particularly in certain regions. The diversity was further enriched by the presence of humanoid races, descendants of those from different planes and worlds. This rich collection of cultures and races in Seraphia was a legacy of past Magi, who had brought these varied peoples to this world, thus creating a vibrant and diverse society. Hrm, it would be convenient if they could instantly grasp the language of this world. The use of magic in this world might not depend on a specific language; however, it would still make things much easier if these players could understand the native language, considering its the one he had learned magic from. Its certainly possible. But due to time and device constraints, only one language can be implanted. Better than nothing. Go ahead and implant the most common language, Seraphian, into their minds. As you wish, Master. Lizbeth gave him a salute and giggled. Originally, Victor had concerns that language would pose a significant barrier, but it turned out that wouldnt be the case. Later on, he could open up the game for people in other countries once he figured out a few remaining details, such as different time zones. With the arrival of the first batch of players still more than twenty-four hours away, Victor found himself twiddling his thumbs while contemplating the tasks that lay ahead. Gathering the necessary tools and provisions for their arrival seemed like a logical step here. Otherwise, he would be putting the cart before the horse. It just so happened that there was a village on the outskirts of the Thornwood Forest. The problem was, he had to be careful of those bastards his past comrades. There was no guarantee that he wouldnt cross paths with them there. He would have to check the situation first before making a move to establish contact with the locals. For now, considering that it was hours before daybreak, he decided to indulge in a well-deserved rest and practice his meditation technique to kill time. Luckily for him, the academy attracted mana and was saturated with it, making it a suitable environment for practicing his meditation techniques. Chapter 5: The Enigmatic Gaming Capsule In a certain computer store on Earth named Computer Emporium, the atmosphere buzzed with customers and the constant hum of computer fans. Standing in the middle of the store, a young man in his late twenties engaged in a spirited conversation with a customer. His name was Michael, an eccentric gamer, better known on Discord as MikeIsHandsome1000x. Ah, my friend! Youve made an excellent choice with that laptop, Michael exclaimed, brimming with genuine enthusiasm. But wait, theres more! How about a premium antivirus software to ensure your digital fortress is impenetrable? The customer, looking slightly overwhelmed, politely declined. Thanks but I think Ill pass. Just the laptop will do. Michael was undeterred and pressed on. Fair enough, my friend, but let me sweeten the deal. How about a complimentary three-month subscription to our remote tech support service? Youll have peace of mind knowing our team is just a click away! The customer hesitated. Michael could sense that he was tempted by the offer but was likely turned off by the additional costs. Undeterred, Michael leaned in and lowered his voice, adding, And, just between you and me, Ill throw in a nifty USB gadget that will make your colleagues green with envy. Its a secret perk for customers who appreciate the eccentricity of this old tech wizard. His employees exchanged knowing glances, accustomed to witnessing Michaels particular sales tactics. Eccentric or not, there was no denying that it was effective and provided the customers with an unforgettable experience. A-Alright fine. Ill add the tech support and the USB gadget to my purchase, please. Michael gingerly retrieved the credit card from his customers hand and completed the transaction as he inwardly patted himself on the back for a job well done. Thank you for your patronage. Michael packed the laptop and the USB gadget into a paper bag but delayed in handing it over as he attempted one more offer. May I interest you in No, thank you! The customer swiftly snatched the paper bag and immediately scurried away, afraid to spend another second in the store. Michael, I think you should ease up on the forceful promotion, one of his concerned employees expressed. Relaax Didnt you see how the customer happily bought all the things I offered? Yeah, but No buts. Get back to whatever youre doing, Adam. Michael lightly tapped his employees shoulder then made his way back to his office, stating, Im gonna take a short coffee break for a few minutes. Sitting on his chair with a piping hot coffee on his desk, Michael opened the Discord app on his desktop and went straight to a certain server. Early this morning, someone claimed to be a developer working on a fully immersive virtual reality game. Michael thought that this guy was crazy at first, but when he saw the professional webpage for the project, he retracted his initial thought. The server was still buzzing with people discussing the game, though many were skeptical, suspecting that the whole thing was a scam. Michael, too, held a certain level of doubt. Perhaps, it would be more of a pseudo-immersive VR experience, akin to the one depicted in Ready Player One or something like that. Nevertheless, it did pique his interest enough to fill out the form and sign up. In his younger days, Michael had spent countless hours playing MMORPGs, conquering one game after another and becoming the best player on any given server. However, as he got older and real life caught up with him, he started losing his passion no game gave him the enthusiasm he once had in the past. He was bored. As he sipped the last drop of coffee from his cup, Adam called for him from outside his office. Michael! Is there supposed to be a package this big today? I dont remember any on our list A package? Michael thought, rushing out of his room. He didnt recall scheduling any deliveries for the store today. Wait, is it the so-called gaming capsule? Could it be here already? He rushed out, his heart pounding, but was perplexed when he saw the package. Its not just that the package had arrived sooner than expected, but because he had deliberately provided a false address just one street away from his store to a coffee shop he often frequented as a precautionary measure. The owner knew him well enough that he would have contacted him once the package arrived. Who delivered this? he asked his employees. His three employees looked at each other in confusion. I was in the storage area, so I didnt see. I dont know, either. It feels like it appeared out of thin air. I was manning the cashier earlier. If it was one of the customers that brought it, I would have noticed; this package is so large, after all. But Is something wrong? Mike pressed. I dont know if Im just hallucinating or something. but I think I may have seen someone with a distinctive black mask come inside for a second. The employee held his forehead in contemplation. Sorry, I could have just been daydreaming. Huh? This is creepy. It was doubtful, but it could have been the coffee shop owner playing a prank on him for using his address. He called to make sure, but he said that it wasnt him nor that any package had arrived So, how did the package end up here? And who was the masked man? Perhaps it wasnt the gaming capsule but just some random package that was mistakenly delivered here without their notice, though his name was right on it. Finally, he instructed his employees to open it, trying to shake off the unease. This Isnt this Michaels voice trailed off as the package was opened. Inside was a sleek, futuristic capsule large enough to accommodate a single person. Its dark metallic exterior exuded a sense of sophisticated technology. Is this some kind of gaming chair? Adam scratched his head. Are you stupid? This is obviously a massage chair. Why would a massage chair have a glass cover Actually, it kind of resembles the VR capsules in a comic series Im reading. His employees were engaged in a heated debate, each one speculating about the nature of the mysterious capsule. One of them even attempted to pry open the glass cover but couldnt budge it. Michael, however, remained silent, lost in a flood of nostalgic memories from his childhood novels. The captivating tales of immersive VR experiences came rushing back, reigniting his longing for such an adventure Michael, where did you buy this thing? one of his employees asked. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Instead of answering, Michael approached the enigmatic machine. To his astonishment, with just a touch of his hand the capsule smoothly unfolded before him, revealing a sleek helmet that looked like it belonged in a cyberpunk show and a plush sofa chair nestled within. Surprisingly, there were no apparent additional gadgets or accessories, leaving him to wonder if there were hidden compartments cleverly concealed along the interior. Michael? Yes, uh, see, I signed up to this indie companys website to test their new products Uh they specialize in innovative console designs, Michael bluffed. If he told his employees that this was a fully immersive VR gaming capsule, they wouldnt believe him and might take him to the hospital to do a mental checkup. This thing is a console?! Yep! Now out of the way. I need to test the quality of the product first! With that, Michael entered the capsule. As he settled into the plush chair, the glass cover gently shut close. Weird, as he didnt think hed done anything to prompt it. With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, he cautiously placed the helmet over his head. Initially shrouded in darkness, he felt an urge to immediately take it off, but then a pale blue light suddenly penetrated the darkness and reflected into his retina. Magus Academy Online Time Remaining Until Activation: 23:59:58 Holy shit! This is truly the gaming capsule that the guy from Discord proclaimed! Frantically, he removed the helmet, the glass cover lifted on its own once again and he climbed back out. Turning to his employees, he said, Adam, you try using it. Why? Adam hesitated. Just do it. Unable to refuse his bosss request, Adam seated himself on the plush chair and put on the helmet. Did you see something? Michael inquired impatiently. See what? Any text or number No, theres nothing except pitch back. Adam took off the helmet and asserted, I think this thing is out of juice. Maybe theres a cord on the back, another employee offered. Who knows, but most consoles dont run on battery. Even considering its size Id say its unlikely, anyway. Bullshit. This thing must have its own battery, Michaels last employee countered. Didnt the glass cover automatically open and close? If it didnt have any power, how could it do that? Michael himself didnt bother addressing the issue and quickly darted toward his PC. He had to share his findings with the rest of the participants! *** Victor, oblivious to the events unfolding on Earth, concluded his nightly meditation with energy particles dancing around him and dispersing into the wind. With a serene gaze, he opened his eyes, greeted by the lingering darkness of the sky through the windows; it would still be hours before the sun rose. Inside the Headmasters Office, there was a bedroom, and he had claimed the place for himself. A lot had happened in a single day, and Victor found himself wanting a quiet moment to make sense of it all. Forced into the position of headmaster at a Magus academy who would have thought hed end up in such a role? And as if that werent strange enough, the fairy who had announced herself as his assistant was an enigma of its own. At least, her origins and backstory were a total mystery. Victor couldnt shake the feeling that there were hidden machinations lurking behind this twist of fate, waiting for the right moment to strike. But if he could somehow harness this bizarre situation to exact revenge on his former comrades, then he would be willing to play along, regardless of the risks. Becoming headmaster? That was small compared to his ambitions of seeking the truth and becoming the strongest. And, if he was honest, the chance to summon players from another world sounded unexpectedly thrilling. Perhaps this role wouldnt be such a burden after all. Curiosity suddenly sparked, and he checked on the Headmasters Journal tab to see the next mission through the black mark on his wrist. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Where are the Players? You have tricked people into joining your game, and delivery of the gaming capsules has been confirmed. Now, you must ensure that the first batch of players log in to the game. Type: Main mission Reward: Interspatial ring (1 m3) Mission: Secure a Connection To become a sustaining academy, you have to build a long-lasting relationship with nearby settlements. It is a requirement to have at least one settlement on friendly terms with you. Type: Side mission Total Settlement on Good Term: 0/1 Reward: 50 academy points An interspatial ring?! Holy cow! This System sure is generous. Victor whistled as he read through the rewards for the two new missions. Wh-What? Master, is it time to eat already? Oh, wait Lizbeth mumbled groggily, rubbing her drowsy eyes and catching a glimpse of the drool at the corner of her mouth. Suddenly, she snapped back to her senses and shot Victor an indignant glare. Ahem! Dont startle me like that! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Sorry, my sleeping princess Victor teased sarcastically. After all, he had all the right to be utterly shocked. It was important to note that possessing an interspatial ring was far from common among Elemental Adept Magi, let alone someone of his modest standing. Even if the ring in question only had a meager capacity of one cubic meter. Say, can the System scan my stats? You know, like in video games? Victor considered this a possibility, considering that the previous headmaster had arranged everything as though it were a game. Is that what this is all about? Lizbeth questioned, obviously annoyed that her sleep had been disturbed. Victor was about to say, Not really, but forcibly swallowed the words. Picking a fight with her could spell more trouble than it was worth. Therefore, he confirmed with a nod. Nonetheless, Lizbeth sighed but compliantly showed him the status screen. Victor Asteriscus Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) | ??? Status: Healthy Strength: (22) Agility: (23) Vitality: (22) Magical Power: (29) Infused Mana (total): (144) Hrm? So, I have an elemental affinity for something other than Anemo and Pyro? Victor thought, finding that the status screen was rather plain but held secrets about his body that he wasnt even aware of. Can you give me a short breakdown of everything on the status screen? Well, Id be happy to help. The fairy flashed a confident smile and proceeded to explain. Um, the first three sections are quite straightforward and should be easy for you to comprehend, so I wont go into detail about those. But theres a unique twist to the stats: each increment of one point adds 10 percent of the previous value, which will stack up more and more as the point increases. For example, if an average adult has a stat of five for strength, agility, and vitality, each point increase beyond that would enhance their capabilities exponentially. As for magical power, well, its safe to say that an average adult wouldnt possess any And that pretty much sums it up! Victor nodded, absorbing the information. I see. So, the higher the stat, the more pronounced the improvement. Thats interesting. This would become a topic that players would have to dig around to understand on their own time, since he had no plans to go out of his way to explain. Considering he would have to keep up the fa?ade that this was merely a game, he enlisted Lizbeths help to brainstorm ways to smooth things out. There were also a lot of small details that he inquired about the System, and she answered most of the basic questions without holding back anything. As the headmaster and the game manager, he had to understand everything to its nook and cranny so that he could be convincing. With the conversation ending, Victor tried to rest, though found himself unable to get a wink of sleep. Restlessness stirred within him, urging him to take action. Hence, he resolved to move ahead of schedule. He had two important objectives to accomplish in the nearby village: securing necessary supplies and establishing a friendly rapport with the locals. Coincidentally, the village was the very place where he had resided before venturing into the depths of the forest. Just that Considering the consequences of the academys destruction, I am apprehensive to leave this place Victor confessed to Lizbeth. Fear not, this academy has remained hidden for thousands of years due to magic barriers. What would another day do anyway? He-he. Lizbeths tone was calm, steady, and slightly mischievous. So, you were tricking me before! Victor very lightly pinched Lizbeths tiny, rosy cheeks in annoyance, eliciting a yelp of surprise from the mischievous fairy. Ow! The fairy quickly wriggled free and massaged her cheeks, pouting in mock indignation. When did I trick you? You just never bothered to ask! Besides, its been so long that the magic barriers protecting the academy may have deteriorated over time. Who knows? Ugh Then, all the more reason for us to hurry. Determination gleamed in Victors eyes as he said that. With renewed purpose, he made his preparations and ventured out into the depths of the forest, his steps guided by the moonlight, leaving Lizbeth behind to safeguard the academy in his absence. Chapter 6: Venturing Out and Visiting Thornwood Village {Flame Dart}! With the incantation, a fiery projectile shot forth from Victors fingertip, striking the direwolf in front of him. The beast let out a pained growl as the scorching impact left a big, searing burn in its wake. Not dead yet? Then taste this {Flame Whip}! Victor chanted, conjuring a whip of flame into his hand. With a swift motion, he lashed out, the whip striking the direwolf and searing its flesh. The ferocious beast was engulfed in flames, its fur and skin quickly reduced to charred remnants, leaving behind nothing but the scent of smoldering meat. To be honest, casting Pyro magic in the midst of a dense forest was far from an ideal choice. However, with limited visibility in the darkness, Victor found himself with few alternatives. As an Initiate Attunement acolyte, his repertoire of spells was limited to the Aleph tier, which wasnt particularly destructive. Damn I shouldve learned more spells. He muttered to himself. With the exception of the rarer elements, there was no limitation to which ones a Magus could cast. Still, he had a high affinity with Anemo and Pyro, which was why he slacked in learning other magic spells with different elements. Not to mention learning spells in his previous academy wasnt free. Despite hailing from a Magus family, Victor was by no means wealthy. At most, he was an upstart. On top of that, each spell required a significant investment of time and effort, as it involved meticulously memorizing and replicating the intricate spell models within ones mind. A single mistake might cause injuries or even the death of the spellcaster. Still, what does the mission mean by establishing a friendly relationship? Is there a specific hidden meaning that the mission is trying to achieve? Victor contemplated deeply but couldnt find the answer. Whatever. I guess it will become clear later. Not long after, the sun finally rose above the horizon, casting the warm morning light that Victor had yearned for during his trek through the treacherous forest. After two hours of navigating the dangers, the outskirts of the forest were a truly welcoming sight. Victors black acolyte robe was more than just a simple garment, as it was adorned with numerous protective enchantments. The fabric self-cleaned, thereby sparing him from the dirt and grime of the forest. It also had a limited self-repairing capability and provided support for his body, minimizing the energy spent during his arduous trek. Furthermore, the robe functioned as a reliable form of armor, comparable to the protection offered by thick leather. As Victor approached the last line of trees, a vast expanse of grain fields stretched out before him. Villagers worked and slept early, as evidenced by the diligent farmers who were already hard at work tending to their crops. The golden ears of grain, weighed down by their ripeness, swayed gently in the breeze. Yet, the peasants didnt have the bright expressions one would presume to have during the harvesting season. Unfazed by the wary gazes directed his way, Victor strode confidently toward the village. The villagers eyed him as cautiously as one might regard a debt collector. After all, the status of Magi stood at the top of this world; although they were unaware of his true identity, his attire, which spoke of a more affluent background, hinted at his status. When he neared the cluster of houses encircled with tall wooden stakes, Victor stopped in his tracks and manipulated the energy particles around to mask his presence. It was just a petty trick that only worked on mortals, but he layered several additional concealment spells so even Initiate Attunement acolytes would find it difficult to notice him. This was Thornwood Village, the place where he and his former comrades had once taken up lodging. He wasnt sure if they were still here or not. Thus far, he had yet to feel any sort of mana fluctuations, but he couldnt be certain until he checked with his own eyes. Among the cluster of houses, one particular brick house with a chimney stood out as the most well-maintained. The village head previously owned it, but it had been rented by Victor and his former friends. As he neared the house, Victor cautiously positioned himself near one of the windows, peering inside with a mix of anticipation and anger. Victor was ready for a confrontation, fueled by fury and a desire for revenge but he was not so foolish as to send himself to an early grave. So, he calmed himself down and resolved to do reconnaissance only. The people who had betrayed him consisted of four individuals, three males and one female, each possessing formidable power that rivaled, if not surpassed, his own. The odds were stacked against him, and defeat would be all but certain if he were to engage them directly. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Upon closer investigation, he discovered that it was only the village head and his family inside the house. Those bastards have already moved on, eh? Victor was a bit disappointed but relieved at the same time. As he glanced around the bedroom where he had once stayed, his eyes narrowed. The bed was neatly made, the side table stood empty, and not a single trace of his belongings remained. Even the floor looked freshly swept. Damn it, he thought, clenching his fists. They cleaned me out! With the tension finally eased from his shoulders, Victor exhaled a cold breath. He thought back to the time when one of his former allies had approached him after learning that he had unearthed a fabled artifact fragment linked to the Primordial Nexus. Blinded by greed, he hadnt seen the signs of their impending betrayal, or the fate that would befall him once they reached the entrance of the ruins. Plus, there was one other personal reason involving the only girl in the party One day, he would exact his vengeance, but now wasnt the time. Not only was his current strength severely lacking, but it would also be a four-to-one battle which was far too great of a disadvantage. On top of that, one of them hailed from an even more powerful Magus family than his own. One that had the protection of a Nexus Temporal Magus. Something that even his family wouldnt dare to offend, not that he had that much influence back home to begin with. Just wait. One day Ill be the one with the power to crush you Victor silently vowed. Enjoy your peace while it lasts. Victor was confident of one thing: So long as he succeeded in getting the Magus academy up and running, he would have his revenge sooner or later. Although, there was one other thing that worried Victor there was no guarantee that they wouldnt come back. For now, there was nothing he could do about the possibility, so hed have to cross that bridge when he came to it. With a flick of a finger, Victor dispelled the enchantments he placed on himself, and his presence returned to normal. Maintaining so many minor spells at once had drained his accumulated infused mana, leaving him feeling light-headed. He knocked on the door, and moments later, it creaked open to reveal the village head, a hunched elderly man in his sixties. His stern expression faltered upon seeing Victor, and he bowed his head subserviently. S-Sir! I thought you had left with your companions. Heh Companions is a generous word for the likes of them, Victor mused. Pardon? Clearing his throat, Victor explained his presence there. At ease. My objectives have shifted since our last encounter... Lets just say I am here to engage in a different kind of venture, one involving the welfare of this village. The words felt foreign on his tongue. If it wasnt for the special circumstances he found himself in, and his past lifes memory, Victor would never bother associating himself with the likes of commoners; not even in his wildest dream. Sensing the change in Victors demeanor, the village head extended a welcoming invitation. Please, do enter my humble abode. The old village head appeared to be skeptical, but Victor knew he wasnt as clueless as the villagers outside. He was aware of the intricacies of Magi and their supernatural powers. Sure, he might not know a lot about them, but he was at least aware that provoking one would bring disaster to his village. Victor seated himself at the dining table as the village heads old wife hurriedly set out some tea. Concurrently, he noticed two pairs of curious eyes peeking from the gap of the bedroom door. Lets not beat around the bush, Victor said, jumping right into it. I am interested in building a dwelling deeper into the forest, and I will require this villages assistance. Sir, we are more than willing to help in cons No, theres no need for that; I have my own ways. Victor dismissed the offer with a wave of his hand. All I need are some good quality tools and ten days worth of provisions. Rest assured, I am willing to compensate you generously for your assistance. With a swift motion, he retrieved a platinum coin from a hidden pouch concealed beneath his coat. A p-platinum coin? The village heads eyes widened in astonishment. In this modest village, a single gold coin could sustain a family for an entire month. A platinum coins worth was five times greater. Yet, for Victor, such coins held no actual value beyond being slightly more precious metals. Truly, for Magi, only mana crystals held genuine significance as currency in their dealings. As for how many platinum coins Victor had in his pouch at the moment? There were exactly fifty-four platinum coins left. So can you provide them or not? Oh, and I will require some seeds for planting as well; the more varieties, the better. Certainly! Certainly, sir! We can provide you with the tools, provisions, and seeds you require, he eagerly assured Victor. Good. They then delved into the finer details of the transaction and sealed the deal. Simultaneously, the village head tapped the table and the gap of the bedroom door creaked and widened, revealing two heads of teenage girls who were peeking. My apologies, sir. My granddaughters have never seen an esteemed Magus as yourself Do pardon them for being curious. The old village head smiled. Magus, huh? For someone at the third-stage Initiate Attunement like me, I am not yet an official Magus Its fine. Victor was wise to the subtle meaning behind the village heads words, but he paid it no mind. Well, have everything prepared by noon. In the meantime, I will do some hunting around the village. Yes, as you wish! From his tone, he was slightly disappointed. It was common for people like him to curry favor with an extraordinary individual like Victor by offering their daughters or granddaughters as servants, but they would only prove to be an inconvenience for him while he had such a big secret to keep. He couldnt let anyone know about the academys existence to minimize any risk, at least not until he had sufficient force to protect himself and his interests. Chapter 7: Summoning the First Batch of Players Part I Victor rather effortlessly towed the massive boars lifeless body behind himself, blood dripping from the carcass as he dragged it back toward the village to be dismantled. While the weight of such a creature would render it an insurmountable task for an ordinary human, Victors strength was at least five times that of an average adult, but even that wouldnt suffice to tow it so easily; it was only possible through the assistance of magic or the infused mana in his body. All of a sudden, the Master Shadowlink Mark on his left wrist began to glow, and a holographic screen was projected before him. Hmm? Framed within the screen was Lizbeth''s face as she urgently spoke. Master! Your Discord account has been bombarded with multiple pings by the players! Hold on. You can do video calls with this thing? Victor was a bit dazed. Yep! Why wouldnt I be able to? Lizbeth tilted her head. Indeed. Victor should have realized it sooner. If he could connect to the vast expanse of the internet on Earth, then the idea of seamless, shorter-distance communication should have been a total no-brainer. Naturally, theres a distance limit, though, Lizbeth added. It could at most cover a one-hundred-kilometer range with the current level of the Nexus Tower, but thats not the main concern here. Whats up? As I said, the players who received their placements are reaching out to you for confirmation. It appears they are feeling rather unsettled by the deliveries or something... Humans there can be quite peculiar, she remarked with a shrug. I see? Victor terminated the call with Lizbeth and launched the Discord app, sitting under the shade of a nearby tree. To his surprise, approximately a hundred unread personal messages were flooding in from the five participants he had fooled. Each message inquired about the peculiarities surrounding the gaming capsules. Frowning, he navigated to the group he had established beforehand, realizing that the source of the issue originated from this text: MikeIsHandsome1000x: @everyone Did you all receive the gaming capsules? Mine just arrived (Or should I say appeared?) not too long ago. Mike then proceeded to recount how a large package had appeared inside his store and to find that the content was a futuristic-looking gaming capsule. Furthermore, he wrote that the console seemed to respond exclusively to him. When he donned the accompanying helmet, he alone could witness an activation countdown. PleaseBugMeNot: Are you sure thats a gaming console? Sounds more like an overly complicated massage chair to me. By the way, Im still not at home, so I dont know. Maybe the others have received it the same as you. SuperNovaX: Uh, guys PleaseBugMeNot: Hmm? Have you received the delivery? Is it the same way as Mike? SuperNovaX: Its worse than that. Do you think a delivery can pass through a locked door? I mean, Im sure I left the door to my apartment locked So how come it was already inside my room when I came back from university? I even checked with security, but they said that no one had come to deliver it. Did a ghost come and deliver this or something? ?? PleaseBugMeNot: You sure you arent making things up? That sounds a little too creepy, alright! Storm Bringer: Youre lucky that youre living alone. Meanwhile, Im residing with my parents, and when they saw the gaming capsule at the front door, my mother immediately interrogated me, questioning where I had stolen such a device from!" ZeroXScyth: I mean, I havent received mine yet. But are deliveries so advanced these days? Autonomous delivery using drones has become more popular in recent years, I hear. But it has never been for something that big, at least not covertly. PleaseBugMeNot: Lol. I never knew you were still living with your parents @Storm Bringer. What are you, a mamas boy? Storm Bringer: Shut up, you! MikeIsHandsome1000x: I partially agree with Zero. Drones might explain some of it, but they arent invisible. The stealth and precision are too mind-boggling for that. Honestly, its as if magic is responsible for all this. Sounds ridiculous, but I cant think of any way to explain all of this! Oh yeah, there was one other peculiar thing ZeroXScyth: My thoughts exactly on the drone, and what peculiar thing?? MikeIsHandsome1000x: Has anyone seen a strange guy wearing a black mask? I didnt personally see him, but one of my employees might have spotted him during the mysterious delivery. PleaseBugMeNot: Might have? Whats with the uncertainty? SuperNovaX: Now that you mention it, a security guy I spoke with did mention something similar. He seemed a bit out of sorts while talking about it. I also didnt think much of it at the time, though. ZeroXScyth: But isnt this strange? Sightings of people dressed similarly, in different locations, almost simultaneously. Our far locations aside, lets not forget these arent small packages were talking about either. Could this be some sort of advanced technology at play? It reminds me of the saying, sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Victor frowned at this. Actually, even he didnt know exactly how these gaming capsules were delivered to their respective houses. If he had to guess, Mike jokingly hypothesizing that it might be magic was probably true. Perhaps it was connected to whatever the previous headmaster had left behind in his original world, in which case involving these mysterious men wearing black masks. However, to be able to traverse large distances in a short period of time must mean that it had the involvement of a high-rank Magus. But for an aloof, powerful Magus to willingly become a courier that delivered the gaming capsules Something just didnt feel right. It might be some sort of magic puppet, but Victor had no way to ascertain things himself. Well, those gaming capsules couldnt walk themselves there, could they? Storm Bringer: Thats the problem! Because of that, I almost got into trouble. Hear me out; it may sound a bit funny and saddening, but my mother almost reported me, believing that I was involved in some shady business. Luckily I stopped her by convincing her to imagine me talking to the police: Yes, officer, I received a mysterious package from another dimension, and it contained a gaming capsule with a fully immersive VR game! Theyd probably think I had too much mushroom pizza. SuperNovaX: Haha, exactly! I can already picture their faces trying not to burst out laughing! Storm Bringer: Right? And when I mentioned that nobody else could see anything, theyd think Ive gone cuckoo! Oh, so youre the chosen one with special powers, huh? Did you get that from a comic book or your grandmas bedtime stories? Even my mother stopped with her nagging when I told her that. PleaseBugMeNot: Pfft! Duuude, thats hilarious! ?? ?? ?? ZeroXScyth: Guess that dissuaded us from reporting to the authorities as well. The conversation after this derailed from its original objective and continued with its absurd humor. Even Victor himself couldnt help laughing Gee, these players sure have good imagination; their made-up story is almost right on the money. MikeIsHandsome1000x: Haha! Theres one more chilling detail I forgot to mention, though: The creepy twists dont end here. You see, Ive purposely filled in the wrong address to check if its a scam, but guess what? The package was delivered to my actual address! PleaseBugMeNot: Just stop SuperNovaX: Gah! (|||) I wont be getting much sleep tonight! Storm Bringer: Damn, just when I was starting to forget about this whole thing ZeroXScyth: Knowing the real address is actually simple. Remember that we have to input our email when we register? Maybe it tracks our address from a previous purchase on an online store or something. Or they could have checked our IP addresses. Also, I reread the Terms and Services for the game, and it mentioned that they were using a new type of technology for delivery, but there was no detailed information about what it was. If Victor wasnt wrong, Zero worked as a consultant to a large corporation, hence explaining the pragmatic and analytical approach in providing the answer. It was expected from the server owner of a large Discord server. Scrolling down further, the discussion circled back to the peculiarity of the gaming capsule. Someone even suggested selling it to a console company. Unbeknownst to them, even with modern tools at their disposal, their attempts would barely leave a dent in the device, let alone be able to break it open. Thankfully, the previous hilarious discussion prevented them from doing just that. ZeroXScyth: Lets wait until @CyberWarlock comes online. Making a fuss about this right now wont help. For now, I will try to reach out to him through a DM Oh, and I just now received mine as well; I didnt see any masked man, though. The rest of the people in the group eventually shifted their focus to discussing recent trending news, though a sense of restlessness lingered. Some of them took brief breaks to grab a bite or attend to personal tasks, yet the prevailing unease was evident. Within the hour, impatience surfaced again, and one member couldnt resist asking for an update on Cyber, to which Zero responded. ZeroXScyth: No, he hasnt gotten back to me yet. PleaseBugMeNot: Guys, I scrolled up our server chat and reached out to this internet guru about our situation. He thinks its all part of some elaborate dark conspiracy by a secret organization that rules the world. Check out this screenshot from our chat. He promptly shared a screenshot showing his conversation with someone online in the group. Reading through the content of the screenshot made Victor frown. Seriously? Just how astray is this guys imagination? Storm Bringer: This guy must have all the time in the world! ?? ZeroXScyth: I skimmed through his reasoning, and while its interesting, we cant take what others say at face value, can we? SuperNovaX: But what if its all true? What if once the countdown hits zero, some AI starts embedding itself in our brains or something equally crazy? ZeroXScyth: Come on, that sounds more like something youd see in a Sci-fi movie. PleaseBugMeNot: Argh! I cant take this anxiety anymore! I will send him a DM as well! Storm Bringer: Me too. SuperNovaX: Me three! MikeIsHandsome1000x: Me four? And that was pretty much how Victors Discord account was bombarded with an endless stream of messages. Victor scratched his head in amusement at the commotion the gaming capsule deliveries had caused within the group. CyberWarlock: Sorry @everyone. Just got back from work, so I had no time to check my phone or laptop. Anyway, I was about to inform you all that those men wearing black masks are indeed our couriers, and we have indeed partnered with a new autonomous delivery company. The reason our couriers only loiter about for a moment is to check whether the gaming capsules are delivered correctly. If our service has caused confusion, please accept our sincerest apologies. And no, its not some conspiracy. PleaseBugMeNot: The Messiah is here! MikeIsHandsome1000x: No wonder. ZeroXScyth: Thought so SuperNovaX: Phew! Glad it was not a ghost nor a conspiracy. But it doesnt answer my initial question of how it appeared inside my room. CyberWarlock: Rest assured, our delivery company has an extensive network and getting a spare key is not a difficult thing. Storm Bringer: Cyber, are you sure youre not working with the government or any special agency? CyberWarlock: Well, I cant divulge all the details as it pertains to the companys secrets. Sorry. Storm Bringer: No worries. You probably signed an NDA with them. ZeroXScyth: Agreed. Knowing this at least clears up some of our confusion. Thanks for the clarification. A slight grin crept onto Victors face. These players that hed handpicked were easier to fool than he had expected. He had no worries about them becoming the first apprentices of his academy. To them, the bizarreness of the delivery was inconsequential as long as they could try the game. Why fret over minor details when the bigger picture was so promising? CyberWarlock: Oh, and one more thing, I want to inform you all that the server will be open tomorrow afternoon at exactly 06:00 P.M. ET. So make sure youre not late. Before that time, be sure to have your meals and needs taken care of. Although the gaming capsules are designed to support prolonged use, its important to remember they are still in the testing phase. Satisfied that everything had gone well, Victor closed the holographic screen and continued hauling the great boar that had become limp from its immense blood loss. The sun had risen high it was nearing noon and the villagers should have all the supplies he requested ready by now. Like a bolt from the blue, a growl appeared from Victors stomach, catching him off guard. Well, he hadnt eaten for a whole day. Not even Elemental Adept Magi could escape from not satisfying their bodily needs like any ordinary human. However, as one progressed to higher ranks as a Magus, they could endure longer periods without needing to eat or drink. Chapter 8: Summoning the First Batch of Players Part II Victor arrived back at the academy by evening, hauling a wooden cart laden with various items in sacks. Goodness, this is exhausting Truth be told, he would have enlisted the villagers help in carrying these goods if it wasnt for the need to be discreet about the academys existence. However, to uphold his mysterious image, he cleverly instructed them to leave the items and cart at a distance, telling them that his magical mount would handle the task from there. Thats right! A magical mount thats exactly what I need to bolster my aura of power and enigma! Sure, there might be some spells out there that could have circumvented the issue, but he currently had none in his arsenal suited for the task. Or perhaps the interspatial ring promised as a reward by the System would have solved the issue altogether. Right. Victor deemed that finishing the mission was of utmost importance. Whew. Luckily I know the spell {Zephyr Dash}, or else this would have taken more than a day And my poor back! Victor rubbed his back and parked the cart right next to the Headmasters Buildings entrance. And it was then that he received a notification. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. The villagers hold you in favorable regard.] [The reward (50 academy points) has been issued.] Hmm more academy points. Guess I might as well exchange some of them. The total number of academy points or AP for short has accumulated to a total of 150. These points could be exchanged on the Headmaster Budget tab of the System. Victor carefully scrolled through the entire list, examining the items available for purchase. While the market offered an assortment of resources, he noticed a conspicuous absence of ready-made magic tools or even run-of-the-mill tools and equipment. This was why Victor had gone to great lengths to acquire some back in the village, as using precious points for such ordinary items felt like a waste, even if they were being sold here. Other than that, there were many other miscellaneous options, including basic meditation techniques, an assortment of potions and elixirs, grimoires and spell books, magic scrolls, and, of course, the good ol mana crystals. Despite being a Magus Academy System, it seemed that knowledge wasnt free, after all. As for the gacha feature these arcane lootboxes were priced rather steeply: [Commoner Lootbox (1 AP)], [Initiate Attunement Lootbox (10 AP)], [Elemental Adept Lootbox (100 AP)], and so on Welcome back, Master! A mischievous grin played on Lizbeths face as the fairy suddenly appeared behind Victor, cheerfully greeting him. Took you long enough to welcome me You must have been slacking off. Havent you, Lizbeth? Victor teased, knowing full well Lizbeths personality. Whaaa? Slacking off? Lizbeths wings fluttered nervously as she averted her gaze, dusting off her clothes to clean any evidence. O-Of course not! Victor knew there was nothing to do now because the players had yet to log in. But still did she have nothing else to do? What about the years she spent waiting for the new headmaster? She must have been very lonely. Ahem, anyway. Im interested in using some of the academy points on the gacha Leave it to me! Lizbeths eyes sparkled with excitement as she placed her hands on her hips, eager to offer her assistance. And thus, the fairy led Victor to the Nexus Beacon situated beneath the Headmasters Office since any purchase through the System could only be done there. Once they arrived, Victor opened the Headmaster Budget tab. Before anything else, he noted that the lowest tier of mana crystal novice-grade mana crystal was priced at one AP, which seemed a good value as they were usually worth ten platinum coins. The entire fortune of a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte would never surpass one hundred crystals, illustrating just how valuable they were. Crap. Now that it comes to mind, I left most of my mana crystals back at the academy. I hope no one steals them Victor pinched the bridge of his nose but decided to make do with his situation. Luckily, he did still have about twenty-three mana crystals of the lowest grade with him, concealed in his other pouch. Currently, Victors sole aim lay in trying out the gacha system. The excitement had been building inside him ever since he first heard about it yesterday, and his hands were practically itching to give it a try. He could hardly hold himself back, resisting the temptation to use all the AP at once. Why are you shaking? Did you perchance catch a cold? Lizbeth voiced her concern upon seeing his pent-up emotion. Nah. Victor dismissed the notion with a light chuckle. As a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, catching common sickness was out of the question and indeed quite laughable. Lets see How do ten commoner lootboxes and four Initiate Attunement lootboxes sound? The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Do as you see fit, she replied with a glint in her eyes. Even she could clearly see the excitement bubbling up inside him. Okay then. With a mix of anticipation and excitement, Victors fingers hovered over the holographic interface of the System, ready to draw the ten common lootboxes first. The idea of getting a jackpot among these ten made his heart race. He took a deep breath to steady himself and pressed the glowing button labeled Draw 10 Lootboxes. It was appalling how similar it was to a typical gacha system. The light blue screen flickered, and the Nexus Beacon responded with a mesmerizing display of colors and swirling magical symbols, each representing the potential treasures concealed within the lootboxes. One by one, the lootboxes materialized, floating in front of him, each adorned with ornate designs and runes, as if the very essence of magic was woven into the boxes themselves. Excited beyond help, Victor extended his hand and selected the first lootbox, causing it to glow even brighter. The anticipation surged as he opened it with a simple wave of his hand. From within the first lootbox emerged a frying pan. Ooh, a frying pan! Victor marveled at the treasure he had acquired as if holding an Excalibur but his excitement soon faded into disappointment. Gee Guess the first one is a dud. With nine more lootboxes left, Victor repeated the process, opening each one with anticipation. However, what he got were nothing more than some random items and even household appliances: a set of kitchen knives, a decorative vase, a wall clock, a cozy throw blanket, a lantern, and miscellaneous foodstuffs including a kilogram of mango-like fruit, a jar of biscuits weighing half a kilogram, and a kilogram of salt. And finally, a rubber duck. Youve GOT to be joking!! Victor threw the rubber duck that came out of the last commoner lootbox at the floor. It bounced off the ground, making a high-pitched squeaking sound that only added to his annoyance. Uhh, why the hell would a rubber duck even be included as a potential reward?! Welp, you get what you paid for. Lizbeth snickered while shrugging her shoulders gleefully. No! Im not done yet! There were still four Initiate Attunement lootboxes remaining, so Victor wasnt dismayed. Thus, like the gamer addicted to gambling he was, he proceeded with the same process of doing gacha as before, just with four pulls instead of ten. The Nexus Beacon shone with another mesmerizing display of colors and swirling magical symbols. Then, four lootboxes materialized and soared toward him, each adorned with even more intricate ornate designs and runes. From within the first lootbox emerged a purplish grimoire that shimmered mysteriously. On the cover of the top of the book, the words Blink Step were elegantly written in the Seraphian language. It was even accompanied by product descriptions on the Systems screen! {Blink Step} grimoire A grimoire that contains the spell {Blink Step}. It grants the caster the ability to instantaneously teleport to a nearby location within their line of sight. With a swift gesture and a focused mind, the caster can seamlessly move through space, appearing in the chosen destination in the blink of an eye. Spell Tier: Aleph Elemental Type: Cosmo FINALLY!! Victor exclaimed, holding the grimoire high in the air with a triumphant smile spreading across his face. Now this was a real treasure! Unlike typical spell books that required painstaking study by memorizing and constructing the spell model, a grimoire would instantly grant mastery of the spell to the user. Although it might be single-use, it was many times more valuable than its counterpart. Getting such a treasure on his first try made Victor feel that hed score more jackpots. With three more lootboxes left to open, Victors excitement surged once again. At least there were no Thank you for your patronage zonk lootboxes. After opening each with a wave of his hand he gleamed at his new prizes; a strange magic potion, a healing magic scroll, and a bluish-white egg. He took particular interest in the egg, noting that it seemed to be pulsating as if it were alive! Mysterious egg No one knows whats inside the egg. Its origin and purpose remain shrouded in mystery, with tales of legendary creatures hatching from similar eggs circulating in ancient lore. Anyone can tell that the egg is alive. Lizzy, what kind of egg is this? It cant be a duck egg, can it? Victor inspected the egg as he carefully held it in his hand; it was definitely bigger than a duck egg and about the size of his fist. Hey, dont give me a nickname like that! Just Liz is fine. Lizbeth pouted and glanced curiously at the mysterious egg. This egg Ive never seen anything like it before, but theres no way something that comes from the System could be ordinary. That was my thought. Say, can you brood it? After all, Victor himself didnt know shit about incubating an egg, and seeing that the self-proclaimed assistant had nothing to do, he delegated the task to her. What do you think I am, a hen?! She huffed but took the egg from Victors hand, nonetheless. I suppose I can give it a try if you insist. He had high hopes for whatever would come from the egg. Im not asking for much! If I can get a better and more obedient fairy, I will be more than satisfied. Of course, a badass mythological beast wouldnt be too bad either! Hey! You shall have no other fairy before this Lizbeth! *** As Alfreds workday neared its end, he sat back in his comfortable leather chair. Working as a consultant in a multinational corporation had its challenges, but the financial rewards and flexibility made it all worthwhile. He checked his email one last time, ensuring all loose ends were tied up before he could fully embrace the evening. With the clock striking five, Alfred shut down his computer and stretched his arms above his head. Normally, he wouldnt turn off his computer and spend some time gaming with his online friends, but he had other plans today. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he glanced at the state-of-the-art VR gaming capsule sitting in the corner of his home office. It was hard to believe that signing up to beta test a VR game on some peculiar website actually led to the chance to try something beyond his wildest dreams. He just hoped it lived up to the hype. Its today, huh Alfred muttered to himself as he adjusted his glasses and glanced at the clock, counting down the minutes until six o''clock. In the meantime, he kept himself busy with various chores around the house. His girlfriend was on a business trip so he had the house to himself. When the appointed time finally arrived, he donned the helmet and stepped into the capsule. Previously, while tweaking the console, he found out that the helmet could be disconnected and brought elsewhere without losing its power. Though considering it was his first time using it, Alfred decided to just play it safe. As the capsule closed, the helmet turned on, and a radiant beam of light pierced through the darkness, illuminating his vision. In a flash, his consciousness was brought into another world It felt like he had crossed into an entirely new dimension! Chapter 9: Reality? Or Just a Game? Inside one of the chambers in the Nexus Tower, two incubation pods unlocked simultaneously, their translucent hatches smoothly gliding open. As the misty interior cleared, Alfred found himself sitting up, his mind reeling with disbelief. His wide eyes scanned the unfamiliar surroundings, and he couldnt help but gasp in awe. What the fuck! Is this real?! Holy shit! As the expletives echoed through the room, he felt absorbed in the growing sense of reality. Until a moment ago, he still didnt believe that a fully immersive VR game was real. But when he opened his eyes, he was already in this strange room. His body felt hot, as if he had just emerged from a sauna. The gentle breeze from an overhead air outlet caressed his shoulders, leaving a cool sensation on his sweaty skin it was then that he realized that he was naked. But there was also a faintly unpleasant odor, making him scrunch his nose in slight discomfort. Is this really the game world? Alfred muttered in disbelief, momentarily ignoring the fact that he was butt-naked. Nevertheless, being a collected individual and a professional gamer, Alfred was able to calm himself and check the situation he was in. Sight, smell, touch, taste, sound. All five senses were here! After that, he took a better look at his surroundings. There was a hard, stony floor beneath his feet and purplish-black walls with blue torches around him He touched the rough floor and noticed that sensation was so vivid Still, the interior made it look like they were inside a medieval tower. Suddenly, a brown-haired person shot up from the pod beside him and frantically began bombarding him with questions. You! Who are you?! Are you an NPC? Is this some kind of overly elaborate prank?! What? No, Im Al ZeroXScyth Oh Its you, Zero! Realization dawned upon him, and he introduced himself, My username is PleaseBugMeNot. Ah, I see Wait! Werent you a man in your twenties? How come you look to be fifteen or sixteen years old? Huh? Now that you mentioned it You, too, look a decade too young to be a consultant in a multinational corporation! Both of them exchanged puzzled glances and pointed at each other, equally bewildered by their overall situation. Then a shout coming from outside the chamber snapped them out of their daze. Are you fucking kidding me? Are you fucking kidding me?! It was the voice of a young man. Whos there? Another player? Alfred said quietly. I think so Lets check it out! PleaseBugMeNot replied, eager to investigate the source of the noise. Wait! Alfred intervened, taking PleaseBugMeNots arm, preventing him from thoughtlessly rushing outside. Wh-What? HEY! Im not into men! Unhand me! PleaseBugMeNot protested, trying to free himself from Alfreds grasp. Get lost! What I was about to say is, are you sure you want to go outside naked? O-Oh, yeah PleaseBugMeNot blushed, realizing he was still in his virtual avatars default appearance. Thanks That would have been embarrassing. No problem. The intense reality they were in must have befuddled his friends mind, although two men being naked inside a room could indeed be a bit misleading in itself. So they frantically searched the room for something to cover themselves. To their relief, they discovered a huge wardrobe filled to the brim with clothes. Wow, look, theres gray robes here! Like the ones used in magic schools! PleaseBugMeNot exclaimed, grabbing one of the robes from the wardrobe and draping it over himself. Alfred followed suit and dressed himself in accordance with the available wardrobe items, agreeing, Exactly. Its the games setting, after all. He then tried to adjust his glasses, only realizing that his virtual body didnt wear any. How peculiar. Now fully clothed, the two of them pushed open the iron door and exited their chamber. Outside, they discovered that the place was even more magical than they previously imagined The interior was reminiscent of the kind of magic towers that would be owned by great mages in novels. Not far beside them were four other chambers like the one they had just come from, and one of them had its door open. I thought it was all a joke. Even now, I still cant accept it. PleaseBugMeNot sighed, still trying to process the surreal experience. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. I know, right? Is technology really this advanced now? Bizarrely, they discovered one naked youngster with a nicely shaped face, who appeared to be a player, desperately pecking the stone floor like a chicken not far from the white pool in the center of the structure. He was even tearing up all over while muttering Oh my god! Its all so real! Its so real! over and over like a maniac. Indeed, this world was completely immersive! To Alfred, at least, this was like a dream come true! Who the heck are you? An NPC? said the player who was kissing the floor after coming to his senses. NPC my ass! Its me, PleaseBugMeNot! And Im ZeroXScyth. What the fuck?! Im MikeIsHandsome1000x! Just call me Mike Uhm, why do you both look like teenagers? Hahahaha! This is hilarious! Yeah, right, laugh if you want. Youre the one whos standing around butt naked like the day he was born. I guess in the virtual world we look different from our real selves. Shoot! Youre right! Where did you guys find clothes? Mike rapidly questioned. Unwilling to see his online friend naked any longer, Alfred replied, Its from the same chamber where the pods are. Wheres yours? There. Mike pointed at the chamber that had its door open. Theres someone else beside me there Dunno who, though. They walked into the chamber, and inside, they found another naked player. But this guy wasnt moving a muscle; he was just sitting there, deep in thought, with a mysterious look on his face. It was like he was trying to unlock the secrets of the universe, or maybe just pondering the mysteries of his nether regions. Whatever it was, it was quite a sight to behold. Uh, hey there, one of them finally said, breaking the awkward silence. You okay? The guy looked up. Just contemplating life, man, he replied with an unfathomable expression. Huh? Its just are our genders set to male by default? Is there no way of creating your own character? I mean like changing our gender? Damn! I thought he was trying to be philosophical, but he was just horny! Are you sure youre not PleaseBugMeNot since hes the most degenerate and all among our group Hey now, dont compare me to him! Im a sophisticated player, not a degenerate! Besides, Im Storm Bringer. Aye, Storm! Were best buddies, right? You know what I mean? Go away. I was just asking. You must be PleaseBugMeNot, then Guess that makes us four players, eh? Storm counted. Dont call me PleaseBugMeNot here; its too long. Since this is an RPG, call me by my BDO username that was the name I registered on the official website. Prominence, right? Anywho, where did you two get your fancy robes? Storm asked, observing the neat gray robes worn by both Alfred and PleaseBugMeNot, now Prominence. Alfred then told him about the wardrobe filled with clothes inside the chamber, and the two naked players dressed themselves up accordingly. Next, they came outside the chamber to inspect the place and to find other clues Although, there was no other way out except for massive double doors that wouldnt budge no matter how hard they tried. I wonder, wheres the last player SuperNovaX? As soon as the question left Alfreds lips, a sudden yelp echoed from one of the remaining chambers. Startled, the group turned their attention to the source of the commotion. Without warning, the iron door burst open, revealing a guy with black hair and a thin build, dressed in the same robes that they were. Eep! A ghost! The guy was still yelling nonstop and only stopped when he saw the other players. Whats going on? Alfred was the first to ask the question. Are you SuperNova? Th-Theres a ghost inside that room! Yeah, thats right! Just woke up from there alone! the newcomer replied. Whats that shining black mark on your wrist? Mike pointed at SuperNovas left wrist. This? That ghost appeared as soon as this thing shone! Dont you guys have these on your left wrists as well? Surprised that he had missed a hint, Alfred checked his left wrist and found the same mark. Whats this for? In any case, they must have been so amazed by the immersive world that they hadnt noticed the black bracelet-like marks on their left wrists. Anyway, we should get the fuck outta here before that ghost catches us! Just then, a small, ethereal being floated from the chamber. It appeared translucent, almost as if made of pure light and shadow, and seemed to hover above the ground as it moved with an eerie fluidity. On second glance, it had the shape of a fairy but lacked the vivid colors of a normal living being, though not to the point of being a ghostly apparition. How rude. Im not a ghost! Its sassy voice wasnt in English but in a strange language that Alfred was somehow able to understand, strangely enough. It appeared that this was the case for the rest of the players. Th-Thats the ghost! SuperNova trembled, pointing at the pale fairy. What ghost? You watched too many horror movies Alfred tried to adjust his nonexistent glasses and added, I think its a hologram of a fairy? Our first NPC?! Wow, it looks so real! You called a fairy this pretty a ghost?! Prominence reprimanded. Finally, the fairy folded her arms and fluttered her wings, someone that can be talked to. My name is Lizbeth, and I am a gorgeous fairy! She introduced herself with a mischievous smile. What you see now isnt my true form but a simplified projection of my figure. Miss Fairy, what is this black mark on our wrists? Alfred asked, showing his left wrist where the mark was. Thats called a Shadowlink Mark, and its used to show your status. To use it, all you have to do is will a thought at it and it will activate, the hologram fairy explained, her voice gentle yet mysterious. The other players, except SuperNova, who had already figured this out, were curious about the marks and couldnt wait to summon their status screens. Alfred himself followed suit, trying to replicate the process. As he concentrated, a mesmerizing blue holographic screen materialized right before his eyes. ZeroXScyth Power Rank: None Elemental Affinity: ??? Status: Healthy Strength: (5) Agility: (5) Vitality: (5) Magical Power: (0) Infused Mana (total): (0) Before he was able to ask anything else, the fairy clapped her hands and brought the players out of their astonishment. Alright! The headmaster has been waiting for your arrival, new acolytes, so I will save the details for later. Now, please follow me and meet him! Chapter 10: Welcome to the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Guided by the fairy, the five players exited the spire-like tower and faced the outside world. Although a thousand questions piled up, none of the players were willing to intrude on the games opening cutscene. Be that as it might, Alfred surveyed the landscape to its last detail. He stood in a clearing surrounded by a forest and containing a marble structure situated about one hundred meters away from him. Everything was meticulously crafted the vibrant colors of the land, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The scent of fresh grass and the warmth of the sun on his skin felt surprisingly real. He could hardly believe he was inside a virtual world. The immersive sound design enveloped him, with the chirping of birds, the soft gurgling of a nearby stream, and the distant echo of unknown creatures adding to the realism. As he took his first steps, the ground beneath him felt solid and steady, as if he were walking in a vast, unexplored wilderness. Prominence, standing beside him, awed at the sights. This... I thought the tower we were in was pretty immersive, but the outside world feels endless! One of the players even scooped up a handful of dirt and placed some in his mouth before instantly spitting it out. Shit! The dirt tastes like dirt! What are you, stupid? Of course, it does! Mhm. Even Alfred, whose praise was hard to come by, complimented, The team behind this game must have worked themselves to the bone to make this a reality And with such a vast and dynamic landscape, they must be running an ultra-powerful server to keep up with the constant changes. Still, I wonder whos the headmaster The players were chattering among themselves, totally awestruck by the perfect realism of this virtual world. Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine they would experience a game that was this lifelike in their lifetime. Miss Fairy, what language are you speaking? Storm suddenly inquired. The hologram fairy, who had been silent while observing the players antics, finally spoke up. I am speaking in the most common language of this world the Seraphian language. Your incubation process before becoming an acolyte has allowed you the ability to understand and speak in the same language. Ooh! Rather than English, Storm now spoke in Seraphian. No way! I can actually speak the language! The games setting is really one of a kind! But how is this even technologically possible? Hang on, let me test it. One, two, three I am so handsome! Where are the ladies, your daddy is here! Mike shouted, striking a suave pose and winking playfully at the other players. Prominence burst into laughter, teasing him, You just wanted an excuse to say that, didnt you? Well, I must say, your Seraphian pick-up lines need some work. SuperNova nodded. How strange. This new language is a tad similar to English Maybe Ill try speaking English with a Seraphian accent. He scratched his head in amusement and attempted his best imitation of a Seraphian accent while speaking English: Arrr, matey! I be sailin the seven seas, searchin fer treasure and adventure! The others burst into laughter at his pirate-themed antics, applauding his effort. Storm even joined in on the fun. Ahoy there, Captain SuperNova! Ye be a fine sailor, indeed! As the players continued playfully experimenting with their newfound language skills, they eventually arrived at the only other building in sight. The hologram fairy gracefully guided them inside, leading them through a well-maintained fantasy-esque interior and toward the topmost floor. She eventually stopped them in front of a room with a sign that read Headmasters Office. The headmaster is inside, the hologram fairy informed, then vanishing into thin air as if she was never there. With curiosity and a hint of apprehension, the players approached the magnificent double doors. To their amazement, it swung open on its own, not through any mechanical contraption, but seemingly by supernatural means. M-Magic! Collectively taking a deep breath, they cautiously stepped into the room, where they laid eyes on a young man with light blue hair standing tall before a large window, gazing pensively outside. Thats the headmaster? Prominence looked at him in awe. It looks like a real person! Mike exclaimed. Hes remarkably young! Even younger than me in real life! SuperNova scratched his head. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. I thought the headmaster would be an old mage with a long white beard or something Alfred commented. But I guess this fits the setting, considering its still in the closed-alpha stage? In the presence of this enigmatic young headmaster, the players couldnt help but feel a mix of wonder, excitement, and a tinge of nervousness. Even as the unofficial leader among them, Alfred was a bit taken aback. Out of the blue, a powerful gust of wind swept through the room from the headmasters direction, ruffling the players hair and slamming the door shut behind them. Wh-Whats happening?! So, you are here. The headmaster turned around, revealing a handsome face that appeared hardly older than their own virtual bodies. I am the headmaster of this academy, titled Astralium. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, new acolytes. The players were taken aback by the headmasters air of authority and the enigmatic power he seemed to possess. Despite his youthful appearance, a profound sense of wisdom and experience emanated from him. Welcome to the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi. *** One day had passed since Victor pulled the gacha, and now the moment had finally arrived the players would log in soon. The appointed time was just around the corner, so he was getting ready to receive them. Welcome, new acolytes I am an NPC No, NPCs wont be calling themselves NPCs Let me try again. While saying this in the mirror, Victor took a deep breath, adjusting his vibrant azure robe, which shimmered in the sunlight. He tried to make himself look majestic, experimenting with different postures and expressions. Welcome to the academy, young apprentices. I am your headmaster Victor? Argh! This isnt good enough! Victor clawed at his head as he faced the mirror. Undeterred, he practiced again, but no matter how he tried, nothing felt quite right. Despite being reborn into a prestigious Magus family, his upbringing never covered the art of becoming a proper headmaster NPC. As for his past life as a programmer, there was much less to say... Due to his persistence, Lizbeth couldnt help but raise an amused eyebrow and make a sarcastic remark. Master, are you sure youre not turning into a broken record? Youve been at it for hours! Hearing that, Victors expression stiffened and he coughed. Ill have you know, my dear assistant, I already have a script in mind. This is just... um... thorough preparation. Yes, thats it! I am merely practicing to ensure Im not nervous when meeting them. Lizbeth couldnt hold back a chuckle. So thorough preparation is how you call it? Well, I hope it pays off when you finally meet them. Oh, it will. Ill dazzle them with my presence and my perfectly rehearsed lines. Of course, Ill need your help as well to make that possible, Liz, Victor replied, simulating the whole scenario inside his mind. Now, let me practice once more... Just as Victor was about to continue with his practice and ponder what kind of posture he should assume, a melodious ding resounded in his mind. In an instant, three lines of text materialized before him: [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have done well in ensuring the first batch of players successfully log in to the game.] [The reward (Interspatial ring (1 m3)) has been issued.] They are here! His heart raced; anticipation filling his entire being. Victor had spent a whole day honing his acting skills, practicing to embody the essence of a wise and charismatic NPC, much like the headmasters of his former academy. Obviously, he couldnt deny that being a young headmaster might seem unconvincing among Magi because most of them were old hundreds of years old at the very least. But against clueless players, his act would be more than enough to fool them. Victor realized something useful as he spent the day cooped up in the academy. Using the Master Shadowlink Mark, he was able to project a holographic screen that could see everything within the academys vicinity, up to about a few hundred-meter radius around the Headmasters Building. And thus, he used it to spy on the players as they emerged. Just like he had anticipated, the players were overwhelmed by the immersive reality of this world. Well, for Victor, it was a world just like Earth there was no difference except it being much, much larger and magical. What happened next was pretty much in line with what he and Lizbeth had planned. Realizing that the players might require some time to adjust to their new reality, Victor decided it would be best not to appear there as the headmaster right away. Instead, he instructed the fairy to guide them here by projecting a hologram of herself through the Shadowlink Mark of one of the players, allowing for a smoother introduction. In the meantime, Victor busied himself with his own preparations for the grand entrance. He wanted to make a lasting impression and project his authority as the headmaster of the academy. There couldn''t be any room for mistakes or uncertainties. Luckily, there was a large window facing the south, precisely at the Nexus Tower. Throughout the night, he pondered and brainstormed for the perfect name for his academy. It had to be something captivating but fitting, a name that would embody the academys uniqueness and leave a strong impression on the players. After all, he couldn''t just use a random name or even a placeholder for his academys name, could he? Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 100 Academy Grade: Level 1 Total Acolytes: 5/100 Progression Value: 0/100 Victor stared at the name hed chosen on the Academy Status page as a confident smile graced his lips. For those who lived in this world, the name sounded like a powerful force that spanned across numerous worlds and planes. Yet, for the players, it would invoke the idea of them being the interdimensional Magi. Technically, this term wasnt wrong. They are outside, Lizbeth promptly informed, quickly retreating to remain unseen. Oh? With a final deep breath, Victor steadied himself. With a quick gesture, he conjured simple magic to open the double doors that separated him from the players. As the doors swung open, Victor saw the players standing beyond the threshold, looking perplexed and startled, softly whispering among themselves. Without losing the momentum, Victor launched into his well-rehearsed introduction, the fruit of his thorough preparation, and welcomed them to the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi, executing the moves that hed been practicing perfectly. Chapter 11: The Basics of Etiquette The room fell silent for a while. The five players were unexpectedly honest, their eyes fixed on Victor, holding their breath as if fearing they might miss crucial plot details if they so much as uttered a word. It was a moment of complete stillness, and Victor reveled in the power he had over the scene. Victor silently heaved a sigh of relief and continued to speak according to his prepared script, First of all, I stand before you with a heavy heart, for I see before us an academy that has lost its former brilliance. The glory of our predecessors, once spanning a thousand worlds, has been overshadowed by the dark clouds of adversity. Our enemies have encroached upon our territories, attempting to extinguish the very essence of our ancient traditions and knowledge, cornering us to this no mans land. He paused for a moment, letting the gravity of the situation sink into the players minds. But let us not be daunted by the challenges. We will rise from the ashes and reclaim our rightful place among the countless worlds. It is our duty to restore the legacy of our forebears and make it the greatest in the universe once again. The last word was a cue for Lizbeth to appear, and she rapidly flew from who knew where and perched on Victors shoulder. The moment they saw her, the players couldnt help but mutter to each other in a low voice that Victor could only hear thanks to his better-than-normal constitution. So thats her true form. Shes so pretty! Our mascot goddess has appeared. After this, lets create a fan club for her. Agreed. Eh? Theres already a plan to make a fan club for her?! Victors eyebrows furrowed in surprise and confusion. However, this was not the main concern for him. Ahem. The fairy on my shoulder is my assistant. You may call her Miss Fairy or Miss Lizbeth. Feel free to ask her any questions about the academy or anything else you may not understand, Victor announced with a touch of flair. This was the academys backstory he made up. When the next batch of players arrived, Victor would repeat it once more. Crafting a compelling speech wasnt easy, so it was better to use what was available to keep the setting consistent. Being aware of Earth, Lizbeth knew what to avoid mentioning to maintain the illusion of a game. Therefore, there was no need to worry about her accidentally revealing his true intention. Do you five have any questions? Seeing that it was time to gain some information, the player who registered with the nickname Prominence quickly asked, Um, are there GMs monitoring us? Are you aware of anyone by the name CyberWa Argh! Victor cast {Heat Wave} an Aleph-tier spell at its minimum output, releasing a burst of intense heat on the player in question, though not to the point of injuring him, while saying, It seems youre unaware of the etiquette you should have in front of the headmaster, an official Magus. This was only a warning: If you met another narrow-minded Magus out there, they might kill you. Be sure to address someone higher than you with their proper title from now on. This was the truth. Victor was teaching these players the unwritten rule of this world; the dignity of Magi could not be violated. Even the slightest mistake might bring the other party to an early grave. It wasnt that he was being harsh, but it was better for him to teach them here than later, although he had to lie about being an official Magus. Victor then replied sternly, For your question, I dont understand what youre talking about. Ask me some more useful questions. S-Sorry, the player stammered and retreated, clearly flustered. Oof, youve offended the headmaster Another player with red hair beside him, who was for some reason pretending to adjust his nonexistent glasses, inquired, Esteemed Headmaster, how do we log out from the game? The truth was that the connection between a players real and virtual body could be interrupted by abnormal states such as coma, sleep, and death. However, Victor didnt want this to happen; after all, the incubation of bodies in the Nexus Tower wasnt free and required a significant amount of time. Furthermore, dealing with lifeless bodies scattered around would be nothing short of a nightmare. So, he reassured the players, You can return to your dimension by going to a designated location and practicing meditation, as the law of the world allows a smooth transition between this world and the other. Anything else? Me! Me! Sir Astralium! Storm raised his hand, like an elementary student eager to be picked. What about the character creation system? Can we tweak the settings for our roles? And, by the way, the gender of the character? A-Agh! C-Cant breathe! This time, Victor only manipulated the Anemo elemental particles around the ignorant and impudent player to make him shut up and announced, Since there are no more questions, my assistant will help you familiarize yourselves with the academy. This includes the rules of the academy on specifically what you can do and what you cannot do. You can check your Shadowlink Marks for further information and instructions. Youre dismissed! Before the other players could ask any more questions, Victor snapped his fingers, and a powerful gust of wind surged forth, forcefully pushing open the double doors and propelling the players outside. With another elegant flick of his hand, the heavy doors swiftly closed behind them, leaving them standing in the corridor. So strict on their first day, eh? Being overly harsh will get you nowhere, Lizbeth quipped. I have a reason for this, Victor defended, While these players may have little to no contact with the locals, especially Magi, until much later, its crucial to instill some basic understanding and common sense in them. To them, this world may be just a game, but for me, its a reality. Who knows? Their lack of etiquette may very well be the trigger for a big problem in the future. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. In case more Magi joined this academy as NPCs or mentors, these players should know at least the most basic form of manners. It would incite unwanted troubles otherwise. Victor could already imagine how such incidents played out in his mind. Victor slumped to the chair as he let out a long sigh. Undertaking all these tasks was not only mentally exhausting for Victor but also draining on his mana reserves. Although he had used only about 20 percent of his infused mana reserve, he still felt the exhaustion. [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Imposing Headmaster] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (make the players understand the rules of this world) for this achievement.] [The award (20 academy points) has been granted.] Hrm? Theres a hidden achievement?! Victor stared at the screen for quite a long time, befuddled. Thats true. Lizbeth let out a satisfied smile, a contrast to her usual mischievous one, and muttered, You do have a qualification to become the headmaster. It seems that I didnt choose the wrong person for the job. Whats that? Victor perked up, unable to hear her comment clearly because of focusing too much on the sudden achievement. Its nothing. Why dont you check the new mission while a magic projection of myself is currently guiding the players around the academy? Mm, youre right. He turned his attention to the task at hand and projected the mission page. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Whats Around the Academy? To develop the academy, you must make sure that the surrounding area supports further growth. One such criterion is to discover exploitable natural resources. Type: Main mission Total Natural Resources Found: 0/3 Reward: 150 academy points Mission: Farming Simulator 1.0 Self-sustaining is not achieved through external factors but internal factors. You can do this yourself, or you can instruct the players to create a one-hectare field and seed it with life. Type: Side mission Reward: 10 progression value points Victor had completed all the recent missions, and with the arrival of the first batch of players, a new array of tasks had been unlocked. Now, the number of side missions, in particular, had exceeded ten. Each had varying objectives but one common theme: to develop the academy, thus the progression value reward. These missions included tasks like constructing a protective wall around the academy, building a dormitory for the acolytes, establishing a road network, and other seemingly straightforward endeavors. While they might have been relatively simple for Victor, they posed quite a difficulty for ordinary players to achieve. In total, the accumulation of progression value points from these missions would exceed one hundred. To upgrade the academy, Victor realized he would need to complete all these tasks. Conversely, an even better solution presented itself, which was even written in the mission description why not delegate these missions to the players? Liz, assign all these missions to the players, Victor instructed. Do prioritize the easier ones like Farming Simulator 1.0. Sure thing! She nodded but then posed a question, Er, what should we pay them with? Indeed. Even his former academy had to compensate its acolytes for doing their tasks and odd jobs. But currently, Victor was severely lacking in hard currency to make a sustainable economy. Even if he had the capital, the players might not necessarily be able to utilize it effectively due to the complexities of supply and demand. He needed an alternative form of expendable currency. Lets give them merit points as a reward for now. Oh, how generous I am! Victors mouth formed a curved line that almost split his head in half. Should I bring a mirror so you can see how evil you look right now? Lizbeth quipped. What? Im only expressing my generosity. Something then flashed inside Victors head. Speaking of rewards He realized he hadnt checked the previous missions reward yet, so he descended into the basement floor where the Nexus Beacon was located. Similar to drawing arcane lootboxes, the interspatial ring materialized itself and floated into his hand. The ring was a bit larger than his thumb, but as soon as Victor slipped it onto his right middle finger, it magically adjusted its size to fit perfectly. Interspatial ring (1 m3) A magic ring thats holding a pocket dimension within its confines. With a simple touch or thought, the user can access the hidden space, allowing them to store items depending on the storage size. Once Victor placed his magic mark on the ring, he accessed the storage inside. Immediately after, an intense headache assaulted his head. Agh! Damn, why did someone put a tricky enchantment here? Victor rubbed his head. However, along with the headache came a magic transmission containing a piece of information flooding into his mind: In my long journey to seek the truth as a Magus, Ive traveled across numerous worlds and dimensions Among them, I found Earth an outlier among many and versed myself in its cultures. It was then that Are you interested in what happened next? Hmm? To my successor, I hid a lot of easter eggs in the System that will give you hints. Be sure to find them all, teehee. Anyways, I have one piece of advice for you. Players are creatures that can be trusted more than the people of your own world. If used wisely, they can think outside the box and give insight even to the publisher you. Also, I made it slightly easier for you to control them But of course, without a proper understanding of their hearts and minds, you will be hard-pressed to manage them. So, be sure to do your job properly. If youre asking, Who am I? Where am I? know that I am hidden deep beneath this academy. Search for me, and you shall find it. Toodle-oo. If Victor had to guess, the culprit must be the previous headmaster. Sheesh. The previous headmaster sure has a mischievous streak, much like a certain someone. It wasnt just this, but also with the mysterious egg. Victor glanced at the fairy sitting on his shoulder, whose expression was saying, Anything wrong? and with a demeanor that was as innocent as ever, and concluded something. Whatever, I should check the contents of the interspatial ring. To his surprise, the ring wasnt empty! Among the items stored in the ring, Victor discovered a meditation technique book, along with several miscellaneous magic items. Could this be the starting pack that the System or perhaps the previous headmaster had given him? You had to know that each basic meditation technique was priced at least dozens of AP. While Victor could teach the players the one hed obtained from the Arcane Radiance College, he was bound by a magic oath not to freely distribute such knowledge. At least, not until he became an Elemental Adept Magus and joined their ranks or received permission to do so. Victor had been thinking of what kind of meditation technique he should purchase from the System to teach the players all this time. So, receiving this meditation technique as a free endorsement was a heaven-sent blessing. Chapter 12: Even a Magus Has to Start with Farming Meanwhile, the players who had been sent out of the Headmasters Office were standing in the corridor, utterly flabbergasted. Despite being a virtual game, their limbs trembled, and their hearts raced from the intensity of the encounter they had just experienced. The reality of the immersive world had left a profound impact on them, making them question if they were still playing a game or if they had truly entered a different reality altogether. Did you see that? Mm-hmm! God, a Magus is so powerful! I know, right! I cant wait to start studying magic and become as powerful as the headmaster. The players were chattering, a look of total excitement plastered on their faces. The fear that enveloped the players didnt discourage them; instead, it made them all the more eager to dive deeper into the game. They were all impatient to experience the life of a Magus and wield immense power, lording over common people while living in a majestic tower. Among them, Williams imagination ran wild with all the possibilities. While mostly indecent, he also kept in mind the games limitations, ensuring he would play within the boundaries set by the system. I dont want to be banned from this game! Thinking that they were the early birds, William quickly proposed, Guys, this is our chance. I bet this game will be blown up out of proportion! We should use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as alpha testers to gain the most benefit! The other players nodded eagerly at Williams suggestion, realizing they had a unique advantage as early testers in this groundbreaking game. Zero, the calmest and most collected, agreed to his suggestion, Yeah, youre right. We can be pioneers in this virtual world and get ahead of the competition. Exactly! We need to form a party and stick together. With teamwork, we can share information and get through hard challenges together to earn more rewards, another player added. As they discussed their plans, a hologram figure of a fairy suddenly appeared before them. This time, it was Williams mark that was flashing with a gentle glow. Can I have your attention, please? The hologram fairy spoke in a melodious, sassy voice. Have you read the rules of the academy? Miss Fairy! No, we have not, William replied, slightly taken aback by the unexpected appearance. Then do so immediately. Yes, of course! The players quickly activated their Shadowlink Marks, and the rules of the academy materialized before their eyes. The text shimmered with a touch of magic, making it easy to read and understand. Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Guidelines 1.0
  1. The headmasters orders are supreme, and all acolytes of the academy adhere to them unconditionally.
  2. Acolytes must show respect and comply with the instructions of the academy staff and their respective mentors.
  3. Combat between acolytes is strictly prohibited within the academy premises, unless within designated areas where it is allowed under the premise that both parties agreed. Killing other acolytes also goes beyond the rules.
  4. Vandalism and destruction of academy property are strictly forbidden.
  5. Any acolyte found in violation of these regulations will be subject to consequences based on the severity of the offense. The headmaster retains the authority to impose penalties, including expulsion from the academy. (Note: Being expelled is equivalent to being kicked from the game and entails banning login permissions.)
  6. The headmaster reserves the final right to interpret and enforce the aforementioned rules and guidelines.
These are the rules? William shook his head as he continued to think, Doesnt this practically give the headmaster GM rights? He made a mental note never to offend the headmaster; if the footnote below Article 5 of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Guidelines was anything to go by, this made the headmaster an absolute existence, transcending both in-game or real-world perspectives. The other players also understood to steer clear of causing any trouble and inadvertently ending up banned from the game. Once banned, they could only bite their thumbs and dramatically weep like cartoon characters. After telling the players about the rules, the hologram fairy guided them through the academy. At this stage of the game, besides the tower they had spawned in, there was only one building they could explore the Headmasters Building. However, it was by no means small; it towered five stories high and boasted a plethora of rooms on each floor. There was even a large storage room with tens of tools, provisions, and some unknown sacks. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Once they had explored almost all the unrestricted rooms, the hologram fairy led them to the first floor, right to the reception area. That concludes the academys tour, I suppose. Miss Lizbeth, I see that there are numerous empty rooms in the building. Where should we be living? Mike raised his hand; he must have taken the setting of the game too seriously that he uttered that question. For your accommodation, you may take one of the empty rooms on the second floor, answered Lizbeth. Do you have any other questions? Hmm, looking at this, I think the tutorial is about to end, William mused to himself, realizing they were getting closer to the games main storyline. Nevertheless, the players had grasped the rules of the academy and the objective of the game. They were not so brazen as to ask unimportant things as well. Guess that wraps it up. Now, the academy has issued important missions for the new acolytes. Naturally, well provide rewards equal to the number of missions youve completed. Lizbeth smiled as she spoke, her holographic form radiating warmth and enthusiasm. Important missions! Rewards! Nothing in this game would pique their interest as players more than those words. In fact, they would go to extra lengths to find hidden quests and get hidden rewards. Miss Fairy! Leave everything to us! Yup, yup! Be it a sea of fire or a deep abyss, well make sure that its done! Damn. This guy read too many novels; his phrase is so clich. Shut up! Im trying to immerse myself. The players motivation and determination were evident as they expressed their eagerness to take on whatever the game had in store for them. They were all fired up. Of course, William was no exception; he was more than ready to embark on an epic quest. Mhm! Its good that youre enthusiastic. Lizbeth nodded her head in satisfaction. Go activate your Shadowlink Marks and see the available missions. William quickly activated the black mark on his wrist and browsed through the status screen to find the mission page, and he found it in no time. However, his excitement shrank as he perused the list of tasks available for him to tackle. [Cultivate the land and make an agricultural area two hundred meters east of the Headmasters Building.] [Reward: 1 merit point per 10 m2] [Construct a protective wall around the academy with a distance of at least five hundred meters from the Headmasters Building. You can make the wall from hardened mud.] [Reward: 1 merit point per 1 m3] [Build a two-story dormitory for the acolytes on the empty land between the Nexus Tower and the Headmasters Building.] [Reward: 1-? merit point per day] Er, Miss Lizbeth, are you sure you arent giving us the wrong missions? William couldnt help but ask, a hint of disappointment in his voice. Are we still playing Magus Academy Online, or are we playing an academy-building game of sorts? Another player also voiced his complaint. Uh-huh Whats among these has anything to do with battle mechanics? In their eyes, the missions they were hoping to get involved hunting monsters, exploring dungeons, or even saving damsels in distress. They were adventurers at heart, after all, and the thought of engaging in thrilling battles excited them more than anything else. The headmaster has specifically instructed to give these tasks to the new acolytes. Of course, it does not rule out the possibility of receiving other types of missions in the future, Lizbeth clarified, her mischievous smile returning. For now, these tasks are essential to laying the foundation of the academy and its growth. All of them exchanged glances, realizing that while the tasks might not be what they initially expected, they had their own purposes and charms as well. Welp, I guess that makes this game all the more similar to real life. Who knows? Doesnt this make us able to shape the academy according to our will? Zero reasoned with a grin, finding a silver lining in the unexpected tasks. Youre right, Storm chimed in. Its like we get to leave our mark on the game world! I never thought Id be so invested in a virtual academy, Mike said, scratching his head. William and SuperNova also concurred with the reasoning, finding that this was not a bad thing. However, there was one problem with these missions. At first glance, they lacked the specifications required. In fact, they were so abstract that the players were left confused about where to start. The only mission that seemed viable in their current situation was the first one: creating an agricultural area. Overall, these tasks were something that the players could achieve through long preparations and a lot of effort. Although they sounded a bit lackluster at first, they realized that they couldnt get to the best parts of the game without putting in the hard work. William then proposed taking the first mission together, and the players gave him a nod. Subsequently, they told Lizbeth about the mission they took and returned to the storage room and picked up five iron hoes from the pile to start plowing the field. As they walked east to the aforementioned location, Zero inquired, Miss Lizbeth, where exactly should we begin farming? The mission mentioned that they had to make the agricultural area exactly two hundred meters east, but they couldnt precisely measure the distance. Furthermore, there was no further explanation if this two-hundred-meter distance was the center point of the agricultural area or the edge. The hologram fairy then explained that it was the edge rather than the center and added, As for the rest, youll just have to use your best judgment and creativity! Seeing that the players understood the assignment, Lizbeth gave them one last reminder, her holographic figure projecting an air of seriousness: Alrighty! Before you embark on your task, acolytes, be mindful to not venture too far. There are deadly magical beasts roaming the forest just outside the academys boundary that can kill you instantly. If you encounter them, dont act rashly and withdraw immediately. I will be back by noon to see your progress and give you further instructions. Now, go forth and begin your assignment! With that final message, her holographic figure vanished without a trace. Chapter 13: Am I a Magus-to-be or a Farmer? Victor observed the five green dots on his holographic screen with an amused grin. Funny. There was actually a map feature to the System, allowing him to track the players locations as long as they stayed within a certain range, which seemed to be around one hundred kilometers at the moment. He suspected that the Shadowlink Marks on their wrists served as the signal source. Such monitoring could prove useful for tracking the players movements and anticipating potential problems. As a matter of fact, the Shadowlink Marks recorded the terrains around them and sent the data back to the System. The map, which was initially blurred all around, was beginning to be revealed as the players explored the surroundings more and more. For now, this feature was only available to him. Closing the screen, he shifted his attention to the scene outside his bedroom window with hands folded behind his back. The players were fully immersed in their farming tasks, diligently plowing the field. As far as he was concerned, there was no real need to establish a farm area, but he saw it as a valuable opportunity for experimentation. Still, it would have some benefits for the players or even a future Magus like himself. Master, the players have been instructed according to your orders, reported Lizbeth as she floated beside Victor, but she seemed to be holding something back. I know. Are there any problems? Victor inquired. Umm, I wont say its a problem per se but the players are confused regarding the exact site of the missions we have given them, Lizbeth explained. After all, there was no one responsible for supervising the development project. Unless he appointed someone, either he or Lizbeth had to step in and guide the players themselves. Victor just so happened to have a brilliant idea for a temporary solution, however, and it had something to do with the tracking feature he had just discovered. I see that we can see their location from the System; is it possible to implement the map as an attachable image for the missions? You know, like a little visual aid to help the players understand where exactly they need to go In todays MMORPG games, almost every quest would be provided with precise locations for objectives. Heck, most even have an auto-walk feature to guide players without having to manually input every movement. Victor was well aware of these modern gaming conveniences, given his past as an avid gamer. Why, of course! Lizbeth nodded in approval. It would make for a nice touch indeed. Mm, do give details according to what Ive jotted down on that paper, although I wouldnt mind if you add one or three of your own ideas. Victor made a side glance toward the sheepskin paper or vellum on the desk in the main room. Earlier, while Lizbeth was focused on guiding the players through her hologram, he took the opportunity to sketch out the map of the academy. It wasnt that Victor was trying to make things difficult for the players; the faster the academy developed, the more it benefited him, after all. Plus, there was no way that a system for a game could be perfect from the start. Only through trial and error would it become something truly exceptional. Oh yeah, dont forget to tell the players to gather in one of the meeting rooms at 03:00 P.M., Victor added, to which the fairy responded with a perfunctory okay. As the headmaster and the only mentor, it was his obligation to teach the players about magic. Finding that there was nothing much to do in the academy until three in the afternoon, Victor decided to prepare and explore the forest near the academy. Where are you going? Lizbeth asked, tilting her head curiously. Im going to explore the forest near the academy. I have a main mission to complete, and it wont clear itself, right? Victor paused before instructing, You stay here and oversee the players. If theres any urgent situation, just contact me. The mission tasked him with finding three exploitable natural resources around the academy, and he happened to know of one already. There was a small stream to the northeast of the academy, which seemed to merge with another large river. This was the first on his list and was one of the reasons why the agricultural area was set up to the east. To top it off, he could use this chance to test the new spell he had received from the gacha. Mhm! Have a good trip, Master. Lizbeth was eager to send him off, looking as if there would be no problem. Victor chuckled. He had little to worry about with her holding the fort so long as she wasnt slacking off. *** As the hoe was swung with determination, the soil surrendered under the rhythmic dance of metal meeting earth. The sun had risen well above the horizon and cast a warm glow on the academy grounds. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. When the players saw that the mission would give them merit points as a reward, they were immediately riled up and more than ready to do the job, even if they had yet to know what they were used for. Even now, the players were hard at work in the agricultural area, each holding an iron hoe in their hands and cultivating the soil with determination. But still, I have to admit that this game feels so lifelike, Michael commented as he wiped sweat from his brow. Eh, we know that already. Hmm-hmm! I understand your romanticism, Storm interjected, placing his hand on Michaels shoulder. The graphics, the sounds, the sensation of the soil beneath my feet, and even the feeling of the wind on my face Its like were really here! No, what I was trying to say is that nothing seems as simple as clicking a mouse, nor is it a simple arbitrary repetition. We have to do things manually and precisely, just like in real life. Michael was, after all, a hardcore RPG gamer. He had delved into countless AAA-quality games, and if someone were to ask, Have you played this game? he would always answer with a confident yes. Virtual reality games were no exception. While major titles were still scarce, he had experienced most, if not all, of the popular ones. All so that his childhood dream could be realized, but until now most had fallen short. Then, what do you think this game resembles the most? Well, we havent seen much of the magic aspect of the game yet. But if we ignore the academy setting and only focus on the building and farming aspects, it reminds me a bit of Valheim. Have you played it before? The terrain and building mechanics are quite similar. And guess what? It even has magic, too. Of course, Ive played it! In fact, I have beaten all the bosses in the game and explored every inch of the generated map until no blanks were left. Building in that game is much simpler, though. And farming can be done with a single click as well Thats what Ive been trying to say all along, Michael said, not stopping his work with the hoe as they conversed. These past two hours, he had plowed two hundred square meters of the field. Speaking of the map Guys, do you know how big this map is? SuperNova, who hadnt said much, raised the question as he looked into the trees in a daze, resting the hoe on his shoulder. The academy was situated in a wide clearing. But the spot where they were plowing was right next to the forest. At times, they would see silhouettes of creatures in the far distance, but for whatever reason, these creatures didnt approach them. I have no idea. Prominence shrugged. Say, what if I venture outside the academy and keep going in one direction... Storm continued with the plowing as he glanced at SuperNova, who was eager to give it a try, and rationalized, Who knows? Theres probably an invisible wall or some kind of limit to prevent players from exploring endlessly. Otherwise, the server would be overloaded, and the game would crash. Or maybe you''ll find yourself in some glitched-out area, like a retro game bug. But I say you will probably die of a magical beast before that point. Honestly, its probably not worth the risk. Exactly! Miss Fairy warned us about dangerous magical beasts outside, remember? Zero reminded them. And getting expelled by the headmaster is not something Im aiming for. Besides, we still dont know what would happen if we die in this game. Dont be a wet blanket. But youre right; for an NPC, the headmaster is overpowered. I mean, hes like an AI with human-like intelligence. Has humanity finally reached AI singularity? Michael ignored SuperNovas nonsensical rambling and pointed out, With how intelligent the NPCs are, I suspect there may be a hidden setting such as amity or favorability. You can actually see that his attitude towards each player is not exactly the same. He especially turned his eyes toward Storm. There must be some hidden algorithm. Storm, feeling a bit defensive after picking up this subtle implication, retorted, What? I was just curious! Alright? As they continued to plow the field, the players couldnt help but experiment with various actions. The more they experimented with the games mechanics, the more they marveled at the level of immersion it provided. For instance, the sensation of pain was the same as in the real world, even down to the minute details. Prominence also shared an interesting discovery: Oh yeah. When the headmaster cast a spell to punish me, I didnt feel too much pain. There seems to be a pain threshold in the game. Storm added, Well, it seems that the game is still humane. I mean, feeling every bit of pain like in reality would be too much, dont you think? They all nodded in agreement. No players would want to play a game where the sense of pain was too realistic. Dying in this world could possibly deliver irreversible trauma in real life if that were the case. As they continued discussing this, Michael observed his fellow players. As someone who added the word handsome to his username, he obviously cared much about the appearance of his in-game character. Most importantly, he found that the other players virtual bodies were above average in terms of look. Being quite handsome in real life, he imagined that his in-game avatar must look even more striking and charismatic. Strange, right? Zero remarked. Weve been at it for hours, yet I barely feel tired. I may have a job behind the screen, but I dont think my in-game constitution is much different from real life. Storm affirmed, Its gotta be magic. Look at our robes; they were covered in dirt, but now theyre spotless. Must be some enchantment keeping us clean. The ground they were plowing was layered with short, stubborn grass that clung to the soil. With each swing of their hoes, it took extra energy and stamina to dig deep and overturn the earth. Sometimes, specks of dirt splattered onto their robes and clothes, creating small, muddy splotches, but they would soon disappear. Well, its pretty obvious with the games setting. Its just plain weird if they arent enchanted with some magic spells Still, a stamina boost from a robe Prominence couldnt resist chiming in with a sly grin. Are you thinking what Im thinking? Zero rolled his eyes at Prominences teasing. Either way, we can work longer without getting exhausted, which is a plus for the speed of completing the mission. Storm chuckled. Yeah, were like virtual farmers in a fantastical world. Maybe we should ask Cyber to add cute NPCs that we could date later. Harvest Moon in a Magus realm? SuperNova laughed. Now thats a unique combination! Hahaha! Absolutely Michael made a self-deprecating smile as he uttered, Am I a Magus-to-be or a farmer? Chapter 14: Spell Testing Victor made his way northeast to where the large river was located. As he ventured deeper into the lush forest, dense foliage and towering trees cast dappled shadows across the forest floor. The atmosphere around him seemed to grow heavier, and he couldnt shake the feeling of being watched. The forest was teeming with life, but not all of it was friendly. Have I gone past the barrier? The mission tasked him with locating three natural resources around the academy, and the stream was the first on his list. He had followed the soft sound of flowing water and chanced upon the crystal-clear stream. From there, he traced along the stream to the merger point and ended up at his current location. The Thornwood Forest was notorious for its dangers; even the outskirts were not entirely safe. Magical beasts, having lost territorial battles deeper within the forest, often roamed the peripheral area. Some of these creatures posed a significant threat, even to a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte like himself, and one among them was eyeing Victor as its prey. [A malicious extraordinary life form has been detected!] [The life form is expected to have third-stage Initiate Attunement combat capability.] Huh? Since when did the System announce creature encounters? Victor thought as he observed the text in front of him. For one thing, this was the first opponent he encountered since obtaining the Magus Academy System that actually posed a threat. Well, the reason is not important anyways Come out! {Slicing Wind}! Victor chanted, and in an instant, sharp blades of compressed air flew toward the dense foliage, slicing through the trees with cutting force. The trees fell to the ground with a dull thud, creating a clearing in front of Victor. The powerful force of the spell disturbed the forests tranquility, and from the shadows, a creature emerged. It had shadow-like fur that seemed to blend seamlessly with the dim light filtering through the leaves. On second glance, the creature revealed itself to be a three-meter-long panther, its eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. Its sleek, muscular body exuded an aura of danger, and its sharp fangs and claws glistened menacingly. Shadow Panther Victor muttered under his breath, recognizing the beast. He knew this was not an ordinary creature but a magical beast with dark elemental properties. These panther-like magical beasts had a natural ability to blend in seamlessly with the forest surroundings. Its agility and stealth made it dangerous even for third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes. For Victor, however, it wasnt too much of a threat. He smirked, feeling a spark of excitement. Just in time to test my new trick, he said confidently. The panther let out a low, guttural growl, fixing its eyes on Victor with unwavering focus, as if it were encountering its natural enemy. It was clear that the creature saw him as a potential threat and attempted to use its innate ability to blend with its surroundings. However, as it tried to do so, an invisible force forbade it, as Victor had manipulated the nearby elemental particles to restrict this ability. Left with no other choice but to attack, the beast bared its fangs and claws, pouncing at Victor. Victor, on the other hand, only just smiled, having already anticipated its actions. As the creature closed in, a series of symbols appeared in the air as Victor channeled his infused mana. {Blink Step}. When the panthers sharp claws were only an inch away from tearing Victors face, his figure disappeared, and the creatures claws met nothing but air. Victor had gracefully teleported several meters behind the panther. With a smirk of satisfaction, Victor wasted no time and followed up with the {Flame Whip} spell. A flaming, whip-like construct materialized in his hand, crackling with intensity as he unleashed it at the panther. Sensing the impending danger, the creature tried to dart away, but it was too late. The fiery whip lashed out with incredible speed, striking the panthers flank with a resounding crack. The creature let out a pained roar as the flames seared its fur, leaving charred marks in their wake. Not yet. He cast another {Slicing Wind} at the creature. Several sharp blades of compressed air shot through the air and landed on the panthers back. Though the attack pierced its thick skin, the wounds seemed to be only superficial. GRRRHH!! The Shadow Panther growled in pain, blood oozing out from the wounds around its body. Heh, if it were any other acolytes, theyd have a hard time facing you. But fate brought us together, and now its your end, or so the clich lines would be. Anyway {Flame Dart}! This time, a fiery projectile shot forth from the tip of his finger, streaking toward the panther with lethal speed. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The fiery projectile found its mark between the panthers eyes, striking with deadly precision. The impact was critical, searing through the creatures skull and obliterating its brain in an instant. The beast let out a final, guttural cry of agony before collapsing lifelessly to the ground. Finding that his opponent was dead, Victor remained vigilant and scanned the surroundings for any signs of other magical beasts attracted by their battle. Thankfully, the forest remained quiet, and there were no immediate threats. Huff! Huh? Its not as exhausting as I expected. Victor held his chin in doubt, but he had an inkling of what was going on. Casting multiple spells in quick succession, even if they were only Aleph-tier spells, could drain even the most skilled Initiate Attunement acolyte and make them lie on the ground, totally exhausted. But Victor had confirmed one thing. {Blink Step} proved to be a valuable spell, not only serving as a means of mobility but also as a surprise tactic against enemies. He had always yearned for a spell that could catch adversaries off guard, and now, with {Blink Step}, he had found just that. Right. He recalled the spells origins it was a Cosmo spell, an extremely rare and esoteric type with space elemental properties. This made sense, as the spell manipulated space, allowing him to instantaneously move from one point to another as long as it was within sight. Curiously, Victor shouldnt have had the necessary elemental affinity or so he thought Victor Asteriscus Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Status: Healthy Strength: (22) Agility: (23) Vitality: (22) Magical Power: (29) Infused Mana (total): (145) Since when? Victor looked at his status with a mix of uncertainty and excitement. The concept of elemental affinity was well-known among Magi. The stronger the affinity for a particular element, the more potent the spells related to that element would become. A higher affinity also meant that less mana would be required to activate the spell. In Victors case, with a 95 percent affinity, any Cosmo spell he cast would be at least four times more powerful while only a fraction of the infused mana would be consumed. Such was a talent that only a genius among geniuses would have. With this power, perhaps No I should hold my horses If those old freaks from the Arcane Radiance College were to know that I now possess such talent, they would go to extra lengths to take me back. Victors mind raced with caution as he contemplated the potential consequences of his remarkable affinity for Cosmo. In the world of Magi, power and talent were coveted, and those who held such gifts without a powerful backing behind them would face constant danger. Worse still, there were Magi with no moral scruples; individuals who would stop at nothing to exploit Victors rare talent. Some might even seek to forcefully take his affinity, leaving behind nothing but a soulless husk. With a determined shake of his head, Victor pushed aside these worries, as it was not a current threat. He then went about collecting the body of the Shadow Panther into his interspatial ring. Surprisingly, it fit perfectly. Leaving behind such a precious specimen would be a waste. Even if he couldnt process it at the moment, he could throw it into the essence converter to summon more players. Returning to his task, Victor continued following the stream until an hour later, he arrived at a large river outside the forest. Its sparkling waters teemed with life. It was a fairly safe location since it was outside of the Thornwood Forest and cleared of any large trees that could provide cover for any potential threats. As far as Victor knew, this place didnt have a name. As he neared the body of water, the ground that he stepped on became rather squishy and sucked at his boots. Clay? Victor mused aloud, kneeling down to examine the earth. Indeed, he had stumbled upon a clay-rich area. The soil here was moist and malleable, perfect for crafting various items and structures. Checking the Headmasters Journal, Victor confirmed he had found one of the three natural resources required. Total Natural Resources Found: 1/3 Though it was odd, at least in Victors opinion. After all, wood from trees and stone from the ground were natural resources, and there was no lack of clay around the stream before. But they were probably not what the mission was trying to make Victor find, or else it would have been completed long ago. Whatever, he muttered, pushing aside the puzzlement. Perhaps it means a strategic location where an abundant amount of it converges. Either way, thats one done. Victor didnt immediately leave the place, though. There was a high chance that a river of this size would have sediment deposits, where limestone could potentially be exposed. If such deposits were around, there would likely also be marble deposits the primary materials for building the academy! Hmm It wouldnt be strange to find even rarer building materials as well, Victor mused, realizing the potential of the area. He decided to explore further upstream. It seemed more intriguing than heading downstream, where he might wind up near the village that he had previously visited and noted as being unremarkable. With a flick of his wrist, he cast {Zephyr Dash} to increase his speed and sprinted ahead, the wind guiding him as he moved swiftly. Being on open ground required less vigilance than being in a forest, so he increased his speed to the maximum. Not even an hour later, he reached a ravine. The rocky walls on both sides were exposed, and his keen eyes noticed distinct patterns that indicated the presence of various minerals. Ah, such a promising location! Victor exclaimed, his heart pounding with anticipation. He wasted no time and began inspecting the rock formations. To his delight, he found both limestone and marble deposits. What surprised him the most, however, was the discovery of elemental marble mixed among these deposits. It was a material that could greatly aid Magi in practicing their meditation techniques. Total Natural Resources Found: 2/3 Hrm? This Deeper into the ravine, he spotted a cavern system that emitted rich elemental particles that drew him in almost like a beacon. However, his instincts were screaming. There was an unknown danger lurking within the dark depths of the cave. Victor hesitated momentarily, tempted by the hidden treasures inside, but quickly quelled his curiosity. Instead, he marked the location on his mental map, deciding to save the exploration of the cave for another time when he was better prepared. The large river with its abundant clay and the ravine teeming with valuable building materials were now firmly within his grasp. Thus, he only needed to find the third, and his task would be complete. With a satisfied smile, Victor turned back in search of the last remaining one. Chapter 15: Equal Exchange Alas, no matter where he searched, the last natural resource he needed remained elusive. To add to it, the only remaining place Victor hadnt explored was the depths of the Thornwood Forest, which was teeming with dangerous magical beasts. Resigned to the fact that he couldnt find it without risking his life, he reluctantly turned back to the academy. The journey back wasnt peaceful. When he was about midway back to the academy, Victor encountered a Mossback Turtle one of the common inhabitants of the forest. It was a massive magical turtle that could reach the size of a small truck once matured, though this one was hardly a two-meter-tall youngling. Fortunately, it was far weaker than the Shadow Panther and was barely a second-stage Initiate Attunement rank magical beast. Even without magic, Victor would be able to eke out a win barehanded if he needed to not that he was so leisurely or foolish enough to try. However, this encounter turned out to be a problem. Victors interspatial ring was already chock full; there was no room to fit anything larger than a basketball. In fact, he had been wondering how the shadow leopard was able to fit in the first place. Unless it was squashed out of shape or the space inside the ring could loosen to conform to the creature, it would be impossible to fit inside. Victor hated the idea of leaving the turtle behind, especially since he could put it into the essence converter and convert it into essence points. Therefore, he could only drag it by its mouth back to the academy, much like hed done with the boar he killed back in Thornwood Village. Goodness! This is way heavier than the boar If it wasnt for the infused mana strengthening his body and the {Zephyr Dash} spell, Victor wouldnt be able to do this with his physical strength alone. By the time Victor reached the academy, it was past lunchtime. He checked on the players to see their progress and saw that they were still working on the field as if not knowing the word rest. Master, youre back! Suddenly, Lizbeth fluttered her way toward him and perched on his shoulder so naturally it was as if it were her personal seat. The players have not eaten yet? Victor raised the question as he was feeling a bit famished himself. Running around in the forest and dragging a huge turtle had taken a lot out of him. Well, Ive told them to rest, but they were too eager with their task, saying, Miss Fairy, were not tired yet, and proceeded to swing their hoes like a bunch of over-enthusiastic garden gnomes! I swear, they are like magically energized bunnies! Lizbeth replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. So you let them be? So I let them be, yeah. Perhaps these players are yet to be aware that eating and drinking are important. For players, it was highly likely that they were still thinking that this was a game and did not consider that they could die from natural causes. Or perhaps they were just too eager to gain more merit points with no real value whatsoever. Hmm, I will go check on them then. Either way, Victor didnt want these players to die from hunger, so he approached them while still towing the enormous turtle behind himself. As Victor gradually got closer, the players seemed frozen stiff, their eyes wide in disbelief at the sight of the massive magical beast. He didnt know whether it was the sheer size of the magical beast or the strength he exerted to drag it that impressed them, but he believed that if he ever brought something even larger, they might pass out on the spot. Headmaster, sir! Whats that creature behind you? one of the players finally managed to stammer. Victor chuckled inwardly at their surprise. Oh, this? Just something I hunted on my way back from within the forest. Its a magical beast known as the Mossback Turtle. He paused for a moment to let the suspense sink in and then asked, Hows the progress of plowing the field? Reporting to Sir Astralium, we have plowed more or less three thousand square meters of the field these past six hours or so, Mike responded proudly. That was surprising. Victor had presumed that even if they worked tirelessly without complaints, they would still only cover half that area at most. He then observed the players and realized that their robes had enchantments. The enchantments might not be comparable to his, but they seemed to help these players avoid easily exhausting themselves. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Have you eaten yet? Victor inquired. No, we have not Zero the player who appeared to be the calmest replied. Being eager to do your task is important, but taking care of yourselves is even more crucial; it wont do any good if you collapse from hunger before the day is over. After all, I still need students to teach in my class, right? Go and get some provisions in the storage room back at the Headmasters Building and have some rest. Be sure to gather in the prearranged room well be using as our classroom by three oclock sharp, Victor instructed. The players exchanged glances, slightly taken aback by Victors the headmasters thoughtfulness. But soon, their faces lit up at his words These players were probably enthusiastic to hear that they were going to have the chance to learn from him. Y-Yes! they all said together. Please excuse us, esteemed Headmaster, Zero said with a slight bow. The players then scrambled to their feet and rushed toward the Headmasters Building, leaving behind five hoes on the plowed field. Since the players had done hard work, then it would only be natural for them to be rewarded. Like all Magi, Victor believed in equal trade; to get knowledge, they had to earn it. *** As the five players made their way to the storage room, the uncontained shock finally got the better of them and burst out. D-Did you guys see the creature brought back by the headmaster?! Prominence blurted out, his voice rising in disbelief. That must be a magical beast! Holy shit! Mike exclaimed, no less surprised. A-Are we going to fight something like that in the future? SuperNova asked, his tone timid but unable to hide the excitement in his eyes. Luckily, I didnt do anything foolish like running into the forest. Storm, ignoring his friends apprehension, asserted, Thats not even the main point here. It must have weighed tons! Hows the headmaster able to drag it around?! We can assume that Magi in this game arent just skilled in magic; they probably have superhuman strength as well, Alfred hypothesized. Right? Its mind-blowing! To be able to learn from the headmaster himself This is the first time that Im so excited to be taught by an NPC! William raised both his hands in hype. And if the headmaster is any indication of the kind of power we can achieve, then the possibilities are endless. Who knows, maybe the pinnacle of power in this game goes even beyond his capabilities? Its just like a dream come true said Mike, awe creeping into his voice. This game just keeps getting better and better! Glad that I signed up for it As they imagined what sort of power and future awaited them, they reached the storage room. Within the pile on the side of the room were sacks filled with miscellaneous items tools such as axes, shovels, and pickaxes were also neatly arranged there. The players searched through the pile, and Alfred picked up a smaller sack from the side and loosened the rope that tied it up, revealing some dried meat, preserved berries, cheese, and fully filled waterskins. All in all, it was enough to feed five people for two to three days. Guys, I think these are the provisions that the headmaster mentioned. Alfred took out the dried meat, smelled it, and pressed it. Hard texture and a slightly salty scent. Yep, this is jerky. Looks like the game has prepared all the basic needs for us, Mike commented. This thing Can it be eaten? Looking at the dried meat, Prominence was suspicious, though he couldnt help but swallow as his stomach growled loudly. If you can actually eat food in this game, imagine all the foodies whod be attracted to this world Hey, Zero, why dont you give it a shot? Storm nudged him with his shoulder, clearly interested in the prospect of eating in the game. Alfred hesitated for a moment, then sighed. Well, here goes nothing He bravely put the meat into his mouth, and as he bit into it, his teeth almost chipped. Dang! Its so hard and rubbery! Let me try that rock-hard delicacy. Prominence snatched the dried meat and munched on it; his eyes bulged as his teeth struggled to sink in. This Dont think I can easily stomach this. Is this what acolytes eat in this game world? Alfred had heard that modern peoples palates were so refined that they would starve themselves to death rather than eat trash. Apparently, this was the case even in the game. The game lacks a hunger bar or any other similar mechanics. Or maybe its hidden. Still, if we dont eat it, we might end up starving to death. Storm reasoned, with a touch of concern in his voice. And speaking of which, our digestive system works the same way as in the real world. Dont you feel anything yet? Crap. Now that you mention it, I suddenly want to pee SuperNova was holding his lower stomach as he exclaimed, I think Imma go find the toilet! and quickly rushed outside. Inside the Headmaster''s Building, there were bathrooms equipped with latrines with modern toilet-like seats. Though not as modern as their real-world equivalents, which had flush mechanisms. It was a relief for the players, especially those who were particular about cleanliness. Alfred, being a clean freak and suffering from mild OCD, felt grateful for this convenience he was among the people who would go to extra lengths to poop in their own home. Realizing that the games realism extended to eating and even defecating, the other four players reluctantly continued munching on the food to fill their stomachs. Unbeknownst to them, these types of foods were already considered quite luxurious for commoners in this world. Chapter 16: The Start of the Class Victor stood before the essence converter, a device which appeared eerily similar to a crematorium. The corpse of the youngling Mossback Turtle was simply too massive, so he had to carefully cut it into several pieces and stuff them inside the converter one by one. Liz, you mentioned not every form of biological matter can be converted into essence What about normal living beings? Victor inquired, curious about the limitations. Lizbeth floated beside him and replied, Well, I never said that its impossible. Even normal animals and plants can be converted, but the process requires a large amount of them for a minuscule essence yield. Its not very efficient, to say the least. She further explained, Even extraordinary life forms have different conversion rates. Take the type of living beings, for example; the more human-like, the better the conversion efficacy you can even get up to 50 percent conversion rate from humans at the highest The opposite is also true: the more monstrous a creature, the lower the conversion rate. Worm-like magical creatures and tentacle abominations have the lowest conversion efficacy of less than 10 percent. Victor listened attentively, intrigued by the mechanics behind the essence converter. He was incubating human players, after all, so it stood to reason that the more humanoid a being was when placed into the converter, the higher the essence yield, and thus he would have more to spend on procuring players for the academy. So, its a matter of the essence density and complexity in their bodies? Victor concluded. Exactly. Lizbeth nodded with a satisfied smile over her masters quick uptake on the matter. As for the waste, theyre turned into mana and elemental particles. When the corpse of the turtle had entirely turned into essence, Victor looked at the digital screen on the converter. The number that had been depleted to 5 was now 28, meaning it could now incubate a total of twenty-eight bodies for the same number of players. At first, it sounded like a lot, but Victor wasnt entirely satisfied. So little? he muttered, feeling a bit disappointed. It was crucial to highlight that a Mossback Turtle even if it was only a youngling was a massive magical beast weighing at least two tons. Even if the conversion rate was less than 30 percent, Victor felt the amount was still too low. However, he knew complaining wouldnt change anything, so he didnt press the matter further. Hmm Lets put the Shadow Panther inside as well. Victor removed the panthers corpse from his ring and placed it into the essence converter. Dozens of seconds later, the number on the digital screen increased again to 53. Thats odd, he mused, rubbing his chin. The Shadow Panther is obviously the stronger foe between the two, but why is it giving a similar amount of essence points? Lizbeth raised an eyebrow with a hint of mischief in her tone. Oh, dont be so surprised, Master. The mass between the two also matters, you know. Its not always the concentration of energy were talking about. Hrm, thats true, Victor responded as a realization dawned on him. You always have an answer for the weirdest thing, dont you? The fairy giggled, putting her two forefingers on her cheeks. Of course, thats part of my charm, Master. Thats not a compliment After processing all the magical beast corpses hed hunted, Victor returned to the Headmaster''s Building and made his way to his office. Unlike the players who had to make do with preserved food, Victor intended to enjoy a proper meal. He conjured a magic flame below the iron pan hed acquired from the gacha and began grilling a juicy piece of boar meat. The sizzling sound and mouth-watering aroma filled the room, tempting his senses. Although he seasoned the meat with only a pinch of salt, also received from the gacha, the natural flavors of the meat were enough to make it a delicious treat, better than any jerky. When Victor awakened his past life memory, his desire for tasty food was ignited. What a dilemma. Are we really going to have grilled boar meat again? Your cooking is good, but I feel we need to have more variety in our diet, Lizbeth remarked, fluttering near the sizzling pan. We? Why are you so confident that I will share it with you? Victor playfully quipped, giving her a smirk. As for variety, I heard that fairy wings are a delicious delicacy This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. How rude! Im not food! Besides, as the headmaster of the academy, you have to feed your staff properly! Lizbeth retorted, puffing her cheeks and crossing her arms. Victor eyed the fair who was acting like a spoiled child and wondered, As a mythical creature, does she even need to eat? Victor chuckled at the absurdity but went along with it. Oh, my apologies, esteemed staff member, he replied with exaggerated formality, Please, enjoy this gourmet feast fit for the most distinguished fairy in the academy. Not that theres any other fairy here Lizbeth harrumphed, her wings fluttering faster as she flew toward the iron pan. Thats more like it. Nevertheless, her eyes couldnt hide the glimmer of desire as she stared at the browned meat, and a tiny droplet of drool escaped from the corner of her mouth. But when she was only an inch away from the meat, Victor raised the pan out of her reach. This action was supposed to prompt her to get angry again, but she was so focused on the food that she only exclaimed, Please gimme! and flew higher. Victor was not one to be taken advantage of, so he wouldnt give her the meat so easily. As a result, he kept doing this each time she got close, he would effortlessly lift the pan out of her reach, leaving her empty-handed and exasperated. Just give it to me! Stop playing around Lizbeth exclaimed, her persistence showing no signs of wavering. But Victor was enjoying this little game of cat and mouse with his mischievous companion, so he did it again. Ah, you stupid Master! Do you get off on teasing a cute little fairy? Victor smirked, thoroughly amused by Lizbeths antics. Hand it over! she demanded, her frustration reaching its peak. But Victor wasnt going to give in just yet. He continued to playfully dodge Lizbeths attempts to snatch the meat, laughing all the while. Their little food chase had turned into a delightful spectacle, and he couldnt remember the last time he had so much fun. Finally, with a grin, Victor relented and lowered the pan, offering the delicious meat to Lizbeth. Alright, alright, you win, he conceded, still chuckling. Lizbeth wasted no time and dove right in, her mouth already watering in anticipation, her tiny hands grabbing it with glee. Hmph, finally! As Lizbeth enjoyed her hard-earned prize, Victor cooked up another chunk of boar meat for himself For some reason, he had grown a bit fond of this little fairy of his. In this cold world that valued power above all else, such moments were a welcome reprieve. *** With the class still an hour away, Victor knew he had to prepare. To tell the truth, he was far from being a proper mentor or a professor. Although he had some experience thanks to tutoring acolytes for mana crystals, he lacked the ability to explain things concretely without books. Thankfully, as he searched around the Headmasters Office, he found a collection of books on the shelf. Bizarrely enough, the Master Shadowlink Mark on his wrist had one peculiar ability. With a mere touch, it could record and store any book in a digital format, similar to an e-book. Victor realized that the potential of this ability was immense and would be incredibly useful when he couldnt print physical books and it would help with spreading information. Alternatively, memory crystals could do an even better job as they had the ability to input information directly into peoples brains, though were too expensive to be practical and required an official Magus to make. At any rate, Victors excitement grew as he imagined the possibilities. If I can access the library in the Arcane Radiance College wouldnt that be a dream come true? He could have an abundance of knowledge surpassing high-ranking Magi at his fingertips! One had to know that not everyone could access the library, even acolytes had to use their limited monthly privilege or pay mana crystals just to extend their time there. Other than that, the library had an absurd amount of books in the hundreds of thousands, easily dwarfing any local libraries on Earth Magi were existences known for their insatiable thirst for knowledge, and preserving their findings in books was a way to pass down their legacies for generations. Finally, the time had come for class to begin. Victor had instructed Lizbeth to set up one of the meeting rooms for the session. While there was an auditorium inside the building, teaching just five people didnt require such a large space, especially when he was starting with the basics. As Victor opened the door to the meeting room, he was met with expectant gazes from the players, all sitting at the table arranged neatly like a university classroom, ready to learn. Theyre way too eager! Granted, acolytes in his former Magus academy showed a similar level of enthusiasm for learning magic because of certain circumstances, but these were players gamers! The kind of people that would slack in college classes and only put in the bare minimum effort, or at least that was the stereotypical belief. Silence! Victors voice resonated through the meeting room, even though the players werent making much noise. Now that the five of you are here, well begin with the class. But first, I will tell you the rules when studying here: When the professor speaks, you must remain quiet. Unless Ive given you permission to talk, you may not raise any questions. Failure to comply may result in punishments, and in extreme cases, expulsion. Victors smile turned faint, but his aura radiated with a powerful mana force that enveloped the entire room. While it might be minuscule compared to what an official Magus could do, it was more than enough to show that he was serious and didnt want any sort of undisciplined actions from the players. Compared to his own academy, he was already being generous. Back when he was studying, there were no classrooms and except for pricey private lessons, there were only impersonal public lessons taught to classes of over hundreds of acolytes. The professors always had dark expressions, and they hurriedly left right after the period ended. Not only did they never answer the acolytes questions, but it also seemed like everyone owed them mana crystals. Chapter 17: The Shocking Aptitudes of the Players The class began with an introduction to magic. As they were now, the players basic understanding of magic was heavily influenced by games and bore little resemblance to what this world possessed. They couldnt just go ahead and shoot magic without understanding it like in most RPG games. So, it was time for Victor to burst their magical bubble and show them the real deal! To become a Magus, Victor began, you must first have a suitable meditation technique. This meditation technique enables you to perform mana infusion, a process where you harness mana by infusing it within your body. The reason why Magis constitutions become stronger and more resilient as they progress higher is because the infused mana becomes their life force and the source of their magical abilities, hence the term infused mana. Then, he conjured a small flicker of his infused mana on his fingertip and drew two circles on the magic-enchanted board behind him. The source of mana is the Primordial Nexus an ethereal realm brimming with ancient and raw magical energy. It is basically a plane that exists parallel to the physical world, accessible only to Magi. In laymans terms, meditation techniques were used to gather mana and infuse it into the body. It might seem like mana existed in the air, but that was merely an illusion; the Primordial Nexus existed parallel to the physical world much like the infamous Schrodingers cat, it was both there and not there at the same time, hidden from ordinary perception. In essence, meditation techniques are your magical roadmap, and the Primordial Nexus is your treasure trove of power. He looked at the players, ensuring they were following along. Understanding this fundamental aspect of magic is crucial on your path to becoming a Magus. Furthermore, theres one more important thing you have to remember: A Maguss meditation is a continuous journey, and only with daily devotion and perseverance could one infuse enough mana to become a being that could control mysterious powers. All right, if you have any questions, you may ask them now. The room fell silent as the players tried hard to digest the mind-boggling information that Victor had dumped on their heads. They exchanged glances, their minds racing to grasp the concepts they had just been introduced to. Finally, the player named Storm bravely raised his hand and asked, Sir Astralium, are you going to teach us a meditation technique? Naturally, Victor replied, offering a small smile. The academy has given the five of you a free meditation technique, and you can access it through your Shadowlink Marks. Feel free to review it once the class ends. Victor had, of course, converted the meditation technique into its e-book form to make it easily accessible to the players. This was far more convenient than procuring and handing out physical copies to each of them one by one. The free meditation technique was called the Myriad Elements Method, and it could be meditated upon until the third-stage Initiate Attunement. Victor had yet to try the meditation technique himself, but from a brief introduction he had read, it was significantly better than even the basic meditation technique of the Arcane Radiant College. On top of that, the content had various sub-parts where acolytes could choose to focus based on their specific elemental affinities, making it extremely versatile. Now, lets delve deeper into the prerequisites to become a Magus, Victor continued, addressing the enthusiastic players. Remember, becoming a Magus requires a specific kind of gift, and among tens of thousands of people, its possible that there isnt even one with such potential. The players expressions immediately shifted, the harsh reality they were facing making them feel uneasy as they gulped. In almost every game, their characters were almost always conveniently the chosen ones. This was not a game, however, but a reality. Though they appeared initially taken aback by this, curiosity seemed to outweigh their concern. Grinning, Victor assured them, Dont worry. I believe that each of you has the necessary aptitude to be accepted into this academy. Since you acolytes are so eager to find out about your aptitudes, I just so happen to have a magic tool here to do just that. He then took out a crystal ball from his interspatial ring and placed it on the front table. Among the items given freely in the starting pack was a crystal ball used to grade peoples aptitude for magic. Normally, acquiring such a magic tool would not have been easy, even with enough mana crystals. However, it appeared that his predecessor had planned things through. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I will call your name one at a time. When your name is mentioned, come here and place both of your hands on the crystal ball; I will tell you the result afterward, Victor instructed. He had memorized the usernames of the first batch of players, yet it dawned on him that once the number of players exceeded one thousand or more, memorizing them all would be impossible. As the headmaster of a Magus academy, there was little need for him to know every single player by name, and he doubted it would be expected of him either. It was better to act like a typical NPC and not know someone until formally meeting them. That said, Victor called the first player ZeroXScyth. Zero stood and walked nervously toward the front table, then placed both of his hands on the crystal ball. His face twitched as soon as he touched the icy cold surface, and a faint glow was emitted from the ball. Good. Dont let go. Hold your stance as long as possible. However, as the crystal ball grew brighter, an expression of pain appeared on Zeros face. Sir Headmaster! I cant! I cant hold on any longer! He gritted his teeth, struggling to endure the pain and looking like he could pass out at any moment. This was strange. Lizbeth had previously mentioned that the players had a pain limiter, which should have prevented such extreme discomfort. Victor wondered if there were exceptions to this rule and decided to discuss it with her later. Okay. Release your hands. Victor nodded and glanced at the glowing crystal ball. Whoa! This is Not bad, he slowly said. The aptitude of the acolytes is called mana aptitude and is categorized into seven grades: mundane, faint, ordinary, glimmering, bright, shining, and radiant. Basically no one has had a radiant-grade aptitude for tens of thousands of years. As for your aptitude its not bad. You have an intermediate glimmering-grade aptitude, a solid middle-ranked grade. Victors tone might have sounded like it wasnt anything extraordinary, but even his own mana aptitude did not exceed Zeros by much, being a superior glimmering-grade aptitude. At the time, he had regarded himself as a genius among many, which was a given considering that it was well above average. To put things into perspective, a prestigious Magus academy that essentially controlled an entire kingdom, like the Arcane Radiance College, accepted individuals with an inferior ordinary-grade aptitude at the very minimum. Those with lower aptitudes could never hope to join the academy unless they had a powerful background or settled for smaller and more obscure academies. In such a case, they would be doomed to the lowest of the rung. Esteemed Headmaster. Is my aptitude good? Zero asked carefully. Yes, you have a high chance of becoming an official Magus, and rather swiftly at that. But dont be complacent; your aptitude wont decide everything, explained Victor. Now return to your seat. Yes, Headmaster! Zero replied, barely containing his excitement. Next You. Victor pointed at Prominence, who looked to be exceedingly eager to try as he practically jumped out of his seat the instant he was called on. Yes! He rushed forward and placed his hands on the crystal ball, just as Zero had done. This time, the crystal ball glowed even brighter, causing Victors brow to twitch. On the flip side, Prominences countenance showed even more strain than even Zeros. Very good. Its an inferior bright-grade aptitude. You can consider yourself fairly gifted. Those words at the end of his sentence were really difficult for Victor to force out. Yeess!! Prominence was unable to hold himself back from bursting into hearty laughter. In fact, his excessively smug face was practically screaming, Dont you hear that?! Im the chosen one! Even Victor, who was confident in his acting skills, was struggling to maintain his poker face and had to order him to shut up and go back to his seat. Next. The same process continued with the rest of the players. Each of them showing at least inferior glimmering-grade mana aptitude, causing Victor to feel some doubt over whether his own aptitude was anything special after all. He had known that the bodies created by the Nexus Tower wouldnt be normal, but he never thought that each of them would be so exceptionally talented that they could easily pass any Magus academys admission test with flying colors. With these Wont the dream of creating the best Magus academy in the world be feasible? Its no longer a pipe dream! As long as Victor was able to come up with the necessary resources, qualified mentors, and suitable environments, he could make a force that could rival no, trample the Arcane Radiance College and proclaim hegemony in this kingdom and its surroundings! Victor quickly calmed himself down by taking a deep breath before saying, Your results are all quite satisfactory. But without diligence, forget about becoming an official Magus, even reaching Initiate Attunement acolyte would be impossible. With that said, well move on to test your elemental affinities. Storing the crystal ball, Victor took out a silver standing mirror from his interspatial ring. It wasnt large, with a diameter of about half a meter, yet it had an entrancing quality to it that made anyone who stared too intensely at it feel dazed. After all, this was no ordinary mirror; it had the power to reveal ones elemental affinity. All right. You five, get to the front in the same order as before. Chapter 18: End of the First Session As before, Zero was first in line and carefully strode toward the silver mirror. Carefully look into the mirror! Victor instructed, his voice carrying an authoritative tone that made Zero look at the mirror without hesitation. To use the magic mirror, Victor must conjure some of his infused mana into it. Once the player in question became sufficiently entranced, their elemental affinity would reveal itself, similar to a state of hypnosis.. The room seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow as the silver mirror absorbed the mystical energy Victor fed into it. Soon, the color of the perfectly silver mirror turned a deep, mysterious shade of purple. Based on this alone, Victor could already determine what sort of elemental affinity that Zero possessed. Now, tell me, what do you see? Victor asked, his voice taking on an enigmatic tone. Zeros eyes glazed over as he mindlessly answered, Thunder I see purple lightning striking out from a thundercloud. And there are droplets of water below it His words seemed to drift from a realm beyond ordinary understanding. Anything else? Uh There are also white-colored particles around and above the thundercloud Zeros voice wavered slightly as if unsure about what he had just witnessed. Is there a lot of white? Victors cyan-colored eyes glinted. Not at all! Its minuscule barely noticeable. Okay! Victor snapped his fingers, and Zero suddenly came back to his senses, holding his aching head. That concludes your test! In the aspect of elemental affinities, you have the highest affinity with the Electro element, after that is the Hydro element, and you also have a smidgen of affinity with the Lux element. You can check your Shadowlink Mark for more information. Other than being able to record physical books and turn them into their e-book form, the Shadowlink Marks had another intriguing ability they could determine someones elemental affinity once a certain amount of information was given. Moreover, they provided a percentage amount based on the level of affinity once it crossed a certain level, making the results impressively accurate. Victor himself possessed one more elemental affinity, which was Electro, but it was the same with Zeros Lux element in that there wasnt enough for it to properly register on his Master Shadowlink Mark. Lets continue on with the rest, Victor said, his gaze shifting to the remaining players. One by one, the players exhibited elemental affinities that were not out of the ordinary. For Magi, there were seven basic elements: Anemo, Geo, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, and Electro. These players showed a primary affinity for one or two of these elements. It wasnt until the last player SuperNova that a different outcome came to pass. What do you see? Darkness and souls of the dead lingering around it SuperNova mumbled, his body trembling involuntarily in his hypnotized state. Flicking his finger, Victor stated, his expression growing serious, You have a high affinity with two rare elements, which are Umbra and Necro. In other words, you are destined to walk the path of darkness and death SuperNovas reaction to the revelation was nothing short of a total mental breakdown; not only did his face become as white as a sheet of paper, but he nearly fainted on the spot! Victor couldnt help but raise an amused eyebrow at the dramatic display, but this wasnt his main concern. What he cared most about was that, thankfully, the Myriad Elements Method had sections for both of these unique elements. Or else, he wouldve been scratching his head, wondering how on earth he could teach this unique student on the path of a Magus. It seemed that what the previous headmaster left behind had spared him from that headache. It should be emphasized that different academies had different elements they excelled at. The Arcane Radiance College, for instance, was known for its expertise in mastering the seven basic elements. Other than that, it was also renowned for teaching the rare Lux element, hence the fitting name Radiance. Although there was no such concept as light and dark Magi, his former academy could be said to be on the more upstanding side, at least on the surface. Finding that SuperNova wouldnt budge from his position, Victor decided to offer a piece of advice, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Let me tell you something. Magi are able to use every kind of energy. But only by following the path you have the highest affinity with can you progress the furthest. I cant stop you from focusing on other elements, but remember, regret may come knocking later. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. As though a revelation had cleansed his clouded mind, SuperNovas expression returned to normal. I-I understand Thank you for the advice, Sir Astralium, he said, saluting Victor before retaking his seat. Mm, alright! Your tests for aptitude and affinity are all over, announced Victor, glancing at the windows outside. Now, lets delve deeper into how to use a meditation technique and how it can help you harness the mana around us. This will be the last topic Ill teach you today. It was vital that these players learn how to do their meditation because it was the orthodox way of logging out from this world or game. When the next batch of players entered the game, Victor would once again make it a priority to teach them how to practice meditation. And so, Victor proceeded to instruct them on how to practice their meditation technique. While he had yet to try it himself, every basic meditation technique tended to have a similar way of doing things. What mattered most, other than a suitable environment, was a calm and focused state of mind. Once the five players had firmly grasped a basic understanding of the technique, the topic of teaching digressed to the various power ranks between Magi. You need to know that there are distinct ranks of power among Magi, Victor explained. The higher the rank you achieve, the stronger you become. Your short-term goal should be to reach the first-stage Initiate Attunement. Only by reaching this rank can you truly be called a true acolyte. Do you have any questions? I have one, Headmaster! Mike spoke up, not forgetting to raise his hand. Speak. What are the ranks above Initiate Attunement? Above Initiate Attunement is, of course, the rank of becoming an official Magus, which is called Elemental Adept. Victor paused to collect his thoughts before continuing. Beyond that lies the enigmatic rank of Nexus Temporal, where you may begin to pry on the mysteries of the Primordial Nexus itself. As for anything more than that, you five will naturally come to know once you have gained sufficient power and ascend to higher levels. Telling these players how many ranks there were above that would only discourage them, and Victor knew that the thirst for knowledge and power would drive their gamer instinct to uncover the secrets. As such, he kept his silence, allowing some mystery to linger concerning the higher power ranks. Anything else of note? Victor glanced at the group of eager players. Yes, Sir Astralium! What rank are you in? one of the players asked. Victor creased his eyebrows and hesitated for a moment before responding, Thats not something that you should be concerned about. Next I No one else? Alright. He decided not to give them any more chance to ask, not because he was afraid of them learning about his power, but simply due to time constraints. It is alright! Victor silently assured himself. The sun was inching closer to the horizon, and it would set in less than thirty minutes, indicating that it was about 5:30 A.M. on Earth; it was time for the players to log out of the game. These people had to attend to their real-life responsibilities, but Victor was 100 percent sure that they would eagerly return to the game first thing tomorrow morning in this world. As the session came to a close, Victor announced, I will teach you the basics of spell models and spell casting tomorrow. Hereby, I dismiss this class. He turned on his heel and strode toward the door with the coolest and most confident stride he could muster. However, just when he was about to exit the room, one of the players raised a question, scratching his chin. Sir Astralium er, where should we practice our meditation for the day? Miss Fairy said that we can use one of the rooms on the second floor before Hmm, right Victor paused, realizing that there were no bedrooms in the building except for his own. So, he led the players to one of the aforementioned empty rooms on the second floor. Unfortunately, there were no beds in this building, so they had to sleep on the ground. Though for them, it wouldnt matter since they were logging out from the game and wouldnt be conscious in this world. For todays accommodation, this room will do. Oh, and one more thing: You should have dinner before todays meditation. With a flick of his finger, Victor conjured up five pieces of cooked boar meat and placed them on a nearby table. He didnt have any plates on hand, but that was a minor concern. Time inside an interspatial ring was like suspended animation, so anything stored inside would remain fresh and in the same condition as when it was stored. Victor, realizing he had a bit of the boar meat left in his inventory, made these for the players to encourage them. Whoa! Is this for real, Headmaster? This isnt like that rubbery preserved food! The seasoning! You guys forget the seasoning! This doesnt taste like eating literal salt! I cant believe we get to eat such delicious food in a game!" Is this even still a game? The five players were ecstatic, relishing every morsel even though the meat was only seasoned with salt and nothing more. But Victor knew full well that the quality of the food in this world was incomparable to the one on Earth. At least the standard that commoners had was horrendous in comparison. Besides that, eating the flesh of magical beasts would strengthen their constitution, though the giant boar couldnt be fully considered a magical beast. Consider this a treat from me for today. Victor then went straight to the point as the players were ravenously gobbling the meat, Since I am here, I will help you answer any questions you may have regarding your confusion. As for your merit points, they will be calculated once you are deep in meditation. As the players raced to finish their meal, Victor pondered the possibilities of enhancing their learning process. Memory crystals would be ideal, but he wasnt yet capable of creating such advanced items. However, the e-book meditation technique had an in-built search function that could help the players when they were in a pinch. Perhaps he could even add an AI assistant in the future. The possibilities were endless. For now, practicing a meditation technique meant logging out for the players. They had clearly lost track of time while immersed in this world, but despite this their expressions still showed a strong desire to continue playing. Regrettably, they had to leave for now. It was impossible for them to stay here forever Or was it? Chapter 19: Anything is Possible Looking at the players sitting cross-legged on the floor, deep in meditation, Victor pondered his gains from this venture. Now that the players had all logged out, he was left alone in this academy with a fairly frail fairy Not that these players would enhance the academys security anyway. Earth huh. A melancholic and longing expression formed on Victors face as he chewed these words. Aah How good would it be if I could go back to Earth, too? He was being honest with himself. Compared to endangering himself in this world, if he could hide his real body in another world, he would be more than willing to do so. There were precedents where high-ranking Magi conquered small planes to hide their real bodies and explore the world with their avatars. You can. Suddenly, a spirited voice interrupted his train of thought. Yeah, its nothing but impossi Huh?! Victor turned his head toward a floating fairy beside him Lizbeth who had appeared out of nowhere. Did she just You havent misheard; you, in fact, can. She stressed each syllable. As long as you can create a magic ship capable of traversing the dangers lurking in the depths of the astral space such as dimensional rifts and eldritch monsters or have a strong enough physical body, then its not completely impossible. Earth itself exists in a different dimension than this one, but that only makes things a bit harder. After all, we have the coordinates. Seriously?! Victors tone carried a trace of excitement mixed with disbelief. Lizbeth, seeing her masters spirits lift, perched on his shoulder. Seriously. Victor couldnt help but entertain the thought of returning. However, he quickly realized that such solutions were ultimately unfeasible. First of all, the idea of creating a magic ship capable of traversing dimensions was a monumental task. The cost of such an undertaking would be so astronomically high that even if he sold the academy and himself into slavery ten times over, it would be far from enough. Secondly, by going with the second option, he would only gain the ability to withstand the harsh conditions outside Seraphia once he reached the rank of Nexus Temporal. However, even at that rank, he wouldnt be able to go to nearby planes and would be limited to the peripheral space of Seraphia. Only powerful Sigil Conversion Magi and above possessed the qualifications to travel far with their physical bodies alone which might take decades at the very least without additional methods. Thirdly, embarking on a prolonged voyage would pose a dangerous risk to the academy. With him being away, the academy would be vulnerable to attacks or disasters, potentially leading to its destruction and jeopardizing his life. While there might be other solutions, such as utilizing a nexus gate or an extremely large far-distance teleportation formation, the reality was that these methods could only be executed if someone had already explored and established connections with the desired plane or world. Typically, Magi would mark the coordinates of a plane they discovered and construct a nexus gate as an anchor point on the other side. So, even if Victor had the coordinates, there was a high chance that he would end up in an entirely different location, especially considering the complexities of dealing with other dimensions. All in all, as enticing as the idea of returning to Earth was, the obstacles and risks were too great to overcome any time soon. Speaking of different worlds I wonder, can they remain in this world forever? Victor inquired, voicing the other question that had been nagging at him. If it was possible to establish connections to this world without any lag whatsoever, then what about staying here forever? Victor presumed it wouldnt be implausible, and Lizbeths answer seemed to confirm his suspicion. They can. Lizbeth gave Victor a knowing smile. The gaming capsule has the means to upload their minds and let them stay inside their alternate bodies forever. Victor nodded, finding the idea worth taking note of in the future. As I thought. But what would happen to their bodies on Earth? Lizbeth shrugged her shoulders, her mischievous grin never leaving her face. Well, they will be dead, of course. What do you expect to happen? Remain alive like undead? Victor gave a self-deprecating smile to Lizbeths straightforward response. Indeed, it always came with a somewhat permanent consequence, fundamentally a one-way ticket. Guess if this ever becomes a choice, it will be up for the players to choose though I wouldnt mind trapping them here if the need ever arises. Still, it wasnt without consequences. Leaving corpses inside the gaming capsule would undoubtedly draw attention. If the authorities on Earth caught wind of this, then his VR game would be banned and closed down. He could already picture the news headlines the next day: Dangerous Game! Many Died While Playing But Found Alive Inside a Video Game?! and the news reporters dramatic voice narrating the whole incident. Victor shook his head, dismissing the absurdity of it all. As much as he wanted to let the players stay in this world forever and help him in his cause, he definitely didnt want it to come with a side of real-life chaos and media attention. It would also erase one of their unique abilities: being able to revive indefinitely. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Staying in the game forever? Fun in theory, but the consequences? Not so much. Still Victor pondered, looking at the player named SuperNova. That one player reminds me of something. Is it possible for these players to be brainwashed by high-ranking Magi? Like using mind-reading spells like {Mindscour}? Lizbeth pondered for a moment before responding, Probably. Why the uncertainty? You do realize that Magi have the strangest spells for the strangest purposes There is no guarantee that anything is impossible. Victor scratched his head, considering the possibilities. He didnt want to be an overprotective headmaster, but if one of the players encountered an evil high-ranking Magus who mastered those forbidden spells, curses, or even hexes, death would be the least of their concerns. Being tortured by such a being would be worse than hell. This didnt include the fact that his secrets might be revealed Well, lets hope it never comes to that, Victor muttered with a half-hearted smile. Anyhow, well cross that bridge if we ever come to it. He would only worry about that when it became necessary. Well, there is no gain without risk; theyll be thanking me later. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Shaking his head, Victor said, Whatever the case, this is beyond me at this point in time. Lets go back to the bedroom. Mhm! Low key is the key here. Pun intended. Lizbeth closed her tiny mouth with both of her hands, trying to hold back her laughter. Well, thats funny. Your sense of humor is improving. Victor snickered lightly at the wordplay, feeling a bit of fatigue setting in. Course it is! Ive been practicing! She hit her chest pridefully. It was such an exhausting day for him, but he still had something to do before taking a good nights rest, and that was to practice his daily meditation *** Early in the morning on Earth, the Gamers Empire Discord server was already buzzing with activity. The server owner, ZeroXScyth, made an unexpected announcement, drawing even the lurkers out from their dens. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Dudes! This game is awesome! If this doesnt become as popular No, more popular than Minecraft and Roblox at their peak, Ill do the chicken dance in the middle of the mall naked! Locktekei: Huh? Thats unlike you to be so overly dramatic. Squadzell: @ZeroXScyth I havent seen you or the administrators all night. I thought you were arrested for doing something illegal. If you know what I mean (? ?? ?) ThunderLord999: What game are you talking about? Why havent I heard of this game before? :blobcatconfused: Locktekei: Have you been living under a rock? We''ve been spamming this channel with messages since like two days ago! ThunderLord999: Welp, I was recovering from my surgery, so I havent had the chance to open Discord Locktekei: Oof, sorry to hear that. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): (2). Its a fully immersive virtual reality game that Cyber Warlock sent to the group yesterday called Magus Academy Online. Here, I will pin the message. ThunderLord999: Aight, thanks! Princess_Tomato: Wait, so the games real?! Its not a hoax? Can you show us some screenshots or something? Squadzell: Shoot! So have you tried the game? Whats it like? Locktekei: Yeah! Hurry up and tell us! What exactly is a fully immersive VR game like? Can I play it on my Oculus Rift 2? ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Absolutely real! Ive tried it, and its mind-blowing. Unfortunately, Im afraid I cant show you any proof; the console doesnt have in-game recording nor screenshot features yet. And Locktekei, my friend, you want to play it on that old-school head-mounted screen? Hahaha! Keep dreaming! Here, we use a gaming capsule with a VR helmet inside, just like those popular in Korean novels of old. Locktekei: Man, seriously?! ?? ?? ?? Noobzilla: No proof means its a hoax. @ZeroXScyth Maybe you should touch some grass and stop daydreaming. Squadzell: Hey, dont be rude! Noobzilla: Im just trying to make my point here. Dont you think its weird that a fully immersive VR game exists in 2026? Even from the most optimistic estimate, it would take dozens of years for that. And if it truly does exist, why haven''t I heard the media cover anything about it? It was at this moment that Storm Bringer the herald of updates and strategies appeared on the server and offered his input. Quelling any lingering doubts about the games existence. Storm Bringer (Administrator): What Zero said is absolutely true; I can vouch for its authenticity. And just to further solidify his claims, feast your eyes on these photos of the gaming capsule I took with my phone. A series of images depicting the intricate gaming capsule were shared by Storm, effectively silencing the naysayers. The revelation also ignited a spark of intrigue among the active members of the server. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Observe closely. The gaming capsules design includes no ports or connections for external devices, which means data transmission occurs wirelessly. The catch is, we can only access the game itself without any other external features. In fact, the helmet itself is detachable from the gaming capsule and can still be turned on, so I suspect that theres a private network used by the consoles thats apart from the one we used. These images are my proof for now, and its entirely up to you to decide whether you believe me or not. Dang it! If I could stream the game on my channel, it would go viral in no time! Locktekei: Whoa! Youre right! It looks so cutting edge that my Oculus feels like a relic in comparison ? Storm Bringer (Administrator): Indeed, having spent considerable time immersed in it, Ive managed to compile a fair amount of insights about this game. Zero, could you create a restricted category and channel where only those with administrator privileges and above can converse? But on second thought, I think its better to make a customized role for the five of us and for Cyber as well, I guess. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Sure. Hang on a sec. Aside from his identity as a streamer, Storm Bringer had a stellar reputation. He was once one of the finest DOTA players and ranked in the top 100 in Valorant. Although he wasnt a hardcore RPG gamer like Mike, his prowess for competitive games was a subject of admiration throughout the server. His aptitude for game critique was equally renowned. This man played games every day, barely scraping a living from his streaming job and his investments in stocks. His presence extended beyond multiplayer online games; he was also a fixture within speedrun communities faithfully streaming his exploits. His accomplishments formed a gallery of impressive masterpieces, and numerous server members had benefited from learning his strategies. Without a doubt, he was a full-time game player. Thus, the server members found themselves compelled to listen to what he had to say about the game. Excitement and curiosity spread among them, igniting a fervor of anticipation for the uncharted realms of the immersive virtual reality game Chapter 20: Changing Meditation Technique and Game Review While the discord server buzzed with activity, Victor remained unaware, fully immersed in learning about a new meditation technique. Before him lay a thick physical book titled the Myriad Elements Method, with its pages opened to a specific passage. Eventually, he opened his eyes and released a long exhale. Hmm No matter how I look at it, the Cosmo element is better suited for me than Anemo He deeply considered changing his meditation technique to Myriad Elements Method, but this didnt come without its own consequences. Switching meditation techniques could be a risky endeavor. When a Magus transitioned to a different technique, especially one from a different elemental path, it could trigger a backlash and detrimental effects on their infused mana. The compatibility between a Maguss elemental affinity and their meditation technique was crucial; altering it risked disrupting this harmony, potentially damaging their mana or even imperiling their life. Additionally, such a change demanded a period of adjustment and retraining, as the Magus needed to become attuned to the new techniques intricacies and nuances. Thus, this decision held weighty implications for a Maguss overall advancement and must be approached with utmost caution. Then, what are you hesitating for? Not that youve become an official Magus anyway. And didnt you say, Only by following the path you have the highest affinity with can you progress the furthest? I was watching you, hmm-hmm. Lizbeth was literally jabbing him, both verbally and physically. Youre right, he agreed. The longer he hesitated, the greater consequences he would face down the line. Besides, the Cosmo element was one of the two exceptionally rare elements, with the other being Chrono an even scarcer element that involved the manipulation of time. Victor had never seen anyone with Cosmo elemental affinity in his life, let alone Chrono. Overlooking such a powerful choice for something mediocre would be a huge loss and helplessly stupid. In Victors view, it remained reasonable when comparing the seven basic elements to elements such as Lux, Umbra, Bio, and Necro (light, darkness, life, and death), which were rare but not exceptionally so. Even though they were powerful, these elements came with complex prerequisites and intricacies. Steeling his heart, Victor began meditating using the Myriad Elements Method Fortunately, as his affinity with Cosmo exceeded 90 percent, and his progression as a Magus wasnt that high yet, there was no backlash. The path to becoming an official Magus is through fusing my elemental path with infused mana. Once this fusion occurs, I will be bound never to change my elemental path again, Victor muttered to himself. For mortals to become Initiate Attunement acolytes, they must learn to tap into their inherent elemental affinity. This could be done through exposure to energy and elemental particles in specific environments while practicing a meditation technique. Elemental particles were ubiquitous, and even rarer varieties could be found in places where they usually didnt belong, albeit in small quantities. Once they grasped the concept of mana infusion and were able to store mana inside their bodies, they would reach the first-stage Initiate Attunement and embark on the path of true acolytes. After that, first-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes focused on basic mana control, which involved understanding how to manipulate and channel infused mana, enabling them to create pockets of infused mana within their bodies. First-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes practiced conjuring simple Aleph-tier spells and techniques associated with their chosen element, gradually improving their control and proficiency. Progressing to the second stage demanded refining mana control and establishing sufficient pockets of infused mana. Initiate Attunement acolytes in this stage needed to learn to manipulate larger amounts of infused mana to make denser pockets. This stage was marked by a significant increase in mana control and the ability to cast more powerful Aleph-tier spells. Reaching the third stage necessitated a deep connection to infused mana. At this stage, Initiate Attunement acolytes learned to explore deeper aspects of elemental magic, such as learning to weave intricate spell patterns and advanced spellcasting techniques. This enabled them to create complex interactions between elemental particles and infused mana, resulting in versatile and potent spells. Acolytes who reached this stage were well on their way to becoming official Magi. This was Victors current stage. As Victor delved deep into meditation, the space around him began to subtly distort. An hour later, he exhaled a frosty breath, and the surrounding disturbances gradually settled as his meditation concluded ahead of schedule. Myriad Elements Method is far more potent than I initially believed Even a brief session has yielded remarkable progress. With this I dont even need years or decades to become an official Magus! Victor Asteriscus Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Status: Healthy Strength: (22) Agility: (23) Vitality: (22) Magical Power: (29) Infused Mana (total): (148) Victor had only been at the third-stage Initiate Attunement for about two months. While he had consolidated his foundation, he was nowhere near completing his elemental fusion and reached the rank of Elemental Adept. He felt like there was an enormous chasm that separated him from that rank, one that would demand considerable time and effort to traverse. Yet now, this concern had lessened considerably with the newfound meditation technique. Beyond this, there were other ways to bypass the step of elemental fusion and become an official Magus using elixirs or forbidden spells, though these methods would limit the individuals potential. Another grim option involved making a deal with malevolent entities lurking beyond Seraphia, but Victor quickly dismissed this idea before giving it any real thought. Unfortunately, this meditation technique comprises of only three levels and lacks progression beyond Initiate Attunement Victor lamented, shaking his head in disappointment. He had scoured the Headmaster Budget tab, but came up empty-handed regarding its continuation. Other techniques existed for Elemental Adepts and beyond, but switching again would pose the same risks What a shame. Out of the blue, Lizbeth broke her silence and held up a holographic screen, exclaiming, Master, youve got to see this! The players are going wild over the game! Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! It appeared that while he immersed himself in his meditation, she had taken the liberty of using his Discord account to gauge the players reactions to the initial gameplay. Victor couldnt blame the players for their excitement; after all, the circumstances warranted it. Intrigued, he turned his attention to the screen as Lizbeth presented it to him. There, he discovered that the first batch of players had established a new Discord category on the server called MAGUS ACADEMY ONLINE, complete with a game-reviews channel within. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Alright, lets dive into the setting of the game first. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): First things first, I want to ask you something: Are you familiar with Xianxia novels and the world of Harry Potter? Have you ever daydreamed about joining an immortal sect or enrolling in a magical academy? As a veteran gamer, I dont read novels that much, but during my streaming breaks, I enjoy reading some transmigration-type manhuas (Chinese manga) and immersing myself in the MCs shoes as they ascend to immortality. This! This game is exactly that, but with a Western-style twist to it! Instead of an immortal sect, we got a Magus academy. In place of cultivators, weve got Magi Swapping out immortal techniques for magic spells, and trading qi for mana! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): So, whats the deal you may ask? Well, we us, the lucky ones in the closed alpha begin our journey as fledgling acolytes of an ancient, nearly-forgotten Magus academy. Our mission? To resurrect the former glory of our ancestors and make the academy the best there is in the universe. Now, while we havent fully plunged into the main storyline just yet, fear not. We might have to bide our time with meditation practice until the closed beta or even the open beta to unlock more secrets and revelations, so I wont skip past that fact. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Now, lets talk about the games mind-blowing realism. When I say mind-blowing, Im not exaggerating or being hyperbolic. This game obliterates every other title out there in terms of realism, and even if we fast-forwarded fifty years into the future, Id bet my gaming rig that nothing could touch its level of realism. Its like this game is an isekai DLC that our world desperately needs! Whether its the effect of light and shadow, how it dances on your senses, to the tactile feel of the objects you encounter, everything will make you believe that youve stepped into a parallel reality. This immersive experience hits a whopping 100% on the realism scale. Yes, you read that right, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!! I mean, seriously, I havent stumbled upon any glaring bugs or hiccups so far. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): And then theres the freedom factor. Despite having a centric focus on an academy, this game checks all the boxes to be called a true sandbox game. You can tinker with practically everything your in-game fingers touch. Its not just limited to pure object collision; you also have the ability to change the position of objects by subjective will or even morph their shape and state within the realm of physics. And thats not even counting the magic system! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): I can guess what youre thinking. Its like Skyrim had a baby with an expanded sandbox, right? Or perhaps Hogwarts Legacy went on a DLC binge and modded up the wazoo But let me blow your mind, folks. It feels less like a game and more like an entirely separate world not just building blocks of pixels and textures, trapped inside your gaming device! For that reason alone, this is a must-play for all you sandbox and RPG fanatics out there! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): And I havent gotten into the best aspect of this all! When you immerse yourself in this game, your real-world body is asleep, which means you can indulge in endless gameplay without worrying about feeling groggy the next day! Imagine the potential impact this technology could have on modern entertainment and even peoples daily routines. Even if gaming isnt your thing, who wouldnt want an extra eight to twelve hours each day? Its mind-boggling to think that a game with the potential to revolutionize the world is being tested so quietly and casually. Its almost like the company doesnt care about making a profit! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Now, onto the most crucial intel! When you make your grand entrance into the game, youll notice a sleek black mark on your left wrist. No need to panic, though, because this mark is your ticket to the status screen, aptly named the Shadowlink Mark. But no matter whether its the player or a magical beast, there is no HP or MP bar at least not in the games current build. Also, you might notice that the initial attributes dont differ much from player to player. But this game is a world of magic and is different from any other games in that kind of sense with mana aptitude and elemental affinity, which I will save those juicy details firsthand when you try the game yourself. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Next are NPCs. In this corner of the closed-alpha phase, there are only two NPCs in the game. The headmaster of the academy, known as Astralium, and a fairy named Lizbeth. Yup, you heard that right, a charming little fairy straight out of fairy tale lore think Tinker Bell vibes and she acts as the assistant of the headmaster! I bet there will be a huge fan club for her once more players join. Anyway, what we know for sure is that both NPCs have a high degree of intelligence, fully capable of conversing and mingling with us players. With how some of us were reprimanded for our less-than-stellar behavior, Im guessing there should be a hidden favorability or amity gauge at play, but this is just my personal theory. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Next, I want to talk about the pain setting, a topic that could be cause for some concern. Heres the deal: While this game is a masterclass in realism, we dont want to go overboard and have players writhing in pain for missing an arm or two, right? Fear not, because the games designers have our backs. So, yeah, youll feel sensations of pain alongside touch, but there seems to be a protection threshold. For example, when the headmaster punished us with magic spells, at a certain point the pain met a hard limit. Its like theres a safety net that keeps the excessive pain in check, like how we can feel pain in dreams but never end up screaming ourselves awake However, when we were doing an aptitude test, it appeared to exceed this threshold a tad bit. I dont know if this was intentional by the developers or something they overlooked. Overall, the realistic feel of the abnormal status in the game is something praiseworthy. ?? Storm Bringer (Acolyte): One criticism would be that I think the game should give more control to players with their settings, such as allowing players to adjust their own pain levels. Some folks might want to crank it up to the maximum level, while others prefer pain-free adventuring. Personally, Im very satisfied with the current five senses immersion and pain shielding. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): And now, onto the million-dollar question: respawn mechanics. I havent tried it yet, but while the games keeping hush on the consequences of biting the dust, its safe to assume therell be a twenty-four-hour ban on login and some payment in the form of merit points. Merit points are actually easy to get; you can earn them by completing missions and tasks. More on this later. Now, as for me, Im steering clear of the respawn button for now. But if youre wondering what death feels like in the game, why not give it a try? Who knows, maybe there will be some other gameplay that can be exploited from doing so. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): So far the list of missions in the current state of the game feels incomplete. The first one we spent a good amount of time on involved plowing a field. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with it, but theres no continuation like planting seeds and such. There are also several other available tasks like building walls and constructing buildings. However, there are no prerequisite missions to gather the materials Maybe this is something that the developers have to take a second look at. Furthermore, the current missions are limited to life skill instead of battling magical beasts, though I think its still too early for such missions to appear. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Last but not least, lets give the devs a little friendly nudge. Why are all the characters teenage boys? Dont get me wrong, I dont mind tapping into my inner teenager and reliving the good ol awkward days. But Im strongly requesting that the game allows players to set their own gender! Its the 21st century, and were all about options here! Hell, Im willing to sign any kind of risk agreement contract for it! Over the last message, Victor could only roll his eyes and remain silent Chapter 21: Important Matters Victor couldnt believe his old online friend was still stuck on this question it left him a bit speechless. Just how perverted was he? However, there was a grain of truth to this thought. Magi, by virtue of their significantly extended lifespans and immense powers, stood at the zenith of this worlds hierarchy. Yet, such a broad spectrum of power also meant a wide spectrum of behaviors. Some Magi lived lavish lives, succumbing to corruption and indulgence. In their pursuit of pleasure, they trample upon taboos without a second thought. This was especially the case for Bloodline Magi, as some strange and often bizarre hybrids were born because of their union with other extraordinary life forms. Among Magi, homosexuality was neither an anomaly nor a rarity. The unconventional nature of their magical abilities even allowed some to transition between genders, intentionally or accidentally. There existed among them unique individuals who could seamlessly shift between male and female forms, displaying attraction to both genders with equal fervor. Victor himself had witnessed an incident where an Alchemist a subset of Magi adept at concocting potent potions and elixirs underwent a gender transformation due to a botched experiment. Undeniably, to the uninitiated eye, the Magus community was the most perverted and diverse community in existence. Shifting his attention, Victor checked the reaction channel, which had been flooded with a continuous stream of incoming messages. Is this game that awesome? Im sold! Can I pre-order ten copies?! Wait, if this tech is real, isnt it better to use it for work? Haha, this guy must be out of his mind! Still talking about work! Seriously? You guys are falling for this nonsense? Im skeptical too. Give me closed alpha access, then I might believe it! Among the flurry of comments, many expressed doubt about the games existence. It was only natural, as skepticism was a part of human nature. Victor understood their disbelief; if someone had approached him with such claims before he experienced it himself, he would likely spit at the other party. CyberWarlock (GM): Apologies for my delayed response; I was immersed in work and didnt notice the groups activity. Storm Bringers summary is quite accurate, and Id like to provide some additional insights. Victor had reviewed what Storm had shared and knew it was time to address a few of the concerns he raised. Of course, this was done in the game-reviews channel, as an admin must have given him access so he could post where other members wouldnt interrupt him. CyberWarlock (GM): First of all, its about player stats. This game prioritizes the existence of magic above all else, so what makes players distinct from each other is their aptitude for magic and elemental affinity, which are set at random. As for HP and MP bar, rest assured that we are actively exploring their implementation to ensure seamless integration. The notion of incorporating an MP bar within the attribute panel was feasible due to the quantifiable nature of infused mana. If Victor used himself as an example, his reserve of 148 infused mana allowed him to cast approximately a dozen or so Aleph-tier spells. This provided a quantifiable measure for tracking infused mana consumption per spell. Conversely, the concept of an HP bar posed a challenge, given its non-quantifiable nature. But the Shadowlink Mark could monitor a player''s physical condition, which may allow for a pseudo health bar to be created. Victor also considered adding mana aptitude and other attributes to the status screen in the future. CyberWarlock (GM): Moving on to the topic of the death penalty. Storms guess is largely accurate. Alongside a one-day respawn cooldown and a deduction of merit points, players will also experience a partial setback in their meditation progress. Its important to remember that this game bestows players with a form of experience points by logging out from the game, which is in the form of practicing a meditation technique. The process will take several hours at a minimum since we want players to have a healthy life balance. Victor wasnt entirely certain about the extent of progress loss upon death, pondering whether players would regress to the beginning of their current stage or suffer some other penalty. However, he conjectured that as players advanced to higher ranks of progression, the respawn cooldown would likely extend, potentially spanning weeks or even months, because of the increasing difficulty of incubating powerful bodies. He also considered the fact that if all the incubation pods were occupied, dead players would have to wait until the current incubation process finished, as there wouldnt be any spots for them to use. Well, he figured that could be addressed when it became necessary. For now, this much explanation should suffice. CyberWarlock (GM): Regarding character appearance and gender customization, I regret to inform you that this feature wont be feasible. Similar to the unpredictability of reincarnation, the in-game body is an adaptation of your real-world physique with appropriate modifications to align with the games setting. If you are not satisfied with the appearance of the character, options like magic elixirs or transformative magic can be considered. Dont worry, this enhancement is slated for future implementation within the game. This was something that Victor could potentially manipulate if he wanted to, but he didnt want to fall down the rabbit hole of dealing with the potential risks associated with causing gender identity issues or the ensuing public backlash The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. But then Victor realized one oversight: There were all sorts of people with all kinds of genders living on Earth, especially in the US. The more the game developed and opened up to other countries, the worse this problem became if Victor didnt open up options for them. As a result, he would later amend the form to include these genders as well. It was not that Victor was in support of such a thing, but he didn''t want to cause any trouble down the line. However, if players of primary genders were insistent on this matter as well, Victor wouldnt stop them, but they would have to strive for the options he had laid out, which wouldnt be simple even for him. As for the possibility of having coordination problems because of differences in physiological structures? They would need to manage those on their own. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Oh come on! I want it now!! (Storm Bringer has been timed out by the server owner for 10 minutes.) ZeroXScyth (Acolyte): Stick to the topic, please! SuperNovaX (Acolyte): Understood, server owner. MikeIsHandome1000x (Acolyte): Hahaha! Classic! PleaseBugMeNot (Acolyte): Could we please focus on Cybers input? Victor found the situation quite amusing but continued typing without interruption. CyberWarlock (GM): As discussed, there is a hidden amity system in the game, and you can build relationships with NPCs. Now, dont get indecent ideas rolling doing anything 18+ with them will result in a ban. PleaseBugMeNot (Acolyte): Crap! You must be reading my thoughts! (PleaseBugMeNot has been timed out by the server owner for 10 minutes.) Holy cow! Zeros no-nonsense approach to muting is strict, but a real time-saver. Unbothered, Victor continued his explanation. CyberWarlock (GM): What I mean by this is that the players behavior will affect the NPCs view of them. By fostering positive relationships with certain NPCs, players could yield extra rewards and potentially trigger hidden missions or unlock unique class paths! Hidden missions and special classes? These aspects would undoubtedly grab the attention of the active members, especially the closed-alpha players. On top of that, the amity system would encourage them to be bootlickers. This, in turn, would rein in players from acting out of line and thus prevent them from sabotaging the progress of the academy. To top it all off, they wouldnt have any scruples about doing this since they were just licking the boots of NPCs and artificial intelligence, and they would even be rewarded for their licking! Heh, thats quite the intriguing twist, dont you think? Victor muttered aloud. Who are you talking to? Lizbeth gave him a strange look. Victor brushed off Lizbeths question and thought for a moment, but there was nothing else to point out. The academy was too poor right now; aside from his repertoire of spells and magic knowledge, he could fork out a few mana crystals and platinum coins, which wouldnt last long. Spending AP on such items seemed wasteful, so he could only offer players empty promises. CyberWarlock (GM): Do any of you have questions or suggestions youd like to share? Gathering player feedback was of utmost importance. If circumstances permitted, he could consider implementing their ideas. If not, he could placate them with vague promises and tell them he would add them in the future. MikeIsHandome1000x (Acolyte): Im curious, what can we exchange merit points for? I couldnt find any exchange options in the game. Anticipating this question, Victor swiftly typed his response. We are currently working on designing the in-game economic system. Our aim is to create a fully immersive and realistic in-game economy. It will include everything from production to circulation. This way, both life-skill players and combat-oriented players can truly enjoy the games economic dynamics. While the in-game academy will have its own production capabilities, it will largely rely on resources from nearby settlements for sustainability. No matter how good mortal craftsmen and builders were, they couldnt match the golems and undead slaves that Magi commanded. Given that players needed to focus on meditation and enhancing their magical prowess, Victor was hoping to rely on the locals for various academy projects to some degree, including the procurement of essential materials. After all, building an entire technological infrastructure from the ground up would require an extensive timeframe, and Victor lacked the patience for such a lengthy process. CyberWarlock (GM): Id like to take this opportunity to address another related matter. We recognize that the current list of available missions lacks diversity and may have some prerequisites missing in this early phase. To that end, we are actively working on addressing this internally, and you can expect a more varied and comprehensive missions list when you next log into the game. Just as Victor had said previously, there was no way to create a perfect system from the get-go. That was why outside perspectives were so valuable. Hence, it was why he encouraged feedback from the players. CyberWarlock (GM): Oh, one more thing. In-game changes made in the closed-alpha version are permanent and will be carried out in the subsequent versions. Unless a specific issue arises, there will be no server reset. This also includes your character profile and progress, so please be aware of this. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Holy shit! This games awesome! PleaseBugMeNot (Acolyte): Woohoo! I wont be losing the progress I made! Both of these players reacted hysterically as soon as their timed-out period was finished. Seeing that the five players had nothing more to add, he asked Storm to put his review onto the games official forum, where Lizbeth, acting as the moderator, would pin the post. She had enhanced the official website of the game in her spare time, and it now had not only an official forum where players who had registered could post threads but also an official wiki and update page. Master, you sure know how to use every given chance to make me work Lizbeth quipped, a self-deprecating smile gracing her features. Shouldnt the rewards match the workload? Indeed, she was more than just an assistant and substitute for Victor; she served as the main programmer, designer, administrator, and game master. Now she even took on the role of part-time forum moderator. All in all, this versatile fairy donned many hats. Alright, alright. For your trouble, Ill give you some of the mangoes from the gacha Ive been saving up and whip up some tasty grilled magical beast meat for you, if we have the Its a deal! she said, cutting Victor off and giving him a stern look. And remember, a promise with a fairy is unbreakable! Uhh, shes pretty tractable in that regard. Well, credit where credit is due, Victor thought, returning to his holographic screen. Noticing a flurry of friend requests and inquiries flooding his Discord inbox, Victor realized many users were seeking his attention. Some wanted to buy access to the closed alpha, while others sought information about the game or even guidance on game development. Responding to each inquiry individually would be time-consuming, prompting Victor to delegate the responsibility of handling the more serious ones to Lizbeth. Satisfied that he had gotten all the information out there that he wanted to for now, Victor turned his attention to adjusting the status screen and available missions for players, as he had promised. Chapter 22: Update and Agonizing Elixir In the midst of his work, Victor decided to revamp the registration form for new players and raise the qualifications for closed-alpha testing. He had to ensure that future applicants were capable of making valuable contributions to his endeavors, particularly during this critical early phase. Queries such as How much free time can you commit?; Whats your experience with similar games?; Whats your profession?; and Do you possess any special skills? were added to gauge potential recruits and aid in the development of the academy. With plans to grant more game qualifications soon, the number of applicants had already surged to 142. This was quite a large number for a medium-sized Discord server with just over one thousand members, meaning that he had convinced more than 10 percent of them! Unfortunately, more than half of them lived outside the US mainland. Having achieved a favorable outcome with the initial batch of players, Victor hoped that from this point onward he would be able to summon players nonstop. So, for every twenty-four-hour cycle, ten new players would be brought into this game or world to ensure a steady influx. However, two key issues needed addressing. The first one would be that in order for the incubation to start, participants had to first lie down inside the gaming capsule so their bodies could be scanned. Without this step, starting the process would be impossible. Victors solution was to inform players to try the consoles in advance while specifying a time based on their time zone. He could also send them private reminders to ensure they met this requirement, and further warn that failing this step could lead to confiscation of the gaming capsule and permanent disqualification. As for the other problem Hmm Victor touched his chin thoughtfully. The incubation process itself takes exactly twenty-four hours. Wont a slight delay gradually push back the start time of subsequent cycles? You need not worry about that, Master. Based on the data from the initial incubation process, fine-tuning the efficiency wont pose any challenges, assured Lizbeth. Is that so? Thats good then. This resolution would resolve the dilemma at hand; he could proceed with distributing the gaming capsules in advance and create a queue system, though he would need to set the limit accordingly. Suddenly, a thought struck him. Turning to Lizbeth, he asked, Liz. Yeah? Since the people from Earth can use the gaming capsules to control their bodies in this world, does that mean I can do the same? If he could replicate the players ability to control bodies remotely he would have a life-saving measure hidden up his sleeve. Even if confronted by an unbeatable adversary, death wouldnt necessarily mark the end for him. This might also provide an escape route from having his fate tied to the academy. A glint appeared in her eyes as she answered, Yes, you can. Victor was on the verge of raising his hands in jubilation, but her next words quickly deflated his excitement. However, consider how you plan to acquire a gaming capsule. The previous headmaster only left those devices on Earth, after all. Darn it, you should have finished that sentence before giving me false hope! He groaned, slapping his forehead and releasing a weary sigh. That aside, Victor realized hed never posted anything on the update page. Starting with Alpha Patch 0.1 seemed like a rational choice, a way to list and briefly introduce the games fundamental mechanics to new players. For the more intricate lore details, he intended to leave that to Lizbeth to work on the games wiki. After he finished making the necessary adjustments, Victor stretched out on his bed. Physically, he might not be exhausted, but the accumulative mental strain since this morning had taken its toll. However, the night was still young Sleeping now felt like a waste, but it was a bad habit that appeared after the merger with his past-life memory. Then, a particular item he had obtained from the Systems gacha suddenly came to mind. He retrieved a vial of shimmering elixir from his interspatial ring, its otherworldly hue and luminous colors shifted between subtle blues and greens that stubbornly refused to blend. Victor hadnt read the description of the item previously, and he had thought that it was some kind of strange magic potion or poison, but the truth was far from it. Ashen Shriek Elixir This potent concoction is a rare and coveted elixir said to be forged from the distilled essence of otherworldly energy and the chaotic convergence of elemental forces. Once taken, the user will experience the pain of being ripped into a thousand pieces from the inside and may leave a mental scar if theyre not mentally strong, but it will increase their constitution, magical power, and mana aptitude considerably. Please use it with caution! He cradled the vial cautiously in his hand, holding it up to the illumination of the bright lantern on the bedside table. The players all have high aptitude If I dont take advantage of every resource at my disposal to increase my mana aptitude, I will be left behind. Then, how can I have the courage to call myself headmaster? If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. If the situation didnt call for it, using such a dangerous elixir would be out of the question. In addition, there were safer alternative elixirs that could still elevate someones mana aptitude. However, each one of them had a sky-high price and were produced in limited quantities, with most ending up in the possession of high-ranking Magi. Are you seriously considering drinking that? Lizbeths voice was laced with concern as she floated towards the elixir, casting an apprehensive glance at Victor. I have a feeling this wont end well. Mm. Please dont try to dissuade me. Just keep an eye out for any unusual developments. Well, I did warn you. She shrugged her shoulders. Its your choice, after all, though Ill be watching closely, just in case. Victor nodded. That was all the support he needed. Without another word, he uncorked the elixir and braced himself for what was to come. As soon as the vials seal was broken, an ethereal energy began to seep out as if yearning for freedom. However, Victor quickly used his magic to block any from escaping. Holding the vial steady, his hand trembled slightly as he guided its contents towards his lips. With steely resolve, he swallowed the elixir in a single, determined gulp, suppressing its unnatural, otherworldly flavor as best he could. Yet, the instant the liquid entered his stomach, an agony beyond anything he had ever endured before ignited within him. The pain was like a blazing inferno that seemed to tear through his very core. A screeching groan erupted from his throat as the sheer intensity of the suffering forced him into uncontrollable convulsions. Aaghh! Fuck! IT HURTS!! The anguished cry echoed through the room as his body writhed on the floor like a leaf caught in a maelstrom. The sensation was as if legions of razor-sharp insects were rending him apart from within. Lizbeth, watching the scene unfold, furrowed her tiny brows. She pointed her delicate finger at him, and a beam of light emerged from her touch and flowed into Victors sorry state. Though Victor barely registered her intervention, some of the pain abated, leaving him in a state of dazed agony, teetering on the edge of consciousness. Moments stretched into an eternity, the world around him a tumultuous sea of torment and unending pain. Slowly, agonizingly, the intensity began to disappear, the pain gradually losing its vice-like grip on his senses. As the ordeal subsided, Victor found himself lying prone on the ground, his vision blurred and fading into the endless abyss. *** ter ster! Master! Wake up! A persistent shaking at his right wrist, coupled with a high-pitched, urgent voice, managed to cut through the haze. Blinking his eyes open, Victor found himself lying on a cold, hard surface. There was none of the anticipated blinding light that often accompanied late awakenings. Confusion gnawed at him he distinctly remembered beginning his daily meditation in the comfort of his bed, so how had he ended up here? What happened? His voice was feeble, his mind sluggish and groggy. His body felt like a jumble of sensations discomfort, lightness, and an odd tingling in his limbs. Attempting to sit up, a wave of lingering pain shot through his insides, causing his stomach to roil in response. Ugh But amidst the discomfort, there was a curious sensation of lightness, as if a weight had been lifted from his very being. With an effort, he managed to push himself onto his feet, pain lingered like a reminder of some intense ordeal. As he stood, he glanced at a nearby mirror. His reflection, that of a handsome late teenager with striking blue hair and a surprisingly muscular physique, stared back at him. Wow, a single elixir changes my body so much?! I was already rather muscular before! You drank the elixir that could improve your mana aptitude, remember? How can you forget? Lizbeths voice sounded both amused and chiding, but there was a slight relief hidden. Right, the elixir, he mumbled, his memory slowly piecing the events together. Despite that, Victor continued to look at his reflection, flexing as he examined his newly acquired muscles. He felt the remnants of the elixirs impact coursing through him. And can you stop posing in front of the mirror? Lizbeths tone carried a note of exasperation. Why not? I mean, look at this amazing transformation! Victor exclaimed, gesturing to himself. In spite of his wonder, he followed Lizbeths advice and activated his Master Shadowlink Mark, summoning his status screen for an objective assessment. Victor Asteriscus HP: 91% MP: 172/172 Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (third level, 29%) Status: Slightly injured (internally) Strength: (22 24) Agility: (23 24) Vitality: (22 24) Magical Power: (29 31) Infused Mana (total): (148 172) Victors eyes lit up with excitement as he stared at the newly improved status screen. Inferior bright-grade aptitude! It might sound like a slight improvement, but an upgrade from a superior glimmering grade to an inferior bright grade brought itself a qualitative change there was no longer any lingering uncertainty over his ability to achieve the ranks of an official Magus. Theres still a faint residue of the elixir coursing through my body that I can further refine Still, if I continue improving at this rate, couldnt I be promoted to an official Magus in a week? Victor wondered inside his heart but soon trashed this thought into the firepit. The excruciating pain, though I cant put myself through that again Whatever the case, the updated status screen now fulfilled not only the players requests but also included additional information that Victor deemed crucial. It even showcased the progression of his stats, giving him an invaluable tool to gauge his growth. Now that youre finally awake, I see that youre fine. Of course I am! By the way, what time is it? No, wait Victors eyes landed on the digital clock displayed prominently on the main tab of the System. The numbers read 05:20 A.M. Its twenty past five, huh Cant believe I was out for more than eight hours. Your sense of time isnt the issue here. Okay? I was worried sick about you! Geez! Lizbeth huffed, folding her arms and turning away. But lets move on from that. Something peculiar has been going on with the unconscious bodies of the five players; its as though theyre moving on their own, even without any trace of consciousness within. Theyre doing what now? For a moment, Victor doubted his own ears. Are they becoming zombies? Uh, well, its hard to explain. Maybe you should see it for yourself. Lizbeth presented a holographic screen that displayed a framed recording, and with a tap, the scene began to play out before them. Chapter 23: Another Day of the Academy The players bodies were locked in meditation, frozen like sculptures adorning the halls of a museum. Fast forward a few hours, and they hadnt even moved an inch. Everything seemed to be progressing as it should, devoid of any apparent issues. Confusion creased across Victors brow as he searched for any anomaly he mightve overlooked, but to no avail. So, what exactly is the problem? Just wait. Shortly thereafter, Prominences body abruptly stirred, breaking the motionless position and rising to its feet.. With his eyes still closed, he glided to the exit, disappearing into the bathroom. A segment of the recording was tactfully fast-forwarded through until he appeared again. Upon returning, the unconscious body returned to its place alongside the others and resumed his meditation. A shiver ran down Victors spine as he uttered in a shaking voice, Eh Thats creepy, alright! I bet we can blame this on more shenanigans from the previous headmaster. If I bump into one of them in the dead of night thatll be really disturbing. Agreed, Lizbeth interjected, her tone thoughtful. But consider this isnt this arrangement advantageous both for you and the players? It allows their unconscious bodies to maintain a semblance of normal living, ensuring that extended periods of inactivity wont pose concerns. Its like a safety net. Right Victor nodded, his unease gradually fading. Hed walked the path of Magus for long enough to have seen plenty of strange and supernatural phenomena. Something like this was actually quite normal and unassuming in comparison. Furthermore, this safeguard indeed presented a practical solution to potential issues arising from players prolonged absence. Yet, a lingering question stirred in his mind: How would their unconscious bodies respond if they encountered a threat? Anyways, this is nothing to be worried about. Maybe once the acolyte dorms are up and running, each player can have their own private room, Victor concluded thoughtfully. This would solve some of the problems, but food might spoil sooner or later, and bringing them into the dorms felt inappropriate. He contemplated the situation further, pondering on potential solutions. While alchemical substitutes for food existed, Victor lacked the expertise of an Alchemist and the necessary recipes. One thing was for sure; it might be worthwhile to make this one of the focal focuses once the Alchemical Hall was unlocked. Still, I never knew that the System had a recording function, let alone be able to do so in real-time. Did you happen to record the lecture I gave yesterday? Lizbeths response carried a hint of mischievousness. Hehe, sorry. I forgot to activate the recording during that lecture. Victor, not one to be petty over small matters, said, Well then, just remember to do so next time. The prospect of recording lectures had promising potential. These recordings could be preserved and distributed to players for review, potentially alleviating the need for repetitive classes on specific subjects. It was a development that could foster efficient learning among the acolytes. Okie! She smiled and perched herself on Victors shoulder as usual. As night nearly settled on Earth, the imminent return of the players lingered in the air. Due to the late initiation of the new incubations, however, the next batch of players wouldnt have access to the game until the following morning. Thinking of the incoming players, Victors curiosity was suddenly piqued over their current progress. He cast his gaze around the holographic screen, navigating its interface to access the relevant information. Notably, the players possessed subordinary Shadowlink Marks; this meant that their details should be accessible within the System for Victor to see. And soon enough, Victor came across the section labeled Academy Inhabitant List. Within this tab lay a comprehensive compilation of players who had previously logged into the game and even himself, each accompanied by their own status screen. He then proceeded to open the status screens of all the players and compared their rate of progression. Whoa, this is an absurd level of progress! Victor exclaimed, taken aback by the exponential growth depicted before him. Despite variations in their inherent aptitudes, even the individuals with the least favorable aptitude showed a commendable progress of 4 percent. In stark contrast, the player possessing an inferior bright-grade aptitude boasted an astonishing 10 percent advancement in their meditation technique. Victor couldnt help running the numbers, calculating that at this pace the fastest among them would reach the first-stage Initiate Attunement in a mere ten days. All without expending a single mana crystal! Lizbeth, who had been observing alongside Victor, chimed in with an air of nonchalance, Why so surprised? These players remained engaged all day, and you gave them a nourishing meal before they began a long meditation session, which their bodies have practiced ceaselessly, thanks to the mechanics of the gaming capsule. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Usually, the journey from a mortal to an official Magus was an arduous, multifaceted process that depended on an individuals innate talent, dedication, and the resources at their disposal. On average, those with glimmering-grade mana aptitudes took anywhere from five to twenty years or even longer to progress. Yet here, the players were on track to achieve it potentially in a matter of a mere year or so. Makes sense Victor concurred, acknowledging the significant difference in circumstances that Lizbeth had pointed out. But still, this meant that he could have an army of Initiate Attunement acolytes in less than a month. What would happen if they were provided with superior resources and an optimal environment for growth? Just imagining that caused his body to shiver with excitement. With a little more than half an hour remaining, Victor opted to use it to refine some of the elixir that still lingered within his body and get ready for the day. *** Whoa! Guys, check out the new status screen. We finally have HP and MP bars! The game developers do listen to our queries! exclaimed the first player who logged in to the game Storm. Mm, the merit points are also shown in numbers here. Zero signaled his agreement with a nod and added, I see that I have sixty-one points. Not bad. More importantly, I truly am the chosen one in this game! Dont you see that 10 percent meditation progress? Ill be the first prodigal true acolyte in this game! Prominence struck a triumphant pose that screamed, Look at me, Im amazing! Shuck! This games as uneven as my exs emotional rollercoaster, Storm complained, wearing a glum expression. My aptitudes scraping the bottom of the barrel, and my progress is like a snails pace... Am I doomed to be the games snail? Can I reroll? Welp, I dont think thats possible according to the wiki. But youre a competitive gamer, I doubt youll be left behind considering how much of an expert you are, Zero rationalized. Relax! What Boss Zero said is correct. Prominence added, Even if youre at the back of the talent line, I wont ditch you, okay? Were in this together, no matter how terribly you rank! Get lost, man, Storm said, pushing him away.. SuperNova sighed, his next words tinged with genuine concern. Youre still lucky. Ive got the Umbra and Necro elemental affinities. At this rate, am I destined to become a dark Magus, unlike the rest of you guys? Hahaha! Dude, whats wrong with being the spooky magician of the bunch? Mike let out a hearty laugh. Who knows, you might unlock a hidden class like Necromancer or something and end up leading an army of skeletons, zombies, and who could forget, a bunch of friendly ghosts! Eep! Piss off! Thats the last thing I want to deal with! Ahem. Victors cough cut through the players lively conversation hed been standing nearby ever since the players logged in. Perhaps it was because he had used his identity as the promotional manager of the game to chat with them about the amity setting last night, but the five players eyes were even more respectful than ever before. For their sense of immersion, Victor decided to utilize his already-established image of majesty for his own use and declared in a serious tone, The sands of time are slipping away. Sooner or later, those pesky enemies of old will discover us. In anticipation of their potential hostile actions against our academy, urgency becomes our ally. We must swiftly bolster our defenses to safeguard our haven. The missions that demand attention have been compiled on your Shadowlink Marks. I implore you to peruse them diligently. Understood, Headmaster! they responded unanimously, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up the players faces as they promptly accessed their missions. While it might sound like he had made this up, what Victor said was grounded in truth, however. The possibility that his comrades-turned-enemies would come back to this forest could not be dismissed. The artifact that had driven the wedge of betrayal between them held the key to an ancient civilizations ruins that dated from before the Dark Era. It was plausible that they would return to this very forest with a formidable force, driven by the prospect of exploring the ruins and claiming the hidden treasures. With his instructions imparted, Victor sent the players out to do their tasks. The plowing of the agricultural area was not yet finished, so the players were eager to wrap it up first before tackling new challenges. Meanwhile, Victor ventured deep into the west of the Thornwood Forest to finish the main mission while engaging in the hunt for some large magical game. Their carcasses were not only useful for essence points but also in enhancing the efficacy of their meditation progress. This two-fold benefit propelled Victor forward as he navigated the forests depths. *** The sun was already sitting high in the sky by the time Victor returned to the academy. Nestled within his interspatial ring was the carcass of a Thornback Boar, while by hand he dragged another juvenile Mossback Turtle. Thornback Boars, as the name suggested, were huge boars with sharp, long, thorn-like growths on their back and were native magical beasts of the Thornwood Forest. They were aggressive and territorial, possessing similar combat capability to that of a second-stage Initiate Attunement. One had attacked Victor when he encroached upon its territory, but he dealt with it swiftly. Unfortunately, there were no indications of the whereabouts of the elusive last natural resource that could be found all signs led to the heart of the Thornwood Forest, which he still considered too dangerous to attempt. Victors intuition warned him as much, so he had no choice but to leave the exploration of that area for later. For now, he was going to process the turtle into the essence converter while keeping the boar for its meat and other materials. But butchering turned out to be a problem; he could do simple cooking, but dismantling large creatures was beyond him. Sure, there was the set of kitchen knives hed received from the gacha, but Duh, I should have thought ahead and chosen a player with the skills of a butcher or cook, Victor lamented, rubbing his temple in regret. Well, its not too late to rectify this situation today. All he had to do was to select the capable individual in the next batch. Or if luck was on his side, there might be one with the requisite expertise among the group of players on the next day. Only time could tell Chapter 24: Two-Day Compulsory Class Victor stood at the front of the transformed meeting room, now arranged to be an effective classroom with desks for the students and space for him to stand up front and deliver his lessons. His blue hair shimmered in the light as he looked over at the eager faces of his acolyte students, or players. Behind him was the magic-enchanted board adorned with intricate magic diagrams and illustrations, creating an ambiance of arcane wonder. Starting with the basics, Victor began, casting a spell might feel tricky at first. Visualizing the flow of infused mana in your body can be challenging, but with a simple analogy it can be made easier. Imagine a tub of water in front of you that''s your infused mana. Now, picture yourself holding a bowl. This bowl represents your spell model. With the bowl, you decide which part of the tub to take the water from. Using the water that you collected in your bowl, magic can be activated. The moment he finished his explanation, a magic flame appeared on his palm, causing all the players to gasp in surprise. Youve all seen magic in action, but understanding the mechanics behind it is crucial to becoming a proficient Magus. By quickly clenching his fist, the flame vanished into nothingness. Pointing to a projected diagram on the board, he said, In this visual representation, you see a basic elemental spell model {Heat Wave}. The core idea is to construct a mental model with your infused mana. Then, using the nature of your mana, you attract external energy particles and transform them intricately, turning them into a spell. Infused mana and spell models share deep connections and intricacies, much like meditation techniques and the Primordial Nexus. Without understanding these basics, even casting the simplest spell would be all but impossible. In simple terms, think of infused mana as the primer and the spell model as the catalyst, Victor explained, his gestures tracing the lines on the diagram. The primer remains constant, but different catalysts attract different energy particles, shaping a distinct spell. This connection is what fuels the magic and gives it shape! Walking along the aisles, Victor maintained eye contact with the players, ensuring they understood everything he just said. Constructing a spell model is a complicated matter, and casting a spell requires a clear understanding of these components. The more you study and understand what each sequence corresponds to, the easier it will be to deal with the applications. In addition, you must be cautious of misaligned focus or flawed models; they can impair your mana and take weeks to recover. As Victor resumed his place at the front of the room, his posture emanated an air of authority. If you have anything you want to ask, now is the opportune time to voice your questions before I continue. Yes, Sir Astralium! Mike eagerly raised his hand, his curiosity evident in his expression. Er, you mentioned that creating a mental model with our infused mana is a requisite for casting spells. Are there any alternative methods to bypass this requirement? Victor offered Mike a nod of acknowledgement, recognizing him as a dedicated RPG gamer. With a wry grin, he tailored his response to suit Mikes perspective. Good question, Mike. Indeed, the path of spellcasting doesnt always rigidly adhere to that single approach. In certain exceptional circumstances, Magi might resort to the use of substitute magic items to help them cast spells. Leaning into his explanation, Victor elaborated, These substitutes can encompass a variety of options. They range from magic scrolls that carry the encoded essence of a spell to specialized magic tools designed to aid in the casting process and even sigils a realm of mystical symbols that are, admittedly, far beyond your current purview. As far as Victor knew, magic tools, for instance, span various grades and capabilities. The defensive magic tool that had protected Victor when he was being betrayed previously was a superior-grade magic tool. Even the acolyte robes worn by the players were essentially magic tools, albeit a low-grade one. However, Victor wouldnt teach them this right now, as it was not yet the time. Similarly, magic scrolls were tiered according to the spells they contained, which was something he planned to explain shortly. As for sigils, they represented a deeply profound aspect of magic one that only Elemental Adept Magi and above were qualified to explore. Victor must admit that he didnt know much about this. Are there any other questions? Victor asked. The room remained silent. The players appeared to have been grasping the concepts he had covered so far. Perhaps it was because this was still the basics of the basics when it came to magic, or they were able to relate it to similar things from other media or on the internet. Either way, their lack of questions suited him just fine. Alright, moving on to tiers of spell models. Victor drew a steadying breath before explaining, Parenthetically, magic spells are divided into several tiers based on the Maguss ranks of power: Aleph (1), Bet (2), Gimel (3), and so on and so forth. Magi have named the spells that acolytes are able to cast Aleph-tier spells. No matter if they are a second-stage or third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, they are only able to use Aleph-tier spells. This means that the subsequent names correspond to spells that only official Magi can cast. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. He held their attention as he forged ahead, his tone growing serious as he emphasized, Remember the higher the tier, the more intricate and complex the magic spells become, and the more infused mana must be consumed to cast them. Its crucial to recognize that only first-class Magi can cast Aleph-tier spells without injury, and this is often a sign of becoming an official Magus! It typically took Victor himself more than half a month to master a spell to the point where no backlash occurred. For these players, casting magic for their first time would be quite a hurdle to overcome. However, death was hardly a concern for them, as they were essentially immortal with the ability to revive, unlike Victor. With this lesson, Victor felt he succeeded in imparting a glimpse into the broader realm of magical possibilities. By breaking down the complexities and offering relatable examples, the players would appreciate the multilayered avenues that spellcasting could encompass and, therefore, appreciate how much the game developers had sacrificed to make this game. Having covered all the material for this session, Victor opened the floor for questions. No players raised their hands this time, however, as they seemed hard at work absorbing the information that he had dumped into their heads. It seemed his information-packed session had left them momentarily speechless. Victor felt accomplished in that he had succeeded in covering the essentials, which would be enough for now. Any more than this, he doubted that the players would have the patience to learn. When dealing with something out of the ordinary, it was essential to use an out-of-the-ordinary tactic. Although players were curious beings, they would prefer discovering the intricacies of the game on their own rather than being spoon-fed in one huge information block. That was why he tried to keep his teaching style brief and to the point. Honestly, there were many other subjects that a Magus academy usually covered, such as the study of elemental manipulation, alchemy and herbology, magic artifacts, the history of magic, and the basics of the ancient Seraphian language, to name a few. There were more advanced and complex subjects other than these, but he would save himself and the players from exploring those. Victor turned his attention toward the window, gauging the time remaining before the players had to log out there should still be some time remaining. Aside from that, the session this time was recorded by Lizbeth, so he wouldnt need to reteach these basics to the next batch of players. He pondered over the possibility of letting his assistant handle these fundamental teachings entirely. Hmm, I guess all the players have to learn this much to understand the basics. Well, lets make this into a two-day mandatory class, then. Victor planned ahead in his mind. Still, something feels lacking if I end it like this Right, he-he, how could I forget? With a sly idea in mind, Victor nonchalantly stated, All right. This will be the last class Ill be giving to you, my dear acolytes. But before we wrap up, I have a little test for all of you. Lets see just how much youve absorbed from these two sessions. A test? This game has tests?! Oh my god! Whaat? But I havent studied for the test! Damn! I havent had test anxiety in ages, and now this? Uh-oh, if I fail this, will my parents get mad at me again? Respected Headmaster, can we negotiate a rescheduling of the test for tomorrow?! This mixture of reactions erupted from the players. Obviously, they were caught off guard by a surprise test, perhaps causing them to relive an old nightmare of their school days. Silence! Victor released his mana force to encompass the whole room and calm the panicked players as he explained, I will grant you twenty minutes to review and revise everything youve learned so far. If you are able to pass the test, I shall bestow upon you a reward! You shall receive one hundred merit points! The instant the words merit points left Victors mouth, it triggered a remarkable transformation. The once gloomy visages of the players briskly turned into radiant expressions of excitement. There was nothing better than this to lure the enthusiasm of the players, even though it didnt actually have much inherent value at the moment. I suddenly have a burning desire to take the test. Me too! Bring on the questions! Same here. Test? Why, thats my middle name Test Enthusiast! Anyway, what can happen if I fail this test? Nothing at all! Hahaha! ? Despite being a gamer himself, Victor couldnt entirely grasp the mindset of these players. Regardless, their reactions aligned perfectly with his design, so he made swift work of drafting the test questions while waiting for the allotted twenty minutes to pass. Once the time was up, Victor sent the test to each players Shadowlink Marks. It was similar to how modern colleges on Earth conduct pop quizzes, presenting the questions digitally. Begin with the test! The test only consisted of ten easy questions regarding the basics of magic, meditation techniques, spellcasting, and spell models. Any acolytes in his past academy would likely breeze through these fundamental questions with their eyes half-closed. Not even half an hour later, the first player Storm signaled his completion, triggering a domino effect as the remaining players submitted their answers. Victor then graded all the players and was surprised to see all of them had passing grades, with the lowest answering 70 percent correctly. I guess the desire to learn something they dont have on Earth pushed them to be serious. I wonder if this is the case for everyone else Satisfied with the result, Victor honored his promise, awarding each player the coveted one hundred merit points before dismissing the class. Of course, he didnt forget to give these players an extra reward by providing them with a serving of cooked boar meat the last few pieces he had on hand. Chapter 25: What’s Hidden Inside the Mysterious Egg? As soon as the players logged out, Victor returned to his office and settled in his chair as he mused over the days events. Not even a moment passed before Lizbeth burst out from his bedroom with a panic-stricken face and a loud voice. Master! Ive something urgent to tell you about! Oh? Victor was amused by her sudden outburst; it mustve been something incredibly pressing. What is it? Did some magical beasts discover and attack us? he joked. Obviously, if there were dangers encroaching on his academy, he would have sensed them immediately. No! She shook her head vehemently. Its about the egg you entrusted me with its on the verge of hatching, and the moment is nigh! Her words landed with unexpected weight, triggering a surge of excitement in Victors chest. Really? He immediately stood and hastily rushed toward the bedroom. Within the confines of the room, a corner held the mysterious egg. Other than pulsating occasionally, it had remained mostly dormant, which was why Victor hadnt paid much attention to it, unlike Lizbeth, who had been brooding over it like a hen. Still, he had underestimated the fairys exceptional ability at incubating an egg. There it is! Lizbeth declared while pointing at the egg, her tone a mix of urgency and anticipation. She seemed to have grown an attachment to it, as if she regarded this egg as her own or something? Victor gazed at the fist-sized egg. It had been bluish-white in color before, but now it had transformed into an entrancing golden glow. Bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window, the egg radiated an ethereal luminescence that captured his attention. For a moment, he stood there, captivated by the sight, a sense of wonder gripping him. His curiosity finally reached its zenith, compelling him to voice the question that had been brewing within him. How long has the egg been exhibiting these changes? Lizbeth''s response was prompt in its urgency. Just a few moments. The transformation was subtle at first, but the moment the moon ascended over the horizon, the radiance intensified, and the pulsations grew all the wilder. Hrm Victor mulled over this information, his mind racing with possibilities. Usually, in situations like this, shouldnt people bite their fingers and drip blood to make a contract with whatever is inside? Such customs were woven into the tapestry of countless stories and myths it wasnt limited to novels in his past life. While he wasnt entirely certain if they applied here, he decided to experiment, nonetheless. With a thoughtful hum, he raised his thumb and bit down on it in a rather impulsive move. A few drops of his blood fell onto the surface of the egg. Ugh, that hurt more than I imagined Despite the pain, his gaze was still focused on the egg. Curiosity tinged Lizbeths voice as she inquired, What are you doing? Well, Im thinking of making a contract with the being inside. Who knows, I may even own a mythological beast by the end of the day. Youd be better off using your infused mana. Blood wont serve any purpose unless youre performing a specific magic ritual. Lizbeths response held a hint of amusement as if her mischief had worked. Surprise colored Victors expression as he looked at the fairy. Eh, why didnt you mention that earlier? As usual, you didnt ask, she said, shrugging matter-of-factly. Victor didnt bother with the little details and realized he was indeed too hasty in his approach. Setting aside the notion of blood contracts, he initiated the process of channeling his infused mana by placing his hand atop the egg. The mana began to intertwine with the pulsating egg that slowly began to absorb it. It was a delicate dance, a silent exchange between his power and the enigma within. However, the serene scene changed abruptly. In mere seconds, the eggs demand for his mana escalated exponentially, its absorption akin to a vacuum operating at full throttle. The sudden intensification caught Victor off guard, his expression stiffening as the sheer velocity of mana depletion intensified rapidly with each passing second. Shoot! This thing is absorbing my mana way too fast! He yanked his hand back from the egg as if pulled by an unseen force. Then, realization dawned upon him a few seconds more, and he might have been drained to a lifeless husk. A third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte like him! Victor''s dread-flecked words rang out as his heart raced from the narrow escape. This I might need an entire night to fill this egg with my mana... For some reason, Lizbeth giggled as she watched from the side. Ha-ha! The egg that I, Lizbeth, have been nurturing wont be simple, after all! So what? I can try this as many times as it requires! With a determined heart, Victor took out a pouch hidden under his robe and grabbed three cyan transparent crystals from within. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. This would be the first time he used mana crystals other than for practicing a meditation technique. But left with no other choice, he repeated the process once his infused mana recovered. This time, he circulated the Myriad Elements Method to strengthen his infused mana before releasing it toward the egg. The academy grounds naturally gathered mana and energy particles, so even if he didnt do anything, the egg would still hatch sooner or later. What he was doing was only accelerating the process and creating a bond between himself and the creature residing within. Crack! Under Victors relentless effort and expectant gaze, the fist-sized egg began hatching as cracks shortly appeared along its surface. Swiftly, the top segment broke open. Curled within the eggs confines was a diminutive, snowy, furry creature a wolf pup. It blinked up at him with bright, curious eyes. So innocent yet so adorable What the heck? Victors eyes widened as he watched the white wolf pup emerge from its shell, his emotions a mix of delight and skepticism. ...A wolf pup? Well, I suppose thats not too shabby for a contracted beast. His words were only uttered to try to appease himself. If he were being honest with himself, he felt slightly disappointed. The three mana crystals had been reduced to dust in the process a loss he wasnt entirely willing to dismiss No, wait! Theres no way this pup will be ordinary! For it to be able to absorb his whole mana reserve, it would be by no means normal. Observing the silvery wolf pup as it contentedly devoured the remains of its eggshell, Victor noted its gradual growth. While its appearance held an endearing charm, there was an undercurrent of subtle energy emanating from it likely mana. Additionally, a distinct moon mark adorned its forehead, an intriguing detail that begged further exploration. I believe its a Celestial Moonhowler a descendant, as the legends suggest, of a mythical wolf that once consumed the moon itself, Lizbeth piped up. Though, of course, take my words with a grain of salt, Master. A Celestial Moonhowler, huh Victor murmured as he studied the wolf pup in his hands. The small moon mark on the pup''s forehead must have been a visual cue that connected it to its heritage. Victor then lifted the pup, which somehow already weighed around two kilograms, and declared with a tone filled with resolve, Celestial Moonhowler or not, you shall not remain ordinary. I will nurture you to become the epitome of strength not just within this forest but across the entire world! As for your name, it will be Lumen Fenrir. Fenrir, after the mythological wolf, and Lumen, a name that embodies the grace and the might you shall possess. The wolf pup responded with a spirited Woof! as if approving the name Victor bestowed upon him. This made Victor content, and an arc formed in his mouth. Huh, a fairy and a wolf What an unconventional yet intriguing combination. Master, for your information, shes now been officially registered in the Academy Inhabitant List. You can find her status and information there. Oh, and its a female. Huh, a female? Victor''s eyebrows twitched at the revelation. Thankfully, the name seemed to fit both male and female identities, saving him from a potential conundrum. Casting that thought away, Victor activated his black mark and went straight for Lumens status screen. Lumen Fenrir HP: 100% MP: 12/12 Species: Celestial Moonhowler Power Rank: None Elemental Affinity: Lux (91%) | Cosmo (77%) | Anemo (64%) Status: Healthy Strength: (3) Agility: (4) Vitality: (3) Magical Power: (3) Infused Mana (total): (12) Wow! It has a large affinity for the Lux element. I suppose that has something to do with its moonlight synergy. But the Cosmo element, though, Victor contemplated this deeply. Its only a pup, but magical beasts grow faster than normal animals; I cant compare them. Ill just wait until it can conjure magic to see its true potential. After wrapping Lumen with a blanket, Victor returned his attention to the Discord server. The conversations were alive with discussions about the enigmatic and swift delivery of the gaming capsules. He wasnt bothered to give them further clarifications because the first five players could address the inquiries just as effectively. His attention then turned to the roster of the next batch of players scheduled to join the game tomorrow. When he was giving a lesson to the players, Lizbeth had used his account to identify a candidate with culinary skills among the new arrivals. While not exactly a chef or butcher, their expertise in catering would undoubtedly prove helpful in handling meat disassembly. Additionally, another player with proper chef skills was expected to join on the subsequent day. He couldnt include this player in tomorrows batch because the incubation process had already begun. Victor had also updated the registration forms to gather more specific information, ensuring future batches were better equipped for the academy''s needs. Players would be required to resubmit their information, but since it automatically filled in their previous answers they wouldnt have to redo the whole thing. He was not afraid of them using their alt accounts in an attempt to get two qualifications, as the System was able to detect such things. Unless they switched bodies, the gaming capsules and helmets would recognize one person only. Even now, Victor was confused about how those capsules were able to perform all these bizarre functions. With the increase in the number of players, there will be more mouths to feed, Victor mumbled to himself. Hunting in the forest provided a straightforward solution to this issue for the time being, but he was keenly aware that postponing the resolution would only exacerbate the situation. In addition to the concern over sustenance, the matter of adequate tools for the expanding player base also weighed on his mind. Contemplating the options before him, he pondered whether a return trip to the village was warranted. Or alternatively, he could assign missions related to tool-making an approach that would simultaneously involve the players in the academys operations. Whatever, I will think about this tomorrow. Turning off the holographic screen, Victor sat on his bed, ready to begin practicing his meditation technique. Yesterday, he slept on the floor, so he wanted to have a good nights rest tonight. As he considered his current rate of advancement, he realized that switching to the Myriad Elements Method had raised the enhancement of his mana aptitude by about 1 percent. This rate implied that it would take approximately two and a half months to attain the rank of an official Magus. Yet, he recognized that achieving Elemental Adept status wouldnt be as straightforward. All in all, he considered this pace insufficient. Eager to expedite his progress, Victor reached for his mana crystals. Having utilized three so far, only twenty remained within his pouch. However, he found out that while channeling his infused mana into the mysterious egg, his progression had increased by 3 percent. It was highly likely that circulating the Myriad Elements Method while doing so had affected himself and Lumen in a great way. Chapter 26: A New Surge of Players Earth, in a dimly lit hospital room. The scent of antiseptic mingled with the soft hum of medical machinery. Tubes and wires snaked around the room, connecting to monitors and equipment that kept a frail old man Jacky was his name tethered to life. Despite the monitors rhythmic beeping, his eyes held a spark of anticipation. Is it about time? Jackys eyes wandered to the digital clock nearby, finding that it was nearly six oclock. Beside the bed, a sleek VR gaming capsule awaited his touch. Its glossy surface reflected the dim light, almost like a portal to another world. Who would have thought that he would live long enough to see and use such breathtaking technology something many had only dreamed of? With trembling hands, the old man reached out, fingers tracing the edges of the capsule. A mixture of excitement and trepidation played across his weathered face. He had spent his life exploring the real world, navigating its twists and turns. Having dealt with household furniture and building materials for decades, he had made a large business that could last several generations. But for what? Now, confined by illness and age, he was left mostly alone. He had no children with his wife, who was now seeing someone else secretly. She was solely interested in the inheritance prospects and eagerly awaited his gradual demise He no longer had any relatives who truly supported him. Furthermore, the sole pursuit of his career had left him estranged from his old friends and comrades. The gaming capsule, which had been mysteriously delivered overnight, was a sudden glimmer of hope to escape reality one that promised to whisk him away from his pain-ridden body and into a realm of limitless possibilities. Following the step-by-step instructions on the official website, Jacky painstakingly detached the helmet from the capsule and put it on. Lying flat on his hospital bed, he closed his eyes, hesitating a moment as his mind filled with the countless stories hed devoured during his time of confinement. The heroes he had only dreamed of becoming seemed within reach now. Will this really work? In that very moment of doubt, as his eyes remained shut, he saw a radiant beam of light pierce through the darkness, illuminating his vision. It was baffling he was sure he kept his eyes tightly closed. Startled, Jacky sat up in the clammy incubation pod. His surroundings were a far cry from the sterile hospital room he was accustomed to. A wave of heat enveloped him, reminiscent of a sauna, while unfamiliar odors assailed his senses, forcing him to take shallow breaths. Beneath his feet, the ground was unyielding, and as he flexed his fingers, the sensation of the world flooded back into his bones, filling him with exhilaration. This Is this the world of the game?! He stood, surrounded by purplish-black stony walls, their surfaces exuding a mystic aura. Magical hatches adorned the space, and soft wisps of steam evaporated from his body, gradually stealing away his bodys chill. Every detail felt tangibly real, beyond the realm of a mere game. Most importantly! Jackys gaze swept over his transformed hands, once weathered by time but now pulsating with vitality. Tentatively, he traced his once-wrinkled features, disbelief coursing through him. His touch roamed his rejuvenated body, a stark contrast to the frail and withered form he had known. His heart raced as realization dawned upon him. Ive been reborn! His body was so young and void of the cancerous sickness that had been eating him alive! Emotions surged within him, uncontainable and overwhelming. Tears welled in his eyes, tracing the contours of his incredulous smile before finally cascading down his cheeks. His voice, cracked with both disbelief and profound joy, echoed through the chamber. I I have been reborn! The words were both affirmation and declaration, repeated again and again, as if to cement this newfound reality. The other occupant of the chamber was stunned to see him acting like this, but Jacky was oblivious to the onlookers astonishment; his mind was resolute. To be young again. I cannot let this opportunity slip away! I will grasp this chance with every fiber of my being! I will be the embodiment of excellence in this game. Forever! Yes, forever. To relive youth was a gift beyond measure, a chance to seize life anew. The tears of wonder turned into tears of determination. Clenching his fists, Jacky made a vow to be the best in this game. Even though his physical body remained in the hospital room, his spirit was now free exploring, conquering, and living anew in this game world. *** Victor observed the new batch of players logging in from behind the scenes. Among the ten fresh arrivals, two were female players, which was a bit surprising considering the predominantly male demographic of the server. The girl who worked as a caterer, under the username Princess_Tomato, shared a chamber with the other female player. Naturally, Victor had no intention of invading their privacy by peeking. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. In any case, Victor found it amusing to see the varied reactions of the players to their new surroundings. Some stood frozen, seemingly unable to process the reality before them, while others wasted no time in exploring and examining every detail. This was all within his expectations, except Hrm? Whats wrong with this player? Victor narrowed his eyes at a certain player. The player in question had vibrant red hair and the youthful body of someone between fifteen and sixteen years old. However, his reaction to the immersion was extreme, bordering on overzealousness. He meticulously inspected every inch of his own body, as if he had just won a billion-dollar lottery. In fact, he went as far as literally crying tears of joy and shouting about being reborn or something equally clich. Obviously, Victor knew not such a player. Among the criteria to be selected, he made sure that none would be younger than eighteen years old to exclude those primary school students with eighth-grade syndrome as much as possible. After all, those kids were the most likely to cause trouble in the game. Perched on his shoulder, Lizbeth answered in his stead, Thats ThunderLord999. He registered last among this batch, so you could say he lucked out. Despite that, his profession and unique circumstances still made him eligible and continued explaining the players backstory. Oh? Victor raised an eyebrow, piqued by what little mischief she had in store. While he participated in choosing which players would get the qualification, he hadnt exactly read every single profile. Moreover, according to Lizbeth, this player registered right before the registration form was updated and had sent a convincing query to his Discord account, which led her to grant him access. Victor nodded thoughtfully after learning the whole story; this guy was indeed qualified. On top of that, he could serve as an experiment to explore the potential of permanently transferring players from Earth. As for his reaction, it might have been a bit excessive, but it was still within the acceptable range for someone who had been on deaths door and was suddenly granted a new lease on life. Cant really judge him, Victor mused. With that thought in mind, he deactivated his Shadowlink Mark and left his office. As he stepped out, he addressed Lizbeth. Liz, guide them to the auditorium. Aye! Lizbeth saluted and closed her eyes. Oh, so she can control her hologram by simply closing her eyes? Regardless, he would meet them there to deliver what he liked to call an inspiring speech that was essentially a subtle form of propaganda. *** Are Are you alright? The other player in the same chamber as Jacky approached him with a concerned tone. Having calmed down slightly, Jacky replied, Im fine With your insane reaction Are you an NPC or something? Jackys response was swift and vehement. Of course not! Do I look like an NPC to you? Huh? Why am I so energetic over a minor misunderstanding? Is this perhaps due to inhabiting a younger body? Despite being an old man well in his sixties, Jacky always had a young heart. It was part of the reason he had joined the Gamers Empire Discord server a few years back as his health declined more and more. He would spend his days playing video games to curb his loneliness and even went as far as using a voice changer app to sound younger when interacting with others. So, you are a player too! Man, for you to react so dramatically over the immersion What are you, ten? the other player commented and laughed. Jacky shook his head, dismissing the notion. Its not that. You youngsters wouldnt understand. He decided not to elaborate further and simply introduce himself. Anyway, Im ThunderLord999. Oof! You are the one who just had surgery, right? Im Locktekei, by the way. Right, I will call you Thunder, then. Lets team up! Sure. Jacky nodded. According to the official website, there are clothes in the wardrobe over there. Having discovered the existence of the game only about two days ago, he had thoroughly scoured the official website and forums for information about this game. He was probably one of the most well-informed players in this batch. Locktekei, realizing he was still in his birthday suit, immediately covered his private parts and hurried towards the wardrobe. Oh, fuck! Damn, I forgot I was stark naked! He opened it and found that it was chock-full of clothes. Following Locktekeis lead, Jacky picked out a set of clothes that suited his build and donned a gray acolyte robe. Now that he had regained a sense of decency, he was ready to join the academy. While dressing, he noticed the black mark on his wrist and remembered it could display his status screen. So, with a bit of concentration, he activated it, and a captivating blue holographic screen materialized before his eyes. ThunderLord999 HP: 100% MP: 0/0 Power Rank: None Elemental Affinity: ??? Mana Aptitude: ??? Meditation Technique: None Status: Healthy Strength: (5) Agility: (5) Vitality: (5) Magical Power: (0) Infused Mana (total): (0) The values for his strength, agility, and vitality were consistent with the benchmark of five, as indicated on the official website. However, his interest was piqued by the other pieces of information that were still labeled as ??? Locktekei noticed the black mark on his wrist emit a glow and asked, What is this thing? Its called Shadowlink Mark. It lets you access your status screen. Wait, have you not come across this detail on the official website? Jacky raised an eyebrow at him in mild disbelief. Of course, Ive read it! I just didnt connect the dots. Besides, there arent any first impression videos for this game. You know, to be honest, I was even a bit skeptical about it until I logged in a few moments ago. What he said made a lot of sense to Jacky. Only those with ample time and a great desire to learn like him would spend extra hours absorbing information, especially when the game''s legitimacy was still in question. In any case, Jacky closed his status screen and suggested, lets leave this chamber and go meet the other players. Without waiting for a response, he hastened to open the chamber door and stepped out. Chapter 27: Regulations for the Benefit of the Future Outside the chamber, a small gathering of players had already formed by the time Jacky and Locktekei emerged. The similarities in age and appearance among the group made them blend in seamlessly, causing their entrance to go relatively unnoticed amidst the various strange and peculiar activities taking place around them. Taking a quick headcount, including himself and Locktekei, Jacky noted that there were a total of ten players present, two of whom were female. One of the young women had a striking shade of pink hair and stood at around 150 centimeters in height, while the other was slightly taller at 160 centimeters, with freckles adorning her face and blonde hair. Other than that, the players seemed to have paired off, likely having become better acquainted with their chambermates. What intrigued Jacky the most was the range of emotions etched across their faces awkwardness, surprise, excitement, and curiosity. Prior to this, many had dismissed the concept of a fully immersive virtual reality game as a mere exaggeration made by a few bored game fans. Even after receiving the gaming capsules from the company, doubts still lingered. Yet now, all traces of skepticism had evaporated. If there were a game that could surpass this level of realism, it would simply be called reality itself! These people were clearly bubbling over with excitement, like kids in a candy store who had just been given free rein to raid the shelves. They couldnt resist poking, prodding, and petting everything in sight, as if testing whether the pixels were genuine. There was also a player who clutched their neighbors shoulder in desperation. Hey, do me a favor, will you? Slap me! Slap me as hard as you can! The second player blinked in sheer disbelief. Wait, what? Are you serious? Absolutely! I need to get the feel of it, you know? Like, if Im going to battle monsters, Ive got to prepare my mental toughness! His bewilderment only deepened when he caught sight of a player in the corner, engrossed in a one-person facepalm competition. Unable to hold himself back from asking, Jacky approached the guy. Hey, what are you doing? The player glanced up, sheepishly grinning. Practicing my reaction for when I encounter in-game puzzles that make no sense, he said. These people are insane! Jackys jaw dropped as he witnessed this bizarre exchange firsthand. Had he stepped into a game world, or had he somehow found himself in the midst of a small lunatic carnival? Though he did get a bit overly emotional himself when he first logged in, so he couldnt judge too harshly. Gratefully, there were no instances of players resorting to taking off their pants for testing in-game biological functions. Sanity and decency, at least, still had a tenuous grip on this eccentric assembly. As he lamented this loony spectacle, a sudden shimmer caught his attention the Shadowlink Mark on his wrist glowed and projected a hologram. Upon closer inspection, the hologram transformed into the likeness of a delicate, ethereal fairy, though it lacked the vibrant colors of physical life. Attention, everyone! the hologram fairy chimed, its lively voice slicing through the chaotic enthusiasm like a beacon. The effect was instantaneous. Every player froze in their tracks, their faces turned toward the projection with a mixture of curiosity and rapt attention. NPC alert! Opening plot! Judging from the game lore that the player Storm Bringer had shared on the official website, it was safe to assume that this was the holographic embodiment of the assistant fairy, which was an essential component of the introductory phase. As Jacky and the other players collectively held their breath, the fairy began its scripted announcement in a strange but familiar language. Welcome and congratulations on passing the qualification test to join our prestigious academy. Now, I will stop beating around the bush and get to the point here: There are rules that are absolutely non-negotiable. Violating even a single one could lead to your swift expulsion. For a comprehensive understanding of the academy and these rules, I will guide you to the auditorium, where you will have the privilege of meeting our esteemed headmaster and your senior peers. A ripple of collective realization washed over the group, the initial fervor cooling like a sudden gust of wind. After struggling hard to get into this immersive game, the last thing they would want was to get kicked out and banned from it. Jacky himself couldnt help but marvel at the palpable tension the script invoked. The game had truly begun. *** The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. With the players now assembled within the auditorium, Victor stepped onto the stage and began his carefully crafted speech. Welcome to the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi. His voice resonated with a commanding authority, the words rolling off his tongue with practiced eloquence. I am the headmaster of this academy, titled Astralium, and I extend my sincerest congratulations on your successful entry into our ranks as new acolytes As Victor delivered his opening remarks, the players remained silent, every eye trained on him, every ear capturing his every word. His presence commanded attention, and the players hung onto his every syllable, their anticipation evident. Surveying the room, Victor allowed himself a subtle inward nod of satisfaction. For a room that could easily accommodate hundreds of people, the mere number of ten people only occupied a small corner. However, Victor was more than sure that when the Nexus Tower reached a higher level, there would be more incubation pods, meaning that the capacity of the auditorium might be stretched to its limit. First of all, I stand before you with a heavy heart, for I see before us an academy that has lost its former brilliance Victor continued with his rehearsed lines, sounding much like a proper NPC, until finally reaching the conclusion of his speech. We will rise from the ashes and reclaim our rightful place among the countless worlds. It is our duty to restore the legacy of our forebears and make it the greatest in the universe once again! With these resounding words, Victor couldnt help but think about the next batch of players scheduled to arrive tomorrow when he would do it all again. Barring any major glitches or loopholes, he saw no reason to modify his speech. After all, crafting a compelling narrative was a difficult task to do. To his surprise and satisfaction, the second group of players seemed less awestruck and more at ease in their new surroundings. Unlike the first batch, they didnt interrupt or exhibit overt signs of curiosity. This change could possibly be attributed to the more available information on the official website, making the transition into the game smoother for these newcomers. Without missing a beat, Victor continued, Now, there are some rules that will govern you here. These guidelines will delineate what actions are permissible and those that are not. Your Shadowlink Marks hold the key to accessing detailed information and instructions. Now please, open it up and see for yourself. He paused, allowing the players to access the updated Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Guidelines 2.0 via their Shadowlink Marks. The revised guidelines now encompassed the acolytes convention, codes of conduct, as well as requisites for public order, and decorum, and the prohibitions that safeguarded the academys regulations. Mark my words! For acolytes who violate the regulations, they will be subjected to extended periods of confinement, Victor informed solemnly, diffusing some mana force to carry the weight of authority. Severe violations will result in expulsion from the academy. It is our fervent hope that each and every one of you will uphold these standards thoroughly! The players sucked in a breath of cold air upon hearing the harsh punishments, and a small commotion arose. Being expelled from the academy meant they would be permanently banned from the game. Still, Victor could tell that they were shocked to see an NPC wielding this level of authority. However, becoming the closed-alpha testers meant that these players had made a conscious choice to embrace the games settings. Victor had also taken the initiative to post an updated version of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Guidelines on the official website the previous night, inviting players to review and contribute their insights. The clauses so far had been pretty thorough, addressing a wide range of topics. But the input from players, particularly from the first batch, highlighted some important gaps. These suggestions delved into the intricacies of player interactions, which were vital for maintaining a harmonious environment. For instance, while the initial rules prohibited PK and unrestricted combat between players, there was no explicit mention of behaviors like harassing other players or engaging in improper transactions. One female player who had just qualified for the game but not yet received the gaming capsule put forward the addition of no sexual harassment and no rape clauses. Likewise, some players from the first batch offered suggestions for appropriate consequences for all sorts of violations. As an example, malicious destruction of in-game facilities could result in compulsory labor or worse, whereas sexually harassing fellow players would lead to expulsion from the game entirely. These suggestions were aligned with the interests of most average players, and the best of them were adopted by Victor and Lizbeth in the revised guidelines. Victor anticipated that as both the player and NPC populations grew and the academy expanded, additional terms would likely be required. To quote the democracy statement of the people, by the people, and for the people, the players contributed for their own good. If the game managed to flourish, they would be the ones to benefit. And if they benefitted, Victor, as the headmaster, would have the last laugh. After all, although this was a game for the players, it was reality for him. While the game aimed to offer unparalleled freedom and a groundbreaking sandbox concept, there needed to be safeguards against unscrupulous disruptions that could detract from the overall gaming experience. Victor was determined to prevent any deviation toward an environment resembling more R18 content. Navigating the delicate topic of sexual content within the game world required a careful approach. Even though the people in this world, especially Magi, were more open-minded about such matters compared to Earth, Victor was well aware of the potential complications. He recognized the need to maintain a clear separation to avoid attracting players who wanted access simply as a means to explore whatever strange kinks they may have. Converging two distinct cultural backgrounds demanded a measured stance. Later on, once players had truly walked the Magus path and acquired a diverse array of spells, the potential for misuse and immoral actions might arise. To proactively prevent this, it was imperative to establish stringent rules from the outset and communicate the heavy punishments for such actions. All right. Thats all there is from me, Victor concluded. For your next course of action, my assistant fairy here, he gestured as Lizbeth floated gracefully beside him and smiled, will guide you in my stead. Feel free to ask her any questions about the academy or any other uncertainties to her. Your seniors will also guide you to find your roles within the academy. With that, I officially conclude this speech. Chapter 28: If You Want to Get Rich, Swing Your Axes! After the speech concluded, the players were given a comprehensive tour of the academy grounds to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. Shortly after, they were divided into two distinct task groups: the agricultural group and the lumberjack group. The agricultural group, comprised of five new players and two veterans from the first batch, were sent to continue plowing the fields. Meanwhile, the lumberjack group, consisting of four newcomers and three experienced players, was assigned the task of felling trees in the northern forest. Victor carefully monitored the proceedings, ensuring a smooth execution of the division. Prior to the speech, he had met with the first batch of players to emphasize their role in guiding the newcomers. As an added incentive, they would be rewarded for successfully assisting their fellow acolytes in the form of none other than merit points. Five points of them. How generous he was! Based on their competence, he appointed Zero and Storm as leaders of the two groups. Zero was in charge of overseeing the agricultural activities, while Storm assumed leadership of the lumberjack group. The two players grinned so widely that they almost split their heads in half upon being appointed leaders amidst the envious gazes of the others. Victor couldnt help but wonder why these empty positions were so valuable in their eyes. There was just one problem: Due to an insufficient number of tools, the agricultural group had to substitute shovels for the missing hoes. As for the lumberjack group, they had enough manpower to manage moving the cut logs, so there was no problem there. Given the limited number of tools available in the storage five hoes, five axes, five pickaxes, and five shovels Victor decided to make addressing this issue a priority to keep players optimally engaged. Hmm, maybe today, once the players have adjusted to their roles, I should take a short venture to the village to procure more tools. Now, there was one player who didnt join any of the two groups, which was of course the caterer that Victor would personally hire as a temporary butcher. Although it might sound strange for an NPC to know about someones occupation in real life, he was the headmaster. What was so strange about knowing personal information about his acolytes? Players would probably just assume his AI was privy to their registration forms. The player in question possessed an average teenage height, average build, and distinctive pink hair. Though considered pretty by Earths standards, Magi had ways to enhance their appearances through potions and supernatural means, making her rather ordinary to his eyes. Under the username Princess_Tomato, she had initially been excited about the headmasters personal assignment for her. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned into sheer bewilderment as she found herself led into an empty room with nothing but a massive boar-like magical beasts corpse, a set of kitchen knives, and Victor explaining what she was to do. Respected Headmaster, you want me to do what?! The shock on Princess_Tomatos face was undeniable as she struggled to process what Victor was asking of her. It was evident from her reaction and expression that her culinary experience had been confined to smaller tasks, and she had never dealt with anything as massive as the creature before her. Victor calmly reiterated his instructions, Your task is simple: cut this boar into manageable pieces and tan its skin if possible. If you are unsure you can do it well, just focus on separating the meat. Dont worry, more acolytes with the necessary skills will join us tomorrow to assist you. Other than the meat itself, the bones, skin, tendons, and other parts of the magical beast were valuable as well. Wasting them just to get the meat would be an insult to Mother Nature and a heartache for Victor who was a hoarder and knew better than anyone else here their true value once processed. Hearing that she wouldnt be solely responsible for this task moving forward, her complexion regained some confidence. Nodding resolutely, she replied, Th-Then, Ill try my best! The room they stood in was an auxiliary chamber on the academys first floor, with ample ventilation and a marble floor, making it suitable for a makeshift kitchen. Unfortunately, it lacked a central hearth a vital feature for cooking and other than one iron pan and a set of kitchen knives, there were no other cooking utensils. It was becoming more and more of an inevitability that another trip to the village would be required. Right, thats another agenda added I should also have some players set up a fireplace here. Victor took a mental note to inform Lizbeth to take care of this matter. Furthermore, the remaining preserved food would only be enough for one more meal before it truly ran out, which meant an addition to his tab list. However, the responsibility of preparing food for the academy and its inhabitants couldnt lie solely with the headmaster. Even without Victor''s direct involvement, the academy needed to operate as a self-sufficient entity. Thus, it fell upon Princess_Tomato and other players that would join tomorrow to fulfill the role of cook. As for the remuneration for this job, it was set at ten merit points per hour. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. *** Jacky had selected the lumberjack group because thanks to his real-world profession as a furniture dealer he was already familiar with various types of wood and their uses. Since childhood, he had learned what it was like to be a carpenter and even learned the knack of masonry, granting him a versatile skill set for various construction projects. To a degree, he was a jack of all trades when it came to building. As he walked alongside his group toward their designated location, he took a moment to access his Shadowlink Mark. His intention was to review the potential rewards associated with the missions ahead, comparing the options available to him. [Cultivate the land and make an agricultural area two hundred meters east of the Headmasters Building.] [Reward: 1 merit point per 10 m2] [Attached Image: Visual layout of the agricultural area] [Chop the trees in the forest north of the academy to procure wood. The wood must be able to be used as building materials.] [Reward: 1 merit point per meter (more if the thickness is greater)] [Attached Image: Visual layout of the forest] [Gather clay in the eastern stream and bring it toward a designated location on the academy grounds.] [Reward: 1 merit point per 5 kilograms] [Attached Image: Visual layouts of the eastern stream and the designated academy grounds] Other than gathering materials, some missions involved building walls and constructing various structures. Jacky had learned from the official website and forum that the game aimed for a high level of realism, closely mirroring the principles of the real world. He contrasted this with a simpler crafting system he had encountered in a different sandbox game, where intricate steps were often bypassed. He suspected that this game would not have such convenient features and would demand greater effort from its players, though he couldnt be sure until he tried it himself. Jacky saw an opportunity if he could leverage his skills effectively, he might earn recognition from the headmaster NPC and carve a path toward becoming a top player in this game! This would work well to help him accomplish his goal, and possibly even As these thoughts swirled in his mind, he whispered to himself, Thats it. I should talk to the headmaster once the chance arises. For now, getting used to the game and accumulating merit points should be the top priority. Finally, the lumberjack group, under the guidance of the hologram fairy, arrived at the northern edge of the clearing. An untouched temperate forest sprawled with eerie dense foliage abounding. Mysterious sounds echoed from the depths of the woods from time to time, giving them goosebumps and hinting at what monsters might be lurking there. Listen up! the fairy announced. I will be giving you a piece of advice. If youre not exactly dying to become the main course on a magical beasts dinner menu, then steer clear from venturing too deep into the forest. You see, the academys magic barriers only extend so far, like a few hundred meters in. Remember this well, alright? Farewell for now, then! With a mischievous wink, the hologram fairy vanished into thin air, leaving behind an air of playful mystery. Becoming a magical beasts dinner menu? They had just joined the game, and having to endure a twenty-four-hour cooldown penalty from dying wasnt something they had in mind. However, despite the unsettling atmosphere and the fairys ominous advice, the three experienced players remained unperturbed, seeming accustomed to this environment. The time difference between the two batches of players was relatively short only two days but the immersion must have already taken hold of them. As a matter of fact, the groups leader, a player named Storm, hoisted his axe and declared, Yall heard what Miss Lizbeth said! Now, if you want to get rich, swing your axes! An excited awe rippled through the newcomers as they hefted their axes, eager to join the effort. The once eerie forest was now looking far more conquerable. Jacky himself was handed an axe, and as he swung it towards the nearest tree, he marveled at the realism of the impact and the flying sawdust. The sunlight filtering through the leaves above added to the immersive experience. Damn, this is so realistic! one of the players exclaimed from the side. Hah, another player chimed in, like we didnt know that already. The three seasoned players chuckled at the light-hearted banter among the new arrivals, but it didnt stop them from continuing their tree-chopping endeavors. After half an hour of steady chopping, Jacky felled a tree the width of a human thigh, sending it to the ground with a dull thud. The forest around him echoed with the rhythmic sounds of axes hitting wood. While it was unknown what kind of trees were deeper inside, most of the trees around here had similar characteristics to pine trees their needles casting a carpet of shade below. Furthermore, the thickness ranged from the size of an arm to a few times that of a human thigh. Jacky wiped his brow and glanced at the others. It seemed efficiency wasnt their strong suit, as some of the tree trunks left behind looked as if they had been gnawed on by dogs rather than systematically chopped down. Sooner or later, some accidents might happen because of this and cause an unwanted injury or death. Jacky smirked as he hoisted his axe and began work on his next tree. These newbies still have much to learn... Chapter 29: Would You Consider Being My Sponsor? Inside the village heads house, Victor took a seat at the dining table as the honored guest of the village. Following the previous successful deal, the villagers had come to regard him in a new light no longer the feared tax collector, but a mysterious Magus who had earned their respect through a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Sir, what brings you to our humble village today? inquired the old village head, showing a mix of surprise and reverence. It had only been a short three days since Victors last visit, and his sudden return seemed to catch the village head off guard, leading to a notable tension in the air. Worry not. Im here for another business proposition, Victor responded calmly, taking slow sips of the tea offered by the village heads wife. Due to certain circumstances, I find myself in need of more tools. Specifically, twenty iron axes, twenty shovels, and ten hoes. Additionally, Im interested in obtaining cooking utensils such as iron kettles, wooden plates, spoons, forks, and other necessary items. Can you accommodate these requests? At present, the players were resorting to eating with their hands like barbarians, lacking even basic plates. Uh The village head hesitated, his complexion turning to one of concern. What seems to be the issue? If its about money, rest assured, I will compensate you fairly. I humbly apologize, sir. Finance isnt the issue he explained with a tone of reluctance. Our current dilemma lies in the scarcity of iron We can readily supply ten axes, ten shovels, five hoes, and the cooking utensils youve mentioned, but beyond that, we may struggle. Iron, huh There were no iron mines around the village. So, the only place that came to Victors mind would be the ravine at the edge of the river. It was more than likely to hide iron and other mineral veins, possibly even rare metals. However, this option would not furnish a speedy resolution to the existing quandary. Thornwood Village, despite its remote location, harbored a substantial population of approximately five hundred residents and more than a hundred families nearly the size of a small town. It meant that their need for iron tools was likewise proportionally large. Victor had prioritized axes and shovels instead of other tools because he planned on constructing an earthen wall around the academy. First, the forest around the academy had to be cleared out, and the clay had to be gathered, and only then would he be able to start with the project. Of course, once peddlers make their way to the village by the start of the next month, which is to say in less than three weeks, we can acquire the required quantity of iron ore for tools, the village head supplemented. No need, Victor interjected. The allocation of ten axes, ten shovels, five hoes, and the cooking utensils should be sufficient for now. Additionally, I require grain seeds to accommodate three hectares of land. Supply me with wheat, potato, and earthnug seeds. So, one hectare worth of seed for each, I suppose. Previous acquisitions of seeds had been rife with variety but scant in quantity, a decision stemming from Victors lack of precise goals at the time. The assortment included carrot, turnip, onion, and garlic seeds, among others, yet the yield was sufficient for only a diminutive field of about one hundred square meters in scale. While he intended to cultivate these seeds, his primary focus rested on grains, which would serve as the academys staple sustenance. Earthnug was a type of root vegetable known for its high yield and rapid growth ready for harvest in just a month. What was more, it displayed a remarkable ability to thrive even within the most barren of environments, easily becoming one of the main standard feeds in this world. However, with pros came its own cons: Not only did it look terrible, but it tasted awful too. Victor had once tried it when staying at a random inn and almost puked. It was essentially a good-for-nothing vegetable. Nevertheless, players wouldnt complain too much about what they ate inside the game. Its huge harvest yield and resilience to harsh conditions rendered it a perfect match for the academys grounds. Hence, he opted to procure a wholesale quantity. Sir, are you intending to cultivate these crops? Forgive me for my impertinence, but considering the current season, which is nearing autumn With the exception of earthnug, initiating the cultivation of these crops with extended growth periods may be ill-timed. Thats not something for you to be concerned about. As a Magus, I possess methods of my own. Your role lies in the provision of the seeds. Understood! Although it was well past the planting season, the academys magic barriers seemed adept at shielding crops from the chill of winter. Consequently, the possibility of cultivating crops throughout the year within the academys confines remained viable. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The quantity of seeds needed for three hectares was quite substantial, and the combined weight would likely exceed two or four tons. There was no way that Victors one cubic meter interspatial ring would be able to hold all of it in a single go at least two to three trips might be required. Moving on, Victor engaged in discussions about the pricing for the entire list of requested items in this deal. While he had previously been generous with the village, he now aimed for a more balanced trade deal that would benefit both parties without causing any losses for himself. After all, he hadnt had any income so far, and until then, he needed to calculate his expenses in earnest. In summary, the cost for the twenty-five tools came to five gold coins or one platinum coin, while the cooking utensils amounted to two gold coins. As for the seeds, their combined worth was six gold coins. For context, the value of one gold coin was what an average commoner earned in almost a month or approximately equivalent to two hundred dollars, though due to factors like inflation, the exact value might differ. Victor had borrowed the wooden cart previously, but he saw its potential use for the players and decided to include it in this exchange as well. The village head initially offered it for free, but Victor insisted on paying for it. All told, the expenditure for this trade amounted to three platinum coins. Oh, right. One more thing, are there seasonings in this village aside from salt? He almost forgot about the most essential element of delicious cuisine seasonings. We do indeed possess a few seasonings. However, the past few years have been challenging for us, so our supply is quite limited The village head went on to explain the assortment of seasonings they had on hand. Surprisingly, the village had an array of seasonings in stock, including vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, onions, and various herbs sourced from the surrounding forest. Unfortunately, they didnt grow tomato plants, so things like ketchup and other tomato-based sauces were absent. To this, Victor made sure to purchase enough condiments to last two weeks for one hundred people. In the end, Victor settled the payment with the village head, providing him with four platinum coins that covered not only the cost of the items but also any handling fees. Despite their small quantity, seasonings sure were expensive. *** A young girl stood hidden behind a thick tree, her eyes locked on the blue-haired man in a robe who was standing alone at the edge of the village. Her thumbs twiddled as she took shallow breaths, fighting back the urge to retreat. After receiving an unusually large order for tools from the village head twice in a row, she couldnt shake the feeling that it was tied to something bigger a hunch that had only grown stronger after she saw the figure before her. Her thoughts swirled with uncertainty, weighing the risks against the hopes shed held onto for so long. Should she take this chance to reveal herself and ask him to be her sponsor? This was her chance, perhaps the only one shed get, and yet a single misstep could ruin everything. She bit her lip, heart pounding as she steeled herself, whispering, If I dont act now, when will I accomplish the dream of reviving my lineage? Swallowing her fear, she clapped her cheeks, letting the sting ground her. With a surge of newfound determination, she broke cover, rushing forward to meet the man who might just hold the key to her future. *** As with previous trades, the transaction took place just outside the village. Given the unexpectedly large volume of items, Victor decided to transport the earthnug seeds, iron tools, cooking utensils, and seasonings on his first trip, leaving the rest in the village. The potato seeds or just potatoes, as they were their own seeds alone occupied slightly more than two cubic meters, followed by the wheat seeds, which required only one cubic meter of space. The earthnug seeds truly lived up to their reputation as a creation of a Magus, as they were astonishingly tiny despite being a root vegetable. A single seed could yield a dozen ping-pong-sized vegetables, and each vegetable could be cut into quarters to produce more seeds. Now that it comes to mind, once the academy reaches level two, it will open the Magic Botanical Garden I wonder, will there be magical crops available? Victor contemplated deeply; such crops would undoubtedly prove invaluable, not only due to their potential worth but also their usefulness. His train of thought was suddenly interrupted by a loud voice calling him. Sir Magus! Can I talk with you for a sec? The speaker was a girl about Victors age, with long, dark brown hair cascading down her back, brown quartz eyes, and a fair complexion. She sported a unique outfit that exuded a sense of rugged elegance: deep brown leather shorts, paired with a reddish-brown suit that dropped into a mantle-like long sleeve. White stockings and thigh-high boots adorned with delicate gold accents completed her ensemble. Interestingly enough, Victor detected a faint but discernible mana fluctuation emanating from the girl. It was subtle, weaker even than the fluctuation given off by first-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes but it was unmistakably there. I humbly apologize for her rudeness. The old village head followed closely, reaching out to restrain the girl by the arm. He bowed towards Victor, explaining, Shes the sole daughter of our villages only blacksmith, and her head has always been filled with wild delusions. The blacksmiths daughter, huh? Now, thats interesting Wait. Victor raised his hand to halt the village head from restraining the girl. Yes? The old village head responded cautiously, looking worried that his actions might have somehow offended him a Magus. Let her speak. I want to hear what she has to say. Upon hearing his words, the girl herself seemed taken aback, standing there in a mixture of surprise and uncertainty before managing to utter, Sir Call me Astralium. Then, Sir Astralium Are you, by any chance, interested in hearing my proposal? Her smile took on a mysterious quality. Oh? Victor raised an intrigued eyebrow. To stand before an extraordinary being such as Victor without a hint of fear was a commendable feat. The girl must have possessed either courage beyond the ordinary or a touch of recklessness. Victor, however, was not one to judge hastily, so he let it slide. Finding that Victor had taken the bait, the girl continued slowly, Would you consider being my sponsor? Chapter 30: An Incomplete Inheritance of an Artificer Sponsor? Victor anticipated various scenarios that might unfold next. An apprenticeship, perhaps, or a request to become his follower. What he didnt expect was this particular proposition. Elaborate, he responded evenly. Welp, it aint no grand affair. I apologize if my way of speaking comes off a bit blunt, the girl began, her tone down-to-earth. What I mean is, would you mind if I become your personal blacksmith? Ive heard youre setting a dwelling deep inside the forest Knowing that Victor procured tons of tools and seeds, it became apparent to the girl that his intended dwelling would require a significant workforce. This kind of deduction was hard to conceal even if he wanted to, leading her to come to this conclusion and promote herself for this opportunity. After all, Magi rarely ventured to such remote areas; even acolytes had to have specific reasons for coming here. This neatly aligned with Victors plan, as he was in need of additional NPCs for his project. And what can you offer in return? Victor inquired with a measured and direct tone. This may sound absurd but Her expression turned serious, and she whispered to Victor in a hushed voice that even the village head beside her couldnt catch, I might possess an incomplete inheritance of an Artificer An Artificer! Similar to Alchemist, it was a prestigious subclass unique to Magi. Tales spoke of powerful Artificers who could forge and wield their own magic artifacts (higher-grade magic tools) to bolster their combat prowess. Magi with these professions were so coveted that even the esteemed Arcane Radiance College would go to great lengths to secure their employment. Victor was struck by the audacity of this girl to freely share such a revelation. If this confidential information were to reach the ears of a morally compromised Magus something quite likely in this world her swift demise would be a merciful outcome. An Artificers inheritance, even if incomplete, held tremendous value. But on second thought, Victor realized this might be a worthy gamble for her. She was daring to reach beyond the confines of her remote village life by approaching him, attempting to ascend her station in life. In essence, she was willing to risk her life against the odds. Whats your name? Its Eleanor she responded. Im not trying to toot my own horn, but Ive dabbled a bit in magic. Her subtle attempt to enhance her value was not lost on him. Interesting Victor kept his gaze on her, assessing her, taking in her eager expression. Finally, he made his decision. Very well! I will agree to become your sponsor. Her eyes lit with excitement, but he put up a hand to bring her back down. However, now is not yet the time for you to follow me. As of now, he lacked the infrastructure for her to fully utilize her potential back at the academy. There was no smithy not to mention that it was too early to introduce a blacksmith NPC into the game with only three days of development. Ordinary humans were too weak to face magical beasts head-on; this was precisely why Victor never considered the option of arming the players with weapons until they achieved the status of first-stage Initiate Attunement. Cold steel was powerless against the supernatural might of Magi, who could reshape landscapes with a mere thought. The disparity was stark; even ten skilled hunters armed with crossbows would be defenseless against a single Thornback Boar, a creature Victor himself had dealt with. Ten out of ten, the hunters would simply be wiped out without inflicting any meaningful damage on the beast. This was the harsh reality of this world. Of course, it would be a different thing altogether if the players could manufacture modern weaponry such as guns. Yet, for the time being, such advancements felt like distant dreams. Modern technology An Artificer Suddenly, something grazed the edges of Victors mind, causing a tingling sensation to run through him. While this world wasnt strictly medieval, modern technology would still surpass many of its current innovations! With a deft gesture, Victor produced two platinum coins and extended them toward Eleanor. Take it. Sir The old village head, who had been watching from the sidelines and not interrupting the exchange in the slightest, seemed not to understand why Victor was doing all of this. Sir Astralium? Eleanor likewise visibly perplexed. Although she was hoping for some kind of investment, she hadnt provided any concrete evidence of her skills or abilities, making the gesture seem rather misplaced. Victor was clearly aware of this. Its fine. Consider this an investment. It wasnt that Victor was accepting this at face value, but it was clear that she was not lying, or at least, she wasnt trying to trick him. Two platinum coins were nothing but a small expenditure that was worth much less than even a novice-grade mana crystal. With this transaction, he still retained forty-eight platinum coins. Afterward, the village head discreetly excused himself, and Victor continued his conversation with Eleanor. The need for tools would only increase as time went on, so he informed her of his intention to return the following day with materials for her to work on, potentially including weapon crafting. Victor had initially contemplated designating some players as weapon crafters, but there had been no individuals with blacksmiths or similar occupations who had registered for the closed-alpha stage so far. To begin with, they were all avid gamers, people who had a lot of free time to spare, and not the kind of people to have jobs involving manual labor. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. *** By the time Victor returned to the academy, the sun was already high overhead. The journey of about three and a half hours for a round trip wasnt exactly brief. Despite being an acolyte, Victor was only human. Traversing through uneven terrain and thick vegetation and staying alert to his surroundings consumed most of the time. Otherwise, the trip itself would have taken less than half that time. This time, he didnt come back with a wooden cart laden with supplies, only a single huge sack filled with tools that hadnt fit into his interspatial ring. However, such trips werent the most efficient, given that he could only make them once a day. Moreover, appearing too frequently around the village risked diminishing the enigmatic aura he had cultivated. With a sigh, Victor mused, I wonder how long it will take for Lumen to grow large enough to be used as a mount. Lumen was a special magical beast, and magical beasts were known to grow many times faster than normal creatures. But no matter how fast, it would likely be several months or even years before she would be large enough to bear his weight. Unless Well, theres no use pondering that now. Victor shook his head. Right Theres still one more class that I have to teach before I can be free from lecturing. Ah, but the affinity and aptitude tests have to be personally managed. There was no avoiding that at least not today. Next time, he could schedule the tests earlier in the day, before the players were divided into groups. Maybe once there were other mentors, he could even just entrust this to them. That would minimize his workload and give him free time to pursue his path as a Magus. Victor might have taken the mantle of the academys headmaster, and was responsible for its continued smooth functioning, but he couldnt neglect the reason he did all this the pursuit of truth. This was the holy grail for all Magi. *** Amidst a momentary respite, Jacky found himself engrossed in an unexpected endeavor crafting a stone spear. With a sharp stone he found lying around, a plant fiber, and a sturdy branch he had liberated from a felled tree, he set out to test the games crafting system. His fingers worked deftly, guided by curiosity and a desire to comprehend the mechanics of this new reality. Between each meticulous movement, his taste buds were subjected to a trial of their own. Shit! This food tastes like shit! The dried meat that was distributed earlier on resembled rubber more than anything edible. Even the bland food given by the hospital tasted much better than the crap he was eating now. Eventually, the stone spear took shape in his hands. Though the quality might not be the best, it was his first creation in this game a small achievement that filled him with a sense of accomplishment similar to the one he had as a kid in an art class. Hey, what are you up to over there? Locktekei, a fellow player, approached from behind. Just crafting a little something for myself a spear. And yeah, isnt that an hour until were supposed to gather back at the academys main building? Yup. Thats a nice spear by the way. I didnt know that the game could replicate crafting and physics down to such fine details. Still, you sure are one talented player, bro! Not only is your chopping efficiency higher than the rest of us, but your knowledge is also so deep. Whats your job in real life? Locktekei couldnt help but ask. Not much, really. I mainly deal in furniture and building materials, but thats all in the past. As for knowledge, well, it naturally comes with age, though our virtual bodies all look like teenagers, so its not very convincing coming from me. I see, I see Bro, you must be very old then! Despite knowing that, Locktekei playfully slung an arm over Jackys shoulder and exclaimed, But you know what? Age is just a number. Now, lets continue chopping wood, shall we? Uh-huh. Jacky himself didnt mind this interaction. For some reason, he was now deeply influenced by the youngsters spirit. Considering the spare time available before reconvening, they decided to maximize their merit point gains. Axes in hand, they resumed their task of felling trees. By now, a portion of the forest had been cleared, leaving behind wild thickets and groves that were harder to eradicate. Jacky himself had cut down ten trees so far, ranging from ten to fifteen meters high. Even if the points had to be divided with the players who helped him move the logs, he would be getting at least one hundred points. He was easily the fastest player at chopping down trees! Yet, an inexplicable pull tugged at Jackys instincts, urging him to delve deeper into the woods. The feeling was subtle and strange, unlike anything he had ever felt before. Cautiously, he ignored the beckoning sensation, uncertain of what it might lead to. *** Victor slouched in his chair, his eyes closed to the world around him. His schedule had continued on as planned: from lunch to the handling of procured materials and then onto imparting magic knowledge to the newly arrived players. Luckily, dinner came out quite well, thanks to the seasonings and professionally prepared meat. Princess_Tomato had carved a portion of the Thornback Boar, but progress had been at a snails pace due to the creatures toughness. She had shared her struggles with him, and he acknowledged the laborious process of breaking down the beast. Besides that, she proposed drying the meat with salt so the leftovers wouldnt spoil. Another pressing issue emerged: the players needed a supply of drinkable water. Previously, five players didnt require much water to sustain themselves, and the supplies that Victor had prepared were enough to support them these past three days. Victor himself could manipulate the Hydro elemental particles in the air to produce small amounts of water, so this became a temporary solution until he had a chance to lead the players to the nearby stream tomorrow. Victor was also contemplating charging the players for their meals with merit points starting tomorrow twenty points for each serving so the players had to work hard to satisfy their fill. After all, there was no free lunch in this world, and the magical beast meat was no cheap commodity. As for how the transaction could be carried out, the Shadowlink Marks worked as an intermediary; it was a truly convenient tool. In the meantime, the five players from the first batch had made a makeshift fireplace. Using stones and branches gathered from their tree-chopping activities, they had managed to create a serviceable cooking area while Victor was preoccupied with instructing the new arrivals. Of course, they were rewarded with fifty merit points each for their initiative. Ideally, bricks would have been a better material, but that required making cement. For that task, a certain candidate from among the new players had already crossed his mind. Regarding the affinities and aptitudes of the new players, Victor noted a striking similarity to those of the initial batch. While some displayed a talent for rare elements, none exhibited an affinity for the elusive Cosmo and Chrono elements. In terms of mana aptitudes, the highest ranking was a player with an inferior bright grade, mirroring the aptitude of Prominence. Overall, their profiles fell within the expected range nothing too out of the ordinary. Chapter 31: The Limitless Possibilities Eager to gauge the new players reactions, Victor swiftly opened the Discord app and navigated to the Magus Academy Online channel within the Gamers Empire server. The channel was already flooding with messages to the point he had to scroll up for a full minute just to avoid missing anything. Squadzell: Whoa, whats with all these new faces popping up out of nowhere? (Confused.gif) Stickman_Just_Passing: Hey, boss! How do I get in on this test? Ive signed up on the official website to join. Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Im interested too! Is there a fee to play this game? Squadzell: Haha! Hold on, are you all here for Magus Academy Online? :PaimonShock: Captain Derp: Seems like the server is getting a lot of newcomers. Lets give it some time until the folks whove qualified for the closed alpha share their experiences. Squadzell: True, true. And to answer your questions, you dont have to pay during the testing phase, though no one knows if thatll stay the same in the future. And as for getting in, it hinges a lot on how qualified you are. I havent even gotten an invitation myself yet #Wishingforone. In the gaming community, whispers of an urban legend had begun to circulate talk of a fully immersive virtual reality game that was taking the online world by storm. While most dismissed it as mere fantasy, there were always a couple of enthusiastic gamers who took the idea seriously, searching high and low for the official websites URL and an invitation to the Gamers Empire Discord server. The proof of this growing curiosity exploded when the fresh wave of players logged out of the game and eagerly shared their initial impressions. Locktekei: @everyone! Okay, I have to eat my words now for saying that the server owner was overdramatic before. This game it just blew my mind. I take back all my earlier skepticism. Im completely floored by it! Stickman_Just_Passing: Really?! ThunderLord999: Yep, absolutely true. Im backing up Locktekei here. I tested out the crafting system, and its indistinguishable from the real deal. Then theres this intricate magic system thats still a mystery to us Its making me wonder about the games full potential. Prominence (Administrator): Whoa, you guys are outpacing us original players already! The new members couldnt contain their excitement and jumped into the conversation, engaging with the players to get more insights as they exchanged their thoughts and questions. Furthermore, it appeared that Victors old online friend PleaseBugMeNot had changed his Discord username to match his in-game name, Prominence. Victor skipped the initial flurry of messages until he reached a more interesting conversation among the players from the first batch: Storm Bringer (Administrator): To be honest, the realism of this game went beyond my expectations! Unlike most sandbox-building games, Magus Academy Online takes it to the next level. We closed-alpha players started chopping down trees around the academy today, and the sensation of chopping wood feels the same as in reality. I mean, I havent tried chopping trees with an iron axe in the local conservation area myself, but the experience is incredibly immersive. The thing is, its not just plowing the fields everything feels so damn real! And Im not even talking about the crafting system yet. Storm Bringer (Administrator): In this game, logs dont magically turn into planks just by putting them on a crafting table. Cooking isnt just placing random ingredients on a lit stove and playing a minigame to match temperature and doneness. Instead, you gotta approach it like youre actually in a kitchen, with all the steps and techniques. Say goodbye to one-click crafting and instant results. ViperMoon: No way, its that realistic? ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Yes! It seems that youre a new member, so you may not have read the review that Storm made previously. I wasnt part of the lumberjack group in the game, but the five of us made a makeshift fireplace near the end of this session. Its nothing grand, but we had to gather the materials ourselves and place the stones and branches in the correct position to make a working cooking area. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Exactly! On top of that, all the materials in the game behave according to their real-world properties. And the changes we make to the environment are permanent! No respawning! Meaning that we have to use whats available around us while minimizing the impact it may cause. Thats what has impressed me the most! MikeIsHandsome1000x: A good observation there, Storm. So, I will be adding my own take as an RPG enthusiast. As far as the gameplay is concerned, we havent even found the games limit yet! I cant help but wonder how magic fits into all of this just like what @ThunderLord999 said. My gaming instincts are telling me theres limitless possibilities, and we must explore every corner of it all! Victor was pleased to see the players engaging in meaningful discussions about the games mechanics and potential. It was a testament to the success in presenting a fa?ade of a game that was actually a real world. He intended to maintain this illusion for as long as possible. The nature of being an acolyte, destined to tread the path of a Magus, inherently involved curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Pursuing knowledge and truth was the essence of a Maguss journey, and he aimed to nurture and cultivate this fundamental trait within his players. As the headmaster, it was his duty to encourage them to always be curious and never cease to test the boundaries of possibility. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Its a shame, but we havent delved into the combat system yet. I cant wait to shoot magic spells or even wield my own magic weapons. Although, with the total freedom that the game gives, it seems plausible that we can create guns in this magical world. Perhaps even creating magitech or merging technology and magic to craft something truly unique. Who knows. Stickman_Just_Passing: Count me in! If everything youre saying is true, even if I have to sell my kidneys and mortgage my house, Im more than willing to pay to get a shot at playing! Gigglebelly Grumblefart: @Stickman_Just_Passing Might as well mortgage your wife and daughters to make it more attractive. Squadzell: Cyber, if youre listening, please! Im begging for a chance to play after hearing all these incredible stories! Give me that opportunity! ?? ?? ?? All the gamers who were silently watching burst out at the same time, expressing their desire to obtain the invitations and join the adventure. But unsurprisingly, not everyone was convinced. Noobzilla: Oh come on, are you all seriously falling for this? I dare to bet one hundred bucks that these people are paid actors! What proof have you seen apart from just words? Vanishing for a night and then coming back the next morning with tall tales even my dog could pull off that trick. Noobzilla: And whats all this talk about the game being so realistic (which is highly unlikely, considering the dubious existence of it)? If its truly that lifelike, why isnt it being utilized to improve the lives of people worldwide? Using such technology for a game rather than in fields like healthcare, science, and education sounds ludicrous to me. Its like a bunch of clowns setting up a circus in the middle of nowhere. Its absolutely ridiculous! Are you people lacking brains or something? (Noobzilla has been timed out by the server owner for 1 hour.) ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): This guy has been getting on my nerves for some time. SuperNovaX (Moderator): Oof! Boss Zeros not holding back! Storm Bringer (Administrator): Critiques are welcome, but insults are not, especially towards the team behind the game. The truth will become evident once you try it for yourself (though, given your behavior, that seems unlikely). By the way, its frustrating that I cant stream and upload videos on my channel! Im losing millions here! Following this exchange, the server channel ignited with discussion as beliefs, doubts, and hopes intermingled among the players. A diversity of reactions formed around the tantalizing concept of this revolutionary game something only time could truly verify. Victor himself cared not about the criticisms of a single individual, as it wouldnt affect his plan in the slightest. Nevertheless, he marked the individual ineligible, but to his surprise, he had already registered on the official website. However, his profile was far from extraordinary, which confirmed he was far from ever being accepted. Just as Victor was preparing to close the app and begin his daily meditation practice, a DM pop-up appeared on the side of the holographic screen. The sender was none other than Storm Bringer himself. Storm Bringer: Cyber, are you online? Curious about what he could want, Victor typed back, Just woke up after a short work break. Whats the matter? Storm Bringer: Well, its not anything urgent I feel bad bothering you with this. Victor creased his eyebrows; they had been online friends for years. What was there to hide from him, unless he had some ulterior motives? CyberWarlock: Just tell me. Storm Bringer: Have you seen the messages on the server? Theres this sourpuss bad-mouthing your company. Saying things like the game is a fraud and all. I, as one of the closed-alpha players, feel frustrated about not being able to offer concrete proof of the games existence and shut up naysayers like him for good I even tried posting a review video on my channel, but no one would believe me. Say, when will the features concerning in-game streaming and screenshotting be implemented? Huh? Its obvious Storm is using this as an excuse to get me to implement a system that will benefit him. Still, his point is valid. Giving players the tools to share their experiences was crucial to further promote the game without relying on advertisements. However, Victor knew there were technical challenges he had to address before implementing such features. In response to Storms message, he paused to carefully consider his reply. However, before he was able to reply, the guy must have worried that his message was too blunt, so another message from him quickly followed. Storm Bringer: Im not saying that you have to take this to your higher-ups, but you know CyberWarlock: Its fine. This topic has been under discussion in our meetings several times. Rest assured, by the time the next update comes, Ill try my best to ensure the features are ready. To that end, were planning to extend our official website to include a platform where players can share their in-game experiences. He would model the platform similarly to the Community Hub on popular gaming platforms like Steam, where players could post videos, images, and even artwork related to the game. Storm Bringer: Sweet! Thats sure to be a hit! I remember reading a manhwa years ago about a VRMMORPG with a similar concept. You could also consider adding a leaderboard or a hall of fame based on total viewership to incentivize players. Your company could even monetize this by incorporating ads. Reading Storms enthusiastic comment confused Victor. Are you the developer here, or is it me? Why do the roles feel reversed? Oh well, its good to have enthusiastic players like him CyberWarlock: Point taken. Your feedback will be presented during our next meeting. Although the currency from Earth held little value for Victor, he understood the importance of maintaining the fa?ade of a game company. What kind of game company didnt exist to make money? Besides, he was sure he could find some use for Earthly currency in the future. After all, money was often equated to power. Storm Bringer: Oh yeah, I have one more request. Eh? Since when has this become a session to request anything from the developer? Victor thought, but he decided to listen since Storms input had been quite valuable so far. CyberWarlock: Go ahead. Storm Bringer: Is there any way I can stay in the game for longer? Waiting twelve hours in real life is killing me! Ive been holding my urge to play for the past few days. I cant even go to the bathroom to shit in peace without thinking about the game. Even playing other games doesnt satisfy me anymore. Did this guy have no work in real life? Then again, Storm Bringer was known to be a streamer and well-versed in stock trading, so he likely had enough financial stability to avoid traditional employment. CyberWarlock: As players progress further in the game, we will consider extending the allowed playtime. Right now, twelve hours of continuous play should be more than sufficient to fulfill most players recreational needs. Remember, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our players above all else. If you dont have any more feedback to share, I will take this chance to send my report to the higher-ups and then go get some rest. Storm Bringer: Wait!! Victor swiftly turned off his Shadowlink Mark, deciding that he had spent enough time on this discussion. He leaned back in his chair, allowing his thoughts to settle on the potential benefits of the feedback he had received from the players, both for their enjoyment and for the company image. Chapter 32: Establishing Leadership Positions All of a sudden, Victor remembered about the side mission Farming Simulator 1.0 and reactivated his Master Shadowlink Mark. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Whats Around the Academy? To develop the academy, you must make sure that the surrounding area supports further growth. One such criterion is to discover exploitable natural resources. Type: Main mission Total Natural Resources Found: 2/3 Reward: 150 academy points Mission: Farming Simulator 1.0 Self-sustaining is not achieved through external factors but internal factors. You can do this yourself, or you can instruct the players to create a one-hectare field and seed it with life. Type: Side mission Reward: 10 progression value points Today, after the collective efforts of the players, they had successfully plowed the one-hectare field, but the mission hadnt yet been cleared. It appeared that the condition for completing the field, as stated in the mission, required Victor to sow the seeds across the cultivated land. As he scrolled through the list of missions, his attention was caught by the appearance of several new side missions related to the construction of various facilities within the academy. Hm? These missions must have been added recently, he murmured, his interest piqued by one particular mission. Mission: What Kind of Smith Doesnt Own a Smithy? A productive work environment requires a suitable place. Build a functional blacksmith workshop within the academy grounds. Type: Side mission Reward: 10 progression value points It occurred to Victor that certain conditions might need to be fulfilled for these missions to appear. This one, for example, could have become available after his interaction with Eleanor the capricious girl with the Artificer inheritance. Whatever. In addition to the progress of the field, the lumberjack group had cut down approximately fifty logs, each measuring ten to fifteen meters in length. With more players joining the game, the academys development was expected to snowball from this point onward. However, the influx of players also demanded tighter management to maintain order. Victor turned his gaze to the fairy perched atop a wolf pup, snoozing peacefully. It seemed she had seized the opportunity to indulge in a bit of relaxation while he was engrossed in reviewing the days reports. Creeping closer to her slumbering form, Victor playfully pinched her cheeks to rouse her from her nap. Liz, wake up! If you snooze any longer, you might miss out on todays breakfast. Bwuh?! It was unknown whether it was thanks to Victors action or words, but her response was instantaneous and quite dramatic; her golden eyes snapped open as she exclaimed, Where? Wheres my breakfast?! What is where? As usual, Victor played along, feigning innocence. Geez! Lizbeth pouted, her cheeks puffed in annoyance as she kicked at the air while floating, totally pissed. Can you not do that? Not do what? Victor grinned inwardly, enjoying her reaction. But he soon turned more serious. Actually, I have an important question for you. What is it? Just the same, her pout transformed into a look of intrigue. How many hologram fairies can you control at once? With a hint of exasperation, she corrected him, Ive been letting it slide this whole time, but technically speaking, its not a hologram Its a magic projection. Victor was not too keen about the difference between the two. Holograms, in a sense, had more to do with technology, where magic projection was magic, as the name suggested. He shrugged. Hologram, magic projection potato, potahto. What matters is that you are able to project those to assist me. Well, I suppose there should be no problem projecting myself without using the Shadowlink Marks as long as I remain within the confines of this building. This is because the Nexus Beacon in the basement can be used for the same purpose. Oh, is that so Victor nodded as he pondered the implications. In the foreseeable future, Victor had plans to establish shops for the players. He had two main avenues to consider: setting up virtual shops within the Shadowlink Mark and having physical stores within the game world. Virtual shops selling spell books, magic knowledge, and other bodies of knowledge in e-book form would be neat he could even have a virtual shop dedicated to microtransactions or something similar here. Though shops offering services like blacksmithing, tailoring, and material sales would require supervision. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. The problem was, Victor lacked NPCs to operate the physical stores. While Lizbeth could temporarily oversee some aspects, she was already busy guiding the players. The other option was to involve the local inhabitants, but this approach came with its share of risks that Victor would prefer to avoid and there was a chance of them not being obedient to him and jeopardizing his progress. As an alternative, he contemplated the idea of purchasing slaves to fill these roles. Yes, slavery existed in this world. Magi were prohibited from conducting experiments on ordinary people since, after all, the root of their existence came from the common people. Without them, Magi wouldnt have existed. Still, slaves had become a common choice for such purposes, providing the subjects Magi needed to further their knowledge. While slaves were a potential solution, Victor was keenly aware of the ethical dilemmas and complexities that came with such a decision. However, with enough nonsense justification from the games setting, he should be able to smooth things out with the players. Only that procuring slaves would be next to impossible in this place, so Victor put this plan on the back burner. With that, Victor finished reviewing the days progress and setting up plans for the future. Finding that it had been so long since he played any game, he started a round of Crusader Kings III on the holographic screen. The experience was awkward because he had to use a holographic keyboard and touchpad instead of the usual physical ones. *** The players began logging in the instant they were able to at precisely six in the morning. Prior to accepting the new batch of players for the day, Victor summoned the participants from the first batch to his office. Since yesterday, he had already designated two of them leader positions, and now he intended to further expand and institutionalize this structure by introducing more groups and setting up a more permanent system under a merit points-based salary framework. Two new groups would be added today, namely the foraging and clay collector groups. As these groups grew larger, Victor planned to eventually break them into smaller teams. His first order of business was to appoint MikeIsHandsome1000x as the leader of the clay collector group. For the foraging group, Prominence was chosen to take on the leadership role. He was the player with the most progress in terms of practicing the meditation technique and was expected to be the first one to be promoted to the first-stage Initiate Attunement. In contrast to the simpler and safer task of the clay collector group, the foraging groups responsibilities revolved around collecting wild vegetables, fruits, and other food ingredients in the vicinity of the academy. While the academys protective barriers extended some distance into the forest, there was an inherent risk involved in venturing at the edge of these safeguards. However, it was a calculated risk that needed to be taken, lest their diet consisted solely of meat. To help these players differentiate edible plants from poisonous ones, Victor attached a virtual guide to the mission that contained a list of safe plants he had taken from a book in this academy. If they were to find anything that wasnt listed, they could always ask him or Lizbeth any time or whenever available. For the personnel of the two new groups, Victor began, addressing the appointed leaders, you have the option to either recruit new members from todays batch or select individuals from the existing groups. In total, you can add up to five members each, aside from yourselves. Naturally, you can expand the scope of the group on each subsequent day appropriately. He ensured that the leaders had some authority in deciding this; Victor was utterly annoyed by micromanagement. Esteemed Headmaster, why not consider appointing me as the leader of a hunting group instead? SuperNova could perhaps take charge of the foraging group, Prominence suggested with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice, though he dared not show it outwardly. Victor raised an eyebrow at the proposal. No, its far too soon for you to engage in any sort of combat. Are you even aware of the true might of magical beasts? They are extraordinary life forms. While you might encounter common creatures, the dangers of this forest exceed your expectations. Victor understood well that gamers generally didnt enjoy chores or manual labor. They played games as a form of relaxation and to escape the drudgery of daily life. However, he couldnt do much at this stage, and it wasnt like they would be in this position for long, either. At most, itd be until they attained first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte status and could unleash spells to defend themselves out there a milestone achievable in two to three weeks, depending on their aptitudes. Besides, the academy lacked an adequate arsenal of weaponry, and Victor wasnt about to send players into perilous situations armed only with iron axes meant for chopping wood. That would be tantamount to sending them to their deaths. In any case, all the essential information, complete with an attached map, were already in the mission description, so there wasnt much for him to explain. For example, there was no need to show the clay collector group the stream; they had everything theyd need to find it on their own. This also meant they would be tasked with collecting water. On the other hand, the foraging group didnt have a specific location since foraging could be done almost anywhere. Sir Astralium May I inquire about my role? SuperNovas voice held a hint of curiosity. With all the others receiving leadership positions, it was only natural for him to assume hed get one as well. Unfortunately, leadership roles were limited. Victor had considered forming a construction group to initiate the building of facilities around the academy, but he already had one person in mind to take this role tomorrow once he completed the two-day compulsory class. The only other vacant position he could think of was Well, there is a need for someone to take on the role of the warehouse clerk, Victor slowly stated. Would you be interested in assuming that responsibility? Storm snickered. Pfft. That fits your promotion from a college student Victor snapped his fingers. A-Agh! M-My lungs! Its burning! Storm clutched his chest, writhing on the ground in discomfort. It had been a few days since he last disciplined these players of his, so Victor had cast some simple elemental manipulation spell to punish him. But in consideration of SuperNovas opinion, Victor added, Of course, you can decline No! Ill gladly take on the role, Headmaster! SuperNova showed eagerness for this job; perhaps he felt unsuited for exploration. Very well. In terms of compensation, the wage will be ten merit points per hour. However, youre welcome to use your free time to participate in missions with the other groups. As for the rest of you, youll receive an additional twenty merit points per day. Headmaster, we dont need any remuneration for this responsibility. Yeah! Having the opportunity to lead our own groups is the best kind of reward in itself. Seconded. It was obvious they were trying their hardest to curry favor and boost whatever favorability or amity or whichever other bullshit stat Victor had made up. Even Storm, who was still grappling with the remnants of the magic spell, managed to squeeze out a bootlicking remark. It somehow made Victor feel ashamed of himself for tricking these people. Nevertheless, Victor wasnt concerned with formalities and insisted on providing them with compensation, much to the players fake reluctance. Once the magic spells torment had finally released Storm from its grip, he ventured to ask, Esteemed Headmaster, can I ask you something? Speak, Victor replied. Can I stay longer in the game? I feel like theres so much to do within the academy Like, planning things out and such. Victor creased his eyebrows. Asking the games developer was not enough, so now he sought direct answers from an NPC within the game itself! It appeared that this guy needed some discipline. Game? You think this is a game? That Im a funny clown sent here for your amusement? Victors voice boomed, causing Storm to flinch in surprise. In the future, when you have enough strength, I might consider letting you stay awake for the night. If theres nothing else, off you go. Without allowing Storm the opportunity to say a single word more, Victor snapped his fingers. A powerful gust of wind surged forth, forcefully flinging open the double doors and propelling the players out of the room. With another elegant flick of his hand, the heavy doors swiftly swung shut behind them, leaving them standing bewildered in the corridor. This little trick for kicking players never got old. Chapter 33: Thornwood Flowers The players began to fall into an unofficial routine. The first six hours of their gaming session were devoted to completing the academys tasks and missions. After that, they took a one-hour lunch break and indulged in some free time. Following the break, they dedicated yet another two hours to continue their assigned tasks and missions. Only at the end of these three cycles did they return to the Headmaster''s Building for their two-day compulsory class a schedule that lasted only two days, naturally. Victor made no attempt to enforce stringent work hours on the players; even if they worked for only half the designated time, he would gladly let them. After all, all their efforts were ultimately beneficial, and players, by nature, were not the type to slack off in their games. Usually, at least. With the new batch of players having received the usual introductory speech and their elemental affinities and mana aptitudes tested, Victor wasted no time and set forth to the village. His first stop was the blacksmiths workshop, where he had agreed to meet Eleanor and provide the materials he promised her, which consisted of components salvaged from the Thornback Boar, including its thorns and bones. When the girl met him at the rendezvous location, dressed in her unique attire, Victor declared, Here are the materials I promised, and conjured the items near him with a simple gesture. Almost instantaneously, Eleanors eyes widened in awe. Wow! This is awesome! Are these from a Thornback Boar?! Hehehe! She made an eerie laugh while pressing her cheek against one of the thorns the size of a pineapple. Ive never been this close to one before. Even the mighty knights and skilled hunters with extraordinary power steer clear of facing this creature. While Magi were revered for their power, they werent the only extraordinary beings that people sought after. Among the myriad mysteries and potentials that adorned the tapestry of existence, Magi were but one facet. Another prevalent class of exceptional individuals was known as Ki-warriors martial artists who practiced breathing techniques in lieu of meditation techniques. It was common for villages as large as Thornwood Village to have one or two Ki-Warriors, although their combat potential was lower than even acolytes of the same rank. Even so, they consumed fewer resources, and the requirements werent as stringent as walking the Magus path. Ahem. Im entrusting you to craft weapons and tools according to our agreement. As for the quantity I will leave it in your capable hands. Just make the most of these materials. Of course, Sir Astralium! I guarantee you wont be disappointed with the final products, Eleanor declared with an impish grin. That better be the case, Victor asserted with a firm tone. Dont disappoint me. With everything settled, Victor returned to the academy. His interspatial ring now held another cubic meter of seeds, this time consisting of potatoes. On his way back, the Master Shadowlink Mark on his left wrist lit up and projected a holographic screen in front of him. The visage of Lizbeth appeared within the frame. Whats the matter, Liz? You called? Victor questioned. Master! The foraging group discovered some peculiar magical plants to the academys north. Really?! Excited, Victor leaned closer to the screen, attempting to grasp the immaterial projection but was obviously unable to do so. Magical plants?! Yup-yup! As for the type Im not sure, but it has a striking resemblance to Thornwood Flowers. Theyre just slightly beyond the academys barriers, though, so I cant show you an image. Anywho, just get here as quickly as you can. Adieu! She then terminated the call. Huh? It hasnt even been more than a few hours, and the foraging group has managed to find the last natural resource that I, a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, had spent several days seeking? While he hadnt focused solely on this search, the timing was almost too good to be true. Either way, no notification had come in confirming the completion of the mission, which meant he had to verify it personally. After all, it was also possible that this wasnt the exact resource the mission called for. Nonetheless, with a surge of determination, it was enough to make Victor cast {Zephyr Dash} to hasten his journey. *** [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have discovered three exploitable natural resources around the academy.] [The reward (150 academy points) has been issued.] The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Accompanied by the notification was the sight of a thorny flower field stretching almost endlessly. Amidst the dense and creeping stems, adorned with delicate, straight thorns, small pink flowers blossomed. These pale blossoms emitted a faint, soothing glow and exuded a subtle, enchanting fragrance that resonated with the forests mystical aura. Thornwood Flowers and a lot of them! Victor almost broke out into a hysterical laugh, but he managed to hold himself back; he still had an image to maintain. Still, these flowers were highly coveted magical plants native to the Thornwood Forest. Their petals possessed unique properties essential for various magic rituals and potion concoctions even elixirs that could enhance ones mana aptitude! Moreover, when crushed and mixed with other ingredients, they could also boost spell potency or imbue potions with enhanced magic properties. Due to their affinity with the forests energy, Thornwood Flowers were particularly useful in nature-based enchantments and spells. However, harvesting these flowers was a challenging endeavor. They thrived deep within the heart of the Thornwood Forest, which was teeming with magical creatures and mystic phenomena. Harvesting them also required specialized techniques and care. Nevertheless, The oversight of missing such an extensive Thornwood Flower field close to the academy was a miscalculation on Victors part. The discovery itself is what truly matters, Victor mused to himself. He had avoided this part of the forest due to its inherent dangers, but the potential benefits were now undeniable. Victor turned his attention to the player standing behind him Prominence and said, Provide me a detailed account of how you came across these magical plants. Yes, Headmaster! He began recounting the entire sequence of events. Yesterday, when I was in the lumberjack group, I spotted some wild mushrooms It turned out that after being appointed as the leader of the foraging group, Prominence set out to recruit members mainly from the former lumberjack group, as they were most familiar with the area around the previously cleared forest, then ventured northward from the academy. While foraging for wild mushrooms, berries, and vegetables, an intriguing sensation suddenly gripped them, guiding their path toward the newly discovered magical flower field. After about an hour or two of foraging, a strange sensation began to tingle at the back of our minds, as if something was beckoning us deeper into the woods This statement was what caught Victors attention the most, as Prominences expression grew distant as he recalled the moment. I see A beckoning sensation, huh? That sounds familiar. Whatever the cause, a dangerous enchanted forest like the Thornwood Forest was known for harboring mysterious phenomena beyond explanation. Victor himself had encountered such occurrences before, and even as an acolyte he had not the slightest idea what caused these things. Hmm? Where did you acquire that stone spear? Prominence wasnt holding the iron tools from the village but instead an unfamiliar stone spear, and he also carried a sack in his hand. Oh, this? His face lit up as he held up the stone spear. One of the former members of the lumberjack group ThunderLord999 crafted it, said Prominence amidst the difficulty of saying the players username. He was the first to sense the strange feeling and advised us to not venture too deeply, suggesting that we retreat if any danger arose. Sir. ThunderLord999, or Thunder for short, stood proudly and offered a respectful salute to Victor. Obviously, Victor was rather familiar with him, but as an NPC, he had to play his part. Excellent work both for your caution and commendable craftsmanship. Victor gave him a nod. This players capabilities had exceeded his expectations, and now he had good justification to promote him as the leader of the construction group. As pleased as Victor was with the discovery of the Thornwood Flowers, several issues had to be addressed. The difficulty of harvesting these magical plants aside, Victor had no way to sell them, and there was the absence of a suitable market for these precious magical plants. Transporting them to large cities could attract unwanted attention and might not yield the best profits. Using them for alchemical products would likewise be impossible. Victor was no Alchemist; his knowledge pertaining to concocting potions and elixirs was absolutely nil. Even if the System sold alchemical recipes and knowledge to become one, the path to becoming a capable Alchemist required a huge amount of resources and ingredients, as it was extremely complex and complicated, and the slightest mistake would result in failure. But There was a silver lining if he thought out of the box. The stems of these plants, notably, were good materials because they were not only sturdy but also durable and could be fashioned into tool grips. Meanwhile, the thorns were sharp and tough, not easily shattered, making them possible to serve as natural nails or even needles. Regardless, for you to find this place, be that through luck or chance, you shall be rewarded. For each member of the foraging group, I will reward you with fifty merit points, Victor announced with a resolute tone. But I want to make it clear that I discourage exploration beyond the academys barriers. If such a situation arises again, notify me immediately instead of venturing out on your own. Failure to comply with this will result in punishment. He would have rewarded them more merit points since discovering this was no small matter, but he didnt want to incentivize the players to start going deeper into the forest on treasure hunts only to get themselves killed. Understood! they chimed together. Despite the warning, they were more captivated by the word reward than anything else. Victor then sent the promised merit points to the foraging group members via his Master Shadowlink Mark. Through this exchange, he tested the interfaces potential for concealment, discovering that it could indeed remain hidden from the players eyes. Additionally, he experimented with manipulating the interface through mental commands using infused mana and achieved some level of success. With the merit points delivered, Victor proceeded to guide the players on how to harvest the Thornwood Flowers. He emphasized the importance of gathering only the sturdy stems and thorns while leaving the delicate blossoms untouched those would require his personal attention. Furthermore, the merit points gained from foraging came from the total amount of vegetables they collected. As they worked, he observed that the groups attention had been significantly drawn to the recent discovery, resulting in limited progress in gathering other resources. Chapter 34: The Overall Progression With the Thornwood Flowers issue settled, Victor headed back toward the academy. On his way, he stumbled across a group of lumberjacks hard at work chopping trees. Not wanting to disturb them, he continued without interruption. There was one place he wanted to visit: the kitchen. Recently, a player with real-life chef experience joined, meaning Princess_Tomato was no longer the sole cook responsible for preparing meals. Now, she had the assistance of a culinary professional, and with their combined efforts the quality of the food being served would significantly improve. Upon entering the kitchen, he was greeted by the sight of the two players, a pair of male and female, working in tandem as they butchered a magical beast the Thornback Boar. This included bleeding, skinning, deboning, cutting, and, most importantly, drying. The boars substantial size yielded a ton of meat, far too much to be consumed at once. Preservation was essential. Ideally, smoking the meat would have been the preferred method, but due to space and equipment constraints at the academy, the new chef player, going by the username CookieMons, had opted for air drying the meat. This involved coating the meat with salt and hanging it on a wooden frame outside the building. Although not the most sophisticated method, it was effective given the circumstances. Hows your progress? Victor asked as he observed the activity in the kitchen. Currently, the beast had been reduced to meat, bones, and skin, with its original frame gone for good. It was thanks to this Victor managed to get the boars bones and thorns to give to Eleanor this morning. Princess_Tomato, brimming with enthusiasm, responded, Its been going well, Headmaster! We should be able to complete the disassembly by the end of today. CookieMons has been a tremendous help! Im no longer feeling overwhelmed with my workload. Unfortunately, Victor was so focused on getting back that he didnt hunt on his way back from the village. As such, he couldnt give them another creature to be dismantled. Uh-huh. Separating the meat and the bones is relatively straightforward CookieMons agreed. Then his brows furrowed in thought as he stated, However, theres only one problem with tanning the hides. Ive managed some basic treatments, such as sprinkling salt and drying them alongside the meat. Afterward, I plan to soak them in water. But Im uncertain about the final quality, and Im clueless about how to transform them into usable clothing. Tanning hides was a complex and labor-intensive process, far more intricate than making jerky from the meat. The clothes available inside the Nexus Tower had a limited quantity, and Victor was not completely sure if they would be replenished when it leveled up. Consequently, he believed that having alternative clothing options was crucial, especially as a contingency for players who might lose their clothes due to unfortunate events; they didnt need enchanted clothes like the acolyte robes, just warm clothes that could keep out the cold. That will suffice for now. Theres no need to concern yourself with the making of clothes. Fresh acolytes are enrolling in our academy with each passing day, and those possessing the necessary talents will soon emerge. Talents from all walks of life were registering even as of this moment, and a constant stream of ten individuals were entering the game daily. While not all were industry experts, their abilities could still be used to some extent. Besides, there was still the internet. Victor wasnt planning to set up a tailor shop, though. He would perhaps instead opt to open up a market in the academy and let players decide this on their own. Besides, if he urgently needed clothes, the village was a viable option. Mmm, then Im glad, CookieMons said. Princess_Tomato clenched her fists resolutely. Ill do my best to work with what we have! Victor nodded, appreciating their efforts. CookieMons chimed in, Still, I cant believe that dismantling a magical beast feels so real in this game The games intricate mechanics and lifelike realism had left an indelible mark on the players. This experience was more than just a game, after all. Unknown to them, it was a genuine reality. Um I find myself rather famished. Could you prepare some delectable dishes? Having attained the status of a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, Victor possessed the ability to endure for days without sustenance. He often skipped breakfast or settled for modest refreshments. Similarly, players often skipped meals, considering the game merely a virtual realm and eating only when strictly necessary. This would likely become more prevalent once Victor started charging players a fee for their meals. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Gladly, Headmaster! Of course! Im at your service. *** After checking the kitchen, Victor proceeded to oversee the clay collector group. As he journeyed eastward, he caught sight of the agricultural field where the assigned players were hard at work. They were currently in the process of planting earthnug seeds, a task that seemed to be progressing well despite the players having no prior experience as farmers. Nevertheless, sowing seeds across a one-hectare expanse was no small task. Huh, whats that? Victors attention was drawn to a modest structure constructed with log walls and a roof fashioned from leaves. Situated not far from the fields edge and adjacent to the forest, if he remembered correctly, it was the designated spot for clay collection. Indeed, a neatly arranged mound of reddish soil had been carefully piled there. Coincidentally, a player stood nearby, so Victor approached him. Esteemed Headmaster! How may I be of assistance? Who is responsible for crafting this structure? Victor asked sternly. The player replied respectfully, It was our doing, Headmaster. We feared that rain might mingle with the clay, causing it to merge with the soil and transform into mud. As a precaution, weve made a provisional storage area here I see, he said, thinking it over and then nodding approvingly. Yes, good thinking. While this part of the forest typically experienced only light rainfall, there was no guarantee that a storm would never occur at all. These past few days had unfolded serenely without a drop of rain, yet this tranquility might very well act as a prelude to an impending rainstorm. It was as if the adage calm before the storm lingered as an unspoken warning. Finding that the player was preparing to return to the stream, Victor asked him to lead the way. He spotted Mike, the leader of the clay collector group, working alongside his team. The rest of the group was stunned to see Victor, their headmaster, come to this place and stand still in place. For some reason, Victor felt that the players were becoming accustomed to role-playing as acolytes of the academy. Although it was convenient, he found it rather odd and embarrassing. Sir Astralium! What brings you to this corner of the woods? Mike inquired, his task of shoveling a patch of clay momentarily halted. Just conducting a routine inspection, Victor replied with a charismatic tone. Hows the progress of collecting clay so far? All is progressing smoothly, sir. Though I must admit, we dont have buckets to store the clay. As a workaround, weve been relying on the wooden cart to transport between the designated area and our workspace. Indeed. There were no buckets that could be used in the academy; Victor realized he had forgotten to purchase some from the village. Similarly, fetching water from the stream was currently done using waterskins which was highly inefficient. Perhaps with the currently available materials, the players could make wooden buckets by themselves. They just needed some supervision. Mm, that will be taken care of soon. Is there anything else worth noting? To make an earthen wall that surrounded the academy, clay was not absolutely necessary as a material. However, it was an excellent cohesive material that could provide strength and water resistance to the wall when properly compacted. Mike hesitated before answering, Well, we noticed a significant fish population in the stream, and were thinking about the possibility of fishing. Weve been discussing the feasibility of crafting rudimentary traps designed to ensnare fish in the gaps between rocks. But due to time constraints, little progress has been made so far. Oh? Adding fish to the menu would undoubtedly be well received. Carry on with your diligent efforts, then. Yes! Ah, right. Sir, I have a proposal for advancing the academys development. Victor raised an eyebrow. What is it? Im all ears. Mike cleared his throat, enthusiasm clear in his eyes. I believe we should consider constructing a water well A well, you say? Yes. Please allow me to elaborate According to him, there were logistical benefits to placing a well between the stream and the academys main building. The distance between the two locations had proven to be more than a mere stroll, and having a well positioned at this midpoint would not only cater to the water needs of the academy but also facilitate the crucial task of irrigating the crops. But this comes back with the problem of not having large enough containers to store the water other than the waterskins, he added. Your proposal is indeed interesting. Tomorrow, I shall initiate the creation of a dedicated group tasked with constructing various facilities across the academy. Understood. Your support is greatly appreciated, Headmaster. Victor waved off the gratitude. Think nothing of it. Ideas such as yours are what will continue to shape this academys future. As Mike resumed his task with a renewed sense of purpose, a distinct ding resonated within Victors mind, accompanied by the sudden materialization of a holographic display before him. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You and your players have sown a one-hectare field and filled it with life.] [The reward (10 progression value points) has been issued.] Victor took a quick look at the list of missions and found a follow-up to Farming Simulator 1.0 with the unoriginal title Farming Simulator 2.0. This time, it called for two one-hectare fields with different crops. Likewise, the reward was fifteen progression value points as opposed to ten. Another welcome piece of news. Chapter 35: Something That Lurks in the Darkness Before nightfall, Victor had hunted two magical beasts in the forest; a pair of Thornback Boars. Their habitation seemed concentrated in the western vicinity of the academy, given how often he encountered them in that area. Though finding magical beasts wasnt that difficult for an Initiate Attunement acolyte like Victor he could sense their mana fluctuations through mana sense. He allocated one of the boars to the kitchen and tossed the other into the essence converter, bringing the total essence points to seventy-one. This marked a substantial improvement over the previous total, which had been just shy of fifty, following the conversion of the Mossback Turtle from two days earlier and the summoning of thirty players (ten currently incubating). A satisfied smile tugged at Victors lips. Looks like I wont have to worry about essence points for a while. Allowing himself a moment of relaxation, Victor reclined in his chair and redirected his focus to the Systems main tab something he hadnt checked in a while. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 250 Academy Grade: Level 1 Total Acolytes: 25/100 Progression Value: 10/100 Master, I have something to report. Lizbeth materialized out of thin air, perching herself upon Victors head. With a sense of urgency, she declared, Theres a new personal side mission in the Headmasters Journal section, and it appears to be quite urgent! Urgent? What kind of mission would cause her to be so concerned? Victor paid no mind to her suddenly sitting on his head, opening the Headmasters Journal tab without delay. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Is It Right to Fear the Unknown? The current status of the academys barriers is unknown. It is your responsibility as the headmaster to locate and determine their conditions. Type: Side mission Reward: One Aleph-tier spell model for each normal and rare element The reward immediately caught Victors attention, as it presented an extraordinary opportunity. With this reward, he could open a virtual shop for the players. Each Aleph-tier spell model was priced for at least ten academy points on the System, so this was a great boon. Still, to find the magic formations of the academys barriers? But where on earth am I supposed to begin searching for them? Victor pursed his lips in thought. His pupils then focused on the dangling little flawless white legs on his forehead. Right Liz, shouldnt you know where to find it? She was the assistant of this academys headmaster and the original inhabitant of this place. She should know better than anyone where to look. Lizbeth, however, only gave him a shrug. Dunno. I might be a fairy, but Im not some all-knowing oracle, you know. A peculiar sense of pride tinged her words for reasons unknown. So, what youre saying is, youre not much more than a mascot? Victor couldnt help a wry smile as he said that. How rude! Ive been a lot more than just a mascot. So, you dont deny that. For your information, I led two classes today simultaneously, I might add. Admittedly, I used a recorded video from your previous lecture, but still Well, there was no denying that she had proven herself to be invaluable in more ways than he could count. Funnily enough, her involvement in conducting the class had led the players both newcomers and veterans to affectionately dub her the Tutorial Fairy. Anyways, if you do know where to find the source of the barriers, then tell me, Victor urged, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. If there is a problem, better to nip it in the bud before we run into more trouble down the line. There were unprecedented dangers that would crop up if the magic barriers were to collapse. Magical beasts would only be one of the many problems; the location of the academy could be revealed to prying eyes and attract potential adversaries. Furthermore, supernatural phenomena originating from the Thornwood Forest might start manifesting near this place. Naturally. However, I do have one place in mind regarding their potential location, Lizbeth remarked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. But, as you so kindly put it, I am no more than a mascot, and mascots do not furnish information. Fine then. Once there are more staff in the academy, consider yourself promoted to the role of vice headmaster. Obviously, this was only an empty promise. Not only was it unknown when Magi, if they ever so wished, would join the ranks of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi a sham academy. It was up to Victor to trick them, just like he did with the players. Deal! She agreed without a second thought. Now, would you kindly enlighten me on this potential location? If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Lizbeths demeanor shifted to one of playful innocence. Oh dear, I seem to have forgotten. Silly me! Teehee! She softly hit her head. Rest assured, Ill recall it and let you know ASAP. Why you little! Exasperation edged Victor as he lunged for Lizbeth, perched atop his head. Yet, with a remarkable intuition, she effortlessly evaded his grasp, slipping away like a wisp of air. Come here, you! Hehe! You wont catch me that easily! As the exchange unfolded, the enigmatic task of uncovering the source of the academys barrier remained an enigma, momentarily overshadowed by Lizbeths impishness. *** Amidst the darkness of the forest, an unsettling presence moved stealthily through the undergrowth. Moonlight cast eerie shadows on its form, giving it a sinister outline. With each delicate step, its appendages rustled the leaves, its movements a grotesque ballet of grace and menace. This creature navigated the dense foliage through sinuous strands that adorned the trees. As it advanced, its keen senses detected a faint disturbance, an anomaly amidst the otherwise untouched forest floor. Following an inexplicable instinct, it veered toward the source, a scent that seemed out of place foreign to the usual symphony that filled the woods. Humans Humans had encroached upon the edge of its territory. The fields of magical flowers that extended far and wide now bore the signs of human incursion. Trampled petals and gouged earth bore witness to their intrusion, and the soil carried alien scents that tainted the sanctuary, causing the creatures primal urges to boil. Its form pulsated with anticipation and unyielding hunger. The craving for human meat echoed like a throbbing heartbeat. The creatures focus sharpened, iridescent eyes gleaming with malevolent intent as it set its sights on a hunt. *** William quickly hopped into the game with his Prominence account after returning from work. He was now the leader of the foraging group a position envied by many players of Magus Academy Online. As a leader, it was his responsibility to log in early and guide his fellow players. Just like any other day, he planned to recruit new players for his group, so he patiently waited for the conclusion of the headmasters daily speech. By now, he was used to the daily occurrence of shock and amazement on the faces of new players. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm glow across the academys landscape. William surveyed a group of a dozen or so people gathered before him, all carrying tools and sacks for foraging. ThunderLord999, despite joining two days later than him, was promoted as the leader of the newly formed construction group and suggested a collaboration. The plan was for their groups to pool efforts and collect Thornwood Flower stems and thorns to be used as construction materials. You guys ready? he addressed his companions. Today, we will delve back into the Thornwood Forest. Our goal is clear: gather the stems and thorns of Thornwood Flowers. Remember, we rise as one, or we fall as one. His words resonated with the group, eliciting nods and eager expressions. He always wanted to say those words. Becoming the main character in famous movies and uttering clich yet empowering lines had always been his childhood dream, and now he had the opportunity to act like one thanks to this immersive game world. With William at the helm, both groups ventured forth, navigating the verdant labyrinth with practiced ease. Soon enough, they arrived at the field of Thornwood Flowers. The small pink flowers in the sea of thorns gave off a hallucinatory effect despite their small sizes. Caution was needed when handling these magical plants. Out of the blue, Thunder sidled up to William with an eager glint in his eyes. You see, the trees here, around this part of the forest, theyre distinct from the ones nearer the academy. Take a look at their trunks theyre thicker, and have you noticed the sparse thorns adorning their bark? I had a chat with the headmaster yesterday, and I believe theyre called ironthorn trees. Well, we can tell that just by looking at them. What does it matter anyway? William scratched his chin and tilted his head. Its important! Thunder exclaimed with eyes full of excitement. Can you fathom that these trees yield wood that is harder and many times more durable than pine? I mean, its surreal to witness such marvels, even if its all within the confines of a game. Think about it the kind of sturdy furniture or, better yet, construction materials we could craft from these ironthorn trees! Right William didnt bother engaging further with this crazy player and his unconventional train of thought. Instead, he shifted his focus back to the task at hand and directed the group to begin harvesting the stems. The pay for this task was pretty good. For every kilogram of cut stem, he would be rewarded with one merit point. As for separating the thorns from the stems, that would be the job for Thunder and his construction group, and the pay wasnt bad either. Perhaps this was attributed to the inherent risk involved in this job being outside the academys magic barriers. The chopping had to be done carefully, though. Not only the thorns could injure people, but the stems also had to be cut as long as possible with a minimum length of one meter. Or else, there would be a reduction in the points gained. With determination, the foraging group set to work, blades slicing through the sturdy thornwood stems. All was progressing according to plan until Huh, what are these things? A puzzled voice rang out, breaking the rhythmic cadence. Whats wrong? William responded promptly, striding toward the source of concern. There, a player pointed at a web-covered mass nestled high in the canopy. Something is amiss. Thunder, who was in the vicinity inspecting the trees, approached the scene. A solemn realization crossed his features. Look at the marks on the canopy Some of the branches even have bite marks and bloodstains on them. Magical beasts! Those words lingered unspoken yet ominous, hanging heavy in the air. There could be no mistake; this was the nest of a magical beast. The pristine white webs hinted at an entity likely a spider-like creature of substantial size, possibly as large as a human. The devil is that thing?! Crap! Are we going to have our first encounter with a magical beast? What encounter? This isnt the time to get excited! The other players nearby were attracted by the scene and reacted with a mixture of emotions. Some were curious and excited, while others were afraid and anxious. Mhm. We must regroup, William declared firmly, recognizing the gravity of the situation. According to the academys protocol, we should gather all personnel and retreat from this area. Were in uncharted territory here, and we have no idea what were facing. Nods of agreement rippled through the group. It was indeed within the academys protocol to prioritize safety over recklessness. The reality of their immersive gaming experience was starkly evident the thrill of encountering magical beasts was no mere spectacle but a genuine danger that demanded vigilance. They quickly shifted into action, coming together in a huddled formation, their gazes scanning one another to ensure the presence of their fellow players. Yet one was missing among them. Chapter 36: First Blood Wheres Zylvern? an uneasy voice trailed off. Should we search for him? another player proposed. No, the headmaster said that if something like this occurs, retreating and informing him is imperative. Besides, we can call the assistant fairy As he spoke about calling the assistant fairy, the other players flinched and averted their gazes as though avoiding some unspoken truth. At times like this, the assistant fairy had instructed them to call her through their Shadowlink Marks. William himself had never attempted to utilize this feature because it required speaking a truly, truly embarrassing line. So embarrassing that if spoken in front of the other players, he would become a laughingstock on the official forum for days to come; a price too steep to pay. Er I dont know why, but I feel like Miss Fairy made it like that so that she would only be called if absolutely necessary. William had this inkling in his mind. Fuck it. If you guys are gonna be a chicken, then Ill do it! Locktekei, one of the construction group members, stepped forward, activated his Shadowlink Mark, and stated, Emerge with a dance as awkward uh as my attempts at flirting with a ninety-year-old Uh I dont wanna be a wet blanket, but its a bit too late for that. Thunder swiftly stopped him from embarrassing himself any further as he pointed to a nearby tree. Suspended from its branches hung a human-sized cocoon, its humanoid shape unmistakable. Muffled sounds emanated from within, accompanied by a subtle movement. One thing was for sure: It hadnt been there before Holy shit! Isnt that Zylvern, the one whos missing? Fear tangled with adrenaline gripped the players hearts as they clenched their weapons and tools. The unknown threat had shattered their composure. William led a small group toward the cocoon to inspect it and possibly save the player trapped within. But just when they were a few steps away, a piercing shriek shattered the air. Watch out! Above them, an eight-legged nightmare clung to the tree, its body melding into the shadows of the bark. It was a massive spider, bigger than anything William had ever seen. SKREEE!! Fu! The spider monster spared not a second as it lunged at William with terrifying speed. Instinct took over as William brandished his stone spear, meeting the creatures onslaught head-on. The impact reverberated through him, pushing him to the ground as the spear sank into the spiders chitinous armor but failed to pierce through it. Fuck, fuck, fuck! This is scarier than playing horror games! William grunted as he forced the stone spear to become a barrier between himself and the spiders menacing jaws a last line of defense in this nightmarish confrontation. Aaahh! Locktekei yelled aloud as he rushed to his aid, iron axe in hand, and aimed squarely at the spiders back. However, the creatures extraordinary perception, sharpened by its expansive vision and Locktekeis cry, allowed it to anticipate the assault. It sidestepped the blow with lightning-quick maneuver, narrowly evading the axes arc. Enraged, the spider unleashed its fury upon Locktekei, sinking its fangs into his neck. Blood erupted in a gruesome spurt, dyeing the ground crimson. Argh! Help! Help me! Locktekei cried, trying his best to get the spider off his back but to no avail. Everyone, attack! an unknown speaker commander, igniting a surge of determination from the remaining players. William, seizing the moment, regained his footing and thrust his stone spear into an opening in the creatures defenses. Others joined the fray, their coordinated assault forcing the spider into a defensive stance. Stabs, chops, cuts, and slices rained down upon it from every angle, their collective blows feeling like brutal vengeance. SKREEE! Each individual attack was a minor wound, but their combined onslaught became a storm that overwhelmed the spiders defenses. The creature writhed and contorted under the barrage, and in one final, violent surge, the accumulation converged, delivering a death blow that silenced the creatures piercing cry. Unfortunately, they were too late to save their friend Locktekei as he was sprawled motionless on the ground. The sight of his lifeless form sent shivers down their spines; it was just too realistic. Phew Never thought Id feel this kind of adrenaline in a game. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Damn! The sensation of cutting that spider felt too real! Even William, the one who emerged victorious, found himself physically and mentally drained the stone spear in his hand had broken into two. He collapsed to the ground and panted heavily, his heart filled with dread as he looked upon the aftermath of their battle. Now I know why the headmaster told me to not get ahead of myself and start hunting outside the academy grounds. Without magic, were just mere mortals the lowest on the food chain. You okay? Thunder extended a helping hand, and he accepted the offer, leveraging it to rise to his feet. Im fine He spared a glance at Locktekeis corpse. His final expression was that of disbelief, with eyes that were still wide open in shock. Normally, he wouldve felt nausea for how real the corpse was, but in this game, he felt oddly undisturbed. Thunder approached the fallen form, gently closing his eyes. A hint of grief crossed his features, but it fell short of comparing to the emotion of watching a friend die in real life. Nevertheless, William felt that this player was taking this too seriously, as though he was living in this world instead of playing a game. Sorry, I couldnt save your friend. This may just be a game, but The fact Locktekei died after saving him made him feel like it was his fault. No worries. Thunder shook his head. Whats important is that we retreat from this place and bring his corpse back. The smell of blood could potentially attract other magical beasts to this location, so we better be quick. Uh-huh. William nodded in agreement and led the others to go back to the academy. Of course, he didnt forget to save the player who was swathed in spider silk. *** Victors expression darkened as he listened to Lizbeths panic-stricken account of the players death. Unexpectedly, on the fifth day of the game, someone suffered a combat casualty, which was at least two weeks earlier than he had anticipated. While a non-combat accident might have been unfortunate, a death resulting from direct conflict was the worst-case scenario. Hearing the details made Victors eyebrows crease. There had been no records of spider-like magical beasts native to the Thornwood Forest, at least not as far as his memory served. He questioned Lizbeth on why she hadnt intervened. She could have appeared in her hologram form to alert the players and urge them to retreat from the danger. Despite watching this whole thing unfold, she responded apprehensively Well, I did instruct the players to contact me using the feature within their Shadowlink Marks, Lizbeth explained through the holographic screen, her gaze averting as she enumerated her reasons. But seeing that they were already engaged with the spider and had no time to do so, I decided not to interfere, not that I could do anything in that situation. Besides, this could serve as their first encounter with a magical beast a lesson to teach these players. Her excuses did little to assuage his concern. Perhaps he had to give this assistant fairy some form of disciplinary action for her poor judgment. Though, in truth, she couldnt have done much to help even if she appeared. As much as Victor wished he could have helped the players and saved the day right there and then, he had been on his way back from the daily visit to the village, carrying potatoes, tools, and weapons recently made by Eleanor. Even if he cast every magic spell he knew that could increase mobility, he wouldnt have reached them in time. His power was still far from that of an official Magus with the power to conjure a spell that would enable him to fly. On top of that, he received this report only after the players had beaten the magical beast. This was surprising creatures categorized as magical beasts, even the weakest among them, typically possessed combat prowess that neared or rivaled that of a first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. This turn of events left Victor speculating whether the encountered creature was an inferior subspecies or had some other unique traits. Not long after, Victor arrived near the scene, where players who had faced the magical beast were gathered at the clearings edge. Curiously, their demeanor was lacking the expected fear. In contrast, an air of excitement hung about them, fueled by the prospect of battling formidable magical creatures. Bro, how did you get kidnapped by the spider monster? Yeah, what is it like being trapped inside a cocoon? Did you feel like you were turning into a butterfly? Im telling you! I swear, I was just taking a leak nearby, and then the spider monster started webbing me up. Worst of all, being wrapped in that cocoon was one hell of an experience; I couldnt move a muscle! So you were abducted in the middle of doing your little business? Hahaha! Why didnt you shout for help? The damn spiders web hit my head first. I thought I was blind for a second, thinking that a large bird had pooped on my face. Ugh, just thinking about it grosses me out. And some of that web got in my mouth! Shit! Chatter filled the air as players exchanged stories, their animated conversations revolving around the player who had been ensnared in the spiders cocoon. If Victors memory served him correctly, the players name was Zylvern. Victor showed himself and stepped forward with a commanding presence. Ahem. Explain what happened here. Headmaster! They all came to attention. Sir Astralium Well, this is how it went down Prominence, stepping forward as the leader, began recounting the events from the players perspective. Interestingly enough, there were a few subtle divergences compared to what Lizbeth had narrated. According to him, they had initially attempted to withdraw but were caught off guard by the spiders swift assault. Despite the players valiant efforts, this unanticipated confrontation tragically led to the demise of Locktekei, a member of the construction group. I see. Victor inspected the fallen players body that was positioned to the side and mused, Im not sure if he can be considered lucky or not, but he was bitten on the neck, meaning he was given the mercy of a swift demise, and it spared his clothes from damage. The acolyte robe is valuable, after all, and can be reused by him upon revival. This aspect had become the setting of the game: The players could respawn indefinitely, provided they possessed sufficient merit points. Uhm, Prominence continued hesitantly, aside from that, we might have brought the spiders corpse with us. Oh? Excellent. Show me then. Of course, its right over there. Prominence led Victor a dozen or so steps in a certain direction. He then gestured toward the defeated carcass of a brownish-black spider the size of an adult male with its eight legs sprawled out like a grotesque tableau. This Isnt this Realization dawned upon him; the whole situation was way graver than he had initially expected. Chapter 37: Prepare an Umbrella Before the Rain All the information that Victor had regarding this creature came from ancient records, so he wasnt sure how much of it held true. After all, the grand library in the Arcane Radiance College hosted tens of thousands of books on the lowest floor accessible to acolytes, and it was practically impossible to read everything Besides, this species was said to have been extinct in Seraphia. Regardless, the species of the spider-like magical beast was known as Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid. Despite having the word Lesser in its name, underestimating these creatures would be a grave mistake. What scared Victor the most was their hive-minded nature kill one of their kind, and you would have the whole nest knocking at your door the next day. Unlike normal spiders, which were solitary insects, these arachnids operated under a hierarchical structure akin to ants, making fear of these vengeful magical beasts deeply ingrained among Magi. Their queen, much like the ruler of an ant colony, possessed combat prowess comparable to a full-fledged Elemental Adept Magus. Although a magical beasts might couldnt compare to a genuine Magus with their strange array of spells, it wasnt an opponent that Victor could easily confront. Moreover, if an entire nest came swarming, even a Nexus Temporal Magus would be forced to retreat. As such, this one here must be a stray. Or else, the players wouldnt have prevailed with only one casualty, let alone dispatch it at all. Stray or not, it was for a fact that one was killed just outside the magic barriers of the academy. Sooner or later, their queen would detect this loss. A side mission about finding the sources of the academys barriers magic formations, and now an incident involving a menacing magical beast in close proximity to the academy Why does it feel like they both correlate with each other? Dont tell me A sudden spark emerged, widening his eyes. He realized he was in a race against time! Somethings wrong, sir? Prominence inquired. Its nothing for you to be concerned about. Victor brushed him aside with a dismissive gesture. Ill handle the disposal of their remains. Return to your tasks, and remember not to take any unnecessary risks; the forest holds dangers beyond your imagination. Naturally, Victor issued a stern prohibition against venturing into the Thornwood Flower field until he deemed it safe. The aim was to prevent any further casualties, if at all possible. Yes! Headmaster! The other players echoed their agreement and obediently nodded their heads. This harrowing encounter had obviously left an impression on them about the perilous nature of magical beasts. With the matter addressed, Victor departed from the scene, making his way directly to the Nexus Tower with the lifeless bodies of both the player and the spider in tow. He planned to do some experimentation by converting the fallen players body into essence points. As for the spiders carcass though it was theoretically edible, the idea of consuming such a grotesque creature made his stomach turn. Putting the spiders corpse into the converter first, the essence points on the digital display promptly increased to 64 (ten of which had already been utilized in todays fresh incubation process). Next, Victor stripped Locktekeis body of its possessions before depositing it into the converter. Strangely, there was no perceptible increment in the digital readout. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the increase was, in fact, a decimal value 0.5, to be exact equivalent to half of what was typically required to incubate a mortal body. Guess its better than nothing. No matter how tiny a mosquito was, it was still meat, as the old adage said. Returning his focus to the task at hand, Victor attended to his duties. Because he was in a rush, he left the assortment of tools and weapons contained within a sizable animal skin sack just outside the Headmasters Building. These tools and weapons made by Eleanor boasted superb quality and distinctive designs that exuded a certain charm, as if a master blacksmith had crafted them. They were sharper and more durable than their run-of-the-mill iron counterparts. While the materials used came from a magical beast, being able to utilize and process them showed that she had incredible talent and skill. In the future, he planned on relying on her to supply him with more equipment as needed. Although, having had to make this delivery multiple times had Victor contemplating his profession: Was he a headmaster or an Uber driver? Maybe he should send players to do it in his stead. Nah, thats not a feasible option, at least not currently, Victor mused. Such an approach could inadvertently lead to complications with how players interacted with the local inhabitants. Suspicion might arise if he didnt handle the situation delicately. On top of that, considering the players current weak prowess, sending them into the forest was not worth the risk. Even though the southern forest was relatively safer, complete safety couldnt be guaranteed. It wasnt Victor being soft or anything, but there was a difference between building experience and sending them on a suicide mission. On the contrary, bringing individuals he could trust to the academy seemed like a more prudent course of action than sending players outside to interact with locals. Hm, establishing the smithy should be a priority, then. In any event, initiating the construction of the earthen wall around the academy, particularly its northern section, was a pressing matter. While he couldnt predict the precise nature of future threats, preparing for a confrontation, especially with the queen spider, appeared inevitable. Having one or two cards up his sleeve would provide a welcome layer of security. Thats right. I ought to devise security measures should such a situation arise. What was of utmost importance now was to finish the side mission and convey the urgency of the situation to the players. Perhaps their collective insights could yield innovative solutions to tackle this impending challenge. *** In the heart of the Thornwood Forest, a sprawling cave concealed a hidden world. Countless spiders filled every corner, and every spot was covered in intricately woven silk, glistening with iridescence. At the center of it all stood a creature of nightmarish grace. A fusion of a human-like upper body and arachnid lower body, covered in shimmering black scales she was the undisputed queen of this spider domain. Yet, despite her humanoid appearance, she had not a shred of human compassion or intelligence, only bloodlust and savagery. On this night, a tremor of dread coursed through the queen spiders senses the instant she was awakened from her slumber. Across the threads of their shared connection, she felt a void a rupture that sent tremors through her very being. One of her precious offspring had been torn from her embrace, and a sense of loss pierced her heart. The last memory of its assailants was vivid. The killers were none other than the most hateful beings of the spider queen: humans! Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. SKREEE!! The queen spider let out a long grief-stricken screech. Her eyes, a blend of fury and determination, glinted with a chilling intensity. Strong, supple, silken legs carried her forward, the air pulsating with chaotic magic that mirrored her wrath. Even the forest itself seemed to acknowledge the disturbance; its rhythm disturbed by her wrathful presence. Emerging from her sanctuary, the spider queen stood poised before her kin. Moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on her ebony exoskeleton and human upper form. SKREE! A high, guttural growl rumbled forth as it transformed into a command that echoed through the chamber. In response, her subjects quivered with a mixture of fear and reverence, their numerous eyes reflecting a primal understanding. SKREE! SKREE! SKREE! ! As if attuned to her will, the spiders joined with their voices and became a symphony of feral cries that echoed through the cave. With purposeful movements, they began to pour forth from their silk-laden sanctuary to the outside world with a sole purpose: Vengeance for their brethren. *** Unaware of the recent events in the Thornwood Forest, Victor sat in his office, engrossed in the holographic projection of the official website forum. There was a thread that caught his attention, which was posted by none other than the recently deceased player, Locktekei. The thread bore the somewhat anxious title, First Time Dying in the Game. Have I Lost My Qualification? Conveniently, locating him didnt seem to be an ordeal. As soon as he opened the forum, he saw Locktekeis username on the forums homepage, and his post had already garnered over one hundred replies. The post read: Darn, luck just wasnt on my side. A nasty bite to the neck, and the next thing I knew, I was staring at my bedroom ceiling. I cant help but wonder, do I have enough merit points for a resurrection? What happens if I dont? Please answer me, O game devs Ahh! This is driving me nuts! Locktekei then went on to recount what he had gone through, detailing it much like Prominence had explained it to Victor. However, the more he read, the more he didnt know whether to chuckle or sigh in exasperation; these players were newbies in every sense of the word, no matter how abundant their gaming experience may be. Sure, the way Locktekei explained it made it seem like he had done a great deal, but in his eyes, they were just a bunch of noobs. Locktekei: When I saw Prominence pinned to the ground by the spider, I shouted and brandished my axe before rushing ahead to kill it Who wouldve guessed that I was discovered and thus met my demise? Locktekei: I didnt die in an instant, though, as it took a few seconds before I lost consciousness. And there wasnt any pain, so it didnt quite register at first. My initial thought was that Id been disconnected. But the message in my helmet read connection interrupted, which then became restricted login. So, I could be pretty darn sure that Id just bit the dust in the game. Talk about unlucky. What do you mean unlucky? You literally shouted when you should have snuck in and attacked silently No wonder the spider would dodge and bite back at you. These players sorely needed a crash course or tutorial in hunting. As though echoing Victors sentiments, the responses from other players werent particularly sympathetic. Among those who had already met the qualifications for the closed-alpha test, opinions were mixed between supportive and ridicule. Meanwhile, many who were still unable to get into the game expressed their grievances and made some jabs at Locktekei. Every death meant one fewer spot for new players the following day, and it would take a full day to respawn. ButaYaarou: Bro, did you miss the memo from movies and novels about not shouting when sneaking up on an enemy? Thats like day one stuff. Squadzell: Locktekei, If youre here to throw the game, you might as well hand your account over to me Prominence: Come on, folks! Lets show some support. He did help distract it and give us the opportunity to kill the spider, at least. Locktekei: Wait, so we managed to kill the spider monster? Prominence: Yup! Locktekei: Woohoo! It seems that my sacrifice is not in vain. c()Ρ Other than this, there was one particular tidbit that made Victor raise his eyes in amusement. Seeing that the other players were too embarrassed to call the assistant fairy through the feature in the Shadowlink Mark, I summoned the courage to do it myself. But, well, it mightve been a tad too late because our friendly neighborhood spider monster had already set its sights on us with a devious trap. Embarrassed to call Lizbeth? What was really going on here? Also, this was the only post that garnered positive reactions from the players for some reason. Then again, these past few hours, Victor felt as if Lizbeth had been avoiding him. This raised his suspicions, and now seemed a good time to confront her about it. Before addressing this problem, however, Victor first replied to the thread: You dont have to worry about the resurrection. Upon checking the internal data, weve confirmed you have more than enough merit points to initiate a resurrection, which is set at a minimum of one hundred points. But remember, even if you lack the required merit points, you can still resurrect, albeit with consequences to compensate for the lack of points. A drop in amity points with the headmaster NPC will be one of them. Further details will be addressed later today on the official website. His message was swarmed with replies the second it was posted. Standing up, Victor approached the bedroom door and swung it open. With a swift flick of his finger, he sealed every potential escape route using simple magic manipulation. He had a hunch that Lizbeth had been hiding here, and his intuition was spot on. There, behind the wolf pup, which had grown to the size of an adult Pomeranian, Lizbeth was peeking at him with tiny eyes full of guilt. Liz, care to explain what you did to make the players embarrassed to call on you? Victor advanced toward her with a menacing face and displayed the holographic thread on the screen for her to see. This was all a calculated move. Eek! She flinched and began to explain herself through broken words, I-Its just a little mischief I erred. Yes. Nothing too important. Well, your little mischief caused the death of a player. Victors words were technically a lie since casualties were likely to appear in such an encounter, and no one could have anticipated this happening. Thus, this was all an exaggeration to scare and prank her. F-Fine I confess that I did that for a reason; the players were getting overly energetic when they called for me. They even poked me as if I were just an object! So, I did that to make them only call me when absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, while her reasoning was understandable and the death of a player wouldnt really harm the academy since they could resurrect, she needed a talking-to. Apparently, she didnt quite understand her role as the self-proclaimed assistant fairy. And so, he did just that: Lizbeth, you might think you were justified, but this is more serious than you realize. As my assistant, youre responsible for overseeing the academys progress, and that includes the well-being of the players. Victor crossed his arms, his gaze stern as he leaned forward, towering over the small fairy who hovered anxiously in the air. I understand that players can be hyperactive and annoying, but you need to understand your role. Your actions affect more than just the players they reflect on the academy itself. This time, it was harmless enough since the player can revive, but what if next time, the situation spirals out of control? Victor knew that he was expecting a lot from a fairy whose usual purpose was to help manage things behind the scenes and not anything beyond that. But she was the only one she could hope to help him. Besides, he felt that Lizbeth was testing him more than she was incompetent in this regard. Okay, Im sorry. I wont do it again. Lizbeth looked up at him with the most endearing expression she could muster, her eyes wide and innocent as she pleaded, Umm, youre not going to do harm to this cute fairy. Right, Master? Woof? Even Lumen joined in on her side with her puppy dog eyes. The combined cuteness nearly got to Victor, who despite having confidence in his poker face, couldnt help a slight twitch. It was clear she was trying to avoid punishment with her adorable act. Im not going to harm you, per se, but a deduction from your salary is in order. Naturally, Victor replied, his tone half serious, half amused. Lizbeths salary consisted of the food he provided her; she had no need for money or mana crystals. This seemed like the fairest way to discipline her, given his past life experiences with exploitative companies. Nooo! Anything but that! Lizbeth protested in an exaggerated, melodramatic fashion. She then added with a mischievous glint in her eyes, But hear me out, dear Headmaster. I might just have a valuable piece of information for you. Something worth more than the deduction to my little pay. Ho? Intrigued and slightly amused by her sudden change in demeanor, Victor questioned, What is it? If this information holds real value, I will consider it. Well, I may have remembered where the magic formations of the academys barrier might be placed The revelation caught Victor by surprise. While he had intended to investigate this as soon as possible, there was something else he needed to take care of first Chapter 38: Alpha Version 0.2 Update: the Arachnid Invasion Official website: Magus Academy Online Testing Server Alpha Version 0.2 Update Announcement Major Update:
  1. New Storyline Arachnid Invasion Brace yourselves for an enthralling event! The Arachnid Invasion is now online: There will be an invasion of hundreds of arachnid creatures known as Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids in the academy. The timeframe for this event will depend on the storyline progression. Players must rally to fortify the academys defenses and arm themselves for the impending challenge. Be thoroughly prepared!
  2. New In-Game Risks and Challenges If the invasion is successfully defended against, all players who meet the average online time of 6 hours or more daily during the closed-alpha stage will earn a limited title of Arachnid Disaster Survivor, and those who contributed significantly will be awarded an even rarer title of Arachnid Disaster Hero. If the challenge fails, the game server will be suspended within a time limit, and the test will be relaunched after the difficulty setting is adjusted.
  3. New Virtual Shop To assist players in their preparations, a virtual shop has been introduced within the game. Here, players can exchange merit points for valuable spell models, bodies of knowledge, and other amenities.
  4. New Night System Players will now be able to log in beyond their usual twelve-hour limit and try the game''s night system.
  1. Increase in Total Quota for Applicants The quota for closed-alpha players has been set to 100 or more.
  2. Recording and Screenshotting Now Available Players, you have spoken, and we have listened! This update will implement in-game video and image capturing, but please beware that this is still the testing phase, and restrictions will be applied to maintain the balance and fairness of the game.
Optimization:
  1. Enhanced Graphics and Environments Prepare to be awed by the graphical improvements and immersive environments!
  2. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Our team has been hard at work weaving away any pesky bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the game. Your experience in Magus Academy Online will now be smoother and more enjoyable than ever.
Please note that the server update will occur from 12:00 EST until 18:00 EST, so you dont have to worry about having less time to play. This is a major update, and we appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to refine and expand the world of Magus Academy Online. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements in the world of Magus Academy Online! After posting the announcement, Victor logged into Discord. He opened the Gamers Empire Discord server, which was already buzzing with activity. The first encounter with a magical beast had clearly made an impression, but now the server was ablaze with discussions about the Alpha Version 0.2 update and the surprise drop of the Arachnid Invasion event. Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Holy shit! Yo, did anyone catch the news on the official website? Theres an update coming our way! Stickman_Just_Passing: Yeah, seen it. But seriously, a big event for a game still in closed alpha? This is outrageous! Captain Derp: The games not even a week old, am I right? Whats up with that? What about folks who didnt make the alpha cut? Wont they miss it? Squadzell: Are the game devs stupid or something? Do they hate money or what? Somebody ping the stupid game promotional manager; I want to speak with him! MikeIsHandsome1000x: @CyberWarlock, someone called you and the whole dev team stupid. Squadzell: Shit, I was just joking! ?? (Squadzell deleted a message) Squadzell: No hard feelings, I swear! I can give you money, so please give me access! This guy Doesnt he have anything better to do? Some players were really passionate about getting in on the action, even if they had to resort to desperate measures, it seemed. Victor was too lazy to reply to each individual message, so he decided to write an entire passage of a development diary to post on the official forum. Major updates like this concerned the interests of all players. Therefore, of course, he had to use the identity of the game promotional manager to have a good chat with the players. Dev Diary #1: Alpha Version 0.2 Hi everyone, I am your dearest promotional manager! I hope your time in the game has been nothing short of amazing. As for me, Ive been burning the midnight oil with the rest of the development team to push forward this update. Fun fact, one of our programmers even had to postpone their honeymoon to make this happen, so you know were serious! Now, I get it, the Arachnid Invasion content update might have been sudden. But trust us, its all part of the plan; we also want to take this chance to test the servers stability when running a big event such as this. Rest assured, were not just unleashing giant spiders on you for fun, although that does sound pretty fun, doesnt it? Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. After all, it wasnt within Victors ability to predict things like this. If he could, he wouldnt want the invasion to happen; developing in silence and secrecy would be best. But since this was unavoidable, he had to take the next best course of action. Of course, we understand that youre barely experiencing the game and are not ready to take on this challenge. Worry not! Our ever-wise headmaster has come to your rescue with a brand-new addition to the game the virtual shop! Now, you can get your hands on those long-desired spells and start flinging magic like a pro! Naturally, they first had to be promoted to first-stage Initiate Attunement before casting magic became a possibility. However, Victor anticipated that some players would achieve this stage within the next few days, or at most, a week. These individuals would be the primary combatants Victor would rely on in the oncoming battle against the arachnid invaders. Other than that, Ive heard players complaining about only being able to enter the game after six in the evening and having to stick to the official website for daytime shitposting, as you so eloquently put it. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the night system! From now on, you can log in whenever you want, day or night. How about that? I bet youre surprised, and you should be, because this is a game-changer! With time being of the essence, Victor needed players to spend more time inside the game to help him. Now, I want you to hold your horses from celebrating there. In Magus Academy Online, your characters are acolytes treading on the Magus path. Part of your in-game routine involves practicing meditation techniques to gather mana and, in a way, replace the need for sleep. What Victor wrote next emphasized that the game developers aimed to strike a balance between the players real lives and their in-game time. Even if they logged in during the wee hours of the night, it wasnt like they could go out and explore the world. Their scope would be limited to the academy grounds, where theyd serve as Victors slav lackeys. Moving on to the last topic I want to discuss here is the implementation of in-game video and image capturing. I promised a certain someone that Id push for these features in this update, and Im not one to eat my words. However! There are some crucial restrictions I want to emphasize, and these are non-negotiable! First, players will only be able to record what they see through their own eyes, and they must not be too far from the academy. Panoramic recording is currently impossible. Furthermore, capturing anything that falls under the R18+ rating is strictly forbidden, as this goes against our policies. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a permanent ban from the game. There are a few other smaller restrictions within the game that players will have to discover for themselves. He intentionally left out specific details about these restrictions. One such restriction was related to the virtual shop in the Shadowlink Mark, which players could exploit. This limitation was due to the fact that he planned to sell spell models there in e-book form, which would have been the size of a full book in their physical form. This was so that he could distribute them in large quantities and spare himself the trouble of printing them one by one. However, with the new image capture feature, a single person could buy a spell model or a spell e-book and easily share it across the internet, potentially undermining the purpose of the virtual shop. Victor wasnt so petty as to forbid anyone from spreading magic spells without buying from the virtual shop, but he wouldnt help them either; there had to be some sort of restrictions so that it wouldnt end with a single-time purchase. As for live streaming, that could be thrown away altogether. Victor was sure that he would be able to control the different time flow between the two worlds to some degree once the academy leveled up at least twice, and thus, it would be very hard to synchronize! Of course, there was an option to make the streaming available between in-game players only, but this was something he could add at some point in the future. Regarding the downloading of screenshots and recordings taken in-game to your personal device: Rest assured, they will all be accessible on your accounts private page on the official website. This eliminates the need to connect your gaming capsule directly with your device. This could not only screen out overly suggestive content or exploits but also prevent players from attempting to hack the gaming capsule a feat that was nearly impossible anyway. While hosting such a vast amount of data might seem daunting, the Nexus Beacon seemed to have an almost limitless storage capacity. Thus, Victor felt no cause for concern. That wraps up the first installment of the dev diary. I hope you all enjoy this exciting new update. Happy gaming! Seconds after the edited posts were published, countless replies immediately overwhelmed the chat. Victor had given them a clarification, so there was no need for any further additions. As he was about to close the holographic screen, someone pinged him from the Discord group he had created for the first batch of players. ZeroXScyth: @CyberWarlock Sorry to bother you. If you dont mind, could you give us an answer to our question? Of course, if its a company secret, you dont have to tell us. Hrm? Answer what now? Victor scrolled up and saw these five people talking about the recent update. They were speculating about whether players had an influence on controlled and uncontrolled events happening in the game. The catalyst for this conversation was none other than Prominence, the one who led the group of players and allegedly triggered this update. CyberWarlock: I suppose I can give some explanation since it isnt a secret. The answer is a resounding yes. The main storyline of the game is intricately shaped by the actions of the players. Storm Bringer: So, does this mean every choice we make will have consequences? By the way, thanks for pushing my request through! Now, I wont have anxiety from not being able to play on the day! CyberWarlock: No problem. And to answer your question: Indeed, we have designed the game to be adaptable and responsive to the players actions and the circumstances at play. Prominence: Damn! This might be a big revelation to the players, even if it wasnt the case for him. After all, most, if not all, games out there followed predetermined scripts. Having a game that could dynamically react to player choices meant that it was just like the real world! MikeIsHandsome1000x: Honestly, at this point, I dont know if Im surprised or not. Though It does remind me of those VR novels that were all the rage a decade ago. CyberWarlock: Hahaha. Well, were not quite at that level yet, but I cant spill all the beans. ZeroXScyth: No worries. Thank you for sharing. Storm Bringer: Yeah! Big thanks for introducing us to this game. SuperNovaX: For sure. CyberWarlock: No worries. Weve been online friends for years, so of course I would ask you guys first among all my friends. With nothing more to contribute to the conversation, Victor closed the holographic screen and redirected his focus to the task at hand: locating the magic formations of the academys barrier. Chapter 39: The Key to the Puzzle is Actually… Led by Lizbeth, Victor stood in front of a particular wall on the basement floor, just opposite the Nexus Beacon. You said this is the place? Victor pointed skeptically at the unremarkable wall, squinting his eyes as if expecting it to reveal its secrets. Mm-hmm! Lizbeth declared with unwavering confidence. Without a shadow of a doubt, its right here! I cant sense any mana fluctuations or any signs of an entrance here. It just looks like an ordinary granite wall to me. Through mana sense, it was possible to tell if there was something behind the wall, but Victor sensed no such thing. Hmm-hmm! Leave this to the pro me. Lizbeth, undeterred, puffed out her chest, radiating an air of self-assuredness. With that declaration, she flew toward the wall, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Victor watched, curious about what she had in mind. She gently tapped the wall with her tiny hand and said the magic word open sesame, but nothing happened. Oh yeah it has to be you, Master, the one with the headmaster authority. Ehehe. She chuckled, flicked her head, and stuck her tongue out. It was obvious she hadnt actually anticipated this. Victor sighed. So much for trusting you, huh So? What should I do? Just press your Shadowlink Mark on your left wrist against the wall. Victor did as instructed, and then the wall began glowing. Suddenly, there was a grid of strange magic symbols in the form of ancient glyphs and even runes inscribed on the wall, creating something that appeared to be a puzzle? There were also writings written in the ancient Seraphian language, and upon reading it, Victor came to a realization. The glowing glyphs each represented an element: Pyro, Hydro, Geo, Anemo, Chrono, etc. It seemed that to solve the puzzle, one must arrange the glyphs in a specific sequence by constructing the necessary spell formation. Victor surmised that the runes were the key to solving the sequence. Are you confident in solving this? Lizbeth asked. Victor responded with a nonchalant shrug. Well, well never know unless I give it a try. Alright then, go on. She retreated behind him. In the interim, I will take care of implementing the features for the update. Paying her no further mind, Victor began scrutinizing the puzzle on the wall. As an acolyte, he possessed some level of knowledge of runes, but deciphering the sequence was no easy matter, let alone constructing the required spell formation. Even the most basic one would take him at least an hour. After nearly two hours of intense concentration, Victor finally constructed a spell formation that he believed might solve the puzzle. With a determined flick of his hand, he activated it. Strings of light wove through the glyphs, aligning them according to his design. However, before even a few seconds had passed, the spell formation collapsed, sending a painful backlash through him. Gah! He clutched his injured wrist, wincing in pain. As I thought, this wont be easy Am I missing a clue here? Victor couldnt shake the feeling that he was approaching the puzzle the wrong way. The runes, although acting as a hint, presented a daunting challenge due to their overwhelming number of them. A single mistake would force him to start over, making it akin to a blind person trying to determine the color of the sky. Furthermore, brute-forcing his way through the puzzle would take ages. The only feasible solution was to somehow learn the correct sequence beforehand and construct the spell formation accordingly. Frustration tugged at Victor as he inspected the wall once more, ensuring he hadnt missed a crucial hint. And then, it happened. He noticed something unusual at the bottom of the writing, a tiny piece of text that seemed intentionally concealed during his initial examination. The content of this hidden message read: Oh, you thought this was childs play? ?? Well, think again! But dont worry, even official Magi would stumble trying to solve this the usual way. Heres a hint: Magic isnt the only answer; youll need to think outside the box. P.S. The more you fail, the nastier the backlash gets. I predicted that at your current rank, you wont last five attempts. P.P.S. If you exceed your limit, you will really die. Your Dear First Headmaster. You dont say! Its the former headmaster and their antics again Sheesh. And whats with the smug emoji and the increasing backlash the more I fail?! Victor almost couldnt hold himself back from cursing them out loud. But for some mysterious reason, after trying to decipher the correct sequence, a feeling of dj vu began to unfurl within Victor as he pondered the cryptic message. Sequence Think out of the box Thats it! Wh-What?! Whats going on with you, Master? Have you finally gone insane? Having finished adding features, Lizbeth had been dozing off while floating, but Victors sudden outburst jolted her awake. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Ive got it! I think I may need the players help to solve this puzzle. Anyways, no time to explain now. In a rush, he snapped an image of the puzzle with the Master Shadowlink Mark and uploaded it to the Discord group with the first batch of players. Of course, he didnt forget to include a detailed explanation about the runes and ancient glyphs without this critical information, even a god-tier player would struggle to decipher the puzzle. Prominence: Whats that, Cyber? CyberWarlock: Its a puzzle that were experimenting with for the game. As our most loyal players, we want to give you a chance to try solving this firsthand. Storm Bringer: Ugh, puzzles arent my strong suit. Whenever I got stuck in a game, Id just hit up YouTube for tutorials. SuperNovaX: Is this I may be able to solve this through programming. The corner of Victors mouth curled up. Indeed, the solution that hed come up with had been through programming as well. However, he had no time to write a specialized code by himself, and he figured that utilizing others to solve this in his stead was the most practical approach. After all, it was just a matter of solving a puzzle. What was wrong with asking others for help? CyberWarlock: Yup, youre on the right track there, SuperNovaX. Rest assured, as long as anyone can solve this puzzle, I will give them the opportunity to ask me anything. This includes classified information like upcoming updates and contents about the game. SuperNovaX: Sweet! Its a bit complex, though, so it might take a whole day for me to compile the correct code. CyberWarlock: Thats perfectly fine. Take all the time you need. Storm Bringer: Dang! Im jealous. Please ask when theyre implementing that appearance-changing cosmetic in the game. And make sure to share it here once youve solved the puzzle so we can all get the scoop! @SuperNovaX Prominence: Storm, we really are brothers from different mothers. You always know what I want to ask. (? ?? ?) Storm Bringer: Scram! Im just curious, okay? The conversation seemed to be derailing from its initial course, so Victor closed the holographic screen and contemplated his next move. Now that he was standing beside the Nexus Beacon in the room, a thought that had been simmering for the past few days now began bubbling up to the surface: He wanted to try his hand at gacha. With the impending threat of the arachnid horde looming large, Victor needed every possible advantage. The absence of magic tools or even artifacts in the Headmaster Budget tab left him with no alternative but to gamble on gacha. Plus, he had a substantial amount of AP to spare 250 of them! If not now, when would he ever use them? Therefore, with the enthusiasm of a little kid receiving a lollipop, Victor opened the gacha section within the Headmaster Budget tab and perused the available selection. Lets see I suppose five Initiate Attunement lootboxes and one Elemental Adept lootbox should suffice, right? Spending all the AP at once would be beyond foolish, or so he thought. Lizbeth, as nonchalant as ever, simply answered as she sat on Victors shoulder, Just like what I previously said: Do as you see fit. Huh. Am I talking to a living fairy or a stone? was what Victor was about to remark, but he let the words sink in his throat. Drawing the gacha was more important than picking a meaningless fight with her. Taking a deep breath, Victors finger pressed the glowing button labeled Draw 5 Lootboxes. It appeared that he had the flexibility to choose how many he wanted to draw at once rather than being restricted to just one or the lofty ten. Regrettably, there was no special bonus or guaranteed ultra-rare item for making ten or more draws. In an instant, a luminous light lit up the blue holographic screen, and a swirl of mesmerizing magical symbols materialized around the Nexus Beacon. The lootboxes, ornately designed and etched with enigmatic runes, manifested one after the other, soaring gracefully toward him. Though the process itself remained unchanged from his previous experiences, the thrill of it never waned. Victor watched with anticipation as the lootboxes in different sizes landed before him. They radiated an enticing aura, promising untold treasures within. His heart quickened as he reached out to open the first lootbox the longest one and with a soft hum, it slowly unfurled before him, revealing what appeared to be an approximately 120-centimeter-long magic staff adorned with a shimmering orange sapphire gem at its peak. Elemental Staff of Flame A masterfully crafted magic staff, hewn from the sacred firewood tree, renowned for its innate connection to the blazing essence of Pyro magic. This elegant instrument is designed to empower its wielder, enhancing their proficiency in channeling and controlling the formidable forces of Pyro-element magic. Rank: Mid-grade magic tool Victor couldnt help a wide smile spreading over his face. JACKPOT! A staff would definitely come in handy when facing the arachnid horde. Furthermore, a mid-grade magic tool like this could fetch as much as fifty novice-grade mana crystals on the market, perhaps even more. Most acolytes in the Arcane Radiance College could only dream of possessing such a treasure due to their high price, which was the precise reason Victor himself had gone without one. If the first pull is this lucky, wont the next four be jackpots too? Victor grinned, his expectations reaching the ceiling. Keep dreaming. But dont take too long, Lizbeth remarked. Since the higher you climb, the harder you fall. As for me, I can float, so this rule doesnt apply. Dont you know being optimistic is the mother of success? Yet, his hopes were soon dashed as the following three items proved to be rather ordinary. Two of them were potions, one for enhancing swiftness and the other for restoring health. The third item was a three-time use offensive magic scroll containing the Aleph-tier spell {Inferno Burst}. They were undoubtedly valuable magic items for most people, but for Victor, they were not of much use. Thirty points gone just like that, Victor lamented, feeling a pang of disappointment. But he wasnt one to give up easily. No! I still have one more! With unwavering determination, he turned his attention to the last remaining lootbox and reached for it. The final lootbox revealed its contents in a blinding burst of light unmatched by any of the others. Within it lay a pendant with a polished onyx gemstone suspended from a delicate silver chain. Upon closer inspection, subtle, ethereal patterns seemed to dance within the onyx, mirroring the shimmering phases of the moon. Twilight Moon Pendant Legend has it that this pendant was once the national treasure of a lost kingdom from the Dark Age. Although it has long since lost its brilliance, its defensive ability cannot be underestimated. If activated, it grants the user an invincibility effect by turning them into an ethereal moonlight shadow. Rank: High-grade magic tool If the magic staff was a rare item, this pendant was an ultra-rare item! The difference was like heaven and earth. No one knew better than Victor when it came to the importance of defense, and this pendant would provide him with an extra layer of security. The defensive magic tool given to Victor by his family as protection was also a high-grade magic tool, but even that was countless times inferior to this one. In fact, it might even be more valuable than some superior-grade magic tools magic tools that were only owned by official Magi. Chapter 40: Everything Here is a Fair Price As Victor gazed at his newly-acquired treasures, excitement bubbling up inside him. These magic tools would undoubtedly prove invaluable in the challenges ahead. Even the other magic items, while of little use to him, could find purpose in the hands of players. However, he wasnt done yet; one more lootbox remained to be opened the Elemental Adept lootbox. Filled with anticipation and hope, he shifted his attention back to the holographic screen and initiated the final draw. The familiar process began once more, and this time, an even more vibrant and opulent lootbox materialized from the Nexus Beacon and gently landed on Victors hands. His hands trembled with anticipation as he prepared to open it. A radiant beam of light erupted from within, temporarily blinding him. When the light finally subsided, it revealed the lootboxs content: a purplish-black spherical crystal orb, roughly the size of a clenched fist, encased in a crystalline shell of ice and glass. Voidborn Orb A magic orb forged by the gifted hands of a genius Artificer from the remnants of a fallen star. This enigmatic orb is shrouded in secrets as deep as the cosmos itself, and it can only be refined by a worthy wielder one with a high affinity for the Cosmo element. Rank: Superior-grade magic tool Sweet mother of Jesus! S-Superior-grade magic tool! Victors jaw hung so wide open that a fairy could fly in and get chewed up. Ooh! You got something good there. Even the ever-mischievous Lizbeth was unable to hide her surprise. Victor gently cradled the Voidborn Orb, channeling his infused mana into its midnight-dark surface. Within seconds, the ethereal orb began to hover effortlessly above his palm as swirling patterns reminiscent of distant galaxies surfaced on it. When he withdrew his hand, it remained suspended nearby, as obedient as a loyal pet. Truly a practical and convenient magic weapon. Magi didnt limit themselves to magic staffs and wands; they had a wide range of magic weapons at their disposal. Some specialized in close combat and wielded magic swords, axes, spears, and various unconventional weapons. Others chose to use magic crossbows, bows, and even siege weapons. Magic guns were also an option that existed in this world This floating orb, however, offered distinct advantages over the typical magic staff. For instance, it freed the wielders hands, granting greater flexibility and potentially providing a split-second advantage in combat. You shouldn''t underestimate this one-second advantage since it could mean the difference between life and death for a Magus. Yet, crafting such a magic tool required rare materials and specialized knowledge, making it a truly exceptional find. And a rare find it was indeed. Victor felt as though this weapon had a special connection to him. Normally, a typical third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte would require at least a whole day to attune their infused mana and refine a superior-grade magic tool, but it only took him almost an instant for this one. How peculiar. Great! With this, my combat prowess has easily increased by 50 percent No, at least double since it perfectly matches my elemental affinity. Victor clenched his fist as confidence boiled up in his chest. It was no joking matter. Coupled with the defensive magic tool, he could now face an official Magus for an extended period of time. Winning was still a distant dream, but having the capability to escape such a formidable opponent was akin to having an extra life. Still, this round of gacha pull had strangely showered him with magic tools; it was as if the System had an uncanny knowledge of his needs and prepared them beforehand. Whatever the reason, as long as it helped him, Victor had no complaints. Asking one-sided questions wouldnt get him anywhere and only make his head ache. Hmm, if the content of the Elemental Adept lootbox is this good, what about Nexus Temporal and above lootboxes? Is it possible to get magic artifacts from them? Victor pondered in anticipation. Even the lowest kind of magic artifact was worth countless times more than magic tools. This was because of a key thing that differentiated them the fact that magic artifacts could directly tap into the power of the Primordial Nexus, making them incomparable to even the finest magic tools. It was no wonder that his former comrades had turned on him when there was a chance of obtaining even a broken one Lizbeth simply smirked at Victors inquiry and looked at him like she was looking at a fool. Well, obviously. But dont get ahead of yourself and take a look at their price tags. Curiosity got the best of him, so he glanced at the price tags: [Nexus Temporal Lootbox (4,000 AP)], [Sigil Conversion Lootbox (160,000 AP)], and the numbers kept multiplying by forty for the subsequent lootboxes. This Is the System trying to rob me?! Given his current rate of earning academy points, it would take ages to afford even a single Nexus Temporal lootbox. Currently, Victor was only left with one hundred academy points under his belt. To put it plainly, Elemental Adept and lower lootboxes are subsidies from the System, Lizbeth explained matter-of-factly. You didnt expect to get them cheaply without a reason, did you? Victor let out a resigned sigh. Youre absolutely right. Magi always prioritized equal trade above all else. If the designer of the System was indeed the previous headmaster a Magus then it made a lot of sense. That was to say, it would only be right for him to earn his worth to get the things he wanted, lest he was killed by another Magus for being egoistic. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Anyway, lets head back to the upper floor. With the other features sorted out, there was only one remaining task at hand: preparing the virtual shop. However, with the puzzle remaining unsolved at the moment, he couldnt sell any spell models except the ones he had mastered or by purchasing from the System. In the former case, Victor had no physical books, and as such, the Shadowlink Marks couldnt copy the content. The best he could do was meticulously write down everything he knew about the spells, including their spell models, and sell them. But this process would undoubtedly be time-consuming and what better time than now to start this task? With that in mind, Victor returned to his office and began his work. At least he had a fairy who could assist him in filling in the small but crucial details. Luckily, the memories of acolytes were much better than ordinary people. *** In the auditorium, an inspiring voice echoed with a stirring cadence. The woods stir with unease, the very earth trembles beneath our feet, and before us stands an unprecedented crisis that tests the very essence of what it means to be a Magus. The arachnid invasion looms ominously over us, a shadow that threatens to engulf our world. These creatures, born from the darkest recesses of the world, possess an insatiable hunger for magic, and they will soon descend upon our academy. From this moment forward, every minute no every second counts! We must be prepared to face this looming threat with our weapons and spells! The players were looking high-spirited as they clenched their fists, listening to every word uttered by the headmaster on the podium. The recent update displayed on the official website had undeniably etched a profound impression upon their hearts, and now, his words kindled their determination. At this moment, it wasnt just the fresh batch of players who were gathered in the auditorium; even the thirty-five players from the previous batches had answered the headmasters summons. After the headmaster gave his daily speech to the fresh batch, he called upon these seasoned players through their Shadowlink Marks to join the assembly. Among them, Alfred and his four friends listened with rapt attention. In preparation for the impending invasion, I have opened the virtual shop accessible through your Shadowlink Marks. Youll find spell models, magic knowledge, or even one-on-one tutoring sessions available for purchase using your merit points. This virtual shop will continually evolve as more offerings are added over time. Spell models! Magic knowledge! All the players clearly yearned to become true Magi who could control storms and lightning. Even Alfred, who was level-headed in most situations, couldnt help but feel a surge of enthusiasm. Furthermore, the mission list has been thoughtfully expanded, featuring essential tasks, facilities that need completion, and the corresponding rewards. Remember, we shall stand together, employing every resource at our disposal to defend our academy. We shall adapt, improvise, and overcome, for that is the essence of the Magus spirit. The invasion is coming; this is our test of fate! The impassioned speech more or less mirrored the official update. This meant that the prologue of the games first event the Arachnid Invasion had begun. With this new chapter opening before them, the players embraced a fresh sense of pride and attachment, much like the prevailing atmosphere on the games official website. Man, so the event has finally begun Prominence remarked as he gazed at the podium. The headmasters speech is so inspiring Its giving me literal chills. Is he really an NPC? Yup! Luckily, I got it all captured thanks to the new recording feature. Storm grinned. More importantly, have you guys checked the virtual shop? Not yet, replied Alfred. The others also nodded, sharing their curiosity. That said, Alfred promptly opened the virtual shop, and his gaze fixated on the array of spell models and magic knowledge available for purchase. Welcome to the virtual shop! Where everything here is a fair price. Spell Model {Slicing Wind} Projects several sharp blades of compressed air toward the target, slicing through opponents with cutting force. Spell Tier: Aleph Elemental Type: Anemo Price: 1,000 merit points {Flame Dart} Conjures a small fiery projectile that shoots toward the target, causing minor burns upon impact. Spell Tier: Aleph Elemental Type: Pyro Price: 1,000 merit points Magic Knowledge Study of Elemental Manipulation (Basic) A basic course to understand elemental manipulation. It is essential to learn this if you want to perfectly cast magic without killing yourself in the process. Price: 100 merit points Special Offer One-on-one private session You can have a private session with the headmaster for one hour to answer all the questions you may have. No refund. Price: 1,000 merit points There were some other bits of magic knowledge priced around fifty to a hundred merit points, but nothing particularly caught Alfreds eye However, what impressed him the most about the game was the sheer volume of knowledge available. How many hours had it taken the developers to write all this and make it seem so plausible? Welp, they could be using AI to generate the content nowadays, so theres that, Alfred thought, dismissing his doubts. A thousand merit points for a single spell model?! Fu! someone in the auditorium blurted out. Everything here is a fair price? The developer who wrote this must have been lying through their teeth, another player remarked. Their frustration was understandable. A thousand merit points equated to more than ten days of dedicated work in the game, not even accounting for the recent requirement to pay for meals. Though given the current rate of Myriad Elements Method progression, it would take him closer to twenty days to advance and become a true acolyte anyway. Lets stop lollygagging; its time to get down to business! If we want to harness that incredible magic as soon as possible, then accumulating merit points should be our top priority, Prominence suggested. Damn right, Mike chimed in. There are numerous new missions available, like building fortifications to the north of the academy. I have a feeling this invasion is going to be epic! Mm-hmm! SuperNova added with enthusiasm. Im hoping Ill become a group leader like you four soon. With everyone on the same page, they wasted no time and immediately set out to tackle their respective tasks. Chapter 41: Solving the Puzzle with Programming Victor observed the players exploring the new virtual shop with a faint smile. He overheard some of them expressing dismay over the prices, but he had a good reason for setting them so high. In his days back at the Arcane Radiance College, even for an acolyte to purchase a single Aleph-tier spell model, they would have to fork out ten mana crystals. Thus, the price he set was beyond fair and even dirt cheap. A novice-grade mana crystal was equivalent to ten platinum coins, and if one were to equate ten mana crystals with one thousand merit points, then the players were accumulating around one mana crystals worth of value every single day. This was more than a hundred, if not a thousand times, what the commoners earned in the same span. On the other hand, the pricing of the magic knowledge was not arbitrary either. His past experience aside, Victor wanted the players to value knowledge, to instill the essence of being a Magus pursuing knowledge to their very cores. Only by doing this would they have a deep appreciation for knowledge. Besides, merit points currently had little use beyond these purchases. Following his speech, Victor proceeded to assign tasks to the players. With ten new players joining every day, they could swiftly commence the construction of the fortifications. The pace of this project would only accelerate as more players logged in to the game. Since the harvesting of the thornwood stems was cut short yesterday, the players assigned to the construction group turned their attention to inspecting the academy grounds. Consequently, work on the earthen wall could commence immediately. Additionally, Thunder and his group had gone the extra mile, crafting various small wooden traps designed to ensnare smaller animals, which would enrich the meals menu. These players were diligent and industrious, willing to unleash their collective creativity to aid the academys development, even without specific missions. It was a level of dedication and effectiveness that he couldnt have hoped for, especially when compared to the typical acolytes found in traditional Magus academies. In those institutions, many students came from aristocratic backgrounds, and even though the professors were essentially official Magi, they often harbored a disdain for manual labor. Victor sighed with satisfaction as he considered the cheat he had received. Well, thats that. I should hurry up and carry out my last delivery, he murmured to himself. Today would mark the last of his trips to the village to collect potatoes. Although he didnt intend to stop visiting altogether, this adjustment in his schedule would reduce the frequency of his travels. *** Break time, in the kitchen. A group of players gathered in a corner, their discussion revolving around the enigmatic headmaster. As they savored their meals, curiosity buzzed among them like a constant undercurrent. Guys, have you ever wondered where the headmaster disappears to during the day? the first player started. Hmm I used to think he was out hunting game in the forest, chimed in another as he fixed his nonexistent glasses, but lately, hes been returning with an array of tools, seeds, and even an assortment of seasonings. Wonder where he got all these items. Mmm. Its peculiar, isnt it? It feels like theres a hidden place a settlement perhaps where he acquires all these resources. In a game that mimics reality so closely, it would indeed seem unnatural for items to just materialize out of thin air, analyzed a thoughtful player. Why dont we try to follow him? someone else suggested. Dont. Thats a bad idea Remember the recent death? The forest is filled with magical beasts as strong or even stronger than any we have encountered. We wont reach the destination without losing our lives on the way. Besides, we dont even know where the settlement is. The thoughtful player shook his head. Youre right. Its better to wait until the storyline reveals the place by itself or at least when were stronger and more prepared. These speculations and inquiries werent simply idle chatter; they were the musings of none other than Alfred and his four companions from the first batch of players. When lunchtime came, they gathered to discuss more about the games recent event. But instead, the conversation took an unexpected turn. Oh right! Storm suddenly interjected with a spark of excitement in his eyes. Hows the progress on that puzzle, SuperNova? If Cyber doesnt renege on his promise, you can ask him anything about the game! SuperNova, not one to easily dampen Storms enthusiasm, lowered his head and replied, Its not going well so far. I enlisted the help of my friends to crack the required code, but it proved to be beyond our abilities. So, we took it to one of our IT lecturers, and he was intrigued by the puzzle. He even brought in other IT professors to help. Honestly, its become a hot topic at my university. As the owner of the server, Alfred was aware that SuperNova was majoring in Computer Science. He might not be the best person to solve this puzzle, but he had connections. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Seriously, its that complex? Mike asked, genuinely intrigued. His profession had a lot to do with computers, after all. Indeed, SuperNova confirmed with a nod. But I think we should have it solved soon, so theres hope. As their small talk continued, more and more players gathered in the kitchen to have their lunch, turning it into a bustling, tableless small cafeteria. Prominence commented on the crowd, saying, Its getting pretty crowded in here. There seem to be some promising new players, Alfred chimed in thoughtfully. In fact, most of the players in the game are from our Discord server. Maybe thats one of the driving forces behind the unity were experiencing? Well, we dont know for sure. *** Victor stood before the perplexing puzzle that had consumed his thoughts for an entire day, his fingers poised over his holographic interface. He opened the private chat with SuperNovaX, knowing that he had finished with the program. Success meant gaining access to an array of valuable spells, but failure could cost him dearly. Firstly, the duration the academys magic barriers would hold was a looming mystery. Would they last a month, a week, or perhaps as short as a day? The longer the barriers stood strong, the more time he would have to adequately prepare for the impending arachnid horde. However, if their protection lasted only a day... Well, I suppose I can escape by myself but if the academys destroyed then what was the point? Secondly, Victor surmised that completing the current side mission was likely a prerequisite for triggering the next main mission. Without it, he would be navigating in the dark, confronting the unknown without a clear path forward. There was nothing more unsettling than facing the specter of uncertainty itself. SuperNovaX: Heres the working code for the puzzle. SuperNova sent an attachment with the name StrangePuzzle.java, indicating that it was a Java program and required a specific application to run. Fortunately, as a former programmer himself, he had the necessary application installed prior, and upon opening it, he was confronted with more than five hundred lines of code. For a single puzzle to require five hundred lines I sure have underestimated it. SuperNovaX: Seriously, its way more intricate than I anticipated. Whos the genius behind this, if you dont mind me asking? Is it an AI? But its a bit too unorganized to be solely AI An AI, huh. Victor had thought of solving this puzzle using AI himself, but the sheer lack of organization made it unsuitable for standard machine logic. It was bound to produce false positives most of the time, rendering the approach impractical. As a result, he had abandoned the idea. CyberWarlock: Believe it or not, one of our top programmers got carried away after watching too many riddle videos on YouTube. He created this as a prank with the help of AI, saying that the game should have this level of puzzle at a minimum. So, we all made a bet that if a player could solve it, hed have to take on extra work for the company and buy us dinner. But enough small talk; Im about to test the code now. SuperNovaX: All right. Hit me up when youre done testing. I want to test the night system as soon as possible CyberWarlock: Sure. Speaking of which, after Victor had lifted the login restrictions for players via the Academy Inhabitant List, a total of twenty-eight players had chosen to remain within the game without logging out. This fact had honestly left him quite surprised. Who would have expected that there were so many lazy people who didnt have to go to work during the day? Of course, today might just be an exception due to the hype. Putting that aside, Victor compiled the code and waited with bated breath. In just a few seconds, the solution to the puzzle materialized before him, like a key to unlock a treasure trove. Ah, so this is the answer to the puzzle, muttered Victor, a wry smile creeping across his face. The puzzle that could have taken an official Magus days or even weeks to decipher had been unraveled in an instant by a mere code. It sparked a genius idea within him: Why not enlist the help of programming to construct a spell model from scratch? For starters, he could hire a group of unpaid programmer interns. Yes, basically no pay. With some guidance and a grasp of spell models, they could be trained to create these intricate constructs. Perhaps even developing a specialized software and AI altoge Yknow! Out of the blue, the voice of a fairy broke his thought bubbles, jolting him. She materialized beside him, exuding a sassy aura that cut through his contemplation like a dagger through smoke. If you were going to use programming to solve this, you might as well have asked me! I can do it in a jiff. Whoa, there. Victor took an involuntary half-step back. How many times do I have to tell you not to startle me? I thought you were a ghost for a sec. The fairy responded with a playful smile. Hehe. Geez Is the reduction in her pay not enough to knock some sense to her? Nevertheless, what Lizbeth said made perfect sense, and he had already took that into consideration. She was the brain behind designing and coding the entire official website for the game, after all. Her programming skills were undeniable. However, Victor didnt want to entrust everything to her, especially something the players could easily solve like this. Victor recalled hearing about high-ranking Magus towers being managed by fairies, much like AI. These magical beings possessed remarkable computing abilities, assisting Magi in their research endeavors, including the construction of intricate spell models. In many ways, Lizbeths role paralleled them. Whatever. He shook his head and turned his attention back to the puzzle in front of him. Lets just get this over with. With expert focus, Victor began constructing a spell formation based on the codes output. Every gesture was deliberate, every incantation exact. With a precise wave of his hand, he activated the formation, causing luminous strings of light to materialize and weave intricate patterns with the glyphs etched on the wall, creating an array of sequences. Victor held his breath as the arrangement concluded, half-expecting the ominous backlash that had plagued him before. But this time, nothing happened. The wall before him seemed to shimmer and waver, and then, slowly, it split open, revealing a concealed room beyond. The room, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, was a stunning sight to behold. It was adorned with white stone pillars on all sides, each one imposing and meticulously carved. Pedestals were strategically placed throughout, upon which mana crystals rested. On the ground, there were complicated and detailed patterns the magic barriers formations that he was looking for. Victors heart quickened as he entered, his eyes fixed on the mana crystals. Cyan in color and radiating a brilliance far surpassing that of typical mana crystals, they were unlike any he had seen before. Advanced-grade mana crystals! Chapter 42: Ten Days Beads of sweat built up on Victors palms as he carefully counted the eight cyan crystals resting on the pedestals; they were advanced-grade mana crystals, after all. Their energy was far more potent and condensed than their novice-grade counterparts, and each of them was at least ten thousand times more valuable than those common mana crystals. On top of that, even if you had ten thousand novice-grade mana crystals, no Magi would want to trade their high-grade mana crystal for them. It was just that valuable. No, wait by the color and the faint glow, these crystals are clearly running on fumes, maybe less than 5 percent of their original power. In fact, all except for one of these crystals are practically used up! Well, shit! Victor clenched his fists, fully aware of the dire implications. The energy from the advanced-grade mana crystals was the lifeblood of the academys barriers. While the barriers could slowly accumulate mana over time, it was woefully insufficient to sustain their operation. Sooner rather than later, the defenses would crumble, leaving the academy vulnerable to the impending arachnid invasion, unless he somehow managed to exchange the mana crystals for a set of new ones. But bad news. Forget about advanced-grade mana crystals, he didnt even have a single intermediate-grade mana crystal How was he supposed to rejuvenate the barriers? As Victor was in deep contemplation, a familiar notification appeared inside his head, and a luminous blue holographic screen materialized before him. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have located and determined the conditions of the academys barriers.] [The reward (One Aleph-tier spell model for each normal and rare element) has been issued.] The glowing holographic screen displaying his rewards went unnoticed for the moment, as Victor wasnt in the mood; there was an elephant in the room that needed his immediate attention. Lizbeth, true to her nature, explained it all in direct terms. Master, judging by the remaining energy levels, it seems that the academys magic barriers are on the brink of collapse, and we have about ten days at best. Her somber tone contrasted with her usual cheeky one. Victors brow furrowed deeply. The stakes had just been raised, and his race against time became even more critical. This is not good What Victor dreaded the most was that even if he tried to substitute advanced-grade mana crystals with novice-grade ones, they would provide only a temporary solution, lasting a few days at most. Moreover, with only a handful of novice-grade crystals left, this solution lacked a clear purpose. Why are the formations running out of energy now of all times after sustaining for centuries? Isnt it too coincidental? He couldnt help but wonder about the timing. Is this another of the former headmasters shenanigans? Well, Master, its quite simple, Lizbeth chimed in with a mischievous glint in her eye as if relishing the opportunity to explain. The moment the Magus Academy System got activated, it used up the remaining reserve energy that the formations had. Just like that poof! She made a popping hand motion. Hearing her nonchalant explanation, Victor just rolled his eyes. Thanks for the eloquent breakdown, Lizzy. Lizbeth shrugged and continued, undeterred, But, no worries. With the passive mana-gathering still active, it means that the Nexus Beacon, the Nexus Tower, and the other facilities should still be able to function normally. Just that Just what? Just that the only tiny, itty-bitty catch is that the concealment formation, which required a substantial amount of mana, will fail. In essence, the academy will no longer be hidden from outside threats. Well, its what consumed most of the mana anyway. Victors shoulders sagged as if the weight of the world had descended upon him, and he slumped to the ground, almost in resignation. Ugh! As if this couldnt get any worse. Oh, and the formations have deteriorated enough that you may have to redo the whole thing soon before its too late. Victor cast her a sidelong glance and opened his mouth. You know, you couldve just said all that in one go. A heavy sigh escaped him as he considered the dwindling timeframe. Ten days might sound like a substantial duration, but it was remarkably short in the grand scheme of things. Lizbeth, with her mesmerizing golden eyes and striking black and luminous white hair, leaned in closer to Victor. Her presence, while small, was enchanting, and her words carried an unusual weight. What are you so concerned about? Dont you trust this little assistant fairy of yours? Her voice was almost hypnotic. I would gladly stand by your side, even if the world turned against you. Its not about trusting or not but you do have a point. Their conversation made Victor look at Lizbeth in a new light; she had shown herself to be a reliable ally. In any case, all he could do now was to make the most of the precious little time he had at his disposal. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. With a clear purpose in mind, Victor strode over to the Nexus Beacon. It was time to claim his reward from the System. As he approached, a holographic screen materialized before him, displaying a comprehensive list of Aleph-tier magic spells encompassing a wide range of normal and rare elements. Yet, there were exceptions; Victor couldnt select spell models for Cosmo and Chrono elements, which were notably scarce and commanded a cost five times higher than other spell models of the same tier. Because the spells would be intended for the players use, Victor needed to choose the most practical spell models. Some spells might demand prerequisite knowledge that the players didnt have, and the simplest type of offensive spells were easier to learn than others. Alright, these choices should do it. Victor had mastered many Pyro and Anemo spells, but he found himself lacking in defensive capabilities. Hence, he opted for {Wind Guard} and {Ember Shield} to provide the players with defensive options and for himself, of course. For the other normal elements, he selected {Sparkburst}, {Ice Bolt}, {Aqua Jet}, {Stone Bullet}, and {Vine Snare} simple yet effective offensive spells. Additionally, he picked {Solar Spark}, {Shadowy Grasp}, {Healing Touch}, and {Summon Shadeling} for the four rare elements. Most of these spells were designed to shoot or manipulate elemental energy to deal damage to enemies. The simplest of the simple. Victor required these players to be proficient in dealing damage and not to become magicians who could only sit in the back and only specialized in defensive spells. Once he finished making his selections, the eleven spell books materialized from the Nexus Beacon and floated toward him. He made sure to touch each one so that the Master Shadowlink Mark could record them before storing them in his interspatial ring. He then instructed Lizbeth to list them in the virtual shop for players to purchase. Kay, she answered, getting right on the task. Now then. Victor flexed his fingers and opened the private chat with SuperNova. CyberWarlock: The code has executed flawlessly, and the programmer in question is now working harder than ever. Feel free to ask me anything you want to know about the game. Naturally, private information about the company and its employees is off-limits. SuperNovaX: So, I can ask literally anything about the game? CyberWarlock: Of course. Be it leaks about future updates or hidden mechanics you can exploit. Sure, Ill answer any single question you have. Naturally, there was no such thing as future updates or hidden mechanics since this wasnt truly a game. However, Victor was adept at crafting believable narratives, and he could introduce fictional elements or expand upon existing ones if they aligned with the setting. SuperNovaX: Great! Theres something Ive been curious about, and its been a topic of discussion within our group. It concerns the headmaster NPC. CyberWarlock: What about him? SuperNovaX: Well, a debate has been raging among us, and given my background as an IT student, I cant help but wonder. The headmaster NPC, is it an employee of your company, or is it an AI? CyberWarlock: This Seeing that Victor was hesitating, SuperNova must have thought that it was something confidential, as his reply came almost a second later. SuperNovaX: If its something you cant answer, I dont mind changing my question. CyberWarlock: No, its fine. Although its a bit confidential, a promise is a promise. SuperNovaX: Mm! Then please tell me! Victor took a moment to gather his thoughts and then began typing. If we want to talk about the headmaster NPC, then we have to delve into the AI that governs the entire game. Lets call it MAS, short for Massive Artificial Supercomputer. Remember when you five were asking about scripted and unscripted events happening in the game? And for the immersive graphics and gameplay? Well, you can thank MAS for those. Obviously, this was all an elaborate fabrication Victor had prepared. But if MAS stood for Magus Academy System instead, then what he said couldnt be entirely false. CyberWarlock: In short, his existence is very special because hes intertwined with the very AI that controls the whole game. His cheeks felt a bit hot as he shamelessly sent that message. SuperNovaX: So, hes like the Messiah to this games God? CyberWarlock: Uhh Well, if you stretch it, its not wrong in a sense. I guess SuperNovaX: Oh, heaven This is a lot to take in It was apparent that this came as a shock to him. However, if the real truth was revealed, Victor dared to bet his entire savings that the guy would faint and be brought straight to the ER. He couldnt help but chuckle to himself, weaving tales within tales. SuperNovaX: Hmm, but this doesnt answer my question: What is he? CyberWarlock: Hes the first generation of fully artificial intelligence developed by our company. SuperNovaX: Fully artificial intelligence?! CyberWarlock: Indeed, its an AI that blurs the lines between machine and human intelligence. Unlike MAS, which is a more traditional AI, he possesses his own personality, memory, thinking patterns, as well as values and motivations. Thats why weve empowered him with the authority to influence players and guide them through the game. SuperNovaX: Now its starting to make sense. No wonder his decisions can affect the games progression But what intrigues me the most is this supercomputer AI its potential seems limitless. With how immersive the game is, wouldnt this AI be able to create infinite virtual worlds with its own laws of physics? Its like the simulation hypothesis! Victor was struck speechless. This player was more imaginative than he expected. He was thinking on another level! CyberWarlock: Well, its not on that level yet. We do, however, plan to enhance the AIs computational capabilities to rival those seen in fiction. Although, thatll have to wait as our AI and technology continue to advance. What he wrote was undoubtedly bullshit. Even with Earths technological advancements, developing such technology within fifty years seemed highly improbable. But nevertheless, building up hype and anticipation among players, even if it meant resorting to some creative exaggeration, was his job as the games promotional manager. Besides, what kind of shady game companies did not do this nowadays? SuperNovaX: Is it fine if I share this with the group? Storm will go wild if he learns about this. CyberWarlock: Thats perfectly fine. Sooner or later, this information will become public knowledge, so no need to keep it under wraps. SuperNovaX: No! I will ensure that everyone in the group keeps a tight lips on this insider information. At least we wont spill the beans about MAS! CyberWarlock: Feel free to handle it as you see fit. On second thought, Victor realized that if this information were to leak to the public, it could potentially ignite a widespread frenzy. Imagine this: Someone had clandestinely developed a super AI capable of simulating an entire universe in their garage. This would definitely put such a person on the governments radar. After all, who could resist the temptation of becoming a god-like figure of their own universe, wielding control over a meticulously crafted world? Victor himself couldnt deny that the concept had stirred his imagination on more than one occasion. Chapter 43: The Preparations for the Invasion Five days passed in the blink of an eye, just like a fleeting dream. The player count had surged, spiking up to double its previous numbers, now standing at a staggering ninety-four players. Unsurprisingly, the players demographic was more skewed toward male players, with female players comprising only a modest 20 percent. Though, Victor had made sure of one thing: Whenever new female players joined the game for the first time, they would always be in a pair of two or none at all. Putting naked people of different genders in the same chamber would be awkward. Victor leaned against the large window outside his office, gazing out at the evolving landscape of the academy. Significant progress had been made, evident in the rising brown line to the north it was the earthen wall made to be three meters tall and two meters thick from the hardened clay and mud. It might be puny compared to terrifying magical beasts, but it was better than nothing. Figures dressed in acolyte robes bustled ceaselessly to and fro the earthen wall without a moment of lull, their movements resembling tiny, purposeful ants on a mission. As Victor watched them from his vantage point on the fifth floor, he peered at the holographic screen containing the academys data. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 80 Academy Grade: Level 1 Total Acolytes: 94/100 Progression Value: 35/100 He believed that the player count could be expanded much further, surpassing the initial limit he had set at around one hundred during the Alpha 0.2 update. In fact, thanks to Storms stream endorsement, the official website was gaining more and more traffic, and the total number of applicants had surged to a whopping 527. However, several issues had surfaced even with the current player population, including food shortages, accommodation challenges, and overall management complexities. While addressing these fundamental concerns, the surge in players had also made it increasingly difficult to oversee the academys operations efficiently. Victor seriously lacked capable people to act as NPCs! After all, there were limitations to what he and Lizbeth could do. He couldnt keep hunting magical beasts to feed them, could he? Players also needed time to adjust to the games environment and mechanics, and while there was the internet, practical work required experience above all. Also, a new mission had recently become available following the completion of the last side mission. Victor decided to access the mission tab to review the details again. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Build Your Ark Before the Flood With the academys barriers collapsing within ten days, you need to be prepared for whats to come. Be prepared, be vigilant, and be ready; it is your task to build up a strong enough force and fortifications to contend against the arachnid invasion. Type: Main mission Force Assembling Progress: 45% Remaining Time: 5 days 18 hours 24 minutes Reward: 250 academy points Victor was low on academy points, so a reward of 250 AP was nothing short of heaven-sent. Just yesterday, facing a shortage of mana crystals, he had no choice but to purchase twenty novice-grade mana crystals from the System to boost his meditation. If he avoided hesitating and wasting resources, Victor could use as many as two novice-grade mana crystals each day. Any more than that would probably have terrible side effects. As a result of this strategy and refining the remaining residue of the elixir in his body, his progress with the Myriad Elements Method had skyrocketed to an impressive 52 percent. However, no matter how fast he progressed, there was no chance he would reach 100 percent before the looming invasion. It was an unfortunate reality. If only I were an Alchemist The potions and elixirs in the Systems shop were expensive, and although excessive use of them had fewer side effects than mana crystals, he would still build up resistance to them, thus diminishing their effect. No use moping around on it; lets check the progress so far. It wasnt a conversation meant for anybody but himself a soliloquy to spur himself into action as he turned off the holographic screen and left the building. Thanks to the continuous supply of top-quality tools from the village, the efficiency of the players work showed remarkable improvement with each passing day. Despite only five days having elapsed since commencing construction of the earthen wall, substantial progress had been made. The wall now spanned approximately two hundred meters along the northern perimeter of the academy, although Victor planned for it to be one kilometer long on each side of the academy. Moreover, the agricultural area had seen further expansion with three one-hectare fields sown with seeds, which awarded fifteen progression value points. Not stopping there, under the capable leadership of Thunder, the players had set up earthen kilns to produce bricks. This additional effort had earned Victor another ten progression value points, bringing the total to thirty-five. Outside the Headmasters building, Victor stumbled upon a group of energetic players laboring away in the open southern space. They were diligently digging foundations, laying down yellow mud bricks, and applying a peculiar gray substance that seemed strangely familiar Wait a minute, is that cement? Approaching the construction site, Victor identified a player known as GladiusZone overseeing the operation, and he told him that a player in the construction group had recently cracked the recipe to make Portland cement. To Victors surprise, it wasnt solely Thunder, the expected expert in such matters. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. At any rate, the discovery of cement and its potential for construction opened up entirely new possibilities for buildings and facilities. With bricks and cement in their arsenal, they could layer the earthen wall, rendering it far more robust. However, given the looming time constraints, Victor decided not to post a mission related to these newfound construction possibilities immediately. Esteemed Headmaster, we currently dont have enough iron, and the only way we can get some is from the iron sediment in the stream. As a result, were limited in how much we can produce GladiusZone explained. Portland cement was the most common type of cement and was similar to Roman cement. One of the main materials to make it was iron; with how limited it was around here, it was amazing that the players were able to make any at all. They must have found a way to substitute it. Hmm, I see. Victor held his chin and examined the foundation of the building. He couldnt recall any mission that authorized construction in this area, so he inquired further, What exactly are you building here? Even though Magus Academy Online was a game that provided players with significant freedom, there were restrictions on erecting large structures or owning private property at the current stage of the game. Victor didnt want to see the players claiming a piece of the academy as their own and causing chaos later on. Its a public bathhouse, he explained. Uhh, although the main building has toilets, it lacks a proper bathroom. Plus, bathing in the stream is not safe; we recently found out that not all the fish in the stream are friendly theres this one that looks like a piranha that almost bit MikeIsHandsome1000xs little brother. So, we took matters into our own hands. We did, of course, consult Miss Fairy first, and she agreed. Pfft! Shit, you cant laugh! Youre the headmaster of the academy! Victor secretly pinched his thigh to hold his urge to laugh and nodded with a stiff expression. The species of the fish in question was known as the Crimson Piranha a subspecies of magical beast. They had a shape similar to typical piranhas red in color and filled with razor-sharp teeth but larger and more aggressive and were obviously carnivores. It was best to steer clear of them, as they often swarmed in groups, and a momentary lapse in vigilance could turn your entire lower half into bones, let alone your thing. Ahem Carry on, then. Paying attention to hygiene is a good thing. The Headmasters Building might be an impressive building at a glance, but it wasnt designed as a lavish mansion. Primarily, it served as an office building, not a living space. For such an old building, the fact that it contained all the necessary amenities was quite remarkable. For one, Magi had the ability to cleanse their bodies by manipulating the elemental particles in the air. In addition, the acolyte robes worn by the players were enhanced with spells that kept not only themselves but also their wearers clean. In ordinary circumstances, maintaining hygiene was effortlessly managed without the need for a traditional bath. However, as modern individuals, the players were understandably unaccustomed to such a lifestyle. Yes, Headmaster! Then Ill get back to moving bricks, the player said with a smile. Mhm, very well then, Victor said as he continued his path northward. Approximately three hundred meters from his current location, he could see a swarm of players hard at work on the newly constructed earthen kilns. They had a simple, unappealing design, with domed roofs and a relatively modest size. They exuded an aura of rural simplicity rather than professional architecture. According to his initial plan, the industrial section was supposed to be situated in the southwestern part of the academy. However, due to the considerable distance from the northern wall, Victor decided to temporarily set up the earthen kilns to the north, allowing for a quicker construction process. Later on, they would be moved so that the academy had a better layout. A short distance from the kilns, there stood a modest wooden cabin, now serving as a wood workshop. Inside, a player by the name of Aphrodite96, who seemed to have a background in real-life chemistry, was diligently working with a wooden apparatus. Just like any other player, he had a teenage body and colorful hair and eyes. He had joined Thunders construction group relatively early on and displayed a remarkable talent for crafting tools and various substances. His skills were even praised by the groups leader. Though because his username was a bit uncomfortable to say, the other players dubbed him Aphro instead. It appeared that he was also the one responsible for the creation of cement. Noticing Victors intrusion, the player in question stopped what he was doing but continued to shake the wooden cup in his hand, unconsciously causing its contents to slosh about. He greeted Victor with an overly enthusiastic exclamation. Ohh!! Sir Astralium, youre here! I was just about to come find you! Insultingly enough, he was among the multitude of players who seemed impervious to even the most basic principles of etiquette, regardless of how frequently they were admonished. In light of his talents, however, Victor chose to let it slide. After all, he was not a small-minded person. Seeing that the player wouldnt stop shaking the wooden cup, Victor inquired, What do you have there in your hand? Grinning, Aphro displayed the wooden cup he was holding, and the content was a yellowish liquid. Oh, this? This is what I wanted to show you a flammable liquid made from the sap of ironthorn trees. Victor subconsciously took a step back upon hearing what it was. Rumors of Alchemists meeting their untimely demise while working on volatile concoctions flashed through his mind. Although he had never seen it happening up close, it still elicited a deep-seated response from him. This player Thinking that its a game, he must have gotten carried away. Its perfectly safe, dont worry. As long as it doesnt come into contact with an open flame, hehehehe. Aphro laughed excitedly, resembling a mad scientist. Not all resins and saps are flammable, but this one is unusually easy to ignite and will keep burning for a long time. Even the oil from the other pine-like trees pales in comparison. Although it is not as potent as alcohol, in large enough quantities, it can set ablaze an entire forest! I see Anyway, for your achievements, I will award you one hundred merit points for figuring out the application of ironthorn sap and another two hundred merit points for deciphering the composition of cement. Aphros grin stretched so wide it looked like his face might split in two at the mere mention of merit points. Unlike most other players who followed conventional methods to accrue them through missions, this player relied on his inventions to compensate. If you can produce more of this stuff, I will reward you accordingly. Victor stressed, Time is tight, so we want as much of this as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. Flammable weapons would hold immense strategic value against the arachnid horde. By creating a blazing barrier around them, Victor could potentially secure victory without direct combat. It was the most ideal scenario, no matter how he thought about it. Oh, also, he added, Im in the process of making alcohol from crushing wild berries and distilling them, but we wont see the result for a few more weeks And even then, there wont be much unless I expand the production, which will take even more time. Mm, thats acceptable. Victor nodded and cautioned, Youll receive the reward you deserve, but please, be extra cautious. Performing chemical experiments in this environment with our limited equipment is risky, so prioritize your safety. Victor would have loved to provide this player with proper apparatus, as he showed great promise as an Alchemist. In the future, he might become the cornerstone of the Department of Potioneering that Victor envisioned. Of course, Sir Astralium! Chapter 44: Lumen’s Innate Ability: {Gigantification} Victor left the wood cabin and made his way toward the northern wall. As he got closer, the more crowded the area became. Every player who spotted him would cease their tasks and offer respectful greetings, which was enough to make him smile in satisfaction. As he approached the wall, the magnitude of their progress became even more apparent. The once flat forest ground had transformed into a rising, strong, and imposing earthen wall a testament to the players hard work. Thunder, who had been overseeing the project, quickly approached Victor as soon as he noticed him. Esteemed Headmaster, how may I assist you? Victor asked, What is the status of the walls construction? Thunders gaze drifted down as he replied, Im embarrassed that despite giving it our all and with over forty plus playe I mean, people, its impossible to complete the entire earthen wall. Our best option is to extend it as far as we can and reinforce it further. To expedite the construction of the wall, the agricultural group temporarily disbanded and joined the construction group. After completing the mission Farming Simulator 2.0, as Victor expected, a continuation to it was unlocked. However, he had no intention of shuttling seeds back and forth any longer, so he put it aside for the time being. I know. Tell me more about what you mean by making further fortifications. Gladly. Thunder eagerly explained, The lumberjack group is currently collaborating with us to craft wooden stakes from the logs theyve felled. Additionally, were planning to create pitfalls and other wooden traps to impede the arachnid invasion should they come our way. Good. Keep up the excellent work. I have high expectations for the final result. Yes, thank you, Headmaster! One more thing, Victor continued, suppressing a wince as he uttered the trollish username, I heard that Aphrodite96 has created a flammable substance. Id like you to think about its applications against our enemy the arachnid horde. Thunder fell into deep thought, mulling over the possibilities. Its applications against our enemy he muttered. Mhm. I will leave it for you to figure out. Victor gave him a nod. Of course, I also suggest discussing it with the other acolytes and asking them if they have any good suggestions. Maybe there will be unexpected gains. Thunder nodded in understanding and determination. I will, esteemed Headmaster. I will definitely come up with something. All right, I wont intrude on your work any further. Players were a genius bunch; they were also a bunch of workaholics who did labor for the sake of entertainment. There was no better option than leaving this problem to them. When Victor left the scene, a holographic screen emerged from his Shadowlink Mark as Lizbeth contacted him. What is it now, Liz? Master! Lumen! Lumen is! Lizbeth began, her face very close to the screen. Say it properly, will you? Victor retorted impatiently. Lumen is glowing and getting larger by the second! Lizbeth was cut off as a blinding light appeared behind her and the call was interrupted. Lumen is what now? Victor thought that he had misheard for a second there, but Lizbeths panicky voice dispelled any notion of a joke. Without wasting another moment, he turned on his heel and sprinted back toward the main building, leaving the onlooking players bewildered in his wake. At full speed, Victor covered the distance of five hundred meters in just half a minute. Bounding up the stairs and flinging open the door to his office, Victor was met with an astonishing sight. Before him, filling the entrance to the door, was the enormous face of a silver wolf; its eyes locked onto him with an intense focus. Stunned, Victor quickly slammed the door shut again as his mind raced to make sense of what he had just witnessed. What in the world did I just see? Victor pressed a hand to his forehead, his back resting on the door as he contemplated deeply. Lumen was, without a doubt, a wolf youngling. Even accounting for her exceptional nature as a magical beast, the idea of her growing from a small creature to something larger than a car in a single day was impossible. The only logical explanation was an innate ability, possibly likely to be {Gigantification}. As the name suggested, it was a power that allowed the user to enlarge their body a trait not uncommon among extraordinary lifeforms. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Victor cautiously reopened the door, revealing the massive presence of the wolf that now occupied half the space of the room. There was a distinct moon mark on its forehead, which confirmed Victors suspicion. Lumen? He inquired cautiously. The gigantic wolf responded with an affirmative Woof! Her deep, intelligent eyes gazed at Victor as if they had all the knowledge in the world. So its really you You little rascal. Victor chuckled, reaching out to stroke Lumens massive forehead. She responded with unabashed happiness as her bushy tail wagged energetically. To his surprise, Lumen was giving off mana fluctuation comparable to that of a second-stage Initiate Attunement magical beast. Although magical beasts didnt practice meditation techniques, they were able to manipulate and infuse mana naturally. Now his immediate concern was Lizbeth''s whereabouts. He squeezed inside and peered around the room, searching for any sign of the mischievous fairy, but she was nowhere to be seen. Wheres Lizbeth? As soon as he asked that, a muffled voice seemed to emanate from within Lumens body. Did Lumen eat Wait, no it didnt sound like it came from deep within her belly; its more like its coming from her back, so Lizbeth must be Er, can you return to your original size? Victor requested Lumen. Lumen, with her intelligent eyes, nodded her head. A radiant glow enveloped her, and Victor watched in amazement as her massive form gradually shrank until she was the size of a medium-sized dog. It was only then that Lizbeth''s familiar voice emerged. "Phew! I thought I was a goner!" Victor couldnt help but roll his eyes. This useless fairy She still has the time to joke around. Explain what happened here, Liz. Lizbeth fidgeted a bit before responding, Well I was just feeding Lumen like usual, but then she suddenly began glowing, and thats when I contacted you Victor raised an eyebrow. Thats all? Lizbeth nodded vigorously like an earnest child. Thats all, yup-yup! While Lizbeth had a history of lying to avoid punishment, Victor didnt detect any signs of deception this time. Still, Lumens newfound innate ability had given Victor a brilliant idea, and he was eager to test it out. *** On the southern edge of the academy grounds, the wind whispered through the trees as Victor strolled along, Lumen trotting by his side. He felt like a dog owner taking his loyal pet to the park, only that his was a magical wolf. After a short walk, Victor stopped and turned to Lumen. All right, Lumen. Can you show me your power? Lumen didnt respond with words; instead, the moon-shaped mark on her forehead began to glow purple, and in an instant, she vanished and reappeared twenty meters away. The power was similar to the {Blink Step} spell that Victor possessed. Wow, thats an impressive ability. What a good girl! Woof! Lumen barked in delight. Now then, for the main course of this test. Can you return to your previous large size? Lumen nodded, and the same radiant glow once again enveloped her, gradually enlarging her until she stood three meters tall. Her colossal size made it seem like she could easily accommodate several people on her back without affecting her balance and speed. Ooh! Is it, well would you mind if I ride on your back? Victor confessed his idea. She answered by lowering herself onto her front paws. From her action alone, it was apparent that she was giving her consent. Dont mind if I do. Victor leaped onto her back, his hands and feet tickled by the soft fur as he settled into a comfortable position to maintain his balance. Lets go, Lumen! Take me deep into the forest and beyond! Lumen responded with a powerful howl and wind rushed against Victors face as she picked up speed. He even had to hunker down close to her fur and grip it tightly to avoid falling. Riding a giant wolf was an exhilarating experience unlike anything he could have ever imagined. This was the magical mount he was talking about! The one and only! She jumped boulders and passed trees, her agile movements turning the most treacherous terrain into flat ground. Without stopping, she carried Victor further into the uncharted depths of the forest, unafraid of anything that might come her way. *** Rumors had been swirling around among the players about the strange phenomenon of their unconscious bodies getting up and engaging in activities. Some dismissed it as pure nonsense; others fervently believed it to be true, claiming they had witnessed it with their own eyes. William belonged to the latter group, a witness to this bizarre occurrence. With the magic setting of the game, whats there to be confused about? he muttered, sitting on the floor in a room that had essentially become a shared bedroom. Even the official website had recently provided clarification about this, stating that this phenomenon served as a safety net, activated when players didnt log in for an extended period. After all, there was no guarantee that real-life incidents wouldnt happen. Given the games astonishing realism, players virtual bodies had to eat, sleep, and attend to bodily functions just like in the real world. It felt like the lines between virtual and reality continued to blur. Nonetheless, William had no intention of delving into the mystery behind this phenomenon. Tonight, his focus lay elsewhere he was on the verge of a significant breakthrough, on the cusp of becoming the games first true acolyte! His excitement propelled him to cast aside all other thoughts, channeling his entire being into absorbing the information required to ascend to the coveted first-stage Initiate Attunement. In pursuit of this goal, he went to great lengths, even purchasing the essential body of knowledge named First Breakthrough 101 from the virtual shop. Prominence HP: 100% MP: 0/0 Power Rank: None Elemental Affinity: Pyro (89%) | Electro (63%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (initial, 100%) Status: Healthy Strength: (7) Agility: (6) Vitality: (6) Magical Power: (0) Infused Mana (total): (0) According to the headmaster, a first-stage Initiate Attunement is an acolyte whos able to grasp the concept of mana infusion and can infuse mana in their body. At the same time, they are able to move energy particles and manipulate them to their will. Only at this level will someone be able to access a magic spells formula and cast a spell Once their body is accustomed to infusing mana, their stats will be strengthened according to how much mana they have infused. William had diligently practiced the Myriad Elements Method and done quite a lot of physical labor for the past ten days but had only seen a marginal increase in his stats so far. It appeared that the only way to get stronger right now was to promote to a true acolyte. Chapter 45: The First Player to Promote If his real-life friends and family were to know that he was dedicating himself to studying something that came out of a fantasy game, theyd mock him for wasting his time. But to him, this was no laughing matter; the game brought him the thrills he lacked in his everyday life. Despite the often dirty thoughts that occupied his mind, William could be dead serious when the situation demanded it. Williams eyes flashed with determination as he sat cross-legged and initiated the meditation for the day. Usually, this process was automatic, allowing him to log out and attend to his real-life responsibilities. However, today was different. He had taken a leave of absence just to make this breakthrough once and for all. The air in the room quieted down, with only the faint sounds of other players unconscious bodies and Williams rhythmic breathing filling the atmosphere. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his expression serene, with only slight movements beneath his closed eyelids. It was as though his body knew this motion instinctively. After an hour of deep concentration, several red spots of light materialized around Williams forehead, resembling a gathering of fireflies. These luminous spots danced around him before gradually entering his orifices. A sensation of warmth coursed through the areas where the light had entered. Could this be the process of tapping into ones inherent elemental affinity? William pondered quietly, excitement simmering beneath his composed exterior; he was just one step away. Moments later, William felt his entire body shudder. Muscles on his face twitched as mana swirled in the air around him, and beads of sweat rolled down his face, neck and body. He felt as if he were inflating, like a balloon about to burst. Then, just as suddenly, he returned to a peaceful state as his body stabilized. After some time, William exhaled the air from his lungs and cautiously opened his eyes. A sense of profound transformation filled every nook and cranny of his being. Have I... advanced to become a first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte? My body feels different William opened and closed his hands, staring as he felt power surging through them. The changes he experienced were beyond words. It felt surreal, as though he was in a dream. William extended his palm, and a layer of red-colored light condensed upon it. It was warm, almost hot. No way, right? The words were laced with excitement. He could now clearly perceive the energy and elemental particles in the air and even manipulate them to some extent. Still unconvinced, William accessed his stats through his Shadowlink Mark. Only tangible information could truly confirm what had happened. Prominence HP: 100% MP: 11/11 Power Rank: First-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Pyro (89%) | Electro (63%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (first level, 0%) Status: Healthy Strength: (7 12) Agility: (6 12) Vitality: (6 12) Magical Power: (0 2) Infused Mana (total): (0 11) Finally! Hahaha! Ive finally been promoted to the Initiate Attunement rank! Williams excitement wasnt solely because of his successful promotion; it was also fueled by the fact that he had recorded the entire process. This meant he could post it on the official forum and boast like there was no tomorrow. After all, being the first player to achieve the status of a true acolyte was no small feat! If this game had levels, he would be level two. It might not sound like much, but it put him above all of the other players who were still stuck on level one. Now, the only obstacle in my way before casting a spell is learning a spell model. But darn it each one is so expensive that I can only buy one after all this time Even though he had played the game since day one, his total merit points were no more than 1,235. Regardless, his highest elemental affinity was Pyro, and he had been meditating on the Pyro section of the Myriad Elements Method. It was only logical that his first choice of spell would be of the Pyro element. With what little merit points he had, choosing the one that suited him best was a no-brainer. Well, being a fire mage is not too shabby. At least, its better than dealing with death like what SuperNova will do, ha-ha! William hummed and browsed through the virtual shop to see the list of available spell models. What to choose, what to choose. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. As he looked at the available spells, he discovered that there were actually two spell models for Pyro, unlike the others, which had only one option aside from Anemo: {Flame Dart} and {Ember Shield}. One was for offense, and the other for defense. Simple enough. Being a hot-blooded player, William held the saying offense is the best defense in the highest regard, so his finger naturally hovered over {Flame Dart}, and he made the purchase. The e-book of the spell was then downloaded into his Shadowlink Mark where he could now access it. William began to read the contents of the spell e-book written in characters he was unfamiliar with (Seraphian) but could read as easily as English. However, as he delved into the text, his eyebrows twitched in shock what he saw was beyond his wildest imagination. This game Isnt this way too hardcore?! He was rendered utterly speechless. Setting aside the insane amount of fantastical content, the complexity of the books material made university-grade textbooks seem like childrens storybooks. Heck, he doubted whether his modest brain could memorize even a single paragraph without rolling his eyes a thousand times in the process. Strange My head feels clearer than normal Is this the effect of the breakthrough in the game? Even so, it was all but impossible to memorize the spell model in just a day or two, much less mastering the spell itself. Were the game developers on drugs when they were writing this, or were they just crazy for expecting players to grasp it all? Perhaps he should mention this on the official website to advocate for a more manageable method of learning magic spells. As a closed-alpha player, he felt it was his duty to provide suggestions and contribute to the games improvement. But then, an ingenious idea sparked in his mind as he was thinking about this. Can I record this spell model and share it in the group? Storm had previously mentioned similar loopholes, but surely the game developers couldnt be so dumb as to overlook this one. Either way, he decided to give it a try and record the spell model to test the result afterward. If this glitch could be exploited, then there would be no need to repeatedly purchase the same spell models. As William grinned foolishly, one of the players unconscious bodies across from him abruptly lurched upright and shifted positions. The rooms dim lighting, combined with the fact that the bodys eyes remained tightly shut only intensified the eerie atmosphere. Williams heightened perception after the breakthrough made it even more unsettling. Ugh! Maybe I should log out now *** The news, of course, reached Victors ears as he was monitoring said players. He didnt even need to wait for Prominence to post a thread on the official website forum to know the predicament the player faced; he had been keeping tabs on the situation behind the scenes ever since he felt the mana fluctuation of someone breaking through. Is there any way to help players memorize these spell models? Victor pondered aloud. He had anticipated that this would become a problem for players who were used to convenience, but no solution had appeared in his head so far. But convenience was not the only reason, as time constraints was too. The invasion was imminent, and if the players who had met the criteria were able to cast magic spells by then, it would make a significant difference in the outcome. Um, are you really asking about that now? Well its not like theres no way, Lizbeth chimed, the fairy perched on Victors left shoulder. Im listening. Ysee, the Shadowlink Marks do have the ability to transmit information directly to their hosts brains. It wont grant instant comprehension like grimoires, obviously, but its akin to memory crystals, she explained. Victors eyes widened. Wait, youre telling me this was possible the whole time?! Why didnt she mention this sooner? It would have saved him all that time spent writing down the spell models In fact, other than the two spell models he had written, there were more that he hadnt put up on the virtual shop. No, if there were no issues, Lizbeth wouldnt dare withhold information Unless she wants another pay cut, that is. Of course, its possible! Lizbeth replied with a mischievous grin. But theres a catch. Only individuals who can use infused mana can utilize this method. Without that capability, the Shadowlink Marks wont be potent enough for magic transmission. Magi could only perform magic transmission once they reached the rank of Elemental Adept. Victor himself, with his current level of power, couldnt perform this without the assistance of specialized magic tools. It was the reason he hadnt tried transmitting information to the players before. This requirement was also part of the process for creating memory crystals. Hmm The construction of spell models is the cornerstone for a Magus to cast spells. This process includes a series of intricate variations as well as the precise construction of the spell model itself. Transmitting the information was one thing; mastering it was an entirely different challenge. However, if players could see the spell model while casting and visualize it accordingly, it could significantly aid them when constructing the said spell model. This, in turn, would accelerate their mastery. Alright then! Its decided. Lets create a feature to assist players in casting magic spells, and well call it Assist Casting 1.0, Victor declared with a snap of his fingers. What is this Assist Cast-whatever youre talking about? Lizbeth tilted her head. Indeed, after all, these thoughts were racing through Victors mind, so he told her the tentative idea he came up with. Mm-hmm! The idea is entertaining at least, so Im on board to help. With that said, the human and fairy duo set to work designing a system that would ultimately be a game-changer. Chapter 46: The Start of the Invasion Part I In the following days, a growing number of players with high-grade mana aptitude successfully ascended to the Initiate Attunement rank, now amounting to a total of seven ascended individuals. Thanks to the introduction of Assist Casting 1.0, some of these newly promoted players immediately began to dabble in spellcasting. While there hadnt been an incident of a player killing themself yet, some careless players had suffered injuries during their practice. However, Victor made a noteworthy discovery: The pool inside the Nexus Tower actually possessed the remarkable ability to heal even life-threatening injuries. According to Lizbeth, the pool was classified as an energy pool, a reservoir that accumulated energy particles from the surrounding atmosphere. Although Victor hadnt tested the real potency of the pool itself and didnt know if it could regenerate lost limbs, he had witnessed the remarkable power it possessed. Any wounds would spontaneously mend over the course of a few hours. Simply amazing! Preparations to confront the impending arachnid horde were progressing steadily. All sorts of traps had been meticulously placed throughout the forest. Rows of sharp wooden stakes formed a formidable defensive barrier along the front of the wall, their menacing edges sufficient to pierce any approaching creature. Victor, the mastermind orchestrating these preparations, stood atop the extensive earthen wall that stretched across the northern reaches of the academy. From this vantage point, he gazed out intently over the looming threat that was the depths of the Thornwood Forest. Even at this moment, an aura of immense danger seemed to seep from those shadows. Yet, despite the palpable peril, Victor exuded an air of confidence as he accessed his status screen, revealing his newly improved stats. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 208/208 Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (third level, 73%) Status: Healthy Strength: (24 25) Agility: (24 25) Vitality: (24 25) Magical Power: (31 33) Infused Mana (total): (172 208) Spell Repertoire: {Blink Step}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave} His progress in meditation had been nothing short of astounding. The acolytes in his former academy would be green in jealousy if they were ever to find out. This remarkable progress wasnt solely due to his unbroken focus on meditating over the past ten days, but also because he was hemorrhaging on mana crystals. He had to be as powerful as possible in the face of a calamity that could jeopardize his life. In this critical moment, there was no room for failure. It was either him or them; there was no other option. Apart from that, Victor had introduced a new feature to the status screen. It could now display the spells that the user had successfully mastered. Later on, players would accumulate an ever-expanding repertoire of spells, and while the likelihood of forgetting their mastered spells was close to nil, being able to actually see their progress would provide a dopamine rush to motivate them further. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Build Your Ark Before the Flood With the academys barriers collapsing within ten days, you need to be prepared for whats to come. Be prepared, be vigilant, and be ready; it is your task to build up a strong enough force and fortifications to contend against the arachnid invasion. Type: Main mission Force Assembling Progress: 99% Remaining Time: 10 hours 43 minutes Reward: 250 academy points Theres still about ten hours It should be in the middle of the night, then. Coincidentally, it was the weekend on Earth, so almost all the players should be able to participate regardless of the time. One other thing to note was that the calendar system in Seraphia differed slightly from the Gregorian calendar. Despite having a similar number of days (360 days in the Seraphian calendar), there was no variation in the number of days in each month. Furthermore, in a world that essentially operated on a feudal system, the concept of a weekend holiday was nonexistent. Setting aside these calendar intricacies, Victor faced the forty or so players gathered near the earthen wall, all of whom were busy preparing for the inevitable. Rather than fear and apprehension, their faces were filled with excitement, eager for the impending battle against the arachnid horde. Victor had informed them of the likely invasion date a few days prior, allowing them to make the necessary real-life preparations. With a commanding gesture, Victor beckoned them to gather before him, ready to deliver his final speech a speech he had crafted when contemplating in the toilet. My acolytes! The arachnid horde is set to invade us soon, and the academys magic barriers will no longer be able to conceal our presence. For days we have been preparing for this moment. Everything we have constructed has been in anticipation of the looming threat that may ultimately decide our fate. His gaze fell upon each of them in turn with his commanding presence, his words carrying a weight that hung heavily in the air. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Now, I need six people Before he could finish his sentence, basically every player in the vicinity shot their hands into the air and stood up on their toes. Ahem, please wait for me to finish first, Victor said with a light cough. He cleared his throat, adjusted his posture, faced the multitude of expectant eyes, and quickened his speech. I require six acolytes to shoulder the weighty responsibility of standing guard on the wall, be it day or night. While the northern wall was still half-finished, it faced the heart of the forest where the most significant threats would originate from. Besides, unless the players had attained the status of a first-stage Initiate Attunement, their combat abilities were limited, rendering them more as alarms to warn of approaching danger. With the protective barriers soon to be dispelled, there would be a pressing need for individuals to stand guard and maintain a vigilant watch. During your duty, the academy will provide your equipment, and you will be compensated with ten merit points per hour during the day and fifteen merit points during the night. Shifts will be organized into three rotations: one for the day and two for the night. The maximum night duty time is eight hours, with rotations every six hours. If you are to meet your end on duty during this mission, the death penalty, apart from the resurrection cooldown, will be lifted. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, you will receive a pension ranging from one hundred to one thousand merit points. Victor surveyed the excited expressions on the assembled players as he resisted a smirk from playing on his lips. After a brief pause, he continued, You have ten seconds to consider whether you truly desire this position Now, those who are interested, raise your hand and step forward. The last sentence was obviously redundant, as everyone had done this without being told to. In fact, as soon as his voice fell, forty or so pairs of hands were raised in the air. After all, Victor didnt make it clear that raising both hands was the same as raising one, but such trivial details were hardly important now. For players yearning to be online twenty-four hours a day, this job was too tempting to resist! From six in the morning to six in the evening, there were twelve hours available for duty. At ten merit points per hour, that amounted to a total of 120 points. Even without the higher nighttime rate, this still equaled or surpassed the earnings of other average players. Daytime guard duty didnt imply complete idleness either, as they could utilize that time for side tasks like crafting, further increasing their merit point income. Victor chose the six most eager players who had been among the first to raise their hands and registered them on the Academy Inhabitant List tab. The System was able to record everyones job and, depending on their type, pay them merit points according to their contribution and hours worked. Following this, he instructed them to take six of the twenty crossbows neatly arranged on wooden crates nearby under the envious eyes of other players. These crossbows were crafted from the remains of magical beasts by none other than Eleanor the outgoing female blacksmith from the village. He had no doubt they would be of high quality, and the bolts were made from the thorns of Thornback Boars, capable of piercing weaker magical beasts with ease. Six individuals were divided into three teams, each consisting of two members. They were assigned to cover each shift, and as for the specific timing of their duties, Victor allowed them to work it out among themselves. Victor made it clear that if a magical beast approached, they could use their crossbows and arrows to either take them down or attempt to deter them. However, in the event that the magical beast proved to be too formidable or if they were outnumbered, their immediate course of action should be to call for reinforcements, which meant calling Lizbeth. Shortly after Victor arranged these details, a familiar notification chimed in his head, followed by the appearance of a blue holographic screen. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have done well in ensuring the academy has adequate force and fortifications.] [The reward (250 academy points) has been issued.] Nice. With the addition of 250 AP, Victor finally had some leeway in his spending; he was even considering pulling for gacha. Uh, nah Theres no guarantee Ill get something good. I should save this for when the situation calls for it. Thinking about doing gacha reminded him of the unused magic staff hed received. Since he already had a stronger magic weapon, it seemed wasteful to let this one collect dust in his interspatial ring rather than be used by someone who needed it. It just so happened that he had a person in mind, so he notified him through the Shadowlink Mark to meet him near the wall. Esteemed Headmaster, did you call for me? Are you going to entrust me with the guard position, or even better, the leader of the hunting group? Ive been rather bored foraging in the forest for the past ten days The teenager who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen was none other than Prominence. He was, funnily enough, one of the forty or so players gathered in the vicinity when Victor was selecting for guards. The other players were carefully watching this exchange between Victor, or known as the headmaster, and Prominence a fellow player. It was evident at a glance that he was going to give him a special task or mission. Mhm, I have another, more important task for you later. For now Victor extended his hand, and a long magic staff with a shimmering sapphire gem at its peak appeared it was the Elemental Staff of Flame, a mid-grade magic tool. I-Is that the infamous magic tool? Holy shit! Damnnn! Im so envious! I want to have a magic staff too Still, why does it look familiar somehow? Prominence was quick to catch on, unable to hide his excitement as he reached for the magic weapon while exclaiming, Thank you, Headmaster! I will definitely treasure thi Victor pulled the staff back, stating firmly, No, Im not giving you this for free; Im lending it to you. Prominence quickly corrected himself, albeit disappointed. Yes, of course! I will return it immediately when you ask for it! Good. Victor thought for a while before adding, Of course, you can buy it for ten thousand merit points. Ah, beware that breaking it means buying. Hearing that he had to pay ten thousand merit points if he broke it, Prominences face paled. Headmaster, I suddenly dont want this anymore. Victor was speechless for a moment but quickly reassured him that he wouldnt charge a single merit point if the staff were to be damaged in battle while protecting the academy. After a bit of convincing, Prominence took the Elemental Staff of Flame and thanked him, vowing things like I will put it to good use and I wont let you down before excusing himself. The reason he chose Prominence wasnt simply because he was the first player to be promoted nor because his highest elemental affinity was Pyro; it was merely due to the fact that he was the first player to register for the game and one of the few Victor could completely trust. With all said and done, Victor opened the mission tab to see if there was a new main mission, and indeed, there was one: Mission: Last Stand for the Invasion The invasion is imminent, and they will overrun this place tonight. Strengthen your defenses, unite your forces, and face the arachnid horde with unwavering resolve slay them to their last one. Will you emerge victorious, or will you perish under the darkness? Type: Main mission Number of Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid Remaining: 513 Reward: Breakthrough insight for Elemental Adept The invasion had finally begun. Chapter 47: The Start of the Invasion Part II On a three-meter-high earthen wall, SirLaughsALot and ButaYaarou assumed their roles as watchmen for the first night shift. They had opted for this role thanks to having the flexibility of working from home, but they quickly regretted not wrestling for the daytime shift. The two players stood behind a parapet formed by hardened mud while peering into the dark forest twenty meters away. From this vantage point, they could see as far as two hundred meters into the forest. From time to time, strange noises would creak from the depths; they would even see flickering shadows darting through the darkness like a ghost. It was eerie beyond belief. At least the sky was a canvas of countless stars a sight unfounded in the metropolises of reality. Nevertheless, this didnt stop them from getting shivers down their spines, so they passed the time by engaging in sporadic conversation. Hah Wouldnt it be great if this game had a built-in browser? I could watch some anime to distract myself Heck, I could even play some games. Really, cant we use bots to guard the wall? ButaYaarou grumbled. Built-in browser? Have you ever seen an MMORPG with a built-in browser before? Besides, you can purchase an e-book on the virtual shop to read or meditate, even. Not that this is the perfect time for that, SirLaughsALot, or SirLaughs for short, replied. Speaking of which, the real event of this update should be happening soon, right? Mm, at least thats what the official website and the headmaster told us. ButaYaarous face turned stern as he kept a wary eye on the dark forest. So far, though, I havent seen any signs of it. How are the other players preparations going? All online players are gathering nearby and getting that ready. Look over there, theyre checking up on the traps. SirLaughs pointed at the distant dots of light. Luckily for them, other than the two of them standing guard, several other players were bustling around the earthen wall, conducting final checks on the preparations. They carried torches made from resin, their glow reminiscent of fireflies in the darkness. Ahh Im not in the mood to practice a meditation technique right now.! I really want to start fighting those invaders and shooting ma Shush! SirLaughs suddenly became alert and made a silencing gesture. Dont make a sound I think our enemies are here Are you serious? ButaYaarous voice quivered. Had the main storyline finally begun? The two players nervously ducked into cover to hide themselves. While carefully peeking toward the forest, their hands were already firmly on the trigger of the crossbows, bolts ready to fly. Soon, several man-sized spiders emerged, slithering from within the foliage, seemingly observing the area. The players held their positions, adhering to the established protocol *** Master, the players on guard duty have alerted me that the invasion has begun, Lizbeth reported, her eyes scanning the footage of the forest. Several Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids have been spotted on the periphery, with their main horde lurking a few hundred meters deeper in the forest. These are just their scouts, apparently. Victor nodded. Im aware. He could see all of this on the Systems map, with many red dots filling the screen. He noted a group of around ten human-sized spiders a few hundred meters ahead of the main group. Clearly, they were sending scouts ahead which, oddly enough, hadnt triggered any of the traps. However, this was all part of Victors plan. In addition to the ordinary traps set by the players, he had contributed by placing various magic traps and arrays. These spiders were, after all, a type of hive-minded magical beast, and once one of them triggered a trap, the other traps would become less and less effective. Only the most bizarre magic arrays and spells could counter them. Thus, Victor would be hard-pressed to create a trap capable of dispatching them in one fell swoop if not for the ingenuity of the players. For the past week, Victor engaged in extensive discussions with players on the forum and Discord to gather ideas for defense against the impending invasion. Of course, he had to assume his role as the games promotional manager while doing so. But the players didnt disappoint him in the least. They suggested multiple intriguing strategies, albeit the one most realistic was reliant on the enemies underestimating them and not triggering the traps. To prevent scouts from stumbling onto the traps prematurely, Victor had used illusionary arrays to conceal them. Illusionary magic and arrays typically fell under the broader category of spells, a subject Victor had taken back at the Arcane Radiance College. Fortunately, he hadnt slacked off in his studies. Have you informed the players? For this event, Victor had issued a special hunting mission. For each Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid slain by a player, they would earn a generous reward of one hundred merit points. This single kill equated to the effort of a full days worth of wood chopping or field plowing! In cases where the arachnids met their end through traps or other methods, the merit points would be evenly distributed among all participants involved. Also, if the players died fighting the arachnid horde, they would not be charged with any merit points deduction. Was it even possible for any headmaster NPCs out there to be more generous than him? Yup! All done and in position. We just gotta twiddle our thumbs till the enemies are in place, said Lizbeth with a mischievous twinkle in her golden eyes. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Victor didnt say a word more and kept a close watch on the players. Of the 104 total players, exactly one hundred of them joined this event. The rest couldnt participate because they had pressing matters in real life. Not that such a minuscule number would make a difference in this case. On paper, one hundred against five hundred would result in a one-sided massacre unless the lesser number had the advantage in other aspects, which was the very thing they were relying on. Still, what intrigued Victor the most was the reward for this mission. Insight for a breakthrough Will this propel me to the rank of Elemental Adept, finally achieving the status of an official Magus? If that were truly the case, then the missions importance was immeasurable. Becoming an official Magus was the ultimate aspiration for all acolytes, a goal worth pursuing at any cost. Some desperate ones, nearing the end of their lifespans, would resort to elixirs for forced rank advancement, even if it meant sacrificing further progression. Thus, the reward was worth the risk that came with it. Currently, the atmosphere among the players was filled with thrill and fervor. To them, this invasion felt like a war they could never experience in real life, and that excitement was understandable. But while the players were pumped up, Victor remained calm and focused. His mind was a whirlwind of strategy as he simulated every possible scenario. Soon, under the cloak of night, the arachnid horde started approaching. Their eyes gleamed with malevolence as they closed in, ready to unleash a devastating assault. Victor hadnt spotted their queen yet, but his observations had narrowed down several potential hiding spots in the center of the horde. If he were their queen, hed undoubtedly hide in the safest location. Just as it seemed that the clash between the earthen wall and the arachnids was inevitable, the ground beneath their many legs suddenly sprang to life with a complex network of traps and snares. The forest erupted into a chaotic symphony of clicks, hisses, and snaps as all manner of traps ensnared the invaders in a deadly dance, thwarting their advance. Pitfalls appeared out of nowhere, leading to concealed spikes and thorns. Unaware spiders were trapped and skewered alive, spewing arachnid blood in their frantic struggle. Enormous, serrated thorn blades swung down from the trees, decimating the main body of the horde. Hidden nozzles released streams of immobilizing substances mixed from the sap of ironthorn trees and other biological matter, restricting their movements. However, none of these ordinary traps were a match to what Victor placed himself. Strange and mysterious symbols were glowing brightly as they discharged bursts of Anemo elemental magic; each of these successive magic traps killed at least a few of them. He had prepared all of this over an entire week, with each of the traps taking an hour to make; he was lucky that the Thornwood Flowers were able to be used as the catalyst, exempting him from spending AP. The horde of arachnids seemed endless at first, but dwindled with each passing second. Their agonized hisses and insect screams melded into an eerie and spine-tingling melody that pervaded the forest. Yet still, the grand trap that was the pice de rsistance, designed to annihilate the entire horde remained unsprung. Is it about time? Victor muttered, his eyes fixed on the traps, compelling the arachnid horde to scatter in a specific direction. Just then, a player on the watch cast {Flame Dart} at a seemingly innocuous spot. As soon as the flaming projectile struck the ground, it triggered a ground-shaking burst. A wall of fire erupted and rapidly expanded, setting off a chain reaction of explosions and creating a colossal ring of fire that encircled the entire horde like a flame dancing in the night. Hidden beneath the ground were trenches filled with wooden barrels containing highly flammable liquid. With no escape route, the arachnid horde faced an inevitable doom. If nothing unexpected happened, they would all be wiped out sooner rather than later. Nevertheless, Victor refrained from hoping for such a miracle. He was acutely aware that the fate of the academy and everyone within it hung in the balance as the next phase of the strategy unfolded. *** Five minutes earlier. A group of ten or so players primarily from the first batch who were at the first-stage Initiate Attunement and able to cast magic gathered near the earthen wall. Leading them was Alfred, a red-haired player who looked no different from any other high school teenager. Despite the gruesome spectacle of the spider monsters being massacred by the traps in a gruesome display, he wasnt even the slightest bit fazed. Should we cast the spell now? inquired one of the players, his anticipation evident. Alfred raised a hand, urging patience. Wait The enemies havent fully reached the traps location; if we rush, the result wont be satisfactory. When it came to strategy, both Alfred and Storm were skilled, with Storm having a slight edge. However, when it came to leadership, Alfred was the better of the two. He might not have devised the entire strategy, but he was the best choice for rational decision-making and guiding a group of players into war. Indeed, this was a war unlike any other they had experienced. The pressure and thrill were almost tangible. Most other games only featured wars on a limited scale. In fact, most couldnt even be called wars and only battles at most. But here, it was not a mere battle; it was a full-fledged war. An actual war would have hundreds to thousands taking up arms and fighting to the death as a minimum requirement. Before long, Alfreds mental calculations signaled that the arachnid horde had finally reached the desired location. So, he turned to his friend Prominence, the first among them to master the Pyro spell {Flame Dart}. Ready? he asked. Prominence grinned confidently, holding a fancy crimson magic staff that had become the envy of the players. As ready as you are! Let me show you the skill of a pro-FPS gamer! You know me; I can snipe a target from a kilometer away with my eyes closed. Damn, bro. Bragging your borrowed red Aghanim. Aghanim, my ass. Thats obviously Dagon. What are you talking about? Its undoubtedly the Glowing Wand. Go away! Looking satisfied over the others reactions, Prominence said, Now, watch and learn. He then chanted, {Flame Dart}. A flaming projectile appeared above his staff and streaked toward a specific target two hundred meters away. Boom! Upon impact, the ground erupted in flames, igniting the wooden barrels containing highly flammable liquid they had strategically placed days prior. Hah! See? Prominence raised his hands in triumph, but then almost fell to his knees in the next moment if not for the magic staff that he used as support holding his posture. He weakly said, Ugh the aftermath of casting a spell and held his head. Still, I must say this wouldnt be this easy without the Assist Casting feature. The rest of the players nodded in agreement. They knew full well that mastering a spell in this game was no easy task like in any other game. Furthermore, even if they had advanced into becoming true acolytes, there was a limit to how many times they could cast a spell. Alfred felt that the game developers intention of making it as realistic as possible was beside the point for the magic part. That aside, the ensuing chaos spelled disaster for the arachnid horde. The air filled with the acrid stench of scorched flesh as the flames consumed them in droves. Even Alfred and the others, standing a hundred meters away from the nearest fire source, could feel the intense heat. Chapter 48: A Standoff Between Players and Spiders The fires intensity surged with each passing moment, and multiple factors fueled this inferno. First and foremost, the fire didnt just stay still and wait to be extinguished; its fiery tongues were licking hungrily at the surrounding trees and vegetation. It was as if they had a life of their own, guided by the wind, spreading wildly in a frenzied dance. Adding to the escalating blaze were the trees themselves. These were no ordinary, run-of-the-mill trees; they were ironthorn trees, the very source of the highly flammable liquid the players had used. Even the viscous traps, which had initially hindered the spiders, now played an unwitting role. These traps, crafted from the same material as the ironthorn trees, had inadvertently coated any who touched them with a flammable substance, transforming them into living torches. The scene had become a disaster, painting the forest red with destruction. Amidst this, the players couldnt help but feel triumphant. Their carefully laid plans were working perfectly. Laughter and cheers filled the air. Haha, look at those crispy spiders! I didnt expect this event to be such a breeze. Right? As long as we were prepared, not even dragons could stand a chance! Merit points, here I come! However, Alfred saw that Storms face grew serious as he gazed at the blazing spectacle. Dont jinx it, he warned. Do you really believe it will end this easily? This is just the beginning. Mm, Storms right. Considering how this games been unfolding so far, its unlikely the developers will wrap it up this easily. I fear we havent seen the last of these creatures, especially their queen. Alfred made an absentminded gesture to adjust his glasses, momentarily forgetting he didnt actually wear them in this game world. Wait, they have a queen? a curious, light-green-haired player known as MsMelody chimed in. She was a player from the third batch and was the only female player here. Despite that, her presence in the group was significant, as she was the only healer among them, specializing in the rare Bio element. Well, its only a theory, Alfred began. Spiders are usually solitary creatures, and its highly unusual for them to gather in such large numbers, especially into a group of hundreds. But given their behavior so far, I suspect there might be a queen orchestrating all of this. If my assumption is correct, they will soon find a way out of this fiery trap and head straight for us. The headmaster had kept them in the dark regarding the magical beasts they were facing, providing only basic characteristics and weaknesses. Even the official wiki didnt explicitly mention their queen and had little information. So, Alfreds assumptions were largely pieced together from the hypothesis on the forum, coupled with his own deductions. Soon enough, his fear turned into stark reality. Nearly reduced to ashes, the surviving Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids broke through the fiery barrier, using their fallen brethren as a gruesome shield. From what had initially seemed an unending swarm, less than a hundred remained, albeit gravely injured and in poor shape. Theyre here! Send the signal! Alfred commanded with urgency. One of the players raised his torch and swung it around like a beacon a deliberate signal for those stationed farther away. Responding swiftly, Mike led the remaining eighty or so players to the top of the wall. About two to three dozen of them wielded bows and crossbows, while the rest clutched sharp and durable spears and axes crafted from the remains of magical beasts. As the players took their positions, the less than one hundred spider monsters drew nearer, their distance shrinking to a mere fifty meters. They then slowed down in their tracks, while still within the forests cover, as each of their eight eyes gazed at the players cautiously. It was a tense standoff that lasted only a brief moment before the inevitable clash. Prominence, not wanting to miss this opportunity, bellowed with fervor, Everyone! Stand firm! Behind us lies the academy we must defend! Oooh! The players responded with excited cheers while Alfred rolled his eyes at the theatrics, but he wasted no time. He issued orders to players wielding ranged weapons to let loose and urged those who could cast magic to start chanting. Unfortunately, despite being a player from the first batch, Alfred found himself teetering at the edge of advancement, stuck at 86 percent progress; therefore, he couldnt join in on the fun. Bolts, arrows, and a barrage of magic spells poured into the midst of the arachnid horde. An electric spark burst to life, followed by a series of icy projectiles, a swirling water cannonball, razor-sharp blades of compressed air, and even a creeping vine that appeared out of nowhere. The combined onslaught wreaked havoc among the spider-like creatures, sowing chaos within their ranks. Naturally, the arachnids were anything but passive. They swiftly closed the distance to the wall displaying a keen awareness that enabled them to avoid most of the ground-based traps. It became evident that these hive-minded creatures had learned from their earlier mistake. Finally, the ranged confrontation was on the cusp of transforming into a close-range melee, and the players were more than ready to fight these creatures tooth and nail. Simba!! For the king! May the force be with you! Boom boom bakudan! Ahh-ee-ahh-ee-ahh! A cacophony of battle cries erupted as players brandished spears, swords, and an assortment of weapons some were even using farming tools and sharp random objects lying around. The atmosphere was charged with adrenaline, and it seemed incomplete without these enthusiastic shouts. Even Alfred, the strategist himself, couldnt resist delivering a classic battle cry. For honor and glory! This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. *** For the queen spider, the unfolding events had been both harrowing and infuriating. As her loyal kin were ensnared and consumed by the relentless fire trap, she felt their collective pain through their mental connection. It was a tormenting experience Reluctantly, she had to make a difficult decision. To save some of her kin, she allowed others to be sacrificed as they rushed through the fire barrier. It was a heartbreaking sacrifice, but the alternative would be the total annihilation of her kin to perilous flames. She almost couldnt bear it any longer and considered exposing herself. However, she sensed danger from within the earthen wall something that could threaten her existence. A Magus or at least an individual close to achieving that status. Despite being a magical beast driven by primal instincts, the queen spider wasnt entirely mindless. She had survived by living in the shadow, avoiding powerful beings and preying on weaker ones, and she was not going to change her approach. With her multifaceted eyes on her lower spider body, she cautiously observed the strange humans standing on the earthen wall, calculating their strength. Their weapons glinted menacingly in the fires harsh light, and their fierce determination was unmistakable. Through the eyes of her kin, she got a close-up view of them. As they prepared to clash, those humans unleashed sharp projectiles and a volley of magic attacks against her kin. Against such a multitude of attacks raining down on them, they couldnt avoid them all. Behind them lay the wall of fire that had consumed their brethren, and in front of them stood the humans with their strange weapons and cunning traps. Caught between a rock and a hard place, the queen spider had no choice but to issue an order to charge ahead, hoping to kill the pesky humans and keep as many of her kin alive as possible. SKREEE!! Seeing the last of her kin wounded and killed was unbearable. Those were her children, her precious offspring! Unable to contain herself any longer, the queen spider rushed from her hiding place. The confrontation had turned into an all-out brawl, and her arachnid horde surged forward to clash with the detestable humans as they scaled the webs they shot over the wall. It was time for her to unleash a massacre among these humans. *** As beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, William swiftly stabbed a man-sized spider that had sunk its fangs into his wrist with a spear. Darn! Thats three His heart was racing with adrenaline he had never felt before. Is this what the protagonist from that zombie apocalypse movie feels like when being chased by zombies? Having cast a spell to trigger the trap and another just before the confrontation began, he could feel the infused mana within his body draining up. In fear of breaking his precious magic staff and incurring the hefty penalty of ten thousand merit points, he had stashed it in a secure location. Instead, he had opted for a melee weapon, one salvaged from the lifeless body of a fellow player. Prominence HP: 83% MP: 1/15 Power Rank: First-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Pyro (89%) | Electro (63%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (first level, 27%) Status: Injured (left wrist) Strength: (13) Agility: (12) Vitality: (12) Magical Power: (5) Infused Mana (total): (15) Checking his status screen, he observed that, despite the fierce assault by the magical beast that managed to bite him, he was still in relatively good shape. The pain remained rather subtle, thanks to the reduced pain setting in the game, but it lingered there, nonetheless. William surveyed the battlefield that had descended into utter chaos. The wall and landscape below were marred by a grotesque tableau of human and spider corpses that resembled a grotesque garbage pile. Initially, the players had maintained some semblance of coordinated defense, covering each others backs. However, as the battle raged on, it deteriorated into pure pandemonium. The spider monsters were especially menacing, able to spew venomous acid from a distance of ten meters, potent enough to dissolve even iron. Players who were caught off guard were killed in a single spray their remains reduced to bones and a sickly green residue despite the defensive capability of the acolyte robes. If they survived that, they would still be poisoned to death while foaming at the mouth. Even worse was the situation for the arachnid horde. Already injured by the myriad of traps they had gone through, even newbie players were able to take on these vicious creatures with just a geographical advantage and a weapon in hand. Even so, landing a successful strike against the arachnids often came at the gruesome price of losing a limb or worse. It was, in essence, a grisly exchange of lives. In the real world, such a harrowing scene would have caused William to puke. Fortunately, the games mechanics appeared to suppress those visceral reactions, sparing him from the full extent of the disturbing reality happening before him. All of a sudden, as if struck by a shared realization, the remaining twenty or so Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids abruptly abandoned their confrontations with the players. Instead, they scuttled, in a frenzied and erratic manner, retreating back into the burning forest. The spiders are retreating! Quick, Lets chase them down! one player cried out. Uwaaa!! Charge! Long live the academy! Awoooo! Awoo wooo! With a resounding battle cry, the remaining fifty-some players who were still able to fight leapt down from the earthen wall, eager to chase the fleeing arachnids. After all, to these people, magical beasts were nothing more than sources of valuable merit points that could bite. To any observers, however, they might appear as the real monsters in this eerie forest. Unwilling to waste the opportunity to gain more merit points, William was about to join the chase, but he was halted by Zeros restraining hand. Huh this feels like dj vu. Not so fast, Zero cautioned. Something doesnt feel right. What do you mean? William asked impatiently. However, he discovered that Zeros expression was dead serious. Something fishy was going on. Unfortunately, it was becoming apparent too late to halt the impulsive charge of the other players. Sure enough, the remaining arachnids stopped abruptly and turned to face the players. Just as the players were growing excited to see their targets become sitting ducks, an eerie shriek cut through the air. A deluge of green, venomous acid suddenly rained down from above. Then, emerging from the billowing wall of fire was a creature of nightmarish grace. Its upper body resembled a female humanoid figure covered in glistening black scales, while its lower half was a grotesque arachnid. It was unmistakably the queen of these spider magical beasts. What struck terror into William and the others, however, was the creatures horrifying visage that lacked any shred of humanity, as if it were a vessel of pure vengeance. Shit! A boss monster has appeared! Its their queen Ack! The acid! It burns! Im meltiiinngg! You guys distract it! I will go around Argh! Retreat, everyone! Retreat! In this dire confrontation, the disparity of strength between the two parties was so large that sheer numbers meant nothing. The queen spider radiated an uncanny suppression force that repelled any who approached, incapacitating those who ventured too close and forcibly logged them out from the game. Facing this monstrous entity, William felt a profound sense of helplessness. His hands were trembling like there was no tomorrow. Though this was just a game, every sensation felt heart-wrenchingly real. Instinct screamed at him to flee, to put as much distance as possible between himself and this nightmarish adversary. Even his infused mana quivered uncontrollably as if it had encountered its nemesis. Chapter 49: Facing the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid The player nearest to the queen spider lunged forward, thrusting his spear at the monstrous creature. However, despite the queen spiders apparent stillness, the weapon couldnt pierce her scales. Instead, as her human-like hands reached for him, his body disintegrated into countless fragments, much like delicate glass shattering under the slightest pressure. There was no sound; he simply ceased to exist. Holy shit! Is the event going to fail? Will our progress so far be for naught? The scene was truly hopeless as desperation hung heavy in the air. It felt like they were confronting an enemy that was far too strong for being so early in the game. Dont give up! Fire your remaining bolts and arrows! Zero shouted through gritted teeth, shattering the stunned silence that had gripped the players. Only those farther away from the queen spider and those still on the wall could muster the strength to lift their weapons, aiming them at the monstrous creature. Alas, most of their projectiles proved useless, the invisible force surrounding the queen spider causing them to fall short. The few that managed to reach their target inflicted no damage whatsoever. What in the world is this creature? Are we facing something comparable to an Elemental Adept Magus? And if so, just how formidable is the pinnacle of strength in this game? William mumbled, his body quivering uncontrollably. He had thought that after gaining the ability to cast magic spells, he would be invincible in the game. There should be no more instances where he would remain powerless in the face of enemies as he had during his first encounter with these creatures. But here he was, being shattered with reality and unable to do anything against this magical beast. Yet, as William sunk into deep thought, the queen spider remained far from idle and began a spree of carnage. Almost every player who had chased after the fleeing arachnids fell prey to her. With her lower, razor-sharp legs, she cleaved through opposing players with terrifying ease, like a reaper in a field of wheat at a speed so fast that it was almost nightmarish. Occasionally, she unleashed the same destructive magic that reduced others to mere fragments. At other times, she spat blobs of venomous acid that would put any weapons and covers they used to shame. The most terrifying moment came when it opened its lower spider mouth and devoured a player whole, as though they were a piece of tofu. In that split second, everyone could witness the rows of razor-sharp teeth concealed within its maw, relentlessly grinding and crushing bones like a machine running at full throttle. If not for the pain suppression built into the game, the unfortunate player would have surely been screaming uncontrollably. Damn! This game is hardcore! William now fully understood why they were so selective with who was granted access. Other players found themselves paralyzed with fear, unable to move an inch. Their legs seemingly anchored to the ground by the sheer horror of the scene unfolding before them. It was a massacre So gruesome and horrifyingly real Desperation filled William as he desperately looked around for help; his friends: Zero, Storm, Mike, SuperNova, Thunder, and the others all seemingly trapped in the same paralyzed state. All the first-stage Initiate Attunement players were out of juice and unable to do anything. Together, they were like helpless chickens on a chopping board. Just when all hope seemed lost, a small tempest materialized and collided with the queen spider. It growled in rage, its enormous frame slightly injured. Atop the earthen wall stood a young man with striking blue hair and a sharply defined face, clad in an ornate robe. It was their salvation to this predicament the headmaster NPC! *** With a frown, Victor gazed at the lifeless bodies of players intermingled with the broken, bloodied arachnids. A floating purplish-black spherical crystal orb encased in ice and glass hovered just beside his shoulder. Despite rushing to the wall with the fastest speed he could muster, twenty players were already dead by the queen spider alone. In this world, magical beasts possessed an inherent strength far surpassing that of mortals. To level the playing field, Victor had orchestrated the grand fire trap that continued to rage even as of this moment. Even with the traps successful execution, even with how weak these magical beasts had become, there was still a gap. Still, while he anticipated there would be devastating casualties, seeing the result up close was rather disheartening. Luckily, these players were immortal, and they would be resurrected the next day and the subsequent days after like nothing had happened. But the toll taken on this day was undeniable Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Maybe I should have come sooner No, taking down their queen is the top priority here. Saving his mana for this pivotal moment had been a deliberate choice. After all, Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids were vengeful creatures, and their queen posed the gravest threat. If it were to escape, it would come back with an even greater force to retaliate against his academy.. You! Victors gaze hardened as he fixed it upon the queen spider, determination etched across his features. Your opponent is me, he declared, knowing that despite not understanding his words, it would understand his challenge. Now that it had appeared, he wouldnt let it escape! The players who had witnessed this unfolding spectacle stood by in hushed anticipation. The excitement was clearly portrayed on their faces, as though they were watching an epic cutscene in a game. Seeing that Victor and the queen spider met, they must have thought that the key plot was triggered, so they backed away to a safe location. The players understood Victors intention well he intended to handle the situation without drawing them into it. It was clear that getting caught in the crossfire could be costly, possibly resulting in significant losses. After all, many among them had firsthand experience of the queen spiders horrifying might and had witnessed the formidable magic Victor had just unleashed. Fortunately, the queen arachnid paid no heed to the weak players and allowed them to retreat. All its focus was set on Victor. Her expression held a sense of calculation and shrewdness as she monitored Victors every move with unwavering vigilance through her many eyes. [A bloodthirsty extraordinary life form has been detected!] [The life form is expected to have pseudo-Elemental Adept combat capability.] [This life forms power exceeds yours; it is advisable to run.] He had received this notification a while ago. Nonetheless, what made Victor come despite the difference in power was the information that came with it. A pseudo-Elemental Adept must mean that even though its power was above him, it wasnt at the point where the creature couldnt be killed with the strategy he had prepared. Furthermore, the main strength of this magical beast came from its innate ability to control its many children and not its direct combat power. Otherwise, he would have been the first to run away and hide inside the basement floor of the main building. After all, he wasnt like the players who could just wait for the respawn cooldown and come back alive he only had one life! Man, this is like battling that spider boss in Dark Souls... What was her name again? You mean Chaos Witch Quelaag? Now that you mentioned it, they do share some similarities, but this ones got a more monstrous human part. Yeah, seriously! Why is this one not as sexy? Later Ill complain to the devs about this. Dude, its a game, not a porn site. Chill. If youre so horny, just turn on your VPN. Get lost! Tch, this group of idiots The intense atmosphere that had been building until now all went to waste because of the players comments. However, this was not important. Victor, who planned to end the battle swiftly, wasted no time talking nonsense. He directed his entire focus toward the Voidborn Orb at his side as he prepared to cast another spell. A multitude of intricate simulations played out in his mind, calculating every potential outcome. SKREEE!! Noticing Victors intent to attack, the queen spider abruptly opened its massive spider mouth and expelled a voluminous glob of green, venomous acid directly at him. {Ember Shield}! With swift precision, a protective barrier of smoldering embers materialized around Victor, intercepting the incoming acid. The impact generated a scorching mist that billowed into the immediate surroundings. Ugh. Some tiny droplets of the acid had managed to seep through, causing Victor to grimace as he felt its corrosive touch. Despite that, Victor swiftly traversed the earthen wall to seek a better vantage point of the queen spider hidden behind the mist. Engaging the creature in close combat would be a grave disadvantage for him. However, when he could see the spot where the queen spider had been standing, there was nothing there. Shit! Where has it gone?! Like a bolt from the blue, a chilling sensation ran down Victors spine, and an ominous foreboding from above gripped him. There it was, high in the air, the queen spider was hurtling toward Victor. Its eight scythe-like legs poised to strike a single touch from those deadly appendages could spell his demise. In that split second, Victors infused mana flowed through a complex array of symbols suspended in the air. His body became ethereal just as the queen spider crashed down. The monstrous creature landed on empty space, its deadly strikes finding nothing but air. Victor reappeared ten meters behind the queen spider, {Blink Step} having saved him from the jaws of death. Shoot! If I chose to cast an offensive spell instead Victor mumbled, adrenaline coursing through his brain. However, he had little time for self-critique. With swift resolve, he cast {Flame Dart}, conjuring a flaming projectile that streaked through the air. The spells potency was bolstered by the Voidborn Orb, doubling its original destructive force. Bang! The fiery projectile detonated upon impact with the queen spiders abdomen, scorching its posterior and leaving a visible burn mark. SKREEE!! Despite the impressive display, the injury appeared relatively minor. Victor was about to cast another follow-up spell {Slicing Wind} but the queen spider granted him no respite. It charged at him like a raging bull, crashing headlong into the compressed winds before hitting him. Victor was sent hurtling through the air, his body out of control. Aack! Uhk! Blood trickled from the corner of Victors lips as he manipulated Anemo elemental particles to soften his landing. If not for the acolyte robe absorbing much of the impact, he would have a broken rib by now. In spite of all these actions, the Voidborn Orb never ventured further than a meter away from Victor as if glued to him. He stared at the queen spider with apprehension. Its crimson gaze held nothing but sheer madness. Even though it had sustained injuries from his two offensive spells, there was no sign of visible exhaustion in the creature. His spells seemed not to affect its movements at all. At that moment, Victor was sure of one thing: This was not going to be an easy fight. Chapter 50: One (Two) on One Final Showdown With a flick of his wrist, Victor cast {Zephyr Dash} and propelled himself in a swift circle around the queen spider. If a head-on confrontation didnt work, he would use a kiting technique like the pro gamer he once was. Thanks to his enhanced physique and the boost from the spell, he was running at a velocity four times that of an average human, putting Earths fastest runner to shame. {Tempest Burst}! {Heat Wave}! Victor chanted. Normally, {Heat Wave} was an unremarkable offensive spell, but combining it with {Tempest Burst} created a scorching cyclone of tempest that materialized right beside the queen spider. This spell combination was something Victor came up with after the players began learning to cast spells and discussing the possibility of magic on the forum they were an ingenious bunch. Caught off guard by the instantaneous Anemo spell, the queen spider let out a deafening roar as it was engulfed in the fiery tempest. Its body was scorched and lacerated by the combined forces of Anemo and Pyro spells. Unlike the previous attempt, this time the results were satisfactory. Victor, however, wasnt going to cheer just yet as he unleashed a barrage of follow-up spells to wound the monstrous creature further. Despite the queen spiders attempts to evade and retaliate with blobs of venomous acid, Victor maintained the upper hand, his tactic showing an edge. He continued casting spells, relentlessly chipping away at the creatures health. The final clash came when his {Flame Dart} collided with a stream of venomous acid as it spewed from the queens maw, creating a swirling cloud of warm mist around the queen spider. Did the headmaster NPC kill it? Fuck! You just had to say the cursed line! Victor overheard this from the players hiding nearby and furrowed his brows. He knew all too well that bringing down the queen spider was far from simple. Its monstrous vitality was not something his meager spells could contend Gagh! Wh-What is Suddenly, an intense force gripped Victor, lifting him into the air. The sensation was akin to being strangled alive by an invisible hand, plus his internal organs felt like they were on the verge of bursting. Is this some kind of telekinetic magic? Its innate ability?! While he had witnessed players being turned into mists of blood during the queen spiders onslaught, his third-stage initiate Attunement physique would prevent such a fate. But still, if he didnt act swiftly, he would be in a deep predicament. As the mist dispersed, the queen spider appeared and reached out its left hand toward Victor. Various injuries marred her form a huge gash on its abdomen. Some of her legs were almost torn apart, burned and charred as green blood oozed out. Victor accidentally let his guard down after unleashing a barrage of spells. He had been careless! No, this couldnt be avoided even if he realized it sooner; from the shrewd mind behind those two crimson eyes, Victor knew that hed been had, fooled by the queen spiders plan. Slowly, the supernatural force dragged his body inexorably closer. Despite manipulating the energy particles in the air in a desperate attempt to regain control, Victors efforts merely delayed the inevitable. It was crystal clear that the queen spider possessed the greater strength, despite its numerous injuries. Aargh! With every passing meter, Victor endured increasing agony. When the gap closed to a mere ten meters, blood oozed from his every orifice. Uh-oh, looks like the headmasters losing. Should we help him? Stupid! Do you think he will lose? Yeah, lets just believe in him and observe. I bet this is another hidden trick or something. The players who had been hiding nearby seemed uncertain about what to do. It appeared they had no intention of intervening just yet, as if they believed this was all part of a scripted event where Victor would eventually make a triumphant comeback. Victor cursed inwardly, vowing to teach these players a lesson once this ordeal was over. As he was on the brink of activating his defensive magic tool, the Twilight Moon Pendant, something unexpected happened. A ray of light materialized next to the queen spider, coalescing into a large silvery wolf with gleaming claws that swiped through its back. In that moment, a deafening shriek pierced the air as the invisible grip that seized Victor vanished. Capitalizing on this miraculous rescue, Victor propelled himself backward with a forceful kick, simultaneously extracting a vial of the health-restoring potion from his interspatial ring. Hastily, he uncorked it and downed the contents whole in a single gulp. In just a few moments, his internal injuries began to mend. Gosh! Theres a cute silvery wolf! one female player exclaimed. Another player, who had held unwavering faith in Victor, cheered with a knowing tone, Aha, this must be the ace up the headmasters sleeve! ! The awed chatters of the players redirected Victors focus forward and turned his astonishment to realization as he saw the one who had saved his butt. It was none other than Lumen, his contracted beast! She clamped her jaws around the gaping wound on the queen spiders abdomen, engaging it in a fierce struggle. You I thought I told you to stay put in your room Victor chided, though his words were tinged with gratitude for her timely intervention. Is this the work of Lizbeth, perhaps? Well, I did tell her to give me assistance when I was in a pinch, and Lumens one of the key considerations considering her powers. But still At the end of the day, despite Lumens {Gigantification} ability, she was still only comparable to a second-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. His thoughts were proven true, as the scuffle between Lumen and the queen spider only lasted mere moments. The queen spider utilized its telekinetic magic to toss her aside and redirected its malevolent gaze toward Victor. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. But in just a few moments, Lumen bounded back to Victors side and assumed a protective stance in front of her master, growling. You okay there, girl? Victor asked with a determined tone. Lumen responded with a resolute bark as her eyes locked onto the looming threat of the queen spider. The battle was far from over, but with her help, Victor felt total confidence in their ability to win. SKREEE! The queen spider howled, and the remaining twenty Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids gathered in front of it like loyal guards, forming a protective circle around their queen. It must have realized its disadvantage in numbers and called its very own offspring, whom it tried to protect, to its side. Regardless of its protective nature, it understood that its life was the most important. Victors heart pounded as he prepared to face the queen spider and its cronies once more. He had already cast numerous spells, and his infused mana reserves were dwindling. He snuck a quick glance at his current status using the Shadowlink Mark, wanting to assess his situation precisely. Victor Asteriscus HP: 84% MP: 81/208 Oh no, with this little MP left, it will be a miracle if I can cast eight more spells without passing out. The battle had taken a toll on him, but he couldnt afford to show weakness now. As he mulled over his options, faint footsteps echoed from behind him. The remaining thirty or so players who were still able to fight finally rallied together and stood behind Victor. Their representative, Zero, stepped forward and declared, Esteemed Headmaster, please leave the other weaker spiders to us. Without giving a reply, Victor stood his ground and grinned confidently. This much was enough to signal that their help was more than welcome. The players behind him stood ready, weapons drawn, magic spells charged, and determination etched across their faces. The queen spider, despite its injuries, still radiated a menacing presence. Its many eyes were fixated on Victor and the players. It knew that it was cornered, wounded, and outnumbered. From the deep hatred in its eyes, Victor could see its desire to take him down at all costs! Victor knew that he needed a plan, something that would separate it from its children. His gaze swept across the clearing to the surrounding forest, noting that there were several magic traps that had yet to be detonated. Turning to Zero and the players, he issued a series of rapid commands. Those who can conjure spells, go climb the wall! As for the rest, protect the casters in a line formation. Focus on the arachnids and force them into the choke points, he instructed, pointing to the forests dense foliage. And be ready for some explosions. The players nodded, swiftly moving into formation. Some climbed back to the wall, readying themselves to cast spells, while others pointed their weapons toward the enemy. Victor channeled his infused mana to cast {Flame Dart} at the magic traps, but before that occurred And you, girl. Victor glanced at the silvery wolf behind him. Please distract the queen spider. Lumen woofed as if understanding the assignment. Satisfied, Victor released the flame projectile, and it hit the ground, erupting into several explosions. With that as a sign, the players began with their assault. They sprang their ambush, unleashing their last-ditch spells, encircling the arachnids, and catching them off guard. The queen spider hissed, its attention now split between Victor and the sudden explosions. Lumen took that chance to distract it with sudden flashes coming from its body aimed at its many eyes. She also launched multiple light arrow attacks to lure it away, which Victor quickly followed behind to ensure that it didnt go for the players. *** The ensuing chaos tipped the scales in Victors favor, but it wasnt without its own sacrifices. He had drawn the queen spider away to a certain distance with Lumen, allowing the players to focus on the lesser threats. It appeared that it didnt care about its children or the players and only focused its attention on him something that contributed to this success. Victor took a deep breath, feeling the hot, smoky air fill his lungs and causing him to cough. He glanced around at the battlefield, where the players and Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids were locked in their own struggles. Some players had met their demise; their lifeless bodies were strewn across the charred ground. Others fought valiantly, doing their best to whittle down the remaining arachnids. He continued to observe the queen spiders movements, now riddled with even more injuries, searching for a weakness he could exploit. Relying on the players was a no-go; they were too inexperienced, too scattered to coordinate an attack on the queen spider. No, this battle was his to win or lose. Caught in this impasse, Lumen growled softly as if to tell him not to worry. Her confidence and clear determination to protect him infused Victor with renewed energy. Youre right. We just have to give it a try. Lets finish this in one attack, Victor said with a resolute tone. In response, Lumen looked at him with perceptive eyes, communicating that she understood the assignment. With the drawn out battle against the queen spider, Victor had become intimately familiar with the patterns and nuances of its attacks. He understood how to counter each and every offensive move, whether it was through nimble dodging or erecting protective spells. But he also knew that defeating this formidable foe without taking a risk would be a pipe dream. Its durability was too great, and his mana was running dangerously low. With determination in his eyes, Victor whispered an incantation as mysterious symbols materialized, and the world around him seemed to blur before changing its scenery. He had cast {Blink Step} to appear behind the queen spider for a surprise attack, and Lumen had given him a chance by blocking the queen spiders vision of him. It was a risky move, but he needed to seize every advantage. As he emerged closely behind the queen spider, Victor was ready to stake it all on a final combination spell. But to do that, he required delicate timing to cast two spells in tandem, and a single interruption could lead to a severe backlash that would not only cancel his progress but wound him severely. With a ferocious growl, Lumen released a barrage of light arrows, each streaking toward the queen spider with incredible velocity. These were not ordinary projectiles; they bore the essence of her newfound innate ability acquired through this intense battle. Some of the arrows were deflected and even returned by the queen spiders telekinetic magic, but the rest found their mark and struck the wound on the queen spiders abdomen. They unleashed bursts of radiant energy, causing searing pain to course through the creatures body. SKREEE!! SKREEE!! The queen spider writhed in pain, and its focus was momentarily shattered by the relentless onslaught of light arrows. This provided the vital distraction Victor needed. Without hesitation, he began chanting the {Tempest Burst} and {Heat Wave} spells, channeling every iota of his infused mana into them. In his mind, intricate spell models took shape, one after another, as he chanted the words with fervor. Return to your hellhole, you filthy spider! With that declaration, a tempest of flames and howling winds erupted with unmatched intensity, further enhanced by the Voidborn Orb as they came hurtling from his palms. The fusion of fire and air surged toward the queen spider, enveloping it in a maelstrom of blistering destruction. The incandescent inferno consumed the already wounded creature, gradually reducing it to smoldering ashes. The queen spiders anguished screeches echoed for what felt like an eternity. And then, as the flames subsided and silence descended upon the battlefield, Victor collapsed to one knee. A long, weary sigh escaped from his mouth as severe exhaustion and lightheadedness from the overuse of his magical power hit him hard. But at long last, this battle was drawing to a close. Chapter 51: Arachnophobia After being on one knee and unable to move an inch for what felt like a full minute or two, Victor sensed a large, silvery presence approaching from behind. Surprisingly, it was Lumen his ever-loyal companion. With a woof, she nestled against him with her soft fur and laid down. Oh, its you You know, I havent punished you for going against my words, Victor teased with a mischievous smirk. Hearing that, Lumens ears drooped slightly. Pfft! At the end of the day, Lumen is still a wolf pup, no matter how large her size has become. Haha, just kidding. Victor shook his head and rested it on Lumens plush fur, sighing contentedly. Just let me stay like this for a little while longer. In the distance, the echoes of the players finishing off the rest of the spiders lingered, gradually fading away like the dying embers of a once-fiery forest. It was as if the world was returning to its former state, and all that remained were the fading memories of the conflict. Victor, preparing to rise and assess the situation, was suddenly halted by a peculiar sight. The charred corpse of the queen spider, believed to be lifeless, began to twitch. In a matter of moments, its abdomen expanded, doubling in size. H-How is it still alive?! He had gravely underestimated the tenacity of this creature yet again. While it might be classified as a pseudo-Elemental Adept rank creature, its resilience far exceeded anything Victor had encountered thus far. To add insult to injury, he found himself completely out of juice when he checked his remaining MP, it only had a measly three points left! Far from enough to cast even a single Aleph-tier spell. Or so was his initial assumption, as it showed no other signs of movement other than a suddenly expanding abdomen. Wait This is just a bodily reflex that animals usually exhibit after dying Victor felt that his words werent quite fitting. He knew that magical beasts couldnt be easily equated to normal creatures. Strong extraordinary life forms would even leave supernatural phenomena upon death that would affect the surrounding area, while weaker ones often had the ability to move their bodies even after death, displaying a lingering combat potential. This phenomenon was intricately tied to the study of souls and the nature of the undead. But what kind of reflex would He had his eyes set on the queen spiders grotesquely stretched abdomen, now pallid. At that very moment, his Master Shadowlink Mark sprang to life, projecting a holographic screen that framed the visage of his assistant fairy, Lizbeth. Master! Get away from there! Its about to explode with swarms of its children! she warned from behind the screen before hanging up. What?! At first, he thought he might have misheard her. However, in the next heartbeat, the queen spiders bloated abdomen ruptured at a single point, releasing countless black dots into the sky. On closer inspection, these dots were diminutive spiders the size of a thumb and there were thousands of them! SHIIIT!! Panic surged through Victor as the grim reality set in. Im out of magic! What should I Wait! In a brilliant, sudden spark of idea, Victor retrieved a magic scroll containing the spell {Inferno Burst} from his interspatial ring the very one hed received from the gacha draw. Without a moments hesitation, he activated the scroll by injecting a little bit of his remaining infused mana. Boom! A fiery explosion materialized directly above the queen spiders lifeless body, engulfing everything in a three-meter radius in scorching flames. Nevertheless, because Victor had delayed and the spell itself took some time to cast, the numbers that were skydiving from the air were already overwhelming. Not only that, they seemed to be consciously aiming at him! Dont tell me, these spiders are also hive-minded? Victor questioned in his mind. And they must have been instructed to chase after me before their queen died! Jesus Christ! A shiver ran down Victors back, paralyzing him momentarily. Noticing the grimness of the situation, Lumen sprang into action. She bit onto Victors back and hoisted him onto her own, immediately fleeing from the incoming spiders. To end this nightmare, Victor was determined to use the scroll again! Boom! And again! Boom! Two fiery explosions were unleashed, annihilating the pursuing spiders and reducing the magic scroll into a useless piece of paper. Even then, several dozen of the tiny arachnids managed to escape the radius of the explosions, with two to three managing to land on his back despite Lumens fast speed and almost bit him if not for his quick actions. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Finally escaping from the predicament, Victor plopped down next to the equally pooped-out Lumen, gasping for air like an overworked steam engine. Huff Puff No more I cant handle that many spiders! He waved his hands frantically, as if trying to swat away phantom spiders still crawling on him. Victors legs had turned into jelly, and his hands were shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. There was no way he wouldnt be left with arachnophobia after this experience. In fact, if there were an achievement for this, it would be something like Arachnid Avenger complete with a spandex costume. [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Queen Spider Killer] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (killing the queen of the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid) for this achievement.] [The award (Aleph-tier {Spatial Mirage} spell book) has been granted.] Huh? Speak of the devil. It had been a while since Victor last earned a hidden achievement from the System, and the timing couldnt have been better. Furthermore, the reward this time was a spell book and a Cosmo element one at that. What a pleasant change of pace. How wonderful! Just as Victor was rejoicing in his newfound gains, a foreboding premonition washed over him. At the edge of his vision, an ominous, intangible crimson force shot toward him from the corpse of the deceased queen spider. It was so fast that he barely caught its afterimage. The force was on the verge of seeping into his body when Lumen intercepted it, swiping at it with her front leg. What the fuck was that?! Victor stared at the sinister crimson force with wariness. Once more, it launched an attack on Victor, taking on the form of the dead queen spider. A curse! GRRHH! Lumen pounced on the crimson curse and swallowed it whole and then burped; it was as though the curse was its food. The heck? Did she just Victor gaped at the silvery wolf, utterly befuddled. Regardless, Victor had no knowledge about this curse. Instances of a group of third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes defeating an Elemental Adept rank magical beast did exist, but for an inexperienced acolyte like him, such matters remained a mystery. Without the aid of the System, he was essentially a clueless ignoramus. The Arcane Radiance College didnt specialize in curse-related magic and similar things. Thus, it came as no surprise that Victor lacked expertise in this area, much less the knowledge of how to cast curses. However, he did understand that among Magi, using curses came with severe consequences, even though he wasnt entirely clear on the specifics. In one of the books he read, there was one alternative method that some Magi used to avoid these consequences, which involved harnessing life force. This could be achieved by either utilizing their own life force or through sacrificial rituals, though the latter was often frowned upon and associated with even graver dangers. Either way, the one hed encountered must have been cast by the queen spider just before its death, likely expending all its remaining life force, which made Lumens actions in swallowing it without any apparent consequences all the more remarkable. Whatever, Ill question you later. For now, lets go back to check on the players, he decided, climbing onto Lumens back. *** As the sharp bone spear plunged into the last arachnid, green blood sprayed across Jackys already filthy face. Oddly enough, instead of disgust, he was consumed by a perverse exhilaration like a serial killer on a rampage. Something was changing within him, slowly but surely, as he lived in this game longer and longer. True, hed spent most of his time on the sidelines, but this final clash had sparked something within him the cogs inside his brain grinding into gear. He felt like he was truly alive. In this strange game world he felt like he was back home, far away from his leeching wife and the sickly life out there. Just then, a fellow player beside him stepped on the corpse of another spider nearby and shouted, Taste that! This is revenge for killing me in the past! Hah! The manic look on Jackys face disappeared as he sighed, shaking his head. Save your energy, Locktekei. We cant be sure this is the end of them. Locktekei chuckled, seemingly untroubled. Well, you say that, but I dont see any more of those creepy crawlies headed our way. The landscape around them had turned into a desolate expanse of charred ground. A strong, acrid stench hung heavy in the air, causing anyone to inhale it to winch and cough. Amidst the devastation, countless spider corpses and humans alike were strewn about, turning the ground into a nightmarish display of red and green. In the not-so-far distance, patches of the forest continued to smolder even now, casting an eerie glow that almost turned the night sky into day, shrouded in a haze of eye-watering smoke. It was like a scene straight from hell. You might have a point, Jacky admitted. Strangely, he had become apathetic to his fellow players dying on the battlefield. A contrast to the previous time. Hey, do you think the fire will reach the Thornwood Flower field to the north? Itd be a shame to see it burn after all of this. Jacky tapped on his chin for a moment before opening his mouth. I doubt it. The headmaster emphasized the need to create a firebreak by cutting down trees and clearing the foliage on the forests edge. But whether itll be effective in stopping the fire, especially with the limited time we had, is anyones guess. Thats true. Locktekei nodded in realization. Speaking of which, I wonder how the headmasters battle against the queen spider is turning out Oh, hes the headmaster, after all. With his formidable magic, theres no way hell lose, is all I can say. Locktekei agreed. Mhm! If this games power scale goes beyond what weve seen so far, we could become superhumans. Screw those RPG open-world games on PC; they wont even compare to the thrills this game offers! Indeed, who hadnt dreamed of soaring through the skies, feeling like a god? It was a daydream that almost everyone had indulged in at least once during moments of boredom, allowing their imagination to take flight and explore boundless possibilities. Haha, imagine trying to control characters with complex powers like this using a keyboard and mouse. Or even using a conventional VR headset for a better perspective Wed be spinning in our chairs and probably puking our guts out. Pfft! Couldnt agree more. Both players shared a laugh, reveling in the unique and over-realistic experience of the game they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in. Chapter 52: The Aftermath of the Confrontation Number of Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid Remaining: 0 [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have done well in ensuring the academy has adequate force and fortifications.] [The reward (Breakthrough insight for Elemental Adept) has been issued.] [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Effective Headmaster] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (leading one hundred players into battle and winning) for this achievement.] [The award (50 academy points) has been granted.] The moment Victor reached the players, he received not one but two notifications. The first was the obvious one, but the second was another achievement that made two in a row! Well, I cant say no to more academy points. He grinned so widely that it prompted a concerned look from Lumen below. One thing that struck Victor was that, despite receiving the insight reward, he felt no discernible difference within himself. Perhaps, as usual, he would have to visit the Nexus Tower to claim his deserved reward. He couldnt wait to go back to check on that and the new spell. As Victor descended near the earthen wall, he surveyed the condition of the players. To be completely honest, it was worse than hed expected. The spiders were all killed by the players, for sure, but it was a pyrrhic victory. Out of the original one hundred, less than fifty players survived this war against the arachnid horde, of which twenty-seven were seriously injured, and eleven had suffered minor injuries. Most of the seriously injured ones were poisoned to some degree, and no less than seven of them had lost one or even two of their limbs, though they seemed to be laughing it off as if nothing terrible had happened to them. The battle is finally over, right? Cmon guys, give me a high five! Oh wait, I forgot that I only have one arm left, hahaha! Ha! Better than me. Now I have to search for that oh-so-important treasure on the sea as a pirate with a peg leg, eyepatch, and all, so my missing leg wont feel left out Wait, will our lost limbs regenerate the next day? Huh? Have you ever seen someone with a stumped hand regenerate their hand the next day? Oh no, guess that leaves us with no other choice but resurrection Noo! I dont want to die! I dont want to log out! Victor heard this conversation on the sidelines loud and clear with a twitch on his face. Was this a proper reaction from people who just lost their limbs should have? Incidentally, Victor was in the mind of testing the healing capabilities of the pool inside the Nexus Tower. If it could regenerate lost limbs and cure ailments, even if it took hours or days, it would be better than players having to kill themselves to be revived in new bodies. As such, he told them to do just that, though he reminded them that there was no guarantee that this method would work. Thank you so much, esteemed Headmaster! Yeah! Well go to the pool right away to get ourselves healed! All the injured expressed their gratitude reverently and scurried away toward the Nexus Tower. Some of them carried their companions who were foaming and with eyes that were white without pupils but still breathing, nonetheless. They were obviously too scared of dying in the game for a baffling reason they didnt want to miss out on any play time! Seeing that, Victor could only shake his head with a wry smile. He felt that their concerns were beside the point and might appear bizarre even to him if he didnt know better. After all, being physically disabled meant less effectiveness in doing tasks. When this method didnt work and all other methods were too expensive or difficult, they could only be persuaded to go offline and have their remnants thrown into the essence converter so a new body could be incubated. Hrm Still, even if they are players, arent they too desensitized? Is there some sort of mental shielding at play here? All things considered, this could very well be the reason why players were quite willing to do chores and manual labor At any rate, what was more concerning to him than even this was the state of the acolyte robes. Unlike players who could resurrect in their own unique way, they were a finite resource. Fortunately, the acolyte robes were durable, so even if the players were killed, most of the damaged robes were not beyond repair. He just needed an Artificer to commence repairs and make new ones as needed. Um, maybe I have to invite Eleanor here as soon as possible to get things in order later. Victor made a mental note to address this problem when he got the chance. Having said that, this battle had taught Victor a hard lesson. Not only in terms of players casualties but also in their lackluster combat skills and overall inexperience. Although the players were extremely brave and fearless when charging, they were ordinary humans at the end of the day. No matter how much potential they had, without the ability to wield magic, they were just cannon fodder. They only achieved victory today thanks to the grand trap and Victors intervention. This was further exacerbated by the lack of discipline and long-lasting coordination among them. They might not resort to outright betrayal or harm to their comrades, but they were acting with their interests gathering merit points as their top priority. Some even raced ahead to steal kills from their friends. What a bunch of trolls. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I should give this another look. Maybe in the next update, I will implement a party system or something Equally important was the necessity to educate them on hunting and establishing something akin to a tutorial players had to clear once they progressed to a certain point. Victor gazed out at the charred expanse of what was once a lush forest, his expression unwavering. All the traps designed to eliminate the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids were strategically positioned within the academys magic barriers and extended to their outermost limits. Additionally, he had instructed the players to create a firebreak to prevent the flames from spreading further. It had been a well-calculated and meticulously planned strategy. If the fire were to burn the Thornwood Flower field located just a few hundred meters outside the magic barriers, he would be the one on the brink of tears. This was the primary motivation behind doing all this, besides preventing the wildfire from consuming the entire forest. However, there was little point in dwelling on a hypothetical disaster that had been successfully averted. So, Victor redirected his focus to managing the players. There were ten able-bodied players who could still do hard labor, so he assigned them to clean the area. As for the players with minor injuries, they were instructed to tend to their wounds with basic first aid before assisting the others. All the corpses, whether humans or spiders, were carried on the wooden cart and transported to the makeshift morgue right outside the Nexus Tower. Looking at the huge amount of corpses piling up, Victor thought in his heart, If all of these corpses were to be converted into essence points, wouldnt I have more than a thousand points? Their carapaces can also be turned into armor. Unfortunately, most of the arachnid corpses were consumed by the trap and were nearly impossible to recover. They probably had all but turned to cinder by now. Speaking of the arachnid horde If theres an army of them deep inside the forest, then its very likely that there is a nest somewhere, Victor muttered to himself. For one, by eliminating the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid, it would invite other powerful magical beasts to roam the area close to the academy. On the other hand, this posed both a threat and an opportunity for Victor. An opportunity he couldnt afford to miss. Take, for example, the exquisite spider silk secreted by these creatures. It was considered one of the highest-quality materials for crafting magic equipment and tools. Not only was it exceptionally durable, but its light weight made it ideal for crafting items like the acolyte robes. Such material was highly sought after among Magi, and it rarely appeared on the auction market. Just that Although their individual combat power was not strong, and their strength fell short in comparison to typical first-stage Initiate Attunement rank magical beasts, the players were no match for them. Especially within the confines of their nest where theyd be in tiptop condition. Despite the casualties suffered during the battle, it was impossible to determine how many more of these creatures lay hidden in the depths of their lair. Securing this valuable material was important, as it could provide Victor with something highly tradable for a substantial amount of mana crystals. He just had to think of a way to locate their nest and for the players to start hunting them in earnest once they had the power to do so. This could be done by setting the place as some sort of dungeon Suddenly, something wet trickled on Victors face. It was a single drop at first, but it soon multiplied into countless droplets that he couldnt count. Hmm? Its raining. He opened both of his palms wide and felt the drops of water hitting them. What a rare occurrence. It wasnt that this forest was dry, but the forest fire must have triggered the rain. Victor breathed in the crisp scent of petrichor, relishing the rare sensation of the cool water enveloping the previously parched forest, as if the world wanted to sweep clean the blood bath that had occurred here. Whatever. Alls well that ends well Instead, I should check on that curse. Maybe Lizbeth knows a thing or two. As he was consumed in his soliloquy, Victor went on to daydream about the huge gain in the not-so-distant future under the drizzle *** While Victor was lost in his imagination, the official Magus Academy Online websites forum on Earth buzzed with activity. Players who had perished before the final confrontation went offline one after another and rushed to log onto the official website. Thus, they were the first to bring back firsthand reports to the non-testing players browsing the forum. The battle described by these players seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Many of the forum users found it hard to believe, were it not for the amateur footage and screenshots captured amidst the battle. They were shocked totally shocked and speechless. The sheer number of living beings involved in this epic showdown exceeded two hundred. Furthermore, various traps such as pitfalls, searing blades, and even magic were used, leaving the players who participated raving over how exciting it was! Especially the grand trap that became the highlight of this confrontation. It incinerated the entire forest and decimated the arachnid horde, as was the sheer carnage unleashed by the games boss monster the queen spider toward the players. Oh my god! I didnt know being an arsonist could be so much fun! If an environmentalist were to hear this, they would totally be pissed. Hahaha! But seriously, did you guys see the headmaster NPC taking on the queen of the arachnid horde all by himself? He looked like he was having a hard time, but if such a creature like that were to appear in the real world and cause havoc, it could probably wipe out a whole company of soldiers before dying. Yeah, I agree with that. This doesnt seem to be the limit of what he can do, either. I dont know why, but I have this feeling that hes only going to get stronger as the game progresses. By the way, am I the only one who thinks the queen spider looks... Well, you know, sexy? I mean, I dont mean in that way, but you know what I mean. (? ?? ?) Haha, youre not alone, buddy! But lets be real, shes got scales, and she looks like shed bite our heads off if we tried anything funny. ?? Thats a shame Well, I think the game developers are trying their hardest to keep this game from going R18+, which I strongly disagree with since were all responsible adults. Who wouldnt want to have a battle with a sexy Arachne like the ones in those novels and animated scenes, right? Wait, are you still talking about the game? How come I have a strange feeling that you are talking about something different. Ahem, were discussing character designs, okay? Character designs! Although the discussion took some amusing tangents, it always circled back to the original topic as new updates and news kept pouring in. Whether it was through suggestions or pure imagination, whether it was the qualified players who really believed in the game or pure fun-seeking trolls, what everyone cared about most was the outcome of this war. For all the positive signs seen so far, one nagging question remained. What if these closed-alpha players proved inadequate, or the arachnid horde proved to be too formidable a foe? What if, despite their best efforts, defeat was inevitable? Failure in this war would spell the end. After all, as the official website stated, if the players failed in the Arachnid Invasion event, it would result in the indefinite suspension of the game server, which would only be launched after extensive re-debugging. As for the duration of this suspension, it remained a closely guarded secret, possibly known only to insiders like the games promotional manager, CyberWarlock. Fortunately, enthusiastic netizens didnt have to wait long. Almost immediately after another player who died near the end of the final confrontation and was forced to go offline, news of their victory in the war flooded the forum. This revelation ignited a wave of relief and anticipation among the forum members, as he also brought with him something they would be eager to see. Chapter 53 Is This Really Not CGI?! [Book 1 Epilogue] With most of the immediate battlefield cleared of corpses, the players began logging off one after another to rest. Although playing using the gaming capsule was akin to sleeping in the real world, remaining inactive for an extended period of time wasnt ideal. Victor also seized this opportunity to tie up loose ends and attend to several matters before heading back to the main building, specifically to his office. Upon entering the room, a mischievous voice chimed in with a warm welcome. Oh! Welcome back, Master! Congratulations on your successful venture! Mm. With Lumen shrinking back to the size of a medium-sized dog under his hand, Victor nodded wearily and sank into his chair, his shoulders slumping from exhaustion. So, do you have any information on what happened when the queen spider died? Lizbeth was watching from behind the scenes, so she would likely possess more information on the matter than Victor. Just like how viewers often knew more than the characters in a story. Oh, that Lizbeths lips curved into a wry but playful smile, a suppressed giggle escaping her. Hehe, it must be one hell of a surprise, I assume? With more than a thousand small spiders chasing you and all Sheesh, dont remind me of that anymore. Victor waved his hand to signal her to cease. Changing the topic, he said, More importantly, can you tell me about the curse? As you may know, a few moments before its demise, it utilized its remaining life force to cast that curse known as Curse of Bloodline Retribution. It is an innate curse that special magical beasts would have, used to mark their killers so that stronger, more potent beings of their bloodline would take revenge on their behalf. In essence, it serves as a racial defensive mechanism. I see Victor had certainly heard about such curses before, although the specifics were somewhat hazy. Evading a curse like this wasnt an overly complex task for an official Magus, but for Victor, it could easily translate into a death sentence, even if the adverse effects werent immediate. The wolf nestled in his lap had spared him from that grim fate, prompting him to shower her with affectionate strokes on her head. As expected of a magical beast with the blood of a mythological beast said to have swallowed a moon There, there, what a good girl Victors fingers luxuriated in the soft, silky fur, incomparable to even the most lavish of pelts. She reminded him much of the corgi he used to have on Earth For some unknown reason, Lizbeth gazed upon this display with a hint of envy. One of her tiny fingers was resting on her lips. Noticing her expression, Victor inquired, Hm? Anything wrong? N-Nothing. She quickly averted her gaze. If you wanna pet her so much, feel free to do so; Lumen wouldnt mind, right? Victor raised Lumen gently, like a docile pet. Woof! Thats Well, okay. Lizbeth slowly floated toward Lumen, joining in to offer the wolf gentle strokes of her own, albeit not as energetic as expected. Whats up with her? Wait An abrupt realization flickered across Victors head, but he denied it as quickly. No, no, no! That would be weird. With no urgent matters demanding his attention, Victor activated his Master Shadowlink Mark and indulged in a bit of online browsing. He was curious to gauge the players reactions on the forum about the aftermath of the battle. He wasnt in a rush to claim his reward from the mission, anyway. The official forum was already flooded with discussions, so he had to skim a lot of posts until he stumbled upon an interesting one. Curiously enough, it was a thread made by the harbinger of updates Storm Bringer. Storm Bringer: I was killed in the ensuing chaos of the last battle! But its okay because victory is a sure thing! Over a hundred Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids met their end in close combat, and possibly several hundred more fell to our ingenious traps. Hahaha, it was great! I killed at least four No, five! It must be a penta kill! Squadzell: But youre still dead in the end. ?? Castlefrost: I died in the final confrontation too. Seriously, it was the most epic part of this battle, with the headmaster NPC spearheading the confrontation against the queen spider. It was an honor to be a part of it. Captain Derp: Noooob! You guys are such noobs! If I were the one playing, Id have single-handedly wiped out a hundred of them with my eyes closed! #SkillIssue Castlefrost: Screw you! You dont even qualify to play this game. You dont have the right to criticize us! Storm Bringer: Enough, enough. I might be six feet under, but I took the opportunity to edit the footage I captured. Here, I will share the URL link with you guys. It appeared that Storm met his end during the final confrontation, but not before taking five Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids with him. He then wasted no time in editing the footage hed captured. Well, Victor wasnt one to underestimate this old online friend of his, so he opened the link. Apparently, it was just a two-minute premiere video and not the whole one The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The trailer began by showing the arachnid hordes distant march and then fast-forwarded through the activation of traps until the players faced the horde head-on. Next, the queen spider, with its menacing presence, unleashed chaos before the main character entered the scene which was Victor himself. The trailer culminated in the epic final confrontation as he, along with the players, faced off against the remaining arachnid horde. Well, well, well, dont I look cool in this video. Victor beamed in glee. The edited videos quality was superb, and he found himself praising it, particularly because the main character was none other than himself. The production value was so high that it could easily serve as the games promotional video if the perspective werent limited to first-person POV. Hmph. Only you would be shameless enough to praise yourself, Lizbeth chimed in with a snarky remark, clearly still upset about something. Victor retorted, Oh, come on, dont be such a wet blanket. Still, this gave him the idea to create an official promotional video to attract more players to the game. As luck would have it, Victor had already ensured that Lizbeth recorded the entire event for future reference, allowing him to send the footage to Storm later. Why do it himself when someone else would willingly do it for free? Victor opened the official forum again and noticed that by this time, more and more players had logged in by now and were commenting on the thread. They were bragging about how cool they looked in the trailer Storm made. Prominence: Damn, bro! This is like a trailer for a bestseller movie! ?????? MariaC: Yup, yup! Its incredibly cool, alright! Ive never been this excited since the last time I watched Marvel, Lord of the Ring, and such. Squadzell: It looks fantastically real! Watching it makes me want to play even more! Cyber, I know you must be lurking here somewhere. Right? Please give me access to the game!! Storm Bringer: Please beware that this isnt the finished product since it takes time to edit the whole thing, but I highlighted the most thrilling moments for the trailer. Im investing a lot to hire a trusted editor for this one, so be sure to watch it when its ready! Prominence: Im hyped for this! Squadzell: +1. SuperNovaX: +2. Stickman_Just_Passing: +3! ZeroXScyth: I wonder where that sourpuss Noobzilla has gone to? Usually, hed make a fuss here on the forum after failing to do so on Discord, claiming that this is all a fabrication by the game developers. MikeIsHandsome1000x: Hah! Hes probably too ashamed after seeing the videos and screenshots that people have posted. Its a shame we cant make fun of him anymore. That was true. Every time that troll showed up, everyone would have a lot of fun. This guy was like a gopher; he loved to taunt the closed-alpha players and then disappear, not giving anyone a chance to mock him. He became less active after the new update rolled out and started to appear less frequently until he was gone from the surface of the earth. Perhaps in his world, he believed that he was fighting against some dark force. To him, those who ridiculed and defamed him were probably the moderators alt accounts. But Victor wasnt one to judge easily. Comparatively, viewers on YouTube, who were mostly not aware of the existence of the game, were not so easily convinced. Is this really not CGI?! Tell me that this is CGI! Its not CGI; its a next-gen VR game! Have you not seen the previous few videos? I have! But I thought it was a film made by bored people doing random stuff in a forest. After all, the scope of the previous videos is limited to first-person perspective, and theyre doing mundane things like farming, making bricks, and stuff. It feels more like the real world than a game. Storm himself didnt reply to any of the comments, as someone else (his fans mostly) had given clarification to every question asked. That aside, what these people said didnt offend Victor in the least. In fact, it inadvertently flattered him and his game, which was essentially another world in disguise. As Victor read the comments, he came to realize something and thought in his heart, They were lucky they didnt have to witness a giant spider giving birth to thousands of smaller ones or even the gore part Its all censored here. Real world, my foot! Just look at the scale of the battle. Look at the strange creatures and magic used by the characters there. This is likely to be a promo video for an expensive VR game, but its unlikely to be the real content. Yeah, its just hard to believe. I mean, look at the graphics quality. Its insane! They probably use some sort of motion tracking to make this. Still, if its a real game and looks exactly like this, then it must be a fully immersive VR game! Actually, Storm put the link to the game in the description. Its a game called Magus Academy Online. Imma check it out right now. Be careful; it might be some shady gambling site. This scene was a lot like when Victor first tried to chea recruit players into his game. There were skeptics, but curiosity would always win out in the end, leading to more people discovering his game. He just had to be prepared for when it would be received worldwide in the future and covered by the media. With nothing of interest left to explore, Victor closed the holographic screen and stretched his weary body. In this battle against the arachnid horde, he had overexerted himself, and the accumulated fatigue only caught up with him now in a single motion. Ugh I think I will sleep on my bed now. Victor put Lumen down and dragged his body into his room; he had no more strength to spare for anything else. Although the sun was about to rise from the horizon, Victor was dog tired; he might collapse unconscious at any second. There were still other problems, like the magic barriers that were no longer there to protect his safety, but the matters that could be taken care of later should be dealt with later. Good night. I hope you have a sweet dream, Lizbeth said with a hint of warmth as she followed him inside. With no energy left to respond, Victor collapsed onto his comfy bed and snuggled himself under the warm quilt. As his consciousness slowly fell into the embrace of darkness, he subtly felt a gentle touch on his forehead, like the brush of a soft breeze or even the bite of a mosquito. Either way, he didnt pay it much attention, but thanks to that, his sleep became even more comfortable, and he was carried into a long, sweet dream. A dream sweeter than any hed had in a long time *** Atop a city wall, four figures stood side by side, each wearing acolyte robes with an ornate design with patterns that gleamed in the fading sunlight, casting elongated shadows against the stone beneath them. At the front stood a young man with striking, fiery red hair, his stance exuding an aura of command. His gaze was sharp, fixed on the distant Thornwood Forest. Prepare yourselves, he said, calm but charged with intent. Well seize the inheritance with our new forces. As his companions nodded, a breeze swept over the wall, rustling their robes and carrying his words into the encroaching dusk. Interlude: Lizbeths Observation It was the early hours of the morning, sometime before the break of dawn. Lizbeth, an assistant fairy of a long-abandoned academy, turned her eyes and studied her master as she floated into the room where he slept. Her master was a young man in his late teens with striking blue hair and sharp features Victor. Watching him sleep like this is always reassuring She made a tiny smile. Is this truly the person that my predecessor is waiting for? For Lizbeth, most of her life had been monotonous. At least, as far back as her memories reached, she had been the assistant fairy of this academy, with no memories predating her current role. This didnt mean that she wasnt curious about her past, but whenever she tried to recall something, there was always a crippling headache that accompanied it She was scared of pain Yet, she had an inkling that she held a deeper connection to this whole front of the Magus Academy System; it felt like she might be responsible for something of great significance. Her master had always asked her many questions about the academy, and she secretly felt disappointed in herself for lacking the ability to provide detailed information. In any case, it had been more than half a month since she began her observation. Though the time had not been long, she had come to learn a lot about Victor. Frankly, it was because of this that she had developed a fondness for him as a person. This young man was reincarnated from a world where there was no magic, the exact same world where he had duped a bunch of people into playing his game and becoming his lackeys. While she knew that she bore some responsibility for luring these poor souls, it was all part of the grand plan to create the finest Magus academy in the universe. Right, that was her sole purpose in life her raison d''tre. Her existence was about aiding the headmaster of this academy in achieving this lofty goal. She didnt know who had set her on this path or for what purpose, but it had become her sole solace in her timeless existence. A millennia passed as she witnessed the unchanging scenery without being able to escape from it. She was lonely. So much so that she continually hoped that someone who could fulfill the headmaster role would one day appear. Or when she could be relieved of her position and be free from this torture of time. After all, few ventured to this place, and those who did manage to encroach on the periphery of the academy proved to be unworthy. Only Victor had checked out for this special role. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Lizbeth stared intensely at her masters peaceful sleeping form. If it wasnt for me, I wonder, would you have died then? Guided by her and on the brink of death, he got a second chance to live in this world a third chance overall. And best of all, an opportunity that no one wouldnt be tempted by. Yes, she had been the one responsible for saving him many times behind the scenes. The arrival of this young man, who had ascended to the position of headmaster and her master, had transformed everything. Initially, it seemed too coincidental, but it appeared to have been predetermined by her predecessor. Thus, after a long time, her monotonous existence saw change. A glimmer of light piercing the darkness of her heart a respite from the endless solitude. Thinking about the short but wonderful memories that surpassed the boredom of millennia brought a smile to her lips. Victor had been fascinating her with his actions and decisions, as she had even tested him a few times secretly. Each passing day deepened her interest with his ingenuity. Just today, in particular, his unwavering determination and leadership shone brightly amidst the chaos of the arachnid invasion. He faced the challenges head-on, unafraid of the consequences. If its him Wont my goal for existence be fulfilled someday? Maybe even sooner than later? Nevertheless, the aftermath of the arachnid invasion had clearly taken a toll on him, with him now physically drained and sleeping like a log. Occasionally, she would worry about his well-being. Despite her inclination to slack off and how she might appear a bit indifferent to most things, she actually cared a lot deep down and would go to great lengths to assist. Regrettably, her abilities were limited, so she often had to rely on others, like Her gaze turned toward the dozing wolf pup by his side. She wondered what would happen if she hadnt instructed her to assist him back then. Perhaps something disastrous would have occurred. Having found the companion she had sought, she had no intention of losing it. The players were immortal, but Victor only had one life. Still, its interesting to contemplate what Master will accomplish in the future. Hehehe. By now, she had developed a profound understanding of Victors character, and no one knew him better than she did. Subconsciously, she flew closer toward Victor Her eyes were fixated on him and moving toward his forehead. What transpired in the following moments was unexpected, even for her. It was a gentle gesture, so delicate that it might have escaped notice by anyone else. Like a fox stealing a chicken, as Victor lay beneath the warm quilt, she graced him with a soft, warm caress against his forehead; the touch barely brushing against her most delicate skin. It lasted for only a fleeting second, but in that moment, she bestowed upon him the blessing of having the most wonderful dream Just for today, she would be the one to stay vigilant, watching over him as he found solace in the embrace of darkness. The challenges that lay ahead were unlikely to be simple, yet even if the world turned against him, she would stand steadfastly by his side until the very end. For she was the one responsible for guiding him on his journey a journey that would last for an eternity. As the night gave way to dawn, she continued to watch over Victor. And as the suns rays pierced through the horizon, she knew that their journey together had only just begun. Prologue [Volume 2] In the sprawling, majestic grounds of the Arcane Radiance College, where ancient spires touched the sky, and a confluence of diverse knowledge converged, a blue-haired young man with sharp features and an erudite stature walked with a steady step. He was Victor from the Asteriscus Magus family and one of the core acolytes of this prestigious academy. Yet, despite his seemingly impressive background, his eyes carried a determined focus, his hand subtly clasping a small, significant object around his neck. I hope this will lead me to my goal, Victor whispered to himself, his fingers tracing the contours of the pointed broken object. This was the fruit of his research since joining the academy a magic artifact fragment believed to lead to the remnants of a mighty Magus. Despite hailing from a Magus family, his family only possessed an incomplete high-rank meditation technique, which doomed anyone who practiced it never to advance further than Elemental Adept rank. Of course, there were other options that he could have gone through, but they were even worse. The Arcane Radiance College, for example, was known to scout and nurture talented acolytes without background and promised them advancement opportunities. They would be given an Adepts Ascension Draught to force their breakthrough and a mediocre Bet-tier innate spell in exchange for signing a stringent magic contract under the Primordial Ones shadow, forever becoming slaves of the academy. This was the reason why Victor was so obsessed with finding this ruin that might contain the inheritance of a powerful ancient Magus. As he traversed the cobblestone paths lined with enchanting magical flora in a secluded section of the academy, a young female acolyte approached him. Her navy-blue robe, elegantly trimmed with golden lines, fluttered gently around her. She possessed a delicate beauty, with long, dark blue hair flowing gracefully down her back and eyes that sparkled a vivid blue. Youre here, Victor, she said, approaching him with a measured grace. Does this mean youve accepted my earlier proposal? Elara Montana. She was a fellow acolyte of Victors age and came from a similar background. Since being accepted here, Victor had constant interactions with her. Three days ago, she had approached Victor after learning of Victors possession of the artifact fragment and proposed to join hands with him. Victor played it cool and responded calmly, Is an answer really necessary? In truth, every encounter with Elara stirred an inexplicable feeling in his heart something he had kept to himself. Elaras lips curved into a slight smile. You stand to gain from joining us. Us? Victors attention sharpened as he sensed unfamiliar mana fluctuations and saw three figures approaching. He immediately raised his guard as he questioned, Who are these people, Elara? You invited them?! The trio halted near them. The apparent leader was a handsome red-haired young man who exuded a regal calmness, his acolyte robe more ornate than most. The other two were less remarkable. One was a man with a tall and big stature, taller than Victor by half a head, his face containing a simple and honest expression. The third member was leaner, with a crooked look. Each equally radiated a faint aura of magic tools on their body, yet they all seemed deferential to the central figure. Victor, despite being an acolyte at Arcane Radiance College, was among tens of thousands of others; it was impossible for him to be acquainted with everyone. Among the trio, only one was somewhat familiar to him, and that was due to his notable standing. The individual was Graviel Merlin, a scion of one of the most prestigious Magus families supporting the academy. Rumors abounded that a peak Nexus Temporal Magus was the patron of this family, lending it considerable influence and power. From this, Victor inferred that the other two individuals accompanying Graviel were likely his aides, both hailing from backgrounds possibly on par with his own. Their families were also likely to be vassals of the Merlin family. Things were seemingly becoming more complicated than ever. Victor, let me introduce you to them. This is Mister Graviel of the Merlin family. You must be aware of him. Elara clearly placed deliberate emphasis on the formal title and the renowned family name, which also confirmed Victors suspicions. She continued, Also, these are Dorian and Jared, both hailing from the Oscar family. Right. Victor had heard that the Oscar family had a deep connection with the Merlin family and was practically their vassal. Despite this intimidating alliance, Victor remained undeterred, his stance resolute. You expect me to just comply with this? I have invested a lot of time and resources for this; how can I give it up? Victor, you must understand that exploring a remnant of an official Magus is dangerous. Its a task that demands unity; only together can we muster the strength to navigate it. And even with combined forces, it remains a risky endeavor for acolytes like ourselves, Elara cautioned, slightly swaying Victor into deep contemplation. Rest assured, youll be fairly compensated for your part weve agreed to give you double the portion of any treasures we unearth there. Grr. Victor gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as he thought for a long time. After a moment of tense silence, he exhaled slowly, easing his stance. Fine. I can trust you, but I still cant trust them. He pointed at the three acolytes. Jared, the one with the crooked face, bristled at Victors distrust. How dare he look down on us! His family is nothing compared Shut your trap, Jared! Graviel interjected sharply, silencing him. He has the key to unlocking the vault of a mysterious Magus organization from the Ancient Era, the Steelrose Order. How did he know? Victors eyes narrowed in caution; hed never revealed the specific nature of the ruins linked to his artifact. Elara only knew of its connection to a remnant of an official Magus by chance. This meant they had prior knowledge about the ruins and had been seeking a way in. Victor was not the only one searching for it! How can I be certain of your intentions? Victor carefully chose his words. Graviel responded with a cold pragmatism, Trust is secondary here. Youre in a position where trusting us is your only option, or An intimidating aura emanated from him as he spoke, and he subtly motioned for Dorian and Jared to flank him. Yes, Victor. Its in your best interest to join us, Elara advised, her tone earnest. She even added to convince him, We have information that you dont possess, even the precise location and the details about the ruin.. Piqued by her words, Victor told her to continue. Elara leaned in, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. The ruin lies within the Thornwood Forest. Its said to be a pocket dimension, inaccessible to most. But you, Victor, you possess the key to it. Victors mind raced. The key that she and Graviel referred to was obviously the artifact fragment it was an ancient, incomplete relic whose true purpose had still been a mystery to him since the day he found it. He only knew that if he infused some of his infused mana into it, a map would appear to show him a location, and he had been in the mind to explore it on his own. Graviel, growing impatient, pressed for an answer. Whats your decision? Alright, Ill cooperate was what Victor said, but different thoughts swirled in his mind. If things came down to this, he was left with no other choice but to agree here on the surface and later turn to his family for backing. Maybe he could even orchestrate Magus families that were enemies with the Merlins. It was better to get crumbs than to trust these people, after all. Good choice. But before that, Graviel took out a magic contract from his sleeve and presented it to Victor, you have to sign this. Shit! These bastards sure have come prepared! Victor cursed in his heart. Now, there was no way he could do what he originally planned. One had to know that the one used by Graviel, especially, was the same one that was commonly used by the academy to contract official Magi. It would be nearly impossible to break this contract without resorting to extreme methods. Fool! You werent expecting us to just believe your words, were you? Jared mocked. Dont worry. This is only a failsafe in case you divulge this matter to a third party and a guarantee so that we wont attack each other, explained Graviel. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Fine! Ill sign it. Victor read through the contract and found that nothing was wrong with it and signed it with his infused mana. Then, the contract suddenly flew into the air and disappeared into small particles that landed on his and Graviels bodies. Truly peculiar. From this moment, we are comrades, Graviel declared, a flash of satisfaction in his eyes as he clapped a hand on Victors shoulder. For Victor, solitude had always been his preference. His interactions with others were always limited, merely focused on trade or business, as he was too focused on his research. Aligning with this group meant that he had to depart from his usual lone endeavors. Of course, he didnt believe them completely, but if this was the only choice left, then he would bite the bullet if it meant accomplishing his goal.
Before them lay the Thornwood Forest, a sprawling expanse of darkness that held many secrets. The journey from Arcane Radiance College to this enigmatic forest had been long and arduous, even on horseback, spanning over half a month to traverse the northwest route. Luckily, all of them were third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes; it would have taken longer otherwise. The Kingdom of Luminos was vast and encompassed many different terrains and regions from the boundless deserts in the east to the dense forests and swamps in the west, the towering mountain ranges in the north bordering other kingdoms, and the treacherous, magical beast-infested southern seas. Countless territories lay in between. Traveling from one end to another could easily consume two months, even with relentless horseback travel. Unless they had ascended to become an official Magus and consequently learned to use flight magic, it meant that their travel time couldnt be shortened. On foot, despite the aid of spells, their pace would not surpass that of their horses. Elara broke the silence, her eyes scanning the forest. The entrance is said to be in a deep chasm here somewhere in this forest, she stated. Lets go. We dont want to waste more time dilly-dallying. Graviel gestured for them to proceed and follow his lead; he had a magic tool on him to ward off any hostile creatures. Jared threw a mocking glance in Victors direction and sneered. Try to keep up. We wouldnt want you slowing us down. Victor merely grunted in response, choosing not to engage. Over the half-a-month-long journey, Victor had become slightly more familiar with them. While he and Jared remained at odds, he had developed a sort of rapport with Graviel and Dorian. Graviel, though arrogant, proved manageable with the right approach, mainly when his familys prestige was acknowledged. Dorian, for his part, appeared like an honest guy; at least Victor found it challenging to read what was inside his mind. As they ventured deeper into the forest, the surroundings became increasingly ominous. The air was heavy with an uncanny aura. Towering trees loomed overhead, their branches weaving together in a protective embrace, as though safeguarding the forests age-old secrets. In Victors grasp, the artifact fragment began to emit a subtle, ethereal glow. He was getting closer and closer to the heart of the ruins of the Ancient Era. A bygone era before the fall of the ancient Magus civilization the zenith of the magic civilization, a time when the powers of the Magus were at their pinnacle.
For two arduous days, they had been searching for the chasm that Elara had spoken of. After searching through the forest and went past countless supernatural phenomena to evade aggressive magical beasts, they finally found it a deep, ominous giant hole on the ground that appeared to consume all light. Graviel turned to Victor. Victor, its time. With a determined nod, Victor brought out the artifact fragment. The team watched intently as he held it aloft. The air around them began to vibrate, and a faint, ethereal glow emanated from the chasms depths. Intricate runes materialized, hovering in the air, aligning perfectly with the markings on Victors fragment. Miraculously, a pathway of shimmering light formed, revealing the way forward. There it is Victors heart thumped in anticipation, for the thing of his long search lay just ahead Bang! Like a bolt from the blue, a dark purple intangible python struck Victor with ferocious speed and shattered the force field coming out from the magic tool under his robe, its fangs sinking into his stomach. The force of the impact sent him reeling back, and his body wracked with excruciating pain. Blood spilled from his lips as he dropped the artifact fragment. It was a high-grade magic tool, and it failed to withstand the power of this spell Victor recognized this spell: It was a sinister, forbidden spell {Demonic Python} known for causing the victim a slow but certain death. Such a spell could only be cast by an official Magus, yet none in their group had achieved such a rank. Confusion and betrayal filled Victors mind as he turned to see Graviel holding a magic scroll and wearing a contemptuous sneer. Wh-Why? Cough! WHY?! Victor almost couldnt believe it. The defensive magic tool had barely saved him, activating in the nick of time to absorb the brunt of the attack. Had it not, he would have met a swift and certain end! Your role here is done, uttered Graviel coldly as he and the others closed in on Victor. You too, Elara? The thing was that Victor hadnt trusted them from the start, except for her. Im sorry, Victor. I had no choice. Elara smiled with a mix of regret and resolve at him. Her eyes also flickered with a hint of sorrow, yet her stance was unwavering. Realization dawned on Victor; they had all conspired against him. Victor gritted his teeth, not only because of the pain from the venomous bite and his wounded stomach but also from the naivety that he had displayed here. Glancing around, he saw no escape routes. Surrounded by four acolytes of equal strength, his situation was dire and far from ideal. He had initially thought that even if his comrades had decided to betray him from the start, they wouldve waited until they entered the pocket dimension. Not here, not this soon. After all, he could have done something if it was inside there He sure had underestimated their deceit. Hah! Did you really think youd get two parts of the share? Keep dreaming. Jared mocked, sneering at him. Ive been holding up this charade the whole time. If not for lowering your guard, I would have killed you days ago! We only need you to play your part and, of course, to get this artifact fragment. Dorian stepped forward, holding Victors dropped artifact fragment, and handed it to Graviel, who then took out a similar piece. You think youre the only one with the artifact fragment? With these two, well gain greater control over the pocket dimension. Naturally, this pocket dimension is still too dangerous for us to go in as is, so well have to call for reinforcement. No wonder they had decided to betray him this soon; he had another piece with him! Y-You Dont you fear the backlash from the magic contract?! Or the retaliation from my family and the academy?! Fool! Jared laughed at him. This is far from the academy and even farther from your familys territory. Besides, the Merlin family can easily wipe out a small Magus family of yours. Plus, do you really believe Sir Graviel didnt put a backdoor to that contract? Hearing that, Victors heart sank. This had been his last shred of hope in this situation. Just give up, Victor. Dorians voice was devoid of emotion as he suggested, At least your death will be quicker that way. You shouldnt have sought whats beyond your reach. Graviels smirk widened. Let me show you one last spectacle. He infused his infused mana toward the two artifact fragments and combined them. The result, while still incomplete and fractured, was now a marginally usable magic artifact. Its full potential remained a mystery, but its immediate use was apparent in Graviels ambitious eyes. Your times up, Victor. Nows time for you to die. Graviel turned his attention at him, his gaze cold and merciless as he prepared to cast a spell to deliver the final blow Or so that was supposed to be. NO!! In a desperate move, Victor reached into his robe and retrieved a hidden vial. With a swift motion, he shattered it on the ground, releasing a blinding cloud of smoke. This was his last resort a potion he had explicitly procured for this expedition, for this exact situation. Amidst the chaos, he forced himself to his feet and dashed towards the shimmering pathway above the chasms edge with his remaining power. Casting {Zephyr Dash}, he surged forward with enhanced speed, evading their grasp. Shit! Stop him! Someones shout echoed through the smoke, likely to be Graviels, but it was too late. Victor was mere steps away from the portal to the pocket dimension. It flickered erratically, however, as it was still unstable due to his earlier interruption. Crossing it was a huge gamble; he could end up anywhere in the forest if he were lucky or, in the worst case, lost in the void. Yet, he had no other choice, as it was his only escape. So, with no time to hesitate, Victor chose to jump in, bracing for whatever fate awaited him on the other side *** That fucker! Jared viciously kicked a pebble into the yawning depths of the chasm. The remnants of the blinding smoke still irritated his eyes, fueling his anger. Do you think hell survive that forbidden spell?! Elara chimed in, her eyebrows drawing together. Graviel responded with a dismissive certainty. No one, not even an Elemental Adept rank Magus, can easily withstand a direct hit from that spell. Only a high-rank Alchemist capable of creating specific antidotes, or a Magus of significant power, could counteract its effects. The poison works insidiously, slowly draining life force before culminating in a torturous death. He will die in the most gruesome way, Dorian elaborated grimly. So, hes going to die for certain? Elara probed further in a low tone. Graviel cast a sharp glance at her, his brow furrowing. Why? Are you concerned about him? The idea didn''t sit well with him, considering he saw Elara as his woman. No! Im not worried about him, but for our plan, Elara quickly corrected. We dont know where hes gone. It could complicate things if he somehow ends up in the pocket dimension. Impossible. I interrupted him just before the portal completely materialized, so its impossible for him to reach the pocket dimension. Graviel dismissed her concerns with a shake of his head. Hes probably dead now, torn apart by magical beasts or lost somewhere in the void. Jared gloated at the thought. Graviel shifted focus back to their mission. Anyway, his well-being is none of our concerns. We must go back as soon as possible and prepare for a thorough exploration. Ive already sent my family a message through a special magic tool to request reinforcements of Ki-warriors; well need cannon fodder to make a path for us. Remember, tell your families only what they need to know weve discovered an ordinary Maguss remnant and require assistance, nothing more. Understood? Yes! Both Jared and Dorian responded in unison. Elara also agreed by nodding her head. With their plan set, they left the forest and swiftly returned to the village to pack up their stuff. The group planned to amass a force and return to claim whatever secrets and inheritance lay hidden within the ruins of the pocket dimension. Chapter 54: The Critic’s Guide to Join the Game Sean Christian, twenty-two years old, with an unassuming appearance and an ordinary family background, was a typical college student you could find in nearly every corner of the world. However, beneath this ordinary fa?ade, he had another identity an identity that set him apart from the masses; he was a famous game critic specializing primarily in virtual reality games. As the popularity of virtual reality games and headsets surged at the beginning of the decade, Sean jumped on the bandwagon. He launched a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing his experiences and insights. Inspired by the VR novels and comics that had captured his imagination since childhood, he felt an irresistible pull toward reviewing and exploring a wide array of VR games. Coupled with his verbal eloquence and good sense of humor, his channel had grown to have hundreds of thousands of subscribers and was rising fast. Reaching one million was a sure thing. Yet, amidst his growing success, Sean remained unfulfilled. Despite his efforts to delve into a multitude of VR games, he never encountered that elusive experience a game that would transport him to another world, a game that would genuinely astound him. No matter how much high-end hardware he acquired to enhance his immersion, he consistently found limitations and constraints that left him wanting more. Was I born too early to experience a game like that? Seans gaze wandered from his collection of VR hardware, filled with longing, and eventually settled on his computer screen. He often felt trapped in the confines of this mundane world, performing everyday tasks just like any ordinary person Only through video games could he escape, which was why he yearned for a truly immersive VR game. Sadly, the era was still in its infancy when it came to VRMMORPGs, with only a handful entering the market. Even then, each passing year saw the release of numerous new VR games; however, each and every one of them inevitably fell short of his expectations. This, in turn, earned him a somewhat notorious nickname in the VR community: The Merciless Criticizer, who specialized in dissecting the flaws of various VR games by leaving somewhat negative reviews on a lot of gaming sites. Sean was an outlier among many, and this was the key to his success. He rose to fame by providing valuable insights into what VR games should aspire to be, often assisting developers in enhancing their creations. Moreover, he had a knack for uncovering bugs and quirks in games, capitalizing on them to entertain his audience and garner their laughter. Slurping the cup of now-soggy instant noodles while sighing, Sean opened a video game recommendation page on an e-commerce gaming platform. I need to find a fresh target for the new episode of Adventure Seeker and Critics soon, he muttered, skimming over the ads with a rather bored expression. The first game he saw stumbled upon a fantasy VR game, complete with monsters and adorable NPC girls. Another SAO rip-off? They dont even have the necessary technology, and the graphics look terrible. I bet anyone trying to play it will end up feeling queasy. The concept seemed rather unoriginal, with a twenty-floor tower that players had to climb to finish the game. It was not exactly an online multiplayer game, but it supported small servers for friends to play together. The second option was more promising. It was an FPS game playable with or without VR. However, Sean quickly dismissed it, thinking there were already plenty of excellent titles in that category he had reviewed in the past. Then he stumbled upon the third option A dating simulator game? And you can customize the female characters to your liking? Hehehe This is perfect! I can bring my waifu to life and do all sorts of scenarios No, I dont want to risk demonetization or even getting banned just yet. He finally let out a long sigh after nearly an hour of scrolling down with no exciting results. It wasnt that there werent any other new and interesting games; it was just that they all seemed like copies of each other and reviewing them had become a tedious and repetitive task. After all, Sean had tried a wide range of VR games, experimenting with new emerging technologies like haptic feedback devices and VR treadmills. He had even dabbled in indie games that utilized unique supplementary hardware to provide artificial scents. Well, he couldnt expect to review big-budget AAA+ games every time on a platform that rarely produced such titles. Guess I have to make do with whatever looks even remotely interesting. Otherwise, my viewers will start complaining about the lack of new content. At last, he opened the site that was the center of his career: YouTube. Perhaps there would be some interesting things he could find here, such as upcoming game releases or insider information. Hmm? Suddenly, his hand froze, and the mouse pointer came to a halt as he spotted a trending video titled Magus Academy Online New Event Battle No, This Isnt CGI. The one who posted it was relatively unknown, and the video had an unremarkable thumbnail, as if it was made with digital art taken from the real world rather than using the stereotypical flashy art cover commonly associated with game-related content. Still The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Magus Academy Online? Unable to contain his curiosity, he clicked on the video. As the video played out, his mood, which had been at rock bottom, began to improve, and soon, he found himself unable to suppress a broad smile of excitement and thrill. The battle that unfolded from the moment the arachnid horde attacked the academy until the final showdown between the headmaster NPC and the queen spider From the fantastical and thrilling surroundings along with otherworldly magic being thrown left and right and exciting background music playing in the background. Everything made him feel as if he was personally there, and words alone couldnt describe what he had seen. It was absolutely exhilarating! Why have I never heard of this game before? he wondered. No, wait I did hear something about it, didn''t I? One of my patrons sent me a mysterious link to a game a week ago and claimed that it was a fully immersive VR game. I mean, theres no way it was true, right? Sean thought, now feeling a tinge of regret for not investigating further at the time. Nevertheless, his sense of wonder and novelty got the better of him, so he set out to scour the internet high and low for information about the game. Luckily, he didnt need to look too hard; there was a URL link to the game in the videos description box. Upon being redirected to a new tab in his browser, Sean couldnt help but voice his admiration, Wow, not bad. It was worth noting that the website of a game, particularly the cover art on its front page, served as the face of the game itself. No game developers would neglect the importance of an attractive cover, but the gaming world was filled with instances where the cover didnt accurately represent the actual gameplay. While he had grown accustomed to seeing high-budget art covers, it was a rare sight to come across a website as comprehensive and ambitious as this, except in multi-billion-dollar projects. Especially the iconic, picturesque pair of a handsome wizard and an enchanting witch on the front page. It was an ideal representation of the games theme and bound to captivate the attention of any visitor. The only thing he found lacking was a promotional trailer video to entice potential players Oops, my habit is at play again. I suppose the one on YouTube should suffice for now. Setting aside his pedantic personality, he scrolled down the webpage, meticulously reading every detail, delving deep into the games lore, and even exploring its extensive wiki and forum briefly. The games plot is quite interesting and unique; its as if this is more than just a game but a reality itself, Sean exclaimed in admiration. Plus, this slogan A Limitless Open World Roam through different realms, each with its own charm and mystery, and let the unfolding tale accompany your every move. Do you dare enter this fully immersive VR game, even if it might well take over your life? Fully immersive, you say He chewed these words. What audacity. Not even the most impudent and daring game developers would dare to claim that they have created a fully immersive VR game. Unless they were a genius like Kayaba Akihiko who was a fictional character then crafting such a game with the existing technology was nothing short of a grandiose dream. If it werent for the video he watched earlier and the reviews of other people, he would have made a review video right there and then, but now he wanted to know who was behind this game. Unfortunately, he couldnt find what company was responsible for it. Nonetheless, Seans curiosity only intensified as he eagerly scrolled toward the registration page. Magus Academy Online Unleash the Magic Within, Rise as an Acolyte, and Shape Your Destiny in Magus Academy Online: The Ultimate VRMMORPG Adventure Begins! Currently in Closed-Alpha Stage [Join Now] Heh, typical for an MMORPG Sean clicked the Join Now button, which directed him to the registration page. There, he began filling in the required data and email, including putting his username as KuroUsagi there at least it didnt request any critical and sensitive information that was usual of a scam Hold on, what kind of questions are these? As he proceeded to the next page, he was greeted by an array of unusually specific queries: How much free time can you commit? Whats your experience with similar games? Whats your profession? and a variety of similarly unconventional questions, with the last one being the most that stood out: Our game seeks to perfectly mimic real life; there are no crafting shortcuts, or menu cheats you couldnt use if you were there in person. The Academy is still being built by the players in-game and also defended by them. Do you possess any special real-life skills that could be of assistance? Examples: martial arts training, bow hunting, carpentry or masonry training, real world survival skills, blacksmithing skills, or something we havent listed. Is this an interview for a job or a registration page for a game? Sean creased his eyebrows. Being a student in his final semester, he was well-versed in job interviews, but these questions were out of place for a game application. Even though the game was in the closed-alpha stage and there was a need to screen applicants, these inquiries deviated from the usual registration process in most games. Regardless, he didnt dwell on it for long and clicked the Register button. His information and responses were submitted, and the page quickly transitioned to display the total number of applications. Total Applicants: 14,621 Thats not a small number for a game in its early phase, considering that the most recent version mentioned that only about one hundred people are qualified so far. While he didnt know precisely when he would receive the qualification, he was confident that it would arrive soon. His detailed responses would undoubtedly stand out among the rest. Still, it was in this moment of heightened confidence that Sean suddenly realized something crucial Wait! This doesnt solve my problem of finding a game to review! Chapter 55: Getting the Long-Sought Rewards Victor woke up in the morning feeling surprisingly refreshed. The fatigue and pain that had accumulated from the battle against the queen spider were long gone, like they had never been there. Still, to say that it was morning when the sun was slowly making its descent into the horizon would be a touch of sarcasm. From the window, he could see the players, except those on the night shift, returning to the main building. How long was I asleep? Victor inquired, noticing a fairy dozing off on the bedside table near the window. The fairy had flowing hair split evenly between striking black and luminous white and porcelain-white skin. Her golden eyes and pretty dress complemented her doll-like faces charm, further accentuated by her sleepy figure. Had she been awake this whole time? Mm Nearly twelve hours, she answered, breaking her sleepy demeanor. Youve been sleeping for almost twelve hours! Is there a need to say it twice? Sheesh. Though her reaction did confirm his suspicion But what was she doing that for? How unusual of her. Ahem. How are the players faring, Liz? Victor questioned further. Ho-ho! As if waiting for him to ask this, Lizbeth puffed her chest and explained in a slightly smug tone, Theyre managing their tasks just fine: cleaning the battleground, hauling the corpses lying around, and extinguishing the remaining fires. Although, the gruesome sight doesnt seem to have affected them much; I suppose its thanks to the mental shielding they received. As expected he muttered and said to her, Thats good, then. This mention of pain and mental shielding brought to mind a Korean comic he had read in the past it was about a guy who suddenly acquired a gamers unique abilities in the real world. After that, Victor asked about the dead players who were soon to be revived. Previously, as soon as the first ten players to perish from the arachnid horde logged out, they were immediately eligible for resurrection. However, subsequent deaths necessitated waiting for the first ten resurrection CD to finish. But there were two problems. Right now, the first ten were already undergoing the incubation process. However, due to variations in individual playing times, delays could occur between players logging in and the subsequent incubation of other players new bodies. In the future, perhaps there was a need to allocate some of the incubation pods for resurrection and others for summoning new players. But really, he would want more incubation pods to increase the speed of increasing the total number of players overall. It was since the game was not a game but a reality. The second issue revolved around selecting the following ten players for resurrection. With a significant number of simultaneous deaths, even if the System recorded the sequence of deaths, some individuals, like those who had promoted to real acolytes, were more valuable than others, which posed a dilemma. If Victor prioritized some people over others, it might backfire from the other players complaining. Wait, maybe I should set up a raffle system to make it fair. Oh, how genius I am! Although choosing them through skills was more logical, Victor opted to use a raffle system since it would prevent complaints from the players. Thus, he told Lizbeth to make one on the official website forum. On second thought, Victor realized he had overlooked another significant issue the duration required for incubating powerful bodies. It was unknown how long precisely it would take a first-state Initiate Attunement acolyte to be incubated, thus prompting the consideration of designating some of the incubation pods for them after all. Victor sighed. If only it were possible to revive players without the need of incubating new bodies for them This problem wont be such a headache. Well, its not entirely impossible, Lizbeth chimed mischievously, a glint in her eyes. Its actually rather simple. Are you onto something? Listen well, if the deceased bodies remain intact and are still in good condition, you could attempt to resuscitate them within the energy pool, although that would require high-level healing magic and a profound understanding of the soul. Victor made a wry smile. Yeah, thats impossible. Aside from the requirement of a rare Bio elemental affinity for high-level healing magic, the study of the soul was considered taboo in the Luminos Kingdom, the very kingdom they resided in. As far as he knew, the neighboring Demornial Kingdom, with which the Luminos Kingdom had a contentious history, was backed by a Magus academy specializing in the Necro element. While the elements of both academies were not necessarily opposites, and the appearance of Magi from both elemental affinities in each kingdom was not uncommon, their biases and interests often clashed. Maybe this was why studying the soul was frowned upon here, even if it wasnt forbidden. Of course, Victor had no knowledge of the soul, let alone the capability to harness its power. While the Arcane Radiance College did not explicitly forbid the study of the soul so long as they followed the academys strict regulations, it was a relatively unpopular field of study among the students. Anyway, thinking over this wont help. Guess I should take this chance to claim the rewards from the System, Victor mused, getting on his feet. Where are you going? asked Lizbeth. To the basement. You coming? Nuh-uh, Im a bit drowsy at the moment. Do come back soon, though. She yawned, rubbed her eyes, and settled back onto the bed, ready to doze off once more. Victor was about to ask why but concluded it was unnecessary at this point. He simply nodded and made his way down to the lower floor through the concealed door, his footsteps echoing from his boots meeting the stony floor. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Confronted by a floating cuboid structure encircled by intricate ring-like magic patterns and resting atop a pedestal, Victor rubbed his hands together eagerly. He couldnt wait to get the promised rewards from the System, particularly the breakthrough insight, wondering how that might help him. Shortly thereafter, as if sensing his purpose for coming here, the intricate rings encircling the structure began to glow. A purplish grimoire materialized, gently levitating toward him. Adorned with intricate engravings and pulsating with latent magic, the book''s cover displayed the title Spatial Mirage, inscribed in the Seraphian language. {Spatial Mirage} grimoire A grimoire that contains the spell {Spatial Mirage}. It grants the caster the ability to craft illusory mirages that confound even the most astute minds. When cast, the caster can twist perception, deceive foes, and navigate through the unseen, creating a mysterious veil around them. Spell Tier: Aleph Elemental Type: Cosmo Sweet! Victor held the grimoire tightly and carefully stored it inside his interspatial ring. One must know that the value of an illusionary spell like that was at least triple that of a standard offensive spell. On top of that, its versatility and potential applications far surpassed those of a common spell, making it invaluable in more ways than not. Now, onto the juicy part. He shifted his focus back to the Nexus Beacon. As the ambient mana pulsed around him, a radiant glow emanated from the mystical device, gradually seeping into his consciousness. In that moment, a profound realization washed over him, as if the very essence of the elements was being unveiled before his eyes. Arcane knowledge danced within his thoughts, revealing the underlying secrets of elemental manipulation and the profound interconnectedness of the natural forces. With each passing second, the boundaries of his understanding expanded, and the elusive concept of becoming an Elemental Adept transformed into a tangible reality within his grasp. As the knowledge coalesced within his consciousness, he felt a newfound sense of power and clarity, as if the universe itself had granted him the key to unlock the deepest mysteries of elemental magic. After what seemed to be a long time, Victor opened his eyes and let out a long exhale, an expression of realization dawning on his face. Ooh! So thats how it is! To ascend to an Elemental Adept rank and become an official Magus, one had to undergo the intricate process known as elemental fusion a process of fusing their elemental affinity with their infused mana. Victor was still a considerable distance away from reaching the peak of the third-stage Initiate Attunement rank, so he hadnt initiated this crucial process. What the insight reward gave him, however, was a comprehensive and foolproof method for achieving elemental fusion. Armed with this newfound knowledge, all he needed to do was to continue his diligent accumulation of mana and strive toward reaching the pinnacle of this stage. Everything else from there would be straightforward maybe he wouldnt have a single bottleneck from reaching the Elemental Adept rank! Furthermore, he could feel his body was subtly adapting and assimilating the newfound arcane knowledge. Progress from this point onward was bound to accelerate exponentially; this insight reward from the System was better than anything he could hope for. Even the most esteemed professors back in his former academy might not possess such profound knowledge. Still, theres a need to absorb this knowledge and use it to the fullest extent possible. The battle with the queen spider also gave me a bit of personal insight With that in mind, Victor assumed a cross-legged position on the floor and began to practice the Myriad Elements Method, allowing the intricate techniques to flow through him.
Under the shadow of the charred trees that had turned into charcoal, a group of players gathered to clean the aftermath of the recent battle. The stench of charred flesh and blood still lingered in the air even after being washed from the rain yesterday. Wearing cloth masks and armed with tools, these players worked diligently. Their movements were coordinated with each other, seemingly used to doing manual labor together. The crackling sounds of smoldering embers and the occasional splatter of liquid filled the air as they toiled away, each lost in their own thoughts. Among the group, a young man with brown hair and a youthful countenance briefly halted his work to mop the sweat from his brow. He took a moment to cast his gaze upon the mound of charred arachnid corpses nearby. No matter how you look at it, he mused, seeing these incinerated arachnid corpses up close is a world apart from observing them at a distance. The young man, who went by the username Prominence in the game, spoke with a touch of contemplation in his voice. His real name was William. I know, right? Isnt this game supposed to be PG-13? quipped a player beside him. It was SuperNovaX, a good in-game friend of William. I guess so. Another player with red hair ZeroXScyth nodded his head. Then why is the gore so damn detailed? Its practically R18 content. I mean, why bother keeping it PG-13 in other aspects Get what I mean? William grinned like a perverted idiot. Please, game devs, add those sexy and cute female NPCs into the game! R18 your head! But I must admit, the level of detail in this game is off the charts. I should head over to the official website and give props to the developers for creating such an immersive experience, praised Zero. I just hope they wont tone it down in the public beta phase. Damn, we got one bootlicker here! Bootlicker alert! Shut up. Zero pushed the others away, looking determined to continue. But then again, this game is unlike other games; others would have their monsters despawn after a certain period, leaving nothing but loot behind. Here, he touched one of the charred arachnid corpses and resumed, the corpses persist, and we have to dismantle them to get what we need. Its a mechanic that adds complexity and depth to the overall experience. With Storm not here, youre our reviewer now, boss. SuperNova tapped Zeros shoulder. Still, its unfortunate that he couldnt make it through the final confrontation. This mess needs more people to clean up. But hey, we raked in a load of merit points in return. Mike, a handsome player with the body of a teenager, smiled optimistically. Mm. But I heard hes just uploaded the full arachnid invasion video and is busy working on some big project. He said that the devs are collaborating with him on this one and sending him in-game footage to promote the game, answered William. What kind of project? queried one of the players. Another cinematic masterpiece, maybe the official game promo video? Though if thats the case, why didnt the devs make one themselves? Well, who knows. All Ive heard is that Storms psyched about it. Hes been spamming the Discord server, going on about how its such an honor, William added. I see the other player responded, filled with curiosity. Just as William prepared to resume clearing the area near the forest, a sudden, intense premonition of crisis seized his entire being. He felt shivers down his spine, fast, cold sweat oozing from his back. His sense of surroundings had become better ever since hed promoted to true acolytes, but this was the first time this sensation appeared other than when facing the queen spider. Swiftly drawing the spear at his side, his reflexes honed by experience, he intercepted the dark shadow hurtling down from the sky with a forceful swing. Bam! A cloud of ashes billowed, and a one-meter-wide claw mark was gouged into the ground just inches away. William felt the tremors in his hands the pain from the clash just now was intense. From the very spot where the mark now marred the earth, a shadowy beast glared at them menacingly. A magical beast! Chapter 56: Lookout for a Spider Lair A shadowy beast lurked behind the burned foliage at the edge of the clearing, its sharp eyes locked on the players before it. Occasionally, it would vanish with a flicker, only to reappear dozens of meters away from its original location. Had it not been for the unwavering attention of the players, they would have lost track of the magical beasts position in a few seconds. It didnt immediately start its second round of attack perhaps it was wary of the crowd opting instead to materialize and dematerialize in an erratic pattern. It appears to be a panther. I think its a Shadow Panther a genuine magical beast. Zeros voice echoed from behind William, carrying a tone of certainty. How do you know? And why is one attacking the academy now? inquired another player in anxiety. I read about it on the wiki. According to the official websites wiki, the arachnid horde invaded because the magic barriers surrounding this place were deactivated due to mana depletion. Its part of the background setting for this event, Zero explained. This is no time for that! William interjected forcefully. Come and help me! If it werent for the spears incredible durability and the lucky parry, he would have been killed just now. Uh We want to, but youre the only first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte among us. That Shadow Panther over there is at least a second-stage Initiate Attunement magical beast. Fuck! William cursed. The magic staff lent by the headmaster NPC had been returned after the conclusion of yesterdays invasion. Although casting spells didnt necessitate the use of magic staff, the absence of his staff left him feeling vulnerable. A mages staff was often a matter of life and death. This truth resonated with him keenly in this perilous moment. If thats not bad enough, I only know of one spell! Seemingly breaking the tense standoff, the Shadow Panther launched itself at William. Positioned behind him, the other players stood poised with their weapons, ready to lend their support at a moments notice. Yet, the panthers speed surpassed that of a speeding car and proved more unpredictable than his ex-girlfriend on a volatile day. Like a bolt from the blue, a swishing sound cleaved through the air, striking the Shadow Panther square on its head and propelling it several meters away. Before the magical beast could launch a counterattack, a barrage of light arrows rained down upon it, compelling the creature to flee with its tail between its legs. Were saved? Williams line of sight turned to their savior and settled upon a huge silvery wolf that stood approximately three meters tall. Isnt that the headmasters mount? The one that appeared during the encounter with the queen spider? Whoa! Its magnificent! The huge silvery wolf wasted no time before vanishing into the forest''s depths, leaving a lingering sense of curiosity and wonder among the players present.
Victor was cajoled awake from the rumble of his stomach. Ngh I havent eaten since forever, he thought in his heart. Even a Magus had to eat, although there were those who utilized alchemical products to endure extended periods of abstinence. Hours had slipped by since he received the Systems rewards, and it was bound for him to work up quite an appetite. With a sigh, he pushed himself up from the floor, wincing slightly as his stomach protested. But before anything else, he activated the black mark etched on his left wrist to see his progress. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 208/208 Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (third level, 77%) Status: Healthy Strength: (25) Agility: (25) Vitality: (25) Magical Power: (33) Infused Mana (total): (208 211) Spell Repertoire: {Blink Step}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave} If Victor could maintain this rate of progress, he calculated that he would reach the peak in less than a week. From there, all he had to worry about was how to undergo the elemental fusion successfully. Mission accomplished. Suddenly, his stomach growled again, and more insistently this time. Okay, okay. Lets get something to eat. Muttering to himself, Victor ascended the stairs that led to his office. When he emerged from the secret passage, he was greeted by a concerned voice echoing through the room. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Didnt I tell you to come back soon? Lizbeth, who had been dozing earlier, was now sitting upright in his chair, her brows furrowed in irritation. She then floated in front of Victor and huffed with her arms crossed. I was starting to think youd gotten lost down there. Do you have any idea how long Ive been waiting to eat? She what now? Victor looked around the room and noticed the plates and a covered dish on his desk. Ah, sorry, I was caught up with something. But come on, it wasnt that long, was it? He said that, but the view outside was already dark again another half a day seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye; no wonder that even an extraordinary being like him was so famished. Her mischievous eyes softened a little as she said, Hmph, thats fine then. Though your food is now all cold. She lifted the cover and revealed a meal of what used to be two bowls of warm stew and continued, I got the players in charge of the kitchen to make this for you; I figured youd be hungry after all that time. Huh, thats unlike her to bring me food. Usually, it was vice versa, with Victor getting two servings of food he asked from the players for Lizbeth and himself. At least, that was the routine until now. Victor took a seat, and despite the change in temperature, the aroma was still tantalizing. Well, thanks. Let me warm it up with my magic. He flicked his fingers, and elemental particles gathered atop the two bowls of stew, releasing heat and restoring its warmth. Alright, lets eat. Victor declared, scooping a spoonful of stew with the wooden spoon on the side into his mouth. The savory broth wrapped around the tender chunks of meat and hearty vegetables, infusing his taste buds with a delicate medley of herbs and seasonings. Just perfect to satisfy his hunger and ease the stress of the day before. Mhm! Lizbeth did the same, using a child-sized spoon that looked comically large despite holding it with both of her hands. Eating it from the spoon made it seem like she was eating in a large bowl instead, and the bowl that she scooped was likened to a bathtub. Yum! Magic is always so convenient. The players are also getting better at cooking, she commented while slurping on the stew. Speaking of what she said, this had been inside Victors mind since his first encounter with Lizbeth: Could she use magic too? Faint memories resurfaced, recalling how she alleviated his pain when he consumed the Ashen Shriek Elixir and cast some kind of healing spell that seeped into him. Curiosity got the best of him, and he inquired about her abilities. Magic? Well, its not impossible, considering Im a magical creature after all. But I dont get stronger the same way that you do. For starters, my growth is intricately tied to the development of this academy, she explained, smiling mysteriously. That so? Victor mulled over her enigmatic explanation while slurping the stew. Lizbeths existence was inextricably linked to the academy and the Magus Academy System itself. It was highly likely that once the academy leveled up, so too would Lizbeth. All he could do was wait for that moment. Wait Wheres her food gone? Victor noticed that her bowl was devoid of stew as soon as he placed his bowl down. A portion larger than her own size was gone within a minute, leaving not a single drip behind. That was crazy, to say the least. Victor decided to leave the question alone and shifted the conversation to a more pressing matter. By the way, wheres Lumen? I think I havent seen her since I woke up. Because Lumen was a magical beast in essence a Celestial Moonhowler at that ever since her innate ability manifested, Victor didnt forbid her from roaming outside the Headmasters Building and into the forest. After all, a magical beast could only grow in power by engaging with other magical beasts and consuming them. She couldnt remain a sheltered puppy forever despite being less than a month old. Oh, thats right. She widened her eyes and answered, You see, some pesky magical beasts had been encroaching into our domain today. So, Lumen jumped out and put them in their place and, of course, marked this as her territory and all that. Right. With the academys magic barriers gone, the concealment was lifted, and other magical beasts would inevitably find their way here. The forest fire trap might have deterred them for a while, but they were bound to return sooner or later. To put the nail in the coffin, the smell of blood from the battle with the arachnid horde would attract them no matter how hard the rain and the players had tried to clean the place. Fortunately, Lumen was here to act as a deterrent, or at the very least enough to scare away weaker magical beasts from approaching. But what does she mean by marking the place? Common beasts might urinate on or scratch trees, but for a magical beast like Lumen, that method wouldnt be the norm for territory marking. For instance, it could be that she would put her mana signature to alert other creatures. Victor wasnt sure. One more tidbit I wanna share: There are two new missions on the Headmasters Journal. You should check it out, Lizbeth suddenly added. Victor hadnt come across any new missions when he checked yesterday, thus prompting him to activate his Master Shadowlink Mark. He navigated the blue holographic screen to the Headmasters Journal tab to see what was in store. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Lookout for a Spider Lair in the Forest Now without your turtle shell, the academy is at risk from all sides. Furthermore, the demise of the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid has caused a power shift in the forest, and her offspring are running around like headless chickens. Or are they? Seize this opportunity to locate their nest and reap your benefits. Type: Main mission Nest Found: 0/1 Reward: 200 academy points Mission: Whats a Game Without an NPC? Thus far, you have managed the fa?ade of a game by becoming a capable NPC. But no long-lasting game runs with only two NPCs, so you must find another person to be an NPC. Type: Side mission Reward: 20 progression value points Chapter 57: New Scouting Spell Whew! Thats two hundred academy points for a reward, alright! With the 330 AP he currently possessed, this addition would total 530. At this rate, he could try to draw for the Nexus Temporal lootbox soon! But that would be pointless, considering what might come from it could be unusable for the current him. What mattered most was to secure his way to become a bona fide Elemental Adept Magus and truly tread the Magus path. Nevertheless, the reward for the new side mission was a surprising change of pace because this was the first time that, other than building facilities in the academy, it awarded progression value. Dont get ahead of yourself, Lizbeth chimed in as she floated near him with her hands on her hips. Do you even know where to find the lair of the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid in this forest? Without a clever trick up your sleeve, you might as well grow old before you find their trace. You have a point. Victor nodded in agreement. The mission might sound deceptively simple, yet the Thornwood Forest was an expansive forest untouched by human hands. Locating a hidden nest within its labyrinthine confines would be akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. To make matters worse, it was the polar opposite of the word safe unknown dangers were lurking within. Clearly, Victor knew better about the dangers that were hidden beneath; his past experience traversing the depths with his enemies had ingrained a profound understanding of the forests formidable capabilities. Going blindly without caution would be akin to digging his own grave. To anticipate this, it became imperative to explore the available alternatives, like purchasing new spells at the System store. All this time, he had primarily relied on the spell models obtained through the mission rewards and the unpredictable randomness of the gacha, leaving him with little to no freedom in spell selection. However, venturing into the heart of the forest demanded a more tailored approach and a more comprehensive arsenal of spells at his disposal. This was why, in most cases, acolytes seldom ventured to dangerous places alone and instead formed teams to cater to each others weaknesses. Regrettably, within the confines of the academy, Victor found no capable acolytes upon whom he could truly depend. Such was the solitary path he had chosen. Given the circumstances, spells geared towards scouting will be of utmost importance. Opening the store revealed tons of spells available for purchase. But although the variety was numerous, there werent too many for each of them in total. Most of them were predominantly rudimentary the basics of the basics. That one seems promising, dont you think? suggested Lizbeth from beside his left, pointing to a particular spell. Victor, unaware of her movement, realized she had taken her special seat being on his shoulders. You mean this one? Victor touched the spell {Demonic Eye} on the holographic screen. Just as the name implied, it was an unconventional magic spell not typically found within an esteemed institution like the Arcane Radiance College. Reading the spell description caused Victors body to perk up. {Demonic Eye} A versatile spell that summons a spectral puppet in the form of a menacing, crimson-flecked eye. This airborne sentinel is adept at infiltrating even the most treacherous terrains and grants the caster a comprehensive, real-time view of the surroundings with unparalleled precision. Spell Tier: Aleph Elemental Type: Umbra Cost: 20 AP This This is pretty good! Despite his limited affinity for the Umbra element, he could cast other types of spells just fine, albeit with twice the mana consumption and half the efficacy. However, this summoning spell demanded a small amount of infused mana and almost nothing to maintain. The only drawback of this spell would be that it was extremely feeble and fragile, making it an easy target for hostile creatures. But then again, what spell didnt have some kind of weakness? If one puppet wasnt enough, he could summon two. If two were still somehow destroyed, he could summon one hundred! With a resolute decision, Victor purchased the spell with a single touch. Of course, unlike the previous reward of insight, this spell would manifest in the form of a spell book; he had to go back to the basement to get it. The mere thought of it brought a tinge of annoyance, but he did just that anyway.
The spell book for {Demonic Eye} lay open on Victors desk; its contents had been recorded into the Shadowlink Mark, transforming it into an e-book form. Once he had mastered this spell, he planned to sell it in the virtual shop for players to purchase. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. With little else to occupy his time, and realizing it was the dead of night, Victor indulged in a brief internet browsing session before deciding to check the official website forum of the game because of this one thing that Lizbeth mentioned: Oh yeah, the players are making a fuss about you prioritizing some people over others despite the raffle system, and they seem to be complaining about something, too. Seriously? Well, every feedback is acceptable, I suppose. Victor clicked his tongue. Within the forum, tons of threads were created, and a lot more posts were exchanged between the forum members be they players or other people who hadnt gotten the qualification. Most of their discussions were about the game and the recent Arachnid Invasion event that was finally coming to an end. The players were boasting about the number of merit points they had amassed during the event, which ranged from a modest four hundred to an impressive one thousand or more. This tally included the merit points gained from the shared pool of the trap. Victor had meticulously calculated the total number of spider monsters eliminated by the fire trap and subsequently allocated the promised merit points accordingly. In total, the fire trap annihilated 427 Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids, with approximately a hundred players participating in the event. This translated to a minimum of four hundred merit points per player from the trap alone, without even considering the additional points for individual arachnid eliminations. That was at least equal to four days of chopping trees and tilling farmland! Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Shuck I should have joined the fight I could''ve racked up those merit points if my boss hadnt called that urgent meeting. ? Should I resign? Princess_Tomato: Same here. A whole school suddenly ordered catering from me that day, so I had to prepare it all day and night. Q^Q Surprisingly, one of the two complaining players was someone Victor knew quite well, while the other was someone that he had seen somewhere before. Moreover, the thread provoked a mixed reaction among the other netizens, each offering their own take on the situation. Victor opened another thread titled What Do You Think About the Raffle System and the Resurrection Prioritization? and read the whole discussion. Despite the generic name of the thread, the content was far from a friendly question and more like a personal attack. This appeared to be the one that Lizbeth had referenced earlier. The one who created this thread, to Victors surprise, operated under the username I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla, which was awfully too similar to that notorious troll Noobzilla. The user vehemently argued that the raffle system was a breeding ground for deceit, drawing attention from those who hadnt qualified for the game. One particular passage seized Victors attention: I believe the new raffle system is merely a facade. The fact that some individuals are receiving preferential treatment suggests under-the-table dealings between these privileged players and the game developers. We cant overlook the possibility that this fraudulent gaming company is employing deceptive tactics and is going to start something even bigger. Exercise caution, and if you possess any wit, join me in reporting this website for an immediate ban. Nonsense. This thread is absolutely ridiculous! At the very least, any player who had played the game would instantly know that this guy was trying to disseminate false information and smear mud on the companys reputation. Not that Victor had made an official name for the gaming company behind this game yet. Right I should probably come up with a name for it. Victor did not participate in the topic but silently marked the accounts participating in the thread. Depending on their responses, he planned to blacklist those extremist individuals who could potentially incite further chaos. Why should he give these online Karens access? So that they could leave bad reviews? It had to be noted that the official website forum was predominantly filled with users who hadnt yet experienced the game this became an environment where opinions could be swayed without firsthand knowledge. Regardless of the validity of any evidence presented, those who hadnt tried the game for themselves would remain skeptical of others claims. Banning the website, huh, he muttered under his breath. In truth, Victor had long been curious why the any countrys firewall hadnt yet blocked the website. Apart from the concerningly sensitive information circulating on the Magus Academy Online forum daily, the website remained unlisted in any nation. Moreover, it had been operational for nearly a month, with daily visitor numbers steadily approaching the twenty-thousand mark. An impressive figure, to say the least. That troll I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla must be the alt account of Noobzilla. Undoubtedly, this guy must have filed numerous reports with the relevant censorship authorities. However, nothing seemed to have happened. Interesting. Other than this, the ability to discreetly deliver the gaming capsule directly to the players doorstep without anyone knowing it indicated the involvement of powerful magic. It was a level of skill and secrecy that even Victor, with his current expertise, could only dream of achieving. This meant that the magic puppet left there was way stronger than Victor. Naturally, he refrained from asking the beautiful fairy perched leisurely on his shoulder. He knew all too well that her response wouldnt venture too far from This is all because of the former headmaster or something along those lines. After browsing through the entirety of the official forum, Victor opened the Discord app and went straight for the Gamers Empire Discord server. Given the midday hour on Earth, the server was noisy, and a lot of people were active. Prominence (Administrator): Other magical beasts sighted! We encountered a Shadow Panther while cleaning the battlefield today. Whats more, the headmasters magical mount came to our rescue when we were in a pinch. A Shadow Panther? The headmasters mount?! What do they look like? Noice! Looks like the forest area is about to be opened again. This means the open beta shouldnt be too far off! God damn it, I really want to play! But the resurrection CD hasnt even started A series of messages exploded on the server, and even someone who was allegedly busy editing the games official premiere video joined in on the fun. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Any chance you have footage of the encounter? This could lead to something significant. Prominence (Administrator): Unfortunately, I forgot to activate the recording feature. Squadzell: Urgently requesting an increase in the daily revival quota so I can get a chance to play the game. Storm Bringer (Administrator): I dont foresee the quota increasing soon; it will likely remain the same until all deceased players have been revived. On the flip side, however, this may hint at an upcoming update. Squadzell: Noooo!! Please let me in! ini Chapter 58: Magic is Programming in Disguise? ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Do you have any idea about this upcoming update? @Storm Bringer Storm Bringer (Administrator): Well, not much since I havent had much time because I was busy with the project lately and all. However, I do have a hunch. Prominence: Master Storm, tell us what you know. ButaYaarou: Senpai, please guide us! ???? Victor didnt know whether it was at the behest of other people or their admiration for him, but Storms responses thereafter became faster than ever. This harbinger of update seemed the center of attention of many in this time of need. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Remember the arachnid horde we recently faced? If the game doesnt back out on its realism, then such a formidable force didnt appear out of thin air to entertain us players. So, my speculation is that the next update will expand the map that were familiar with to incorporate the forest area and entail the inclusion of an instance dungeon, likely to be the lair of the spider monsters. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Of course, given the current progression of players meditation levels, the new area would remain perilous. Only those who had ascended to first-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes would be qualified to explore it. We might even encounter new NPCs to aid us, but this remains purely hypothetical at this point. The keywords instance dungeon and new NPCs triggered a flurry of attention among the server members, flooding the channel with a torrent of messages and reactions. Reading this, Victor was impressed. Interestingly enough, the two new missions issued by the System appeared to align perfectly with Storms predictions. When the next update rolled out, he would make sure to incorporate every detail mentioned by him thoroughly. After all, Storm seemed to have a deeper understanding of the game mechanics than even Victor himself. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Speaking of this, I suddenly remember that I didnt win todays raffle Shoot, my progress, which is already at a snails pace, is only falling even more behind the others. Now I kinda regret dying in the game. Locktekei: F SirLaughsALot: (2) Prominence (Administrator): Haha, Storm, at this rate, youll need a turbo boost just to catch up with the rest of us! Maybe you should even change your username to Slow Bringer. :KEK: Storm Bringer (Administrator): Fuck off and dont call me that! Well, out of the ten incubation pods, two of them were allocated for the true acolytes, while the others remained reserved for the raffle system. This distinction was due to the variation in incubation times. So far, Victor realized that incubating a standard first-stage Initiate Attunement player required 1.5 times the normal duration and two essence points. There were exactly four players at this stage who died in the confrontation, so he only needed to repeat this twice to match the pace of the other incubation pods. Furthermore, there was also the loss of experience points in the form of meditation progress, which decreased by 20 percent each time a player died. This was a consequence he found out upon the return of the first resurrected batch to the game earlier today. This reduction in experience points could have varying implications depending on the individual players mana aptitudes, potentially posing significant setbacks for some. Reflecting on the recent events, it appeared that the mass demise of dozens of players at once might not have been the most prudent decision, irrespective of the circumstances. Based on this rate, it would require at least five more days to resurrect all the players who died. Additionally, the death penalty in this game was far more than just the loss of merit points and meditation progress. As the players equipment became more and more valuable, the cost of death also came with the cost of equipment loss. This was especially not good for players who liked to play alone. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Luck aside, progression in this game is indeed more arduous and time-consuming compared to other games; we cant simply level up by defeating monsters; we have to learn spell models to be able to cast spells. Prominence (Administrator): Thats true! On that note, why cant I screenshot or record the spell model? My dream of getting rich fast is dashed! (á㧥;)á Victor was aware that several players had attempted to record the spell models using the in-game recording function, only to find the resulting footage censored. He made it a point to prevent any exploitation of this glitch. While he wished for players to progress rapidly, there had to be a regulated framework in place to maintain fairness and balance. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Storm Bringer (Administrator): This guy can still daydream. Anyway, the only thing that I want to complain about is that although this eases the need for hours and hours of monotonous grinding that we often have to endure in typical online games, it is taking too long! I really, really want to become a powerful magician this instant! Why is there no shortcut Seeing what Storm was complaining about, a vein almost popped on Victors forehead. Sure, for these modern people who had grown accustomed to instant gratification, even achieving Initiate Attunement was a lengthy process. But if the acolytes in his former academy were to hear such complaints after seeing their rate of progress, they would die of envy. No, they would incinerate the other party to death for insulting their beliefs their life-long journey. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): To be fair, it could be that theyre striving to keep the game as realistic as possible. In fact, players who have been engaged in the game may notice that Magus Academy Onlines rules are being improved bit by bit. The development team is also exploring, balancing the lever between reality and gameplay. MikeIsHandsome1000x: My thoughts exactly. As expected of a consultant of a large corporation. Even if hes not as good as Storm at predicting upcoming events and updates, his way of thinking is very logical, Victor thought to himself. If Storm represented the epitome of imaginative thinking, then Zero was the epitome of practicality and reason two opposite yet complementary extremities of a spectrum. In truth, it wasnt that there were no tools or techniques that could aid Magi in accelerating their meditation progress and enhancing their magical abilities. Some of these included special meditation chambers designed to amplify the absorption of elemental energies and mana; magical herbs and potions that heightened a Maguss focus and increased their infused mana; magic arrays and formations that channeled external energies; and last but not least, magic tools or even artifacts that bolstered a Maguss meditation efforts. Precious items such as mana crystals, which Victor had little amount of, could also help to some degree. Magus academies would always have a golden goose or two to support their acolytes growth: mana crystal mines or magical plants capable of producing these crystals. Not to mention pocket dimensions or even entire planes, which further amplified their capabilities. Hmm, this is indeed something that needs a second look at. Victor stroked his chin thoughtfully. Monstrous talent alone would prove insufficient in the face of boundless wealth. It was the strategic blend of these resources that paved the most effective path to success in this world. If Victor had access to the resources typical of a large Magus academy, he would have ascended to the ranks of an official Magus long ago. Prominence (Administrator): Still, if the game mechanics are as realistic as they could be, wouldnt it be cool if we could create our own spell models? Just picture having your own signature spells that you could sell for some serious cash or even spells for, you know private needs. Get what I mean? (? ?? ?) ButaYaarou: Can I make my waifu Hu Tao come alive with a signature spell? Better still, if its Bailu or Klee! SirLaughsALot: Hello, FBI. I want to report a criminal on the loose. Aphrodie96: Hahaha! It will be funny if I can conjure up slimy tentacles to do ahem. GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Dont forget about mind control spells! Storm Bringer (Administrator): Geez, you guys are always fixated on the lewd stuff. But I guess the game does offer endless possibilities, so who knows, as long as it doesnt break the games physics and rules And, of course, regulations; this is the most important thing if you dont want to get banned. Prominence (Administrator): Oof, there goes my dream again. Signature spells? Wishful thinking! Victor mocked these people for their ignorance they were truly a bunch of ignoramuses. For a Magus to even create a single working spell model, it could take up to several years. After all, a slight mistake or error in the structure of the spell could potentially cost them their life. Furthermore, they had to undertake numerous calculations to ensure its functionality, let alone make it practical Calculations and structures Somehow, these two words were familiar to Victor a programmer in his past life, a magician in his current life. In one way or another, the two occupations shared a similar way of perceiving things. Thats it! Victor flicked his fingers as his eyes shone in enlightenment. Wh-What?! Have you come up with another one of your evil schemes again? Lizbeth eyeballed him from the side with a face that said, He must be up to something bad again. No! Even better! The grin on Victors mouth grew, spreading across his entire face. Spell models, in essence, were special kinds of algorithms. In theory, even ordinary people would be able to construct one on paper if they had the necessary knowledge, but doing so would be anything but feasible in real life. Not to mention the need to teach them the requisite magic knowledge asking individuals without the ability to wield mana to create spell models would be akin to forcing five-year-old children to draw blueprints for metropolitan cities. It was a preposterous notion. However, what Victor truly sought was the incredible calculation capabilities of computers. These were the keys to his success. So what if these people were substituted with computers? As long as they gave him the things he needed, he didnt have a single complaint. If a million computers were simultaneously simulating the creation of spell models, even if each one took a month to complete, wouldnt he have one million new magic spells by the end of the month? The mere thought of the possibility was mind-boggling! Of course, the higher the tier of the spell models, the more complex they became. The aforementioned hypothetical situation would only work for simpler spells. Even so, he couldnt miss out on exploiting what Earth could offer. In the end, what truly mattered was in what way he should exploit his players for his benefit. Nonetheless, he couldnt simply tell his players to research spells outright, and some sort of trick in the form of game mechanic had to be implemented. Being the one with the most knowledge of spell models, Victor realized that he should be the one to initiate the creation of the prototype program. A program that could simulate the creation of spell models. Believing Lizbeth was more suited to be the programmer, Victor shared with her his plan. Ill see what I can do, but no promises on when I will be done. Lizbeth raised both of her hands with a slightly exasperated expression, evidently perturbed by the fact that she was the one who had to do the job. Thats fine, Victor responded with a sneer. Take as much time as you need to. Chapter 59: I Have Eyes Everywhere It was noon the next day. In the secluded confines of his office, Victor closed his eyes and focused on the complex spell model and incantation inscribed within the pages of the {Demonic Eye} spell book. After a day of dedicated study of the magic spell, it was finally time to test it. With a steady flow of infused mana, he conjured a vivid image of spectral puppets materializing as flying eyes. As energy particles converged together, five spectral puppets emerged just outside his office window, flying out into the open sky. In that instant, Victors field of vision expanded beyond the confines of his office, extending into the vast expanse of the sky. Tiny figures resembling ants toiled away on the ground below, and a black obsidian tower loomed on the other side. It felt like everything was within arms reach. Whoa, this is awesome! The sensation was unlike anything he had experienced with the holographic screens camera. Perhaps this was what the players were feeling when they tried the fully immersive game for the first time. Peeking was always a fun thing to do, but that was not the main purpose of getting this spell. Victor guided the spectral puppets toward the Thornwood Forest, maintaining a mental connection with the spell. Through the eyes of the puppets, he witnessed their ethereal forms navigate the dense forest canopy effortlessly. Their crimson gaze scanned the shadows below, searching for any signs of the elusive Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid lair. With each flutter of their spectral wings, the puppets relayed their findings back to Victors consciousness, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the forests ecosystem. As they traversed the labyrinth of trees, the forests perilous nature became increasingly apparent to him. Mhm, this forest is indeed a place fraught with danger. If it werent for this spell, he wouldnt dare set foot too deep into the forest. After all, the Thornwood Forest was filled with all sorts of unexplainable supernatural things. In just the first few minutes of searching, the puppets encountered at least three strange phenomena: A peculiar undergrowth adorned with luminescent mushrooms emitting eerie light that seemed to keep the other trees alive was the most ordinary of them all. Not to mention the magical beasts roaming the area. One of the spectral puppets that ventured too close to a supernatural phenomenon was blasted into smithereens in an instant. The cause seemed to be floating orbs of light, reminiscent of will-o-the-wisps, that danced playfully among the trees, yet they created an eerie ambiance that sent shivers down Victors spine. These were unearthly things that Victor had never seen before when venturing into the forest using different vantage points did result in different outcomes. After an extensive search, Victors patience was rewarded as he finally discerned faint signs of the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids. One of these subtle clues appeared as a white spot amidst the sprawling sea of green. Yet as the spectral puppets drew closer, his suspicions were confirmed; the white spot was indeed a spiderweb delicately woven atop the canopy of a towering tree. Evidently, there was an arachnid making a nest here. Further examination of the area revealed the spider responsible for the intricate web was hunting a small creature. This discovery suggested that the actual hive should be in close proximity. True enough, one of the spectral puppets eventually caught sight of what appeared to be a cave nestled in the cliff face some distance away. It was a pity that by this time, the mental connection between Victor and spectral puppets had grown tenuous. Given Victors current magical power, the maximum distance of the connection was limited to a few kilometers, and it had reached its threshold. Any disruption now would likely result in the complete dissolution of the spectral puppets. Losing them at this critical juncture would mean losing a vital anchor point to the location. Therefore, he was left with no choice but to explore the area in person. Guess its time for me to take action, Victor declared as he rose from his seat, determined to finish this once and for all. Lizbeth, who had tirelessly devoted her night to crafting the intricate spell program, suddenly shifted her gaze, her golden eyes fixating on Victor. What are you going to do? Dont tell me... What else? Going on an adventure, of course. He pushed the balcony door open and leaped to the ground to look cool. Even a five-story drop held no danger for an extraordinary human like him, though it did hurt his ankle a bit. I shouldnt have jumped. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Unfortunately, he couldnt risk bringing Lumen along; doing so would compromise the academys defenses. If a third-stage Initiate Attunement rank magical beast were to launch an invasion, the players would be ill-equipped to mount a significant defense, even with the contingency plans in place. Thus, he sauntered into the forest without hesitation.
Victor positioned himself near the cave entrance, concealed by the dense undergrowth. It had taken him nearly an hour of cautious travel to arrive at this location. Really, navigating on foot through the forest, with the need to circumvent potential dangers like magical beasts and supernatural anomalies, had proven to be a time-consuming endeavor. But at long last As cautious as he was, he chose to deploy the spectral puppets to survey the interior of the cave rather than charging in recklessly. Just as he thought, the spectral eyes revealed a cavern teeming with spiders of varying sizes, from tiny thumb-sized arachnids to those as large as a grown man. The cave was chock-full of clusters of white eggs and cocoons adorning every available surface. Not a single spot inside was left untouched by the white sticky stuff. Contrary to his initial expectation, the number of spiders was not as overwhelming as he had feared. Maybe the queen spider had brought most of the brood for the invasion, or the rest that remained had scattered into the forest, but there were no more than a hundred of them within the cave. In fact, most of the inhabitants seemed to be young members of the species, relatively smaller in size compared to their adult counterparts. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have done well in locating the nest of the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid.] [The reward (200 academy points) has been issued.] Victor ignored the System notification that temporarily blocked his vision and pressed on with his exploration of the cave to find if there was any treasure or loot hidden. Wait, this Nestled in the heart of the cocoon-laden nest was a striking red egg enveloped in intricate layers of spiderweb with dozens of strands extending to the surrounding walls and ceiling. Clearly, this particular spot was the most protected place in the whole nest. Whatever was inside seemed to be very precious and high grade. Heck, it might even be another Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid! A shiver ran down Victors back. No, I cant allow this to hatch, or at the very least, I need to find a way to suppress or contain whatever is inside. However, he knew all too well that taking on this many spiders alone, without adequate preparation, would be nothing short of suicidal. Even if there were five of him, the odds of emerging victorious against such a formidable force were slim to none. Only the players would be able to clear this area since dying, for them, wouldnt mean anything significant. The problem was that these players were still too weak as they were right now. So, the only viable solution here would be to train the players to a level where they could successfully navigate the forest and confront the nest. Or a dungeon, in this case. This had been one of Victors agenda that he was going to do anyway. Alright. I should make my way out first then, Victor decided, mentally mapping out the area and noting the faint mana fluctuations emanating from the egg. By the faint mana fluctuation alone, it was still relatively new and likely to hatch within a months time. There was still plenty of time to prepare until then. With that in mind, Victor swiftly turned on his heels and retreated from the nest. While he was at it, he hunted some magical beasts along his journey back to the safety of the academy.
Once Victor stored the game in the kitchen, he returned to his office. Usually, someone would greet his return the moment he opened the door, but there was no such occurrence this time; only the sound of faint typing was heard in the background. In one corner, a small holographic screen emitted a soft blue glow and cast a gentle luminescence on the figure of Lizbeth. She fluttered her delicate wings as a miniature hologram keyboard was typing on itself nonstop without her fingers touching it. Lines of code cascaded across the screen, making a display of intricate patterns and symbols the spell simulation program was hot in the making. The creak of the door and the sound of Victors footsteps must have finally drawn her attention away as she turned to face him. Yet, her expression was a mixture of annoyance and exasperation. Youre back, huh? Just in time for the grand report, I see. You really do have a knack for handing out the most difficult task to someone else, dont you? Thats what delegation is all about. Its basically using the resources available around you to their fullest extent. Victor chuckled, closing the door behind him. What delegation? You dare call unpaid overtime work delegation? What audacity! She huffed, puffing out her cheeks. So, hows the search going? I found the nest Victor recounted the whole exhilarating yet dangerous adventure he had just experienced in the Thornwood Forest. Ooh, sounds like quite the journey, she remarked, her eyes widening in interest. Just be grateful you werent the one coding this program all day long. Its been a whirlwind of numbers and syntax here! Her sassy voice was in play as she said that. Victor simply shook his head and approached her, glancing over Lizbeths work on the holographic screen. Hows the program coming along? Lizbeth sighed, her irritation apparently subsiding. Its more complex than I thought, trying to simulate the intricacies of spell creation. But I think Im making progress. Just a few more tweaks, and we should be ready for the prototype; it should be finished by tomorrow at the latest. Chapter 60: A Bunch of Sycophants That quick? Victor couldnt help but express his surprise. He knew that such a project would typically require a team of at least three or four lazy programmers a whole month to accomplish. Procrastination was a common thing among them (he included), after all. Well, its only for Aleph-tier spells at the end of the day. How complex could it be? Victor couldnt deny it, even if he wanted to. Lizbeths programming prowess was remarkable. In fact, it was safe to say that her coding skills were miles ahead of his at his peak. She was practically an AI in disguise or she might truly be an AI. Yes, that would explain her exceptional abilities. Hey! You must be thinking something rude about me, Im sure! Holy crap, shes sharp! Lizbeths accusation jolted Victor back to the present, forcing him to clear his throat and look away. N-No I dont get what you mean by that. Anyway. Lizbeth gestured toward the holographic screen as she spoke. I''m trying to mimic the process of spell modeling as accurately as possible. The program I made utilizes advanced machine learning. It can learn through data samples that you feed it, and the more are thrown in, the better it is at computing results. However, there are a few catches. she emphasized, locking eyes with him. Oh, pray tell. If anything, it would be weird if it didnt have some sort of shortcomings. Lizbeth raised her finger to enumerate each point. One, without enough samples, it wont be able to produce spells, she began. Two, anything produced by the program will still require manual testing and refinement. She added her middle finger to the count. Three, youll need a high-end computing body or computer to simulate this program; otherwise, it will take a long time to process. The first two points were relatively manageable, as they were natural steps in the process of creating functional spells. It was the final point that caused Victor the most concern. At present, the Nexus Beacon was the closest thing Victor could call a computer in the academy. The Shadowlink Marks were only wireless interfaces of the said computer they were akin to monitors to a servers CPU in a sense. On top of that, the Nexus Beacon single-handedly handled the entire network behind the Shadowlink Marks. Overloading it could lead to unforeseen consequences. Consequently, acquiring a dedicated computer solely for this purpose was needed, and the only place to get one would be Earth. In the end, I really dont have any choice but to rely on Earths technology, Victor said to himself with a self-deprecating smile. How ironic. But where would he get the computers? Teleporting to Earth to purchase them was out of the question since he wasnt capable of doing that, not to mention the lack of Earths currency. While the players would most definitely be the answer to this quandary, he would need this for his personal use to create his own personal magic spells. It wouldnt be appropriate for a developer to ask their players to create content for the game, would it? Fortunately, alternative solutions were available: Numerous companies offered free cloud services that could be utilized in such scenarios, for instance. All he needed to do was approach the problem strategically. At any rate, lets think about it again when we cross that bridge, he concluded; a well-thought-out approach would be needed here.
Three days had passed since the invasion event, and now William was milling about in front of the Headmasters Office door. To his relief, it wasnt just him who was called here. In fact, every player that had promoted to first-stage Initiate Attunement was instructed to come here, including his friends Zero, Mike, and SuperNova, who had broken through just a day prior. Murmurs of uncertainty and speculation filled the air, and sometimes, occasional nervous chuckles and comments would ensue. This dozen or so people couldnt keep their calm; obviously, the event a few days ago was still vivid in their minds. Guys, what do you think is the reason for us being called here? Have we done something wrong? William was the first to ask that question out loud, silencing the others. Maybe we triggered some kind of hidden plot. Mike chimed in. Contrary to anxiety, there was a glint of excitement in his eyes. I mean, look at us. Arent we all literally the rankers of this game? Besides, it wouldnt be the first time, right? Well, theres been a talk about the recent upcoming update, hasnt there? Could be related to that, Zero pointed out. So, its really a new update! But why are there no announcements? Supernova scratched his head. I wonder what they have in store for us. Locktekei looked at the door with expectation. I-I hope its not going to be something dangerous. One of the only two girls among them raised her concern. William recognized her as the healer girl with green hair who previously joined the invasion event MsMelody. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. William nodded in agreement and addressed the elephant in the room: So, whos going to knock on the door? Even though this wasnt the first time he and his friends were called here, the others who didnt share the same experience avoided eye contact and fidgeted nervously, making him and the rest follow suit. Hey, dont push me! Who just groped me?! Fuck off, who wants to grope a guy with a flat bum like you. So its you! He swept his gaze to all the people here exactly twelve people, including him. And yet, none of them seemed willing to step forward and make the first move. Shit! What a bunch of chickens. Even Zero, who was usually quick-witted, remained uncharacteristically quiet, as if he went into deep thought. It was evident that he tried to run from this responsibility That was quite atypical of him. Determined to show the dependability of a veteran player, William stepped forward to break the impasse and reached for the door, showing his usual bravado. However, before his hand could touch the wooden surface, a voice resonated from within. You are here? Come inside. And with those words, the door swung open of its own accord. At that moment, William realized the gulf that separated them from the enigmatic figure inside. Even with his newly acquired powers after becoming a true acolyte, freely using mana to force open a door was not something within his capability yet There was a lot in this game that he still had a hard time learning and achieving before he had the confidence to call himself an expert. Esteemed Headmaster! Respected Headmaster! Sir Astralium! The other players rushed to say their greetings, and some of them were outright uttering words of adulation and praise. It was as if they had been preparing for this moment their entire lives in fact, they were so good at it that they would easily put even seasoned politicians to shame. Fuck! You guys were scared shitless to knock but were the first ones to suck up on him. William cursed these hypocrites in his heart before he, too, joined in to utter a word of deference of his own. Nevertheless, the young man they were addressing, with his cool demeanor and sharp features, remained unfazed by the flattery, nodding ever so slightly as he stated, Mm, lets not get into the formalities too much. Step in, all of you. Yes! With palpable enthusiasm, all the players stepped forward, positioning themselves a few meters in front of the headmaster. As had occurred previously, the door behind them seamlessly sealed itself with a touch of magic. Lets cut straight to the point, shall we? The headmaster articulated every syllable with deliberate slowness, capturing the attention of everyone present. I have convened all of you here for a matter of great importance; I have a personal assignment in mind for you all. Personal assignment! This meant that they were going to receive a special mission, perhaps even a rare and unique task activated under specific conditions. William was thoroughly convinced of this. Headmaster, we are at your disposal. Please, command us as you see fit! Yeah! We will do everything you wish us to do! We pledge to accomplish whatever task you lay before us! I also will give it my all! What a bunch of sycophants! was what William said in his heart. Yet, outwardly, he presented a different demeanor, addressing the headmaster with respect and readiness. Esteemed Headmaster, I, Prominence, stand prepared to embrace your command. The headmaster, however, responded with a shake of his head, issuing a word of caution. Dont just go ahead and accept without knowing what it entails. Be warned; its going to be a gruesome and difficult assignment. You can refuse it if you so desire After a brief pause, he continued, Now, who among you is willing to embark on a hunting expedition with me? As soon as his voice fell, hands shot up throughout the room, some players even elevating both of their arms, as if wishing they possessed more limbs to express their eagerness. The sight left William originally keen himself astonished, and even the headmaster seemed momentarily taken aback by the players unwavering zeal. Very well, it seems your decision is unanimous. Nevertheless, the academy must not be left defenseless. Thus, I shall divide you into two teams, comprising six members each. He announced, I hereby appoint Prominence and Zero as the leaders of their respective teams, and the rest of you can decide your affiliations among yourselves. Woohoo! William couldnt contain his excitement upon hearing the announcement, striking a triumphant pose and shooting a smug glance at his fellow players. You heard that? Im the chosen leader! On the other hand, Zero maintained a composed demeanor amidst the revelation and took the opportunity to seek clarification, raising his hand: Esteemed Headmaster, if I may, can I ask you something? You may proceed. The headmaster gave a nod of approval. Um, Im curious: Which team will have the honor of accompanying you on the hunt first, and could you perhaps enlighten us on the timing of our expeditions? Prominences team shall embark today, whereas your team will have its turn tomorrow. Ill grant you half an hour to get ready yourselves and assemble by the forests edge on the south. Is there anything more you wish to know? That covers my inquiries. Thank you. All right then. You are all dismissed to prepare. As for the specifics of the mission, refer to your Shadowlink Marks for comprehensive details, explained the headmaster. Understood, Headmaster! With that, William and the others nodded and quickly scurried away from the room with eager steps.
Once the players were gone to make ready for the hunt, Victor couldnt suppress a small, amused chuckle. The whole scenario struck him as both shameless and utterly humorous. Before he even had the chance to explain anything, they would do their best to please him. This unabashed eagerness made even the usually stoic Victor feel embarrassed. He was pretty certain that, should he instruct them to leap into a pool of lava with the promise of adequate rewards, theyd do so without a second thought. In a strange sense, they were akin to stunt performers, albeit a particularly extreme version. Pfft, players really are a curious breed, arent they? remarked Lizbeth, the fairy, materializing with a mischievous laugh. Huh, funny. The same could be said about you, right? he teased. How rude! She stomped on thin air, crossed her arms defiantly, and puffed out her cheeks. Im joking, Im joking. Well, mostly. Anyway, I suppose Id better get ready myself. Before Lizbeth could retort with another sentence, Victor fled the room. Chapter 61: How to Hunt a Monster 101 Part I Over the recent days, while Victor had immersed himself in his numerous responsibilities, the academy had seen great changes. A notable example was the completion of the public bath, a new and refined addition to the academys facilities. The interior was divided according to gender. Accompanying this development, a fresh task had materialized for the players: the duty of fetching water during the mornings and afternoons. Victor himself had not yet taken a bath there, but he was now afforded the option should he choose to indulge. Many high-rank Magi, entrenched in their extensive research for years on end, seldom gave thought to such mundane activities as bathing. After all, when their robes came enchanted with cleanliness-preserving magic and simple spells could achieve better effect, why bother with a bath that, by comparison, might even be less sanitary? With a thought, Victor activated his Master Shadowlink Mark, summoning the Systems main interface to appear before his eyes. He wanted to see the progress that had been happening on the academy on the Academy Status page. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 510 Academy Grade: Level 1 Total Acolytes: 66/100 Progression Value: 60/100 Constructing the public bath contributed a valuable ten points of progression value, and when combined with the addition of the water well and the wooden stakes used in the recent invasion, the total had surged to sixty. If the agricultural area was further expanded, the smithy was built, and Eleanor was successfully invited to move here, then the academy would ascend to level two, unlocking a new facility in the process. That was something that needed to be anticipated. On that front, Victor had issued the mission to expedite the construction of the smithy, attaching a generous reward to ensure its prioritization. The players were quick to respond and had already begun their work in earnest on the southwestern side of the academy grounds. This area was earmarked to become a hub for workshops, industries, and other similar facilities in fact, more kilns were being built there, and Aphrodite96s personal workshop was intended to be separated from the wood workshop and moved there. As for the total acolytes or players, ten more were expected to revive and rejoin the game later in the day. Once the full complement of players had been restored to life, Victor intended to expand the total quota. More players equated to an increase in the workforce. And with the players gradually acquiring the skills necessary to hunt, as per his training, a steady supply of food was secured, staving off any immediate concerns until the player population potentially exceeded two hundred. Envisioning the bright prospects of the academy, Victor hummed a tune as he made his way to the rendezvous point. Bathed in the warm embrace of the morning sun, with the distant melody of birdsong filling the air as if in greeting, the atmosphere was nothing short of perfect for the days hunting endeavor. With steady step, he approached the assembled players, who were brimming with eagerness and ready to dive into the hunt, weapons in hand. The towering trees of the forest stretched skyward, their branches casting enigmatic shadows upon the forest floor. Upon noticing his arrival, the players immediately straightened up, and their expressions turned serious, as if they were trying to make a good impression. Victor could see the flames of determination in their eyes, and he couldnt help but feel amused. These players were undeniably fearless and would definitely dare to challenge even dragons armed with nothing but wooden swords. Standing before them, Victor cleared his throat to draw their attention. I trust you have all prepared well, he began, his voice exuding steadiness and authoritativeness. This forest harbors mysteries and supernatural phenomena beyond normal understanding. This is no place for frivolity. You must remain alert, think quickly, and be ready to adjust to the unexpected. Carelessness will cost you dearly. The players bodies immediately tensed up; they were obviously afraid of dying and thus not being able to log in for an extended period of time. Victor had purposely chosen the southern forest for a reason: This was the safest place to give these players some experience. Allowing a brief pause for his message to resonate, he resumed, Today, I will guide you, imparting the fundamental skills required for hunting. Yet, you must stay aware, stay united, and, above all, place your trust in one another. In this world, brimming with hidden mysteries and dangers, only through cohesive teamwork will you find the means to survive and flourish. Understood, Headmaster! Reliable teamwork, huh As if thats a thing in this world filled with disloyal and traitorous individuals, Victor thought, taking from his own experience. This was, at any rate, a script that he thought up on the spot. As the headmaster of a once arguably prestigious academy, it was vital that he played his role convincingly. Otherwise, the players would start doubting him posthaste. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. After the two-day compulsory class, it was about time that he taught these players something new. When they were capable of hunting on their own, they would then teach the other players how to hunt, which would snowball as time went on. Perhaps he could do this on his own just like this, but he had to see later if he was available. Victor, exuding an aura of calm authority, then turned around and gestured for the players to follow him into the forest, initiating the days hunting expedition.
As William followed the headmaster, wielding a bone spear, he checked on his teammates. There were five players in his team: SuperNovaX, GladiusZone, ThunderLord999, Locktekei, and MsMelody the healer girl. Both Zero and Mike were on the other team. Other than his friend SuperNova and several others like Thunder and Locktekei, he wasnt overly familiar with the rest and was thus a bit nervous about being the team leader. Well, all the online games he played so far had unfolded on the other side of the screen, not in person like this. Fortunately, being the leader of the foraging group had somewhat prepared him for this moment. The headmaster led them deeper into the forest, away from the confines of the safe academy grounds, and they followed in a single-file line, like a mother duck leading her children. The terrain varied beneath their feet from muddy patches and moss-covered grounds to rougher, stony grounds. The players moved cautiously, their eyes darting around as they took in the sights and sounds of the forest. They moved as a single unit; their footsteps quiet on the forest floor, their breaths held in anticipation. Having played the game for as long as he had, the world beyond the academy had always lingered in the back of Williams mind. And why wouldnt it? Embarking on an epic quest to slay dragons and rescue damsels in distress was the quintessential dream of many young gamers. A new map, a new adventure. Abruptly, the headmaster came to a halt, causing William and the rest of the players to follow suit. Lost in thought, William, positioned directly behind him, nearly collided with the headmaster; thankfully, he managed to catch himself in time, narrowly avoiding the blunder. The headmaster beckoned him and the others to gather around and said, Pay attention, pointing at the ground there were animal footprints etched into the soil, like really huge. These tracks are fresh, made by a giant boar. With precision, he pointed out subtle signs that indicated the direction of the animals movement. According to the official games wiki, giant boars werent classified as magical beasts and posed less danger than Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids. Nevertheless, the size of the footprints told a different story Seeing its footprints, Id estimate its at least three meters in height, Thunder asserted, eyeing the prints closely. Holy smokes! SuperNova exclaimed, clutching his head in alarm. What on earth do boars eat in this game world to grow so massive? Your mom, GladiusZone quipped with a smirk. Humans, of course. What else? Eh, I wouldnt be too surprised if we stumble upon a boar thats ten meters tall at this rate. Locktekei shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. Listening to their banter, William could only sigh, adding, Regardless of its diet, we can all agree its downright terrifying. Before they even caught sight of the beast, the mood among the group had grown tense as they each swallowed their saliva. The footprints alone were enough to paint a daunting picture of the colossal creature they were tracking. Keep in mind, the headmaster said, as he turned to scan each players face before allowing a smug smirk to grace his lips, this creature is at the very bottom of the food chain in this forest. Those smaller herbivores you see near the academy are an incredibly rare exception. He paused for a moment and added, If you manage to hunt this boar successfully, I will reward each of you with one hundred merit points. One hundred merit points! No matter what, it was no small sum it was the equivalent of one full day of grueling labor, all for the take-down of a single beast. The group was instantly galvanized by the promise of such a generous reward. Reinvigorated, they picked up the trail once again, the atmosphere now thick with eager anticipation. The players were determined to get their reward. Even if the situation turned for the worse, with the headmaster at their side, they felt invincible. At least William was thinking so. After walking a certain distance, the headmaster stopped and declared, Its here. He didnt elaborate, instead fixing his gaze intently in one direction. A surge of intense mana force radiated from him, which was a sensation now familiar to William since his promotion to first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. But this was different. The mana wasnt intimidating or meant to scare off potential threats. It was almost as if he was taunting whatever lay ahead. Soon, the ground beneath their feet faintly trembled and grew progressively more robust and closer. Something massive was headed their way. The pulsating rhythm of Williams heart echoed in his ears as he fixed his gaze on the approaching beast, ready to cast his only offensive spell at a moments notice. In a few seconds, the trembling on the ground was strong enough that he could feel it in his very bones. Through the dense foliage, he caught a glimpse of the giant boar barreling towards them, its massive form crashing through trees in its way. Form up, everyone! Williams voice cut through the chaos as he attempted to take charge. Get ready to cast on my mark! His eyes darted to the side, seeking the headmaster for guidance, only to find that he had vanished without a trace. His heart immediately sank. Oh, crap! This isn''t good! After all, this game was too realistic. Everything that had been going on was no different than if it were to happen in real life. E-Esteemed Headmaster, where have you gone? He had assumed this hunt was a collaborative effort between the NPC headmaster and the players. I never said Id be participating in the hunt. Give it your all and try not to die. The usual death penalties apply. The headmasters voice echoed from who knew where. Headmaster! William cried out, unable to believe what was going on. The others followed in unison, shouting in disbelief. However, they had gone through the invasion event; they had faced challenges before. Anything that wasnt a magical beast shouldnt be beyond their capabilities. Clutching his weapon, William steeled himself and turned to face the oncoming threat, his resolve unwavering. Chapter 62: How to Hunt a Monster 101 Part II From a secluded vantage point atop a sturdy branch in a nearby tree, Victor observed the players below as they scrambled into formation to face the giant boar. A faint smile played on his lips; this was indeed an entertaining watch. Despite their initial shock at his abrupt disappearance, the players quickly regained their composure and showcased their adaptability as veteran gamers. They were no pushover, after all, and theyd grown accustomed to the realism that this game had to offer. A bit of challenge and trial was what they needed to sharpen their instincts. Among them, a couple of particular individuals captured Victors attention. Prominence was one, as he confidently assumed a leadership role with confidence that belied his previous uncertainties. He barked orders, rallying his teammates and providing much-needed leadership. It was a pleasant surprise for Victor; he had known Prominence as an old online friend, and while he was aware that Prominence was perhaps not as adept as Zero and Storm, his actions spoke for themselves. Thunder was another who stood out. At first glance, he might have seemed unexceptional, but in the heat of the moment, he exuded a surprising calmness. In fact, Victor believed that this guy was the closest player who regarded this game as real all his actions were similar to those of seasoned extraordinary people in this world. Armed with a crossbow, he took careful aim and let loose a bolt, striking the giant boar directly in the eye and partially blinding it. Though he was supposedly the leader of the construction group, it was clear that his ambition was far beyond that role. Victor was curious about what he would accomplish in the future. With its formidable size and raw power, the giant boar was indeed a formidable adversary. But still, under the combined might of six first-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes, even with their relative lack of experience, the boar could do nothing. The air crackled with elemental particles and energy as spells flew in rapid succession, steadily wearing down the giant beast. Not bad at all. They truly possess a wealth of potential, Victor silently affirmed, nodding appreciatively. Compared to the pampered nobles and those born into prestigious Magus families, players were a unique breed with an inherent desire to learn and improve. Transforming them into efficient and deadly killing machines seemed increasingly plausible Uhh, I think these thoughts of exploiting them have gotten too far into my head. As the giant boar finally succumbed, collapsing with a ground-shaking thud under the relentless assault of Prominence''s {Flame Dart}, Victor seized the opportunity to reappear beside the players, his hands clapping in approval. Well done! I must say, you acolytes have exceeded my expectations. However, due to the extensive damage inflicted upon the giant boars corpse, Im afraid I must adjust the reward. Fifty merit points for each of you. While the giant boars hide was too marred to yield any high-quality products, Victor was willing to acknowledge their earnest efforts. Thus, he decided on a reward amounting to half of the initial offer. Swiftly, he stored the boars carcass in his interspatial ring, eliciting surprised glances from the group that were followed by their melodramatic reactions. Nooo! Please, anything but that, Headmaster! Welp, saw that one coming when I noticed the state of the corpse. The players let out a mixed reaction of dismay and resignation, but Victor paid them no mind and simply continued, We shall proceed with our hunting expedition. Ensure you handle the next beast more delicately, or a similar deduction shall follow. And bear in mind, the high merit point reward is exclusive to today. The reason Victor issued this mission was, after all, to motivate the players. In a typical scenario, the reward for slaying a giant boar wouldnt surpass four hundred merit points per carcass. No, he should probably decrease it to two hundred merit points so as to prevent any undue inflation and maintain balance.
The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky as Victor led the players, now laden with their hunting spoils, back toward the academy. They had successfully hunted two additional giant boars and even managed to take down an extremely young Mossback Turtle the smallest he had ever seen, but a creature truly of the magical beast classification, nevertheless. However, transporting their trophies proved challenging, as Victors interspatial ring had space for only one, leaving the team to carry the rest manually. Victor, with his superior strength and a capable NPC he was, took on the task of dragging the Mossback Turtle. The remaining two giant boar carcasses were left for the other players to handle. These were in a better state than the first, so he didnt deduct a lot of points from the rewards. All in all, the players earned a total of almost four hundred merit points each. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. If we do this a few more times, wont we be so far ahead of the other players? Well be unsurpassable by then! GladiusZone quipped, his voice strained as he dragged one of the giant boar carcasses. Didnt you hear? Prominence interjected, The increased rewards are only for today. Plus, I doubt the headmaster would have the time to join us on such expeditions other than today. Uh-huh, and these things are heavy! Even with three of us on one, dragging it all the way through the forest is a total nightmare, Locktekei added, his complaint resonating with the shared sentiment of the group. Victor listened to their chatter and secretly shook his head at their complaints. But that was the truth; the only reason they could manage to transport the carcasses with just three to a beast was thanks to their bodies being enhanced by infused mana. Without this enhancement, a group of ten people would struggle to accomplish the same feat and likely would find themselves collapsing before reaching the academys boundaries. Urgh I feel utterly filthy. MsMelody cried out as she assisted in carrying the second giant boar. Even a female player like her was no weaker than the other male players, thanks to mana. Man Im definitely in need of a lengthy bath after this SuperNova chimed in, releasing a prolonged sigh. The enchantments woven into the acolyte robes might have provided some degree of cleanliness, but they were not impervious. Streaks of dirt and grime found their way onto the players faces, and occasional tumbles to the ground while evading attacks only added to the mess. This, however, was a natural part of doing combat. They still have a lot to learn, Victor thought. Yet, through this expedition, he had ascertained their capability to undertake hunting endeavors without his direct intervention. The plan for the next day was set; he would replicate this hunting session with the other team. Following that, the players would need to rely on their own initiative for such undertakings. His role would transition to ensuring that hunting missions, complete with necessary prerequisites, were available and accessible to the players via the mission list. Not long after, they finally reached a clearing that was the academy grounds. Victor then instructed the players to deliver the giant boars to the kitchen before dismissing them. He himself switched the giant boar in his interspatial ring with the Mossback Turtle to dump it on the makeshift morgue right outside the Nexus Tower. The players cheered and swiftly headed toward the public bath once they had done their job. Really, modern people and their ingrained habits of frequent bathing though he understood the sentiment, it was something he distanced himself from even now because of years of living in this seemingly medieval-like world at first. Not that it was truly medieval, with steam technology and airships being common and all in developed cities. As Victor didnt join the players to go into the public bath, he made his way to his office. The moment he opened the door, he was greeted by the immediate appearance of a fairy, her wings fluttering energetically as she hovered in the air. Master! I have great news! she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Oh? Victor raised an eyebrow at the whimsical Lizbeth as he stepped inside. Its a rare sight to see you this excited, Liz. Does this have to do with the program? Have you managed to complete it? Indeed, I have! Lizbeth struck a victorious pose, flashing a peace sign as her smile widened with glee. The program is ready and successfully compiled. All thats missing is a computer to execute it. Lizbeth, you really are my golden goose! It wasnt too far-fetched to say that Lizbeth was Victors true cheat in this world, not the System. As long as she stayed on his side, even conquering the world was not an impossibility. I require more praise. She showed a spoiled princess-like smug posture. Alright, alright. Victor played along, amused. Lizbeth, you are my one and only indispensable partner in crime, as mischievous as you are proficient. You might slack off sometimes, but when it comes down to it, youre dependable. Lizbeth tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. Is that supposed to be a compliment? Victor shrugged with an equally snarky smirk. I suppose so. Its my genuine impression of you. Well, I suppose I can live with that. A playful glint streaked across her eyes as she projected a vivid holographic screen toward Victor and said, Now, without further ado, let me present to you my masterpiece. Victor leaned in to see the fruits of her labor, curious about her creation. And completely dumbfounded he was. His eyes widened in astonishment as he took in the complex array of programs that were woven together, that it could very well be a working application. Like seriously, the level of sophistication and intricacy was staggering. To think that she accomplished such a feat single-handedly in a mere two days was unbelievable Victor couldnt help but wonder, just where in the world did she acquire such advanced knowledge? Lizbeth, youre crazy! Are you absolutely certain youre not some form of AI? Victor couldnt help but voice his suspicions, squinting his eyes as he scrutinized the tiny fairy. Lizbeth, however, did not take his words lightly as her expression shifted to one of offense. How dare you! Accuse me of being an AI one more time, and you can forget about any further help from me! she yelled. Caught off guard by her reaction, Victor quickly raised his hands in surrender. Whoa, I didnt mean to offend you. My apologies. There goes again my habit of making fun of her. But despite that, Victor let out a chuckle inwardly her antics were indeed amusing. Though he knew it was wise to tread carefully and not provoke her further; he couldnt lose his precious asset, after all. Hmph! Consider yourself lucky; Im feeling generous enough to let this slide just for now! Lizbeth declared, her petite form puffing up as if to assert her authority. Of course, of course, your wisdom knows no bounds, O Great Lizbeth, Victor responded with an impish bow. Chapter 63: An Unanswerable Dilemma Jokes aside, while the software for the creation of spell models was within grasp, Victor found himself at an impasse regarding where he could actually run the program. To solve this, Victor had several solutions: He could use his own devices or opt for online virtual machines or containers. The former was immediately ruled out, which left the latter as the most viable option. But then it brought about a new conundrum money. He might be rich among commoners in this world, but platinum coins would be worth shit on Earth simply due to their inability to traverse dimensions. Moreover, they lacked intrinsic value, necessitating a conversion to hard currency before any transactions could take place. This left him with no alternative but to dip into Earthly currency or finance. However, it was safe to assume that all his assets from his previous life had gone down the drain, likely inherited first by his mother and then by his sister as the last surviving member of his family. But reaching out to reclaim his funds would be tantamount to the scams of the supposedly falsely deceased, claiming they were embroiled in some sort of scandal or something and in desperate need of financial aid. Should he begin charging subscription or console fees to his players? On one hand, it could potentially galvanize them to invest even more time and effort into the game. But it would be way too early for such a move, and it would cast the game company in an unfavorable light just like what the trolls were saying on the forum. Besides, he didnt even have a bank account! Everything from his past life as Simon was long gone He had no access to his previous bank accounts and couldnt even recall his account numbers What a total dilemma. Sigh This truly is a conundrum where I dont even know where to start, Victor muttered, pinching his glabella as he closed his eyes in deep thought. Why not turn to your players for assistance? Lizbeth proposed, tilting her head. You can mask it a new innovative feature where players can craft their own spell models. Subsequently, you could request them to create some on your behalf. I cant... Making such a request would be crossing a delicate line, potentially arousing their suspicions. Victor recognized the gravity of the situation from the beginning. If the request solely pertained to the players using the program for their personal gain, it wouldnt pose an issue. However, leveraging it for his own advantage wasnt a viable option. Unless A spark of hope ignited in his mind. If there was someone he could confide in back in the other world, the entire issue could be resolved effortlessly. Alas, such an individual was absent from his life at present. Guess its best to shelf this issue for now. With time, a solution may naturally present itself. Mm-hmm. I believe its prudent to postpone tasks that can be done later, Lizbeth concurred, smiling at Victors direction. Eh, that sounds like your usual excuse to procrastinate. But Ill let it slide this time. Hehe. Anywho, she perched herself on Victors shoulder as she said, theres a fresh mission up for grabs; why dont you check it out? Curious, Victor opened the mission tab on his Shadowlink Mark. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Trace Back Your Steps Having extensively explored the surrounding territories, youve unveiled a myriad of intriguing phenomena and points of interest. Now you must retrace your steps to uncover a hidden treasure of immense value and take it over from anything standing in your way. A treasure that will boost the academys development exponentially. Type: Main mission Special Place Found and Occupied: 0/1 Reward: 200 academy points Thats gonna be another 200 AP in the bag! If these rewarding missions were to keep popping up, reaching 1,000 AP and unlocking the Nexus Temporal lootbox might just be around the corner... Ahem, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. But wheres the place that the mission implies? Victor murmured to himself, lost in thought. He had traversed various points of interest nearby, like the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids nest, the Thornwood Flower field, the expansive river flowing eastward, and finally, the mysterious cave located within the ravine upstream. Of all these locations, the cave was indeed the most suspicious of them all, and it was a place that Victor dared not to venture to previously because he sensed some kind of danger inside. Regardless, conducting a thorough investigation tomorrow during the hunting expedition would be wise. With this plan in mind, Victor went about his afternoon routine to do his daily necessities before dedicating the remainder of his evening to practicing the Myriad Elements Method. He channeled his energy and focus into accumulating the necessary infused mana for his impending breakthrough. That time wouldnt be long.
The commencement of the hunting expedition on the following day mirrored that of the previous day in many ways. But there was something that made it different from last time; one notable difference was the calm and prepared demeanor of Zeros team. This was particularly evident when Victor intentionally vanished from sight, leaving the team to fend off a surprise beast attack on their own, which they managed to take down and carry back to the academy. Bringing unnecessary baggage with them was not a wise decision. Victor couldnt quite put his finger on it was their calmness a result of forewarning from their fellow players, or was it attributed to Zeros steady leadership? Whatever it was, the players seemed to treat this adventure as a secondary tutorial phase. Diverging from the previous days route, as Victor had planned, he guided them toward the river to the academys east, tracing along the stream that had been extensively excavated for clay. Of course, Victor didnt forget to impart knowledge of the flora and fauna, as well as the necessary survival skills for navigating through the forest. All was normal and fine until it took an unexpected turn when an injured Shadow Panther crossed their path it appeared to be the same one that had attacked the players a few days prior. As the players were still too weak to face them and to minimize any potential casualty, Victor took this into his own hands and dispatched the Shadow Panther. As Victor and the players stepped out of the forest, they were greeted by the sight of a vast river. Its water was flowing and sparkling brilliantly under the sunlight anyone who saw it would think that the water was clear and safe to consume. Gosh, look at that! Theres a large river ahead! exclaimed one of the players. Im kind of hoping theres a river goddess or maybe even a sultry water nymph lurking around in there. The one who commented that was someone that Victor knew well, as he was one of the six players that had taken a post as a guard to keep watch on the wall ButaYaarou. Seriously, Is that the first thing that pops into your head? another player retorted, shaking his head in amusement. River, huh Mike stared at the large river with apprehension. I suddenly remembered something unpleasant from nearing a large body of water. You mean when a fish was about to bite your Shut it, you! Silence! Victor shouted. He didnt join in the idle chatter between the players and simply remained silent, not reacting to the players banter and jokes as that was how an NPC should be doing. We will trace the river upstream on this hunt, Victor announced, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Remember that even if the river may appear calm at first, dont let it fool you; there are hidden dangers lurking beneath and around it. Stay alert and stay together. Lets move. Upon hearing Victors words of caution, the players instantly shifted into high alert, gripping their weapons tightly and forming a strategic line along the riverbank. Their eyes were keenly observing the waters surface and the surrounding foliage, ready to face whatever might pounce at them. Well, it wasnt the first time that his words were proven to be true. Victor was aware that they would believe almost everything that an NPC would say, more than any real person. No need to be so tense. If something beyond your abilities comes approaching, I will lend you a hand, Victor reassured them. Were just making sure, esteemed Headmaster, Zero responded with a steady tone. Mm. Victor nodded his head. There was indeed nothing wrong in being overly cautious, which was proven to be the case a few minutes later. Barely a few hundred meters from the starting location, there was a disturbance on the tranquil river at their side. Looking there, a large blue crustacean creature came walking out, sporting a pair of menacingly sharp pincers. It was a giant blue crab. Azure Mystique Crab. This creature was likely one of the magical beasts native to this river, and Victor was pretty sure it was the name of its species. While its precise classification wasnt of utmost importance, the sheer size of it with a leg span reaching up to six feet and a height comparable to an average adult meant that its deadly nature was pretty apparent. Despite its luminous blue carapace, mud and algae hung all over its body, making it appear from afar like a muddied, precious gem. Its domed, arc-shaped exterior served as a natural armor, strong enough to deflect any ordinary weapon. Nevertheless, it was barely a first-stage Initiate Attunement magical beast, and any acolytes, with sufficient preparations, would be able to take it down. But one couldnt underestimate its deadly offensive; its blue hue stemmed from its innate ability to launch water jets from its claws, functioning much like a magic spell. They were rumored to be powerful enough to shoot through rock, and the claws were able to cut trees in half easily Holy shit! That crab is so big! I wonder if its even tastier than those Alaskan king crabs. Shit, hearing you say it makes me want to boil it with oyster sauce seasoning. The flesh for a crab that big must be a lot! Headmaster, let us deal with it! Victor was speechless. But it was good that the players were fired up to take this matter into their own hands. Seeing their enthusiasm, he gave them a nod of approval. Chapter 64: Checking on the Hidden Treasure Luckily, the giant crab had been solitary and didnt come with its family of crabs, allowing the players to dispatch it with relative ease by throwing magic spells at it. Victor observed the fallen creature, now battered and lifeless. He shook his head slightly, thinking, These players are way too excited! As usual, he deducted the merit points given to them before resuming the trek toward the north. By this time, Victors interspatial ring was already chock-full of the Shadow Panthers corpse, and now there was this magical crab. One thing was for sure: They couldnt go much farther while carrying this baggage. That was why Victor was keen to explore this river while walking upstream until they reached the ravine before circling back to the academy. Of course, he would take a peek at the previous point of interest to see what might be able to be exploited. Truly, Victor loved the word exploitation very much. Hmm Keep an eye on the river, he warned. We dont know if even more dangerous magical beasts are hidden there. That was the truth. Although there were no signs of any creature as strong as the queen spider, he sensed the presence of several magical beasts in the rivers depths. Some possessed power comparable to third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes. It was best to avoid stirring up the hornet nest and leave them alone for now. With solemn nods, the players marched on. It wasnt long before the group reached the ravine that stretched upward with tall rocky walls that might conceal unseen threats. Well camp here temporarily for lunch, Victor announced, halting just outside the ravine where the ground transitioned to sturdy rock. The ground near the riverbank was brown in color and rather squishy, not a good place to set up a camp. Fortunately, the place was easily guarded and not far from a cave Victor had discovered weeks prior a perfect place in case something unexpected happened. Esteemed Headmaster, are we allowed to roast and eat the giant crab? inquired Zero while the others gently laid the Azure Mystique Crabs corpse on the ground. Victor thought for a moment and agreed, Fine, but there will be no points awarded for the creature Thats perfectly fine, sir! Its not every day for us to eat crabs this big, after all. What every day? If a crab of such magnitude were to appear on Earth, forget about having the chance to taste it, if it didnt cause an uproar in the media, that would be the best outcome. Still, as someone who had lived in this world almost as long as on Earth, Victor understood well that this kind of delicacy was even more luxurious in this world. Headmaster! called Aphrodite96, who could barely contain his thrill, as he stroked the nook of a nearby ravine wall like stroking a beauty. Yes, he was part of this team and among the ones who had promoted to a true acolyte. Yes, what is it? Victor pivoted toward the source of excitement. This place here is laden with riches! Iron, copper, and tin, I can easily find any of those here! He then pointed at a natural alcove with strangely white-colored soil. Whats more, the sediment in these rocks is laced with potassium nitrate. If we have some sulfur, we have the means to craft gunpowder! Gunpowder, particularly black powder, also existed in this world and had been developed for a very long time. Yet, it had never supplanted traditional weaponry as it did on Earth. The existence of magic and extraordinary living beings made mundane explosives less relevant. Magic armaments such as magic cannons and guns offered better firepower and might, rendering traditional gunpowder a secondary choice in the arsenal of warfare. But this didnt mean that there was no application for it. An element of surprise would be pretty convenient when facing an army of unsuspecting soldiers Interesting. Gather what you need, but let it not be a burden on our expedition, Victor instructed. Will do! He didnt even look at him as he started scooping up the mineral-rich white crust with his bare hands. Truly, he was the only player that didnt suck up to him too much. As the players busied themselves preparing the campfire to cook the giant crab, Victor walked toward the ravines mouth and told Zero this: I will be exploring ahead. You acolytes should watch out for any danger while Im gone. Consider it done, Headmaster! Zero responded with a salute. With him in charge here, there was nothing to worry about. He should be able to act according to the situation that might arise. Victor traversed the landscape, passing various mineral veins and deposits that he had previously noted. Once there was enough manpower and the players could go back and forth easily, he wanted to make a quarry here so that the academy could be supplied with top-quality materials. Especially those elemental marble Just imagining the profit that could be gained sent a thrilling sensation that ran through his bones. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Finally, he arrived at the mouth of the dark cavern system, which was strangely rich in elemental particles. This very place had acted like a beacon call to him before Even now, as he stood at the threshold, that palpable sense of peril still existed, albeit a bit less intense. Sweat drops built up on Victors forehead as he hesitated to go inside Venturing into the unknown was a gamble; after all, he had but a single life to wager. Should he send a player to scout ahead and report back to him? They would leap at the opportunity and sacrifice themself for the greater good as long as he gave enough compensation in the form of a mission. Wait, a realization struck Victors head as he mused, No need for such troublesome measures since I have this spell {Demonic Eye}. Circulating his infused mana, Victor conjured five spectral puppets in the form of flying eyes. As these puppets dispersed into the caverns multiple passages, Victors vision splintered into five distinct streams. Normally, the sudden increase in total vision would have caused intense headaches and dizziness in ordinary people, but Victor was by no means ordinary. The interior of the cavern system was filled with darkness, save for some luminous stones and bioluminescent flora on the walls. Despite the shadows that sought to cloak the interior, the spectral puppets enhanced sight pierced through the gloom, rending the veil of the night as clear as day night vision was a basic thing. Gradually, the luminance within one of the cave interiors intensified steadily as cyan-colored crystals began sprouting out from the rocky walls more frequently the deeper inside. Victors eyes narrowed in recognition. Could it be? Mana crystals! There was no mistake; mana fluctuations were coming off of these crystals. Of course, there were different grades of mana crystal mines. For example, these crystals adorning the caverns interior were probably not even on the same grade as novice-grade mana crystals, and one had to excavate tirelessly to procure even a solitary crystal of such grade. But! This was undeniably a gold mine through and through No, saying it was a gold mine would be an understatement as it was worth hundreds of times more than that a true treasure trove. Something that could incite a war of greed and shed blood if news of such a place spread to the Magus forces and academies around the kingdom. A typical grand Magus academy like the Arcane Radiance College had its own reservoirs of mana crystals, from sprawling mines to extraordinarily precious magical trees that bear mana crystals in droves by absorbing mana straight from the Primordial Nexus. Oof! Suddenly, the connection to one of the spectral puppets that were exploring the mana crystal vein was cut off an unknown entity had destroyed it in a single attack. The attack was so swift and unanticipated that not even a glimpse of the perpetrator was captured. This was probably the source of danger that Victor had previously felt. Not going to stay still, Victor controlled the remaining four puppets to turn around and converge upon the last known location. The strategy was pretty simple: A simultaneous approach from multiple directions would increase the likelihood of obtaining at least a glimpse of the perpetrator, even if it managed to destroy one or two swiftly. And as they flew through the dim cavern, two more of the spectral puppets were obliterated in rapid succession, disintegrating into mana wisps before achieving their objective. Nevertheless, the other two were able to safely get there to show Victor what was going on. There it was, a humongous lizard-like abomination (if he must say), grotesquely adorned with crystalline protrusions along its back and a nest of writhing tentacles beneath its head. The sight was chilling, enough to send shivers down Victors spine. While he only saw one, it was definitely not alone. At least Victor was sure of it because the place where the previous two puppets were destroyed was not the same as where the first had been done in. This is bad. His eyes narrowed in contemplation as he held his chin. Victor had heard about these creatures before from the records back in his academy, and it was called Crystalback Tendrilisk, which was basically a giant lizard-like magical beast that fed on mana-rich minerals and crystals, with mana crystals as their favorite food. Essentially a beast with a voracious appetite. Though not as dangerous and cunning as the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids, their sheer brute force was not something to scoff at. They were also very sensitive to sound and could easily perceive anything from a far distance. At full maturity, these creatures had the strength of third-stage Initiate Attunement rank magical beasts, and a single one of them could effortlessly decimate a company of Ki-Warrior knights. So, what could he do when faced with potentially a family of them? A frown etched itself upon Victors brows, and he opened the mission tab. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Trace Back Your Steps Having extensively explored the surrounding territories, youve unveiled a myriad of intriguing phenomena and points of interest. Now you must retrace your steps to uncover a hidden treasure of immense value and take it over from anything standing in your way. A treasure that will boost the academys development exponentially. Type: Main mission Special Place Found and Occupied: 0/1 Reward: 200 academy points This mission had two main points: to uncover a hidden treasure of immense value and take it over from anything standing in your way. The first goal had been met with the discovery of this mana crystal mine, and he knew what standing in your way referred to, which was, of course, the family of Crystalback Tendrilisk. Now, the only thing that hadnt been done would be to take it over, but what did it precisely entail by that? For one thing, it wouldnt be entirely impossible to kill them one by one by himself, even if it would take a considerable amount of time. However, the mission objective extended beyond mere conquest he had to secure the ability to exploit the mine. Considering there were too few players who had promoted, it would be risky to hold this place with little manpower when there could be other unknown magical beasts hidden deeper. An interim solution would be to mark this cavern system as a prospective pseudo-dungeon, but that had to wait until the arachnids nest was cleared of any potential danger. Oh well, all I can do is wait. Maybe once he finally had his breakthrough, all these problems would become easier to solve. With these considerations weighing on him, Victor conceded to a tactical retreat. At the very least, he knew that this place held immeasurable treasure, potentially even other magic ore veins other than the mana crystal vein. One thing was certain: He only had to plan how to swallow this whole trove without anyone knowing. Chapter 65: Enjoying the Juicy, Mellow Crab Meat It was already past noon when Victor returned to the temporary campsite. The Azure Mystique Crab had been cut into pieces and sprawled across three campfires with all kinds of self-made cooking stations; it seemed that various cooking methods were being employed to cook this crab. Headmaster, youve returned! Zero exclaimed, approaching with a polite welcome. Mm, are you preparing the crab? Victor inquired, his gaze surveying the organized chaos. Thats right. We would have been at a loss without CookieMons. Just the thought of cleaning this behemoth or breaking through its formidable shell would cause us to scratch our heads figuring it out He glanced toward the dismantled titan of a crustacean. Fortune had favored them indeed, for CookieMons, one of the academys cooks, was part of the team. With him around, there was no need to worry about being unable to process the giant crab, as this guy even brought some seasonings and cooking knives. After all, this crab was no ordinary crustacean and required the combined strength of several men even to part a limb. The cook, now the topic of praise, ceased his work at the spit and approached. Headmaster, sir. He smiled respectfully at him, believing he was about to be praised and rewarded. Victor gave him a nod of acknowledgment and questioned, How did you cook the Azure Mystique Crab? I see that there are three campfires here. Well its like this CookieMons launched into explanation with a chefs zeal. Despite that, his explanation was euphemistic maybe prompted by Victors position as the headmaster but it made it easy for a cooking novice like Victor to understand. At first, he admitted to a small oversight he didnt bring a pot large enough to contain the crab even if he cut them all into pieces. Resourcefulness, however, was his strong suit after playing this game for almost a month. Using the available materials in the surrounding forest and near the river, he devised several ingenious methods of outdoor gastronomy. For the first method, he skewered the crab on a robust stick, roasting it slowly against an open fire. The next method involved the use of wide leaves to wrap the cleaned crab and bury it under burning wood to let it cook. Because the upper part was unused, he made a small cooking station and used the small pot to make a crab stew. The final method saw him employing a large, flat stone as an impromptu griddle, upon which he seared the crabs flesh and seasoned it with a medley of wild herbs scavenged from the forest. Any one of these cooking methods were enough to make the surrounding players sitting on the floor to salivate in anticipation. Really a job well done. I see. Well done. Victor paused for a moment to think about this players achievement. Your inventiveness hasnt directly benefited the academy, but it deserves recognition. For your ingenuity and effort, I will reward you with one hundred merit points. Yes, thank you, esteemed Headmaster! CookieMons clasped his hands together, his smile broadening under the watchful and somewhat jealous eyes of his fellow players. Then, seizing the moment, he stated, If I may, Headmaster, would you care to sample the roasted crab? The scent of the grilled crustacean wafted tantalizingly toward Victor, and the sight of the succulent, milky flesh of the pincer was indeed alluring. His mouth watered slightly at the thought of sinking his teeth into the meat and indulging in the delicacy, but he was mindful of maintaining the decorum expected of a headmaster NPC. Erase your thoughts; currying favor with me will not get you anywhere. Thats not within my intention, Headmaster! CookieMons hastily clarified, presenting a slice of the pincer that had been seared on the stone. He placed it on a clean wooden platter, then filled a bowl with rich crab soup, offering both to Victor with earnest pride. Please, sir, I insist you try. This wasnt the first time that he had offered Victor the dish he cooked, so everything seemed natural. Still, even though he didnt bring an adequate-sized pot, for him to bring a plate with him, this guy really did come prepared. Well then, Victor conceded, taking both the plate and the bowl into his interspatial ring with a wave of a hand, lets see how this fares. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. He didnt stay there with the players to eat but retreated up the ravine wall to a discreet distance. Normally, the conversations of the players would become a muffled buzz over here, but he could tell what they were speaking clearly. Damn! You gave the headmaster the choicest piece, thick with meat and light on cartilage While were left to fiddle with these ridges just to snag a bite! one player grumbled. Yeah! Its not fair. Look at the seasoning on his portion way more generous than any of us! You really are kissing ass! Shut up! Which one of you hasnt addressed the headmaster with esteemed or respected? Who here hasnt tried to curry favor? CookieMons retorted, his voice rising in defense. Uh, thatd probably be me. Aphrodite shrugged, pausing in his search for minerals to point at himself. Victor almost laughed at watching their banter. These players never failed to entertain him with their absurdity they were more fitting to be jesters than acolytes. Still, I didnt know that an NPCs in this game could actually eat, one player mused thoughtfully after a moment. Havent you ever seen him drop by the kitchen? I have. But I thought it was the games setting, you know, so that it appears realistic and all? I mean, he never sits down to eat with us. Huh? Since when does a king dine with their subjects? someone offered with a laugh, the logic simple yet irrefutable. Eh, true Not minding them further, he hoisted the roasted crab resting on the wooden plate in his hand. The rich aroma of the cooked meat, infused with a blend of forest herbs, went into his nostrils. Unable to hold his anticipation, Victor brought the piece of the succulent white flesh to his lips and took the first bite. The tender meat effortlessly gave way between his teeth, releasing a burst of complex, mellow flavors that melded perfectly with the subtle hint of smoke from the open fire roasting. Not bad at all, Victor mused. Even an acolyte with a Magus family background like himself, such a meal was not an everyday meal. Only full-fledged Magi could indulge in such delights at their leisure. Next, he tried sipping the crab soup, which did not disappoint. Not losing to the sensation of sinking his teeth into the juice-white flesh, the rich, mellow broth flowed over his palate like a gentle stream, enhanced with nuts and forest-foraged herbs. The warmth of the soup was comforting, its complex flavors seemingly capturing the very essence of the Azure Mystique Crab. But while the meat and the soup were definitely top-notch, Victor couldnt help but notice that something was missing True enough, glancing at the players below, it was clear that not everyone enjoyed this meal. For example, the only female player in the team, a girl with freckles adorning her face and blonde hair, MariaC, covered her mouth and nose with her hand and looked sadly at the bowl. She was part of the second batch of players who had a considerably good mana aptitude. Ugh, this would have been better with some oyster sauce I admit that its better than the usual, but still she lamented. It seemed that she was a very picky eater; it was a wonder how she had been surviving in this game world eating magical beasts meat with minimal seasoning. CookieMons, who wasnt far away, overheard and responded, You think oysters grow in rivers? Ive done what I can with the seasonings we have. The academy doesnt have a lot in reserve left, you know. His expression made it clear whether she liked to eat or not, that was all he got. Suddenly, seizing that moment, Mike slid next to her with a grin. How about I help feed you that crab meat, pretty? Im more than willing to lend some personal assistance. No, thank you. MariaCs response was immediate as she scooted away, leaving Mike in his awkwardly extended pose. These players Victor shook his head in thought. But what CookieMons said is quite right. The smithy should be finished soon, and it shouldnt be a problem to go to the village tomorrow morning with the players too. However, there might be a need to select a mix of individuals among the two teams for this endeavor. Victor already had several players in mind who had shown exceptional skill in the hunt or possessed traits valuable for interacting with the villagers. Besides, it was about time that the merchants that the old village head said would arrive at the village, and it would open new avenues for trade and resource acquisition. On that note, there would also be a need to do some preliminary preparations and address certain issues upfront to ensure a smooth continuation of the academys progression. With the growing number of true acolytes, Victor was in the mind of introducing new spell models specifically designed for enhancing life skills on the virtual shop. These spells would be particularly beneficial for tasks such as constructing, farming, foraging, and what have you practical applications that would support the activities of the players, thereby enriching their overall experience and contribution to the academy. The players, particularly those involved in the recent hunting expeditions, were also getting rich by the day, so they wouldve spared no expenses to invest in these new spells. Thus, it would become a win-win situation for him and the players. No, it was a double win for him since he won twice; he only needed to involve the villagers so he could win thrice. With a clear strategy forming in his mind, Victor finished his meal and effortlessly descended from his elevated position. He approached the group and announced authoritatively, Lets pack up and head back. Weve got much to prepare for an upcoming venture is on the horizon. As they began to dismantle the camp, Victors thoughts were already leaping forward. The new spells, the impending village visit, and potential trading opportunities each was a critical piece in the intricate puzzle of the academys future. Handling these elements with precision and care was essential to ensure nothing could go wrong. Chapter 66: Scamming a Clueless Moneybags By the time the players returned to the academy and Victor was about to enter his office, he was greeted by a blue holographic notification hovering in his path. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You and your players have built a working smithy.] [The reward (10 progression value points) has been issued.] Finally, after a few days of being prioritized by the players, the smithy was completed. With this, there were a total of seventy progression value points; the moment when the academy would level up was just around the corner. Master! Ive got good news to report to you about! Lizbeth popped up out of nowhere and startled Victor a tad bit, but he had grown used to it at this point. Ho? What might that be? Victor raised his eyebrows, curious. Does it have something to do with the crowdfunding initiative I told you to create? Lizbeths eyes twinkled with excitement. Even better! Weve received an investment offer. Someone is actually willing to help us financially; they must have seen the recent promotional video. She smiled mischievously; there was definitely more to the story than what met the eye. Just the previous day, Victor had instructed Lizbeth to create a crowdfunding page aiming to attract wealthy but gullible individuals from Earth to finance his fictitious company. If he couldnt rely on his leeks (players), who were mostly middle class or lower, then he had to seek a bigger fish himself or at least find enough people to support his cause. Of course, it wasnt that none of his players had the financial means for such an investment. However, that certain someone had his own special circumstances that rendered it unsuitable for Victor to approach him with such a request. But Lizbeth continued, this person is quite How should I say it eccentric? Theyre interested in acquiring the whole company or at least purchasing a majority stake, which means 51 percent of the shares, thus effectively taking control! Huh? Just whos this moneybag? I mean, just how eccentric could this person be to be called so by someone like Lizbeth? Victor could already imagine a scenario where a billionaire who often appeared in Forbes stumbled upon a fledgling company and decided to invest heavily, similar to Facebooks acquisition of Oculus Rift, now part of the Metaverse. But such high-profile investors wouldnt be interested in something as shady as his game, especially one that had only been in the public for less than a month. This was the case even when there was a promotional video; after all, a promotional video almost never represented the real experience of the game. Or maybe this was a scam all along. A scammer getting scammed, just how rare was this kind of situation? Lizbeth hesitated momentarily before revealing something: I looked them up on the internet. There is almost no information about this individual, like their name or gender, but the company behind them is legit and known for making unconventional business moves. Furthermore, they also have a solid reputation for philanthropy, supporting charities and orphanages. Everyone knew that they couldnt trust everything they saw on the internet; too-good-to-be-true scenarios often concealed ulterior motives. Maybe it was only a cover to trick the unseeing eyes and lubricate their reputation among the masses. Nevertheless, anyone who would fall into the trick of this whole fiasco would either be someone who had too much money or simply too bored with their life. Either way, this worked well for him. But of course, he had to contemplate the implications of such a partnership. Although an investor with deep pockets and a penchant for unconventional approaches could help his plan on having a million high-end computers, at what cost? He didnt really care about parting with profits from a company that didnt truly exist, but losing control in the process was not a wise decision. In his eyes, maintaining a firm grip on the operation was crucial, and any arrangement that threatened this control required cautious evaluation. This wasnt truly a game, after all. Well, theres no knowing anything if I dont talk with them first, Victor mused and turned his head at Lizbeth. Liz, can you connect me with the person in question or someone who can represent their side? Direct meeting was impossible since he couldnt go there, so communication and agreement could only be conducted online. Sure can! The eccentric person I mentioned earlier is actually a top executive and can speak for the company. Heres their contact info, Lizbeth replied, her holographic screen flickering as she transferred the details to Victor. It wasnt long before Victor located a suitable platform for their conversation as he sat on his chair with Lizbeth on his shoulder. Curiously, the investor had a Discord account and was open to a discussion there. How intriguing. Upon sending the opening message, he almost immediately got a reply. MissRichLadyAuralise: I heard youre looking for an investor? Before we get anything far, however, I have a condition: I want access to the game. Give me five slots No, at least ten slots! This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Victor frowned as he read the message from MissRichLadyAuralise. From the username alone, it was quite obvious that they were female or she in this case. Still, why did this kind of response strike him as oddly familiar, like he had seen it elsewhere? Cyber Warlock: Gaining alpha tester status isnt a matter of simply asking for it. Registration is required, and theres a waiting process, just like for everyone else. We appreciate your interest in verifying the games credibility, but we can only offer one slot for testing. MissRichLadyAuralise: How much do you want? One hundred thousand? A million? I can pay for early access to the game. Reading the whole line caused Victor to jerk his head and freeze in shock for a moment. This person must be incredibly rich! Victor was tempted to say yes and give her a qualification right then and there, but there were a few things he had to verify first. Cyber Warlock: This isnt a matter of money. We encourage you to fill out the necessary details on the Registration page to be considered for the closed-alpha phase. We assess all applications thoroughly to ensure suitability for alpha testing. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of our company and our testing process. MissRichLadyAuralise: Nonsense! What kind of company doesnt want money? ?? Right. Even as the one who wrote this, Victor also felt that this was illogical. Maintaining a fa?ade of a legitimate and upright gaming company was one thing, but there was an elephant in the room that he had to take account of. A crowdfunding platform would have a wallet system for storing funds, but he had yet to figure out the solution of not having a bank account. Thus, where would he store the money even if he agreed with her request? With that thought, Victor quickly typed his response: In any case, while we appreciate your enthusiasm, we can only guarantee a maximum of two slots. Any additional participants wanting to join the closed-alpha test will need to follow the standard registration process. Remember, we are serious about developing this game and want our players to contribute to its development, so please dont squander this chance. I hope you understand the importance of this policy. Even though he had committed to providing her two slots, that would only happen once all the dead players were revived which should happen in the next two days and a new update version was launched. In essence, it would take almost a week, give or take, before she joined the game if there was no accident. MissRichLadyAuralise: What a peculiar policy. Alright, two it shall be. Would two hundred thousand dollars suffice as an initial payment? This hedonist tycoon! Victor couldnt help but shake his head and be slightly irked by her lavish attitude. In this world, Victor was by no means poor and came from a somewhat distinguishable Magus family, but even he didnt squander money that recklessly. Cyber Warlock: Please hold onto your funds for now. We can discuss financial matters after youve had a chance to experience the game and find it to your liking. Ill send you the link to the Registration page in a moment. After typing everything, Victor sent the URL link and closed the Discord app. As for whether she would be convinced to be an investor or not once she tried the game, that couldnt even be considered a rhetorical question. Now that this problem was taken care of, he opened the System shop to look for spell models that could be used to support the academys current projects. There were many choices there, but his attention was drawn to spell models that could aid in practical applications like wall construction and farming. Among the numerous options, he zeroed in on spells from the Geo and Dendro elements because of their potential to accelerate these projects. For the Geo element, Victor went for {Earth Weaver}; it was one of the most generic choices and the most versatile one to boot a perfect fit for various construction and terraforming tasks. On the other hand, for the Dendro element, which was associated with plant-related magic, Victor selected {Verdant Surge}. Unlike most Dendro spells that summon transient, magical plants, this spell could be used to accelerate the growth of plants. He recalled that Magi of this element often used some kind of catalyst usually an enchanted seed to summon a magical plant and make it more long-lasting. That aside, the Bio element was also useful in hastening the growth of plants, but players that had some affinity for it could only be counted on one hand, and they were better suited to become healers or supporters. With the opening of two pseudo dungeons on the horizon, their role was even more important. As such, Victor purchased a Bio-elemental spell specifically for defending against potential ailments named {Bio Ward}. This was also to complement the previous spell {Healing Touch} that was focused on regenerating minor wounds and healing ailments. In addition to these targeted acquisitions, Victor also purchased a different variety of four other spell models. These included spells for generating large quantities of water and other functional purposes that had been talked about by players on the forum, thus ensuring a well-rounded and versatile arsenal for the players and the academys diverse needs. Overall, this whole expenditure on purchasing seven spell models amounted to a total of 80 AP, which finally brought his total AP down to 430. Even though most of these spells were on the cheaper side and there was still a lot at his disposal, using it all up in a single purchase would be beyond stupid. While cracking his knuckles in a relaxed manner, Victor remarked, Well, I suppose that wraps up all our spell-shopping needs. Still sitting on his shoulder, Lizbeth tilted her head as she looked at him with puzzled eyes. Master, why dont we consider requesting a supercomputer from the investor lady? Or at least, how about we get a premium subscription to that virtual machine platform? Victor, however, dismissed the idea. He explained that such a request would not only be odd but could also attract unwanted suspicion. Previously, he had discovered an online virtual machine platform where he could run the software for generating spell models, but the free version was excruciatingly slow. With it, completing a single Aleph-tier spell model could take more than a month, and the process was prone to interruptions; therefore, it wouldnt help him at all. The paid version of the platform was ten times faster and could reduce the time to complete a single spell model to just three days it even had a free trial. Unfortunately, a prerequisite for signing up for the free trial of the paid version was having a debit or credit card, which ran down on having a bank account. Victor let out a deep, exasperated sigh. Whys the problem of not having money so annoying? Aw, would you like a gentle hair stroke to ease your worries? offered Lizbeth in a playful attempt to console him as she began stroking his hair. What? No. Victor quickly moved his head to the side while a bit amused. This mischievous fairy sure does have the strangest ideas in her mind. Teehee. Just as Victor was about to activate his Shadowlink Mark again, the large window behind him suddenly flew open with a forceful gust of wind as wind hustled in along a black silhouette. It crashed against the unprepared Victor, and the impact almost knocked him down from his chair. Chapter 67: Where’s My Promised Title? Cough! Agh Victor was suddenly overwhelmed by a barrage of licks from a large, silvery creature. Caught off guard, he lost his balance, causing both him and his chair to topple backward in a comical heap while trying to shield himself from the affectionate onslaught. Wh-What? Lizbeths slightly panicky voice rose above the tumult. But as quickly as her concern flared, it ebbed away, replaced by recognition and a touch of amusement. Ah, its just the little rascal causing mischief. Victor, playfully trying to fend off Lumen, protested, Stop! Stop! Youre going to cover me with your saliva. He stroked the silvery wolf, gently pushing her away. Lumen! Youre back. However, Lumens excitement didnt wane; her tail wagged furiously as Victor tried to regain his composure. It had been a few days since Lumen left the academy to mark the forest around here as her territory. With her contributions in doing this, at least there was no need to worry about random stray magical beasts coming here to invade. Victor struggled to sit up while Lumen snuggled close to him in excitement. Lumen, easy there. While chuckling, he managed to prop himself up, brushing off his face, which was now speckled with Lumens saliva, and erasing it with simple magic. He looked at Lumen and noted her marginal increase in size. Youve grown quite a bit, havent you? Woof! Still, no matter how much she had grown, she wasnt even a month old, thus not yet possessing the full wisdom and stature of a majestic Celestial Moonhowler. Lizbeth, floating nearby, couldnt suppress her laughter at the comical scene. Pfft. Look at you. Youre a slobbery mess now. Shut it, you, Victor retorted, then a playful glint appeared in his eyes as he thought of an ingenious idea. He hoisted Lumen in Lizbeths direction. Lumen! Go lick Lizbeth. Following his command, Lumen bounded towards Lizbeth, showering her with a generous dose of affectionate licks. As Lizbeth was caught unprepared, her face, dress, and wings were now glistening with saliva. Gah! Now Im wet with saliva! Lizbeth exclaimed in annoyance. Er, why does it sound misleading somehow? Victor thought in his heart and quickly cast the thought aside. As Victor continued to stroke Lumens head, the wolfs demeanor changed from playful to more serene. She lay down next to him, her head resting gently on his lap. The touch of her soft, silvery fur brought a sense of tranquility to Victor, washing away the stresses of the day. Seems like Lumen really missed you. Lizbeth, who was now strangely clean and pristine, came closer and joined in gently stroking the wolfs soft fur alongside Victor. The peaceful moment of Lumen being stroked by Victor and Lizbeth lasted a little longer until Lizbeth unexpectedly brought something to Victors attention. Oh right, Master, she began, turning toward him with a serious face. The players have been inquiring about when they will receive their titles. Also, theres a new thread created by a nonplayer thats starting to get a lot of attention on the forum. You might want to take a look at it. Hmm? Intrigued, Victor stood up, noting the approach of the evening outside. As night fell, despite the availability of playing the game twenty-four-seven, most players were beginning to go offline one after another. This shift was noticeable in the increase of activity on both the Discord server and the official website forum. Victor fixed the chair that had fallen to its place, activated his Shadowlink Mark, and sat down. He chose not to navigate to the official forum but instead opened the Gamers Empire Discord server a place where it all began. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Hey everyone, has anyone woken up yet? Any recent updates about the game? Ive been practically itching to play again after all this time; in fact, I may have gone crazy for the severe lack of Magus Academy Online daily dose. Squadzell: Same here! Eager to hear any news! It appeared that Storm really did have a shit luck, whether it was in terms of his mana aptitude or the random raffle system. He was, unfortunately, slated to be resurrected in the one before the last batch. MikeIsHandsome1000x: Well, I just woke up, and the first thing I did was boot up my computer. Squadzell: Holy smoke! Didnt even stop for a shower? MikeIsHandsome1000x: Nah, I wanted to share my bragging rights first. Plus, its still 3 A.M. here on the West Coast. Hahaha! You see, today was our turn for the hunting expedition. Unlike Prominences team that hit the forest yesterday, we headed east, following the stream where we ran into that Shadow Panther days ago. Naturally, with the help of our esteemed headmaster and, of course, yours truly, we handled it smoothly. And you wont believe what we found at the end of the stream, right where it meets a huge river Mike continued on to retell the whole hunting experience to its last detail while exaggerating things that involved him in action. The other server members seemed to read his account carefully and didnt make a single noise as if fearing to miss any information. MikeIsHandsome1000x: To top our hunting expedition, we roasted the magical crab in several ways. Believe me, it TASTED sooo good!! CookieMons is a great cook, thats for sure, but the crab meat was on another level so tender, so juicy. The juicy texture when you sank your teeth into the arm-thick meat I cant get enough of it. Seriously, I didnt know that food in the game could become that delicious. Ah, if only we had more spices and a variety of sauces, it wouldve been perfect. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Storm Bringer (Administrator): Fuck! You must be lying! Stickman_Just_Passing: Shit, I agree that Mikes making things up. Viper Moon: Damn it! Now I want to order some crabs to eat Squadzell: Argh! You guys left me with no other swear words! (৥) As Victor was reading this in amusement, he felt a gentle tug on his hair. Turning slightly, he noticed Lizbeth perched on his shoulder, gazing at him with an endearing look. Master, you didnt forget about this little fairy on your hunting trip with the players, did you? Huh, whats with the idea? Oh. Of course. With a casual wave of his hand, a bowl of crab soup appeared on the table. I saved some for you in case this happens. Yay! Thank you, my dear master! Lizbeths eyes sparkled with delight as she fluttered towards the bowl, eagerly sipping the soup until it was all gone. Victor didnt mind her happily indulging in her treat and turned his attention back to the holographic screen, continuing to read. MikeIsHandsome1000x: I swear its all real. You can ask @ZeroXScyth and the others about it; they were there too. Heck, Ive some screenshots that I took while I was at it here. Naturally, visual evidence would always trump words that Mike put out, no matter how eloquent he tried to prove himself using them. Even though other members werent naive children who would blindly believe his boasts without concrete proof, they were convinced after seeing what he sent. On top of that, the person he pinged just happened to pop up in the next moment. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Whats all this commotion so early in the morning? Just got my morning coffee, and my phones already buzzing with notifications. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Hold on, just read through everything. Yep, Mikes telling the truth, although Id take his words that feel like an exaggeration with a large spoonful of salt. Once Zero made a clarification, the commotion in the server swiftly died down. Conversations gradually returned to their usual topics, eventually veering off in different directions. Turning his attention to the official website forum, Victor started browsing through the threads Lizbeth had mentioned. The one that immediately caught his eye was titled Wheres My Promised Title? authored by a user with the username EpicFailMaster. Although Victor didnt recognize this player, a quick check confirmed that he was indeed among the closed-alpha participants. His post read: Its been about four days since the arachnid invasion, yet theres been no update on the promised titles: Arachnid Disaster Survivor and Arachnid Disaster Hero. Im curious about when they will be awarded. Not that Im eager to flaunt them on the forum or anything, but you know having them feels like Im achieving something in the game. Slowly but surely, just like what I did with my collection of games on Steam. Despite its brevity, the post sparked a wave of similar inquiries from other forum members, with some even asking some unrelated things like his Steam username, among other things. Well, Victor hadnt made it clear when the two titles would be awarded, so he decided to respond directly in the thread. He assured the players they would be distributed with the upcoming patch release. His post immediately garnered positive reactions, and many forum users gave it a like. After that, Victor continued to browse around the forum. Nearly a month had passed since the first player had entered Magus Academy Online, and the quality of the forums content had been improving with each passing day. In fact, the next thread on the list had garnered even more traction than the previous one to the point that it was almost equal to the pinned post made by Storm. What particularly caught Victors attention was the original poster of this trending thread a user named KuroUsagi. This ID was unfamiliar to Victor; the user hadnt even qualified for the closed-alpha test of the game, making his prominence on the forum intriguing, to say the least. Curious, Victor took a look at his profile. He was a newcomer that registered two days ago, yet he had already become a fixture on the forum, contributing to nearly every discussion thread. This level of activity suggested that KuroUsagi spent a significant amount of time on the forum; in other words, this guy was so idle that he used all his free time here. Other than that, there was a link to a YouTube channel in KuroUsagis profile notes. It turned out that he was a well-known game critic with a substantial following on the platform. Interesting. It was the rich lady before, and now a game critic is showing interest in the game. Is something in the dark at play here? KuroUsagis Hardcore Observation on What Might Come in the Next Version! Hey there, fellow gamers! I am your well-informed black bunny here, KuroUsagi. Many of you might recognize me as the VR game critic who hops from one virtual world to another. And yes, for those wondering, I am indeed the same KuroUsagi from the YouTube channel youre thinking of. A bit of disclaimer here before we dive in: I havent personally tried Magus Academy Online yet. So, this isnt a gameplay review. However, after thoroughly engaging in forum discussions and scouring through information on the games wiki, Ive pieced together some intriguing theories about the upcoming update. We all know that after the Arachnid Invasion event, theres bound to be an update pretty soon, and were all eagerly anticipating whats next, right? Lets start with my first point of observation, then, shall we? Led by the headmaster, the closed-alpha players claimed victory over the arachnid horde and killed every last one of them. But is that truly the case? Theres been this popular theory going on among players about a hidden nest deep in the forest, and Im inclined to believe its more than just a rumor. Why do I bring this up you may ask? Well, it''s not just speculation. I have a strong hunch that this hidden nest will feature in the next update, possibly as a new dungeon. Its impossible for me to give you the exact details, but players should be able to enter this dungeon to gather some loot. You might want to prepare for this as soon as possible so that others wont get ahead of you. Alright, moving on to my observation this time about NPCs in the game. Given the growing player base, having only a couple of NPCs to cater to everyones needs seems insufficient. Im betting that the game developers, if theyre keeping a close eye on things, are already planning to introduce more NPCs in future updates. These new characters would undoubtedly help players in a lot of aspects, thus improving the quality of life. The kind of NPCs we can expect to come in the near future are likely to be focused on production or mentorship roles. Production-oriented NPCs, like blacksmiths, seem more likely at this stage. Players are accumulating merit points and need more options for spending them beyond the current virtual shop. Introducing NPCs with specific crafting or trade skills will be a game-changer, especially for those venturing into the forests or delving into dungeons. Now, onto my final point, which ties into the previous one. The NPCs in Magus Academy Online arent just sophisticated algorithms; theyre designed to mimic real people, from their thought processes to their actions. Of course, Ive only seen all of this from amateur footage posted by some players on the forum, but thats not the main point Im trying to convey. I mean, like real people, they should have places of origin, be that a village, town, or city, as opposed to appearing out of nowhere. As players expand their exploration, I believe well start uncovering these origin places. How and when this will unfold in the game remains to be seen. It might happen before the next update or perhaps coincide with it. My gut tells me were on the cusp of discovering some fascinating new aspects of the game world in the coming days, and we may see a lot of new things. Thats all there is from me. Remember, these are just my speculations, not definitive insights into future updates. And while Im an avid critic, having not experienced the game firsthand, I cant pass any final judgments just yet. Reading through all this, Victor couldnt help but be impressed and hit that like button. This guy was almost spot-on about everything, and he hadnt even experienced the game yet! Chapter 68: Set Out for the Village The fact that he had so accurately pieced together all this meant that this individual must have had exceptional observational skills and dabbled in this field for quite a while. While the things he came up with were similar to Storms, it was even more detailed and accurate. Victor pondered the intriguing possibility: If KuroUsagi could glean so much insight without actually playing the game, what depth of understanding might he achieve with direct access to it? Interesting. Victor was a Magus, after all, and he deeply respected those who pursued knowledge and sought to unravel truths. Among the players in the game, not all delved deeply into the games world and tried to discover its many secrets; many were content with a more casual, follow-the-flow approach. With this in mind, Victor reopened the users profile and opened a private chat with him. He then composed a message: Hi, are you interested in getting early access into the closed alpha? Are you gonna give this person access to the game? Lizbeth, having finished her soup, glanced at Victor with doubt. Mm. Victor nodded thoughtfully. Its rare to see someone with such keen observational skills and interest for knowledge in the game. He might be the closest player to be termed a true Magus so far. Giving him access could not only provide valuable insights but also further promote the game. The sun just set on this world, which meant it would be in the morning on Earth, depending on the time zone. True to his expectations, KuroUsagi replied to his private message almost immediately. KuroUsagi: Are you the fabled promotional manager of the game Magus Academy Online? Cyber Warlock: Thats right. I must say, Im quite impressed with the content in your thread that you made recently; thats why Im giving you this opportunity. Naturally, the choice is yours to make. The last question was redundant since the person in question had applied for a qualification. The chances of refusing an early entry were close to nil. KuroUsagi: Really? I had just applied for access a couple of days ago, and I thought Id wait for a month at least. While I still have some doubts about the game, the wealth of information on the official forum and wiki is too substantial for it to be fake. At least, there are things about this game I want to verify firsthand (apologies for being so direct). It was obvious that no matter what evidence was available out there, if they didnt try the game for themselves, there would always be doubts. Victor understood this well, so he tried not to offer him further assurances. KuroUsagi: Um, regarding this early access, is there a fee I need to pay? Cyber Warlock: No need to pay. We dont operate on a pay-to-play basis at least not now. All right, if youre on board for early access, Ill add you as soon as the new version rolls out. Well also arrange to send you a gaming capsule as soon as possible. Victor could know whether someone had applied for a closed-alpha test on their personal page or even from their ID. He only needed to mark his profile and add it to the System to be put in the next batch. However, with the increasing number of applicants, manually searching for specific users, even with a search function, became increasingly harder and harder. Once that was done, Victor closed the holographic screen and headed toward his bedroom with Lizbeth in tow. The fairy was almost always by his side when he was in the academys main building, except for moments when Victor attended to his private needs in the bathroom. Speaking of bathrooms, while there were only toilets on the lower floors, the Headmaster''s Building did have a bathroom on the top floor, but Victor seldom used it. He preferred using simple magic to clean his body, as it was cleaner and more practical. Settling into a more relaxed state on his bed, Victor muttered to himself, Lets see how much progress I have made these past few days. He had been practicing his meditation technique Myriad Elements Method diligently and was now beginning to sense the threshold that stood between him and achieving the rank of an official Magus. This realization filled him with a mix of anticipation and resolve to break through this barrier. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 225/225 Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (third level, 86%) Status: Healthy Strength: (25) Agility: (25) Vitality: (25) Magical Power: (34) Infused Mana (total): (211 225) Spell Repertoire: {Blink Step}, {Spatial Mirage}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave}, {Demonic Eye} Within five days, Victor estimated he would achieve full progression and mastery of his current level in the Myriad Elements Method. Unfortunately, he lacked a high-rank meditation technique designed for an official Magus and above, so he had to think of a way to get one soon enough. Perhaps he could even make a customized one fit for himself through the same method as creating spell models. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Since crafting spell models using programming was possible, why not apply the same principle to meditation techniques? Knowing there was one person suitable to take on this job, Victor turned to Lizbeth, smiling broadly and impishly. Lizbeth seemed to feel his intent as she shivered momentarily instinctively. Hmph, I have a feeling youre plotting something devious again. I wont deny its beneficial for me, but it seems that were on the same page. Victor was still smiling, grinning even. Oh, please call it clever instead. Lizbeth appeared to have given up resisting and let out a resigned sigh as she played along. Speak, what do you want me to make this time, my deviously clever mastermind? Its simple. Weve already got a program for creating spell models. How about we design one for meditation techniques? What he meant by we was, of course, Lizbeth. Nevertheless, unlike the program to make spell models, he had no intention of making this new program public to the players. Keeping some cards to himself was a strategic move, and there were also other practical reasons, like constantly changing meditation techniques, which could be extremely risky and counterproductive. After all, the path of a Magus wasnt akin to a game where classes and builds could be changed on a whim. Magi might have mercurial personalities, but indecisiveness was not a trait they commonly exhibited. Despite that, Lizbeths response poured a bucket of cold water on his idea. You do realize that creating meditation techniques is exponentially more complex than crafting spells, right? And where would you even source the necessary data samples from? Indeed. Not to mention that he only knew of a few basic meditation techniques, acquiring more from the System would consume precious AP. Plus, what Victor required was not just any random meditation technique but one on the level of an official Magus something that wasnt easily created. It was more economically viable to just purchase a high-rank meditation technique straight from the System shop. The problem was that no single Cosmo-element high-rank meditation technique was available there. While those that had some connections to it did exist, they didnt seamlessly align with the Myriad Elements Method. In a situation where he had a working program and an array of samples instead, he could potentially create the continuation of the Myriad Elements Method, shaping it to fit him and the players with their ingenuity. In the end, it boiled down to Victors ambitions and goals. If he sought an immediate, albeit less ideal solution, then he could settle for an available, yet average meditation technique. But if he was aiming for something greater, something that aligned with the zenith of the Magus path, then striving for excellence and not settling for less was imperative. It was a choice that required careful consideration, and the decision was his to make Like I will settle for mediocrity! Victor tightened his fists. The memory of betrayal almost a month ago was still vivid in his mind. He was not one to yield or settle for less. Choosing the best path, despite its challenges, was the only way to fulfill his quest for vengeance and ascend to the pinnacle. And also to accomplish what hed set out to do from the very beginning. For that was what it meant to be a Magus. [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Embodying the Magus Spirit] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (understanding what it means to be a Magus) for this achievement.] [The award (30 academy points) has been granted.] Huh? That was unexpected. Victor never imagined that getting to this conclusion would result in an unexpected boon. I knew you would say that, Lizbeth said with an understanding look, her smile reflecting satisfaction. Ill see what I can do, though this will take even longer time to create. Thank you, Lizbeth. Oh, what would you do without this cute little fairy to help you? she teased, her smile turning mischievous. Maybe all this had been within her mind, and Victor was unwittingly playing right into her hands. Shaking his head, Victor began his daily meditation practice for the day. However, continuous usage of mana crystals had dwindled his reserve only two were remaining. As a result, he had to purchase more so as not to lag his meditation technique progression, and luckily, the academy points hed gained from the hidden achievement just now subsidized this purchase of thirty more novice-grade mana crystals.
Early in the morning the next day. Excluding those players who were either yet to promote to true acolytes or had only recently achieved this rank, the two hunting teams were gathered in Victors office. Zero, the leader of the second hunting group, who had ventured out with Victor the previous day, stepped forward. His tone was respectful as he asked, Esteemed Headmaster, are we going somewhere far today? He was aware that todays expedition would be different, particularly after the two teams had been summoned to the office. Excitement sparkled in the eyes of the players, all seemingly anticipating to trigger a hidden plot or something. Mm, Victor began, confirming their speculations. Unlike the past two days, our destination is not the forest or the river for hunting. There is indeed a special task I wish to entrust to a few of you Me, me! Choose me, Headmaster! GladiusZone interrupted and raised his hand, unable to hold his enthusiasm. Silence when I am speaking! Victors voice rang out, authoritative and commanding. He exerted a surge of his powerful mana force on GladiusZone, causing him to involuntarily drop to one knee. Ever since his meditation progress began nearing its peak, his control over his infused mana had increased manyfold, and he could precisely target someone like this. Sometimes, one of these players would forget the etiquette he had instilled in them and step out of line. Yet, even as the room tensed up and the other players looked on with increased reverence and a hint of apprehension, they almost couldnt hold their excitement as well. Zero, Mike, Thunder, Locktekei, Aphrodite, and MsMelody, you six will accompany me today, Victor announced, having carefully considered his choices. The reason he chose these players were either because they were more intelligent than the others or had special traits that could prove advantageous. Honestly, it didnt matter who he chose on the journey today, as his presence alone could guarantee that almost nothing could go wrong. Were at your command, sir! The chosen six looked flattered and trotted over, leaving the rest a few steps behind. Zero and Mike exchanged glances, noticing the envious expressions on Prominence and SuperNovas faces. Dont worry, well share our findings with you later in the group, Zero appeased them. Just hang tight, and well fill you in when we return, Mike chimed in, not even trying to hide his slightly taunting face. Go away, dont let me see your face again! Prominence pushed Mike away. Zero didnt choose to escalate the banter and turned to Victor with a more serious demeanor, inquiring, If I may, where we will be going, Headmaster? Hearing that, Victor replied slowly while taking the first step ahead, To Thornwood Village. Chapter 69: Inviting the Blacksmith to Move Out The journey to the village commenced as soon as the players were fully equipped and ready. The headmaster also told them a specific list of items to collect prior, including a wooden cart, five hundred kilograms of dried smoked giant boar meat, two hundred kilograms of dried magical beast meat, various beast furs, sharp thorns from Thornback Boars, and dozens of the spider monsters carapaces among other things. Similar to how he had previously stored the magical beasts corpses on the hunt, all the things except the cart were gone with a simple wave of a hand. The magic that the headmaster used had been in the minds of the players for a long time. After all, this game had been so realistic in how it forced players to carry stuff just like they normally did in real life, and this magic was like an Inventory feature in a lot of RPG games, so of course players were interested. Returning to the journey, the players traversed through the forest southward while pulling the wooden cart. Alfred, as the leader of the second hunting team, naturally assumed the role of the groups leader once again. Yet, something was bugging his mind as he made his steps forward, distracting him from his surroundings. Mike noticed this and stared at him strangely, quipping, Why are you gazing at nothing? You sick or something? No, its just Im pondering over why the headmaster specifically chose us for this task, Alfred replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Do we have qualities that others dont? Well, Im pretty confident that Im more level-headed than most of everyone, but is that enough of a reason? As he glanced around at his fellow players, he noted that each possessed a certain skill or talent. Be that in the game or real life. Whatever the case, they were all those who wouldnt act out of line when things get curious, with the possible exception of Aphrodite. Who knows? Mike burst Alfreds thought bubbles. Maybe were just the ones whove got the highest amity with the headmaster. Remember that guy Gladius when he was punished by the headmaster? Havent seen him around here, have you? Mm, that might be it. Anyway, I guess theres no point in overthinking it. He set aside his musings and refocused on their path ahead. After trekking the dense and perilous forest for over two hours, the players were beginning to feel the strain of the journey. The hunting that they had done the days before was nothing compared to this, and they finally understood why only first-stage Initiate Attunement players were eligible for this mission. Since if not for their enhanced stamina from their physique and robe, they would have taken countless breaks. Furthermore, The vastness of the games map also dawned on them It was extremely large, and there were no signs of decreased graphic quality and glitched-out areas! Luckily, there were no ferocious beasts that attacked them midway. It appeared that the headmaster was releasing mana force to scare away these creatures from approaching, which made Alfred more than sure that their mission was important. Suddenly, as the trees around them gradually became sparser, the headmaster paused, turning to address the group with a serious demeanor. In a moment, we are going to arrive at a nearby village where well engage in trade and conduct other important dealings. No matter what happens, you must listen to my command and remember this one especially not to recklessly cast your spells at will or make hostile behavior without authorization. His gaze was stern as he scanned the faces of each player and continued, We are the representatives of the esteemed Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi, and this village is under our protection. Do you understand? Alfred stood upright and responded. Understood! Respected Headmaster! On the other hand, Mike, brimming with excitement, offered an enthusiastic, albeit slightly awkward, salute. Absolutely! I will absolutely obey your command! The other players were a beat slower in their reactions but quickly mimicked Mikes salute. Yes, sir! The headmaster offered no verbal response, simply nodding in acknowledgment before resuming his lead, signaling them to continue their march toward the village. He also instructed them to hide the wooden cart closer ahead. Soon, they emerged from the final stretch of dense forest, and a vast expanse of grain fields unfurled before them. People clad in modest farming clothes were diligently working the fields, hands wielding sickles as they harvested the abundant wheat. Despite the apparent success of the harvest, there was a noticeable lack of joy in their movements. Be that as it might, they were obviously NPCs in the game! *** Victor led his entourage toward the center of the village to rendezvous with Eleanor and the village head. The players trailing behind him peered around with wide-eyed wonder, their curiosity palpable as they took in the new environment, much like children stepping into an amusement park for the first time. Everything must have been so novel for them. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. One, two, three, four Locktekei murmured and began counting the houses, pointing at each brick and wooden structure around. What are you doing? Thunder, walking beside him, questioned curiously. Seven, eight. Oh, Im counting the houses, Locktekei responded without breaking his count. Why? To help me estimate the village population. So that when I come back again, I can immediately tackle more tasks efficiently and raise my reputation among the villagers. Locktekei made a strange smile as he whispered and shared a mischievous thought in a low voice, Plus, who knows? Maybe theres a chance to interact more... intimately with the NPC girls here. Imagine the possibility, dude. Despite the low volume of his voice, Victor overheard the comment. Whew! Look at this place! Mike strutted about while eyeing the local villagers, particularly the women doing their jobs. A handsome acolyte like me must seem quite the sight to them, he boasted, striking a pose. Can you keep it down? Zero reprimanded, People are watching us It will not be ideal if our first impression is bad from the get-go. These players Why are they always thinking of hitting on chicks and looking cool before the villagers? Dont they have more important things to care about? Then again, they were gamers, each with their own motivations and personalities. For some, the game was an opportunity to stand out or fulfill fantasies they couldnt in the real world. It was just human nature, after all. Anyway, his plan here was to meet with Eleanor to give her time to prepare before he proceeded to discuss matters with the village head. Along the route, Victor noted an influx of unfamiliar figures, likely peddlers and merchants, bringing wares with carts. At last, Victor arrived at Eleanors home, which was pretty much a blacksmith workshop. He was sure that this was the place because they had met here once when Victor was taking the newly made tools, so he knew where to look for her. Even from outside, the air was thick with the scent of metal. As Victor was about to knock, a voice called out from behind, drawing the groups attention. Whoa! If it isnt Sir Magus! A girl with flowing dark brown hair approached them. Her attire was striking deep brown leather shorts paired with a reddish-brown suit that extended into a mantle-like long sleeve, an outfit that exuded a sense of adventurous spirit. Eleanors sudden appearance quickly captured the players attention, their eyes lighting up with excitement and anticipation. Wow! Weve got our first pretty human girl encounter! Is this game finally taking a turn for the better? In addition to Mike and Locktekeis enthusiastic hushed remarks, the other players chimed in with their own comments, all similarly captivated by Eleanors appearance. Ahem. Victor, needing to maintain decorum, cleared his throat pointedly, and the other players immediately kept their mouths shut. Eleanors gaze swept over the group. Who might these fine folks be? she asked with a hint of playfulness in her tone. They are my acolytes, Victor explained. But lets discuss inside; I have a proposition for you. Eleanor was quick to catch on to Victors meaning, and her eyes sparkled with intrigue. Ooh, a proposition? Sounds like serious business! Well, dont keep me waiting. Come on in! she exclaimed with a lively chuckle. Victor nodded, and he instructed the six players to wait outside before he followed her into the workshop. As they entered, the players left outside began to speculate among themselves. I wonder what the headmasters up to with her one of the players whispered. Maybe shes a new key NPC, Zero commented. Looking at her attire and this place, we can assume that she has a blacksmith profession or something. Its pretty similar to what the guy on the official forum said. Ohh. Victor brushed off the players whispers and focused on surveying the workshop. It was a modest space, a blacksmiths area melding seamlessly with a living house, only divided by a rudimentary wall. He idly wondered if anyone sleeping would even get a good nights sleep if someone was hammering an anvil on the room next door. What was more Thats quite the furnace you have there. Victor gazed upon the towering seven-meter-tall furnace at the back of the room. This thing practically took most of the space here. Hehe, isnt it something? This type of furnace is a rare find, even in the nearby towns. Eleanor beamed with pride, her hands resting confidently on her hips. By the way, my pops is busy trading with the merchants, so no ones here except us. Though some small-minded Magi might take offense at such brazen behavior, Victor was neither petty nor a full-fledged Magus. Moreover, he already treated her as an equal because of her Artificers inheritance incomplete as it might be so he chose to overlook her bold demeanor. Eleanor led him to an oak table cluttered with various tools and components. She quickly wiped down the surface with a cloth before inviting him to sit. Sorry if its a bit messy here, but do have a seat. She smiled wryly. Well, he had come unannounced, so he couldnt blame, nor was that within his intention. No worries. Victor sat on a stool nearby. So, what I wanted to discuss with you is Is it finally time to move out? Eleanor interjected excitedly, standing up abruptly. R-Right Guess youre already expecting that. Additionally, what Im about to tell you next is something you must keep confidential, even from your closest relative. Can you do that? Victor asked, his tone becoming serious. If she wanted to become a key NPC in the game that he made up, then this part was most important, and it was absolutely non-negotiable. After all, Victor couldnt allow any mishap to happen and risk any slip-ups that might arouse the players suspicions. Not this early, at least. While a magic contract was an option, he felt a certain level of trust toward Eleanor; she didnt look like someone who would betray him. Besides, he planned to implant the Shadowlink Mark as a precautionary measure to monitor her actions anyway. Hearing what Victor had emphasized, Eleanors expression turned serious, erasing the outgoing persona that she had exhibited earlier. She thumped her chest and declared, On the Faulkner name, I swear my discretion. Whatever you share with me today, Ill keep it from everyone, even my closest relative. Faulkner? For some reason, this sparked a flicker of recognition within him. He was sure that he had come across this name in a history book at the grand library of Arcane Radiance College, though the details were hazy. It was likely a family of some historical significance. Whatever the case, he was content with her response. He took a brief moment to mentally organize his thoughts, filtering what needed to be shared and what should remain unsaid. Very good, he began. So, I am actually Chapter 70: Rumors of an Incoming Trouble A headmaster of a Magus academy. Silence enveloped the room as he uttered those words. The weight of his words hung in the air, momentarily catching Eleanor off guard. However, she quickly regained her composure. Say what? You are the top dog, Sir Astralium? she inquired. I already have some guesses that you have a dwelling deeper inside, but for it to be a Magus academy is beyond me Huh, so shes quite knowledgeable about Magus academies? This will make it simple, Victor thought to himself. Nevertheless, with all the things she had revealed to him, he began suspecting that this girl really did have something more than what met the eye. Either way, if she wasnt a threat to his plans, he had no reason to probe further. Well, it is not wrong to say that. While I may be the headmaster of a Magus academy, its still sprouting and not yet a big academy. There are only about a hundred or so acolytes at the moment, he frankly revealed. Its nestled deep within the Thornwood Forest, and thats where I plan to take you. You can still refuse if you are unwilling. I see Eleanor looked like she was in deep thought, then her face lit up with determination. Anyway! Ive already committed to making you my sponsor; even if you turned out to be a devil in disguise, I wouldnt renege on my words. Besides, building an academy sounds like a fun project! A devil? The comparison really struck a chord with Victor. In a way, his actions toward the players could indeed be seen as devilishly cunning. The whole charade of tricking players into serving him and turning them into pawns in his grand plan was quite Machiavellian. It was like slavery with extra steps. Excellent. Since you have heard what I have to say and agreed, then pack up your stuff and get ready. We will depart later today, he stated. Aye! Sure, Ill have everything packed and ready by noon! Eleanor gave Victor a thumbs-up and made a toothy smile. Thats good. Victor nodded his head and then lowered his voice. But I have something to tell you beforehand: The play the acolytes of my academy are a bit special; they like to talk nonsense and get excited over nothing, so you dont have to answer all their queries. Special? She tilted her head. Yes. I will tell you more about them once we get into the academy. Victor decided to hold on from explaining further until he could decide how much he should show her at the academy. Mm, okay! With the arrangements settled, Victor bid farewell and stepped out of the workshop.
Having successfully recruited Eleanor, Victor next headed to the village heads house. As before, he instructed the players to remain outside to stand guard. While he had an intention to trade with the merchants, some items, like seeds and others, required the assistance of the head of this village. Additionally, he planned to buy some of the freshly harvested wheat as well as dairy products to enrich the players diet. It wasnt that Victor himself wanted to eat some baguette or cake. Just half a month prior, Victor had purchased enough seeds to cover six hectares of fields. With six more hectares now ready for sowing, the only obstacle to accruing more progression value points was the actual planting. Interestingly enough, the Farming Simulator mission series always doubled the area of the fields from the previous one, meaning the next task would involve twelve hectares. However, he noticed that the progression value points awarded for each mission only increased by five points, regardless of the doubled effort. In any case, Victor wasnt going to expand the field any further than this because of several reasons. First, twelve hectares of fields were already very large, like seriously large. It already took up a considerable space within the academy. Even with the modest estimation of each hectare being able to sustain five hundred people, twelve of them could easily feed five thousand people. He wouldnt have to worry about food anymore, not until the player''s population skyrocketed. Another pressing concern was the rapidly depleting seasoning stock in the academy. The players were a spoiled bunch; they would consume well-flavored meals, willingly spending more merit points for taste over bland food whenever possible. Consequently, this led to a quicker diminishing of the seasoning supplies than it should have been otherwise. Still the same, Victor also planned to replenish the academys stock of iron tools and ore. While he could have dealt directly with the merchants, he chose to involve the village head as an intermediary. After all, building a good rapport was better for the long term compared to any minor savings he might have achieved by bypassing the village head. He anticipated this would be his last iron purchase, as he intended to start mining in the ravine soon. Sir, I can prepare everything that you have listed. We are currently in the harvesting season and have a surplus of seeds, which should be more than sufficient for your needs, said the village head as he leaned in his chair. But then, a slight frown formed on his forehead. However, a significant portion of our wheat harvest is owed to the feudal lord, so our capacity to sell is limited, as we have to prepare for winter. Understanding the constraints, Victor nodded. I see. Well then, lets discuss the finer details about the price. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Certainly, sir! Overall, the total value of the trade amounted to five platinum coins, slightly higher than their previous transaction. This increase was primarily due to the seeds and a large quantity of seasonings, which Victor hoped would sustain the academy for at least a month, even if the number of players increased. Opting for more iron ore over tools also helped keep the cost much cheaper. Still, this made Victor realize that bringing this large amount of seeds would be hard with just his interspatial ring and a wooden cart. So, he purchased one more similar wooden cart, which was sold for one platinum coin. Now, he wouldnt have to come back and forth like in the past. He would have preferred a horse, but the forest was too thick and dangerous, and the ground was too bumpy. Furthermore, none of the players could ride a horse, or at least he never asked them that. This was just not an option for now. Hmm, before we finalize the deal. Victor secretly reached into his interspatial ring and retrieved a chunk of dried magical beast meat, placing it on the table. Would you be interested in purchasing this meat? Victor asked, gauging his reaction. Sir, if I may Could you tell what this meat is? His eyes were fixed on the meat with curiosity. Its a magical beasts meat, of course. It was a Thornback Boar meat, but there was almost no distinction in the meats color between it and a typical boar meat. M-Magical beast meat? The revelation seemed to stun the village head as he froze in shock, not daring to touch it in the slightest. Yes. Are you or are you not interested in buying this? I still have more where it came from. The old village head went into deep thought, a frown forming up. Then, he respectfully declined, Im afraid we cannot, sir. Such a luxury is beyond our means. Even the lowest grade of magical beast meat commands a price well over one gold coin per kilogram, and our resources are already allocated for essentials with the merchants. The refusal surprised Victor. He had expected the village head to seize the opportunity for profit by reselling the meat to the peddlers and merchants, but he chose to refuse without much thought. This gave Victor a good impression on him. Still, he didnt mind it one bit, smoothly transitioning to another option. He stored the meat back into his interspatial ring and instead changed it into dried smoke giant boar meat. Is that from a giant boar, like the one sir hunted not so long ago? The village head looked at the meat with curiosity and looked a bit tempted. Apparently, the last time he had hunted a giant boar and brought it to the village had left quite an impression. Yes, thats correct, Victor confirmed. This meat should be more within your means, and Ill offer it at a discounted rate. Consider it a token of goodwill. Thank you, sir! Thank you! This is most generous of you! Victor knew that hunting a giant boar was an incredibly rare feat for the local hunters, who were just mere mortals. Even if there were Ki-Warriors among them, they were generally weak and lacked the prowess to take down such formidable prey. He then proposed, That said, I have five hundred kilograms of this meat with me. Would you be able to purchase the entire quantity? Five hundred kilograms? The village head pondered for a moment before replying, We dont need that many; two hundred kilograms should suffice. For the rest, please take it to the merchants, sir. They will give a better price for it. All right. Victor didnt force him. With the terms agreed upon, the trade was finalized. Victor exchanged three platinum coins and two hundred kilograms of the smoked dried giant boar meat for the required goods. Though the price was below market value, Victor wasnt concerned. After all, he or rather, the players could always hunt more giant boars whenever necessary. Sir, theres a matter I feel you should be made aware of. The old village head was barely above a whisper as he said that. Its about a rumor that the merchants are talking about. Oh, elaborate then, he prompted. For an unknown reason, Victor had a hunch about what he was about to report. The image of the hateful figures emerged in his mind. Are they finally coming back after all this time? He paused momentarily and explained, I heard that in the nearby City of Brightmoon and other adjacent cities, theres been an unusual accumulation of weapons, gear, provisions, and manpower. This has become a hot topic among the people coming here, with rumors suggesting that they are going to conduct a large-scale magical beast-hunting expedition around here. Thats why we''re seeing an influx of traders acquiring supply here. There was no mistaking it. But just to be sure, he asked this question: Do you know who orchestrated all this? Regretfully, the village head shook his head. I apologize, sir, but Im not aware of the details. The merchants may know more about it, though. Mm, its okay. I will keep that in mind. Thank you. These people probably didnt care too much about concealing their activities from the general populace. Yet, to Magi and other extraordinary individuals Knowing their background, they wouldnt dare to mess around with them, either. And without the key, accessing the pocket dimension would be all but impossible. Speaking of being conspicuous, Victor and the players would stick out like a sore thumb among the merchants. Though dark and subdued, the players acolyte robes might still draw eyes. To blend in better, he decided to take a precautionary step by asking the village head to borrow four unassuming capes to be worn by him and three of the six players, to which he gladly agreed. Before he left the place, Victor added, Oh, and when the time comes, dont ever reveal my acolytes and my identities for the sake of you or the villagers in this village. We would never! exclaimed the old village head. We would definitely keep your identity to our graves. Hearing his answer, Victor nodded his head. Of course, he didnt believe his words completely. However, unless his former comrades were actively searching for him (which was very likely), his existence would remain a secret. Plus, they probably wouldnt care as much about a mere third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte without allies. Upon stepping out of the village heads house, the players standing guard immediately gathered around him and inquired in tandem, What will we do now, Esteemed Headmaster? We will go to the marketplace to trade with the merchants, Victor explained. He then turned to Zero, Thunder, and Aphrodite, addressing them directly, You three will accompany me. The rest of you will wait near the forests edge for the supplies the village head is arranging, and dont forget to take the hidden wooden cart. Check your Shadowlink Mark for the specifics. Please stay put and dont wander off; we wont be long. Understood, Headmaster! Interestingly, the players assigned to stay back seemed a bit more excited than those chosen to go with him. They were clearly planning their own little adventure. Victor observed this with a hint of amusement, deciding not to interfere. As an understanding headmaster NPC, allowing the players some autonomy seemed like a good strategy to enhance their gaming experience. Interlude: The Players’ Little Adventure In the vibrant light of midday, Michael, accompanied by Locktekei and MsMelody, waited at the edge of the forest for the supplies the headmaster had purchased. It was hot and uncomfortable to stand below the sun for long, so they sought shade under the towering trees. The natural symphony of the forests wildlife spoiled their ears, while the picturesque village in the distance pampered their eyes. Locktekei inhaled deeply and sighed in amazement. So refreshing It feels like Im in the countryside. Michael nodded in agreement, appreciating the serene view. Agreed. Its really pleasing to the eye, too. Locktekei and Michael had befriended in the game, and after playing together for some time, they were quite close. But what took his attention the most was the pretty green-haired female player, MsMelody. She had an average build but possessed a certain charm that Michael found familiar. She was a bona fide gamer girl, indeed. Michael once proposed a marketing campaign in his store to promote all sorts of helpful services for gamer girls. However, the idea was outright rejected by his employees, especially by Lisa. What a waste of a brilliant idea. Nevertheless, waiting idly was unbearably boring. For Michael, who was once a veteran MMORPG who would grind for hours, doing nothing made him restless and feel like he was missing something. He wondered how the players taking the night watch were able to hold their boredomespecially since, at this stage, the game didnt allow access to the internet. Locktekei suddenly broke the silence with a suggestion. I dont think the supplies are going to be here any time soon. Why dont we seize this opportunity to mingle with the villagers? Good idea, Michael agreed enthusiastically. Ive spotted several interesting spots around the village. It could be interesting to explore. He had been mulling over this since the headmaster NPC had assigned them this task. B-But the headmaster said MsMelody stammered, hesitant to agree. Oh, come on. Hes only an NPC, Locktekei said, downplaying the potential consequences of ignoring an NPC headmasters directives. Besides, we wont be away for long. We already know where the supplies will be gathered, and I bet villagers know that too. Mike agreed, Hes right. My guesstimate is we have about an hour before the supplies arrive. If we head back in half an hour, well still be ahead of time. Uh MsMelody still appeared uncertain, torn between caution and curiosity. Sensing her reluctance, Michael urged, Lets not waste time debating. The longer we wait here, the less time well have to explore the village. With a decisive adjustment of his robe, he stepped forward to lead the way. Heh, I must have looked cool there. Hearing the conviction in his voice, MsMelody finally relented. Okay. But please dont take too long. Locktekei grinned. Thats the spirit! Lets head out! The trio then carefully made their way into the village, or more accurately, toward a cluster of houses just on the outskirts of the village center. Opting for subtlety, they chose a spot that was less likely to draw attention. Even though it was the game world, the village was impressively authentic, rivaling the ones in the real world. The architecture was quite rural, with thatched roofs and cobblestone paths weaving between the buildings. In fact, Michael could distinctly feel the gravel crunching under his feet and even sensed the smoky aroma emanating from a nearby house. As they walked further in, they saw the NPCs engaged in various activities. Some were diligently tending to their lush gardens, full of vibrant flowers, while others engaged in lively discussions about what seemed to be local issues. The culture and lifestyle of these NPCs were reminiscent of what they had often seen depicted in history documentaries. Off to the side, a young boy was playing a wooden flute. The melody he produced was hauntingly beautifula tune unfamiliar to Michael but one that resonated with him deeply. It brought back memories of playing Minecraft as a child and when the soundtrack Mice on Venus would play in the background. It brought up a sense of nostalgia for one of his first gaming experiences. The first block you placed, the first house you made, the first cave you mined, the first dog you tamed, the first diamond you mined, the first villager trade you did were all there, somewhere. Maybe this game was just like that in its own way. Why dont we try initiating a conversation with one of the villagers here? Who knows, we might trigger a hidden mission, Locktekei eagerly suggested, breaking his nostalgia.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Mike shrugged. We could, but I doubt itll lead to anything. Mhm. Remember when we were left to guard outside the two houses before? Even MsMelody voiced her agreement from the side. That was the case. While waiting for the headmaster outside the blacksmith girls and the village heads houses, they had attempted to strike up a conversation with the pedestrians. However, rather than telling them their troubles and giving them tasks, most merely bowed their heads, hastened their steps, and left without engaging in any meaningful conversation. Not all of them were like that; some offered basic greetings but nothing more than that. Were they that scared? Or was there some sort of action that they had to take to amass affinity or amity points before the villagers would be more open and communicative? The best way to find out would be to just go for it. Out of nowhere, an elderly man pulling a cart brimming with harvested wheat suddenly collapsed, his knees buckling under him. The carts contents spilled chaotically onto the ground. Based on his expression, it was clear the elderly farmer was in a lot of pain. Sadly, the nearest villagers were too distant to notice his plight. Hey, look over there! I think he needs our help. Lets hurry! Quick to respond, The three of them rushed toward the fallen farmer like good Samaritans. Are you okay, mister? The elderly man, wincing with pain and coughing, managed to respond through clenched teeth, still staring at the ground. I-Im fine Its just my illness flaring up again These old bones of mine arent what they used to be I think Im not long for this world. Please, dont say such an ominous thing! MsMelody shouted as she began to cast a healing spell on him. She had mentioned working as a nurse in a hospital, and her expertise was brought out at this moment. She adeptly calmed the elderly farmer with gentle strokes on his back while maintaining her spell. Not wanting to stand idly by, Michael and Locktekei got busy with reloading the scattered wheat onto the wooden cart. Thankfully, there was not too much that had fallen out. Thank you, thank you for your kindness. Truly. Im feeling much better now, the elderly farmer expressed. He seemed to have noticed that he was being healed by something, though he was confused by what it was. He simply gazed at the three of them with a mix of curiosity and gratitude, asking, And you three youngsters are? We are acolytes! Michael proudly declared. A-Acolytes? Mages? Shock colored his wrinkled face as he quickly faced the ground again. S-Sir, I am so sorry for causing such an unsightly scene. Sir? Whats going on here? Dont tell me The dots finally clicked inside his mind. Perhaps the reason that the villagers were reluctant to talk with them was because of this. This game truly had a very realistic setting behind it, it appeared. Michael quickly interjected, Theres no need to be so formal with us, mister. Yes! We are just your average Joes, Locktekei added. Please, let us help you with your cart. Just show us the way. Average jo-es? Please, dont mind me. I already feel better than ever, thanks to the young lady, he insisted, trying to stand up and resume his task with the cart No! We will help you! MsMelody exclaimed, planting herself firmly in front of him. It seemed that she wouldnt hear any of the old farmers excuses. But, young miss Theres no but about it. Just relax and let us handle this. Michael took hold of the carts reins and began pulling. Locktekei joined in, positioning himself behind the cart to push. Like I said, just show us the way. The elderly farmer was visibly overwhelmed and didnt know how to react. Left with no other choice, he accepted the help with gratitude and guided the three players to the granary, which was not too far off. Nevertheless, the path was uneven, and the cart, heavy with wheat, occasionally got stuck. Even with their enhanced power, it required some effort to navigate the tricky terrain. Michael could only wonder how the elderly farmer was able to do this every day alone. During their walk, the farmer introduced himself as Isak and let out a wistful sigh. Back in the day, I was the hunter of the village. Wed venture into the forest, tracking boars, and each triumphant return was celebrated with a grand feast. Those were the golden days He continued telling stories and tales of his youth as well as about the village; he sure was a talkative old man. Even a background NPC has so much dialogue It feels like I am talking with a real person rather than a scripted NPC. What an incredible game. I cant help being amazed by it Michael was awed in his heart as he kept interacting with the farmer. Upon reaching the granary, other villagers stiffened and gazed warily at them, but then they saw Isak, who accompanied them and loosened their stance. After hearing the whole story, the initial reluctance gave way to gratitude as they helped unload the wheat. The players took this opportunity to inquire if the villagers needed any more help. But, except for a few who took up the offer, the rest were still reluctant to request anything. The ones that required help gave them wheat and vegetables in return, but they refused the offerings because they had no need for them. At least they made a good rapport with them; that was what they had been aiming for from the start. Hmm, the villagers arent giving us tasks through the Shadowlink Marks. I wonder why, Michael thought. His assumption was that it was likely to be an unreleased patch that would come in the future, or perhaps it was intentional, for whatever reason. In the blink of an eye, the thirty-minute time they set to mingle with the villagers was gone. As such, they returned to their original meeting point. If we get another chance, we should definitely visit this village again. Agreed! Mm-hmm. With that, their brief adventure in the village came to a close. Chapter 71: Unexpected Gain at the Marketplace Victor made his way into the bustling marketplace with the players at his sides. Several market stalls were set up in long straight lines, displaying all sorts of wares. The villagers were out and about as the sounds of haggling filled the air, along with the aromatic blend of exotic spices and fresh produce. It wasnt just the merchants who were selling here, but the local villagers as well. Sir Astralium, what exactly are we looking for? Zero inquired as he scanned the array of stalls and vendors. Our primary goal is to sell the magical beast meat. After that, well look for some rare essentials not available back at the academy. Victor replied, his gaze focused on finding the right vendor to trade with. Victor only had forty-six platinum coins remaining, and while it was still a large sum, it was time that he filled that amount back up. In the future, he planned to incorporate metal coins as a secondary currency among the players. This was so that he could keep the merit points as a special and non-tradable currency, while the other would be a fluid one. The concept was similar to a games premium currency that could only be gained by using real money. Ooh! Aphrodite peered at the various items on display with curiosity. Do you think we can find any rare items or magic tools here? Very unlikely, Victor said. But its never impossible. Keep your eyes open for anything unusual; this kind of place can sometimes surprise you with unexpected finds. This was obviously a lie. The possibility of finding a hidden treasure like the one that happened in novels was an impossibility in itself. But who knows? Players could maybe identify something valuable that people of this world saw as trash, just like the adage One mans trash is another mans treasure. Thunder held a wistful look as he mused, I wonder if we might stumble upon some hidden magic artifact here Still, as poor as this village might be, it still had a population exceeding five hundred residents. This meant that there was the potential for an expansive marketplace, especially if this was the central trading hub that convened only once a month. Everyone would be here to purchase locally unavailable goods and offer their own products for trade. The array of goods on display in the market stalls were quite diverse. There were those selling fine silk and soft cotton fabrics; others were selling aromatic spices and herbs; some were practical items featuring an assortment of tools and earthenware. Among these, one stall stood out, displaying an intriguing collection of rocks, gemstones, and intricately carved ornaments. It wasnt just selling meat and vegetables. Just then, Aphrodite halted to stare intently at one stall. On display was a basketball-sized rock glowing with a bright yellow hue. Looking at the color alone, it was quite obvious that the rock was flammable and originated from a high-heat environment. Sir Astralium. I think I recognize that rock, and I think its something that we need. He pointed at the rock, excitement creeping into his voice. Victor raised his eyebrows. Something that we need? Yes. Its maybe the last ingredient we need to make gunpowder! Aphrodite said excitedly, almost jumping to snatch the yellow rock. Mm, lets take a look then. Victor walked toward the stall in question and inspected the assortment of gemstones and peculiar items. The vendor, noticing their interest, called out, Welcome, sirs! We have the finest selection of exotic stones and gemstones straight from the city. Perhaps youd like to purchase some? Ignoring the vendors pitch, Victor gestured toward a seemingly ordinary jade stone. How much for this piece? he asked casually. The reason he didnt immediately show his interest in the yellow rock was so that the vendor didnt balloon the price too much. This tactic was something he had honed during his time as an acolyte at the academy. Back then, the competition between acolytes was thriving, and they often tricked each other on the academys market. It wasnt rare that a duel broke out because of this. The vendor responded eagerly. This jade? It comes from the eastern region, a true beauty that has seen many places. But for you, I can offer a special pricejust one gold coin apiece. Sensing Victors disinterest, he quickly added, If the price is not to your liking, we can negotiate further. Victor internally scoffed at the obvious overpricing. The quality of jade from a jade stone like this one was dubious at best. It wouldnt be of much use as a decoration, much less as an ingredient for a magic toolit was practically worthless. Finding that the vendor would try to deceive them anyway, he shifted his focus toward the yellow rock and asked, And what about this one? What can you tell me about it? Ah, you have an eye for the extraordinary! This rock is no ordinary stone; it possesses magical properties. For one, it can burn into a blue flame if you light it up and emit a foul smell that will scare any ferocious beast away!Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Nonsense! Thats clearly sulfur rock! Aphrodite interjected sharply. In essence, sulfur rock is a simple, naturally occurring mineral, primarily composed of elemental sulfur. Its not imbued with any inherent magical properties. Sulfur, in its elemental form, is characterized by its bright yellow color and is commonly found in volcanic areas. While it might appear extraordinary, its most remarkable traits are purely chemical. For instance, it burns with a blue flame and emits sulfur dioxide, a compound with notable industrial applications, but nothing magical. In conclusionthat sulfur rock is a straightforward mineral with well-documented properties and uses. Is this guy reciting an entry from an encyclopedia or something? Victor squinted his eyes at the player who explained all that, Aphrodite. Well, as expected of a chemist. This kind of way also works, I guess. As expected, the vendor paused, clearly unprepared for such a scientific rebuttal. The confidence with which he had initially described the rocks magical properties seemed to dissolve into nothingness. While he probably understood less than 10 percent of what was explained, the impact of being called out on his exaggeration was unmistakable. This momentary lapse gave Victor the perfect opportunity. You dare trick a Magus?! Victor raised his voice, though he was careful to keep his voice low enough not to draw unwanted attention. The mention of Magus sent a ripple of fear through the vendor, who visibly flinched. Stammering, the merchant quickly pleaded, S-Sir, I didnt dare! Please forgive me! I was wrong! I was wrong! Its fine. Give me this rock for one silver coin and tell me where it came from, then I will let you off the hook. Victor placed a silver coin on the table; he had exchanged one platinum coin with the village head beforehand for this exact situation. Technically speaking, he only had forty-five platinum coins and some gold and silver coins. Yes, of course, sir! Obviously, as a normal human, he couldnt verify Victors claim to being a Magus, and he wouldnt dare question him. Besides, Victor didnt show his mana force or magic to pressure the other party since it was unnecessary. The vendor then eagerly told him where he had obtained the sulfur rock. He explained that there was a sulfur mine located near an active volcano, relatively close to the City of Brightmoon. The rocks were frequently collected and sold to the city as many magicians were interested in studying them. Brightmoon City again, huh? This name had been appearing a lot recently, and Victor felt that someday he should check that place out I have one more thing to ask you. The vendor, still eager to appease, responded rapidly, Of course, Sir Magus. Feel free to ask anything. Have you heard about a certain rumor circulating recently? Victor realized the question was a bit vague, so he decided not to beat around the bush and clarified, The one about large-scale acquisitions of weapons and supplies. Does that sound familiar? Ah, yes! I have heard of it. His eyes lit up with recognition. In fact, Ive been involved in securing some of those supplies myself Seeing that the vendor was cooperative, Victor asked a few questions to confirm his suspicion and got what he wanted. The ones who orchestrated all this were indeed his former comrades, and they would be coming here soon. In the most generous estimation, they would arrive in three weeks, and in the worst case, it could be less than ten days! Victor was struck by a sudden sense of impending doom. To confront these bastards again when they were coming with larger forces was the worst thing that could happen But he steadied himself; he wasnt alone this time. With an army of players at his back, all he needed was to summon even more of them and formulate a strategy to counter the impending threat. But this wouldnt be so simple. Unless they were fools, they were likely to call their families for assistance. But Victor was more than sure that they wouldnt divulge the whole thing and simply ask for assistance. There was an incentive for them to keep quiet, as they could claim more benefits for themselves that way. After all, they didnt have to conquer the whole pocket dimension to get some gains. After getting the information he wanted, Victor moved on from the vendor and continued browsing the other stalls in the market. Unfortunately, there wasnt anything of interest here; the players were rather disappointed that they didnt find any hidden gems. Next, Victor focused on selling the magical beast meat, and he had narrowed down the merchants that would take them. To avoid drawing undue attention, he discreetly sold the meat to various merchants, earning him twenty-five platinum coins. He was quite pleased that his dwindling money was finally coming back up. Furthermore, there was no need to worry about his group becoming a topic of interest among the locals. After all, for extraordinary individuals to come to this place and hunt magical beasts wasnt all that rare. With their market tasks completed, Victor decided it was time to regroup. Lets go back to meet with the others, Victor instructed, leading the players out of the marketplace and back toward their designated meeting spot. Of course, he didnt forget to return the borrowed capes. *** Past noon, Victor and the players gathered just outside the village, close to the forest, where they ate a quick lunch. The various items purchased from the village head, including seeds and other supplies, were neatly arranged nearby. Victor efficiently stored everything, excluding the seeds, in his interspatial ring. The rest were then neatly arranged on the two wooden carts; even with two, it was a tight fit. Now, the last thing to wait for was Eleanor. Fifteen minutes later, a familiar figure approached the group, and of course, it was the awaited one. She carried a disproportionately large backpack that dwarfed her frame two times over. Though it didnt slow her down at all, as if she were carrying a typical one. How did she have so much strength? Yahoo! Sir Magus, I hope Im on time! Eleanor called out cheerfully, her energetic arrival causing her long dark brown hair to bounce merrily. You have everything packed? This question was obviously redundant, but he was just making sure. Yup! Dont you see this ridiculously large backpack? She chuckled, pointing at her giant backpack matter-of-factly. So, you do realize that its ridiculously large And why does it feel like youre getting more and more blunt with me? Victor almost failed to maintain his serious demeanor, so he swiftly diverted the topic. Ahem. Well then, lets get moving. Whoa! The pretty girl from before is coming with us! Is she really going to be our new NPC? I wonder whats inside that large backpack of hers. Victor ignored the players enthusiastic chatter and signaled for the group to start their journey back to the academy. Chapter 72: The Dangerous Journey Back Home Part I On the way back, Victor was in a good mood. The six players who came with him were in equally high spirits as they excitedly conversed among each other. The prospect of finally getting another NPC seemed to have gone to their heads as they occasionally stole glances at Eleanor, speculating about her role and abilities. So that is Thornwood Village, huh? It really does capture the feel of a real medieval village so far, Locktekei commented, pulling one of the carts with Thunder. Mhm, I think so too Zero, nodding in agreement, absentmindedly reached for his glasses that werent there. Without Storms precise analysis, I can only offer an imperfect analysis in his place. Todays expedition was likely a test of not just the trading system and the new friendly settlement but also NPCs responses. Like what the guy on the official website forum speculated, theres likely to be new additions of NPCs into the game, which seems to be unfolding right before us. This reminds me of what the unreliable game promotional manager once told us Mike added. He said that the game aims to create an economic system in Magus Academy Online thats both realistic and immersive, mirroring that of the real world with supply and demand. Thunder agreed with a nod. Correct. And it will also heavily rely on interactions with nearby settlements for sustainability, and the exchange of materials with these places is essential. But theres an important aspect we shouldnt overlook: currency. Currently, the game only provides one type of currencymerit pointsso trading with these places may not come in the next update. Damn! This is making me impatient for the open beta! Zero, however, shook his head at the response. I think it is still too soon for an open beta. This game company has grand ambitions Even the event from the previous update is just a fraction of the content that needs testing. But the game already offers a rich experience as it is. U-Um MsMelody, who had been quiet until now, hesitantly voiced a concern. Are you sure that the game manager and moderator wouldnt be able to hear you calling him unreliable? Mike let out a startled gasp, and the other players mirrored his reaction. Shit! Youre right Cyber, I was wrong! Please forgive me! Mike shouted to the sky. Zero, if you can contact him, please say that I didnt mean what I said. I cant. I havent been in contact with him for a while. Zero just gave him a pitiful shrug, to Mikes dismay. Victor was at a loss for words. Forget it. Ill just pretend I didnt hear it. As a conscientious NPC, Victor did not participate in the discussion between the six players. His eyes were always on the lookout, observing the shadows for any hint of lurking danger. However, this was not the case for the other NPC, Eleanor, as she seemed piqued by the players conversation and jumped on the gun to join them. Eleanor tapped the shoulder of the nearest player. Watcha talking about? Miss Locktekei was that player, but he seemed not to know how to address her. Call me Eleanor. She smiled a toothy grin at Locktekei, leaving him shaking and at a loss for words. No, it seemed the player was more than just flustered; he was wound up with extreme tension, much to Victors confusion. Oh right, I havent formally introduced her. He had thought of waiting until they were back at the academy so he could do it in one go But this could become a test to see how she would mix in with the players; any potential issues should be corrected as early as possible. Zero noticed the situation and came to Locktekeis rescue, simply explaining, Its nothing, Miss Eleanor. We were talking about how excited we were about visiting the village. Its a change of pace from our usual routine inside the academy, so Eleanors eyes lit up at this. Ah! Is that so? How about I share some of my experiences from the village with you all? The players immediately showed interest. Please tell us! Yes! Wed love to hear your stories! The players chorused in tandem, erasing the initial awkwardness. Victor silently observed, believing they were expecting a hidden plot or something from her. Eleanor, for her part, seemed to relish the attention, sharing anecdotes about her life as a blacksmith and living in the village. Even though she was chatty, she didnt mention anything about the academy nor about Victor.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Well, at least she knows how to hold back. Victor was initially worried that she might say something out of line, but she played her role pretty convincingly, like a high-end NPC with advanced AI would have. If she were to lapse one day, he could cover it up by claiming the NPCs were designed with advanced, individualized AI scripts. As the group traveled the familiar path through the forest, the atmosphere gradually became more and more silent. The usual symphony of birds and rustling leaves was conspicuously absent. Except for the idle chatter of the players and Eleanor, there was nothing else of note. To an outsider, the scene might appear serene, but not for Victor. Something isnt right, he mused, unable to shake the feeling of unease. The silence was more than just tranquil; it was unnerving. Eerily so. Alas, Victor couldnt use mana sense yeta natural ability that an official Magus would have. He could detect creatures, especially ones with mana, in his vicinity with ease, but he couldnt expertly and subtly release his infused mana to probe more distant or subtle anomalies; it was beyond his grasp, as it required a high level of mana control. Except for this one [A dangerous elemental life form has been detected!] [The life form is expected to be capable of sending third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte a run for their money.] [This life forms power is extremely mysterious, capable of causing supernatural phenomena; it is advisable to be careful.] Cold sweat trickled down Victors back. The messages were vague, but whatever this was, it must be formidable to get specifically called out by the System like this. He may have been a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, but he couldnt discount that this may be a tricky foe to deal with. Victor didnt waste a single second as he commanded, Acolytes! Prepare to cast your spells! We are under attack! Yes, sir! they all shouted in unison. The players were quick to react and prepared to engage any possible enemy coming their way, quickly putting the two carts down in a safe location. Evidently, their experience from the invasion and hunting had come in handy. Wh-Whats happening? Is there danger? Eleanor was a bit perplexed by the sudden tension, but she didnt panic. In response, Mike reassured her, Fear not, Miss Eleanor, for I have your back! His pose, though somewhat contrived, was clearly an attempt to make himself look cool and impress the NPC. Mhm, I believe you. Eleanor gave him a thumbs up, clearly amused by this. Moments later, three floating orbs of light danced playfully from a distant tree. Despite their seemingly harmless appearance, as they drew nearer, an instinctual alarm triggered within Victor, his hair standing on end. He didnt know what they were capable of, nor did he know how to take them down. This Victor thought in horror, I saw this one when I used {Demonic Eye} to scout the forest To think I would encounter them here. What are the chances? Unable to devise a strategy against this mysterious adversary, Victor commanded the players to unleash their spells on the orbs. A barrage of spells, each varied and potent, rained down upon the floating lights. However, their efforts were futile as the orbs nimbly evaded most of the onslaught, flickering and vanishing into thin air, rendering the attacks ineffective. Shit! What are these floating orbs?! Is it not a magical beast? As frustration and confusion echoed in the air, a realization then struck Victor. The System had identified these orbs as a singular entity, suggesting that they were different manifestations of the same being. This meant that there should be some kind of weakness that he could exploit. But would he have the time to think of a countermeasure and devise a strategy before it was too late? The answer came in the form of a thick mist that suddenly enveloped the area, causing the players to tense up. They quickly adopted a defensive formation, circling protectively with Eleanor safely ensconced in the center. As expected of veteran players, their eyes darted to the trees, watching for any signs of attack from the floating orbs. Victor was some distance away from them, ready to cast a spell at a moments notice. He tried to manipulate the elemental particles to disperse the mist but achieved minimal success. Each time he managed to disperse a section, the mist would reform almost instantly. Then, his attention was snatched by an unexpected sight. Huh, what the? There, amidst the swirling mist, stood the figure of his most despised adversarya red-haired young man donning an ornate acolyte robe. Undoubtedly, it was Graviel Merlin. Strangely, the players and Eleanor were nowhere in sight, as if they had vanished, leaving only the mist and this loathed figure. Die! {Flame Dart}! Resentment clouded Victors mind as he subconsciously summoned a small, fiery projectile, shooting it at the figure, which dissolved into a cloud of mist upon impact. Bizarrely, the same image of Graviel and two of his cronies then materialized in multiple locations around him. Rage consumed Victor, and he was on the verge of unleashing a torrent of spells, but a sudden glow from the pendant magic tool on his chest halted him. Its radiance pierced through the fog of his anger, bringing a moment of clarity. Wait! What am I doing? He bit his lip as he realized that this was all an illusion. If I didnt have this Twilight Moon Pendant, things would have become ugly He had known that the pendant had this kind of power, but it was still a pleasant surprise that it would be this effective at clearing ones mind. Bang! There was a loud crash, and a muffled grunt echoed nearby. Had something happened to the players? Chapter 73: The Dangerous Journey Back Home Part II Victor rushed toward the source of the noise, but he didnt seem to be getting any closer. Even if his mind was clear, the mist turned the forest into a disorienting maze. But then, a faint blue light glimmered at the edge of his vision, drawing him toward it. What is that? He could hear one player asking from nearby; he must be getting closer to them. Its an incomplete magic tool designed to repel magical beasts and supernatural phenomena. This bragging voice obviously belonged to Eleanor. At that moment, the source of the turmoil revealed itself again in the form of those same floating orbs. Recognizing the opportunity, Victor seized the moment and cast a spell{Tempest Burst}. A whirlwind burst forth and scattered the mist, revealing the forest as it once was. Simultaneously, the powerful tempest caught the floating orbs, hurling them deep into the forest, away from the group. Victor quickly assessed the situation and saw that one of the players had sustained a severe bleeding gash on his chest. A magic spell must have caused it, likely {Slicing Wind}. Meanwhile, another player was in a daze and hoisted his spear defensively against his own allies from approaching. The two players were namely Zero and Locktekei. Stay back! Dont come any closer, you monster! Locktekei screamed. Seeing this, Victor thought, So even players arent immune to these illusions Yet, they seem to possess some resilience against it. It was a miracle that only one was affected and not all of them. Sir Astralium! Youre here! Mike called out to him in relief. Still on edge, Thunder scanned the forest as he asked, Have those strange entities been driven off? Yes, Victor assured them. The wind cyclone should be effective against this elemental life form, at least temporarily. Though, it didnt mean that they should stick around for long either. Approaching Locktekei, whose mind was still clouded by the illusion, Victor removed his Twilight Moon Pendant. He used his infused mana to gently subdue Locktekeis erratic movements before placing the pendant around his neck. The pendants calming effect was immediate as his eyes gradually cleared. Wh-What? Headmaster? Locktekei was puzzled as he stared back at him. Good. It seems that your mind has cleared up. Victor took back the pendant and returned it to his own neck before turning toward the injured player, Zero. His injury wasnt fatal and could be easily healed by the energy pool inside the Nexus Tower. However, he was bleeding, and it was still far away from the destination. By the time they reached the academy, he might have died from blood loss. Immediate on-site treatment might be preferred here. What have I done? Locktekei murmured guiltily, still grappling with the aftermath of his actions. You were under the influence of a supernatural illusion. Its not your fault. Victor patted his shoulder to assure him and then approached Zero. Esteemed Headmaster, Locktekei, Im fine. I can still walk. Zero stood on his feet despite the injury, looking as if the wound didnt bother him in the least. Well, being a player meant that he would have pain shielding, making such an injury no different than a scratch, but this didnt mean that the body was okay. Mm, I know. But be more cautious next time. It was clear that Zero, being the most rational and the first one to process the situation, had been injured while trying to restrain Locktekei. Luckily, MsMelody, a healer with a high Bio-elemental affinity, was here to administer immediate medical attention. If Victor wasnt wrong, she was studying to become a nurse in real life, so she also knew how to do first aid. What a fortunate happenstance. As a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, Victor could also use his mana to heal, but it wouldnt be half as effective as a specialized healer like her. Whew! I thought I was a goner. Eleanor wiped the sweat off her forehead like nothing big had happened. The Thornwood Forest is a very dangerous place; no wonder my pops and the other old folks warned me never to venture inside. Thats right, it is dangerous. But it is also an ideal location for a base camp. On top of that, its full of untouched resources. Most Magus academies were like that. They would build up their foundations inside a treacherous land where they could exploit geographical advantage and maintain a defensive stance against enemies. Besides, this kind of problem wouldnt have been an issue if Victor was an official Magus, but a mishap or two was still something within his expectations. After Zeros injury closed up, Victor told the players to quickly vacate the area with the two wooden carts and directed them away from the area where the elemental life form might have been blown away to. Such an eerie entity could resurface at any moment, and preparing a countermeasure was imperative. Perhaps the answer to this dilemma already existed in the form of an outgoing girl and her disproportionally large backpack.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. She had been the one who caused the will-o-wisp-like life form to show itself, thus allowing Victor an opening to unleash a spell and blow it away. He suspected that this girl was hiding a few more secrets from himsomething which might be quite shocking. Either way, he would let nature take its course for now. Nevertheless, it seemed Victor was not the only one intrigued by her enormous backpack, as the players couldnt resist asking about its contents. Eleanor, with a laugh, explained, You wanna know what this backpack contains? It contains all my essential tools, personal items, and various works-in-progress, like the one that helped us earlier. Its all part of being an Artificer. Realizing she might have revealed too much, she glanced at Victor with a sheepish smile. Seeing no reaction from him, Eleanor playfully added, Well, preparation is key in our line of work, is all I can say. She winked at the players, eliciting nods of understanding from them. As they continued their journey deeper into the forest, the players moods gradually became lighter. The tension and uncertainty that had clouded the atmosphere began to dissipate It wasnt long before Mike quietly sang the catchy lines of Old Town Road by Lil Nas X. Yeah, Im gonna take my horse to the old town road. Im gonna ride til I cant no more, he crooned, his voice echoing softly among the trees. His solo was soon joined by another voice, adding to the chorus. I got the horses in the back. Horse tack is attached Mike picked up the melody again, this time with more gusto, playfully mimicking a cowboy as he hauled the cart. Ridin on a horse, ha. You can whip your Porsche Soon, the next line of Nobody cant tell me nothing became a group chorus with everyone joining in. This song seemed to soothe their frazzled nerves and lift their spirits. Victor watched, mildly astonished. Singing was not unusual among the players, but this was the first time he witnessed them spontaneously uniting in song. It was as if the music was helping them shake off the tension from the earlier incident and ease their anxiety. When the third verse arrived, Zero took the lead with remarkable enthusiasm, as if his injury didnt exist. Hat down, cross town, livin like a rockstar Because of the infectious earworm that their singing induced, Victor found himself humming the tune under his breath. Meanwhile, Eleanor was awestruck by the song and quickly followed to sing as well. This musical interlude continued with a few more popular songs until they were getting close to the destination: the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi. As they neared the academy, the imposing black spire of the Nexus Tower and the expansive clearing came into view. At last, they were back after their arduous and unexpected journey. Victor himself felt a bit gleeful that there was now a new NPC that could help him; he could offload tasks that he previously couldnt. Stepping onto the academy grounds, Victor turned to the group and ordered, Send the seeds to the agricultural group. Yes! they responded in firm unison. The six people nodded together and scurried away with the two wooden carts. He had promised each player two hundred merit points for their participation in the expedition. Though the reward was a lot more than a typical hunting mission, it was clear from their expressions that the experience had been thrilling. Turning to Eleanor, Victor said, Welcome to your new home, Eleanor. Now, there are a few important things that you absolutely need to know about this academy. Lets head to my office first. Aye! Anything you wish, boss! she responded with a playful salute and a giggle. Boss? Victor frowned at the word but realized that he should probably ease up on his strict Magus demeanor around Eleanor. After all, her spirited nature seemed unlikely to change, and perhaps that was for the best. On that note, Ive been wondering about something regarding these folks. Eleanors gaze drifted over the group of six players that, for some reason, didnt do what he told them to and were staying at a close distance from them. Overlooking this fact, Victor responded, What about them? Her voice dropped to a whisper. Isnt it just me, or do their names sound a bit... well, you know? Victor already guessed her line of thought, so he replied, Literal, you mean? Yes, exactly that! Victor chuckled lightly. Theyre not their real names. Think of them as creative aliases they adopted when joining the academy. This was obviously a lie, but he couldnt think of a better explanation Wait Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Do I get to pick a fancy alias, too? How exciting! Lets see... What about HammerForgeSweetGirl? Or, wait, Ive got itPrettyArtificerNo1! Sounds catchy, right? Victor, trying to keep a straight face in spite of her antics, managed to let out a casual response. Uhh, sure *** Even though they were told to deliver the seeds to the agricultural group, they couldnt resist lingering to watch the interactions between the headmaster and the new NPC girl. This deviation from their task was surprisingly Alfreds idea, as he was the supposed leader of the agricultural group, even if he had long since delegated his duties to someone else. While their voices were out of earshot, they could see from Eleanors animated expressions and the interaction so far that they seemed pretty close. They even went as far as speculating about the hidden relationship between the two. Their musings were soon interrupted by the arrival of several familiar playersProminence, SuperNova, and Storm. Yes, Storm seemed to have been revived while they were gone. Brimming with millions of questions after his week-long absence, Storm blurted out, Whats going on? Whos that with the huge backpack, and why is she with the headmaster? Hmm, think of her as a newly added NPC, Alfred explained. Although he had a clear idea about the NPC girl, it was a bit difficult to explain in detail. Besides, he could be wrong, so waiting for the official website to update the information would be better. The three players were not satisfied with the answer, though they had little choice but to accept it. Okay Storm pointed at Alfred. And why are you injured so badly? Yeah, Prominence added. Your acolyte robe is almost cut in half. It looks like youve been through a meat grindernot that I see youre that injured. What exactly happened in this expedition? SuperNova couldnt help but chime in as well. Hearing that, Locktekei scratched his head sheepishly and confessed, Uh, that was me. I kinda attacked him. It wasnt intentional, but Relax, dont blame yourself. Alfred shook his head. Truth be told, he was also caught in the illusion when he tried to stop him. Mhm. We were ambushed by something supernatural. It was like nothing weve ever faced before, another player added. With that, the group then retold the harrowing tale of their recent adventure, reliving each moment with exaggeration, forgetting the task and the two NPCs who were already out of sight. Chapter 74: Finally, a Brand-New NPC? Victor led Eleanor through the academy grounds toward the Headmasters Building. The players couldnt help but take notice of the pair as they were hard at work with their various tasksconstructing the wall, making bricks from the kiln, and other chores. Of course, the sight of a girl carrying a backpack twice her size couldnt escape their eyes. Speculations were abounded in the air. Damn! Look! Theres a person carrying a huge backpack beside the headmaster! Who is she? A new character in the game? New NPC? Its a girl! Yes! Finally, a true human girl NPC! Ooh, ooh, ooh!! Hmm, does this mean that we are one step closer to the open beta? That guy on the forum mightve been onto something after all! With the prospect of progressing closer to the open beta, the players one by one became even more energetic, like they were on drugs. Suddenly, the discussion of the players took an unexpected turn I bet a hundred bucks that its the headmasters secret lover. Wait, but what about Miss Fairy? What the hecks wrong with your head? How can a fairy and a human be lovers? Though if it were me, I wouldnt mind. Hehehe Dude, this is a fantasy world. The limit is your imagination. Does anyone know a way to contact the police here? Maybe we should construct a jail first to detain these degenerates. Overhearing their banter, Victor could only roll his eyes at their ridiculous assumptions. To him, these players always acted happy-go-lucky whenever they could and never took this seriously enough. Well, it was just a game to them, so that was the point of playing a game, wasn''t it? Still, he glared at them as a warningthe players sensed his action and immediately returned to their activities. While the players were speaking in hushed voices a normal human wouldnt have been able to hear, and he didnt particularly mind himself, there were others in this world who might not be as benevolent as he was. In contrast, Eleanor was oblivious, having not heard a word of their chatter. She was completely engrossed in her surroundings, fascinated by the sights of the academy and the players hard at work. Victor wondered what thoughts were running through her mind. *** Eleanors mind had been racing ever since stepping onto the academy grounds. Both the person and the academy she pinned her hopes on had surpassed her expectations. Despite its apparent newness and some differences from the grandiose descriptions in the books her father had given her when she was a child, the place was bustling with activity. To the north, she noticed an earthen wall, flanked by kilns puffing out smoke. Nearby, pits for smoking meat and fish were arrayed near a five-story building. The air was filled with the smell of barbecue and non-stop banging noises. There were people smashing stones with pickaxes, operating the blowers to blow air into the kilns, carrying bricks, building structures, and cutting trees. The scene resembled a vast construction site in full swing. These people are all acolytes? She counted them roughly and found that there were more than a dozen or twenty people in sight alone, all wearing an acolyte robe like the six who had accompanied her before. Seeing people who were rumored to be aloof and would hate manual labor working nonstop caused Eleanors eyes to widen. Truly an unbelievable scene. If its them, then To tell the truth, Eleanor still harbored a secret that she kept closely guarded. Something that she hadnt divulged to anyone else She knew that the man leading her, known as Astralium, was not a true Magus, at least not yet. Even his name was an alias, a persona he adopted. However, if there was a person who could restore her familys lost glory to what it once was, then it would be him. She wasnt sure what made her believe in him, but as she observed the scene around her, her thoughts solidified. The question that loomed in her mind was how he would react upon learning her secret. Would the value of her being an Artificer be enough to offset the risks involved in associating with her? The risk of potentially making the whole world his enemy? While there was great significance in being an Artificer in this world, where magic and craftsmanship intersected in ways that could alter the very fabric of reality, the risks might still outweigh the gain. In a sense, she was uncertain Ive come this far; what more is there to fear? Eleanor murmured to herself, her determination solidifying with each step. He agreed to be my sponsor, after all.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As they approached the building, her resolve grew. She planned to cautiously assess his reaction before unveiling the full scope of her abilities and secret. It was undoubtedly a gamble, but in her eyes, a chance worth taking. After all, it was not every day that one would encounter a promising prospect that could very well change ones fate. *** Victor, oblivious to Eleanors thoughts, continued to lead her toward the uppermost floor, where his office was located. He opened the door and peered inside, and seeing that Lizbeth wasnt there, he casually motioned for her to enter. Hmm, Lizbeth probably knows that Im bringing her with me and has chosen to remain out of sight until I summon her. Although he had intended to introduce the assistant fairy to Eleanor, some things were better to be revealed one at a time so as to minimize the shock. Of course, he wasnt going to explain that these acolytes were all players from another world. Um Sir Magus, Eleanor spoke up hesitantly from behind. What is it? He turned around, only to find that she was trying to squeeze her backpack through the door. I cant get my backpack inside; the door is too narrow, she lamented, her efforts growing more frantic. Its not that the door is too small; its your backpack thats too oversized! Victor almost cursed at her but managed to keep it to himself. She could have put down her backpack first before pulling it inside because it was only awkwardly wedged at the top of the doorframe, but there was no way he would tell that to her, so he simply said, Just put your backpack outside. No one will steal or peek inside it. Okay! She did just that and scampered into the room. Please, have a seat. Victor gestured toward a sofa that had seldom seen any use, tucked away in a corner of the room. Dont mind if I do. Eleanor was quick to flop onto the large sofa, leaving Victor to perch on a much smaller one beside it. She swiveled her head, her eyes roaming around the room with curiosity, before finally fixing her gaze on Victor. From the look on her face, he could tell that she wanted to say something. Likely, she had some questions. Well, a Magus academy like this couldnt be found anywhere in this worldor any world, for that matter. Its existence was one of a kind. Im sorry that I cant offer you any refreshmentswe dont have any tea or the like. For nobles, it was customary to offer drinks to their guests, but Victor was from a Magus family. Although it was common for Magus families to have similar customs, this was the first time he had received someone here. Oh, no problem at all. I always carry my trusty waterskin with me, Eleanor said, holding it up for him to see. All right. Before we fully accept you here as one of our members, I will impart to you the things that you should be aware of and things that you should or shouldnt do. But first, theres something I need to know: What do you think about the plaI mean, the acolytes of this academy? Victor laced his fingers together and rested them below his nose. They are a unique bunch! But I dont think that much explanation will do them justice Eleanor paused for a moment before continuing, Its strange They seem to have an insatiable curiosity and willingness to work hard. It makes me wonder where you found all these people. Huh? Shes surprisingly keen on things. Victor tilted his head back slightly, pausing to consider his words. I cant answer that question, but I can give you a hint, he eventually answered. Our academy is called the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi. Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi? She then widened her eyes in realization. You mean these people are from other planes or worlds beyond Seraphia? Victor smiled and nodded his head. As expected. Theres more to her than what meets the eye. Ever since meeting her and her mentioning the Faulkner name, then the magic tool she had used in the forest earlier At this point, he no longer believed that she was an ordinary blacksmith girl who received an incomplete Artificer inheritance. Yes. Youre not wrong in that sense, but they are even more special than that. Special? She tilted her head. As in what kind of special? I cant reveal everything just yet. To learn more, you will need to be bound by a magic oath. I didnt mean the usual kind, but a mark on your wrist. For that, theres someone here who I want to introduce and can help you with that. Victor flicked his fingers, expecting her to appear. But nothing happened. The anticipated dramatic appearance of the fairy didnt materialize. He decided to cut to the chase and called her name, Lizbeth! Yes! Im here! In an instant, Lizbeth materialized from who knew where. Her hair was a stunning mix of black and white, her golden eyes shining brightly. Her sudden, impressive appearance caused even Eleanor to widen her eyes, unable to utter a word. It came to Victors realization that she wanted to appear as dramatic as possible, hence the need to call her name. Let me introduce you Whos this CUTE little thing?! Eleanor exclaimed, leaping forward to envelop Lizbeth in a bear hug. Eh? It was so sudden that both Victor and Lizbeth were caught off guard. For a human to hug a fairy, it would be no different from hugging a doll, thus making it a comical scene as Lizbeth squirmed frantically to escape. Get off me! You get off me, I told you! Ahh!! Her tiny legs kicked in the air, unable to free herself from the enthusiastic hug. No matter how hard she tried, her strength was inferior. Victor had to secretly help her by controlling the wind to push Eleanor back before Lizbeth could barely escape and hide behind his back, gasping for air. Get that thing out of here! Aww! I just wanted to be friends with her Her voice might have sounded disappointed, but she was definitely enjoying herself. Clearing his throat, Victor tried to regain control of the situation. Seeing that its your first time meeting her, I will let this slide. As I was saying, this little one is named Lizbeth, an assistant fairy of this academy. You can direct most of your questions to her. Who did you call little one, huh? She puffed her cheeks in mock indignation. Anyway, lets move forward with what I was telling you before. Thats easy. Having gained her composure, Lizbeth fluttered over to Eleanor. With a gentle point at Eleanors left wrist, a mark identical to the one on Victors wrist appeared. However, Eleanors mark was a standard subordinate Shadowlink Mark, similar to those given to players, albeit with internal mechanisms tailored for NPCs. Victor once had a discussion with Lizbeth before recruiting Eleanor. That was about how the Shadowlink Mark could be implanted, and she explained that as long as the recipient was non-hostile and willing, she could implant the mark anywhere within the academy. This made the trip to the Nexus Beacon in the basement unnecessary. Eleanor, noticing the black mark on her wrist, jerked her head backward. Whoa, whoa, whoa! What is this black mark? Victor folded his hands and leaned forward slightly as he explained. That is whats known as a Shadowlink Mark. Chapter 75: What is Required to Be a Trustable NPC A resounding ding suddenly appeared inside Victors head, and a blue holographic screen blocked a large part of his vision. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have done well in tricking a local to be an NPC.] [The reward (20 progression value points) has been issued.] Hang on, so the true objective of the mission was to implant the Shadowlink Mark? Unknowingly, Victor was being manipulated by the System and whoever was behind designing it. The thought had lingered in his mind, given the nature of past missions, but it had always been subtle and never directly about him. Oh well, not that its possible to do anything about that right now. But just in case, I may have to take measures later. Going against the Systems guidance wouldnt get him anywhere at the moment, and it always pointed him in what seemed like the best direction possible. Maybe there would come a day when the mission contradicted his goals. After all, it provided no details about the failure to comply with it, meaning that it was unknown what consequences might come from going against it. There could be nothing at all. He figured he should explore the possibility when he got the chance. Eleanors voice interrupted his train of thought. Sir Magus? she asked, looking puzzled. Is something wrong? Victor realized his concerns had briefly shown on his face. He quickly composed himself and shook his head. Its nothing. After a brief pause to collect his thoughts, he stated, From now on, you will work as the Artificer of this academy and the manager of the blacksmith workshop, and you need to do whatever I ask you to do. He made it clear from the start, now that she already bore the Shadowlink Mark. It was important to note that Victor didnt completely trust her, but the mark on her wrist could monitor and control her actions to some degree. It could be said that this was similar to what he was doing with the players, but this one was for NPCs. Powerful Magi would be better off using magic contracts and whatnot with the addition of this, though. But for now, he had none. Can you tell me the details? Especially about this black mark? she inquired. Yes. Your job here is to craft and sell weapons and armor to the acolytes. Eventually, you will also deal in magic tools. The Shadowlink Mark on your wrist acts as a transaction device and a means to issue tasks or missions to the acolytes Video games were a foreign thing to a local in this world. Explaining the concept of players would only make things more complicated. Victor wasnt patient enough to help a brick wall understand such a foreign concept and simply explained it in words that would be more familiar to her. He then told her the typical dialogue and interactions expected of a blacksmith NPC and the nature of missions she could issue. There were limitations to the rewards she could give, obviously. Small, petty missions, like fetching random items or completing simple chores, would yield around ten merit points, whereas more significant missions could offer up to one hundred. Although Eleanor was now a key NPC, Victor didnt want her to abuse her position, not that she would likely do that anyway. Still, this didnt close the possibility of giving out weapons as rewards or increasing the given merit points for certain tasks in the future. Ooh! She clapped her fingers gently against her palm. What an oddball of a system you have here. It makes me eager to see how it works in action! Oddball, heh? Somehow, Lizbeth smirked at Eleanor. Just remember to work hard and be useful to the academy. I will definitely work you to your bone. Promise me another hug, and Ill work extra hard, Miss Lizbeth. Elanor grinned at Lizbeth, her eyes shining in anticipation. Eek! No hugs! She quickly hid behind Victor once more and stuck out her tongue. Bleurgh! Victor found their interaction amusing, yet there was something that he had not yet addressed here. All things considered, he wasnt sure what to provide her with in exchange. Money wouldnt have much use when everything, like her basic needs, would be provided here for free, and he couldnt justify offering nothing in return. This wasnt a black company that exploited its employees, after all, even if Victor himself exploited the players. But just when he was about to voice his thoughts on the matter, Eleanor spoke up first, her tone serious. Um, I need to confess something *** It had finally come to thisEleanor had firmly reached a decision. She had seen what this academy had to offer, the hidden potential it harbored, as well as the true nature of its headmaster and staff. She felt compelled to bite the bullet and jump on the ship. Staking it all here wasnt the most brilliant idea, but her options were limited. Is there something on your mind? asked the blue-haired man sitting on the sofa diagonal from her. A pretty fairy only heard of in myths was sitting on his shoulder, watching her quietly.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Mhm. She steeled her heart in an attempt to gather her courage before admitting, To be frank, I haven''t been completely honest with you. Actually, I am an acolyte too, at the second stage of Initiate Attunement. She held her posture firmly, her gaze firmly meeting his. Contrary to her belief, the young man didnt look as surprised as she had initially expected and simply stared at her with a hand on his chin. Hrm, I already suspected there might be more to your story. But how have you managed to mask your mana?" Typically, only official Magi possessed the skill to conceal their mana fluctuations to a certain degree. Acolytes, lacking such advanced proficiency, generally couldnt achieve this feat, and Eleanor was no exception. However, she was an Artificer, and crafting magic tools had become her secondary nature. This is how. She pulled her mantle-like sleeve and showed him a bracelet adorned with ruby-like stones on her right wrist. Its been necessary to conceal my identity, to protect myself from those targeting my family. For generations, we have been on the run before I ended up here She told him that her pops wasnt truly her biological father. She had been left in his care as a child for her safety, a secret so well-kept that even the village head was unaware. Is this because of your Faulkner heritage? The young mans question was uttered slowly, encouraging her to continue. Yes Eleanor hesitated for a moment before opening up about her lineage and the circumstances behind it. The Faulkner family was once a prestigious and distinguished family of renowned masterful Artificers. Many Magus organizations around the world sought their expertise in creating magic tools and even world-altering magic artifacts. They had everything at their peak: boundless knowledge, immense wealth, and powerful connections. Yet, their fortune turned when they touched the taboo that they shouldnt have, triggering a curse that led to the demise of many of its members. To make matters worse, they were branded as heretics, accused of serving an outer god, and subsequently hunted by the very Magus organizations that once held them in high esteem. Though these events unfolded ages ago and much of their history faded into obscurity, it was for a fact that the Faulkners remained a target to this day. Whether for their innate Artificer talents or their ancestral legacy, they continued to be hunted. The man before her, however, appeared indifferent about this revelation. So? he asked nonchalantly. Eleanor was speechless by his casual response and quickly pressed on, Are you not afraid about potential repercussions from the kingdom or the Arcane Radiance College for harboring me? Even though the kingdom or the academy didnt yet know her, this didnt mean that it would last forever. The inherent risk of her presence being discovered was ever-present. Even more so when she made no conscious effort to cover it up. Why should I? he asked matter-of-factly. See, establishing an academy here is tantamount to declaring war toward the existing academies, especially the Arcane Radiance College. Plus, my goal isnt merely occupying this territory; it is to become the best in the worldNo, in the entire universe. Become the best in the entire universe? The idea itself was preposterous, but in the face of the mans unwavering confidence, Eleanor found herself unable to muster even a hint of laughter. Heh, thats quite a tall order. It seems even more daunting than reviving my familys name So what? So what if it is? the man responded with undiminished confidence. Everyone is entitled to their dreams. Even your aspiration to restore your familys honor is valid and attainable with enough effort. Some might ridicule you, but Im not one of them. Just because your ancestors didnt achieve it doesnt mean you cant. As long as you follow me, I will ensure you reach your goal. Thats my responsibility as your sponsorno, as your patron. In that moment, Eleanor felt fully awake as her heart rate quickened. This awe-inspiring sensation was unlike anything she had ever experiencednot even the joy of creating her inventions could compare. She then made a silent vow to herself. She would dedicate herself to aiding him, to help him become the strongest, thereby paving the way for the resurrection of the once prestigious Faulkner lineage. *** Listening to Eleanors recount of her familys history, Victor was quite surprised. It finally clicked in his mind; no wonder the name Faulkner seemed to ring a bell. Even the Asteriscus Magus family had records of them, albeit not explicitly mentioning their name and the legacy they once held. Perhaps this kind of information was only available to larger Magus forces. Still, being a second-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte meant she knew that Victor wasnt an official Magus. While first-stage Initiate Attunement players wouldnt be able to gauge his mana fluctuation due to still being new to the concept of mana, that wasnt the case for her. Victor had managed to fool commoners because of their ignorance and inability to detect mana, but fooling a fellow acolyte was a different challenge altogether. To win her trust and completely bring her under his fold, Victor shared his ambitions with her. As nonsensical as it was to him, at this point, he was already used to bullshitting the players, so what difference would it make to bullshit one more person? You really are something else Eleanor chuckled, shaking her head with a wry smile. Alright! Ill commit to helping you then. As well you should, Lizbeth, still perched on his shoulder, chimed in with an unusual smugness in her tone. Mm, thats good. Victor nodded his head, inwardly praising himself for successfully fooling a local to help him in his cause. Since you are an acolyte as well, you must have realized that Im not yet an official Magus. Lets keep that between us. He put a finger on his chin and looked outside. These people may be my acolytes and subordinates, but it will cause an unnecessary uproar among them if they were to know. Gotcha! She responded with an enthusiastic thumbs-up. But whats your real name? Astralium just doesnt sit well for me. Lizbeth puffed up. Hey! You cant just Its Victor from the Asteriscus Magus family. You can call me Victor when its just us. It was indeed a bit awkward to be called by his moniker now and then, and he preferred his own name overall when dealing with those of equal status and people he could trust. Argh! Why would you tell her? Victor felt nonstop small jabs strike the back of his neck. Ignoring Lizbeths tantrum, Victor redirected the conversation. Liz, why dont you show Eleanor around and introduce her to her new workplace? Oh, now youre not ignoring me! Lizbeth puffed her cheeks before suddenly widening her eyes in shock as she came to a realization. Wait, you want me to be her guide? She stared at Eleanor as if looking at a freak before turning back at him to give him the stink-eye. Yes. Try to get along with her and use this opportunity to brief her on the academys current situation, and her role among the players. Victor used the term players freely because she wouldnt understand it anyway. Eleanor beamed at Lizbeth. Please treat me well, Miss Lizbeth! Lizbeth let out a resigned sigh, her demeanor softening slightly. Fine, fine. Just no hugs, alright! It appeared that hearing Eleanors story had made Lizbeth a bit more empathetic to her. Chapter 76: Obviously, the New NPC is Mine! After Lizbeth and Eleanor left his office, Victor found himself in deep contemplation over a variety of things. Now that a talented blacksmith NPC was in the bag, the academys development would only skyrocket. If he could secure a stable supply of materials, such as metal or even rarer stuff like magic metal and magical beast remains, he would be confident to face his former comrades and their army with the players. This would also enrich the players gameplay. Contemplating these prospects, Victor activated his Master Shadowlink Mark and opened the main page to see the academys progress so far. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 510 Academy Grade: Level 1 Total Acolytes: 96/100 Progression Value: 90/100 Just ten more progression value points, and the academy would level up. The quickest way to fill the quota was to complete the Farming Simulator chain mission. Therefore, he chose to increase the merit points for agricultural tasks to speed up the final step, which was planting the seeds. What would typically take two days, he hoped, could now be completed in just one. If all went as planned, the fruits of this labor would be evident by tomorrow night. Once the academy leveled up, he could roll out the next patch update right away. This also meant that he needed to finalize the details soon. He resolved to draft the update notes tonight, outlining the new features and contents. Victor exhaled softly as he realized something crucial. The most important thing is to increase my strength. If they are to show up before my breakthrough, it could spell disaster. On that note He deftly manipulated the holographic screen, bringing up a detailed display of his current status. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 231/231 Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (third level, 90%) Status: Healthy Strength: (25) Agility: (25) Vitality: (25) Magical Power: (34) Infused Mana (total): (225 231) Spell Repertoire: {Blink Step}, {Spatial Mirage}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave}, {Demonic Eye} Ten percent more At this rate, I should be able to touch the rank of Elemental Adept in three to four days at most Victor thought excitedly. And yet, what would happen once he reached the peak of the third-stage Initiate Attunement? Many acolytes found themselves trapped at this bottleneck, unable to progress further in their lives. While Victor had unlocked the secret of elemental fusion from the insight reward, the lack of a high-rank meditation technique made the advancement to the Elemental Adept rank significantly more challenging or just straight impossible. Shaking his head, he dismissed these worries for the moment. No point in dwelling on it now. Such challenges would be faced in due time. Realizing there were no pressing tasks for the rest of the day, Victor decided to focus on meditation, hoping to accelerate his progression. With a clear mind and a determined spirit, he settled into his meditative posture on his bed, channeling his mana to circulate the Myriad Elements Method. *** When the night came to envelop this world, the sun had just risen for the majority of the players back on Earth. In addition to the official website forum, which had become a hub for players and non-players to discuss the game, the Gamers Empire Discord server was also very lively. Although the game promotional manager, Cyber Warlock, hadnt been showing up in recent days, the topics in the group basically revolved around Magus Academy Online. At least in the morning. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Damn, today was a lot of fun! Exploring that village in the game was like nothing Ive ever done before. Wonder when well get to visit the place again MikeIsHandsome1000x: Totally! The three of us even had our own little adventure to mingle with the local NPCs while you three were accompanying the headmaster. All I can say is that this games attention to detail blows my mindfrom the ultra-realistic dialogues to even villagers playing flute music. Not to mention the high-quality graphics. Storm Bringer (Administrator): You guys and your adventures are making me green with envy. How can you brag so much and not feel bad? Im super jealous!A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Prominence (Administrator): +1 SuperNovaX (Moderator): +2 Several other lurking server members also jumped in to add their +1 to the conversation, with the count reaching +23. Clearly, the server was full of bored people, including those who couldnt yet join the game. Squadzell: And here I am, just listening to all of you having the time of your lives in the game, while I cant even get in. Dont have access yet. Feels bad, man. ini Prominence (Administrator): I can vouch that youve been with us since the beginning. Better luck next time, dude. Squadzell: :drowncat: :drowncat: :drowncat: Many server members responded to his lament with a flurry of sympathetic emojis, quickly racking up over a dozen. But his existence was soon forgotten by them like usual as the conversation shifted to the new NPC brought back by the headmaster and the six players. Prominence (Administrator): Say, the new NPC girl sure is charming and seems really lively. I caught a glimpse of her a few times and am liking her design and character. That being said, do you think there will be a new feature to date NPCs added to the game soon? Locktekei: Yeah! I was wondering about that too! ButaYaarou: Hmm, since the game is set in the medieval era (not sure), age of consent shouldnt be a thing yet, right? Can I finally date my waifus, Klee and Diona? SirLaughsALot: Hello, FBI. Yes, I was the one who contacted you previously. The criminal you are looking for is here with me. Please come quickly. Nevertheless, the idea of being able to date NPCs garnered the attention of the players. Some even jokingly claimed that the new NPC was theirs to take. ThunderLord999: All joking aside, the new NPC looks like a blacksmith. I think that this will improve the gameplay since we will have a constant supply of quality tools. Heck, we might even be able to buy weapons with merit points. No matter how skilled Thunder was at crafting weapons, he was no blacksmith. It would have been different if a player with a blacksmith profession existed in real life, but such an ability is exceedingly rare nowadays. ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Oh yeah, this reminds me about a certain thread on the forum by a famous critic. Storm, have you read it? His conjecture is pretty similar to yours, but he isnt even on our server, nor does he have access to the game yet. Its the one written by Black Rabbit I mean, KuroUsagi. Prominence (Administrator): For some reason, the mention of black rabbit reminds me of a certain magazine. #iykwim (? ?? ?) ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Sheesh. Stop with your dirty mind, or Ill have to mute you. Prominence (Administrator): Oops. Sorry, boss. ?? Storm Bringer (Administrator): I read his post. That guy is a well-known game critic with a big following. Unlike me, whos just a streamer, hes a true reviewer. Still, Im not going to lose to him in this game since Ill have the upper hand! MikeIsHandsome1000x: Whoa! Are we going to witness an epic battle between two masters? SuperNovaX (Moderator): Has a worthy opponent finally arrived? Is this the comeback for our reviewer, Storm? ZeroXScyth (Server Owner): Are you confident about this? Storm Bringer (Administrator): Hehe. He may be an experienced critic, but I have something that he doesnt: direct access to the game. Ive got a real edge with firsthand info, even though Ive been away for the past few days. Compared to him with his secondhand information, Im not even worried. Storm then moved to the MAGUS ACADEMY ONLINE category of the server, more precisely the game-reviews channel within it, to type his newfound insights of the game. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Yooo! Its been a while since Ive written a noteworthy analysis of the game. Well, buckle up because your favorite reviewer is back with some fresh takes! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): First off, I have to praise the developers for the stellar foreshadowing of an upcoming update and the extent that the current Alpha version 0.2 update covers. Its clear that theyve put in serious thought and effort towards elevating this game to new heights! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): The content of this update is far more than an invasion of arachnid monsters and quality-of-life changes. Were talking about a whole new settlement, new magical beast models, larger maps, etc. The content is far more abundant than I thought before! The devs must be brewing some epic stuff behind the scenes for us with all this being set up, even if I found it rather strange for a typical MMORPG game. But what can I say? This one is an outlier among others in a good way! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Take the new settlement, Thornwood Village, for instance. Please note that while I was suffering from resurrection cooldown, my trusty friends sent me their footage. And wow, when I watched the recordings for the first time, I was impressed by the games official art design. That kind of immersive feeling is difficult to describe in words; from the authentic rural architecture to the detailed texture of the clothing on different NPCs, I can see traces of hard work and attention to detail everywhere! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): In addition, we encountered an even more interesting supernatural phenomenon system when returning from the village. This is totally different compared to facing off against magical beasts like the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids. Throwing normal spells and physical attacks just wont cut it. I always thought that magical beasts alone were already terrifying, but I didnt expect there to be something that beats it by leaps and bounds. Storm Bringer (Acolyte): All I have to say is that our headmaster is worthy of being the leader of the academy, and his response to such a situation is simply insane. A single spell from him dispersed the phenomenon, saving the players. Man, I wish I couldve been there to witness it firsthand and really take in the scene, but alas Storm Bringer (Acolyte): Aside from that, the most surprising thing for me is that the new NPC helped by using a mysterious magic tool. With this much information, I can deduce that she is a very special NPC like the headmaster and will bring us more new ways to play, such as weapon crafting, even more side plots, and much more! This is truly something to be anticipated! Storm Bringer (Acolyte): I was going to add more insights about the recent missions and such, but Ill save them for a post on the official website forum. Gotta spread the word and make up for lost time. See you there, folks! And thus, he switched to the official forum to copy what he posted here and continue writing. Chapter 77: Leveling Up the Academy Grade Victor leisurely sipped on infused water while browsing through the internet. It had been a day since the players returned from the village, and the official website forum was already filled with threads talking about it and the new NPC. Lizbeth, who was floating in a sitting position near his cup, had told him about this. Master, this infused water doesnt have any taste. The fairy stuck out her tongue. Although Victor didnt respond, he couldnt help but agree. Perhaps there was a need to gather tea leaves and some berries and oranges, especially lemons, to make better beverages. Looking back at the screen, at the top of a long list of posts, there were two that stood out. These were the ones written by none other than Storm Bringer and KuroUsagi, which started gaining traction last night. Victor noticed that Storms post was only five minutes earlier than KuroUsagis. It was clear that the two were competing for online attention. Despite this, both were as good at summarizing as always, and their posts were the most popular in the forum. If it werent for the reality of this game world, Victor may have considered bringing them onboard as planners in the nonexistent development team. The first post that he delved into was written by KuroUsagi. Intriguingly, the content of his post was a follow-up to his previous conjecture, which was proven to be true. Other than that, he focused on the possibility of another profession being added soon. Currently, the game recognizes two low-threshold and high-return ways to earn merit points: manual labor such as farming and tree-cutting, and hunting. The former has a stable income and can be operated by a single person but is ultimately capped at a maximum of one hundred merit points daily. The latters only becoming popular in recent days, but it will require you to be a first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte and couldnt be done alone, at least from the data that I gathered here on the forum. This brings me to my main point. At the moment, merit points are the only currency for players, but I dont think we will be able to use them to trade with the NPCs outside the academy. According to my research, trading is going to be a major gameplay feature in the future that can compete with the two options I mentioned above. Now, I cant guarantee this since Im not the developer. However, the recent village expedition gave us a hint that trading is a thing, and it uses a different form of currency. If its ever going to be implemented in the game, then its to use the same currency. For now, even domestic trading is still incomplete. But isnt it interesting to envision a balance between production, import-export, tariffs, and price dynamics in the future? Letting the players trade with other NPCs is something the development team should consider! Of course, if the server CPU allows it, that is. Speaking of which, Im excited to announce that Ill be joining the game soon! Just got my gaming capsule delivered. You know, I always thought those tales about a masked delivery guy were just a myth, but I couldnt be more wrong. Anyway, thats all from me for now. Cant wait to see you all in the game! Victor reached the end of the post and clicked the like button but refrained from commenting. Interestingly, this final remark about joining the game sparked more attention than the detailed analysis, with many expressing their envy and desire to gain access. Still, the way that he envisioned the economy was interesting, but it was of little significance at this stage. From a game development and player standpoint, the ideas were innovative and added depth to the gameplay. But as the headmaster of the academy, it was a different story. In his view, everything within the academy, including the players bodies, belonged to him. Why should he let them do business with his neighbors using his things? Unless they were trading on behalf of the academy and could do it better than him, Victor wouldnt let them. But for such a trading system to work, it would require individuals with a deep understanding of the game worlds economy. Even Victor wasnt completely insusceptible to making a bad trade; after all, he was a Magus and not a merchant. Even his past life experience wouldnt help in this matter. As for players going freely to the village to trade without his authorization, Victor wasnt worried in the slightest. Not only was the journey fraught with dangers, but the villages location also remained a closely guarded secret, known only to the six players who might not fully recall the route. Should anyone manage to reach the village by sheer luck, Victor could always disconnect them from the game and tell them, with his role as the game manager, that venturing into the village without an NPCs guidance was not an intended part of the gameplay experience at this stage. Pfft, they really think they can just use your stuff for their own gain. These players have some nerve, dont they? Lizbeth could barely hold down a giggle. Well, to be fair, there are and will be instances where players have the right to own things, such as through hunting or dungeon diving, Victor explained. The existing system wouldnt last forever, and it would evolve over time and accommodate more player autonomy. Magus academies traditionally operated on a similar principle. While they didnt claim the treasure their acolytes acquired during their world explorations on the surface, they also didnt provide resources without some form of contribution from the acolytes. This was what Victor envisioned as well, for players to be able to trade among themselves and even sell items to the academy. However, the current lack of hard currency left him reliant on merit points to maintain the status quo. What was more, there was the issue of not having anyone to manage the store. Perhaps he should assign SuperNovaX, who already managed the warehouse, and a few other players to take on the role of a temporary warehouse keeper. His primary duty would be to process the players acquisitions. Of course, it would still function as part of a mission-based system. This arrangement would continue until Victor could find a reliable individual to become an NPC.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Funnily enough, some of the commenters actually proposed selling modern products to the local NPCs. Suggestions like soda, matches, and other simple everyday tools were mentioned here, and they seemed like viable options. However, Victor didnt care about such small-scale ventures, so he would leave these entrepreneurial ventures to the players. Curious for Storms take, he turned his attention to his post next. Compared to KuroUsagi, Storms analysis focused on the recent village expedition and the introduction of the new NPC. More intriguingly, Storm pointed out something interesting in the latter half of his post: Id been mulling over this since the arachnid invasion, but I wasnt quite sure until now. Remember when we were building the earthen wall? The headmaster had us all focused on the task. There was nothing unusual there, but out of the blue last night, the merit point reward for farming activities shot up by 50 percent. That''s a whopping 1.5 times the normal rate! This leads me to believe that the academy will periodically prioritize certain tasks, such as during the invasion. In the past, wed get direct instructions from the headmaster or the assistant fairy on what to focus on. But now, it seems theyre nudging us in the right direction by bumping up the rewards. This approach is brilliant, and its great for us players. It not only incentivizes us but also boosts motivation and streamlines player coordination. Anyway, I think that this is great thinking from the developers. Either that or the AI for the NPCs is just that incredibly advanced. Whoops. Well, if I say that the NPC you are talking about is the game developer himself, would you believe me? Victor secretly questioned in his heart. That said, he had to admit that this old online friend of his had a knack for piecing together accurate theories. Once the number of players increased, it would become more burdensome to micromanage them all. Increasing the reward, therefore, would make them focus on that certain project. The last thing I want to discuss is the virtual shop. As time passed, the repertoire of available spells increased. Right now, we have spells like {Earth Weaver} for construction work and {Verdant Surge} for plant growth, among others more suited to life skills. I havent personally tried these spells, given my unfortunate aptitude, and the recent death makes it even harder for me to catch up. Still, this addition is a boon for players who prefer non-combat roles. They can now opt for life-skill-oriented spells instead of the usual offensive ones. Its still unclear how this will affect merit point earnings, but time will tell as players start experimenting. Guess that concludes my thoughts for now. Thank you for reading, and dont forget to smash that like button! Reading all of this, Victor couldnt help but silently applaud. Aside from the first half, which talked about the possibility of dating NPCs, the second half was pretty good. Heh, as expected of me for recruiting these two people into the game. Can you stop with that creepy grin? Its a bit unnerving, you know, remarked the fairy with a slight shiver. What? Im just thinking about the great days to come. Victor diverted the conversation. Speaking of which, hows Eleanor settling in? Shes fitting in quite well and already collaborating with the players, Lizbeth replied, a small smile playing on her lips. Though shes getting a lot of visits from curious players. Fortunately, they were tactful and didnt bother her too much. Thats great to hear. Although, Lizbeth had her two fingers on her chin as she turned her head and said, she did have a message for you. She asked, Am I expected to work with just the floor as my anvil? She mimicked Eleanors mannerisms as she relayed the complaint. It turns out an anvil is not the only thing thats missing in the blacksmith workshoptheres no charcoal or coal either. Ah, that slipped my mind, Victor admitted. Could you have the players send some charcoal to her? There should be plenty because of the charred forest. And for the anvil, just provide her with raw iron and iron ore. She should be able to craft one herself. Already done. She puffed out her chest as though expecting that he would ask that. Good, good. Victor was quite surprised to see that she took the initiative here but did not say anything further. As he gazed out the window, Victor found himself wondering about Lumen. She had gone hunting magical beasts in the forest yesterday and hadnt returned yet. *** [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You and your players have sown a six-hectare field and filled it with life.] [The reward (20 progression value points) has been issued.] [Congratulations, the academy grade has leveled up to level 2!] [Requirement for total acolytes and progression value point have expanded to 250.] [Magic Botanical Garden is now available.] At long last! After almost a whole month, the academy grade is now at level two! Victor cheered, the sudden outburst almost making him jump from his seat and startling Lizbeth in the process. One day had passed, and the sunlight was almost gone; it took that long to plant the seeds, even with so many players working in tandem. Sheesh! Master, you need to take it down a notch! Lizbeths tone was annoyed, but she couldnt conceal her joy as well. How can I calm down? Weve got a new system building to explore, and I cant wait to see it! Despite what he said, Victor opened the main tab of the System. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 510 Academy Grade: Level 2 Total Acolytes: 104/250 Progression Value: 110/250 Level 1 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, 1:1 time Level 2 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, 1:1 time Level 3 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, 2:1 time Level 4 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, 2:1 time Previously, he couldnt see what would come at level four and above, but now there was more information and a pattern that he could deduce. While nothing immediately groundbreaking appeared, there would likely be more intriguing features accessible as the academys grade level increased. One notable example was the next level, wherein he could supposedly manipulate the time differential between the two worlds to a 2:1 ratio. Strange as it might be. Hmm?! A holographic screen suddenly materialized in front of him, causing Victor to instinctively recoil. Chapter 78: Magic Botanical Garden [Magic Botanical Garden is available to be constructed.] [Please select a location on the map to place the building.] Wait, so I can actually choose where to place it? Victor had assumed it would appear out of nowhere, just like the Nexus Tower, but it seemed that his assumption was wrong. Yep! she affirmed with a cocky smile. You can place new System buildings wherever you want within the academy proper. In fact, you can spend some AP to reposition them if you change your mind. Neat. Huh, how come you never told me that? He raised an eyebrow at Lizbeth. She replied with a casual shrug. Well, my memory about this only resurfaced now. The leveling up of the academy must have triggered it. How strange. Victor recalled her mentioning becoming stronger as the academy progressed, so he decided to ask about it indirectly. Are you feeling anything different, like getting a third eye or growing more limbs? Hey! Im a fairy, not a monster! Lizbeth kicked the air irritably. If you are asking if Im getting stronger or not, well, I dont know. At least, I dont feel much change, maybe because its subtle or its progressing slowly rather than instantly. I see. Whatever the case, it was time to get down to business. Victor selected the option to proceed with the placement and opened the 3D holographic map. He had planned the academys layout with this a long time ago. South of the Headmasters Building was marked for player dormitories. The southwest was designated as an industrial zone where all sorts of workshops would be located. To the west, he reserved space for additional System buildings that might be introduced in the future. The northern part was planned for the residences of future mentors and staff. Lastly, the east was dedicated to the agricultural area. With the increase in population, the Headmasters Building alone wouldnt be able to house them all. Some kind of measure would have to be taken to solve this. Still, with this configuration, the perfect place to put down the Magic Botanical Garden would be The east, Victor mused, his eyes setting on a certain spot. There was empty space between the agricultural area and the main building. Other than the public bath, which was placed further toward the south, there was not much else. Furthermore, he could centralize plant-related facilities over there. Victor selected a spot about one hundred meters from the main building and tapped the holographic map to place down the Magic Botanical Garden. Then, he rushed toward the east-facing window outside his office to witness the creation process with Lizbeth in tow. To his astonishment, the construction process was not the instantaneous event he had anticipated. Instead, a luminous white circular magic formation began to emerge from the ground, its glow intensifying against the evening sky. Even with more than half the player base offline at this hour, those still in the game and near the site were sure to notice this spectacle. True enough, when Victor came down and made his way to the site, a group of about a dozen players had already congregated. From their stupid expressions, it was clear that this had shocked them silly. What the fu! What is this building?! It looks like a greenhouse How does a building just pop up out of thin air? Is this part of an update? Why wasnt there any announcement? Indeed. Victor hadnt kicked these players out when placing the System building down because there was no reason to. Even if they witnessed this scene, they would take it as an ongoing update or something, and he could just say it like that. Anyway, he would post an update notice after he checked this place out. Seeing that the players were eager to explore inside, Victor had to tell them to wait until he came out, to which they reluctantly agreed. The Magic Botanical Gardens shape was like a ten-meter-tall greenhouse situated atop a raised stone platform with steps leading to it. From the front, the building was like a large, open book made from translucent glass panels tinted in soft shades of blue and green and a metal framework. Its most distinct part was the pointed arches and a series of gabled roof sections. The design was intricate and ornate, sure to easily captivate any onlookers.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Victor climbed up the steps and got inside the building. But the moment he stepped in, he felt something strange. The air inside was rich with Cosmo elemental particlessomething he didnt know the cause of, as all he could see inside were stretches of bare dirt, bordered by stone barriers along the brick floor. Everything else seemed normal other than these few details Lizbeth. Victors voice quivered slightly as he gazed ahead and stopped in his tracks. Yeah? the fairy answered, floating beside him. He pointed at a colossal twenty-meter-tall tree at the heart of the greenhouse, its trunk and branches shimmering like molten silver. That tree Is it really what I think it is? Its leaves radiated a gentle luminescence akin to a night sky strewn with stars. Seems so. Its a mana crystal-producing magical tree, Master. Dont you know that? Hehe. Her giggle was light, teasing him as if he were a dummy. Of course, I know that. No, screw it. Victor had no time to argue with this sassy fairy and questioned. How is it even possible for it to fit inside this greenhouse? It finally came to his attentionthe interior was inexplicably larger than the buildings external dimensions, at least by two to three times. Perhaps this was the reason for the high concentration of Cosmo elemental particles. I dunno. She shrugged nonchalantly. You probably understand it better than I do. What a useless fairy, Victor thought in irritation. She was almost always clueless about such matters. In what way was she different from a decorative, floating rubber duck? As he approached the majestic tree, he finally recognized what it was. Legends said that this ancient tree was one of the rarest kinds of mana crystal-producing trees because it absorbed the energy drifting through space and the pure essence carried by starlight, which was one of the purest forms of energy, to form its mana crystal pool. Right, the name of the tree was Starlight Absorbing Tree. It had to be said that most magical trees always produced their mana crystal pool mostly from the impure mana that, at its root, originated from the Primordial Nexus. Rarely did any magical trees absorb mana from anywhere else. That was why the one owned by the Arcane Radiance College paled in comparison to this. Is the previous headmaster out of their mind?! Victors face contorted in a grimace. While the tree was undoubtedly a magnificent and priceless treasure, it was practically worthless to him at his current level of magic proficiency. To do it properly, hed need to either become an official Magus or have a deep understanding of botany. And there was a bigger problem: If the presence of this tree became known to powerful Magi or the kingdom at large, it would surely cause a conflict. They would spare no expense to snatch it. Just then, a rustle from above caught Victors attention. From the dense foliage, a small green creature tumbled down, landing softly near his feet. Adorned with a mushroom-shaped hat featuring ornate patterns, it was both strange and oddly endearing. In a melodic tone, the creature introduced itself. Greetings, Master! I am the overseer of the Magic Botanical Garden. What brings you here? Its tiny, glowing eyes peered intently at Victor as if awaiting his response. Victor, half-joking, turned to Lizbeth. Lizbeth. Is this one of your relatives? He really had no idea what this creature was. It should be a mythical creature just like Lizbeth, a fairy, and not a simple magical beast. Hey! Hows that sprite related to me, huh?! Lizbeth retorted. Indeed, Miss Small Floaty speaks the truth. It noddedmore like bobbed up and downits small head. I am a sprite, not of her kin. This sprites name is Lumispora. Lizbeth bristled. Small Floaty? Really now? Ahem. So, can you enlighten us about this place? Yes, Master! The sprite that called itself Lumispora proceeded to enthusiastically elaborate on this place, down to its last detail. The clear, concise way that it explained things put Lizbeths usual way to shame, though her expression remained unchanged. It appeared that this tree was no ordinary Starlight Absorbing Tree. Firstly, it was still in its growth phase, meaning its mana crystal production was limited; it could only yield around ten novice-grade crystals daily. Higher-grade mana crystals were out of the question, at least for now. Secondly, akin to the Nexus Beacon, this tree also had the unique ability to produce almost any type of magical seed, available for purchase with academy points in the System shop. What an intriguing detail. Victor stroked his chin thoughtfully and summoned the holographic screen to access the System shop. There, on the blue screen, was a new section leading to a seemingly endless list of seeds. It wasnt there previously, and Victor was sure of it. In any case, there were many kinds of interesting magical plants that could be cultivated easily, even by those with limited botanical knowledge. Some of these plants could even serve as offensive tools against foes. These were the few that stood out to him: Inferno Bloom Seeds These seeds grow into the fiery Inferno Bloomsplants with deep crimson petals that radiate intense heat. Once matured, they can unleash bursts of flame, serving as natural defenses against intruders. Ideal for creating a protective barrier around fortresses or valuable areas. Cost: 20 AP Mystic Bamboo Seeds Mystic Bamboo is an extremely quick-growing plant that forms into almost indestructible thickets. The bamboo can be harvested and used to create magic weapons or impenetrable barriers, making it valuable for both offensive and defensive purposes. Cost: 20 AP Starfruit Sapling Seeds These saplings grow into trees that bear the coveted Starfruits that can restore lost mana and magical energy. Consuming a Starfruit can rejuvenate a weary mage or enhance magical abilities for a short period. Cost: 10 AP Elixvine Seeds These plants are prized for their ability to grow medicinal berries at an accelerated rate, which can be processed into healing potions or salves. Cost: 10 AP Victor couldnt see the end of the choices here. But one thing was certain: So long as he was willing to spend some AP, he could have a land full of precious magical plantseach one an endless money-making machine! Chapter 79: Alpha Version 0.3 Update: New Dungeon Area Hmm, lets purchase some seeds to test it out first, then. He decided to go ahead and buy a few, and this greenhouse just happened to be the perfect spot for planting. But before that, to gauge how much hed receive from a single purchase, Victor bought one exchange of Starfruit Sapling Seeds. Remarkably, as he did so, the Starlight Absorbing Tree shimmered even more intensely, drawing energy from the night sky. A plant bud swiftly emerged, grew, and blossomed into a cluster of star-like seeds. Victor collected them and estimated that he could cultivate at least six Starfruit Saplings. If he was being stingy, he could cultivate one for every seed, which would equate to at least a dozen, but a denser planting strategy could potentially yield better growth results. He then walked toward the closest patch of bare soil to plant them. He was by no means an expert when it came to botany, so he asked Lumispora some questions regarding how to care for the plants as he buried the seeds. I will oversee their growth and take care of them, Master! Once they bear fruits, I will inform you, Lumispora chirped, dancing joyfully around the sown seeds. Some of the magical plants, much like the first two options, could thrive even in the most treacherous of environments, while others necessitated special care. But it seemed Lumispora, the sprite overseer, would be here to handle everything. Thats reassuring. Victor nodded in satisfaction. The intricacies of cultivating magical plants like the Starfruit Sapling were beyond his expertise, but fortunately, he didnt need to concern himself with those details, so to speak. Master, you can also spend academy points to expand the interior of the Magic Botanical Garden. Doing so will even accelerate the growth of the Starlight Absorbing Tree, Lumispora added with a melodious voice. Oh? Victor turned back toward the holographic screen and found out that he could upgrade the Magic Botanical Garden. There were precisely five levels of enhancement available. Magic Botanical Garden Level 1 (Default Level) Magic Botanical Garden Level 2 Cost: 1,000 AP Magic Botanical Garden Level 3 Cost: 10,000 AP Dang! Its so expensive! And the cost increases tenfold for every level! Does that mean it will cost 1,000,000 AP for level 5? Victor could feel his eyebrows twitching. Even the most generous missions so far paled in comparison. He would wither away to skin and bones before he could unlock the last level. That said, the benefits given for each upgrade were tremendous. The land expansion aside, each level provided significant growth acceleration. Even a modest 10 percent boost would have a significant, cumulative impact over time. For the moment, Victor shelved the idea of further upgrades since he didnt need it right now and didnt have the AP anyway. Well, thats enough for this System building for now. Lets head back, he decided. Just then, Lizbeths voice called out for him. Master, the fairy said, hovering next to the Starlight Absorbing Tree. You have to come and see this! Victor approached curiously, only to discover golden writing etched onto the tree. It was a tiny inscription, so small and discreet that one would miss it without a meticulous examination of the tree. But as soon as he tried to read it An intense headache suddenly struck, prompting Victor to pinch his temple in discomfort. Agh! Not again! he groaned. It was another magic transmission, just like the one he experienced when accessing the interspatial ring for the first time. Youre here already? Well then, congratulations are in order! Back when I was mingling with the mortals on Earth, the world was in the midst of a world war. They operated flying machines, the likes of which were similar in shape to the dirigible and magic airships used by Magi but different in how they operated. Later, they even crafted a weapon of mass destruction capable of annihilating their entire civilization.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Why am I sharing this, you wonder? The thing is, during my decades-long stay, I was captivated by how those mortals ingeniously developed computing machines entirely devoid of magical aid. That is the start of Ah, I shouldnt spill the beans just yet. Just a heads-up: dont be taken aback by an easter egg in the next batch of players. Toodle-oo! What do you mean by an easter egg in the next batch?! As if I didnt already have enough on my plate. Sheesh. Master, are you okay? Lizbeth asked in a concerned tone. Its nothing. He reassured her with a dismissive gesture. Lets head back first. Theres a lot to think about. Goodbye, Master! Lumispora said, cheerfully bouncing in place, which seemed to be its way of waving farewell. Acknowledging Lumispora with a nod, Victor made his way outside, where, to his surprise, more players had gathered. Knowing he needed to log them out for the next phase of his plan, he launched into a speech he had prepared for times like this. Tonight, monumental changes are upon us. You, acolytes, should take this chance to rest and meditate for the rest of the night, he announced authoritatively. Anyone who refuses to comply will be met with strict punishment and be forced to sleep for a prolonged period. Contrary to his stern warning, the players were hypedtheir eyes alight with anticipation. Ooh! It really is an update! one player exclaimed. Woohoo! Another raised his arms and cheered. But there was also an exception to this, as a certain male player hesitated. Uh, I dont want to log out yet. I work night shifts, so I only just started playing. Stupid. What if theres a bug or a glitch that traps you in a rock or something? It might even kill you on the spot! Yes. Furthermore, the headmaster will punish those who disobey, you know. You shouldnt take the risk. But I want to No buts. Cmon, lets switch to Discord. Maybe some Valorant? Victor held back a chuckle as he guided the players to their rooms. Once they were settled, he retreated to his office to muse about the next update: Alpha Version 0.3. *** Official website: Magus Academy Online Testing Server Alpha Version 0.3 Update Announcement Major Update:
  1. New Dungeon Clearing Area Come and behold! The new update is now online with a new and exciting addition from the previous content update. There will be a new pseudo-dungeon area called the Arachnid Cavern where players can hunt Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids and prevent them from striking back at the academy.
  2. New Party System To assist with the dungeon clearing, players can now form parties of up to five members. Now, you and your friends can officially join to do a joint mission together!
  3. New In-Game Missions and Rewards Players now have access to special extermination and dungeon-resource-gathering missions. The dungeon is filled with rare resources such as spider silk and eggs. To join the dungeon clearing, players have to be at least the first-stage Initiate Attunement or have a party of four other first-stage Initiate Attunement players.
  4. New Chat Feature It is now possible to chat with your friends over long distances via the Shadowlink Marks. Please note that it currently doesnt support voice and video calls, which are planned for future updates.
  5. New In-Game Map To help players navigate the large map of the game, a new in-game map feature will be added to the game. Players can now see locations of points of interest and living beings on the map. Please be aware that some creatures may not be visible from the map.
  1. New Blacksmith NPC You have seen it, and we know it. The new cheeky and pretty NPC is here to help arm the players to face the hidden perils that will face them deep in the forest. Players can visit her in the morning to purchase weapons and armor with merit points, but please dont bother her when shes working in the smithy.
  1. Increase in Total Quota for Applicants and Opening up of Other Regions The quota for closed-alpha players has been increased to 200 or more. Not only that, now applicants from other countries can join in on the fun and become players of Magus Academy Online.
  1. New Building: Magic Botanical Garden This new building is a magic greenhouse filled with all sorts of magical plants. Currently, it doesnt serve any direct purpose for the players, but it will become more relevant as the game progresses.
Optimization:
  1. New Magical Beast Models With the expansion of the map, more ferocious and realistic magical beasts will be added to the game.
  1. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Our team has been hard at work weaving away any pesky bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the game. Your experience in Magus Academy Online will now be smoother and more enjoyable than ever.
Other Changes:
  1. Adding a Formal Binding Contract Closed-alpha players are now obligated to sign an official agreement. This is required so that players can enjoy the best we can offer for the game and maximize the experience.
  1. Update on the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Guidelines In response to the added features and increasing number of players, the guidelines are revised to version 3.0 to incorporate new rules. For players who have obtained the test qualification, please check it out in time to avoid a poor gaming experience.
The Arachnid Invasion event update has officially ended. The Arachnid Disaster Survivor title has been issued to more than 100 eligible closed-alpha players, while the Arachnid Disaster Hero title has been given to exactly 23 worthy individuals. Their IDs will be included in the Hall of Fame for everyone to see. Congratulations to those who earned any of the titles! Please note that the server update will occur from 12:00 EST until 18:00 EST, and you wont be able to log in during that period of time. This is a major update, and we appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to refine and expand the world of Magus Academy Online. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements in the world of Magus Academy Online! Chapter 80 I Love This Big Update! This time, the update was packed with content, and Victor felt it was important to discuss it with the players. He was concerned they might perceive his silence as a lack of diligence in his role as the games promotional manager. Following the announcement, he promptly posted the edited dev diary in the forum thread and pinned the posts for easy access. Dev Diary #2: Alpha Version 0.3 Hello, hello! It is I, your dearest promotional manager here! Apologies for the delay in the update this time around. Our CEO was rather irked by the postponement, so we had to light a fire under our technical team and programmers, ahem, not literally, ahem, to get this out on time. And now, ladies and gentlemen! Our server is officially open to people outside the US. Excited? Thrilled? Of course you are! I am also excited about this news. People around the globe have been sending me DMs and asking when their regions will get access. Well, no more sulking or thumb-sucking in the corneryou now have the chance to be selected and be a part of this incredible journey! All right, thats enough attention for them. The biggest changes in this version update are mainly the introduction of a new dungeon area and a party system that comes with it. This is the first dungeon in the game, so the difficulty level will be adjusted to the current state of the players. But dont think you can just waltz in there in your underwear; there are some ground rules. Weve implemented restricted access to the new dungeon with our latest introduction: the party system. In order to enter a dungeon, youll need to gather four friends to form a party of five. Remember, while it is possible to form a party without being a true acolyte, to undertake this special mission, each member, or at least four in your party, must have achieved first-stage Initiate Attunement. This also helps prevent issues like players stealing loot from each other, a key consideration in this decision. Of course, with stringent conditions and tough challenges came a generous reward. We assure you, the players, will be satisfied with what the headmaster of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi offers in exchange for the monster loot. It will be well worth your efforts. Be sure to check out the details when you log back into the game. With the party system in place, we also thought it apt to introduce an in-game chat feature to streamline communication. As long as youre within the academys signal coverage, you can chat with your friends and party members through the Shadowlink Marks. However, due to technical hurdles, voice chat and video calls are still under development, so we ask for your patience a little longer. Next, I want to talk about the map feature. The Shadowlink Marks magic mapping function can pinpoint nearby obstacles and walls with precision, uploading this data to the academys magic database for you. Even if you have a terrible sense of direction, you will still be able to find your way home. No more worrying your mom about getting lost in the wild! Now, lets talk about something many of you have been eagerly waiting fora brand new NPC! Yes, the academy is expanding beyond just our reliable headmaster and his charming little fairy assistant. Meet Eleanor, an Artificer and the head of the blacksmith workshop. Players can now exchange merit points for top-tier weapons and equipment, and possibly even magic tools in the near future! You can expect more and more NPCs to join the academy and fill out various roles as the storyline progresses. So, players, stay active and make the most of these opportunities. Be that as it may, weve noticed some players are active during both day and night. I want to reiterate that we are a serious company, and Magus Academy Online is designed as a relaxed, casual game. We do not support excessive gaming or encourage AFK behavior. We urge you to manage your playtime responsibly, maintain a balanced schedule, and allocate your gaming hours sensibly. Next up, some of you might have noticed a new structure to the east of the academy grounds. It is called the Magic Botanical Garden and is set to be an important asset of the academy in the future. Currently, players cannot enter, but this could change in the future. Keep an eye out for this and many more buildings set to appear as we progress. Last but not least, I want to mention that we are adding an obligatory formal agreement for closed-alpha players. Now, we are not one of those companies that impose NDAs, as we aim for maximum transparency and wish to share our games development with as many people as possible. However, this formal agreement is essential to establishing clear guidelines and expectations. It ensures that all players understand their roles in this testing phase and helps us maintain a fair, respectful gaming environment for everyone involved. This agreement also serves to protect the integrity of the game and provide a framework for feedback and bug reporting.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Rest assured, your gameplay will not change, so you can relax and enjoy the game as usual. I hope you understand our changes, and we appreciate your support and enthusiasm. On that note, with the ever-expanding game world, we are updating the in-game guidelines to version 3.0. Players, please make sure to check them out on the official website to get the best experience in gaming. I guess this is it for the second installment of the dev diary. Theres so much more Id like to share, but anything further would be redundant. I hope you like this exciting new update. Happy gaming! Victor tapped his holographic screen, confirming the upload. Done! He stretched, pushing away from his desk and standing to gaze out the window. The academy was eerily quiet with the players gone... The addition of the formal agreement was, first and foremost, to lend credibility on a broader scale. It also provided a means to exert some control over the players on Earth, despite its current lack of legal enforcement. Still, all these concerns would be taken care of once that certain sponsor came on board as a shareholder of his fictional company. As for the possibility of other people or companies trying to replicate his game? Yeah, good luck on that. Turning back to the screen, he noticed the announcement thread was already bustling with comments. ProcrastinatingPanda: First! Thank you for the update! FrostByte: Oh Heaven, this update is even bigger than Alpha Version 0.2! Eclipse_Knight101: Are the devs on steroids? EmoDamage: Finally! The servers finally open to everyone worldwide! But dang, one hundred quotas is far from enough! Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Wait, casual?! Can someone pinch me? I think my eyes are playing tricks on me. SlavingOnTheConstructionSite: No excessive gaming?! Pfft. My in-game hands are practically blistering already. Stickman_Just_Passing: Cyber is lying! Liar detected! Frankly, despite the existence of mental shielding to prevent players from feeling too monotone, Victor suspected there was more at play. Well, players had the freedom to switch jobs if they grew bored with one. In fact, they could simply accumulate one thousand merit points and then idle away until they advanced to the first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. Ultimately, the choice was in their hands. Storm Bringer: This update is insane! Loving the new dungeon and party system; theres so much potential that can be explored. It also gives us a solid goal. Now, if only they would add items in the shop to speed up meditation progression. Prominence: Yeah, you could use that help, or else youll always be our little burden. (? ?? ?) Storm Bringer: Hey, shut it! Squadzell: I just realized something. Wont this update make it more impossible for me to get access? QAQ But not everyone was excited about this update. Some were still vehement about exposing what they believed to be the true agenda of his game and company. I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla: Ha! Theyre finally showing their true colors. I told you so. Maintain a fair, respectful gaming environment for everyone involved my ass. This formal agreement must be a scheme to swindle money out of you unknowingly. If you still have some sense, dont take their words at face value! MikeIsHandsome1000x: Tsk-tsk. Some people can really deceive themselves. ThunderLord999: Just let the clown fool himself. Watching these exchanges, Victor felt a fleeting urge to quash the skepticism by granting the naysayer closed-alpha access. So tempting However, he was able to hold back. He had to be selective with who he let in the game. Even if the obnoxious guy got access, there was no guarantee that he would become silent or even comply with the rules. Trolls would always be trolls. Moreover, it was entertaining to watch someone take on the role of a clown as the game evolved into a significant platform that could potentially transform people''s lives. Victor was no stranger to such a concept, as he had read many VR novels in his past life. He closed the holographic screen and thought for a while. The comments on the update made him think of some possible improvements Liz, could you ask Eleanor to come here? Victor requested, watching the fairy engrossed in browsing the internet on the table. Eleanor was a workaholicthat much was obvious. Since her arrival at the blacksmith workshop, she had not stepped out even for a minute, despite Victor having prepared a room for her in the Headmasters Building. He had been curious about it, and when he checked, she was fervently stockpiling iron ingots and crafting weapon molds, completely immersed in her work. She was truly giving it her all, unlike a certain someone Sure She turned off her screen and closed her eyes; it appeared that she had wised up to using her hologram to interact with Eleanor, avoiding the risk of getting hugged to death. Done. Shell be here shortly, but shes sweating buckets. I see I wonder what she would do when natures calling if she stayed cooped up in there By the way, the fairy added with a twinkle in her eyes, Ive completed the program for the meditation technique. Though, its not of much use without data for training or a computer powerful enough to run it. Hehe. Well, that wont be for long. Chapter 81: Bought Until Sold Out Now that the academy was self-sufficient in producing mana crystals, Victor pondered over how to use the surplus. Ten novice-grade mana crystals per day were more than he needed. Selling half to the players for two hundred merit points each seemed to be a feasible idea to enhance their progression and strengthen them more quickly. Resolved, he listed them in the virtual shop. But then a logistical issue arosewho would handle distribution upon purchase? In the end, he assigned the task to Lizbeth, who accepted it with noticeable reluctance. Clearly, acquiring additional NPCs was becoming essential. Soon, a series of footsteps approached, and without any preamble or knock, the double doors swung open. The perpetrator, a girl with unique clothes, made an unannounced entrance and waltzed inside. You called for me? Victor? Lizbeth hadnt exaggerated; Eleanor was literally bathing in sweat from head to toe. Uh Yes. Please have a seat. Victor motioned toward the nearby sofa. What, still keeping up formalities? She placed her hands on her hips. Just be casual, will ya? Then, she crashed onto the sofa, clearly a bit out of breath. Beads of sweat were raining down on the sofa as well. Shaking his head with a chuckle, Victor dove straight into the heart of the matter. Remember the magic tool you used in the forest? Sure do! What about it? She cranked her head. How many of those do you have? he asked, cutting to the chase. Only this one. She pulled out a teardrop-shaped amulet with intricate runes etched on its surface. But Ive got spare parts to make more, though incomplete ones. So, you can produce more of them? What are the materials? The drive behind Victors question was the potential benefits for the players. Such a magic tool could be incredibly useful and practical. To reach the lair of the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid, which he had designated as a dungeon, players would have to journey through the forest for several kilometers. Even if they purchased the {Demonic Eye} spell, there was no guarantee that they wouldnt encounter a deadly supernatural phenomenon at all. Yep, thats right! Though I can only produce three more at most. As for the materials each one requires a moonstonemost importantlyalong with silver, obsidian, and any magical wood. The reason that it isnt complete is that it hasnt absorbed enough negative energy. The materials, while not exactly commonplace, werent exceedingly rare either. Most were, in fact, accessible around the academy, with some being on the ravine. This meant that producing more in the future shouldnt be a problem. Still, even in its current state, this amulet was already on par with standard low-grade magic tools. Wouldnt the complete one at least be equal to mid-grade? Three are enough, Victor affirmed. Ill arrange for the material costs later. For now, please go ahead and make them. The acolytes will soon need them for forest exploration. While Victor had the option to acquire the necessary materials via the System shop, he deemed it imprudent to spend AP on such expenses. Conserving them for more crucial or high-value items, or in case of emergencies, seemed a wiser strategy. He had a hunch that the value of AP would only escalate over time. Talk about not being able to do gacha again. Gotcha! She responded with a vigorous nod, springing to her feet. Not trying to toot my own horn, but my skills dont pale even compared to a one-star Artificer. Artificers, much like Alchemists, were classified by a grading system that reflected their level of expertise. Being a one-star Artificer meant she had the ability and proficiency to craft superior-grade magic tools. Typically, this level of skill was found only among official Magi because of the high difficulty. I hate to admit it, but I feel she can be trusted, Master. Somehow, Lizbeth remarked. Well, Ill take your word for it then. She was a Faulkner, after allthe descendant of the legendary Artificer lineage. Thats more like it, Eleanor said, appearing satisfied with the response. By the way, whats the name of the magic tool? Victor inquired. Without a name, it would be listed on the virtual shop with a placeholder name, which sounded stupid. As if waiting for Victor to ask that question, Eleanor excitedly leaned in with her fists clenched. Hoho! Ive thought of the perfect name: Spectral Aegis Amulet. Hows that sound?The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. How strange of you to have a good knack for names. Lizbeth giggled, her face showing that she wasnt expecting that coming from her. Its a fitting name, I guess. Lets go with that, Victor agreed, nodding in approval. Right? If theres nothing else, Ill head back to work Wait. Here, take these. Victor materialized ten novice-grade mana crystals from his interspatial ring and handed them to her. Whoa! Thats a heck lot of mana crystals! I havent even started working on the amulets yet. Consider it as your salary paid in advance, Victor said with a tentative smile. Eleanor, you shouldnt overwork yourself. Even if youre at the second-stage Initiate Attunement, taking enough rest is important to maintain your health. The last thing he needed was for his skilled Artificer to die from exhaustion, as he once had. Kind of contradictory to push work on me and then tell me to rest, isnt it? With one hand on her hip, Eleanor gave Victor the stink eye. Lizbeth giggled at the exchange from nearby. This sassy fairy Victor cleared his throat and stated, Be serious. Aye! Ill go freshen up in the bathhouse and then take a break. She laughed heartily. What about you, Miss Fairy? Care to join me? No! Lizbeth quickly ducked behind Victor, visibly startled. Eleanor let out a disappointed Aww before leaving the room with heavy steps. *** The opening of the server the next day went off without a hitch. The gaming capsules for the first batch of the one hundred new players had been sent days prior to the update, so there was no delay in them entering the game. As soon as the time on the System clock struck six, ten new players joined the game. This particular batch of players was more special than others because it was the convergence of several interesting individuals, not just the two people who had gotten free passes from him. Although, Victor was still pondering about Master, someone just bought all five novice-grade mana crystals from the virtual shop in one go!" Say what? Victor jerked his head backward, almost unable to believe it. It wasnt even a minute that the server was open, and already someone had snapped up all of the mana crystals available on that day. Victor had not even announced the availability of mana crystals on the virtual shop yet! Thus, the buyer must have checked it immediately upon logging in, saw the opportunity, and seized it. Victor asked curiously, Whos the perpetrator? Its Stormone of your favorite players, answered the fairy. Victor slapped his forehead. He forgot to limit the purchase to just one per player. But it made sense; this guy, Storm, had lower-than-average mana aptitude among the players, so he was probably feeling left behind. A desperate man would do whatever it took to reverse his situation. Whatever. Let it slide this time. Go and deliver the mana crystals to him, Victor conceded with a sigh, turning his attention to the holographic screen displaying the new players. *** Wheres Storm? Williamaka Prominenceasked as he strolled along with his three gaming buddies. I dont know, Mike responded with a shrug. Havent spotted him since I logged in. Wasnt he chatting with you guys just a bit ago? He was rambling about the possibility of forming two parties or more for the dungeon clearing, moaning about how hes still halfway away from being a first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte After that, it was all a blur since I wasnt paying attention. Then, I met up with Zero and SuperNova, and suddenly, poof, hes vanished. Oh, I think I saw him SuperNova piped up. He zipped past like a comet with this wild, manic look in his eyes. He was fiddling with the screen of his Shadowlink Mark. No idea what got him so hyped. Were supposed to be checking the blacksmith workshop and then shepherding the newbies today, as usual. For him to skip out on them, the first one especially Maybe he went to take a crap? Even Zeros logical remark hinted at an urgent need to duel with the porcelain beastor stone, in this case. William chuckled in response. He recalled getting diarrhea when he led the foraging group; recklessly sampling something untested was a stupid idea rather than daring. Honestly, this game was weirdly realistic about implementing the strangest things. Increasingly, more players were rising to the ranks of veterans, those who had promoted to Initiate Attunement or not alike, leaving the mundane jobs to the newcomers. While their group no longer handled the manual labor teams, they still had a duty to guide those fresh from the incubation pods. It wasnt just about leadership; it was also a chance to spot potential talents for recruitment to their group. *** Slipping into the sleek gaming capsule and donning the helmet, Seans heart raced with excitement. He closed his eyes, feeling the capsule seal with a gentle hiss. After yesterdays update announcement, he had been anticipating this moment of finally entering the game. I wonder Is this game really all that it is cracked up to be? Despite the footage he had seen online, a part of him still wrestled with the reality of a full-immersion VR. Could it truly exist in the way it was described? Then, a momentary disorientation washed over him, followed by a beam of light piercing the darkness through his closed eyelids. He felt a peculiar sensation enveloping him; it was as if he were passing through an unseen barrier. Opening his eyes, Sean found himself in a dim, cool chamber, just stepping out of an incubation pod. As he looked around, a sudden jolt coursed through him like he touched a live wire. So, its real! The game it actually exists! He was awestruck, feeling the cool, stony floor beneath his feet. The environment was stunningit was like inside a magic structure or something. The air that he breathed, the beat of his heartthey all felt real. Seeing is believing. This proverb resonated well with his current situation. But as he stepped forward, his wonder was abruptly interrupted. A shadowy figure lunged at him, slamming him against the wall face-first with startling speed. The game had only just begun, yet something, or someone, was already waiting for him Chapter 82: This Batch of Players isn’t Right in the Brain Agh! Sean winced at a fleeting pain across his face. Despite being slammed against the wall, the pain was only somewhat unpleasant. Still, he was acutely aware that he was being choked from behind and immobilized in a crushing grip. Who are you?! Where is this place? demanded the man behind him, his grip tightening with each passing second. Talk, or I will end you here! Cant talk Sean gasped, managing a weak tap on the mans wrist. The choke felt professional, like that of an MMA wrestler. Sean knew he stood no chance, even though his attacker didnt seem particularly muscular. Realizing his mistake, the man loosened his grip, allowing Sean to stagger forward and drop to one knee, while he himself remained tensely vigilant. You can speak now. Sean coughed a few times while rubbing his sore neck before retorting with mild annoyance, This is the game world. You should know that already! Ha! Kid, you still believe a game can be this immersive? The man scoffed, rolling his eyes. Whoa, you must be an old man. But why dont you take a look in the mirror? You look no older than a high-schooler in his sophomore year. Sean smirked sarcastically. Besides, the idea of a technology capable of transferring consciousness between bodies seemed far more ludicrous than a fully immersive VR game. He had heard that players would mistake others in the same chamber as them for NPCs, but he hadnt heard of anyone attacking another player on sight. What luck. Hearing his remark, the man inspected every inch of his body, his eyes widening in shock. Youre right. My beautiful muscles are gone, he said, scratching his head in disbelief. My bad about that rear naked choke. I got slightly carried away. You okay, bud? He then offered a hand to help Sean up. You called that slightly?! You almost killed me, dude! As a popular game critic, Seans skill at information gathering was second to none. He was well aware of the severe penalties for dying in the game: a twenty-four-hour resurrection CD and loss of merit points, not to mention he would have to queue up for the resurrection. For a new player who had just joined, such consequences were disastrous! Yeah, Im fine, Sean replied, accepting the hand and standing up. Complaining wouldnt change what had already happened. Scanning the room, he spotted a wardrobe filled with acolyte robes and other attire. Bingo! He grabbed a few items for himself and tossed a set to the still-unclothed man behind him, who was watching him curiously. Here. Take these and have some dignity, will you? Sean quipped. Haha! Thanks, man! The man laughed, gratefully accepting the clothes. As he started dressing, he began to introduce himself. Speaking of, my name is Ma Wait, its ChickenSmackdown_MaxLevel. Mhm. Hold on, ChickenSmackdown_MaxLevel? Really? Sean almost couldnt believe his ears. Such a trollish username shouldnt have existed in this game which prioritized immersion. He grinned sheepishly. Hey, Im not the best at picking names. Just went with whatever popped into my head at the time. Its not that bad, isnt it? Fine, I will call you Chicken, then. Then, Sean introduced himself with a hint of pride. I am KuroUsagia game critic. Ohh! Youre that KuroUsagi from the game forum. Why didnt you say so? Chickens laughter echoed again. It appeared that he had relaxed his guard even more now. Fuck! You slammed me to the wall and choked me before I could say anything. Sorry, sorry. Sean brushed off the apology and focused on the black mark on his wrist. According to the official website forum, it was the key to accessing his status screen, and as he activated it with a thought, the screen indeed appeared instantly before him. KuroUsagi HP: 94% MP: 0/0 Power Rank: None Elemental Affinity: ??? Mana Aptitude: ??? Meditation Technique: None Status: Healthy Strength: (5) Agility: (5) Vitality: (5) Magical Power: (0) This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.Infused Mana (total): (0) Whew, look at that. A single choke took 6 percent of my total health points. The rest of my stats seem to align with what was detailed in the wiki, however. Is that your status screen? Chicken asked as he curiously peered over. Yup. Sean chose not to delve into details. He moved towards the only door in the room, and as he pushed it open, he said, Lets go. We should head out and meet the other players first. *** Behind the scenes, Victor observed the unfolding events with keen interest. His attention was particularly drawn to a group of players, who each stood out in their own unique way. Among them were a professional wrestler, a well-known game critic, a wealthy business mogul, a street magician, a gym coach, and many others with out-of-the-ordinary backgrounds. This eclectic group was the outcome of carefully sifting through over ten thousand applicants. Given the vast pool of gamers, it was inevitable that an array of extraordinary talents would emerge. Of course, Victor had painstakingly vetted each players background, aiming to minimize any potential issues. Well, at least that was what he was hoping for: to see how these people would interact with this world. Suddenly, something on the screen caught Victor by surprise, making him sit up sharply. This Whatever it is, Ill be meeting them soon anyway. With this in mind, Victor began his preparations to make a formal appearance at the auditorium. The former headmaster had truly given him a surprise. *** Exiting the chamber, Sean was greeted by a bustling scene teeming with new players, each sporting a range of expressionsfrom awkward and surprised to excited and curious. It was clear that, like Sean, many had only known about the game through others experiences and were now immersing themselves in it firsthand. Surprisingly, there were four female players in this group. Wait, Im not sure if that one is female or not That one, in particular, was a person standing behind a lavishly dressed female player with wavy blonde hair and bright blue eyes who screamed wealth and privilege from her actions. This individual had the same-colored hair, a round face with sharp, discerning eyes, and a petite build, and their demeanor suggested a subordinate role to the woman they followed. Yet, Sean couldnt quite determine if they were male or female, not that it mattered. What the fu More strikingly, one of the two other female players stood at around eight feet tall. Her physique was imposing, straining the fabric of the largest acolyte robe available. Her skin was crimson red, and horns protruded from the sides of the head above the temples. If not for how the other players were interacting with her, he would have suspected her to be an NPC. As for the other one, she was pretty plain in comparison to the rest. Still, what happened to this player to make her so different from the others? Did the legend of character customization actually exist? Obviously, not even a game critic like him would know the answers to these questions. Apart from these four, the other players were exhibiting a strange kind of excitement It felt off, but Sean couldnt really put his fingers on it. It wasnt the typical unbridled excitement he expected from gamers entering a new world. Whats up with these people? Sean thought, scrutinizing each of them. Why does it feel like Im the only sane person here? His contemplation was interrupted by Chicken, who had emerged from the same chamber as him. Dude. Not even I would mess with that red girl in real life, he commented, swallowing his spit and nudging him from the side. Yeah, me neither. Sean noticed the growing commotion between the female players. Huh? Whats happening? It looks like shes picking a fight with someone. It turned out that the female player with a rich lady vibe and the towering, muscular, red-skinned one seemed to have some conflicts. After asking a nearby player, the two of them apparently came from the same chamber. Hey, red giant. Mind not blocking the view with your outrageously massive pile of muscles? mocked the blonde-haired female player, who had her hand near her shoulder with her wrist flicked. Even though she looked to be nearly 170 centimeters tall, she was like a small kid in front of the red one. Whos this little one talking? Still drinking milk? retorted the red-skinned woman. You! So what if you have a special build in the game?! Bet youre just a wimp outside. Ha! Im a gym coach in real life. I can lift one hundred kilos with one arm. What about you? An elementary school kid that likes lollipops? Hoho, actually, I run a multi-billion-dollar tech company. I can buy this game and the company behind it with a snap of my finger. Hahaha, this little girl sure can dream big. Sure, if youre the owner of such a fictitious company, then I am the president of the United States. Hehehehe, its fine if you dont believe me. Sean was speechless as he watched this argument. He decided that these two players were just like elementary school students Thankfully, their argument was interrupted when the games opening plot began just a few moments later. Suddenly, one of the players Shadowlink Marks emitted a soft glow and projected a hologram that transformed into a delicate, ethereal fairy. Attention, everyone! the hologram fairy announced in a melodious voice, capturing the attention of all the players. Familiar with this scene from the official website, the players instantly recognized it as the introductory phase. The script played out just as he had read about online, with the fairy extending warm congratulations to the new players and sternly reminding them of the severe repercussions for any breach of the rules. But one particular thing that Sean noted was that the language the fairy used was not English but something else entirely that, for some reason, he could understand. Holy shit! What those people said is true! I can understand and speak a different language. He marveled at the potential of the technology but quickly pushed the thought aside; now wasnt the time to dwell on it. After the brief introduction, the group was guided outside, moving towards the large, imposing building that stood majestically at the heart of the academy grounds. Sean, as a game critic, evaluated every piece of the scene that was playing out. In terms of realism, this game was eleven out of ten! Chapter 83: Bloodline Magus Victor delivered his usual speech to the new players once they gathered in the auditorium. After a month of giving the same speech, one thing that never changed was the excitement of the new players. From the moment he began speaking, they all closed their mouths and stared with bated breaths. Even though this batch of players was rather unique, they shared the common enthusiasm intrinsic to gamers. Victor glanced around the room, noting that among the ten players, three or four of them were female. Seeing a tall woman standing in the corner, he was taken aback. No matter how she tried to blend with the crowd, it was futile. So, this is what the previous headmaster meant by a surprise in this batch of players. A Bloodline Magus? Interesting, interesting Bloodline Magus, or Warlock, were a distinct class of Magus with a special bloodline that granted them extraordinary powers and abilities. These Magi were markedly stronger than their typical counterparts, as they could harness special magic that was tied to their bloodlines legacy. However, this same potent lineage was the thing that shackled their potential, known as bloodline shackles. On top of that, with each successive generation, the concentration of this potent bloodline tended to diminish progressively. Consequently, Warlocks were all but extinct in the current world of Seraphia. Nevertheless, the bloodline coursing through this players body was quite extraordinary. Looking at her red skin and horns, Victor suspected the bloodline could be traced to the Crimson Mystic Giant. According to legend, an adult of its clan had combat prowess on par with a peak Sigil Conversion Magus. Even the headmaster of the Arcane Radiance College was only a middling Sigil Conversion Magus. This was the case for most prestigious academies around this kingdom Only the legendary Nexus Conjurer or above Magus could confidently confront a Warlock possessing such a distinguished bloodline. This made Victor excited for the outcomes of the elemental affinity and mana aptitude tests. After concluding his opening speech, Victor transitioned into informing the players about the updated version 3.0 of the guidelines, as was written in the announcement. These revised guidelines incorporated an array of new rules and regulations covering various aspects, including the treatment of NPCs, theft, and numerous other areas based on players suggestions. With a firm tone, he emphasized the consequences of breaching these rules. Mark my words! Acolytes who violate these regulations will face extended confinement periods. To reinforce his warning, he projected an intensified surge of mana, effectively asserting his authority. Severe violations will result in expulsion from the academy. We earnestly hope that each of you will rigorously adhere to these standards! Victor observed the players as they absorbed his words with earnest attention. Even Auralisethe rich investor who had gotten a free passlooked at him with some level of importance. It was evident that this group, despite their unique backgrounds, could be guided and governed like any other. Satisfied with their response, he then instructed them to form an orderly line to commence their mana aptitude and elemental affinity tests. *** Sean watched with keen interest as the other players formed an orderly line leading to a table with a crystal ball and a silver mirror. Around him, the players chatted among themselves, speculating about their affinities and aptitudes. Since he wanted to see the others results first, Sean chose to take the last position in line. Amusingly, Chicken thought that he might have something in mind and positioned himself just ahead. The first player in line was a black-haired youth with the username DigitalMagicianPatrick, or Patrick for short. Sean remembered speaking with him earlier about the conflicts between the female players in the Nexus Tower. He also said that he worked as a magician in a carnival in real life. It was surprising to find someone with such an unusual profession playing this game, not to mention he may have been the closest thing to a mage back on Earth. Come forward and place both your hands on the crystal ball Oh? You seem familiar with this procedure. Indeed. Patrick nodded. I have something similar at home Ngh. His face twisted in slight discomfort as the crystal ball began to emit a faint glow. Hold on, dont let go, the blue-haired headmaster instructed, watching as the glow from the ball intensified despite Patricks pained expression. Impressive. Superior glimmering-grade mana aptitude. Now, step over here and look into this mirror. He guided him toward the silver mirror. On the official website forum, it was widely discussed that players mana aptitude could range anywhere from the inferior glimmering grade to the inferior bright grade, seemingly depending on luck, but signaled by the intensity of the crystal balls glow. Most players, unfortunately, found themselves on the lower end of this spectrum. The reason behind this range limitation in the game remained a topic of speculation, with many theorizing it was to maintain fairness and balance within the games mechanics.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Lost in thought about these details, Sean was brought back to the present by the headmasters announcement of the affinity test results. Interesting. You have a high affinity for the Lux element, followed by Anemo. The rest are not worth mentioning. Patrick beamed at the news and stepped aside, making way for the others. As each player underwent the tests, their aptitudes and affinities were revealed one by one. Sean took this chance to pick up on everyones in-game usernamestaying true to his intel gathering skills. Hahaha! I am talented in both business and this game. Auralise couldnt hide her delight as her laugh echoed. As expected of you, miss. At the same time, her attendant responded with a respectful bow. Auralises full username was something that he didnt quite catch on to; it was Something-Auralise, so he decided to call her Auralise like everybody else. As for her attendant, they were named Dominiquea surprisingly normal name that didnt feel like a players username at all. Surprisingly enough, most of the noteworthy individuals in this batch got impressive results. But among them, a few stood out exceptionally. For example S-Superior bright-grade aptitude You possess the highest mana aptitude among all the acolytes in this academy. Congratulations. There was a slight wince in one of the headmasters eyes as he looked upon the giant red player, who was known as Butterfly. Envious murmurs ran through the other players as she stepped back down. For an unknown reason, Sean noticed an undercurrent of what seemed like mockery in the headmasters tone. It was subtle, and he couldnt pinpoint its target or intent, but he didnt dwell on it since it was almost his turn. Many questions piled up in his head as he waited for that anticipated moment. What elemental affinity would he have? Would his mana aptitude be high or merely average? The blend of excitement and uncertainty left him feeling unusually giddy. Nearby, Chicken was effusively sharing his expectation of getting a high-grade aptitude and a rare affinityhis confidence was unmatched. Sean could only smirk at his enthusiasm. This game, with all its unpredictability and promise, was exactly what Sean had been looking forward to. The rush of adrenaline he felt was surreal. Finally, his moment arrived. Stepping forward, he placed his hands on the crystal ball, as instructed by the headmaster. Almost immediately, a sharp pain began to throb in his head, intensifying as the ball glowed increasingly brighter. Ughh! This pain is unbearable! Overwhelmed, Sean released his grip and staggered back, panting slightly. Still, he was sure of one thing: the intensity of the balls glow suggested his mana aptitude was far from mediocre, possibly even among the best. Good. You have inferior bright-grade aptitude, the headmaster confirmed with a nod. Proceed to the affinity test. Yes! Sean almost couldnt hold his excitement as he moved on to the next test. The results of his elemental affinity test were also promising, with him having a high affinity for Umbra and Pyro elements and a minor affinity for Electro. Dang, bro, you got an excellent aptitude! Makes my advanced glimmering grade look like childs play! Chicken clapped him on the shoulder, a tinge of jealousy in his voice. Yours is not bad either. Pleased with his results, Sean knew this was only the beginning. With his knowledge and skills, he was determined to climb to the pinnacle and stay a step ahead of his fellow players in the world of Magus Academy Online. *** Victor was more than surprised to see that there were three people in this batch achieving at least an inferior bright-grade aptitude, with one even reaching the superior bright grade. Truly, this group was undeniably the most remarkable batch of players since the founding of the academy or the game. To this, Victor arrived at three possible conclusions:
  1. The leveling up of the academy might have had a positive effect on the quality of the players bodies.
  2. There seemed to be a potential correlation between the uniqueness or eccentricity of individuals and their mana aptitude grades. However, this theory faltered when considering players like Storm and Zero, who, despite their distinctiveness, had lower mana aptitudes. This was the most implausible explanation, but it was the one that bugged him the most.
  3. It was simply pure luck.
Perhaps a combination of these factors had contributed to the current outcomes, but Victor was uncertain about this. The individuals mana aptitude can be traced back to the quality of their soul he murmured to himself, widening his eyes in realization. There was this theory that had been prevalent among Magi, but for a lowly acolyte like Victor, he could not verify its validity. Pushing these thoughts aside, Victor resumed his role as the headmaster. He proceeded to introduce Lizbeth, the fairy, to the new players, offering a brief overview of her role and significance. Following this, he let the arranged veteran players recruit and teach this batch of newbies. Once he had addressed all the necessary matters, Victor retreated to the solace of his office. Settling into his chair, he began to monitor the activities of the players, particularly those who had recently advanced in rank. With Lizbeth managing the new arrivals, he was able to enjoy the quietness of his room. Finally, some peace He sighed. Contrary to his initial assumption, the players didnt rush off to the newly designated dungeon. Instead, most seemed to be methodically preparing for the venture. Victor noted that many players were eyeing the pendant magic tools being sold in the blacksmith workshop, likely considering a purchase before venturing into the forest. A wise choice. They were all expensive, though. Victor had deliberately priced them at two thousand merit points so that the players value these magic tools and treat them with care. Besides, each party would only need one No, as long as several parties were going at the same time, they would need no more than one. Still, not all players were gearing up for dungeon exploration. Some, who were less inclined towards combat, bought spells useful for mundane but important tasks, such as {Earth Weaver} and {Verdant Surge}. One could imagine that with such spells, the efficiency of doing manual labor would be significantly enhanced. He witnessed this fact firsthand with his own eyes. As a matter of fact, now that the agricultural area was no longer being expanded, the players focus had shifted back toward the completion of the academys northern wall. While other projects like road building and dormitory construction were crucial, securing the academy with a protective wall, even if made of mere mud and dirt, was a priority. Chapter 84: The Rise of WorldGate Soft Co. It was evening at the academy. As expected, nothing was as smooth sailing as he had hoped, and some peculiar incidents occurred with this batch of players. Among them, Auralise had unexpectedly barged into his office. She loudly insisted on bypassing the typical mundane chores and jumping straight into wielding magic. Her attitude was not entirely surprising, considering that her background was no different than nobles in this world. Nonetheless, Victor was on the verge of disconnecting her from the game due to the fact that she had neglected the basics of etiquette. However, he managed to restrain himself, choosing instead to respond in a manner befitting his NPC rolefeigning ignorance. Disappointed, Auralise could only reluctantly leave his office through the dissuasion of her attendant, Dominique. In truth, Victor had never forced any player to do manual labor. They were free to pursue any activity they preferred, including waiting for their promotion to Initiate Attunement. As for sustenance, as long as their friends were willing to buy extra, they could share their meals. Problem solved. In fact, this approach to gameplay freedom had sparked lively debates on the official website forum, with not all players supporting this idea. After all, many of the participants were hardcore gamers, and to see others doing little to contribute to the games development while they themselves hadnt yet been granted access would hit their nerves. A common sentiment expressed in the forum discussions was, If you arent serious about playing the game, go back to playing Fortnite and give me the qualification! This statement echoed loudly across the community. Speaking of the official website forum, almost immediately after KuroUsagi logged out, he posted his review. Interestingly enough, he only put up a post with a link to his well-known blog and wrote, For a detailed experience of my first day in Magus Academy Online, click here, so he clicked, or tapped, away. The review described the vividness of the game world, the bizarre fact he could understand and speak a completely foreign language, the mechanics behind the character affinity and aptitude tests, and the diverse array of players he encountered. He praised the games immersive quality but didnt shy away from pointing out areas that could be improved. One significant point he raised was the limited range of activities available to newbies: For the current stage of the game, the lack of diverse tasks leaves new players with few choices beyond manual labor or waiting for acolyte advancement. Maybe this could be improved by adding a wider variety of tasks, including jobs and professions. But I suspect that is something that will be added in the near future as the game progresses. To that sense of realism in development, I must applaud the game developers ambitious vision. At the end of the day, Victor knew he couldnt implement a perfect system from the get-go; only through trial and error could he gradually refine the game into something better and better. His review also sparked a round of heated discussions on the forum. Some players agreed with his observations, while others argued that the games open-ended nature was part of its charm. Amidst the discussions, there were a few netizens who spouted their envy and jealousy at KuroUsagis privileged access to the game and impressive mana aptitude. Meanwhile, Victor kept a close eye on the other posts on the forum. He noticed that the more experienced players were already forming parties and planning their first dungeon expedition, even those who hadn''t reached Initiate Attunement yet. In fact, a small group of players seemed to be forming an alliance of sorts. This group comprised individuals with high mana aptitudes and rare elemental affinities. There were also some posts talking about the mana crystals that were sold out on the virtual shop. Storm didnt make any chirp despite having bought them all; he must have been keeping it a secret for strategic reasons. After some time, finding no further topics of immediate interest, Victor decided to take a break from the screen. He leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of relaxation. Master. Lizbeths voice suddenly broke the silence as she flew toward him. Our moneybags is reaching out to us. She wants to talk about the investment right now. Great. So, she has taken the bait. Victors mouth formed an arc as he reactivated his Master Shadowlink Mark and opened the Discord app. MissRichLadyAuralise: Rejoice! After experiencing the game firsthand, I am thoroughly impressed. Thus, my board of directors and I have decided to fully invest in your company. However, were interested in a full acquisition or, at the very least, a majority stake. We want full control over the company, the games management, as well as its profit. Of course, the price we offer wont disappoint you in the slightest. Full control over the company? The notion made Victor scoff internally. They were no foolsit was evident that Auralise and her people must have seen this as more than just a game since they would have access to the revolutionary, fully immersive technology that powered it. In their eyes, owning the company meant owning a goose that lays golden eggs, as it would put them at the forefront of future technological advancements. But they were mistaken. They believed this wouldnt be a problem as long as their offer was generous enough, but that wasnt the case with Victors fictitious company and game. What powered Magus Academy Online was not mere technology but magic. Therefore, the offer was irrelevant and inapplicable in this context and, frankly, amusing. With that thought in mind, he typed his firm response: We appreciate your interest and are glad to hear youre satisfied with our product. Unfortunately, our company has unanimously decided that we dont want a full acquisition nor a majority stake purchase to occur. So, we have to decline the options that you offered us. Her reply came swiftly, just seconds after he entered his message. MissRichLadyAuralise: What?! You havent even heard our offer yet! Do you realize how much money you are losing by declining?! (; 㧥)If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Cyber Warlock: No. This is absolutely non-negotiable. While it is within our interest to find an investor or two, relinquishing control over our creation is the last thing that we want. If this is a deal-breaker for you, then Im afraid we must cease negotiations. This message must have paralyzed her for a while, with her chat indicator flickering as she typed and retracted her responses. Victor could almost picture her frustration and indecision. Eventually, however, she capitulated as he had expected. MissRichLadyAuralise: Understandable. Have a great day. Like I would say that! Grr ???? Fine, let me talk with my board of directors first. Give me twenty No, ten minutes! Whoa, thats quick of her Victor imagined her as one of those rich ladies with high executive power who was used to getting her way through sheer determination and influence. Her subordinates must have suffered a lot while working under her. True to her word, she returned promptly with a reply: Alright! We can agree with only a minority stake, but we want a 40% share. Is this within the acceptable range? Cyber Warlock: 20%, with one hundred million dollars for every share (we can negotiate the finer details later). You can take it or leave it. One couldnt underestimate this small 20 percent share. In fact, two billion dollars for that much of a stake in the company could be considered very cheap. After all, the game had so many potential applications that could change someones way of life or even the world itself. But what Victor knew that she didnt was that it would be impossible to be used that way because of the true nature of the device. As such, he decided not to be too greedy while still putting on the appearances of a genuine company. MissRichLadyAuralise: One hundred million dollars for every share?! Ugh thats barely under our limit Okay, okay. You win. 20% it is With a satisfactory smile, Victor typed in: Alright, we have a deal. Before making it official, I will still need to discuss this with my superior and have a meeting with our employees. Then, we will arrange for someone to discuss the finer details. Victor was no expert and an autodidact when it came to stuff like this. He had to browse through the internet and consult a lot of legal experts to make a formal agreement or contract, though he would leave most of the technicalities to the other party. As for who would represent his side in the finer negotiations, he figured Lizbeth should be able to do that. Maybe. MissRichLadyAuralise: You wont be disappointed by working with us. Oh, and for the contract signing, well need our representatives to meet Auralise generously offered Victor the choice of meeting location, even proposing to cover travel expenses if he chose to visit her companys branch in the US or the headquarters abroad. Her company, which was named Spinula Tech Innovations, although global, was originally based in France, not the USa detail Victor noted but didnt know the specifics of. Alas, a physical meeting was out of the question. Gratefully, Auralise was amenable to other forms of communication. Since Victor couldnt physically come to Earth, the best thing he could do was an online meeting. But he couldnt even do that because he was the headmaster of the academy. Wouldnt it be totally weird to have an NPC be the one that represented the company in this context? In fact, how would that be logically possible? In the end, Victor decided to have Lizbeth act as his proxy, using her projection ability to alter her voice and appearance for the meeting. While its possible to change my appearance convincingly, this will put a strain on my power Lizbeth remarked somewhat apprehensively. Relax. I will reward you handsomely if you do your job well, Victor reassured her with a grin. A little incentive always went a long way with motivating her. Then Ill give it my all! She raised her fists high in determination. Satisfied with this arrangement, Victor shifted his focus back to the ongoing private chat. MissRichLadyAuralise: What a strange game company. To insist on an online meeting when discussing a high-stake negotiation like this Just come clean if youre hiding more eccentricities. (?_? Cyber Warlock: Well, there is indeed something else. I need your assistance with a matter related to the company. MissRichLadyAuralise: Victor took this opportunity to make a crucial request. He asked her to set up a Swiss bank account for his company. This account would be a transparent medium through which she could see the investment being utilized for expenditures. After all, Victor required dozens, if not hundreds, of high-end computers and servers for remote use. This was so that he could finally use that program to develop spell models. Thankfully, he managed to justify his request by mentioning that, as an indie company, they faced limitations in setting up such financial arrangements themselves. MissRichLadyAuralise: Okay. Its a straightforward request. I will have it prepared by tomorrow. Cyber Warlock: Excellent. Thank you. Is there anything else you would like to discuss about the game or the company? MissRichLadyAuralise: Yes. I have several questions regarding the game. Given my imminent stake in the company, I believe I deserve some special privileges in-game. Being subjected to manual labor is quite distasteful for someone of my standing. Cyber Warlock: This It was clear that she was deeply engrossed in the game, so much so that she was even seeking preferential treatment. But Cyber Warlock: Im afraid thats not possible. You see, apart from enforcing bans and restrictions, we maintain a policy of non-interference with players activities. This includes abstaining from selling or providing in-game items not generated by the game itself. MissRichLadyAuralise: Nonsense! Surely there must be some exceptions to this rule? Cyber Warlock: No, there are no exceptions. However, you are free to hire other players to assist you in-game using real-world currency. We dont regulate player-to-player transactions of that nature. Usually, the stance game companies took against gold miners, who often sold in-game currency at rates undercutting the official game channels, was to ban them. At the current stage of the game, Victor hadnt yet rolled out the currency that could be freely exchanged between players. Even if she were to employ the players inside the game to do her bidding using real money, he wouldnt care as long as it didnt interfere with his objectives or violate the games integrity. Of course, the company ensured the confidentiality of personal information, so any recruitment or transaction she planned would have to be initiated directly, either in-game or via the forum. MissRichLadyAuralise: Fine! I take your challenge! Its not fun to cheat anyway. Didnt you ask for special privileges just now? Victor creased his eyebrows at her swift change in attitude. MissRichLadyAuralise: But as a shareholder, I propose adding a real-life to in-game currency exchange system. I think this much should be fair, right? It was indeed within his intentions to have a system like that, akin to those he had read about in various VR novels in his past life, so he typed in his response: Yes. That is under development as of this moment. Ensuring the legality of such a thing is a complex process, however. I hope you can offer your assistance when were ready to implement it. This approach was in line with Victors philosophy: If certain player behaviors couldnt be stopped, it was better to regulate them. It would also generate income for the company and make it enticing for the other party to invest. Maybe once the game was in the open beta phase, he would start charging for the gaming capsules instead of lending them for free. Auralise must have been flattered by his behest of assistance, as her answer came almost immediately: Of course! Well definitely help assist with that. Oh, and by the way, does your company not have an actual name? Why is it listed as Placeholder? Pfft. Victor made a sidelong glance at Lizbeth. Sure enough, she averted her gaze like a child caught in a mischievous act. It was true that the initial lack of a proper name had been an oversight. Fortunately, he had come up with an appropriate and fitting name for his company. Cyber Warlock: Apologies for the confusion. Our company will henceforth be known as WorldGate Software Companyyour gate to another world. Interlude: The Heiress’ Investment Plan Monica Caswell, the distinguished heiress of the Caswell family, stepped out of the state-of-the-art gaming capsule with a hint of reluctance. The transition from the enthralling virtual world back to her luxurious yet routine reality struck her with a sense of dissonance. As she stretched her limbs, easing out the stiffness, her thoughts were still awash with the vivid and immersive experiences of the game. Then, an attendant with thin lipstick and a petite build stepped forward, offering a plush towel and a glass of her favorite chilled mineral water. The person was dressed in a butler uniform with a striped sash and slightly flared pants. It was Dominiqueher ever-loyal and efficient butler. Good morning, Miss Caswell. I trust your session was enjoyable? Dominique inquired with a respectful tone. Despite having served her for more than ten years, Monica had forgotten about Dominiques background and gender. Such personal specifics had faded into irrelevance over the years. She could easily rediscover this information, yet she chose not to. For her, what was important was exceptional competence and unwavering dedication in catering to her needs. More than enjoyable, Dominique, she replied with an excited smile. You saw it yourself. Its an entirely different world in there, one where possibilities seem endless. Indeed, milady. Dominique nodded, seeming to understand her fascination. After all, they had accompanied her in exploring the game world and probably seen a stark contrast to her often-reserved demeanor. As Monica sipped her water, she pondered about the game. There had been many peculiar and unexplainable situations surrounding this whole thing. First and foremost was the delivery of the gaming capsule. She lived inside a mansion with very tight security and constant surveillanceevery spot in her house was monitored nonstop. Yet it was dropped off on the terrace almost completely unseen. She had heard the rumors about the enigmatic delivery of the gaming capsules and was prepared for it in advance, but nothing was uncovered. All she could see from the CCTV footage was a mysterious man with a distinctive black mask appearing for a brief moment outside her mansion before disappearing just as mysteriously.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. This company really holds more secrets than what meets the eye, she mused aloud. At first, she had tried to lure the other party by offering a substantial sum for access to the game. In truth, it was a test. Had they leaped at the chance for easy money, she would know that they were running a scam. However, for them to decline the offer meant that they must have something bigger up their sleeves. Monica admired that. In a world where money often dictated terms, it was refreshing to encounter individuals who werent money-driven. One would think that they were stupid since even if it wasnt a scam, it wasnt so strange to receive free money. Thus, she came to a resolute decision that veered from her usual investment strategy. Dominique, arrange a meeting with the board of directors in half an hour, she instructed, her voice ringing with determination. Ive made up my mind. Were going to invest in that game company. I absolutely want to acquire their whole company and secrets. Whats the name of it again? Very well, Miss Caswell, Dominique bowed. Ill make the necessary arrangements. As for their name, its quite unusualtheyre registered simply as Placeholder on their official website. Placeholder, you say? Her blonde eyebrow arched in intrigue. Thats either a mark of a bold new startup or a company shrouded in secrecy. If its the former, then things will be simpler, but if its the latter She had used every contact at her disposal to check for any government ties with the company, but it had been fruitless so far. The former seems more likely, indeed, Dominique agreed thoughtfully. Would you like to outline any specific points for discussion with the board, milady? Yes. I want to explore how we can combine our resources with their cutting-edge VR technology. A shrewd smile played on her lips. If we execute this correctly, we could be the trailblazers in a revolutionary field. The potential for profit and global influence is immense. They had to admit their inferiority when it came to VR technology. When the gaming capsule first arrived, Monica had sent it to her research team for analysis. However, they could only shake their heads in bewilderment when asked how this thing worked. It was as if the device violated all familiar technological principles and instead operated on something akin to magic. Exercising caution, Monica refrained from tampering with the capsule, wary of jeopardizing the potential investment deal. That would be putting the cart before the horse. As you wish. Dominique bowed slightly, meticulously recording her instructions. Monica was a very ambitious woman. Despite being in her early twenties, she had already carved a name for herself as a prodigious talent in the business world. Nevertheless, even she couldnt suppress the thrill that surged through her at the thought of Magus Academy Online. Just imagining the potential and possibilities that it would have in the future made her look forward to it as more than just a business opportunity. Chapter 85: Preparation for the Dungeon Clearing The players hands-on ability was truly superb. Merely four days following the release of alpha version 0.3, they used the official website forum to organize parties and prepare to challenge the dungeon. Victor had made sure to provide the essential information, like the map as well as the game lore that players were known to enjoy theorizing over. For instance, they knew that the dungeon was a nest inside a large cave and was the former home of the arachnids that invaded the academy. To that end, they planned to bring plenty of supplies to secure the caves surroundings. The distance between the pseudo dungeon and the academy wasnt that far; it was about five kilometers to the north of the Thornwood Flower field. Thanks to the magic tool sold at the blacksmith workshop, they were able to safely traverse the magical forest filled with supernatural phenomena. At the moment, more than two dozen players had advanced to Initiate Attunement. Not every Initiate Attunement player participated in this dungeon, however. As a matter of fact, it was the combination of the five players from the very first batch and a team made up of roughly two parties from those with high mana aptitudes who organized on the forum. While the role of the commander naturally fell to Zero, Storm, in spite of not having reached Initiate Attunement, was chosen as the strategist of the operation for his insight and expertise in the game. Nonetheless, he did not disappoint, as he quickly formulated a comprehensive battle plan. The plan in question was drafted in a private group that Victor had made a long time ago, allowing him to be privy to its contents. After reading through, he was nothing short of impressed. He was confident that, as long as there was no accident, this plan would lead to a successful clearing of the dungeon, but only time would tell the end result. In addition to these developments, the northern wall of the academy had also reached completion, which gave twenty progression value points as the reward. However, Victor had no intention of stopping there. Construction on the remaining three walls, encompassing the east, south, and west sides of the academy, had already commenced. With more and more players being able to cast {Earth Weaver}, the pace of the construction was expected to accelerate significantly. Resting his chin in his hand while leaning over his desk, Victor activated his Shadowlink Mark to check the academys progression numerically. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 390 Academy Grade: Level 2 Total Acolytes: 134/250 Progression Value: 130/250 Because the player with the Crimson Mystic Giant bloodline required a unique meditation technique, he had to spend 100 AP to purchase the first three levels of Crimson Morph. Naturally, he wasnt going to just freely hand it out willy-nilly. So, amidst the envious gaze of the other players, he called her to his office to be given a special task. By the way, her player ID was ButterflyWingsAreDelicious a surprisingly harmless username despite her size and look For each level of the Crimson Morph meditation technique, Victor charged Butterfly a hefty fee of one thousand merit points, which could be paid on credit when she accrued sufficient points. While this would put her at a disadvantage compared to other players, as a Bloodline Magus, she would make up for it with superior strength and durability, which should allow her to accumulate merit points at an accelerated rate. Victor considered this a fair and balanced approach. That aside, what mattered most to Victor was his own meditation progress. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 255/255 Power Rank: Third-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (third level, 99%) Status: Healthy Strength: (25) Agility: (25) Vitality: (25) Magical Power: (35) Infused Mana (total): (231 255) Spell Repertoire: {Blink Step}, {Spatial Mirage}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave}, {Demonic Eye}This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Ugh I really need that last push for the breakthrough. As he let out that soliloquy, Victor slumped in his chair, a deep sigh escaping his lips. Ninety-nine percent. No matter what he did, he couldnt break through that one bottleneck without a trigger like a high-rank meditation technique. It was similar to how those protagonists in novels would need to stumble upon fortuitous encounters to ascend to higher realms. If finding a substitute high-rank meditation technique is not an option, why not try browsing the System shop for an elixir? You might stumble upon something unexpectedly beneficial, Lizbeth advised, her eyes twinkling. Victor perked up at the idea. Although the System shop didnt sell rare potions and elixirs, it did have expensive but useful ones. He recalled seeing a particular elixir that could help with his breakthrough, so he immediately activated his Shadowlink Mark to browse. This Victor could feel a grin creeping up in his mouth when the item descriptions flickered across his screen. Yes, with this, I should be able to take that final step. *** Storm magnified the holographic map projected from his Shadowlink Mark and drew a cross at the cave entrance with his finger. He then explained his strategy once again with a steady voice: Weve thoroughly scouted the area and come to the conclusion that the nest of the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids has only one entry point. Tactically, our plan requires at least five players to serve as tanks at the front. They will use the earthen wall as a barrier, effectively blocking the cave entrance. The remaining ten or so players will be split into two groups. The first group will utilize spears, thrusting them through the gaps in the earthen wall, while the second group will be ready with spells to handle any spiders that manage to bypass our defenses or in case the situation escalates. Seeing that the players were watching him seriously, he continued, Once the spellcasters have depleted their mana, they should swap roles with the spearmen, and well continue this rotation. Our goal is to persist until no more spiders emerge from the cave. If anyone gets injured, fall back immediately to the healers stationed at the rear. Without their queen, these insects are not tactically intelligent; theyll rely on swarming tactics. So, if we cooperate well, it should be no problem. Concluding his briefing, Storm declared, Lets execute the plan this way! He had gathered all the players participating in the expedition not far from the mouth of the cave. Thanks to the expensive magic tool worth two thousand merit points, they were able to traverse the forest safely. Since merit points couldnt be transferred between players, it was agreed that the one who had financed the magic tool would be given a larger share of the rewards from clearing the dungeon. Other than this expenditure, the group was also equipped with the best and newest weapons they could get their hands on. The spears, for example, were made of steel that was specifically crafted none other than by the new blacksmith NPC, which cost 250 merit points for one. For added protection, the five players who took the role of tanks were also equipped with high-quality iron shields priced at two hundred merit points each. It was a steep price, but the expense was worth it. Upon arrival, they set up a simple encampment as well as some barriers right outside the cave without alerting the inhabitants inside. These obstacles were mainly designed to provide a strategic advantage in case the enemies broke through the first line of defense. As they approached the caves entrance, some players piled up firewood a few meters inside. Those with Geo elemental affinity cast the {Earth Weaver} spell, creating an earthen wall that nearly spanned the entire entrance. To support this temporary barrier, a wooden fortification was constructed to support the earthen wall. Storm oversaw the players as they worked on the structureit took a whole hour to complete. These arachnids were magical beasts, and the players had experienced what they were capable of firsthand during the invasion of the academy. One of the players who had the {Demonic Eye} spell had scouted ahead and revealed that these spiders ranged in size from as small as a fist to as large as a human. Same old, same old. Then, lets commence this operation, Zero stated. Everyone, get ready. Im going to lure them out! As Prominence said that, he confidently pulled out an incendiary weapon that resembled a Molotov cocktail from his belt, lit it by manipulating Pyro elemental particles, and hurled it deep into the cave. This weapon was a new invention of Aphrodites, made from a mix of alcohol and the flammable liquid. This chemical mixture worked as effectively as a traditional Molotov cocktail made from gasoline that he named Aphrodite fire. Unfortunately, the inventor himself had little interest in joining the operation in favor of creating gunpowder. The bottle shattered with a crisp sound upon impact, and flames erupted instantaneously. However, instead of drawing out the spiders immediately, the fire caught onto a pile of firewood inside, generating thick smoke that billowed into the cave. Their intention wasnt to incinerate the entire nest, as they aimed to harvest spider silk and eggs. Destroying everything inside would render this entire operation pointless. It took about fifteen minutes before the first signs of movement echoed from within the cave. Incoming! someone shouted in alert. Through the narrow gap, the monstrous spiders could be seen skittering along the walls and ceiling, skillfully avoiding the flames. They shot toward the earthen wall with alarming speed. Then, they slammed into it headfirst, causing the wooden fortification supporting the barrier to creak and groan repeatedly. At that moment, the two forces clashed with full intensity! Chapter 86: Attempt in Advancement Tanks, get ready to receive the enemy! Zero ordered with a clear, commanding voice. Damn! These arachnids are incredibly strong, even though Ive advanced to Initiate Attunement! Unlike the previous invasion, the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids they faced this time werent significantly impaired by the flames. They were true first-stage Initiate Attunement magical beasts, after all. Hurry up! I cant hold them back forever! There are smaller ones among them. Hold on! Eat this! The spear-bearing players that were positioned just behind acted without hesitation. They thrust their spears forward in a rapid, piston-like motion, retracting and then striking again and again. Although not every strike hit its mark, their sheer speed and relentless attacks managed to take down several of the encroaching creatures. Storm spotted some of the smaller arachnids sneaking through the gaps and was aware that the frontliners were preoccupied with larger ones. Without hesitation, he directed the spellcasters to unleash their magic. Flaming projectiles, ice shards, blades of wind, and many other magic attacks rained down on the incoming arachnids, providing much-needed support to the frontline. Yet, the creatures continued to press forward, paying no mind to the bodies of their fallen kin. In the midst of the chaos, Zero suddenly turned to Storm. You take command. Im joining the battle! he said, dashing into the fray before Storm could respond. Usually, he was known to be the most calm and collected of the bunch; he would assess the situation from behind and never volunteer to rush ahead. But now, the situation was urgent. This decision was actually advantageous, though. Even if Storm rushed ahead, he wouldnt be of much help since he couldnt use magic yet. As such, the best thing he could do was to take command. The battle raged on with everything going according to plan, and the groups rotated positions whenever fatigue set in. Countless arachnids were killed one after another, turning the scene into a veritable slaughterhouse. However, even the enhanced stamina provided by their acolyte robes had its limits. Gradually, the players began to show signs of weariness and exhaustion. To make matters worse, there was no noticeable decrease in the enemy numbers; the arachnids seemed as numerous as ever, showing no indication of dwindling. Shit! There are too many of them! Even with over fifteen of us, its hard to hold the line! Fighting them like this reminds me of the big spider from a certain indie game where you have to gather items in an abando Ouch! Ive been bitten! Healer, I need help! Ow, ow, ow! The little ones are too annoying! The sheer volume of the enemy was overwhelming their carefully constructed defenses. Even the narrow gaps in the earthen wall had widened enough from the venomous acid, which allowed the arachnids to pour through as unimpeded as water gushing from a pipe. As Storm observed the whole situation, a realization dawned on him: If they didnt retreat now, only demise would follow them. Uh-oh, I should issue a retreat order now; its time to pull back. To start with, they didnt plan to conquer the dungeon in a single attack. Their initial plan was to cull down the enemys number to a manageable amount, but there seemed to be too many of them inside. Well, these arachnids werent totally idle even though their queen was gone. Everyone, retreat! Retreat! Storm ordered decisively, and the players were quick to respond. They swiftly and orderly withdrew while maintaining their defensive stances. On the other hand, the spellcasters at the rear continued their assault, covering their retreat. This exemplary teamwork was only possible because the players trusted each other and were not afraid of death. If such a scene were to happen in real life, even professional soldiers might fail to exhibit such discipline. Luckily, these spiders seemed more intent on escaping the cave than pursuing the players, allowing them to retreat with minimal casualties. As they moved away from the cave, it became evident that today was not the day they would conquer the dungeon. *** Deep beneath the academys main building, in the quiet of the basement, Victor sat on the brick floor, steadying his breathing and focusing his mind. After all this time, he had discovered that the room where the magic formations were located was the best mana-rich location. This place attracted the mana from the ethereal realmthe Primordial Nexusand thus was the perfect place for the breakthrough. Victor mused, To advance to an Elemental Adept Magus, there are several requirements Have I met them all? First, one would need a high-rank meditation technique. Although there were extremely rare instances where acolytes were able to break through without possessing one, often using elixirs or other means, such methods were generally flawed and risky; a minor disturbance could result in a deadly backlash. In the best-case scenario, the person would become a cripple. To mitigate this, Victor had done something genius. In the past few days, Auralise had provided a building on Earth filled with one hundred or so high-end computers that could be accessed remotely. While constructing a fully functional, high-rank meditation technique with the current library of data was all but impossible, even if Victor was given a century to finish the task. However, devising a rough approximation based on the Myriad Elements Method was feasible. This would at least mitigate the risk of catastrophic failure.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. The second requirement involved having a Bet-tier spell as an innate spell, though this was optional. Way back in the early Ancient Era, Magi would prepare a necessary spellusually a defensive onefor this purpose. But over time, such an approach was proven to be obsolete. It was stupid to limit oneself to a single spell, so a new technique was developed that could focus on spells of a specific element, thereby enhancing their power. So, not only would it be amplified by the elemental affinity, but it would also be strengthened by the breakthrough itself, which led to what was known as an innate element. On top of that, magicians would get an innate defensive force field when they became Elemental Adept Magi. Last on the list was to have the necessary physical strength, durability, and accumulation of infused mana. Having sufficient pockets of infused mana inside ones body was crucial for a smooth breakthrough. Fortunately, Victor was confident he had this aspect covered. Once you fulfilled all these requirements, the next critical step was elemental fusion. But simply meeting these requirements doesnt ensure success in doing elemental fusion Moreover, initiating the fusion process itself isnt something that can be controlled at will His thoughts then turned to the elixir he had recently acquired. It was this very elixir that would come into play in triggering the elemental fusion. Mana Conduit Elixir A rare and potent elixir used to catalyze the process of elemental fusion and give the user a chance to step into the Elemental Adept Magus rank. This luminous, azure potion contains a concentrated essence of raw elemental forces harmoniously blended with the distilled lifeblood of an ancient elemental being. Cost: 100 AP It was not typical to use such an elixir to aid in breakthroughs. Rather, it was a last resort for desperate mages nearing the end of their lives who hadnt met the necessary conditions for elemental fusion. Although consuming the elixir carried no direct side effects, a failed advancement attempt could be fatal. Well, the worst-case scenario wouldnt happen to Victor since he met all the requirements. If the situation didnt call for it, there was no reason to force a breakthrough. He could just take his time, perhaps waiting for the development of a complete high-rank meditation technique, and let the process unfold naturally. But with his former comrades returning with an army on the horizon, he was left with no choice. Plus, the players were getting stronger by the daycould he truly maintain his role as headmaster if he wasnt stronger than them? For him, it wasnt only about the situation at hand but also the matter of his pride. Being outdone by a bunch of ignorant people who knew nothing, while he had been living in this world for nearly two decades, would send a crushing blow to his ego. Be that as it may, Victor had tried meditating on the new schematic of the Myriad Elements Method and realized that his infused mana had undergone a slight purification process. He had been boosting his meditation progress by using mana crystals, and while it only affected him minimally, many impurities had accumulated within his infused mana. Hence was how he had immensely improved in the past few days. Before he started to rush through the bottleneck, Victor made sure that everything was in order and that he had not missed anything. For example, he had arranged dozens of mana crystals, which was essentially all his mana crystal reserve, in a circular formation around him and even constructed a makeshift magic formation to help him. Furthermore, he had left the academys matters for Lizbeth to take care of. After giving everything one final check, a resolved expression appeared within Victors eyes as he declared, Let us begin. With the steadiness of a mountain, he uncorked the vial and downed its content in one swift motion. Initially, the elixir brought a refreshingly cool sensation, which soon evolved into an intense, pulsating heat that radiated from his throat throughout his entire body. It was as if his body was a piping-hot kettle that could burst at any second. Crap. Without hesitation, Victor closed his eyes and began circulating the Myriad Elements Method, focusing intently on directing the chaotic energy unleashed by the elixir. Before long, the elemental energy all around him began intertwining with his own mana. Victor could feel the very essence of the Cosmo elemental particles drawing into him, merging with his infused mana. The space inside the magic formations room began to warp subtly, with faint cracks appearing as if reality itself was straining under the power. Suddenly, a surge of excruciating pain overwhelmed Victor as the crucial process of elemental fusion began. Cold sweat poured from his forehead down his back as he struggled to endure. Agh! Aarghh! The agony was so severe that his eyes bulged, and the muscles on his face contorted. Victor grappled with the forces inside his body, striving to strike a balance. The infused mana within his body was undergoing the fusion process and starting to align with the Cosmo element. This alignment was crucial; any misstep could result in a catastrophic backlash. His acolyte robe fluttered as if caught in an unseen breeze from the growing energy. Minutes passed, feeling like hours, as the elemental energy and his infused mana gradually found a harmonious balance, seemingly forming a new, more potent entity. His body was in a state of continuous breakage and recovery, adapting to this intense transformation. The rooms mana was being voraciously absorbed by this nascent, strengthened form of infused mana within him. Victor was teetering on the edge of becoming an official Magus. Without the array of mana crystals laid out around him, there was a high possibility that before he completed the elemental fusion process, he would have turned into a shriveled corpse! Gradually, the tumultuous sensations began to wane as they reached a perfect equilibrium, and a wave of fatigue engulfed Victor. Though changes continued within his body, he could barely resist the pull of sleep. Overwhelming drowsiness enveloped him, as comforting and irresistible as a mothers embrace coaxing him with a lullaby. No matter how hard he tried to keep himself awake, Victor ultimately couldnt resist. He subconsciously fell on his back, succumbing to exhaustion. His final conscious thought was to keep circulating the Myriad Elements Method meditation technique, pushing himself toward the threshold of becoming an Elemental Adept Magus. *** Lizbeth turned off the holographic screen as she had just finished with the meeting with the representative of the Spinula Tech Innovations. She had used her magic power to disguise her appearance and appear more human-like. Luckily, the representative on the other side didnt suspect her in the least. With the terms finalized, all that remained was execution. It was only a matter of time before Victor, her master, gained what he wanted. Lizbeth smiled, pleased with herself. Now, I better check on Master. She stood and smoothed her gown, and her wings fluttered behind her. Humming softly, she flew toward the hidden staircase, intending to report directly to Victor, only to discover the door had been sealed with magic. Well, he had entrusted her with the academys matter, so she would ensure everything ran perfectly and not disturb him. After all, helping him to be the best and create the greatest academy in the universe was her sole objective in this world. Chapter 87: The Power of an Elemental Adept Magus Victor had a long dream. In his dream, he was back on Earth and was about to enjoy a meal with his family. It was a scene from his early college days, a time when life seemed unblemished by complexity. His mother bustled around the kitchen, preparing dishes, while his sister assisted, chopping meat and vegetables. Their laughter filled the air, radiating warmth and happiness, as if no sorrow had ever touched their lives. Witnessing this familial scene after so long, Victors heart clenched with melancholy. He longed to tell them all he had gone throughthe adventures he had in the other world, trodding the path of a Magus, and the betrayal he faced at the hands of former comrades. He wished to pour out every detail. Everything. But as he opened his mouth to speak, the comforting scene before him abruptly dissolved, vanishing as if it had never existed. In its place was an expansive space of nothingness. Darkness enveloped him from all corners, with nothing in sight. In this empty space, Victor found himself floating spinning slowly yet out of control. Time seemed to stretch into infinity until, at last, a faint, hazy white light bathed his face. Within that light, a white silhouette of a woman emerged. She had no discernible featuresno eyes, no ears, no noseonly a smile was plastered on her face. As Victor tried to reach out to her, the world plunged back into darkness. Then, a sensation of weightlessness overcame him as he began to fall into an endless abyss, screaming all the while even though nothing came out. Aaahh! Victor jolted upright, his eyes darting around the dim room. The basement was cloaked in shadows, save for a few mana torches and lamps, making him momentarily question if he was still trapped in that dream. What was that? The surreal experience echoed within his mind. It took a moment for him to gather his thoughts and steady his breath, eventually releasing a long sigh of relief. Victor felt an intensifying strength pulsing beneath his skin, accompanied by a substantial increase in his infused mana. Could this be the opening of my sea of consciousness? he murmured. The opening of the sea of consciousness was a clear indication of his successful advancement to an official Magus. It also indicated the expansion of his mind that came along with his ascension. Legends had it that, once it developed to a certain degree, it could be used to store the power or even a chunk of the Primordial Nexus and grant Magi immense power. A power that could be used to obliterate worlds and touch the very brink of immortality. Still feeling somewhat unsettled, Victor delved into the sea of his consciousness. It was the same boundless, pitch-black expansive space. If Victor didnt know better, he would have believed that he was transported to the very end of the universe, where even black holes no longer existed. The place was very disheartening. With a mere thought, Victor began populating the void. Celestial bodies materialized out of the darkness: A radiant sun, orbiting planets, asteroid belts, and trailing comets all appeared, bringing a cosmic spectacle to this once-empty space. Despite their vivid, realistic appearances, these celestial bodies were mere illusions. Although the Cosmo element was primarily linked to spatial power, it shared a connection with cosmic power. In the days of the Ancient Era, Astrologistsa subset of Magiharnessed cosmic power to navigate and conquer planes and worlds. Not only that, but this power could also be used to read peoples fate or even the fate of the universe. Unfortunately, it had faded away with time. Still, the power that he felt from inside and out continuously emanated throughout his whole being. Once he fully grasped the extent of the transformation, Victor grinned as he knew he had successfully advanced into an official Magus! Feeling is one thing, but the status screen will confirm the truth. Having said that, Victor proceeded to open his status screen to see the tangible proof of his newfound power. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.MP: 408/408 Power Rank: Elemental Adept Magus Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (prototype schematic, -) Status: Healthy Strength: (25 30) Agility: (25 29) Vitality: (25 31) Magical Power: (35 40) Infused Mana (total): (255 408) Spell Repertoire: {Blink Step}, {Spatial Mirage}, {Slicing Wind}, {Zephyr Dash}, {Tempest Burst}, {Wind Guard}, {Flame Whip}, {Flame Dart}, {Ember Shield}, {Heat Wave}, {Demonic Eye} Thats a huge increase in stats! No wonder everything feels different The increase even affects my physical figure. To test his new strength, Victor clenched his fist and threw a punch into the air, resulting in a sharp, explosive sound. With this kind of power, even if I fight the queen spider barehanded, Id probably come out on top! The improvements to his strength, agility, and vitality stats might have averaged only about five points each, but the impact was far from small. Each point represented a 10 percent increase over his previous total, effectively boosting his overall strength by more than 60 percent. And this was only the beginning! Granted, he was currently the weakest of the weakest when it came to the rank of Elemental Adept, and he was only slightly stronger than pseudo-Elemental Adept magical beasts like the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid. However, this rank had six small stages, and each stage would increase the overall stats by leaps and bounds. Alas, with no fully functioning high-rank meditation technique, it would be next to impossible for him to improve. Still, its said that an Elemental Adept Magus can live for at least two hundred years. Victor smiled in satisfaction. The added lifespan was one of the compelling reasons why many sought to reach this rank Magi loved to pursue the truth, and that required a lot of study and experiments to uncover the mysteries of the universe. For those dedicated to relentless experimentation in their quest for truth, even two centuries felt insufficient. Hehe, I wonder what Graviel Merlins and the others faces would look like if they learned that Id become an official Magus. Victor was now anticipating the day that they would meet again. As he was consumed in these gleeful thoughts, the Master Shadowlink Mark on his left wrist shone, projecting a holographic screen before him. It then came to his attention that there were several notifications from the Academy Inhabitant List, which meant someone with access was contacting him. In a moment, the screen revealed Lizbeths worried face as she spoke. Master! Youre alive! Was the breakthrough successful? Why did you seal the entrance to the basement floor?! When I saw you fall on your back, I thought you were dead! Victor had indeed sealed the entrance to the basement as a precaution to contain his mana fluctuation. This also limited her access to her hologram or through the Shadowlink Mark. Easy with the questions there, my little assistant. Yes, its a success. Ive advanced to Elemental Adept rank. Behold of my newfound might! The smug grin on Victors face widened. What might? You must be a sicko for willingly taking all that pain. Lizbeth retorted as she slightly pouted her cheeks, but then her tone softened as she added, Regardless, seeing youre alright, I can rest assured. However, I have important news for you while you are away. Oh? Tell me. He perked up his ear. The players attempt to conquer the dungeon has failed. Its all over the official website forum, along with the footage of the scene, with people giving mixed reactions to it. Nevertheless, they are planning another attempt soon. That was quite a surprise. Victor had assumed that the players would conquer the dungeon in a single go, but it appeared the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids were not to be underestimated. On the flip side, there was that special egg in the heart of the nest. The time of its hatching shouldnt be far away; it was worth checking it at that time. To make sure that the players didnt destroy it, he had issued a special mission just for that. Just leave them be. If anything, Im pretty sure theyll succeed soon enough. But now, Victors voice trailed off as he conjured a spatial distortion in his hand, feeling a surge of boundless power. Im keen on testing this new strength of mine. What do you plan to do? The fairy tilted her head. Nothing much, Victor replied nonchalantly, rising to his feet and moving toward the exit. Im off to explore the cavern system in the ravine. You dont mean to You guessed it. Its time for ex-term-in-a-tion. He enunciated each syllable as a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Yet, as Victor reached out to the self-made magic barrier, a vivid memory of his dream resurfaced, prompting him to pause and turn at the holographic screen. Liz, theres something important I need your help with. He told her about his lingering concerns for his only remaining relative on Earthhis sisterand his desire to extend support to her. Even though there might no longer be any connection between him and his family back on Earth, and the possibility that Simons memory might not be truly his, Victor felt a moral obligation to act. Now that he had some money to spare, giving his sister some financial support might not be a bad idea. Sure thing. I will see what I can do. Lizbeth nodded. Thank you. With that, Victor turned off his Shadowlink Mark and left the basement. Chapter 88: Eradicating the Crystalback Tendrilisks After running a long way into the forest, Victor casually did a few tests to try out his new Magus abilities. For example, his mana sense, now fully developed after he became an official Magus, allowed him to effortlessly scan for any living entity within a hundred-meter radius. Remarkably, he could detect even the smallest creatures, like an ant walking on a tree a hundred meters away. But what about my physical prowess? He deployed his mana sense and discovered a running Mossback Turtle a short distance away. In an instantaneous burst of speed that couldnt be seen by the naked eye, he surged forward. Seeing that he was right above the creature, Victor channeled his infused mana into his fist, and with a precise, forceful downward swing, he destroyed its carapace in a single, decisive blow. It was dead before it even registered him coming. This is insane! Although it was a fairly small Mossback Turtle, it was a pretty durable magical beast. Such a feat of strength was something his former self could have only dreamed of. Alas, without a complete high-rank meditation technique, reaching even greater heights of power would be a pipe dream. Nonetheless, he could now confidently proclaim himself as the headmaster of an academy. No one should underestimate him anymore. If this is the extent of my physical prowess, what about my magical prowess? Victor thought, scanning for any more creatures in the vicinity. Hrm? This mana fluctuation At the edge of his range, he detected unusual mana fluctuations and realized there was a battle occurring between two or more powerful magical beasts. He suspected that the Mossback Turtle he had just dispatched was fleeing from that very place. He didnt bother to take the creatures corpse and set off toward the source. Perching himself atop a branch of a tall tree, Victor gazed at a small clearing about twenty meters away. There, he could only see one creature standing in the middle of a mass of blood and carcasses. The creature, in the shape of a giant silvery wolf, seemed to have noticed him as well and started wagging her tail. Lumen? Victor exclaimed in astonishment as he jumped down to the clearing. Woof! Lumen pounced toward him, ready to shower him with affectionate licks. But upon noticing her fur was slightly drenched in blood, Victor skillfully dodged and gently restrained her, causing her to let out a soft, disappointed whimper. It has been a few days Where have you been? Victor couldnt help but ask and saw one of the carcasses around. He didnt know what magical beast it was since it was mauled beyond recognition. However, it appeared to be some sort of bear. Lumen had a habit of returning to the academy sporadically and often left the remains of magical beasts right in the outdoor morgue near the Nexus Tower. Because of her and the players, Victor had no need to hunt for magical beasts himself. Moreover, the essence converter had accumulated over two thousand points by this time. There was one more critical detail that Victor noted about Lumen here. According to the mana fluctuation she emitted, her power was nearing the third-stage Initiate Attunement. Her relentless hunting had evidently fueled her continuous growth. With this speed, Victor wondered what the limit of her bloodlines power was. Anyway, its good to see youre doing well, Victor remarked, then an idea struck him. Lets see, how about we go hunting together? Lumens intelligent eyes lit up with excitement, her head perking up eagerly, clearly thrilled by the proposal. She then crouched down, inviting Victor to mount her back. Before doing so, he manipulated the Anemo and Hydro elemental particles to cleanse her fur of the blood, leaving it glistening like the most expensive fur the world had ever seen. Lets go! Full steam ahead! As he uttered this phrase, he was reminded of the times Lizbeth would perch on his shoulder and treat him like her personal mount. With a swift start, Lumen charged deeper into the forest. Victor guided her towards their destination, which was, of course, the ravine at the northeast of the academy. Even though Victor could fly as an Elemental Adept Magus, riding on a magical mount was still an exhilarating experience and something that didnt require energy. ***A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Alright. Were here. Victor dismounted Lumen as he gazed at the dark cavern looming before them. Unlike before, the sense of danger that once permeated this place seemed diminished, but Victor knew better than to let his guard down. With a focused gesture, he cast the {Demonic Eye} spell to summon five spectral puppets to scout ahead. It took but a mere minute for him to find several monstrous lizard-like creaturesthe Crystalback Tendrilisks. Each was grotesquely decorated with sharp, crystalline spikes adorning their backs, while a disturbing nest of writhing tentacles undulated beneath their heads. To Victors satisfaction, none of the spectral puppets were destroyed this time. He felt that his control over his infused mana, and thus the spell itself, had increased manifold. Still, looking at these abominations wasnt something that Victor found pleasing; their grotesque appearance was simply too ugly and unsettling. Turning to the silvery wolf beside him, Victor inquired, Do you want to stay here or? Lumen returned a determined gaze of her own, making it clear she was adamant about accompanying him. Acknowledging her decision, Victor nodded and led the way into the depths of the cavern. Well, Im more at ease exploring this place with someone to accompany me. As they delved into the cavern, Victor flicked his finger, and several balls of light illuminated the dark passage. The walls of this cavern were quite damp and were occasionally illuminated by the faint, eerie glow of luminescent stones and bioluminescent flora, which cast elongated shadows around them. Plus, the air was thick with the musty smell of damp earth and the faint, metallic tangindicating the place was rich in metal resources. Five minutes into traversing the passage, they arrived at the den of the Crystalback Tendrilisks. The cavern opened up into a vast chamber where cyan-colored crystals were in abundance, twinkling in the balls of light that Victor conjured. It was absolutely packed full of raw mana crystal ores, stretching as far as the eye could see. This place is indeed a treasure trove worth taking over Victor murmured to himself, his eyes scanning around in awe and wariness. Suddenly, Lumen let out a low growl as she glared intently in a specific direction. Following her gaze, Victor saw a pair of luminescent eyes emerge from the darkness. The eyes blinked once, then twice, before more pairs began to materialize from the shadows. He realized with a jolt that they were vastly outnumbered. Shoot. There are more than five of them in here! He hadnt searched the place thoroughly, so it wasnt totally unexpected. But Victor remained calm as he prepared to cast a spell. He had not a single Bet-tier spell, but one couldnt underestimate the power of the Aleph-tier spells that an Elemental Adept Magus could cast. Besides, there was something that he wanted to experiment with here. This was a perfect chance to measure the full extent of his powers. While feeling a surge of adrenaline, Victor steadied himself. He took out his magic weaponthe Voidborn Orbfrom his interspatial ring to enhance his magical prowess. Meanwhile, Lumen positioned herself protectively beside him, ready for battle. Victor knew well that in such a situation, a robust offense was the best defense. It stood to reason that rather than waiting for the enemies to launch their attack on their turf, it was better to take the fight to them and clear their home-field advantage. Victor extended his hand and conjured a scorching cyclone that swept through the cavern and whirled around the hiding Crystalback Tendrilisks. Most of them were caught in the cyclone and got fried into nothing more than smoky remnants. Due to the unique meditation technique that he practiced along with the increase of mana proficiency, it was now possible for him to merge spell combinations into a singular, potent spell, which was something he had figured out himself without the players input.. I think I will name this new spell {Blazing Burst}, he thought, feeling satisfied with the name he gave. ROARRR!! Though most were incapacitated, some of them proved to be more resilient than others and continued trying to close in on him. What a tenacious bunch {Flame Dart}! {Slicing Wind}! Several fiery projectiles, as well as razor-sharp blades of wind, rained upon the enemies, each strike precisely aimed at their exposed and vulnerable spots. Victor seized every moment, relentlessly unleashing his barrage of spells. Lumen also joined in by shooting light arrows and injuring any incoming enemies while her powerful jaws and claws dealt devastating blows to any that dared come close. The cavern echoed with the roars of pain from the Crystalback Tendrilisks as they writhed in agony and felltheir crystalline spikes shattering under the relentless assault. Even if they tried to camouflage into the surroundings, Victor was able to determine their positions easily through his high affinity for the Cosmo element. Nothing could escape from his perception. It wasnt even a battle; it was a one-sided massacre. Finally, as the last of the Crystalback Tendrilisks fell, the cavern fell silent. More than ten Crystalback Tendrilisks had died in this confrontation, which more or less summed up their entire family. Maybe there were more deeper inside, but this was undoubtedly his win. I truly have gotten stronger, huh. If not for the lack of stronger magic spells, he would have taken down the enemies much faster. In fact, it wasnt that these humongous lizards were weak; Victor was just too strong. Lumen snuggled up to Victor, her gaze brimming with expectation. Yeah, you too, Lumen. Youre getting stronger, Victor affirmed, affectionately running his hand over her head. After a few affectionate pats, Victor turned his attention back to their surroundings. Guess I better explore a bit deeper to eliminate any dangerous factor. Better not leave any loose end than to cry later. With this resolve, Victor, accompanied by Lumen, continued deeper into the cavern with their footsteps echoing in the vast expanse. Chapter 89: Successful Dungeon Clearing There were still about three to five stray Crystalback Tendrilisks roaming other parts of the cavern system. Realizing that they might repopulate the place if left alone, Victor exterminated every last one that he came across. The spectral puppets that he had previously summoned were sent to reexplore the area in case he had missed something, but what he found was quite shocking. The entire cavern system appeared to be much, much larger than his initial assessment. Beyond the den of the Crystalback Tendrilisks were many forks that led to who knew where. Furthermore, he could detect faint signs of strong life forces as well as mana fluctuations emanating from these unexplored depths. Even Lumen, who was usually fearless, seemed hesitant to stroll inside. Being a goose on the loose in this place might not be a very bright idea. Not now. Well, I dont think exploring further is urgently needed right now. After all, the mana crystal mine is already too big to swallow. And its better to leave the exploring for the players. At any rate Exploring deeper also revealed that the cave was rich in all sorts of resources other than the mana crystal vein. Traces of magic metals could be seen on the walls and the ceiling. No wonder those lizard abominations made their nest here; even Victor would want to make a home here if it were possible. Or at least set up a mining operation. Tracing back his steps, Victor returned to where the mana crystal vein was to scavenge for anything that he could bring back. His interspatial ring only had one cubic meter of capacity. Therefore, he selectively filled it with the most valuable things out of the Crystalback Tendrilisksthe crystals on their backs. They were top-notch materials for magic equipment and weapons. Of course, this didnt mean that he would leave the carcasses here to rot. Through the basic spatial manipulation that he learned, he was able to lift several of them simultaneously without having to physically carry them. Lumen also helped by carrying one in her jaws. It was pretty large, though, so the scene was quite comical. With everything he came here to do accomplished, Victor announced, All right. Alls set. Lets head back to the academy. Lumen responded with an enthusiastic Woof! as she eagerly followed him out from the caverns depths. *** Storm and his coalition of fifteen or so players once again assembled at the entrance of the arachnids nest. After one whole day of observation, they figured out that the arachnids, which had previously fled, were now returning to their nest. It was as if they were set to return after the danger was averted, making the players suspect they were protecting something. Now armed with both experience and an improved strategy, they were determined to succeed where they had previously failed. The players fortified the cave entrance even more meticulously than before, and luckily it seemed the arachnids AI were too stupid to react to the disturbance outside of their home for the second time. Similar to monsters in other games, these arachnids seemed to automatically return to their designated areas once they were beyond a certain distance. The plan remains the same, Storm announced in a steady voice. We will use the fortified earthen wall as a barrier, and with the same configuration as before, we will slowly and methodically eliminate the arachnids. Naturally, I have anticipated the possibility of the enemy overwhelming us again. So, this time, were adding an extra step to our strategy. He then revealed a bag filled with black powder. Well first smoke the entrance, just like last time, then use this powder to create an explosion whenever we need a reprieve. Theres no doubt that they wont survive this for long. Aphrodite had worked tirelessly day and night to make a full barrel worth, so it was crucial to use it efficiently and let none go to waste. All things considered, the black powder was the key to their strategy succeeding. The explosive substance, if used correctly, could serve as both a trap and a powerful weapon, capable of dealing massive damage to the arachnids while minimizing the risk to the team. Thats right. Zero nodded in agreement. I dont believe their number hasnt dwindled from yesterday.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Unless they respawn, our tactic will whittle them down little by little, Prominence added in glee. Then, what are we waiting for? Mike laughed and exclaimed, Lets get started! Accordingly, the players swiftly took their positions behind the fortification. Unfortunately, the corpses of the hundred-plus Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids from their previous battle had disappeared, likely carried away by the returning arachnids to be consumedcannibalism seemed to be a thing even in the game. Repeating their previous tactic, one player hurled an Aphrodite fire (Molotov cocktail variant) into the stacks of firewood inside the cave. The fire ignited and burned them, sending thick, black smoke billowing throughout the cavern. Some players who were proficient in the Dendro element enhanced the fire by growing vines, while those proficient in Anemo summoned winds to guide the smoke deeper into the cave. Clearly, the previous battle had taught them valuable lessons. Soon, the sound of the arachnids stirring deep in the cave could be heard, and the air grew tense. The players braced themselves, with Storm standing at the forefront to give a signal as soon as the battle erupted. The sequence was pretty similar to how it was previously done: the tanks would form the front line, holding off the onslaught of the enemy; the spearmen would thrust a barrage of attacks with their spears; and the spellcasters would rain down magic spells on the slipping enemy, with one or two supports healing any injuries sustained in the fray. Most importantly, as soon as one group got too exhausted, the other group would cover them, and so on and so forth. However, as the tide of battle threatened to overwhelm them Boom! The first explosion rocked the cave entrance, triggered by the black powder that was thrown and ignited by a Pyro spell, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the advancing arachnids. Through the use of the {Earth Weaver} spell, the cave partially collapsed, trapping the arachnids inside and providing a much-needed respite for the players. Nevertheless, within ten minutes, the resilient arachnids burrowed out, re-engaging in the now-familiar battle pattern. Storm, the strategist as well as the first-in-command this time around, quickly noticed a change in the enemy; theyd become more sluggish than ever. Theyre slowing down! The smokes toxicity is affecting them! Keep the pressure on! he shouted. Cries of determination filled the air as the players pushed the enemy back. Attack! Aaaah!! You shall not pass! This is Sparta! Hasta la vista, baby! I am Ir Shut up and focus on the enemy! As usual, the players couldnt resist shouting every iconic phrase they could think of. Meanwhile, Storm was recording everything, as he had done with the previous dungeon clearing attempt. He planned on uploading it all later to earn some extra revenue. Therefore, he was worried the mention of trademarked names and phrases could give him copyright strikes, though the chances were slim. Still, the strategy of inducing cave-ins by combining explosives and magic spells proved to be exceptionally effective. With each repeat, the arachnids were forced to endure prolonged exposure to the suffocating smoke and searing flames. By the time the players had utilized two-thirds of the black powder in their barrel, the arachnid numbers had significantly diminished, and their strength had visibly waned; therefore, the players didnt have to repeat this anymore. Whew. This has been exhausting, but at last Prominences muscles were quivering as he killed the last remaining arachnid that had charged at him. Mike, leaning on his spear for support, commented, I really hope thats the last of them. Yeah. Im definitely not looking forward to dealing with any more spider-related issues for the foreseeable future. SuperNova shook his head with a weary sigh. Dont worry. You will be seeing them again as soon as you open your eyes. Hehe. Prominence grinned widely as he smashed his hands on SuperNovas shoulders. Eep! Dont scare me! He recoiled and shoved him away. Around them, other players voiced similar sentiments of not wanting to face any more giant spiders. However, as Zero gazed into the depths of the cave, he warned, Everyone! Dont let down your guard just yet. Theres a good chance that some arachnids are still alive, even if theyre barely hanging on a thin thread. Agreed, Storm chimed in, his voice firm. We need to ensure that the nest is completely cleared. Its the only way we can have peace of mind. He then rallied the players, urging them to regroup and prepare to venture deeper into the cave to finish off any remaining arachnids. Thus, the players readied themselves for the final push. *** The news of the players successful endeavors reached Victors ears as soon as he returned to the academy. Well, it wasnt surprising to him; he had anticipated their victory and had already planned to reward them with a generous amount of merit points. However, whether those merit points would even be worth earning, Victor couldnt guarantee it. Now seated comfortably in his headmasters chair, Victor contemplated his next course of action. With the mana crystal mine under control, he could now assign players to take over and commence mining operations. He had, in fact, considered rolling out a minor update between the major ones, but with the current developments, he realized such an interim update was unnecessary. Right. This is the plan I will follow, Victor decided, his mind clear on the path ahead. Chapter 90: Deep Introspection The recent advancement and the successful test of his new strength had made Victor plunge into deep introspection. Sure, he might have gotten stronger than ever and could now defeat a magical beast like the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid quite easily. Yet, in the face of real Elemental Adept rank magical beasts or even an average professor from his old academy, he would still be weaknothing more than a slightly stronger ant to them. With the impending threat of his former comrades and their army, Victor didnt believe that they wouldnt have some cards up their sleeves. Even if the chances of a being as strong as an Elemental Adept Magus accompanying them were small, he couldnt take any chances here. He knew he had to be perfectly prepared for their arrival, lest he die a foolish death. Would the enemy be so stupid as to allow him to get away, knowing he was privy to their secrets? Would they let themselves be chickens on the chopping board after learning that he was a newly-promoted Elemental Adept Magus? Clearly, these questions didnt have to be answered. Hence, he concluded that the only solution to this was to become as strong as possible before facing them so victory would be assured. Power was his only surefire pathway to success. And the best way to get stronger is either by acquiring a high-rank meditation technique or by completing my arsenal of spells. Victor laced his fingers together and rested them contemplatively below his nose. Since the former is a no-go, that leaves enhancing my spell repertoire as the only viable choice. In the days following his acquisition of about a hundred high-end computers on Earth, he set them the task of developing the schematic for the high-rank meditation technique, as well as training the spell simulation program so that it could begin pumping out spell models. According to his estimation, with the combined processing power of one hundred CPUs, a single Aleph-tier spell model could be created in less than an hour. However, when it came to Bet-tier spell models, Victor was not sure. Heck, he didnt know if it was feasible to simulate and construct even one such spellat least for esoteric Cosmo-elemental spell models. Even if its possible to create them, the question remains of how long it would take. Days? Weeks? This is something that needs to be tested, either way. Victor was entranced in his monologue as he activated the program once he had inputted a few things. He already had a list of spells in mind, covering offensive, defensive, and various utility purposes. Nevertheless, to hasten the programs training, it might be required for him to purchase a couple of Bet-tier spells from the System shop. The problem was, each was priced at a minimum of 100 AP, and that was just for the basic elements! Crap! I really, really need more AP. Lamenting, Victor massaged the bridge of his nose. He had once thought he was loaded when it came to AP, but reality spoke differently. In terms of AP, I have no AP. He sighed in resignation. Whatever the case, it had to be done. After all, having any more Aleph-tier spells wouldnt necessarily enhance his power. Opening the System shop, he began to sift through the extensive list of spells. After some deliberation, he narrowed his choices to two spellsone each from the Anemo and Pyro elements. {Volcanic Spear} An offensive spell that fires a thin yet extremely powerful and blazing beam of pure heat capable of cutting through materials and barriers. Once unleashed, it generates intense temperatures, resembling molten lava that can incinerate targets upon contact. Spell Tier: Bet Elemental Type: Pyro Cost: 100 AP {Tempest Gale} A spell that conjures a massive, spiraling vortex of wind that generates a ferocious gale. This tempestuous force is capable of lifting and hurling enemies to great distances, scattering them with huge intensity. It can also deflect projectiles and clear obstacles. Spell Tier: Bet Elemental Type: Anemo Cost: 100 AP He chose these two because he could employ these spells in combat, thereby killing two birds with one stone. On top of that, these two spells were like upgraded versions of his two most commonly used spells, {Flame Dart} and {Tempest Burst}. Its decided, Victor affirmed, completing the spell purchase and thus decreasing his total AP to 90. As he was about to head to the basement floor to retrieve the two spell books Master, we are back! And weve brought food for you! Woof! The double doors to his office burst open, revealing the figure of a fairy riding atop an oversized, silvery wolf. Lumen walked backwards as she dragged a tray laden with an assortment of dishes into the room. A truly bizarre yet fascinating spectacle. The two of them had gone to the kitchen to get dinner from the playersan idea Lizbeth had whimsically suggested. The sight of such an unusual duo, a fairy and a wolf working in tandem, must have surely drawn curious and amused looks from the players. What do we have here? Victor, feeling a bit peckish, didnt stand on ceremony and began observing the dishes.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Hoho, only the finest for you. She beamed, setting the array of dishes on a table beside the sofa, as they were too numerous for his desk. There were slices of roasted meat, likely venison, seasoned with herbs and spices that filled the room with a mouth-watering aroma. Beside it lay a colorful salad, fresh and vibrant, tossed with a light, tangy dressing. There were also steaming rolls of bread, not the soft and fluffy kind found on Earth but equally delectable, perfect for sopping up the rich meat sauces. Considering deer were rare this deep into the forest and the ingredients available at the academy were limited, the players must have put extra effort into preparing this feast to celebrate their victory. Additionally, a small bowl of creamy soup sat steaming. Its rich, savory flavor was a perfect start to the meal. For dessert, there were slices of a simple cake garnished with fresh berries. The recent acquisition of wheat and dairy products like milk had clearly expanded the culinary options available to the players. As they ate, Victor opened the official website forum to see the players reactions to the successful dungeon clearing. Because they first had to come back from the expedition and log out, it took a while for the players to start posting about their experiences and bragging. Prominence: Guys, we did it! The dungeon has been cleared! You wont believe the crazy stuff we found in their nest. It was like a treasure trove! Squadzell: Really? Can you spill some details, please? TeruBoi: Im new around here. Whats this all about? MikeIsHandsome1000x: Hush! Dont tell the peeps, or else they will come after your merit-points-filled ass. But for real, what we encountered inside aside, the amount of spiders we took down was insane. We could fill a crater with them! Naturally, as the headmaster and the orchestrator of the mission, Victor knew better than anyone about the secrets these players tried to conceal. It was important to note that he was quite generous in sponsoring this endeavor; he offered substantial rewards of one hundred merit points for every kilogram of spider silk collected and fifty merit points for each spider egg. For the special egg located at the heart of the nest, he had set an impressive reward of five hundred merit points for each participant. In total, each participant earned more than two thousand merit points! To some, this lavish outpouring of merit points might seem absurd, but for Victor, it was a strategic move with no real loss. The players would only use their merit points to get stronger by purchasing spells and expensive magic tools, which, in turn, would increase the overall strength of the academy. It could be said that the only real winner here was Victor, rather than the players. After all, the spider silk would be useful in making magic equipment such as the acolyte robes, and the eggs were actually an alchemical material. While the eggs might not be useful now, they would come in handy. Victor was sure of it. Zylvern: Luckily, I didnt volunteer for this expedition SuperNovaX: I swear, Im going to have nightmares about spiders for weeks. If it werent for the gunpowder and those improvised Molotov cocktails Aphrodite96: Hahaha, bow down to me, the MVP! Who else could match my awesomeness? ?? SuperNovaX: All hail Mister Aphro! ButaYaarou: Yeah. Without them, we wouldnt have succeeded in this endeavor. GladiusZone: Stop messing around, you guys. He didnt even step foot on the battlefield and just holed up inside his workshop. The best role I can give to him is the battlefield cheerleading squad. Though I have to give credit that his inventions are useful. Aphrodite96: Screw you! Next time you come to me asking for something, dont hope that I will help you! (p?_?) GladiusZone: Whoops, I didnt mean to offend you. [Patsungkem.jpg] Seeing that they were so carefree after massacring an entire nest of creatures, Victor clicked his tongue in annoyance. But who was he to complain when he did the same thing? ZeroXScyth: Calm down, everyone. I cant argue with the results. But next time, how about we fight something less leggy? MsMelody: Please, please, do so. I still can feel the slimy spiders goo on my hands from healing the others. ?? ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: You guys are overreacting. Just a bunch of tiny little spiders. I snack on them here all the time. Theyre surprisingly tasty and packed with protein She went into detail, explaining the texture as well as the taste of different types of spiders and also the best way to eat them, whether raw or cooked. Prominence: Wait, what? Am I reading this right? (??) CookieMons: ?? ChickenSmackdown_MaxLevel: ?? ?? Princess_Tomato: ?? ?? ?? Pfft! Victor almost spurted out the food in his mouth, though a few drops of saliva escaped despite his efforts and landed on an unsuspecting fairy. Eww, Master, thats gross! Lizbeth exclaimed while wiping her face on Lumens fur. Anyway, he recognized this username, as she was the one with the Crimson Mystic Giant bloodline. To the best of his knowledge, Crimson Mystic Giants were known to consume almost everything in their sightsliving or inanimate, life forms or objectsand turn them into pure energy. Perhaps the reason she was chosen to bear this particular bloodline was due to a personality that mirrored this trait. MissRichLadyAuralise: A country bumpkin can never transcend her humble origin, it seems. ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: Bitch! Are you trying to pick a fight with me? MissRichLadyAuralise: Oh my, such coarse language. Its quite fitting for someone of your caliber. ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: You! Thats it! Youve crossed the line! Lets see if youre as bold in person. Share your address, I dare you! MikeIsHandsome1000x: Now, now, ladies. I know my charm is out of this world, but you shouldnt fight over me like this. MissRichLadyAuralise: Shut up, creep! ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: Fuck off!! ͹(Ѩy? ) These two were surprisingly in tandem when someone retorted their quarrel. Victor, however, had no interest in getting involved in a spat between two headstrong female players; that would be like putting his head between two bullet trains at full speed. However, it came to his attention that he might want to hire full-time moderators to handle this kind of situation. For now, he would just give them a warning. CyberWarlock: Please be civil and avoid using profane words on the forum. I will overlook it this time, but please be aware that continued and excessive use of inappropriate language will result in a temporary ban. Further violations could lead to a permanent ban and the potential loss of your access to the game or the opportunity to join if youre not yet given access. Shaking his head, he exited the thread and browsed through other topics on the forum. Suddenly, the strategist of the entire operation emerged from his dwelling and shared a post containing a URL link to a certain video titled First Ever Dungeon Raid in Magus Academy Online: The Den of Arachnids Part I. Storm Bringer: Guys! Check this out! The edited video of our dungeon raid is now live! Ive made it into two parts. This one covers our first attempt. The second part, featuring todays successful raid, will be coming soon. Stay tuned! Victor only checked it for a brief moment while finishing his dinner. Storms creations were never disappointing; the background music, the cut that he took on each scene He believed that it would gain at least one hundred thousand views easily. Still, this kind of multitaskingeating while watching YouTubewas a small pleasure he hadnt enjoyed since his previous life. What a thing. Hmm, I wonder how many applicants have signed up for the game. It had been a while since he last checked the total, after all. Total Applicants: 109,267 Holy shit! Chapter 91: The Looming Aggression Graviel, a handsome young man with fiery red hair and an impressive stature, led the way along the path on a horse. Following closely behind him were his fellow acolytesDorian, Jared, and Elaraon three other horses. Trailing further back was a long, serpentine formation of hundreds of men clad in battle gear. These were the mercenaries hired from the surrounding cities, as well as some reinforcements sent by their families. It was a genuinely formidable force that could take down a sizable town or even a small city. The route from the City of Brightmoon to the Thornwood Forest was unpaved and narrow, measuring less than three meters across. Trees flanked the road on both sides, their branches interlocking above. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, and the rustling of leaves underfoot mingled with the clanking of gear, breaking the otherwise silent forest. As the sun dipped below the horizon, signs of fatigue began to show among the men. Despite their exhaustion, they silently marched on, not daring to voice their discomfort. Sir, weve been marchin almost non-stop for two days Im concerned the mercenaries might not be able to keep up much longer, reported a muscular, middle-aged man with a thick beard. From his bearing, it was evident that the man was a veteran warrior, as seen in the battle scars marking his face and the pair of large axes slung across his back. There were more than two hundred people in this army. Each carried a heavy load of supplies and weapons, except for Graviel and his inner circle. Even these seasoned mercenaries, who were accustomed to tough and perilous jobs, felt the toll on their bodies from the relentless two-day march with almost no breaks. Hm? Graviel raised an eyebrow. Others wouldnt have dared to speak so openly to him, but Rowan was no ordinary soldier. He was a powerful Ki-Warrior, a Ki Master. A Ki Master held a rank equivalent to that of an Elemental Adept Magus. While Magi typically had the upper hand in battles, owing to their versatile spells and supernatural means, Ki Masters strength lay in their raw physical power, though Magi didnt find themselves lacking in this part either. Still, for a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte like Graviel, defeating a Ki Master without resorting to his strongest trump cards would be very hard. Rowan, you dare question Mister Graviels decision? Jared interjected in an annoyed tone and did his usual act of pleasing Graviel. I dare not, sir, Rowan replied quickly, lowering his gaze and going silent. Rather than showing annoyance, Graviel smirked and turned his attention forward. Theres a village about a kilometer from here. Well let the men rest there. They can do as they pleasepillage, steal, whateverfor a day. I dont care what happens to the village, as long as it isnt completely destroyed. After the break, we march into the forest. Understood, Rowan responded while trying to hide the arc that was building on his twisted face. The nearby mercenaries following behind were worse at hiding their eager expressions. Graviel internally scoffed at this. Typical barbarians. Offer them the slightest chance for plunder, and they would leap at it without a second thought. However, a high morale will make it easier for me to use them as expendable pawns in battle and to discard them when theyve served their purpose. While the village lay within the jurisdiction of the Brightmoon Viscounty, its remote location made it a negligible concern for the ruling lord. Though, Viscount Brightmoon was known for being more generous and attentive than most. Excessive destruction, like burning the entire village down, might attract unwanted attention, even to a remote village. Nonetheless, he was sure of one thing: The viscounts reign wouldnt be for long. A calculating glint flashed in his eyes at the thought of using his family to overthrow the Brightmoon House and seize control of the region. After all, the pocket dimension contained immeasurable resources and treasures, and he didnt want anyone else to meddle with his affairs and risk jeopardizing his claim to these riches. Graviel silently cast a discreet glance toward Dorian and Jared and coldly thought in his heart, Maybe I should dispose of these two if push comes to shove and present them to the Cult as a sacrifice to be a token of my loyalty. Yes, along with the control over the pocket dimension and its resources, I could ascend rapidly within their ranks, becoming more than just a mere pawn. It was not simply for attaining power and authority. No. It was deeper and more personal than thata goal that had become his lifes ambition since he chose this path. Without this driving force, he would never have allied himself with such dark powers. As an heir to a prestigious Magus family, he was prideful, even bordering arroganta trait he was self-aware of.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Lost in these thoughts, he noticed Elaras facial expression. She had been unusually silent since the assassination of that dupe, Victor, and now her restlessness seemed to have intensified for whatever reason. This woman. If she refuses to stand by my side, then Interrupting his contemplation, a scout approached with a report. Sir, theres a village ahead. No sign of anomalies or enemy forces. Acknowledging the scouts report, Graviel turned to Rowan. Good. Send someone to ask for their cooperation in accommodating us. Yes, sir. Rowan relayed the order to the scout, who quickly departed to make contact with the villagers. Before long, the scout returned with a grim expression. The villagers refuse to comply, claiming they cant accommodate such a large group. Graviels eyes narrowed. What? Very well. Proceed as planned. As you command. Rowan brandished his two axes and sauntered forward. Ahead lay a village, surrounded by sprawling fields of wheat and diverse green vegetables. Without issuing any specific commands, Graviel let Rowan address the mercenaries. Well be stayin in this village til tomorrow mornin! Rowan announced loudly. Brothers, traversin the forest has been harsh, and these fools have refused to help us. So, youve been given the freedom to do as ya please to this villageBUT no massacrin the residents unless met with resistance, and dont burn down the village! Understood?! The mercenaries responded in a wave of excited cheers at the prospect of unrestrained plunder. For them, this unexpected boon was like a dream come true. Shortly after, under the leadership of Rowan, a Ki Master, the army charged toward the village. The approach of such a large force did not go unnoticed by the villagers, who hastily armed themselves in a futile attempt at resistance. However, the initial assault slaughtered a significant portion of the resistance, and the old village head quickly stepped forward, understanding the overwhelming might they were up against. Still, despite the village heads willingness to cooperate, the invaders committed unspeakable atrocities throughout the village, leaving its inhabitants in anguish. Graviel Do you truly believe that letting them do this is right? Elara finally broke her silence, voicing her reservations about their course of action. Jared reacted sharply to her question by glaring at her. Elara! Oh? We wont kill these villagers so long as they dont resist. Graviel glanced around to ensure that no one was eavesdropping. These men need an outlet before we march into battle. Or what? Are you concerned about the welfare of these mortals? His eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded her. No. I just Enough, Graviel cut her off, his tone sharp, then softened slightly. Remember, after this whole thing, our familiesyours and minewill unite through our marriage. This alliance is crucial, especially for your family. What he cared about more than anything was the knowledge and expertise of the Montana family. They were a family of Alchemists who could help him advance on the Magus path and realize the fruition of his goals. Yes she answered meekly. *** High above, several of Victors spectral puppets hovered, discreetly observing the unfolding events from hundreds of meters away. Naturally, he was fully aware of what was transpiring below, as he had been keeping an eye on the village in recent days. However, he refrained from taking any action. Not because he was unwilling to help, but because he sensed danger from the scarred man leading the assault. Graviel and his cronies were also watching from a distance, and there might be other hidden protectors lurking in the background. Its feasible for me to confront that man and possibly eliminate him, but to face him and two hundred seasoned mercenaries at the same time Yeah, that would be a suicide mission, Victor muttered, ending his thought with a resigned sigh. An Elemental Adept Magus could indeed match the prowess of a thousand armed men and even defeat them. While that was true, such victories typically relied on guerrilla tactics. A Magus would fly in the air to do aerial assaults by unleashing magic spells until they were exhausted before retreating, repeating this up until the opposing forces were routed or decimated. Even evacuating the villagers in advance wasnt really an option. After all, he didnt know where to take them since he couldnt bring them to the academy and risk revealing his secret. Besides, the Thornwood Forest was dangerous; evacuating them there would be like escaping the wolfs den, only to enter the tigers mouth. Still As he witnessed the tragic scene in the village, Victors fists clenched tightly and slammed the desk, knocking away the vellum, ink, and pen. They were committing such atrocities without a single moral scruple. Had he only been Victor from the Asteriscus Magus family, this wouldnt have bothered him as much, but now he wasnt. Sensing his turmoil, Lizbeth flew to his cheek and started caressing him. Master Her presence helped him regain his composure and see the silver lining. I need to stay calm and think this through The greatest advantage Victor had over his enemies was their ignorance of his survival and his ascension to an official Magus. He shouldnt waste this element of surprise without a well-thought-out plan. With an army of immortal players at his beck and call and all the other advantages at his disposal, it wouldnt be impossible to exterminate them in one fell swoop. All that was required was careful orchestration, ensuring that every element of his plan was executed flawlessly, and he would be the last one to laugh. Liz, mind helping me devise the most devious of plans? His mouth already curled into a grin at the schemes forming in his mind. Chapter 92: Devising the Most Devious Strategy Of course! Lizbeth exclaimed with conviction, placing her right hand over her chest. As your assistant fairy, I am committed to supporting you in every way possible. It is my utmost desire to help you in your cause. Didnt I promise to stand by you even if the whole world turned against you? Her pupils were locked in Victors eyes. Victor was moved by how serious she was about this, but at the same time he couldnt help laughing. Pfft, hahaha! Hey! My support is not something to laugh at! She puffed her cheeks in mock indignation, crossing her arms below her chest. Sorry, sorry. Its just amusing that you, who often forgets important details despite being my self-proclaimed assistant, turn out to be my most reliable ally in times like these. He wiped a tear from his eye. Since when had he become so expressive? Im not a fool! Argh! Lizbeth protested, jabbing Victors neck, though it felt more like a mosquitos bite. Ahem, right, back to the matter at hand, Victor continued, returning to a more serious tone. Well need to utilize everything at our disposaland I mean everythingto make this work. This had been something that Victor had kept on the back burner. As what had been known and experienced, the Thornwood Forest was dangerous and teeming with all kinds of unexplainable supernatural phenomena. If he could harness these against his enemies, it would be akin to using someone to do his dirty work. Be that as it might, he knew to keep his focus on the immediate priorities. Since his advancement to an Elemental Adept Magus five days ago, the academy had undergone significant transformations. For starters, all four directional earthen walls had been completedit wouldnt have been possible if not for one or three players breaking through every single day. But this progress brought with it a growing challenge. The increasing concentration of players practicing meditation techniques in close quarters led to a competition for mana absorption and infusion. This issue was relatively minor for players not yet at the Initiate Attunement rank, but for those who were, the requirement for mana drastically increased. Victor had anticipated that by now, one or two players would have reached the second-stage Initiate Attunement, but they were held back because of this problem. In fact, the players were speculating the reason for this in the forum, and it had become a popular topic, as it concerned the whole player base. The situation underscored the urgent need to construct dormitories to alleviate this issue. Unfortunately, now was not the right time for that; Victor couldnt expend manpower and resources to build dormitories given the pressing circumstances. Speaking of which, a number of players, notably Auralise, had expressed dissatisfaction with the current living arrangements. Although the Headmasters Building was spacious enough to easily accommodate more than a thousand people, when it came to private rooms, there should indeed be some privacyeven if the players were logged out most of the time in there. With these considerations in mind, Victor activated his Master Shadowlink Mark and opened the academys main page. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 290 Academy Grade: Level 2 Total Acolytes: 184/250 Progression Value: 210/250 Leveling up the academy to level three within the remaining time frame seemed unattainable. With the current rate of ten new players joining each day, it would take at least another week to reach the necessary quota, and this estimation didnt even factor in the deficit in progression value points. On that note Victor turned his attention to the notification he had received a few moments earlier but had initially overlooked. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have discovered the whereabouts of your old enemies and their army.] [The reward (100 academy points) has been issued.] There was a new mission after the successful occupation of the mine, and that was thisa task to scout the enemy. This was why he had been monitoring the village and its surroundings for any traces of his former comrades and their assembled forces over the past few days. Regardless, the players had effectively taken control of the ravine and initiated a mining operation. However, due to the pressing need for iron and the inherent risk of venturing inside the cavern to mine the mana crystals, Victor prioritized mining external resources first. Nonetheless, the few days worth of mined ores were enough to serve as a solid foundation for this whole operation. Next, he shifted his attention to the next mission listed in the Headmasters Journals tab. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: The Calm Before the StormThe story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. It is becoming apparent that your old enemies will come back to get to the vault of a mysterious Magus organization in the pocket dimension. As such, you have to be prepared and utilize everything at your disposal, whether that is through internal or external forces. It is imperative to devise at least three trump cards. Type: Main mission Trump Cards Prepared: 0/3 Reward: 400 academy points Instead of the good ol force assembling task, the mission this time wanted him to devise at least three trump cards. But what does it mean by trump cards exactly? Does it mean devising three distinct, effective plans to defeat his arch-enemies, or something more abstract? Without clear guidance, Victor had no way of knowing the exact answer to these questions, so he thought of asking Lizbeth. However, before he was able to do that, his train of thought was interrupted by the very person, or a fairy, he intended to consult. So, how should we approach this? I can help you, but only if you give me something to build on. Could it involve the pocket dimension? Perhaps a trap of some sort? You know, like trapping them there, or what have you? Lizbeth inquired, tilting her tiny head. Right. Victor had previously shared with Lizbeth the chronology of how he was seeking the remnants of a Magus and learning that it was a ruin of a mysterious Magus force from the Ancient Era. However, he hadnt delved into the specifics. My thoughts precisely. Victor nodded. The truth is, we never did enter the pocket dimension. So, I dont know about its internal condition, and whether there are assets we can exploit remains unclear. If, by a tiny chance, it is unguarded and filled with treasures, then we are doomed. He shrugged. For all we know, it could be a deadly trap lying in wait. Who knows. Its like buying a cat in a bag; we dont know whats inside until we open it. All he knew was that Graviel was exceedingly cautious and calculating to a fault, so much so that it would put Victor to shame. And as cautious as Graviel was, he would likely have guards stationed around the pocket dimensions only entrance. That would be the most opportune time to strike and take down his subordinates. Furthermore Putting something on the back burner didnt mean he was doing nothing. He had instructed Eleanor to craft a special magic tool that worked in reverse to the Spectral Aegis Amuletrather than repelling supernatural phenomena, it would attract them. If Graviel and his army were to encounter countless supernatural phenomena and dangerous magical beasts on their way to the chasm, their journey would be significantly hampered, possibly even wiped out. One should not underestimate the value of terrain and territorial advantage. Afterward, Victor and Lizbeth worked in tandem to brainstorm a strategy. They deliberated and revised until they had crafted what Victor considered the most devious plan possible. It was designed not just to defeat his enemies but to crush their spirits entirely, replacing their morale with utter despair. His intent was not to simply kill them; he planned to transform them into mindless puppets, forced to serve him until their demise. Only then would Victor be satisfied with what they had done to him and the villagers. As the plan took shape, a wide, sinister arc formed on Victors lips, almost splitting his face in half. Beside him, Lizbeth mirrored his expression with a devious smile of her own. How unusual, considering that she would be the first one to point out his evil face. Having a like-minded partner in crime in this kind of situation had him on cloud nine. All things considered, to execute such an ambitious scheme, Victor had to make sure he had what it took to pull it off. Several key elements were necessary for the success of their plot. First, it had something to do with his newly updated status screen and its contents. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 417/417 Power Rank: Elemental Adept Magus Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (prototype schematic, -) Status: Healthy Strength: (30 31) Agility: (29 30) Vitality: (31) Magical Power: (40 41) Infused Mana (total): (408 417) Spell Repertoire: Victor had diligently worked on consolidating his foundation, and as a result, he was now stronger than ever. Alas, without a complete high-rank meditation technique, further advancements would be unattainable. Other than that, due to the ever-growing repertoire of spells at his disposal, Victor had meticulously organized each spell tier to avoid confusion. On top of that, he had successfully mastered the two spells he had recently purchased, along with an esoteric Cosmo-elemental spell he had been developing through programming. Yet, he realized that these spells alone were insufficient for his plans. He still lacked that one pivotal spell that would enable him to exact his revenge. Magi were renowned for their diverse array of spells, which extended beyond elemental magic, to do all kinds of strange deeds. Unfortunately, in this aspect, Victor was a failure. After all, he didnt have access to the extensive spell libraries that were available to a large academy, and his time as an official Magus had been extremely brief. Non-elemental magic existed and was quite extensively developed after countless generations, but it was often less favored compared to elemental magic. The reasons were manifold: Non-elemental spells typically required more mana, their destructive capabilities were generally less impressive, and there was no specific affinity that could aid in their mastery, unlike with elemental magic. Despite these drawbacks, Victor believed that in the innovative hands of players, it could be harnessed in new and effective ways. For some reason, the players discussion about signature spells like summoning tentacles popped into Victors mind, to which he instantly shook his head to erase the stray thought. At any rate, the next logical step in his plan would be to direct the players through the next version update. However, he didnt immediately do that and instead decided to take a momentary respite. Rising from his chair, he announced, Liz, I will be taking a walk around the academy to clear my head and get some fresh air. Sure, Lizbeth responded, making no attempt to dissuade him. Just as Victor was about to step out of his office and embark on his walk, she suddenly added, Oh yeah, theres something important I need to tell you. Its about your family back on Earth, which stopped Victor in his tracks as he looked back. Chapter 93: Under the Starry Night Sky Mind telling me the whole story? Victor inquired, perking his ear. Sure! She then told him that transferring the money had been successful, albeit it wasnt without its own challenges. Victors sisteror Simons sister in this casewas initially skeptical of the money offered by unknown sources. Even after an elaborate story about it being investment funds that Simon had given his overseas friend in the past, she remained unconvinced, believing it to be an elaborate scam. It took a series of legal documents and assurances for her to finally believe in the legitimacy of the funds. Yet, she refused to accept the money, insisting she needed no external assistance. Thats so like her Shes always been fiercely independent. Victor closed his eyes, momentarily lost in memories of the past. Eventually, through various attempts and a bit of subterfuge, they managed to discreetly transfer the funds into her bank account without her knowledge. This was all possible thanks to the connections provided by Auralises company, proving that Earthly wealth had its advantages. With this action, Victors regrets from his past life were resolved, and he didnt want to intrude into his sisters life any more than this. Compared to his family in this world that was colder and more calculating, perhaps the one back on Earth was not bad at all. It was worth noting that while Victors father was the head and patriarch of the Asteriscus Magus family, he had numerous wives and concubines. Despite Victors mother being one of the main wives, he had many half-brothers and sisters, leading to fierce competition for resources and positions within the family. This intense rivalry often resulted in scheming and, occasionally, clandestine acts of violence or even assassination attempts among family members. After noting the report with a thanks and a nod, Victor left the office. *** Under the vast canopy of the starry night sky, Victor meandered through the academy grounds, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the night. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the faint fragrance of night-blooming flowers. The place, which was usually bustling with activity during the day, now lay in a serene hush. Illuminating his path were two softly glowing light orbs that he cast. And as he inspected the whole area, he encountered several individuals who had light orbs around them, just like him. These people were, of course, playersparticularly ones who had advanced to become true acolytes. Through trial and error, and inspired by the many bizarre things they had witnessed from Victor, they had taught themselves numerous tricks with magic. Good evening, esteemed Headmaster! one greeted him respectfully. Sir Astralium, greetings, said another, with a professional bow. Victor, feeling rather satisfied by their greetings, nodded and waved before continuing on his way. Despite the late hour, these dedicated players were still actively engaged in their tasks. He could see that most of them were transporting different kinds of building materials toward the walls. Victors walk led him along a well-trodden dirt path toward the first destination of the night: the industrial zone. Currently, it housed only a few facilitiesrows of kilns, a blacksmith workshop, and Aphrodites specialized workshop. Still, he was hoping to let the players have their own workshops in the future to enhance the academys industrial strength. Nevertheless, there were around a dozen kilns of varying sizes and models. With more bricks being produced, more and more kilns ended up being built. The daily output had also impressively reached more than five thousand bricks, with cement production reaching thousands of kilograms. In fact, there was already a literal mountain of bricks and cement set aside, awaiting use in various construction projects. The supply was so abundant that it could easily construct a three-story dormitory. However, Victors immediate plan was to reinforce the earthen walls with bricks and cement before anything else, which was what the players were doing now. Plus, he wanted to use better materials, like marble from the ravine, for that. Gazing back at the two workshops, Victor decided not to disturb their occupants. Aphrodite was probably offline at this hour, and Eleanor would be deeply engrossed in crafting the magic tool, especially considering the reward he had promised was something she couldnt refuse. With this in mind, he continued his stroll towards the northern wall. As Victor approached his destination, he spotted more players diligently working under the night sky, each pausing to greet him respectfully. It wasnt rare for Victor to take walks to inspect the players in the day, but it had been some time since he had conducted it so thoroughly and during the night at that.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Now standing near the northern wall, he could see that a section of the wall was now reinforced with bricks and cement, and a portion was being remodeled to incorporate a wooden gate. Both of these improvements were actually part of side missions, which offered five progression value points for each of the four wooden gates built, and ten progression value points for each portion of the four walls that were reinforced. Victor then scaled the wall using the newly constructed brick stairs. While he could have easily jumped or flown to the top, he chose to savor each step, enjoying the gradual ascent. The segment of the wall where he stood was the one that had been reinforced and stood taller than the rest, approximately five meters in height and about three and a half meters thick. His mind then drifted away, immersed in the serene beauty of the night. The recent troubles and strategic planning seemed distant, overshadowed by the nights tranquil majesty. For a brief moment, he stood alone, becoming a solitary figure beneath the endless sky while finding solace in the nights quietude and the awe-inspiring view of the cosmos above. The time is nigh. After a while, Victor let out a long breath and stared deep into the forest before his figure disappeared into thin air, as if he had never been there in the first place. *** Deep within the forest, right before a cave that had various fortifications at its entrance, the space warped as Victor appeared. He stared into the depths of the cave and began walking inside, each steady step echoing along the way. The remains of the battle between players and the inhabitants of the cave could still be seen even now, despite having been somewhat cleaned up by the players. Deeper inside, the spider silk that once blanketed the cave walls had been mostly harvested, and even the eggs were not spared. Yet, at the heart of the cave, the striking red egg enveloped in intricate layers of spiderweb had no signs of having been disturbed. It was pulsating rhythmically as the creature inside struggled to break free from its membranous prison. Cracks had started to form on its surface, widening with each passing momentthe time of its hatching was quickly approaching. Unperturbed by the imminent hatching, Victor conjured several mana crystals and turned them into dust before drawing a circular magic formation around the egg. He then approached and gently placed his hand upon it, channeling his infused mana into the shell. Standing close, he realized the egg was larger than it appeared from afar, roughly the size of a fire hydrant. His objective here was clear: to tame the creature within, and this was exactly the process to do that. After all, it wasnt like a baby chick, wherein it would recognize the first being it saw as its mother. Still, this wasnt the first time he tried to hatch and tame an egg; he had done so with Lumen. So, it wasnt a stretch to say that he had a bit of experience. Besides, he was more prepared this time, having read a book about this specialized topic. Coincidentally, there was a side mission to tame this creature that appeared shortly after the players had claimed victory over the cave. Mission: Do You Have What It Takes to be a Magical Spiders Mommy? You learned of a treasure trove hidden inside the Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids lair: the special egg of their queen. It is within your interest to tame and subdue the creature within and add it to your arsenal of pets. Type: Side mission Reward: One chance to pull the Elemental Adept lootbox or ten chances to pull the Initiate Attunement lootbox Just when he thought his days of indulging in gacha pulls were over, the System presented him with a mission that rekindled this old craving. No matter what, he couldnt shake off that desire to do a harmless form of gambling like the addicted gamer he once was. Still, what the hecks wrong with the title of the mission? Just who the fuck designed it?! As more and more mana flowed into the egg, the rhythm of its pulsations intensified, and the hatching process became faster. Victor was cautious, ensuring his mana was not overwhelming the creature within as he sought to forge a bond with it. Thankfully, his mana control had become much better. Seconds turned to minutes. The cracks on the eggs surface expanded. Victor could feel a connection forming between him and the emerging creature. When the eggs membrane finally gave way, it revealed the being that had been hidden inside, covered in green gooa creature with the lower body of a spider and the upper body resembling a human child, complete with scales. Its head, though largely human-like in appearance, bore subtle, non-human traits like pupil-less red eyes, sharper earlobes, and white hair. The creature appeared perplexed as it swiveled its head, finally fixing its gaze on Victor and blinking its large, curious eyes. Skree? Hmm On the other hand, Victor had pretty mixed feelings about this. He was, after all, the one who killed its mother as well as the perpetrator who ordered the annihilation of its kin. Suffice it to say, by the nature of its species, this creature should be seeking vengeance against him, relentlessly pursuing him to the ends of the earth. However, as a Magus, Victor possessed the means to subdue extraordinary life forms, as he kept accumulating knowledge by reading all the books available freely on the shelf of his office. With the contract established, it would be almost impossible for it to rebel against him as long as it wasnt mind-controlled by another more powerful Magus or overwhelmed by resentment strong enough to break the contract. Skree. Skree, skree? It stared worriedly at him. Dispelling his contemplations with a shake of his head, Victor gently patted its head, offering a proposal: Sorry, little one. How about you become my contracted beast? To his relief and slight surprise, the creature responded with an enthusiastic light screech and readily accepted the offer, nuzzling his hand affectionately. Alright then. How about I name you Silka? The creature, now Silka, expressed joy at her name as she smiled broadly, showing her sharp fangs. For Victor, it was quite menacing Chapter 94: Alpha Version 0.4 Update: Bandits Insurgence [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have tamed and subdued the child of the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid and become her mommy.] [The reward (One Elemental Adept lootbox or ten Initiate Attunement lootboxes) has been issued.] What mommy? Victor creased his eyebrows but chose not to dwell on the matter since it wasnt important. Silka was still staring blankly at Victor as she chewed on her hand. Given that she had just hatched from the egg, she must be really hungry. Luckily, Victor had come prepared. He reached into his interspatial ring and retrieved an assortment of meats, including a variety of dried cuts from different creatures. He carefully arranged them around Silka, ensuring she had plenty to satisfy her immediate hunger. Unsurprisingly, upon seeing the assorted pile of meat, she immediately jumped into it and began eating like she hadnt had a meal for years. Next, he took out some of the spider eggs taken by the players and placed them neatly around the cave. This little queen spider would definitely need workers to develop her colony. Besides, Victor didnt have a use for all of the eggs. With this matter done, Victor decided it was time to head back to the academy. In spite of her reluctance to leave Victors side, he left her alone in the cave. Of course, he made sure that the entrance to the nest was sealed by a magic formation that allowed only him to pass through. This ensured that Silka remained safe and undisturbed. With that in mind, his thoughts turned to the broken magic formations on the basement floor of the Headmasters Building, and that they had been partially repaired after his advancement to Elemental Adept Magus. Regrettably, Victors knowledge in regard to magic formations was quite limited, despite having taken a relevant course back at the Arcane Radiance College. At the very least, if mana crystal expenses werent a concern, the concealment formation could be operated at a level that not even the keenest Magi would know the academys location. *** Official website: Magus Academy Online Testing Server Alpha Version 0.4 Update Announcement Major Update:
  1. New Storyline Bandits Insurgence Prepare yourself to be immersed in the new and exciting storyline, Bandits Insurgence. Set against the backdrop of the academy, the bandits have invaded Thornwood Village, threatening the peace and safety of the place. Players must come together and eradicate these bandits. Let justice be served to those who have been wronged!
  1. New In-Game Threats and Consequences With the bandits becoming new threats to the academy, players must be quick to stop them and put an end to their actions. New missions and tasks will be unlocked to help players combat this issue. Failure to effectively neutralize this threat will lead to varied and unpredictable consequences.
  1. The Return of Titles Of course, this time around, players will be getting a chance to get a special title available only during this event. All players who were able to properly punish the bandits and deliver justice for the villagers will be given the limited title of Thornwood Village Contributor, and those who managed to play a significant role will earn the very special title of Thornwood Village Guardian.
  1. Closure of the Pseudo Dungeon Arachnid Cavern Following its successful clearing by the players, the Arachnid Cavern dungeon will be temporarily closed. Access will be restricted until further developments or updates are announced.
  2. Complete Long-Distance Communication Feature We have perfected the communication system within the game; the Shadowlink Marks now support both voice and video calls. Please note that all actions during voice and video calls are monitored to ensure compliance with game rules.
  1. New In-Game Streaming Feature Content creators can now do in-game streaming without the need to log out first to post their videos. Please be aware that this feature is exclusively available on our official webpage and is not supported on other streaming platforms.
  1. Increase in Total Quota for Applicants The quota for closed-alpha players has been set to 250 or more.
  2. New Spell Model Generator Responding to player requests, we are thrilled to introduce the Spell Model Generator 1.0. This innovative tool enables players to craft their own unique spell models. There are, however, many restrictions about the type and the complexity of the spell models that can be created.
Optimization:
  1. New Human-like Hostile NPC Models With the addition of new threats, were introducing a range of new human-like enemy NPCs.
  1. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.Our team has been hard at work weaving away any pesky bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the game. Your experience in Magus Academy Online will now be smoother and more enjoyable than ever.
Other Changes:
  1. Improving the Hall of Fame Aligned with our new webpage launch, we have revamped the Hall of Fame to better reflect players accomplishments. It now includes a ranking system for content creators based on their popularity and viewership on our official websites streaming platform.
Please note that the server update will occur from 12:00 EST until 18:00 EST, and you wont be able to log in during that period of time. This is a major update, and we appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to refine and expand the world of Magus Academy Online. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements in the world of Magus Academy Online! True to form, Victor wasted no time posting the revised dev diary in the official website forum. Given the substantial content and significant changes outlined in the latest update, it was important to engage in detailed discussions with the players to fool themthis was so that they would move according to his intention. Dev Diary #3: Alpha Version 0.4 Hi everyone, guess whos back here! It is I, your dearest promotional manager! I know it hasnt been long since our last major game update, yet here I am again, eager to share the exciting news about our upcoming update! Following the delay in our previous update, the team has been hard at work to make up for it; in fact, some of our designers have been consuming endless amounts of caffeine and energy drinks to meet our deadlines. Lets just hope that when they do their yearly checkup, they wont find theyve developed diabetes or high blood pressure. But that aside, lets dive into the heart of what this update entails, shall we? The first thing that I want to discuss and slightly dramatize is, naturally, the elephant in the room: the new storyline. Bad news! Thornwood Village is in peril! A large horde of wicked bandits has taken over, committing heinous acts that are better left unsaid. But beware; these bandits are far from easy targets. They are shrewd, strong, and more than capable of wiping out any unsuspecting players. Whats more, theyre not just lurking in the village. These bandits will roam throughout Thornwood Forest and uncover its hidden secrets. I wonder what kind of mystery the forest conceals? The complexity of this update goes beyond any of the previous updates. Player decisions will play a huge role this time around and significantly impact the game world. There could be lasting repercussions depending on what actions you take, and it may lead to a variety of possible outcomes. Remember, the fate of the academy and the village is in your hands, players. Choose wisely and strategize carefullythe future depends on it! Rather than explaining the whole complicated situation behind the attack on Victors former comrades and their army, it was more strategic to fool the players with a basic scenario. By doing this, it would invoke the players emotions, fueling their eagerness to confront and eliminate the so-called bandits more than ever. This approach was precisely what Victor needed to galvanize the players into action. Enough with the drama, and lets move on to the next point. But first, I want to congratulate the players who managed to clear the pseudo dungeon with impressive resultsyou guys did an amazing job! Congratulations to each of you! Now, onto business: The dungeon is now officially closed and declared a restricted area. Please keep in mind that non-compliance will lead to in-game penalties! This is not me trying to be a stickler, but thats just how the NPCs in the game would handle it. For those of you who didnt manage to participate in this event, dont worry; this wont be the last dungeon adventure in the game, as there will be similar opportunities in the future. In fact, there might be another dungeon out there waiting to be discovered. Who knows, right? Next on the list is something that Im personally excited for. After going through several rounds of extensive testing, weve finally perfected the voice and video call feature! You now dont have to worry about being scammed through chats, nor do you need to worry about not being able to communicate while fighting enemies. But remember that these features must not be used for activities that violate our game rules! Moving on, I have fantastic news for all you content creators out there. Rejoiceyou can now stream directly from within the game! Plus, with the addition of the new video call feature, it is now possible to watch other peoples streams without logging out. This is absolutely a huge improvement to the games quality of life! For both of these incredible works, lets give a round of applause to our front-end developers. Clap, clap! Last on the major update list is the introduction of a new, free program to help you craft your own spell models! Out of everything on the list, this is the most amazing one! Im not even kidding, as I am so proud to be a part of this. Your dream of crafting your own signature spells is no longer out of reach! However, please note that the program will demand a lot from your CPU and GPU because of the analysis needed regarding compliance with the internal rules of the game engine. Its not that we want to keep things challenging for players, but nothing worth having comes easy, right? To be frank, Victors explanation was a complete fabrication. The complexity of making a spell model was not a deliberate choice on his part; if he could make it as simple as possible, he would have done that. Alas, given the constraints, this was the best he could do to help the players realize their dreams, which to an extent, helped him as well. Relating to the in-game streaming feature, the Hall of Fame will be improved in this update. As mentioned above, itll now feature a ranking system for content creators based on popularity and viewership on our official streaming platform. Were committed to continually improving this feature, and in the future, it might even evolve to resemble those seen in novels and comics, where content can be monetized significantly. We value your feedback immensely, as it helps us in our quest to create the best gaming experience. And with that, Ill wrap up the third installment of the dev diary. I look forward to sharing more exciting news in the next update. Happy gaming! Victor tapped the enter button to confirm his upload. Boom! That should do it. Chapter 95: Hallucinogenic and Man-Eating Plants Breaking from his usual routine, Victor didnt bother to check on any comments after posting the update. Instead, he rose from his seat and started walking, making his way toward the exit of his office. By now, Ive stopped asking where you are off to, Lizbeth commented. She was hard at work, doing the heavy lifting of the update, particularly the integration of the new streaming platform. In response, Victor gave her a smug smile and said, Heh, Everything I do has its purpose, to which she scoffed. Anyway, time waits for no one, and theres much to be done. Thus, he went to his destination, the Magic Botanical Garden, to check on the magical plants. One of the trump cards required by the mission was there, after all. *** In the meantime, even without Victor looking at the screen, the official website forum was busy with netizens commenting on the latest update announcement. ProcrastinatingPanda: First! Hahaha, That makes it two times in a row! Hornycrab: Shit! Im just a second late, but the second spot is also nice. DigitalMagicianPatrick: Whoa, not even two weeks have passed since the last update! Im 100% certain the devs are under a certain substance. Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Hmm Playing the good guys is exciting and all, but can I join the bandit side for a change? ?? KuroUsagi: Joining the bandits is tantamount to betraying the academy. You might be expelled from the academy if you do that. No, I think you will likely get banned, considering that the headmaster has a game master privilege. Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Oof, didnt think of that. Guess Ill stay on the straight and narrow then. MsMelody: Uh, I wonder if the villagers are safe MikeIsHandsome1000x: Same here. Locktekei: Well, lets just hope for the best. Storm Bringer: Still, being able to stream in-game is something to highlight. Imagine being able to earn money while playing your favorite gameoh wait, Im already doing that lol. Locktekei: Master, please teach me your ways. Thats the dream life right there. Storm Bringer: Well, if you pay me enough, I will make a course just for you. Castlefrost: Holy shit! Doesnt this mean that we can watch other people doing stuff? You know, like those immersive VR novels from Korea about a decade ago. Prominence: Can I watch MsMelody, Princess_Tomato, and Auralise doing their private matters? (? ?? ?) MsMelody: Wh-What?! ?? ?? Princess_Tomato: If you dare do that, there will be no food for you! MissRichLadyAuralise: You! Dont even think about it! (??? )?t?s Prominence: Urgh. I can feel the emoji MikeIsHandsome1000x: Are you guys blind?! The most exciting part about this update is obviously the Spell Generator 1.0! We can finally create our own signature spells! Thats a game changer! Aphrodie96: Hehehe, I can finally summon slimy tentacles. Plus, isnt this update the perfect time to use it? ButaYaarou: Tentacles? You fool! Why summon tentacles when you can summon humanoid spirits? If you can control your mana precisely enough, I bet you can summon loli spirits. Hehe Prominence: @ButaYaarou Dude, you must be another of my lost brothers. How come weve never met in real life before? Though, I prefer older spirits. #iykwim. GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Have you guys forgotten the mind control spell? SirLaughsALot: Screw the FBI; I will catch these degenerates and put them in jail myself! ButaYaarou: Everyone, run! ?? ?? Satellite: But guys have you seen the system requirements for the spell generator? Its more resource-intensive than any 3D rendering software. The compiling time alone could take days! Whoever designed this is either insane or extremely sadistic. Storm Bringer: I see both sides of this. Yes, the complexity might seem pointless, but lets look at it from a different angle. If they make it too easy for us to have our own signature spells, then it would lose its significance. Not only would all sorts of useless spells be created in droves, but the value of other spells would also plummet, which in turn would make the in-game market crash. Therefore, what the developers are doing is more logical than you might think.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ZeroXScyth: Precisely. However, this will give rich people with high-end gaming rigs an advantage over everyone else, similar to those crypto miners. Although luckily, my setup is pretty good, haha. Stickman_Just_Passing: Damn, this games taking pay to win to a whole new level altogether. SuperNovaX: Watching other rich peeps flaunt the spells that we can only dream of while sucking our thumbs in the corner. I can already imagine that Squadzell: So what? While you guys are sucking your thumbs in the game, I will be stuck on the forum, still waiting for my chance to even play the game. Its maddening not having access yet! Aaaahhh!! I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla: Ha! You people never believed what I said, and now youre seeing the truth yourself. The game company has now shown its teeth; its only a matter of time before they tighten their grip and drain every last bit from you. GladiusZone: Shut up! We dont need your rubbish opinion. I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla: Oh, youll see. Theyre more cunning than you think.. The guy I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla was still adamant about digging for the truth behind the game and the company. Nevertheless, the rest of the users seemed to be fed up with his antics and ignored him, as though he didnt exist. *** Victor, having neglected the Magic Botanical Garden since acquiring the building, finally made his return to the place. It was not that he didnt care about it, but he thought that there was no need to focus on it. However, that was no longer the case. Stepping into the vast greenhouse, Victor headed straight for the central attractionthe Starlight Absorbing Tree. Despite his absence, the daily harvesting of mana crystals from the tree had been meticulously handled by the places manager before being taken by Lizbeth to be sent to the virtual shop for sale. Master, you are back! A small green creature adorned with a mushroom-shaped hat hopped excitedly as it voiced its greetings. What can I assist you with today? Mm, Id like to check on the progress of the plants Ive cultivated, Victor replied, his gaze settling on the six Starfruit Saplings. Their growth was impressive, with each sapling now sporting leaves and standing about twenty centimeters talla remarkable rate of growth for magical plants. It seems youve done well in caring for them. Naturally! It is my responsibility, yes. Lumispora, the manager of this place, chirped, spinning around joyously. Victor signaled his approval with a thumbs-up, then walked closer to the mana crystal-producing tree and accessed the System shop. Given the current situation, magical plants that required special care or were primarily used for alchemy were useless in this fight, primarily due to there being no Alchemists in their ranks. What he needed most at this juncture was Something like this. Dreamweaver Ivy Seeds Dreamweaver Ivy is a rare and mystical plant that emits a potent hallucinogenic pheromone. When its small, star-shaped flowers bloom, they become the primary source of the pheromone, which is powerful enough to ensnare even a seasoned official Magus in a web of paranoia-inducing hallucinations. Cost: 20 AP Victor had first learned about this magical plants properties from a tome, and it was extremely rare within this kingdom. The hallucinations it induced were unsettling distortions of reality that could cause deep paranoia in those affected. Victims often reported heightened anxiety, distrust, and the feeling of being watched, which could sow chaos among enemy ranks. Unfortunately, to effectively ensnare such a large force in a hallucinatory state, he would need a substantial quantity of the plant. In addition, relying solely on the Dreamweaver Ivy would be insufficient to resolve the root of the problem. Graviel and his accomplices, despite not yet achieving Elemental Adept Magus status, were still powerful acolytes. They were equipped with various family techniques, spells, and means. Relying on a single tactic would be dangerously na?ve. As such, Victor added another plant for purchase to broaden his arsenal: Carnivorous Man-Eating Seeds A fearsome flora and as menacing as its name suggests. This dangerous species has large, gaping maw-like structures, lined with rows of sharp, needle-like teeth, capable of snapping shut with astonishing speed and force that could break even steel. It grows extremely quickly. Cost: 20 AP Victor noted that the majority of offensive and fast-growing magical plants sold in the System shop were priced uniformly at 20 AP. It appeared that what determined their value was the quantity of seeds yielded from a single purchase. Consequently, he decided to acquire five sets of seeds each. Steeling his heart, Victor reached forward with a tense movement to interact with the holographic screen and complete his purchase. Subsequently, the Starlight Absorbing Tree shimmered impressively, unveiling ten buds that blossomed into two distinct seed varieties. The first type was unassumingly small, while the second resembled marbles but with thorns encircling them. Overall, he received an ample quantity of each type, enough to fill two adult handfuls, respectively. Victor stored them in his interspatial ring and thought, These seeds should be enough to cover a large patch of land in the forest. Still, I should plan this carefully. As opposed to scattering them randomly along the path to the chasm, it would be wise to concentrate them in a single location where his adversaries were guaranteed to cross. On the one hand, this approach would enhance the effectiveness of the trap. On the other hand, it would avoid this coming back to bite him later, especially when considering unsuspecting and reckless players. But regardless of that, do I have only a meager 190 AP left now? Victor let out a long, despondent sigh before smiling wryly and taking his leave from the greenhouse. Time was of the essence in planting these seeds. They required sufficient growth time to be effective when needed. The Carnivorous Man-Eating plants were responsive to mana and would grow extremely quickly, but the Dreamweaver Ivy required some time to flourish and bloom even with its fast-growing characteristic. But once they were ready, these two magical plants would work well togethera kind of symbiotic relationship. Goodbye, Master! The sudden sound of Lumisporas voice caught Victor off guard, causing him to flinch backward. Whoa! You really surprised me there! All the thoughts swirling in his head had made him forget about its peculiar existence. Chapter 96: Force Assemble Early in the morning, the players started logging in in droves, bubbling with excitement over the highly anticipated update. Remarkably, they promptly gathered in the grand auditorium out of their own discretion without being told to by Victor. How surprising. Because Victor had indeed prepared a speech for his slavacolytes, he seized the opportunity and got right into it, his voice resonating as it was amplified by magic. Acolytes, lend me your ears! Thornwood Village has been ravaged. The very soil bears witness to the unspeakable atrocities committed by a bunch of banditssent here by our old enemies to encroach upon our land and claim this territory as their own. They have pillaged homes, destroyed families and their livelihoods, and inflicted unspeakable pain upon the innocent. His resolute words captured the players undivided attention as they fixated on him standing tall on the podium. Just as the wind howls with unrest, so do the hearts of every resident of Thornwood Village. Henceforth, we must brace ourselves for their impending aggression, preparing defenses and laying traps in their anticipated path. The weapons and spells at our disposal shall be our instruments in the pursuit of justice. Let us reclaim what is rightfully ours! Ooh! Long live the headmaster! Long live the academy! Lets mete out justice upon our land! ! The players erupted in unified shouts, clenching their fists and thrusting them into the air. It was obvious from the look in their eyes that they were resolute to carry the villagers vengeance with them. Victor had successfully stirred their hearts, igniting a fervor for the noble cause at hand. Truly, only by understanding their hearts would Victor be able to manipulate and exploit them to do his bidding. However, this alone wouldnt be enough to convince everyoneparticularly the opportunists. Thus, he continued: Still! I understand very well that this grand endeavor comes with great risk, and where there is risk, there is great reward. In addition to assigning special tasks through your Shadowlink Marks, tasks that promise substantial merit points, the virtual shop prices will be discounted during this period. Moreover, for those of you who make significant contributions to the cause of justice, there will be a unique and exclusive reward bestowed upon you. At the mention of a unique and exclusive reward, the eyes of the players immediately sparkled with anticipation. Nothing fueled their spirit more than the prospect of obtaining something others couldnt and thus gaining an advantage in this game. They would try their hardest to be among one of those great contributors. Bear in mind, however, that the enemies are not to be underestimated, but this is a rare and extraordinary opportunity. We, Magi, value knowledge and power above all elsetake this chance to maximize your gains. So, young acolytes, I hope you make the right choice in this crucial moment. The bandits are out there; this is yet another test of our fate. As the last sentence rang out, the players erupted in cheers and swiftly sprang into action. Fingers flew across holographic screens as most of them accessed their Shadowlink Marks to examine the new missions. In contrast, the rest gathered to form parties to complete the more difficult tasks together. Victor was glad to see them jump right into their preparations, as there wasnt much time before his former comrades would venture into the forest. Observing all of this, Victor began to notice something from the auditorium that was now almost half-filled. The academy had grown considerably from where it had started, from something like a gathering of beggars to now having the foundation of a bona fide Magus academy. Slowly but surely, it had metamorphosed into a true bastion of magical knowledge. Speaking of the new special tasks or missions, Victor had carefully crafted them as integral parts of the whole strategy. Every player would play their own role in this grand scheme, effectively becoming indispensable cogs in the grand machinery of the operation. Victor secretly grinned widely in his heart as he marveled at the brilliance of his strategic mind in orchestrating this intricate plan. With his goals here complete for now, he set off. His hands had been aching to claim his gacha rewards since he had been too busy with preparations to get the chance. Right. Maybe he would get something interesting this time around. *** In the dimly lit interior of the village heads house, Graviel sat with a slightly hunched posture, his hands interlacing together. It had been a day since they arrived in the village, and he sensed that it was time to start the expedition. Thus, he gathered his accomplicesJared, Dorian, and Elaraalong with the seasoned warrior Rowan, to convene inside the house.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Sir, is everything here alright? The old village head had inexplicably stuck close to their group instead of doing his best to quell the chaos brought about by the mercenaries. Graviel himself cared not about his little existence, so he let him be. The once peaceful village had descended into chaos under their occupation. The mercenaries were a ruthless bunch; they had indulged in all manners of atrocities. Houses had been ransacked, supplies looted, and it was not rare for women to be assaultedeven some young men were not spared. Obviously, Graviel and the other acolytes had turned a blind eye to these atrocities, focusing only on their objective. Graviel ignored the frail old man while staring intently at Rowan. Its time. Rowan, assemble all the mercenaries, and lets set off for the forest; we cant afford any more delays. But sir, the mercenaries may not immediately comply We might need a few hours to rally up and prepare. Rowan turned his gaze at the nearby window, which was barely showing signs of light outside. I said, Do it now, he declared with a commanding tone. We cant dilly-dally anymore. If they refuse, execute them! A surge of strong mana force accompanied his rising voice, exerting pressure on everyone in the house, causing even the old village head to collapse in pain. Yeah! You heard what Sir Graviel said! Jared chimed in like a loyal dog. Yessir! Rowan saluted and quickly scurried away from the house to obey his command. Deep down, Graviel had begun to doubt that allowing the mercenaries to pillage the village freely was a mistake. After all, he didnt have much experience dealing with lowly barbaric commoners such as these mercenaries. Suddenly, as his mana force kept leaking out uncontrollably, a creaking noise appeared from below the wooden floor. Hmm? Graviel raised an eyebrow and noticed that the village heads face paled as he struggled to stand under the immense pressure. Dorian harrumphed and stomped on the floor, causing a certain part to creak further. On close inspection, it was a wooden trapdoor camouflaged with the rest of the floor. Jared smirked and snapped open the trapdoor, only to find a trembling teenage girl beneath the dirt and dust. While her complexion was brown and dirty, it couldnt completely hide her pretty face. Heh! Found one! Jared grinned sinisterly and approached the frightened girl. No! the old village head weakly shouted. Hehehe all the women in the village pale in comparison to her, and I havent had my fill yet. Jared said as he bent down. He grabbed the girls cheeks, pulling her closer until his face was just inches away from hers. Eeek! N-No! Terrified, the girl attempted to resist, throwing a tantrum and hitting Jared in the face. Yet, the impact didnt faze him; instead, it fueled his excitement. Elara hesitated, preparing to speak up. However, a glance at Graviel shook her resolve, and she held back her words. She was powerless to do anything here. Come here, you little! Jared briskly seized her hair, pulling her up. Argh! Please, not my granddaughter The old village head desperately reached out, managing to grab onto Jareds leg, but his efforts were in vain. Tch. Shut your mouth, stinky old fart! Jared kicked him hard in the stomach, causing him to double over and cough. Relentless, Jared continued to stomp on him, with the sound of creaking bones filling the room. Grandfather! the girl cried out, tears streaming down her face. Witnessing the reaction, Jared sneered wickedly and issued a threat: If you dont want anything to happen to him, then obey me! As he was about to lay his hand on her, Graviel punched the table, breaking it into pieces. Jared! I dont care if you want to lay your hands on all the women in the village, but wait until weve accomplished what we came for. Otherwise A menacing killing intent enveloped the whole room, especially around Jared, who had a tight grip on the girls neck. Graviel didnt want his plans disrupted by something as trivial as this. He wouldnt even bat an eye over killing him if he showed the slightest defiance. A useless ally was worse than a fearsome enemy. Jared. Dorian quietly placed a hand on Jareds shoulder, shaking his head subtly and signaling him to stop. My apologies, Sir Graviel. I got a bit carried away by this sudden intrusion. Jared reluctantly released his grip, causing the girl to fall on her butt. He then directed his words at her, Bitch! Ill deal with you later. Just wait until then! Eep! The girl hastily crawled toward her grandfather and helped him get up. They then scurried out of the house fearfully. Fifteen minutes later, Rowan returned to the house and reported, Sir, my men are ready. Fortunately, they complied with no resistance. It seems that the free looting has made them quite content. Furthermore, weve scoured the village for supplies and some other things. It should be enough for the expedition. Graviel nodded, his gaze cold and calculating. Good. The village served its purpose. Let them lead the way, then. As you wish. Rowan bowed and exited. Graviel and the others also took their leave so they could prepare to traverse the Thornwood Forest. *** Victor stood before the Nexus Beacon with a sense of deep anticipation coursing through him. When it came to this kind of thing, his excitement matched that of the players when they were getting new game content. Well, it actually did matter a lot more for him since it might be the last step in completing his intricate plans. With a swipe on the holographic screen, Victor accessed the gacha system through the holographic screen. He found out that there were Free 1 Pull and Free 10 Pulls on the Elemental Adept lootbox and Initiate Attunement lootbox buttons, respectively. He obviously chose the first one, as anything that came out from the latter might no longer be useful to him anymore. Here goes nothing. Tapping the button, the holographic screen shone as the Nexus Beacon responded with a burst of colorful magical symbols. Soon, a lootbox materialized and floated toward him. Victors hands were sweating as he touched the smooth surface of the lootbox, and his heart thumped in anticipation. Yes, this was the feeling that he was always addicted to. As he opened the lootbox, a blinding light came out from within and revealed the content concealed inside Waitthis is! Chapter 97: Dunbar’s Number Even now, the auditorium was a busy hub, with players interacting with each other over the new update. In the middle of all this, Sean, the popular critic with the username KuroUsagi, was fully immersed. His focus was directed on studying seven new missions available on the mission list, scrutinizing each and every mission for any hidden pieces, especially these three: [Set up a full Initiate Attunement party to lure a supernatural phenomenon toward the approaching group of bandits.] [Note: Additional instructions will be given by the headmaster or the fairy assistant once youve set up the party. In the event of death, youll still receive compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 1,000 merit points per player] [Set up a party (at least one or two have to be true acolytes) to act as a distraction when the time comes.] [Note: Additional instructions will be given by the headmaster or the fairy assistant once youve set up the party. In the event of death, youll still receive compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 750 merit points per player] [Set up a party (no requirement) to dig holes or trenches at a certain location.] [Note: Additional instructions will be given by the headmaster or the fairy assistant once youve set up the party. In the event of death, youll still receive compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 500 merit points per player] No matter the nature of the new missions, they promised a large sum of merit points. While lacking a clearly defined commencement or conclusion, Sean surmised that these missions spanned the entirety of the event. This meant that one had to make sure that the task they chose was something they would want to carry out for that amount of time. Hmm? But why is there a mission to dig a hole? What does it have to do with confronting bandits? Is there more to it than what meets the eye? He suspected that it might be another trap similar to the one used against the arachnids invasion, or maybe even trenches that could be used to surprise the enemy. At any rate, the additional rewards from missions and the discounted prices in the virtual shopreduced by at least 20 percent on many purchaseswould be a significant benefit. This was a great boon for him since he just advanced to first-stage Initiate Attunement and had not yet bought any spells. There was no time better than now to purchase what he wantedjust like the sale on gaming platforms he used to frequent. Hey, what are you up to? Chicken approached him as a friendly tap landed on Seans shoulder. Its nothing. Sean shook his head. Im just contemplating which task to tackle. But they all seem to require a party. Some of them even specifically required a full Initiate Attunement party. Chill, bro. The crews ready. Chicken gestured to the three players accompanying him. Thats quick! Perhaps his amiable nature made it easy for others to approach him and be friends with him. But as he stared at them, Sean couldnt help but widen his eyes and tense up. One of the three players was DigitalMagicianPatrick, who he recognized as a familiar face, but the others Wait, where the heck did he get the top hat from? Patrick was now dressed closer to a street magician rather than a fantasy mage. For some reason, his attire was slowly changing to reflect his real-world occupation. Regardless, the second member was just an ordinary female player from the same batch as him and raised no eyebrows. She had black hair, a more Eastern look, but nothing that stood out. Yet, the last one ButterflyWingsAreDelicious? Indeed, the last member was a towering female player with red skin and a pair of hornsa Bloodline Magus, according to the official wiki. Holy No, wait, this is a good thing. It will be very beneficial for us to have you in our party. Hmph. Im only joining because the fun missions require a party; the rest are solo missions that are concentrated on the academy. Heads-up, I will act separately from you people later, though I dont mind some cooperation, she briskly asserted, arms crossed. Oh, I see. Sean pondered briefly before posing the question, Have you guys considered which missions to undertake? Why not take as many as we can? Chicken suggested casually. That way, we dont have to worry about which one to choose and do all of them at the same time.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Idiot. You wont be able to finish them all in the time span of the event, Butterfly pointed out. Failing to finish the missions may bring unnecessary consequences to us. Crap, youre right. Huh. To Seans surprise, Butterfly was quite clever and quick on the uptake, unlike his initial impression of her. Then, which one should we choose? someone inquired. Hmm, this is where he should decide. Patrick pointed at Sean and said, Your reputation precedes you, Kuro. We trust your judgment in this matter, added the black-haired female player with the ID LunaticScarlet. He recalled her username from their mana aptitude and elemental affinity tests. Seeing that he was relied upon at this time, he felt that it was within his responsibility to carry this party. Fine. I wont disappoint you guys. He opened the mission list and presented it to them. I believe the most optimal task for this event is the distraction mission. After all, the mission didnt prohibit them from looting the enemies. Although it might be one of the more dangerous ones and pose higher risks, it allowed for more independent actions, seizing opportunities that they otherwise wouldnt get. That was why Sean believed this would give them an edge over other missions. While success wasnt guaranteed, the partys composition offered a reasonable assurance of success. Of course, he didnt forget to explain this reasoning to the others. Alright! What are we waiting for? Lets form the party and take the mission! Chicken laughed heartily. Lets go! the rest of the members chimed together. *** You got the stuff? Yeah, I got it. Wheres your promised reward? I want to see it! Nah, nah. You wont see it till I see the stuff. You There was a tense silence between the man and the woman in the room. The man had blue hair, a sharp face, and donned an ornate acolyte robe. On the other side, the woman was dressed in a neat brown attire fitting for a craftsman girl. After what felt like a whole minute, the woman finally broke the silence and conceded, Okay, you win. Heres the stuff. She placed a sun-shaped amulet with intricate runes on the table. But promise that you let me do that for thirty minutes. Nuh-uh. The promise is only ten minutes. Take it or leave it, the man said, smiling. Grr. You win, Patron! Obviously, the man was none other than Victor, and the woman was Eleanor. Victor had called her to his office to ask about the magic tools he had requested from her. Looking at the amulet on the table, he was quite satisfied. Even in its dormant state, the amulet was attracting significant negative energy from the surroundingsa telltale sign of its prowess. What name did you give to this magic tool this time? Victor couldnt help but inquire. Eleanor grinned proudly. Since its properties are the reverse of the Spectral Aegis Amulet, I decided to call it the Spectral Beacon Amulet. You know, keeping that mystical symmetry, as their materials are similar. Ah, clever. But just as Victor reached out to touch the amulet, Eleanor swiftly snatched it back. Ey! Hold on, big shot. No amulet til I get what I want. She stuck out her tongue at him. Fair enough. A deal is a deal. It would be wrong on Victors side if he didnt reward Eleanor properly after she had been doing such a good job. Liz, someones waiting for you; she wants to be rewarded. Moments later, a fairy flew out reluctantly from the bedroom and perched on Victors shoulder, questioning, What does rewarding her have to do with me? Ignoring her protest, Victor declared, As a reward, you shall be allowed to hug Lizbeth for a solid ten minutes. What?! WHAAAT?!?! Every hair on Lizbeths tiny body stood on end upon hearing what this was all about. In fact, she was shaking from head to toe as if she were in the face of literal death. You heard what I said. Go and let yourself be embraced by her. Victor gestured at Eleanor. If you count the ceiling tiles, it will be over before you know it Oh wait, the ceiling doesnt have tiles. I didnt sign up for this! The fairy stomped on the air in anger. Well, you have to. Victor shrugged his shoulders. I am your master, after all. This is an abuse of authority! Havent I always done that? He grinned in the evilest way possible, just like a cartoon villain. But, but Come to mama! Eleanor literally lunged at Lizbeth in an attempt to catch her. Lizbeth, in a desperate attempt to escape, zipped through the air as fast as possible, trying to dodge. Finding the spectacle amusing, Victor made no move to intervene, as Eleanor, being a true acolyte herself, managed to restrain Lizbeth in a matter of moments. Nooo! Lizbeth screamed as loud as she could as she collided head-on with Eleanor. Master, you will regret this! Oh, I will regret it as much as I want later. Victor chuckled, toying with the amulet in his hand. This wasnt the only one that Eleanor crafted; there was a spare in case something went wrong. While Victor cared little for the players well-being since they could respawn infinitely, the magic tool required resources and time to be created. That aside Victor turned his attention back to both Lizbeth and Eleanor, who were still preoccupied with the Teletubbies hugging session. One is a workaholic but isnt right in the head, while the other likes to slack off but is slightly better Nah, both have at least a few screws loose. It was truly an odd combination, but somehow, it was what Victor got. Putting that thought aside, Victor strode toward the large window and looked outside. There were quite a lot of things that had happened after the games version 0.3 update that caught his interest. Notably, players were congregating into groups more than ever rather than collaborating freely, as they did in versions 0.1 and 0.2. Auralise, in particular, had successfully established a very distinct group among the players, similar to that of a company. Enticed by real-world financial compensation, some players gathered around her to carry out her commands, propelling her rapid progression to the first stage of Initiate Attunement. Lately, she and her group had been actively training to cast spells and would go hunt in the forest, yielding quite a large sum of merit points. In contrast, her rival, ButterflyWingsAreDelicious, was a lone wolf. Although, at this event, she joined up with KuroUsagis party to do a distraction missionquite a peculiar choice. Nevertheless, it would play a crucial role in his plans later. As the player count continued to rise, micromanaging them became increasingly complex. There was this limit called Dunbars number written by Robin Dunbar, which he defined as the number of stable relationships people are cognitively able to maintain at once. And the proposed number was 150, smaller than the total player base in the game right now. Hmm? They are coming. Victor had never stopped maintaining the {Demonic Eye}s spellhe could see Graviel and cos movements. Regardless, everything was within his expectations. Chapter 98: The Valley of Chaos Part I The rhythmic echo of marching footsteps reverberated through the woods. Graviel had ordered Rowan to lead the march into the depths of the forest. The journey toward the chasm through the Thornwood Forest was fraught with dangers, especially for such a large group. Fearless magical beasts would sporadically launch attacks, and even though they were dispatched quickly by the bloodthirsty mercenaries, their progress had been so slow. Graviel held a magical compass as he walked aheada tool that not only warded off hostile creatures but also guided them to their destination. Having previously marked the location of the chasm, even with two hundred people and numerous obstacles, the journey should take no more than a day or two. To get there, however, one had to traverse the outskirts of the forest before venturing into a valley, and it was a choke point to get to the chasm. Going around it would take considerably more time, which Graviel was unwilling to waste. The more time they spent on this expedition, the more unforeseen variables might appear to disrupt them. Six hours later, under the midday sun, they arrived at the valleya passage flanked by steep green hills on each side, a hundred meters wide and spanning several kilometers. Even here, the sea of trees extended as far as the eye could see, like an unending verdant ocean. No matter how they approached it, they would be faced with a difficult passage through this place Rowan came to a halt, surveying the surroundings with caution. He then returned to Graviel after ascertaining the situation and reported, Sir, the path aheads quite narrow. If theres an ambush from the hills, well be a sittin duck. That was truly the case. Although the hills were steep, it was not impossible to scale them. However, the path on the hill was too rough to be traversed with a large group, making it unviable as an alternative route. Scouts also wouldnt be effective in this terrain because the differing latitude would further slow their progress. Plus, they didnt even know what dangers they should be watching out for. I know. Just make sure our men are prepared for that. And dont underestimate me. Graviel showed him the magic tool. If there are hostile forces within two hundred meters, I would know thanks to this. Besides, who would attack a two-hundred-man army like theirs in a place like this? Yes, sir! Rowan commanded the mercenaries to stay vigilant as they advanced into the valley. Half an hour into the valley, the compass magic tool started rotating in an unorderly way, perplexing Graviel. Hmm? Are there enemies? Why is it indicating that they are all around? But theres nothing but trees and plants here Is something wrong? Elara asked, clearly worried. Whats the matter, Sir Graviel? inquired Jared, followed by Dorial and the others. Sir? Rowan stared at him, awaiting further instructions. Somethings off. This entire place is hostile toward us Is it a supernatural phenomenon? Wait, dont tell me Graviels face twisted in realization, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. But before he was able to pinpoint the actual cause, frantic shouts erupted among the mercenaries. E-Enemies!! Weve been surrounded! Aaah! Fuck! Why are there spiders everywhere?! Eep! Help! Fire! Everything is burning! Oi! Snap out of it! W-Wait! Dont point your sword at me! Many mercenaries brandished their weapons, swinging them around as if they had gone insane. Those nearby, who were unable to react in time, were injured by their comrades; some already suffering fatal wounds. Only stronger Ki-Warriors showed some resistance to this effect. What the hells happenin? Rowan shouted. I-I dont know! Amidst the chaos, a panicked scout hastily reported, Everyone is shouting different thi Before he could finish, a longsword ruthlessly pierced his heart, splattering blood in all directions. A look of disbelief was frozen on his face as he crumpled to the ground. Shit! Rowan swiftly brandished his axes and cleaved the assailant in two in a split second. The blood from his fallen comrade only fueled his adrenaline rather than invoking any sense of horror. Listen up! Step outta line, and youll be kissin the dirt before you know it! he bellowed, which was amplified by his ki to cover the entire valley, before jumping into the fray to stop the mercenaries from senselessly attacking each other.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. In the meantime, Graviels expression darkened upon seeing the unfolding chaotic scene. Even before reaching the pocket dimension, dozens of mercenaries had fallen victim to this unknown threat. Thankfully, as a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, he found himself resistant to the ominous influence. The same could be said about the other acolytes with him. Despite that, an unusual spectacle suddenly occurred as a blinding light enveloped the surroundings. Quick on the draw, Graviel swiftly channeled his mana into the magic tool and dispelled the illusion. Turning around, he found his comrades also under the influence. Tch, weaklings. But they still have some uses, he mumbled and repeated the process for each of them without hesitation. He then said, Looks like we fell into a damn Magus trap! while scanning the now-clear-headed group. Is it a magic spell? Dorian asked. No, Elara answered. Do you see these plants around us? They are not ordinary plantsthey are magical plants! They must be releasing hallucinogenic pheromones that are messing with our heads. B-But for it to affect even acolytes She trailed off, visibly shaken by the experience. The revelation cast a dark shadow on the faces of the group. They knew just how horrifying hallucinogenic magical plants could be, and they didnt expect to find them here of all places. After all, they had traversed this area before without encountering such threats, so someone or something was behind this sinister turn of events. Then, lets clear the air with some Anemo and torch this greenery with Pyro spells! But Elara appeared to be bottling up something. No time for buts! Just do as I say! Graviel stated. The group immediately cast a myriad of spells to combat the issue. Unfortunately, none of them were very proficient with these spells. Ugh, only that ditz Victor was good at both Anemo and Pyro magic. I almost regret having killed him. Graviel himself was proficient in Cryo spells, as he had the highest affinity for them. As for Jared, Dorian, and Elara, the three of them were best at Electro, Geo, and Dendro in that order. *** Unbeknownst to them, every move they made in the valley was under Victors watchful eyes. Ever since the academy grade reached level two, the range of the Systems camera expanded significantly. Although it didnt quite reach the village, it extended up to approximately ten kilometers. It just so happened that the valley was about ten or so kilometers from the academy, which allowed him to catch glimpses of what was happening there. Though he was using the spectral puppets for a closer and clearer view, he preferred seeing it through the holographic screen. Hey, can you share what youre seeing right now? I cant make heads or tails of it from here, Lizbeth squinted, peering at her own screen. Despite a brief episode of sulking and ignoring Victor following the hugging session, Lizbeths anger dissipated instantly when he tantalized her with the promise of food. Fairies were indeed straightforward creatures. Well, its not as simple as screen-sharing on Discord Oh, wait. Victor had never tried this before, but maybe it was possible to share what he was seeing through the Shadowlink Mark. He went ahead and tried, and much to his surprise, it turned out to be feasible. Now, the holographic screen was clearly displaying the events in the valley. It even shared the audio, something that Victor was wondering about since the spectral puppets didnt have ears. Well, he was able to see what the players were doing even from distances exceeding ten kilometers. So, this kind of thing was not too much of a stretch. So far, everything played out according to his plans. Chaos had taken root within the enemy ranks, with a significant portion of their forces turning against each other. Yet, the affected individuals were only about a third of their total forces, and it was mainly the weaker, mortal members. Stronger Ki-Warriors were able to hold their breath for a prolonged period of time and were more resilient to the hallucinogenic effects. As expected of elite mercenaries. He had hoped that this alone would eliminate them, but it seemed his expectations fell short. If only there was more time Whatever the case, the nightmare Victor had orchestrated was far from its conclusion. With a sly grin, he focused his attention on his most hated enemiesGraviel, Jared, Dorial, and Elarawhile secretly laughing in glee as they tirelessly burned down the Dreamweaver Ivy. By burning them down, it would make them release all the stored pheromones instead. The case would be akin to burning down a large quantity of marijuana; the people in the surroundings would get high. Still, this cost him a lot of precious academy points. Victor, that scarred man looks powerful. Lizbeth pointed at a muscular, middle-aged man with a thick beard and holding a pair of large axes. Well, him If he remembered correctly, his name was Rowan, and he was a true Ki Master based on how he was blasting crazed mercenaries into blood mist with his roar and cleaving a fully-armed man in two like slicing through cheese. Even though he was a powerful Ki-Warrior, he was slightly under the influence of the hallucination, which increased his bloodthirsty nature by several levels. That being the case, Rowan maintained a semblance of control and rallied the unaffected mercenaries toward a safer location. Shithead! Go over there! Guys! Follow me! Leader said its safer over there! yelled someone who was escaping ahead of them. Eager to save themselves from the madness, the others followed and ran in his direction. However, their relief was short-lived as, like a bolt from the blue, sharp vines emerged from the ground, swiftly decapitating one of the foremost runners with ruthless precision. Chapter 99: The Valley of Chaos Part II The vine moved with extraordinary speed, cutting so swiftly that the headless body remained standing for a brief moment before blood spurted out, and it crumpled to the ground with a dull thump. The grotesque scene left the nearby mercenaries paralyzed with fear as their faces contorted with horror at a sight they could hardly fathom. Victor was sure that they must have never witnessed anything like this in their entire lives. Eep Hes dead, just like that! Aaah! What in the world are these vines?! Stop, this place is no good! There are monstrous plants here!! Among the ranks, a few weak-willed mercenaries succumbed to panic while others, the more seasoned mercenaries, skillfully backpedaled away from the vines. However, their efforts were futile as the place where the vines originated was Wh-What?! A man donning an iron helmet found himself ensnared by a vine and was forcefully pulled deep into the bushes. Desperate cries for help echoed as he vanished from sight within the blink of an eye, shocking the onlookers. Behind the bushes emerged the stuff of nightmaresmonstrous plants with gaping maws lined with razor-sharp fangs that glinted menacingly in the dim light filtering through the thick canopy. Their sinister purple hue resembled hungry serpents ready to devour any prey unfortunate enough to cross their path. An acrid odor permeated the air, unsettling the atmosphere and wincing their noses. The unfortunate man, despite his failed struggles to escape, was slowly forced between its teeth as the monstrous plant captured him. Then, a sickening sound of crunching bones and tearing flesh, along with a scream that suddenly cut off, resounded, leaving even the most seasoned mercenaries gaping in horror. This horrifying tableau was precisely the nightmare that Victor had hoped to orchestrate. Haha! Despair under my power! Victor stretched both of his arms wide in glee. Even though it was indeed a bit too much, his hate and anger toward them were beyond the roof after what he had seen back at the village. Master, thou sure have bad taste. Despite the remark, Lizbeth had to hide a chuckle behind her hand. Hmm? Its all for the good of the academy. Victor snickered sarcastically. Still, they are not so easy to deal with, huh. All of this was really only effective in culling down the weaker mercenaries rather than dealing true damage to the elites in their ranks. Technically speaking, it was less effective than he had initially hoped. A buff mercenary with a mace and thick leather armor shouted, Goddamn these plants! Anyone worth a damn, gather round! Were wiping these abominations off the map! Oi, Rylan, dont forget to use your ki. These creatures are weak to fire, said another one equipped with chainmail and dual swords. Who would forget, Connor? Lets make these carnivorous freaks regret the day they sprouted! All able-bodied mercenaries who remained roared together. Aaaahh!! As their rallying cry echoed, an elite group of about twenty or so Ki-Warriors finally showed themselves and launched a coordinated assault against the Carnivorous Man-Eating Plants. They cut through the vines blocking their way, dodging any attack made by the plants, and skillfully slashed through them. Obviously, they were not normal mercenaries and had gone through countless battles. Victor discerned their skill levelsthe weakest of them were Ki-initials, while some were Ki-Guards, and the two named Rylan and Connor were both Ki-Sentinels. Each of these designations was equivalent to a stage in the Initiate Attunement acolyte, respectively. This battle would prove to be one-sided, it appeared. *** Graviel was witnessing all this happening as they had just finished incinerating the hallucinogenic plants while covering his mouth and nose. If not for the magic tool in his hand, he would have fallen into hallucination because of the thick pheromones contained in the smoke. Nevertheless, he was quite shocked to find out that there was another type of deadly extraordinary magical plant in this valley, which was called the Carnivorous Man-Eating Plant, according to Elara. This made him even more sure that someone intentionally set this up. Subsequently, his wariness shot up to the extreme as whoever was able to do this must be a very skilled Magus, with specific intentions of taking him downlikely so they could steal the pocket dimension. But he was not one to give up treasures so easily. Except for the elite Ki-Warriors sent by our families, the rest of the mercenaries are useless, Sir Graviel, Jared commented with contempt upon seeing the lifeless bodies of mercenaries on the ground. Graviel snorted, neither in agreement nor denial. But they are useful as meat shields, just in the right place and time. What should we do? Dorian inquired. They still have some uses. Save those who can still fight. As for the rest, let them be bait for these stinky plants. Graviels eyes gleamed with a cold determination. We must break through the valley and reach the end. Otherwise, exhaustion will be our downfall, and we could be wiped out if things take a turn for the worse.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. The group nodded in understanding and swiftly went into action. However, the eradication of the hallucinogenic plants had depleted a significant portion of their mana reserves, and they would have to make the most of what little energy remained. Fortunately for them, they had a large stash of mana crystals and magic scrolls in case of emergency. To top it all off, Graviel had yet to use his trump cards reserved specifically for the dangers within the ruins. As they pressed forward, they supported the Ki-Warriors who were locked in fierce combat with the magical plants. Graviel took the lead in casting the offensive spells, his incantation resonating through the air. {Freezing Shot}! A sharp, freezing cold projectile shot through the air, striking one of the carnivorous plants and freezing it entirely. Jared, Dorial, and Elara seamlessly followed suit, casting {Lightning Bolt}, {Rock Bullets}, and {Bleeding Garden} respectively. Though these spells were considered ordinary Aleph-tier offensive spells, being cast by third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes, each spell was able to eradicate the carnivorous magical plants that stood in their way without a hitch. In the midst of the chaos, Graviel spotted a scarred, muscled mercenary who stood defiantly with his two axes and called his name, Rowan! Despite the loud voice, Rowan remained unresponsive and kept fixated on the ground. It wasnt until they drew closer that he finally reacted, turning his head with fierce red eyes. Oh, fuck! It became apparent that Rowan, in spite of having a high resistance as a Ki Master, had succumbed to a deep hallucination, due to his close proximity to the burning hallucinogenic plants. And it wasnt a nice one either! Graviel swiftly activated the compass, channeling its power to dispel the lingering hallucination. However, before the hallucination could fully dissipate, Rowan vanished from his original spot, soaring into the air with an uncanny speed. He positioned his axes above his head and swung downward with savage-like momentum. No matter how resilient the bodies of acolytes were, they would be dead if they received such an attack head-on. Dorian! Graviel shouted. On it! {Rock Shield}! Dorian roared as he stepped ahead, and a simple, earthen shield materialized before him, protecting them from the strike. The collision resonated through the shield, sending shockwaves rippling through the ground. The force was too strong and sent Dorian backward several meters. Crimson droplets of blood sprayed out from his mouth due to internal injuries emanating from the sheer kinetic energy. He coughed as he tried to steady himself, but the raw strength of a Ki Master was just too ridiculous! Seizing the moment, Elara chanted, {Bleeding Garden}! Vines erupted from the ground, entwining and restraining Rowan in place. Graviel then used the magic tool to expunge the hallucination entirely. Rowans countenance returned to normal, and he quickly realized what had happened to him. Sir! Snap out of it! Were not here to babysit! Graviel scoffed, directing a disdainful glance at the now-conscious mercenary. Quick, lead our elite mercenaries to carve a path open toward the exit. We dont have all day! Graviel specifically emphasized our elite mercenaries to imply that he cared little for the others in this perilous situation except for the ones sent by their families. Survival called for cutting ties, and he wasnt one to play savior. Understood! Rowan immediately leaped forward and joined the elite mercenaries fighting the carnivorous plants. Elite warriors, with me! The urgency of their situation didnt dull his senses; if anything, it only sharpened them more. Graviel and his cronies followed behind as the elite mercenaries forcefully carved a path forward through the chaotic landscape strewn with bodies of fallen mercenaries and chunks of dead Carnivorous Man-Eating plants. The injured mercenaries, afraid of losing their lives here, limped along, desperate to escape the lethal surroundings. Despite the weariness that clung to them, the group moved with a desperation that mirrored the specter of imminent death. Thirty grueling minutes passed, and at long last, they were about to escape the valley. Coincidentally, the density of carnivorous plants diminished the closer they got to the exit. But just when the group began to bask in a fleeting sense of security, Graviel sensed an intense foreboding behind him. An abnormally large, indigo carnivorous plant lunged at him with its razor-sharp fangs poised to tear through his flesh. Clank! All of a sudden, an almost transparent magic barrier materialized and clashed against the fangs, producing a clanking metallic clash that reverberated through the air. At the same time, a cross necklace hidden beneath Graviels robe radiated a brilliant light, reinforcing the barrier. One of his high-grade life-saving magic tools had come to his aid. Sir Graviel! several people shouted together. Shock etched across the faces of the other acolytes as they witnessed the peril their leader faced. Why, you little fucktard! Feeling underestimated, Graviel hastily retrieved a magic scroll from his interspatial ring containing the Bet-tier spell {Frozen Ground} and activated it. Then, a porcupine-like ice ball materialized before him, hurtling toward the plant. As they collided, the creature was encapsulated in a meter-thick layer of ice, freezing the surrounding ten meters and effectively killing the creature. Graviel gasped at the sudden turn of events and gazed at his interspatial ring. Although its capacity was small, comprising of only forty cubic centimeters, it contained almost all of his trump cards. With this, hed used one of the magic scrolls he had saved up, causing veins to surface on his forehead. Yet, he wasted no time dwelling on the expense, immediately sprinting toward safety. After ascertaining that no more threats were present, the group stopped to rest, relaxing their guards but keeping a watchful gaze on the surroundings. Counting the remaining heads, Graviel clenched his fist as the realization set in that less than one hundred mercenaries remained. Before even reaching the chasm, weve lost half our forces Suddenly, there was a strange disturbance from the magic compass as its pointer began shifting in a specific direction. Watch your surroundings, something feels off, Graviel warned with his senses on high alert. The surviving mercenaries instinctively formed a protective formation, wary of any more dangers. An eerie calm settled over the group as Graviel, Dorian, Jared, and Elara strategically positioned themselves within the formation, ready to unleash their remaining magical prowess at the slightest hint of a threat. Sir, Rowan began, trying to tell him something. Speak, what is it? Graviel crossed his arms and tapped on his forearm. The ground around here looks like it has been disturbed before being flattened again. It looks like the work of amateurs, he explained. What? Graviels confusion abruptly shifted to alarm as a pungent smell rose from below. Before anyone could react, explosions erupted, sending shockwaves through the air that injured those who were close to the sources. The flames swiftly spread, forming an impassable barrier that blocked their escape from the valley. This left them with no choice but to go back to where they came from unless they could put out the raging fire. This sequence of events, from entering the valley to encountering the strange and deadly magical plants, and now to a wall of fire trapping them inside. The cascade of setbacks caused Graviels composure to shatter. I SWEAR I WILL TORTURE WHOEVER IS RESPONCIBLE FOR ALL ETERNITY!! Chapter 100: Behind the Scenes Pftt, did you see that? His expression is priceless! Victor clutched his stomach, reveling in the satisfaction as uncontrollable laughter seized him, and tears welled up at the corners of his eyes. Of course, Victor recorded everything here. Every trace of Graviels infuriated expression was captured and destined to be eternally stored within the Systemforever becoming a source of amusement for Victor whenever he pleased. He had never expected that a calculating bastard like Graviel would snap like that. As I said, Master, you have really bad taste, chortled the fairy perched on Victors shoulder. Shut up. Victor lightly pinched Lizbeths cheek. The once-effective pay cut was no longer sufficient to curb the fairys sarcastic remarks. Quickly retracting his fingers before she could follow through, Victor declared, Still, this is not enough. My revenge is far from finished. Not by a long shot. To that statement, Lizbeth floated a bit higher to meet his gaze more directly and suggested, In that case, why not call upon the players? You know, the enemies are already on edge, exhausted, and cornered. And the ranks of our true acolytes have swelled, havent they? Her observation wasnt inaccurate. The number of true acolytes had rapidly increased with the introduction of mana crystals in the virtual shop. However, there had not been even one second-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte among the players, which created a gap of power to fulfill. This was one of the main considerations. Well, there are indeed dozens of players at the first stage of Initiate Attunement, but didnt you see the enemy forces? First of all, even though a lot of them are dead or left stranded in the valley, those who remain are experienced mercenariesmany of which are even Ki-Warriors. Victor paused to gauge Lizbeths reaction. Even the lowest-ranked Ki-WarriorsKi Initialspossess the strength to overpower ten ordinary humans single-handedly, needless to say about stronger Ki-Warriors. Yes, they might be susceptible to magic, but a direct confrontation should be avoided at all costs. While the players were fearless and not afraid of death, they lacked experience when dealing with real human enemies. Continuing, he added, And should the players somehow manage to overcome the odds, the victory would come at a staggering cost. Were talking hundreds of casualties here if we were to deploy all our forces. Anything less than full mobilization would be akin to throwing an egg against a rockutterly futile. Do you understand? He fixed his gaze on Lizbeth, ensuring his point was made clear. Remember, I still havent counted that Ki Master plus Graviel and the others. So, it is certain defeat for us even in this situation, and it would only serve to expose our existence. Mm-hmm, I get it. She nodded in understanding and countered, But isnt that the moment you and Lumen intervene? Victor shook his head in response. Graviel is cunning and possesses many treasures. Even though I have the upper hand in terms of strength, victory is far from assured. Any mistake on our part could be catastrophic. I see. You sure have given this a lot of thought. Why, of course! I am a genius headmaster, after all. Hahaha! Victors laughter echoed. When it was time to brag, he never shied away. Nevertheless, he had expected her to retort with Brag all you want! or something along that line, but instead, what came from her mouth took Victor by surprise: As expected of my deviously genius headmaster. Being your aide is truly my honor. Victor couldnt help but feel goosebumps at her cheesy line. Why are you saying that? That sounds cringe. Well, excuse me for trying to give a compliment! Saying that requires courage, yknow! She fumed again, puffing her cheeks, with her hands on her hips. Victor secretly held back a burst of laughter. Maybe she would be better as a clown than an aide, but he would never say that to her face. [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Devious Strategist] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (successfully carrying out a devious plan) for this achievement.] [The award (Mind Over Matter Manual) has been granted.] Huh? This thing appears at the most unexpected moments. Previously, Victor had thought that he would get a hidden achievement for significant milestones like inviting the first local NPC or for his advancement to official Magus. Yet, the reality of these achievements caught him off guard And why do all achievements sound sardonic, as though they are softly mocking me? Wait, thats not the main point here. More important was the reward accompanying the achievementsomething Victor needed to complete that spell. He had planned on purchasing it from the shop, but finding it here was just way too convenient, as if some unseen force arranged for this to happen. Or, perhaps, the System was just catering to what he wanted. How useful. Shaking off these contemplations, Victor turned his attention to the Headmasters Journal to review his current missions.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Vengeance Will Be Mine! The time has come to enact your vengeance against those who have wronged you. Your method of retribution is yours to choose whether it be through their total annihilation, forcing them into submission, or any other means you deem necessary. Dont hesitate or show any mercy toward your enemies; otherwise, they will turn the tides against you! Type: Main mission Objective Completed: 0/1 Reward: Mermaid Tears Elixir Mission: Investigate the Pocket Dimension It is your initial desire to pry onto the treasures of the long-forgotten. As such, you have to investigate whats inside and note down any treasures worth taking. Type: Side mission Reward: 500 academy points After completing the three trump cards requirement to be prepared for the previous mission, Victor unlocked these important missions. It appeared that he had to get inside the pocket dimension to do the side mission, which was nearly impossible without first accomplishing the main mission. After all, this required him to reclaim the artifact fragment and wrest the other one from Graviels hand. Be that as it may, Victor had another way to gain entry into the pocket dimension. He intended to take this path, and he couldnt wait for that time *** Ten minutes earlier, not too far away from where the flammable liquid was buried. About twenty or so players were huddled behind the bushes on top of a hill, overlooking the entrance to a nearby valley. They were surprisingly being led by Seans (KuroUsagi) and similar parties. Despite taking the same missions of distracting the enemy forces, they were told to protect the players who were digging trenches and holes as guards. The distance between this place and the academy was not that far and could be traversed in a mere hour or so, but magical beasts were quite rampant in this area. In fact, a few Thornback Boars attacked them en route. Furthermore, they had to carry the flammable liquid that was put in dozens of wooden barrels, which were quite heavy even with the wooden carts. If it werent for there being acolytes with experience among them, there would have been casualties on the players side. As they watched intently, Chicken suddenly let out an impatient sigh. This is dragging on forever. My fists are itching for some action already! Dont. Sean warned. Youll mess up everything weve planned if you act rashly. Cmon! Doesnt this bore you, too? Weve been perched here for two whole hours like a chicken! I know half of that time was spent keeping an eye out, but now? Just sitting around doing nothing Chicken grumbled, stretching out on the ground, arms flung wide in exasperation. I mean, at this point, even making bricks or pitching in with the construction work feels like a blast compared to this. Dont you think the bandits already anticipated this, so thats why they havent come? Patrick, adjusting his top hat, surprisingly agreed with this reasoning. Chicken has a point. If this is a heist, then the timings gotta be precise. We have too little information about the enemy were facing, after all. Were not in a movie, and were certainly not pulling off a heist. Sean bobbed his head disapprovingly. Well, he was accustomed to long hours spent at his desk brainstorming video ideas and critiquing gamespatience was a skill he had mastered over time. But If you utter another word, Ill smack you! Butterfly threatened; even she was more patient than him in this situation despite looking like someone who would get into a fight as soon as the chance arose. Speaking of which, her large red stature made it rather useless for her to hide behind the foliage. She was sticking out like a sore thumb. O-Okay, Im sorry. Oopsie. Chicken quickly covered his mouth, which earned a glare from Butterfly, causing him to instinctively retreat a few steps back in apprehension. Before long, the faint sound of hurried footsteps began to echo from within the valley. Look, the bandits are here, someone exclaimed in a low voice, pointing. Emerging into view were nearly a hundred individuals clad in medieval armor and brandishing weapons. They appeared to be in a hurry, as if they were being pursued by a ghost. This scene caused the players to scratch their heads and whisper among themselves. Why are they running? Who knows? Maybe theres a scary magical beast inside the valley. Probably. Still, these enemy NPCs look incredibly realistic, almost identical to those I saw on the official website forum from the village scene, just rougher. The warrior leading them resembles a Hollywood actor. Are we still inside the game? Ill make sure I got this on camera. Being lifelike inside the game Like that of a Hollywood actor Isnt it possible for the gaming company to easily make a billion-dollar movie without spending any money? Realization struck Seans mind like a bolt of lightning. But why havent they done that already and chose to make this game instead? His train of thought was interrupted by yet another players alarmed cry. Do you see those mages in the center? There are mages among them! Hush, watch your voice. Centered among the enemy contingent were a few individuals dressed in acolyte robes, far more elaborate than those of the players, making their own robes seem fit for paupers in comparison. Man Why do the NPCs have better character and fashion designs than us, the players? Its the enemy to boot someone lamented. Indeed. Imagine having a full set of PEN Blackstar and Black Shudad Outfit in this game Huh, what game are you talking about, dude? Its Ahem. Can we please stay on task? Seans brow furrowed in frustration as he reprimanded the others. We dont have time to admire the game designs or talk about random shit. Lets go do our job and get this done with. Alright! Its time for me to shine, baby! Chicken leaped to his feet, flexing his muscles and taking a ready stance.. The surrounding players also voiced their agreement and sat up. Hey, dont stand up. Sean pulled him back down. Despite the simultaneous action, only one player was required for the task at hand, which was someone who had a high affinity for the Pyro elementButterflyWingsAreDelicious. Without fanfare or reciting any grandiose quotes as one might expect, she simply focused on her task and cast {Flame Dart} toward a predetermined location, setting ablaze the singular wooden barrel that was left exposed. This ignited a domino effect, as the hidden barrels containing flammable liquid also exploded, sending flames spreading rapidly, effectively hemming in the bandits with a fiery blockade. Sean wasnt completely sure, but he thought he caught the sound of a scream emanating from the direction of the ensuing inferno soon afterward. Chapter 101: Show Them What We’re Made Of! Keeping their voice low, someone excitedly exclaimed, Burn! Yes, burn them all to hell! Other players were equally excited, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Even Sean couldnt conceal the grin that spread across his face. It wasnt that they were all lunatics or arsonists; rather, they saw an opportunity to claim an abundance of merit points by eradicating the bandits with the flames in one fell swoop. Each captured or slain bandit would reward them with a substantial five hundred merit points, which was a far more lucrative prospect than dealing with arachnids. Furthermore, elite bandits offered at least double the rewards. Although the players werent sure about the classifications beyond identifying them by their appearances, the scarred middle-aged man leading the bandits likely held a high rank. He might even be the bandit boss, which might give them even more merit points! As the flames kept spreading, Seans enthusiasm was cut short. He noticed a sudden rush of water gushing from the bandits location, extinguishing the fire blocking them. Despite the fiery barrier separating them, they were not retreating back into the valley. Instead, their silhouettes began to move with haste, circling around the edges of the fire. With each passing second, it became clear to him that the bandits were moving toward their locationit seemed they had been found out. Oh shoot, theyre coming here! Our location is compromised! Sean cursed. What? How? asked a nearby player. I wasnt even that loud It didnt make sense. Somehow, they had zeroed in on them! Sean shrugged. Beats me. I bet they have a magic tool or something to track us, he speculated and then smiled cynically. Or maybe what we deem quiet is just too darn loud for them. Panic sparked among the players as they scrambled to their feet, ready to escape at a moments notice. While all the players here were those with the distraction missions, only a fraction of them were Initiate Attunement acolytes. As for those who dug the trenches and holes, they were already returning to the academy. Patrick, however, maintained his cool demeanor. Well, magicians of this world sure do have some tricks up their sleeves. So, what should we do now, leader? Sean got to his feet and suggested, We should get out of here. Quick! Dont be a chicken. Lets face them right here. Chicken cracked his knuckles, ready for some action. Butterfly rolled her eyes and mocked, Hmph. Are you really that stupid? Mhm, it is indeed wiser to strategically retreat in this situation, Patrick concurred. Chicken blinked in confusion. Why? Realizing that Chicken needed a more logical explanation, Sean clarified, We''re completely outnumbered. Judging by their movements, it seems the fire didnt really thin out their numbers much. We could ask for reinforcements from other players, but high-ranking players have their own roles to play and are all too far away. Either way, lets move out! Thus, they all immediately evacuated the site, urgently retreating in the direction of the academy as fast as they could. Even though there was compensation for dying in missions, none of them were willing to throw their lives away willy-nilly. When it was time to retreat, it had to be done without a shred of hesitation. Unfortunately, it became painfully clear that they wouldnt be able to put much distance between themselves and the pursuing bandits. Despite their geographical advantage and head start, some bandits displayed an unsettling agility, closing the gap with an almost inhuman speedthese bandits were definitely not normal people! This is a dead-end. Either were hunted down one by one, or some of us become bait to let the rest escape Although, that would lure them straight to the academy, Sean urgently proposed as he ran. He was considering this option, knowing that the headmaster was at the academy, and he would surely vanquish all these bandits Though, even then there could be unwanted consequences and nobody would want to sacrifice themselves. He had to think of another way. Hmm, at least only a fraction of their group is chasing us here. If the bandit boss and those mages were the ones pursuing us, I bet wed be long dead, Patrick analyzed. Damn! Theyre underestimating us too much! Desperation set in, and the gravity of their situation weighed heavily on them. Even though the top-tier enemies werent the ones on their tails, it felt like they were being toyed with. Most likely because they were too weak. Seans thoughts raced as he contemplated his next move. I should do something Its better than all of us dying here. He then thought of a plan and came to an abrupt stop, catching the attention of the players behind him.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. What are you doing?! Keep running! one of the players right behind him shouted, still sprinting. No. He raised his palm in firm rejection. Go! Ill hold them off! Sean shouted, his voice laced with resolve. What are you, nuts? The player who had shouted earlier finally slowed down and looked back with an expression of disbelief. The others also came to a halt and stared at him as if observing a suicidal person. If you stay, then well stay too! Chicken stepped forward. The rest of his party followed suit. At least his friends were loyal enough to not leave him to face this dire situation alone. If you people stay, then our party will fight alongside you. A tall and handsome blond-haired player joined in. He was known by the username GiveMeTheNuclearCode or NuclearCode for short. If Sean hadnt known better about some of his questionable comments on the official website forum or the true meaning of his username, he would have taken him as an upright individual. Were staying as well. Lets fight them together! As it became clear that everyone present was committed to standing their ground and fighting back, the player who had initially urged Sean to keep running clenched his fists. Damn it. It would look uncool if I were the only one to run away with my tail between my legs. Alright! It seems that were on the same page here. Sean smiled. This was the best option, after all. All he needed to do now was to give these bandits one last surprise and show the world that newer players like themselves could make an impact in this game world. You listen to me, and you listen to me good *** Exactly twelve elite mercenariesall of them Ki-Warriorschased after the perpetrators responsible for setting the forest ablaze and nearly blocking their escape route. They were told to simply trail them to find out the real culprit behind the trap they had fallen into. Leading this formidable group was Rylan, the buff Ki-Warrior with a mace. He was known as the Mighty Minotaur due to his legendary strength, capable of downing bulls with a single punch. Among mercenaries, his name struck fear into the hearts of many. All of a sudden, he stopped in his tracks and scanned the ground. The trail they had been following was abruptly cut short. Did they catch wind of us? Figures. Probably got a few acolytes among em. He found the situation puzzling. There were many subtle signs of these people being amateurs, but that didnt explain how they had repeatedly fallen for their tricks. A bad feeling washed over him as he thought of a possibility, and he turned to address the other mercenaries. Ya three, scout ahead for me! The chosen trio were only Ki-Initials, which were two ranks below him. As such, they didnt dare defy his command and advanced cautiously to investigate. Just as one of the mercenaries stepped on a peculiar patch of ground, he tumbled into a concealed pitfall. Agh! What happened? Uargh! Another one screamed as a vine snared his leg and hoisted him up into the branches of a tall tree. Then, the last one, distracted by the two traps triggering, tripped on a thick tree root and fell to a pile of mud. It was truly the cherry on top. Shit! Ya three fell for such basic traps! Utterly useless! As Rylans yelling echoed, the surrounding bushes rustled, and the ground trembled slightly, revealing small trenches. Roughly two dozen people emerged, encircling the elite mercenaries from every direction, weapons in hand. They spread out, positioning themselves strategically behind the natural barriers offered by the terrain. With the crazed expression on their faces, it felt as if the hunters had suddenly become the hunted. Surprise, motherfuckers! The one leading them smiled sinisterly. Bastards! That word escaping Rylans lips became the cue for these monsters to attack. *** The players stood at the ready. Their faces set in grim lines of determination as their hands firmly clutched an assortment of weapons. This was itthe final surprise that Sean had concocted. Time to rock and roll! Sean declared. With faces locked in unwavering resolve, they raised their weapons high, ready to fight till their last drop of blood. Everyone, attack! Attack! Show em what were made of! Chickens rallying cry echoed as he charged ahead. Charge!! Call the ambulance! But not for me! Who let the dogs out?! Shazam! ! As usual, the traditional and eccentric war cries reverberated through the forest as the players charged headlong toward the startled bandits. It seemed to have boosted their courage several times since the close combatants speed became so much faster than when they were running away, causing the bandits to flinch in a bewildered mixture of confusion and fear. Spells were cast, arrows were nocked, and swords were drawn as they braced for the impending clash. Soon, the clash of metal on metal and the crackle of magic spells filled the air. Seizing the momentum, the players were able to push back the bandits with their superior numbers, inflicting injuries and even claiming the lives of a couple. One of the players at the forefront, who had just slashed down a trapped bandit, winced slightly as blood splattered across his face. Damn, did you see that blood and gore? It all feels way too real! What those players said on the alpha version 0.2 is true! Huh, I feel like I should be a little more disturbed by this games realism. In any case, this works in our favor. Lets finish them off! However, the bandits were not giving up without a fight. Most of the ones they managed to injure or kill were those who had fallen into their traps, while the remaining bandits fought back fiercelysimilarly inflicting damage to their ranks. Unexplainably, these bandits exhibited extraordinary powers akin to Initiate Attunement acolytes and even displayed weapon techniques that looked similar to RPG skills! Die! Piercing Slash! A bandit wielding a longsword swung downward toward a red-skinned player. Hahaha! You hafta pay for what ya did Wh-Wha? How?! The blade that was supposed to cut the flesh of the player was abruptly halted by her enormous hand, unable to move even an inch further. The bandits witnessing this were left in stunned disbelief, especially the wielder. Of course, the player in question was none other than ButterflyWingsAreDelicious; she was the strongest combatant they had among them. M-Monster! Sean could hear the teeth chattering in the bandits voice. Am I a monster? Butterflys expression was unchanged as she delivered a fast, devastating punch that shattered the bandits head into a gruesome mess of blood and brain matter. His body tumbled to the ground like a rag doll. Chapter 102: Isn’t That Cannibalism? The elite mercenaries hair stood on end as they witnessed the scene unfolding before them. Even Rylan, standing at the rear, was shocked speechless. These people, who looked like a bunch of weak and meek teenagers, were even more bloodthirsty and brutal than they were! What in the world was happening here? Rylan couldnt fathom it. Fuck this! Rylans grip tightened on his mace as he charged toward the red-skinned woman. He only ever heard about this in legends, but tales spoke of Magi who would conduct unspeakable experiments to create monstrous beings. This huge crimson woman with a pair of horns must be a killing weapon made by a Magus. If that were the case, then the mastermind behind all of this must be a formidable Magus. Rylan might have muscle as a brain, but he was definitely not foolish enough to overlook that fact. You want some of this too, old man? taunted the crimson woman as she readied her fists. Provoked by her mockery, Rylan drew in a deep breath, channeling his ki and strengthening his body. Although it was impossible to imbue his weapon with ki at his current level, strengthening his body to the limit was a pretty simple thing. With a mighty swing, he brought his mace down toward the womans head. But before the blow could land, a fiery projectile struck him in the chest, sending him flying backward several meters and searing his skin. Shit! Shes a mage! Rylan clutched the wound in pain. Because he focused his ki at his hands, the magic attack became critical damage. She sneered and mocked him once more, Is that all youve got? Even that lousy brat is more impressive than you. Rylan didnt know who she was referring to, but he paid it no mind. Seeing that only he could take care of her, he activated his breathing technique skill, Mad Bulla skill that strengthened him to the power of a raging, monstrous bull. It was this very power that had earned him his fearsome reputation and nickname. Youll regret mockin me! With a burst of speed fueled by the full extent of his ki, Rylan surged forward, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. He swung his mace with all the force he could muster, determined to overpower her before she could unleash another spell. A shockwave rippled through the air as he swung his mace, but the strike was stopped dead by an equally strong force. Upon looking up, he was met with a sight that left his mouth agape. She had blocked his attack head-on with her bare fist! This woman is insane! Despite the blood dripping from her battered fist, she was not flinching in the slightest. It was as if she didnt feel the pain at all! No matter the case, he focused his attention back on killing her; pulling back his mace and preparing for a flurry of strikes. If once didnt work, then all he needed to do was keep going until she caved in. Still, every single blow was intercepted by her fists. Even when he managed to get past her guard and land a hit or two, there was no change to her outward expression, despite those blows resulting in some clear injuries to her body. No matter how much strength he put in or how fast he swung his mace, it didnt seem to make a difference. It was as if he was fighting against an impassable wall Superior strength and speed meant nothing against the sheer willpower of this monster. Was this the true essence of power? Rylan staggered backward, his chest heaving with exertion. Huff Huff, puff He panted heavily; it had taken him his all, but the crimson woman before him remained standing with no noticeable exhaustiona stark contrast to his own faltering strength. Even though blood trickled down her forehead and her body had suffered numerous injuries, she remained as fierce as ever, like a demon. Im dead meat if I keep this up! What are the others doing?! Rylan scanned the battlefield for any sign of support from the other mercenaries, but to his dismay, he found that he was the only one left standing on his side and completely exhausted. Everyone else had fallen or was knocked unconscious. The sight sent a shiver of dread down his spine. Though their enemies had also suffered terrible casualties, those who were still alive were watching him fight this monster without a single one making a move to join. This puzzled him to the bone. Were they not afraid of death? In his thirty-plus years of experience as a mercenary, Rylan had never encountered anything remotely like this. For the first time in a long time, he felt the chilling grip of fear creeping into his heart. Are you done? she asked in a chillingly calm tone. You What the hell are ya? Tell me, hey! he shouted with a quivering voice. Ignoring his pleas, she slowly advanced toward him.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Dont you dare take another step, you freak! He roared, swinging his mace with all his might. To his surprise, it struck her head without obstruction. Ha! Serves you right! Yet, his triumph was short-lived. When he tried to retract his weapon, it wouldnt budge an inch; it was stuck. Panic surged through him, and then suddenly, a sharp object pierced his chest. Looking down, he saw her hand gripping his heart, ripped fresh from his chest where hed previously been injured by the fire spell. Then, with a manic expression, she devoured his heart like a savage beast. That gruesome sight was the last thing Rylan saw before darkness consumed him, his lifeless body slumping to the ground. *** With a body rigid from tension and eyes wide with disbelief, Sean watched as Butterfly ferociously devoured the bandits heart. Then, if that were not enough, she grabbed the fallen elite bandit and began consuming his flesh. Her eyes were redder than ever as she performed this horrifying act. There was an eerie silence as the players who were still alive observed the scene. Finally, one of the players, unable to mask his discomfort, blurted out, Wait, isnt that cannibalism? His words cut through the atmosphere, stirring murmurs among the surviving players. Sean, on the other hand, surveyed the battleground. Only seven players, including himself, were barely hanging to life. Two of them were unconscious, while another had lost a hand. Despite his severe injuries, Sean wondered how he was still alive after losing so much blood. His vision was beginning to blur, but the pain barely registered in his brain, even though most of it was suppressed anyway. Among his party members, aside from Butterfly, only Patrick remained alive. In fact, he was one of the MVPs. At a critical moment, he had distracted and confused the bandits through a variety of magiceverything from pulling out a bird and a bunny from his hat to even using tarot cards made of vellum. You name it, and he almost definitely used it. Sean wondered where he had gotten all these things and how he kept them hidden. Relax! Its just a game. Everything that she tries to eat here shouldnt be real. Maybe, remarked a player with black hair, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly, which was missing an arm. His ID was EclipseKnight. Then, why dont you give it a try as well? Patrick nudged the guys armless shoulder. Yeah. As kinky as it might be, you may even discover a whole new delicacy if you cook it, NuclearCode added with a half-joking smile. EclipseKnight shuddered at the thought and yelled at them, Are you people out of your mind?! All of a sudden, Butterfly paused and turned around. Her face was smeared with blood, giving the appearance of a red demon who had just consumed a human (which was really the case). Uh Did I just literally consume this bandit alive? She rubbed her injured head in confusion. What happened to you? was what Sean asked as he cautiously approached her. I dont know She stared blankly into space. I was suddenly consumed with a thirst for blood and flesh. Seeing the bloodshed all around only intensified it further and made my instinct slowly consume me. I think it becomes stronger the longer Im in the fight. Seans reviewer brain activated to analyze these new revelations. Hmm, so this game gives total freedom to players actions. But I wonder if there are restrictions and limitations to it I mean, while there is a handbook for rules at the academy, what if a player goes to the other side of the world and unleashes a massacre or something? Sean put this thought aside, as there was no way to confirm it, and asked, I see So, how are you feeling now? Much better. Frankly speaking, I feel satiated, Butterfly said, rubbing her belly and letting out a small burp. Welp, it probably has something to do with my in-game bloodline. Theres no power that doesnt come with great risk. Hearing that, NuclearCode couldnt contain his curiosity and exclaimed, Damn, dude! How does the human meat taste in this game? Its so-so. Although I must admit, this bandits flesh is so full of vitality. It actually enhanced my physical capabilities after I consumed it. Butterfly then activated her Shadowlink Mark to verify her stats. Yeah, my stats have improved quite a bit. Wow! A new gameplay involving devouring corpses has been found; this is unprecedented in any game! EclipseKnights eyes shone in excitement. Im actually more intrigued if the game accurately replicates the taste or if its substituted. You know, theres a common saying that human flesh resembles pork. Patrick held his chin. Considering the games commitment to ultra-realism and immersive experience, Sean began, gesturing with one hand to emphasize his point, It makes sense theyd strive for authenticity in every aspect. On the other hand, there are ethical concerns that we cant ignore. But as EclipseKnight pointed out, this is just a gametheres no need to overthink it. But what if this game was real? What if his body in the game world was a real, living avatar? Sean couldnt imagine that. For one thing, it would spark worldwide panic that he couldnt even fathom. Cannibalism would be the last thing on his list of worries. Certainly, another world out there that had a higher level of power wouldnt be something the people of Earth would think kindly of. It would be like those sci-fi movies of aliens invading Earth and enslaving humanity, just like what humans did to themselves centuries ago. Still, he could be relieved that it was all only in his imagination. It seems the only way to know for sure is to try it ourselves. Patrick paused, uncertain. But who would actually be willing to take that risk? Wait His eyes suddenly rested on Butterfly in realization. Dont even think about asking me for details. My actions were purely instinctual; I didnt have time to savor the meat, and I definitely wont do it again. What, did you think I actually enjoyed doing something like that? Do you want me to smack your head, too? She lightly punched her palm, looking serious. Patrick quickly responded by lifting his top hat in a salute towards her before backing away. No, thank you, Ill pass on that. At any rate, Sean interjected, returning to the main topic, lets grab the two unconscious players and collect the dead players acolyte robes, then we get the hell out of here. Oh, and dont forget to bring a bandit who appears to still be alive; it might just increase our reward. Got it! Sure. I was thinking the same. With their plan set, the group swiftly tidied up the aftermath of their battle with the bandits. Utilizing their combined strength of thirteen hands, they gathered what they could and made their way back to the academy, laden with their findings. Luckily, the bandits attacks were precise, and the acolyte robes were not damaged beyond repair. Chapter 103: The Hidden Mastermind Victor watched from high above, observing ever since the players geared up to confront the detached forces of Graviels remaining army. However, he had several reasons for not intervening. For one, he wanted them to grow stronger through experience, and frankly, he found their plans interesting. If they became too reliant on him, it wouldnt be good for the future endeavors that he wanted them to achieve for him. Besides, death for them didnt mean anything, as they would respawn indefinitely. As for the loss of equipment, he was here to salvage whatever they left behind, such as the mercenaries weapons, which were of good quality and could be reused. Not only that, the arms had designs that doubled as cosmetics for players with medieval interests. Additionally, the acolyte robes could now be produced with the addition of life-skill players adept at tailoring since the enchanting parts could be left to him or Eleanor. And there was one more goal he wanted to achieve: to ignite a fervent animosity among the players toward these bandits. After all, mobilizing the entire player base was part of his grand strategy, and what better catalyst for unity than the thirst for revenge? At least it worked very well for him. He had done that with the fate of the villagers, but he could have done better back then if he had the recording of the whole thing. But there was no time for regret now. Pleased with his strategic foresight, a smile crept across Victors face. Time to collect and move on to the next phase, he mused as he descended. As he got busy scavenging, his thoughts turned to Butterfly. He didnt expect her to start eating human flesh, but this might be the side effect brought about by the bloodline. As there was limited knowledge about her bloodline, there was no knowing for sure until they surfaced. In the future, there were bound to be more and more bloodline Magus, so he had to be prepared for them. *** Right at the precipice of a bottomless chasm, a temporary encampment was set up, casting long shadows in the dim light. Having narrowly escaped the sea of fires, Graviel and his dwindling underlings made their way safely to their destinationthe entrance to the pocket dimension. Inside the tent, Graviel convened with his cronies and the high-ranking mercenaries. An air of apprehension hung heavy as they anxiously awaited for a report. Graviel constantly tapped on his chair until he couldnt hold it any longer and turned to Rowan to ask about the mercenaries he had dispatched. More than half a day has passed, and weve heard nothing. Rowan, explain to me whats going on. Forgive me, sir, but there may be more at play here, Rowan replied with a hint of unease. The mastermind behind all this must be a dangerous adversary Even a Ki Master such as himself couldnt hide the pallor on his face over this fact. Just who the fuck is behind all this shit! Jared interjected angrily. From nearby, Dorian answered briskly, I saw that those people wore acolyte robes. Its highly likely theyre affiliated with some faction. Meanwhile, Elara was absent-minded as she remained silent in the corner, clearly still shaken by the horrors of the magical plants in the valley. Although she was more adept at alchemy, that didnt mean she had no knowledge of magical botany. But who would know of this secret other than them? Not to mention that the other party was much faster than them and even set up traps well in advance. As Graviels thoughts raced, Victors face flickered in his mind. He was the only one other than them who knew about this place, so its reasonable he would be here before them. No! Impossible! he murmured. Graviel was absolutely sure that Victor had met his end back then. The forbidden spell that he used to kill him had been a treasure given by the Cult, and it could even kill a peak Elemental Adept Magus. What were the chances of him surviving? What were the odds of him finding a hidden treasure? Or perhaps he had been rescued by a powerful ally who extracted the truth from him, thus resulting in this situation? After all, the magic contract he had used back then was a counterfeit and had been nullified. Stolen novel; please report. Should I call for reinforcements? Graviel now began having second thoughts about keeping the pocket dimension for himself. If he told his family about the whole thing or even them, he would still be able to get something in return. No, Ive come this far. I cant back away now. As he and the others were in deep deliberation, a murmur of discontent began to rise from outside the tent where the mercenaries were resting. Their voices swelled in protest, echoing throughout the camp. Ive had enough! I want out, even if it means forfeiting the pay! Yeah! Were riskin our necks for what? Some unknown mission in this godforsaken territory? I aint stickin around for this! Damn, useless trash! Rowan dashed outside to quell the unrest before it escalated further. What a bunch of weak-willed mercenaries, Jared commented in disdain. Graviel was not someone to sit idly while his backyard was burning, so he strode outside and surveyed the scene unfolding before him. A cluster of mercenaries had gathered near the main tent, their expressions clouded with uncertainty. The one who led them was a wiry man with a hook nose and jagged teeth. Sir Rowan. This isnt worth our lives, the lead mercenary grumbled. Too many have fallen already. Its time we cut our losses and head home, payment or no payment. The sentiment caught like wildfire among the assembled mercenaries. These mercenaries had signed up for gold and glory, not to be cannon fodder in this strange, perilous place like this. Sir, Ill discipline em good. Ill make sure they cant speak like that anymore, Rowan declared, his tongue darting out to wet his lips in anticipation. He moved to grab the lead dissenter, but Graviel intervened before he could lay a hand on the man. Forget it, he ordered, shaking his head. I need to set an example for him. Then, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. These complaining mercenaries were those random ones recruited in the cities rather than the elites sent by his familya bunch of expendable pawns that could be cast aside at any time. As you command. Rowan quickly restrained the lead dissenter, making him unable to move an inch. What?! Let me go! The man struggled fruitlessly against Rowans vice-like grip. But as an ordinary mortal, there was nothing he could do against such a powerful Ki Warrior. Graviels gaze bore into the man, speaking each word slowly and clearly. Tell me, how do you want to die? You cant do this! Youre our employer! You cant harm your own men! the man protested, desperation creeping into his voice. TELL ME, HOW. DO. YOU. WANT. TO. DIE?! Graviel thundered, his voice reverberating through the camp. Finally, the skinny man broke down and begged, S-Sir, please! Spare me! Ill never cause trouble again! Then, a chilling death it shall be. Graviels response was unnervingly simple. He extended his hand toward the mans shoulder and manipulated the Cryo elemental particles around him to slowly encase him in ice, despite his best attempt to escape. Argh! Stop! Please, stop! Amidst the apprehensive and fearful gazes of the onlooking mercenaries, the mans cries were drowned out by the sound of freezing air. As the man transformed into a statue of ice, nothing but eerie silence pervaded the area. In this world, absolute power reigned supreme. Only by asserting dominance and showing what it meant to be the one at the top could one command unwavering obedience. Those who did not understand this were as good as doomed. This was the iron-clad law of survival. Graviel turned his gaze upon the remaining mercenaries, particularly those who had dared to join in the dissension moments earlier. Does anyone else wish to leave? No, sir! Ive never wanted to leave! It was all his idea! Hes the one stirring up trouble! All the mercenaries voiced their denials of leaving and accused the skinny man, now frozen, of causing the dissension. It was clear they had learned their lesson well and knew not to cause trouble anymore. Good. Finding that no more mercenaries dared to rebel, Graviel returned to his tent, followed closely by Jared and Dorian. As they entered, Jared shot a disdainful sneer at the mercenaries, while Dorian gazed at them with contemptuous disdain. Seated at the only chair within the tent, Graviel pondered his next move. Obviously, engaging in a protracted battle with an unknown force was out of the question. The only way to turn the tables was to open the pocket dimension and gain control of it from within. If he managed to do that, then no matter how powerful or numerous the other party was, it would be impossible for them to do anything to him, considering that he possessed two parts of the key. Plus, he had prepared something special for this kind of situation well ahead of time. Caution was always his second nature. It is decided. Graviel rose from his seat with a tall stature. Hear my command: Rowan will lead ten elite mercenaries to accompany us into the ruins. The rest will remain here to guard the entrance. Allow nothing to pass through, not even a fly! Understood? The mercenaries stationed outside the pocket dimension were merely a precaution, as Graviel intended to seal the pocket dimension from within. He was confident that without a key, no one could breach its defenses, unless they were those powerful, esoteric Cosmo-elemental Magia possibility he deemed highly unlikely. Yessir! Rowan promptly nodded and proceeded to execute his order. Shortly afterward, he gathered the elite mercenaries with his group to open the pocket dimension. He hoped what awaited them inside would be enough to turn things around. But just as he was about to begin, a distant rumble echoed through the forest, growing louder with each passing second. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the air crackled with an ominous energy. Something evil was coming. Chapter 104: What Has Become of the Village Alfred, the player known as ZeroXScyth, was tasked with a very important mission. He had been sent to venture into the Thornwood Forest in search of a supernatural entity and lure it with the magic tool lent by the headmaster. Of course, he wasnt alone in this endeavor. Despite there being only two magic tools called Spectral Beacon Amulet, four parties had been formed for the mission. The reason behind this was the need to select an entity that was not only potent but controllable, one that wouldnt pose a threat if it backfired. While finding such entities wasnt too hard in this treacherous forest, not all of them were viable choices, as most were stationary. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Of the four parties, two were dispatched to the north while the others headed south. Alfreds party was among those heading south. Although the southern region was less perilous and lacked significant peculiar locations to find their target, there was another reason for their choice. Have you ever wondered what has become of Thornwood Village after the bandit attack? Mike suddenly mused, breaking the silence. They had traveled quite far and were nearing the edge of the forest where Thornwood Village was located. It was natural that such a thought would cross his mind. Many possibilities. Alfred shrugged as he shared his opinion. Best-case scenario, it was only temporarily occupied, with the bandits extorting what they could from the villagers but nothing more. Worst case, it may have been completely razed to the ground The thought of such brutality made Mike clench his fists in anger. Shit! Those bandits are too ruthless! Supernova nodded in agreement. Thats true. In comparison, our headmaster seems far more benevolent. Despite the games setting, hes relatively mild towards us players and treats other low-level NPCs with respect. Of course! Storm exclaimed. How can you compare him to the likes of bandits? The difference is like day and night; its absurd. Says the one who complained when he got punished for asking kinky stuff, Prominence teased, nudging Storms arm. Fuck off. He shoved Prominence aside, then got more serious. Whatever the case, this is a game. We cant take everything in the update notice at face value, as it might not truly happen to the village. Lets hope that the devs kept things civil and didnt turn Thornwood Village into a wasteland. That would be truly horrible The mention of wasteland reminded Alfred of the war news that would sometimes be broadcast on TV. The poor state of the destroyed towns and cities was horrible, to say the least. If only we could have anticipated this happening. Mike sighed, shaking his head in frustration. Alfred recalled that Mike had a bit more attachment to the village than any of them, so he gave him a piece of assurance to lift the mood. Dont dwell on it too much. We still don''t know the full extent of the situation, and were about to reach our destination soon anyway. Alfreds party had agreed to meet with the other party heading south near Thornwood Village. Although they could now communicate over long distances with the new features, face-to-face communication sometimes yielded better results. From there, they would share their findings on their target. So far, they hadnt found any satisfactory results. Before they could venture far from their current location, notification chimed on everyones Shadowlink Marks. After opening the message, Alfred relayed its contents to the group. Guys, its a distress call from a player assigned to distract the bandits. It seems that theyve been discovered and are being chased. Uh-oh, that sounds bad. Should we help them? Mike inquired. Yknow, we cant leave the ladies to their demise. But He hesitated as he thought of the village. Before the players set out, the headmaster had briefed them about their missions. From there, the players took the initiative to set up a communication system using the chat feature to stay in touch and request reinforcements in case of emergencies. The one that emerged just now was an emergency line. Storm shook his head. The location is too far. Even if we rush there, we wont make it in time. RIP Kuros and the other parties, Prominence remarked with a laugh. But hey, at least its their job to be a distraction, right? SuperNova shot him a disapproving glare. I want to join in the laugh, too, but this isnt the time for jokes. What would happen if the bandits discovered the academy and attacked our rear? Its currently under-protected, with most of the acolytes out and about. Alfred quickly checked the details given by whoever put out the distress call and discovered that the likelihood of the whole bandit group chasing them was low. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Storm chimed in, The headmaster is protecting the academy. If the bandits follow them back, he should be able to handle them unless their numbers are overwhelming. We shouldnt worry too much. The group nodded at this reasoning. They knew just how powerful their headmaster was, and they believed he would be capable of handling any threat. On top of that, he surely would have gotten stronger after all this time. Storm had theorized that his power progressed concurrently with the storyline itself. Hmm, is this what it means by our decisions matter? Alfred tried to fix his nonexistent glasses and stroked his chin in contemplation. About twenty minutes later, they finally arrived at the village with steady steps of anticipation and dread. As they approached, the once vibrant and bustling Thornwood Village appeared before them. Once because it was now shrouded in an aura of desolation and despair. Moreover, the sight that greeted them caused their steps to falter and curses to rise unspoken in their hearts. Even though the worst-case scenario didnt happen, it was far from good. Many houses showed signs of being broken and looted. Doors hung off their hinges, windows lay shattered, and debris littered the streets like a grim reminder of the violence that had swept through. Everywhere they looked, villagers could be seen sitting despondently on the roadside with anguish and sorrow. Some wept openly, their tears mingling with the dust and dirt of the devastated village. Others sat in stunned silence, their eyes vacant and hollow, as they grieved over the loss of loved onesthe dead, stiffened bodies that lay on the road. It was a stark contrast to the once vibrant atmosphere that had filled the village. In that moment, it felt as though time itself had come to a standstill, and they found themselves amidst the ruins of shattered lives. The villagers werent so different from them, the players. They were real humans through and through. Damn it! I dont believe this! Mikes fist collided with a nearby tree, leaving a dent in its bark. With a surge of anger, he turned and began to sprint towards the forest, back in the direction they had come from. Stop! Stop! Where are you going to go? Alfred and the others quickly intercepted him, halting his reckless charge. Im going to make those bandits pay for this! Im gonna kill them all! Mike shouted in rage, his eyes burning with determination. He, who would spout snippy jokes whenever possible, was consumed with anger. It would be a lie to say that Alfred and the others didnt feel the same. Alfred wanted to reassure him, to remind him that this wasnt real, and everything was scripted, but as he gazed upon the devastated village, he couldnt embrace that fact. Everything in this game so far had been so life-like, so similar to reality, that it was difficult to distinguish between the two. Saying that this was just a game would be too much of a stretch. If someone were to tell him that everything in this game was indeed another world and he was living in an artificial body, he might have believed them. No matter how absurd it was. Just hold your horses! Ive got a plan we could take advantage of, said Alfred. Well, what is it? Mike urged. We only need to capture footage of this village and share it on the official website forum. Once other players see whats happened here, theyll be itching for revenge. Perhaps this had been the purpose of the speech given by the headmaster all along, but they were too relaxed to realize that. Great idea! As expected of our leader. Both Prominence and SuperNova chimed in agreement. Mm. Lets bring the fight to them and end this once and for all, declared Storm. With their emotions reined in and their focus sharpened, the group set to work on their plan. Fortunately, they had a veteran streamer among themStorm Bringerwho could act as the host. Utilizing every resource available, from the wreckage of the houses to interviewing a distressed villager, they pieced together a video designed to evoke empathy and outrage among their fellow players. In the midst of doing so, another group of players arrived at the scene. Led by ThunderLord999, the party included Locktekei, MsMelody, ButaYaarou, and SirLaughsALot. Like Alfreds party, they had chosen to venture south for the same reason. Upon witnessing the devastation that had befallen the village, the players who had just arrived had a grim look on their faces. This was even more pronounced on Locktekei and MsMelodys faces, which were drained of color, as if they had just seen a ghost from their worst nightmares. This this cant be Locktekeis body was trembling, and he nearly dropped to his knees. What about the elderly farmer? And the children? MsMelodys voice cracked with distress. No! Locktekei pulled his hair as he shouted, Not the children! Amidst their despair, Mike approached them with a glimmer of hope. I know this is horrible, but weve got a plan. He told them the plan to rally the players and put an end to this once and for all, which made the two players expressions to stiffen with determination. At the same time, Alfred approached Thunder to discuss their original mission. Unfortunately, theres nothing usable around here, Thunder confessed while closing his eyes. Weve actually seen one place that might fit the bill. He explained about a part of the forest that had become withered and barren, where even magical beasts withered upon setting foot. But the danger is too great, Thunder added solemnly. Im afraid we would be dead before we could move it from there. Alfred took a moment to ponder the situation before something came to his mind. Remember when we were attacked by that supernatural phenomenon on our way back from the village? Yeah, what about it? Thunder replied, curious. I think that might be our best bet. We just need to retrace our steps and locate it. And with the {Demonic Eye} spell, it shouldnt be too difficult to find. Youre right, Thunder agreed, but it may not be enough on its own, will it? Out of the blue, Storm, who had just finished filming the scene, interjected with an idea. What if we send a wave of magical beasts at them simultaneously? I heard from the two parties sent to the north that theyve discovered several magical beast dens. Its certainly a wild idea, but it might just work if executed properly. Alfred rubbed his nose. Hell, it could be devastating. I concur. Thunder nodded. Lets proceed with that plan. Thus, a consensus was reached. They then contacted the other parties and explained the strategy. Concurrently, they posted the state of the village on the official website forum, eliciting thousands of sympathetic responses from fellow players. They had learned that they could log out anywhere from the game as long as they practiced their meditation techniques and relaxed themselves. Chapter 105: The Headmaster Who Understands His Players’ Hearts Today, the official website forum was extremely lively. It wasnt due to any routine game updates or new features. Rather, it was ignited by a storm of fury and resolve sweeping through the player community. Post after post recounted the harrowing events that had unfolded in the village, accompanied by images and videos capturing the devastation. The players anger flared, and their desire for retribution grew more and more. Victor watched from behind the scenes, grinning from ear to ear at every single line he read. It was almost too easy. Without even needing to release a cutscene, the players played right into his hands, driven by their righteous fury and thirst for justice. They even planned to launch an attack against these bandits. Truly simple-minded creatures they were. BunnyFam: Argh! Those bandits will pay for their sins! Its time to show them the consequences of their despicable actions! CookieMons: After reading this, I feel obliged to log back in right now. Count me in for the hunt. Ill chop them as if chopping cabbage on a wooden board! ShadowBladeX: Stuck on the night shift again, damn it! ?? Dont leave me behind, guys! Squadzell: My blood is boiling just reading this. (s??)s ߩ The bandits will regret ever laying a finger on Thornwood Village. If only I had access to the game, I would have unleashed hell upon them! Ngh. That got me angry twice! And so on and so forth. Interestingly enough, the most important conversations among players werent the ones on the official website forum but within the in-game chat channels. As both the headmaster and architect behind the entire game, Victor naturally possessed access to these channels. Thus, he could discreetly monitor the players conversations while they were clueless to him reading every word. Oho, what do we have here? Victors interest was piqued by a newly created private channel. ZeroXScyth: Heres the plan. First, our group in the south will track down the supernatural entity we encountered near the village. Then, the northern group will pinpoint the enemys location and lure magical beasts toward them. Finally, everyone else will be on standby at the academy, ready to launch the attack. Is everyone in on this? Prominence: Why, of course! MikeIsHandsome1000x: Those who refuse to join are p*ss**s! ZeroXScyth: You two dont count; were already in the same party. -_- Locktekei: Im with Mike on this one. ThunderLord999: Im with Mike +1. GladiusZone: Me too! Im not a coward! +2 MissRichLadyAuralise: Me and my party dont mind cooperating, but you owe me big for this, Mister Strategist. KuroUsagi: Ill take charge of coordinating the players at the academy; no need to worry about that. While Im at it, Ill try negotiating with the headmaster. Perhaps we can secure a special joint mission for this endeavor. ZeroXScyth: Sounds good. Victor was still smirking as he read through the comments. The players were unwittingly laying out their plans right before him, and it was exactly what he wanted from them. After all, the final piece of his most devious plan was to unite everyones strength for a single, devastating assault. Planning something wicked again, Master? Lizbeth teased, unable to resist her usual sarcastic remarks. Something like that, Victor replied with a casual shrug, turning to the floating fairy who was engrossed in munching on friescooked by none other than the playerswhile watching funny skits on YouTube, laughing repeatedly. Say, youre not exactly helping with all this, you know. She harrumphed, despite not moving her gaze from the screen. Thats rude! Im holding the fort while you gallivant off to retrieve lost equipment and weapons! And Im keeping an eye on those mercenaries you kept alive back in the valley. Fair enough. Victor chuckled. In truth, Victor hadnt slaughtered all the bandits in the valley. He had left some alive deliberately, knowing they could serve as low-rank NPCs later on. It would be beyond stupid not to leverage every resource at his disposal, even if it meant through harsh exploitation. Regardless of that, it was time to execute the offensive plan and gather all of the available manpower. Most players were already outside the academy, so all he had to do was wait for KuroUsagi to knock on his offices door to report the latest developments. Thankfully, he conveniently put it into the setting that the headmaster (himself) could access the Shadowlink Mark and could call upon the players from there. All he needed to do was prepare the line that he would send to them.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. As for the players here in the academy, Victor planned to personally lead them to the enemy encampment. He had sent a spectral puppet to follow Graviel and his army long before the players had even begun considering their next move. If they hadnt made a move themselves, he would have pushed them from behind. Still, what the players planned was similar to what he employed back in the valley, and Victor knew that the same trick wouldnt work twice. As such, it was crucial to introduce a new element into the mix, one that would catch the enemy off guard and tip the scales in their favor. And thanks to the players ingenuity, it might just work. A sharp knock echoed from the door. With a flick of his wrist, the door swung open, revealing KuroUsagi standing in the doorway with a slightly surprised expression. *** It was dusk. The players were prepared, armed to the teeth with weapons in hand and spells ready to be cast. More than a hundred players had gathered here with the same intention: destroying Victors old enemies that he had designated as bandits. Furthermore, there were more on the other side who were filling their roles and improving their chances of success. Meanwhile, atop his majestic silvery wolf mount, Victor surveyed the scene with a sense of satisfaction. Just for this occasion, he had called upon the mighty Celestial Moonhowler to join his side and made it known to the players that she was really his magical mount. Of course, the envious gazes directed at him were an added bonus. Victor was aware that Graviel had a magic tool that could detect hostile presence and ward off magical beasts, so he let the players assemble at a safe distance where they would be hard to detect. Technically speaking, it was a magic tool of a better grade than the one made by Eleanor, but that was beside the point. As the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, Victor felt that it was about time. So, he turned around for his speech. Today, we stand on the precipice of history, Victor declared, his voice ringing out with authority. For too long, Thornwood Village has suffered under the oppressive yoke of the bandits, sent by our old enemies that had their eyes on our land and inheritance. But no more! Today, we shall bring an end to their tyranny once and for all. Long, my ass. Its barely two days But the backstory is all that matters here. Victor inwardly mocked his own speech, then continued, Acolytes! You are the chosen ones, the heroes who will deliver justice to the unjust. Together, we will vanquish the darkness that has plagued this land and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity. The players listened intently, their eyes shining with determination as they eagerly awaited their cue to charge. This will be another decisive battle for our fate. Let us march forth and confront our enemies as planned. Remember, we fight not only for the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi, but for all those who have suffered at the hands of these bandits. Let justice be our guide, and victory will surely be ours! Awooo! Awooooo! Lumen howled loudly, causing the nearby players to become many times more enthusiastic and firmer. Ooohh!! Long live the academy!! Long live Sir Astralium!! Lets kill them all! Burn them and put their heads on iron stakes! Miss Eleanor, once Ive slain these bandits, please marry me! The crowd erupted into battle cries, their voices reverberating all around, and even the trees seemed to tremble from their sheer intensity. Wait a minute Did I hear those right? Well, these few lines are unwarranted Victor almost choked upon hearing several more lines that were either digressing or downright disturbing coming from the players. Thanks to his enhanced hearing, it was all too easy to pick out the strange lines among the fervent cheers. Nevertheless, none of that was really important. What mattered most right now was to settle the grudges with his former comrades and put this to an end. A sharp glint flashed in Victors eyes as he poised himself for that one true goal. *** Back on Graviels side, everything was descending into chaos. At first, the distant rumble was barely perceptible, but it grew ominously louder and more menacing with each passing moment. This harbinger of doom struck a deeper chord of fear in Graviel and his men than even the valley of deadly magical plants. Soon, a thick mist rolled into their encampment, swallowing anything it touched and leaving a void where life once thrived. Even the mercenaries guarding the outskirts vanished into the mist without a trace. Holy shit! What are those? Amidst the escalating terror, someone among them pointed at the sudden appearance of three floating orbs of light weaving through the trees at a distance, sending shivers down everyones spines. Before they could get their bearings back, a horde of magical beasts emerged from the shadowed fringes of the forest, with eyes glowing menacingly as they charged toward the encampment. Screams echoed as the mercenaries tried to fight them off under the confusing mist, and the clash of swords against razor-sharp claws and fangs reverberated. What the fucks going on? Were dead if we dont do something! In this desperate moment, Graviel made a split-second decision: He would continue opening the pocket dimension no matter the cost! As a result, he reached into his interspatial ring and retrieved the key to the pocket dimensionthe artifact fragment. With a swift motion, he channeled his infused mana to the artifact fragment and activated it, causing the space above the chasm to quake and a faint, ethereal glow to emanate from the chasms depths. He was acutely aware that the hostile force desiring the pocket dimension wanted him to open it and give them access, but he now had no other alternative. The longer he waited, the more he endangered himself and thus risked losing the Magus inheritance. By entering the dimension, he could seal the entrance from the inside. This was his gambit, his solitary strategy amidst the encroaching chaos. Soon, as if responding to his will, intricate runes sprang into existence, aligning perfectly with the markings on Graviels artifact fragment. Just as miraculously as it was in the past, a pathway of shimmering light leading to a portal formed, revealing the way forward into the small world it contained. Into the pocket dimension, now! Graviel commanded, diving through the portal as the white mist and the magical beasts began encroaching on his location. Just before entering the pocket dimension, he looked back to see more than a hundred people dressed in acolyte robes laying their assault against his encampment. Just where in the world did these acolytes come from? And why were there so many of them? Interlude: Chase Across the Forest StealthPeanut was an avid gamer who loved FPS titles like Arma 3 and a veteran airsoft enthusiast who had won numerous competitions. Not only did he have incredible reaction speed and agility, but his knowledge regarding guns was also quite extensive. His talents made him adept at navigating treacherous terrain, and he excelled in short-distance sprints. While he might not be as durable as a professional athlete, he was the best when it came to running and hiding in this game. As soon as he entered the game, his prowess was recognized by Auralisea wealthy tycoon in real lifeand he was immediately recruited to be a part of her group. Enticed by money and resources that normal players didnt have access to, there was little reason to refuse the offer. Right now, he was tasked with the important mission of luring a magical beast horde toward the bandit encampment. It was basically a suicide mission. Of course, his main reason for volunteering for this one-way ticket to the next life other than being the most suitable person was because of the sense of justice that stemmed from the horrifying act that had befallen the village. It had truly been imprinted into his heart. The nest should be by the creek over there, StealthPeanut whispered to himself as he crouched low to the ground like a pro and inched closer to sneak a peek amidst the dense foliage. Before him was the nest of an oversized dodo-bird-like magical beast called Dreadbeak Bird. Strangely enough, these creatures were twice as large as an ostrich and had deadly features that typical birds wouldnt normally have. It was discovered by their group not very long ago and had been an important target since then for various reasons. According to Satellites instructions, I have to snatch one of their eggs and bring it all the way over to the enemy encampment Well, theres one over there. StealthPeanut spotted a basketball-sized egg lying on a birds nest closest to him. However, there was but one problem: One of them was patrolling nearby and seemed to be on the lookout for any intruders. Still crouching low, he tried to blend into the shadows as he observed the beasts movements. He calculated the best approach to the nest without alerting the massive avians. After determining the best course to take, he immediately launched into action. With lightning-fast reflexes honed from years of training, StealthPeanut made a dash for the nest, darting between trees and leaping over fallen branches with the agility of a seasoned predator. Thanks to his in-game physique, which was even better than his real-life counterpart, he reached his target in a matter of seconds. But his daring maneuver did not go unnoticed. As his hand reached out for the egg, the Dreadbeak Bird unleashed a deafening screech, its massive wings unfurling to launch a barrage of feathers in his direction. Shit! His heart was racing with nervousness, but his hard work didnt betray him; he vaulted to avoid the sharp feathers, using the cover of foliage to shield himself from harm. To him, it was not much different from the airsoft sparring he used to have. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Luckily, he had Anemo as his highest elemental affinity and was already at the first stage of Initiate Attunement. Thus, he drew upon the Anemo elemental energy to augment his speed and deflect any feathers that he couldnt dodge. Ive got the egg! Having secured the prize under his robe, he wasted no time in fleeing the scene. Nevertheless, a cacophony of screeches erupted as dozens of other Dreadbeak Birds began pursuing. Even though it was the main objective all along, being chased by dozens of magical beasts was a horrifying experience. As he sprinted through the Thornwood Forest, the egg clutched tightly in his grasp, StealthPeanut couldnt shake the feeling of being a rugby player trying to score a touchdown. Seeing that he had successfully completed the first phase of the mission, StealthPeanut swiftly activated his Shadowlink Mark and initiated a call to Satellitea new feature of the alpha version 0.4. As soon as the connection was established, he wasted no time in reporting the situation. Amazing work, StealthPeanut! Now, make your way to the bandit encampment. Well provide support along the way, said Satellite from the communication line. With a grin, StealthPeanut closed the screen and increased his pace. He traversed the uneven terrain with relentless determination, showing no signs of exhaustion or slowing down. Fortunately, the distance between the nest and the destination was relatively short and could be traversed in less than half an hour by running at full speed. Along the way, whenever the Dreadbeak Birds managed to gain on him, other players would emerge from the surroundings to intercept them with offensive spells, providing StealthPeanut with brief moments to take a breath or two. However, the birds obsession with the egg surpassed even the threat to their own lives. At last, he could see the encampment in the distance, perched precariously at the edge of a bottomless chasm. There it is! he announced, summoning the last reserves of his energy for the final sprint towards the target. Despite his extreme exhaustion, he had managed to reach his destination successfully and on time. But there was no time to rest, not when the heart of the encampment lay just ahead, tantalizingly close yet still out of reach. One hundred meters Fifty meters Twenty meters Stop! Who are you?! One of the bandits spotted his approach and attempted to intercept him, but the word slowing down didnt cross his head, not even once. Like the seasoned airsoft player that he was, StealthPeanut deftly sidestepped the bandit and charged into the largest tent he could spot. The leader of the bandits must be there! I said stop! the bandit shouted. Anyone, stop him! Kill him! The other bandits hurried to halt his advance by swinging their weapons around. Despite his best efforts to evade the onslaught, it was impossible for him to dodge every attack. Arrows struck him from all directions, turning him into a porcupine despite the defensive properties of his acolytes robe. Two bandits closed in with their swords, stabbing him and causing blood to color his clothes red. Yet, he never stopped running, finally reaching the edge of the largest tent. Hahaha! This is as far as I go, but you bandits are going down with me! Instead of the expression of a person on the brink of death, a maniacal grin spread across StealthPeanuts face, for his mission was completed. In that moment, the Dreadbeak Birds that had been chasing him throughout the forest like there was no tomorrow, finally reached the chasm. Their screeches echoed through the air as they closed in on the encampment Chapter 106: Cleaning up the So-Called Bandits As Victor observed the ensuing pandemonium on the enemys campsite, he found himself admiring the ingenuity of the players once more. While attracting the supernatural entity was indeed originally his plan, the method that the players used to draw the horde of magical beasts was nothing short of one heck of a plan. A first-stage Initiate Attunement player by the username StealthPeanut had undertaken a daring mission to snatch an egg from the nest of a magical beast called the Dreadbeak Bird and carry it through the forest to this very location with the help of the other players. Despite having to ultimately sacrifice his life, it was executed flawlessly. It appeared that the mastermind behind this audacious strategy was a player in Auralises group. It was impressive how she had assembled such a capable team, especially considering that she only joined the game one version back. Without anyone keeping her in check, she might very well be the top player in the near future. But a game was still a game. In the world of Seraphia, her power was nothing. Not to mention that Victor could control her as easily as moving a pawn on a chessboard. In his domain, without his express consent, not even money could sway the outcomes. He returned his attention to the Dreadbeak Birds. They were colossal avian, reminiscent of the extinct dodo bird on Earth in appearance yet on a far grander scaleat least twice as large as an ostrich. Unlike dodo birds, which were stereotypically believed to be stupid and defenseless against predators, the Dreadbeak Birds had deadly features around their bodies, making them natural predators in this forest. Furthermore, their feathers were rigid and sharp, capable of being launched like arrows when the creature felt threatened or when hunting. To make matters worse, the feathers also contained a toxin that could paralyze its victims. They were truly a dreadful magical beast to encounter. At that moment, Victor could see through the spectral puppets that Graviel decided to open the pocket dimension with the artifact fragment. In spite of this information, he did nothing to stop it. After all, he had been expecting him to do that, and there was something that he wanted to try with his newfound power as an Elemental Adept Magus. Besides, Victor was cautious that a cornered rat would bite back. It would be better to take care of him inside after seeing what the place had to offer since he didnt know the extent of what trump cards may be hidden up Graviels sleeve. All in all, rushing ahead right now would not be the best idea. Before long, the mist finally dissipated, and the Dreadbeak Birds left the area after getting their stolen egg back and having taken their revenge. Obviously, stealing a single egg alone wouldnt have caused them to be so enraged, but these creatures seemed to be overprotective and triggered by something else that was done by the players. I wonder, could they serve as mounts for the players? Victor mused to himself as he stroked his chin thoughtfully. It would be amusing to see an army of players riding on giant avians and charging on the enemy line Still, even after all of that, there were many mercenaries who managed to survive. Well, the magical beasts were mainly focused on getting back their egg, so they had largely ignored the mercenaries. The white mist caused by the supernatural phenomenon did cause enough chaos for the mercenaries to start attacking the incoming magical beasts, further infuriating them to retaliate, but not much more than that. It is time! Lets clean up the battlefield! Victor announced, signaling for the players to charge ahead. All right! Ive been waiting for this! Its time for me to shine! Watch this daddy as he gets a penta kill! Charge, charge, charge! The players surged forward, their weapons gleaming in the fading light of dusk. Victor harnessed the Pyro elemental particles in his hand and condensed them into one before launching it toward the sky. As it reached a high altitude, it exploded into a firework, signaling the other players hiding on the other sides to charge in along with them. Seeing the players charging ahead, Lumen let out an excited whimper, clearly itching to join the fray.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Alright then, lets get our share of the fun. Full steam ahead! Woof! Thus, Lumen sprang into motion, her powerful paws pounding against the earth as she effortlessly bore him toward the other side of the encampment, or more specifically the chasm. *** Sean was leading the tide of over a hundred or so players charging ahead. Wielding weapons of various lengths, they rushed toward the confused bandits from all sides like a pack of hungry wolves. Aaahh! For revenge! Charge! To the glory of the academy! Dont let a single one of them live! Awoo, awoo, wooo! The sounds of shouting and killing swept through like a tsunami the moment the two sides collided. The players who saw the lone firework were like wild horses breaking free from the reins, staring hungrily at the bandits as if they were standing trophies. Magic spells were shot freely like a clash of magic blitz, leaving devastation in their wake and killing the bandits with every single one finding its mark. The bandits were stricken with fear, as the players proved to be even more barbaric and brutal than they themselves were. Sean was certain this ferocity stemmed from the deep-seated anger over the wrongs inflicted upon the village. Fuck! Move! Get out of my way! Some of the enemy forces had begun to flee in panic upon witnessing the unfolding carnage, but they were swiftly pursued by the overwhelming numbers of players and eliminated. I surrender! I surrender! Dont kill me! Shit! I cant hold it here anymore; we need to pull back! Aaargh! Screams of despair and defeat filled the air as the bandits were killed one after the other. Those who werent taken down chose to lie motionless on the ground, feigning death in a desperate bid for survival. Soon, the only one standing was a figure of a lone warrior, clad in chainmail and brandishing dual swords. The fucks goin on here? Who are you people? While not letting his guard down, he just stood there in complete bewilderment. The other players didnt let the opportunity go to waste and surrounded him, ready to pounce at him at any moment. Even those veteran players from the early batches, who had arrived at the battle somewhat belatedly, joined the encirclement, not willing to miss out on the chance to earn merit points. Feeling cornered, the bandit leader let out a defiant roar and waved his weapons menacingly as though trying to intimidate them. Ya take another step! Ill kill ya! Yet, it only made the surrounding players even more excited. Whoa! Look at this boss, so fierce! Hes got to be the boss bandit worth a fortune in merit points! But why do I feel that hes a bit lacking for a final boss? Ask questions later; lets focus on taking him down, Sean commanded. Got it! I will flank him from behind. The bandit bosss expression turned livid after hearing the players comments. He must have felt humiliated by their flippant reactions. What a very realistic enemy NPChis reactions were remarkably lifelike and were no different than those of high-ranking NPCs such as the headmaster or the blacksmith. Dont ya dare underestimate me!! he shouted, waving his dual swords back and forth in an attempt to fend off the players who were approaching from all sides. Unfortunately for him, the players were ready, and every first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte cast their spells in unison, ending him for good. No matter how powerful he was, being hit by more than a dozen Aleph-tier spells from all directions would outright kill him. As anticlimactic as he had appeared, he fell to the ground with a thud. The final battle concluded without the headmaster having to intervene; the bandit leader, the final resistor, finally breathed his last breath. The same could be said for the rest of the bandits. Well, the ones who were resisting, at least, as the rest laid down their weapons and surrendered, unwilling to fight anymore. Hes dead! We won! I got the last hit! The merit points are all mine! Fuck off! You cast your spell when he was already dead. Doesnt matter. I call dibs on the bosss loot. Hold on, how are we supposed to split the loot this time? Theres no specific details about this. Indeed. Sean had read almost every piece of information available on the official website forum. Most of the time, players would gather their loot and turn them for merit points in the warehouse upon the completion of the items specific mission. But given that there were so many players gathered here at this moment, and there was no specific mission related to this loot, it would be almost impossible to divide it equally. All of a sudden, the headmaster rode forward on his magical mount and announced, Collect all enemy gear to one side and secure any remaining bandits. Merit points will be awarded based on your contributions after this is all over. Later on, you can exchange your merit points for the gear. Depending on the quality, there might even be an auction. An auction! A wave of excitement washed over the players upon hearing this term. For instance, the dual swords used by the boss bandit had a unique blade shape and even had skull engravings on the hilts. It would definitely be something that a collector would want. But as their excitement grew, it was interrupted by a dreadful mana force that enveloped the surroundings. It was coming from the headmaster himself as he authoritatively announced, I warn you that any act of theft will be met with dire consequences! Sean swallowed hard, along with all the other players there. Obviously, the thought of stealing the loot had crossed their minds, but now they dared not have any lingering thoughts of theft. He knew just how terrifying the strength of the headmaster was just from the mana that he emitted. It would be unwise to do anything stupid here. Chapter 107: Mask of Impersonation After tying up all the surrendered mercenaries, Victor and the players had the opportunity to survey the encampment uninterrupted. Most of the tents had been destroyed by the ensuing chaos, and only the notably large one at the center was left standing, though barely. The next step was obviously to search for valuables. And who would be more proficient in this matter than his players? After receiving the previous order to gather the loot, the eyes of each player were glowing in the midst of the dark night sky, and they rushed ahead without a moment of delay. Not to mention the items inside the tents; even the corpses of the mercenaries would not be left untouched! Whats this inside his pocket? A dirty cloth? Collectibles? One player, discovering a grimy cloth in a pocket, took a sniff and immediately winced. Yikes! This smells as bad as my dads socks that have been left unwashed for weeks! Even more bizarre, another player stripped a deceased mercenary and was surprised by what he found. What the this guys got womens undies on! Damn, thats kinky. Amid the oddities, some players struck gold, literally. One jubilantly uncovered a pouch brimming with coins. What kind of coins are these? Let me see! A player beside him snatched the pouch and inspected its contents. Wow, these coins are made of copper, silver, and even gold! Haha, IM RICH! Hey, theyre mine! I recall seeing these somewhere on the official website. If Im not wrong, they are currencies NPCs use I wonder if well get to use them for transactions eventually. Victor paid little heed to the players engrossed in their looting spree and instead focused his attention on the aftermath. A total of thirty-five mercenaries had been captured in this battle, twelve of which were seriously injured. Without receiving any healing magic, they most likely would not survive the night. Adding to the ones he captured in the valley, there were exactly eighty-one captured mercenaries in total. That was quite a large sum of people that could potentially be transformed into mindless NPCs to work the mines or something. Victor dismissed the thought for now and muttered, Whatever. Lets get to the next step of the plan. He approached the edge of the seemingly bottomless chasm that was devoid of light. Gazing at the supposed entrance to the pocket dimension, he was struck by mixed feelings. This place was where it all started and the main catalyst that led to him discovering the academy, the System, and the ability to summon players. Now, he was finally going to venture inside and claim what was rightfully his. Additionally, he also had a personal grudge that needed to be resolved at all costs. After reveling in the moment for a bit more time, Victor retrieved a peculiar white mask from his interspatial ring. The mask bore a striking resemblance to the iconic Anonymous mask used by a certain hacker on Earth, just boxier. Mask of Impersonation This items origin is mysterious, as little is known about its creation or purpose, but it grants its wearer the ability to assume the guise of any individual through powerful illusion magic. It holds a power that transcends ordinary illusion magic that not even an official Magus could detect any anomaly, making it a coveted treasure for countless mages. This was the item that Victor had acquired from the free gacha reward. The use of this mask was pretty self-explanatoryit would serve as his disguise, transforming him into an unassuming mercenary to infiltrate Graviels cronies. This strategy would allow him to bide his time until the perfect moment arose to enact his vengeance from within their midst. Truly a fitting way to settle the score. Despite that, Victor actually harbored a slight doubt about this mask because of its familiar appearance. He hoped that by wearing it, it wouldnt turn him into a monster like in a certain game, and he would be able to take it off. Putting this digressing thought aside, Victor chanted, {Warpblade}. In response, a long purple blade, forged from the very essence of space, materialized in his grasp. Normally, this spell was used to unleash a volley of ethereal blades against foes, but it was also possible to use it this way. With a deft motion, he sliced through the fabric of space above the chasm, prying open the sealed entrance to the pocket dimension. Though {Warpblade}, as a Bet-tier spell, was tens of times more potent than the average Aleph-tier spell, it would ordinarily stand no chance against the immutable void. Yet, breaking open a small hole into a pocket dimension that had been recently accessed was no trouble at all.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. With it, he would be able to explore the pocket dimension with confidence. If he encountered a threat that was beyond his power, he could use this spell to escape unscathed. He just had to know when that time came. As Victor approached the portal to the pocket dimension, he felt a gentle nudge at his side. Turning around, he found Lumen there, eyeing him and the portal with unwavering focus. It was unmistakably clear to him: She wanted to accompany him into the unknown. You sure about this, girl? This might be more dangerous than anything weve faced so far, Victor warnedhis hand affectionately resting on the creatures side. Lumen, however, responded with a gentle but firm nuzzle, as if to say, Where you go, I go. Understanding the resolve in the silvery wolfs eyes, Victor could not help but feel a bit touched. Very well, well face this together, he conceded with a nod. Victor then secured the mask over his face. Although he had to first take a mercenarys place in order to infiltrate Graviels group, wearing it now would act as a precaution to ensure he wouldnt forget to assume his disguise later. Luckily, it fit just perfectly, adhering to his features as if it were a second skin. With one last look at the world behind him, Victor mounted Lumen, holding onto her tightly. He had already directed the players to return to the academy once the cleanup was done, tying up any potential loose ends. Sensing his intention, Lumen jumped into the portal, and as it happened, the fabric of space enveloped themcasting them forth into the unknown. *** After entering the pocket dimension, Graviels group was sent to an unfamiliar plot of land. The transition through the portal was disorienting, inducing a sensation akin to millions of bees buzzing around them. Even for a bunch of acolytes and Ki-Warriors, their faces contorted, and they were on the verge of puking. Under such extreme conditions, ordinary people would have fainted, or worse. Ugh, I cant get used to crossing through the void, Jared complained, slapping his forehead. Shit, this is even rougher than entering my familys pocket dimension. Not looking much better, Dorian massaged his temple as he surveyed their new surroundings with a raised eyebrow. So, this is what the inside of an ancient Magus forces pocket dimension looks like, huh? As for the ten mercenaries, although they were surprised, they remained disciplined. They were, after all, elites who had been sent by their families and were loyal to the death. Graviel had chosen them for that exact reason. Stay on guard. This is no ordinary pocket dimension. Graviel scanned the landscape, searching for any point of interest. What entered his sight was an expansive meadow that stretched in all directions as far as he could see, shimmering under the midday sun. Dotted in the distance were small trees and shrubs, among which several fruit-bearing trees stood out. On them were purple-red fruits, which appeared to be slightly hairy to the touch. Beyond this verdant expanse, a tall mechanical tower loomed, piercing the sky and disappearing into the clouds. The mechanical tower was a structure of a long-forgotten era, its sides adorned with intricate gears. The sight of it sent a thrill through Graviel as he stirred with anticipation for what was to come. We await your orders, sir, Rowan announced from behind. Lets check the plants ahead first. After that, well head toward that mechanical tower. Graviel eyed the distant structure with a mix of interest and caution. He motioned for the mercenaries to take the lead. A pocket dimension, as Graviel knew, was a magically created space or plane used by magicians to protect their laboratories and store valuable resources. Such dimensions were forged through powerful spells, anchoring them to specific regions of the outside world. Larger pocket dimensions often served as bases or strongholds for Magus forces, offering a secluded and secure environment for their operations. Extra caution had to be exercised when exploring a pocket dimension like this one. Unknown dangers might present themselves when they least expected them. Even an innocuous rock could be a lethal magical trap that could kill them. Moments later, the group reached the cluster of trees and shrubbery. The first type they approached was the trees that bore the purple-red fruits. Graviel turned to Elara and asked, These fruits seem to be magical. Can you identify them? Yes. Elara nodded, retrieved a book from her bag, flipped it open, and explained, They are called Twilight Apples. They are useful for their healing properties and ability to restore mana. It is exceedingly rare to see them in the outside world, and each one could fetch at least five novice-grade mana crystals. Are you serious?! But there are hundreds of such fruits on just this one tree! Jared exclaimed, his shock and greed mirrored by the murmurs of the others around him. That was the truth. There were hundreds of these fruits on each tree, of which there were dozens. A quick estimate suggested over ten-thousand mana crystals worth of these fruits. It was simply mind-boggling! For Graviel, it might not be worth that much, but it was enough for him to expand his forces and influence further. But still, even the outskirts of the pocket dimension were filled with treasures. What marvels could the inner area hold? But before they could even pluck a single fruit, their joy was cut short as a pack of a dozen or so shadowy creatures resembling wolves emerged from behind the shrubberies. From the mana fluctuations emanating from these creatures, Graviel could determine that their strength was at least on par with first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. Great, just as things were looking up, Jared muttered through clenched teeth. Dorian, on the other hand, shrugged his shoulders. Guess we must have triggered some sort of alarm upon entering. U-Um, should we try to avoid them? Elara asked hesitantly, but it quickly became clear that the situation had already escalated beyond the point of avoidance. The shadowy wolves bared their razor-sharp fangs at their group, locking their gaze on the group as if they were mere prey. In an instant, they charged at them with astonishing speed. Brace yourselves! These creatures wont let us get away unimpeded. Graviel prepared to cast a spell as the others braced themselves. Chapter 108: Inside the Pocket Dimension In a different sector of the pocket dimension, within the confines of the mechanical tower, two pairs of eyes watched intently as a group of intruders explored the meadow. They were a pair of siblingsone male and one femaleand though they were twins, their appearances were so distinct that no one would ever guess it. The female, of slight stature with piercing blue eyes and snow-white hair, adorned in a charming yellow dress, inquired, Brother, how shall we deal with these trespassers? Ah, my dear sister, replied the male. His gaze was sharp as he scrutinized the cautious movements of the intruders through a magic projection. Unlike his sister, he possessed brown hair and a taller frame. They are just like those who came before themindividuals attuned to the magic of this land and mindful of the perils within this pocket dimension. But awareness alone does not deem them worthy. This pair of siblings were named Garry and Gabrielle. Bound by their creation to protect the sanctity of their home, they scrutinized every action and every decision made by the intruders. As overseers, they had witnessed many who had stumbled into their realm, each driven by desires for power, wisdom, or the legacy left by their masters. Mm-hmm, it is our duty to test these newcomers. Shall we do it the old way? Gabrielle tilted her head. Nah, lets wait until they reach the tower. Garry stared at the magic projection in front of him that now showed the mouth of the chasm. Moreover, were not dealing with a single group of intruders this time. This is going to be more interesting than anything weve seen in the past hundreds of years In fact, we may have found the one among them. Actually, its been 372 years, 3 months, and 24 days since the last intruder, Gabrielle precisely corrected. Whatever. Garrys expression didnt change as he spoke. Whats important is to complete our duties and ensure that no intruder leaves once they are inside. It was within their duty to test these visitors and to see if they were worthy, but it was even more important to protect this place from being destroyed. Also, they wouldnt let any intruder leave alive unless they managed to prove themselves worthy of inheriting their masters legacy. Once these intruders reached their location, Garry and Gabrielle would initiate a series of trials designed to test the depths of the visitors souls, their combat prowess, wisdom, and moral fiber. If and only if they could withstand these trials and prove themselves worthy, would they be allowed to inherit the legacy left by their masters. That was the last order given to them. *** Victor felt a wave of nausea as he entered the pocket dimension. However, he recovered almost instantly thanks to his powerful constitution. The landscape morphed around him, revealing a vast expanse of trees that differed starkly from the Thornwood Forest he knew. Unlike its counterpart, there was no foreboding feeling that accompanied the eerie atmosphere in this forest. All was bright and serene, like a fairyland. Seems like this is my first time venturing into a pocket dimension The environment here mirrors the external world quite closely. Victor observed his new surroundings before settling on the distant mechanical tower. That must be where the inner area of the pocket dimension is Furthermore, he sensed subtle mana fluctuations emanating from deeper within the forest, right in that direction. Steelrose Order is an ancient Magus force that likes to use mechanical golems, but I havent seen one so far. I wonder if there will be some over there. Woof. Woof? Lumens barking broke his thoughts. Victor didnt quite understand what she was trying to convey but went ahead and decided on their next move. Lets head deeper inside in that direction. He pointed while still mounting Lumen, who then proceeded to carry him toward the source of the mana fluctuations. Along the way, he discovered many magical plants with unique characteristics. Some had leaves that shimmered like metal under the sunlight, while others bore flowers that emitted a soft, glowing light, illuminating their path as the day gave way to dusk. The sun-like orb overhead, he noted, was an artificially created source of light that projected an altered cycle of day and night. A day in this pocket dimension could be much longer than twenty-four hours or even much shorter, lasting less than an hour. Through his own deductions, Victor ascertained that a day here spanned merely three hours. This faster day and night cycle must have been intentionally done for reasons yet unknown. Fascinating, Victor mused, holding his chin in awe. Moments later, Victor and Lumen stumbled upon a crystal-clear stream, its waters gleaming with captivating clarity. To his surprise, this location also brought him closer to his targets. Graviel, Jared, Dorian, and Elara were all there, taking a moment to rest by the stream. There were also about a dozen mercenaries nearby, all looking winded, as if the group had been in a fight against something not long ago.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Seeing an opportunity, Victor decided it was time to make his move. First, he had to identify a good target to impersonate, so he waited patiently from a safe distance where he could keep an eye on them. After some waiting, one of the mercenaries separated himself from the group to take a leak. Recognizing this as the perfect opportunity, Victor employed simple spells to cloak his presence. As an Elemental Adept Magus, if he was careful enough, not even Graviels magic tool would be able to detect him, provided he executed his spells with precision. But before he launched himself into action, he patted Lumens head and instructed, Lumen, you stay here. Follow the group at a distance where you can see them but remain unseen. Ill signal you if I need your assistance; until then, you must keep yourself hidden. Lumen responded with an affirmative bark and moved her head in a similar motion to that of a human nod. This magical creature sure had become quite adept at understanding human gestures through observation. Good girl. Victor patted her head for the last time before manipulating the void to position himself near the lone mercenary. He maintained a cautious distance of about ten meters while assessing the mans demeanor. The guy himself was pretty emotionless and possessed a formidable aura, totally different than those ragtag mercenaries left behind outside or even in the valley. Upon closer inspection, Victor surmised that the man was a pretty strong Ki-Warriorhe must be an elite serving directly under a Magus family rather than a true mercenary. As the wind blew quietly with the sound of liquid trickling, Victor subtly conjured an ethereal blade similar to {Warpblade} but much smaller, and shot it toward him. The projectile was so subtle that the guy had no time to react as the blade found its mark at the back of the victims head. He then collapsed silently with his pants down and thus soaked his clothes in the process. Truly an unfortunate guy. With the Mask of Impersonation already on his face, Victors appearance underwent a transformation and changed to that of the mercenary hed just killed. Not only that, the mask could replicate the clothing, equipment, mannerisms, and voice of whoever he used it on, meaning foremost, there was no need to don the hapless guys soiled garments. Ah, aahh, test. Hello world. Ahem. Victor tested his new voice, finding it had deepened and bore no resemblance to his own. The mask was a truly exceptional tool. Although Victor turned his attention back to the hapless guys corpse and decided to give him a proper burial so as not to leave any trace. Which was something that he could achieve with a simple wave of a hand. Once he had familiarized himself enough, Victor made his way back to the group as naturally as possible. Indeed. His mannerisms were no different than the guy he was impersonating. Even his proficiency at using a sword was mimicked to near perfection. Well, it wasnt that Victors personality changed, but the illusion created by the mask was just that amazing. As he neared them, Rowan, the most formidable of the mercenaries approached him. Felix. Took you long enough. Dont dawdle, he reprimanded. Mm. Responding with a simple nod, Victors impersonation of Felix seamlessly rejoined the mercenaries to stand guard. Herewith, the infiltration was done. Next, all that remained for Victor was to seize an opportune moment to enact his vengeance against his former allies. Soon enough, the group concluded their brief respite and readied themselves to continue the exploration. While mimicking the actions of his fellow mercenaries, Victor covertly observed Graviel and his companions from the sidelines, his fists silently clenching as he squinted his eyes. I must bide my time the moment to strike has not yet arrived, he reminded himself. Graviel possessed the key to this pocket dimension, and it was unknown what advantages were brought by possessing it. It was better to be overly cautious than sorryhe would wait for the perfect moment to fulfill his vendetta. *** After going through a number of obstacles along the way, Victor and the others managed to reach the base of the mechanical tower. Midway, they found quite a few precious magical herbs and plants, but of course, Victor wasnt given a share. In any case, though the mechanical tower already appeared quite grand from a distance, its stature became overwhelmingly more impressive up close. Like ten times over. It was truly that tall and largerising to a height of at least one kilometer and stretching about one hundred meters across. One could only imagine what the inside might look like. Heck, Victor could sense Cosmo elemental particles emanating from it; its interior must be larger than the outside. On top of that, there was a wide river that encircled the tower and a magnificent black stone bridge that led to its entrance. Could this perhaps be a Magus tower? But it is a bit too large and impressive for that Victor thought in his heart. Hed only ever seen Magus towers back at the academy and the three back in his familys domain, but none of them came even close to this one in terms of scale or grandeur. The largest one was only one hundred meters tall at most. Apparently, Victor was not alone in being shocked by this sight. Even Graviel, the heir to the Merlin family, was left stupefied. Victor could tell that there was endless greed hidden within Graviels eyes as he beheld the tower. Continue forward, Graviel commanded as he held his compass magic tool with an intrigued look. As the group crossed the bridge, Victor noted the elaborate decorations lining its sides. Statues of knights, mages, and even magical beasts stood guard, each towering at about three meters in height. This collection was crowned by a pair of gargoyle-like statues stationed at the end of the bridge, with heights reaching five meters. It felt like these things could spring to life at any moment. Wait, they are! As the second the group reached the end of the bridge, the gargoyle-like statues suddenly stirred to life. Their eyes emitted a ghostly glow, and the sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air from behind them. It became chillingly clear that these statues were not mere decorations, and they were coming alive to kill them! Chapter 109: Statues of Golems Fuck, what rotten luck! Those statues are golems! Jared cursed in frustration. This isnt going to be easy; there are so many of them. Dorian muttered, frowning as he prepared to cast a spell. Uh-oh, Elara said worriedly. I hope theres no more of them On the flip side, Graviel snorted at their comments as he stared at his magic tool, seemingly having anticipated something like this. Just a bunch of golems. The only ones we have to worry about are those gargoyle golems. As the statuesnow revealed as golemsbegan encroaching on them, the group came to their senses. The mercenaries, who had been momentarily frozen in surprise, quickly unsheathed their weapons to face these foes. They were surrounded on all sides, the gargoyle golems looming before them, while the stony collection of more than a dozen golems closed in from behind. Rowan, the large, bearded man, immediately barked out orders, rallying his companions into a defensive formation. Form up! These stony bastards arent goin down without a fight! His voice cut through the air as he drew his weapon, bracing for the imminent clash. Victor, amidst the chaos, was instead assessing the situation from behind. Despite his primary mission of vengeance, the immediate threat had to be resolved while maintaining the guise of Felix. This meant that he couldnt use his magic. Unfortunately, Victor was not a Ki-Warrior, but the sword produced by the Mask of Impersonation was no different than a real sword, so he should be able to play his part just fine. Luckily, hed once practiced basic swordsmanship back home in order to have some familiarity when fighting Ki-Warriors, though his skill level was still amateur. Soon enough, the confrontation escalated into a cacophony of metal and magic as the group engaged the golems. Spells and blades struck against stone skin, sparks flying with each impact. The myriad of golems, for their part, retaliated by swinging their weapons and swiping with their massive claws. Meanwhile, the gargoyle golems shot beams of destructive energy from their mouths, leaving large holes in the hard ground wherever they struck. Based on this alone, Victor deduced that the gargoyle golems surpassed the strength of average third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes and were closing in to the power of the queen spider. Perhaps their destructive powers were even higher. Even though they were a group of elites, it was apparent that maintaining this defensive formation was impossible. Some of the mercenaries were already injured or even killed in the clash after getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of golems. Furthermore, Rowan and the four acolytes were preoccupied with fending off the stronger gargoyle golems and were unable to support them. As Victor played his part by fending off a nearby knight golem and trying his best to avoid drawing undue attention, a lightning bolt struck one of the gargoyles. Yet, not even a scratch was left on its surface. It appeared that they were resistant to magic attacks. Crap. These things are tough, and there are too many of them! Whats our plan, Sir Graviel? The caster of the spell, Jared, was finally unable to hold it when he discovered that his spell did not work at all. In response, Graviel issued a decisive order. Eight of you hold them off and cover our backs. The rest follow us inside! What a surprise Victor thought sarcastically. Of course, it was clear that Graviel was trying to sacrifice the mercenaries here and escape. Whatever the case, Victor took that chance to move closer, expressing his intention to join those heading inside. Despite the desperation etched on their faces, the remaining mercenaries nodded in grim determination, turning to face their daunting opponents. This was actually good for Victor, as there were now fewer mercenaries that he would have to worry about. Regrettably, Rowanthe Ki Masterchose to go inside as well. This meant that making any covert maneuvers would still be quite difficult. Nevertheless, before they could get inside, they still had to deal with the gargoyle golems who were standing in their way. Sir, let me break open a path, Rowan declared, his grip tightening around his axes. With a determined glare, he squared his shoulders, unleashing a powerful surge of Ki energy through his weapons. Crackling energy formed a protective barrier as he charged headlong into one of the gargoyle golems with a fierce battle cry.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Bang! The golem was caught off guard by Rowans sudden onslaught and staggered backward under the force of his assault. Rowans strength was indeed superior compared to the gargoyle, and cracks began to form where his weapons struck. With a few more blows, he might have been able to disable it. Alas, the two gargoyle golems didnt let that happen as they shot beams of destructive energy at him. Victor observed all of this from behind. He actually had little information about strong Ki Masters and their innate abilities. When it came to it, knowing what he was truly capable of up close was important, especially for their inevitable confrontation. What are you doing? Help us! a mercenary yelled at Victor, snapping him back to the present. Mm, Victor grunted in acknowledgment. With a quick nod, he jumped into the fray, swinging his sword against the other gargoyle golem alongside two other mercenaries. Even with the three of them, it would be impossible to hold this golem back for long. Still, as the two gargoyle golems were preoccupied, Graviel and the others swiftly approached the massive metallic door and tried to open it. However, they found it firmly sealed shut. Victor noticed that the door was enchanted with a powerful magic seal to prevent easy entry. Damn it, its sealed with magic! Graviel exclaimed with a frustrated growl. Let me try{Rock Bullets}! Dorian chanted. Several fist-sized rocks materialized and slammed into the door, causing dust to swirl as they collided against each other. Yet, when the dust settled, the door didnt budge an inch. Seeing their futile attempt, Victor couldnt help but internally scoff. Did they truly believe that a mere Aleph-tier spell could shatter this heavily fortified door? It would take far more than that to breach its magic defense. Even the spell {Warpblade} might not be powerful enough to break the magic seal placed on the door. This meant that similar Bet-tier spells had to be cast several times just to make a dent. Of course, Graviel was not aware of that, and he retrieved a magic scroll from his interspatial ring in a desperate attempt to bypass the seal. With determination etched on his face, he unfurled the scroll and imbued it with his infused mana to activate its spell. A human-sized green fireball was launched from the scroll and blasted against the door, sending searing hot air toward the nearby mercenaries and golems. Thats a Bet-tier spell. As Victor murmured to himself, ripples appeared from around the door. Alas, the spell didnt do much more than thatthe door remained tightly shut. Shock and disappointment washed over the group, particularly Graviel. Though one thing was for sure, this guy truly had a lot of treasures hidden in his interspatial ring, which made an Elemental Adept Magus like Victor green in envy. Sir Graviel, how about using the artifact fragment? Maybe thats the key to opening the magic seal, suggested Elara. Hmph, I was about to do that. Calmness returned to Graviels face as he took out a gear-shaped object that had to be the artifact fragment. Upon seeing it, Victors eyes widened in realization, though he had to keep his attention on the gargoyle golem for now. It was shaped like a geara fact Victor didnt realize until this moment. Interesting. I may know what the inheritance of this pocket dimension is all about. It may be much, much better than I expected, Victor gleefully thought in his heart. If his conjecture was correct, then it would be very beneficial for the development of the academy. It could perhaps even completely revolutionize how things worked! Focusing his attention back on the metallic door, it finally reacted once Graviel presented the artifact fragment. The magic seal that was unaffected by the earlier Bet-tier spell dissolved as if it had never existed, and the four acolytes quickly pushed the door open like their lives depended on it. Quickly, inside! someone shouted, prompting Graviel, Jared, Dorian, and Elara to dash into the tower without hesitation. Rowan, unleashing a burst of ki energy to blast away the gargoyle golem he faced, followed close behind. Already positioned to make a swift entrance, Victor wasted no time in bolting into the tower. With each step, he left the other mercenaries behind to their demise. After all, fewer enemies meant fewer obstacles to his own objectives. True to expectations, the instant he entered the tower, the heavy door sealed shut behind him, cutting off the stranded mercenaries to fend for themselves. Subsequently, the door shook as something powerful collided with itlikely the attacks of the gargoyle golems. Finding that the door showed no signs of breaking open, the group breathed a sigh of relief. The pressure had been mounting on their shoulders, and a bit of respite was all they needed. How many are left? Graviel asked. Its only the four of us, Rowan, Dorian pointed to each member before settling on Victors impersonation of Felix, and him. And who is he? Graviel squinted at him. Well, it was understandable to be a bit suspicious seeing that he was the only mercenary who managed to escape. If even Rowan could barely escape, then how did he, a much weaker individual, manage to pull it off? His name is Felix, sir, Rowan interjected. Hes a Ki Guard and is quite dependable. While maintaining his impersonation, Victor inclined his head slightly. I await your orders, he stated. This guys so damn lucky. Jared frowned before quickly proposing a vicious idea. We should let him lead the way. Maybe well find fewer troubles that way. Graviel considered the suggestion and pointed at Victor. You, lead the way. Yes, sir. Victor had no intention to refuse the order since he didnt want to arouse any more suspicion. Besides, as an Elemental Adept Magus, he could see hidden mechanisms and traps that others couldnt, so he could use that to his advantage. In fact, he was inwardly laughing at them for trusting him so much. Chapter 110: A Trial by Fire Victor led the way through a vast hallway adorned with intricate designs of interwoven steel gears and roses, flanked by towering metallic columns that echoed the same motif. The air hummed with a faint energy, and the distant sound of machinery echoed through the corridors. If he didnt know better, he would have mistaken this place for an extremely large steampunk factory instead of a tower of magic. Finally, they reached the expansive central chamber of the tower, where they were greeted by a breathtaking sight through a wide glass window: rows upon rows of mechanical golems, standing silent and motionless, their metal frames gleaming in the dim light. Glancing around, Victor realized that this chamber was just the tip of the iceberg. His mana sense revealed that countless chambers and rooms of varying sizes branched off from the central space, each housing its own array of facilities. From assembly lines to lush gardens, the tower seemed to contain everything one could imagineit felt like a small independent world of its own. But what truly boggled Victors mind was the sheer scale of it all. As he looked up, he couldnt see the top of the tower, the structure disappearing into the shadows above. There could be hundreds, if not thousands, of floors stacked upon each other, each one similarly containing dozens of chambers and rooms of at least a few hundred meters in length and width, maybe even more through spatial manipulation. This was simply too insane! Its just as I thought. But this this is beyond anything I could have imagined. There was actually little information available about ancient Magus forces like the Steelrose Order. Most of their knowledge had been lost with the passage of time, wiped out along with the fall of their era. Now, only remnants of their legacy remained, scattered across the world. Regardless of that, Victor couldnt imagine what would happen if this pocket dimension fell into his hand. Nothing would be beyond his reach! With the players controlling the golems, he might very well be able to challenge the Arcane Radiance College, conquer kingdoms, or even reshape the very fabric of the world! But he couldnt get ahead of himself. He knew all too well that powerful Magi could flatten mountains or even destroy worlds, even though a Sigil Conversion Magus was not yet powerful enough to destroy a true plane, causing large destruction to a pocket dimension like this was a walk in the park. Glancing at the others, Graviel, Jared, Dorian, and Elara were similarly struck speechless by the sheer magnitude of what lay before them. They stood with eyes wide and mouths agape that Victor was sure he could stuff each of their mouths with a watermelon, and there would still be enough room for other fruits. As for Rowan, his beard seemed to tremble with disbelief. Before they could react, two figures emerged from the shadows. One was a brown-haired male with a slightly tall stature, whereas the other one was a girl with snow-white hair, wearing a charming yellow dress. These people must be the overseers of this tower. Homunculi? That word flashed inside Victors mind, but he couldnt be sure. He sensed no presence or fluctuation from their bodies, so perhaps they were nothing more than an illusion or something. Welcome, intruders, the male greeted with a grin. May I know the reason for you gentlemen coming here to this pla? Who the fuck are you people? Jared interrupted. We? Then, allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Garry, and this is my twin sister Gabrielle, the male, Garry, said with a polite gesture. Hello. Gabrielle nodded with a cool demeanor. He then continued, As you can see, were the overseers of this tower as well as the entirety of the pocket dimension. Graviel stepped forward upon hearing that they were the overseers. We seek the inheritance of the Steelrose Order. I have an artifact fragment here, so as per the ancient record, I should be eligible to inherit their legacy. Garry chuckled softly. Ah, but to earn the legacy of our masters and command countless immortal golems, you must first prove yourselves worthy. And what better test than by undergoing a trial by fire? Bullshit! Do you think were foolish enough to play your games?! {Azure Palm}! As Jared chanted, his hands suddenly transformed into electric blue reptile-like skin. With a swift motion, he unleashed an electric discharge aimed at the two figures.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Jared, what are you doing?! Dorian yelled, alarmed by his friends reckless actions. What? If I can end them here, why worry about some meaningless trials? Then this pocket dimension is as good as ours! Clearly, it wouldnt be as simple as that. Victor knew well that attacking a mere projection would yield no results. Graviel, too, stood by with a nonchalant expression, seeming to know the futility of the attack, but he let it all happen anyway. Nice try, but its useless. Garrys voice echoed through the chamber as his and Gabrielles figures reformed back as if nothing had happened. Its just a magic projection, and were not truly here. Brother, the intruder this time sure is quite rude. Gabrielle frowned in displeasure. Wait, the intruder this time? My apologies for my comrades reckless behavior. Graviel gave a slight bow that was not too servile nor overbearing. May I know what trials we must face? Garry nodded approvingly and explained, Very well, it seems that you have come to an understanding. Listen carefully; there are four trials that will test your combat prowess, moral fiber, wisdom, and soul potential, respectively. Your first trial awaits you in the chamber ahead. With a sweeping gesture, the twins led the group into a chamber devoid of any adornments except for ten alcoves with mechanical statues along the walls. Only the sound of their echoing footsteps against the cold floor could be heard as they stepped inside. Your first trial will test your strength. The one who explained this time was Gabrielle. Her voice was calm and measured. Inside this chamber, you will face a series of mechanical golems. Defeat them, and you will have passed the first test. *** Graviel was utterly excitedthe legacy buried inside the pocket dimension surpassed even his wildest imagination. Forget about being promoted in the Cult; he would even become one of the top echelons once he claimed this place for himself! With the knowledge and resources gathered for millennia or even eons, he would advance much faster than even the most prodigious talents in any faction. Rising to the top and controlling his own destiny would no longer be impossible. All for the sake of controlling my destiny; Im willing to sacrifice anything. Graviels eyes shone with cold determination. Not even the Cult would be able to take anything away from him again. Not a single thing in the world would make him fall to his knees. He was determined. I wish you good luck, challengers. Rather than exhibiting the usual politeness, Garry smiled menacingly. I hope you dont meet your end as swiftly as those thieves who came before you. Otherwise, it wouldnt be as entertaining. Hehehe! With that ominous farewell, the overseers vanished, and the chamber doors sealed shut behind them, leaving the group trapped with no clear exit. Fuck! Theyre playing us for fools! Jared cursed bitterly. Soon, the trial commenced. Sounds of footsteps echoed as the ten statues inside the alcoves turned to life and moved to face them. Graviel noticed that the golems were different from the ones they faced outsidethey were all mechanical golems. Sleeker in design and adorned with the emblem of the Steelrose Order, they exuded a more ominous aura. Furthermore, each of them had long rapiers attached to their right arms. These golems must have been the true guardians of this place. As they readied themselves, the mechanical golems remained motionless and refrained from initiating any aggression. They are likely passive, waiting for us to make the first move. Graviel reared an eyebrow as he suggested, We should seize this opportunity to unleash our most powerful attacks on them. Arent they underestimating us too much? Jared grumbled once more. Shut your trap for a minute, will you? Dorian glared at him, causing Jared to flinch. Graviel, too, was also fed up with his attitude. So, um, Elara asked uncertainly, what exactly should we do? While they were uncertain of the golems strength, they knew they shouldnt be more formidable than the gargoyle golems. Unless the overseers intentionally made the trial insurmountable, their collective abilities should be sufficient to confront these adversaries. Moreover, golems that were equal to or even stronger than Elemental Adept Magus rank were extremely rare and precious. Not even the Arcane Radiance College would possess more than a few of them, and they were used as guards to protect important areas. If all else failed, Graviel still possessed a trump card he had yet to deploy. Well Graviel began, outlining a simple yet effective strategy. He designated Rowan and the lucky mercenary, Felix, as the vanguards, with the acolytes positioned at the rear. But that was only part of the plan. First of all, the acolytes would launch a coordinated assault on select targets among the golems. Their objective was to ensure that at least some of the golems were damaged or incapacitated. Second of all, Rowan and Felix would form a defensive line to halt the advance of any approaching golems. Engaging in offensive maneuvers with their limited numbers would be unwise, so they would be going defensive. Finally, if the golems proved too resilient, the acolytes would resort to using precious magic scrolls to eliminate them. Right. A direct approach like this is the best solution when theres nothin that can be taken advantage of, Rowan concurred with a resolute expression, punching his fists together. Does anyone else have anything to say about this plan? Graviel asked, looking around to see there were no complaints. Very well. If there are no objections, then lets begin. The group nodded in agreement and went ahead to execute the plan. Chapter 111: The First Trial With the plan set in motion, Graviel and the group swiftly assumed their designated positions, prepared to begin the strategic assault against the mechanical golems all at once. Begin! Graviels voice echoed through the chamber. {Frostbite Barrage}! he chanted, conjuring sharp icicles infused with frigid energy and launching them toward the golems with rapid speed. {Thunderclap Blitz}! Jared followed suit, invoking crackling bolts of electricity that zigzagged toward the golems, seeking to engulf them in a storm of lightning. {Tectonic Wreck}! Dorians voice rumbled as he summoned the power of the earth, causing the ground to tremble and sharp shards of stone to erupt from the metallic floor, impaling the targets. {Verdant Vortex}! Lastly, Elara summoned a swirling vortex of thorny vines and foliage that ensnared the golems. These were the most powerful spells at their disposal. Although all of them were ultimately Aleph-tier spells, when they were combined together, not even an Elemental Adept Magus would dare to take them head-on. The chamber erupted into chaos as the spells precisely collided with the mechanical golems. The metallic forms of the constructs shuddered under the barrage of spells, some showing visible signs of damage as cracks formed along their sturdy frames. Yet, they proved to be remarkably resilient, with only one of them incapacitated and the rest only somewhat damaged. Nevertheless, this combined offense activated the golems, prompting them to launch toward the group with alarming speed. Their sleek design allowed them to swiftly close the distance, engaging first with Rowan and Felix, who stood firm at the forefront, ready to intercept the brunt of the attack. Brace yourself! Rowan shouted, clanking his axes together as he wrapped himself with ki, standing as sturdily as a wall of steel. The sound of metal clashing against metal soon rang out as the battle against the golems began. While these mechanical golems were not as bulky as typical golems, their melee prowess was not to be underestimated. Agile and swift with their rapiers, even Rowan had trouble dealing with them. Despite his skill, Rowan could only hold back four of the golems, while Felix struggled heavily just to confront one. The remaining four veered toward Graviel and the other acolytes. Keep firing! Dont stop! urged Graviel. He cast another spell at an approaching golem, encasing it in ice temporarily. The others continued launching their own spells at each of the golems, slowing down their approach. However, none of them showed any signs of halting their relentless march. Oh shit! The moment they reach us, were toast! Should we use the magic scrolls? Jared and Dorian voiced their alarm, unable to maintain their composure in the face of the oncoming barrage. Thats right, Graviel settled decisively with a determined face. Lets use the magic scrolls to take these golems down! Thus, recognizing the need for additional firepower, the acolytes swiftly retrieved and activated their magic scrolls. Explosions reverberated throughout the chamber as the spells contained within were detonated, engulfing the four golems in searing blasts of energy. Shards of metal flew through the air as the mechanical golems were torn asunder, reduced to twisted wreckage scattered across the floor. The spell contained in these scrolls was called {Giga Flare}a Bet-tier Pyro spelland they had all chosen the same type for a reason. Mixing different spells could lead to interference, which would undermine the effectiveness of their combined assault. Despite the initial success, Graviel remained vigilant, knowing that their victory was not yet assured. The five remaining golems continued to overwhelm Rowan and Felix, with the former having suffered numerous small injuries. They couldnt afford to become complacent. Quick, use your remaining infused mana to aid them! Graviel commanded the group. Jared, Dorian, and Elara nodded in unison, channeling their remaining mana into a fresh wave of spells. Slowly but surely, the tide of battle began to turn in their favor as the mechanical golems faltered under the relentless barrage of attacks. With each passing moment, their numbers dwindled one by one until, at last, the final golem fell. Its frozen form collapsed to the ground and shattered into irreparable pieces by Rowans mighty axe.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. With the immediate threat neutralized, the group paused to catch their breath. The acolytes were not only physically and mentally exhausted, but their infused mana reserves were also completely depleted. Luckily, the Twilight Apples they had plucked before worked wonders in aiding their recovery. Is that the last of them? someone uttered amid the heavy silence. Graviel paid no mind to whoever spoke those words, instead checking their surroundings for signs of any more golems. The overseers had yet to reappear, and the door to the next chamber remained firmly shut. This meant that the first trial wasnt over. Suddenly, the door before them slid open with a heavy groan, and thumping sounds echoed from within. It soon revealed a white colossal mechanical beast. Resembling a dragon in appearancethose powerful beasts that roamed the world in ancient times. But this was not a dragon. It was too metallic, too bulky. Instead of wings, it boasted two strange appendages, emitting jets of fire. Instead of a dragon-like head, it had a long, bulky nose that shone like a lamp in its center. Theres more of them! Well, shit! It wasnt Jared who cursed this time; he stood frozen in place, unable to utter a word. It was Graviel himself. He, or more accurately everyone present, had never encountered or even heard of a golem quite like this before. The ones they had faced earlier were already unique enough in design, but this one was a true marvelunlike anything they had ever seen. Its sheer size and imposing presence sent shivers down their spines, and the thunderous thumping of its footsteps caused their hearts to pound with fear. Graviels mind raced as he assessed the situation. It was clear that brute force alone would not be enough to defeat this formidable adversary; they would need a plan. Fortunately, the metal behemoth came to a halt twenty meters away from the group, implying that it would remain passive as long as they refrained from attacking it first. But would their available firepower be enough? Even if they tried, their only chance would be by using all magic scrolls and trump cards at their disposal. It was simply not worth it. Looking at the imposing mechanical beast, Graviel couldnt shake the feeling that this golem was exponentially stronger than the ten they had just confronted, possibly even rivaling the power of an Elemental Adept Magus. However, he couldnt be certain. Wait A realization dawned on Graviel as he noticed that the door from which the mechanical beast emerged remained open. Unlike the ten golems that they fought before, this one came from outside and left the passage open, almost as if inviting them to venture forth. However, it was unlikely that the golem would simply allow them to pass without a fight. Graviel gathered the others to discuss their predicament. You three, hear me out, Graviel talked to the other acolytes. I think we can bypass this golem by distracting it. But how are we supposed to do that without being targeted by it? Elara questioned. Simple. Graviel turned his gaze toward Rowan and Felix. Well just tell these two to divert the mechanical golems attention while we make the run for it. Of course, diverting attention meant sacrificing the distractors. Hehe, Ill tell them for you, said Jared before walking toward them. Upon receiving the command, Rowan could only clench his teeth and acquiesce. Despite being a Ki Master and a renowned warrior, at the end of the day, he was a pawn raised by the Merlin family. He was bound by a magic contract that made him unable to go against the Merlin familys order, which dictated his obedience to Graviels orders. Fine. It shall be done. Rowan closed his eyes, seeming to have already accepted his fate. Meanwhile, Felix remained silent, and no one seemed to care enough to ask him if he agreed to his role in the plan. With the roles for the confrontation set, the group sprang into action. Rowan took a deep breath, channeling his ki with intense focus. As the air crackled around him, he unleashed his ultimate technique. Break for me! Iron Fortress! A surge of energy erupted from Rowans body, enveloping him in a radiant aura as he charged toward the towering golem. Both of his axes were gleaming radiantly, as though they could destroy anything that stood in their way. Rowans ki-infused attacks slammed into the mechanical beast with incredible force, causing sparks to fly and echo throughout the chamber. And yet, despite the ferocity of his assault, the mechanical golem merely staggered back briefly before retaliating with a sweep of its hammer-like tail, sending Rowan flying several meters back. If not for his quick reaction in deflecting the attack, he would have been crushed. Graviel and the others seized the opportunity, slipping past the distracted golem and darting toward the open door clandestinely. Their hearts raced with adrenaline, dreading the moment the golem would turn its attention towards them. If even a single strike from that behemoth were to hit them, they would be reduced to nothing more than meat paste. As expected, the mechanical beast refused to let them pass unhindered. It flew into the air through the propulsion of the jet-like wings and fired off a volley of bullets. Be careful! It has a ranged attack! Graviels urgent warning pierced through the chaos. Oh no! Run faster! Cast defensive spells! The group ducked and weaved through the volley of bullets while casting various protective spells to shield themselves. Their legs didnt pause for even a moment as they bolted for the safety of the open doortheir only hope of survival. Fortunately, Rowan quickly recovered from the golems earlier assault and launched a counterattack, causing its attention to turn back to him. While still hovering in the air, the mechanical beast charged toward Rowan with terrifying speed. It took his all to just narrowly evade the charging path of the mechanical beast. But fate had a cruel twist in store, as Felix, who had positioned himself not far behind Rowan, bore the brunt of the golems charge. Aaaah! Felixs agonized scream echoed through the chamber as he was flung towards the wall. His fate was unknown. Despite the harrowing turn of events, Graviel and the other acolytes paid no heed to the fate of the mercenaries as they successfully made their way into the open door. Without looking back, they disappeared into the darkness beyond, leaving behind the two disposable pawns. Chapter 112 Feigning Death Like a flock of startled ostriches, Graviel and the group sprinted down the hallway with a mixture of relief and apprehension. The narrow escape from the mechanical beast had left the group shaken, but there was no time to dwell on their ordeal. Ahead awaited the next trial, and once he got through it and the two more still to come, he would be the master of this pocket dimension and everything in it. Since the test of combat prowess was already over, Graviel reasoned that the subsequent tests might not demand as much in terms of resources. As long as he remained vigilant and preserved his strength, he was confident he could pass all the trials. Of course, he was naturally extremely cautious and wouldnt allow his guard to drop for even a moment. Upon entering the second chamber, Graviels eyes swept over the surroundings, taking in the sight of ancient runes etched into the walls and the faint, eerie glow of mystical energy that suffused the air. He noticed that the energy was causing a disturbance in the air in this chamber, though he couldnt quite pinpoint what the problem was. Elara, who was usually the quietest, voiced her unease. The air in this chamber is making me uncomfortable. We should try to minimize our inhalation of it or disperse it entirely, she suggested. Graviel agreed with her reasoning, and the others also mirrored his sentiment. Unfortunately, none among them were proficient in the Anemo element, making dispersing the strange air a difficult task. Even worse, it soon became clear that the air would simply return almost immediately after being cleared. Whatever. Graviel pushed aside the concern since all he had to do was to clear the trial. Tarrying here would do no favor to their situation. Thus, he focused on figuring out what exactly they were supposed to do here. Out of the blue, the two overseers appeared before them. Garry, the male overseer, wore a smug smile as he clapped his hands in satisfaction. Congratulations on passing the first trial! It has been quite an entertaining sight; I hope youll continue to entertain us this time around as well. Oops, I digress. An entertaining sight? All this is just entertainment for the two overseers?! Graviels blood boiled at this revelation, but he kept it to himself as Gabrielle took over to explain the second trial. Listen well, Gabrielle declared, the second trial is about moral principles. You must decide which one among you will proceed to the next trial within thirty minutes. However, only one person may remain conscious for the next chamber to open. How you choose to accomplish this is up to you, but be warned, if more than one person remains conscious after time is up, all of you will She made a gesture of slicing her neck. This is absolutely ridiculous! Jareds outburst echoed through the chamber, seething with anger and indignation. Are you trying to sow discord among us? Dorian squinted his eyes in suspicion. The group thus collectively glared at the overseers, suspicious of their true intentions. It felt like they had played right into their ploy. With a chilling laugh, the overseers dismissed their concerns. The less you know, the better, they quipped before vanishing without another word, leaving the group to exchange anxious glances. The situation had escalated, and a sense of unease settled over them like a heavy shroud. This had truly become troublesome *** Left alone to face the mechanical beast, Rowan seethed with inner fury. While it was true that his life was at the hands of the Merlin family, he was by no means an individual with no desire. Ambition burned within hima desire to ascend to the pinnacle of power, to command the respect and fear of all who crossed his path. To begin with, the only reason he was willing to be their accomplice was because they promised him great power and reward. Yet, here he stood, being reduced to mere cannon fodder. How ironic. But he refused to yield! Summoning every ounce of resolve, Rowan steeled his heart and focused his energy as he squared off against the towering golem. Despite the odds being stacked against him, he would take this golem down and emerge victorious, standing alone amidst the wreckage!You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. As the golem charged towards him with thunderous footsteps, Rowans instincts kicked into overdrive. Years of training honed his movements to a razors edge, his axes becoming extensions of his will as he unleashed a flurry of ki-infused strikes. Yet again, the golems impenetrable armor deflected his blows with ease and crashed against him with its bulky nose. Ngah! A pained cry escaped Rowans lips as he struggled to maintain his footing, blood spurting from his mouth. Truth be told, the mechanical beasts variety of attacks were pretty predictable, but its armor was nigh indestructible. No matter how hard he swung his axes, it was almost impossible to even scratch it, much less do any significant damage. As a matter of fact, his axes were showing signs of chipping away, as if they were about to break apart with a little more force. Damn it! Even if I die here, Ill take ya down with me!! Rowan roared. Determined to take his opponent down, he burned his life force, and his ki burst forth like a flood from a broken dam. A Ki Master possessed the ability to burn their life force, temporarily granting explosive power, but at the cost of their lifespan. They would only resort to this technique in their most desperate moments. But faced with the indestructible mechanical beast, Rowan had no other choice. Seemingly sensing the danger of his sudden increase in power, the mechanical beast hovered in the air once more. But this time, it charged a deadly energy between its strange floating appendages. A dangerous yellow ball of light crackled with ominous power, heralding the unleashing of its ultimate attack. Its either you or me! DIE!! Rowan launched forward like a comet streaking across the sky, the air around him quivering as he passed through. Simultaneously, the mechanical beast prepared to unleash its devastating assault, hurtling the deadly energy toward Rowan with unrelenting force. Boom! Shockwaves reverberated all around, shaking the chamber. Surprisingly, despite sustaining severe injuries and gushing blood, Rowans momentum remained unbroken. He swung his ki-infused axes downward right under its head with all his might, sparks flying as they clashed against the mechanical beasts impenetrable armor. But this time, Rowans efforts werent wasted. With a resounding crash, the golems metallic surface finally gave way to his axes, revealing its inner machinery to the world. Yes! At last! Hahaha! Rowan went into a hysterical laughteetering on the edge of sanity. Even though the mechanical beast still loomed before him, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction wash over him. Even though he would die at the next moment, he embraced it willingly. To fall at the hands of such a formidable opponent was not a shameful one! Almost in an instant, the mechanical beast struck, crashing its hammer-like tail into Rowans torso. His body was flung into the air, crashing against the wall, and sending his consciousness into the abyss. *** Victors impersonation of Felix had been flawless. While his body was lying against the wall like a corpse, he was actually far from being dead. In truth, he was not even the least bit injured. Receiving the attack of the mechanical golem head-on and shouting as he crashed against the wall was all an act by using the spell {Spatial Mirage}. Yes, an act to deceive his former comrades and strike them in the back when they least expected it. Hehe. To think they all fell to this little trick, Victor muttered to himself, a smirk playing across his lips as he surveyed the scene before him. Rowans feat of slashing open the mechanical golems armor had impressed Victor. While he was a powerful warrior, he was but an early-stage Ki Master, whereas the mechanical beast could even challenge an Elemental Adept Magus such as Victor himself. Although he was ultimately defeated, the fact that Rowan had managed to inflict damage on it was a miracle in itself. Still, this presented a golden opportunity for him. It was one of the reasons why he had been feigning death until nowto allow someone else to weaken the enemy. Furthermore, it provided him with the chance to test the true extent of his own newfound power. Victor thus rose to his feet and canceled his impersonation magic, taking the mask off his face. Hah Being yourself is still the best feeling. He sighed as a sense of liberation washed over him. The mechanical beast returned to its initial position as it guarded the passage to the next chamber. Victor had no intention of bypassing the golem, like what Graviel and the others did; instead, he would use this chance to push his limits and gain a deeper understanding of the power wielded by an Elemental Adept Magus. But before that Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 420/420 Power Rank: Elemental Adept Magus Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (prototype schematic, -) Status: Healthy Strength: (31) Agility: (30) Vitality: (31) Magical Power: (41) Infused Mana (total): (417 420) Spell Repertoire: Reviewing his stats, Victor was very pleased. Though there had not been any significant leaps since the last time he checked, it was always a great feeling to see how much he had improved since a month ago. It filled him with much-needed confidence. Victor turned his attention back to the golem as he flexed his muscles and stretched his limbs like he was doing a warmup before hitting the gym. With a final crack of his joints, he declared, All right. Lets see what you got. It was time to go all out. Chapter 113: Turning Against Each Other As the golem stood tall before him, Victor was more than ready to face it. Drawing upon the Pyro elemental particles in the surroundings, he began chanting an incantation and hoisted his hand above his head. With a surge of energy, a long, blazing spear materialized above his hand, radiating intense heat that shimmered in the air. This was the spell {Volcanic Spear}a Bet-tier spelland it would be his first time using it in battle. Taking advantage of the opening created by Rowans earlier all-out attack, Victor carefully aimed his spell. Then, he launched the spear, watching as it sliced through the air and struck the mechanical golem squarely below its head, erupting into a blinding explosion upon impact. A wave of scorching white smoke billowed out, heating his skin and obscuring the golem from view. A smile formed on Victors lips. A Bet-tier spell was indeed at least a dozen times stronger than even the strongest Aleph-tier spell! As the smoke settled, Victor could see the damaged mechanical beast. The attack had fried the internal structure of the golem, but it was still able to move. Despite emitting weary creaks, it was regaining its functionality. Nevertheless, what truly intrigued Victor about this golem was its design. It was like a mechanical construct from a steampunk novel. Before long, the mechanical beast fully regained control and initiated its assault. It charged at Victor with formidable speed and power like a runaway train, seemingly capable of destroying anything in its path. However, Victor faced it head-on without a single shred of fear. With a swift incantation, Victor activated the spell {Blink Step}, disappearing from his initial position and reappearing on the other side of the chamber like a specter. In the past, he had to chant the spell for a second or two before it could be activated, but now it was almost instantaneous. Not only was he capable of launching powerful spells, but even the efficiency of his basic spells had been enhanced as well. {Warpblade}. Flicking his finger, Victor conjured several ethereal blades able to cut the space itself and hurled them toward the golem. Because of the recoil of the charge, it was unable to dodge nor defend against the blades, and they penetrated through the exterior of the mechanical beast, creating a network of gaping holes reminiscent of a beehive, further exposing and destroying its internal structure. Not stopping there, Victor cast {Volcanic Spear} two more times, throwing them at the golem. The mechanical beast attempted to deflect the incoming projectiles with a sweep of its hammer-like tail, but the force of the explosions shattered its tail into pieces. It could no longer be used as a weapon. Its weaker than expected Or am I just that strong now? It took Rowan his all to just puncture a hole in its neck, but Victor could achieve an even better result with just two spells. Victor smirked at this thought and decided to finish this once and for all. Subsequently, he extended his palms, summoning flames and whirlwinds on each of his palms. Your performance ends here{Blazing Burst}! He fused the two elements into a raging cyclone of scorching fury and unleashed it toward the golem. The golem, at the end of its wits, was powerless to do anything before it was engulfed by the scorching cyclone, frying it in the process before being flung to the wall. In comparison to the combination spell that he had cast on the queen arachnid, the power of this spell was at least ten times stronger because he was using {Tempest Gale} and {Volcanic Spear} as the two foundational spells instead, which practically turned {Blazing Burst} into a top-tier Bet-tier spell. What had once been an imposing and indestructible, five-meter-tall golem now lay in ruins, reduced to nothing but scraps and debris. With that, the match was decisively concluded, and Victor emerged victorious. Phew. Guess it only amounted to that much, Victor mumbled, shaking his head in mild disappointment. Still, as underperforming as it might be, with enough of them, he believed that they could even threaten higher-ranked Magi. Alas, there was only one here. Nonetheless, the main reason that Victor easily defeated it was that he didnt give it a chance to unleash its energy attack. Otherwise, it may have caused him a bit of trouble. He felt that with Rowans strength, he shouldnt be so powerless against it. In fact, Victor identified several factors contributing to his defeat. The first one was because the environment had not favored him; lacking places for hiding or to be utilized as traps, Rowan would find it difficult to mount an effective offense. The second reason lay in Rowans weapons. At the end of the day, although his axes were of decent quality, they were made of iron. Using iron to hit metal several times harder and tougher than steel was akin to striking a rock with an egg. Perhaps if he was given an enchanted weapon, the result would have been drastically different.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Thinking of him, Victor inspected his prone form against the wall. To his surprise, he found signs of breathing. In spite of the severity of his injuries, Rowan was still alivea testament to his resilience and fortitude. Truly one heck of a miracle. Of course, Victor had no intention of ending Rowans life here. It wasnt a matter of being soft or anything; rather, Rowan could be exploited in a particularly vicious way. Unfortunately, the necessary spell for such exploitation was still under development, leaving Victor unable to act on it at the moment. Nonetheless, he anticipated its completion by the time he returned to the academy. In the meantime, he employed a basic magic sealing spell to restrain Rowan. It was a very rudimentary spell that didnt even reach Aleph-tier status and something he had learned during his time at the academy. Applying it to a helpless, unconscious individual like Rowan was effortless. With his severe injuries, Victor had no fear of Rowan breaking free from the spells restraints. Having attended to all necessary matters, Victor strode into the passage leading to the next chamber. Graviel and the others lay ahead, and it was time for Victor to exact his vengeance. *** Inside the chamber of the second trial, Graviel stood alone. His face and body were riddled with injuries that were slowly being healed by the healing potion in his hand. However, an incredulous look crossed as he stared at his comrades. Former comrades. Jared and Dorian, these traitors, were both encased in ice. After they suddenly turned against him, Graviel used a valuable Cryo magic scroll on them. Unable to avoid being hit by the powerful spell contained within, they thus became as they were now. Graviel had no more than three magic scrolls left, and it pained his heart to use such a valuable item. In the outside world, each of these magic scrolls could be worth hundreds of mana crystals. To think even you would turn against me. Graviel clenched his teeth, tightening his grip on the potion bottle until cracks appeared. His gaze was focused on Elara, who was on one knee, half encased in ice and shivering uncontrollably. Didnt you see it coming? Elara asked, her eyes holding a fierce glare. With the way youre treating others, it is only natural that the three of us would turn against you. What Merlin family? Theyre nothing but a bunch of arrogant pricks. Elara! You dare! His voice raised in anger, but she didnt budge in the slightest. A meek acolyte whom he had once regarded as his possession, Elara showed her deep hatred toward him, unlike anything hed ever seen. Graviel had already expected betrayal from Jared and Dorian, but he never had expected that Elara would have the courage to do the same. How did this situation come to be? At that moment, Graviel felt a strange sensationa tingling at the base of his neck where the cross-necklace magic tool rested. It was glowing, indicating that some unknown force was affecting his mind. So thats how it is. Weve been had. A self-mocking smile appeared on Graviels face as he came to a realization. It was likely to be the true nature of this trial. What the overseers said to them had been a lie. But Graviel found no issue with the situation and addressed the injured Elara with a cold stare. Oh well. It seems my initial plan to dispose of you three is unfolding sooner than expected. Now that the chance has presented itself, dont blame me for seizing it. Just as Graviel prepared to cast a spell to finish it all, Elara suddenly smirked, pulled a potion from under her robe, and hurled it at him. Reacting swiftly, Graviel anticipated her move and launched the potion bottle in his hand to intercept hers. However, as Elaras potion shattered, it released a cloud of green gas that coalesced into thorny vines, rapidly ensnaring Graviel. Bitch! Graviel cursed, wincing at the sudden pain. Worse still, he felt slightly paralyzed by the thorns that pricked his skin. The vines were poisonous! The potion that Elara had used was a spell potion. Functioning similarly to a magic scroll, it contained a spell within its liquid contents. However, unlike scrolls, spell potions were considered less potent and more limited in scope. Plus, they required a certain level of expertise in potioneering to be effectively utilized, although they were cheaper to make in comparison to magic scrolls. Be frozen in ice! Graviel gripped the thorny vines and cast a Cryo spell to freeze his surroundings, enveloping the chamber in a frosty haze. The ice rapidly spread toward Elara, threatening to encase her just as it had already trapped Jared and Dorian. Even though vines began appearing around her to protect against the ice, it was no use. She was powerless to stop it. No matter what, Graviel was very close to the rank of Elemental Adept, and he was stronger than the three of them. With the countless treasures at his disposal, it was only natural that he would be the last one standing. Still, encasing them in ice didnt mean their demise. Killing acolytes this way would take time, and he had some time left; only twenty minutes had passed since the trial began. But he couldnt afford to waste any more time, so he withdrew a magic silver dagger hidden under his robe, intent on dispatching them swiftly. A pity. You three have served your purpose well. Now die, Graviel declared coldly, raising his silver dagger to strike at the closest target to himElara. And yet. Right at this moment, a loud applause rang out, halting him in his tracks. It left him completely baffled, but he quickly spun around with his guard raised, only to find a figure emerging from the darkness behind him. Splendid! Marvelous! To think you would try to kill them. What a twist. Truly, I am impressed, the voice praised as the footsteps drew nearer. Whos there?! Graviel demanded, his pulse quickening with apprehension. Then, recognition dawned on him. This voice. It cant be! Stepping into the light was a young man not even in his twenties with blue hair and a sharp demeanor, clad in an acolytes robe. Graviel clearly recognized this person; this was none other than Victorthe man who was supposed to be deadwho he had killed himself! Long time no see. Did you miss me? Victor taunted, a chilling smile playing on his lips. Chapter 114: Face-off Between Two Elemental Adept Magi Victor regarded Graviel with a look of impressed amusement. He actually had arrived in this chamber five minutes ago and had been silently observing while making sure that he was in tip-top condition. From the moment he froze Jared and Dorian by using a magic scroll, then did the same to Elara It was absolutely marvelous, like watching a theatrical drama. If not for his punctual arrival, Graviel would have already succeeded in killing the other three. But Victor couldnt allow that, not yet. If those three were killed, how could he exact his vengeance? More importantly, he would lose out on the opportunity to obtain additional mindless NPCs for his academy. That would be a huge loss. Still, as much as they were innately untrustful of each other, Victor did not believe that it would come to this. Well, one thing he noticed the second he arrived in this chamber was that the Twilight Moon Pendanthis defensive magic toolhad been glowing. The cause was likely the strange energy contained in the air, likely produced by the runes on the walls around. What? How are you alive?! Graviel stammered in disbelief, a tinge of fear flickering across his face. The shock of seeing Victor alive must have been overwhelming. Indeed. Who would not be frightened to discover that the person they had attempted to kill was still breathing and now seeking retribution? It was a classic story, even in this world. Victor chuckled darkly. Oh, youd be more surprised by what Ive gone through. All this time With the ambush at the valley to the sudden attack of a supernatural phenomenon and magical beasts, it was all your doing! A realization dawned on Graviel as he turned his gaze back to Victor. How did you orchestrate all of this? Whos backing you? Victor made a condescending smile, stating, You must be confused. You must be curious. Unfortunately, Im not here to satisfy your curiosity. Your time is over. You! You wont stop me here! Ill complete all these trials and inherit the legacy of the Steelrose Order! With a manic expression, Graviel tightened his grip on his dagger, readying himself to cast spells in retaliation. You, a mere acolyte of the puny Asteriscus family, dare to act so arrogantly?! Victor, smirking, said, Well see about that. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he conjured a blazing spear in his handthe same spell he had previously employed to combat the mechanical beast. A-A Bet-tier spell! How?! Have you advanced to the rank of Elemental Adept Magus? Graviels eyes were wide open, his body trembling slightly. Impossible! Impossible! Nothing is impossible, Victor replied slowly, enunciating each syllable as he hurled the blazing spear at him. Bang! An explosion arose as soon as the blazing spear made contact with the target, but Victor knew this was far from over. The defensive magic tool owned by Graviel was one of the highest quality; it could even block an all-out attack of an official Magus like him. Besides, Victor had not even used his full power in casting that spell. Sure enough, as the smoke cleared, Graviel was only knocked back a few meters from his original position, with an extremely cracked transparent shield before him that soon shattered into pieces. One more spell would surely bring an end to his life; Victor was certain of that. Any last words? Victor uttered as he closed the distance between them. Graviel seemed to have finally realized the dire situation he was in and pleaded amidst rasped breaths. You cant kill me! No, I cant die here! Lets talk this through. We can share the inheritance of this place. Pfft. Really now? Honestly, such a clich, he scoffed with disdain before continuing. Once youre dead, all of this naturally becomes mine. Theres no point in sharing it with you. Damn you! Graviel snarled, retrieving a strange vial from his interspatial ring. Hehehe. You dont know whats hidden in the shadows of this world. They gave me this specifically for a situation like this. Still talking nonsense, huh. Truly the typical actions of a cornered rat. Without hesitation, Victor unleashed another {Volcanic Spear}, aiming to end the confrontation once and for all. He did not want to allow him to consume the vialit gave him a bad feeling. However, in the brief moment before impact, Graviel activated a magic scroll, conjuring a wide arcane shield adorned with intricate runes and blocking the incoming blazing spear. The shield rippled slightly as it absorbed the impact of the spell. Clearly, this was no ordinary shieldit had to be a top-tier Bet-tier spell or even higher, as it was capable of so effortlessly withstanding {Volcanic Spear}. Tch, rich bastard. Victor furrowed his brows. Again and again, Victors magic spells were blocked by Graviels treasure; this was truly starting to get on his nerves. Refusing to be deterred, he cast {Warpblade}, and a long ethereal blade materialized in his hand. This Cosmo elemental spell could cut through space itself, and even the strongest shield would amount to nothing in the face of its esoteric nature.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Break for me! Victor swung the ethereal blade at the arcane shield with all his might. It sliced through the air with a sound like tearing fabric, cutting through the space itself as it collided with the shield. This time, the arcane shield didnt end with just a ripple; signs of tears formed at the point of contact, spreading with each passing second. Even though the runes glowed with a brilliant intensity as they absorbed the force of the blow, Victors spell clearly surpassed it. Finally, the shield shattered into countless light particles, dissipating into the air. Now, its your turn. Victor hoisted the ethereal blade in his hand toward Graviel, about to strike him down. Its too late, Victor! Ive drunk the vial. Keke Agh! Aargh!! Graviels voice twisted with agony as he clutched his neck, his body slowly transforming into a bluish-pale-colored fiend. Fine. Show me all your tricks. Despite his words, Victor did not intend to let him finish the transformation unopposed. Unlike the protagonists or villains in novels who would wait for their opponents to reveal their true power, Victor was not about to play by those rules. Like hell I would let him! Without a second more of dilly-dallying, Victor lunged forward, brandishing the ethereal blade. But as he closed in on Graviel, the transformed fiend let out a guttural growl that sent Victor flying back several meters. By now, Graviel had completed his transformation into a three-meter-tall bluish-pale demon, with fiendish horns and leathery wings. If Victor didnt know any better, he would have thought that he was facing a demonic creature straight from the depths of the Nether Realm. This power! Hahaha! So this is what the elixir does. Graviels voice deepened, echoing with a monstrous timbre as he laughed. It stimulates the potential of my body and gives me similar traits to that of a Warlock, transforming me into a demon-like being and thus achieving the strength of an Elemental Adept Magus and make me capable of casting Cryo element Bet-tier spells without practicing. Even you, Victor, are no match for me now! Victor raised an eyebrow. Did he really just narrate his entire power-up like a crappy anime villain? Whats next, a monologue about his tragic backstory? Still, Victor got ready, knowing he shouldnt be underestimated. The transformation not only affected him, but also his surroundings. Despite being inside a sealed chamber, chilling snow began to fall down, plunging the temperature below 0 degrees Celsius. The intense cold was enough to make Victor shiver and his skin burn from the cold. Are you not afraid of the consequences? Of not being able to revert to human form? Victor asked, voicing the million-dollar question that lingered in his mind whenever witnessing such a situation, though this was his first time in real life. Using an elixir like this never came without a price. Even if the effects were temporary, they often left long-lasting side effects, such as shortening lifespan, crippling ones cultivation, and having permanent alterations, among other horrible things. Such a worthless question. The Cult behind me could easily turn me back. But because of you, I now have to reveal the existence of this place to them. Graviel shot a venomous glance at Victor. The Cult? Victor had never heard of the existence of such an organization in this kingdom or even in the neighboring lands. It must either be a well-hidden force operating in the shadows or a smaller, lesser-known group. Otherwise Victor raised his eyes in a sudden horrific realization, and a shiver ran down his spine. Before he could dwell further on his unsettling realization, Graviel roared with bloodshot eyes full of malice. Now, prepare to meet your end! His hands stretched open, conjuring a bluish-icy energy that enveloped the chamber. Victor, youre nothing but a frog at the bottom of the well! {Perfect Blizzard}! The snowflakes that were raining down transformed into lethal shards as sharp as obsidian, slicing through the air with deadly precision. Had the spell been cast in an open field, its devastation would have been amplified manifold, given its classification as a small meteorological spell. Shoot! A Bet-tier spell! Victor cursed, instinctively activating an innate shield made of ethereal energy. The deadly snowflakes were repelled, unable to breach his defenses. Though he had anticipated this coming, witnessing its ferocity firsthand left him momentarily shaken. Fortunately, his shield was able to easily block the full brunt of the spell. Because of the esoteric nature of Victors magic shield, some of the energy of the blizzard was stored in the void and used to replenish the shield itself. Is this the extent of your power, Graviel? Victor taunted with a devious sneer. If you think this feeble display can defeat me, you sorely underestimate my capabilities. I may be a newly-promoted Elemental Adept, but I am anything but ordinary. With a swift motion, Victor vanished from his original position, utilizing the {Blink Step} spell to reappear behind the demonic form of Graviel. In a fluid motion, he conjured the ethereal blade once more and slashed at him. Taken by surprise, Graviel failed to evade the attack and took a deep wound from Victors precise strike. Dark maroon blood splattered from his wound, but it quickly healed at a speed seen by the naked eye, causing Victor to be slightly appalled. Damn you! Enraged, he retaliated with a vicious swing of his sharp claws, but Victor blinked away at the last moment, narrowly escaping by the skin of his teeth. Die, Victor! Graviels voice thundered as he conjured a long white sword of condensed ice, lunging at Victor, who had just reappeared, with immense killing intent. Unable to evade this time, Victor was forced to use his ethereal blade to block the attack, turning the combat into a melee. The clash intensified into an exchange of blows, with dozens of volleys traded back and forth in rapid succession. Because of Graviels enhanced strength from the elixir, Victor was hard-pressed to get the upper hand, but he was not losing out either. Though it became evident that it would be near impossible to achieve victory this way. After all, Victors skill in using a sword was very basic and more like childs play, unlike his magic proficiency. Realizing the battle would drag on endlessly at this rate, Victor backed away, preparing to unleash a final spell to end the confrontation once and for all. Graviel, lets finish this! Thats precisely what I had in mind! Graviel responded decisively, his expression becoming more ferocious as he transformed the condensed ice sword into a chillingly cold blue energy that grew in size with each passing second. Meanwhile, Victor extended his palms, summoning flames and whirlwinds on each hand as he had done previously to finish off the mechanical beast. {Absolute Zero}! Graviel hurled the massive blue energy toward Victor. {Blazing Burst}! Victor fused the two opposing forces, creating a tempest of scorching flames and icy winds that he unleashed at Graviel. Boom! A collision of the two opposing forces sent shockwaves of energy rippling through the air, blasting anything in its wake. Chapter 115: Vengeance is Mine! Absolute power. In the depths of Graviels consciousness surged an overwhelming sense that coursed through his veins as he unleashed the most potent spell of his life. The elixir had granted him abilities beyond his wildest dreams, and the sensation of wielding such immense power felt almost surreal. However, amidst the adrenaline given by the rush of power, Graviel couldnt shake the fear inside him. If he were to lose here, then wouldnt everything he had done be for naught? Once, he was not as ambitious a man as he was now. Living his life normally, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and truth. However, when the Merlin family discovered that he had almost no talent for magic, they callously abandoned him, as if he were a defective product. In a world where strength reigned supreme, not being able to use magic and suffering from an unknown illness spelled certain doom. It was at that moment that the Cult took an interest in him. Curing his ailment of magic talent and promising him boundless knowledge and unparalleled poweran offer he couldnt refuse. But there was no free meal in this world; Graviel had to prove his worth. Thus, he orchestrated the expedition upon learning of a Magus inheritance that held the potential to help him gain an advantageous position within the Cult. VICTOR!! Graviel shouted with all his might, channeling every ounce of his mana into the spell. Yet, the force of the scorching cyclone his spell clashed with was no least bit inferior to his own. In fact, it was pushing against him ever so slightly, threatening to overwhelm him. He refused to accept it; he refused to lose here. Therefore, he pushed his body to its limits, sacrificing his potential to reach the pinnacle state of any magicianmana overload. Every shred of infused mana within him was drawn forth like it was about to explode, his entire being consumed by the raging snowstorm he commanded. Inch by inch, the snowstorm was finally showing signs of overpowering the other force, and victory was in sight. Even if this meant leaving his body crippled afterward, Graviel cared not. As long as he achieved victory and claimed the legacy of the Steelrose Order, then every problem would be solved. He would no longer have to become the dog of the Cultthe Armageddon Cult! But just as triumph was drawing near, several unseen ethereal blades sliced through the colliding forces, hurtling toward him with deadly precision. Caught off guard and unable to divert his focus from maintaining the spells power, Graviel was defenseless to the sudden attack. Argh! Agony lanced through him as the blades struck true, sending him hurtling backward until his body collided with the chamber wall. His transformation abruptly ended, blood spilling from his lips as he succumbed to the injuries inflicted upon him. The ambition that flashed through his mind was getting further and further away *** Victor stood motionless as the colliding forces dissipated. He looked ahead at the fallen figure of Graviel, whose transformation had abruptly ended. What remained of his former self was a frail figure, barely recognizable as human, ravaged by injuries. His face resembled that of a charred corpse, and his once vibrant red hair was reduced to ashes. But despite that, he was still alive. Nevertheless, that didnt stop Graviel from making a last-ditch effort to rise and face Victor. Even now, the last flicker of ambition inside his eyes had yet to fade. Its over. Resistance is futile; you cant win this, Victor stated, shaking his head. No! Not yet! He, with all his might, managed to conjure a high-quality health potion from his interspatial ring and downed it in one go. Though his injuries began to heal at an astonishing rate, the nature of the elixir that he had consumed was too demonic. His body, despite healing some of the wounds, became even more grotesque than before as he began screaming in agony. In spite of that, Graviel was undeterred and attempted to launch a spell at Victor, but nothing came forth. Enough. I shall end your life here. Victor was about to cast a spell, but the elemental energy almost failed to gather on his palm; he was running low on mana. Two relentless battles had depleted his reserve, and he was also physically exhausted by nowhe even checked it on the status screen. MP: 31/420 You lowly cur! You cant do this to me! Graviel shouted through gritted teeth. The Merlin family wont sit idly if you kill me, their precious heir, and the Arcane Radiance College will also intervene! Isnt that the same line I uttered back when they double-crossed me? Victor thought wryly. It is truly ironic how the table has turned. Who cares. Victor gave a mocking smile. This place is secluded inside a pocket dimension; it would be near impossible to trace you here. And even if they did, they would think your demise was simply an accident. Besides, he added with cold, confident eyes, even if they come to find me, Ive total confidence in my ability to wipe them out.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Victor was aware that large Magus families like the Merlin family would have soul lamps where their members put a trace of their aura. The moment someone died, their corresponding soul lamp would shatter. Even his own familythe Asteriscus Magus familyhad those, only in small quantities and used only by the upper echelons. Damn you! Graviel cursed loudly, his eyes bloodshot as he struggled to stand, only to fail as he was reduced to a hideous living corpse looking up with threatening eyes. You may not care about the Merlin family nor the academy because you got some backing, but the Cult that backs me up not even ten Arcane Radiance Colleges could contend. The Armageddon Cult will bring a new order to this world and call upon the power of the outer gods! You would be dead meat Are you done? Victor allowed him to speak only for the sake of gathering information about the force backing him. Now that he had some insight, it was time to end his life. Conjuring a thin purple ethereal blade with his remaining mana, Victor hoisted it above Graviels body. Given Graviels current state, turning him into a mindless NPC with a mind-controlling spell would be futile; he was nothing more than a living corpse. Thus, putting an end to him here would be the most prudent course of action to prevent future troubles. With this, vengeance is mine! Victor plunged the sword into Graviels back, effortlessly piercing through him like cutting butter. Aagh! Graviel shrieked in pain. Victor, I curse you! What Victor did not expect was that Graviel had taken a strange demonic statue out of his interspatial ring and used the blood from his injuries to fuel it. He tried to pull the blade so he could decapitate Graviel, but an unknown force from his incantation seemed to stop his motion, making him unable to stop him! By the ancient words of old, let the shadows bind thy soul. By the blood of the forsaken, let darkness consume thy essence. May the echoes of lost souls pierce thy being, and may despair be thy eternal companion! {Mortalbane Curse}! he chanted using the ancient Seraphian language. Subsequently, sinister dark red energy materialized from the demonic statue and lunged at Victor. Well shit! With the close proximity between himself and Graviel, Victor had no time to back away, but luckily, there was enough time to activate his magic tool, the Twilight Moon Pendant, turning him into an ethereal moonlight shadow, making the sinister energy miss him. What?! Graviel was speechless upon seeing him dodge the curse, but a smile returned to his face not long after. Alas, this state couldnt be maintained longer than several seconds, so as soon as the effect disappeared, the sinister energy seeped into him. What rotten luck. Hahaha! Youre dead now! That curse will slowly sap your life force and vitality until youre nothing more than a dry corpse. Not even an official Magus would be able to last more than a week! Graviel laughed maniacally in satisfaction. It cost me my life, but its worth it! True to his words, Graviels body started to slowly crumble into dust. On the flip side, Victor experienced extreme weaknesshis vision was beginning to blur like a drunkard. It was a familiar feeling, reminding him of when he was poisoned in the past. Ugh! Victor fell to one knee, almost unable to keep himself from collapsing. He was, after all, already physically exhausted; now, coupled with this, he had no strength left. If it wasnt for his extraordinary constitution, he would have died then and there. It was at that critical moment when a familiar white silhouette appeared beside him and barked. Moreover, it absorbed the sinister energy with its mouth before letting out an unexpected burp. When Victor managed to focus his blurry vision, he was dumbfounded. L-Lumen? How did you To think that his magical mount, whom he had left outside the mechanical tower, would come to his rescue when he needed it the most. Just how the heck did it happen? Victor was absolutely clueless. Graviel was yet to disintegrate totally and witnessed the curse that had cost him his life to cast being consumed by the magical wolf as if drinking water. Wh-What?! What kind of magical creature is this?! Impossib Youve been uttering that word multiple times already; my ears are ringing from hearing it. As I said before, nothing is impossible, Victor stated. However, as opposed to displaying the bitterness Victor would have expected, Graviel showed a hint of approval in his gazeor was it respect? Victor, listen If anyone can achieve what I couldnt, its you. But dont get cocky; Im still counting on the Cult to take you down and undo everything you''ve built. He chuckled bitterly as his body crumbled to dust, leaving nothing but his equipment and a silver ringa grim testament to the steep cost of his actions. The Cult The Armageddon Cult. Outer gods There are too many shocking things that he spilled. As a member of a small Magus family in the countryside, he was not privy to most of these terms. His knowledge was so limited that he might very well be compared to the players when they first joined his game. Totally ignorant. When Victor was swimming in his reverie, a resounding ding appeared inside his mind. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have enacted your vengeance in a brilliant way and punished those who have wronged you.] [The reward (Mermaid Tears Elixir) has been issued.] Sweet. With this, the only objective left was to finish the side mission by investigating any treasures that were worth taking. But more pressingly, he had yet to address the elephant in the room. Turning toward Lumen, Victor patted her head affectionately and said, You saved my butt twice, girl. I owe you more than words can express. But first, how did you even get in here and find me? Victor found this fact implausible. The main entrance was heavily guarded by golems, making it seem unlikely that Lumen could have entered undetected. Even if there were alternative entrances to the tower, they would likely be similarly protected. To top it all off, to be able to find Victor in this extremely expansive interior within a short time frame seemed impossible. Unless someone deliberately allowed Lumen entry and guided her to my location. And that someone must be Right then, enthusiastic applause suddenly broke the silence, followed by two pairs of approaching footsteps and a familiar voice. Incredible! Absolutely stunning! A performance worthy of admiration. We thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Victors muscles tensed as he felt a sense of dj vu wash over him. Lumen, too, defensively took a position in front of him and growled at the darkness. Turning to the source of the voice, he beheld the two individuals who had orchestrated this entire ordeal, having outsmarted even him in this scheme. Chapter 116: The Last Trial Victor was alarmed. The twins who appeared before him were not mere projections but flesh-and-blood beings. As he had expected, the two of them were homunculi, as evidenced by the carved, gem-like stones centered in their chests, hidden under their clothes. And from the mana fluctuations they emitted when using his mana sensein fact, they rivaled Victor''s own. Holy shit! Garry, the male overseer, stepped forward and uttered, Congratulations on passing the second trial. You have fulfilled the conditions we imposed: to be the only one remaining conscious within thirty minutes time. Victor hadnt been briefed on the rules of the second trial, but it seemed he had unwittingly completed it. Based on Garrys words, thirty minutes must have elapsed since the trials commencement; otherwise, Lumen wouldnt have been allowed inside. Did you two assist me and orchestrate all of this for your amusement? Victor inquired as he squinted his eyes at them, prepared for any adverse developments. Yup, Gabrielle affirmed with a nod. Since it would be more entertaining that way. Actually, these trials were something that we personally designed. Personally designed? What does she mean by that? Victor furrowed his eyebrows, puzzled by her statement. Having noticed Victors confusion, Garry chuckled and explained, Apologies. My sister isnt being completely honest with you. You see, our masters granted us the authority to design the trials as we saw fit. Why are you telling me all of this? After all, they had no reason to explain anything, let alone help him, unless they had some hidden motives. Its because of your unique elemental affinity, Garry answered. Like our masters, each leader of the Steelrose Order possesses Cosmo elemental affinity. It, in fact, holds more significance than completing these nonsense trials, he added. I see Victor went silent for a moment to think before asking, Does that mean I pass the remaining trials? Not exactly, yet not false either. Garry shook his head. The remaining two consist of testing your wisdom and soul potential. Weve assessed your potential, and you barely pass. As for wisdom, since its not very important at the moment and your performance of tricking your former comrades has been entertaining, we can omit that, too. So, that means I own this place now? Victor could hardly hold himself back from laughing. This was such a heaven-sent! Technically, yes, Gabrielle answered, but clearing the trial doesnt mean well acknowledge you as our master. Without us, with your current power, this place would be useless. Indeed, while they said that the one who passed the trials would inherit the legacy of their masters, they made no mention of serving him. Without their allegiance, controlling this place would remain a distant dream. Therefore, only by making them submit would he truly obtain his prize. So, what should I do to gain your allegiance? Victor couldnt help but ask. There is one final trial, Gabrielle said slowly as she raised a finger. You must defeat both of us. Mm, indeed, Garry agreed with a nod. Only by defeating the two of us at our fullest strength will we recognize you as our new master. Naturally, we wont hold back, so failure to achieve victory would result in death. Beat the two of them? Im already beaten up, and they expect me to fight in this condition? And against two entities whose true powers I cant even see? This is absurd! But they should not be that unreasonable; at least Victor felt that there should be some time for respite, so he asked, When will the trial be? Right now, Gabrielle stated coldly. Follow us, and you shall be guided to our true forms. Victor felt a lump form in his throat, given no time to think of an alternative. In a desperate attempt to get out of this situation, he tried to haggle. Uh, can we perhaps postpone this trial for a later date? Once I recover and have prepared myself, I promise that I will return to this place. No. Her response was swift and merciless. Once youre in, theres no turning back until youve completed all the trials. You can bring your wolf companion if you lack confidence. Gabrielles voice turned even colder, as if she wouldnt hesitate to drag him toward the trial if he did not comply. Concurrently, an intangible killing intent pervaded the room, causing Victors hair to stand on end. Even Lumen was no exception. Victors heart sank as he realized the dire predicament. Even with Lumen by his side, his chances of success would not exceed 10 percent with his current conditionthat was if he used everything at his disposal. Wait, my little sis. Garry gestured for her to refrain from taking any actions. Theres something that I need to confirm first. His gaze fixed on Victor, curiosity sparking in his eyes. Young man, show me your left wrist. My left wrist? Victor hesitated for a moment, but complied, pulling back the sleeve of his robe to reveal the black mark etched beneath. Garrys expression shifted subtly with a mixture of recognition and surprise crossing his features. Isnt that He trailed off, a wry chuckle escaping him. Ah, so thats how it is. This is the machination of that esteemed figure. No wonder. Stolen story; please report. Sorry, who? Victor asked, but even as he spoke, the image of the mysterious previous headmaster flashed in his mind But it couldnt be, right? Noticing Victors dawning realization, Garry nodded. It seems that youve figured it out. Way back, tens of thousands of years ago, one of the leaders of the Steelrose Order found themselves indebted to your predecessor, and all that esteemed figure wanted was a favor. Holy Tens of thousands of years ago? Victors breath caught, as if hed been struck by a thunderbolt. Tens of thousands of years ago meant that it was an era predating the Dark Era. They were quite a mysterious figure shrouded in secrecy; no one knew their true identity. Yet, one fact remains undeniablethey were the headmaster of the largest Magus academy the world had ever known. Regrettably, the academy declined and fractured into pieces when your predecessor disappeared for reasons unknown. I guess there should be nothing remaining of it now. Am I right? Victor could hardly wrap his head around this sudden information dump. The fantastical tale he had woven for the players to evoke awe now appeared to have roots in reality But this revelation also brought with it a host of unforeseen troubles, not unlike the ones he had alluded to in his narrative (about ancient enemies and stuff). Suddenly, Victor realized something peculiar, so he asked them, Wait a moment. You keep revering the previous headmaster with they. Did you not know their gender? He had always been curious about this fact. Magi were a strange bunch and were of many kinds, which were not limited to humans only. Some intelligent species out there exhibit traits similar to humans but were androgynous at the same time. Beats us. Garry shrugged helplessly. Your predecessor is a very enigmatic figure and is even more ancient than the Steelrose Order. Do you believe unraveling their secrets to be a simple task? Outliving even the Steelrose Order Just how ancient is the previous headmaster? It was noteworthy that the lifespan of Sigil Conversion Magus would not exceed five hundred years If they could live for tens of thousands of years, it meant that the cultivation of the previous headmaster must be at a level beyond comprehension. Enough of the small talk. Garry waved his hand, pulling Victor back to the present. While our master may have owed a favor, rules are rules. The trial still must commence regardless. Is there no other way around this? Maybe like, postpone it for a month or something? Victor attempted to negotiate again. After all, he was not certain hed emerge victorious in his current condition; this pocket dimension was far more dangerous than he had thought. If he were given time to prepare, then he would be more confident in challenging it. Garry paused for a moment and whispered something to his sister. Even with Victors heightened perception, he couldnt eavesdrop on their conversation. After a moment, Garry relented, albeit with a condition. Very well. Well grant you a deadline of one month; well conduct the trial then. They actually agreed?! Victor couldnt believe his ears or contain his bottled-up excitement. I should have asked for longer Oh well, a month is enough. As he thought that, with a flick of his finger, Garry sent a mana thread toward Victors other wrist, causing it to glow yellow. Then, his sister Gabrielle warned, That mark will serve as a time bomb. You can only deactivate it by honoring your promise. Fail to return, and youll face the consequences. A sinister smile formed on her lips, sending shivers down Victors spine. Scary Still, another mark, huh? Another burden to bear. Victor smiled wryly as he realized that both of his hands were now branded with something ominous. Finding that the immediate crisis was resolved, Victor could finally let out a long exhale, releasing the tension that had gripped his shoulders. Now, he could take stock of his surroundingsthe aftermath of his intense battle with Graviel. Surveying the chamber, Victor noted the scattered remnants of his confrontation. Chunks of ice, charred debris, and scattered holes marred the once pristine space. Yet, what caught his attention most were his former comrades, who were encased in ice. As a matter of fact, Elara, Jared, and Dorian, despite being in close proximity to the battle between two official Magi, were miraculously still alive. They had managed to survive being victims to any collateral damage from stray magic going their way, shielded as they were by the icy barrier that had formed around them. Though, they were far from unscathed. Relief washed over Victor, knowing they were not reduced to smithereens; he could thus stick with his plans. Although, they may have been in need of urgent first aid. But before that, Victor seized the opportunity to inquire about any treasures or resources within the pocket. The twin homunculi exchanged glances at each other before responding cautiously, Valuable treasures or resources to note, you say? Why do you ask? Simple curiosity. Nothing more, replied Victor with the most honest face he could muster. He was just trying his luck here; if they refused to answer, then there was nothing he could do. The two homunculi deliberated silently before Garry finally spoke up. Since youve technically passed the four trials, you have the right to know. Well Victor listened intently as the homunculi detailed the riches hidden within the pocket dimension, each revelation leaving him more astonished than the last. This pocket dimension indeed served as a primary stronghold for the Steelrose Order, boasting lush gardens teeming with rare magical flora and a sprawling ecosystem beyond the mechanical tower. Most enticing of all were the thousands of dormant mechanical golems scattered throughout the facility, as well as the vaults containing untold treasures. Victor could hardly imagine the potential with all of these things falling into his lap. He would for sure become a force that no one in the Luminous Kingdom dared to underestimate. But better not to count his chickens before they hatched; there was still much to be done before he could claim such rewards. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have investigated whats inside the pocket dimension and noted down any treasures worth taking.] [The reward (500 academy points) has been issued.] Nice. It is now counted as finished. Hehe. Victors ear twitched as he caught Gabrielles subtle chuckle. Did he do something wrong? Regardless, it was time to get out of this place and return to the academy. But first, he gathered all his enemies, who had been thawed and cast with a magic sealing spell, as well as Rowan, who was left in the previous chamber. Just in case, he used his infused mana to suppress their consciousness so that they wouldnt wake up mid-journey. Of course, he had not forgotten to take their surviving valuables, including the interspatial ring that Graviel had dropped. After tidying everything up, he asked, A quick question: How should I leave this pocket dimension? We can send you straight out with our authorities, answered Garry. Neat. Well then, lets proceed. Victor rubbed his hands together. Although he could use his power to create an exit similar to the one he entered, the stability of such a crack in space remained uncertain. As the two overseers were about to send Victor on his way, out of the blue, an unexpected idea struck Victor. If they agreed, it could prove immensely beneficial not only to himself but also to the players. Um, do you mind if I make one more request? Victor sheepishly asked them. Can you let my play acolytes explore this pocket dimension? Chapter 117: Future Possibilities In the concurrence of the entire battle, the Magus Academy Online official website forum on Earth never died down in liveness and had been growing increasingly busy as time went on. The players who had fallen in the battle, along with the recordings they and others shared, sparked waves of excitement among both testers and non-testers alike. Although the battle was not as bloody compared to the previous invasion, the people watching were more excited than ever. That was because the enemies this time around were not mindless mobs but characters within the game. Not only did this open up new angles on potential gameplay, but it also paved the path for the future course that the game might take. Another aspect that heightened players excitement was the ability to loot the corpses of defeated enemies and claim all their possessions. Hahaha! Just look at them, shamelessly groping the bandits for loot. Have they no shame? This reminds me of those AAA+ games where you loot corpses somewhat realistically. But only getting, like, a few silver coins and some scraps. So much for realism. Wait, looting these corpses is one thing since they are all male. But what if youre looting a female bandit or something? Would that make this game R18+? Not that it hasnt been with the gore and the ultra-realism. Seriously? Were going there again? Unless youre intentionally doing indecent things, there should be no problem. Otherwise, if you cross the line, the GMs gonna revoke your access. I agree. We players have a sense of decorum since those who didnt wouldnt qualify for the game anyway. For example, we leave these bandits undergarments alone. Well, mostly. Mostly? Whats that supposed to mean? Uh Well, it turns out that one of the bandits actually had female undergarments on. So, we decided to take it off and burn it with fire. You know, to prevent any further misuse. Wow, just wow. No matter the reality or the game world, some people do have their own kinks. (? ?? ?) Go away! Ahem, how come our discussion always wanders away? Is this really the Magus Academy Onlines official website forum? Although the discussion continued to digress, as the players who were escorting the captured bandits returned to the academy and logged out one after another, it regained momentum as veteran players joined in. Unlike the arachnid invasion, this situation felt completely different, and players were not as anxious for information as they were in the past. What they cared about the most right now was the gains of the battle as well as what the future updates might lead to. Due to the announcement that the games storyline would evolve based on players decisions, everyone was more than eager to know whether their efforts would lead to a good or bad ending. After all, despite the victory, the fact remained that the village was raided. The players were left to ponder if they could have prevented the raid on the village altogether. While the attack was obviously not the players fault, if they had set up a preemptive defense strategy or had cooperated with the villagers in advance, perhaps the whole incident could have been avoided. In the end, their victory brought justice to the villagers, but was this the best course of action they could have taken? Could there have been a more effective solution? This question sparked a lively debate among the players, becoming a focal point of their discussions. However, that was not the only topic that was hot in the forum. MikeIsHandsome1000x: Whats up, peeps! I decided to take a short break from waiting at the spot where the headmaster NPC had disappeared. But man, hours passed, but no signs of him. Makes me wonder where he has gone to. Castlefrost: Its possible that hes gone to a new location thats currently unavailable to us. Most games would have locations where players dont have access until the corresponding updates roll out. GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Or maybe hes out there hitting on chicks in a place we dont know. Maybe well get to see the headmistress soon enough. Squadzell: LMAO! Why do I feel like its actually possible for that to happen?The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. GladiusZone: Shush. Non-testing players shouldnt intrude on our conversation. Squadzell: Damn you! Ive registered since the game was in its earliest versionway in its infancy! Why didnt they give me a qualification? Im more than capable of building mud walls and moving bricks like the other people are. ? Stickman_Just_Passing: There, there. Maybe the devs have noticed you and are planning to give you a qualification in the next update. CookieMons: Just hang in there. MikeIsHandsome1000x: I could feel the pain, bro. Squadzell: Thanks, guys. Just here, building my dream castle in the air, waiting for my turn to play. MikeIsHandsome1000x: Jokes aside, got any updates on your side @Locktekei? Locktekei: Actually, yeah. Since theres nothing to do on our journey back to the academy, me and several others decided to interrogate some of the captives using role-play as a joke. You know, playing the whole good cop, bad cop kind of waybut nothing weird, I promise! What surprised us was that these bandits actually answered our questions as if fearing for their lives. Truly a high-level AI on play here. Locktekei: But that aside, it turns out that these bandits arent really what we initially thought He went on to explain the origin of these so-called bandits. According to him, they were actually mercenaries hired from cities around the forest, primarily Brightmoon City, lured by the promise of easy money. They didnt know much about the identities of their employers, except that they were a bunch of magicians. MikeIsHandsome1000x: What?! So, theres someone backing them! To think theyd do such horrible things without even being genuine bandits. Indeed. It was one thing for bandits to engage in their nefarious activities by choice; after all, raiding was their bread and butter. But mercenaries should have a different outlook on such deeds, especially where no wars were going on. At least, thats how the majority of the players felt. Although, this made them realize that this game world was truly not black and white. Locktekei: But I must say, I feel pretty great that we managed to win the war against the bandits. There may not have been that many of them at the final confrontation, but we succeeded in showing them the consequences of their actions. MariaC: That I agree! MikeIsHandsome1000x: My thoughts exactly. I just hope that the captured bandits are given appropriate punishment for their doings. Anyway, gotta go back into the game. Smell ya later! I_Am_Not_A_Godzilla: Pfft, youre labeling this a war? How does it qualify as a war when you cant even muster up two hundred fighters? Just two days back, our university undergrads staged a huge protest that even led to a clash with the police, drawing in a crowd of at least 7,000! Had it not been for the potential to set off national alarm bells, this would have definitely made headlines everywhere. GladiusZone: Wait, were those extra zeros for dramatic effect, or did you accidentally hit the keypad with your forehead? Locktekei: Lol. Probably got those numbers while daydreaming in detention for doodling protest signs on his math test. ShadowBladeX: Cant decide whats funnier, the protest or his counting skills. Gigglebelly Grumblefart: ?? ?? ?? This troll never knew when it was time to quit. Perhaps he was just trying to garner attention to himself like a child performing increasingly outlandish stunts in the playground, desperate for the eyes of peers to affirm his existence. Other than the ongoing discussions on the general forum, there was another thing to be noted. The popular game reviewer, KuroUsagi, made a new post titled Five Shocking Discoveries Inside the Game. Number Five Will Leave You Speechless! KuroUsagi: Yo, yo, my fellow acolytes! After experiencing the game for about roughly ten days or so, I, KuroUsagi, have hopped from shadow to shadow to bring you the shocking secrets concealed within this breathtaking game The content of his post this time actually deviated quite significantly from his usual reviews, focusing instead on the shocking secrets lurking within the game. Most of the discoveries revolved around game mechanics and rumors circulating within the academy, such as hidden exploits that could be used to easily gain more merit points, the chances of a secret society existing in the game, the creepy sleepwalking habit that the players avatars did when they logged out, and even a rumor about the headmasters potential love interest, among other things. With regard to the hidden exploits to gain more merit points, it was actually something that KuroUsagi discovered after observing Auralises modus operandi. Since she never wanted to do manual labor, the only source of merit points she could gain was to either get someone else to buy what she needed or do material-gathering missions. After all, there were no rules that limited how the mission was done, and someone could do the dirty work for her, whereafter she would turn in the mission to get the reward. As for the rest, it was all information that KuroUsagi pieced together through the narrative and storyline that the game provided so far. Though some were obviously baseless assumptions, such as the headmasters potential love interest, which was completely made up by the players. But, staying true to his word, the fifth topic KuroUsagi discussed was indeed the most shocking of all. KuroUsagi: The last one I uncovered occurred either earlier today or perhaps last night, depending on the time difference between reality and the game world. One thing is certain: within this game, it is, in fact, possible to consume human meat. While I suspect the taste is almost definitely deviating significantly from reality, I strongly advise against attempting this within the game. The level of realism intended by the game developers is uncertain, and such actions could have unforeseen ethical consequences. KuroUsagi: However, this revelation is not without its silver lining. A playerwhose username I wont revealhappened to gain a rare bloodline when she joined the game. It turns out she can enhance her powers by consuming the flesh of formidable humans and magical beasts alike. We still dont know what path the games gonna take, but it definitely wont be disappointing. So, stay tuned for more news! Chapter 118: Where Has the Headmaster Gone? The sky was a blanket of gray clouds, and from time to time it drizzled, which made the present feel like a shadow was looming on the horizon. At this time, a dozen or so players were standing near the mouth of the chasm, scanning for a sign of someone. Even though the person they were looking for, the headmaster, had instructed them to return to the academy, curiosity about where he had gone had gotten the better of them. The last time they saw him was when he disappeared into the mystical wormhole-like tunnel above the bottomless chasm during the assault on the bandit encampment. They thought that perhaps if they waited here, they might trigger some hidden plot or event. Yet, as hours passed with no sign of the headmaster or any significant discovery, their enthusiasm waned. Some players had even started leaving to return to the academy. Among this group of players were Alfred and his party. As the most veteran players in the game, they were the ones who initially proposed waiting here for the return of their headmaster. Prominence suddenly sighed, his shoulders slumping with frustration. This is taking forever Where could our headmaster NPC have gone? No clue, Storm replied with a helpless shrug, similarly dejected. Alfred, with his usual habit of fixing his nonexistent glasses, offered a speculative hypothesis. Considering the games setting and the magic knowledge we have acquired so far, it wouldnt be a stretch to think he might have gone into an independent world or something. Yknow, like those you see in novels. In fact, this had become a rumor circulating among the players, lending credence to the possibility. That would be pretty cool if that were the case, Storm remarked, nodding thoughtfully as his gaze drifted to the bottomless chasm below. One thing to note, though, is that this chasm is truly bottomless. I tossed a few pebbles down, but there wasnt even an echo. Maybe well be able to explore it once we acquire the ability to cast flying magic or something. Nuh-uh, SuperNova interjected, shaking his head. Im not so sure about that. The place is too dark, and we dont know what well find down there; its too risky. Thats true Hey, remember those bandits that got captured and hauled back to the academy? Mike piped up suddenly, having just returned from a short break, likely catching wind of something new on the official website forum. Speaking of which, the task of escorting the captured bandits back was handled by KuroUsagi, Auralise, and the others. Prominence arched an eyebrow. Yeah, what about them? Well, some peeps who are into role-playing decided to strike up a conversation in order to interrogate them, and you wont believe what they found, Mike continued, then paused to add tension to the topic. What? Several of the surrounding players perked their ears on this conversation. Dont leave us hanging. Cmon, spill it. Prominence nudged Mikes elbow. Alright, alright. So, these NPCs responded to them and began spouting strange things. At first, they were begging for mercy, as youd expect, but then the role-players got them talking. Mike narrowed his eyes, his fists tightening slowly. Turns out, they are not just run-of-the-mill bandits like the game makes them out to be. Of course, I dont believe their words in the slightest after what happened with the village. The other players also hardened their expressions over this fact. Clearly, the raid on the village had caused them to hate these bandits very much. Revenge seemed to be the only justified outcome for their crimes. But that aside, they managed to glean some interesting info about the game world from them, Mike emphasized. I must say, the AI they used for those small-time mobs is top-notch. Their dialogue was convincing as hell. Wow, more world-building! I wonder if well get to explore new regions in the next update or two. Thatd be awesome. Definitely. Right now, the gameplay still feels a bit restricted. A bit more freedom would be a game-changer. Storm and Prominence voiced their opinion. With this newfound information, the players were equally abuzz, eagerly scanning their Shadowlink Marks for further updates on the bandits interrogation. As the players were engrossed with that, a small disturbance occurred above the chasm, attracting their attention. Look over there, theres something strange happening! one of the players exclaimed. Lets check it out! This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. As Alfred and the players hurried toward the source of the disturbance, a portal shimmered into existence above the chasm. First, a leg emerged, followed by the rest of their headmasters body. Behind him, a magnificent silvery wolf emerged, carrying what appeared to be captives on her back. Gasps of surprise echoed among the players as they watched the unexpected arrival, anticipation bubbling within them as they eagerly awaited an explanation for their headmasters sudden appearance. *** Victor emerged from the passage connecting the pocket dimension, only to be met with a surprising sight: The players were already gathered on the other side, awaiting his arrival. Furthermore, they all had fanatical gazes that screamed, We have been waiting for your return! Now, give us a hidden mission! It almost felt as if they were his crazed fans who were unwilling to let him go. Ahem. Havent I instructed you acolytes to return to the academy posthaste after clearing the bandit encampment? Victor questioned, asserting his authority as the headmaster. He even let out some mana force to pressure them. My apologies, Sir Astralium, Zero replied, bowing with a hand raised apologetically. It was my suggestion that we wait here for your return. Now that weve ensured everything is in order, we can rest assured. As expected of a consultant, his way of speaking is smooth. I see. Victor had never really explicitly forbidden them from waiting for him, so he found it unnecessary to punish them in any way. Perhaps they were genuinely hoping for a special mission from him. Truly a bunch of dedicated sycophants through and through. With that in mind, Victor opened his mouth to address the players. Well, this is good timing, as I do have a special task to entrust you all with. Please, ask us anything! Prominence was the first to enthusiastically raise his hand. Yes! Even if it means jumping into the bottomless chasm, were up for it! Storm declared boldly while striking a salute. Uh, Im not though. SuperNova slightly shook his head. Hush. Its just a metaphor. Im not really going to jump down there; that would be suicide. Victor was not so petty as to dwell on their impulsive remarks, so he immediately continued with the details of the task. Very well, it seems that youre enthusiastic. Listen carefully; I want you to secure the passage from this place to the academyeliminate any threats you encounter along the way. If you carry out your duties diligently, a handsome reward will await you. Almost all the players gathered here were at the first stage Initiate Attunement; Victor thus had confidence in their abilities, knowing they were more than capable of completing the task. He had already dispatched the mission to the Shadowlink Mark, having prepared it in case a situation like this arose. Yippee, thank you, respected Headmaster! We will execute this mission flawlessly! Thats right. Thats right. Luckily, the two overseers had unexpectedly agreed to allow his players to explore the pocket dimension for their amusement, even lending him a few keys to access it. The keys were different than the artifact fragments and were smaller and had a simpler shape. Of course, there were several restrictions that they strictly imposed on this agreement, which were as follows:
  1. There could only be one group of a maximum of ten individuals with powers below Elemental Adept Magus who could enter the pocket dimension at a time.
  2. Exploration was limited to the outer areas, excluding entry into the mechanical tower.
  3. Any deaths occurring within the pocket dimension would not be the overseers responsibility, and they possessed absolute authority to punish those who violated the aforementioned rules.
Victor found no reason to refuse these conditions and briskly agreed. After all, the players were respawnable entities, and he had little to worry about beyond the potential loss of equipment and some meditation progress. Moreover, the resources within the outer area of the pocket dimension were already plentiful. He felt grateful for the overseers willingness to accommodate his request. The players soon dispersed to carry out their new assigned task. Meanwhile, Victor swiftly returned to the academy with Lumen in tow. The players were so focused on their new mission that they didnt even pause to discuss the captives being carried by his magical mount. Traversing the Thornwood Forest with his current level of power was pretty easy. Despite having a distance of about fifteen kilometers, Victor was able to reach the academy in less than fifteen minutes. This was while waiting for Lumen to catch up to him. The poor beast had to bear the weight of several people on her back. Upon arrival, Victor found the academy bustling with its usual activities, seemingly untouched by recent events. Peace had returned, although the incident had resulted in a significant number of casualties, though it was still not as severe as the arachnid invasion. Overall, exactly twenty-six players had lost their lives, with about twenty more suffering from minor to severe injuriesnothing too alarming. As for the captured mercenaries, Victor had instructed the players to hastily construct a prison. However, before its completion, he temporarily housed the captives in a large room within the Headmasters Building where the players monitored them, along with Lizbeth supervising the situation. There was little else he could do with them for the time being, after all. Similarly, Victor put Jared, Dorian, Elara, and Rowan in a single room on the same floor as his office. They were still unconscious, and likely wouldnt wake up for a few hours. Just in case, however, he put them in chains that Eleanor had specifically crafted. Now, he stood before the imposing double doors to his office. A melancholic feeling emerged in his heart; he had achieved his revenge, his sole reason to have gone this far. He had killed Graviel and sentenced the others to an even worse fate. He had completed the goal that had become the driving force behind his whole operation. Yet, somehow, a profound emptiness gnawed at him from within. Was this what those people seeking revenge felt after they accomplished their lifelong goals? Victor sighed, and he slowly pushed the doors open. As they creaked apart, a sudden movement caught him off guard. A small creature, no bigger than his hand, launched itself toward him like a bullet, latching onto his face like a lice that refused to let go. Master, youre back! A high-pitched voice rang in Victors ears, belonging unmistakably to Lizbeth, the fairy. Umph? Victors voice was muffled by the fairy clinging to his face. Though the situation was absurd, he didnt mind as much and even felt a surge of warmth. With gentle hands, he peeled her away from his face, offering a strained smile. Yeah, Im home. Whatever the case, his life wouldnt changehe would still be the headmaster of this academy and the orchestrator of the fourth natural disaster. Chapter 119 Ripples of Consequence [Volume 2 Epilogue] In the aftermath of Graviels demise, within the shadowy depths of one of Armageddon Cults strongholds, a masked man adorned in a flowing red robe sat in silent meditation. His form was illuminated only by the flickering torchlight, casting shifting shadows that danced across the chambers walls decorated with ominous runes and sigils. As the masked man delved deeper into his meditation, an intangible energy enveloped him, suffusing his being with strength beyond comprehension. Yet, just as he began to revel in the empowering surge, a sudden jolt disrupted the tranquility. With a gasp, he convulsed, coughing up a mouthful of blood that stained the stone floor beneath him. The rupture of a blood contract sent shockwaves through his body, severing a connection that bound him. Frowning, he slowly rose to his feet and stated, That pawn, Graviel, is dead. Who dared go against the Armageddon Cult? In a flash of negative energy, a strange creature materialized before him, its form twisted and otherworldly. It resembled a beholder, its pink, meatball-like body adorned with numerous eyes of varying sizes, each glinting with unnatural intelligence. Whats your question, arcane seeker? asked the strange creature in a menacing voice. The masked man narrowed his eyes. Tell me, he demanded, how did he die? The creature''s central eye fixed upon him and began to glow. Killed by an unknown Elemental Adept Magus, answered the creature. Location? The Luminous Kingdom, somewhere inside the Thornwood Forest. Interesting. A slow smile spread across the masked mans lips as he went into deep thought. The Thornwood Forest was a secluded place within the Luminous Kingdom, and not many magicians ventured there. This meant that Graviel likely had found the inheritance of a Magus and didnt report it to the Cult. For Graviel to go against him, one of the executives under the Harbingers of Doom, meant that the inheritance he found was of very high quality. The masked man pondered the situation. He could have expended more energy to inquire over additional information about the circumstances surrounding his pawns demise, and the inheritance alone provided sufficient incentive to do so. Still, in a kingdom as vast as the Luminous Kingdom, searching for a single individual would consume precious resources and risk exposing the Cults movements to unwanted attention. Moreover, he couldnt make a move right now because of the old, hidden injuries in his body. What a setback, he muttered grimly. No matter, though. There are still many others like him in the Luminous Kingdom. Besides, all the other executives of the Cult have yet to reveal their hands. We can afford to proceed slowly. Of course, he harbored no intentions of letting the assailant who had killed his pawn go unpunished. The debt would have to be repaid tenfold. Plus, if the inheritance was useful, he could present it to the Cult. Thus, he sent a magic transmission to his underlings to prepare a ritual to summon forth a low-level champion of the outer goda formidable entity capable of devouring its prey and absorbing its power. It should be more than enough to take care of a middling Elemental Adept Magus. Though it would take time for the champion to arrive, it would spell doom for the ignorant fool who dared to cross the Armageddon Cult. Foolish ignoramus. You will pay dearly for daring to challenge the might of the Cult, and killing one of my pawns. And with that, he sank back into meditation. *** Elara slowly regained consciousnessher mind shrouded in a dense fog of confusion and disorientation. The last thing she remembered was the trials inside the mechanical tower, though her memories of the second trial were gone, as if it had never been there. As her senses gradually sharpened, she became aware of her surroundings; it was a dimly lit room with unfamiliar walls closing in around her. Panic bubbled within her chest as she realized she was bound and restrained with some kind of spell and chains alongside her companions, her limbs feeling heavy and immobile. Blinking groggily, her heart sank as she realized the gravity of their situation. Where where are we? she murmured, her voice trembling. She began to notice a chilling sensation coursing through her body, sending shivers down her spine. It felt as though she had been encased in ice before being thawed. Without her strong constitution, the effects would have been far worse than mere shivering. Jared, Dorian, and Rowan stirred beside her as they too began to awaken from their enforced slumber. Dorian was the first to fully rouse and muttered with furrowed brows, Whats going on? I dont know Elara replied. Does anyone remember anything after we entered the second chamber? Sorry, no. Dorian shook his head. Of course not! Jared shouted in frustration. Shit, why am I chained?! It appeared that none of them remembered anything after entering the second chamber of trials. Any recollection of the events was fragmented and a blur at best. Though Elara couldnt shake the feeling that something had gone terribly wrong, that they had been caught in the midst of a disagreement or a scuffle before losing consciousness. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Wheres Sir Graviel? What the heck actually happened?! Jared attempted to break free from his restraints, but to no avail. Even his attempts to cast magic failed, leaving him feeling powerless and trapped. The realization struck them like a thunderboltthey could not use their magic power, rendering them helpless to escape from this place. And to compound their distress, their leader, Graviel, was nowhere to be found. As if the situation couldnt get any worse, they discovered that all of their belongings had been stolen. It was one of the worst situations imaginable. Rowan, who had been silent, smirked in disdain. Stupid. You three are beyond help. Whats that, you lowly dog?! Jared lunged forward, about to give Rowan a lesson, only to be abruptly halted by the unyielding chains that bound him. Ugh! Dammit! Why are you still alive? Rowan didnt answer, instead mocking him with a smirk, fueling Jareds anger further. Calm down, you two. It seems that weve been captured, Elara replied grimly, her eyes darting around the room in search of an escape route. But by who? Before anyone could offer an answer, the door creaked open, revealing the figure of the person they least expected. Elaras heart skipped a beat as a surge of fear coursed through her veins. The person in question had striking blue hair and a sharp, handsome face, wearing a stylish acolyte robe. At first glance, he was quite an ordinary magician. However, it was none other than Victorthe one that they had assassinated for his artifact fragment! Victor approached them with an air of authority, his stature a total contrast from the figure they had once known. Welcome back, my dear comrades, he greeted with a smile that was certainly masking his true expression. V-Victor! Youre still alive?! Elara was speechless. The others were not much better, as they could barely utter a few words of disbelief. This was beyond their wildest imagination, but it also connected all the dots. Every strange incident happening all the way from the village to the pocket dimension was finally explained, with the culprit being the young man before them. Unmistakably, they had countless questions swirling inside their heads, but it was futile to ask at this point. So, you were the one who destroyed that mechanical beast Rowan murmured, appearing to have resigned to his fate. The mechanical beast? Everyone here knew well that they were no match against the mechanical beast in the first chamber. For Victor, who had been no stronger than they were, to do such a feat meant that he must have grown much stronger, which also meant that they were at his mercy. This realization brought despair to everyone present. On top of that, Elara noticed a strange mana fluctuation coming from him, so she meekly asked, Victor, have you advanced to Elemental Adept rank? But thats impossible Take a guess. Victors way of speaking confirmed their doubt. What do you want from us? Jared demanded, still unwilling to accept the reality. Victor merely smirked and took a step closer. Simple. I want your loyalty, he replied. Even though his tone was calm, it sent a chill down Elaras spine. Her gut was telling her to flee as far as possible, yet the chain and magic seal didnt allow her to do so. Ptui. You want our loyalty? Keep dreaming! Jared snickered in disdain. Victor, give up. We wont be your dogs, Dorian advised, trying to assert dominance. Release us, return our belongings, and we can swear a magic oath never to return. Let bygones be bygones. Elara nodded and, through gritted teeth, said, Letting us go is your best option. You dont want our families to Are you threatening me? Victor shot a malicious glare at her, sending a wave of fear through her trembling body. Pfft, after all youve done to me, now you want to let the past slide? Victor raised an eyebrow as though looking at a bunch of fools. I never said that I need your consent. What? Elara and the other acolytes couldnt believe their ears. Whatever he was trying to do, it was definitely not going to be good for them. You, dont come ne! Agh! Without allowing him a moment to protest further, Victors hand seized Jareds with an ironclad grip, and he started to chant an incantation. Crimson tendrils of shimmering energy coiled around Jareds skull, penetrating his mind. Despite Jareds best attempts to resist, his struggle soon waned, leaving only vacant eyes staring blankly ahead. As Victor released his grip, Jared stayed motionless for a moment before quickly kneeling before hima polar opposite of his former self. Please, give me an order, Master. The sight was chilling. Jared, the most unbridled and disdainful of Victor, now reduced to a mere puppet under his control. Watching all this transpire froze Elara in sheer horror. The spell that Victor used was none other than the forbidden mind-controlling spell. And now, she was soon to be turned into a mindless puppet as well. The Victor she once knew would never dare to do this; he would not be this terrifying. This man was completely different from the Victor she knew. What happened in the last couple of months? What had become of him? These questions haunted Elara as she was consumed in despair. One by one, those around Elara were transformed into mindless puppets. They willingly kneeled in front of him like loyal servants ready to carry out his every command. Finally, Victor turned toward her and pointed at her coldly, saying, You are the last. Elara closed her eyes. She couldnt deny the wrongs she had committed, forsaking the friendship that had been built over years, all for the sake of her family and her own selfish ambition. Pursuing the truth and uncovering the secrets of the universe was the dream of all Magi, but now, faced with this hopeless predicament, she felt that all of this had been for nothing. Elara had prepared herself for the inevitable, but to her surprise, Victor spoke again. For you, I will let you retain your emotions and thoughts. Be grateful. It didnt give her much relief; in fact, this could be even worse. She trembled, her teeth chatteringto be a conscious vessel under Victors control was a fate worse than becoming a mindless puppet. Not being able to do anything according to her will would be like a living prison. A fate worse than death! No! Dont worry, you will be well-liked by the players as an important NPC. Haha, Victor assured, quickly gripping her face just like he did to the others. Elara had no chance to question his words before she felt a wave of dizziness, and her mind clouded with confusion. Although her face was full of despair, she tried to resist and cling to her sense of self but it was futile. She felt her will erode bit by bit until she could no longer resist, until there was nothing left but subservience. This was her new life. Prologue [Volume 3] Somewhere in the astral space, in a desolate realm known as the Bone Plane, lay a region of eternal gloom known as the Skeletal Graveyard. Death permeated every corner of this dark land, and the air was thick with the scent of decay. Not a single living being dared to tread upon this cursed land, for only the unliving roamed its desolate expanse condemned to wander for eternity without rest. Amidst the bleak landscape stood a towering castle, its walls constructed from the bleached bones of the fallen and the black stone of the abyss. Within the confines of this macabre fortress resided a powerful being known as the Undead Princess. She was a Ghost Necromancer, who possessed a dark and insidious power, capable of bending the very fabric of death to her will. Her name instilled fear throughout the Bone Plane and brought fear to those who heard, but she was actually With a sinister glint in her eyes, the Ghost Necromancer surveyed her surroundings. Contrary to popular belief, she bore the appearance of an ordinary young girl, albeit with bluish skin, bluish-green hair, red eyes, and a pair of demonic horns protruding from her temples. If she was not a spirit, she could have been mistaken for a draconic demi-human or something along the line. In her hands, she held a thick tome adorned with strange symbols and ancient words. However, in fact, this was not a tome that contained forbidden spells; it was a recipe book from the human world. Lets see, lets see. What do we have here? she murmured to herself as she flipped through the weathered pages of her tome. Shadowroot Mushroom, bone dust, blood of the damned, high-quality rotten meat, and Violet Mystic Flower. Where the heck am I supposed to get a Violet Mystic Flower in the Bone Plane? She scratched her head, pondering the dilemma. The whole Bone Plane was almost devoid of life, and any living plants would have been tainted by Necro or Umbra attributes. Violet Mystic Flowers were definitely not something that could be found even if she turned the whole plane upside down. Alistar. Emerging from the shadows was a Death Knight, a towering figure clad in full obsidian armor that seemed to suck in the very light around it. Towering and imposing, the skeletal knight bore a massive two-handed sword strapped to its back, and a hair-raising power was hidden within its empty eye sockets. Despite being a mere skeleton, its prowess was not to be underestimated; it could dispatch Rank 1 extraordinaries like killing a chicken. In Maguss terms, Rank 1 extraordinaries were equivalent to Elemental Adept Magi. In response to her masters call, it chomped its teeth, as if attempting to convey a message. What? Have we exhausted all possible substitutes as well? Her features unnaturally elongated toward the Death Knight in an otherworldly display of curiosity. In a bizarre twist, her visage seemed to warp and melt before reforming into its usual form. Ah, but of course! We still could use a Death Flower as a substitute. Death Flowers were native plants to the Bone Plane and thrived in the Skeletal Graveyard where it was rich in negative energy. However, one should not underestimate its deadly potency. Rumors had it that a single Death Flower was so lethal that it could kill even a dragon. Using it as an ingredient for a dish was the most audacious proposal to happen, but not so much for this Princess of the Dead. Fetch me all the listed ingredients, my loyal servants! she commanded, her voice transmitting through the whole castle. In response, a motley crew of skeletons, zombies, and other spectral beings shambled forth to carry out her command. Soon the ingredients were gathered, and she proceeded to the kitchen, where she lit a fire under the large cauldron she preferred to use. One by one, she added each ingredient to the bubbling brew, each new item increasing the chaotic roiling chaos inside the oversized pot. Each addition changed the once-clear liquid, morphing into a watery, bile-like liquid, then a sludgy goo reminiscent of tar, before finally becoming a thick honey-like syrup with a foreboding shade of brownish-red. Apparently pleased with each volatile reaction, she laughed out loud as she conjured an oar-like paddle to stir the contents of the cauldron, like some fairytale witch lovingly making a poisoned apple for a problematic princess. And lastly, the pice de rsistance. She smiled, plucking a pitch-black flower offered by a partially corroded skeleton at her side. She then pinched a petal of the flower and dropped it into the seething brew. Whoosh! A cloud of black smoke billowed forth, enveloping the room in a choking haze. Even the ethereal form of the Ghost Necromancer was not immune to the coughing fit that ensued until the smoke dissipated. Waving away the remnants of the noxious fog, she looked at the cauldron with a mixture of disgust and anticipation. Cough. What a terrible poison, but look at this What had once been a clear liquid now resembled a viscous black sludge that would scare any beings away from it, as its stench alone was enough to poison any mortals to death. Yuck. But appearances can be deceiving. Who knows, the taste may be a whole lot different.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Servants, prepare the tableware! But wait, allow me to handle this, as Ill let you join me for this feast. Hearing their masters words, a shudder ran through the assembled undead. The skeletons'' bones rattled in their sockets, while the zombies emitted shaky moans. As for the specters, they had disappeared to who knows where. If they could express themselves, they would surely plead, No, spare us! Even the Death Knights bones were clattering as though showing their fear. What? Are you unwilling? The Undead Princesss incorporeal form was wracked with spasms a terrifying surge of power emanated from her. Yet as quickly as it came, the aura dissipated, leaving her form unaltered. Fear not! I am the cook, after all. My cooking skill in this whole plane is second to none. Unbeknownst to her, even if she had superb cooking skills, with the ingredients available in the Bone Plane, the best she could cook up was a sludge capable of poisoning anything it touched. With a flick of her hand, spectral hands set the tableware and prepared the dish. Obviously, these undead creatures lacked both the ability and inclination for proper table manners. Now, partake. She gestured toward the steaming bowls before them. Unable to refuse her will, the undead creatures looked at their food, their movements stiff and mechanical as they obediently dipped their heads toward the soup. How is it? Delicious, right? As she asked that, all the undead who drank the soup began tremoring. However, the result was somewhat as she had expected. The zombies convulsed violently as their insides were hollowed out by the corrosive liquid, their decaying forms collapsing in a grotesque heap as the foul soup spilled forth from their ruptured stomachs. Meanwhile, the skeletons were luckier, as the soup seeped through their nonexistent stomach and spilled on the floor, eroding the stony floor beneath and releasing a deadly gas into the air. Hmm, is it that horrible? She lifted a spoonful of the repugnant stew to her lips. In an instant, she spat it out on the zombie beside her, causing its flesh to melt away in a horrifying display. Blergh! It tastes like rotten swamp water mixed with the stench of decay! How utterly revolting! She protruded her tongue as if trying to erase the remaining taste. What a catastrophe she mumbled with frustration. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she dispelled the remnants of the foul soup before slumping onto the table like someone who had lost all hope. How many times does this make? Ten thousand five hundred and thirty-two? In truth, not once had the dish been even remotely edible; almost every ingredient in the recipe book simply did not exist in the Bone Plane. Thinking about that made her hurl the recipe book at the wall. The undead creatures stared at her in confusion. Although undead creatures were typically unintelligent and didnt have any emotion, these ones had been accompanying her for a long time, to the point that they were influenced by her strong mana fluctuation and had developed some level of intelligence. Thats it! Its not my cooking skill thats horrible, its the ingredients fault! She flew into the air, regaining her spirit. You know that its not my fault, right? Right? She turned to the nearest skeleton, awaiting its affirmation. The skeleton in question opened and closed its jaw, seemingly confused. What she could hear was a clunking noise of its bones grinding against each other. I take that as a yes. Alistar, have the materials been gathered? she inquired, turning her attention to the towering Death Knight at her side. With a silent nod, Alistar conveyed that all the necessary components had indeed been procured. Knowing that, the Undead Princess was pleased. For millennia, she had scoured the vast expanse of the Bone Plane in search of the original space crack where she had first been imprisoned in this plane. Naturally, in that long span of time, she had considered constructing a nexus gate a gate that was capable of bridging the gap between worlds but without knowing the coordinates, it would be next to impossible to utilize. Nevertheless, when she did manage to locate the crack, it was so unstable that even though she was one of the strongest existences in this world, and none dared to question her rule for at least three thousand years back, she could still be killed if she was not careful. That was why she had been scouring the entire plane for the materials needed to stabilize the crack and sent her army. Then, what are we waiting for? Set everything up! she declared before disappearing into the air to prepare everything. The undead creature nodded, its movements jerky and disjointed, before shuffling off to carry out its master''s bidding with unwavering obedience. *** The Ghost Necromancer stood before the unstable space crack with her eyes gleaming with determination. After millennia of banishment, now was the time to return to her homeland those who had betrayed her must have perished from the passage of time by now. With meticulous precision, she constructed the gate to stabilize the crack. Dark energy swirled around her, weaving together intricate runes and arcane sigils. The air crackled as the gate took shape before her, solidifying with each passing moment. As the gate neared completion, she issued a command. Begin with the activation. In response, her loyal undead minions placed countless mana crystals, strange stones, and treasures before the gate. Each of the treasures shimmered as they became the fuel for the gate to stabilize the crack and open the path to her long-awaited homecoming. With a surge of otherworldly energy, the gate hummed to life. The once chaotic surface now began to stabilize as a passageway opened up. Although one couldnt see clearly what was on the other side, it was undoubtedly a stark contrast to the desolate lands abounded with death energy. Advance! she commanded, her voice echoing with authority as she flew into the opened portal inside the gate, followed by her underlings numbering more than tens of thousands. This time, she would make the most delicious dishes ever created. To add to that, it was time for her to reclaim what was rightfully hers in her homeland the world of Seraphia. Chapter 120: The First-ever Auction in the Game It was 7:30 in the morning in Seraphia time, which was when the Magus Academy Online was beginning to become busy. Especially near the Headmasters Building, which was crowded with players logging in and getting ready to embark on missions and earn their daily dose of merit points. Although only three and a half days had passed since the conclusion of the event, the total number of players had regained its former peak. Among them was Sean, who had just logged back into the game, ready to plan his course of action for the day. It just so happened that today all the members of the temporary party had decided to join him in his endeavors, much to the lack of his agreement. But as he was about to make his way toward the rendezvous location, a voice called out to him, halting his steps. Huh? If it isnt the famous KuroUsagi, said a blonde-haired female player, appearing to be in her late teens. Behind her stood almost a dozen players, forming her entourage, which seemed to grow larger each day. So, what do you think about Thank you for the offer as always, Miss Auralise. Unfortunately, I have to refuse this time as well, KuroUsagi interjected while shaking his head. But you havent heard what I have to offer She looked slightly disappointed, as evidenced by her frozen pointing posture, but she attempted to persuade him regardless. However, KuroUsagi remained steadfast in his refusal, declining her offer politely. Auralise had been persistent in trying her hardest to recruit him into her group ever since the footage of him surviving and eradicating a group of bandits leaked out on the official website forum. In fact, she had once tried to do the same way back when they both joined the game, but he had refused her back then. Now, with his worth known to her, she was even more determined to bring him into her fold. One of her followers suddenly stepped forward to curry favor by assisting her. Come on, dude, join us. We can use your expertise, and together, we will dominate this game. In the future, it will explode in popularity, and well be the forerunners. Mm-hmm! The pays also amazing. Not gonna lie, its way better than flipping burgers at a fast-food joint, added someone. Whoa, youre a wage cuck? another member of the group teased, eliciting a chuckle from the others. Shut up, you. He glared at the teasing comrade. Smiling, Auralise used that momentum to sweeten the deal. You heard them. For you personally, Ill even appoint you as a director in my company. Your salary will easily surpass a million dollars per year. With a flick of a finger, a player, who KuroUsagi couldnt determine their gender, came to her side and bowed respectfully. Indeed, milady never goes back on her word, chimed Dominique Auralises most loyal servant. There you have it, Auralise concluded with a confident smile. KuroUsagi was momentarily at a loss for words at this gesture. On the one hand, it was indeed a lavish offer; anyone in their right mind would agree without a second thought. In truth, he would be lying to say that he was not tempted. On the other hand If it isnt the little wimp. I see that youre still as shameless as ever, tricking people for your benefit. All of a sudden, a disdainful voice interrupted, and a red towering figure emerged behind KuroUsagi, accompanied by three others. They were his party members: ButterflyWingsAreDelicious, ChickenSmackdown_MaxLevel, DigitalMagicianPatrick, and LunaticScarlet. You! Mind your own business. Auralise huffed. KuroUsagi and I are discussing important matters here. I go wherever I go. And as the leader of our party, do you think hed fall for your petty tricks and abandon his comrades? Butterfly crackled her fingers as she stood before Auralise, looking like David facing Goliath. If you dare tempt him again, then dont blame me for getting physical with you, she threatened. As expected of a brute, always resorting to physical violence. Auralise crossed her arms. Perhaps you should learn some manners. Oh, are you scared? Butterfly smirked, clearly taunting her. Auralise sneered. Me, scared? Pfft. Invisible electric sparks seemed to clash between the two of them as they glared at each other, neither willing to back down. At times, one could hear the harrumphing sound being exchanged between the two. Truthfully, they were both acting like grade school children. Um KuroUsagi, the guy being fought over, was unsure how to respond. Opting for silence, he avoided becoming embroiled in their conflict, knowing that intervening would only put him in the crossfire. The same could be said for Auralises entourage and the rest of his party members.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Dude, this is why I said those two together are trouble. We should get out of here before they target us, Chicken whispered urgently to KuroUsagi as he motioned to leave. But whether his whisper was simply too loud or the other players, being true acolytes, just had better hearing, both Auralise and Butterfly quickly turned their attention toward them, their expressions anything but friendly. Shut the hell up! Without warning, the both of them lunged at Chicken and delivered a swift punch to his head, sending the real-life MMA fighter crashing to the ground. Auralise aside, KuroUsagi noted that despite Chickens expertise in fighting, Butterflys superior physique and speed proved too much to handle. It could be said that Chicken was lucky that the blow wasnt life-threatening, sparing him from having to endure a resurrection cooldown again. While the two continued their heated argument, drawing the attention of surrounding players, the headmaster emerged from the building and approached their location. Coming to a halt, he spoke in a sonorous voice that carried across the academy grounds. The bandits have been subdued, and their spoils have been sorted out. Now that you acolytes have all rested and gathered, its time to distribute the loot. Because some items hold a significant value that exceeds a certain point, there will be an auction to give you a chance to obtain special, limited items and ensure fairness and opportunity for all. When the players heard the words of the headmaster NPC, they immediately surrounded him with bright eyes. Spoils! Merit points! Special, limited items! There were also favorability and amity points! Without waiting for the players around to utter a single word, the headmaster beckoned at them majestically to follow him. Without further ado, let us proceed to the auditorium. Quick! To the auditorium! someone exclaimed, quickly rushing ahead. The special item is mine! Anyone who tries to snatch it will face my wrath! A player with red hair laughed manically. Stupid! This is an auction; the highest bidder gets the prize. How dare you covet my item! Prepare to face my fury!! The red-haired player seized the guy who just explained the rule by his collar. Shit, I was just explaining! There were also some strange incidents happening between two guys like this one: Hey, whos pushing me on the butt? Dont push, especially there! Who would want to touch your flat ass, dude? Its you again! Amidst the chaos of the overly hyped players vying for limited weapons and equipment, all the players in the academy rushed to the grand auditorium. Even the two female players locked in a face-off cared not about their conflict, quickly joining the fray in a frenzied rush. Having recovered from the punches on his head, Chicken grabbed KuroUsagis shoulder and the rest of the party members, hurrying them along. As they arrived at the auditorium, they were greeted by the sight of two wooden boxes piled high with spoils, accompanied by a fairy assisting the headmaster it was none other than Lizbeth the assistant fairy. This auction was something that they had anticipated for days, and it was definitely going to be awesome. *** Victor gazed at the influx of players pouring into the auditorium with a satisfied smile. He had waited for several days before finally tallying up the total merit points as well as commencing this auction. The delay had been necessary due to some adjustments in regard to new NPCs that he would add, but that was inconsequential for the moment. Activating his Master Shadowlink Mark, Victor assessed the current status of the academy while waiting for the players to properly settle in. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 690 Academy Grade: Level 2 Total Acolytes: 198/250 Progression Value: 210/250 While the progression value points remained stagnant in the past few days, the completion of one dormitory and the reinforcement of a wall were sure to meet the quota soon. Plus, based on the steadily increasing number of acolytes, he expected that leveling the academy could be achieved in less than a week. Returning his attention to the players, Victor strode to the podium and began distributing merit points gained from the more mundane loot, allocating them based on each players contribution recorded by their Shadowlink Marks. On average, each player received around one hundred points. The merit points earned from defeating bandits and completing missions had been given days ago. As such, players should have the highest amount of merit points right now. It was time to squeeze them dry of them then. Satisfied with his cleverness that seemed to know no bounds, Victor noticed Lizbeth, who was here to help him, was suppressing her urge to criticize him. How typical of her. That said, he proceeded to explain the rules of the auction. The bidding method was pretty straightforward, similar to the ones in real life. First, he would estimate a starting price and allocate a maximum of two minutes for each item. Interested players could then bid on the price in succession. In principle, the price increase would not be less than one merit point each time, until no one increased the price again or the time limit was reached. This was so that the players wouldnt play around and waste his time. Then, if an item remained unsold due to lack of bids, it would be recycled by the academy at a discount of the starting price, then repriced and sold in the smithy or a general store that he planned to open in the next update with the introduction of currency. Last but not least, malicious bidding would be met with punishment: a 25 percent deduction from the quoted price. Recurring offenses could lead to exclusion from future auctions or even expulsion, resulting in a loss of qualification for the game. All merit points generated by the auction (excluding items not part of the loot) would undergo a 10 percent deduction as tax, with the remainder added to the total post-war income and shared among all participating players based on their contributions. Reaching for one of the boxes stacked with spoils, Victor picked up a longsword and started doing the work that an NPC should do to appraise the equipment. This, he began, holding up the longsword for all to see, is a high-quality longsword. While its design may be somewhat conventional, its durability and sharpness should not be underestimated. It can slice through leather armor like a hot knife through butter. Running his fingers along the blade to the hilt, Victor continued, Now we begin the bidding. The starting price is seventy-five merit points, and the bidding time limit is two minutes. If you are interested, please raise your hand and bid. Chapter 121: These Items are All Mine! As soon as his voice fell, someone raised their hands. Seventy-five merit points! I bid one hundred merit points! The sword is mine! Shit! One hundred and one! Damn trolls! Ill pay 120 merit points! One hundred and twenty-one! &*%$#@! The bidding war persisted relentlessly until it soared to an astonishing two hundred merit points. Such a sum for what appeared to be a rather mundane piece of equipment. It exceeded the price for a similar weapon of higher quality sold in the smithy. Yet, it was no secret that the workshops output was quite low because there was only one blacksmith, and Eleanor was oftentimes preoccupied with crafting magic tools under his order, making new weapons available for purchase small in quantity and far in between. For this occasion, Victor had taken out a gavel that he found inside a drawer in the Headmasters Office just to make this look legitimate. Sold to EclipseKnight for two hundred merit points, Victor declared, punctuating his announcement with three firm knocks of the gavel. Turning to Lizbeth, he instructed, My assistant, please see to it that the longsword is delivered to the winning bidder. Me? Lizbeths eyes widened in surprise. Fine. Naturally, she didnt attempt to carry the longsword with her tiny fairy hands; such a sight would have been rather comical given the vast difference in size. Instead, she used a telekinetic magic that she was somehow able to manifest not too long ago, which coincided with the increased development and the level-up of the academy. Here you go. Lizbeth passed the longsword to a black-haired player of average stature Eclipse Knight. Thank you, Miss Fairy! He accepted the weapon amidst the envious stares of those surrounding players. Moving on, Victor retrieved a second item a mace. This time, it was a special weapon, as it belonged to one of the mercenaries squad leaders, Rylan. The design was exquisite, featuring a signature minotaurs head carving, and the craftsmanship bespoke the work of a fine blacksmith. It was definitely a custom-made weapon. This is a steel mace. His previous owner a prominent figure among the bandits, Rylan. Though he may have been on the wrong side of the law and has done evil all his life, his weapon is innocent. Also, theres a minotaurs head engraved on the hilt, making it a piece of weapon to behold, Victor announced, showcasing the weapon to the players as they looked at it in awe. For the starting price, it will be 250 merit points Five hundred merit points! ? Victor was momentarily taken aback. Five hundred merit points right off the bat for an ornate mace it was utter absurdity. After all, Eleanor should have been capable of crafting a custom-made mace of similar quality and ornate design at a fraction of the cost. Curiosity piqued, Victor searched for the person who made the bid and discovered that it was Auralise. That crazy rich woman Suddenly, there was another voice coming from the crowd. Six hundred. You! Auralises eyes narrowed at the new bidder, having seemed to know who it was. Indeed, the perpetrator was the sole Bloodline Magus in the academy, Butterfly. Taking up on the challenge, Auralise upped the ante. I bid 750 merit points. Eight hundred, Butterfly countered, a mocking smirk playing on her lips. The other players remained silent, daring not to join the bidding war. Or perhaps they were just afraid of the retaliation of the two female players. Refusing to yield, Auralise clenched her jaw and escalated the bid once more: One thousand merit points! Holy shit! Thats one thousand merit points! These gals are crazy. We could get a spell model with that amount; theres not much reason to spend it on a mace The murmurs rippled through the crowd as the bidding reached unprecedented heights. It couldnt be overlooked that the price of a single Aleph-tier spell model was one thousand merit points, making it rather imprudent to expend such a sum on such an ordinary weapon. At the current stage of the game, most players would have one or two spell models at the maximum. Maybe he should have set a maximum price for every item, but that wouldnt be fun. Well, Auralise was loaded anyway, and Victor wasnt so worried.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Despite that, Victor smelled a conspiracy behind this. The mace in question was the very one wielded by the bandit who had clashed with KuroUsagi and Butterflys group. Thus, it was very likely that she must have recognized it. In this case, the one thousand merit points taken from Auralises account should naturally go to her and the participants of that battle. What a cunning move, Victor thought. It was highly probable that it was something that KuroUsagi considered and conveyed to his party members. Of course, since Victor was the one who retrieved the mace, a significant portion would come back to him. Anyway, this could be regarded as robbing the rich and helping the poor. Seeing that no one else dared to raise the bet, Victor brought down his gavel with three resolute knocks and announced, Sold to MissRichLadyAuralise for one thousand merit points. My assistant, Ill let you do the honor. Yeah, yeah. Lizbeth seized the mace with her telekinetic magic and passed it to Auralise. Auralise shot a mocking glance toward Butterfly, as though claiming victory in their betting duel. But Butterfly wasnt provoked, confirming Victors earlier assumption. After that, the auction continued at a very fast pace. The remaining bits and pieces were priced similarly to the initial longsword, around fifty merit points each to start. There were approximately seventy weapons and pieces of equipment up for bidding, and astonishingly, they were all sold within two hours, with Auralise and her group buying almost half of them, which incited everyones displeasure. Because of this, only twelve pieces that were borderline useless were unsold, and the total amount of merit points ended up being a staggering 11,120. These unsold pieces would be put on the new store in the update so that they could be sold later at a much lower price. Nevertheless, there was still one final left for sale, and Victor had intentionally saved it for the last. This pair of dual swords belonged to the notorious bandit boss, Connor. While he was by no means a good guy like Rylan, I have to admit that his weapon is pretty good. These dual swords have seen countless battles, carving a name for him until he reached his past status, lied Victor through his teeth. Furthermore, it has skull engravings on both of the hilts and even his name on it. Truly an item worth collecting. Then, some players made a joke about the dual swords just as he mentioned that. Damn, we could be like Kirito if we wield dual swords like that. Heck, I may unlock a secret skill like the Starburst Stream. What Kirito? Their slightly curved blades made them look more like the cutlasses used by pirates. Hush, you weebs should take your conversation elsewhere. Really now? These players didnt give him the chance to finish this weapons fabricated story. Though it would definitely fetch a sky-high price due to its intrinsic value which was his true intent all along for doing this. Ahem, you need to know that using two swords at the same time would be quite difficult unless youre ambidextrous. Its starting price is four hundred merit points, and you may start the bidding n One thousand merit points! Auralises voice cut through the air. She again? Victor secretly creased his eyebrows. The players around who were ready to call out their prices all cursed loudly. Fuck! Not her again! Shes too damn loaded! As the players were hesitating to challenge Auralises bid, a surprising contender stepped forward. Surprisingly, it wasnt Auralises anticipated rival, Butterfly, as Victor had initially expected, but rather a player with light brown hair and fair complexion Storm. Twelve hundred merit points! Storm declared confidently. One must know that the game had been open for more than a month, and the first batch of players like him had accrued thousands of merit points in their Shadowlink Marks. He must have thought that this was a good opportunity to use it. One thousand and four hundred merit points, Auralise responded. Miss Auralise, please, I really need this weapon, Storm appealed to her before raising his bid. Fifteen hundred merit points! Victor was unsure of Storms intentions. Was he aiming to add the weapon to his collection, or did he have plans to use it in battle? Whatever the case, this was a weapon with a name, and its value would only appreciate over time. Additionally, it was of sufficient quality to be reforged into a magic weapon, although he hadnt broached that possibility with the players yet Could it be thats his real intention? Very well, I can concede this one, Auralise agreed, a crafty smile plastered on her face. But in exchange, how about collaborating on future dungeon explorations with me and my group? Or you can provide information alternatively. Certainly. We can discuss the details later. Storm nodded in affirmation. Having bid for almost half of the items, Victor suspected that Auralises merit points reserve was running low anyway, hence she must be thinking of seizing this as an opportunity of making a connection. A businesswoman through and through. Any other bidders? Victor inquired, scanning the crowd. There were some players who were contemplating to bid but ultimately refrained, as they seemed to be in a tacit understanding. Without further delay, Victor proceeded with the auction. Going once, going twice Sold to Storm Bringer for 1,500 merit points. As usual, my assistant, if you please. Kay. Lizbeth lifted the dual swords with her magic and gave them to Storm, who then thanked her with glee. With the sale of the weapon, the total accumulated merit points reached 12,620. After deducting the 10 percent transaction tax and the hidden recovery fee for certain items, the final amount tallied to 10,100 merit points. Not bad at all. Unfortunately, Rowans axes werent recoverable. But even if they were, Victor wouldnt have included them in the auction because the players never encountered the real leader of the mercenaries. Besides, he had turned Rowan into a mindless NPC, so taking his weapon for sale would be like putting a cart before the horse. Still, the auction was far from over. Victor had yet to unveil the main attraction additional items that would steal the spotlight. Taking out a red vial from his interspatial ring, Victor announced to the crowd, This is a health potion, and it is used to heal injuries that you may sustain in battle. Theres only five available of this type of potion in the auction. The starting price is five hundred merit points. You can bid for it if you find this useful. Chapter 122: Just Like a Puppet on a String The last sentence was undoubtedly redundant. There was no way that players wouldnt find these potions useful. Even though they were basically immortal and could resurrect endlessly, they would want to minimize death as much as possible, though only wealthy players would consider purchasing them. Newbie players were better off saving up for spell models first before dreaming of getting a health potion. What was the use of a potion if you yourself couldnt even cast a spell? Seven hundred and fifty! a voice rang out amidst the crowd. Victor recognized the voice immediately; it was neither Auralise nor anyone else who had participated in the bidding so far it was Aphrodite. Despite seldom being seen on the frontline, his contributions to the battle against the bandits couldnt be underestimated. Besides the flammable liquid, he helped a lot in crafting various makeshift weapons for newbie players. Due to that, he became one of the wealthiest players in the academy. Perhaps his background as a chemist piqued his interest in the potions contents. Several other players engaged in a bidding war with Aphrodite. It wasnt until the price reached nine hundred merit points that no one dared to bid further. Sold to Aphrodite for nine hundred merit points, Victor declared, concluding the bidding war with three resolute knocks of the gavel. However, the law of supply and demand dictated the potions value; with limited availability, the price was bound to soar. The subsequent four potions sold for similar prices, ranging from as low as 750 merit points to as high as 900 merit points. The buyers were as expected: They were rich veteran players who had been part of the game almost from day one. Next on the line, Victor put up various other potions for auction, including strength potions and haste potions, totaling fifteen in all. Unsurprisingly, the players eagerly snapped up each potion at prices similar to those of the health potion, making the total merit points gained on the potion sell to 15,450. Even in small quantities, potions were worth much more than the equipment used by the mercenaries. By the way, these potions naturally originated from Victors former comrades belongings (mostly Graviel). There were actually other magic items worth auctioning, but Victor deemed them more useful for himself and opted to keep them. Once the academy had developed more and was capable of producing this stuff or when Victor reached the stage where he wouldnt need it any longer, it would be up for sale for the players. With the conclusion of the potion auction, the event finally drew to a close. Alright then. Acolytes of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi, you have successfully brought justice and defended those in need. I salute you for your efforts and dedication. Victor assumed a salute pose that commanded the rapt attention of all present. After a moments pause, he continued, The auction is now concluded. I do hope that all of you will continue to dedicate yourself to righteousness and the defeat of evil, as you did with the bandits. You may now return to your usual activities. Victor clapped his hands and drove the players out of the auditorium to resume their daily routines, much like shepherding a flock of sheep. *** Back in his office, Victor was contemplating the next steps necessary to make this academy the greatest in the universe. He couldnt pinpoint exactly when, but he understood that achieving his ultimate goal of living possibly thousands of years and reaching the pinnacle required him to evolve alongside the academy maintaining the illusion of a game for as long as possible. Perhaps there was another motive, a deeper desire to offer Earths inhabitants the opportunity to learn magic and evade enslavement or even extermination by powerful Magi. However, Victor wasnt inclined to admit to this ulterior motive upfront. Say, Lizbeth suddenly interjected, landing on Victors shoulder, Ive been curious about this since the auction: How do you remember every single players name? Huh? Victor looked at the fairy in confusion. Of course, its because I can access their profiles through the Shadowlink Mark. How else? He wasnt so idle that he would commit every players trollish username to memory just to enhance his NPC persona. Oh, I thought it might be some sort of kink, just like your love for gacha, she remarked. Hey, dont mock my love for gacha, Victor retorted and clenched his fist as he recalled his past life experiences. See, Ive spent tens of thousands in my past life just to obtain that limited character and max out their rank. The rush of acquiring them is awesome He wasnt being melodramatic; such was the logic of a gacha addict. So, it is a kink, Lizbeth concluded with a teasing grin. Gah! Victor groaned at Lizbeths harsh appraisal. It was difficult to argue against her assessment Jokes aside, something important just came to mind, Victor interrupted, swiftly shifting the conversation. Speaking of which, hows the development of the new meditation technique? Three days ago, the Spell Generator program managed to generate a mind control spell called {Mind Programming} based on the book he acquired from the mission reward and supplemented it with related modern knowledge. While it was only an Aleph-tier spell at the moment, the potency and the versatility of the spell were top-notch. Not only could it control the minds of individuals below the rank of official Magus, but it manipulated them in all kinds of manners as if programming a bot.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. With them becoming his mindless pawns, Victor had been able to extract a wealth of magical knowledge and spells through the spell. On top of that, he discovered multiple meditation techniques that could be added to the new programs database they were even hiding high-rank meditation techniques within their minds. Given that they were all third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes on the cusp of advancement, just like Victor prior to all this happening, this situation was not out of the question. Naturally, the details of such meditation techniques were hidden within their minds, sealed by potent magic. After all, no matter how affluent a Magus family was, a high-ranking meditation technique held immense value, especially when it was their familys heritage their lineages lifeblood. Forcibly breaking through this seal would potentially cripple their minds. However, Victor harbored no concern about the potential consequences. With the {Mind Programming} spell at his disposal, any mental harm inflicted during the extraction process could be swiftly repaired. As a result, he proceeded to extract the coveted information without hesitation. Due to this, they were still in a state of maintenance though. Hence why Victor hadnt rolled them out as NPCs yet. It was a different thing for the mercenaries, as they had started mining in the ravine as a form of their punishment in the eyes of the players. That one? Funny you should mention it; I was just about to update you actually. Lizbeth giggled before her lips curled into a smug smile. Course it has shown incredible progress. Unfortunately, with the current data that we have, its all but impossible to construct a complete high-rank meditation technique suitable for the Elemental Adept rank. In actuality, Lizbeths statement was a bit of an exaggeration. The meditation technique that Victor was aiming to create was something that was out of the ordinary and intended to enhance his powers manifold being the most suitable for him while also offering unparalleled versatility. This was so that the players could also use it regardless of their elemental affinity. In other words, it served as the continuation of the Myriad Elements Method but better. The silver lining? Victor questioned. He knew better than anyone that at moments like this, she liked to deliver the bad news first before offering any positives. Well, she raised a finger and confessed, while a complete level is currently out of reach, crafting a sub-level should pose no issue. Thats more than enough! exclaimed Victor, a spark of excitement igniting within him. Once an acolyte reached the rank of Elemental Adept Magus, he or she would have to consolidate their foundation before progressing further. The next stage after this involved forming what was known as a magic sigil on their body. Sigils were conduits for storing and channeling powerful magic; they also acted as a prerequisite for Magi to advance further. This phase effectively divided the Elemental Adept rank into six levels, determined by the number of sigils an individual possessed as well as their potential. Advancement beyond this rank required a minimum of six sigils, and only then would they be able to become a Nexus Temporal Magus. Additionally, as Magi progressed, their sigils would eventually merge, culminating in the creation of a Primordial Sigil, which only Sigil Conversion Magus could wield. It was still a long way off from where Victor was currently at in any case. Nevertheless, despite having recently attained the rank of Elemental Adept Magus, Victor was confident and steadfast in his ability to progress further. One sub-level should be more than enough to help him form one sigil, effectively making him a first-sigil Elemental Adept, which would significantly enhance his magical prowess and provide him with an additional trump card. So much so that if Graviel had formed sigils during their last encounter, Victors chances of winning would have been significantly diminished. Even a single sigil difference would have rendered him akin to facing a newly promoted Elemental Adept Magus while still at the third-stage Initiate Attunement level an abysmal gap, to say the least. Having said that, Victor asked Lizbeth to focus on creating the first sub-level. Conveniently enough, the groundwork had already been laid, so he anticipated it would only require a few days to complete. He had to just sit and wait patiently for that. With that taken care of, Victor turned his attention to the new mission that had appeared not long after he finished the revenge mission. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Thornwood Village Shall be Your Domain The village is currently in a state of disarray after the raid. Nows your opportunity to assert your influence and establish dominion over the village. The villagers would surely thank you for what you have done to the evildoers, and all you need is a single push to convince them to become your subjects. Type: Main mission Village Submission: 0/1 Reward: 1,000 academy points Mission: What kind of an Academy Doesnt Have Any Staff It is a logical assumption that a fully functional academy would have numerous staff members, including teachers, mentors, guards, administrative personnel, etc. With that assumption, you have to bolster the academys staffing levels to ensure smooth operations. Type: Side mission Reward: 500 academy points Victor had always been wondering how the System could anticipate events and tailor missions to align with his current circumstances. Surely the magic behind its operation was far from ordinary and might even be beyond the realm of comprehension. It wouldnt be a far-fetched idea that it surpassed anything he had known or heard in this world. Just what were the true intentions behind the previous headmaster? Now that he had gotten his vengeance, he finally had the chance to think this through. To gain a deeper understanding of the world around him and devise more astute strategies in response. Peeking at the fairy perched on his shoulder, Victor couldnt shake the nagging suspicion that there might be more to her than met the eye. Was it possible that she was not as clueless as she claimed to be? Could she have been subtly manipulating him, pulling the strings like a puppet master behind the scenes? There was also the matter of the two homunculi overseers recognizing the Shadowlink Mark Perhaps he should take some countermeasures in case things went south, not that she appeared like someone who would betray him. Despite these suspicions, Victor couldnt deny the bond of trust that had formed between them over time. After all, she had ample opportunities to betray him in the past, particularly when he was at his weakest. Yet, she had remained loyal by his side, offering her support and guidance without faltering. So, her intentions might have been indeed as genuine as she portrayed them to be. Hmm. A countermeasure is still a must. Shaking his head, Victor refocused his attention on the task at hand: seizing control of Thornwood Village. It just so happened that he had something at his disposal that could be useful for this situation: Wouldnt the corpses of the mercenaries their most hated enemies be an effective tool in convincing them? Anyway, it was time to bring the village under his fold and turn them into NPCs like he should have done a long time ago. Chapter 123: For I Won’t Abandon You The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape as a solemn procession made its way along the dusty road. Two wooden carts, laden with the lifeless bodies of the bastards who had raided the village, were pulled by a group of players. Unlike their usual jovial demeanor, the players faces were resolute, while their footsteps heavy with the weight of their burden. At the forefront strode Victor with a commanding and authoritative presence. His eyes gleamed with a steely resolve as he led the way, his robe billowing in the gentle breeze. Other than him and the players, Eleanor tagged along, being once part of the village. The villagers of Thornwood Village watched in silence as they approached, filled with an expression of fear and curiosity mixed together. Word had spread quickly of the retaliation led by Victor and his acolytes. The mysterious Magus who had freed their village from the clutches of evil a being that they initially feared. Victor had informed the village head when he reached the village, and after he agreed to let them in, he brought the players along with the grim cargo in tow. This was also the reason why the villagers were gathered along the way, watching the whole procession. With careful precision, the players began to unload the corpses, laying them out in the village square. Stepping forward, Victors voice echoed with authority as he addressed the gathered villagers. People of Thornwood Village, he began with a firm tone, five days ago, these bandits raided your homes, bringing suffering and sorrow to your doorstep. But today, justice has been served. These bandits who have taken your loved ones, pillaged your possessions, and committed unspeakable acts have been vanquished. With their defeat, we bring you peace and safety. It mattered little to Victor what label he assigned to the mercenaries before the villagers. To them, these individuals were no different from the most vicious bandits, and justice demanded they be treated as such. Since the players on the official website forum knew them as mercenaries-disguised-as-bandits, it was only right to keep calling them so to the end. The villagers listened intently with eyes that were filled with awe, gratitude, and righteous anger. Some cursed these dead mercenaries for their crimes, while others praised Victor and his players for their valor. From the buzz of the village celebrating the revenge claimed, a hoarse but ferocious voice was heard louder than the others, Serves them right for killing my son! followed by a kick to one of the lifeless bodies; a nearby voice like a whisper in the wind, left a thank you to avenge her husband, the old woman was barely audible to Victors ears... But after a while a powerful voice broke the cacophony of voices, he recognized it as that of the village head, shouting out a full-force chant Praise Sir Magus and his pupils for saving our village! soon followed by the entire village. They all dropped to their knees, bowing deeply with their heads nearly touching the earth. The players standing behind Victor appeared to be completely perplexed by the villagers reactions. Some of them were holding themselves back from stopping the villagers, as Victor had strictly instructed them not to do anything that was interfering. Still, while he had achieved his goal of getting their total respect and reverence, Victor was not done yet. As the golden light of the setting sun illuminated Victors figure, he announced, People! The raid that befell you would not have occurred if you had sufficient protection. Your peace and your children could have been safeguarded if there were guards to protect you! Your wives and your belongings wouldnt have been stolen if you had the strength to defend yourselves! The villagers looked up with eyes that reflected a realization, and ones that were filled with grim determination. What he said was the truth. They wouldnt have suffered injustice if they were strong. Power did speak for itself. Seeing their reactions, Victor smiled knowingly. Did your so-called lord provide you with the protection you needed? Did he send reinforcements when your village was raided or even cut your taxes when you were suffering a bad harvest? He paused, allowing his words to sink in before delivering his final blow. No!! He did not! He let you suffer while filling his stomach with your sweat like a leech! Thornwood Village was a village in the boonies; it was normal for it to have no lord that governed it, and everything, including its defenses, was entrusted to its residents. Situated near a dangerous forest, it was already in a place where it was vulnerable to threats from both within and without. Though they had managed to evade attacks from magical beasts thus far, would this be the case for years, dozens of years, or even hundreds of years to come? If that wasnt terrible enough, the burdensome taxes imposed upon the villagers remained the same as in other places. Whether due to their inability to negotiate or the perceived insignificance of their village, they remained powerless to improve their circumstances. The absence of dissent among the villagers served as silent confirmation of this harsh reality. Victor was aware that he wouldnt have thought of this if he hadnt regained his past life memory, but now that he did, there were many things that he could use to his advantage. Nows the time for the meaty part the last push.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. People of Thornwood Village! I have a proposition for you! Amplifying it with mana, Victor let out a thunderous voice. I want you to entrust your village to me, Astralium he gestured at himself, then to the dozen or so players standing behind him, and to the Magus academy that I am establishing with my acolytes here for I wont abandon you. We wont abandon you. As his words hung in the air, the villagers were understandably suspicious. No one would be willing to submit willy-nilly, especially when the targets of persuasion just endured great suffering. He had to become their bastion their beacon of strength and hope in the midst of turmoil only then would they willingly submit to him on their own accord. One thing to note, Victor had told the players in his previous speech that Thornwood Village was their domain, but he never specified whether that was only figuratively or factually. This deliberate ambiguity would allow him to bullshit his way if one of these people were to ask the question. There are many out there who would threaten you! But I will be taking all of them on! Victor declared, his voice booming. So fight with me! Under my leadership, your fields will flourish, and your families will thrive. You''ll pay no taxes in years of famine, and when threats arise under my leadership, I will stand as your shield. The murmurs among the crowd grew louder. The proposition laid before them was beyond their wildest dreams, better than anything that they could ever hope for. Furthermore, the one who proposed this was a powerful, mysterious Magus, an extraordinary being. Victor knew about this, and a hidden smile crept on his face. This was his victory. Building all those rapports with them didnt come to waste. But it was the sudden cry of a hunched elderly man that ignited the spark of realization within the villagers. Sir Astralium! he shouted, his words cutting through the din like a clarion call. Sir Astralium! Sir Astralium! And then, like a wave crashing upon the shore, the cry spread throughout the crowd until it became a thunderous roar of affirmation. Even the old village head was no exception, thus sealing Thornwood Villages fate as Victors domain. *** After the headmasters impassioned speech, the players were not completely idle. While they waited for the headmaster to officially take over this village, they exchanged whispers among themselves, with voices barely audible over the rising tide of anticipation. Did you catch what the headmaster was saying? William, aka Prominence, suddenly chimed. He and his party were among the dozen players who had followed the headmaster to the village on the afternoon of the auction day. Yeah, something about protecting the village and all that, answered SuperNova. But wasnt the village supposedly already under our jurisdiction? Well, Zero mused, putting up his input, maybe it was more symbolic before. That might explain why we werent allowed to go to and fro the village, except for specific missions. Does this mean the games transitioning from an RPG to a grand strategy game? Count me in for some kingdom building! a player interjected excitedly from the sidelines. Mhm. Storm nodded his head in agreement. That aside, did you see how those villagers bowed at us? It gave me literal chills! Good thing I recorded it all; this footage is gonna make me millions, baby! All you can think about is making video this and video that. Mike sighed, shaking his head. But Im genuinely thrilled that the villagers are now under our protection. No more raids, no more fear. Its a happy ending for everyone. Mm-hmm! I agree! Both Locktekei and MsMelody, who were also part of this mission, nodded their heads. Looking satisfied with the reaction he got, Mike struck a heroic pose, unable to contain his excitement. And who knows? Maybe those village girls will be head over heels now that a hero, me, has come to their rescue! Goddammit, I was fooled! I thought you were finally turning a new leaf, Locktekei cursed. Geez. MsMelody shook her head as if looking at a lost cause. Despite it being the typically interesting topic to discuss, William found himself lost in deep contemplation. There was something about their headmaster in this game that nagged at his subconscious that he noticed earlier, like a sense of familiarity that was difficult to explain. Since his head was incapable of figuring it out by itself, he decided to voice his thoughts to the others. Say, if you strip away Sir Astraliums status as the headmaster and his rather strict personality, what do you get? he queried. Whats got you thinking all philosophical? Thats so unlike you. Zero asked, intrigued. Well, youd have a regular person who can use powerful magic, am I right? Correct. William nodded his head. Storm was quick on the uptake, adding, You mean, hes not all that different from us players? Exactly as Storm said. William pointed a finger gun at Storm as if having anticipated that he would answer this. Now, this may sound absurd. But hear me carefully, the headmaster, maybe hes a player just like us. Holy shit! Dude, your imagination does know no bounds. SuperNovas eyes widened in disbelief. As a matter of fact, this theory had circulated on the official website forum since the games inception. However, it had garnered little support, dismissed as a far-fetched notion. After all, the promotional manager himself had clarified the headmaster and the other NPCs to be high-level AI. There was little to no reason to lie about this. Storm laughed out heartily. Who knows, maybe hes Cyber Warlock all along. Fooling us like a clown dancing in his hand Considering we can inhabit our in-game avatars just like our real bodies, its not impossible for him to do the same with NPCs. At that point, Williams mind veered into R18+ territory, but he quickly banished the thought upon noticing the presence of other female players nearby. It seemed Storm had a similar realization, as his eyes almost bulged out in realization. They exchanged a knowing glance before chuckling softly, or maybe creepily. Speaking of that guy, I havent heard from him in ages, except for those occasional update announcements, Locktekei remarked. Almost forgot he even existed. Although theres that mysterious moderator on the official website forum, they never really say much compared to him. Wait, lets say that Prominence and Storms conjecture is true, does that mean our conversation of badmouthing him in front of the headmaster NPC could have been overheard? one of the players piped up, breaking the flow of conversation. The players around gasped, the gravity of the possibility sinking in. That cant be Lets hope not The murmurs spread as they contemplated the chilling possibility. Such a scenario was indeed a frightening thought. Chapter 124: Officially Taking Over the Village After the speech, Victor went to the village heads house to discuss the terms of their submission to his protection. Even though there was no need for negotiation because they wouldnt dare to go against his words, clarity was paramount, particularly when there would be players running around to do missions and such. Actually, Victor couldnt allow the players to let loose in the village just yet until he was certain everything was in order. Obviously, the NPCs villagers here would act in a way that they would respond to anything that the players might ask. Although, they wouldnt really offer any substantial answer, and Victor could easily deceive the players by saying that their scripts were all generated by AI. Having asked Lizbeth in the past, Victor learned that he could brand anyone willing to submit to him with a Shadowlink Mark, as long as they were within the academys range. Right now, it was ten kilometers, which was a bit away from the village. However, once it reached level three, it should expand to cover this place. Perhaps once he unlocked more buildings, hed be able to create similar structures akin to the Nexus Beacon, although that remained out of reach at the moment. Sir, you have our greatest gratitude for saving our village But we dont know how to repay you. The old village head, while sitting at the table, bowed deeply at him in reverence. Indeed. Although his motive for taking the village was already clear, there were still some lingering concerns among the villagers. Like, what was he asking for the village in return? After all, they understood the unspoken rule better than anyone: Nothing came without a price. This was even more the case when dealing with a Magus. After thinking about it for a moment, Victor opened his mouth. Well, aside from the terms Ive outlined, I have a particular need for seedlings with innate magical talent. The terms hed outlined were pretty simple, as he didnt meddle with the villages internal affairs. In this kingdom, a Magus force could claim its own territory, but only if it had the kingdoms recognition and boasted at least one Elemental Adept rank member. Hence, most Magus families, like the Asteriscus Magus family, had an Elemental Adept Magus standing guard. Those lacking such backing usually aligned themselves with a citys ruling class, collaborating with or serving under local nobles or lords. The old village heads face lit up with anticipation as he exclaimed, Of course, of course! Well ensure our most talented children enroll in the academy. And well do everything in our power to cover their tuition. Well, the chance to attend a Magus academy was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Typically, only nobles and those born into very wealthy families could afford the steep tuition fees. Commoners were usually less attuned to mana and likely to have lower mana aptitude, which made them often excluded even from smaller Magus academies. Unexpectedly, the village head added, But if its children with magical aptitude that sir seeks, then please allow me to recommend my granddaughters. They are young, and Im sure they possess exceptional potential. Plus, they would be honored to serve you. As if on cue, the gap of the bedroom door creaked open, revealing two young girls kneeling before Victor and calling him Sir Magus. One sported short brown hair and light freckles, while the other had blonde hair and pale skin. Whats this sense of dj vu? Victors brows furrowed slightly. Though it was true that he was in need of some servants for maintaining the academy, such as cleaning its numerous rooms, among other things. And if they truly had some talent for magic, he could use his new NPCs to teach them. Now that the secret of him building an academy had been revealed, there was no point in concealing it any longer. But there was one problem: the players. While he believed that his players were among the more good-natured ones and the least degenerate netizens on the internet on average, he couldnt take any chances. Fortunately, the Shadowlink Marks offered a solution. These magic imprints could detect inappropriate actions and administer suitable punishments, including banning offenders from the game.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. It is my greatest wish to secure a bright future for them, as I almost couldnt protect them The one with the blonde hair approached the village heads arms with tears welling in her eyes. Especially after what almost happened to this girl during the incident Is that so? Once Victor had weighed the pros and cons, he nodded solemnly. Very well. They may serve as servants in the academy, and if they show potential to walk the path of a Magus, Ill make sure that they receive the proper education. Thank you very much, sir! The old village head bowed his head once more before turning to his two granddaughters. Go, greet Sir Astralium. We greet Sir Magus! the girls chimed in unison, their demeanor respectful, echoing the manner in which a noble would address a Magus. Though their gestures were somewhat unrefined, it was evident they had been taught by the village head. Mm. Victor nodded approvingly. Although they wouldnt become his apprentices, he assigned them to one of his former comrades, perhaps Elara, for that matter. This would also serve as a test to ensure the mind control spell was functioning flawlessly. Whats your name? asked Victor. My name is Anne, the brown-haired girl replied. And I am Rosalie, the blonde-haired girl added. Good names. From now on, you two will be working as servants in my academy. Naturally, each of you will receive a monthly salary of one gold coin. O-One gold coin?! They exchanged glances and an excited expression grew on their faces. One must know that one gold coin was enough to sustain a family of five a month in this village, making it a substantial sum for servant work. However, by Magus academys standards, it was considered dirt cheap for various reasons. Working in close proximity to a Magus like Victor was not without its risks. His mana fluctuation could be toxic to ordinary beings, slowly sapping their vitality. Though Victor made efforts to contain his aura, there was always the possibility that others wouldnt exercise the same caution. In essence, if Victor didnt promise to give them a chance to study magic, he was almost ripping them off. With nothing further to attend to in the village, Victor addressed the old village head with a proclamation: Alright then. Let it be known that henceforth Thornwood Village will be under the jurisdiction of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi. Yes, milord! The old village head and his granddaughters knelt in deference to Victors authority. *** Earth, in a hospital room with a dimly lit interior. Jacky was on his last leg. He knew he had it coming but he never thought that it would be so soon. Hearing the doctors somber update of the procedural checkup was tormenting him. The advanced pancreatic cancer was eating him slowly, and now it was growing faster and faster, to the point where he was very likely not to last for a month longer. Ha Is this how it ends? Jacky wondered, grappling with the reality of his impending demise. As someone with wealth at his disposal, naturally, he had explored every avenue to extend his lifespan, to break free from the clutches of the disease slowly devouring him. But every treatment had failed. Chemotherapy was a battle he couldnt win, and the new stem cell therapy provided only fleeting relief, prolonging his suffering. As for cryogenic preservation? It was a gamble he couldnt afford to take. He couldnt shake the fear that his wife, driven by her greed, would refuse to fund it, condemning him to a final, irreversible end. That was very possible. In fact, the more he dwelled on her gold-digger nature, the more convinced he became that she would abandon him to his fate. He hated it here. He hated being confined to this hospital bed in his sickly form; he wanted to come back into the virtual world where he could inhabit a youthful, disease-free body. The allure of that experience was intoxicating and addictive, so much so that a cocaine addiction was nothing compared to it, especially when it kept getting better each time thanks to the existence of magic. To wield powerful magic, to live for centuries, to traverse boundless realms it was a dream that tantalized him, even in his darkest hours. Right in that instant, an unbreakable determination burned inside Jackys heart, and he addressed the doctor with firm resolve, Bring me my laptop Sir, your condition is worsening. Prolonged exposure to an electronic device like a laptop may affect your health. The doctor tried to dissuade him and offered an alternative: A phone is better to minimize your exposure to Are you deaf? Jackys tone turned sharp as he fixed the doctor with a piercing glare. I said, Bring me my laptop! He wasnt being unreasonable here. His phone could have been hijacked by his wife, granting her access to monitor his every move, whereas his laptop had been kept safe by himself. If he made a misstep, she could trap him and seize his assets upon his demise. That was the last outcome he wanted to happen! Yes. I apologize. The doctor turned to the nurse at the side and instructed her to fetch Jackys laptop. As the device powered on, Jacky wasted no time. He immediately accessed the Discord app, his fingers moving adeptly as he searched for the person he needed: the games promotional manager. This was his final lifeline. If he could secure a chance to live within this game world, then even if he had to forfeit all his wealth and the empire hed built, he would be more than willing to do so! Chapter 125: The Deal with the Devil [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have asserted your influence and established dominion over the village.] [The reward (1,000 academy points) has been issued.] Victor gazed at the blue screen with a grin spreading across his face. With the addition of 1,000 AP, he now possessed a total of 1,690 AP, and he imagined he could do many things with that amount. Currently, he was planning to purchase more magical plant seeds in preparation for the imminent new building in the next academy level-up. That aside, following his meeting with the village head, Victor wasted no time in summoning the players back to the academy. The two servant girls also followed with them, which sparked curiosity and chatter among the players. Yippee! We got two more female NPCs in the academy! Mike exclaimed with glee. Dont be a creep, will you? a female player chimed in displeasure. Haha, you heard her, Mike. But why does every female NPC we got from the village always seem to have a connection to the headmaster? Storm pondered, furrowing his brow. Something fishy must be going on. Right. I never noticed that before. Ahem Unwilling to cause a misunderstanding, Victor immediately clarified that the girls would be working as academy servants, and players must refrain from disturbing them in any way. He emphasized that failure to comply would result in punishment as outlined in the guidelines. Though it was probably better to update it soon to anticipate the increasing number of NPCs. Even though it only took a few hours, night had already descended by the time they returned to the academy. Anne and Rosalie rode on wooden carts alongside their belongings, which in turn slowed down the progress since they required protection. Upon arriving at the academy grounds, Victor dismissed the players after compensating them for the escorting mission. Then, he guided the two servant girls to the Headmasters Building to brief them on their duties as well as assign them their place of accommodation. Once it was all taken care of, he returned to his room to get some rest. Master! Youve returned! Ive got some news for you! Lizbeth shot herself at Victors head upon his entrance into the room. Victor raised an eyebrow as he grabbed the little fairy and placed her on his palm. Oh, what is it? Remember the old player by the ID ThunderLord999? Hes contacting your account right now and seems to have something important to tell. Ho, the time has finally come, huh? Victors eyes narrowed as he took a seat. This should be interesting. *** Jacky opened a private chat with the promotional manager, Cyber Warlock. Though they had exchanged a few messages in the past, Jacky wasnt certain if he would receive a reply. It was, however, his only ticket to resolving his current predicament. ThunderLord999: Cyber, are you on? I am one of the games players with the ID ThunderLord999. My real name is Jacky Howard. The letters on the screen blurred slightly in Jackys vision as he struggled to type out the message. His fingers felt heavy, as if moving through molasses. Had typing always been this difficult? ThunderLord999: Weve communicated briefly in the past, during my qualification for the game. Ive included information about my condition then, and now I need your help. As an ambitious man, Jacky had never entertained the thought of asking for favors when he was younger. It had been ages since he felt this powerless, but desperation had a way of shattering any remnants of pride he once held. ThunderLord999: Im dying The pancreatic cancer thats slowly consuming me has spread faster than anticipated. The doctor gave me a month at best. ThunderLord999: You once mentioned a program associated with your game, and Ive heard rumors about it Is it true? Can you upload minds into it? At first, Jacky found the idea utterly absurd. Such a dream-like technology should have been at least decades away from becoming a reality. But when he first logged in to the game, he was thoroughly convinced that the technology was there, and all he needed to do was find a way to gain access, to abandon his frail, sickly body in the real world. With that thought in mind, he continued to type in with intense fingers: If so, Im willing to offer anything. My money, my resources, anything you desire. Even if your company turns me into a lab rat, Im more than prepared to endure it! Just please, grant me relief from this torment. Restore me to a healthy body Please! His true intention spilled out, raw and unfiltered. With death looming over him like a relentless shadow, there was no point in concealing it any longer. That was why he offered up everything he had every last vestige of his wealth and power in exchange for a chance at life. It was the desperate plea of a desperate man, but it was all he had left.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Fortunately, he had anticipated this day would come and had prepared accordingly. In fact, hed stashed away a hundred million dollars in a hidden, secure account all for the sake of his treatment. If even all of that wasnt enough, he didnt know what else to do anymore. Hours stretched on as Jacky anxiously awaited a response from the other party. Slowly, anxiety and hopelessness crept up on the back of his mind. What if the other party refused to upload his mind into the game? What if the technology was nothing more than hearsay? What if... Only on the brink of death did he become so desperate How drastically life had changed. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of agonizing uncertainty, movement stirred on the screen before him, a message appearing at last. The rush of relief was deep, akin to the joy of receiving a cherished video game as a child. Cyber Warlock: Jacky, Im sorry to hear about your condition. Yes, it is true that we have the capability to upload minds into the game, and theres indeed an upcoming secret program about it. But the process is not without risks, and its not something that I can decide by myself. Reading the reply flooded Jacky with instant elation. Regardless of the risks involved, he was willing to do whatever it took. No matter the cost, he would drain his pockets dry for the chance at a new lease on life. The path that had been clouded with darkness had finally shed some light. In haste, he entered his response without a second thought: Im willing! Any risk agreement, Ill sign it. Since Ive no other choice anyway, even if it means selling my entire lifes savings, Ill do it. Cyber Warlock: All right. Well need to assess your situation further before I can make any promises. Do you mind answering a few questions? ThunderLord999: Of course, of course! *** Interesting, Victor murmured as he responded to Thunders messages. Obviously, he was lying when he claimed that the decision wasnt solely his to make, but he had to maintain the decorum of a respectable gaming company perhaps it was more accurate to say they were a company offering its customers a second chance in life. This also made the name of the company (WorldGate Soft Co.) become more fitting than ever before. Nevertheless, Victor wasnt running a charity. It might sound cruel, but in exchange for granting Thunder a new life, he expected something in return. As the saying went, A drowning man will clutch at a straw. This meant that he would agree to whatever conditions that he would impose on him. Master, I think you need to check your reflection every time you smirk at your own devious thoughts, remarked the fairy, her tone tinged with mischief. You look like a devil wearing human skin. Cut it with your teasing, will you? Victor responded with a light flick to her head, causing her to tumble backward in annoyance. Yet, perhaps Lizbeths words werent entirely devoid of substance. The deal Victor was trying to make with Thunder Jacky was indeed like the deal with the devil. In any case, his backstory is quite unique. To think that he chose to donate all his money to the company over giving it to his wife or anyone else Victor shook his head. While he certainly wouldnt refuse free money and was undoubtedly seeking some benefits, taking all of his assets was a bit too much. However, it wasnt Victors decision to make. As such, he would honor it to the best of his abilities and help the desperate man. Having considered this, Victor composed a response after several minutes: I understand. Ive discussed it with my superiors, and theyve agreed to proceed with the program, with you being the first subject. It took mere seconds for Jackys reply to come through. ThunderLord999: Glad to hear that! So, how is it done? Do I have to come to some place or? Cyber Warlock: No. You already have everything you need there. You only need to lie inside the device, and we will initiate the process remotely from there. ThunderLord999: You mean, the gaming capsule? It is capable of uploading my mind?! Cyber Warlock: That is affirmative. However, I must mention the drawbacks of this procedure that you need to be aware of first ThunderLord999: Please tell me. I know there are always drawbacks to everything, and Im prepared to face them. Seeing that he was determined no matter what, Victor proceeded to explain the drawbacks of permanently uploading his mind into the in-game body. First, once this process had taken place, it would be irreversible. There would be no way for Jacky to return to his old body on Earth, as there were no gaming capsules or necessary facilities available over there. Essentially, it was a one-way ticket. Second, the pain and mental shielding mechanisms would no longer function. With no gaming capsule to speak of, there was nothing that separated him from the real thing, and he would be exposed to any potential damage. Third, he would lose his ability to revive like other players, making his life no longer immortal. This was, by far, the biggest disadvantage of the procedure. After all, once he died in this world, he would really lose his life like a normal, living being just like how Victor had been living. There was a reason why Victor hadnt yet disclosed this information to the public until now, and he wouldnt do so until he had full certainty that the masses, or at least the players, would accept it. Jacky would serve as the perfect guinea pig for this experiment, but only if he accepted these disadvantages. ThunderLord999: Such a thing I didnt know that I wont be able to respawn again if I die in the game Cyber Warlock: To be frank, the game isnt just a game to us as much as it is to the players. You could say its more of a simulated world that we observe, and there are several limitations that even we cant do anything about. For example, we cant put you in a different world either, as we dont have the necessary resources to do so. If Victor had been given a choice, he wouldnt have imposed these restrictions. After all, who would be stupid enough to remove the players greatest advantage: the ability to resurrect endlessly? With that out of the way, he continued typing his response, scrutinizing it for any errors before sending it. Cyber Warlock: You could still refuse if you find this unacceptable, as we completely understand your concerns. The game world is countless times more dangerous than Earth and unknown danger could bite you from anywhere. ThunderLord999: No! Living in a game world is like living a dream life, just like those transmigration novels. You know, despite my old age, I enjoyed reading those things. Cyber Warlock: I see Despite knowing this, you choose to continue. Alright then, once youve settled all your affairs in the real world, we can proceed with the process. You can reach out to me again once thats done. All the necessary details will be sent to you shortly. ThunderLord999: Thank you. Cyber, Ill surely donate everything to your company and put your name on it. (Prostrating.jpg) Cyber Warlock: Mhm. Well also make sure that you successfully upload your mind to the best of our abilities. Lets each do our part. Victor might like free things, but he was not a scammer. Although he did trick a bunch of players to play his game, this matter was a completely different thing altogether. Chapter 126: Mermaid Tears Elixir Before Jacky proceeded with the mind upload, he knew he had to settle a personal vendetta. If he were to die now, all his inheritance would fall to his wife, and he refused to let that happen. With determination coursing through his veins, he immediately reached out to his trusted connection an executor. He made sure that the laptop was safe from eavesdropping before contacting the person through a video call while inside the bathroom. After all, this was a very important matter to him, and he couldnt help worrying about everything. Upon picking up the call, the executor asked, Mr. Howard, may I know your business in calling me? The executor was a connection that he made years ago somewhere, and he wasnt aware of the fact that he was on the brink of death. I need your help with something, Jacky replied with resolve, Im on the brink of death, and I cant afford to leave my inheritance to my wife. Understanding flickered in the executors eyes as he grasped the gravity of the situation. I see. You want to revise your will? Exactly, Jacky confirmed with a nod. I want to ensure that my assets go to a cause I believe in, not into the hands of someone who doesn''t deserve them. The executor nodded and said, Ill draft the necessary documents immediately. Well make sure your wishes are carried out precisely. Jacky then ended the call with a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. With the assistance of the executor, he had taken the necessary steps to ensure that it would be handled according to his wishes. As he leaned back in the toilet, his eyes gleamed with determination. Now that he had done everything within his power, all that remained was to wait patiently. The anticipation of his impending second chance at life filled him with a sense of euphoric joy his lips had slowly transformed into a wide grin. *** Mermaid Tears Elixir It is a rare treasure derived from the tears of mermaids, which legends said to be able to significantly enhance ones mana aptitude. Furthermore, it expands the users sea of consciousness, infused mana, and accelerates mana regeneration. Traditionally, the user has to wait until a full moon to safely intake the elixir, or else they will be hit by a deadly curse. Victor was scrutinizing the description of the elixir reward hed acquired with his revenge mission. Days had passed since then, yet he hadnt used it. That was because it had to be taken at night under a full moon. And today was that day. He glanced out the window, observing the clear night sky adorned with a radiant blue moon and a canopy of twinkling stars, looking like a bunch of dots coloring the empty canvas. Such a rare, tranquil night. The moonlight would play a crucial role in increasing the elixirs potency, and Victor couldnt miss this opportunity. Though because of this, he couldnt consume it in the basement. Still, unlike the previous elixir, which inflicted excruciating pain until he lost consciousness, this one should come with no adverse effects. On paper, there was essentially nothing to worry about. One thing was for sure, however, this elixir was something that he only heard in legends and never appeared in the market, as its existence was considered a myth; he subsequently had to be extra careful. As of this moment, the players were hot on his trail, and the first second-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte would likely emerge in the next two to three days. He couldnt grow complacent just because he was an official Magus now. On top of that, there was a player with an even better mana aptitude than him still. Where would he put his face if these bunch of idiots were to surpass him? Out of the blue, a voice sliced through Victors train of thought. Master, Lizbeth announced crisply, the first sub-level of the high-rank meditation technique has been completed, and I have sent it to your Master Shadowlink Mark. Good. Victor nodded his head, his eyes briefly meeting Lizbeths before returning to the glowing screen in front of him. The timing couldnt be better. Without dilly-dallying any longer, he took out a vial containing a shimmering, iridescent blue liquid from his interspatial ring. After studying the new meditation technique for an hour, he removed the cork and examined the elixirs contents. As the elixirs aroma wafted into the air, a strange force full of grievances emanated from within. In an instant, Victor felt as though his consciousness was transported to a mysterious realm with a beautiful and charming mermaid princess weeping pitifully in front of him. That fairy tale-like mermaid princess was extremely beautiful and charming, his gaze was deeply attracted to her and was unable to extricate himself. Sorrow gushed out from his heart and tears streamed down and fell from his eyes. Just as he felt himself slipping deeper into the enchantment, a tranquil energy enveloped him, dispelling the hallucination and restoring clarity to his mind. What just happened?If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ter! Master! Are you okay? Lizbeths shout, followed by a small violent shaking of his hair, jolted him back to reality. No wonder that the elixir must be taken under a full moon. If I were to consume this elixir elsewhere, even with the Twilight Moon Pendant, the chances of me going insane are high Beads of cold sweat fell down from his forehead; he realized that he had just escaped the deadly curse, and it must be some sort of powerful mental attack. Shaken by the experience, Victor took a moment to calm his racing heart before managing a reassuring smile. Im okay, Liz. I was just a bit distracted. Be careful. I may not be able to help you if you go too deep, she stated while crossing her arms. Somehow, its a bit misleading Regardless of that, as expected of an elixir that its existence was considered a myth, the memory of the mermaid princesss sorrowful visage still lingered in his mind even as he returned to reality. Gripping the vial tighter in his hand, he steeled himself for what was to come. Raising the vial to his lips, Victor hesitated for just a moment before tipping it back and swallowing its contents in one swift motion. As the liquid slid down his throat, he circulated the new meditation technique he had learned, focusing his mind to resist the intense hallucinations. To his surprise, the meditation technique proved effective, helping him neutralize the strange energy of the elixir and assimilate it into his body. Amazing, this new high-rank meditation technique is better than I expected! Victor exclaimed as he felt a newfound sense of clarity and strength coursing through him. Due to the fact that it was derived from the Myriad Elements Method, Victor had no need to do the arduous process of adapting to a meditation technique like he once did in the past; it flowed naturally, as if it had always been a part of him. To top it off, he realized that the potential of the meditation technique surpassed the Myriad Elements Method in every way. This technique allowed him to fuse multiple elements simultaneously without relying on spell models. Nevertheless, it remained as a high-rank meditation technique and could only be practiced by an Elemental Adept or higher-ranked Magus. Well, it was the continuation of the Myriad Elements Method after all, though he shouldnt name it simply as Myriad Elements Method 2.0 either. That would be lame. But as Victor contemplated this, he was suddenly overcome by a wave of dizziness. Clenching his fists, he fought against the sensation, refusing to let it overpower him. With focused determination, he continued to circulate the meditation technique, drawing strength from the tranquil energy of the moonlight and the pendant around his neck. Then, slowly, the dizziness began to subside, replaced by a sense of heightened awareness. Victor felt as though a veil had been lifted from his mind, revealing hidden truths and insights previously beyond his reach. With a deep breath, Victor exhaled slowly, the tension melting away as he realized that he had successfully consumed the elixir. Its effects were nothing short of miraculous; it not only enhanced his physical constitution, but it also simultaneously improved his learning ability and enhanced his spirit. Victor felt like he was born anew. Phew. I feel wonderful. Victor clenched his right first, sensing the changes coursing through his body. He was certain that his overall combat power had increased by at least 20 percent. And its all thanks to this new meditation technique Right. Lets call it Omni-Elemental Fusion Method then. Hmm, quite a decent name coming from you. Lizbeth was never tired of dishing out quips at him. Ha, better than anything you may have come up with. Victor gave her a sarcastic smile. This was true, as shown when she named the company Placeholder in the past. Hey! Dont you dare underestimate my naming sense! Lizbeth harrumphed, sticking out her tongue at him. Victor motioned at her playfully. Then, by all means, prove me wrong. If you have a better name, Im all ears. Uh Lizbeth feigned deep thought before quickly averting her gaze from him. Lets not get into that, shall we? Hehe. Why dont we check your improved status instead? Really now? Victor was not one to bully this little fairy of his though, so he let it slide and instead activated his Master Shadowlink Mark like she told him. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 507/507 Power Rank: Sigil-less Elemental Adept Magus Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Intermediate bright grade Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (foundational, 34%) Status: Healthy Strength: (31 32) Agility: (30 32) Vitality: (31 32) Magical Power: (41 43) Infused Mana (total): (420 507) Spell Repertoire: Not bad at all, Victor muttered in satisfaction. It was truly a miraculous elixir for it to propel his stats so much, especially his MP. With his increased mana pool, he could now cast more spells without fear of exhausting his reserves quickly. It had to be mentioned that casting a single Bet-tier spell could use up fifty or more points, making continuous spellcasting at that level to be almost impossible unless his regeneration could keep up with the consumption. By the way, the first sub-level of the Omni-Elemental Fusion Method, or OEFM for short, would come into play once he was on the verge of forming his first sigil later and to progress beyond that. He estimated that he could fully utilize this sub-level for a few months or so based on his rate of progression. A few months might seem long, but it was actually at a breakneck speed compared to other Elemental Adept Magi. Now that his mana aptitude had increased, his progression would only accelerate further. Hmm, but accelerated progression pace also means a heightened rate of mana crystal consumption. Right now, even ten mana crystals daily will not suffice to sustain my meditation regiment Shit, Im going to go broke again, am I? Victor yelled as he held his head in exasperation. Wh-What?! Lizbeth was taken aback by his sudden outburst, her eyes widening in surprise. Its nothing. Geez, stop with your sudden outburst. Fortunately, he had a solution in mind. The captured mercenaries were set to begin mining the mana crystal mine soon, and all he needed to do was assign some players to oversee guard and supervision duties. It was a relief to have an untapped mana crystal mine on his doorstep Aaahh!! But before he could fully savor this sense of relief, a high-pitch scream shattered the tranquility outside, jolting Victor from his thoughts. Chapter 127: To Live Again in Another World The second the scream pierced the air, Victor rushed towards its source, leaving Lizbeth behind in the office. It was coming from the room where his former comrades were being held captive. Upon reaching the room, Victor immediately identified the source of the scream as the new servant girl, Rosalie, standing petrified at the entrance to the room. Coincidentally, Victor had forbidden the players from going up to the fifth floor, and the very late hour meant much of the player base was offline, minimizing any unwanted disturbances. Ahem. Whats going on here? Victor inquired, his voice calm but authoritative. He He! Rosalie stammered, her body trembling uncontrollably as she pointed at something in the room, as if she was completely frightened by what she saw inside. Victors gaze shifted to the person she pointed to and found out that it was Jared, and then a sudden realization struck him. Now that I think about it, the old village head said that he almost couldnt protect her. Does it have something to do with this prick? Calm yourself. Hes no longer the person he was, Victor reassured her. Rosalie turned at Victor with a mixture of anxiety and confusion. Listen to me, Victor continued in a calm tone as he walked into the room. Jared is under a spell a control that binds his will to mine. What you see now is not the man himself, but a shell guided by what Ive compelled him to be. As if to confirm Victors words, Jared dropped to his knees in front of them with a blank expression. Victor even slapped Jareds face a few times to show her that the once-threatening man was totally under his control and would no longer be able to do the horrible things that he used to do. Youre a servant here, so you have to familiarize yourself with the place and the people, Victor instructed firmly. Now go back to your duties. Yes, Sir Astralium! Rosalie responded, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to compose herself. However, despite having watched the unsettling scene, Victor noted a subtle shift in her demeanor. She seemed less frightened than she was initially, which surprised him. While shaking his head, Victor turned and made his way back to his office. *** Jacky lay in the sterile hospital room With a tired demeanor, he turned to the executor, who had just helped him finalize the necessary paperwork for his inheritance. Its done then, he said. The executor nodded, offering a small, sympathetic smile before exiting the room, leaving Jacky to his thoughts. Cyber had stressed the importance of making his passing appear natural, not linked to the gaming capsule, and he got that taken care of by showing symptoms of dying. Jacky glanced toward the sleek-looking machine in question. A month had passed since his first use of the capsule, and now the time had come for his consciousness to transcend the confines of his failing body. Nurse, help me get into the machine Jackys voice was weak but determined as he made the request. The nurse, though visibly puzzled and concerned, complied without hesitation, as she was used to this request. She thus quickly helped him into the capsule without asking a single question. No more hospitals, no more pain The idea was becoming more appealing with each labored breath. Jacky had made the necessary arrangements with Cyber beforehand; the next time he entered the game, the mind-uploading process would take place. As the lid of the capsule closed, sealing him off from the world of illness and mortality, Jacky felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. Lets go somewhere far today he whispered a soliloquy as the virtual interface sparked to life around him. In an instant, the room, the hospital, and his frail body then faded away, replaced by boundless landscapes and endless possibilities. In this place, he could finally find the freedom he had longed for. Standing in the clearing where the academy stood, Jacky reveled in the vibrant scene that surrounded him, filling his young, healthy eyes. The wind tousled his hair, the grass beneath his feet danced in the breeze. He felt a surge of vitality coursing through his body, as if he were reborn to explore and conquer the world. Until recently, I was lying in a hospital bed, thinking of giving up on everything. Jacky gazed at the expansive blue sky adorned with billowing clouds. The sight was so captivating; he felt as though he could almost reach out and touch them. Ah, why is this happening? I feel like laughing and crying at the same time. Unbeknownst to him, tears welled up in the corners of his eyes, a mix of overwhelming emotions flooding his senses. To be granted a second chance at life in another world was like a dream come true, and Jacky was determined not to squander this opportunity to become the best version of himself. Suddenly, a tap on his shoulder and a familiar voice broke through his reverie. Yo, Thunder, where have you been the past few days? Jacky turned to see Locktekei, his closest friend in the game, standing beside him.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. There have been a lot of changes lately, like the village being fully under our protection, and the first dormitory that you helped design with the others being completed. Locktekei continued, but then his expression turned into shock as he noticed Jackys tear-streaked face. Hey, are you okay? Why are you crying? Crying? Jacky quickly wiped away the tears and forced a smile. No, no, I was just washing my eyelashes. Locktekei raised an eyebrow but didnt say a word more. Alright, whatever you say, bro. Lets go on a mission to hunt magical beasts in the new ravine mine. Yes. Let us. Jacky nodded, his spirits lifting as he fully embraced the second life that was given to him. *** In the opulent living room of a sprawling villa, bathed in the golden hues of the afternoon sun, a middle-aged lady sat perched on an ornate velvet sofa. She had just received the news of her husbands sudden demise. Eagerly, she scrolled through the digital copy of the will on her tablet, her young, handsome boyfriend hovering anxiously over her shoulder. Here it comes, this is it, she murmured, her voice thick with anticipation. After bearing her bedridden husband for thirty years, she finally got what she wanted. Each clause she read seemed to bring her closer to the vast inheritance she had long envisioned. Finally, she reached the section detailing the distribution of assets. She read aloud, expecting her name to appear, and to the cause that I find worthy, I bequeath all my worldly possessions. What?! This cant be right! she yelped, her voice pitching higher with each word. She frantically swiped through the document, hoping to find her name in some overlooked section. Her boyfriend, with an anxious expression on his face, asked, Isnt there anything for us? Maybe some mistake? No, nothing! Absolutely nothing for me! She threw the tablet down on the lush Persian carpet in frustration. Hes left everything to some bogus company! After all Ive put up with! The boyfriend took a cautious step back, his body trembling ever so slightly as he watched her crumble. So, what are we going to do now? he inquired with a shaky voice. She looked up at him, her eyes cold and sharp. We? There is no we in this, darling. You were just a part of the good life with Jackys money! she snapped, her reality crashing down around her. As she glanced around the luxurious room, every opulent detail seemed to mock her now. The realization that her lavish lifestyle was over was sinking in, and with it, the understanding that her plans and perhaps her relationship were as bankrupt as she was. Following the realization was a scream that could be heard a kilometer away. *** Six days had flown by since Victor imbibed the elixir, and the academy was abuzz with activity as new buildings sprouted up across the campus. Among them, the first dormitory had been finally completed, placed to the south between the Headmasters Building and the Nexus Tower a spacious structure capable of housing up to one hundred individuals, each with their own private room. It was constructed so fast thanks to the growing number of true acolytes popping out left and right. It was quite a simple building though, despite being designed by students majoring in the field. After all, it was mostly constructed from bricks coated with cement except for some special rooms that used elemental marble instead. Perhaps Victor should search for real professionals in the field to join his game to enhance the aesthetic appeal of future constructions; he would contact Auralise for this. For now, practicality took precedence over aesthetics, as the immediate need for accommodation outweighed any concerns for visual appeal. However, given the limited number of rooms available, Victor decided to prioritize Initiate Attunement players for lodging. Of course, it wouldnt be for free. Better accommodation meant an equal value of rent for it, with a daily charge of fifty merit points for those seeking to reside in the dormitory. The price might sound quite steep, but the people who were given the privilege were already rich, earning hundreds of merit points each day. If they refused to move, well, Victor wouldnt force them. He wasnt that unreasonable, after all. Incidentally, one of the players, Prominence, was on the verge of breaking through. Being one of the first players in the game, his rate of progression was naturally the fastest. He could expect that he would achieve the status of second-stage Initiate Attunement by tomorrow. Hmm, maybe I should have considered building a staff dormitory as well, Victor murmured, rubbing his temple in contemplation. While the current rooms on the fifth floor of the Headmasters Building sufficed for the time being, it wouldnt be practical to accommodate a growing staff on a single floor in the long run. Furthermore, all sorts of problems would arise without careful management. Magi were inherently experimental beings, requiring personal laboratories and lodgings to refine their craft. This was a fundamental aspect of any reputable academy, regardless of its size. Otherwise, not even the most desperate Magus would be willing to join. In addition to the dormitory, there were several small structures situated to the southwest, where the academys industrial activities were housed. Victor envisioned establishing various industries within the academy grounds, operated and managed by the players themselves. Perhaps something akin to student workshops found in universities, where both he and the players could benefit financially and otherwise. This initiative would be earmarked for inclusion in the next update that he would do posthaste, but before that [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You and your players have reinforced the wall with bricks and cement and further reinforced it with concrete.] [The reward (20 progression value points) has been issued.] [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You and your players have constructed a fully functional student dormitory.] [The reward (20 progression value points) has been issued.] [Congratulations, the academy grade has leveled up to level 3!] [Requirement for total acolytes and progression value point have expanded to 500.] [An additional requirement for the next academy grade has been added.] [Alchemical Hall is now available.] [Nexus Tower has leveled up to level 2.] [It is now possible to set a 2:1 time dilation between Seraphia and Earth.] Chapter 128: Alchemical Hall Congratulations on reaching level three academy grade! Lizbeth exclaimed from the side. Mhm, Indeed. A lot might have happened since the last academy grade level-up, but only three weeks had gone by. With the increasing number of players, achieving the next level-up should be feasible within a similar timeframe, perhaps even half that time depending on which timeline he considered Earth or Seraphia. Speaking of the time dilation, Victor had no idea how the System was capable of manipulating time, especially on a planetary scale. There could be some sort of a spatial lock encompassing the entirety of Earth, facilitating such manipulation. Well, Earth was considered tiny compared to the planes that existed in this universe. Even so, it was a grand feat that not even the legendary Nexus Conjurer Magus could accomplish. As the overseers of the Steelrose Order had mentioned, the previous headmaster was a totally mysterious figure. Still, Victor couldnt help but crease his eyebrows when he noticed an additional requirement for the next level-up. So, he turned his attention back to the main page for more details. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 1120 Academy Grade: Level 3 Total Acolytes: 254/500 Total Professors: 0/5 Progression Value: 250/500 Level 1 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, 1:1 time Level 2 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, 1:1 time Level 3 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, 2:1 time Level 4 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, 2:1 time Level 5 Academy Grade: Level-3 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, Virtual Combat Chamber, 4:1 time Victor had used about 570 AP to buy various magical seeds and plant it in the Magic Botanical Garden. He also expanded the Starfruit Saplings that he had previously planted. There should be enough to sustain a sizeable alchemical production once they matured. Total professors? Thats a bit abstract for a requirement. After all, anyone could qualify with enough knowledge and at least a masters degree in their field. Unless there were some specific criteria required by the System, Victor had this in the bag. Hmm-hmm, you must be confused about the new requirement, remarked Lizbeth, crossing her arms with a knowing, smug grin. Try checking the Academy Inhabitants List, and you can assign them to the professor there. Although, it is more complicated than simply giving someone the role. Is that so? Victor checked the Academy Inhabitants List, and true enough, he could set people, including the players, as professors or as assistant professors. However, there were requirements that had to be met to change roles. It appeared that to become an assistant professor or a professor, one had to be at least a third-stage Initiate Attunement or an Elemental Adept Magus in that order and be willing to accept the role, or else it wouldnt work. Moreover, there were specifics about the requirement for the total number of professors that were actually hidden on the main page. Total Assistant Professors: 0/4 Total Professors: 0/1 His former comrades Elara, Jared, and Dorian should be able to fill three of the assistant professor roles. At the moment, Eleanor was only a step away from achieving third-stage Initiate Attunement, so she could also fill that role before the other requirements were met. Unfortunately, Victor, as the headmaster, couldnt change his role to professor. This meant that he would require an Elemental Adept Magus other than himself to fill the role. The golden query here would be how he was supposed to find an official Magus to join his academy. Should I consider helping those three to advance? Victor mumbled to himself. His former comrades were the closest to achieving the rank of Elemental Adept Magus. However, not only did it pose a risk of them breaking free from the mind control spell due to having a similar level of power to him, but there was also the fact that creating an Elemental Adept Magus required precious resources. Nah, to begin with, it should be easier to make a pig fly than making them achieve that status in their current nearly vegetative state. Victor shook his head as he cast the thought aside. As for the players? Even with their rapid progress, achieving such a level would take them years unless some incredible resources were used. In this case, it would be better for him to be the one progressing faster so that he could continue controlling them as he did now. This left recruiting an outsider as the most viable option of all.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Figures. I wouldnt be able to stay cooped up in this place forever, Victor said, his voice trailing off as he looked out the windows. Whats that? Are you going somewhere far? Lizbeth tilted her head, unable to hide the slight curiosity and melancholy in her tone. I will in the near future. Though the destination is still undecided for now. There was much to take care of, and he needed to have a clearer agenda before venturing outside. Otherwise, he would be like a chicken on the loose, confused about what to do. By the way, I should be able to change the time flow between the two worlds to a 2:1 ratio. But how am I supposed to do that? He discovered no direct option for this in the System screen, which led him to believe there was another method he hadnt yet uncovered. Well, you must head over to the Nexus Beacon to make the change there, Lizbeth explained before quickly raising her finger to caution him. However, keep in mind that once you adjust the time difference, it cannot be immediately reversed. Theres a cooldown period of twenty-four hours. Neat. Victor nodded in understanding. If what Lizbeth said was true, then it would be better to synchronize the time change perfectly, aiming for either six in the morning or the evening to avoid any temporal discrepancies. Being a perfectionist, he wanted everything just right. Right now, it was still one and a half hours before six in the evening, so he had some time to spare. Anyway, now that he had come to an understanding, Victor found it right to move on and place down the new building the Alchemical Hall. If the name of the building was anything to go by, it must be a facility for Alchemists to do alchemy, potion-making, and enchantments. Quite a useful facility to have. [Alchemical Hall is available to be constructed.] [Please select a location on the map to place the building.] Umm, a sudden tug at his sleeve, accompanied by Lizbeths concerned voice, interrupted Victors planning, Master, the players are bewildered by the Nexus Tower as it suddenly grows bigger and taller. A few have even gone inside to explore. Oh right, I nearly forgot that that building too was upgraded. Victor smacked his forehead in a mix of surprise and annoyance. Initially, Victor had intended to clear the game of all players before introducing the Alchemical Hall to prevent exactly this type of confusion. However, it seemed now that such precautions were unnecessary. Furthermore, some unprecedented problems actually came to his mind: Forcibly logging out players could expose them to various dangers, like predator attacks or other environmental risks, depending on where they were in the world. Whatever, Victor decided to proceed with placing the Alchemical Hall. He also quickly drafted a notification to all players about the impending update. With a firm nod, he turned his focus back to the task at hand. He chose the industrial area near the center for the Alchemical Halls location. It was not only strategically advantageous for monitoring but also the most suitable site for such an essential facility. Alright then, its decided. With a decisive press of a button on the holographic screen, Victor finalized the placement of the Alchemical Hall. Once that was done, Victor, with Lizbeth following closely, took off to the new site. Exactly the same as when he had first placed down the Magic Botanical Garden, two groups of players each about two dozen strong already gathered around the newly emerged and upgraded structures. These stupid-looking players were all spouting shocked remarks one after another. Holy hell! one player shouted, eyes wide. Did you see how this building shot up from the ground?! Those people werent kidding! This building is no less grand than the others in terms of look, but it also gives off a wondrous feeling for some reason. Its as if its calling me inside. Wonder what this is used for. Right. As that one player said, the Alchemical Hall was a structure that was two stories high, with a central tower that reached skyward, crowned by a small dome that gleamed in the sunlight. The buildings exterior was composed of sturdy stone, meticulously carved and sculpted to create intricate patterns and designs. Tall, slender pillars lined the front of the building, supporting an archway that beckoned visitors inside. One wouldnt have guessed that it was an alchemical building at first glance. Were on the cusp of a big update. Im so hyped! Hey, check your Shadowlink Mark, someone informed, theres a notification by the headmaster. We have to log out in about an hour. Nooo! I dont wanna! The distraught scream came from a player who began thrashing about on the ground, clearly reluctant to disconnect. Observing the chaos, Victor felt that the academy seemed to attract more and more weirdos by the day. Maybe he should have been more stringent in the player screening process, but he shrugged off the thought. Right now, that wasnt the priority. Look, the headmaster and Miss Fairy are here, a players voice announced, rippling through the crowd and ushering in a wave of quiet as all eyes turned toward Victor and Lizbeth. Murmurs of Sir Astralium and Miss Fairy filled that air, greeting them with a blend of awe and reverence. Victor acknowledged the assembled players with a nod, signaling them to hold their positions and not to venture inside just yet. Lizbeth, however, suddenly leaned closer and whispered to Victors ears, Master, a brief explanation might calm their excitement and prevent any hasty actions. Mm, good idea, Victor agreed. He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of all the players once more. As many of you acolytes have noticed, we have introduced the Alchemical Hall a new facility dedicated to the study and practice of alchemy. He paused to let his words sink in, all the while noticing the players eyes lighting up with curiosity and anticipation. However, for today, you can only admire it from outside. Also, please pay attention to the notification on your Shadowlink Marks. Its imperative to have a long rest before you explore this new marvel. Despite some lingering reluctance, the players began to disperse. With the crowd thinning, Victor and Lizbeth approached and entered the Alchemical Hall after a moment of sightseeing. Chapter 129: A Display of “Peculiar” Potions As Victor and Lizbeth entered the Alchemical Hall, they were immediately drawn to a mysterious obelisk-like structure standing majestically at the heart of the buildings towering central atrium. It was a structure crafted from an unknown dark crystal that pulsed with a gentle, rhythmic glow, making anyone who saw it shudder in awe and trepidation. This must be the core of this building. Victor approached the obelisk and observed the structure up close. He had anticipated that someone or something would have greeted him by now, similar to what they had encountered at the Magic Botanical Garden, but the hall was eerily silent, devoid of any apparent overseer. Curiosity got the better of him, and Victor reached out and placed his hand on the cool surface of the crystal. Instantly, a holographic screen popped up before his face. [Alchemical Hall has been activated.] [You can assign someone as an overseer.] Ah, so thats the reason. It appeared that this building really didnt have an overseer, and the task of appointing someone suitable for the role now fell to him. It seems you have figured it out, Lizbeth quipped, fluttering her wings beside him. Some System buildings dont come with preset overseers. Youll need to appoint someone yourself, although not every building necessarily requires one. Besides, theres no immediate rush to do so Victor was about to utter Why is that? but Lizbeth continued to explain before he got the chance. Apparently, Victor couldnt easily change the individual once he had set the role since he would have to pay some AP for it. Furthermore, there were some small perks of becoming an overseer, but she didnt give many details about them. I see. I understand now, Victor responded as his fingers danced across the holographic screen to learn about the buildings functions. To his surprise, it listed an array of rare potions and elixirs, along with their recipes, which were not available in the normal System shop. Victor scrolled through the extensive catalog and found some unique and powerful concoctions. Liquid Shadows Potion This potion grants the consumer the ability to blend into shadows, becoming invisible to the naked eye. Ideal for espionage or avoiding confrontations, it temporarily enhances stealth capabilities by allowing the user to move silently and unseen in dimly lit areas. Cost: 15 AP Obsidian Skin Potion This potion contains the spell {Obsidian Skin} a Geo element Aleph-tier spell. It is not for consumption and should be used by shattering it around or at the user. The spell grants powerful skin that can protect the user from harm. Cost: 10 AP Starlight Tonic Made from magical plants infused with the essence of the star, this elixir permanently enhances mental acuity and awareness. Consumers find their ability to concentrate and react heightened, making it invaluable for magicians wanting to learn more complex and profound knowledge. Cost: 15 AP Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir An invaluable elixir made from rare materials. It is used to enhance the users mana aptitude until a certain level and can only be used once per individual. It is useless for those who are above the superior glimmering grade. Cost: 25 AP Victor also discovered that the price for the recipes was ten times that of the potions themselves, which was quite steep. Perhaps he should carefully consider which potions were essential and perhaps seek them elsewhere rather than purchasing directly from here, unless they were incredibly useful or rare. One such example was the Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir that one was impossible to findThis content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Gender-Changing Potion A potion to change gender. Theres literally no other explanation. Cost: 20 AP Um, what? Victor twitched his eyebrows. Wasnt this the type of cosmetic potion that the players had been dying to get their hands on? In fact, a lot of spam emails had accumulated in his inbox of people wanting the character customization option. However, it required spending academy points, and Victor was not one to squander such valuable resources on what he considered frivolous items. On top of that, if he was in the mind to make it available to the players, purchasing the recipe and having it produced by a qualified Alchemist seemed like a more efficient approach. The problem was that there was only one person who immediately came to mind for the task. In the end, it all comes back to her, Victor said with an ironic smile, shaking his head. Elara was indeed the only Alchemist in the academy with the necessary skills. Although her abilities and mind were restricted by the spell, concocting low-level potions and elixirs was well within her capabilities. This realization only solidified her as the prime candidate for the overseer role, much to Victors chagrin. Welp, it is what it is. Victor sighed, resigning himself to the situation. Well, if he ever found a better candidate later on, he could just change the personnel with no problem. Other than this, Victor noticed that the Alchemical Hall could be upgraded, much like the Magic Botanical Garden. For one thing, only Aleph-tier potions and elixirs were available for purchase; this was probably something that would be unlocked when further upgrades were made. Although the price for the next level stood at 1,000 AP, a price that escalated tenfold with each subsequent upgrade. Look, Master, Lizbeth uttered, pointing to the other side of the obelisk, theres some writing over here. Another day, another word from the previous headmaster. Victor snorted nonchalantly and walked around to the indicated side of the structure and, sure enough, found another inscription in golden handwriting etched into the stone. Bracing himself for the usual intense headache that accompanied such magic transmissions, Victor began to read. To his relief, the experience was far more bearable this time. Perhaps it was due to his advancement to Elemental Adept Magus, or perhaps the message was less invasive than previous ones. Regardless, Victor felt completely fine. Wow, wow! I must say that your rate of progress has exceeded my expectations! Clap, clap! I bet you have discovered a great many secrets of this academy by now. You may even have stumbled upon fragments of my past from various sources Rest assured, for I mean you no harm. Its understandable if you have a lot of doubts and accumulated a wealth of questions to ask me, but I wont be able to answer everything here, so Ill summarize a bit. You see, I installed an extremely large spatial-temporal formation that encompassed the entire solar system where Earth is located, to ensure that my old adversaries wouldnt discover this place. Moreover, this spatial-temporal formation is designed to manipulate the flow of time slowing it down or speeding it up within its bounds. Thats why the System has the capability to adjust the flow of time difference between the two worlds. However, maintaining such a formation demands a significant toll on both resources and the formations durability. If my calculations were right, then by the time youre reading this, the formation will have approximately a decade to a century before it degrades completely and loses all functionality. I hope you will advance nearly to my level or be capable enough to restore the formation before that occurs. Good luck with that! I believe in you (even though it took me millennia to reach this level). Guess my time to impart this message is up. Toodle-oo! And with that, the message concluded abruptly, leaving Victor to be struck speechless like an idiot. The fuck What in the world did I just read? Victor creased his eyebrows. Were they expecting that he, a mere mortal, would be able to become a powerful, legendary Magus that was only described in legends in mere decades? That would be insanity! Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Victor was reminded of the silver lining. Oh well, I have a few unnatural advantages, such as the System and the loyal, immortal players at my disposal. Determined to rise to the challenge, he clenched his fists. Maybe I can make history in a way no one ever has done before Mumbling to yourself again, I see, Lizbeth remarked with a knowing smile, raising both her arms in a playful gesture as she shook her head. Well, its nothing, Victor replied, masking his deep contemplation. Theres just a lot to process Moreover, its about time to roll out the next update for the players; we have much to prepare. Lets head back to the office. Aye, sir, Lizbeth saluted and giggled, fluttering her wings as she followed Victor out from the Alchemical Hall. Whatever the case, the gravity of his responsibility had now been fully realized and pressed upon him. The implications of the potential failure of the spatial formation were unknown, so he would better make haste with what little time he possessed. But rather than immediately returning to his office, Victor made a detour to Eleanors workshop out of curiosity. The workshop, though not large, was meticulously organized. Curiously enough, he noted that there was a signboard in front of the door that read, Eleanors Blacksmithing Workshop, accompanied by a chibi-style drawing of her, complete with a wide, toothy grin. As he got closer, the rhythmic clang of metal striking metal became audible to his ears. She seems busy, Victor commented. Without a doubt! Lizbeth nodded, eyeing the workshop. Being the sole blacksmith and Artificer in the academy means that she has to fulfill requests from all two hundred or so players, especially you. Hmm, lets better find some qualified personnel among the players who could assist her in that regard. Deciding not to disturb Eleanor, as there was no urgency, Victor returned to the Headmasters Office. Chapter 130: Alpha Version 0.5 Update: New Trading Platform Magus Academy Online Testing Server Alpha Version 0.5 Update Announcement Major Update:
  1. New Dungeon Clearing Area Be amazed, be surprised! The new update is now online with a new, expansive dungeon unmatched by the previous one. There will be a new pseudo dungeon area called the Steelrose Order Stronghold where players can explore an uncharted pocket dimension filled with all sorts of resources and dangers alike.
  2. New In-Game Areas and Opportunities Now that Thornwood Village has officially joined the academy, it will be opened for players to explore. New missions involving helping the village will be generated, and players will be able to form some sort of agenda with the important villagers by completing them.
  1. Economy Update Not forgetting what players have been suggesting all this time, we have finally added in-game currency for players to trade with each other. Please refer to the official website wiki for more details.
  1. Real Money to In-game Money Exchange Platform We have designed a platform where players can exchange real money for in-game money. However, this platform is based on a real supply-and-demand system, meaning that the game wont generate in-game money out of nothing. And trades are based on a real-world exchange platform rather than only simply a player-to-player basis. This is only a working prototype as of right now, and you need a crypto wallet to use it. A full, more complete model will be available in later versions.
  1. New In-Game Workshop Availability As our player base grows, so does the need for more resources and equipment. To address this, we want to give these players opportunities to co-own a workshop of their own with the academy. This not only enhances your crafting and production capabilities but also lays the groundwork for future community-driven features like guilds and legions.
  1. Increase in Total Quota for Applicants The quota for closed-alpha players has been set to 500 or more.
  2. New Building: Alchemical Hall This is a new building added to the game, which is a tower-like building for concocting potions and elixirs. While its functionality might seem limited due to the sparse number of NPCs, it will only become useful as the game progresses.
  1. Upgraded Building: Nexus Tower As you may be aware, the Nexus Tower has been upgraded in this update and can now incubate up to twenty-five players instead of ten. This means that people will have a higher chance of receiving eligibility.
  1. Accelerated In-game Time Flow Players have spoken, and we have answered. The in-game time flow will now be twice as fast as the real world, making the time you spend in the game longer than ever before without affecting your free time in the real world.
Optimization:
  1. New NPCs Interactions and Models With the addition of the village becoming free to visit, there will be new interactions as well as models that will be added to the game.
  1. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Our team has been hard at work weaving away any pesky bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the game. Your experience in Magus Academy Online will now be smoother and more enjoyable than ever.
Other Changes:
  1. Adding Academy Grade to the Official Website To encourage players to develop the academy and do missions, we have added a purpose for doing so. Please refer to more information on the forum.
  1. Update on the Guidelines and Adding a Demerit System In response to the added features and increasing number of NPCs, the guidelines are revised to version 4.0 to incorporate new rules. There will also be a hidden mechanic to determine a players eligibility to play the game by perceiving the said players interactions with NPCs. Recurring
The Bandit Insurgence event update has officially ended. The Thornwood Village Contributor title has been issued to more than 200 eligible closed-alpha players, while the Thornwood Village Guardian title has been given to exactly 57 worthy individuals. Their IDs will be included in the Hall of Fame for everyone to see. Congratulations to those who earned any of the titles! Please note that the server update will occur from 12:00 EST until 24:00 EST, and you wont be able to log in during that period of time. This is a very big update, and it is also the last update of the closed-alpha version. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to refine and expand the world of Magus Academy Online. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements in the world of Magus Academy Online! One had to admit that this update was arguably the most significant since the inception of the game. It introduced a sprawling new dungeon area, along with a series of village-based missions. But the highlight was the economic overhaul, poised to fundamentally transform the gameplay at its core. If ever there was a monumental update unseen in other games, this was it. Still, Victor felt that without a detailed dev diary, the players might misinterpret the changes and inadvertently stir up more trouble. To address the issue, he swiftly posted the revised dev diary in the official website forum thread and issued an announcement on the Discord server to ensure everyone was informed. Dev Diary #4: Alpha Version 0.5 Hello there, everyone! Its your dearest promotional manager here, ready to dive into our latest and greatest update. Its been a short while since we have an update, but the game has undergone significant transformations. Our programmers and designers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to meet the target that has been imposed by our superiors. I cant even tell how many energy-drink trucks that have been going in and out of our company buildings parking lot. And how many angry wives were forcing their husbands to go home Despite these lively scenes at our headquarters, the teams focus has never wavered as they finished the update.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Now, I wont beat around the bush, and lets jump straight to the exciting developments in this update. Im thrilled to announce that this update is by far the most extensive we have undertaken. Its not that I am boasting; theres simply so much new content that its hard to know where to begin. But the first thing that I want to inform you all, this update will be the final update of the closed-alpha phase. Thats right were moving on to the closed-beta phase in the next major update! Were one step closer to the full release of the game. Hooray! Okay, moving on to the game content. Well be getting a sprawling new dungeon area called the Steelrose Order Stronghold, unmatched by anything youve encountered so far in size and opportunities by several orders of magnitude. However, with great exploration comes great risk. This dungeon is actually a pocket dimension a separate, self-contained world with its own vibrant ecosystem. Its a place where danger lurks around every corner. Ill keep the specifics under wraps because we want you to experience and discover the mysteries of the Stronghold yourselves. However, I must warn you beforehand that you have to steer clear of the mechanical tower at the center of this pocket dimension since it will result in your demise. Furthermore, it is truly rife with dangers, and two parties full of true acolytes led by a second-stage Initiate Attunement each are required to be able to explore the dungeon. Whats more, there could only be a maximum of ten players exploring the pocket dimension at a time. Next, weve something that the community has been asking for on the forum. Thornwood Village has now been opened up for exploration and village-related missions. But be mindful that your conduct with NPCs will be strictly monitored by us. Dont let your temporary gain in power blind you! We dont want players to start getting carried away and conduct disruptive behavior. We count on you to hold each other accountable and watch out for one another. In truth, even with all these measures in place, Victor found it tough to predict player behavior completely. That was why he wanted players to police each others actions to maintain decorum and prevent inappropriate things from happening. After all, these NPCs werent really a bunch of programmable ones and zeros. There was actually an additional motive behind Victors decision to instruct players to log out and prolong the maintenance period: He had to imprint the Shadowlink Marks to some of the important, smarter villagers and impart them with the fundamental knowledge of assuming NPC roles. Once the Shadowlink Marks were in place, there should be nothing to be worried about. On another note, well be getting an economic update! This is the star of this update and something that weve been wanting to release for a long time. There have been complaints from some players before that they cannot trade merit points with each other, that they cannot feel the joy of counting money in the game. Or even the fear about NPCs tampering with the Shadowlink Mark to deduct reward. In fact, this worry is completely unnecessary, as the headmaster of the Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi is an absolutely honest and upright person in the setting and will never secretly deduct a penny from players. I can guarantee this! However, although there is no problem with the honesty of our headmaster, there is indeed a problem with the core working of the games economy. As such, we decided to finally introduce a new set of currency for the players that they could use to trade with each other or even the native NPCs! This currency is very convenient. One of the types of currency that will be used is actually mana crystals, which are already available in the game. Were not only increasing the availability of mana crystals but also introducing more granular currencies in the form of gold and platinum coins. Historically, the exchange rate stood at 5 gold coins for 1 platinum coin and 10 platinum coins could be traded for 1 mana crystal. They can be used to buy food, equipment, and other services and goods that require a fee. However, with this update, were empowering you, the players, to set the market dynamics yourselves. This change is designed to add a layer of strategy and realism to our game economy. Of course, we understand the importance of accessibility for all players. Therefore, every player logging into the game after the update will receive a starting kit of two gold coins and one platinum coin. This welcome gift also extends to any new players joining us as we move forward. This initiative ensures that everyone has the opportunity to engage with the games economy right from the start. Actually, Victor gained quite a substantial amount of gold and platinum coins from the mercenaries, especially his former comrades. Their wealth was such that Victor now held over three hundred platinum coins and seven hundred gold coins, more than sufficient to distribute among the 250 players currently active in the game. Victor had considered adding silver coins as well, but the denomination was too low for them to be used effectively by the players. Given that one mana crystal equated to one hundred merit points once Victor cut its price by half, a single gold coin held a value of two merit points. This meant that a single silver coin was worth a mere 0.1 merit points, rendering it essentially worthless. Aside from that, the merit point system wouldnt become obsolete. Merit points would always become the main transaction currency between players and the academy for players to get spell models and other services cheaply. It would also become possible to convert merit points to other currencies, with a ratio that was still fair but obviously benefited the academy. The next topic were gonna address is another highly anticipated economic feature. Say goodbye to sulking in the corners of not being able to waste money in the game, no more moving bricks in real life because you cant earn money in the game. Lo and behold as well introduce real money to the in-game money exchange platform! Yes, you heard that right! You can now use your real money to trade for in-game money and vice versa. I bet youre so excited, happy, and feeling crazy, so much so that you cant stop jumping on your chair. Naturally, this trade is designed to operate like a real-world exchange platform, with us serving merely as the facilitator for these transactions. However, please note that this feature is still in its prototype phase and wont be fully operational immediately. To ensure security and authenticity, this exchange can only be accessed through the gaming capsule, which helps prevent any fraudulent activities. We urge you to adhere to the rules, as we will not be responsible for actions taken outside the guidelines of the platform. We trust our players to use this new feature responsibly and wisely. Considering that the fee for every transaction was 5 percent, it wasnt low enough that it was not worth it and not high enough that players would consider using pirate sites to do the transaction because of the practically impossible difficulty. On top of that, each transaction was bound to the buyers and the sellers accounts, making it impossible to scam the other party. This was a win-win situation for everyone, except for scammers. Scammers should just go extinct (not including Victor, of course). Chapter 131: Players’ Overreactions Next on the list, we have the in-game workshop availability. Players can now co-own land and buildings within the industrial zone to establish their own workshops. However, owning a workshop comes with responsibilities. It requires an innovative concept approved by the headmaster, followed by a deposit of two thousand merit points. Additionally, to ensure each workshop receives the attention it deserves, at least five players must band together to get one. Victor envisioned a future where players could enlist the natives as their workforce. However, for the time being, they would have to rely on their own resources. Fortunately, manpower was not a concern, given the rapid expansion of the player base every few weeks. The next two points are about the new and newly upgraded buildings. First, the Alchemical Hall is quite self-explanatory, and as the name suggests, its a facility for Alchemists to concoct potions and elixirs. Furthermore, as players progress, they can acquire side professions such as Alchemist; this will allow players to create their own unique potions and elixirs. Isnt that amazing? This facility also sells potions and elixirs of many varieties, but we can expect it to be available down the line. He opted to keep the existence of Gender-Changing Potion under wraps because there was no reason to reveal it now. If players were to learn that there was such a potion available for sale, it could potentially incite uproar among them. And while the players enthusiasm was good, the risk of misuse was too great. It was essentially a double-edged sword. Maybe he should instead create a milder version of the potion with temporary effects, lasting perhaps a day or less. But for now, it remained an idea for another time. Continuing on, we have exciting news about the Nexus Tower it has been upgraded to level 2. Some of you might not be aware that certain buildings in our game can be leveled up; this was a hidden mechanic until now. More details on this feature will be shared soon. Back to the Nexus Tower, those of you who have visited recently were likely impressed by the enhancements inside. The tower now houses twenty-five incubation pods, which is an increase of fifteen pods. This expansion means that fifteen more players can be incubated and join the game concurrently. This upgrade is part of our ongoing efforts to increase the total number of players and address the long waiting respawn cooldown. Victor had actually taken another detour after visiting Eleanors workshop to check the Nexus Tower. Impressively enough, it had expanded significantly, now 1.5 times larger than before, boasting two floors and a total of twenty-five incubation pods. As if that werent enough, all the acolyte robes and other clothing within had been magically replenished! This news left him thoroughly satisfied since he wouldnt have to worry anymore regarding the dwindling supply of acolyte robes. Nevertheless, there remained a necessity for an industry focused on repairing the currently used ones and crafting new ones in case the current stock proved insufficient. Other than this fact, he discovered that there was actually a basement floor with a new facility inside it. The facility was called Bloodline Transmuter, and Victor could put in the blood essence of a powerful magical beast to be inserted into players or anyone elses bodies. This must be the one that caused a certain player to become a Bloodline Magus. Alright! Lets dive into the last and perhaps the most thrilling point that Im sure everyones waiting for: the in-game accelerated time flow. I know, I know many of you have been complaining about not having enough time to fully engage with the game, especially with the ever-increasing tasks each update brings. That is why were implementing this cutting-edge system within the gaming capsule, and were beyond excited about it. You no longer have to worry about not having enough time to do missions or learn magic in the game. This new feature accelerates the in-game time relative to real-world time, allowing you to accomplish more within shorter real-life periods with a 2:1 ratio. This also means that the number of new players joining the game with be twice as fast as before, not to mention the increase quota thanks to the number of the incubation pods. Are you excited after reading this news? Of course you are! And as much as Id like to join you all in exploring these new features, alas, my work keeps me grounded in reality. But Im excited to see how you all use this new capability to maximize your endeavor in the game! Obviously, Victors narrative was total bullshit. What maximizing players in-game time to do missions? It felt more like an intensified form of slavery, wrapped in the guise of gameplay mechanics. But no matter how smart these people were, they wouldnt be able to figure it out because, after all, it was just a game to them. Plus, what would be better than giving them a carrot-on-a-stick method? That covers all the main points of this update. Typically, I would conclude here, but there are a few additional changes worth highlighting. For starters, you can now track the academys grade and its progression value points on the official website. By completing specific missions and contributing to the development of the academy, youll see these progression points increase. Accumulating enough points will elevate the academy to the next level, unlocking new buildings and additional features.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. We introduce this system to give you clear goals and add motivation for engaging in missions. It is designed to enrich your involvement in the games community and development. Remember, the academy will always become a pivotal part of this game, no matter what stage of the game it is. Guess I will end the fourth installment of the dev diary with this. I sincerely hope this update fills you with excitement and adds to your enjoyment of the game. Happy gaming! And enter. Victor uploaded the entire thing to the forum, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. There we go. Phew He wiped the sweat from his forehead and stretched his back, eliciting a few creaking noises from his bones. This dev diary had turned out to be his longest yet due to the fact that there were a multitude of topics that needed to be addressed. Oh, how the years have gone Victor reminisced, recalling the countless nights spent grinding for a rare piece of equipment in his favorite game. The memories filled him with a warm sense of nostalgia. You do realize that you sound like an old man, right? Lizbeth remarked, casting a snippy glance his way. Hearing that, Victor could only chuckle. I may look young, but if you count my past life, Ive lived for forty years. Is forty years even a long time? She tilted her head in confusion, as if genuinely puzzled by the statement. Her question left Victor momentarily speechless. He remembered that she had mentioned waiting for the academys successor for an incredibly long time. Compared to the millennia she might have endured, could forty years be considered long? Moreover, powerful Magi could live for thousands, if not tens of thousands, of years. In such a context, forty years were indeed just a blink of an eye. Hmm, maybe I should change my perspective somewhat While mulling that over, Victor turned to look at the official website forum, now bursting with comments on the latest update announcement. In any case, these netizens sure are a rowdy bunch. Look at how their messages pop up every fraction of a second, especially these highlighted posts made by players. Squadzell: Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!! My eyes must be playing a trick on me! I just got the qualification for the game!! Mom, your son is at the peak of his life!! Woohoo! ProcrastinatingPanda: How come youre the first to comment when you had to check your email first? Hornycrab: Nooo. Im third now ?? Prominence: Congratz, mate @Squadzell. Your loyalty has finally been rewarded. [Celebration.jpg] Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Shoot. This might just be the biggest update well ever get for a long time! Whats more, well be moving to the closed beta in the next update! Storm Bringer: Is it finally here?! An economic update! This will change the game entirely as we know it! And theres a brand-new dungeon a pocket dimension at that! This is insane! ZeroXScyth: Yup, not to mention that this update introduces a workshop feature. That sure is an interesting one. DigitalMagicianPatrick: Does creating a troupe for magic performances count as a workshop? CookieMons: I want to open a meat stall. Is that possible now that we have a tradable currency? ButaYaarou: How about selling things that we couldnt legally sell in the real world? Im sure theres a lot of content worth selling. (? ?? ?) #iykyk GiveMeTheNuclearCode: You mean something like a d*j*n manga or? Hehe SirLaughsALot: Ahem. Guys, lets apprehend and beat up these degenerates before they do something heinous in the game! KuroUsagi: Are you guys blind?! The highlight of this update is obviously the accelerated time flow! One day in the game is equal to twelve hours in real life. Do you ignoramuses know how much this will affect the gameplay?! Storm Bringer: Were just trying to ignore the elephant in the room because we almost fainted from excitement. \_()_/ Indeed. For them, the prospect of spending more time in an exciting virtual world while expending only half the time in the real world was like a dream come true essentially extending their lifespans. Using their sleeping time alone already increased their active time by 30 percent, and with time in the game now accelerated by a factor of two, it effectively meant doubling their lifespans. In everyones mind, this might as well be magic! Well, it is. Speaking of which, Victor had granted qualifications to architects, designers, and other related professionals as planned. Now, he just had to wait for them to join the game and enhance the academys layout and architecture, ensuring it wouldnt become a laughingstock among other Magi. Although, he wouldve preferred recruiting the necessary talents from this world instead. But it feels like Ive forgotten something Victor held his temple in contemplation his mind nagging that despite the big update, something was missing. Then it hit him. Oh right, the introduction of the Ki-Warrior class You mean, Lizbeth interjected with a question, confused, you want the players to become Ki-Warriors as opposed to Magi? Well, a new class update will enrich their gameplay and maintain the fa?ade of a game longer. However, we dont have a viable breathing technique yet I havent fully interrogated the Ki-Warriors working in the mine, especially their leader, Rowan. Victor paused for a moment before making a decision. Lets put this aside for now and introduce it as a new class update in an intermittent update later. That seems to be a wise choice, Lizbeth agreed with a nod. As a matter of fact, it was not all that rare for Magi to learn breathing techniques and follow a dual path. Magi from noble backgrounds often learned these techniques, as noble houses typically leaned towards training Ki-Warriors. This dual training wasnt a bad thing because it provided them with physical strength and advantages over their peers. However, once they acquired a meditation technique, which was more powerful, they usually abandoned the breathing techniques since pursuing two paths consumed resources and time, with few advantages to speak of. Victor hailed from a Magus family, so he wasnt taught anything about breathing techniques, nor had he been interested in learning them in the past. Though it might not be a bad idea to learn one now that he had access to various resources and tools that could help him. With that in mind, Victor concluded with a smile on his face, I guess our next step has been determined. Chapter 132: The Appearance of “Questionable” Spells Right when it was 6 P.M. on Earth, the time flow on Seraphia accelerated to a 2:1 ratio, making time pass twice as fast. The players were also beginning to log back into the game in droves, like excited dogs heading out for a walk. One player, in particular, was seemingly more excited than the rest: William, also known as Prominence. The longer-than-usual update had given him the opportunity to complete a new spell using the Spell Generator program, and now was the perfect time to test it. Eagerly, he rushed to the magic training area where players typically practiced their magic spells. To his surprise, he was not the only one with the same idea, nor was he the first to arrive. Many other players had already gathered, each ready to test their new self-created spells some were posing as if about to race in an Olympic. As William darted toward the magic training area, a fellow player noticed and approached him. Yo, if it isnt Prominence! Whats up, bro? It was Locktekei, a kindred spirit. Hey there, William replied, scratching his itchy nose. Im here to test a new spell. It just so happened that the one I generated through the Spell Generator program just finished the other day. Are you by chance doing the same thing? Damn straight! He proudly thumped his chest and pointed at the other players gathered around the wooden training dummies. We all are. Among the crowd, William recognized several noteworthy players, including GiveMeTheNuclearCode and Aphrodite96. As a fellow enthusiast, he could guess what kind of spells they had concocted. True to his suspicions, Aphrodite cast a spell and summoned a slimy tentacle from the ground, which promptly entangled a wooden dummy. He then laughed heartily at the success of his spell. This display elicited a mix of reactions, with several players, especially the female ones, looking visibly repulsed and backing away from him with disgusted faces. Although William admitted that he was quite dirty-minded, he hadnt used it for anything obscene yet. Creating even a single spell took weeks despite using a high-end computer, so he focused on something more useful in combat to compensate for his shortcomings. This spell was also meant to celebrate his advancement which was 100 percent going to happen today; it was supposed to be last night based on his progression, but the maintenance postponed it. Without wasting more time in idle chatter, he went ahead to test his new spell as soon as an empty spot became available. Taking a deep breath, William focused his mind, erasing any lingering stray thoughts. Despite the assistance of the Spell Assist feature, casting a new spell for the first time was quite challenging in this game. In fact, it wasnt uncommon for players to suffer injuries and backlash from complacency. Fortunately, none had died from such mistakes so far. {Flame Prison}! he chanted. A prison of fire emerged, encasing the wooden dummy and quickly burning it to cinders. Not bad. Success on the first casting though I guess I can do better with some practice. Nice. Locktekei, who had been watching from the side, clapped his hands and added with a smug, confident smile, Still not as good as what Ive cooked up myself. Hehe. Reacting to his friends confidence, William said, Then show me. As you wish. Locktekei stepped forward, positioning himself in front of an empty spot. He took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in concentration. With a fluid motion, he raised his hand and chanted, {Storm Surge}! The air around him crackled with energy as he attempted to summon a swirling vortex of wind and water. A combination spell?! Williams eyes widened in surprise. According to the official website wiki, it was possible to cast a combination spell by merging two separate spells into one, though none of the players had successfully done this. Conversely, what Locktekei attempted was even more ambitious: casting a single spell that combined two elements seamlessly. If he managed to pull it off, he would become a legend in the game, with his name immortalized in the Hall of Fame. However, instead of forming a controlled surge, the elements spiraled out of control. The wind whipped violently around him, and the water splashed chaotically, drenching him and causing him to lose his balance. Suddenly, there was a loud crack, and the backlash hit him hard. Locktekei stumbled, clutching his head as a sharp pain coursed through him and left him gasping for breath as the unstable energy dissipated.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. William rushed to his side. Dude! Are you okay? Locktekei grimaced, rubbing his temples. Yeah, just a minor backlash. Luckily, I was able to stop the spell in time, or else I would have suffered more than one day of respawn time Guess using a combination spell like this is impossible But was that really the case? It could be said that William was one of the most advanced players in the game, but he knew that his progress wasnt vastly ahead of others. What a single individual could accomplish paled in comparison to the potential of a collective effort. Perhaps their roles as acolytes in this academy were to research and innovate as well as collaborate with each other. Shaking his thoughts aside, William helped him to his feet. You should take it easy. Try a simpler, proven method listed in the wiki before delving into unknown territory. That way, youll achieve success more reliably. In contrast to his advice, Locktekei shook his head and laughed as if nothing had happened. Ha! Failure is the mother of success. Ill get it right eventually. Other players glanced over, some offering words of encouragement while others nodded in understanding. The training area continued to be crowded as more players practiced their spells, pushing their limits and striving for mastery in the game. *** Amidst the buzz of the training area, a figure stood behind a large window on the topmost floor of the Headmasters Building, his arms folded behind his back. An intrigued smile spread across his face as a scene below caught his attention. Of course, the man was none other than Victor. Interesting. So, the program has finally borne fruit, Victor muttered, stroking his chin while observing the players testing their new spells. The main reason behind the creation of the Spell Generator program was to diversify Victors arsenal of spells, but that wasnt all there was to it. The spells personally generated by the players would also be available to him. After all, the players new spells were all saved by the Shadowlink Marks, allowing Victor to use them too, without their knowledge. When it came to creativity, nothing could beat these players who were filled with all sorts of imaginations. Hmm-hmm! Who else but me is the programmer behind it! Lizbeth proudly patted her chest while sitting on the table with her legs crossed. Well, I have to give you that. Still Victor gazed at the list of spells on the holographic screen, his eyes twitching. He was quite dumbfounded to find several questionable spells among them. For example, there was one named {Harder Daddy} created by GiveMeTheNuclearCode, which summoned obsidian belts to whip the target relentlessly. Despite its apparent uses for torture, Victor imagined that it would be utterly embarrassing to announce the spell loudly in front of others, especially other Magi. After all, the spells name was automatically translated into the ancient Seraphia language by the program, which other magicians could understand and potentially raise eyebrows among them. He definitely didnt want others to mistake him as a masochistic individual. Not only do their usernames sound trollish, but the names of their magic spells appear as if they were made by a bunch of perverts, Victor thought helplessly. Seemingly to notice his dilemma, Lizbeth flew toward Victor. And he, being unable to keep this to himself, pointed to the spell on the list, asking, Did you see this one? Lizbeth leaned over to look and burst out laughing. Oh my, thats indeed something. I must say that the creativity of these players to input their fetishes at every opportunity never ceases to amaze me. Victor sighed. Should I have implemented some guidelines for naming spells? He began regretting giving the players free reins to name the spell except for clearly profane words. If you do that, wheres the fun in that? Lizbeth raised her hands. Besides, their creativity is what makes the Spell Generator program so successful. Finding some sense behind her reasoning, Victor nodded rather reluctantly. True. I just hope they dont get too carried away. We need spells that are effective in combat, not just ones that are amusing or embarrassing. Lizbeth chuckled. Worry not, Master. We should just take the back seats and enjoy the show. Alright then, lets see what other gems theyve come up with. Luckily, there were also some spells that Victor found useful even for his own use. Take the {Flame Prison} spell that Prominence created, for example. Despite its low rank, it was a spell that could come in handy even for an official Magus like him. There were also several other spells that he found intriguing, which could be useful in various situations. One had to understand that even a nouveau riche individual like Graviel wouldnt learn more than ten spell models for a few reasons. Not only was each spell model expensive, but mastering each one also took a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, acolytes like Jared tended to prioritize offensive spells over support spells because they believed those spells were cooler. As such, other than Graviel, the other three could be considered mediocre in terms of their combat prowess and versatility. In fact, Victor himself was a better fighter than all of them apart from Graviel. By taking all of this into consideration, the players were truly blessed with outrageous cheats. They could test any spell without worrying about getting killed in the process, and they also had a feature that helped them master any spell. One could only imagine what they would become in the future. The notion sent shivers down Victors spine. Chapter 133: Someone Achieves a Breakthrough [Headmasters Journal] Mission: The Ticking Time Bomb With the village taken care of, it is now time to focus on the pressing matter at hand. A mark given by the pocket dimensions overseers has become a ticking time bomb where you must face them in a confrontation. Make progress on your meditation within the limited amount of time that you have. Type: Main mission Sigil Formed: 0/1 Reward: Bet-tier {Blink} spell book Ever since the completion of the previous main mission of taking over the village, a new one had popped up immediately after. This mission was something that Victor had been keeping at the back of his mind; it was about time he addressed it. Plus, the mission''s reward, a Bet-tier Cosmo-elemental spell book, made it all the more important for his upcoming battle with the two overseers. He had devised a plan to become stronger and had even gathered all the necessary resources for his cultivation, including a room full of mana crystals mined from the ravine cave. But before he could proceed to have a very long meditation session [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have assigned staff members to your academy to make it functional.] [The reward (500 academy points) has been issued.] Victor had also completed the side mission to staff the academy, with all his former comrades starting to take roles in the academy. Or being forced to pick roles by his absolute order that they couldnt refuse thanks to the mind manipulation magic. Furthermore, the physical shop had opened and was temporarily placed in one of the rooms in the Headmasters Building. It was manned by Jared. Victor had ensured to include additional rules that players had to adhere to when the physical shop was implemented, stating that stealing would be met with capital punishment in the updated guidelines. He let Jared take care of the shop, the lowest position, while Elara and Dorian took the roles of assistant professors, teaching the players. This wasnt solely based on spite, but because both Elara and Dorian had their own specialized fields, whereas Jared was untalented in other fields. He was a lazy, arrogant asshole as far as Victor was aware. This resulted in a somewhat functional academic environment where players could truly take courses to advance their understanding of magic and this world, among other things. While the players might not require as intense of a teaching regimen as typical acolytes, some of the hardcore ones were definitely eager to learn everything they could to become the best. Heck, they might even do a speed run to complete every course in the least time possible. Hmm, the more I think about it the more I feel that it will happen Victor had been going back and forth to the village to manage matters with the important villagers there. When the time came for the players to come and do missions in the village, the villagers would be ready to interact with them. Of course, the Shadowlink Marks were equipped with all the necessary instructions to guide the villagers in their interactions with the players, ensuring a seamless integration. With that taken care of, the next phase was to implement the economic update by distributing the gold and silver coins he had at his disposal. Liz, gather all the players to the auditorium and have our staff distribute the money, Victor instructed. He had no time for any fancy words or speeches this time; his focus was solely on strengthening himself to increase his chances of winning or at least surviving the next predetermined battle. Thus, he could delegate this task to someone else. Aye, Master! The mischievous fairy saluted with a smile and somehow looked elated to do his bidding this time. Perhaps she was excited at the prospect of commanding others besides the pesky players.Stolen story; please report. Now then Time to get stronger, Victor murmured to himself, stepping into the underground floor where his meditation chamber was located. *** Meanwhile, in the auditorium, Lizbeth efficiently managed the distribution of coins to the players. The two hundred or so players made several long lines, eagerly awaiting their turn to receive their goodies, much like children waiting to receive candy. The atmosphere was very lively, as the economic update represented a significant milestone that brought limitless potential. Lizbeth noted with amusement that some players were already discussing plans to exchange the in-game coins for real-life currency as soon as they received theirs. Others headed straight to the new physical store to purchase mana crystals with their piled-up merit points. The store, temporarily housed in a room within the Headmasters Building and manned by Jared, was so crowded that the people were pushing each other to get inside. Hey! Whoever behind me, stop pushing! shouted a male player, struggling to avoid crashing into the topless, muscled player in front of him. Why is that player naked? Lizbeth thought. Then, there was another male player, looking equally harassed, yelling, The heck! I wasnt even jostling, and someone touched my ass again? Hehe. Its you! The victimized player tried to catch the perpetrator but failed. Lizbeth rolled her eyes, wondering if they were all a bunch of perverts. Fortunately, the female players knew best not to plunge into the crowd, though any inappropriate action would be saved by the Shadowlink Marks, and the perpetrators would be punished accordingly. But anyone would want to avoid such an incident happening. These mana crystals are all mine! I have more than two thousand merit points! Just shut up and take my money! one player shouted, desperation in his voice. No! Me first! another player yelled, equally frantic. The players at the front of the line jostled and pushed, each trying to be the first to get their hands on the coveted mana crystals. They knew the supply was limited each day and acquiring them was the fastest way to hasten their cultivation progress or, as Lizbeths master called it, leveling up. Having finished distributing the coins, she floated around the auditorium and observed the players as they adapted to the new economic system. Amidst the crowd, a few players stood out with their ambitious plans. KuroUsagi was already devising strategies to maximize profit from the economic update, while Prominence and his friends discussed the possible loopholes that they could take advantage of. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of possibility and excitement. Lizbeth couldnt help but feel a sense of pride in the progress that had been happening. The academy was improving every day, and her goal of making it the best academy in the universe was one step closer with each passing day. Watching the players enthusiasm and ingenuity reassured her that they were on the right track. *** The entire day passed after the recent update, and exciting news spread throughout the academy and even reached the official website forum: Someone had broken through. Interestingly enough, the first to be promoted and reach new heights in the Magus path was not Victor; it was actually Prominence. He had managed to become a second-stage Initiate Attunement the first among the players. Over this fact, Victor took his old online friends achievement with keen interest as he opened his eyes and finished his meditation. Looks like this guys potential is not bad. Even with all the advantages the players have, it shouldnt have been so easy, he mumbled to himself. Promoting to a second-stage Initiate Attunement wasnt as easy as achieving the first stage. As long as you had a good meditation technique and high mana aptitude as well as thorough guidance, anyone could achieve it given enough time. However, achieving the second stage required more than just these basic elements. It mostly depended on ones own abilities and perseverance. If they didnt have enough determination, patience, and understanding of their own elemental affinities, they would find themselves hitting an insurmountable wall. The second stage demanded a deeper connection with mana, a more refined control over spells, and an inner aptitude that couldnt be taught. This was why Prominences achievement was so remarkable; he had managed to push through these barriers on his own. A player being able to achieve this, just how amazing was that? Right, Victor made a decision. Maybe I should leave that thing to him. He recalled the Pyro staff he had kept in reserve the Elemental Staff of Flame, a mid-grade magic tool. The reason he hadnt put it up for auction earlier was that the players were all too low-leveled. Now that there was a second-stage Initiate Attunement, he could rest assured. Victor had no doubt that ButterflyWingsAreDelicious would be able to achieve the second stage as well, but she had the advantage of being a Bloodline Magus and all. Besides, the staff wouldnt fit her fighting style and would only get in the way. With that thought in mind, Victor activated his Master Shadowlink Mark and called for Lizbeth: Liz, you there? A holographic screen appeared before him with Lizbeths face framed within. Yup. Do you need something, Master? Get Prominence to the Headmasters Office. Its time he gets a proper reward for his hard work, Victor instructed. Lizbeth nodded and cut off the projection. He obviously wouldnt give the staff for free, but his success along with this reward would become a beacon of hope and motivation for other players. It showed them that with enough effort and dedication, they too could reach new heights in the Magus path and be rewarded for their efforts. This would not only enhance the fighting capabilities of the players but also make them grateful for him, making this fit the adage of killing two birds with one stone. Chapter 134: Fair Headmaster Facing the headmaster, William almost couldnt believe his eyes. When he arrived at the Headmasters Office, he found the headmaster standing behind a grand desk, with a beautifully crafted crimson staff resting atop it. It had a shimmering sapphire gem at its head and a surface etched with intricate runes, catching Williams whole attention. No one was more familiar than him when it came to this particular magic weapon, as he had once gotten a chance to use it. First off, congratulations on your advancement, the headmaster started with a dignified smile. As the first acolyte to reach second-stage Initiate Attunement, I believe it is only right for you to be rewarded. He gestured to the Pyro staff. A hidden achievement! Williams eyes widened with a mix of hope and excitement. Respected Headmaster, you want to give this magic staff to me? The headmaster nodded. Indeed, but I never said I would give it for free. Although his assumption was true, it appeared that the reward had to be paid for, which caused William to be slightly disappointed. Then Well, while free isnt on the table, the headmaster continued, I will let you keep it for a discounted price. Two thousand merit points should suffice Sold! William shouted, on the verge of jumping from his position. The last time he was offered the magic staff, the original price was a staggering ten thousand merit points. Even though he was one of the pioneers among players, his total merit points didnt exceed five thousand even after more than a month and a half of grinding. An 80% discount for a magic weapon was a no-brainer. Ahem. Let me finish. The headmaster appeared a bit displeased by his excitement, causing William to feel a bit embarrassed. I apologize, sir The headmaster waved his hand and explained, I, the academy, give you this reward in the hope that you will contribute a lot to us. To protect the academy like it is your homeland. The headmaster paused for a few seconds as if to let the words sink into Williams head. It is a priceless treasure a top-notch even among mid-grade magic tools. By taking this weapon, you will be responsible for taking care of it. The Elemental Staff of Flame will amplify your Pyro spells and serve you well on your path. Use it wisely. Prominence stepped forward, reverently taking the staff into his hands. He could feel the power emanating from it, a tangible force that seemed to resonate with his own magic. Thank you, Headmaster. I wont let you down. He saluted like a soldier. Im sure you wont, the headmaster replied. Keep pushing your limits and explore the unknowns. Your progress in discovering the truth is a beacon for the other acolytes. Now, go and show them what true power looks like. William excitedly nodded his head, and after paying the merit points, he thanked the headmaster, Astralium, before promptly leaving the office with amazement. He still couldnt believe what had transpired just now. Zero, Storm, and the others wont believe what I just got. Hehe, I will surprise them with this. A wide smile crept up on his lips as a thought lingered in his mind. *** The minute Prominence was out of sight, a small chuckle escaped from Victors lips. Prominence was entirely oblivious; the whole player base was dancing in the palm of Victors hands like they had always been. Now that the fish had taken the bait, it would only be a matter of time before the players began speculating about hidden achievements or other incentives for being ahead of the others. Once that happened, Victor could take credit for the idea and update the Hall of Fame to add rankings, thereby inciting competition. When players saw the rankings and the fame they brought, they would become motivated to climb higher. As soon as one player achieved a new milestone, others would see it and be inspired to surpass it, which in turn would spark other players. Thus, an endless cycle of ambition and achievement would appear. Oh, Im such a genius. Without Victor realizing it, a self-satisfied smirk was spreading across his face. Suddenly, a voice interrupted Victors train of thought. There you go again with your I-am-so-evil face.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. What? I am innocent, Victor said, shrugging his shoulders in an exaggerated display of sincerity. I gave him a reward to encourage others to reach greater heights. While their growth benefits the academy, its also good for them. Its a simple win-win situation. [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Fair Headmaster] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (becoming the fair headmaster that you should be) for this achievement.] [The award (100 academy points) has been granted.] Huh, that actually gives me a hidden achievement. Victor raised his brows in surprise. The condition of getting a hidden achievement sure is very random Yeah, yeah. The fairy giggled. So? Have you thought about your next plans? You know, with the matter over the pocket dimension? Im thinking about it, Lizzy. Victor closed his eyes, shifting his tone to a more serious one. He had previously confided in Lizbeth about the upcoming life-and-death battle with the twin overseers. Currently, Victor had a total of 1,220 academy points at his disposal. He decided that for the betterment of the academy, he was going to allocate a portion of these points to purchase more seeds for the Magic Botanical Garden. Another part would be used to acquire potion recipes, such as the Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir. As for the remaining points, he intended to use them for his own advancement. Despite the availability of elixirs for purchase, none of them are useful for me, Victor muttered to himself. Having become an official Magus, low-level elixirs were practically useless. Furthermore, he had recently consumed an elixir that enhanced his mana aptitude, rendering further consumption ineffective. In this case, there were not many options available for him. Normally, once a recently promoted Elemental Adept Magus stabilized their foundation, they would venture into the world to seek opportunities and rare resources. However, Victor had no time for that luxury. This left him with no other choice but to progress the long way through arduous meditation and self-study. Sighing, Victor finalized his decisions and instructed Lizbeth to ensure the purchases were carried out. Then, he returned to his meditation chamber before settling into a cross-legged position, his mind clearing of distractions. *** Just as Victor had expected, the Magus Academy Online official website forum was filled with excitement. The news of Prominences promotion to the second-stage Initiate Attunement and the meeting with the headmaster spread like wildfire, igniting speculation among the players about hidden achievement rewards and secret game mechanics. Being the number one player to receive a magic weapon, Prominence wasted no time in rubbing his newfound status in everyones face. This inevitably sparked jealousy among other players, with some, like Auralise, even offering substantial sums of money to purchase the magic staff. However, he rejected each and every offer, knowing full well the true potential of the magic staff. Plus, selling the magic staff could potentially incur Victors wrath, given the games hidden amity mechanic. Aside from this, KuroUsagi made a post detailing a recent economic update. According to him, the physical store provided players with much greater freedom. In the past, players were compelled to sell their items and resources gathered from the forest through missions at the warehouse. However, with the new update, they could now directly sell these goods at the store, offering a more flexible and convenient option. What was most important was that he stated that the key to maximizing profits lay in processing items rather than selling raw materials. He emphasized that processed items were worth three to four times more. For instance, instead of selling a whole creature to the store, players could process the creature''s parts to gain the greatest benefit, and the more processed the item was, the more it was worth. KuroUsagi promised to make another post soon, elaborating on how to exploit the games economy further. One couldnt underestimate the hard work of this hardcore player since he found all this in less than a day! *** In recent days, the whole player base began flocking to the village, eagerly accepting missions of all kinds. Even the most mundane tasks werent spared. Hardcore players, who usually hunted magical creatures in the forest, were now helping elderly villagers carry wooden wagons filled with grains. Others found themselves using their magic to sweep and clean the streets. Some meticulously fixed broken houses and mended fences around the farms. Despite the simplicity of the chores and the meager reward, players cared little about them. Those players who were once bloodthirsty in battle now worked side by side with the villagers, sharing laughs and stories as they completed their tasks. The village itself seemed to come alive with this new energy; the previously weary villagers now smiled and chatted with the players. Children ran around, their eyes wide with awe and curiosity as they watched their heroes perform everyday tasks. What mattered most to the players was gaining the trust of the villagers. They competed to outdo one another in helping the community. To be seen as heroes in stories, to be the people the villagers could rely on. And, of course, there was always the hope of unlocking hidden missions that could potentially lead to untold riches. Among the players, Alfreds party was busy helping the old village head with various miscellaneous tasks. They had come to the village to join in on the fun while waiting for another party to qualify for the new dungeon. Just like the others, they were assigned tasks that might seem mundane, but they tackled these chores effortlessly. Perhaps it was because they were used to such work from their days as newbies, or maybe it was something else, but Alfred and his party members felt a natural ease while doing them. At first, the villagers (the NPCs) looked awkward and uncomfortable assigning them tasks. However, after a mission or two, they had grown accustomed to it. What the game promotional manager boasted in his dev diary was apparently not a lie these NPCs were very human-like and were capable of learning. Yet, there appeared to be only four people in their party. Someone was missing. Chapter 135: The Village’s Festivity Out of the blue, one of the party members could no longer contain his curiosity and asked, Say, where has Mike gone off to again? It was SuperNova who broke the silence. He said his employees finally qualified to join the game, so he went to show them the ropes before heading to the village, explained Alfred. For beginners, going to the village to do mundane tasks might not seem worth it. In fact, one reason Alfreds party had come here, despite being veteran players, was to take a moment of respite and refresh their minds. Storm, looking perplexed, said, So his boasting about owning a computer store was true all this time. Better than being unemployed like you. Prominence laughed mockingly. Shut up! I make more money than you working at the gas station, Storm retorted, glaring at his friend. Whoa, scaarry. Prominence held up his hands in mock surrender, one of which was swaying the new magic staff that hed gotten from the headmaster. This action seemed to step on Storms toes, as he looked pissed. You! He pointed at Prominence and declared, Just wait until I have my own magic weapon. Your puny magic staff will be worth shit. Calm down. As usual, Alfred stepped in to mediate. Brag all you want, but you still wont hold a candle to my job as a consultant for a large corporation. You know what? I just got a 20 percent raise three days ago. Hah! Shit! To think you, of all people, would mock us. Still, Alfred was aware that no matter how prestigious his real-world job was, it paled in comparison to the potential gains this game could offer. An ultra-realistic game like this was bound to become extremely popular, and when it went public, it would generate immense income. A single magic weapon might be worth tens of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. The possibilities were simply staggering to imagine! Their playful banter was interrupted by the village head, who approached them with a warm but slightly anxious expression. Ah, sir mages. My apologies for interrupting your rest Could you assist with the preparations for the harvest festival? We need extra hands to set up the decorations and arrange the stalls. Of course, well compensate you for the trouble. As soon as the village head finished speaking, a notification popped up on their Shadowlink Marks, detailing the new mission: [Help the village with the preparations for the harvest festival.] [Reward: 50 merit points & the gratitude of the village] The reward was a mere fifty merit points a far cry from their usual missions of hunting and dungeon exploring. But there was also another reward in the form of the village head and villagers gratitude. That was something to look forward to. Perhaps. The group exchanged glances and nodded. Subsequently, Alfred smiled at the village head and accepted, Wed be happy to help. Just guide us to the location. As they set off to work and reach the plaza, the group of four was spirited. SuperNova used his magic to summon shadow puppets that deftly hung lanterns high in the trees, creating a sparkling canopy of light. Prominence and Storm helped the other villagers arrange tables and booths, occasionally pausing to poke fun at each other. Alfred coordinated the efforts, ensuring everything was done efficiently and correctly. As the sun began to set, the plaza was transformed into a festive scene. The players stepped back to admire their handiwork, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. The villagers, now more relaxed and friendly, mingled with the players, sharing stories and laughter. They learned that the festival not only celebrated the harvest but also commemorated the deceased, particularly those who had died at the hands of bandits. Furthermore, it would commence in four days. Still, hearing about the ones who had passed away made the entire groups expressions turn a bit grim. Nonetheless, they didnt want to sour the mood, so they walked away from the center of the plaza and found a quiet spot to chat.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Speaking of which, Storm began, I noticed something after going through all these missions in the village. What is it? Prominence perked his ears. Have you realized that some villagers have Shadowlink Marks on their wrists? Oh, right. But what is the reason? Prominence trailed off, tilting his head a little as he tried to piece it together. Dont tell me. SuperNova gasped in realization. Theyre not just ordinary NPCs. Yeah. I believe that only important villagers have those marks. Maybe they were named NPCs'' where were supposed to interact with, Storm explained. Storms right. Alfred nodded his head. After all, they were also the ones that trigger missions. Mm. Storm added, I think this is the games way of telling us which NPCs can give us missions. Well, its a pretty neat system, if I do say so myself. I see Prominence bobbed his head up and down slowly as the pieces fell into place. For one thing, all the new NPCs back at the academy possessed Shadowlink Marks without exception. Maybe the developers intended to ensure that only areas already conquered and opened had missions, thereby limiting the total number of key NPCs to a manageable number. Now that I think about it, I dont think any of the villagers have these marks before Huh, it seems that Storm has come to the same conclusion as well. Once I log out, Ill make a post about this on the official website forum. Cant let that Black Bunny outshine me when it comes to game expertise, Storm declared with determination. Haha. There he goes again with his competitiveness. The group continued their conversation into the night when the village head invited them to a sumptuous meal prepared by the villagers. Afterward, they went back to the lodgings that had been prepared for them beforehand to log out. *** When the festival came, Alfred and his party members gathered at the plaza to join the merry band of villagers. The atmosphere was vibrant, with lanterns casting a warm glow over the cobblestone square. The sounds of laughter, music, and the clinking of mugs filled the air, creating a joyous ambiance that was hard to resist. Alfred looked around, adjusting his nonexistent glasses out of habit. This place is crowded, he remarked. It feels like Comic Con but with medieval attire. SuperNova nodded. True, true. I could get used to this Have you been to one before? Once. Im not really a big fan, but both Storm and Prominence over there like to go there often, I heard. Hah! I always make time for every Comic Con in my city, Storm said with a grin. Theres always a lot of pretty girls in anime cosplay, and itd be a waste not to try to hit on them at least once or twice. Prominence chuckled, patting Storm on the shoulder. As I thought, were very alike. Get lost, dude. Storm pushed Prominence away. Hmm, speaking of girls, can you believe Mike actually went ahead and got himself a girl? That son a bitch actually did it. I still cant believe it, SuperNova said, shaking his head. Mike of all people. This had become one hell of a shock for them all. Despite only being away for one day, Mike had become familiar with a girl in the village and had been helping her set up a stall. They had checked on them once or twice during this time but didnt disturb him, as they adhered to the sacred rule of, Dont violate the bro code. Well, technically, Alfred interjected, an NPC girl. Whatever. You get what I mean. Storm made a self-deprecating smile. Being a Discord moderator for years has given me many online girlfriends, but I havent had much luck in the real world. How about this, lets have a bet. Prominence smirked. SuperNova creased his eyebrows. Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this Piqued, Storm questioned, Whats the bet? Heres the deal, well split up and try to hit on the village girls. Whoever manages to score themselves one in the shortest time wins, Prominence explained, then a confident smile formed on his face. As for the stakes, how about the losers give five mana crystals to the winner each? Youre on! Storm declared eagerly. Uh-oh, my bad feeling is right on the money. SuperNova sighed. Before the bet began, Prominence warned his friend, Storm, try not to scare them off with your degenerate habits. We dont want to be known as a degenerate bunch. Thats you! Storm retorted, narrowing his eyes. Um, guys, I think I will skip this one; my girlfriend is already back from work, and I still want to keep my neck in place. Alfred held up his hands in resignation. He was more willing to lose five mana crystals than play with fire, even though his actions here couldnt really be known either. Aight. Please hold the fort while were gone. Yeah, someones gotta make sure that we have a table when one of us comes crying after being rejected. Prominence and Storm nodded at each other and ran toward the crowd. Hey, wait for me! SuperNova swiftly followed them. Oh well, there they go, Alfred muttered, shaking his head. Two hours later, none of them managed to actually score themselves a girl. Alfred noticed that while the NPC girls in this village were somewhat respectful toward them, there appeared to be a social barrier separating the players and them. Perhaps it had something to do with their status as acolytes of a mysterious and powerful Magus, but the three of them failed spectacularly to even get close to any of the girls. Ironically, while sitting alone on an empty table, Alfred was approached by several village girls who mistook him for a wandering merchant. Because Alfred had no interest in winning the bet, he politely refused their invitations to dance, which just so happened that the plaza began crowding with couples dancing. After hearing his part of the story, the three of them clutched their heads and cursed loudly: Damn it! Chapter 136: First Sigil Formed Victor didnt know how much time had passed since he started his meditation as he sat cross-legged in the center of the stone-walled basement. The faint mana being emitted by the mana crystals surrounding him was being absorbed at an alarming rate. Just a little more The base of the sigil has been formed Victor had reached the final stage of his breakthrough infused mana was surging within him, responding to his will as he slowly channeled it to his left hand. His body trembled slightly as the energy swirled and coalesced, forming the shape of his first sigil. It was a complex design, intricate and glowing with a soft, ethereal purple light. He could feel the sigil etching itself into his very being, becoming a permanent mark of his advancement. Suddenly, there was a burst of light, and Victor gasped as the sigil fully formed. The energy flowed through him, filling every fiber of his being. He felt a profound qualitative change in his infused mana; it was purer, more potent than ever before. The power coursed through his veins, and he could sense his combat abilities enhancing dramatically. Not only that, but he could also now precisely control the Cosmo elemental energy like never before. Its a success, he muttered to himself, marveling at the sensation. The basement seemed to tremble under the new energy pulsating from him. As he slowly stood up, Victor felt his senses were sharper, his reflexes quicker. He flexed his fingers and conjured small orbs of void, watching in awe as they threatened to rip the fabric of space around them. A stunned expression formed on his face. This power its incredible. Upon inspecting the sigil, Victor was taken aback. Sigil, unlike Primordial Sigil, was typically elementless and possessed only low levels of elemental properties. Usually, it required channeling the necessary elemental energy to activate the infused mana stored in it. However, Victors sigil seemed to possess high-quality Cosmo properties. This meant that using the sigil as a conduit to cast Cosmo-elemental spells would amplify their power manifold. Tens of times, even! Great. With this, my chance of winning is all but guaranteed, said Victor with full confidence. This sigil its a game-changer. But he couldnt get complacent yet. What would be the use of his newfound power if he didnt have an arsenal of powerful offensive spells to go along with it? That would be like using a nuclear power plant to charge up your phone. Completely absurd. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully formed your first sigil.] [The reward (Bet-tier {Blink} spell book) has been issued.] Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 651/651 Power Rank: First-sigil Elemental Adept Magus Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (95% 96%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Intermediate bright grade Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (first sub-level, 0%) Status: Healthy Strength: (32 33) Agility: (32 34) Vitality: (32 33) Magical Power: (43 45) Infused Mana (total): (507 651) Spell Repertoire: Victor looked up at his improved stats through his Master Shadowlink Mark with wide eyes. Currently, he had mastered four Bet-tier spells, which were focused fully on offensives. Now that he acquired a new spell called {Blink}, he wouldnt be completely defenseless. According to the books description, this new spell was like an improved version of the old {Blink Step} spell. The difference was that it could be cast almost instantaneously, and its range now covered a distance of one hundred meters five times the limit of its predecessor. Still, this alone was not enough. Luckily, he had anticipated his weakness. While he was focused on forming his first sigil, the one hundred or so high-end computers with the Spell Generator program on Earth werent left dormant. By inputting his improved understanding of the Cosmo element, he was able to create two more Bet-tier spell models: {Gap Hole} and {Ethereal State}. In addition, the process should have finished by now, and he should be able to test their potency as soon as possible.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Nothing beats testing my new spells on magical beasts! Victor thought as he took a deep breath and moved to exit the basement. However, just as he was about to leave, he realized something. Hang on a sec, did my elemental affinity for Cosmo increase by 1 percent? He rechecked his stats and found that it was true. Holy shit! You must know that it was next to impossible to increase elemental affinity under normal circumstances. It could be said that unless you incorporated a powerful magical beast bloodline into your body or changed your race entirely, then it wouldve been much easier to increase mana aptitude instead. Cosmo element was one of the two most esoteric and extremely rare elements. Forget about increasing elemental affinity possessing it at all was a one-in-a-million chance. If I can form more sigils, can my elemental affinity increase to 100 percent? Victor wondered. An increase of 1 percent might not sound like much, but the difference of each percent above 90 percent would exponentially enhance his control over the Cosmo element. Perhaps even by an order of magnitude, if he dared to stretch his expectations. Still, Victor had never heard of anyone possessing 100 percent elemental affinity, so he had no clue what such an achievement would entail. Not letting such a pompous thought wander in his mind, Victor shook his head. At any rate, he would discover whether this was possible when he formed all the required sigils and eventually his Primordial Sigil. A distant dream, but one he was now more determined than ever to pursue. *** Victor ventured into the depths of the forest, filled with trees covered in thorns on their branches and barks. Learning that the academys state was progressing finely from his trusted fairy, he wasted no time and jumped straight to practice his new power and magic spells. Of course, ordinary magical beasts werent worthy to be his practice targets, so he went deep to find stronger ones. Because of the strict requirement, not a single player had tried challenging the dungeon just yet. They were more inclined to explore the vicinity of the academy and uncover previously undiscovered resources as well as hunting grounds, as well as mapping out any magical beast nests and determining their difficulty levels. Lizbeth had integrated all the information gathered into the map feature embedded inside Victor and the players Shadowlink Marks. How convenient. Thinking about this forest reminds me of Lumen. I wonder what she is doing right now? Victors mind wandered to his magical beast companion the Celestial Moonhowler. Because of the magic contract that had formed between them, he could sense her general direction and vice versa. However, there was no way to know exactly what she was doing. Well, her habitat was in the wild. Keeping her in the academy doing nothing would waste her full potential, akin to a lion in a zoo. Only by fighting other strong magical beasts and consuming them could she achieve her full potential. After several minutes of flying above the forest, Victor sensed a strong aura ahead, about as powerful as the queen spider. He soon stumbled upon a clearing. In the center was a large den made of twigs, bones, and other forest debris. Under it, a huge creature with dense black fur and scales on its head slept soundly. Upon closer inspection, it was an oversized bear. A party of hapless players had once unknowingly stumbled upon this area. And as happy-go-lucky as they were, three of the Initiate Attunement players were killed, whereas the rest, who were trailing behind, barely escaped with grave injuries. With such a lineup, they shouldnt have suffered such disastrous casualties. Thus, this marked the area as a forbidden zone among the players. This was Victors target: an Abyssal Bear. As far as Victor knew, Abyssal Bears were magical beasts with the bloodline of Abyssal Dragons, which was native to the Abyssal Realm. Ancient Magi must have brought an Abyssal Dragon to Seraphia a long, long time ago Interesting If I can extract its bloodline and use the Bloodline Transmuter Victor squinted his eyes. Although the bloodline of the Abyssal Bear was no longer pure, it was still a treasure worth having. If he could extract it, he could perhaps give it to one of the players or even use it himself if he could purify it. Nah, I dont want to be limited by the bloodline shackle. Unless there was no other way to advance, Victor wouldnt consider turning himself into a Bloodline Magus or a Warlock. Moments later, as if noticing his presence as an enemy, the Abyssal Bear woke from its slumber and stared daggers at Victor. GRRAAA!! it roared, sending shockwaves through the surroundings. The force was powerful enough to shake the trees tens of meters away. Tch, such a loud roar. Why dont you quiet down a bit. Victor cast {Warpblade} at the Abyssal Bear to test the waters, sending several ethereal blades slicing through the air toward it. In response, the bear launched a powerful dark purple fireball from its mouth, which collided with the ethereal blades head-on. From a distance, it appeared as though the massive fireball should easily vanquish Victors spell and continue its path toward him. Boom! Unfortunately for the Abyssal Bear, the ethereal blades were composed of Cosmo elemental particles, which gave them their esoteric nature. This unique composition rendered them almost entirely unaffected by the fireball, allowing their momentum to remain unimpeded. The blades struck the Abyssal Bear as it attempted to deflect them futilely. Hmm, its not as powerful as I thought. Victor creased his eyebrows as he witnessed the magical beast being injured by his spell. Still, there shouldn''t be any better target practice than this bear within a radius of ten kilometers. However, Victors perception was proven wrong. As soon after that, the Abyssal Bear stimulated its bloodline and began to grow in size, becoming three times larger. This transformation was just like the {Gigantification} innate ability that Lumen possessed. Now, the bear appeared even more vicious, its eyes glowing crimson red, thirsting for carnage and blood. Perfect. A wicked grin spread on Victors lips as the feeling of the sigil on his left-hand pulse with energy. Lets see how you can fare against my new power. Chapter 137: Victor’s New Power Victor took a deep breath, steadying himself as he prepared to test his new power and abilities. With a swift motion, he extended his hand and chanted, {Gap Hole}, summoning a small rift in space that began to swallow the creature. GRAA! The Abyssal Bear roared in agony as the rift slowly consumed it from its hind, deconstructing the flesh and bones that touched it. Despite the excruciating pain, instead of retreating from the rift, the bear defiantly opened its mouth and prepared another attack. Anticipating that it was going to be another dark purple fireball, Victor stayed still, his eyes locked onto the bear. But then {Blink}! Victors body was instantly teleported twenty meters away from his original location. In less than a second, a searing purple laser blasted through the spot where he had once been. As he was flying at the time, the laser continued its trajectory, carving a massive hole into a distant hill. Holy crap! Is that a laser? Victor exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock. Despite being stronger, getting hit by the laser could still potentially threaten his life. He realized that this Abyssal Bear possessed sheer destructive power that was far greater than the Queen Lesser Hiveborne Arachnid, whose advantages were of a different nature. Deciding to finally get serious, Victor activated his sigil. A burst of infused mana gathered on his left hand, resonating with pulsating energy as he began to cast a spell. Soon, dozens of spatial rifts appeared at 360 degrees around the bear, and one materialized directly in front of Victor. The spell {Gap Hole} not only worked as an offensive attack but could also be utilized as a gateway between two locations. While traversing the gateway physically would almost certainly kill him, this restriction did not apply to other magical spells, especially those imbued with the Cosmo element. Die! Victor cast {Warpblade} continuously, sending out dozens, if not hundreds, of ethereal blades into the spatial rift before him. Instantly, the blades were projected from every spatial rift encircling the Abyssal Bear, inflicting a myriad of small but significant injuries. The bear tried to nimbly escape the encirclement, but no matter where it moved, the spatial rifts around it followed like an unrelenting shadow. Little by little, the bears vitality was sapped away as countless ethereal blades stabbed into its massive body like needles into a pincushion. No matter how large it had become, it would eventually succumb to its injuries as more and more blood spurted out from its numerous wounds. In fact, its increased size only made it a bigger target. Finally, with a thunderous crash, the bear fell to the ground, lifeless. The fight was over in minutes. Victor stood before the corpse of the Abyssal Bear, panting slightly from the overuse of infused mana. The power of his new sigil was beyond anything he had experienced before, with his control over the Cosmo element becoming precise and overwhelming. However, the intense exertion had quickly exhausted him as well. Its quite impressive, he mused, examining his handiwork. The Abyssal Bear lay before him, its once humongous body now returned to its original size and resembling a grotesque beehive riddled with wounds. But I dont think the sigil should be used unless absolutely necessary He noted the toll it had taken on his mana reserves and found that it wasnt sustainable for long. Now what to do with this corpse? In spite of returning to its original size of about three meters tall, it was still a bit too large to fit into his interspatial ring. Fortunately, he brought along Graviels interspatial ring as well. Although not as spacious as his own, it was more than sufficient for the task. With a few precise cuts, Victor dismembered the bear, taking only the most valuable parts its fur, claws, and particularly its heart, which he knew contained potent magical properties and bloodline essence. Next, Victor turned his attention to the Abyssal Bears den. Other than the bony remains of some unknown creatures, including three unfortunate players who had met their end earlier, there was not much else Wait, why would this thing be here? Victor stared at the pile of pale blood-colored crystals at the back of the den, dumbfounded. These crystals, known as bloodline marrow, could purify the bloodline of magical beasts as well as Bloodline Magi. Although its effectiveness was lacking for beings above the Initiate Attunement rank, it was still a precious treasure. Not only that, but there were also magic ores mixed in the pile, such as moonsilver, shadowsteel, and even mithril. Each of these ores alone was worth a fortune and could be crafted into magical weapons and armor.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Victor concluded that since the Abyssal Bear had a trace bloodline of an Abyssal Dragon, it had inherited some characteristics of its original race. And what were dragons known for, if not hoarding treasure? After carefully storing everything in his interspatial ring, Victor continued to search around for more treasure. Unfortunately, other than some remnants of creatures-turned-feces, there wasnt much else to find. Humans would never venture this deep into the forest, and acolytes rarely did either. He couldnt hope to find trinkets of fallen mages here. Nevertheless, this trip had been incredibly rewarding. Not only had he tested his new powers, but he had also uncovered a valuable stash of bloodline marrow and magic ores that would greatly aid him in his future endeavors. As he prepared to leave, a thought struck him. If theres one Abyssal Bear here, there might be more of these mixed-bloodline creatures around. The idea of encountering other such beasts, each with their own hoards, was tantalizing. But regardless of such an alluring idea, if he hunted down every interesting and rewarding magical beast in the area, then what would the players hunt? Satisfied with his experiment and haul, Victor flew back toward the academy. *** At dusk, Victor arrived back at his office. He had ventured late in the afternoon, and the Abyssal Bears den was quite far, even by flying. It was quite a wonder how players had managed to reach that deep into the forest. Perhaps if there were settlements nearby, they would have found them quite easily, though Victor doubted there was one other than Thornwood Village. As for settlements outside the Thornwood Forest, Victor had intentionally put restrictions on their Shadowlink Marks. So, whenever they tried to venture to other villages or cities beyond Thornwood Village, they would receive a warning. And if they still tried to force their way forward, they would be instantly logged out. Thankfully, his players were pretty obedient and would turn around when they unintentionally ventured too far. Besides, the players got their hands full with the new dungeon, and the forest was large enough to be their playground. Too large, in fact. The moment Victor took a seat in his chair, Lizbeth, the assistant fairy, flew toward him in a hurry. Master, I got some news, she told him. Since you left in a hurry, I didnt have a chance to inform you. Whats up? Victor asked, curious. After forming his first sigil and stealing Lizbeths sandwiches, Victor rushed to test his new powers. As such, he wasnt fully informed about the recent updates regarding the academy, save for the basic minimum. Speaking of which, ever since players were given the freedom to roam freely in the village, they had begun trading with the money he had provided them. This allowed some players, who didnt particularly enjoy combat or manual labor, to pursue other ways to earn money. Auralise, being the shrewd businesswoman that she was, took this opportunity to establish a chamber-of-commerce-like workshop focused on trading with the village to supply goods to the academy that Victor had no choice but to approve as it was quite interesting. Naturally, most players were unwilling to become her underlings or be subjected to a monopoly, so they banded together to seek out more trading channels. It was fascinating to see how the economy developed in this so-called game. Well, I dont feel like telling you after you snatched my food. Humph! She crossed her arms and pouted her cheeks. Stealing her food must have struck a nerve. Um, Im sorry? Victor scratched his cheek. Hed been very hungry at the time and had forgotten to store some food in his interspatial ring, so he grabbed whatever was on his office table. How about I compensate you with some other delicious food later? Teehee, thats more like it. She smiled and fluttered close, landing on Victors shoulder, her former pouty expression gone to who knows where. Anyways, the first ten players have gone to challenge the new dungeon yesterday morning about ten days since the last version update. You see, since you were still in the basement, I was the one to give them permission and entrusted one of the keys to open the pocket dimension. The twin overseers had previously lent him a few keys for his players to get a chance to explore the pocket dimension. Oh, thats interesting. Must have been Zero and the others. Victor held his chin in thought, then a realization hit him. Wait, how long have I been gone? Glad you finally asked that question. You were there for exactly nine days, seven hours, and thirty-two minutes. Lizbeth gave an unnervingly accurate time estimate. What?! Victor was almost unable to hold his face from contorting in shock. He had lost track of time while on the verge of a breakthrough, initially thinking it wouldn''t take more than a day or two. No wonder Ive been very hungry By subtracting the one-month agreement time from the days that had passed, Victors imminent duel would commence ten days from now. How the time had flown Crap, I thought I still had a lot of time, but it passes quickly when you least expect it. Victor sighed. The days had slipped away faster than he anticipated, leaving him with much less time to prepare than he had hoped. Be that as it might, Victor found it useless to be crying over spilled milk. What he had to do now was to make the most out of the remaining time he had left. It couldnt be helped that he was worried over the upcoming battle, as it would decide his very own fate Truly a duel to the death, it seemed. Interlude: Dungeon Diving Part I Trekking under the thick canopy of the forest was a group of ten players, dressed in acolyte robes and wielding all sorts of weapons. At first glance, it was clear that these players were challenging something big, something that none had ever done before. Among them was Sean a well-known game critic and veteran player of Magus Academy Online, famously known by his username KuroUsagi. He and his party members had gathered to dive into a brand-new dungeon called the Steelrose Order Stronghold. Sean observed the other players, noting their grit and readiness. In this game, everyone could change roles whenever they saw fit. After all, the line between professions was quite blurred, and as long as they had the talent for it, they could switch from being a frontliner to a mage or a support with relative ease. Of course, he thought that ten individuals fighting together without clear roles would cause chaos and eventually their demise. So, before going through all this, he had discussed roles and strategies with everyone. There were exactly two parties of five here, which were headed by him and Zero. To divide into proper roles, Sean had to first know each person''s capabilities as well as their elemental affinity. He noted that Zero was best at using Electro-elemental magic, Prominence and Butterfly excelled in Pyro-elemental magic, Storm specialized in Anemo, Mike was proficient with Hydro, Lunatic wielded Cryo, Chicken had some knack over Bio and Geo quite equally, Patrick was good with Lux, and lastly SuperNova and himself were adept in Umbra. There were, naturally, other elements that they were good with, but those were secondary considerations. Other than these criteria, he had paid extra attention to the types of weapons they were using. At the current stage of the game, only Prominence wielded a magic staff a rare magic weapon while the others had to make do with normal weapons. Most of them used close-range weapons like swords, axes, cutlasses, katana, and knuckles, or even fought barehanded like Butterfly. Others preferred long-range weapons, with bows and crossbows being the choice for Zero, SuperNova, and himself. Patrick, however, stood out the most. He wielded a magicians top hat and several unknown trinkets that a magician would have. What is he, the main character of Oz the Great and Powerful? Talk about being the most eccentric party. Each of them also carried a camping set crafted by life-skill players back at the academy. These sets would be useful when they needed to log out from the game to take care of daily needs or handle other chores. Even though they had all committed to spending more time in the game for this endeavor, the gaming capsules features which automatically fulfilled their needs, such as sustenance and excretion were still met with skepticism. To many, the technology seemed like something straight out of science fiction. But who would want to live in the real world once they experience this game? Sean mumbled to himself as he adjusted his automatic crossbow; it was a new special weapon, courtesy of Aphrodite. Still, they were truly equipped to the teeth. Plus, they were undoubtedly two of the crme de la crme parties currently in the game. In fact, two to three other players had reached the second stage of Initiate Attunement after Butterfly, but Sean had managed to secure a connection with Zeros party in advance thanks to their party being the second to qualify. Not to mention Seans reputation and his groups power and experience. The group continued their trek through the dense forest, the thick canopy overhead allowing only slivers of sunlight to penetrate. The Steelrose Order Stronghold was mentioned to be located right at the chasm where the players had assaulted the bandit encampment in the past. As an expert game critic, he was able to connect the dots that there was a connection to this group of bandits with the pocket dimension. Perhaps they werent simply bandits as the game had made them out to be. Right, the more he thought about it, the more it felt like the truth. Were almost there, Butterfly said, checking the map feature on her Shadowlink Mark. Despite her in-game appearance, she was very attentive. Sean nodded and quickened up his pace. Finally, the forest opened up to reveal a massive chasm below the cliff before them. Looking down gave Sean a chill down his spine; it was abysmally dark and deep, and the bottom couldnt be seen. The more he stared, the more it felt like it was going to swallow him whole. Looks like were here, Zero said, preparing his bow. Kuro, why dont we rehearse our roles? You can do the honor. Ahem. Alright, lets get this sorted one more time, Sean began, turning at his party members. Chicken, Butterfly, Lunatic, Mike, and Storm will be our frontliners. SuperNova, Prominence, and Patrick will be our ranged attackers and support the frontlines. Me and Zero will both operate in the rear and command the situation; well intervene whenever needed. Is that clear?This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. The group nodded in unison, each mentally preparing for the unknown. There was actually no proper healer in either party. The only one with Bio elemental affinity was Chicken, but he focused more on purchasing spells to strengthen his vitality for close combat. Even though Sean had forced him to learn a healing spell, he didnt seem particularly talented at using it compared to other players with Bio elemental affinity. If this were a game with strict professions, he would be classified as a warrior monk good at close combat and capable of a bit of healing. Fortunately, they had purchased healing potions from the auction. In case of emergency, they could use them. Besides, as players, they werent scared of dying. If they failed the first time, they could just try again. If they died again, they would come back even stronger until they conquered the dungeon. This was one of the key advantages of being a player in the game. They clearly werent planning to get themselves killed inside the dungeon. Losing their belongings would be disastrous. If they encountered dangers they couldnt face, they would turn their tail and get out of there pronto. With that said, the group stood ready at the edge of the chasm. Sean took a deep breath and took out the key to the pocket dimension it had the shape of a gear. Everyones ready? he asked, looking back at his comrades. Ready as well ever be, Zero replied. Lets do this, Prominence added, gripping his magic staff tightly. Chicken cracked his fingers and grinned. Cmon, lets not dilly-dally. The rest also voiced their readiness, a look of determination plastered on their faces. Sean nodded his head and stepped forward. Alright, everyone. Stay close and be ready for anything. We can do this. He held up the gear-shaped key, and after injecting his infused mana into it, it started to glow. Then, the space above the chasm began to quake and a faint, ethereal glow emanated from the chasms depths. It gradually expanded until it was large enough to step through, becoming a pathway of shimmering light that led to a portal. A small world could be seen within the portal. Holy shit! Is this the entrance to the pocket dimension? A dungeon as large as a world I wonder how the devs were able to create this Who cares? The most important thing is that well be the first to experience this all! Oh, and dont forget to turn your camera on! Mm, lets proceed inside, shall we? Sean said, and with that, he led them into the portal, stepping into the unknown depths of the pocket dimension. When the transition happened, Sean closed his eyes, only to be blinded by the piercing light on the other side and struck by a wave of nausea. Despite the pain limiter feature in the game, the disorienting sensation was quite apparent, almost enough to make him puke up his in-game breakfast. Ugh! My head Prominence groaned, rubbing his temples. Its like playing a teacup ride while steering the wheel nonstop until the ride stops The others complexions werent much better than his either. Though Butterfly and Chicken both seemed to regain their composure faster, with the former almost not showing any sort of discomfort at all. Looking around, Sean was perplexed by the scenery. They were standing on an open plain with a clear sky stretching as far as the eye could see. It was a stark contrast to the dark forest they had just left behind. Is this really the dungeon? Chicken asked, squinting at the horizon. Are you sure we didnt end up in another world or something? Stay alert, Sean warned, gripping his crossbow tightly. Ive got a feeling that something is targeting us. As if on cue, the shadows at the edge of their vision began to stir. Dark figures started to materialize, taking on the shapes of wolves, bears, boars, and other wild animals. From the mana fluctuations emanating from these creatures, Sean could determine that they were about equal in strength to the group! Here they come! Zero shouted, nocking an arrow and letting it loose at the nearest shadowy creature. But as the arrow was about to pierce through the creature, it passed through without hitting anything and embedded itself in the ground. Physical attack is not effective against these creatures; we have to use magic! Mamma Mia! This is like a creepy supernatural phenomenon. Mikes eyes were wide open, completely flummoxed. Butterfly smirked. Getting attacked right off the bat. This is interesting. I wonder if I can eat these creatures. Really, thats what youre thinking in this situation? Sean thought in frustration but quickly adjusted his mind to the present. Everyone, get into position! Sean commanded. Frontliners, hold the line! Ranged, prepare to cast your spells! Butterfly and Chicken moved to the front, ready to serve as meat shields. The other frontliners followed, brandishing their weapons to flank the enemies. SuperNova, Prominence, and Patrick took their positions at the rear, preparing to unleash their magic and provide cover. They were all clearly very experienced at this, having battled magical beasts for a long time. Let me handle this! Prominence held his magic staff high and began to chant a spell. {Prominence Flame}! A searing cyclone of flame clashed against one of the shadowy creatures, eliminating it in a single fell swoop. Really, Prominence Flame? Storm chuckled. The name is grand, but the outcome is somewhat lacking Sure, its better than most other Aleph-tier spells, I give you that, though it doesnt do justice to the name. Prominence quickly refuted, You! Just wait until I become an Elemental Adept Magus and turn this into a Bet-tier spell! I will create more powerful spells with the prefix Prominence. Haha! Good luck with that. Storm laughed, not willing to believe that his friend could accomplish it. Quite a far-fetched dream, Id say. Indeed. Even Mike and SuperNova were both skeptical about it. Only Zero was somewhat supportive but clearly not convinced either. Sean sighed. It appeared that their parties had a habit of joking around whenever possible. Truly, birds of a feather flock together. Chapter 138: The Way Ahead Paying no more mind to that, Victor turned his attention back to the state of the academy and opened the main tab. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 610 Academy Grade: Level 3 Total Acolytes: 491/500 Total Professors: 3/5 Progression Value: 375/500 It seemed that the past ten days had been very productive even without his presence. The number of acolytes had almost reached the targeted five hundred, and the only reason it hadnt done so was the casualties among players from the magical beasts. The total incubation pods might have risen to twenty-five, but so did the death rate among the players. If anything, the players might have become a bit reckless after thinking that their resurrection line had become smaller, despite the demerit of losing merit points and meditation progress. As for the huge reduction of academy points, before his seclusion, Victor had purchased various potion and elixir recipes such as the Liquid Shadows Potion, Starlight Tonic, and most importantly, Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir, among others that cost him about 800 or so AP. He thought that the current magical plants growing inside the Magic Botanical Garden were sufficient, so he hadnt increased the plants there yet. Only that some materials to make potions and elixirs werent available around the Thornwood Forest, so he stocked up a bit. Consequently, he was left with a measly 610 AP. Aside from this, Victor learned that all the walls had been reinforced by bricks and cement, turning the academy into a fortress capable of withstanding any magical beast invasion. The players also had gone ahead and constructed a teacher dormitory to the north of the Headmasters Building, albeit quite small at the moment. The workforce of hundreds of players had proven incredibly effective, boosting progress manifold. With this level of development, Victor could expect that the target would be reached within two weeks. If the target value was exceeded, it would be stored for the next level up, so he didnt have to worry about progressing too fast. But the problem to get to the next academy grade is still the total number of professors Victor closed his eyes as his mind wondered about a solution to this conundrum. Though the only answer he could come up with was still to recruit someone from outside, so that would have to wait until after the battle with the twin overseers had been dealt with. Well, no use thinking over this now. Victor opted to put the issue on the back burner. Oh yeah, Master, the company you called WorldGate Soft Co. is generating quite a sum of money from the money exchange platform as well as the transaction tax, Lizbeth suddenly informed him. How much is quite a sum of money are you telling exactly? She poked her cheek with a finger and said, About one hundred thousand something dollars in total Yup, about that much in ten days. Wow, thats quite a lot. At the current stage, the total number of players was still a far cry from reaching one thousand. Nevertheless, itd generated a significant sum of one hundred grands in a short span of time. To top it all off, Victor hadnt yet charged the players for the gaming capsule plus the subscription fee that he might roll out in the next update. If all of that was calculated, wouldnt the game generate hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars? The potential was enormous! But its not like Earth money is useful in any way to solve my current problem at all. Victor smirked ironically. In his past life, he died from overworking. Now, he possessed the very thing that had driven him to his death in large quantities but had no way to make it useful. How ironic. While Earth money wasnt useful, the indirect influence it had was still a boon for Victor. With more money, he could enlist even more professional players with specialized skills. That would be very useful for him in the long run. So at the very least, there was that. Speaking of which, the main mission had been updated, and a new one had appeared alongside another side mission. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: The Impending Battle You have gotten stronger after forming your first sigil, and the duel against the twin overseers is awaiting on the horizon. Prepare yourself thoroughly and claim victory so that you wont lose your life. After all, you only live once twice. Type: Main mission Objective Accomplished: 0/1 Reward: Interspatial ring (10 m3) Mission: Sharpen Your Fangs Equip yourself with the strongest equipment possible for your upcoming challenge. Enlist an Artificers help to create a weapon that could change the tide of battle.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Type: Side mission Reward: 500 academy points What the hecks wrong with the main missions description? Victor thought, but his irritation quickly gave way to elation when he saw the reward: a larger interspatial ring! He had been troubled with the insufficient space of the two interspatial rings that he currently possessed. Now that the solution to his dilemma was in front of him, he just had to go ahead and complete the mission. As for the side mission Victor thought for a moment. I will need Eleanors help for this, he uttered. He did need a strong magic weapon to help him with incoming battles. The Voidborn Orb was good, but it alone wasnt enough. Lizbeth, who was watching from her perch on his shoulder, asked, Should I call for her to come here? Victor shook his head. No need. Rather, I will take this chance to go there myself while inspecting the current progress of the academy. Its been a while since I last checked everything in person. Lizbeth nodded in understanding, saying, Good idea, Master. Its been a while since youve seen the players in action. Theyve made a lot of progress, yknow. While at it, I shall guide you since I am your assistant. She patted her chest quite smugly before turning her face away. Although, I will stay outside when you enter Eleanors workshop. Victor stood up from his chair, stretching his limbs. Mm, all right. I suppose I should see firsthand how things are going. It also has been a while since I last met Eleanor. Lizbeth hovered beside him as he walked outside the office. Oh, right. Speaking of her, she informed me a few days ago that she has something to show you, saying that you will be amazed to find out. Then, lets not waste any more time. Aye! Lizbeth chirped with enthusiasm. With that, they both quickly headed out of the Headmasters Building. As they stepped outside, Victor noticed the bustling activity of the academy. Hundreds of players were busy out and about, dabbling in all sorts of works, engaging in animated discussions about their latest discoveries, and some were practicing their spells and sparring with each other. Because Victor had been focused on breaking through, he hadnt welcomed new players like he used to. So, the new players were unfamiliar with him, which gave him some level of anonymity as he blended through the crowd with the help of his magic. He observed the new faces around him. They were eager and energetic, their eyes filled with the same child-like excitement and awe he had seen in the first batch of players. Furthermore, the classes with many new subjects seemed to be a success as these players were enthusiastically talking about them. Victor soon made his way toward the industrial area. Along the way, he could see some new buildings under construction that had not existed previously. Although despite the impeccable diligence of professional players, the place was a bit of a mess with them disputing over some areas. This was all because there were no clear regulations, as he hadnt had the spare time to take care of the workshop matters. On another note, Lizbeth informed him that a market area had been set up for players to the southeast of the Headmasters Building, just east of the dormitories. Players had established stalls there, selling all sorts of goods, including food stalls for all kinds of foods and snacks. The economy seemed to have finally boomed after the introduction of currency and the physical shop. At last, he reached his destination: a blacksmith workshop with a signboard outside. Victor couldnt get used to seeing the chibi-style drawing of Eleanor on there; maybe the players were the ones responsible for teaching her about that. Ah, um, Ill be staying here Lizbeth, who somehow looked a bit frightened, hid nearby. He chuckled at her comical act before pushing the door open and stepping inside. The clanging of metal and the heat from the forge greeted him as he entered. To his surprise, even as the sun was about to set, Eleanor was still hard at work. She looked up as he approached, wiping the sweat from her brow and smiling. Yo, Patron! Been a while, she greeted and waved at him cheerfully, setting her tools aside. Used to her informal way of speaking, Victor nodded and returned her smile. Indeed, it has. Lizbeth mentioned you had something to show me Eleanors eyes lit up with excitement. Yup! But before we got to the meaty part of the news Wheres Lizzy? She looked around energetically. I sensed that she was not far from here. I could get a good sniff of her. How did she sense her without using mana sense? Victor questioned in his heart and stated, Well, shes busy with other tasks. Hmm? Victor noticed that there was something different about Eleanor. The mana fluctuation that she emitted was always hidden because of a special magic tool, but he couldnt help but feel that it was slightly more powerful than in the past. Ah, it seems that you have noticed. Have you made a breakthrough? Thats right! Ive reached the third stage of Initiate Attunement." She made a peace sign. Victor raised an eyebrow, impressed. Thats quite an achievement, Eleanor. It seems youve been working hard despite the unending work on your end. Hehe. Praising me will get you nowhere. She rubbed her nose while smiling widely. Just wait til the day I become an official Magus, she said, her eyes shining with determination. I hope the day will come soon when we can stand side by side as equals. Equals, huh? He didnt know why she was obsessed about being an equal to him, but he wasnt one to pry into small matters. On the bright side, this would push her to put more focus on her path as a Magus, and Victor welcomed that. So, he replied with a smirk, Hah! Then, Ill be waiting. Dont disappoint me. How about I reward you with the knowledge to break through to Elemental Adept Magus? Of course, Im expecting something in return from you. This knowledge would become the reward for the request he was about to make from her. Eleanors face lit up in enthusiasm. Really?! Request me anything, and I wont let you down! Victor nodded, then glanced around the workshop. Now, before that, what was it you wanted to show me? He failed to notice any significant mana fluctuations from the items around, so it probably wasnt a magic weapon or armor. Eleanors smile turned into a smug grin. Follow me. She beckoned Victor and walked toward the back of the workshop, stopping before an object sheathed in a white cloth. I No, me and some acolytes that I took as apprentices have been working on a special project, something I think youll find quite useful From her explanation, it appeared that Eleanor had taken some players as her apprentices. Ever since the last update, Victor had specifically selected individuals with blacksmithing and manufacturing professions. Some of them must have caught her attention, and it was pretty much obvious what happened after that. Your acolytes sure have the strangest and otherworldly idea in their noggins. One of my dreams has been accomplished this way She looked at the covered object with a longing expression before realizing that Victor was intently watching her, causing her to become a bit shy. Ahem. I have digressed too much. Lo and behold! She then pulled the cloth, revealing the thing hidden beneath. This. Isnt this Chapter 139: Industrial Zone Regulations Before him stood a long, slim plane resembling a powered glider with a pair of propellers at its rear, which seemed to be powered by a steam machine? Victor wasnt entirely sure. Is this some kind of aircraft? He couldnt help but ask. In this world, Seraphia, although not comparable to modern-day Earth, had technology equivalent to the Victorian era. Rudimentary steam engines had become staple machines used by common people in large cities for centuries. Cannons, or more specifically magic cannons, had been used in warfare since ancient times. But what set Seraphia apart from Earth was the existence of magic, which caused some technologies to appear faster than others and completely surpass Earth by millennia. For instance, to explore and chart astral space, ancient Magi often used advanced magic ships capable of destroying small planes. While such ships might not exist today, magic airships such as dirigibles certainly did. After all, the phrase very, very large was an understatement when describing the world of Seraphia, where traveling from one place to another could take a whole lifetime or ten. Players might mistake that Seraphias technology was stagnating if they knew about this, but that wasnt necessarily the case. The technology, or magitech in this case, was evolving in a different direction, and it was quickly regaining the advancements it once had. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before the Magi of this era matched the prowess of their ancestors. Only time could become a witness of this. Eleanor beamed with pride. This is our first and latest creation. A magitech-powered glider! We combined steam power with magic runes to enhance its capabilities. Its designed for both speed and maneuverability, perfect for scouting missions or quick travel. This is incredible, Eleanor. If this works as you describe, the academy will have its own special way of transportation. To think you can make something like this with the limited materials we have on hand. As expected of a Faulkner, truly an exalted lineage of renowned Artificers, praised Victor. No, no. I dont dare to take the credit alone. She waved both of her hands in denial at Victor. Strange how those acolytes know more about steam power compared to me and even imagine something even more complex, like, what they called again? Internal combustion engine or something. Not only that, but they also have an insatiable thirst for magical knowledge despite their adeptness in other fields. Ive asked this question before: Where did you find all these people? Even if I answer you, you wouldnt understand was what Victor was about to say, but he swallowed the words and instead stated, Lets just say that Ive my own sources. Besides, havent I told you when you first came here? Cmon, that was a bit too ambiguous. Dont try to keep it a secret, will ya. Eleanor nudged Victors arm. I may stay cooped up in this place, but Im not that ignorant. I know that new acolytes always come out from the building you called Nexus Tower to the south of the academys main building. Its basically in plain sight. Eleanor was right. People would definitely become suspicious as time went on, and future personnel that might join would ask the same question. Telling Eleanor was fine and all, but he didnt want this secret to be spread out to just anyone. If this information were to fall into the wrong hands, it might jeopardize his entire operation. He needed to be cautious. Oh well, if you dont feel like telling me, forget it, said Eleanor with a slightly disappointed but understanding tone. Although she looked a bit dissatisfied, she didnt press on for an answer, Seeing that, Victor took a few steps closer to the glider and touched it, feeling the smooth, cool surface under his fingers. Youre right, the Nexus Tower is where theyre conceiv I mean, brought here. Hrm, all I can tell you is that these people come from a world where there is no magic. So, their civilization developed differently from ours. Their technological advancements compensate for their lack of magical abilities, which is why they have such unique and innovative ideas. I see. A tad unsatisfying for an answer, but it makes a lot of sense now, Eleanor replied, holding her chin in thought. That aside, what is it that you want to request of me? Well then, lets cut to the chase. With a wave of his hand, Victor took out a pile of materials he had gained from his interspatial ring and presented them to Eleanor. The materials glistened under the light a veritable treasure trove of rare and valuable resources. Wow! These are all magic minerals! Eleanor inspected the materials excitedly, like a cocaine abuser seeing a mountain of crack.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. What I want you to make is quite simple, actually A grin formed on Victors lips. *** Victor stood before the chalkboard in the grand auditorium, admiring the lines he had written. Industrial Zone Regulations 1.0
  1. The area southwest of the academy is designated as an industrial zone.
  2. New workshops need to submit an application to the headmaster or the assistant fairy, specifying the innovative concept, business type, estimated area, and proposed location within the approved area.
  3. Occupying roads, exceeding the planned area, or constructing illegal buildings will result in clearance and removal.
Good. Victor nodded in satisfaction. This was only a draft, so the fewer words the better. After all, he planned to include more detailed regulations such as profit splits, management fees, and taxes directly within the players Shadowlink Marks, similar to how he had handled the guidelines. In a sense, it was like hiding the irksome and cumbersome details from plain sight. Plus, it would prevent players from complaining about not reading the regulations because it had too many words. As for the content here, most players already knew that the area southwest of the Headmasters Building was designated as the industrial zone, but Victor included it here for formalitys sake. The second one had been mentioned in the development diary, and the regulation against illegal constructions was prompted by the minor chaos he had witnessed during his visit to Eleanors workshop. As we all know, if the first house was not well-positioned, the subsequent planning would definitely be chaotic. Even with Victor and Lizbeths prior planning, the rapidly increasing number of players made micromanagement progressively difficult, especially in a chaotic place like the industrial area. So, in order not to be driven to death by his obsessive-compulsive disorder, Victor decided to establish these regulations. Although the main reason he did this was that Lizbeth had come to him, exasperated, reporting that numerous life-profession players were bugging her about the possibility of creating workshops after seeing that Auralise had one it was the final straw that broke the camels back. Well, Victor had admittedly neglected this aspect of his duties because he was too focused on forming his first sigil. As a result, the only workshop that had been approved was Auralises, and that was primarily due to her persistence in visiting his office repeatedly, even pinging his Discord account for a free pass. Consequently, there was now a queue of about two hundred life profession players gathered in the grand auditorium after Lizbeth informed them about the new regulations. Yes! Finally, I can create my own workshop! Life professions are going to be strengthened! Hooray! Strengthened, my ass. Its not like you are going to be buffed. This is just a confirmation that you cant build things randomly in the industrial zone, not that we have been allowed to do so far. Though in this case, you are given the freedom to make the workshop you want as long as your application is accepted and has the necessary personnel. Huh? Is that a nerf or not then? It depends. Does this mean that if I have a groundbreaking idea, I can make my own business? And if it can garner success in the game, I could have an in-game company that generates millions in revenue? All for just a two thousand merit points deposit? Yeah, and the land youre given is basically free real estate. Just imagine what you can do with all of that! Holy crap, thats amazing! This isnt a nerf at all! Life profession players can also make it big with this! Its so cool! The crowd of players gathered and murmured with excitement about the new workshop opportunity. It was indeed a great opportunity. Until now, players couldnt own large facility businesses in the academy and had to work for the academy itself. Of course, they could open up a stall at the recently built market, but each player was strictly provided with a tiny plot of land and had to pay rent each day. But now, the chance to change everything had arrived. However, it wasnt going to be that simple. Still, unable to curb their hype, the players surrounded Victor before he could make an announcement. Honored Headmaster, is my application form filled out correctly? Sir Astralium, are there any restrictions on the type of business? Can it be anything? I want to set up a carnivorous plant garden! I want to construct a magician power plant! I want to open a mixed bathhouse! I want to sell piss and shit! What the fuck! Whats wrong with you?! ... There were always players who would say what Victor wanted to, so he stayed silent. Conveniently, most players here were already informed about how to fill out applications, so he didnt need to explain that oral applications wouldnt be accepted. The uninformed ones were quickly brought up to speed by the others. Nevertheless, to maintain order, Victor spread his mana, pressuring the players into silence. He cleared his throat and addressed them in a serious tone: If you want to apply to open a workshop, please gather four other personnel and submit your written application to me one by one by your representative. If you dont know where to procure the paper, go to the shop to buy some. Please contact my assistant if you have any questions. For details on writing the application and the rules for the use of the industrial zone, please check your Shadowlink Marks. Since there was no paper mill around here, Victor sold whatever was available at the academy. In this case, the only ones in abundance were vellum, which he priced at a steep one hundred merit points to ensure that only serious applicants would apply. Unfortunately, it seemed that this measure wasnt sufficient. After seeing that the crowd wasnt diminishing even a little, a trace of doubt inevitably grew within Victors heart. One hundred merit points for one vellum, which was enough to buy a mana crystal. Sure enough, it was still too cheap Interlude: Dungeon Diving Part II We shouldnt have gone close to the mechanical tower. Seans party was in complete disarray. Their merry band of ten players was shattered under the relentless pursuit of countless shadowy creatures. They should have heeded the warning that the game had given them not to approach the mechanical tower even out of curiosity. Patrick was the first to disappear from the group. He vanished when a strange mist suddenly enveloped the whole group. Shortly after, the shadowy creatures encircled them from all directions, causing the remaining members to splinter. Chicken had even died protecting him from the attack of the shadowy creatures. That guy had sacrificed his life for him twice in a row! Keep moving! Our loot is too valuable for us to die here! If we die, Chicken and the others sacrifice would have been for nothing, Sean urged as he desperately carried strange rainbow-colored fruits with him. According to the official website wiki, these magical fruits were called Fragrant Rainbow Fruit, and they were worth thousands of merit points. Knowing this, his remaining party members Prominence, Storm, Butterfly, and Scarlet who were still with him, kept running through the strange, ancient forest and tried to protect him. He didnt know whether it was his luck that was too bad or something, but he couldnt activate the key that had brought them all into this pocket dimension. He thought that they should come back to the place where they had first entered this pocket dimension. Suddenly, the shadowy creatures launched another attack. Prominence barely dodged a swipe from one of the creatures, its claws narrowly missing his face. Crap, crap, crap! We cant keep running like this! Theyre gaining on us! he shouted, frantically shooting spells at the shadowy creatures. The guy was probably scared of dying and losing his magic staff over losing his life At any rate, the groups mana reserves were running low. Even Butterfly, the strongest of them all, was injured. Storm, wielding his pair of cutlasses, managed to fend off a few of the creatures along with Scarlet, but physical attacks were ineffective against these enemies. Kuro, we need to find a place to hide, or were done for! Storm yelled. In their frantic escape, they didnt notice the cliff wall until it was too late! No! Its a dead end! Sean, leading the group, couldnt stop in time and tried to put his free hand against the wall to stop his momentum. But as he was about to touch the cliff wall, something unexpected happened. The cliff wall shimmered for a moment, and he was sucked through it as if there was nothing. One by one, his friends were also pulled along. In the darkness and still moving fast from their momentum, Sean and the others tumbled down a hidden passageway, the world spinning around them. The fall seemed to last forever until they finally landed with a thud in a strange place. The air was thick with dust, and the area was illuminated by mana torches and lamps. Sean groaned and pushed himself up, looking around. Is everyone okay? Luckily, the magical fruits werent destroyed in the fall and were only scattered around, which he quickly picked up and stored in his bag; previously, he had no time to do this. Im fine! Storm exclaimed, breathing heavily. But wh-where the fuck are we? No, guys, Prominence interrupted, Are they still chasing us? No, I dont think so Butterfly confirmed, to which Scarlet nodded in agreement. As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, they saw that they were in a large, ancient, dilapidated hall. The walls were covered in cryptic runes and faded murals depicting scenes of a cloaked figure battling against large armies and monsters. In the center of the room stood a stone pedestal with a shimmering crystal embedded in it.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. This this must be a ruin Sean whispered in awe. It seems weve stumbled upon something incredible! Maybe this is the reason the creatures stop chasing us He then approached the pedestal cautiously, and the others quickly followed him What? Whats going on? someone exclaimed. Sean looked back and found that the others were rooted in place, unable to move their legs. What happened to you guys? he asked. We cant follow you. Ugh! Prominence, the closest to him, was brought to his knee. It looked as though something pressured him down. It it feels like a strange force is stopping us in place. Even Butterfly was unable to move an inch. Y-Yeah. Through gritted teeth, Storm hypothesized, I think this is a restricted area, and only a certain individual that meets the criteria is able to advance You know, like those trial chambers or whatnot. But why? Was the shimmering crystal embedded on the stone pedestal the key to something? Maybe even their way out of this place? There was only one way to find out. Determined, Sean headed toward the pedestal and reached it in no time. There, he saw strange writings etched into the stone which he couldnt understand. No matter though. Since he was already here, he might as well straightened his hand toward the crystal. But then, it began to absorb the light around him and envelop the room in darkness. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of chaotic mana coursed through his body, and his vision went black. In an instant, Sean found himself in a vast, dark void. Before him stood the spectral figure of a cloaked man, radiating immense power. Just looking at the figures glowing eyes caused his body to freeze and his head to go black. Soon, his voice echoed in Seans mind. For passing my trial, you have been chosen, the figure intoned. I am Tharion, a fallen dark Magus of ancient times. If you are willing to exact my vengeance, I will grant you my inheritance. Vengeance? Sean questioned, barely managing a word. It is as what is written on the pedestal, the man explained. Those strange writings? Sean raised his eyebrows. Obviously, he had no way to decipher what was inscribed on the pedestal. However, his experience as a veteran gamer told him to accept the offer. He adopted the philosophy of Do now, think later. Besides, the excitement of uncovering a hidden plot and potentially gaining a hidden class was too alluring to resist. There was no way he would waste this chance! I accept! The second those words escaped his mouth, it felt as though his very soul was branded with something, a binding force warning him of terrible consequences should he break his promise. Whoa, this sensation feels so realistic! But wait, wheres the mission pop-up? Through this crystal, I bestow upon you my knowledge and power, the cloaked figure continued. You may use it as you will, so long you keep your promise Images and symbols flashed before Seans eyes, overwhelming his senses. Unknown magic knowledge and spell models poured into his mind like water bursting through a dam, expanding his understanding of magic by leaps and bounds. He could feel Tharions life experiences everything seeping into his consciousness. The transfer of knowledge was painful. Seans mind strained to absorb the vast influx of information, and his body trembled under the pressure. Just as he felt he could take no more, the vision faded, and he was thrust back into the dilapidated hall. Before he could process what was going on, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The last thing he heard before succumbing to darkness was the concerned voices of his friends calling his name and connection interrupted alert. When he regained consciousness, he found himself back in his room in the real world inside the gaming capsule. In haste, he tried to access the game again anxiously Magus Academy Online Connection Cooldown: 8:27:51 He was met with a notification of cooldown. What?! He couldnt believe it. While he had never died in the game, he knew what the resurrection cooldown period looked like, and this was definitely not it. What the fuck was going on?! Just as his mind swirled in confusion, he realized that he could take this chance to inform his party members from here and even made a post detailing his experience in the pocket dimension. Furthermore, he was in the midst of streaming when he lost consciousness, so he had to check on that. With that thought, he rushed to his computer. Chapter 140: Rejected! The first group of five players in line presented their applications to Victor. Esteemed Headmaster, me and my friends want to open a tabletop gaming troupe! We only need about one hundred square meters. I think it will be a hit for rolepl A tabletop gaming troupe? If you want to play a tabletop game, just log out and play; theres no need to do it in the game. Victors eyebrow twitched as he was trying to act oblivious to the term and replied, Rejected. Next. Sir! I think the academy needs a BBQ restaurant! Theres so much exotic meat we can procure from the forest, and we can make all kinds of delicacies For catering, go to the market on the east side. Next. Carnivorous plants! Headmaster, I want to set up a carnivorous plant greenhouse! The area doesnt need to be too big at first, about one thousand square meters will do! We can feed our enemies to them there and grow plants that can protect us. Hmm Its quite feasible. Although the idea was rather absurd, there was indeed some practicality to it when he thought about Graviel and the others fate when they crossed the valley that he named the Valley of Chaos. But if that was the case, then it would be better to develop the valley itself. That way, it would protect the academy from afar and prevent any kind of mishap from happening. That said, Victor shook his head and explained, I cant grant permission for this, but I have something similar in mind. I will give you a task when the time comes. Oh, okay. The player walked away with a mixed expression. The applications continue on to be like this. Most of the applications were outright outrageous, with only a few aligning with the concept of a workshop; notable mentions included a sewing workshop, a papermill workshop, and a furniture workshop. Well, they couldnt really be blamed since the definition of workshop itself didnt always relate to production and mostly about a particular group engaging in an activity on a particular project. So, it was understandable. But even though Victor wouldnt lose anything by allowing players to open a tabletop gaming troupe, selling piss, setting up a BBQ restaurant, performing magic show, opening cafs, bars, strip clubs, massage parlors and whatever, these ventures wouldnt benefit the academy in any meaningful way right now. It would just be a waste of space without any particular benefit. Rather than making these players waste time doing random stuff, it would be more beneficial to channel their efforts into more productive endeavors. Was it really so hard to understand what he and the academy needed? It wasnt difficult at all! Anyway, he would let Lizbeth directly reject any weird workshops and business projects that did not align with the academys needs or violated public order and good customs. Still, Victor was getting sick of hearing the same requests repeatedly, and he found himself automatically rejecting any application that seemed unusual the moment he read it like a robot. I Rejected, Victor cut him off, barely glancing up from his application. But I havent even said what workshop I want to create The player with the ID ButaYaarou looked on the verge of tears. Victor inwardly sighed. Fine, say it quickly. I want to open an opera house! About five hundred square meters should be enough! I think everyone would love to watch an opera once in a Rejected! But but I want to open an opera house like Opera Epiclese Next. Victor ignored the crestfallen look on ButaYaarous face. By doing this, it wasnt that long before the line dispersed. At least, quite a few did come up with reasonable proposals and were accepted by him, allowing them to set up workshops within an area of forty to fifty square meters. Other than that, there was actually one application that particularly intrigued Victor an application to build a magician power plant.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. This concept was almost unheard of in this world, at least in a conventional way. The idea was good and, depending on the type and rank of the magician, could even produce a lot of energy that could rival a nuclear power plant. Most Magi, however, were too prideful to use their power for what they considered mundane tasks, viewing it as beneath them to produce energy for commoners or those they regarded as lower life forms. But this mindset posed no problem when it came to players, who were willing to undertake such labor without hesitation as long as they were paid money and merit points. Only that this energy was quite useless at the current stage of the game. None of the industries in the academy used electricity, and anything that involved high usage of energy were easily met with mana crystals. Without a clear, immediate application for this magical energy, Victor had to reject the proposal while telling the player that they might reapply in the future when the academys infrastructure could better accommodate and benefit from such a power source. What was surprising for Victor was Aphrodite. He had expected this guy would open a chemical workshop or a weapon workshop and expand his current production, but he didnt expect him to put Pandora Pyre on the workshop name and had even gathered four or five like-minded players to join him. As for the scope of business, he wrote alchemical weapons on it. Your application can be approved, said Victor, but you need to specify the exact production projects, such as what weapons you want to produce and intended uses. All of that information must be clearly detailed. Chemistry and alchemy were vastly different fields. The former was grounded in science, while the latter was based on magical knowledge. It was important to know that potioneering was only a small part of alchemy, as alchemy encompassed a wide range of practices, including golem making, magic weapon enchantment, and more. Victor was aware that Aphrodite was a chemist on Earth, but creating alchemical weapons without the necessary magical knowledge would be like a monkey trying to figure out human technology. Aphrodite scratched his head and thought for a moment before saying, Sir Astralium, thats what were trying to figure out by making this workshop. How about this: Well manufacture chemical weapons while we try to develop an alchemical product? Victor considered the proposal for a moment. It seemed reasonable enough. All right then. But you must provide at least one viable chemical product and ensure it can be used effectively and has a willing customer. Once you have that, it can serve as your main product. If you invent any alchemical products later, just register them with my assistant. I need to make sure that every piece of the industrial zone I approve is being used for something beneficial to the academy. Do you understand what I mean? Aphrodite nodded repeatedly. Understood! Hehe, I will rewrite the application right away! Victor hoped Aphrodite truly grasped the importance of his words. He didnt mind the idea of him doing some strange experiments, as that was the very core of being a Magus, but he still hoped that he would not do something ridiculous and negatively impact other players or the academy. He had heard that Aphrodite had already managed to create gunpowder and various complex weapons, such as automatic crossbows and primitive cannons. There were also orders for flammable liquids and other chemical materials in the warehouse missions. His ventures had all been very profitable. But I feel like his workshop should be arranged at the corner of the industrial zone, Victor murmured quietly. I dont want him blowing up the surrounding area and affecting the other workshops. He made a mental note of this for when he was assigned the land later. With all that settled, the line of players finally dispersed, and Victor slumped his shoulders, letting out a long sigh of relief. Now that there were no longer players bugging him about the workshop feature, he could refocus his attention on preparing for the upcoming duel. Actually, these players reminded me of that. Victor thought about the plan to develop a breathing technique that would give players the option to become Ki-Warriors. He had extracted knowledge of various breathing techniques from Rowan and some of the stronger mercenaries after the 0.5 update, but constructing a perfect breathing technique suitable for both the players and himself from a pool of low-level techniques was proving to be quite challenging even with hundreds of high-end computers and a software cheat fairy. Magi were beings who transcended ordinary mortals, and their constitutions were far from weak. But when it came to facing magical beasts of the same rank, they were almost always at a disadvantage in terms of pure physical strength. Then what would happen if Victor had to face an even tougher mechanical golem toe to toe? He would get wrecked, 100 percent! The thought of it made him shudder. While he had yet to know the true nature of the overseers real bodies, they would certainly not be weak. Developing a breathing technique to enhance physical prowess wasnt just a nice-to-have; it was becoming a necessity. But the question is how Victor mulled over it for a moment before a light bulb went on in his head. Thats it! I just have to substitute with meditation techniques. That was to say, by incorporating elements from meditation techniques, the breathing technique he created would be more compatible with Magi and could even enhance the individuals infused mana. Moreover, it would grant the user the advantage of a stronger physical body, making it a win-win situation overall. Why hadnt I thought of that sooner? I sure am a genius! Well, theorizing was one thing; executing it was another. He just had to test this approach and determine its feasibility. With renewed determination, Victor rushed back to his office to share his new idea with his trusted fairy. Chapter 141: Facing the Looming Fate Victor sat cross-legged on the floor of his dimly lit bedroom, his breaths coming slow and deep. With each inhalation, a strange energy was drawn from the room and coursed through his body, and each exhalation pushed it out in a controlled stream. The technique he was practicing was one he had recently created, and unlike the flow of mana, it wouldnt cause dangerous fluctuations. As his thoughts narrowed to a singular point of concentration, he could feel this strange energy ki strengthening his body. Unlike infused mana, which was like a gentle stream, ki was steady and even. With every breath, he was becoming one with the world. So, this is ki Victor slowly opened his eyes and felt his lungs filled with energy. After a few days of practice, he had become a Ki Initial, the lowest rank of Ki-Warrior, which was comparable to the first-stage Initiate Attunement. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 664/664 Power Rank: First-sigil Elemental Adept Magus | Ki Initial Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (96%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Intermediate bright grade Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (first sub-level, 3.42%) Breathing Technique: No name (first level) Status: Healthy Strength: (33 35) Agility: (34 35) Vitality: (33 35) Magical Power: (45) Infused Mana (total): (651 664) Spell Repertoire: Truthfully, he felt that this power was nowhere near comparable to magic. Ki, unlike mana, wasnt an energy that could be projected outside his body and could only be circulated within. Perhaps that was the main reason why no one had reached the rank beyond peak Ki-Master. Of course, Magi had devised ways to sidestep this roadblock using secret elixirs or forbidden magic, but that was a different matter altogether. Though this power doesnt originate from Seraphia but from a world far, far away. Maybe theres a secret that not even ancient Magi were aware of Victor speculated. In any case, it was good enough for the players to use. However, he should warn that this path had limited prospects, lest the players blamed him for adding an incomplete class system. But at least the silver lining here was that this breathing technique which still had no name was a bit special since it could stimulate the infused mana inside the practitioners body. While it wouldnt make any difference if practiced by ordinary mortals, it would give a boost when doing a meditation session. As such, it wasnt a complete waste of time. As he pondered this, a snore broke his concentration. Zzzz Victor glanced over and found Lizbeth sleeping soundly on his bed, drool trickling from her mouth. For a fairy, her personality was rather uncouth. But oh well. He mischievously prodded her tiny cheek, causing her to grunt a little. He then shifted his gaze toward the window and looked up at the starry sky. Tomorrow was the promised day of the battle. If he didnt show up, there would be unimaginable consequences. As he grew stronger as a Magus, he could sense a powerful curse hidden in the mark on his right wrist, one that would be impossible to erase with his current power. Out of the blue, there was a white shadow streaked past the window, followed by a rustling noise that broke his focus. Curiosity got the better of him, so Victor went over to the window and pushed it open, only to see Lumen, his magical beast companion, gracefully leap through. She landed softly on the floor, her silver fur catching the faint moonlight, eyes bright and sharp. Without hesitation, she trotted over and nestled against him. Amidst this gesture, Victor was struck silent, not responding to stroke her. It wasnt that he didnt miss Lumen, but her size didnt match what he had in mind about her. Not at all. After all, she was now as small as a Pomeranian dog. How was it possible for a magical beast the size of a car to shrink to one-hundredth of its original size? L-Lumen, is that you? Victor questioned, squatting down to be at her level. Lumens ears perked up, and she nuzzled closer. Woof! Bwuh! Whos there? Lizbeth mumbled, half awake. The bark just now must have startled her. Master, I cant eat more food Zzzz. Victor ignored Lizbeths sleep-talking and instead asked his beast companion, But how? Well, I mean, she did learn {Gigantification} innate ability before, but her original size was getting bigger and about as big as a large-sized wolf Did you learn {Miniaturization} too?Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Obviously, Lumen didnt answer with words, as that would be terrifying, but instead, she huffed softly in response; it must be her way of acknowledging his question. Victor smiled, reaching out to stroke Lumens fur, feeling a tingling sensation from the touch. At that moment, Victor realized that the mana fluctuation that she released was comparable to him, an Elemental Adept Magus. It appeared that she could now be classified as a bona fide Elemental Adept magical beast or a Rank 1 extraordinary lifeform. Actually, he recalled that he could see her stats through the Academy Inhabitant List. Lumen Fenrir HP: 100% MP: 281/281 Species: Celestial Moonhowler Power Rank: Elemental Adept extraordinary lifeform (Rank 1) Elemental Affinity: Lux (91%) | Cosmo (77%) | Anemo (64%) Status: Healthy Strength: (31) Agility: (34) Vitality: (33) Magical Power: (36) Infused Mana (total): (281) Innate Abilities: {Gigantification}, {Miniaturization}, Photon Manipulation Such an incredible improvement! She must have trained a lot and simulated her bloodline all this time, which reminded him of why she was coming back now, of all the time. Oh right, did you come back now to help me with the battle? Victor asked, but he knew the question was rhetorical. If she didnt want to help him, she wouldnt have been here at all. Thank you, Lumen. Victor hoisted Lumen to his chest and laid himself on the bed. But for now, lets go to sleep. In her mini size, Lumen was incredibly cute as she snuggled against him, licking his face a few times before settling down. The warmth of her small body and the gentle rhythm of her breathing were comforting. The constant feeling of danger of time ticking at the back of his mind seemed to have collapsed. That night, Victor had a really nice dream. *** Victor was more than ready. Today was the D-day, and he was determined to emerge victorious. The early morning sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm golden hue over the academy grounds. He could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he hurriedly cleaned himself with a flick of his fingers, manipulating elemental particles around to freshen up. Lumen, in her miniature form, perched comfortably on his head as he made his way to Eleanors workshop. Just as he was about to grab the door handle, Lizbeth fluttered her wings and blocked his path. Her eyes were filled with concern. Master, is this finally the day? she asked, her voice a bit shaken. Thats right, Victor replied, nodding firmly. He clenched his fist, feeling the resolve coursing through him. Ive prepared thoroughly for today. A promise is a promise, even if theres a chance of dying to fulfill it. But this is also an opportunity that cannot be wasted. Sure, this battle might just bring him his demise, but with great risk also came great opportunity. This duel was a gateway to becoming the master of a pocket dimension filled with powerful inheritances. It was for this reason that he had come to this place in the first place. If he got scared here, all his efforts would be for nothing. Mm-hmm, Im not gonna stop you. She closed her eyes in understanding and raised one finger right in front of Victors face, stating, But you have to promise me one thing. Please come back in one piece. Do you hear me loud and clear? What are you, my mother? Victor chuckled inwardly and patted Lizbeths tiny head. I will. Im not going to croak that easily, Liz. Hmph! You better keep your word. Victor was unsure whether it was because he was being treated like a child or something else, but she crossed her arms and acted a bit sassy. Whatever the reason, she was his trusted assistant fairy through and through. With that, he rushed outside the building. The crisp morning air was filled with the sounds of the academy coming to life. Players were bustling about, preparing for the day. But Victors mind was focused on one thing: the upcoming battle. Upon arriving at Eleanors workshop, Victor found her already waiting for him. Morning, Patron. Youre just in time, Eleanor said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Ooh, whos this little puppy on your head? She dashed forward to get a closer look at Lumen. I dont have time for this, Eleanor. Victor manipulated the elemental particles to stop her advance and instead asked, Do you have the stuff? Of course. Here She grabbed a wooden box from a nearby table and handed it to him. I tried makin as much as possible with the help of my little apprentices. Unfortunately, because of time and work constraints, this is all I could make. This is enough. Thank you, Eleanor. He stored the wooden box in his interspatial ring. There was the recurring ding noise of mission accomplished inside his head, though he paid it no mind. As Victor was about to leave, Eleanor suddenly blocked his path, standing firmly before the door. Hold on a minute! She exclaimed, enunciating each syllable. If its about the payment, I promise I will pay you when I return, Victor replied. The knowledge to advance to an Elemental Adept Magus was very precious after all, and most Magus forces guarded such secrets fiercely. He even joked that she could hug Lizbeth for an hour if she found the payment insufficient. No, its not that. She had her hands on her hips and stared at him as if looking at a fool. Patron, I dont know whats been buggin cha, and Im not gonna force it out of your mouth. However, Im here whenever you need my help. Hearing that, Victor was taken aback. He had never confided about this problem to anyone else but Lizbeth, yet his expression and actions must have given it away despite his best efforts to mask it. What surprised him most was that Eleanor cared about him and treated him as more than just a business partner, which was how he had been treating her. Maybe the betrayal he had experienced had made him more cautious of others. In fact, when he thought about it, he was the one who said that he would help her Though at the time, he was trying to recruit her and had bullshited his way through. I see Thanks. But its not something you have to worry about. Victor shook his head. This battle was his to fight, and he couldnt involve anyone else more than he already had. Hahaha! No need to be so serious. Eleanor gave him a hearty slap on the back and a thumbs-up. Good luck out there! Victor nodded and said goodbye to her. With that, he dashed out of the workshop and flew deep into the forest with Lumen still attached to his head. Chapter 142: Battle with the Twin Overseers Part I Facing the mechanical tower before him, Victor gulped down a mouthful of saliva. Its imposing structure loomed as ominously as it had a month ago. But what had changed was Victors purpose and determination to go here. Not one of vengeance, but one of survival. Actually, on his way to the chasm, he had stopped to check on Silka, the little queen spider. She had been so overjoyed to see him and had even bumped her head on Victors stomach, almost causing him to puke. After that, she hugged his face, sparking a brief but intense scuffle between Lumen and Silka. What was more, Victor had been amazed at Silkas rapid growth; she was now over a meter tall. Perhaps in the coming months, she would be able to begin laying eggs, expanding Victors military arsenal. Commanding an army of immortal players and countless spider monsters would undoubtedly strike fear into any opponent. Naturally, he hadnt forgotten to leave more meat for them. Additionally, he decided to leave the cave entrance open this time. The other Lesser Hiveborne Arachnids had hatched recently and seemed big enough to hunt on their own. If Victor kept the entrance closed, it might lead to starvation and cannibalism among them Suddenly, the mark left by the twin overseers on his right wrist began to glow, and in an instant, both Victor and Lumen, who had returned to her original size, were teleported elsewhere. Whoa! Victor was startled but quickly regained his composure. The new surroundings were familiar a vast, dimly lit chamber with intricate and sleek mechanical designs. Welcome back, challenger, echoed a voice. You have returned to fulfill your promise. Are you ready to face the trial? Along with that voice, two figures emerged from the shadows. The older one was a brown-haired male with a slightly tall stature, Garry. The younger one was a girl with snow-white hair, wearing a charming yellow dress, Gabrielle. Victor recognized them immediately. Lumen growled beside him, her eyes stared daggers at the twin overseers. It seemed like she was prepared to protect Victor with her life. Even now, Victor couldnt ascertain what the nature of these two was. But he was finally able to barely sense some sort of mana connection between them and something within the tower. It was as if they were a pair of marionettes on a string. Hey, did you hear what my dear brother said? Gabrielle questioned with an icy cold voice. Ahem. Victor squared his shoulders and nodded. I am ready. Very well, Garry, the male overseer, stated, Follow us to the duel chamb Wait! Victor swiftly interrupted. Before we begin, you have to tell me a few things first. They both looked at each other. Although Gabrielle showed no emotion, it was obvious that she was annoyed. On the other hand, Garry still maintained his nonchalant expression and said, Ask away. Finding that he had been given an opportunity, Victor inwardly smiled. So, how does the duel go? Are you going to fight me one by one? Hah, a play of words wont work this time. Gabrielle smirked. I dont know what youre talking about. Victor tried to play the oblivious. Garry, the male overseer, shook his head. You cant bend the rules. You have to face both of us at the same time. Havent we given you enough advantages, like allowing you to fight alongside your beast companion? Gabrielle then smiled menacingly. Or do you want to fight both of us alone? Tch. Victor had already known they were going to go fight him two to one, and hed been hoping that they would fall for his ruse again. Unfortunately, nothing was going according to plan. Deception can only go so far Fine. Victors eyes were cold like steel. Lets get this over with. Subsequently, the overseers led Victor and Lumen to a large, circular chamber with a metallic platform in the middle. Looking around, he noticed that the walls were adorned with powerful runes designed to contain potent magic attacks. Moreover, the air was suffused with all sorts of elemental particles a perfect place to go all out.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. The overseers then stopped in their tracks and turned to face Victor. This is the place, Garry announced. This is where your last trial will take place. Remember, you must defeat us both to claim victory. There is no other way, Gabrielle added coldly. Then, the floor on the platform shifted, and a pair of mechanical constructs emerged their eyes glowing with a menacing light. Victor was told to stand on the platform to get ready as the door where they came from was shut tight. His heart raced, but he took a deep breath and let his mind focus on observing his enemies. The constructs were mechanical golems shaped like a pair of noble knights, with one male and the other female outwardly, and were more intricately designed than the ones Victor had seen so far. These are our true bodies, Garry explained with pride, They will be your opponents. As if on cue, both overseers suddenly dissipated into particles, merging with the constructs. The golems metallic forms glinted under the chambers eerie light, and he could sense the immense power radiating from them. For simplicity, Victor decided to call them by their overseers names Garry and Gabrielle to differentiate the two. Weve got this, pal, he whispered to the wolf beside him, to which Lumen responded with a nod. Lumen had used {Gigantification} to enlarge herself to the size of a large car. They had trained hard for this moment, and now it was time to put everything to the test. With a signal in the form of a short blaring sound, the battle commenced. Garry, the first construct, lunged forward first with a skating-like move, its arm transforming into a massive blade. Victor barely had time to react as he dodged the attack, feeling the rush of wind as the blade sliced through the air, sending out a trail of ice in its wake. Holy shit! If Id backed away, I wouldve been frozen solid. Victor felt his heart jumping to his throat. Meanwhile, Lumen took advantage of the distraction, leaping to the side and preparing to counterattack. But as she was about to swipe her claws, Gabrielle unleashed a barrage of elemental orbs. Flames, ice, wind, and lightning shot from its hands, converging on Victor and Lumen. The wolf growled, summoning a protective barrier of light that absorbed the brunt of the assault. Victor followed up by casting {Warpblade}, unleashing several ethereal blades toward Gabrielle. Unfortunately, none of his attacks managed to land a hit on the construct as it nimbly avoided each and every strike. In addition, Victor was forced onto the defensive, barely dodging or teleporting away from relentless enemy assaults. He was given no time to counterattack. He quickly realized that these constructs fought with a coordination that was almost impossible to break. Garrys sharp and relentless close-quarter offense combined with Gabrielles supportive long-range magic attacks made for a formidable duo. Any Elemental Adept Magus on his feet would have perished from the first attack. Worse still, he felt that they werent even serious yet! Seeing that his current approach was futile, Victor quickly altered his strategy. Focus on Gabrielle! he instructed Lumen through a magic transmission it was the most troublesome one, after all. Taking one of them down was their best shot at victory. Otherwise, they would be the ones to suffer defeat and ultimately end up perishing. Garry advanced again in a zigzag move, this time aiming a horizontal slash at Victor. Anticipating the move, Victor cast {Gap Hole} to halt his advance and then used {Blink} to reappear behind Gabrielle. He consecutively cast {Volcanic Spear} at the construct, whereas Lumen fired dozens of light arrows and while keeping Garry at bay. Boom! The explosion shook the chamber. Did I get it? Victor thought, sweat dripping down his forehead. But to his dismay, Gabrielle remained unscathed. These mechanical constructs werent only good at dodging, but their defenses were also superb, tougher than even the mechanical golem that Victor fought in the past. Not a single scratch marked its exterior. How concerning. Is this all youve got? a voice appeared from the male construct, dripping with condescension. It belonged to Garry. For that figures successor to be this weak Gabrielle chimed in, Youre going to die at this rate. She then swiped her fan, summoning an Anemo-infused blast that tore through the space where Victor had just stood as he had dodged by swiftly flying backward. Huh, their patterns change? As opposed to acting separately as before, they were now holding hands and moving in perfect synchrony. It became increasingly difficult to get close or attack them with magic, as they covered each others weaknesses flawlessly. It was clear they had anticipated Victors strategy of separating and defeating them one by one. What a troublesome enemy. Wait, theyre dancing now? No, its more like ice dancing, Victor muttered, watching as the constructs moved in a coordinated, dance-like pattern. Guess this could be my chance to end this once and for all with that attack. He decided to test the waters first, casting several Aleph-tier offensive spells. But Garry and Gabrielles synchronized movements made them nearly impossible to hit. Their seamless combination of physical attacks and elemental blasts forced Victor to stay on his toes. What was more, they went to pressure him by attacking in combination as he was forced to summon and wield an ethereal blade to block most of their attacks. Realizing that subtlety was getting him nowhere, Victor decided it was time to reveal his trump card. He sent a magic transmission to Lumen, instructing her about his plan and intention for her to create a temporary distraction. He was going to stake everything on this one final attack. Chapter 143: Battle with the Twin Overseers Part II Victors mind raced as he assessed the situation. They said, Offense is the best defense, but when it came to facing the twin overseers, it wasnt the case. Their perfect synchronization was an insurmountable mountain that he couldnt overcome. Every time he cast a spell, they countered immediately Garry with his long-range trails of ice and Gabrielle with her relentless elemental orbs. The constructs were not just reactive but proactive, anticipating his moves and neutralizing them before they could cause any damage. Even when he managed to land a hit, the impact was negligible. This, in turn, became a slow war of attrition designed to exhaust him, draining his energy until he could no longer cast a single spell. Truly a cruel and calculated strategy. I need to find an opening to activate my sigil Sigils were powerful, but each could only be used once before entering a long cooldown period, and he only had formed one sigil. My observation of their movement patterns is about enough. Besides, now is about time to get serious and turn the tide. Not going to attack again? Garrys voice broke through his thoughts, laced with condescension. The overseer seemed to have deduced that Victors attacks had been futile. Then, we will, Gabrielle added with an equally mocking tone. Both mechanical constructs prepared to launch a barrage of long-range strikes at Victor. But instead of showing fear, a confident smile curled on his lips. With a flick of his fingers, Victor summoned the Voidborn Orb from his interspatial ring the magic weapon heightened his control over the Cosmo element and enhanced his magic prowess. He then ascended, positioning himself close to the ceiling to gain both distance and a clear view of the two mechanical constructs. You cant escape! Countless elemental orbs and icicles were hurled toward Victor, filling the air with deadly projectiles. Victor snickered at those words. Escape? Thats my line. In a flash, he cast {Gap Hole}, opening multiple spatial rifts around the arena. However, as opposed to using these rifts to directly attack, Victor manipulated them to redirect the overseers own attacks back at them. The arena erupted into chaos as the redirected strikes disrupted their flawless synchronization. Lumen took this chance to spring into action, executing the plan with precision. She became a blur of light, shooting right behind the mechanical constructs. The moon mark on her forehead glowed intensely, and particles of light began to coalesce around her, forming a massive, spectral mouth with razor-sharp fangs. With a ferocious snarl, the spectral jaws clamped down on the constructs, sending shockwaves reverberating through the chamber. The force of the attack left Garry and Gabrielle staggered. Concurrently, Victor activated his sigil, feeling a surge of raw power course through his body as mana infused with the Cosmo element gathered at his left hand. Channeling this energy, Victor cast his offensive spell {Warpblade}. The ethereal blade that materialized was only one, but its power was immense, rivaling or even surpassing that of an all-out attack of an Elemental Adept Magus. Furthermore, he sent his infused mana toward the spatial rifts, which amplified and multiplied the rift network. Ill end it with this! With precision, Victor let loose the ethereal blade into one of the spatial rifts, creating a cascade of destructive force that echoed through the chamber. The blade, empowered by the amplified network of rifts, sliced through the air with unerring accuracy, homing in on the mechanical constructs. But just as victory seemed within reach, a cold voice rang out. Dont be too confident. In an instant, a pulse of destructive energy blasted from the two mechanical constructs, colliding with the incoming ethereal blade. The blade, powerful though it was, shattered into oblivion under the force of the attack. The destructive energy didnt stop there as it swiftly turned toward Victor like a relentless predator. Reacting on pure instinct, Victor cast {Ethereal State}, sending his body into the subspace. The laser-like energy beam tore through the space he had just occupied, missing him by a hairs breadth. Even in his ethereal state, the proximity of the attack sent a wave of searing pain through his body. He could feel the malevolent force trying to drag him back into the material world. If that wasnt bad enough, casting powerful Bet-tier spells in succession had momentarily exhausted him. Soon, his ethereal form flickered, and he was forcibly ejected from the special state before crashing to the ground with a heavy thud. Next time they fired that attack, he could only hope the Twilight Moon Pendant would be able to save his ass.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Not bad. In his dazed state, Victor couldnt determine whose voice was that. But he tried his best to force his eyes to focus on the two mechanical constructs, to figure out what just happened. The sight that met him was startling: parts of their bodies had fused together, creating a singular, terrifying form that had unleashed the devastating attack. Still. Got you! A manic grin spread across Victors face. Do you really think I staked everything on that attack? Like a conductor guiding a symphony, he flicked his fingers, sending a pulse of infused mana coursing into the ground beneath the constructs. The arena seemed to hold its breath for a moment, and then Ka-boom! Boom! Boom! The ground beneath the mechanical constructs erupted in a series of violent explosions. Each detonation was more powerful than the power of a Bet-tier spell. The blasts tore through the chamber, sending shockwaves that rattled the very walls. Thick, acrid smoke billowed up, quickly enveloping the entire arena and shrouding the devastation from view. This was Victors true strategy. It was not to end the battle with the {Gap Hole} and {Warpblade} spells combo. The real ace up his sleeve was the secret weapon Eleanor had provided him with. To begin with, the secret weapon was a dozen or so grenade-like explosives, crafted from the rare magic ores. Despite it being a waste of rare materials, the result was incredible, as it blended modern technology with magic. Unfortunately, he could only use this strategy once as he had no more of these precious grenades left. As the smoke began to subside, Victor remained on high alert, with Lumen back at his side the moment he was speaking his last line, she had fled in advance. He knew these constructs were incredibly powerful, but he also knew that no opponent could emerge completely unscathed from such a massive onslaught. Ten seconds later, through the thinning veil, Victor could just make out the faint outlines of the mechanical constructs remains. Pieces of their metallic bodies were scattered across the floor, sparks flew from exposed circuits, and nothing appeared to be left standing. Did I win? For a brief, exhilarating moment, Victor dared to hope that the battle was over. But his relief was short-lived. A cold, mocking voice suddenly echoed behind him. A mere Elemental Adept rank Magus dares to think he could truly defeat us? Before Victor could react, the silence was broken by enthusiastic applause, followed by the sound of two pairs of footsteps approaching. A familiar voice rang out, filled with amusement. Not bad! Not bad at all! Your performance has been truly entertaining. Fighting you has been quite fulfilling. Victors muscles tensed as prepared for another confrontation, but he soon relaxed. Whats this feeling of dj vu? Slowly, he turned to face the source of the voice and saw the two figures who had supposedly merged with the mechanical constructs. We could control hundreds of those, Garry said casually. Defeating one set doesnt even put a dent in our reserves. H-HUNDREDS?! A cold shiver ran through his spine. Wait, there must be a reason they didnt do that from the start. Maybe they had a limited supply of these mechanical golems, or it could be there was something inherently flawed about them that prevented mass deployment. Victor could only guess. Thats right. Gabrielle nodded her head with a trace of smugness, a stark contrast to her usual cold and emotionless persona. Besides, these werent even our true, true bodies. It felt as though a ton of steel crashed into his heart. Victor couldnt imagine it; it had taken his all to beat these two mechanical constructs, and those werent even the strongest they had How was he supposed to win then? Was all of this just a futile effort and merely an amusement for them? My dear sister, theres no need to frighten him more than this, Garry interjected before turning to Victor with an apologetic expression. Apologies for my sisters impudence. While its true that these Marionettes are among the most basic, youve still managed to defeat us. So, do I pass the trial? Victor asked hesitantly, still processing the revelation. Well, to tell the truth, the moment you demonstrated mastery in utilizing sigils to cast Cosmo-elemental spells and escape our ultimate attack, you had already passed, Garry explained. Yup-yup, Gabrielle chimed in, surprisingly agreeable. Really? Victor felt a wave of relief wash over him. Rather than being upset by their earlier taunts, he was thrilled to have survived. The fact that his life was spared was all that mattered at the moment. Anything else could be dealt with later. Okay. Since you have passed all our trials, its only fitting that you inherit this pocket dimension, Garry declared. And, of course, its time to tell you the truth about this place. Victor''s eyes widened in anticipation, and he could feel his heart pounding quickly. Alright! he replied, trying to contain his eagerness. Nodding in understanding, Garry waved his hand, and a swirling portal materialized before them. He gestured for Victor and Lumen to follow, stepping into the portal with Gabrielle close behind. As Victor crossed the threshold, he found himself transported to the top of the tower, like literally. The room he entered was vast, and he could see every part of the pocket dimension. It was clear that this was no ordinary space; it was the control room for the entire pocket dimension, the very heart of its power. First of all, congratulations on finishing all the trials, Garry began with a hint of respect in his voice. As promised, we will now pledge our allegiance to you. With that, both Garry and Gabrielle gracefully knelt before Victor. The once imposing overseers were now humbling themselves before him. The sight was both surreal and deeply satisfying. Chapter 144: To Tell the Tale [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully cleared the twin overseers trial and become their master.] [The reward (Interspatial ring (10 m3)) has been issued.] Amidst of enjoying the thrill of a mission accomplishment, the twin overseers began to explain. The whole pocket dimension is actually not just a stronghold; it is a weapon of mass destruction a citadel of war. The words struck Victor like a bolt of lightning, leaving him momentarily speechless. Garry elaborated with a firm tone, This place was designed for interplanetary combat and served as the vanguard of the Steelrose Order. Its basically a giant magitek fortress capable of defending against and launching assaults of unparalleled scale. As if electricity in a short circuit, Victors mind struggled to grasp the whole thing. The sheer magnitude of what he had inherited was simply overwhelming. He wasnt just gaining control of a resource-rich pocket dimension; he was now the master of a war machine, a tool of unimaginable power that could potentially grant him dominion over entire planes. With this weapon at his command perhaps not even a Sigil Conversion or even Nexus Conjurer rank Magus would be able to face his wrath. He could claim hegemony over the Luminos Kingdom and its surroundings, proclaiming himself as a sovereign. That would be like a dream come true! Just imagining it sent chills of excitement all over his body. Victor No, Master Victor, I presume. Garrys voice softened as he addressed him. This was the first time they had called him by his name, and the addition of master before it meant that their allegiance seemed to have some honesty. Our purpose is to aid you in wielding the power of this citadel, to help you understand and harness its true potential. Gabrielle also spoke up. We are bound to serve you now, Master Victor. As she spoke, Victor felt a strange warmth on his right wrist. The mark there began to glow softly, and he could feel there was a tangible master-servant connection between him and the two overseers. This sent a surge of exhilaration through his veins. Now that he was entrusted with a weapon, a citadel of war that could turn the tide of any conflict, would he even have to use the players like he always did? But then Gabrielles tone shifted slightly as she continued, holding up her hand as if pinching the air. Only, theres a teeny tiny problem A problem? he asked. Somehow, it felt like he had just been rug pulled. Although he knew the adage too good to be true, he was still hoping that there was nothing wrong with it. He braced himself for the answer, his heart pounding in his chest. Garry sighed, glancing at his sister before addressing Victor. The citadel, as it stands, isnt fully operational. Most of the mechanical golems that were meant to serve as its army are well, non-functional. Victors stomach dropped. N-Non-functional? How many are we talking about? Nearly all of them, Garry admitted a little apologetically, though Victor was unsure if that was a schadenfreude instead. The few that are still operational are in poor condition, barely fit for battle. They need extensive repairs, and many parts are beyond salvaging. The ones you faced in the past were the last few that were in good condition. And theres another issue, Gabrielle added, continuing where her brother left off. This citadel, powerful as it is, was designed to move between planes, to travel across the stars, and engage in battles on different worlds. But the resource that powers this capability its almost depleted. Without it, this place is grounded. Was all of this for naught then? Victor clutched his head like a desperate man. The elation he had felt moments ago had gone down the drain. This citadel of war was little more than a crippled relic. The vision of conquering kingdoms and declaring himself a sovereign seemed to have faded.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. As for repairing it? You could simply forget about it, as not even the wealthiest Sigil Conversion Magus could finance such a project. Heck, the entire Arcane Radiance College might bleed itself dry before the citadel is fully restored. What a cruel twist of fate. Rest assured, its not as bad as you think it is, assured Garry quickly, seemingly to have noticed the despair in Victors eyes. As long as 20 to 30 percent of the essential mechanical golems are repaired, the rest should be able to manage. Once that core is operational, the citadel can begin to repair itself and expand its functions. Victor felt a small spark of hope reignite within him. If he could repair just a portion of the citadel, then perhaps that would be enough to help him secure a footing in the region. That alone was more than worth it. So, whats the resource we need? Victor asked. If life gave him lemons, he would make lemonade or in this case, he would rebuild this whole place from the ground up; it would be worth it in the long run. First of all, Gabrielle began, the primary resource needed to restore the citadels core systems is called aetherite. Victor blinked, almost unable to believe his ears. Aetherite? Thats one of the rarest and most volatile magic minerals in existence! Garry affirmed, Precisely. Aetherite is not only incredibly powerful but also extremely difficult to obtain. It serves as the energy source for the citadels most advanced functions where mana crystals wont cut it, including its interplanar travel capabilities. Right now, this citadel is stuck in a stable subspace near Seraphia, and we couldnt mine astral bodies for resources. Without mercy, Gabrielle added to the list: Second of all, we need a large amount of voidstones. Without those, even if we jumpstart the engine, we cant get out of this place. V-Voidstone?! Victor almost choked on his own spit. These people must be insane to expect me to procure those legendary resources and in large quantities at that! While aetherite was rare, it wasnt completely impossible to find. This mineral was still available around the Luminos Kingdom, and hed heard rumors that the Arcane Radiance College owned an aetherite mine somewhere. If he could secure a source or find a way to purchase it, he could begin the monumental task of restoring the citadel. Difficult, but not insurmountable. Voidstones, however, were a different story altogether being extremely, extremely rare. After all, they were the main ingredients in constructing nexus gates and making interspatial rings. Just a single kilogram of voidstone could fetch at least a thousand advanced-grade mana crystals, which was a fortune beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest and most powerful Magi. Victor didnt even have a single intermediate-grade mana crystal, let alone the advanced ones needed for such a transaction. And even if he had the wealth, finding someone who actually possessed voidstones and was willing to part with them was another near-impossible challenge. The good news is that there are still small reserves of aetherite left in the citadel, Garry continued. Not enough to restore everything, but sufficient to get the core systems operational and perhaps activate some of the advanced defense mechanisms for a short period of time. As for voidstone well, the last piece we had was used to anchor this citadel in this place. I understand. Victor nodded, then raised his as if to reject the proposition. But for now, voidstone and even aetherite might be hard to come by in any significant quantity. Instead, Im thinking of starting small, like repairing some of the mechanical golems first. Well The twin overseers began listing the rare materials that were in short supply. Despite the citadel being a pocket dimension with rich resources, it made sense that the island lacked certain crucial materials like metals. Only that some of these materials werent available in the Thornwood Forest or, more specifically, the ravine mine where players and those brainwashed mercenaries were mining. This meant he would have to venture beyond this place to acquire what was needed. Victor rubbed his chin as a plan began to take shape in his mind. Then, well start by repairing at least 20 percent of the mechanical golems. Once thats done, they can handle the mining and repair work for the core systems. This was the plan that he came up with:
  1. He would initiate an expedition to a major city, with Brightmoon City being the closest and best candidate.
  2. With the help of the players, Victor would establish a reliable supply chain to procure the necessary materials. If luck was on his side, he might even stumble upon some aetherite.
  3. Once the materials were secured, the next step would be to repair the mechanical golems. These golems could then assist in further mining operations and in repairing the citadels core systems.
  4. Profit.
On paper, the plan was simple overall. As long as nothing went awry, there shouldnt be anything to worry about. Victor took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. All right. I guess we pretty much figured out our next course of action. Ill restore this citadel to its former glory. As broken as the current state of the citadel, it was still a weapon with untold potential. It was a road worth taking. Oh right, Garry suddenly interjected. Theres something important I forgot to mention. There are actually some of your acolytes stuck in a hidden location within this pocket dimension. Theyve been trapped there for quite some time. Say what? Chapter 145: Hidden Treasure Trove It was exactly as they said. It appeared that KuroUsagis group, after entering the pocket dimension ten days ago, had been trapped here all this time. But once he heard the full story, Victor could understand the reasoning behind the story. Well, I suppose they brought this on themselves by ignoring the warnings. Victor chuckled, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head. But to think that their reckless exploration had led them straight into a hidden section of the pocket dimension, one that harbored the buried inheritance of a fallen Magus. What incredible luck. Garrys voice cut through his thoughts. What should we do with them? Gabrielles expression turned cold as she suggested, Punish them by and traced her thumb ominously across her neck. Dont, Victor quickly interjected, raising a hand to stop them from delivering his players to a lengthy resurrection period. Some of them have already died, anyway; its better to let the rest live as a warning to future pla acolytes so they dont make the same stupid mistake. Besides, theyre still my acolytes. I cant let them die uselessly when theyll be useful later on. The only reason he went so far as to rescue them wasnt simply due to the potential loss of their meditation progress and equipment, but because of the fallen Magus inheritance. This was no ordinary find; it was the kind of opportunity that could change the players perception of this game. Furthermore, if he could claim it as well, it might help him a lot. Oh, how wise. Indeed. Victor narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing something off. For some reason, it felt like they were testing him with these words probably to see how he would handle the situation. After all, even though they were now his underlings, it was a fact that his players went against the rules. It would only make sense for him to make a just action. First, lets get them out of there and kick them out of the pocket dimension. Victor decided it was about time for them to return to the academy. As you wish, Garry obeyed with a nod before adding, Oh, I forgot to mention one more thing. Theres one of your acolytes who actually managed to sneak into the tower almost unnoticed. We even had the pleasure of conversing with him a bit. Victor perked up, intrigued. Who? Except for Butterfly and Prominence who were both second-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes who were trapped, everyone else was still in the first stage. He didnt believe any of them could sneak in so easily. He called himself DigitalMagicianPatrick or something like that, Gabrielle replied nonchalantly. Him? Victor raised an eyebrow. KuroUsagis party was among the group of players that he paid the most attention to, and Patrick had always been a bit of an enigma. As far as he remembered, Patrick was a magician in real life, and his fighting style was distinctly different from the others. He favored wearing Victorian-era magician attire. To be honest, out of all the Earthlings, Patrick was perhaps the closest to embodying the imagination of a Magus in both appearance and demeanor. But still Patrick, huh? Victor mused aloud. These players are more resourceful in exploration than I gave them credit for always thinking outside the box even when the situation is dire. Or at the very least, theyre entertaining. Gabrielle tilted her head slightly at his silence. Should we kick him out like the others, Master? Or would you prefer we take a more she made the same gesture of slitting her neck with her thumb and said, direct intervention? Again, why is she so obsessed with killing? Victor thought in his heart. This pair of homunculi siblings certainly had eccentric personalities. Whoever made them must be pretty eccentric as well, which reminded him of the former headmaster; it was no wonder that they were acquainted with each other. Without a moments hesitation, Victor replied, Just send him out like the others, but make it seem as natural as possible. Understood, Garry and Gabrielle responded in unison. Speaking of which, Victor inquired, this place must be packed full of all kinds of treasures, right? A smile of greed was plastered on his face. With this citadel being the remnant of an ancient Magus force, the Steelrose Order, that could flatten the Arcane Radiance College like flattening a bug, it must be filled with treasures. Having seemed to have anticipated the question, Garry smiled. Naturally. Follow us. They then traversed the citadels labyrinthine corridors. With every turn passed, Victors anticipation doubled at the thought of untold riches waiting just around the corner. Magic artifacts, high-rank meditation techniques, and all sorts of rare magic items and resources they all danced in his mind. Eventually, they arrived at a massive vault door, adorned with powerful runes and protected by ancient magic seals. Garry gestured at the door with an unreadable expression. Before you get too excited, theres something you need to know.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Victors brow furrowed as he listened intently. Every time this guy tried to say something, it would always be bad news for him. The reason were out of voidstone and stuck in this place for so long, Garry began, his tone turning serious, is due to the war that marked the end of the Magus Dynasty Era the Armageddon War. Victor gasped. He had read countless books back at his old academy pertaining to this knowledge. Legends had it that hundreds of thousands of years ago, when magic civilization was at its peak, there was a cataclysmic war that caused most of the powerful Magi of the time to perish in the process, thereby cutting the inheritance of ancient Magi. Unfortunately, those books didnt detail the reason and the cause of the war itself, nor did they mention in detail who was fighting in that war. Still, Armageddon War Why does the Armageddon Cult that Graviel was a part of have the same name? Putting it aside, Victor questioned, Is the Steelrose Order fighting another equally powerful ancient Magus force? The only logical explanation for the downfall of such a formidable citadel of war was that it must have encountered an equally powerful adversary. Huh, it seems that youre not aware of the true story behind the war. Garry tensed up a bit, his expression growing serious as he straightened his posture. No, it wasnt a war between two Magus forces or even several Magus forces. Nor was it a conflict between worlds or star clusters. It is a war of annihilation, Gabrielle stated, enunciating each syllable. A war of annihilation? he repeated, feeling a mix of confusion and dread. What could it mean? Had the Ancient Era ended in a way entirely different from what the history books claimed? Did something so terrifyingly powerful push all the ancient Magus forces to the brink of extinction? Just what kind of being were they? Cold chills crawled over Victors skin as the gravity of the truth began to sink in. But that cant be There were those who once wielded unimaginable power What could have brought such ruin to them? No, more importantly, could this same force still pose a threat? Victors thoughts spiraled into chaos. If even beings as mighty as the ancient Magi couldnt survive the calamity, then what hope did he have with his puny power? Garrys voice pulled him back to the present. The citadel was heavily damaged in that war. We lost most of our resources, including a significant portion of our treasure. What remains are lower-grade magic tools and alchemical weapons useful, but not the vast wealth you might have hoped for. Figures. Victor was a bit disappointed, but after hearing the story, he wasnt expecting too much. It appeared that this citadel functioned purely as a war machine, relying on mechanical golems, always ready to be deployed at a moment''s notice. No one in their right mind would have left their most prized possessions in such a volatile place. Magi, by their very nature, were possessive of their treasures, holding them close rather than storing them in random locations. The ones who once controlled this fortress likely either died with their treasures or hid them elsewhere, far from any prying eyes. Mostly, since there was that exception. Still, how unfortunate. True enough, when Victor entered the vault, it was quite empty. Not empty in the sense that nothing was left, but compared to the sheer size of the room, the remaining items felt minuscule in comparison Wait, wait, wait, Victor interrupted, his frustration bubbling. Youre hiding the elephant in the room here. Please, tell me more about this enemy that annihilated the Magus Dynasty Era! Im afraid I cant do that. Garry, the male overseer, shook his head grimly. Dont misunderstand; its not that we dont want to tell you, but our former master placed a powerful spell on us, forbidding us from revealing more than we already have. And truthfully, we dont know much more ourselves. All we can say is that the same calamity shouldnt happen any time soon. Perhaps not even in your lifetime, so you can rest assured. Rest assured, your head! After being told this story, theres no way I can stay calm. Victor cursed in his heart. Yet, he quickly realized that dwelling on it wouldnt get him anywhere. Whatever this mysterious force was, it was far beyond his current understanding or ability to confront. It was better to focus on the task at hand and cross that bridge when and if it came. With a deep breath, Victor decided to push the unsettling thoughts aside and turned his attention to the treasure. There was still much to be done, and worrying about an ancient threat wouldnt help him in restoring the citadel or creating the greatest academy in the universe. Hang on a sec, are those piles of intermediate- and advanced-grade mana crystals?! Victors eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Scattered across the floor were dozens of mana crystal piles, their brilliance illuminating the already-lit vault. A rough estimate placed their total number in the hundreds of thousands, with intermediate-grade mana crystals making up the vast majority. Perhaps 95 percent of them. If those werent incredible enough, there were also millions of novice-grade mana crystals piled up into mountains at the side. Jackpot! Victor had been lacking higher-grade mana crystals recently. Ever since his ascension to Elemental Adept Magus, novice-grade mana crystals were no longer effective, and they were used up way too fast. Only intermediate-grade and above mana crystals could enhance his meditation progress meaningfully. While rare magic artifacts or other ancient treasures would have been impressive, these mana crystals were immediately practical and helpful to him. And then there were the magic tools. Though these were low- to mid-grade by Magus standards, for the players, they were treasures worth dying for. He was already thinking of holding a monthly auction to sell these magic tools to the players. Not only would they benefit by having strong magic weapons and equipment, but Victor would also benefit by having an army of even stronger players. To top it all off, there were also alchemical weapons that ordinary mortals could use. Coming back to this place was worth it! Maybe I should introduce a gacha feature to the players in the future Victor smirked in thought. The times here could prove invaluable to you, Master. The academy youre building is going to need plenty of resources, Garry explained. Big Brother, did we mention that there is a large library in this citadel? Gabrielle chimed in, casting a glance at her brother. That too, Garry confirmed with a nod. Mana crystals, magic tools, and now a library full of knowledge? Victor could feel his mouth stretching wide into a sinister smile that split his face in half, scary enough to cause Lumen beside him to growl at him. Chapter 146: An Inheritance with Strings Attached By the time Victor arrived back in the vicinity of the academy, the stars had scattered across the night sky. After taking as many treasures as he could with him, he went to the library in the citadel. To his surprise, even though the citadel was a weapon of war, the library contained tens of thousands of books, rivaling even the greatest libraries on Earth. Such was the obsessiveness of Magis pursuit of the truth. They might have hidden their treasures in a no man''s land, but they had brought their vast collections of books and memory crystals even to the front lines. Fortunately, Victors Master Shadowlink Mark allowed him to record a books contents with a single touch and turned it into an e-book. Even with this convenience, it took hours to touch every single book in the library. And, of course, time was spent searching for any clue regarding the ancient, forgotten war. It was a miracle that he managed to accomplish this within a day. But the truth really weighed heavily on Victors mind. No matter how much Victor searched through the countless books in the citadels vast library, he found nothing no mention of the Armageddon War that had supposedly obliterated the Magus Dynasty Era. It was as if the event had been erased from history. This left him with two possible explanations: either the war had occurred so abruptly that no one had the chance to document it, or the ancient Magi had deliberately concealed the information. But the former explanation seemed ludicrous, given Magis tendency to record even the most trivial details. The idea that they would overlook something as catastrophic as the Armageddon War was almost unthinkable. Yet, if the latter was true if they had indeed hidden the truth then the question would be why? What could have been so terrifying, so catastrophic, that even the most powerful Magi chose to bury it in secrecy? So many questions were swirling inside Victors head. He had convinced himself that he wouldnt live long enough to face the threat that had destroyed the ancient Magi Nevertheless, once it had imprinted itself at the back of his mind, he couldnt get rid of it. But now, I need to organize an expedition to Brightmoon City Victor muttered to himself as he rode on Lumens back. He would need to issue a main mission to the players, selecting only the most capable to accompany him. To do that effectively, he would need to roll out the intermittent update as soon as possible. The citadels library had provided him with precious magical knowledge that only a real Magus academy would have. If he could harness this knowledge No, if he could make the players fully utilize the gained knowledge and combine it with modern science, he couldnt imagine the potential that would entail, as it might yield results beyond his wildest dreams. It was something to look forward to. But those were thoughts for another time. Right now, Brightmoon City held the resources essential for restoring the citadel, and that was his immediate priority. The expedition to the city would be crucial; it could mean the difference between success and failure in his grand plan. Besides, this was exactly what his new main and side missions were about. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: The Grand Expedition With the citadel now in your control, your next step is to embark on a crucial expedition to one of the cities in the Luminos Kingdom. Your goal is to locate the resources necessary to repair the citadels mechanical golems. Secure these resources and establish a reliable supply channel to expedite the citadels recovery. Type: Main mission Locate and acquire the required resources: 0/1 Secure a consistent supply channel: 0/1 Reward: 2,500 academy points and 10 chances to pull Elemental Adept lootboxes Mission: Preparation For the Expedition Select a group of at least ten players to accompany you on the expedition and ensure all necessary supplies are gathered and preparations are complete, as unforeseen dangers may arise during the journey. Type: Side mission Reward: 1,000 academy points As Victor dismounted from Lumen, the majestic creature that had accompanied him on so many of his adventures, he couldnt help but smile as he patted her soft, silken neck. Thank you, partner, he said. Woof! she responded. He then entered the Headmasters Building with her following him closely in her normal size. Greetings, respected Headmaster.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Good evening, Sir Astralium. Respected Headmaster, about my proposal to make an opera house from before The chorus of voices that lined the corridors and hallways echoed as he walked toward the Headmasters Office. Their gazes were filled with respect and reverence. But you couldnt be fooled by this since they were all clearly expecting something from him. He acknowledged their greetings with a nod, but his mind never lost focus on the task ahead. Once inside his office Master! Youve returned safely! Victor barely had time to settle before Lizbeth appeared out of nowhere, swiftly latching onto his face like an overexcited pet. Ive got some great news while youre gone. The first group of players who challenged the dungeon has returned, and it seems one of them obtained the inheritance of a powerful Magus! I know. Victor sighed, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he gently peeled Lizbeth off his face and set her on the desk. Ignoring the lingering tingling sensation on his face, his fingers instinctively traced the smooth edge of his desk as he activated his Shadowlink Mark and projected a holographic screen in front of him to access the official website forum. The forum was, as always, filled with players sharing their in-game experiences and discoveries. Now, there were more and more guides and tutorials circulating in here, covering everything from combat to life skills. Surprisingly, some players even created class guide videos, explaining the materials taught in the academy. The fact that these guides were becoming more popular was proof that the players were steadily mastering the intricacies of magic in the game. Victor, however, had a singular focus. He scrolled through the forum with ease, zeroing in on KuroUsagis latest post, which had quickly climbed to the top of the trending list. The title was as attention-grabbing as ever: I Found a Fallen Magus Inheritance, and No, Im Not Lying! Yo, yo, yo! KuroUsagi is back here to deliver you a fresh update on my and my friends findings in the new dungeon. Some of you might have watched the live stream and were wondering why it was suddenly cut short. But dont worry, Im here to explain it all Victor skimmed through the post from start to finish without stopping. This guy sure had a knack for storytelling, weaving together suspense and humor while keeping the readers on the edge of their seats. However, true to form, KuroUsagi took his time getting to the main point until the very end. But as entertaining as the post was, Victors interest lay in the exact nature of the Magus inheritance. All right! Here comes the main point youve been waiting for! So, when I touched the crystal on the pedestal, I was immediately transported into a dreamland. It was dark so dark and vast that I couldnt see anything more than a meter away. Then suddenly, a mysterious man wearing a cloak appeared, someone who seemed to be an ancient Magus. At that moment, I thought, Wow! I must have fulfilled a condition to meet a hidden NPC to receive a hidden class. Yippee! A dreamland? Victor stroked his chin in contemplation as he read further. Well, sure enough, he offered me his inheritance in exchange for fulfilling his wish, which seems to be vengeance, as written on the pedestal. Of course, as a goose on the loose, I accepted it without a second thought. Stupid! Victor cursed. Players like him had no idea how dangerous these ancient Magi could be. They might offer their legacy but rarely was it without strings attached. Actually, more often than not, such an offer came with sinister ulterior motives. The worst of these was when a Magus would brainwash their successor, using them as a pawn to orchestrate their resurrection or even as a vessel for their soul. However When he thought about it again, this situation was even more alarming. A soul contract formed by vowing to exact vengeance on the Magus behalf was not something to take lightly; it wasnt just a simple agreement written in code. Players, despite having an immortal body, still had their souls connected to their real bodies back on Earth. This meant that the contract should be etched deep into their souls, which meant any accident like failure to fulfill the contracts terms might result in their death. The chilling thought of a headline flashed through Victors mind: A Man Playing a VRMMORPG Game Magus Academy Online Was Found Dead. Even if the System could protect their souls to some level, itd require some serious experimentation to understand its limits and dangers. Guess I better investigate this further in the future I actually have no clue whats written on the pedestal, but I have it recorded. I mean, remember how, when we first started the game, we were suddenly able to understand and speak a different language? Well, this one is of a different language than that since I cant understand it. See below for the screenshot I posted. Victor looked at the screenshot that KuroUsagi sent on the post. As he expected, the inscription on the pedestal was written in ancient Seraphian language no wonder that he had no idea what it was all about. It read: To any who dare claim my legacy, know this: My life was undone by the hand of my mortal enemy, a foe whose power rivaled my own. To draw me out from the shadows, he slaughtered my kin, leaving none alive. Their blood stains the earth, and their cries for justice echo through the ages. You who stand before my monument, I charge you with a task of blood and vengeance. Hunt down the descendants of my enemy and eradicate their line from existence. Let no trace of them remain, so that my wrath may be sated, and my knowledge and power will be yours to command. Crap, its a task about retribution. Although it wasnt the worst hed seen, it was definitely among the troublesome ones. After all, to find these descendants of the dead Magus mortal enemy wasnt something that Victor accomplished, much less KuroUsagi, the hapless player in question. The only silver lining here was that there didnt seem to be a hard time limit. That, at least, offered some flexibility. But it was still a ticking time bomb of a task. Additionally, the inheritance seemed to be of a very high quality, maybe a Sigil Conversion Magus inheritance at least. Luckily for Victor, KuroUsagis Shadowlink Mark should have a copy of the dead Magus legacy. Pfft! This idiotic Black Bunny dug his own grave. Lizbeth giggled, holding her tummy as she burst into laughter. Its not a laughing matter, you know Victor sighed, rubbing his temples as he leaned back in his chair and stared up at the ceiling. Welp, its also my fault that I never considered this scenario He didnt feel any guilt since this was a risk that these players would have come to face sooner or later. It was just that this wasnt a game, and the players werent aware of that. The consequences of taking such a reckless action could have real-world implications, especially if they involved soul-binding contracts. Unable to hold himself, Victor posted a reply on the thread, stating that inheriting power from a Magus in the game came with serious consequences if players failed to fulfill the required promises. The penalties ranged from severe debuffs to the permanent deletion of their characters. His post quickly caused a stir among the players, sparking heated discussions and concerns across the community. Regardless of this, maybe some sort of solution was required to fix this issue. The last thing he wanted was for KuroUsagi or any other player to end up in a similar situation without knowing the consequences. It was then that a solution presented itself before Victors ears. Chapter 147: An Intermittent Alpha Version 0.5.1 Update Master, Lizbeth chimed in, some of the players on the forum are complaining that tasks and missions are a bit too rigid. They think there should be special missions that could be generated randomly, depending on the situation they find themselves in. Victor recalled that KuroUsagi had also mentioned something similar, expressing frustration that no mission was generated from a critical scene. He had complained that such an important event should at least trigger a notification. Coincidentally, Victor was about to roll out the next update, so he figured he might as well incorporate some of the players suggestions. Lizbeth, as usual, its time for you to shine. Victor smirked at her; this fairys programming skills were top-notch to the point that he suspected her for an AI. I knew this was coming. She sighed, though she didn''t resist the task on the surface. But Im still waiting for that food you promised me. Mhm, Ive got that covered. With a wave of his hand, Victor conjured a full-course meal of exotic beast meat on the desk. Despite lacking superb quality treasures, the citadel did possess a well-stocked freezer filled with top-quality magical beast meats and other ingredients. Victor had asked the twin overseers to prepare these special dishes just for this occasion. Lizbeths eyes sparkled as she gazed at the feast before her. Wow! Look at all these dishes! In an instant, she tried to dive headfirst into the food, her excitement getting the better of her. Hold on a minute. Victor gently swathed overeager the fairy with a flick of his finger, causing her to tumble backward in the air. You can eat when youve finished with your assignment. He stored the dishes back into his interspatial ring. Lizbeth pouted for a moment but quickly became enthusiastic. Fine, Ill get to work right away! she declared, raising her fist in determination. Seeing her eagerness, Victor nodded approvingly and went to work on his task too. He had a version update announcement to prepare, along with a detailed developers diary to complement it. If he lazed around, the players would definitely complain. Magus Academy Online Testing Server Alpha Version 0.5.1 Update Announcement Major Update:
  1. New Class Update We know you want a new class, and we have now fulfilled your request! Behold, as this new update is now online with a new class called Ki-Warrior to enrich your gameplay experience and enhance your freedom in choosing your path in the game.
  2. New Grand Expedition Opportunity and Purpose Prepare for a new grand expedition to the nearby City of Brightmoon. This is a new restricted area only through an expedition party of at least ten players and no more than fifteen players that the academys headmaster will host. You will find a new important storyline if youre eligible to join.
  3. Bloodline Transmuter Facility We understand that players feel that getting a bloodline in the game is just too rare and random. To make this more accessible, were introducing the Bloodline Transmuter in the Nexus Tower. This facility allows you to inject a magical beast bloodline inside your body, provided that you have a magical beasts bloodline essence.
  1. Adding a Feature for Returning Lost Items. While your characters may be immortal, your items arent. To address the frustration of losing equipment upon death, were adding a bounty system where players can post and recover lost items. This feature ensures that even in the face of defeat, your hard-earned gear wont be lost forever.
  2. Mission System Improvements We have tackled the issues with mission generation during key interactions and events. Youll now have clear objectives and missions available in critical moments, enhancing your gameplay experience.
  3. Increase in Total Quota for Applicants The quota for closed-alpha players has been set to 750 or more.
  1. New Subsidize System In order to hasten the progress of players in the game, they will be subsidized with mana crystals each week depending on the Magus rank.
Optimization:
  1. New Cityscapes and More NPCs With the grand expedition on the horizon, new cityscapes and NPC character models will be added to the game.
  1. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Our team has been hard at work weaving away any pesky bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the game. Your experience in Magus Academy Online will now be smoother and more enjoyable than ever.
Other Changes:
  1. Adding a Grading System (Stars) on Missions and Settlements In order to better give clarity to players, we will be grading missions with stars based on their difficulty. Furthermore, settlements like the village will be given relation metrics so that players can better understand the games dynamics.
  2. New In-Game Internet Access Players can now access the internet directly through the Shadowlink Marks within the game. However, this feature is intentionally restricted, allowing access only to essential search engines and preventing the viewing of any R-18 content that violates the games terms of service.
Please note that the server update will occur from 12:00 EST until 18:00 EST, and you wont be able to log in during that period of time. This is still a significant update and truly the last update of the closed-alpha version. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to refine and expand the world of Magus Academy Online. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements in the world of Magus Academy Online!The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. This time, Victor decided not to add too many on the update since it was an intermittent one rather than a major update like before. But still, there were quite a few features worth highlighting, and as such, he had to make sure that he covered them all in the dev diary. Dev Diary #5: Alpha Version 0.5.1 Greetings, everyone! Its your dearest promotional manager here again to walk you through the latest update and provide a thorough explanation of whats new in Magus Academy Online. It hasnt been long since our last update, and here we are with another one already! Now, I know I mentioned that the previous update would be the final one before we transitioned to the closed beta phase, but this update is particularly important as it addresses some crucial features in the game. Just so you know, our dedicated programmers and designers have been working tirelessly to fix all the issues and roll out this update. As a pleasant surprise, our strict but beloved superiors have rewarded our team with a well-deserved vacation for successfully delivering the closed-alpha phase. Many of our employees are finally getting the chance to reunite with their families, which has been their dream since joining the company. But enough about that! Lets dive into the content of this update, shall we? Im confident that this update is one of the most exciting weve had in a while. Why, you ask? Because were introducing a brand-new class into the game! Youve probably wondered how some of those bandits manage to have such extraordinary strength despite not being acolytes. Well, wonder no more they are what we call Ki-Warriors. Unlike Magi, who rely on mana and meditation techniques, Ki-Warriors harness their inner energy, or ki, through specialized breathing techniques. In order to give players the opportunity to follow the Ki-Warrior path, were introducing a special instructor who can teach you these breathing techniques. However, its important to note that the Ki-Warrior path is more limited than the Magus path and can potentially divide your focus. Still, the Ki-Warrior class offers significant advantages, especially in the early stages of the game. After all, youre not limited to a single path in this game. Rowan would be the best candidate to be the instructor, as his existence was still unknown to the players, and he was the strongest brainwashed Ki-Warrior in his possession. Additionally, Victor had imparted the new breathing technique to him so he would be ready to teach the players as soon as the update went live. Next up, we have an exciting new grand expedition to Brightmoon City, which means a brand-new map to explore! But before you get too excited, let me clarify that only the most qualified players will be able to join this expedition, and the quota is capped at fifteen. I hope you have cozied enough with the headmaster if you want to secure a spot on this grand opportunity. Keep in mind, this map is still in development, and although were confident there wont be any major issues, you might encounter a few unexpected glitches or bugs along the way. As Victor wrote this, he couldnt help but imagine players cozying up to him, trying their hardest to secure a place on the expedition. As for the mentioned potential glitches, it was a safe line in case the expedition met a potential problem or something. Moving on, Ive been hearing complaints that only a very, very few players have the luck to acquire a special bloodline when they first enter the game. Some of you have envied these players, wishing that you could delete your character and start over to get a shot at one. But let me be completely honest here: having a special bloodline isnt necessarily an advantage in the long run. Depending on the bloodline, a player might hit an absolute limit in their progress due to what we call bloodline shackles. In fact, aside from Butterfly, there were two to three cases where a player obtained a special bloodline. Though none of them was as special and as powerful as the one that Butterfly had. That being said, for those of you who are still determined to inject yourself with a magical beast bloodline and walk the path of a Bloodline Magus or Warlock, were introducing the Bloodline Transmuter facility. Youll find this new feature on the basement floor of the Nexus Tower, and you only need to pay one thousand merit points to use it. Weve added it to balance the game and give you more opportunities to explore different paths. But make sure you wont regret rushing into this, as waiting for a more powerful bloodline to transmute might be worth your patience. The reason Victor put up a steep cost and a caution here was that he knew some idiots would transmute a very weak magical beast bloodline into their body just for a short-term benefit. He wanted to avoid this situation as much as possible because this behavior could potentially lead to dissatisfied players abandoning their in-game characters. Not thats likely, though, but better safe than sorry. Fourth on the list, lets address the problem that has become a growing concern among players. As more of you explore and engage in battles, more and more of you are dying and when you die, your items drop. Even though you can resurrect endlessly, theres a high chance youll lose your items and equipment depending on where you fall. Theres also been some concern about other players looting your belongings, despite the measures weve put in place with the Shadowlink Marks. To tackle this issue, were introducing a new bounty system. This will allow you to post a bounty for your lost items, enabling other players to retrieve them for you in exchange for a reward. Of course, to prevent abuse of this system, like players falsely claiming ownership of others items, any items must be registered with the Shadowlink Marks prior and pay a small number of merit points. Remember, we dont support stealing and wont tolerate any form of dishonesty in the game. I hope this system encourages fair play and cooperation among all players! Okay, we finally get to the part that many of you have been eagerly waiting for. Ive noticed that some players have been confused about why certain missions werent generated in specific situations. Others have observed that only certain key NPCs with marks on their wrists, similar to the ones players have, can issue tasks and missions. This was intentional in our initial design, but after seeing how it integrates into the gameplay, weve decided to make some improvements. Now, this doesnt mean that any random scene or action will trigger a mission, no. Missions will still only trigger when the situation is truly critical, and when a key NPC is present to issue it. Our goal with this update is to enhance your gameplay experience and make mission generation feel more organic and clearer. Although these situations would be rare, Victor knew that with the increasing number of players and expanding areas of activity, the chances of such events occurring would naturally rise. The Shadowlink Marks would be optimized to generate missions accordingly by assessing the situation in real time. Chapter 148: Outrageous Idea Lastly, Ive got some good news that Im sure everyone will appreciate. Our esteemed headmaster is feeling particularly generous these days. The academy has finally started turning a profit, and he wants to give back to his acolytes you, the players. From now on, there will be a subsidy provided to every player based on your Magus rank. For detailed information, please wait until the headmaster announces it in the game. Since Victor had just gotten a crap ton of mana crystals that he didnt know what to do with, he figured distributing them to players would be a wise investment. Not only would this encourage players to progress faster, but it would also aid their meditation and overall development. After all, investing in the players meant Victor would eventually have a stronger, more capable army, and the benefits would fall back into his lap in the long run. If that wasnt enough of a benefit, the higher the rank that a player achieved, the more efficient they would become at everyday tasks. For example, a first-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte could perform manual labor with ten times the effectiveness of an ordinary individual. This meant a significant boost in the academys overall productivity. Before wrapping up this dev diary, Id like to share a couple more updates. Starting now, missions will be graded with stars based on their difficulty to give players a clearer sense of what to expect. Additionally, settlements that have established relationships with the academy will now be displayed on the official website, complete with relationship points. Players can access this information through their Shadowlink Marks as well. One last thing to note, you can now access the internet directly from within the game. No longer do you need to log out and log in to search for important information anymore. However, this feature is limited to basic search engine use only. Activities like playing web-based games or watching videos, other than other players streaming or in-game videos and related tutorial videos, are restricted and cannot be done through this feature. Please, use this feature wisely. Victor actually added this feature not only for the players but also for other natives here, as there was even an auto-translation feature added to it. So, someone like Eleanor should be able to use it and take advantage of all sorts of knowledge, such as advanced metallurgical, composition of alloys, and various techniques from Earth by reading or following step-by-step guides or videos. I think that covers everything for this fifth installment of the dev diary. I sincerely hope this update addresses the current issues within the game and can fulfill your joy while were away on vacation. Happy gaming! With a satisfied nod, Victor uploaded his creation to the forum. I bet the players are going to go crazy over the subsidy Most established Magus academies typically provided their acolytes with mana crystals as a form of support, with the amount given based on their Magus rank and mana aptitude. However, since Victor was treating this entire fiasco as a game, he couldnt afford to be biased toward players with higher mana aptitudes. Instead, he chose to reward those who put in more effort and reached higher stages. As for how many mana crystals he planned to subsidize, it wouldnt be that different than other Magus academies. Each week, ordinary players would receive one mana crystal; first-stage Initiate Attunement players would receive two mana crystals; second-stage Initiate Attunement players would receive five mana crystals; and third-stage Initiate Attunement players would receive ten mana crystals. For players who advanced beyond this stage, he decided to hold off on further rewards until the appropriate time came. True to expectation, the forum was ablaze with players commenting on the latest update announcement. JustLightning: ?? 1? ??1? ?? ProcrastinatingPanda: Fuck! How come I was not the first?! I didnt even wash my hands after taking a shit! Stickman_Just_Passing: Dude, seriously? Go wash your hands before typing! Hornycrab: At this point, Im not surprised about not being the first anymore If only the updates were on a set schedule, Id always be the first. Captain Derp: Damn! For an intermittent update, this sure is a lot! Gigglebelly Grumblefart: Im always been wondering, when are we getting a livestream announcement like other games do? Castlefrost: Come on, the games still in closed alpha. What did you expect? Bet they will do livestreams when its fully released. Prominence: Still, damn. That subsidy is definitely something to look forward to. Storm Bringer: Yeah, but this can go both ways. On the one hand, it gives new and veteran players motivation to progress faster. On the other hand, it might mess with the mana crystal to real currency exchange rate. Locktekei: Does this mean my hard-earned mana crystals will be worth less?! GladiusZone: (; 㧥) SuperNovaX: [Shocked.jpg] Princess_Tomato: ?? ?? ??Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Huh, now that I think about it, it will indeed impact the exchange rate between in-game currency and Earths currency, Victor thought while holding his chin. Oh well, I guess thats just one of the perks of being an early adopter. Right now, the exchange rate between the dollar and mana crystals hovered around 100:1, meaning a single mana crystal was worth roughly a hundred bucks. Considering that a new player could earn around one hundred merit points daily, they were essentially making a hundred dollars a day. As a comparison, the average daily wage of an office worker was about 150 dollars. It was quite a large sum since they were just playing a game. To be fair, mana crystals were massively undervalued. But then again, most players had no idea of their true worth, nor did they have any clue that the game was real. And Victor still had no intention of divulging that secret anytime soon. Therefore, it couldnt be helped that the value remained artificially low. Not that it mattered much, considering the majority of players were too broke to buy even one crystal at its true worth. KuroUsagi: Hmm, now that the bug preventing missions from popping up in critical situations is fixed, I wonder if the mission I was supposed to get will appear when I log back in after the update. Cant wait til maintenance is over. ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: Ha! This new class update is going to make me even stronger! Fighting in close quarters felt incomplete without proper combat techniques. MissRichLadyAuralise: Ah, the brute finally finds a toy to play with. ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: What, you wanna fight? Meet me at the practice grounds for a duel Ill be waiting! (??p) MissRichLadyAuralise: Oh my. Resorting to physical violence is the best you can do? How uncouth. But sure, I will take the offer and bring my entourage to take you down a peg or two. ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: Bring it on! MsMelody: Please, dont fight! It seemed that the two most troublesome female players werent cursing at each other anymore on the forum and resorted to settling their differences in-game. Squadzell: Hey! Where can I sign up for the expedition? GladiusZone: Are you blind? The promotional manager said the headmasters the one who decides who gets to join the grand expedition. Zylvern: Guess its better to start licking the headmasters boots. CookieMons: +1 Prominence: +2 Squadzell: Seniors, please teach me the way of bootlicking! ?? ButaYaarou: I want to lick a girls feet too. (? ?? ?) GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Same. SirLaughsALot: Ahem. ButaYaarou: Crap, you again! GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Uh-oh. Anyway, Victor had no time to waste getting caught up in the players comments there was too much to do to prepare for the grand expedition. But just as he was about to get started, something clicked in his mind. Wait a minute Victor mused aloud. Is something troubling you, Master? Lizbeth inquired, hovering nearby. Its nothing. I just remembered the steam kite that Eleanor made Given her skills in aerodynamics, it shouldnt be too hard for her to develop a small makeshift dirigible capable of carrying two dozen people. Victor was no master in airplanes, but he was pretty sure making a dirigible, even with limited materials, should be possible with the help of the players. Perhaps the twin overseers had a blueprint or even an old dirigible that could be repaired. He recalled them mentioning that everything inside the citadel was dysfunctional, but it was better to ask than assume. With that in mind, he set to do what must be done. Master, I have done my job! Wheres my food? Lizbeth chimed in, seeming to have finished with the code. Of course, after he was done eating with this little fairy of his. *** A a dirigible?! a voice rang out, filled with disbelief. Patron, can you repeat what you just said? This time, please make your words clearer. You heard me right, another voice responded, belonging to none other than Victor. I want you to build me a dirigible the kind that Magi use to travel across the continent. The woman before him, Eleanor, widened her eyes as she stared at him like looking at an insane man. Are you out of your mind?! Youre asking me to build a flying machine with nothin but a hammer and a furnace? She shook him violently as if trying to force out an answer to this ridiculous request. I know it sounds crazy, but I want you to make me a dirigible that can carry two dozen people. And I need it ready within two weeks. Can you do it? Victor asked before swiftly continuing after realizing that the request was indeed a bit absurd, But before you say no, hear me out Im not asking you to make one from scratch. Ive got a connection that might have a broken dirigible lying around. For a moment, Eleanor just stared at him, as if trying to process what he had just said. Then her eyes widened, so large that they could fit a baseball. You have a broken dirigible?! she repeated, even more stunned stupid than before. If I say that I just inherited a citadel of war that can destroy small planes, will she die of shock? A mischievous thought flashed inside his mind. Victor had recently learned that through the mark placed by Garry, he was able to send messages to the twin overseers by expending some infused mana. It wasnt as efficient as the Shadowlink Mark, but it could be used to communicate over long distances in a similar manner, with the amount of mana being the limitation, not the academy level otherwise. From this, he learned that the twin overseers did indeed have several almost-destroyed dirigibles in their possession. These dirigibles were in such poor condition that calling them broken was putting it mildly. Still, Victor wasnt about to discourage his only Artificer with the grim details. Yes, Victor confirmed with a nod. Youre the best person for the job; I cant think of anyone else who can do it better than you. Eleanor took a deep breath, the initial shock wearing off as her expression turned confident. Well I wont say its impossible if were just fixing a broken one. Though Ill need a blueprint and parts that can be salvaged. Oh, and I want dozens of your acolytes to help with the construction. Its going to be a massive undertakin, yknow. Victor smiled, knowing shed come around. Whatever you need, just let me know. Actually, I want you to make this in secret from my acolytes; Ill give you a place for the assembly, and Ill even lend you several special helpers to assist with building the airship. He didnt want the players getting too involved and potentially leaking information before it was time. While they could help gather and prepare materials, he preferred they not be the ones doing the actual repairs on the dirigible. As for the helpers, they were functional worker golems from the citadel. Nonetheless, the thought of having to go back and forth to transport everything using his interspatial ring was a bit disheartening but necessary. With determination gleaming in her eyes, Eleanor declared, Alright, lets do it. But dont blame me if we end up with something that looks more like a flying barrel than an airship. Victor chuckled. As long as it flies and gets us to Brightmoon City, I wont complain. Chapter 149: Preparation for the Grand Expedition Four days elapsed as Victor was busy preparing for the expedition. He wasnt wrong; in order to transport the nearly destroyed dirigible back to the academys vicinity required more than five trips, even with three interspatial rings at his disposal. To be fair, the dirigible was on the smaller side, quite different from the ones he was used to seeing at the academy. But despite that, he still had to separate them into parts so he could bring them back. Meanwhile, Eleanor was also hard at work trying to repair the dirigible with the assistance of the players and Victors helpers. When she discovered that the helpers were mechanical golems, she nearly fainted on the spot. However, her sense of curiosity overpowered her shock as she launched toward the golems like a drug addict spotting a stash. Her enthusiasm for working with such advanced constructs and her passion for the project fueled her drive to get the dirigible operational. With the repairs underway, Victor decided it was time for a speech about the upcoming expedition. He had deliberately delayed this announcement as opposed to doing it right after the update since there were a few things that he had to make sure of. As Victor stood in the grand auditorium, hundreds of players had gathered to listen to his speech. Unlike the previous few times that he did a speech, this time he had carefully written down the key points he intended to discuss, which was to select individuals for the grand expedition. But even so, the turnout exceeded his expectations. Truly, these players had nothing to do other than waste their time here. Well, they wouldnt have become gamers otherwise. Regardless of the reason, without further ado, Victor spread his mana force to assert his authority over the assembled crowd and seize the moment to begin his speech: My acolytes! Today marks a new chapter for our academy, as I will embark on an expedition that will take us beyond this forest and into the territories of Brightmoon City in two weeks. For two months, we have been building up the academy, honing our skills, deepening our knowledge, amassing resources, and most importantly, treading on the Magus path. Now, the time has come to reveal to the world what we have built, what we have entrusted our spirits to. His voice was resolute as he moved his gaze from left to right, sweeping over the players who listened intently, their eyes fixed on him. Now, I want ten to fifteen volunteers to join me Before he could finish, basically everyone in the auditorium raised their hands. Some of the shorter ones stretched on tiptoe, raising both hands to be noticed. Why does this scene always repeat itself? Victors face slightly twitched. Victors voice carried a commanding tone as he continued, Ahem, hear what I have to say before jumping at an opportunity that you might not be prepared for. He stared intently at the eager, stupid faces of the players before him. I need only the bravest, the most skilled among you. This expedition is not for those who hesitate or falter in the face of the unknown. Those who join me must be ready for anything be it unknown enemies or unforeseen dangers. He paused, letting the players grasp the gravity of the situation. If you are preoccupied with other tasks, or if your magical prowess is not yet honed to perfection, then dont bother to apply for the expedition. There will be other opportunities, and your contributions here are just as important. But for those who are ready despite all this, please sign up through your Shadowlink Marks and pay one hundred merit points as the entry fee. Do you understand? Victor was aware that each player understood this was a defining moment that could change their fate within the game. After all, he had promised a bountiful reward as well. But it was also important to remember that he had listed a strict requirement for this expedition, and not everyone could sign up willy-nilly. *** William was among the first who immediately signed up for the grand expedition, eagerly paying the one hundred merit points entry fee like it was nothing. Turning to his party members, he called out, Guys! Were all signing up for the expedition, right? Of course! Storm replied enthusiastically. As the games number one pioneer, theres no way Im missing this opportunity! Zero tried to adjust his nonexistent glasses as he added, Count me in. Since I can work from home, it should be fine to skip the morning meetings without any issues. Mike, however, hesitated, Dudes, my employees are still too newbies to leave around. Im afraid Ill have to sit this one out. I see. Understandable. The group nodded in understanding. Mike was, after all, a store owner and had responsibilities and also his employees who were still new to the game. Not to mention his budding relationship with an NPC girlfriend in the village, much to their envy.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. What was unexpected was when SuperNova spoke up. Uh, I think Ill also pass. SuperNova shook his head dejectedly. Why? Storm tilted his head. SuperNova sighed. You see, Ive got to start writing my thesis soon. Ive been skipping too many classes recently to play the game, and I need to catch up. Until then, I really shouldnt be playing so much. Oh, cmon. Prominence wrapped an arm around SuperNova, saying, Its not like a degree guarantees you a good job. Besides, there are classes in this academy too, where you can learn all sorts of magical knowledge. Yeah, its just a piece of paper. Storm laughed. Look at me, I used to earn as much as a typical office worker just by gaming professionally and making videos. And now, thanks to the currency exchange platform, Im making double that amount. This game is gonna be huge! But still SuperNova hesitated, staring at the floor. Listen, going on this expedition might land you with a beautiful NPC girlfriend like Mike. Hehehe, William laughed creepily, to which Storm agreed. This caused SuperNova to stutter as a tug-of-war was happening inside his brain. Guys, come on, stop bullying him. I only became a consultant of a large multinational corporation and started earning six figures because I studied at Harvard. Zero bragged with a smirk, a glint of pride was clearly shown on his face. Shit! Storm groaned. You just had to bring that up, didnt you? This bastard Though annoyed, William knew Zero was right as proven by his intelligence and good strategic thinking. It was undeniable. Unable to convince SuperNova to join the expedition, the three remaining members could only leave their friends behind. Of course, there was no guarantee that all of them would be accepted either. Only the headmaster could decide. *** Victor sat at his desk with a holographic screen spread out before him. He sifted through the applications, carefully reviewing each one to determine who would accompany him on the grand expedition. He had set strict criteria for selection: All applicants had to be at least first-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes, possess a set of skills that could prove useful, and most importantly, have ample free time to minimize absences from the game. The 2:1 time dilation meant players would be more active during Earths nighttime, effectively giving them one full day in Seraphia while sacrificing activity during the day on Earth. However, it also meant that any time they did spend on Earth got doubled, so if they took a three-hour break on Earth, they would be missing for six hours on Seraphia. Victor couldnt afford to have anyone on his team who couldnt meet these demands, as it could hamper his goal. So, those who fell short would be eliminated from consideration. While there were players from different time zones, the same problem would still be in effect just in reverse. As he neared the end of the list, something caught his eye. Auralise herself applied, huh? he murmured, a bit surprised. While he had chosen several familiar players, he hadnt expected this money bags of an investor to show interest in the expedition. And so far, he never took her as well as her group for any important missions, unlike some of the others. Just then, a voice interrupted his thoughts. Master, have you decided who you might bring? Pretty much, Victor answered thoughtfully. Prominence, ZeroXScyth, Storm Bringer, KuroUsagi, ChickenSmackdown He listed off the players he was familiar with, including Thunder, Aphrodite, and CookieMons. And the last two are MissRichLadyAuralise and Domonique. A total of fifteen players overall. Given the scale of his objective and the number of qualified candidates, Victor decided to take the maximum number of players he could. Furthermore, he tried his best to make the players group as balanced as possible. For example, he included a cook like CookieMons, and Auralises expertise as a businesswoman would undoubtedly prove invaluable [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully gathered at least ten players for the expedition and prepared the necessary supplies.] [The reward (1,000 academy points) has been issued.] Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 2110 Academy Grade: Level 3 Total Acolytes: 688/500 Total Professors: 4/5 Progression Value: 530/500 It was important to realize that Victors goal here wasnt simply repairing the citadel and its mechanical golems. What actually became his primary goal was to recruit an official Magus from the outside world, someone who would willingly join his academy as a professor without a single word of complaint. After all, it was the only remaining requirement to level up the academy. But who would want to join an unknown Magus academy hidden away in the middle of nowhere? Victor absentmindedly stroked Lumen, who was in her small form, as he gazed distractedly at the darkening sky. Even recruiting a Magus with questionable morals and ulterior motives might not even be possible, forget poaching a promising one Brainwashing was an option, though. However, kidnapping an Elemental Adept Magus who would certainly have countless tricks up their sleeve and then brainwashing them was not a simple task. Victor himself had only just formed his first sigil. If he wasnt careful, he might offend an entire Magus faction, which would spell disaster. Besides, the brainwashing spell he had was still stuck at Aleph tier I could upgrade it, but The citadels library was brimming with knowledge on mind manipulation and studies of the soul. Its just too risky. Victor sighed. This left him to the last possible option: finding an independent Magus who was at the end of their lifespan and offering them what they desired most more time. If he upgraded the Alchemist Hall, it might unlock an elixir capable of extending an Elemental Adept Maguss lifespan. What could be more tempting for a dying Magus than the chance to live a few more decades? It was the perfect bait. Only, I need to find an old Magus whos one step from the grave, he murmured, a self-deprecating smile tugging at his lips. Ha, as if thats going to be easy. One thing was for sure, this expedition wasnt going to be smooth sailing. Interlude: Repairing the Airship After Victor left the workshop, Eleanor found herself standing in silence. She still couldnt believe it. It was hard to believe that her patron actually had a broken dirigible, a mode of transportation that only a proper Magus force would have, in his possession. There were so many mysteries that he hadnt shown to her yet. Nevertheless, the shock was quickly replaced by a bubbling resolve. How often did one get the chance to repair such a precious vessel, let alone one that was an ancient relic? Her hands curled into fists. For him to entrust such an important mission to her meant that her skills were trusted to a high degree, and she was determined not to disappoint him. With a quick clap to her cheeks, she snapped herself out of her thoughts. Alright! If anyone can do this, its me. Ill make sure this dirigible not only flies but soars. No matter what it takes, Ill make sure we have the best airship the world has ever seen! She punctuated her declaration by raising her fist high, her eyes blazing with energy. *** In the clearing of the Thornwood Forest, the morning sun hung just overhead, casting flickering shadows as the trees swayed gently in the breeze. Standing beside a peculiar aircraft a slim plane in the form of a powered glider was a girl in her late teens. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded down her back, framing her brown quartz eyes and fair complexion. She sported a unique attire consisting of deep brown leather shorts, and a reddish-brown suit that extended into a mantle-like long sleeve. White stockings and thigh-high boots adorned with delicate gold accents completed her ensemble. Gee! What the heck is this piece of junk? the girl, Eleanor, muttered, scratching the back of her head. Repairing this gonna take a lot of work Opposite her was a battered dirigible a vessel so damaged that calling it broken was a total understatement. It was a haphazard collection of parts, barely holding together, the remnants of a once-majestic airship. Seeing its condition for the first time, Eleanor couldnt help but wonder where she should even begin. Still, to have the deadline set for two weeks to fix this junk even with those hardworking acolytes helping me My patron sure knows how to work me to the bone. Dissuaded she was not, however, as this only fueled her excitement. It wasnt that she was a masochist; taking on challenges was just her way of life. Like a bolt from the blue, a series of heavy thuds echoed behind Eleanor as five towering figures, each standing three meters tall, emerged from the wooden crates nearby and moved toward her. Each one had the shape of a humanoid mechanic construct. Seeing these figures, Eleanor couldnt hold back her calm. G-Golems?! Mechanical golems to boot! Could these really be the helpers her patron had mentioned? Without a moments hesitation, she immediately launched herself toward the golems and inspected every inch of them like someone possessed. Wow, wow! These are from the Magus Dynasty Era, the peak of magic civilization! I cant believe that I get to see some of these antiques that are still functioning! Eleanor exclaimed excitedly as she marveled at the craftsmanship, her hands fidgety. Hehe, hehehe! In truth, Eleanor had once designed her own golem, even gathering nearly all the necessary materials for the project. But before she could bring her creation to life, she met Victor, who then enlisted her help for various things nonstop. Now, faced with these ancient, functioning mechanical golems, she felt a thrill unlike any other. With these mechanical golems as her helpers, perhaps repairing the airship within two weeks was a possibility after all. *** The night was calm, the warmth from the campfire casting a gentle glow on Eleanors face and hands. A pot of soup hung over the fire, its savory aroma making her mouth water. My apprentices are so attentive, she mused, smiling as she gazed upward at the star-studded sky with astonished eyes. They had not only provided her with a tent but also the necessary ingredients to make a meal before she went off. Beside her, the five mechanical golems sat silently, their metallic forms reflecting the flickering flames. Though they couldnt speak, their presence seemed to echo her contentment. Camping in the wild once in a while was a refreshing change from her usual routine, which often kept her cooped up in the workshop, hammering away at metals. However, it came with its own set of hassles. She had grown accustomed to delegating trivial tasks to the acolytes, such as cleaning the workshop and bringing her meals, among other menial chores. Living at the academy had its perks; it was almost like living as a noble, if not for the constant work.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Regardless, the whole day had been devoted to assessing the dirigible and devising a plan for its restoration. First and foremost, the hull was riddled with holes, and Eleanor wasnt entirely sure what kind of alloy had been used to construct it. But she wasnt overly concerned. Her apprentices were quite smart and innovative when it came to identifying common metal compositions. Even if this was made from magic alloy, she was confident she could find a suitable substitute with available material. But the main problem lay in the second issue: The ships engine was broken beyond repair; it would be easier to construct a new one than to try and salvage the old one. Although Victor had brought her other disassembled engine parts and even some blueprints, she wasnt completely certain how it all worked. After all, this was her first time repairing a dirigible and constructing its engine. Still, her apprentices could also assist her in this area. Truly, these acolytes were a strange bunch, possessing knowledge that was entirely foreign to her. She recalled her patron sometimes called them players, though she didnt fully grasp what that term meant. But in any case, all that mattered was that they could help reach her ultimate goal, which was to revive the Faulkners name. Back to the main topic, the final challenge lay in transportation. Some of the components would need to be fabricated back at her workshop, while others required on-site assembly, with raw materials weighing several tons. Fortunately, her patron had agreed to deliver the necessary parts every morning, sparing her from the burden of transporting them herself. Moreover, she wasnt obligated to stay at the site for the entire two weeks; she could return to her workshop at any time using the steam kite. This plan, while daunting, was not impossible, and she was determined to accomplish it, no matter what. Her nose suddenly twitched from the savory aroma; the soup was ready. She scooped a ladleful into her bowl, steam rising as the hot liquid filled it. Todays meal was mushroom soup, made from the wild mushrooms the acolytes had foraged and enhanced with carefully prepared condiments. As she took her first sip, savoring the rich, earthy flavor, a satisfied hum escaped her. Her thoughts wandered back to Victor. That guy, Victor, whats his true identity? How can he summon so many acolytes seemingly out of thin air? He had mentioned they came from a different plane, but that explanation only raised more questions. Bah! she thought, Im not as clueless as I might seem. That little fairy must be something special. Though she often came across as carefree and capricious, Eleanor knew she wasnt exactly normal by any standard not even for a Faulkner. Yet, despite all her quirks, her patrons eccentricity far surpassed her own by orders of magnitude, as proven by what had happened since they met. Once the pot was emptied of its contents, Eleanor stretched, reaching for the moon with one arm while the other rested behind her head. Mmmm! she groaned, feeling the tension release from her muscles. With that, she headed toward her tent, ready for a good nights sleep. A productive day always began with proper rest, after all. *** Almost two weeks had passed since the reconstruction of the airship began, and now its repairs were nearing completion. Phew. Eleanor wiped the sweat from her forehead with a satisfied grin. Learning was second nature to her, and this past fortnight had been a whirlwind of relentless work, with barely any rest despite the assistance of five mechanical golems. Disassembling broken parts, assembling new components, and rebuilding the airship had consumed her days and nights. Everything was a novelty to her. One discovery, in particular, intrigued her: The ships frame was constructed from built-up rings and longitudinal girders, all stabilized with wire bracing. The rings and longitudinals were made of a mithril alloy, while the bracing consisted of steel mixed with other magic metals. This combination resulted in a structure that was both remarkably light and incredibly efficient, even by her standards. One must know that dirigibles, especially ancient ones like this, were total enigmas for her. At most, she had only seen a few modern ones when she was a child and had never been inside one. Her knowledge of their interiors and functions was limited to the books her father had given her. Without the blueprints provided by Victor, she would never have been able to restore it to its original state, let alone make it functional in under two weeks. But all of this work would come to an end soon. Hands on her hips, Eleanor muttered to herself, All thats left is to call Patron. She sent a message through the Shadowlink Mark before making one last inspection of the dirigible. After ensuring the engine ran smoothly, she exhaled a heavy sigh and squatted beside the tent. She paused for a moment before yelling in frustration, Two weeks! Repairing an entire dirigible in two weeks is too much, right? Right?! The five mechanical golems, still holding metal alloys and broken parts, merely stared at her in silence. Wuuu Bolt, Clank, Echo, Zinc, Flux, youre the only ones who understand me She hugged the five hulking figures, each a hunk of steel that she had somehow grown attached to and gave names for some reason. If he doesnt let me pilot this dirigible, Ill smack him in the face, she grumbled, blowing on her fist for emphasis. But she knew her strength couldnt match her patron, who was already an Elemental Adept Magus. It was like comparing an adult to a child or worse, a newborn since combat spells werent exactly her forte. Ah I want to hug Lizzy She lay on the ground, staring longingly at the sky as she rolled around like a worm. So, here you are, Eleanor. A familiar voice broke the silence as a man of similar age landed from the sky with a thud. Patron! I-I wasnt Eleanor hastily stood up and quickly tried to explain, but Victor didnt seem to mind or just didnt hear what she had uttered to herself. Instead, he cut straight to the point. Have you finished the repairs? His tone was even, but there was a hint of anticipation in his eyes. Yes! she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. Lets take her for a maiden voyage, shall we? Victors lips curled into a smile as he gave her a thumbs-up. I knew youd pull it off, Eleanor. As expected of a Faulkner No, this is because of your own hard work. Eleanor dusted off her clothes and rushed toward the dirigible. Hehe, you havent seen anything yet. Trust me, Patron, this ship will soar like nothing youve ever seen before Or maybe straight out explode when the engine is started. Indeed. He chuckled. Oh wait, what! Chapter 150: Expedition to Brightmoon City More than one hundred players gathered on a clear plot of land outside the academys walls, filling the air with excited chatter. Prominence, Zero, Storm, Chicken, Patrick, Scarlet, Butterfly, Thunder, Locktekei, Aphrodite, CookieMons, Auralise, Dominique, MsMelody, and Sean, aka KuroUsagi, stood in a loose circle, surrounded by a crowd of envious onlookers. So, how are we getting there? Prominence raised a question all of a sudden, leaning on his magic staff. Maybe a carriage? Storm shrugged. Considering the setting of the game, it seems like the most classic mode of transportation. Yeah, a horse-drawn carriage would be fitting, Zero agreed, thumping his fist on his palm. Well probably walk to the village first, then borrow a couple of carriages there, I think. The others nodded in agreement, though some voiced concerns about the discomfort of riding in a carriage without a suspension system. Were going to be feeling it all day long, one player muttered. I hope we wont have to walk all the way to the city, Locktekei added half-jokingly. Sean, however, had a different idea. Hed heard rumors about something unusual happening at the blacksmith workshop. Curious, he had even interrogated a few players who had become apprentices to Eleanor, the cheerful and beautiful NPC blacksmith. Though he hadnt been able to get a definitive answer about their mode of transportation, he was certain it wouldnt be as simple as a carriage ride. Just as they were chatting about the idea, a faint hum began to resonate through the ground beneath their feet, growing louder with each passing second. Instinctively, their heads tilted upward, and gasps of surprise rippled through the group as a massive shadow loomed overhead. What the? Chickens jaw dropped as the source of the shadow came into view. On the horizon, a sleek airship was slowly floating toward them. As the ship approached, a massive shadow covered the area, and it seemed as though darkness had descended upon the earth. No way! Prominence breathed, with his eyes wide in disbelief. Were taking that? My god! someone yelled. Its a fucking airship! another shouted, pointing at the ship. Damn, how beautiful! Shit, why wasnt I selected for the grand expedition?! Nooo! Please, add me to the list! I want to go too! Also, you three didnt leave me with any curse words! The surrounding players were unable to contain their awe and stood with mouths gaped so wide, it seemed they would almost be able to fit a pineapple in their mouths. Those who hadnt been selected were consumed with jealousy, some even rolling on the ground in frustration, making a scene. Meanwhile, a few, like Auralise, managed to maintain a semblance of composure, though their surprise was still evident. An airship, huh? Interesting. Auralise murmured, a touch of nostalgia in her voice. Its been a while since I last enjoyed a slow cruise above the clouds Hearing that, Butterfly mocked, This little girl still dreams big, huh? Whats next, owning a private jet or a luxurious yacht to tour the world? Hmph. Im not in the mood to argue with you right now, Auralise retorted, turning her head away with a scowl. It seemed she was still bitter over the fact that none of her underlings had lasted more than ten seconds against Butterfly last time. Sean ignored their banter and refocused his attention on the dirigible as it slowly descended from the sky. Even from a distance, the vessel was impressive, though not the largest hed seen on the internet, being about forty to fifty meters in length and twenty to thirty meters in width. What set it apart, however, were the intricately designed runes glowing along its hull. Moreover, there was a mysterious spherical engine that appeared to be powered by magic. It was an impressive blend of magic and science. Other than that, it was similar to the blimps of the real world, and it carried a large aerostat gasbag on top of it. Sean couldnt help but wonder if it was filled with hydrogen gas or some other magical gas he didnt know of. Suddenly, the headmasters voice echoed through their Shadowlink Marks, clear and authoritative. Attention, acolytes. This is one of the modes of transport used by wealthy and powerful Magi a dirigible! It shall be the vessel that carries you on this expedition.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Moments after the announcement, a figure descended gracefully from the direction of the dirigible, landing with a soft thud on the ground. His blue hair and handsome, commanding presence left no doubt; that it was none other than the headmaster himself. The players were momentarily stunned into silence, their earlier ideas of traveling by carriage now seeming laughably quaint. As they regained their composure, grins spread across their faces, excitement filling their hearts, including in Sean himself. Now this is how you make an entrance! Storm laughed, already striding toward the gangplank. One by one, Sean and the other selected players began boarding the dirigible. Even a few players who werent selected rushed toward the ship, desperate to join, only to crash into an invisible barrier midway, injuring themselves in the process. The rest of the crowd could only watch in envy as the gangplank retracted, and the dirigible began to ascend into the sky, carrying the chosen few toward their grand adventure. *** A surge of pride warmed Victor as he watched the dirigible ascend, carrying the selected players on board. His grand entrance had unfolded precisely as planned, leaving the players awestruck and the academy fizzing with excitement. With a satisfied smirk, he strode confidently up the gangplank and entered the airships main cabin. Inside, the atmosphere was lively. The chosen players were buzzing with excitement, chattering about the surreal experience of cruising through the air some were even acting like bumpkins as they touched everything that caught their interest or gazed out the windows in shock. But Victors attention was immediately caught by a surprising sight. Standing at the center of the room, engaged in a lively conversation with several players, was Eleanor. For a moment, he simply observed her, watching as she laughed at something one of the players said. As he expected, she had a natural ease in connecting with others, especially the players. She soon spotted him and waved with a cheerful grin. Lets go, Patron! Anchors aweigh! To maintain his composure in front of the players, Victor sent a mana transmission or telepathic message to Eleanor, instructing her to meet him at the bridge. It was very easy to do this as an official Magus without using a spell. Once they reached the bridge, Victor finally voiced the question that had been nagging his mind: Youre coming too? He had assumed she would disembark after bringing the dirigible to the clearing. But now that he thought about it, the dirigible had ascended before he even took the helm He was a tad too excited to notice. Are you stupid? She shot him with a look of incredulity. Of course, Im coming! This baby needs constant attention. Someone has to make sure the ship doesnt fall apart mid-expedition, right? Or what, do you want it to crash before reaching halfway to your destination? Victor blinked. I suppose you have a point, he conceded, though he couldnt shake the feeling that there was more to her decision than she was letting on. But as the one who repaired the dirigible and even improved it, she would understand this ship better than anyone. Bringing her along would give more pros than cons, not that he could think of any disadvantages except for Its just Dont you have a big backlog of orders of weapons and equipment to manufacture back at the workshop? Eleanor flashed a confident grin. No worries! My apprentices can handle most of the work now. Im free to roam the world. I see. Victor nodded, regaining his composure. Well then, it seems this expedition just got a lot more interesting. Speaking of the personnel left behind at the academy, Victor had entrusted Lizbeth to hold the fort in his absence. Though capable and trustworthy, she seemed reluctant to see him gone for an extended period of time, almost as if wanting to utter something but held back Perhaps the loneliness that had built up over millennia had left her with some lingering trauma. There was also concern about the academy being attacked when he was away, but he had repaired most of the magic barriers and replenished the used mana crystals. It should be fine as long as he wasnt gone for more than a century, or a powerful force intentionally targeted the academy. At any rate, Victor planned to be gone for only a week or two at most and intended to return to the academy as soon as his business was concluded. Instead, he was more worried about finding a stray Magus willing to join him. Suddenly, Eleanors voice pulled him from his thoughts. Patron, youve been awfully silent. Something on your mind? Oh yeah, Victor replied, reminded of something, theres something Ive been meaning to show you. You were too busy with the dirigible repairs previously, so I didnt get the chance to mention it. What is it? She tilted her head curiously. Ever since the last update, Victor had yet to inform her about the feature that allowed access to the internet on Earth through the black mark on her hand. He had actually sent a message about it via the Shadowlink Mark, but she must have missed it in the rush to meet the deadline. Now, with a moment of calm, he seized the opportunity to explain it to her. Eh! You can do this now?! Eleanors eyes bulged as her holographic screen displayed a Wikipedia page on advanced metallurgical techniques. Where is all this super mega wealth of knowledge coming from? No wonder those acolytes learning abilities have skyrocketed theyve been acting even weirder than usual since two weeks ago! I thought they were just messing with me. All that knowledge. How about we consider all that knowledge your reward for fixing this ship? Victor had already given her the Elemental Adept insight that would help her advance to become an official Magus, so he couldn''t think of much else that would top it. What are you talking about? I dont need a reward! Eleanor responded, not even bothering to look up as she continued to browse the internet. Hehehe. I could drown in this for weeks no, years! Its good that youre excited, Victor said with a smile. However, since youre here, theres one more task that needs your attention. He glanced at the controls in the room. While he had grasped the basics of operating the dirigible, he still wasnt completely confident. Maybe bringing Eleanor, a mechanical expert as well as a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte, along was the right choice after all. Chapter 151: On the Way There The players on board were scattered throughout the cabin, every one of them overflowing with curiosity. Some huddled around the windows, marveling at the vast landscapes passing below, while others wandered through the interior, marveling at its design. The dirigible was roughly the length of a commercial airplane but several times wider, giving it an almost regal presence in the sky. When Sean walked over to his friends, he felt a sturdy reverberation beneath his shoes with every step, as though the floor was made of limestone rather than wood. The low, steady hum of the engines reverberated through the vessel. What a strange material! he muttered, eyeing the greyish, patterned floor. It looks like wood but feels as tough as metal. Is it some kind of alloy? Hey, everyone! Someones voice echoed from a corridor, likely belonging to Storm. There are twenty rooms with numbers on the doors. Room one is the largest, and two to four are decent-sized. The rest are basically small cubbies, just big enough to lie down in. Curious, Sean followed the others to inspect the rooms. Sure enough, the smaller rooms were tiny barely enough space for a bed, with almost no standing room. The doors to rooms one through four were locked, but from the outside, it was clear the largest one was about the size of a decent hotel room. Sean nodded thoughtfully and gave his analysis. The biggest room must be for the headmaster, and the other three for the staff. That leaves us with these cozy little partitions. Cozy? Well shit! complained Prominence. Its so cramped that my cheap apartment feels like a palace compared to this. A few chuckles rippled through the group. Having a bed is a blessing; its still better than sleeping on the floor somewhere, Zero pointed out with a shrug. Think of it like staying in a capsule hotel. That was true. Compared to the cramped conditions of an airplane seat, at least the room had a bed where they could stretch out. Besides, they wouldnt be staying in this game for all of the time while travelling to their destination, though it probably wouldnt take long anyway. Suddenly, a male voice rang throughout the room. Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome aboard the dirigible. I am your captain Astralium, announced the headmasters familiar voice. I wish you all a pleasant journey And I am your helmsman, Eleanor Faulkner! a cheerful female voice interrupted, causing a few players to exchange curious glances. Seans eyes darted to a nearby yellow-bronze pipe, realizing that the voices were coming through what must have been some sort of megaphone. Ahem. There are a few important notes. As youve seen, the section of the corridor from rooms six to twenty is yours. Feel free to allocate yourselves as you see fit. My room is number one, and while youre welcome to come to me if you need something, intruding without an important reason is absolutely forbidden! There was a brief pause, then the voice added, Apart from that, you are not allowed to walk on the deck unless you wish to go flying down from the sky! There is a cafeteria in hall one, and hall two is where the washrooms are. As for hall three, its a lounge; everyone is welcome to go there. One last thing, this dirigible will not operate at full capacity without your contributions. To address this, youll be able to access your Shadowlink Marks to take on tasks related to the ships maintenance. Some of you with the required professions will also be assigned specific roles non-negotiable. After the announcement ended, the group of players turned toward each other and began discussing room allocations. Sean was assigned room number 10 and his party members all got rooms near his one. The others split off into their respective groups, sticking close to friends and familiar faces. Wasting no time, Sean hurried to his room and tucked his belongings beneath the small bed, including his two weapons. One was the automatic crossbow, which had been his trusty companion for over a month, whereas the other was an obsidian-like magic staff he had won in the most recent auction that the academy held up just days ago. He had used the merit points hed saved up to secure it, and the staff still had that new-weapon vibe. Glancing around the compact room, Sean noticed the tiny, thick window no bigger than a soccer ball set into the wall. It offered a glimpse of the outside, though the view was murky and hard to make out.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. He let out a breath and, almost instinctively, summoned his status screen. KuroUsagi HP: 100% MP: 43/43 Power Rank: Second-stage Initiate Attunement Elemental Affinity: Umbra (88%) | Pyro (74%) | Electro (53%) Mana Aptitude: Inferior bright grade Meditation Technique: Myriad Elements Method (second level, 32%) Status: Healthy Strength: (18) Agility: (18) Vitality: (18) Magical Power: (16) Infused Mana (total): (43) Spell Repertoire: {Shadowy Grasp}, {Shadow Arise}, {Umbral Shield}, {Flame Dart} Ever since obtaining the inheritance, his meditation progress had increased by leaps and bounds, allowing him to reach the second stage of Initiate Attunement in record time. However, as soon as he logged in following the intermittent 0.5.1 version update, a mission regarding the inheritance popped up, and it seemed that he had to wipe out the bloodline of the enemy of the deceased Magus. Furthermore, this was strange graded as a three-star or above mission, and it had a death penalty for failing to complete it. How menacing. But regardless of the ominous nature of the hidden plot that came along with his hidden profession, he was getting a lot of boon from it. The living experience of the deceased Magus was so vivid that Sean could recall them in intricate detail. While certain sections of the knowledge were locked, he could still access powerful spell models, particularly those from the Umbra element and similar. No longer did he need to create spells from scratch or rely on purchasing them from the academy or fellow players. With this advantage, his path to becoming one of the top players seemed all but assured! While thinking of his future, Sean absentmindedly shut his eyes as he lay on the bed. *** As the dirigible soared through the sky, Victor stood at the helm, his gaze locked on the distant horizon. Eleanor, stationed at the controls nearby, skillfully manipulated the various levers and switches with ease, while her eyes never escaped the holographic screen filled with untold knowledge of Earth. Weve been flying for half an hour now, Victor remarked, breaking the silence. It seems everythings running smoothly. Of course! Eleanor replied, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Were you getting cold feet, thinking we might crash, Patron? Me? Victor chuckled at the statement. You do remember Im an Elemental Adept Magus, right? If things go south, I can fly out of here while the rest of you plummet to your death. Blergh! Thats true, Eleanor scoffed, sticking her tongue out playfully. Still, this dirigibles performance is better than expected. It should handle storms or even low-level magic attacks without issue. A short trip to Brightmoon City? Thats a piece of cake. Brightmoon City was actually not that far from Thornwood Village, being only sixty or so kilometers away. By carriage, it would take two days at most, but with the dirigible cruising even at a slow pace, Victor estimated theyd arrive in just two hours it didnt feel like much of an expedition when he thought about it. Perhaps he shouldve charted a course for a larger city further away. No, better to focus on nearby locations first before venturing too far, he muttered under his breath. Wasting time on the way wasnt Victors style, and he knew the players would lose interest quickly if they spent too long in transit. Besides, there were a few intriguing spots around Brightmoon City that he planned to explore, places that might lead him closer to his true objectives. One thing to note, Victor was on the verge of forming his second sigil. After obtaining the mountains of mana crystals from the Steelrose Orders citadel, his progress had skyrocketed, but it might take a while before he could take that step. However, he felt that an intense battle could perhaps accelerate this progress. For one thing, he wished to fight an equally powerful Magus. Speaking of which, do you have a name for this ship? Victor asked, recalling that it still lacked a proper name. How about Fairy Hugger? Eleanor said with a grin, glancing at Victor. He blinked, caught off guard. Fairy Hugger? Eleanor nodded enthusiastically. It fits! Plus, every time Im about to hug Lizbeth, she looks at me like shes ready to fly away. So, its perfect for a flying ship, right? Victor was lost for words. Thats any other suggestion? She grinned, giving him a bad feeling. Fine, how about Floaty McFloatsalot? Victor almost choked on his own spit. Absolutely not! Where the heck did she learn that kind of language? Isnt that some kind of internet slang? Alright, alright. Lizzys Escape Route, then! Because shes always trying to wriggle out of my hugs, Eleanor offered, half-joking, half-serious. Victor couldnt help but shake his head in desperation while holding back his laughter. Were going to need something that doesnt make us sound like a joke. Can you imagine what other Magi would think if they heard the ship had a name like that?" Eleanor tapped her chin in thought. Then, what about Lunaria? she suggested, this time with a more serious tone. Lunaria the Lunaria, Victor repeated the name and nodded in agreement. Now that sounds like a ship that belongs to a Magus. For some reason, he couldnt shake the feeling that Eleanor had saved the name for last, just to mess with him. I know, right? Lunaria is a great name! she exclaimed, proudly puffing out her chest. Victor smirked. Well, Im not sure if the names strong enough to ward off any danger that comes our way Well be fine, Patron. Eleanor gave a confident toothy grin. I can feel it. While nodding, his eyes never leaving the horizon. Lets hope youre right, Eleanor. Lets hope youre right. It was at that point of calmness that Victor spotted something intriguing happening on the ground below. Chapter 152: Let’s Go Skydiving! Thats Even with the keen eyesight of an Elemental Adept Magus, Victor found it quite hard to see so far away. About two kilometers away, a cluster of people huddled together, with faint trails of smoke rising from the forest below. Eleanor, bring us closer to that area, Victor instructed, pointing toward the group. But dont get too close. We dont want to be spotted. He actually wasnt worried that the dirigible would be spotted by the people below because the sun was up in the sky, camouflaging the ship, but he thought that it was better to take some precautionary measures. Aye, sir! she responded, hands deftly moving over the controls. As they approached, the details of the group became clearer. Around thirty people, with more than half bound in chains. At first, Victor assumed they might be a band of criminals, but a closer look revealed men and women alike, most of them young. Slavers? Victor thought. Once, he had considered buying slaves to staff his academy as NPCs, but with his brainwashed former comrades, mercenaries, and the villagers already under his control, the notion had long since been dismissed. All of a sudden, a new mission prompt flickered into his mission tab, the Headmasters Journal. Opening it up revealed the new content of the mission: Mission: Punish the Slavers You have found a group of slavers who unjustly capture and enslave innocent people. As an honorable headmaster, its only right for you to lead your acolytes to uphold justice in this unfair and cruel world. Type: Side mission Reward: 1,000 academy points Crap the System wants me to play hero. Victor rolled his eyes. Sure, there was nothing forcing him to accept this mission, as there would be no direct impact on the academy if he declined. But still what should he do? For one, the group was situated in the middle of a forest. Though not quite within Thornwood Forest, the area was remote and isolated, with only a few scattered villages nearby. If he handled things quietly, thered be no witnesses. Nevertheless, as previously stated, this dirigible wasnt battle-ready. It had no magic barrier, no weapons nothing that could be used for an aerial assault. If Victor wanted to intervene, hed have to do it on foot. There was no easy way around it. As for the potential rewards One thousand academy points plus the chance that some of them might join Thornwood Village if they have nowhere else to go, he muttered under his breath. The benefits clearly outweighed the disadvantages. He could also use this as the first event for the players on this so-called grand expedition hed set up. Right, the more Victor thought about it, the more logical this decision was. His role as the games developer was bleeding into his decision-making. After all, why not add a little drama to spice things up? Grinning to himself, Victor made up his mind. Say, if I wanted the pla I mean, my acolytes to attack the people below, do you have something that could help them out? Victor casually asked. Parking the dirigible and getting off sounded tedious, and he was in the mood for a more creative approach. Eleanors eyes widened in shock, unable to believe his words. Patron, you want to attack those innocent people down there? Only hypothetically. Victor countered with a fact, Im pretty sure theyre slavers, and as far away from the word innocent as you can get. Well, she tapped her chin in thought, theres a way. Ive actually prepped for something like this in case the ship got busted, and we needed a quick escape midair. Victor raised an eyebrow. Oh? What do you have in mind? As her lips curled into a mischievous smile, she explained to him what might just be a truly fun solution to make this work. *** Sean shot his eyes open at the loud knocking on his door. Dude, wake up! came Chickens voice from outside. Something interesting is happening right now. What do you mean? he asked, a bit pissed at being suddenly woken up. When he was half asleep, he wasnt awake in the real world since it was currently in the middle of the night on Earth. Instead, he was just asleep in both worlds. I dont know exactly, he replied through the door. But the dirigibles stopped midair, and most of the players gathered in the corridor to check it out. Just get out here. Curiosity won out over his annoyance. Sean quickly put on his acolyte robe and rushed outside, only to find a crowd of players pressed up against the windows, peering outside. Why are those people being dragged in a line? Are they criminals? Prominence asked, frowning at the sight below. Where? Storm squinted, trying to make sense of the dim shapes below. I cant see anything clearlyEnsure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Sean pushed his way closer to the window and scanned the ground. Despite his eyesight being much sharper than his real-world vision, he could barely make out the scene. A group of figures moved through a small clearing, some huddled near burning campfires, which provided just enough light for him to spot what was happening. Theyre not criminals they look like slaves, Sean muttered to himself. It wasnt that far-fetched when he thought about it. Heh! Just so happens I came prepared for this! Aphrodite smirked as he pulled out a slim tube that unfolded into a monocular telescope. He raised it to his eye and scanned the scene below. Ooh, yep! Theyre definitely slave traders. Most of the captives look like scrawny young men and women kidnapped from somewhere What?! someone shouted in dismay. Should we do something about it? MsMelody asked with an uncertain voice. Its gotta be the main storyline for this expedition, Storm chimed in confidently. Everyone exchanged knowing glances and nodded. It was too perfectly timed to be random. Otherwise, the dirigible wouldnt have stopped in midair, hanging over a scene like this, unless it was part of some larger mission. At that moment, the headmasters voice appeared, echoing from the bronze pipes embedded in the walls. Attention, everyone. Please gather on the deck of the dirigible. I have an important announcement to make. The main storyline had started! Without a moments hesitation, the players scrambled toward the stairs, eager to see what would come next. Sean joined the rush, pushing his way through the narrow corridors until he emerged onto the deck. The moment he stepped outside, a powerful gust of wind nearly knocked him off his feet. With the dirigible hovering high above the ground, the wind was fierce, enough to send them flying. It was no wonder that the headmaster had forbidden them from going up here. Fortunately, they were all acolytes and could keep their balance just fine. Wow! Most of the players gasped in awe at the scene. The vast sky stretched out in every direction, and the ground below was barely visible through the clouds. The dirigible must be at least five thousand feet above the ground. As they marveled at the scene, the headmaster soon stepped onto the deck, his presence commanding instant attention. He surveyed the group of eager players before speaking in a calm but authoritative voice. It seems everyones here. Before I tell you what needs to be done, theres something important you should all know: The people you have seen below, theyre criminals slavers, to be precise. They kidnap innocents and force them into a life of servitude for money. A heavy silence followed as the weight of his words sunk in. After the tension had built up, the headmaster continued, While these innocents dont fall under our direct jurisdiction, we, as representatives of the academy, must uphold justice wherever we go. And if we want our academys name to echo far and wide, we cant ignore this. So I ask you, my acolytes whos with me? Me, me, me! Im in! Please pick me, Sir Astralium! Slavers? More like a bunch of experience points with loot! Prominence added, his eyes already gleaming at the prospect of untold riches. The excitement was contagious. No one wanted to miss out on what could be their first real taste of adventure during the expedition. Some were looking like they were imagining the rewards, the loot, and the stories theyd bring back to the academy. Sean was no different. He could already see himself bragging to the others on the forum about this mission when they returned. The next moment, a two-star mission appeared to save the innocents and punish the slavers, and everyone accepted without a second thought. The headmaster smirked at their decision. Good. Then each of you, put this on. With a casual flick of his wrist, fifteen small backpacks materialized in a neat row on the cabin floor. Sean blinked. Whats in there? Parachutes, the headmaster answered simply. It was only a single word, but it sent a powerful ripple through the players, as if theyd all just been hit by a shockwave. Their expressions turned 180 degrees some faces lit up with eager excitement, others frozen in shock, while the rest paled in fear. Sean himself felt a knot of nervous anticipation tightening in his stomach. Holy shit! Are we going to skydive?! Prominence was practically bouncing on his feet with a grin stretching from ear to ear. Meanwhile, Locktekeis face was as white as a paper at the idea. Mama, Im scared of heights! Can I back out now? How can you call yourself a man if youre afraid of a little challenge? Chicken put a firm hand around Locktekeis shoulder. Werent you the one who was the first to shout about joining? Thats right. Besides, on the off chance we crash, we can always resurrect anyway. Not to mention that we probably will feel nothing at all. Prominence gave Locktekei an exaggerated thumbs-up and a confident slap on the back while holding his other shoulder. Locktekeis eyes darted between his captors in panic. No! You guys are insane! Let me go, you psychos! His voice cracked as he struggled, but Prominence and Chicken tightened their grips, practically hoisting him up between them. It was clear they had no intention of letting him escape the impending jump. No way, buddy. Were all in this together. Chickens grip was as firm as iron. Youre coming whether you like it or not, Prominence added, his grin never faltering. Besides, whats the worst that could happen? Youll be fine! Locktekeis struggles only seemed to amuse the pair even more. Nooo!! he wailed, but he might as well have been a chicken tied to the chopping block completely helpless, as his fate was sealed by two stronger players who were determined to drag him into this mad leap of faith. Amidst the comedic scene, Sean and the rest of the group strapped on their parachutes, now ready to jump any time. The sight of the ground far below made Seans stomach do a flip, his body trembling ever so slightly, but he was not afraid. After all, this was just a game. With everyone lined up at the edge, the headmasters voice boomed through the wind. Alright, my acolytes. The time has come. Jump when ready! Here we go! Game time, baby! Storm shouted and leaped off the deck without a second thought, disappearing into the clouds below like a missile. I bet a brute like you never skydived before, Auralise mocked Butterfly who was standing nearby. Watch how a real pro does it. Without waiting for a response, she gracefully dove off the edge with fluid movement as if she had done this many times before. Her loyal servant, Domonique, followed immediately after with silence and calm expression a stark contrast to their master. That little twerp! Provoked, Butterfly gritted her teeth and quickly followed suit, diving headfirst into the clouds. Im Superman! Leeeeroooy Jenkins!! Aah-eeh-ah-eeh-aaah-eeh-ah-eeh-aaah! One by one, the players hurled themselves off the dirigible, each shout more ridiculous than the last. Even Locktekei, who tried desperately to avoid the jump, wasnt spared. With grins plastered on their faces, Chicken and Prominence tossed him overboard. Aaaaahhh! I hate you, Chicken! I hate you, Prominence! Locktekeis panicked screams echoed through the sky as he flailed wildly. Sean swallowed, watching them disappear below. His fingers tightened around the straps of his parachute. This was it no turning back now. Then, without another thought, he pushed off the deck and plunged into the sky, the exhilarating rush of air hitting his face. He felt weightless as the clouds rushed up to meet him and adrenaline coursed through his veins. Chapter 153: Prominence Skyfall Squad Watching all this unfold, Victor was beyond amused. The sight of players plummeting from the sky with a mix of excitement and terror was quite the spectacle. Theyd all volunteered for this, and yet some looked as if they were regretting their choice mid-fall. Naturally, he would be going down too, but unlike the players, who were fully reliant on their parachutes, Victor had no such need. As a Magus, he could fly down with ease, manipulating the wind and elemental forces to his will. Still, he had to admit, he was surprised that Thunder, the player who had uploaded his consciousness into the game, jumped without hesitation. Unlike the others, he had no luxury of a convenient resurrection. If he died, that was it for him unless he had a fallback like some high-rank Magi did, which obviously was not the case. Then again, even without a parachute, the acolytes had a shot at survival. By manipulating elemental particles in the right way, at the right time, they could potentially slow their descent enough to avoid death. It wasnt a guarantee, but it was better than nothing. Shaking the thought aside, Victor refocused and leaped into the sky, the wind howling in his ears as he plummeted toward the earth. The air rushed against his face as he let gravity pull him down faster and faster. Not far from him, some of the players had already begun activating their parachutes. He noted with satisfaction that none of them seemed to have forgotten the instructions hed given earlier. While it would have been amusing to see one or two panic and crash-land, he couldnt take this operation as a joke. Once all the parachutes were deployed, Victor slowed his own fall, effortlessly controlling the air currents around him to glide with precision. From this higher vantage point, he began monitoring the situation below. Despite the group of slavers seeming like easy prey, he wasnt one to underestimate anyone. There could always be a hidden Magus lurking nearby; he would never know. *** Brown had been the loyal butler and a hidden assassin of House Brightmoon, but now he found himself reduced to a slave. It had all unraveled quickly after the estate was attacked by a powerful Magus family, supposedly in revenge for the death of one of their heirs within Brightmoon lands. Almost all the family members were captured and executed in a brutal display just half a month ago, and the servants and guards fared no better most were taken prisoners or killed in the assault. Even his wife and two sons were killed mercilessly. Despite the chaos, Brown, with his extraordinary covert expertise, had managed to flee with the young lady of the house and a few surviving guards, seeking refuge in a neighboring territory. Unfortunately, those hateful Merlins had anticipated their move, sending a Magus to track them down. Even with his experience in covering their tracks and creating decoys, it wasnt long before they were captured and turned into slaves. But at least, the little miss was able to escape Alone Into the wilderness. Brown was extremely worried, especially since the little miss had been plagued by an unknown curse since birth, but he was bound in chains, trudging along an unknown path. Among the captives were a few remaining Brightmoon guards and villagers who had been kidnapped from nearby settlements and villages. Slavery might have been outlawed in the Brightmoon Viscounty, but that did little to stop it. Desperate times often led poor families to sell their own children to reduce the mouths to feed, especially with winter being just a season away. Still, Brown couldnt bring himself to turn a blind eye to the slavers vile actions. No matter the circumstances, this land was his home, and he had dedicated his life to serving it. I heard theres one more village further west, called Thornwood, one of the slavers said with a sneer. Should be plenty of young men and women ripe for the taking over there. Unable to remain silent, Brown snapped, Take us if you must, but release these people! The viscounty has outlawed slavery, and youll face capital punishment for this. The slaver spat in his direction with a mocking laugh. Hah! As if that matters. The viscounts dead, the whole territorys in chaos! Whos going to stop us from taking what we want in this backwater? Plenty of nobles and merchants will pay a fortune for fresh bodies like these. If we can catch the eyes of those esteemed Magi, its even better. Brown gritted his teeth, being powerless to do anything about this. Might makes right, they said, and in times like these, it rang painfully true. The chains he was bound for were capable of restricting the power of Ki-Warriors, and he was extremely weakened after being forced to starve for days. Whats going on here? A greasy, overweight man in garish, over-the-top attire swaggered toward the group. His beady eyes glinted with arrogance.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Upon seeing the man, Browns frustration boiled over. Oleg! Youve thrown in with these scum? After all the viscount did for you? Have you no shame? Oleg was the warden of the Brightmoon Viscounty a man well-acquainted with the underworld. He was responsible for handling criminals and prisoners, but his shady dealings had long been a source of suspicion. The viscount had kept a wary eye on him, but Olegs operations were so secretive and meticulous that finding grounds to remove him had proved difficult, even with his investigations. The former warden gave a sickening smile. Oh, look who it is, the viscounts loyal mutt. So what if Ive switched sides? Out here, I do whatever I want. Im the king now. You ungrateful bast! Watch your mouth! Oleg snapped, his hand flying across Browns face with a hard slap, sending him crashing to the ground. Say one more word, and Ill kill you where you stand! He spat down at Brown, punctuating the insult with a vicious kick to his face. Brown tasted blood, but the pain couldnt compare to the frustration that came from everything that the viscount had built being destroyed before his own eyes. Murderous intent filled his heart, but as an expert assassin, he hid it without showing a hint of it. Oleg leered down at him. Now, if youll excuse me, I have some disciplining to do with those young captives. Hue-hue-hue. His laughter was low and vile as he walked off, leaving Brown seething with helpless rage. Just as he stepped into his tent, a strange shimmer flickered in the sky, drawing the attention of the slavers scattered around the camp. Some were tending the campfires, while others kept watch over the chained captives. One of the guards, squinting up at the sky, muttered, What in the hell? A nearby slaver, gnawing on a piece of jerky, glanced up. Birds? Or... something? No. Too big for birds. Suddenly, the sky seemed to open, and figures began descending rapidly from the clouds, each strapped into a strange contraption that gleamed in the sunlight. For a moment, the entire camp stood frozen in disbelief. Are they flying? one of the slavers whispered, his voice wavering with the first flickers of panic. Theyre coming straight for us! another shouted, dropping his weapon as he stumbled backward, eyes wide with fear. Confusion and dread rippled through the camp. More of the mysterious figures continued to plummet from the heavens, hurtling toward the camp at an alarming speed. By the spirits, what are they? growled the leader, stepping forward, his face twisted in disbelief as he strained to get a better look at the approaching force. Fear clung to his words, though he tried to mask it with anger. Brown strained to look up, his chains clinking as he craned his neck to see the figures descending from the sky. As they drew closer, he realized they were robed and armed mages, preparing for battle. His heart leaped. Hope surged within him as he watched a fireball streak through the air, slamming into the camp and setting nearby tents ablaze. One of the slavers gasped in terror. Mages! Were under attack! The realization hit them like a thunderclap. These slavers were no seasoned soldiers, and the guards were undisciplined mercenaries. Panic spread instantly. Some scrambled for weapons while others fled toward the trees, abandoning all sense of strategy as magic spells rained down. Were doomed! Were doomed! one of the slavers shouted, his voice cracking with fear. The first mage landed with a heavy thud, weapon drawn, and a manic grin on his face. Boom! Stuck the landing, baby! he bellowed. You evildoers are about to taste my blade! The slaver leaders face twisted with disbelief. No, this cant be happening! Fight back! Fight Before he could finish, a bolt of lightning struck him down, silencing him instantly. Chaos then ensued as these crazy mages descended in full force, like divine retribution from the heavens. The slavers had no idea what they were up against, and at that moment, fear like no other overtook them all. But for Brown, it was different. He watched the chaos happen with a newfound sense of hope. It was as if heaven had answered his unspoken prayers. *** As soon as he could feel the ground touching his feet, Sean wasted no time. He quickly shrugged off his backpack, letting the parachute crumple to the ground behind him. Without a second glance, he gripped his obsidian magic staff tightly as he prepared to cast a spell. Adrenaline was filling his heart and brain. This must be how those Avengers felt in the movies when they dropped into battle, all eyes on them, being heroes in the spotlight. Before he could fully savor the moment, a loud, exuberant shout rang out across the battlefield, Prominence Skyfall squad, lets wreck em! Ooh! Sean couldnt help but roll his eyes, but the shout clearly resonated with a few. Zero, having just landed beside him and yanked his parachute, raised an eyebrow. Skyfall squad, really? he asked, unimpressed. And why does it have your username? Prominence grinned, unbothered by the critique. Well, if you can think of something better, then be my guest. Zero sighed. For now, lets get loose! Ignoring the banter behind him, he murmured the incantation for {Shadowy Grasp}, summoning a writhing tendril of darkness from the earth. It coiled around a nearby slaver, pulling him to the ground with a yelp. As if on cue, every player sprang into action, casting spells and charging forward with relentless determination. They werent just fighting slavers to them, these enemies were nothing more than walking experience points and loot drops. The camp was crawling with targets, and each player was eager to outdo the others, vying for the most kills and the best spoils. Sean, naturally, wasnt about to let anyone else steal the show. Then, amidst the chaos, a loud, desperate scream echoed from one of the larger tents. Aah! Get away from me! How dare you do this to me! Heads turned instantly, and without a second thought, every player made a mad dash toward the sound. That had to be the boss of this whole slaving operation. The final blow was for the fastest one among them! Sean was among the first to reach the scene and found a gaudy, greasy-looking overweight middle-aged man, wriggling helplessly on the ground. The mans fine clothes were now stained with dirt as he thrashed about, pinned down by none other than a large crimson woman Butterfly. Her knee was pressed firmly into his back, and she grinned as she held him in place. Chapter 154: Punish the Evil Well, well, look what weve got here, Auralise smirked at the scene. It wasnt clear whether she was sarcastically addressing Butterfly or just amused by the sight of the so-called boss, who looked less like a feared criminal mastermind and more like a pathetic, over-dressed morbidly obese worm. You brute! Who do you think you are! the greasy middle-aged man bellowed, glaring at Butterfly. Being the easily triggered person that she was, she didnt let that slide and set the fattys rear on fire. Hot! Hot, hot! Stop! Put it out! he screeched, flailing in panic as the smell of roasted meat spread inside the tent. Is this pathetic clich old fatty really the boss? Prominence, who had just arrived with Zero and Storm, frowned. Whoa, boss or not, check out the tools on that table. Looks like he was planning something nasty with that kid over there. Storm pointed toward a blindfolded teenage boy tied to a wooden pole in rags. Quick, free the poor boy! someone shouted, rushing over to untie him. Unlike the others who quickly tried to salvage the scene, Locktekei stood to the side with a very disappointed expression on his face. Curious, Sean approached him. Whats with you? Still traumatized from free-falling from five thousand feet above the ground? Locktekei sighed and shook his head. That too, but it just sucks. He then said with a straight face, I was hoping to find an injured little Klee in the tent and be the hero who saves her. But the boss isnt even straight Sean and several others nearby almost facepalmed at the absurdity. Was he really expecting to see something R-18 in a game that had strict guidelines against such behavior, where even a single violation would result in a permanent ban? Noticing the blank stares, Locktekei doubled down. Im serious! Its a shame my bros, ButaYaarou and Nuclear, arent here. Otherwise, we wouldve all enjoyed being the only men of culture. You mean being a bunch of pedophiles? Thunder quipped. No! Its different! Locktekei protested, desperately trying to justify himself, but the other players had already dismissed his reasoning, deciding he was simply a lost cause. Only people like Prominence and Storm joined in the conversation, though they preferred if it was a helpless young woman instead. In any case, the greasy fatty was still rolling on the ground, frantically trying to put the flames out. But each time he managed to smother one, Butterfly would ignite another part of him, laughing all the while. It seemed like she was having way too much fun punishing the so-called evil boss. It was only fitting to torment scum like him, at least until the headmaster arrived to take charge. Ahem. A commanding voice broke through the situation. What exactly is going on here? Everyone turned to see the headmaster standing with his arms crossed, eyebrows raised in amusement. *** Victor hadnt expected to see such a scene before him. The players were truly creatures that never failed to surprise him. From the pathetic villain writhing on the ground with burn marks all over, to Butterfly gleefully reigniting the poor mans clothes, it was clear that they treated this like a scene from one of their games. He sighed inwardly. Whatever As reckless as they are, they always get things done. After straightening his posture, Victor cleared his throat. Alright, enough fun. Can anyone explain what just happened here? His eyes drifted to a boy at the side, bewildered by the chaotic scene, clearly out of his depth. Headmaster, its like this As usual, it was none other than Zeros group that was first to approach and fill him in. Apparently, they had captured the supposed boss of these slavers, though Victor remained skeptical. This pathetic, over-dressed man didnt exactly scream an evil mastermind vibe. I see, Victor replied as he walked toward the man in question. Tell me, who are you? The greasy, rotund figure glared back at him, seething through his teeth. You! Are you the leader of these mages? Do you know what youre doing?! Answer my question! Or face the wrath of a Magus! Although Victors voice wasnt loud, it still boomed around the surroundings. He unleashed a wave of mana, enveloping the man in an oppressive aura. The effect was immediate. Upon being pressured by his mana force, he trembled, eyes wide with fear, and to the players disgust, a wet stain spread from his groin. Eep! Im sorry! No, sir! Please forgive me! He bashed his head against the ground repeatedly. Im Oleg, the former warden of Brightmoon City! Damn, dudes peeing himself. Thats nasty. Gross. The players commented on the side, treating this like a mere cutscene.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. For Victor, however, their reactions were not important. He proceeded to question him. Why are you siding with these slavers? Olegs voice shook as he stammered, I-I was enticed by the Merlin family after they destroyed the viscounty! They wanted me to help a Magus and some knights who were sent to catch the runaways They promised me gold and power saying theyd make me ruler if I helped catch the last remaining heir of House Brightmoon, and so far, weve managed to catch the butler and the guards. Oh? What an interesting turn of events. Victors eyes narrowed as he listened to the blubbering man before him. The mention of the Merlin Magus family struck a chord. Graviels family. So, his death has set off a chain of events that led to the attack on the Brightmoon Viscounty. Because Graviel was killed inside a pocket dimension, and he had been very discreet about where he had gone, no trace was left behind. The Merlin family couldnt perform a divination powerful enough to identify the culprit him. Instead, they followed the faintest of leads, turning this region and other places upside down in their desperation. Typical arrogance of Magi and the ruling class. In a twisted sense, Victor was partly responsible for the destruction of House Brightmoon. He felt no remorse. They were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, victims of bad luck He asked a few more questions, and Oleg answered everything without daring to lie. Please, spare me! I was forced! Oleg sobbed, his forehead pressing against the dirt. Still, this mans fate was already decided. No amount of sobbing and pleading would change that. The players surrounding him were visibly growing impatient, eager to deliver their own version of justice. Victor glanced at the greasy warden one last time with an indifferent expression. Enough, he said. Without another word, he turned away. Finish him, acolytes. The players took the cue immediately, surrounding Oleg with a dark gleam in their eyes, more than eager to do his bidding. On the other hand, Victor had a more pressing matter at hand. The former warden said that he managed to catch the butler, which meant that he could get even more valuable information out of him. Or perhaps some sort of boon. Furthermore, there was one other interesting fact that had piqued his interest. One of the captives might lead to what he wanted one of his main purposes for this expedition. *** Brown watched as Oleg was dragged outside and surrounded by the unknown mages. Y-YOU! What do you think youre doing?! Ack! No! Please mercy! Aaargh! Aahhh!! The greasy wardens pleas were turned into screams that pierced the air, only to be swallowed by an eerie silence. At last, justice had come. The slavers were being punished, and even though Brown had been resigned to his fate, he couldnt help but feel a flicker of hope stir within him. His homeland had been ravaged, his people enslaved, but now, finally, something was being set right. A few moments later, a figure approached a young man with light blue hair, no older than twenty by the looks of him. He pointed at Brown with a calm, steady hand. Are you Brown? the mage asked, his voice clear and authoritative. Brown swallowed hard, his throat dry, and stood up slowly. I am, sir, he replied as best as he could. He could see that the young mage before him was incredibly powerful. And while he wasnt entirely sure if the man was an official Magus, he knew that when speaking to his new captors or potentially saviors he had to be extra respectful. The mage nodded. Come with me. He beckoned, turning and striding toward one of the remaining tents. As they made their way across the camp, Brown couldnt help but notice the reverence in the eyes of the other mages as they looked upon the young man leading him. He must be their leader and a true Magus an extraordinary being of supernatural power. Once inside, the Magus cast a piercing gaze over him, as if he could see right through him, including everything that hed been through. His eyes lingered for a heartbeat longer than Brown expected before a faint smirk tugged at his lips. So, you were the butler of House Brightmoon, the Magus said. Yes, sir, Brown responded cautiously, his voice hoarse but steady. I was before all this. The Magus smiled mysteriously. Before I ask for your story, Ill share my own. He paused as if to build tension. My title is Astralium, and I am a Magus. Im the headmaster of an academy hidden deep within the Thornwood Forest. The mages you saw outside those are my acolytes. The words stunned Brown inwardly. He had never heard of a Magus academy deep inside the Thornwood Forest, so close to the Brightmoon territory. As he recalled the acolytes outside, he realized they were all powerful, in fact they were as powerful as those from Magus families or even the esteemed Arcane Radiance College. Though Brown was just a butler and didnt know much about Magi, his instinct told him one thing: the young Magus standing before him might be his only chance to save the little miss and restore the Brightmoon family. Although it was risky, it might be his only hope. *** Victor was satisfied with the old butlers reaction. As soon as he revealed his identity, Brown kneeled and told him everything. Brown might look to be in his sixties with white hair and slightly wrinkled skin as well as an unkempt appearance after what he had gone through, but he carried himself with a sense of dignity and decisiveness. Such a butler might not be a bad addition to the academy, especially since he currently lacked capable hands that could do his bidding in detail. Moreover, Victor sensed that Brown was more than just an ordinary butler. Beneath his calm, composed exterior, there was something deeper something hidden. Victor could tell that, despite his attempts to conceal it, Brown was a Ki-Warrior. The subtle ki energy radiating from him hadnt escaped Victors keen perception. Still he muttered in a soliloquy, low enough that no one could hear him. The last remaining heir of House Brightmoon is being chased by an old Magus Wasnt that what he had been searching for? An old Magus on the brink of death, who could be recruited to his academy in exchange for a promise to extend his lifespan. Of course, Victor had no way of knowing the specifics, but it seemed likely that this old Magus was not a member of the Merlin family but rather someone working for them, seeking benefits. It wasnt uncommon. But more importantly He mentioned that the last remaining heir of House Brightmoon is only thirteen and has been cursed by a terrible supernatural phenomenon since birth. And she has managed to escape alone into the forest? Victor thought in confusion. To begin with, how was it possible for a little girl to be able to escape from the pursuit of about a dozen knights and an Elemental Adept Magus? Victor found the situation absurd, yet it intrigued him. The curse might be a factor worth investigating. I beg you, Sir Magus! Please save the young lady! Brown implored, putting his head on the ground. The Brightmoon Viscounty is prepared to offer anything within our power in return Victor paused, contemplating the request. Finally, he spoke. Dont worry. While I cant assist with the restoration of House Brightmoon, I will make every effort to save the girl. He couldnt make any guarantees. Despite his confidence in his own abilities, he knew there were always more powerful entities out there. The machinations of Magi could be unpredictable and cunning, and underestimating them would invite great peril. Chapter 155: Freeing the Slaves [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully led your acolytes to uphold justice and punish the slavers.] [The reward (1,000 academy points) has been issued.] Victor ignored the mission prompt and instead checked the Headmasters Journal for a new mission. Just as he anticipated, a new side mission had appeared there. Mission: Save the Girl The butler of House Brightmoon has pleaded for you to save their last remaining heir. Type: Side mission Reward: 1,000 academy points Sir, what are you planning to do with the captives? Brown inquired. Victor glanced at him before replying, I intend to return them to their villages if thats what they wish. But for those who have no place to go, Ill send them to Thornwood Village. The village is short on manpower after a recent attack there, so its a fitting solution. Brown seemed to ponder Victors words for a moment as if realizing something. If I may, sir, I believe it would be wiser to send all of the captives to Thornwood Village. Most of them were sold by their own families to lessen the number of mouths to feed. If you send them back, theyll likely just end up sold to another group of slavers. Victor nodded thoughtfully. This had been his intention from the start to have them replenish the manpower back in Thornwood Village. There were actually about fifty people in the camp, including the slavers and the guards they hired, with more than half of them being captives. A lot of them were hidden from above. Brown hesitated for a moment before adding, Theres one more thing, sir. Among the captives, theres a slave marked with a slave seal... and hes not human, and stared at him. Seeing that Victor was interested to hear, he continued, Hes a therianthrope. Apparently, he was forced to work in an illegal mine nearby but was sold off after contracting an incurable disease. An incurable disease Victor stroked his chin, a slow smile spreading across his face. This was the same one that he had expected to lead to his main goal. As such, he told some nearby players to search the camp for the therianthrope and bring him to them immediately. It didnt take long for the players to locate the therianthrope in a camp as small as this, where most of the tents had been reduced to ashes, leaving little cover. Furthermore, the captives, bound in heavy chains, had been frozen in confusion during the attack, unable to escape the chaos. A commotion soon arose. Whoa! Theres a beastman over there! one of the players shouted, his voice echoing through the camp. This game has demihumans! Several others gathered around, their faces a mix of shock and excitement. These players had heard rumors about non-human races in the game, but seeing a therianthrope, or a beastman as they called it, in the flesh left them stunned. Murmurs spread quickly through the group, with some players looking as though they were activating their in-game chat feature to spread the news. The therianthrope was a wolf-like beastman, with a heavy shackle weighing him down. Sinister reddish-brown crystals jutted from parts of his exposed skin, as though afflicted by some dark curse. A black mark encircling his neck could be seen. His eyes darted between the players gawking with a fierce, unyielding gaze before locking onto Victor. Rebelliousness was clearly emitting from him. This time, Victor had no intention of having the conversation in private, ignoring the stares of all the players surrounding him, who were treating this as a cutscene; this was too important for the main storyline to be hidden in the shadows. You must be the one in charge, the therianthrope growled, filled with ferocity. As if to punctuate his words, he tugged at his chains. Another master come to enslave me? The players gasped audibly, surprised. Wow, the beastman is so fierce! This must be a key part of the expeditions storyline.Stolen story; please report. Whispers buzzed among the players and landed on Victors ears. However, he remained calm and showed a poker face. No, he replied smoothly, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade, Im not here to break you. In fact, Im offering you something far more valuable a chance at freedom, and perhaps a cure for your ailment. The therianthropes eyes narrowed, suspicion flashing across his face. Freedom? Cure? From a Magus? Youre all the same, no matter the promises. What do you want from me? Despite knowing that he was a powerful Magus, he showed no shred of fear truly a sign of a cornered rat. Victors lips curled into a faint smile. I want information about the mine you came from, the one where you were enslaved. With a snap of his fingers, the slave seal the black mark encircling his neck was removed. So what if you remove the seal? The therianthrope scoffed, his chains rattling as he shifted his weight. You think Id willingly tell you anything? Id rather rot in these chains than help another Magus. Then rot if you must. Victors eyes flickered with intrigue But dont mistake me for those who enslaved you. I have no interest in subjecting you to the same thing. I seek knowledge, power, and more than what you might imagine. You were forced to mine aetherite, werent you? Thats why you were marked. At the mention of aetherite, the therianthropes boldness faltered for just a moment. His eyes widened slightly, as he clenched his jaw and spat to the side. How do you know about the aetherite? he questioned. Indeed. The moment Victor saw the reddish-brown crystal that covered the therianthropes body, he was absolutely certain that it was an aetherite mine. After all, ordinary mortals who couldnt wield magic and didnt practice meditation techniques would be corrupted if exposed to aetherite. It was common knowledge hed known back at his former academy. I dont have a reason to answer your question. Victor shook his head. All you have to know is that I plan to raid that mine, and I need concrete information and not some vague rumors and guesses. If you want your freedom and cure, youll give me what I need. The therianthrope stared at Victor for a long, tense moment. The players around them watched silently, and gulping sounds could be heard every few seconds. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the therianthropes shoulders sagged slightly. His rebellious spark dimmed, replaced by a grim sense of pragmatism. If youre really planning a raid, then Ill tell you what you want, he said grimly. That mine its more than just a small aetherite mine. The acolytes controlling it are part of a cult, and theyve been siphoning the essence from the aetherite to use it to power some kind of sinister ritual. Some kind of cult? Almost immediately, Victor recalled the Armageddon Cult, the one that Graviel was a member of. If this was the same group, it could lead him to valuable clues about its operations. However, engaging directly could be like poking a hornets nest. He would have to tread carefully. Perhaps it was wiser to let the players handle the raid while he took care of saving the Brightmoon familys heir. This disease The therianthrope raised his arm, revealing patches of skin encrusted with reddish-brown crystals, and spoke with a voice full of hatred, Its the result of prolonged exposure to the corrupted aetherite. A lot of my kin are being enslaved there. Victor nodded and ordered the therianthrope to tell him everything about the mine. Apparently, no official Magus was overseeing the mine, but it was heavily guarded by several acolytes and ordinary guards. Victors rough estimation put them around second to third-stage Initiate Attunement rank. Formidable, but not something that the players couldnt handle with their numerical advantage. Satisfied with the information, Victor said, Good. Then youll have your freedom and the cure after we raid that mine. The therianthrope held Victors gaze. You better hold to your promise. The players around murmured excitedly upon realizing that another raid was imminent. So far, the raid had been rewarding, as the loot they got from this group of slavers was quite a lot. Victor, however, had a different focus. He would be going after the old Magus who was chasing the Brightmoon heir, so he told the players to finish clearing the camp and return to the dirigible. Before leaving, he sent a quick message to Eleanor, assigning her to oversee the players in his absence. She was more than capable of managing the situation. On the other hand, he entrusted Brown with leading the remaining House Brightmoon guards to escort the freed captives to Thornwood Village. Fortunately, the slavers had left behind carriages, though many of the horses had either fled or been injured during the chaos. These players certainly didnt have the concept of holding back inside their brains and instead cast magic with reckless abandon while shouting weird names. With everything in motion, Victor set out to do his mission. *** William was excited beyond belief at the thought of going for another raid as he eagerly ransacked the camp alongside other players, hunting for loot. This raid felt like a throwback to the classic games he used to love, like Clash of Clans. Only this time, instead of directing troops, he was one of the troops, taking part in the action firsthand. The thought amused him. Maybe the headmaster was the player controlling them from above His wandering thoughts were interrupted by a voice nearby. Can you imagine if you could have a slave in this game? I wouldnt mind having a beastman maid serving me It was Locktekei, grinning as if hed just cracked a clever joke. William snapped his head in the direction of the voice, almost going to say another follow-up joke but managed to hold it inside his mouth other players werent nearly as amused. Before Locktekei could react, Chicken and Butterfly both smacked him on the forehead, sending him crashing to the ground. Ouch! It still hurts, even with the pain shielding! Locktekei groaned, rubbing his temple. Youre lucky theres pain shielding, Chicken shot back, fists clenched in barely restrained anger. He expelled a sharp breath, resisting the urge to hit him again. The others werent any more forgiving, especially the female players, whose glares spoke volumes. William shook his head in outward disapproval, though a small part of him couldnt help but imagine a beastman companion himself. Maybe not a maid, but a beastman wife? The thought brought a grin to his face it would be like a childhood fantasy come true. Still, he kept the thought to himself, knowing full well how the others would react if he were to say it out loud. Chapter 156: The Lost Girl With the spell {Demonic Eye}, Victor discovered faint traces of magic that lingered in the air in the direction where Brown had pointed earlier. Strangely, the disturbances didnt seem like the work of a trained Magi. Instead, it felt as if someone had been desperately shaping the world around them. The landscape bore strange creations trees that had sprouted unnaturally, jagged rocks where there should have been none and patches of the ground that had sinkholes. It was as if the forest itself had been altered by someone. Victor narrowed his eyes. The only person who could be responsible for this was the young lady of the Brightmoon House. But how? A girl with no formal training in magic, let alone the raw strength to warp reality in this way... unless her curse was something beyond imagination. Questions kept ringing in his head as he continued on his way. Fortunately, it wasnt long before one of the spectral puppets he had sent ahead relayed the sighting of a group of knights in pursuit of a small figure, barely visible through the dense thickets. Upon seeing the scene, Victors heart quickened. *** Lillie ran through the dense undergrowth of the forest, her small, delicate frame weaving between the trees as her breath came in ragged gasps. The thick canopy above filtered the sunlight into streaks of gold, but she had no luxury to enjoy basking in it. She was lost utterly and terrifyingly lost. Her legs burned, and her chest ached from running. But she couldnt afford to slow down, not with them chasing after her. Her familys former knights people who were supposed to protect her were chasing after her. And worse, there was a powerful old mage. She could almost hear them in the distance. The sounds of armor clanking and boots trampling the earth. She wasnt sure how long she had been running with the tight knot of fear in her chest Lillies pale skin gleamed with sweat, strands of her silvery-white hair clinging to her forehead as she stumbled, catching herself on a low branch. Papa and Mama warned Lillie not to use the power of the curse but they wont let Lillie go, she thought in sorrow, tears welling up in her eyelids. Her curse. Her mismatched eyes one as blue as the summer sky, the other a deep green were her curse. She would always have dreams of being transported to a dreamland, ever since she was five years old, where she could shape anything as she wished and bring it to the real world. This was a power that could shape reality itself, bringing whatever she imagined to life. But to Lillie, it was a nightmare that made people fear her. Still, her mind raced with desperate thoughts. What could she conjure? What could she create that would make them stop chasing her? But every idea felt wrong too dangerous. She didnt want to hurt anyone, even if they were coming for her. Out of the blue, a shout from behind. I see the cursed child! Over there! Catch her! The voice was alarmingly close now, too near. Lillies heart lurched in fear. Worse, she could feel the creations she had sent to stall the mage being torn apart. Her defenses were crumbling, and if she didnt act soon, they would catch her. Lillie has to she whispered to herself, her voice trembling as much as her body. She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to focus. Her imagination flared to life. She envisioned a towering wall of thorned roses, dense and thick, their jagged thorns sharp enough to stop anyone in their tracks. Her heart pounded as the image consumed her mind. When she opened her eyes, the ground beneath her feet quivered, and with a low rumble, the thorned roses she had envisioned burst forth. The thorny vines twisted and spiraled upward, forming an impenetrable barrier between her and her pursuers. The voices of the knights became muffled as the thorns stretched higher and higher, as if the forest itself were answering her call. Lillie exhaled shakily. The wall of roses had only bought her time, nothing more. She knew the old Magus wouldnt be slowed for long, and the knights would soon break through. Moreover, she couldnt bear having her creations her friends suffer more.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Thus, she forced herself to run deeper into the forest. The trees thickened, shadows growing darker, and the ground more uneven. Her foot caught on a root, and she crashed to the earth, knees scraping painfully. A soft gasp escaped her as she hit the ground hard. She was exhausted and was at her limit. Then, a terrible feeling hit her as the thorned wall had been destroyed. Panic surged through her. She had to act again. Desperation clawed at her mind as she imagined a wide, uncrossable river. Please... just one more time. As she blinked, the sound of rushing water filled the air, and the ground shook as a river carved itself behind her. But the effort drained her faster than before. Her head throbbed, and her eyes hurt as her power was drained faster than she could recover. She stumbled and fell to the ground again. She had reached her absolute limit, and there was nothing more she could do. Lillie felt tears sting her eyes. Lost, terrified, and all alone, she clutched her head. Please someone help Lillie she whispered, her voice barely audible as the darkness of the forest seemed to close in around her. Then, out of the silence, a voice crept up from behind her, cold and unsettling, as something appeared from the darkness behind her. Dont you worry, little one. Just let me out, and you will be safe. Even that Magus wont be able to touch you. For a moment, the voice hypnotized her, its promises wrapping around her heart like a soothing lullaby. But then reality hit her like a splash of cold water, and she shook her head violently. No! Lillie cant trust you! Everyone says youre an evil being! Just let me out. Everything you want, everything you dream of, I can give. As long as youre under my control, I can give you anything, including a happy life with your parents. The voice kept repeating these sentences again and again, slowly grinding on Lillies sanity. But before she could fall deeper into that dark temptation, the voice abruptly vanished. A shadow fell over her, and she gasped as a figure landed in front of her a figure clad in black, like a knight from a forgotten tale. Lillie stumbled to her feet, blinking through her tears. Who who are you? she asked cautiously. Are you here to capture Lillie too? No, the figure said, with a steady and unwavering voice. Im here to save you. *** Victor felt a surge of satisfaction his grand entrance had gone off flawlessly. Before making his appearance, he had donned the Mask of Impersonation to conceal his identity from the knights and the Magus who pursued the girl. He wanted to create a hidden persona so that the Merlin family wouldnt suspect his true identity as the perpetrator of Graviels death. After all, killing the knights here wasnt his plan, especially not in front of the fragile-looking girl before him. But as his eyes settled on her, Victor found himself caught in a reverie. If he were to describe her in one word, it would be innocent. Her long, silky snow-white hair shimmered like moonlight, and her delicate features made anyone who saw her grow a sense of protectiveness for her. However, it was her heterochromia those mismatched eyes that pulled Victor sharply from his trance. As he observed her eyes, he noticed something. This is not a curse; its a special constitution and a very special one at that! Lillie arc Brightmoon, the young lady of the Brightmoon House, was not cursed at all. In fact, she had been blessed with a very special constitution that would make any Magus envy her. If she were to present herself in front of the Arcane Radiance Colleges door, Victor was more than sure that those old fossils would likely beg to take her as their apprentice. This also meant that Victor would do the same thing. But before he was able to express his intention, he could feel several presences and a magic fluctuation getting closer to their location. Theyre here. Come, I will take you to safety, Victor said firmly. Without waiting for her reply, he scooped her into his arms and took off into the air. He wasnt foolish enough to fight an equally strong Magus while protecting someone as vulnerable as Lillie. It would be digging his own grave. His priority now was to find a place where she could hide before dealing with the pursuers on his own terms. Fortunately, it didnt take Victor long to find a small creek hidden by the thickets. After gently putting Lillie down, he crouched beside her and instructed in a calm manner, Stay here and dont come out. Ill take care of them. But Lillie can help She struggled to her feet, but her legs gave out beneath her, causing her to collapse to the ground and cough weakly. She had clearly pushed herself to the limit, running for so long. Even Victor was feeling sympathetic to her. I know that youre not powerless, especially with that constitution of yours, Victor said softly, patting her head in reassurance. But youve done enough. Rest here for now. Lillie blinked up at him, seeming surprised at his words. Okay Lillie believes in Mister Black Knight. Mister Black Knight, really? If the players were to hear of this nickname No, if Lizbeth were to hear it, she would make fun of him. However, now wasnt the time to worry about trivial concerns like that. With a nod, Victor stood, his expression hardening as he turned toward the approaching threat. Now, time to deal with these pursuers. With that, he launched into the air, the wind at his back as he flew toward the enemies, ready to face the knights and the Magus head-on. Chapter 157: A Magus’ Oath [A powerful extraordinary life form has been detected!] [The life form is expected to have fifth-sigil Elemental Adept Magus combat capability.] A fifth-sigil Elemental Adept Magus?! Victors eyes widened slightly beneath the Mask of Impersonation. He was expecting to face a tough opponent, but it was a step above his initial estimation. Still, even though this would be his first time going up against an official Magus, he was confident with his own power. It appeared that the old Magus had sensed his presence, as the System had notified him of a powerful enemy in advance. Before long, he spotted the group of knights led by a bearded white-haired elderly man in a traditional Magus robe. Who are you? A Magus? the old man questioned, gazing at Victor warily. On closer inspection, he had a sagely and composed appearance, but the wilting vitality couldnt escape Victors eyes, which made his aura a bit withered. Me? Victor raised an eyebrow, though his appearance was hidden behind the illusion of the mask. Why dont you come and find out? But first He glanced at the group of knights below, already preparing to cast a spell. He didnt want them to slip past him to get to Lillie while he was facing off against the old Magus. Sir Magus! Hes trying to kill us! shouted a visorless, spiky-haired knight. Lets not dilly-dally and kill him immediately. The old Magus ignored the outcry as his gaze remained fixed on Victor. My name is Roland Actus. As a fellow Magus, I advise you to back off. The Merlin family has commissioned me, and it will do you no good to stand against them. He paused, a thin smile forming on his lips. Do me a favor and withdraw. Ill see to it that youre compensated. Without a word, Victor unleashed the spell he had prepared. There was no dramatic flash of light, no violent explosion of elemental force. Instead, the atmosphere around the group of knights subtly shifted, as if the very air itself had grown heavier. One by one, the knights eyes glazed over, their weapons lowering as their minds were seized by something far more terrifying than any physical assault. Aaah! One knight screamed, dropping his sword as his eyes darted around in terror. Die! Die, Die! Another frantically swiped his weapon at something only he could see and injured a nearby knight, while a third one fell to his knees, clutching his head as if trying to escape the horrors that had taken over his mind. What Victor had cast was a non-elemental Bet-tier called {Curse of the Nightmare}. It was a spell he had developed over the past two weeks while preparing for the expedition, and something designed specifically for moments like this. The spell worked by planting deeply rooted hallucinations of their worst fears and darkest anxieties in its targets minds, akin to the effects of the Dreamweaver Ivy that Victor had used on Graviels group. How dare you! Rolands voice rang out, thick with anger and surprise. Even though he was caught within the range of the spell, as a top-tier Elemental Adept Magus, he resisted its effects with little effort. The knights, however, werent so lucky. Whether Roland couldnt help them or simply didnt care enough to use valuable magic items on them, he remained unmoved. Victors voice was firm as he addressed him. Are you still going to do this? Roland hesitated for a brief moment before stepping forward. I see Youre no ordinary Magus. Developing such a spell at your age His words were laced with disdain, but beneath it, there was a grudging respect. But dont think you can beat me with mere tricks. Ive faced far worse in my years. The elderly Magus raised one of his hands, revealing the intricate sigil etched on the back of his hand. Sparks crackled around his fingers, and with a swift gesture, he shot a bolt of lightning into the sky. Clouds gathered overhead almost instantly, forming a roiling thunderstorm. The man wasnt holding back, and Victor could feel the immense power of the sigil bearing down on him. But he didnt flinch. Instead, he manipulated the Cosmo elemental particles in the air and took out his magic weapon the Voidborn Orb as he calmly prepared his next move. {Skycloud Vajra}! Rolands voice echoed as he unleashed the spell. In an instant, a bolt of vibrant blue lightning tore down from the storm clouds, aimed straight at Victor. The raw power behind it was beyond that of a normal Bet-tier spell, as it had been powered up by a sigil. Any ordinary Elemental Adept Magus would be obliterated by the strike if they took it head-on. {Ethereal State}! With a flick of his finger, Victor cast the spell, sending his body into subspace, rendering him intangible just as the lightning bolt struck. Simultaneously, Victor teleported by casting {Blink} to close the distance between them. He reappeared just behind Roland in an instant, his hand already raised as he unleashed {Warpblade}, sending an ethereal blade slicing through the air toward the old Magus. What! You have Cosmo elemental affinity?! Rolands voice rose in panic as he spun around, hastily summoning a wall of crackling lightning to defend himself. The air sizzled with electric energy as the shield formed, but it wasnt enough. Victors ethereal blade was an esoteric spell that was perfect at countering shields, and it managed to cut through the barrier with ease, leaving a deep gash across Rolands side.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. The old Magus grunted in pain and immediately flew away using a movement spell. You... injured me that easily. His voice was laced with disbelief. Power doesnt belong only to those whove lived the longest, Victor said coldly, his gaze unwavering. You should have known that when you saw me. Though Victors words might have sounded cool for players, the old man was not so easily shaken. With a sharp wave of his hand, a yellow amber scepter materialized in his grip, and a gleam of determination lit up his withered eyes. I admit that youre skilled, lad, but you underestimate me. He thumped his scepter against the ground, and with that motion, a series of complex runes began to weave into the air, glowing with an earthen hue. Another sigil on Rolands body illuminated as he invoked more power. The ground beneath their feet trembled violently, fissures spreading out in jagged patterns as the air around them crackled with raw magical force. From beneath the earth, an enormous ten-meter-tall golem of solid rock and packed soil erupted. Towering over Victor, its massive limbs looked powerful enough to crush houses, but the most unusual part was the hollowed-out chest cavity in the center of the creatures torso. There, Roland stood, encased in a protective earthen chamber, the scepter still clutched in his hand. His upper body was exposed through an opening, but his legs and lower half were melded with the golem, as if he had fused himself with the creature. A Geo-elemental spell? Victor thought in his mind. He had assumed that Rolands primary affinity was Electro, but the old Magus clearly had many tricks up his sleeve. And the longer this battle dragged on, the more Rolands experience would begin to tip the scales in his favor. Why risk your life for that cursed girl? Roland spat, his voice dripping with disdain. Youve no idea what kind of disaster youre meddling with! Victors eyes narrowed. From a Maguss typical standpoint, what Roland said made a lot of sense. Magi were pragmatic by nature and would prioritize their benefit above all else, and what Victor was doing was exactly the opposite of the norm. Technically speaking, he wouldnt be getting anything if he didnt know better of Lillies special constitution. However! Even if she didnt have a special constitution, the conscience of a modern man that now resided within him wouldnt allow him to simply turn a blind eye. Just thinking about abandoning a poor little girl to her fate would be too cruel. How could he sleep at night knowing hed let her die or be subjected to an even worse fate? Hed toss and turn, imagining all the ways he could have should have saved her. Why? His gaze flickered with unshakable resolve. This is my oath. I swear to protect her, and I will no matter the cost! Ha! Foolish sentiment. Then lets see how you handle this! Roland snarled as the golems massive arms swung forward. The wind howled as the monstrous fists of stone and dirt hurtled toward Victor like the wrath of the earth itself. *** Meanwhile, the fifteen players on the dirigible had gathered around in a loose circle for a meeting, staring at the holographic map of the mine. They had discovered the mine that the headmaster had tasked them to raid, and after finding out that it was tightly guarded, they were brainstorming albeit chaotically on how to proceed. Huh This is a bit difficult. Zero rubbed his chin, breaking the silence. Unless anyone wants to volunteer as a meat shield and kite the enemy, its all but impossible to raid this mine without some players getting injured or dying in the process. The only problem here was that the mine only had one narrow entrance, and it was being heavily guarded with guards and acolytes. Charging in without a solid plan was practically a death sentence. We have an advantage of being unknown and airborne, though, Prominence said, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. Can we use that somehow? Like, you know... Prominence Skyfall Squad to the rescue? He grinned widely, clearly proud of the name he had come up with. Storm, sitting nearby, snorted loudly. What Prominence Skyfall Squad? He rolled his eyes as he said the name. Using that parachuting trick mightve worked last time, but this mine is hidden under solid rock, genius. No sky-falling into that. What about using a magic trick? Like, creating a distraction while the rest of you sneak in? Patrick chimed in. Auralise raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. Geez. A magic show? Are we raiding a mine or performing at a birthday party? Decide on one, she said flatly, folding her arms. Amid the banter, Chicken stood up and put his hands on the table. Amateurs! You guys are amateurs! he mocked. Whats that? All the players shot a glare at him. Why overcomplicate things? Lets just brute force our way through the front. A few well-placed spells and boom problem solved. Im willing to be the meat shield if youre so scared. Oh, thats some guts you have there. Smash first, think later. I like it Butterfly grinned, seeming interested in the idea. Of course, this statement was then quickly followed by ridicule from Auralise. Zero sighed, rubbing his temples as the others continued to argue. Sean himself couldnt think of an effective way to make the raid work either. Although every player here was considered among the best in the game, their spell arsenals were still limited. It had only been three months since the game launched, and gaining or developing spell models required precious merit points and time. Moreover, even with the Spell Assist feature, mastering each spell was a time-consuming process. Since the mages protecting the mine were stronger than any of them, with the exception of Butterfly as a Bloodline Magus, they couldnt just rush in without a solid plan. Suddenly, a soft chuckle broke the tension. Aphrodite, who had kept his silence, was laughing under his breath, catching everyones attention. What are you laughing about? Locktekei asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at him. With a smile, Aphrodite responded, For the past month, Ive been developing a few... interesting things. Through countless trials and errors, Ive managed to produce sulfuric acid and nitric acid. With some help from my colleagues, we even figured out how to mix them with glycerol. Locktekei rolled his eyes, not interested in hearing the long details. Just get to the point, already. Dont tell me You dont mean Several players like Storm, Thunder, and Zero seemed to have realized something as their brows were raising. Aphrodites grin widened. Yes. Ive developed nitroglycerin, he declared proudly, pulling a head-sized box from his backpack. The group was immediately alarmed, with some taking a few steps back in fear of an explosion. I havent even told the headmaster about this. But I think this is the perfect time to use it. So, its true. Most chemists have a tendency to like explosions. Sean couldnt help but think in his heart, and then he decided to speak up. Well, its unconventional, but it might just work. A plan was forming in his mind thanks to the explosive that Aphrodite had presented. Although it wasnt entirely foolproof, it just might be the key to their success. Chapter 158: Taking Lillie as an Apprentice Victor stood over the kneeling figure of Roland, his chest rising and falling heavily. Rubble of destroyed rocks and piles of dirt were scattered across the battlefield, along with scorch marks and deep gouges in the earth. Though every breath sent a sharp pain through his body from the wounds hed sustained, the victory was undeniably his. Roland, the fifth-sigil Elemental Adept Magus, now knelt before him, blood trickling from multiple cuts across his body. If not for the superior-grade magic tool in the shape of an hourglass pendant on his neck slowly knitting his wounds together, he would have perished when Victor unleashed the full might of his Cosmo sigil. Still, Rolands defenses and the power of his sigils required everything Victor had to overcome and destroy the old Maguss earthen golem multiple times. Youre one stubborn old Magus, Victor said while catching his breath, feeling the triumph of his victory. But its over now. Roland grimaced, clutching his injured side. Go ahead, kill me, he muttered, a look of resignation on his face. Everything Ive worked for all in vain. All of this just for a few decades of life. His voice was tinged with bitterness as he bowed his head, prepared to meet his end. A few decades of life? As I thought, he was trying to extend his lifespan. Victor inwardly smiled, as his conjecture was correct. Instead of striking the final blow, Victor raised his hand, conjured a wooden stump from thin air, and gestured for Roland to sit. At this point, his Mask of Impersonation had almost been dispelled as a result of the battle, though his true appearance was blurred. It seems that you have no true allegiance to the Merlin family, Victor remarked, downing a healing potion to ease the throbbing pain from his injuries. Roland hesitated for a moment before slowly sinking onto the stump Victor had conjured. Allegiance? Dont make me laugh. I have no loyalty to those petty bastards, but they promised me something I couldnt refuse. Victors eyes narrowed, knowing exactly what that something was. The life-extension elixir. Rolands silence was answer enough. His weathered face said it all a man nearing the end of his life, terrified of what lay beyond. The longer someone lived, the greater their fear of death and Victor could relate. After all, he had once experienced death himself. I thought so, Victor said, pulling another stump directly in front of Roland and taking a seat. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, choosing his next words carefully. I wont pretend I dont understand that kind of desperation, Roland. But be warned the Merlin familys path will only hasten your end, not prevent it. Do you really think theyd give away something as precious as a life-extension elixir so freely? Rolands jaw clenched, frustration flickering in his eyes. What choice do I have, then? In just a few years, Ill lose the ability to wield magic. Ill be nothing more than a helpless mortal. The elixir is the only thing that could buy me another decade, maybe more. But what does it matter now? Im about to die anyway, and no one will remember me but as a stray Magus who outlived his usefulness. The fish has taken the bait. With that in mind, Victor leaned forward and proposed, Then, how about if I offer you a better deal? Rolands eyes flicked back to Victor, skepticism clouding his features. A better deal? You cant be serious. What could you, a mere first-sigil Elemental Adept Magus, possibly offer that they cant? Victor smirked, but his voice remained firm. Join me. Serve as a mentor at my academy, and I will provide you with a true life-extension elixir not one of the watered-down, temporary versions the Merlin family wouldve handed you. I have the means, and I can assure you its no empty promise. Ha! You expect me to believe that? Ridiculous. He laughed, dismissing the idea as absurd. But as he caught sight of Victors unwavering expression, his laughter faltered, replaced by shock. You cant be serious! To Roland, the thought of Victor, someone of his rank, offering such an elixir seemed laughable. An academy run by an Elemental Adept Magus of his rank would typically be small and insignificant, accepting only the most desperate candidates. Yet, what Roland didnt and couldnt know was the existence of the System and the players that made Victors academy unlike any other. Though Victor had no intention of revealing that secret. Why would I lie? Victor questioned, enunciating each syllable. Heres the deal: meet me at the depths of the Thornwood Forest, and I will prove it to you. And to show Im serious, here He reached into his robe and handed Roland a small, shimmering crystal. This is a communication crystal. When youve reached the forest, use it to contact me. Roland stared at the crystal for a long moment, turning it over in his hands. His pride and survival instinct warred within him, but in the end, he nodded slowly as he clutched the crystal tightly. Ill consider it. Victor stood up, extending a hand to help Roland to his feet. Thats all I ask. Take your time, but dont wait too long. Time isnt exactly on your side, after all. With that, Victor gave Roland a nod and allowed him to leave. The old Magus clutched the communication crystal as he limped away into the distance, his wounds barely closing up. The surviving knights were also taken by him, after dispelling the illusion and while they were still dazed.Stolen story; please report. Victor knew he was taking a risk by letting Roland go. There was a chance the old Magus could betray him, perhaps even sell the information to the Merlin family. But Victor wasnt worried. Even if he were to tell them, they wouldnt suspect him because of the Mask of Impersonation. Any risk that might come his way, he had already had ways to counter them. Well, risks were inevitable on the path to power. But thinking about it made Victor curious about his current stats, as he had pushed himself to his limits. Victor Asteriscus HP: 85% MP: 245/717 Power Rank: First-sigil Elemental Adept Magus | Ki Initial Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (96%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Intermediate bright grade Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (first sub-level, 96.21%) Breathing Technique: No name (first level) Status: Healthy Strength: (35) Agility: (35) Vitality: (35) Magical Power: (45 46) Infused Mana (total): (664 717) Spell Repertoire: Although his three core stats had not improved, his total mana reserve was increasing, reaching the threshold of a second-sigil Elemental Adept Magus. Just a little bit more, and he would advance With the power he had right now, he could already force back stronger opponents, what would happen when he became even more powerful? With a satisfied smirk, Victor flew back through the dense forest while still feeling the sharp pain from his wounds that had dulled somewhat, thanks to the healing potions he had consumed. Despite his near full recovery, the exhaustion from a battle between official Magi would still be felt in his bones for some time. Soon, the familiar creek came into view, and there was Lillie, sitting against a tree, her small frame trembling, her wide, innocent eyes filled with fear and worry. Mister Black Knight! she shouted, scrambling to her feet as soon as she saw him approach. Youre injured! Her gaze landed on the bloodstains that hadnt been fully cleaned by his enchanted robe. Victor landed softly, hiding the exhaustion behind a calm demeanor. Its nothing serious, he reassured her. Its all over now. No one is chasing you any more. Lillie quickly rushed to his side and said in a trembling voice. Lillie heard the explosions and the crashing. Lillie thought you Her voice broke, and she quickly wiped her eyes, embarrassed. Lillie thought you wouldnt come back. Victor knelt down to her level, placing a hand gently on her head. I told you I would protect you, didnt I? Im not going anywhere, Lillie. She sniffled and nodded, trying to be brave. But Lillies the reason youre hurt. If it werent for Lillie, you wouldnt have had to fight that Magus. Lillie is cursed. Everyone whos ever helped Lillie has gotten hurt or worse. Huh, I didnt think too much about it at first. But why does she keep referring to herself in the third person? Victor was puzzled but kept his expression clear. He guessed it was probably because she was a sheltered princess of the Brightmoon House. In response to her self-blaming, Victor shook his head as he met her eyes with a soft gaze. Youre not cursed, Lillie. Youre special. And thats why a lot of people want you. He sighed, taking a deep breath. But you dont have to face this alone anymore. From today on, youll be under my protection officially. Lillie blinked in confusion. What does that mean? Victor stood tall, letting his presence as a headmaster fill the space. Lillie arc Brightmoon, would you like to become my personal apprentice? Although Victor was aware that he was unworthy of being her teacher, he couldnt pass up this opportunity. Lillies special constitution would definitely play a pivotal role in the academys development. Besides, gaining her trust would secure Browns full allegiance, and there was also the added benefit of making her a mascot for the players, which would make them all the more loyal. But Lillie took this differently as her eyes widened in disbelief. Your... apprentice? But Lillies just No, Victor interrupted gently. Youre not just anything. You have power inside you something unique, something people fear because they dont understand it. But I see potential in you, Lillie. And I want to help you control that power, to protect yourself and those you care about. Lillies bottom lip quivered as she processed his words. You really mean it? You want to teach Lillie? Victor nodded. I do. I believe in you, Lillie. For a moment, the pure-looking girl stood frozen, the weight of his offer sinking in. Then, slowly, her face lit up with a hopeful, innocent smile, and the fear in her eyes gave way to something brighter. Yes! Yes, Lillie wants to be your apprentice, Mister Black Knight! She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Victor winced at the sharp pain in his side but let Lillie hug him as she wished while gently patting her back. Alright, alright. But first, stop calling me Mister Black Knight. He almost cringed at the title, then cleared his throat. My name is Victor Asteriscus. Just call me by my No, call me mentor. Lillie stepped back, wiping the last of her tears with the sleeve of her dress. Okay! Mentor Victor! Lillie will do her best! Promise! Victor stood, feeling a sense of accomplishment in his chest. Good. Then, as your mentor, I promise you a lifetime of peace and happiness. He had made a promise, and he would carry it through to the end. Mm-hmm! she nodded eagerly. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully led your acolytes to uphold justice and punish the slavers. [The reward (1,000 academy points) has been issued.] [Hidden Achievement Unlocked: Fairytale Hero] [Congratulations on fulfilling the condition (becoming the hero in the eyes of a little girl) for this achievement.] [The award (150 academy points) has been granted.] Ignoring the message, Victor offered her his hand. Come on. Lets go. With a determined nod, Lillie took his hand, and Victor lifted her into the air, setting off to find the players and Eleanor. Chapter 159: Raiding the Aetherite Mine The raid was a resounding success. Guided by the magic of the players below, Aphrodites nitroglycerin dropped from the skies like a falling star, detonating with a deafening boom that reverberated through the mountains. The ground quaked as the explosion sent shockwaves throughout the mine, hurling dirt, debris, and rocks in all directions. The panicked cries of the workers were swallowed by the thunderous chaos, and within moments, the guards and acolytes stationed around the entrance rushed out in a frenzy, trying to assess the damage. But it was exactly what the players had planned for. Hidden in the nearby foliage, the ambush team sprang into action. Chicken, cackling with unrestrained glee, led the charge alongside Butterfly, diving headfirst into the heart of the pandemonium. Meanwhile, Sean, Zero, and Prominence led the other group to launch a barrage of spells toward the bewildered enemy acolytes. In the confusion, the enemy acolytes were quickly overwhelmed, unable to mount a proper defense against the coordinated assault. Go! Go! Go! Raid the mine! Prominence shouted as the rest of the players surged forward, breaking through the weakened defenses. Freedom! Today is a good day to die! One after another, the players war cries rang through the air, becoming a battle hymn of chaos. Who are you people?! Dare to mess with the Cult? Fight back! We can kill them if we use our spells! The acolytes, though stunned by the sudden assault, didnt go down without a fight. Magic spells rained down on the players in retaliation, bolts of lightning, fireballs, and sharp bursts of ice cutting through the chaos. Storm, charging headlong into the fray, was struck by a bolt of lightning square in the chest from one of the acolytes. Still, despite his body smoking from the hit, he lunged forward with his cutlasses and cut down his foe with a desperate swing before hitting the ground hard. Storms down! Cover him! Sean shouted and took the chance to cast {Flame Dart} toward another acolyte, burning him mid-cast. The enemy shrieked as flames engulfed him, leaving him vulnerable for a follow-up strike. Prominence, Butterfly, and the others rushed ahead, cutting down the remaining enemies with brutal efficiency. Within minutes, the entrance to the mine was secured. The remaining defending acolytes and guards either lay dead or had fled deeper into the tunnel. They had pretty much neutralized any remaining resistance. Clear! Thunder shouted. Move in! Weve got a mine to raid! Zero ordered, leading the players forward, adrenaline still surging through them. Sean followed closely, his heart racing with excitement. The hard part was over; now it was time to claim the spoils and finish off anyone left standing. *** An hour later, the mine was fully conquered. After clearing the entrance, the players split into smaller teams to sweep through the mines branching tunnels with precision. Though there was some resistance deeper within, there was nothing that could stop the relentless advance of the raid. Finally, they reached the heart of the mine, where the main stash was kept. Whoa... Sean muttered as he stepped into the massive underground chamber. The air was thick with dust and dampness, but all eyes were locked on the pile of shimmering crystals that dominated the rooms center. That must be the aetherite. And a lot of it. Theres so much of it! Prominence exclaimed, his eyes wide as he approached the glowing heap. They mustve been mining this for months. Maybe even longer. Storm, who was still injured by the clash and drinking a health potion, grinned. Well, regardless of the reason, the more, the better. This hauls going to bring us a ton of merit points. Lets not waste time and gather it up! The longer we stay, the more likely well run into trouble. The players all nodded and moved quickly, casting various spells and using bags many of which theyd looted from the mine itself to carry as much of the precious aetherite as possible. Meanwhile, the beastmen they had freed from slavers earlier in the morning were rallying the miners to escape. Of course, since the players knew that was part of the agreement, none of them tried to stop them. Alright, lets get out of here. Head back to the dirigible! Zero signaled once the last of the aetherite was secured. It was time to make their exit. The players moved swiftly through the tunnels, retracing their steps back to the surface. By the time they emerged into the open air, the dirigible was waiting for them, its sleek form hovering just above the ground. Eleanor, the ever-reliable blacksmith NPC, stood on deck, with arms crossed and a wide grin on her face as she watched their approach. She was right on time. Load it up! Thunder shouted, tossing his bag into the cargo hold. The others followed suit, their bags clattering into place as they climbed aboard.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Just as the dirigible prepared to lift off, a lone figure sprinted toward them from the tunnel. It was the beastman leader, the one they had freed from the slavers. Wait! he shouted, breathless as he approached. The dirigible halted its ascent as the beastman reached them. His kin had already fled into the forest, scattering into the safety of the wilderness. But for some reason, he had stayed behind, alone. Your leader promised me, the beastman said, catching his breath as he stared up at the players. Freedom as well as a cure for me and my people. Where is he? This key NPC is very smart, Sean thought as he realized that the AI for an NPC outside the academy was more advanced than hed expected, almost unnervingly so. Zero exchanged glances with all the players before turning back to the beastman. The headmasters not here right now. Besides, the promise was for your cure, not your peoples. If you want more, youll have to speak with him directly. You can come with us. But the rest of your kin can go free; theyll be safer in the forest, anyway. The beastman hesitated and gritted his teeth, glancing back at the treeline where his people had disappeared. After a few seconds, he nodded decisively. Fine. Ill go with you. Alright, Zero replied. Get on board, then. The headmaster will see you once he returns. Without further hesitation, the beastman climbed aboard the dirigible, casting one last, lingering glance at the forest as the ship lifted into the sky. The mine and the chaos below shrank into the distance as the dirigible ascended, leaving destruction behind. The players exchanged glances, feeling the familiar rush of accomplishment. Another mission completed, another victory for the academy. And with it, another step toward the grand ambition that awaited them all. *** The moon had risen high in the sky by the time Victor found the dirigible hovering over the forest. Thanks to the players Shadowlink Marks, tracking their location had been simple, but even with the flying ability of an Elemental Adept Magus, it still took him a couple of hours to get here. Lillies eyes widened in awe as she gazed at the massive flying vessel. Mentor, is that a... flying ship? she asked, a tone of curiosity filling her voice. Lillie has only read about these in books Mm, thats right. Victor nodded in satisfaction. But dont be too impressed yet there are far more incredible things waiting for you back at the academy. That last part of the sentence was stretched from the truth, as there wasnt much more at the academy besides the citadel and the Systems buildings. Still, part of his role as her mentor was to maintain an air of mystery and charisma. At least, that was what his mentor back at the Arcane Radiance College taught him. More incredible things Lillie whispered, her eyes sparkling with wonder as she mulled over his words. As soon as Victor and Lillie boarded the dirigible, the players who were still active immediately swarmed them with excitement, eyes gleaming with eagerness. Respected Headmaster, youre back! Prominence called out, practically bouncing on the spot. Esteemed Headmaster, whos the beautiful litt Ooh! A new NPC! Look at her, so cute and innocent! We got ourselves a good one this time! Yippee! Locktekei cheered, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. Why are you saying that like a pervert? Auralise nearby chided, rolling her eyes. Victor suppressed a smirk at this scene, knowing full well how the players saw this world. Lillie, on the other hand, shrank back slightly under the attention, gripping the edge of Victors robe. Clearing his throat, Victor raised a hand, gesturing for quiet. Everyone, meet Lillie arc Brightmoon, he announced in his usual commanding tone. Shell be staying with us from now on as my personal apprentice. Show her the same respect you would any other academy personnel. Lillie blinked nervously, then offered a shy bow. H-Hello. The players erupted into a chorus of excited greetings, like a crowd of crazed fans meeting their favorite celebrity. Some players in the back whispered about starting a fan club for Lillie, just as they had done for Lizbeth. Lizbeths fan club, by this point, had garnered thousands of members, far exceeding the number of players currently active in the game. Victor was still confused about how that was even possible, considering that she was not too keen to get along with the players. Dude, shes our new mascot! CookieMons declared confidently. I bet shes going to be super important later. Absolutely, KuroUsagi muttered back. Its best to get on her good side. Not that anyone will be hostile to her after looking at her innocent appearance. Yeah! Ill beat anyone who makes her cry. Chicken hit his palm. Im just glad Ive got my recording turned on, said Storm, capturing every moment of the scene. Victor didnt mind the players enthusiasm, but he calmed the crowd. Alright, thats enough excitement for tonight. Everyone, return to your rooms and get some rest. Reluctantly, the players dispersed, still buzzing with excitement as they drifted back to their quarters. Once they were out of sight, Victor turned to lead Lillie to her room. Just as he was about to do so, a figure burst out from the dirigibles bridge. Yo, Victor! Eleanors voice rang out as she rushed toward him with her outgoing energy. I sensed you the moment you set foot on board Oooh! Whos this adorable little girl! Before Victor could respond, Eleanor scooped Lillie into a tight hug. Unlike Lizbeth, who would fly away to escape, Lillie didnt flinch. In fact, she returned the embrace, resting her head against Eleanors shoulder. Hey, Eleanor suddenly shot Victor a suspicious look and interrogated, you didnt, like, kidnap her or somethin, did you? Victor was utterly speechless. Thats the first that crosses your mind? Is she pulling my leg? So much for holding up his dignity as the mysterious and powerful headmaster of a Magus academy. He could feel his carefully cultivated air of authority crumbling under her accusation. Thankfully, the players had already returned to their rooms; otherwise, he wouldnt be able to uphold his image in front of them. Er, of course not! Victor finally managed, shaking his head. He quickly explained her circumstances, recounting everything that she had gone through. As Eleanor listened, her eyes welled up with tears. She hugged Lillie even tighter. Boohoo. You poor child. Come, come, big sisters going to pamper you now. Lillie, who had been holding back her emotions all this time, finally let herself break down. She buried her face in Eleanors shoulder and sobbed, her small frame trembling. L-Lillie has done her b-best, she choked out, her words muffled by Eleanors embrace. There, there. Eleanor gently stroked her hair. You dont have to carry that burden alone anymore. Youre safe now. Victor stood by silently, watching all of this. He actually never knew that Eleanor could be that empathetic to peoples circumstances. Whatever the case, he decided to leave and let Eleanor soothe and embrace Lillie, as he himself wasnt good at this kind of thing. But as he made his way to the other part of the dirigible, a therianthrope came out of the shadow at the corner of the room and blocked his path. Chapter 160: Lillie Knights Assemble! So, you have come here to find me for the cure? Victor questioned, already aware of what this was all about. Thats correct! The therianthrope clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination as he demanded, I want the cure, for myself and for my people! Victor shook his head with an unchanged expression. But I didnt promise a cure for anyone other than you. That was the agreement nothing more, nothing less. He wasnt being unreasonable here, but he wouldnt be doing something that wouldnt benefit him in any way. The therianthropes face twisted in frustration, barely containing his anger. You! For his people, contracting the disease was a slow death sentence. Those who couldnt wield magic were especially vulnerable. He couldnt accept that only he would survive while his people faced inevitable extinction. Victor watched him quietly for a moment, then spoke again. But I have a proposal for you, he said. Rather than wandering from place to place, barely surviving, why not settle near my academy? If you and your people agree to sign a magic contract ensuring loyalty to me, I will give you the cure for everyone. Most therianthropes were nomadic tribes. Those who typically stayed in one place lived far from the Luminous Kingdom. But Victor knew their value, as they were experts at foraging as well as hunting and scouting. Even if their contribution to the academy wasnt immediately impactful, having them as NPCs would greatly enrich the experience for the players. You want to enslave us? The male therianthrope stared at him coldly. Take it however you want, but dont mistake me for the Cult. Im offering you and your people a chance not just to survive, but to thrive. Furthermore, I will get rid of the slave seals that were placed on your kin. The choice is yours. Victor looked at the wolf therianthrope with a firm gaze. Slave seals were magic seals used by mages to make slaves obedient. Usually, only extraordinary life forms were marked by the slave seals. However, in the case of the therianthropes kin, the Cult was probably being cautious and minimizing risks of mutiny by using these seals. Those slavers were probably tasked with getting rid of him and his kin somewhere far away, but they were likely blinded by greed. If you refuse, so be it. Youll still receive the cure for yourself once we return to the academy. Victor wouldnt be losing anything even if he refused. After all, to cure them of their disease, Victor had to use precious academy points to purchase the potion recipe and would have to gather magical plants to concoct the potion. He was already being very generous here. The therianthrope stood in tense silence and thought hard for a full minute. Then, after a long moment, he took a deep breath and made his choice, opening his mouth. Rex. Victor raised an eyebrow. Hm? My name is Rex. the therianthrope repeated. Subsequently, in a gesture that took even Victor by surprise, Rex knelt before him, lowering his head the defiant therianthrope was no more. As long as you promise not to treat us like slaves and provide food and shelter for my tribe, I will serve you. And I swear, my people will never betray you. Good. Very good. Victor smiled in satisfaction. So be it then. *** When the last player logged out from the dirigible, the official website forum gained momentum in terms of traffic. News of the successful raid on the slave traders and the mine spread like wildfire, and it wasnt long before the forums were buzzing with excitement. But what really lit up the discussions was the introduction of the new NPC, who quickly captured everyones attention and adoration. Zylvern: From raiding a slave camp to storming a mine packed with enemies. All in a single day. Damn, son! Squadzell: Man, Im so jealous of you people selected for the expedition. Wish Id been the one to experience it all?? ProcrastinatingPanda: Same here! But props to Storm for sharing the raid footage. Ive already watched it twice! Storm Bringer: Glad you liked it! Im editing the highlights now for my channel. Keep an eye out its gonna be epic! Unedited and raw, Storms footage had already become the number one trending video on the Magus Academy Online video hosting platform. Views skyrocketed, and the video raked in so much revenue that Storm, who was taken aback by the influx, wasnt sure what to do with all the earnings. For now, all he could think about was reinvesting it back into the game to catch up to his friends.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ChickenSmackdownLevel99: But seriously, the mine raid was the most insane! I mean, dropping nitro from the skies and watching those mobs below scramble? Aphrodite96: But of course. Who else but me could create that explosive? MVP status unlocked. ?(??? ) Prominence: For sure, that was epic! Best coordinated ambush weve done yet. We took out every last enemy in, what, two minutes? Prominence Skyfall Squad, lets go! Castlefrost: Whats this Prominence Skyfall Squad all about? ZeroXScyth: Two minutes, my ass. It took more than an hour to scour the mine. We were lucky it wasnt any bigger. Storm Bringer: It felt like I was down in half that time. That lightning spell still has me salty. Prominence: Dont worry, Storm, my pal. You tanked like a boss. You should get a medal for not needing to respawn at Nexus Tower. Lol. Storm Bringer: A medal, my ass! Do you want me to shoot a lightning bolt in your face?! KuroUsagi: But did anyone else notice the weird magic formations in the corner of the chamber where we found the pile of aetherite? I feel like theres some hidden lore were missing. The players continued theorizing about what the enemy acolytes had been up to before the raid. Everyone agreed that there must be a hidden plotline that they hadnt uncovered yet, and perhaps would become important in the future. The possibilities were endless. Locktekei: Have you two @Prominence and @ChickenSmackdownLevel99 forgotten how you tossed me off the dirigible?! I will have my vengeance! Wait till that time comes! ?? ButterflyWingsAreDelicious: Skydiving is a great experience. Stop whining or Ill smack you again. Locktekei: Yes, maam GladiusZone: Wait, did you guys actually skydive?! Man, that sounds to be a very thrilling thing to do in the game. #ExtremelyJealous The conversation soon veered into discussing the new NPC that Victor had introduced upon his return. DigitalMagicianPatrick: Speaking of which, Ive already logged out when it happened. But can anyone fill me in on the new NPC girl that the headmaster brought back? Prominence: Bro, Ive been trying to hold back because I didnt want to sound like a creep, but Lillies basically a real-life fairytale princess. Cute as heck, so innocent, the whole package. Its like weve just found ourselves a new mascot to protect! Gigglebelly Grumblefart: An NPC girl that the headmaster brought back? Is this some kind of kidnapping? Should I call the police? [Shocked.jpg] MikeisHandsome1000x: Dude, youre exaggerating. No way shes that cute. Its just a game Wait, if its in real life, you guys would have been charged with crimes. Prominence: What crimes? Ive only stated the truth. ButaYaarou: Yup, I saw her in the footage, and shes legit adorable! Alright, Im forming the Lillie Knights. Whos with me? GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Me, me, me! Locktekei: Me too! SirLaughsALot: Ahem. ButaYaarou: Oh, not again! Please dont call the FBI! SirLaughsALot: Make way for the commander of the Lillie Knights. GiveMeTheNuclearCode: Did my eyes trick me? ButaYaarou: (_) SirLaughsALot: Dont get me wrong. Im only trying to protect her from degenerates like you people. It didnt take long for the players to rally behind Lillie, already planning to protect her as if she were their own. Threads popped up across the forum, and soon, the Lillie Knights were trending as more players jumped into the discussion. Every detail of the expedition was being dissected, from the raid on the slavers to the ambush in the mine, and even the tiniest nuances were up for debate. As a matter of fact, the expedition wasnt the only hot topic lighting up the forums. Several posts from exploration-focused players had sparked a flurry of discussion about the strange state of the Thornwood Forest. Sightings of undead creatures had been reported far away from the academy, and they seemed to be creeping closer with each passing day. This sparked many theories among players some believed this was a precursor to a major update or event, while others were skeptical, debating whether these sightings were random spawns or something. Nevertheless, it remained a mystery about the undeads origin or true purpose. And because of their growing numbers, many players were wary of engaging them, preferring to observe from a distance rather than risk being overwhelmed. After all, there were more immediate concerns around the academy grounds. One particularly chilling rumor had appeared: A player was mysteriously killed not far from the academy, supposedly caused by a terrifying monster lurking in the shadows. Though the exact details remained unclear, the story sent shivers down the spines of even the most veteran players, making everyone more cautious in the unexplored corners of the game world. *** Victor stood at the bridge of the dirigible, completely aware of the rumors going around on the official website forum. But other than instructing Lizbeth to keep a close watch and alert him if anything critical arose, he gave the matter little further thought. After all, he had his sight set on the main agenda of this expedition. Even if there were formidable enemies lurking out there near the academy, he was confident that the players would be able to hold the ground until he returned. Once he was back, any looming threats near the academy would be handled in due course. Now that the aetherite mine had been raided, he had checked off one of the main goals of this expedition. The rest was to source and secure a steady channel for the miscellaneous materials the academy needed. This would be where the players real-world expertise would be tested, as establishing this connection was essential for the academys continued advancement. Their ingenuity would play a key role in making it a reality. Furthermore, he had dropped off Rex near the mine to gather and lead his kin toward the academy. He expected that they would arrive at Thornwood Village in a week at most. Hopefully, everything would be smooth sailing from this point onward. Regardless, even though their journey had been delayed for a day for various reasons, it was finally time to press on toward Brightmoon City. Interlude: Turning into the Living Dead Part I SuperNovaX was the username used by Kevin. In reality, he was just a college student in his final semester, doing his best to impress his thesis advisor. After nearly a month of pushing himself to meet deadlines and complete his remaining college credits, he finally had the chance to dive into the game hed been craving to play, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The game Magus Academy Online had got him addicted since its closed-alpha release more than two and a half months ago. For Kevin, playing the game was like being transported to another world, so immersive that it often made him forget which of the two was the real world. Furthermore, the games two-to-one time dilation allowed him to manage his real-world responsibilities more efficiently, giving him more time for his studies. Usually, he would only log in at night to best utilize his sleeping time. Fortunately, the games newly built-in internet access, even if some things were restricted, was still very useful to him, and it helped him accelerate his thesis writing even while inside the in-game academy. As he logged in and explored the academy grounds, he realized that he had not much to do with his friends off on the expedition. Alas, hed wanted to join them, but he couldnt risk being expelled from his university or disappointing his family. Playing it safe was the only option. Well, all that mattered was that he could fully immerse himself in the game once again. At this point, he had just advanced to the second stage of Initiate Attunement, but his spell repertoire was severely lacking. Thinking he might get a better deal at the marketplace, Kevin decided to head there rather than purchasing ones from the virtual shop. Many players had begun creating their own spell models using the Spell Generator program with the intention of selling them to make money; it was kind of like Bitcoin mining and Metaverse mixed together in a sense. Talk about being pay-to-win. Raw magical beast meat for sale! Fresh Mossback Turtle meat! Its delicious no matter how you cook it! Only one platinum coin per kilogram. I bet you never tasted turtle meat before, shouted one seller. Teeth and bones! Straight from a magical beast! They can be used to make accessories and weapons! Im only charging one gold coin for each. Only twenty are available, so act fast! another seller shouted. Does anyone want to purchase the spell model I just generated? It will make you look cool and help you hook up with a hot chick in under ten minutes! There was even one that sounded like a scam. As he wandered through the bustling stalls, a voice caught his attention. Berries for sale! Fresh berries, straight from the Thornwood Forest! Dont miss out! A female player stood behind a mat overflowing with brightly colored berries. Im also selling berry jam! Why not reward yourself with a slice of toast spread thick with homemade jam after a hard days work? A small crowd quickly gathered around her stall, drawn by curiosity or perhaps because the seller was a pretty female player with blue hair. Are your berries edible? Are they gluten-free? Can someone with fruit-based allergies safely touch them? Are your berries sentient? I dont want to eat something that can think. If I eat enough jam, can I have hallucinations? The flood of questions from the players left the seller slightly overwhelmed. Nevertheless, she tried her best to answer each question. Yes, they are edible! And you can have hallucinations Ah, no, I mean you wont have hallucinations! Probably, she stammered. In a flustered attempt to prove her point, she quickly opened a jar of jam, dipped her finger in, and tasted it. See? Perfectly fine! she declared, grinning. The crowd watched her closely, and when nothing strange happened, they broke out into excited chatter. Ooh, they really are edible! shouted the first player. Give me a jar of jam and one kilogram of those red berries! I can finally have a decent breakfast after skipping meals for days! Oh, please give me the one that you dipped your finger in just now. Ill take two kilos! And if they taste bad, Ill return them. Man, too bad they dont give hallucinations Next time, please bring berries thatll make me see my anime waifu, Furina, calling me husband! Kevin found out that the commenter was none other than ButaYaarou. Hello, mental hospital? I think we have one of your patients who escaped here. Kevin was interested in a berry that looked like a wild strawberry, so he bought a handful to snack on while he explored the bustling marketplace. He bit into one and immediately scrunched his face. Mm, so sour! he muttered, but once the sharp tang subsided, a pleasant sweetness followed. Overall, not bad.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. As he wandered through the market, eyeing the various spells being sold by players, he couldnt help but chuckle. Most of the spells were either impractical or designed purely to troll flashy effects with little actual use. Some like {Personal Air Conditioning} were popular and useful despite it couldnt be used in combat. Still, he managed to pick up two spells that seemed promising and fit his current need for five and three mana crystals respectively, both related to the Necro element. The first was called {Ghoul Synchronization}, a transformation spell that morphed the casters hands into those of a ghoul. Plus, it would inflict necrotic wounds that would be hard to heal while strengthening the casters musculoskeletal system. It would be useful when he used it for close-quarter combat. The second spell, {Spectral Shroud}, was less practical but potentially more valuable. It allowed the caster to blend into shadows and become less noticeable to magical beasts, especially undead creatures. Even though there was no undead creature in the game so far. Since he would be doing tasks alone without the help of his party members, this spell could be a lifesaver. Better to play it safe than risk running into something he couldnt handle. Apparently, the game had set rules so that the buyer of the spell models couldnt distribute the spells to another person until one month had passed since their creation. This was to ensure that while the spell models would eventually become a collective asset and help all the players, it would still compensate the creator fairly in the short term. Next, he activated his Shadowlink Mark to check the available missions. His eyes scanned the list until he settled on one that piqued his interest: a classic exploration mission. [Explore the uncharted area of the Thornwood Forest.] [Mission Difficulty: Two stars] [Requirement: First-stage Initiate Attunement or above] [Note: Caution is needed when exploring an unknown land, and youre advised to set up a party. Death will not be compensated.] [Reward: 100 merit points per 1 km2, with additional rewards depending on any special discoveries] Since the last two updates, Kevin had been freed from his warehouse management duties as the academys player base grew. As such, he had no more obligations tying him down. So instead, he decided to venture deep into the forest, just like he had dreamed when he first started the game. Who knows? Maybe hed stumble upon a glitched-out area or even a hidden village filled with beautiful Amazonians. Though most players formed parties for such missions, Kevin felt confident in going solo. He had some experience exploring the forest. On top of that, he had always been good at exploration-type games, being the one to explore even in a game such as Minecraft. Plus, he was one of the pioneers in the game and was now a second-stage Initiate Attunement; he could handle whatever the forest threw at him. After all, what could go wrong? *** Once Kevin had finished preparing for his exploration double-checking his supplies and practicing his two new spells he set out to explore the uncharted area of the Thornwood Forest to the southwest. His excitement built as he ventured deeper into the unknown, with his senses on high alert, and a crossbow strapped on his back. The forest was thick and eerie, and although Kevin had always been scared of ghosts, the oppressive atmosphere didnt faze him as much as it might have before. Having practiced his magic and the meditation technique, he could feel his mental state getting tougher. It wasnt long before he encountered his first real challenge. A shadowy, panther-like magical beast sprang out from behind a dense bush, its razor-sharp teeth aiming for his throat. Without hesitation, Kevin cast {Ghoul Synchronization}, transforming his hands into ghastly, gnarled claws. In a swift motion, he deflected the panthers attack and retaliated, driving his ghoul-like claws into its side. The beast yelped as necrotic energy pulsed through its wound, leaving behind dark, festering flesh. Kevin caught his breath as he sized up the creature a Shadow Panther. According to the official wiki, adult Shadow Panthers had the strength equivalent to a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. Thankfully, this one was juvenile, though it would be tough to take it down alone. Fortunately, as the wounded panther glared at him, its predatory instincts were overtaken by self-preservation. With a final hiss, it darted off into the underbrush. Kevin let out a shaky sigh of relief. He couldve used his new spell {Spectral Shroud} to escape and stall for time with {Summon Shadeling}, but he didnt want to come to that unless he was forced to. Pressing onward, Kevin encountered several other magical beasts along the way. The weaker ones fell easily to his spells, while the stronger creatures those closer to his own power level he either scared off or avoided entirely. Unfortunately, he couldnt carry the beasts corpses, so he settled for taking small trophies like claws from the creatures he defeated, hoping theyd be worth something back at the marketplace. Otherwise, he would sell it to the NPCs. Still, the Thornwood Forest was vast. But as he thought he would see lush greenery all the way, it all suddenly changed into a strange, unsettling landscape. The trees here were withered and dead, their bark blackened as though scorched by some unnatural force. Not a single living animal could be seen roaming around. What the hell happened here? he muttered to himself, slowing his pace. The area was so withered that it reminded him of a certain horror shooting game he used to play. It wasnt long before the answer revealed itself. Ahead, undead creatures roamed the area zombies and skeletal remains wandering aimlessly among the dead trees. Kevins heart skipped a beat. This wasnt what he had expected when he was going to explore this area. His first instinct was to turn around and report his findings back to the academy. But just as he was about to retreat, one of the zombies detected him. To avoid confrontation, he went in the other direction. Suddenly, as he ran into the dead trees, his foot caught on something he glanced down too late to realize it was actually a trap. The ground gave way beneath him, and with a sickening lurch, he plummeted into a concealed pit filled with sharpened spears. The moment of shock was brief as the spears pierced through his body. Are you fucking kidding me? was his last thought as his vision blurred, and he was disconnected from the game. Stupid. Interlude: Turning into the Living Dead Part II Kevin took a breather in the real world before deciding to check on his resurrection cooldown. Slipping back into his gaming capsule and putting on the VR helmet, he expected to see the usual resurrection screen. Instead, a sudden burst of blue light pierced his vision, pulling his consciousness forcefully into the game. Almost instantly, he realized that he had logged in to the game world. As he tried to move around, he realized that the place was cramped, so much so that he couldnt move his limbs more than thirty centimeters away. For a brief moment, he wondered if he was hallucinating in the capsule, but the cramped space felt more like a box. Wait, am I inside a coffin? Gathering his strength, Kevin pushed against the top of the box. To his shock, it flew off with surprising ease, crashing to the side. What? Did I just get stronger? he thought, bewildered. Despite just having achieved the second stage of Initiate Attunement, he was confident that he was attuned to his strength. But this felt even more powerful. What the heck is happening? Kevins mind raced. How am I inside the game? Is this some kind of hidden plot or event? Nothing made sense to him other than this reasoning. With questions piling up in his mind, Kevin stood up and surveyed his surroundings. The area was dimly lit, yet for some reason, his vision cut through the darkness with ease, almost as if he had night vision. The damp stone walls and ancient architecture suggested he was in an underground castle or dungeon of some sort. As he scanned the room, his eyes landed on a figure standing near an oak-like stove. Upon more observation, the figure appeared to be a female, or at least humanoid in form. Her bluish skin and the two small horns protruding from her temples meant that she wasnt human. Strangely, she seemed to be in the middle of cooking? Curiosity piqued, Kevin cautiously approached her. The figure then turned around, her eyes widening in surprise. Oh, it seems youve regained consciousness, my creation, she said in a calm, almost tender voice. Kevin blinked. My creation? He took in more of her odd appearance she wore a simple dress, covered by a spotless white apron, and a chefs hat, of all things. But what really caught his attention was the fact that she had no legs. Instead, she floated effortlessly in the air. She was a ghost! Usually, Kevin wouldve sprinted in the opposite direction at the sight of a ghost, but this one wasnt exactly terrifying. In fact, she looked bizarrely out of place, like a ghostly chef straight out of a parody. Is she some kind of weird NPC? he thought. Before he could speak, the floating figure raised her hands dramatically. Its time to conquer the world! she declared, as dark energy swirled ominously around her. Kevins heart raced for a moment until her tone abruptly shifted. With a free lifelong premium cooking service! Satisfaction guaranteed, or double your money back! Kevin stood there, speechless. The devs mustve been drunk when they coded this NPC, especially when her dramatic presence didnt fit the dark and eerie setting at all. Yet, despite the absurdity, Kevin felt an odd connection to her as though his newfound power somehow originated from this ghostly, comedic figure. What exactly had he gotten himself into? Sit wherever you like, she said, gesturing toward a long dining table lined with chairs. To Kevins horror, they were occupied by various undead creatures, such as skeletons, zombies, and even a ghoul or two. It seemed she intended for him to join them in eating whatever it was she had cooked. Hopefully, it was not horrible like a rotten flesh stew or something. Kevin tried to respond, but when he opened his mouth to speak, only a guttural moan escaped. Graahh? Holy shit! Why cant I speak?! The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. It was at that moment that he realized that he was no longer human. Chills ran through his spine as he glanced down at his hands. His skin, unblemished by the wounds it should have had from before, was the same bluish tone as the ghostly woman before him not the decayed gray of the zombies around him, but clearly not human anymore. Am I... undead? But what kind of undead? Well, this is awkward. The ghost scratched the back of her head in what seemed like genuine embarrassment and explained, Let me get to the point. Im your creator, Valeria arc Noctis, the Fallen Princess from the Dark Age, and now a Ghost Necromancer. I need a smart subordinate who can help me handle complex tasks, like gathering all sorts of ingredients. But because theres kind of a shortage of skilled labor from the place where I come from, I created you to do the job. She paused, a sly smile spreading on her mouth. It just so happens that someone with a strong affinity for both Necro and Umbra elements, like you, fell into one of my little traps. A happy coincidence for me. Oh, what a blessing. Kevin stood there, dumbfounded. So, you were the one who killed me! And to have fallen into a trap meant for mindless prey, he couldnt imagine the shame that would come if he were to share his experience with other players. Still, of all the twisted plotlines he had imagined, this one took the cake. And apparently, it came with a side of undead cuisine. Sighing internally, Kevin figured standing there wasnt going to solve anything, so he resigned himself to the situation and took a seat at the table. He tried to ignore the zombie beside him, who was drooling as it hunched over his side. Alright, time to think. Kevin reached for his Shadowlink Mark, planning to message his friends or even contact the developers to ask about this hidden plotline. But... nothing happened. Eh? He tried again, focusing harder, but the familiar interface didnt appear. His Shadowlink Mark on his left wrist remained unresponsive. He frowned, injecting infused mana into it to force a response. Still nothing. Panic started to creep in. Why isnt it working? No matter how hard he tried, it wouldnt respond to his call as if powerful magic sealed his connection to it. What the hell was going on? Are you trying to contact your friends? The ghost, who called herself Valeria, turned her face 180 degrees while her body remained focused on cooking, her face stretching unnaturally toward Kevin with a glare. Terrifying. That was truly terrifying. As if sensing his fear, Valeria retracted her head back into place. Dont worry, I only put a magic seal on that mark because I cant allow you to communicate with your friends just yet. While Ive given you free will and preserved your consciousness, that doesnt mean you can do as you please. Please understand my position and obey my orders. Ill naturally reward you once this is all over. Then, this had to be a forced mission! Nevertheless, without the ability to access his holographic screen, there wasnt even a mission pop-up to confirm it. He wanted to ask about her immediate goal, but he was reminded of his inability to speak. Oh, if youre wondering what my plans are Valerias expression shifted into a smile, clearly amused by his frustration. Well begin by turning this area into my domain. My scouts recently found an intriguing place to the northeast. Thats where well start. The northeast was the direction of the academy. He had to warn the others! But his only option was to log out of the game and use the internet to contact someone. But in order to log out, hed either need to meditate or lose consciousness in the game. Graah! he groaned, attempting to express his thoughts. It seems that you have much to say. Valeria smiled, amused. Rest assured, you will regain your ability to speak in time as you become more attuned to your new body. She then waved her hand, and several spectral hands appeared, placing a dish in front of him; it was a surprisingly normal-looking stew. Now, Please partake, she said with a flourish, gesturing toward the food. With no other option, Kevin cautiously scooped up a spoonful of the stew and took a sip. His eyes instantly widened in shock. Wow! This tastes incredible like something straight out of a five-star restaurant! Kevin gobbled down the soup to its last drip. It was so good that even CookieMons cooking was nothing in comparison. In fact, he had the audacity to ask for seconds or even thirds. Hm-hmm, Valeria hummed, a smile tugging at her lips. She seemed unusually cheerful. Its the first time someone has enjoyed my cooking, hehe. Wait, does that mean all her previous meals have been horrid? Although he wanted to ask, he was unable to. Not that he had the guts to ask her outright, even if she was just an NPC. Whatever the case, he was in to do some hidden mission given by the game. Maybe it would lead to unlocking a secret class, the kind that would make other players burn with envy, just like the rare Bloodline Magus or KuroUsagis Magus inheritance. It was only later on that he discovered that he couldnt log out from the game! Chapter 161: City of Brightmoon Gazing on the lower part of the bridge, Victor found Eleanor leaning against the railing, twiddling with her thumbs as if caught in some invisible loop of thought. She looked almost out of place, with a crestfallen face that spoke a thousand words. Are you alright? Victor asked, a bit confused. Eleanor sighed, glancing up with an unusual weight in her eyes. Victor realized that after she escorted Lillie to her room and accompanied her for the night, shed returned with a somber expression that hadnt lifted since. Considering that she had always been a capricious girl, it was strange to see her dispirited like that. Its just that Lillies situation is so similar to what happened to mine she admitted quietly. Makes me not know what to feel right now. It made sense. All this time, she had been focused on accomplishing her goal with everything she got, almost never looking back in the process. Lillies arrival must have struck a deep chord, stirring memories shed long since locked away. Victor found himself at a loss, struggling to find the right words for this kind of situation. In stories, the hero always seemed to know just what to say to lift their friends spirits, with grand speeches that stirred courage and resilience. But Victor wasnt a storybook hero; he wasnt someone with an endless reserve of inspiring words or poetic wisdom. Still, he was the headmaster. And if there was ever a time to rise to that title, it was now. With that in mind, Victor spoke up. Does thinking about it change anything? He shifted his gaze to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the windows with a melancholic expression. You know, I used to have a complete, loving family too once. And then they were gone Poof. Just like that. He gestured. Sometimes you think youve moved on and then something reminds you. Perhaps it was more correct to say that they lost him instead, but Victor wasnt going to explain this to Eleanor since there was no need to. Eleanors eyes lightened up, and she looked up at him in understanding. Youre talking about the Asteriscus family, arent you? At this question, Victor didnt answer, only giving her a small, wistful smile, allowing the silence to speak for itself. He looked out the window, the landscape stretching before them. Losing people changes you, he said gently. Maybe what weve lost who weve lost can Victor, look! Its the City of Brightmoon! Eleanor suddenly exclaimed as she pointed out the window. Really now? Here he was, attempting to convey something profound, but, as usual, this airheaded girl couldnt read the scene. Well, not that he cared anyway. He glanced at where she pointed. Below, fields spread like patchwork blankets of green and gold, stretching far beyond the reach of Thornwood Villages modest farmland. Further ahead, about five or so kilometers away, a sizable city hugged the shore of a large lake, shimmering as though a thousand candles flickered in greeting. With the lake reflecting the daylight in a soft glow, he could see how the city had earned its name. Ahem. Lets inform the play acolytes about this, said Victor, steering the conversation back on course. Will I be going down too? Eleanor asked excitedly, eyes gleaming at the thought of exploring the city below. Victor shook his head, much to her disappointment. I need you to stay here to protect the dirigible. Lillie will also require some company; its far too risky to bring her into the city. After all, she was the last remaining heir of House Brightmoon. Every other family member eligible to inherit the estate was dead, and now this land was essentially under the rule of the Merlin family. Victor could change his appearance with the Mask of Impersonation, but it would be difficult to disguise Lillie with just simple spells when there might be unknown Magi keeping watch. On that note, there was always the option of retaking the city from the Merlins outright. Yet such a move would draw the eye of the kingdom and the Arcane Radiance College, and that was a risk he couldnt bear at this point in time. Confronting his former academy right now would be tantamount to suicide. Even if the players were immortal beings and could resurrect endlessly, a single Nexus Temporal Magus could flatten what they had built. Truly an unwinnable battle. A village in the boonies would be overlooked. But a sizable city like Brightmoon? It would draw eyes and questions from every direction. Putting that aside, Victor stepped toward the bronze-yellow pipe on the side and announced, Attention, all acolytes. Weve reached our destination the City of Brightmoon. Time to drag yourselves out to the lounge and prepare for the briefing. Dont keep me waiting. He stepped back, a smile creeping on his face. From the moment he announced that, excitement rippled through the ship, and he could already hear the eager chatter filling the corridors. The dirigible wasnt that large, and within moments, players were hurrying to the lounge, eager to be the first to hear the mission details. For them, this would be their first glimpse of a city within the game. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. As he turned to leave the bridge, he felt a light punch on his shoulder and turned to find Eleanor with a mischievous grin. Even if I cant join the fun down there, Ill keep things secure up here. Just bring back something interesting. Victor nodded. Hold the fort, and Ill make sure to return with something worthwhile. When he arrived at the lounge, the scene was just as hed imagined players crowded against the windows, craning their necks to catch their first sight of the Brightmoon city. Though the view was limited because the lounge only had windows on the right and left sides of the dirigible. Esteemed Headmaster! Sir Astralium, are we landing now? Will we be allowed to roam free? As soon as they saw him, the players immediately bombarded him with all sorts of questions. Most were eager and sparkling with excitement with uncontained glee. Silence! Victor commanded, unleashing his mana force that pressed against the room before sitting on a nearby chair. The players instantly hushed, sensing that whatever he was about to say was worth their undivided attention. From here on, you are to follow my instructions precisely, he continued. The city is currently under the control of the Merlin family, who have illegally occupied it and murdered the rightful lord of the region, which is Lillies father. While this injustice is something we will address in time, we cannot afford to draw unnecessary attention for now. The players glanced at each other with a mix of excitement and concern crossing their faces. Some of them were clenching their fists upon hearing that it was Lillies home that was snatched away. Remember, were here for a specific purpose to gather materials and secure a channel for future trade, Victor went on, his gaze sweeping across the room. You will be divided into teams, and each team will have specific tasks to complete. Youll receive briefing details on your Shadowlink Mark, and I expect each and every one of you to stay out of sight. Blend in, and avoid trouble. Naturally, Victor wouldnt allow the players to scatter until they had entered the city. Brightmoon City had strict regulations, and it wasnt the sort of place where random strangers could stroll in without identification. A group of mages in robes was bound to draw suspicion. Fortunately, the players acolyte robes were dull in color, designed to blend in with the surroundings. Only Victors acolyte robe looked a bit fancy, but that would be taken care of by his Mask of Impersonation. A murmur spread through the crowd as they absorbed his words. Judging by their stupid expressions, Victor could tell they were thrilled by this infiltration mission. Now then, Victor began, standing up once again, lets get started. Yes, Headmaster! As you command, Sir Astralium! Just watch this pros about to show you amateurs how to sneak without a sound. Enthusiastic responses came as several players grinned, ready to take this challenge. Good. With that, Victor turned toward his room to make final preparations, leaving the players to ready themselves. *** The city walls of Brightmoon loomed closer, casting long shadows over Victor and the players as they approached. He had carefully anchored the dirigible behind a nearby hill, out of sight of the nearby inhabitants to avoid unnecessary attention. Given the current situation here, he didnt want even a hint of trouble finding its way back to them. As they joined the line of people waiting to enter, Victor subtly glanced at the players, ensuring their hoods were pulled low and their expressions neutral. Well, they looked the part just another group of quiet acolytes moving through the city but he couldnt help but notice that these peoples facial expressions were contorting to hold back their excitement. Truly a bunch of players, through and through. Wow, look! Are those guards on the wall holding muskets? One of the players pointed atop the wall. Confirmed. This games setting is indeed not medieval, said Storm. Indeed. While muskets couldnt compare to modern guns, ordinary humans would be able to easily use them to deter enemies, especially in defensive terrain like this. However, their effectiveness was quite abysmal when used against extraordinary beings and life forms, as round bullets propelled by black powder wouldnt be able to injure strong Ki-Warriors, much less destroy Magus defensive spells. Eventually, they reached the gate Halt! a stern-faced shouted and blocked the path with his spear. Show me your identification document and state your purpose in the city, he demanded, eyeing their robes with suspicion. Victors current appearance was that of a wise-looking, middle-aged man, who looked no different than a typical distinguished Magus. Without hesitation, he tossed an insignia toward the guard, who caught it with a grunt. That should be sufficient proof of my identity, Victor said coolly. The guard examined the insignia carefully, and his eyes gradually widened in shock. The Arcane Radiance College?! He looked at Victor and turned back at the insignia with unimaginable surprise and awe. Honored sir, please, come right in. The insignia was an official identification object, one given only to Arcane Radiance Colleges acolytes and staff. Displaying it here would raise no suspicion, as the kingdom was under the rule of the academy, and it was not that uncommon for acolytes to venture to this city. After taking back the insignia, Victor stepped forward, but as the players moved to follow, the guard blocked the players path. Please show me your identification as well. Theyre under my direct supervision, Victor replied in an authoritative tone. You may grant them passage. I will vouch for each one of them. This The stern-looking guard hesitated, looking troubled as he glanced back at Victor. I apologize, sir, but because of the recent change in he pointed at the sky, regulations have tightened considerably. Any guests or outsiders must undergo individual inspection. Id be punished otherwise. Victor tossed two platinum coins to the guard, saying, That should cover their entry and ensure your discretion. The guard caught the coins, his expression shifting from stern to gleeful as he examined them. Yes, this is more than enough! More than enough! Please call for me if you have any trouble. For a city guard, two platinum coins represented a small fortune, enough to provide for half a year of lavish living. It was clear that he had never seen such wealth in his hands before. Chapter 162: Exploring the City Inside the city, Victor couldnt help but feel the thrill of having returned to a lively urban center. Brightmoon City was worthy of being called a regional city, its wide, paved streets bustling with activity and flanked by towering, Victorian-style buildings adorned with detailed moldings and wrought-iron balconies. Mana lamps lined the streets, though not currently illuminated because it was in the morning. Despite the recent change in control, the city was still quite busy; it was as if the residents either didnt know or didnt care that House Brightmoon had fallen. People moved through their daily routines, merchants hawked their wares, and children ran through the streets, oblivious to the machinations under the surface. Well, its not like the Merlin family doesnt have good governing abilities Or else, they wouldnt have become as large and powerful as they are now, Victor thought. Victor then gave a subtle hand signal to the players, and they quickly split into three groups as per their prior arrangements. The players nodded, quickly slipping into the crowd. Victor just hoped that they would be able to complete their tasks without any trouble. Once they disappeared, Victor adjusted his robe, took a deep breath, and allowed himself to relax just a little, blending into the flow of people as he made his way toward the citys heart the lords mansion. He wanted to see what the Merlin family was up to. *** Sean and his party Chicken, Butterfly, Scarlet, and Patrick strolled through the citys bustling marketplace, awestruck by the level of detail around them. The rich aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meats mingled with the spices from vendors exotic wares, making the whole market feel alive. The merchants loud bartering, the clinking of coins, and the chatter of townsfolk added a vibrant backdrop to their exploration, making it easy to forget that this was all within a game. The devs have really outdone themselves with this new map, Sean murmured, enchanted by the surroundings. Although the academy also had a market, it paled in comparison to this. Here, the scope was vast, and all were performed with NPCs instead of players their routines were also no different than real humans. Chicken also gasped. I can smell that stew from a mile away! Lets grab some before we get on with our mission. Butterfly rolled her eyes, smirking. Were here on an important mission, remember? Keep your drooling under control. She darted ahead, her eyes filled with wariness. Nevertheless, she stopped at a fabric stall where bolts of shimmering silks and brocades were displayed. She ran her fingers over the vibrant colors, clearly as enraptured as anyone. Hey big girl, dont just look around and touch everything. Buy something at least, the vendor grumbled. I-I will. Butterfly harrumphed. In spite of being familiar with the games extreme immersion, they were still enamored by the setting of the game. It was unlike what they had seen in the real world. Patrick surveyed the bustling scene, his sharp eyes noting every detail. The NPCs here really feel like they have lives of their own, not different from the ones back at the village, he remarked, clearly impressed. The server''s computing power must be massive to handle all of this. Thats not all, Scarlet chimed in. Its as if they know were outsiders, but theyre choosing to ignore it. She wasnt wrong. In typical RPGs, NPCs often treated players as invisible or simply followed basic programming. In Skyrim, for example, you could walk right up to a guard, steal their armor, or even place a bucket over their head, and they wouldnt bat an eye, let alone retaliate. Here, however, the NPCs seemed subtly aware of their presence, giving their interactions a depth that bordered on unsettling. Sean glanced around at the vendors, noting curious glances that were cast their way. It was hard to shake the feeling that, at any moment, someone might walk up and question their purpose here. Fortunately, they werent the only ones wearing hooded robes on the street. Regardless, Sean said, weve got work to do. Lets split up and get what we need. Their mission this time was to gather all sorts of products they could get ahold of in the market that were not available around the academy and the village exotic plants, minerals, and even rare animal parts that were abundant in this region. The headmaster had provided them with the money needed, and if it wasnt enough, they were free to cover the expense with their money first. While it wasnt as critical as securing the rare materials, magic metals, and ores that the other teams were after, the wide array of other useful goods meant theyd get to explore more of the city. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. *** Meanwhile, Williams party was no less excited by their assignment. With both Mike and SuperNova absent from the expedition, Thunder and Locktekei had joined Zero, Storm, and William to round out the team for this mission. They stepped into the industrial heart of Brightmoon City, where plumes of smoke from countless forges rose into the air and the glow of molten metal lit the doorways. Here, among the citys finest blacksmiths and metalworkers, they were tasked with a critical mission: to secure rare magical metals, ores, and whatnot according to the list that the headmaster had given them. While they werent entirely sure of the purpose of gathering all of these, the reward offered five hundred merit points each was more than enough to keep them motivated. For a mission that could be wrapped up in a single day, it was exceptionally generous. As an added bonus, they were allowed to explore. William paused at the edge of the street while skimming the list on the holographic screen. We have to be thorough here, he said, glancing at each member of his party. Lets split up and ask around about the rarer materials on the list. This city should have everything we need if we dig a bit. Thunder nodded, staring at a towering forge at the end of the street. Ill check in with the larger workshops theyre bound to have access to bulk metals and might even deal in rare alloys. Locktekei grinned and clapped Thunder on the shoulder. Ill go with you. You know, extra hands to carry any heavy finds. Ill head to the local smiths. Storm chimed in, already eyeing the smaller shops along the street, where independent craftsmen displayed their wares and ornaments. They might know more about specialized ores maybe even the sources of some of the rarer minerals. Zero, on the other hand, made a show of adjusting his nonexistent glasses and said, Ill take notes and help negotiate prices then. We should be able to save some money, which may give us some bonus in terms of reward. William watched as each of the party members picked their direction with focused excitement. As for me, he announced, Ill talk to people around here, and see if anyone has valuable information to share. Naturally, he had a secondary motive there could be beautiful NPCs hiding somewhere around the corner, and he didnt want to limit himself to a single area. With their paths set, the party split up. William strode into the crowd with a sense of anticipation, wondering what or who he could find. *** In a lavishly furnished room lined with dark wood and lit by flickering crystal lamps, a middle-aged merchant sat stiffly, trying to maintain his composure. Across from him, seated with an air of absolute confidence, was a young girl in an acolyte robe. Her expression was calm, yet her presence had an undeniable sharpness that kept him on edge. The merchant''s handkerchief had already made several trips across his brow as the conversation ensued. Ten platinum coins for all of this? Surely you jest, she asserted calmly, her words as sharp as her penetrating eyes. Even for an established trading company like yours, no one else would charge half as much for this quantity. The merchant gulped, not only because he was struggling to hold his ground but also because he knew the identity of the other party and her friends standing quietly behind her mages. Well, Miss Auralise. I must remind you that imports have been... costly, given the recent In any case, Monica, also known as Auralise in the game, interrupted, tapping the edge of the table, we both know you''ve secured these items at far below current market rates. Why should I pay double for whats available elsewhere? Its not like you can sell these items to anyone else given the market situation. Five platinum coins, and Ill take them off your hands immediately. Not to mention, youll gain the goodwill of five acolytes and the force behind us. The merchants polite smile strained as he glanced at the gilded clock on the wall, mentally calculating the value of her offer. I... I suppose. If its for building a friendship with esteemed guests like yourself, an adjustment can be made, he stammered, wiping his brow yet again. Now that were finally in agreement, Monica replied, her voice softening as she extended her hand, I assure you, this will be a transaction worth your while. As they shook hands, Monica couldnt conceal the smug smile playing on her lips. She had just struck a very good deal of securing not only most of the materials on her mission list but also a connection with one of the largest trading companies in the city, the Gilded Rose. Although, she had to admit that this wouldnt have gone so smoothly without the help of the other players. Aphrodite, in particular, had proven invaluable; hed assessed the quality and applications of all of the materials, even though some of them didnt exist in the real world like magic ores. It appeared that this player was very talented, and Monica was already planning to recruit him once they returned to the academy. His abilities surely would prove useful to her whether in-game or in the real world. Monica then clapped her hands and told the other players to oversee the transfer of the materials to make sure every item they had agreed on was accounted for. As for her, she intended to savor the small luxuries of the Gilded Rose trading company headquarters, enjoying the tea that her servant, Dominique, had served her. She had earned this moment. Chapter 163: Man in the Manor With ease, a figure flew over the imposing wall of the lords manor, casting an illusory spell {Spatial Mirage} around him with a flick of his fingers to blend seamlessly with the daylight. The patrolling guards continued obliviously, their gazes passing over him as he slipped unnoticed to one of the balconies where the former lords study room was supposed to be. Of course, the figure was none other than Victor. He peeked inside to check if there was someone and listened intently. Huh? It appeared that there were two figures leaning over a table littered with scrolls and maps talking inside. The knights dispatched to catch that cursed child were driven back, injured, and empty-handed! one of the men snapped, slamming a fist down on the table. Moreover, the Magus who led them disappeared entirely. How could this happen? A burly, armored man beside him, while visibly tense, remained measured. Theres more going on here. That unidentified Magus who intervened Do you really think were the only ones after her? The first mans face twisted with worry. So what do we do now? Before he could respond, the rooms door flew open, and a man in a distinct acolyte robe strode in. Sir, the two men greeted in unison, standing straighter under his gaze. The newcomer, whom Victor recognized as an acolyte, frowned deeply and said with a cold voice, The Merlin family has no patience for incompetence. Wed rather see that cursed child dead than risk further setbacks. His eyes shifted between the two men with open disdain. You both have failed miserably. Explain yourselves So, that acolyte is the envoy sent by the Merlin family, huh? S-Sir its like this the first man stammered, laying out the entire incident in nervous detail. The acolytes face hardened as he heard the explanation. If an unknown Magus is meddling in this, then its not worth provoking them further, he said, shaking his head. We have more urgent priorities. Control over the city is still tenuous, and weve yet to find the bastard responsible for killing the Merlin familys young master. Hearing their conversation further, Victor gleaned an important detail: There were currently no high-ranking members of the Merlin family stationed here. The only official Magus in their service was Roland, the one that he had subdued the day earlier. Furthermore, they had determined several locations around the city rumored to be linked to Graviels death, including the Thornwood Forest. Under the guise of avenging their fallen kin, the Merlin family had seized control of this region, drawn not only by sentiment and the rumored inheritance but also by a valuable resource they believed the area concealed. Victors lips curved into a faint smile as he pieced together their ulterior motive. Even more intriguing was their specific interest in Lillie, whose unique constitution had evidently caught their attention. They had intended to capture and experiment on her had it not been for his timely intervention. Interesting. Truly interesting. Everything Victor had overheard aligned precisely with what both Brown and Oleg had told him. With that in mind, there was nothing to be worried about. By his estimation, it would take months, at minimum, before the Merlin family mustered the resources and manpower to investigate the Thornwood Forest in earnest. By then, hed be more than prepared to confront whatever forces they might send. Unless they sent the family head, who was a Nexus Temporal Magus, nothing would be able to stop him. Before long, the three men departed the room, and Victor took this chance to slip inside, cautiously opening the window so as not to be noticed. He looked around the room, taking in the polished wood furniture and ornate decor, but his attention was soon drawn to a painting in the corner. Framed in delicate filigree, the portrait depicted three figures: a dignified, handsome man with silvery hair, a beautiful woman with snow-white locks, and a young girl whose innocent gaze and soft smile closely mirrored her mothers. They all had happy smiles on their faces, as though they were a family untouched by misfortune. This must be a portrait of Lillie and her parents, Victor mused to himself. Moving closer, he noticed an inscription at the bottom: The Brightmoon family together, forever. He was somehow filled with mixed feelings, mostly sympathetic, as he knew that he had unintentionally upended this life. Anyway, shes now my personal apprentice, and Ill do my best to make her a great Magus. He gazed at Lillies parents in the painting and stated, I promise to give her a happy life as an apology for what I have caused. You can rest assured. Filled with resolve, he turned away from the portrait and approached the ornate desk. Instead of rummaging through the papers and taking anything from there, he lightly touched any important documents. The Shadowlink Marks would be able to record the content of any paper with a single touch of his finger. Alright, time to go back. Lets see how the players are faring. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. That said, Victor swiftly recast a fresh layer of his illusory spell {Spatial Mirage}, seamlessly blending himself with his surroundings before heading back toward the balcony. He stepped lightly, moving along the ledge before finally flying into the air. *** Just beyond the towering stone walls outside the city, Victor and the fifteen players gathered at the secluded hillside rendezvous point. The hidden dirigible lay nearby, sheltered beneath thick tree cover and dense undergrowth, its presence concealed from the unsuspecting city below. Victors gaze swept over the group, assessing each player. The varying expressions of excitement, fatigue, and satisfaction hinted at successful endeavors. Is everyone here? he asked with a calm and commanding voice. Yes, Headmaster, Zero confirmed with a respectful nod as murmurs of agreement rippled through the gathering. As a Magus, Victor could easily check the total number of everyone here, but he asked this out of formality. Auralise stepped forward, flanked by her team. We secured a number of materials and negotiated a contract for future supplies, she reported, with a small, self-assured smile. Though, given the quantity of the item, we may need to extend our stay by a day to finalize everything. Her servant, Domonique, stood just behind her, a sack brimming with rare materials. Another player, Storm, crossed his arms, looking pleased. The industrial district was a gold mine Thunder managed to convince one of the biggest smithies to reserve some of the rarer ores like mithril exclusively for us, at least in the short term. Victors lips curled into a slight smile of approval. Good. Once were back on board, well catalog everything. He then turned to the last group KuroUsagis party adding, And your side? KuroUsagi exchanged glances with his party members, a grin breaking across his face. Sir, we managed to gather a ton of different supplies and samples, some of which even the academy doesnt have. Figured it was best to cover all bases. He pointed at several bags and sacks piled up nearby. And we still have about a quarter of our funds left. Victor nodded in satisfaction. Excellent work, all of you. He had allocated each group fifty platinum coins to procure all the items on the list. Except for aetherite and voidstone, there was nothing on the list that couldnt be bought with money. Platinum coins, the strongest currency that mortals used, were enough to secure what they needed. On top of that, he wasnt worried about running out of them, as raiding the slavers had provided him with quite a sum about a few dozen platinum coins and a few hundred gold coins. However, for certain rare items not listed, mana crystals were the only currency that could buy them. These materials, primarily rare magic metals and alloys, were beyond the reach of common markets and only available through discrete channels. Since this region lacked a market for mages, Victor had to be patient to procure them from the supply channel that his players had opened up. Overall, though, what he had gained was enough for this expedition. Clearing his throat, Victor addressed the group, All right. Well extend our stay by one day to finalize arrangements. You are free to roam the city, but remember, dont do anything that is out of line. Keep things subtle and within reason. An extra day? Woohoo! Prominences eyes sparkled with glee. Storm leaned in with a mischievous smile. I wonder if theres a red-light district in this city. Purely for research purposes, of course. Locktekei caught on instantly, grabbing Thunder by the shoulder. Were with you, Storm! Right, Thunder? Thunder groaned. Wait, why me too? I didnt sign up for this. Do you want to get banned from the game? KuroUsagi rebuked with his arms crossed. Even if a place like that exists, Im not risking it. A few others chuckled, exchanging eager plans about what theyd do with the extra time. They spoke of checking out the markets, exploring hidden spots, and finding the citys best eateries, treating all of this like a vacation of sorts. The buzz of anticipation filled the air as each of them prepared to make the most of their day in Brightmoon City. Victor wasnt going to be a party pooper, so he let them do as they pleased as long as they didnt violate the rules on the guidelines. *** Back at the academy, Lizbeth sat perched on the desk in the Headmasters Room as she monitored the players various activities through the holographic screens before her. As the academys self-proclaimed assistant fairy, it was her responsibility to oversee the academys progression, ensuring that everything was running smoothly. For hours, she had watched the endless bustle of tasks and combat unfold, her wings fluttering lazily in boredom. She was just about to close the screens and indulge in a well-deserved nap when a sudden alert startled her awake. Her pointed ears twitched as her eyes snapped to the flashing screen. Whats going on? She zoomed in on one screen, her expression turning into shock as she recognized the players username: SuperNovaX. He had been exploring the Thornwood Forest, venturing deeper than anyone had so far, but now his status had abruptly turned black. Lizbeths brow furrowed. Normally, a players death wasnt cause for concern. The System would automatically initiate revival protocols and put the players on the queue for revival, incubating a new body for them inside the Nexus Tower. But this time, an error message flashed across the screen, and her heart sank. Hes lost? she murmured in confusion. The screen was displaying Incubation not possible on it. Her delicate fingers flew across the holographic keyboard, trying to manually re-establish the connection. Yet, each attempt returned the same error. Why cant the System connect to his gaming capsule? Despite the many strange supernatural phenomena and anomalies present inside the forest, nothing like this had ever happened before. Players might die, but they always returned. Unless Her breath caught as a horrifying thought surfaced. There was only one explanation for such an unprecedented failure. Someone or something powerful has cut off SuperNovas connection to the System! She uttered out loud, her wings fluttering in agitation. Quickly, she pulled up the last known coordinates of his location and replayed the footage that his Shadowlink Mark had captured before his death. SuperNova had ventured into a part of the forest where the trees were twisted and lifeless, their bark blackened as if burned from the inside. The air there was thick with an unnatural gloom, and the ground teemed with the wandering dead. Suddenly, SuperNova fell hard into a trap and the screen went dark. But just before the video was cut off, Lizbeth caught a fleeting glimpse of a shadowed figure at the edge of the frame. This is bad. Really bad! Uh-oh, I have to tell Master about this immediately! she exclaimed, hurrying to reach him with the urgent news. Whatever had taken SuperNova out wasnt anything ordinary it was a threat that neither the academy nor the players could afford to ignore. Chapter 164: A Way Back Home As the dirigible gently rose into the air, carrying Victor and the players away from the city, the view of the sprawling landscape began to disappear. Below, the expansive fields and cityscape soon became mere specks on the horizon, while inside, the once-empty storage space of the dirigible was filled to the brim with crates and sacks of rare materials procured from the city. Each acquisition was carefully cataloged and stowed this was the fruit of their labor. In the main cabin, the players gathered around as they fell into animated conversation, discussing their exploration. Man, Im really gonna miss this city It felt like stepping back in time, Locktekei said, reclining in his seat with a wistful grin. Sure, weve seen tons of immersive environments before, but this is different. The atmosphere, the people, even the market noise it was like I was the main character in one of those popular isekai webnovels. I know, right?! Prominence nodded enthusiastically. This game never fails to surprise me at every turn. Whenever I thought that the game had hit its peak, it hit me with something even more insane. Across from them, Storm smirked as he propped his feet up. Honestly, if I didnt know it was a game, Id swear that the blacksmith I talked to was a real person. Auralise, who had been listening quietly with a smug expression, finally spoke. You lot are acting like yuppies. In Europe, rural towns have vibes just like that city. Honestly, the only difference here is the magical devices. Dominique added, What milady said is true. I was born in a small rural town in France, and Brightmoons architecture isnt all that different, albeit closer to that of a Victorian era elegant yet practical, with a touch of old-world charm. Some players like Thunder and Zero listened intently as Dominique revealed what it was like living in a rural town in Europe. Prominence grinned. Too bad we didnt uncover some grand hidden plot. I bet the next time we come back, though, well stumble onto something huge. Victor, watching silently from a holographic screen on the bridge, couldnt help but shake his head with an amused smile. What hidden plot? They are expecting too much for a regional city like Brightmoon. He didnt intervene in the conversation, though, letting them revel in their own fantasies. After all, he knew too well about the reality of the situation as he was the mastermind behind the whole charade. Just then, the door to the bridge swung open, and an innocent-looking young girl with snowy white hair burst in. Mentor! The moment Lillie spotted Victor, she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him. Youre back! Lillie has missed you so much! The last time Victor had returned to the dirigible, Lillie had been utterly exhausted, sleeping soundly according to Eleanor. He had wanted to begin drilling advanced magic knowledge into her, molding her into a genius among geniuses, but he couldnt bear to push her while she was so mentally drained. Instead, he had let her rest and recover. Eleanor, standing nearby, smirked as she watched the scene unfold. Pfft. Patron, you look more like a doting caretaker than the headmaster of a Magus academy, she teased, barely suppressing her laughter. Ahem. Victor glanced at Eleanor, his expression briefly flat, before turning his attention back to Lillie. Mm, Im back. Have you eaten and rested well? Yes! Lillie enthusiastically bobbed her head up and down like a little lucky cat figurine in a shop window. Good. Victor nodded his head before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small item. Actually, there was something hed taken from the lords study room, and it was a small photo. I believe this belongs to you, Lillie. He handed it to her. Although rare and extremely expensive in this world, magic cameras exist. And the images they produced could last centuries without fading, unlike the cameras from Earth over a century ago. Lillies eyes widened as she gazed at the photo, tears beginning to pool in her eyes. This this is Lillies family photo. Her voice trembled as she gently cradled the picture, memories flooding back as she stared at the image of her father, mother, and herself. It was slightly different from the large portrait Victor had seen in the manor, but the composition remained the same. He had done what he could to recover this small piece of her past, knowing full well that at the end of the day, she was still a child, no matter how powerful her special abilities might be. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. For a moment, Lillies emotions threatened to overwhelm her, but she quickly wiped away the tears, determination replacing the sadness in her eyes. No! Lillie wont cry anymore. She straightened her back, her voice resolute. Mentor, Lillie promises to become a powerful Magus, just like you. Please teach her the way. Hearing that, Victor was satisfied, and his lips curved into a faint smile. But before he could respond, Eleanor gave her a heartful thumbs-up. Attagirl! Youve got this! she said, pulling Lillie into a hug from the side and rubbing their cheeks together affectionately. Thats what I wanted to hear from you, my apprentice, he said. As soon as we get back, I will teach you everything I know. Ill make sure that no one will underestimate you anymore Mm-hmm! Lillie believes you. With her head held high, Lillie smiled as she clutched the photo to her chest. Out of the blue, just as Victor was about to continue speaking, his Master Shadowlink Mark got activated and a holographic screen flickered to life. A small, fluttering figure appeared on the display Lizbeth, the assistant fairy. Her face was full of worry as she hovered close to the screen, almost kissing it. Master! Master! she cried out, her voice shaking with panic. Somethings happened to a player! Its SuperNovaX theres something wrong with him! Victors relaxed demeanor vanished, and his eyes narrowed. Calm down. Tell me whats going on, Lizbeth. His tone was sharp. He had told Lizbeth only to contact him when there was something very urgent. For this to happen now, when he was en route back to the academy, felt like an ill omen. Lillie and Eleanor immediately perked up, as curiosity filled their eyes. Unlike the Systems personal notifications, this holographic screen could be seen by everyone in the room, including Lillie, who hadnt yet bore her own Shadowlink Mark. Lizbeth gulped as she zoomed in on a replay. Hes in the Thornwood Forest, but something happened. He went deeper than anyones gone so far, and then his signal just disappeared! She adjusted the view to show SuperNovas last known coordinates. The image revealed a desolate area of the forest, with trees twisted and dying, their life force drained. Furthermore, there were undead creatures roaming around the land that added to the eeriness. He fell into a pitfall trap, and just before his connection was cut out, I caught a glimpse of someone no, something at the edge of the screen. Victors expression darkened as he scrutinized the footage. The Thornwood Forest, which had always been vibrant and teeming with greenery, now looked drained and twisted. Are you telling me that the Nexus Tower cant revive him? he asked in a low voice. With a nod, she said in distress, Thats the problem! The System keeps showing Incubation not possible. Ive tried everything: re-establishing the connection, resetting his capsule, but nothing works. Its as if something is actively blocking the Systems power. Something powerful. Powerful enough to block the System? Thats troubling. Victor frowned as his gaze drifted upward, processing the situation. Whoever, or whatever, had the ability to sever a players connection possessed powers far beyond the norm. A being above even an Elemental Adept Magus the implications were grim. This was the worst-case scenario Victor had dreaded since he started Magus Academy Online and drew his friends to play his so-called fully immersive VR game. He didnt know if SuperNova was still alive or not, but according to Lizbeth, messaging him outside the game, gave no reply. This meant that the guy was highly likely trapped inside. Like a certain VR cartoon hed watched in the past. In any case, he had to do something so other players didnt share the same fate. Watcha two talkin about? Eleanor suddenly interrupted from the side, giving Victor a light shove with her shoulder, her gaze locking on Lizbeth. Hi Lizzy! Did you miss me? Eep! No! Stay away from me! Lizbeth squeaked, recoiling from Eleanors teasing as if she were staring at a monster. How cold. That makes me really sad. Boo-hoo. Eleanor faked a dramatic sob, despite the seriousness of the situation. Victor gave Eleanor a sidelong glance, unimpressed by her antics. He firmly pushed her aside and refocused on the matter at hand. If this is the situation, then so be it. What we need to do now is mitigate the damage and make sure this doesnt happen to anyone else. Maybe we can even save the lost, hapless guy in the process. Who knows? His gaming capsule is still active, so theres a pretty big chance hes alive. Even if the opposing force was a powerful entity capable of extracting SuperNovas memories and, by extension, discovering the existence of the academy Victor knew hed have to face them sooner or later. There was no avoiding it. The looming threat wasnt just about rescuing a trapped player anymore; it was about protecting everything the academy stood for. Unfortunately, confrontation seemed inevitable. All Victor could do now was prepare and increase his odds of success. With the materials gathered from this expedition, the citadel could be repaired somewhat, and with that, the academy might just stand a chance. After all, failure wasnt an option, considering that his life would be at stake. Lillie, still clutching her family photo, looked up at Victor with concern. Is Supel-Novat in danger, mentor? Lillie will help her best! Victor nodded grimly. It seems so. But dont worry, Lillie. Ill handle this. Lizbeth got near the screen again and urged, Master, you need to return quickly something feels off, especially with the sighting of undead lingering closer and the strange things that had been happening lately. Its as if theyre targeting the academy. Its almost certain that the enemy is controlling the undead. Victor glanced at Eleanor, who returned his look with a solemn nod. Looks like we have to increase our speed. Lets go full steam ahead. Thats more like it. Eleanors lips curled into a toothy grin. Without wasting another second, she sprang into action and operated the controls. Time was running out, and he had to be ready for what was to come. Chapter 165: Prelude to a Great War When Victor turned off the video call with Lizbeth, a familiar melodious ding rang inside his head. [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully embarked on an expedition and located and acquired the necessary resources as well as secured a consistent supply channel.] [The reward (2,500 academy points and 10 Elemental Adept lootboxes) has been issued.] Gacha! How long had it been since the last time he indulged in gacha pulls? Victors fingers twitched involuntarily, much like someone suffering from withdrawal syndrome. He remembered that the last time he did one was about a month ago, and even then, the previous pull wasnt out of pure whim but a mission reward. He had been careful not to squander the academy points. After all, as the academy progressed, those points were better spent on more critical needs and upgrades. But he didnt relish the moment for long because a completed mission was usually accompanied by a new main mission. Sure enough, when he checked the Headmasters Journal, there was indeed a new mission. [Headmasters Journal] Mission: Prelude to a Great War Disturbing signs point to an impending invasion from a fearsome entity lurking deep within the Thornwood Forest. With the academy in its current state, your chances of winning against these foreign invaders are close to nil. Nevertheless, it is absolutely important to bolster the academy''s defenses and prepare meticulously for the looming threat. Your survival, and that of the academy, hinge on your readiness to face these new enemies. Type: Main mission Academy Grade (Level 4): 0/1 War Preparations: 0% Reward: Instant progression to your sigil forming and insights into the understanding of your meditation technique. As Victor read the missions description, an unsettling chill crept down his spine his hair stood on end in fear. This was the first time that the mission was brutally pessimistic about his chances of winning. Even surviving had become a big problem that couldnt be guaranteed. Wait a minute foreign invaders? The words were strangely at the edge of his tongue. As far as he knew, foreign invaders could mean they were beings that didnt originate from this world. Enemies from beyond Seraphia, from another world or plane entirely. Though Seraphia was a high-grade plane, one that few could rival, it wasnt immune to the threat of invasion from powerful outsiders. That realization made his blood run cold. Only beings beyond the level of Nexus Temporal Magi could cross the boundaries between planes. As an Elemental Adept Magus, even if he formed all six sigils, he would be utterly insignificant against such beings an ant facing a giant. He wouldnt be worth shit. Patron, is the problem back at the academy really that bad? Why do you look like youve just seen a ghost? Eleanor tilted her head, amused, though a hint of genuine concern showed in her eyes. She hadnt stopped helming the dirigible below despite making a snippy remark. Victor felt a small tug on his hand, and Lillies soft voice broke through his thoughts. Are you okay, Mentor Victor? They couldn''t see the mission notification on his screen, which made him realize how odd he must have looked staring off into space, his expressions shifting as if he were losing his mind. Though admittedly, the reality was really on the mark. It just theres a lot to think about, Victor said, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. After promising Lillie that he would handle everything, he couldnt afford to back down now; otherwise, he would lose face. Besides, retreating wasnt an option. But then, Victors eyes lit up with an idea. No, this could be an opportunity he murmured to himself. Foreign invaders would be suppressed by Seraphias natural laws, and they wouldnt be able to exert their full power. And while these entities were dangerous, their rarity made them incredibly valuable be that for materials for elixirs, and magic artifacts, among other things depending on what they were. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. In addition, Victor reminded himself that he had an army of immortal players on his side an army that grew larger and stronger with each passing day. Once the golems at the citadel were fully repaired, his chances of winning would significantly improve. He couldnt believe that his forces would be incapable of at least surviving this ordeal. Besides, it was about time to roll out the next major update for the players, which also meant entering a new phase of the games development: the transition to the closed-beta phase. Considering that the enemies he might face were an undead army, plus its likeliness to be of a huge scale and the potentially protracted nature of the impending war, it might not end up just a normal update. In fact, Victor was planning to make this as an expansion the first one in the game! By rolling out the expansion, Victor knew the players would be hyped to dive headfirst into the action, eager to become his unstoppable meat shields. If they charged together relentlessly, wave after wave, they might even be able to hold back the enemy long enough to make a real difference. Who knows? With the players overwhelming enthusiasm and numbers, he might not even have to lift a finger to deal with this crisis. He truly was an evil genius! Now youre smirking like a freak, Eleanor quipped, narrowing her eyes at him. Mentor, Im scared Lillie took a step back, her innocent eyes filled with concern as she gazed up at him. Victor coughed, quickly wiping the smirk from his face. Maybe he should focus more on these plans after he returned to the academy, where he could strategize accordingly. For now, he needed to get back to his meditation he was on the cusp of a breakthrough, and that required his full attention. *** SuperNova trudged through the twisted, withered undergrowth of the Thornwood Forest. Behind him shuffled a host of other undead creatures marching toward the unaffected part of the forest. Zombies groaned as they dragged their decaying limbs through, while ghouls scurried ahead with their twisted and malformed bodies. Skeletons marched in a stiff, eerie rhythm while their bones rattled as they moved. The sight was eerie a macabre parade of death in a forest where life had once thrived. Never once in his life did SuperNova imagine hed be leading an undead army. Never once! But here he was not by choice, but by the twisted fate of his transformation. Still, being turned into an undead had its perks. For example, his undead body gave him abilities beyond that of his living self. He no longer felt exhaustion or hunger in-game and he didnt have to worry about dying in the game anymore since the Ghost Necromancer would be able to resurrect him. Or at least that was what she told him. Though that was a small comfort, considering his current state. Speaking of which, he was tasked by her to lead an undead army of about a thousand strong to scour the forest for cooking ingredients. Indeed, when he heard that it was the task he was entrusted to, he had to pause and wonder if his hearing had malfunctioned. But then he thought of the dish the Ghost Necromancer had cooked and his mouth watered. How come a being like her can cook something so perfect and delicious? Well, its an NPC designed by the devs, after all. SuperNova signaled to the undead horde to fan out with a growl, scouring the forest with mindless, relentless purpose. Ghouls clawed at the earth, unearthing roots and leaves. Skeletons hacked at trees with broken blades, revealing strange-looking sap within. Zombies picked through the debris, scavenging whatever they could find. This part of the forest, which had been untouched, seemed to start to decay under their touch. At one point, SuperNova knelt, pressing his hand to the earth and brushing a nearby plant. For an unknown reason, the moment his fingers made contact, the plant began to wither, crumbling into decay just like everything else touched by the undead. With concentration, he willed the decay to stop, halting the rot from spreading further by controlling the infused mana within his body. How peculiar, he thought. Despite his transformation, he still had control over his magic. In fact, his powers had grown considerably. His affinity for Necro and Umbra elements had been enhanced manifold, making his spellcasting more potent than ever. If he had to estimate, he was likely as strong as a third-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte. Unfortunately, he couldnt access his Shadowlink Mark, preventing him from checking his true stats or communicating with the outside world. Worse still, he hadnt logged out from the game for a couple of days. Luckily for him, he had just finished his thesis, and his university wouldnt call for him for a month or two for the thesis defense thanks to his fast speed at writing it. His parents also wouldnt be searching for him since they would think that he was busy studying But would he be able to log out in that span of time? But as he led the undead through the forest, another concern gnawed at him, which was the inevitable clash between them and the academy. At first, receiving a hidden mission felt like a stroke of luck, a chance to become the best in the game. But now, he couldnt help but think of the implication: What would happen if his side won and the academy was destroyed? To put that into perspective, he recalled the first invasion event in the past. It was mentioned that the academys destruction would cause a server-wide reset, basically wiping away all progress. If the academy fell, what would be the point of him winning? Everything hed worked for would vanish, along with everyone elses progress. No, I cant let that happen. Somehow, he needed to warn the academy, to give them a chance to prepare before it was too late. But how could he, when he was on the enemys side, with no way to communicate? Whatever he did, it had to be soon. Chapter 166: A Shocking Act Victor and his group stepped off the ramp of the dirigible, his boots clinking lightly against the metal as he took in the familiar grounds of the academy. Ahead of them, a crowd of envious players had gathered to witness their return, full of anticipation. If he didnt know better, he might have thought they were fans awaiting their idols in a concert. Behind him, the returning players from the expedition were basking in the attention, elated to be welcomed like war heroes. They raised their hands and waved at the crowd, with some like Prominence and Locktekei, in particular, making a spectacle blowing kisses and waving both hands frantically like celebrities. Have they no shame? Jealous voices floated from the crowd, only adding to the spectacle. Man, Id give anything to be on an expedition like that Look at those smug pricks, acting like heroes. Headmaster! Put me on the next expedition! Were ready for anything! Glancing around the sea of faces, Victor was amused by their mix of admiration and jealousy directed at the players of the expedition. Well, he couldnt blame them; this expedition had not been open to all players, after all. Only the best had been selected. Beside him, Eleanor smirked, catching on to the frustrated looks in the crowd. Looks like were the stars of the show, she said, bumping her shoulder against Victors. Victor rolled his eyes, biting back a remark. Stars? Youre just an NPC to them No, we both NPCs are in the players eyes Victor wanted to tell her that but decided against it, as it wouldnt fit the situation. Suddenly, Victor felt a small bump against his back and turned to find Lillie clutching her head, wincing slightly. Sorry. Lillie was not paying attention she murmured, her gaze flicking nervously to the crowd around them. Its alright. Victor gave her a reassuring pat on the head. Then, turning back to the gathered players, he released a wave of mana, letting its subtle force wash over them to bring their chatter to a hush. His eyes scanned the crowd, noting the eager expressions and the underlying desire to be part of something bigger. The expedition had stirred something in them a hunger to prove their worth. If that was the case, why not use this chance to rile them up for the incoming threat? You want to join? Victor addressed them, his voice calm yet commanding. If you think you have the skills, then prove it. The crowd quieted down, their eyes glued on Victor. The academy will face a great trial ahead, he continued. A challenge that will demand the strength and determination of every capable soul. Those who rise to the occasion, who can prove themselves worthy in the face of calamity, will be called upon. He paused, letting the words sink in before finishing, So prepare yourselves. The next phase is on the horizon, and the academy will need each of you at your best. This will be another battle of fate that will decide the future of our academy. In an instant, the crowd burst into excited conversations, exchanging animated glances as they tried to decipher Victors words. Confirmed. The next update is near! someone exclaimed eagerly. Since the last intermittent update was supposed to end the alpha version, does that mean were entering the closed-beta phase soon? I wonder what this trial and calamity could be about? a player mused with anticipation. Maybe theres a new faction or some kind of powerful enemy coming to invade the academy again? Others nodded, already spinning theories among themselves as Victor and his group made their way toward the gate. Ever since the walls were constructed, everyone had to pass through one of the four academy gates to get inside. One voice in the crowd suddenly piped up, Hey, whos that cute little girl behind the headmaster? Is she a new NPC? Shes adorable and that pure, innocent look on her face just makes me want to protect her with everything Ive got, another player sighed dreamily. That must be Lillie! The one whos been talked about in the forum! Yippee! Its loli for the win! A player beside him scoffed and lifted an imaginary phone to his ear while holding the commenters shoulder. Yes, hello, Nine-One-One? I have the suspect in sight. Hes going to need maximum security, please. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Victor, of course, paid no mind to the players senseless jokes and stepped through the academys southern gate. However, the moment he crossed the threshold, a sudden flash of light zipped toward him. Master! You are back! Lizbeths familiar voice chimed with unmistakable joy. Victor could have sidestepped, but he knew better than to try. Before he could even lift a hand, Lizbeth his spirited assistant fairy zipped right up to his face. With a delighted giggle, she leaned in and planted a quick, feather-light kiss on his nose. He had expected the usual hug, but this... this had caught him completely off guard. Around him, the players immediately erupted in shocked gasps and excited chatter. On the other hand, Eleanor was looking at this scene with a smirk and a knowing glance, while Lillie was holding her mouth while blushing shyly. Did you see that? Prominence pointed at them and exclaimed in shock, Ms. Fairy just kissed the headmaster! Does this confirm that romantic relationships between NPCs are a thing? Storm held his chin. Wait, but what about Eleanor if the headmasters with the fairy now, Locktekei murmured. One player among the crowd groaned in exaggerated despair. I swear, NPCs get all the luck Why wasnt it me? Another pointed accusingly at Victor in jealousy. Hes got the cheat codes! Headmaster Privilege! Honestly, these players No matter how he disciplined them, they managed to get riled up over the silliest things. It was one thing after another, and Victor could hardly find a moments peace. When will I get a second of rest? He wondered in his mind. And how am I supposed to keep any shred of dignity when theyre all trying to pull my leg? Luckily, these players were a happy-go-lucky bunch who rarely took things too seriously. This moment, too, would probably blow over soon enough, quickly forgotten amidst the endless shenanigans that would appear. But Victor didnt completely let this slide and cast a slow-acting, weaker version of {Curse of the Nightmare} to the instigators. That was the price of trying to mess with an official Magus. Master, Master! Ive been waiting for your return! Please help with the urgent situation! Despite her anxiety, her mischievous wink left no doubt that she was entirely too pleased with the reaction she''d just caused. Victor cleared his throat, straightening up and doing his best to reclaim a semblance of authority and brushing off the awkwardness. Yes, yes, Im back, he replied, waving his hand as he continued through the gate with Lizbeth hovering proudly by his side. He turned to the gathered players, who were still buzzing with excitement over the spectacle. All right, enough gawking! Youve all got your tasks back to work, everyone! A collective groan rose up as the crowd reluctantly began to disperse, including players from the expedition. Some curious players shot glances back at Victor, but they immediately turned away when they met his extra-stern expression, hurrying off to avoid his gaze. As the path cleared, Lillie tugged on Victors sleeve, her eyes fixed on the tiny fairy with a look of intense curiosity. Um, Mentor who is she? Victor glanced at Lizbeth, who hovered with a smug grin, and introduced the fairy to her, Lillie, shes Lizbeth. Shes the academys assistant fairy and well, something of a partner to me. What do you mean something of a partner, huh? Lizbeth harrumphed with hands on her hips, then she waved cheerily at Lillie. Lovely to meet you, little lady! If you ever need anything, just call me. Ill be around! Shes beautiful. Lillies eyes widened, captivated by the tiny, glowing figure before her. Lillie has heard stories about fairies in many stories. Hrm? But the existence of fairies was only known to mages in this world. Ordinary humans, even if they were nobles, shouldnt have this kind of information. So, for Lillie to know about fairies meant that her parents must have specifically gathered all sorts of books for her to read. How interesting. Lizzy, want a hug from me? Eleanor chimed in, arms open and ready. And why are you even still here? Lizbeth shot a glance at Eleanor, saying, Theres a mountain of work orders stacking up in the workshop. Your apprentices are practically drowning over there! Aw Eleanors face fell dramatically. She crossed her arms with a huff. Fine, then. Im not doing another ounce of work until you cheer me up, Lizzy. Victor sighed and sent a telepathic message to Lizbeth: How about you give her a quick hug, just to get her moving? I got some food as souvenirs for you waiting. Tch. Okay, fine! Lizbeth scowled but reluctantly hovered over to Eleanor, giving her the worlds briefest, most reluctant hug before darting back to Victors side. Eleanor lit up instantly, as if her previous sad mood was never there in the first place. See? Was that so hard? she teased, already turning to head toward the workshop. See you later, Victor, Lillie, and my cute Lizbeth. Victor inwardly shook his head in dismay. All he was trying to do was run a Magus academy, yet somehow, it felt more like directing a comedy show. On the way, Lizbeth filled him in on the situation about SuperNovas disappearance. Victor opened the Academy Inhabitant List, scrolling to his name, only to find it clouded by an error message. Some powerful force was clearly interfering with SuperNovas status. But this raised a troubling question: What about SuperNovas body back on Earth? The gaming capsule could sustain him for months, equipped with all necessary life-support functions. At least, he wouldnt have to worry about him dying over there. But still, the longer SuperNova was absent, the greater the risk of discovery. As far as he knew, SuperNova was a college student. His absence from classes might not alarm his professors, but his friends would certainly start to worry. If they found him unresponsive in a gaming capsule, the ensuing attention could be problematic or even dangerous. Magus Academy Online had been gaining substantial traction back on Earth. Although Victor hadnt run major ads on social media, and hed instructed Auralise, the main investor, to hold off on any big promotional campaigns, most gamers had heard rumors about this game. It was only a matter of time before the media would catch wind of it, and any strange occurrences involving players could accelerate that interest far too quickly for comfort and in a bad way to boot. For now, he had to make sure that SuperNovas body was monitored on Earth so that nothing uncontrollable would arise. To do that, he had no choice but to contact Auralise to send some people to SuperNovas place. Chapter 167: The Initiation of a Magus Settling into his chair, Victor allowed himself a brief moment of calm, observing the familiar yet surreal sight of Lizbeth perched confidently on his shoulder. Across from him, Lillie reclined on the sofa, her gaze drifting thoughtfully over the details of his office. But he didnt take his time to relish and instead opened the Systems main page. Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 6760 Academy Grade: Level 3 Total Acolytes: 915/500 Total Professors: 4/5 Progression Value: 640/500 Whoa, theres a lot of academy points, Victor muttered. Despite the abundance of points, he knew they wouldnt be nearly enough to face the impending foreign invaders. Furthermore, upgrading the Alchemical Hall and the Magic Botanical Garden to level two remained high on his list. That would cost a lot. Mentor, this black mark is fascinating, Lillie chimed in, inspecting the Shadowlink Mark on her wrist. Victor glanced over. Does it make you uncomfortable? She shook her head, her heterochromatic eyes meeting his eyes. No, Lillie doesnt feel anything. He nodded. Good. This office may seem ordinary, but its secluded and quiet; here, we wont be disturbed. Since Ive formally accepted you as my disciple, its time for you to undergo the initiation of a Magus. Now was as fitting a time as any to do it, so Victor decided to put the academys matter on the back burner. This was even more important when considering that Lillie was his personal apprentice, his disciple, which meant that he was seriously taking her under his wing and going to teach her everything that he knew. Back in the Arcane Radiance College, hed undergone a similar initiation when assigned a mentor of his own. Or more precisely, he spent mana crystals to be given the freedom to choose a mentor he wanted. Though he and his mentor had enjoyed an amicable relationship, his mentor was only an Elemental Adept Magus like him. So, if he were to know that he was to die at Graviels hands, it was very unlikely that he would avenge him. Initiation of a Magus? Lillie tilted her head curiously. Thats right. Now tell me, Lillie, what do you think a Magus is? It was important to assess his apprentices knowledge before proceeding with the initiation. Lillie tapped a finger to her chin, her eyes sparkling with thought. Um Lillie thinks a Magus is, like, a super-duper-powerful person! They can make big booms with lightning and storms, and make fire appear out of nowhere just like magic from fairy tales! As expected, her knowledge of Magi is a bit childish. The typical minimum age to be accepted by a Magus academy was around thirteen. And while she met the minimum age, compared to other children her age, she was too simple-minded. Too innocent. Too pure. But there was something charming in her simplicity. Mm, thats not entirely wrong, Victor said gently. But theres more to it. A Magus is someone who learns not just to wield power but to understand the principles behind it. We study how to control and manipulate the energy within us. Magi are tireless in their search for knowledge and truth, continuing a legacy that began in ancient times. Is the title of Magus limited to humans? she questioned. No. Victor shook his head. Other beings therianthropes, elves, dragonkin, and even a few rare and intelligent creatures can become Magi. Though, in these lands, its uncommon. Lillie nodded, her expression slowly growing more serious as she listened intently. Victor could see her curiosity deepening; it was a promising sign for any future Magus. Alright, then, he announced firmly. Let us begin the initiation rites. Dont be afraid; its a simple ritual. With a quick clap of his hands, a spell formation spread across the floor in intricate, glowing lines. Strange energy pulsed from the center, weaving through the formation as the room dimmed. The windows appeared as if shadowed by an unseen force, and all light faded save for a single, flickering flame at the formations heart. Lillies heterochromatic eyes sparkled with awe as she was drawn into the mesmerizing flame flickering in the center of the formation. Victor extended his hand, guiding her forward with a gentle but steady touch. Now, Lillie, close your eyes and focus on the warmth of the flame, he instructed gently. Slowly, Lillie obeyed, closing her eyes and breathing in the energy surrounding her. Now, the next step should be By the rites of ancient times, I will now guide you, Lillie arc Brightmoon, onto the path of a Magus, Victor proclaimed full of gravitas in his voice. Now, repeat after me. He began the incantation in the ancient Seraphian language: I swear! I will forever be in pursuit of the truth! Though the language was foreign to her, Lillie was able to echo the words perfectly. I swear! I will forever be in pursuit of the truth! Her young voice was earnest, carrying a hint of innocence yet a burgeoning resolve. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Without my mentors permission, I swear that I will not reveal the secrets entrusted to me Victor continued to intone, and Lillie repeated his words, and, slowly, the two voices merged, creating an ethereal resonance that reverberated through the room. As the final syllable left her lips, the flame in the formation blazed to life, flaring brilliantly before flickered off like a candle being blown. That marked the end of the initiation. Congratulations on formally becoming an acolyte, Lillie. Victor watched her in satisfaction. Now, she was truly his disciple, ready to walk the path of a Magus. Actually, all the academys players could technically be considered his apprentices. After all, he was the only qualified mentor who possessed both the knowledge and power of a true Magus. But no Magus would ever take on hundreds of apprentices, plus the initiation for hundreds of them would be time-consuming and too bothersome. Not to mention that this initiation was made solely to protect knowledge. Unlike Lillie, the players werent part of his true legacy; Lillie would, in a way, be his successor. She was native to this world and merited learning certain truths, including a little about the players unusual origins. Lillie looked down at her hands, a subtle awe lighting her face. Her gaze then drifted around the room as though seeing it anew, eyes widening in wonder. It appeared that the rites had caused her to see the world in a different light, just as they had for him during his own initiation. With a wave of his hand, a crystal ball and a silver mirror appeared on the desk it was the same one used to determine players mana aptitudes and elemental affinities. Come here, Lillie. Place your hand on the crystal ball. Lillie slowly approached the crystal ball, placing her small hand on its cool, polished surface. For a moment, a flicker of discomfort crossed her face, but it quickly faded as the crystal emitted an intense, radiant glow that nearly blinded Victor. Holy this Mentor, how long does Lillie have to hold this? she asked after a full minute. Surprisingly, she didnt look to be in pain nor show signs of exhaustion on her face. Even the most tough players had shown some strain, yet Lillie seemed completely unaffected. However, this was not even the most shocking fact. You can let go now, Victor replied, pausing as he collected his thoughts. Then, he continued, Lillie, your mana aptitude is incredible. You have whats called a superior shining-grade aptitude a genius-level aptitude only seen perhaps once in a thousand years! He watched her eyes widen as he explained the concept of mana aptitude, highlighting just how exceptional her talent was. Superior shining-grade mana aptitude was almost unheard of; even in the prestigious Arcane Radiance College, hed never encountered anyone who exceeded the bright grade. At least not through natural means. And Lillie possessed a superior grade one at that! Wow! she exclaimed, looking up at him with eager curiosity. So does that mean Lillies more powerful now? Victor chuckled, gently patting her head as he tried his best to hold back his shock. Not quite yet. Now look at the mirror and tell me what you see. Lillie stepped to the mirror, her gaze fixing on her own reflection. Her eyes took on a focused, almost entranced look for a moment. Then, after a long silence, she blinked and frowned. Lillie doesnt see anything. Its empty. Victors jaw tightened, his voice dropping to a whisper he didnt expect her to hear. But thats impossible For any prospective Magus, be that the child of a farmer or the successor of a renowned Magus family, they would always have an affinity with at least one element. If what she said was true, this would mean Lillies elemental magic would drain her infused mana faster, with significantly reduced power compared to others. But how could such an anomaly exist in someone with her aptitude? Mm, its good. Victor nodded his head, deciding not to tell her, as he wanted to figure this out first later. Theres much more to learn, and Ill teach you a meditation technique soon. But for now, I imagine youre a bit tired, and theres plenty to explore in the academy. Victor was not an overly strict teacher, and he didnt want to pressure Lillie who had just lost her family. Even though her situation of not possessing a single elemental affinity was intriguing, and he wanted to experiment with Lillies special constitution, he could do that at a later date. There was no need to rush. Lillie brightened immediately. Mm-hmm! Lillie wants to take a bath. Can you help Lillie do it? Cough!! Cough! Victor choked on his own spit over the absurdity. How morally pure and innocent can she be? Liz, how about you show Lillie around the building and have Anne and Rosalie help her settle in? Okay! Lizbeth, who had remained quiet through the entire initiation, nodded and flew toward Lillie. Come on, little lady, right this way. Yes, Miss Fairy! Lillie flashed a smile at Victor and waved a cheerful goodbye before hurrying after Lizbeth. Contrary to when interacting with Eleanor, Lizbeth was very friendly toward Lillie. Lillies innocent curiosity likely appealed to the fairy in a way Eleanors capricious and often troublesome nature did not. Lizbeth seemed perfectly happy to be her guide, and it was understandable; Lillie was more like a cute little sister, after all. Phew. As they exited, a comfortable silence settled over the office, and Victor took the rare moment to relax and consider his next steps. Right now, the only thing keeping the academy from leveling up was the presence of an Elemental Adept Magus on staff. But he had that taken care of. Hopefully. While he wasnt 100 percent certain that Roland would willingly become a professor in the academy, his situation left him with few alternatives. On another note, with the materials to fix the golems secured, Victor planned to make a trip to the citadel tomorrow to ensure the repairs could begin as soon as possible. He had no clear idea yet of the nature or strength of the impending threat this time, but all hands would be needed to face them. Also, he wanted to check on the queen spider. Setting that aside, Victor allowed a grin to creep onto his face. Hed been waiting to do this since he got back. Alright! Time to use those ten gacha pulls from the mission. His hands had been itching to do gacha for a long time. Since it was ten Elemental Adept lootboxes, whatever he got would definitely be a boon to the academy or himself. As Victor walked down the stairs to the basement, he could practically feel his luck warming up. Standing before the Nexus Beacon, he activated the Master Shadowlink Mark and navigated the Systems gacha interface. Sure enough, similar to the free one in the past, there it was: Free 10 Pulls on the Elemental Adept lootbox button. Ten Elemental Adept lootboxes! Thats equal to 1,000 AP! This would be his largest pull so far. After doing the gacha ritual to bolster his luck, Victor hit the button with anticipation. Soon, the holographic screen shone as the Nexus Beacon responded with a burst of colorful magical symbols dancing around it. One by one, ten lootboxes shimmered into existence, floating before him in a perfect, tantalizing row. He decided to go bold this time, opening them all at once. With a wave of his hand, the ten lootboxes snapped open, revealing the contents inside. This This cant be! Arent all of these Chapter 168: Beta Version 0.1 Update: First Expansion Junk? When Victor said junk, he didnt mean the items were entirely worthless. In fact, they were worth a ton of mana crystals, but most had limited practical use for the academys current situation. To be clear, what he had drawn from the lootboxes included a couple of unidentified magic ores that looked like adamantium, an enchanted fabric of very high quality, two Bet-tier spell scrolls, a few high-grade tools clearly meant for close-combat fighters, and, bafflingly, a frying pan among other assorted oddities. I didnt even know that you could get a freaking frying pan from an Elemental Adept lootbox! Victor almost threw the pan to the ground in frustration, but then he found that it was a magic tool from the items description. Supreme Frying Pan A magic frying pan forged by a food-obsessed Artificer from an extremely precious magic alloy, adamantium. This magic pan guarantees any dish will taste extremely delicious, regardless of the chefs skill, or it can simply be used as a weapon to bash peoples heads. There is a hidden feature that can be unlocked in the hands of a suitable owner. Rank: Superior-grade magic tool Victor stared at the description, incredulous. Who in their right mind would forge a superior-grade frying pan? He could almost hear the mischievous laughter of the previous headmaster, who was infamous for similar oddities. The sheer absurdity of it was both exasperating and oddly fitting. Heck, the more he thought about it, the more that he was convinced of it. As for the hidden feature? Considering that it was a pan designed for cooking, no matter how amazing the hidden feature was, it would probably have something to do with enhancing flavor or maybe being able to cook food without needing fire. In any case, the other high-grade magic tools were close-combat weapons and armor typically favored by Ki-Warriors, lacking the quality of superior-grade items hed expected from this level of lootboxes. Given that only superior-grade tools matched an Elemental Adept Maguss level, these were, in a way, duds. Well, perhaps he shouldn''t have expected anything spectacular from a free gacha. Victor sighed, sifting through the remaining haul. The last item he uncovered was a single vial of what appeared to be a shimmering, silver liquid. Faint pulses of mana radiated from it, giving the air around it a mysterious pressure. This particular item was labeled as Liquid Essence of the Lost Sea and appeared to be a rare and extremely volatile substance said to temporarily enhance an Elemental Adept Magus infused mana significantly but with unpredictable side effects. In other words, a Magus who ingested it could unleash spell after spell, each almost matching the power of a sigil-powered attack, until the substance wore off. Interesting, he murmured, carefully setting the vial aside. It could be used as a last-effort card to turn the situation around, though the unknown side effects were rather concerning. At least, he thought, not everything here is a complete waste. With a deep breath, Victor tucked away the items into his interspatial ring and strode back to his office. Not long after Victor settled back at his desk, Lizbeth returned, hovering just above his line of sight. Master, I have several reports on the academys current state. Some of it is good news, while other parts less so, she relayed calmly. Go on. First is about Elara. Theres been a recent development on her side, Lizbeth let out. Victors lips curled into a mysterious smile; hed been waiting to hear this. Ever since he cast a mind-control spell on her, shed been assigned to the Alchemical Hall to concoct elixirs and potions from the recipes he provided. One of his main goals was to mass-produce Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixirs, which would boost the players progression through the ranks. Currently, the success rate of the elixir is around 30 percent, and a total of ten has been produced so far, Lizbeth reported, but with resources from the Magic Botanical Garden and the surrounding forest, we can sustain production for the time being. Though if we want to expand production, we have to stop producing other potions and elixirs or increase ingredients production altogether. Thats not bad at all. Victor tapped his chin thoughtfully. If we upgrade the Magic Botanical Garden, we could accelerate the growth of magical plants and potentially increase the yield rate. Lizbeth nodded enthusiastically. It would also allow us to experiment with rarer strains, which might improve her success rate. Us, in this case, of course, referred to both Elara and the players training as budding Alchemists. As headmaster, Victor enjoyed the luxury of merely sitting back in his chair, awaiting reports an almost effortless role, one might even call it mooching. Victor smiled in anticipation as he leaned on his chair. Whats next? he asked. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The other reports are from the players Lizbeth explained everything that had transpired in the academy during his short absence. Although hed only been away a few days, a surprising amount had unfolded, including known incidents like the undead sightings and SuperNovas disappearance. Additionally, there were new, unsettling reports of strange, flesh-like monstrosities lurking deeper within Thornwood Forest. So far, none of the players had encountered these creatures directly, but their presence was worrying. Hmm. Scary Isnt the Thornwood Forest suddenly becoming more sinister? With the creeping undead and now grotesque monstrosities, the place was turning into a nightmare. A cold wind hit Victors back as he entertained the thought of relocating the academy, but that wouldnt be possible because of the System and all. On a brighter note, Lizbeth added, in an effort to shift the mood, Auralises group at the academy has made some progress. They successfully tamed an entire nest of Dreadbeak Birds using spell models theyd invented. Interesting. Victors eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise. While the flightless Dreadbeak Birds werent particularly strong individually, they were agile and well-suited to use as mounts for navigating the dense forest. In large numbers, they posed a challenge even for third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes. Tamed en masse, these creatures and the players could team up to become the academys new scouting force. Ill be sure to reward them with merit points later, Victor mused. It wasnt just Auralises group that had made strides; other players had achieved significant breakthroughs across various sectors as well. Construction projects were advancing, new spell models had been developed, and farming efforts were flourishing. Thanks to the diligence of Dendro and Bio elemental players, the wheat fields were nearly ripe for harvest a remarkable feat given that they had only started farming for a bit longer than two months. At last, the players were beginning to show their worth. The fairy crossed her legs, casting a curious glance at Victors face. So, whats the plan now, Master? Victor exhaled slowly, momentarily taking in the silence of his office. Our main goal now is preparation. The academy may soon find itself in an unprecedented calamity. Handling the problems is important, but whats even more critical is preparing our players ensuring theyre informed and ready for what lies ahead. And of course, to do that, Victor was going to make an update announcement. Magus Academy Online Testing Server Beta Version 0.1 Update Announcement Major Update:
  1. New Expansion The Land of the Dead Brace yourselves for an enthralling first-ever expansion in the game! The Land of the Dead is now online: Foreign invaders have invaded a vast portion of the Thornwood Forest and transformed it into a withered land full of undead creatures. This expansion will feature an expansive new map, a new enemy faction, fresh tasks and missions, a new time-limited currency, and an epic ongoing war between the academy and these invaders that will unfold across several versions. Be well-prepared!
  2. New Unknown Crisis on the Horizon Alongside the undead invasion, players will encounter a hidden, ominous threat that could strike the academy at any moment. This is a dangerous threat, and players have to be extra cautious of not venturing too deep into the forest to avoid unnecessary death. Remember, failing to withstand the invasion will result in a server reset!
  1. Titles, Here We Go Again We are aware that there are many players who missed out on previous title opportunities. Worry not, as this expansion will bring not one, not two, but three new titles into the game! All players with an average daily playtime of 6 hours or more during the expansion will receive a limited title of Sanctums Hard-Worker; players who participate in the upcoming academys war against the undead horde will earn a special title of Warrior of the Dead; lastly, those who managed to make a huge contribution in this expansion may be given a very special title of Holy Knight.
  1. Season Change Autumn is about to end in the game, and winter is approaching fast. Ever since 2:1 time dilation was implemented, the in-game time has been much faster than the real world, making the changing of seasons faster. So, be prepared for the seasonal change and the challenges it will bring.
  1. Academy Store Update In order to help players face the oncoming calamity, the stores inventory has been updated. There will be special items such as Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir that can increase your mana aptitude, making your meditation progress faster. Some of these special items can only be purchased by using the time-limited event currency.
  2. Increase in Closed Beta Player Quota The quota for closed-beta players has been set to 1,500 or more.
  1. New Virtual Spell Market Selling spell models just got easier! Players can now list their created spell models on the new virtual spell market, making trading spell models simpler and more efficient.
Optimization:
  1. New Ever-Expanding Map and Enemy Models The new expansion brings updated landscapes, expanded maps, and improved enemy models.
  1. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Our team has been hard at work weaving away any pesky bugs and enhancing the overall performance of the game. Your experience in Magus Academy Online will now be smoother and more enjoyable than ever.
Other Changes:
  1. New Ranking System This update introduces a new ranking system for the Hall of Fame, accessible through the official website. Unlike the content creator ranking, this system will rank players based on their power rank and spell comprehension.
  2. Easing in Restrictions on In-Game Internet Access Based on community feedback, were expanding in-game internet access. While content that violates the games terms of service like viewing R-18 content remains restricted, were opening access to more apps, including social media. Please note that this feature will be monitored strictly.
Please note that the server update will occur from 12:00 EST until 18:00 EST, and you wont be able to log in during that period of time. This is the games transition to the closed-beta phase and a significant major update that will become the milestone of this new phase. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we continue to refine and expand the world of Magus Academy Online. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements in the world of Magus Academy Online! Interlude: Taming a Flock of Dreadbeak Birds Satellite adjusted his robe as he stood atop a grassy hill overlooking an expansive, gloomy forest. Below him, a flock of newly tamed mounts oversized, flightless birds with iridescent plumage and comically fierce eyes strutted around. Their large talons raked the dirt, and their stout, curved beaks clacked with an almost theatrical menace. The Dreadbeak Birds. Previously, the plan to use these magical birds to assault the bandits encampment had been Satellites idea. Auralise, the leader of their group, had been eager to expand her influence at the academy, and they had tried to tame these creatures not long after the assault. Thanks to the Spell Generator program, they had developed a unique spell specifically for taming creatures like these. But even with that edge, the process had been anything but simple many steps had to be taken to turn them into obedient mounts. Dreadbeak Birds Satellite muttered, crossing his arms. The name makes them sound intimidating, but in the end, theyre still oversized dodos! One of his group members, a tall late teenage man with the username FrozenVolt, or Volt for short, sighed as he watched his bird peck at the dirt. No kidding. Its not exactly what I envisioned when I thought of a mighty mount Wheres the ferocity? The intimidation factor? Another player called StealthPeanut snickered while leaning casually against his own bird. Hey, at least well stand out. Who else is riding something this absurd? Besides, being chased by a large flock of them is terrifying, and I say this based on experience. Satellite pinched his glabella, trying to suppress the growing embarrassment. Unique doesnt always mean better. Imagine rolling into battle on one of these: Ooh, theres our group cooly marching into battle! But their mounts are dodo birds. Hahaha!. People would just laugh at us for riding these. Tigers, lions, elephants now those are proper mounts. Heck, it should have been wyverns or dragons in this fantasy-theme game! Vanerra, a female player who had devised the spell model for this, gave a lighthearted shrug. Come on, theyre not that bad. Theyre fast and taming them wasnt exactly childs play. We have to hold their eggs hostage to make them submit. StealthPeanut nodded. Mm, its harder to get a hold of their eggs the second time for me too. In spite of that fact, Volt grumbled, Yeah, fast enough to flee when things get hairy. Meanwhile, anyone on a real beast will look like a hero. On the bright side, though, we are the first group of players to tame a magical beast and a flock of them to boot. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Indeed. No other groups had managed to tame magical beasts so far, making their group the trailblazers. Even more impressive was the fact that their flock of Dreadbeak Birds numbered forty-two. With proper care, their offspring would soon swell their ranks. But of course, there were problems with maintaining them, such as food, living space, and what have you. The upkeep of so many birds was a logistical nightmare. Feeding them alone required a staggering amount of meat enough to sustain two hundred players. Considering Auralises group consisted of only sixty or so members, this put immense pressure on their resources. There was the option of letting the birds roam freely to hunt for food, but that came with the risk of losing some of them in the wild. This meant that they had to somehow make profits to offset the costs. Still, Satellite began, theres bound to be a market for mounts. No other group has managed to tame anything like this. If we play our cards right, players will have no choice but to buy from us. Well corner the market and recoup our investment. Other than as mounts, these birds could be used to pull carriages. Since their habitat was in the forest, they were much better at navigating treacherous terrain compared to horses and could fight back in times of an attack. Since a large part of their group focused on trading, this would be useful for them. And other players who also liked trading would definitely want to get their hands on these magical beasts. Mhm, I agree. StealthPeanut nodded with his arms crossed. With no competition, we could set whatever price we wanted. Furthermore, their meat and eggs are delicious, unlike the real dodo birds. He gulped. True, but feeding these things isnt cheap, another player chimed in. We tried giving them veggies, seeds, and fruits, but they barely touched any of it. Im starting to think these birds are strictly carnivores, and they wont eat anything else unless theyre forced to. Satellite let out a low groan, pinching the bridge of his nose again. Of course they are. Because why not make our lives even harder? Feeding domesticated carnivores was notoriously inefficient a lesson humanity had learned long ago, which was why lion or tiger farms didnt exist in the real world. Even so, the potential profits and the prestige of being the first to domesticate magical mounts kept Satellites group motivated. They just needed to solve one problem at a time. Speaking of meat, Satellite was reminded of the strange discovery they made yesterday the mangled remains of half-eaten corpses strewn across the forest. The sight had been unsettling, even for hardened players. With the recent rumors of a monstrous entity prowling the Thornwood Forest, it became more unsafe for players, much more the Dreadbeak Birds, to roam free. Extra caution would be required to navigate the verdant terrain. I have a feeling a major update is on the horizon, Satellite murmured, gazing up at the darkening sky. And it might decide the academys very survival. Just as he turned to leave, a low, guttural growl rumbled from the depths of the forest, cutting through the quiet like a warning. Birds flew out of the foliage with cries. The collective sound sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. Whatever was lurking out there was growing bolder, and it wouldnt stay hidden for long. Chapter 169: The Hype for the First Expansion Dev Diary #6: Beta Version 0.1 Greetings, players! Its your dearest promotional manager here once again to walk you through the latest and most exciting update for Magus Academy Online. As Ive said before, this update will mark the start of our closed-beta phase, and were thrilled to unveil whats in store. Its been a while since our last update, but were back with a massive release, one of the biggest to date! This update not only brings tons of new features but introduces our very first expansion content thats bound to keep everyone busy for several updates ahead. But in order to bring you this update, the company has to hire more dedicated programmers and chain them (voluntarily, of course) to the computers for some serious overtime. Luckily, theyre mostly young and single, so were safe from angry wives storming the office though perhaps not from a few annoyed phone calls from their girlfriends wanting to break up! Huge applause also goes out to our scripters and designers, who meticulously planned and foreshadowed this expansion, weaving it seamlessly into the game. Regardless of their contributions, lets go over everything thats new and improved in Beta Version 0.1! First, lets talk about our major new addition: The Land of the Dead expansion. This is our first-ever expansion, and it brings with it an eerie, undead twist! Players can now venture into new, darker regions of the Thornwood Forest, where a foreign invasion has transformed the terrain into undead territory. Along with this, youll be facing an entirely new faction, complete with challenging missions, enemies, and a full-scale war brewing between the academy and these ominous invaders. And dont worry, were in it for the long haul this storyline will span several versions, with new twists and threats to keep you on your toes! Despite being the one who wrote this, Victor complained under his breath, What expansion bullshit! This is basically a cataclysm against the academy, and by extension, my life. But he paid no more mind to it and continued typing. Additionally, were introducing a time-limited currency called spirit coin. These coins are actually virtual coins that can be used to buy special items in the academys physical store more on that later. This is the first event currency in the game, and players can earn it by completing event-related missions, and tasks, and hunting down undead creatures. We hope this gives everyone extra motivation to jump into the event and make the most of it! Actually, this was Victors scheme to limit players purchases of the special items listed on the physical store so that rich players wouldnt be able to sweep in and buy out everything in a jiffy. It had to be noted that the items would include Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir and the high-grade magic tools from the gacha as the top prizes. As an added bonus, the setup would push players to become even more proactive in joining his cause and in defending the academy. But beware that this expansion isnt just about exploring the undeads land; players should also brace for an unknown threat lurking on the horizon. While the undead invasion is the main event, something else an unknown enemy has been sighted in the forests depths and could strike at any moment. So, for all the horror and RPG forest-theme fans out there, get ready. This time, youre in for something chilling. Next up, I rarely talk about titles because theyre just for showing off on the forums. However, I want to announce that this time around there will be not one, not two, but three exclusive new titles. The details have been mentioned in the update announcement, so I will skip that. Just a little spoiler, title holders will receive special privileges in future updates, like being able to purchase special items that are previously limited to event currencies. This was another of Victors plots of riling up the players. By creating exclusive perks for having titles, he was encouraging players to go all out, maximizing their involvement. If they contributed more, Victor would benefit. If they earned rewards, they would grow stronger, which would further benefit him. And with greater strength, they would continue contributing even more. In the end, he would create a cycle where their progress fed directly into his own gains. This meant that no matter what happened, Victor would always benefit. Master, its a good thing Im used to seeing that sly grin of yours, Lizbeth remarked, her tone laced with her usual sass, something he hadnt heard in a while. If Lillie were here, shed be hiding under the desk instead of trying to learn from you. What? Youve said that a thousand times already. And for the record, I wasnt even smiling! By now, Victor had learned to keep a straight face, not that it mattered with Lizbeth around. Teehee, it seems that my lie is found out, she said, flicking her head playfully. This little mischievous fairy Ignoring her antics, he refocused on the dev diary and continued typing. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Next on the list will be about the season change. In about a month, the game will transition into winter, and were excited to see how players adapt to the new season. Since the game operates on a 2:1 time dilation, the pace of seasonal changes is faster than in real life. Winter is harsh, but itll come with its own unique opportunities. Moving on, Victor went on to detail the update on the physical store according to the one he had in mind. He wanted to surprise the players by not mentioning everything, as he would actually include a single diluted Gender-Changing Potion with a limited one-hour effect. Truthfully, he wasnt quite sure how players would react, but with the Shadowlink Mark restrictions in place, he had nothing to worry about. All he was aware of was that this would lure a player like Storm to grind like crazy. One of the most significant quality-of-life enhancements in this update is the new virtual spell market. We wanted to streamline spell trading, and this feature does just that! Players can now list their custom spell models on the market, making it much easier to share and trade with others. Gone are the days of waiting idly for customers to stumble upon your stand! There were actually several benefits to introducing this feature: First, players could focus on completing missions or hunting in the forest instead of wasting precious time searching for customers. Second, buyers would have access to an extensive list of available spell models, eliminating the hassle of manually scouring the market for what they needed. Lastly, Victor himself will find it much more convenient to browse through the compiled data, allowing him to access any spell models effortlessly. Players often come up with interesting and useful spell models that push the boundaries of creativity, after all. Content creators have always had a chance to prove themselves on the Hall of Fame leaderboard, but this is of not much use for players who arent content creators. We have been planning to improve on this since the creation of the game, and we think its the perfect time to introduce a ranking system for all players. Similar to ranking systems in other games, this, technically speaking, will allow players to gauge their levels and overall power. So, players, I hope you can use this chance to be the one on the top. The ranking system was just the cherry on top of Victors grand scheme to ignite the players enthusiasm. Hed held off on implementing it earlier, knowing they were still too weak and hadnt yet grasped many spell models. But now, with some players nearing third-stage Initiate Attunement acolytes, it was the perfect moment to launch this system. It would serve as another layer of motivation, spurring players to push their limits and rise in the ranks. Last but not least, as noted in the announcement, well be loosening the restrictions on in-game internet access. Many players have requested more flexibility to handle real-life matters while in the game, especially given the faster in-game time, and we understand it. However, this is still a game in essence, and certain restrictions will remain in place so that players can maintain a semblance of life and dont end up fully merging their lives with the game world. I guess this wraps up the sixth installment of the dev diary. Hopefully, this expansion will bring you exciting experiences and help you progress further in the game. Happy gaming! With a swift motion, Victor tapped the Enter key to upload the development diary. The content of this update was bound to spark an uproar among the players, given that it marked the transition to the closed-beta phase and introduced the games very first expansion. After double-checking that everything was in place, he rose from his seat. Are you not going to stick around to read the comments? Lizbeth asked with a curious glint. Victor shook his head. Nah, Ive got something more pressing to handle. I need to make a delivery to the citadel so the repairs can start as soon as possible. With a few hours left until sunset, most players are still logged in and the server maintenance will not happen yet. Mhm, then Ill handle things on the virtual spell market in the meantime. She giggled. Good plan, he agreed, heading out with a satisfied nod. *** As Victor was making the delivery, the official website forum was hit by a storm. How could it not be when it was the transition to the closed-beta phase as well as the first-ever expansion in the game? Just like usual, many players raced to be the first to comment on the post, flooding the section as if there was no tomorrow. Given that there were more and more people on the forum and players could access the forum while still in the game, hundreds of comments poured in within the first ten minutes. It was pure chaos. But the chatter only got more interesting once they started diving into the actual contents of the update. ProcrastinatingPanda: Whos ready for the Land of the Dead expansion pack?! ???? Just gotta warn my mom that Ill be hunting ghosts. Hornycrab: New titles, event currency, AND a full expansion?! Finally, something to make me forget that Im still jobless lol. Castlefrost: It hasnt been three months since the game dropped, and were getting an expansion? Shouldnt it be something we get after a full release? I feel like the game devs dont know how capitalism works. ?_? Storm Bringer: Hold up. Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixirs in the store?! Those are mine! Time to grind! Gigglebelly Grumblefart: But like I know that we barely get into the closed beta, but do we have to wait for a random update each time? I need, like, a three-day notice so I can prepare in advance. Prominence: Wow! Theres a ranking system now! I will definitely claim first place, and that Holy Knight title is surely MINE!! Bow down, peasants! ChickenSmackdown_MaxLevel: Peasants? Lol, alright, buddy. Ill be smacking undead like a maniac, youll see whos the peasant! Beyond the usual hype, players began sharing eerie testimonies related to the foreshadowing hinted at in the dev diary specifically, sightings of the rumored unknown enemy. Zylvern: Im telling you, I saw it. Right there, just beyond the Thornwood Flower field. This thing... It was like some twisted monstrosity made from wriggling flesh. Picture a gorilla now, make it four times bigger, with a mouth on its stomach filled with razor-sharp teeth. And it didnt stop there. It had these writhing tentacles on its back, each as long as a tree branch. Ten meters, easy. It was pitch black when I saw it in the far distance And then, and then Chapter 170: Second Sigil Formed Locktekei: Bro, dont leave us hanging! What happened next? Zylvern: A herd of Thornback Boars came approaching and it tore through them like they were leaves in the wind. Not just killing them, but devouring them. Limbs, bones, all of it, straight into that horrifying stomach mouth. And it didnt stop at one or two boars. It kept going like it was starving, ripping apart anything that dared move. It didnt eat like a predator, it ate like it had to, like it was being driven by some endless hunger Zylvern: At first, I didnt believe my eyes, so I got closer to get a better look. Big mistake. The thing noticed me, and before I could react, I was dead the connection cut in a split second. I have no idea what killed me, and thats coming from a second-stage Initiate Attunement acolyte! To go down without a single clue It was terrifying. ButaYaarou: At least, you didnt die suffering from a tentacled monster. (? ?? ?) Squadzell: Im already regretting my plan to camp out there after the update for the challenge. Can someone make a map of its hunting ground? Please?! Storm Bringer: I dont buy it. Sounds like youre faking your shameful death by hyping up the unknown enemy for attention. Flesh monstrosity with tentacles? Come on, dude. This isnt some kind of eldritch-theme game. [Delusional.jpg] MikeisHandsome1000x: Zylvern, did you forget to turn off horror mode in your dream last night? ?? Zylvern: You think Im making this up?! (s)s ߩ Id like to see the look on your faces when this thing shows up in front of you! Trust me, youve never heard a creature scream like it! CookieMons: ( ? _ ? ) For the love of God, STOP! I was planning to sleep tonight, yknow. Prominence: You sound like what my friend SuperNovaX would say after hearing this. Getting spooked out over the smallest scary thing. Hahaha! I havent seen him for a while though. MariaC: Eep! That sounds terrifying SirLaughsALot: Actually I kinda believe him. I heard someone else spotted weird tracks around that area too. Huge, deep ones, like something really heavy. Maybe its not just a random monster. Zylvern: Finally, someone who believes me! Im telling you, this thing is real, and its not your average magical beast. When you encounter it, youll remember my story, and maybe then youll know it wasnt just some exaggeration! Storm Bringer: Alright, alright. But when you wake up tonight because a stray cat scratched your door, remember who called this story bogus first. Zylvern: Youre all going to regret this, mark my words! *** Amidst all of this, Sean, known in-game as KuroUsagi, took it upon himself to investigate Zylverns tale by interviewing several other players who claimed similar sightings. He posted their testimonies on the forum, fueling both excitement and unease among the community. Satellite: Yeah, what Zylvern described is more or less accurate maybe a bit exaggerated, but hes not lying about the creatures size. When I was leading our group while Lady Auralise was away, we stumbled upon half-eaten corpses, as though they were chomped in half. Definitely, something big and hungry is roaming out there. GladiusZone: I dont usually pay attention to these rumors, but that night I was grinding, and I heard something heavy moving through the forest. At first, I thought it was a Mossback Turtle. But then there was this terrifying guttural growl. Like nothing Ive ever heard. Then, I felt some disturbances as if it was fighting something equally terrifying. Im not saying it was the same monster, but I turned on my heels and ran to the academy ASAP. BunnyFam: I was farming near the edge of Thornwood Forest and thought I spotted something huge lurking in the trees. But each time it tried to get closer, this white silhouette would appear and chase it away. Im just a life-skills player, so trust me, Im not going to get involved with whatever that is. KuroUsagi: Hello, everyone! Our favorite black bunny here, reporting from the field with the latest sightings! It seems like Zylverns story might have been a bit exaggerated, but the reports Ive gathered suggest theres definitely something big and hostile out there. Could this be the unknown enemy hinted at in the dev diary? If anyones got more info or sightings, DM me Im putting together a list for everyones safety! The forum exploded with speculation and unease as players read through these accounts. Some courageous players discussed forming monster-hunting parties, while others shared plans to avoid Thornwood Forest altogether. The more skeptical players, like Storm Bringer, dismissed the panic, confidently boasting that if this monster ever approached the academy, hed personally hunt it down. Yet even the bravest players couldnt deny the thrill and dread in the air. This mysterious creature, combined with rumors of an undead horde invasion, cast a looming shadow over the upcoming expansion. *** After completing his delivery and checking in on Silken, the queen spider, Victor settled down for meditation, blissfully unaware of the chaos erupting on the forum. He took his place in the stone-walled basement, seated cross-legged in the circle of intermediate-grade mana crystals arranged around him. The crystals hummed softly, releasing thick waves of mana that saturated the air, flowing toward Victor as he drew it in. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Thanks to these mana crystals, its much easier to form the sigil than it was in the past. He noted the smoothness with which the mana coursed through him, supporting his effort to form the intricate sigil that marked the final stage of his breakthrough. With careful precision, Victor guided the infused mana into his right hand. A steady, powerful energy surged through his body, making him shiver as it collected and took shape. Slowly, the second sigil began to emerge its design intricate, delicate lines etched in soft, radiant purple. The sigil seemed to pulse with life, binding itself to him, becoming an indelible mark of his progress. Then, with a sudden flash, the sigil solidified. Victor inhaled sharply, feeling an overwhelming rush of energy ignite within him, filling every cell with pure, refined power. He remembered this feeling when he formed his first sigil, and he couldnt help but get addicted to it. Plus, he could feel his mastery over Cosmo elemental energy had been enhanced further. Alright! Ive grown even stronger! Victor clenched his fist as he examined the sigil it also radiated high-quality Cosmo properties a remarkable boon. Without hesitation, Victor activated the Master Shadowlink Mark to assess his improved stats. Victor Asteriscus HP: 100% MP: 868/868 Power Rank: Second-sigil Elemental Adept Magus | Ki Initial Elemental Affinity: Cosmo (96%) | Anemo (82%) | Pyro (57%) Mana Aptitude: Intermediate bright grade Meditation Technique: Omni-Elemental Fusion Method (second sub-level, 0%) Breathing Technique: No name (first level) Status: Healthy Strength: (35 36) Agility: (35 37) Vitality: (35 36) Magical Power: (46 48) Infused Mana (total): (717 868) Spell Repertoire: Although his elemental affinity didnt increase like when he formed his first sigil, Victor still felt that his affinity with the Cosmo element was better than before. If he were to form a third sigil, perhaps it would elevate by another percentage point. Even so, the increase in his overall stats was remarkable it could easily be said that he was now almost 1.5 times stronger. Unfortunately, it would be impossible to form the third sigil anytime soon. The reward for completing the current main mission promised to accelerate his progress, though he wasnt certain how much it would help. In the meantime, perhaps his best course of action was to expand his arsenal of Bet-tier spells. Still, he murmured, as he ascended to his office, being individually strong only goes so far. To survive whats coming, Ill need to rely on the players and others. *** The first place Victor headed was the Magic Botanical Garden. He hadnt stepped foot inside this vast greenhouse in quite some time, and as he entered, the sight caught him off guard. The lush greenery sprawled out before him, filled with vibrant magical plants, each pulsing with life and energy. Leaves shimmered in faint hues of blue and green under the enchanted skylight, and flowers glowed in myriad, bright colors, casting an otherworldly glow that filled the space. Master, you are here! chirped a small creature standing no taller than his knee with a hat that looked like a miniature mushroom cap as it hopped over with boundless enthusiasm. What can I assist you with today? Victor smiled faintly. Good to see you, Lumispora. Its been a while, hasnt it? Lumispora bobbed its head vigorously. Oh, yes! The plants have been thriving, Master! The Starlight Absorbing Tree has been producing mana crystals non-stop! The little creature gestured proudly toward the towering, silver-barked tree at the center of the garden, with its branches heavy with shimmering mana crystals. Victor cast a glance at the tree and nodded, although the excitement didnt quite reach his eyes. Ever since hed claimed the mana crystal mine and acquired mountains of mana crystals from the citadel, the ones produced by the Starlight Absorbing Tree were minuscule in comparison. They were little more than chump change now, which was why he hadnt bothered collecting them. Nor had he sent Lumispora to make deliveries as he once did. Actually, the reason Im here is to upgrade the Magic Botanical Garden. The cost for a level two upgrade was 1,000 AP, while a jump to level three would require a hefty 10,000 AP an amount that he didnt have. Obviously, hed settle on the level two upgrade. Lumisporas eyes widened, practically glowing with excitement. An upgrade? To level two?! Thats thats monumental, Master! The plants will be able to grow faster, and we will even gain some new species in the garden! Thats right. With the upgrade, the variety and quality of magical seeds available for purchase would increase significantly, and the Starlight Absorbing Tree itself would grow larger, producing more mana crystals daily. This was essential when he was trying to broaden the array of alchemical ingredients that would be essential in the battles ahead. Magic Botanical Garden Level 2 Cost: 1,000 AP Victor brought up the holographic screen and selected the level two upgrade for the Magic Botanical Garden. [Magic Botanical Garden has leveled up to level 2.] [Higher-grade magical seeds are now available for purchase.] Soon, a soft hum resonated through the air, and the entire greenhouse began to glow with a gentle, emerald light. The walls seemed to stretch outward, and the space expanded around him as if the garden itself were breathing to accommodate the upgrade. The air became fresher and perfectly balanced in temperature and humidity. Victor could feel the difference immediately; the atmosphere now catered to a broader spectrum of magical flora, each with unique requirements. He watched as several plants pulsed gently, sensing the improved environment and responding in kind. But what was the most eye-catching was the growth of the Starlight Absorbing Tree as it now towered at an impressive thirty meters, radiating all the more. More importantly, its mana crystal production rate seemed to have quadrupled. With this significant boost, it seemed plausible that the tree could now yield intermediate-grade mana crystals. Lumispora hopped in place, almost giddy. Master, its incredible! Well be able to harvest rarer plants more frequently now! Satisfied, Victor turned his attention toward the catalog of new, rare magical seeds now available for purchase, but as he was about to do that Another holographic screen suddenly popped up with Lizbeths face framed in it, saying, Master, Elara has come to the office to make a report as per your request. Victor blinked. Hmm? Chapter 171: Elixir of Life Adopting a composed gaze, Victor sat at his desk as he waited for Elara to come in. Before going to the Magic Botanical Garden, he had purposely told Lizbeth to call for her because he wanted to hear the report about the potion and elixir making himself, and he had the need to make potions for the therianthropes cure. Moments later, there was a knock on the door and after Victor gave permission, it creaked open, revealing Elara who had a tense expression, as if she had braved some great ordeal just to arrive here. She took a steadying breath and bowed briefly before stepping closer. Master Victor, she began with an extremely subservient tone, I have come as per your request. Victor leaned back in his chair, resting his chin between his fingers while sizing up the young woman standing before him. Her long, dark blue hair framed a face that betrayed no emotion on the surface, at least. But beneath that exterior Interesting. Despite the {Mind Programming} spell woven into her psyche, Elara was exhibiting signs of independent thought. Could her willpower be developing a resistance? Or perhaps the spell itself has inherent flaws? Either way, if he didnt recast the spell soon, she might inadvertently free herself from the spells control. It was highly likely unintentional on her part, though. Mm. Tell me about the Alchemical Halls progress, Victor said authoritatively. As per your previous instructions, I have been analyzing the recipes you entrusted to me and working diligently to concoct them Elara reported with precision; it mirrored what Lizbeth had told him, though her delivery was more elaborate. Good, Victor replied, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the desk. His lips curled into a smirk. But tell me, Elara: Do you know the real reason I summoned you here? Thats Elaras eyes regained a bit of clarity. As Victor had expected, she seemed to be able to think far more than he had permitted under the spell. How interesting. Given that Victor hadnt treated her cruelly despite what she had done to him and after he had cast the mind-controlling spell on her as revenge her partial autonomy likely stemmed from flaws in the spell model or the unique way he had applied it on her compared to the others. It seemed prudent for him to improve the magic spell and possibly upgrade it to a Bet-tier spell with the Spell Generator program, however. Putting that aside, Victor said, Elara, I have a task for you. She immediately straightened up but did not dare to look him in the eyes. What would you have me do, Master? Its simple, but I think its better if I visit the Alchemical Hall too. Rising from his chair, Victor glanced at the tiny figure sitting on his desk. Lizbeth, the fairy, was happily munching on a sweet he had brought back from the city. Liz, how about you tag along? he asked. Sure! she answered, lifting the oversized sweet easily twice her size. Victor couldnt help but find the scene comical; it was like watching a cartoon character casually haul something absurdly large. *** Just as he had done with the Magic Botanical Garden, Victor upgraded the Alchemical Hall to level two. [Alchemical Hall has leveled up to level 2.] [Higher-grade potions and elixirs as well as their recipes are now available for purchase.] A familiar chime echoed as the hall underwent an immediate transformation, which seemed to be capable of producing higher-grade potions. The space expanded, now featuring additional workstations and advanced alchemical apparatus. Shelves of ingredients shifted and reorganized seamlessly, making room for a wider variety of rare components. Congratulations, Master! For upgrading the Alchemical Hall to level two, said Lizbeth. Victor nodded and without further ado, he accessed the updated list of available potions and elixirs. To his surprise, the selection had significantly expanded, each offering unique and practical uses for both players and himself. Many of the new recipes promised to be game-changers in various scenarios. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Eternal Ember Potion This elixir temporarily enhances the Pyro elemental affinity of a Magus, significantly increasing damage output and reducing the casting time of Pyro-elemental spells. It also provides resistance to extreme heat, making it invaluable for prolonged combat or exploration in volcanic regions. Cost: 40 AP Aqua Vitae Draught A potent restorative potion that not only heals severe injuries but also revitalizes depleted mana reserves. It provides a protective water barrier for the consumer, reducing damage from physical and magical attacks for a limited time. Cost: 20 AP Hrm, maybe in the next update, I can introduce a specialized alchemical store within the Alchemical Hall for players. All this time, all physical purchases were handled through the physical store operated by the mind-controlled Jared, located in one of the rooms on the ground floor of the Headmasters Building. However, creating a separate store in the future would help streamline operations and prevent overcrowding in the main store. Victor then searched for the elixirs that had been his main reason for upgrading the Alchemical Hall, and he found them in no time at all. Elixir of Life This rare elixir extends the lifespan of any mortal or Magus by fifty years, slowing the aging process and enhancing vitality. Additionally, it fortifies the bodys resilience, reducing susceptibility to illness and mitigating mana depletion. However, subsequent consumption yields diminishing returns, providing only half the benefit with each use. Cost: 180 AP He also discovered something that might be extra useful for him: High-Grade Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir An improved version of the normal Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir. It greatly improves the users mana aptitude until a certain level and can only be used once per individual (not counting the use of the lower grade one). It is useless for those who are above the superior bright grade. Cost: 250 AP Fuck! Its even more expensive than the elixir to extend lifespan. What a total rip-off! Despite the cost of buying one, it was extremely useful for Victor whose mana aptitude was below the superior bright grade and above the glimmering grade. And although he wanted to just purchase the recipe, several key ingredients were unavailable. Not to mention the difficulty of concocting such an elixir would require an Elemental Adept Magus versed in alchemy. According to Elara, the Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixir or MAEE for short wasnt a very potent elixir, and it could only be used once to increase the mana aptitude for a level. In this case, there was not much reason to purchase the recipe at the moment. But in the long run, itll pay off, Victor mused as he added the elixir for purchase. Well, I will buy one for now and deal with the rest when the time comes. Academy Points: 2680 Overall, Victor expended a total of 4,080 AP. Of course, he didnt forget to purchase the potion recipe for the therianthropes cure. Still, he felt heartache after spending the hard-earned academy points on a couple of upgrades and purchasing seeds as well as potion and elixir recipes. It had taken him a long time to gather this amount, after all. Well, no use crying over spent points he muttered to himself. After sighing internally, Victor turned to Elara, who stood silently by, awaiting instructions. Elara, this is your new task. He handed out the recipe labeled Aetherite Expelling Potion to her and continued, Focus on crafting a few dozen of this potion. Failure is not an option. Elara complied without a word of complaint, Understood, Master. I will begin immediately. Speaking of which, the disease that afflicted the therianthropes was known as aetherite disease and could be cured quite easily so long as one had money and connection something which they wouldnt have. The Aetherite Expelling Potion worked by purging the harmful aetherite from the bloodstream, restoring vitality to the afflicted. As for the weakening spell cast on Elara, Victor only made sure that she wouldnt rebel against him but didnt do anything else to it. Considering that she had been useful and obedient so far, there was little to no reason to oppress her further. If anything, her usefulness thus far had more than justified his leniency. Anyway, since the players had logged out, none would notice the recent upgrades to the Magic Botanical Garden or the Alchemical Hall except, perhaps, Thunder. The man was a peculiar case, as he had uploaded his consciousness permanently into this world. Now that I think about it, hes been oddly restrained, hasnt he? The likely explanation was simple: In his mind, this world was still a game. If he stumbled into a bugged-out area or made a fatal misstep, hed have no way to respawn. Unlike the other players, whose in-game bodies could be recreated, Thunder had no such luxury. His consciousness was now tied to this worlds rules, and death would mean complete annihilation. In time, Victor intended to recruit Thunder as an undercover agent. Given his unique situation was similar to his own now being a life form who truly lived in this world he was a perfect candidate. However, his current power level was still too weak, and there hadnt yet been a suitable opportunity to utilize his potential. Therefore, he was planning to wait until Thunder was strong enough and had adapted fully to this world. Just as Victor was lost in these thoughts, something broke his train of thought. From beneath his robe, the cool glow of a communication crystal hummed and lit a faint bluish light. Victors eyes narrowed as he retrieved the crystal, mumbling, So, the big fish is finally here as a smirk tugged at his lips. Right on schedule; its time for dinner. Chapter 172: The First Professor in the Academy As the crisp night air lingered in the cold, Victor moved silently through the forest. The moonlight barely pierced the dense canopy, leaving the path dim and shrouded in shadow. Only the rustle of leaves underfoot and the distant cries of nocturnal creatures broke the eerie stillness. Soon, he emerged into a small clearing where an old Magus in a traditional Magus robe leaned against a tree. Victor could tell from the mana fluctuation that the old Magus was in a worse condition than before, and his face had even more wrinkles, despite only a few days having passed. It was likely that the old Magus had a fight with someone other than him in that short span of time. Naturally, the old Magus was none other than the big fish that he was waiting for, Roland. Victor stopped a few steps away, standing tall in his blue ornate robe. As he approached, Rolands eyes shot open, and his body immediately went on guard despite his weakened state. Confusion and suspicion arose in his gaze as he focused on the figure before him. Who, who are you? Rolands voice was hoarser than ever. Victor didnt answer immediately, instead observing the withered man in silence for a few moments. Youre in bad shape, he remarked calmly. I assume things didnt go well for you? I said, who are you?! Roland gripped his amber scepter tightly and glared at Victor. Perhaps this appearance is more familiar to you. Victor took out the Mask of Impersonation from his interspatial ring and slid it on. His appearance quickly changed into a masked figure clad in black armor. Y-Youre that Magus! He gasped. But how are you a second-sigil Elemental Adept now But as he said that, Rolands lips curled into a pained, bitter smile. Its not like it matters now... Im as good as dead. Victors gaze lingered on him as he took off the mask, noting the internal wounds that ravaged Rolands body. Signs of accelerated aging and mana depletion were there. By Victors estimation, the man had no more than a year to live perhaps even just a month. He was truly one foot in the grave. Not necessarily, Victor replied in a confident tone. If youre willing, death doesnt have to be your fate. Rolands eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope, only for it to fade into desperation. Are you telling me you have a life-extension elixir?! Hah! I dont even see this Magus academy you claim to run. Why should I trust you? With a smirk, Victor took out a vial of green liquid and showed it to him, saying, This is the Elixir of Life. It can extend your lifespan by fifty years as well as heal all your wounds. Though Elixirs of Life werent the pinnacle of life-extending elixirs, they were highly sought after for their potency and reliability. The demand would always exceed the available products. It was a given since one of the main ingredients was a leaf from a Tree of Life, which wasnt readily available in this world. Even a large Magus academy like the Arcane Radiance College would struggle to procure even a few. Th-Thats impossible! Roland staggered forward, his hand trembling as he reached for the elixir. Hold on! Victor raised his arm, blocking him effortlessly, and slipped the vial back into his interspatial ring. You havent joined the academy yet, nor fulfilled your end of the bargain. With a flick of his finger, Victor retrieved a glowing parchment from his interspatial ring a magic contract. The Systems shop offered various grades of these contracts, and this particular one had cost him 100 AP. It was powerful enough to bind official Magi, even those beyond the level of Elemental Adept, though more advanced versions existed. Rolands breath hitched. A magic contract? Are you asking me to work under you? Its the same as before: I want you to join my academy, said Victor with a firm voice. There was nothing that he wanted more than this, and he felt that further persuasion wouldnt be necessary because the Elixir of Life was already more than enough to tip the scales. Rolands eyes darted to Victors interspatial ring, his face twitching all the while. Clearly, the lure of the elixir overshadowed the pain in his body and any remaining hesitation. With little time left, the only thing holding him back was the question of whether he could trust Victor or not. But was there something left to consider at this point? After a tense silence, Roland closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. Alright, Ill accept. Good, good. Lets proceed with signing the magic contract. Victor grinned widely in his heart like a villain. Once Roland signed the contract, there would be no escaping his grasp. Hidden within the contracts clauses were carefully crafted stipulations each line meticulously written in a script so fine it rivaled the tiniest font size possible. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. This Even Roland was speechless as he read through the magic contract. I dont see anything inherently wrong, but why are there so many clauses? Just standard precautions. Victor placed a hand on Rolands shoulder and added, Believe me, youll find that everything written here is to ensure mutual benefit. In truth, the contract was a masterpiece of vicious entrapment. Victor had incorporated many of the players suggestions by operating an anonymous alt account on the games official website forum. There, he had posed countless hypothetical scenarios, gathering input from players known for their cunning and knack for loophole exploitation. The result was a contract that even the most meticulous of minds would struggle to find fault or escape. Hehe, once you sign it, youre as good as a pawn in my hand. Fine! I agree to your terms. Here, Ive signed it. Left with no other choice, Roland infused his mana into the contract, marking his agreement. The parchment glowed faintly, then floated into the air before disintegrating into a flurry of shimmering particles. The glowing motes drifted down, settling on both Roland and Victor, sealing the pact. Now hurry and give me the elixir! Rolands voice cracked with desperation; his demeanor far removed from the stoic Magus he once was. At this moment, he seemed more like a frantic child clinging to hope. Victors lips curled into a victorious smile as he retrieved the vial. Here. Take it, he said, tossing the Elixir of Life to Roland. Once youve recovered, well get started. Without a second thought, Roland uncorked the vial and downed its contents in one go. The effect was instantaneous. A radiant light emanated from within him, coursing through his frail body. His labored breathing steadied, each breath now deep and measured. The wrinkles etched into his face began to fade, and though his hair remained white, his visage appeared at least twenty years younger. The transformation caused by the elixir was nothing short of miraculous! Roland flexed his fingers, marveling at his lost vitality that had been restored. Incredible he muttered, awe filling his voice as he examined his rejuvenated body, now free from the crippling weight of his injuries and age. Seeing this scene, Victor was reminded of Thunder, a player who had once faced a similar fate. He had also been on the brink of despair, and Victors intervention had granted him a second chance. His gratitude was overwhelming, so much so that he offered his entire fortune. Even though Earths money was of little use to him, he could still feel the other partys sincerity. Roland, too, was showing a similar reaction. The lifespan of an Elemental Adept Magus was typically slightly over two hundred years old. Fifty additional years would undoubtedly be enough for Roland to reach a greater height, extend his lifespan further, and allow him to hold greater powers. In other words, giving the elixir was more than just extending his immediate lifespan. Rolands gaze lifted, his face still full of disbelief. I I dont know what to say. I was convinced the elixir was some kind of trick or at best, diluted. But this this is beyond anything I could have imagined. He looked at Victor with gratitude. I wont forget what youve done for me. From now on, Ill give everything I have to aid you and your academy, Headmaster. Victor nodded, satisfied with the decision. A wise decision. Welcome to my academy, Roland. And with that, they both clasped their hands firmly. Victor wasted no time leading Roland to the academy grounds. As they approached the towering brick wall and the sprawling complex of buildings beyond it, Rolands eyes widened in astonishment. You truly operate an academy here! How is it that I never sensed this place before? Roland stroked his white beard in bewilderment. Magic formations? To maintain such a high-level concealment barrier, you must be quite skilled. The academy was indeed hidden by powerful magic formations, laid down by the previous headmaster. Unless the person bore the Shadowlink Mark or was guided by someone who did, discovering the academy was virtually impossible. But while the formations were intricate and formidable, their only drawback was the steady drain on mana crystals to sustain them. As he guided Roland through the academy, Roland became more and more surprised, especially when seeing the Systems buildings, as he was visibly impressed by them. Though it may not rival the grandest Magus academies Ive seen, this place has all the essential facilities But hold on. He glanced around, frowning. Where are the acolytes? I havent seen a single soul aside from us. That Victor hesitated for a fraction of a second. Explaining that the acolytes were players currently logged out due to a game update wasnt exactly an option. Instead, he offered a quick, plausible excuse. Most of them are asleep it is the middle of the night, after all. Roland nodded slowly, though a flicker of doubt remained in his eyes. Sensing this, Victor deftly changed the subject. Theres one more task I need you to do. Just tell me. Roland smiled proudly. My combat power might not match yours, but my experience and knowledge are second to none. Its nothing too complicated. You just need to trust me. What do you mean by that? Roland narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him. Without a word, Victor led him toward the Headmasters Building. Now closer to the Nexus Beacon, he imprinted the Shadowlink Mark onto Rolands wrist. Although Roland was surprised, he didnt resist the mark and let it bind him; it was quite common for Magus forces to use some sort of branding to tell each other apart, after all. But now, Victor could finally let his guard down with the mark in place, Roland would find it nearly impossible to betray him. Roland inspected the mark and inquired, What is this black mark for? All in due time, Victor said with a mysterious smile. Ill explain everything soon about the academy, the acolytes, and your role here. For now, let me show you the teachers dormitory. Fortunately, Victor had prepared the teachers dormitory beforehand, located to the north of the Headmasters Building. Though small, it had all the essentials a Magus would require: a private study, an alchemy lab, and a meditation chamber. Once there were more professors, he would expand it further, perhaps building some Magus towers wouldnt be a bad idea. After guiding Roland to his lodging, he activated the Master Shadowlink Mark and opened the Academy Inhabitant List. He scrolled through it briefly, then assigned Roland the role of professor. [Congratulations, the academy grade has leveled up to level 4!] [Requirements for total acolytes and progression value points have increased to 2000.] [Artificer Hall is now available.] At last! Chapter 173: Artificer Hall Academy Name: Sanctum of Interdimensional Magi Headmaster: Victor Asteriscus Academy Points: 2680 Academy Grade: Level 4 Total Acolytes: 915/2000 Total Professors: 1/2 Total Assistant Professors: 4/8 Progression Value: 640/2000 Level 1 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, 1:1 time Level 2 Academy Grade: Level-1 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, 1:1 time Level 3 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, 2:1 time Level 4 Academy Grade: Level-2 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, 2:1 time Level 5 Academy Grade: Level-3 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, Virtual Combat Chamber, 4:1 time Level 6 Academy Grade: Level-3 Nexus Tower, Magic Botanical Garden, Alchemical Hall, Artificer Hall, Virtual Combat Chamber, Mystical Dungeon, 4:1 time Sweet Jesus! The requirements to upgrade to level five are exponentially harder than before... Victor quickly checked the professors detailed requirements, and it appeared that he only needed to recruit one more Elemental Adept rank Magus as a professor, as well as four acolytes for four assistant professors. But where in the world would he find another official Magus willing to join his academy? It had to be mentioned that recruiting Roland was already a huge stroke of luck. Expecting lightning to strike twice was optimistic at best; he couldnt hope to find another Magus on the verge of death willing to stake it all on him. Magi of that caliber were not only rare but often entrenched in their own ambitions or fiercely loyal to the Magus forces behind them. Moreover, even if he did find one, their personality might not be suited for the academy that Victor was running. In Rolands case, Victor had lucked out. The old Magus reminded him of his mentor from the Arcane Radiance College neither a paragon of virtue nor a practitioner of evil. He walked a pragmatic middle ground, driven by their pursuit of truth and survival. But what if an evil Magus were to join the academy? It could bring chaos and incidents, using the players as guinea pigs But wait, is that really an issue given that the players can resurrect just fine? Victor shook his head, dismissing the thought. No, an unscrupulous Magus cant be trusted, and if the academys secret were to leak, it could bring disaster. In any case, even beyond recruiting another Magus, the total acolyte count and progression value points required for the upgrade loomed large. By his estimates, hitting those numbers would take at least two months, assuming smooth operations. But that was very unlikely to be the case. With the undead horde likely to attack at any moment, perhaps maintaining the number of living players itself might be difficult. Well, Ive already instructed Lizbeth to prepare a set of missions for the players once they log back in, Victor muttered pragmatically. With any luck, the preparations will mitigate the looming threat and minimize casualties. In this regard, Victor even had missions unleash the players imagination by giving them the freedom to make traps in a patch of land he designated. Putting the thought aside, Victor went ahead and opened the Systems interface to place the Artificer Hall. He already had a place in mind, which was located at the southwest quadrant of the academy grounds, near the industrial zone a perfect location for the new facility. [Artificer Hall is available to be constructed.] [Please select a location on the map to place the building.] Victor tapped the desired spot, and a moment later, the ground shimmered with ethereal light. Within seconds, a large fifteen-meter-tall building arose from the ground. The Artificer Hall was a grand structure, designed in a fusion of Victorian and industrial architecture and adorned with gears and runes, glowing faintly in the night. Massive arched windows lined the halls exterior, allowing glimpses of the interior inside. A large cogwheel-shaped emblem hung above the main entrance, looking like the symbol of the building. The walls, constructed from dark polished stone and reinforced with seamless bands of dark brown metallic alloy looked very sophisticated. On the side, a large garage-like door could be seen. Victor suspected that the facility could accommodate the construction of a small dirigible. With further upgrades, larger airships might even be possible. This place will drive Eleanor wild, and its bound to attract the more industrious players, Victor murmured, amused. It would be interesting to see how they put their creativity to use, transforming raw materials into extraordinary contraptions. However, he didnt mention the Artificer Hall in the update announcement because he didnt expect that the academy grade would level up in this short span of time. However, he could reason that it was part of the expansion update. Upon stepping inside, Victor took in the sight of the Artificer Halls interior. Huge furnaces lined the walls, gleaming with runes. Towering shelves for storing materials stretched toward the high ceiling. At one side of the building lay a vast, open chamber with the same garage-like door on the side. The garage really does resemble the inside of an airplane factory, Victor thought, rubbing his chin. Aside from all this, there was also an obelisk-like structure, like the one inside the Alchemical Hall, which stood majestically in the center of the building. As Victor touched the stele, a holographic screen materialized before him with a soft chime. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. [Artificer Hall has been activated.] [You can assign someone as an overseer.] Victor raised an eyebrow. Huh, so theres no overseer here either. Welp, the choice is obvious, he murmured and immediately assigned Eleanor as the overseer. [Eleanor has been assigned as the overseer of the Artificer Hall.] [Her skills and talents in crafting magic tools and artifacts have been enhanced.] One of the perks of being appointed as an overseer was the enhancement of their related skills and talents based on the Systems building. This held true for Elara, who served as the overseer of the Alchemical Hall that was why her progress and success rate of concocting new potions was very good. At that moment, Victor discovered a faint golden inscription on the side of the obelisk. Familiar with this little antic, he let out a snort and stepped closer to read it. Thanks to him having formed his second sigil, he felt no headache that accompanied reading such magic transmissions this time. Did you miss me? Hehe, I ask that question because leveling up the academy to this grade mustve taken quite some time. But no worries! Im confident youll get the subsequent ones in no time I believe in you! Anyway, where did we leave off last time? Ah, yes, the spatial-temporal formation that manipulates the flow of time. You see, Ive refined my calculations further to give you a more accurate estimate of how long itll last before it loses all functionalities. Well, I dont want to be the bearer of bad news, but you probably have less than twenty years left. Now, dont get mad at me. Im aware that traveling to another dimension would be impossible even for a Sigil Conversion Magus, and Im certainly not expecting you to become a Nexus Conjurer Magus in such a short span of time. Even a genius like me needed a full century to reach that rank. So, for you? Lets just say itll take much, much longer Or maybe faster if you luck out with some rewards from the System. Oops, Im rambling again. Anyway, there is another way to fix this issue one that requires the involvement of the players on Earth. Unfortunately, the exact explanation of how to do it has to wait until next time since my time to impart this message is up. Until then! Toodle-oo! And just like that, the message was cut abruptly, leaving Victor frozen stupid as he stared at the obelisk. Really? Is this person serious? Victor was a bit furious but at the same time amused. The only reason that there was not enough time was that the previous headmaster was wasting precious time with useless remarks and self-boasting before getting to the point, which left the message on a cliffhanger. Why would someone do that? But thinking about the exact reason wouldnt bring him any answer. So instead, Victor turned his attention to the buildings functions. Magic Tool Blueprints Available for Purchase So, I can buy magic tool blueprints up to high grade here and it seems materials are available for purchase as well. Victor considered this briefly. Considering his access to the citadels library, blueprints themselves werent particularly valuable. Moreover, Eleanors creativity and skill allowed her to craft magic tools without relying on blueprints. Only second-rate and third-rate Artificers would need to use blueprints to craft magic tools. However, there were still certain types of magic tools outside Eleanors expertise. Recently, Victor had been wanting to upgrade his acolyte robe to a proper Magus robe, one imbued with enchantments to aid him in battle. Despite scouring the citadels library, he hadnt found anything that met his standards which should have a good Cosmo affinity. If he upgraded the Artificer Hall, he might gain access to a superior-grade magic tool blueprint for the kind of robe he envisioned. Looks like I dont have much of a choice here Without hesitation, Victor upgraded the Artificer Hall to level two, expending 1,000 academy points in the process. [Artificer Hall has leveled up to level 2.] [Superior-grade magic tools blueprints are now available for purchase.] The upgrade caused the building to shimmer before expanding further. The enchanted blast furnaces multiplied, the shelves extended to hold more materials, and the central chamber grew even more spacious. It was now large enough to house the Lunaria comfortably, with room to spare for constructing another dirigible of similar size. Victors eyes narrowed as he scrolled through the updated list. Now, the variety of blueprints had doubled, and among them, he found the superior-grade Magus robe blueprint that met his exact specifications. However, its cost was on the steep side, being 300 AP in price the typical price of a superior-grade magic tool blueprint was 200 AP. After buying the robe blueprint, only 1,380 academy points remained. He activated the Shadowlink Mark to contact Eleanor. But he quickly realized that it was in the middle of the night, so she was probably asleep WHOA! Victor, is that you? Whats up? Does it have anything to do with the fact that my body started glowing a minute ago? Framed within the holographic screen was Eleanors surprised face, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. What do you mean your body is glowing? Despite the question in his head, Victor quickly pieced it together; it must have something to do with assigning her as the overseer. Er, yeah Victor confirmed while avoiding her gaze as he realized that the glowing effect must have woken her up. Just step outside your workshop. Youve got a new place to play around in. Huh? What do you mean by Wow! How did a workshop this huge just pop up? I swear this was an empty lot before! Eleanor exclaimed as she seemed to rush toward the new building. It took her less than ten seconds before she was face to face with Victor. Her eyes immediately lit up as she took in the grand interior. Whoa! This place is amazing! She darted from one workstation to the next, running her hands over every surface like a little kid who had just found a new toy. Ahem. Eleanor, Ive got a special project for you. Victor cut to the chase. She paused mid-step, turning her head toward him in a rather unnatural way. Oh? What kind of project? I need you to craft something for me a new Magus robe. He handed her the blueprint. This one should be superior-grade with Cosmo-elemental properties. You can ask the acolytes to help you with the sewing and anything else you may need help with. Why didnt you say so sooner? Eleanors grin widened as she examined the design. Leave it to me. Ill make sure its a masterpiece. Victor nodded, giving her the materials he had on hand, which included the enchanted fabric he got from gacha. Good. I trust you wont let me down. Chapter 174: First Day After the Expansion As soon as the sun rose over the academy, players began logging in en masse. The long-awaited maintenance was finally over, and people were eager to dive into the first day of the expansion. Among them, William, also known as Prominence, gathered around with his party members on the academy grounds. Mike, Zero, and Storm the three familiar faces could be seen. William stretched leisurely, feeling the warm, morning light caressing his face. Ah, feels great to be back online. I dont want to waste my sleeping time with just sleeping. A handsome player beside him, Mike, grinned as he held up the holographic interface. Guys, check this out. There are new missions from the expansion, and theyre handing out spirit coins as rewards! Everyones eyes lit up. Without wasting a second, William opened the missions list to scan over the details. [Investigate and explore the land full of undead creatures to the southeast of the academy.] [Mission Difficulty: Three stars] [Requirement: A full second-stage Initiate Attunement or higher party] [Note: Caution is needed when exploring an unknown land. In the event of death, youll still receive additional compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 100 spirit coins per player, with additional rewards depending on any special discoveries] [Scout the advance of the undead horde.] [Mission Difficulty: Two stars] [Requirement: A full first-stage Initiate Attunement or higher party] [Note: Be extra cautious and dont take risks by confronting the undead army. In the event of death, youll still receive additional compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 75 spirit coins per player, with additional rewards depending on the information gained] [Defend prearranged strategic locations.] [Mission Difficulty: Two stars] [Requirement: A full first-stage Initiate Attunement or higher party] [Note: A special role of advisor will be given to a player later to help the academy staff command the defenders. In the event of death, youll still receive additional compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 50 spirit coins per player] [Set up traps at several locations] [Mission Difficulty: One star] [Requirement: None] [Note: Additional instructions will be given by the assistant fairy or an academys staff once youve set up the party. In the event of death, youll still receive additional compensation of half of the total reward.] [Reward: 25 merit points per player] The list was packed with expansion-related tasks, many of which extended beyond the typical combat scenarios. A surprising number focused on logistics and support, aimed at bolstering the frontliners in the fight against the undead. Zero adjusted his nonexistent glasses and commented, Looks like weve got some serious undead threats to contend with. Smirking, William suggested with pride, Well, since were arguably the strongest party in the game, its only natural we take on the hardest mission. Lets show everyone why were the best! Storm, however, had other priorities. Hold up! Before we jump into it, we have to check the academy store. Ive been dying to see if theyve stocked the Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixirs! he exclaimed in desperation. The group exchanged nods of agreement and made their way to the academy store within the Headmasters Building. Luckily, it wasnt too crowded at the moment since it was barely a few minutes after maintenance. Upon arrival, they were greeted by an impressive selection: magic weapons of varying grades, magic scrolls, and other potions and elixirs. These rewards are insane! Especially the much-coveted Mana Aptitude Enhancement Elixirs, even if each one costs one hundred spirit coins! This expansions no joke. Storm was beyond excited. However, their eyes soon fell on a strange potion displayed in the middle of it all. As Storm read the description, he instantly jumped on the spot like a monkey, shouting, This one is mine! Anyone who dares take it will have to face me! Stolen story; please report. It was actually a Gender-Changing Potion! A potion that was rumored to exist since the inception of the game. Of course, any healthy adult male (man of culture) would be interested in acquiring it, even if it only held a temporary effect William himself was obviously interested. But as Storm read the price tag, his excitement fizzled out; it was priced at five hundred spirit coins per vial! Mike let out a low whistle. Thats very steep. Wed need to clear the hardest missions five times just to afford one. William nodded, determined. Then its settled. Well tackle the hardest mission. If we want to hold the top position longer or in the case of Storm, he looked at Storm who planted his face on the display glass, well, you know, well need every edge we can get. A three-star mission signified that even with a party of second-stage Initiate Attunement players, the risk of death was substantial. Since none of them including William, one of the most advanced players had reached the third stage, taking on such a challenge was a gamble. However, the rewards were undeniably tempting. Just then, a crucial realization hit them. A full party required five members, but there were only four of them. Someone was missing. William was the first to voice it. Hey, has anyone heard from SuperNova? He hasnt been online since I dont know. He quickly checked the Shadowlink Mark and navigated to the friend list, which displayed the online status of his friends. SuperNovas name wasnt lit, meaning he wasnt logged in. Zero crossed his arms with a concerned expression. Nope. He didnt reply to my messages either. Pretty odd for him to go radio silent, especially with the first expansion dropping. You think hes busy in real life? He mentioned being swamped with his thesis a couple of weeks ago. Could still be working through that, Mike theorized while shrugging. Storm furrowed his brow. Could be. But even when hes busy, he usually pops in to at least say hi on Discord. William couldnt help but imagine all kinds of scenarios out of thriller movies. Kidnapping? Alien abduction? He quickly shook the thoughts away. Ridiculous. But still Its not like him to skip out on the hype. You think something happened? The group exchanged uneasy glances. They all knew that SuperNova lived alone in an apartment, meaning if something happened, there was no one around to check on him. Then again, disappearing for days or even weeks was a fairly common occurrence in online communities. Worrying too much might not accomplish anything. Well, Zero began, tapping his chin, I think he lives somewhere on the East Coast in New Jersey, if I remember right. But I dont know the exact address. Id have to dig through old chats or his profile to see if he ever mentioned it. He sighed. Its not too far from where I am, maybe a few hours drive. In a case like this, Id go check on him, but Id hate to spend my weekend away from the game Williams eyes narrowed with concern. I dont like it. Can we at least keep an eye out for him in the meantime? Zero nodded his head. Ill try contacting his university later, see if they can send someone to check on him. That should cover our bases. Storm grinned, trying to lighten the mood. Knowing SuperNova, though, I wouldnt be surprised if hes halfway through some secret storyline we havent even heard of yet. The group chuckled at the thought. Still, they couldnt ignore the fact that they were a player short for the mission. Alright, William said, getting back on track. We need a substitute for this mission, and we need them fast. Any suggestions? Please be a female player! Our party sorely lacks a pretty female player as our healer! Storm declared with exaggerated enthusiasm, seeming to have already forgotten the topic of their missing comrade. Cant say I disagree, Zero added with a smirk. Same here, Mike chimed in, grinning. Brother, you really know what Im thinking. Hehe. William nudged at Storm. With that, they turned their attention to the official website forum, drafting a recruitment post for a temporary fifth member. They detailed the missions requirements, the partys strengths, and their preference for someone skilled in support roles. Despite this, they were silently hoping their missing friend would show up soon, and their party would be whole again. *** On the other side of the academy, Seans group stirred up a commotion. Unlike Prominence and his party, who had dived straight into the expansion missions, Seans party had their sights set on something else: the new ranking system something that Prominence and his party members had forgotten about. Opening the Hall of Fame, a prompt appeared before his eyes: [Player Overall Ranking: 3] [Do you want to publicize your rank on the Hall of Fame?] [Y/N] Well, well, who would have thought that Id be third on the overall ranking, Sean murmured, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he scrolled through the list. The rankings were mostly empty for now, as it appeared that players had the option to keep their positions private, and they were all just logged in. Sean, despite his reputation as a popular game reviewer, was cautious by nature, so he decided to hide his rank. He tapped [N] with little hesitation. No need to draw unnecessary attention just yet, he mused. Seans caution wasnt without reason. Unlike the first or second batch of players, who had joined the game early, hed entered a month later. Even so, he had climbed the ranks quickly, thanks to the Magus inheritance he gained at the Steelrose Order Stronghold dungeon. Although he had shared a lot of this on the forum, he preferred to keep his edge hidden, at least for now. The same, however, couldnt be said for his party members. Im second, haha! Butterfly let out a delighted squeal. Give me a month, and the top spot will be mine! Unlike Sean, she had no qualms about publicizing her rank for all to see. Well, she was a Bloodline Magus, after all, and the first and strongest one so far. Her position as the number two was only natural, and people wouldnt question her prowess. As for who was the first, Sean was pretty sure that it was none other than Prominence. He was among the first batch of players one of the earliest players to join the game and had the best mana aptitude among the first batch, being the closest to reaching the third stage of Initiate Attunement. Nevertheless, he believed that Prominences momentum would be surpassed by both him and Butterfly soon enough. With the top three covered, that left the lower spots. Man, Im ranked twelfth on the overall ranking Chicken scratched his head in disappointment. I thought I was doing better than that. Despite having a dual class of Magus and Ki-Warrior, Chicken was only ranked twelfth. Although it was still very high, it paled in comparison to Seans and Butterflys ranks. Perhaps treading two paths at the same time wasnt the most efficient way to get stronger in this game. Twelfth is good. Im only fourteenth, Patrick said, offering a supportive smile. As a professional theatrical magician, Ive always focused on illusions and tricks, not raw power. Guess that only takes me so far in this game. What about you, Scarlet? Fifteenth, Scarlet replied quietly, her arms crossed. Ill climb higher soon enough. With even the lowest-ranked member of their group sitting comfortably in the top fifteen, they practically controlled the top rankings in the game their collective strength was undeniable. Dude, whats your ranking? Chicken asked, slapping a hand on Seans shoulder with a teasing grin. Dont worry, man. You dont have to be embarrassed if its lower than mine. Hahaha! Sean rolled his eyes, but before he could respond with a sarcastic comeback, a familiar figure strode into view, commanding immediate attention. Auralise, flanked by several members of her group, including Dominique and Satellite, moved with her usual regal confidence. Her piercing gaze swept over the group before settling on the holographic ranking board. Look what have we here? Auralise gave a smug smile, lifting her sunglasses while overdressed as always. If it isnt the red brute and her merry band of misfits. Chapter 175: Trap Mission Exploitation You obnoxious brat! Butterfly glared intensely at Auralise as an invisible spark seemed to have formed between them. What do you want now? Despite having traveled together on the recent expedition, the two were still like fire and water. Constantly clashing. Oh, nothing much. Auralises smile deepened as she said, Im not going to brag, but Im ranked fifth. Fifth? Seans eyes widened in surprise. Auralise might have the best mana aptitude a player could possibly have without being a Bloodline Magus, which was the inferior bright grade. But she wasnt from the early batches of players, which made climbing the ranks exceedingly difficult at this stage of the game. The only logical explanation was her substantial use of resources. The power of money never ceases to amaze. Pfft. Butterfly snickered and mocked, Fifth? Thats it? And here I thought you were the top player to justify that smug attitude. What? Auralise scanned the list and when her gaze landed on Butterflys name, she flinched. You? Above me? How in the world did you get ranked higher? she muttered, disbelief flickering across her face. It was a fair question. Sean was sure that Auralise had leveraged the Spell Generator program and her underlings to churn out a vast array of powerful spells. Not to mention the truckload of mana crystals she likely burned through to supercharge her meditation. Yet despite all that, Butterflys superior mana aptitude and her status as a Bloodline Magus had secured her the higher rank. Butterfly grinned mischievously while crossing her arms. Surprised? I guess raw talent beats a fat wallet and the support of your cronies. Auralises jaw tightened, but she said nothing as her eyes climbed further up the ranking list. So what? Youre not even number one, she snapped. Her fists clenched at her sides. This is ridiculous. Ive put in way more effort than you! There must be a flaw in the system. Chicken couldnt resist chiming in with a smirk, Or maybe its just that Butterfly is better, lady. Auralise glared daggers at him, her cheeks flushing with anger. If looks could kill, he would have died multiple times. Well see about that. Ill let you stay on your high horse for now since the top spot will be mine soon enough. Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed off. Her entourage, including Dominique and Satellite, hurried to follow with a mix of awkwardness and determination. Clearly, they felt challenged to become the best in the game. Uh, guys, Patrick said cautiously, watching her retreating form. I think we just made a powerful competitor. Sean exhaled slowly, shaking his head. Shes always been competitive. Nothing new there. Yeah, but this time it feels different, Patrick muttered. Butterfly, one of the sources of the conflict, was unbothered. Whatever, she said with a casual shrug. Weve got more important things to do. Accordingly, they didnt mind this little banter that much. Instead, the group turned their attention to the latest expansion missions. If they wanted to hold onto their current spots or climb even higher in the overall rankings, they better start grinding spirit coins sooner rather than later. *** Jacky was reviewing the mission list. Despite his second-stage Initiate Attunement status and being tenth on the overall ranking, he felt a heavy weight pressing down on him a burden no other player could truly understand. Unlike them, he had only one life. His attention was captured on the setting traps mission. On the surface, it was a low-risk, low-reward task, but there was no cap on how many missions a player could accept. Of course, most players avoided taking multiple missions since failing to complete them could harm their amity with NPCs or even deduction to merit points. Jacky was no exception. However, there was one mission that every combat-focused player would definitely accept: exterminating undead creatures. [Exterminate undead creatures invading the academy.] [Mission Difficulty: Two stars] [Requirement: First-stage Initiate Attunement] [Note: Caution is needed when facing the undead. Death will not be compensated] [Reward: 1 spirit coin per kill, with additional rewards depending on the type of undead creatures] The rewards were modest: one spirit coin per undead slain, but the mission didnt explicitly state that the kills had to be direct. If traps could count, Jacky could potentially earn dozens, even hundreds, of spirit coins from a single well-placed trap without ever engaging in direct combat. Naturally, most players wouldnt see this as a major opportunity. Setting traps was time-consuming and laying them in a sprawling forest where the undead might not even pass was a gamble and was like a fools errand. Still, Jacky wasnt like most players. Its worth a try, and I can confirm with the assistant fairy, Jacky muttered to himself. Not only was this method efficient, but it was also the safest option available. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Caution was imperative. After all, he had uploaded his mind into the game, so death for him wasnt just a temporary setback it was final. Although he was courageous, when facing an unknown danger, it was better to be extra cautious. His train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice. Thunder, youre taking the trap mission? Locktekei, his longtime friend, stepped up beside him, glancing at his own holographic screen. Yeah, Jacky replied, keeping his tone even. Seems like the best option. Safer, too. Locktekei nodded thoughtfully. In that case, Ill take the guarding mission and watch your back, bro. No telling what might wander too close while youre setting up those traps. One hundred spirit coins shouldnt be too hard to gather anyway. Jacky appreciated the gesture and offered some advice. Since youre taking the guarding mission, why not grab the trap mission as well? Ill show you how to set them up. Trust me, its worth it He quickly revealed his plan to exploit the undead-kill mission by combining it with trap deployment. Locktekeis eyes widened as he absorbed the details. Whoa, I never even considered that. Youre a genius, man! Alright, lets do it. The two thus accepted their missions and headed out to prepare. Jacky felt more secure with his friends company. As they walked, Jackys mind churned with ideas for trap designs pitfalls, explosives, and magic traps all swirled in his head. Then, a sudden thought struck him like lightning. Thats it! An ingenious trap concept formed in his mind, one that could cover a wider area with minimal effort. A confident smirk tugged at Jackys lips. This might just tip the scales in my favor. *** Unlike usual, Victor was not relishing the sight of players dancing on his palm, nor did he deliver a grand speech about the expansion or the looming invasion of the undead army. His attention was wholly fixed on the pure-looking little girl seated before him. So, Lillie, have you absorbed everything I just taught you? Victor asked slowly, like a patient tutor guiding a young pupil. Despite Lillies extraordinary mana aptitude, as opposed to immediately forcing her to practice a meditation technique, Victor took his time to drill the basics into her head. Most of what he covered mirrored the material from the two-day compulsory class hed previously taught to players. But unlike when teaching the first and second batches of players that he did personally, Victor was now more experienced and held nothing back. Mana aptitude, elemental affinity, spell models, how to cast spells Lillie counted on her fingers everything that Victor had taught her, then with a bright smile, she declared, Lillie understands everything that Mentor Victor explained. Victor froze for a moment, his hand reflexively touching his throat in astonishment. He had always considered Lillie a simple-minded girl, yet her grasp of magic knowledge was nothing short of astounding. It was as if she had a natural talent for magic. Could her innocent demeanor be a fa?ade to conceal a more complex, perhaps even darker nature of hers? He couldnt help but wonder. But as his gaze lingered on her porcelain-white face, so full of innocence and earnestness, Victor found it impossible to entertain such thoughts. Still, Victors suspicion wasnt entirely unfounded. There was something enigmatic about Lillies heterochromatic eyes her special constitution seemed to harbor a profound secret. With his current level of power, he couldnt delve too deeply without risking interference or conducting a direct experiment. Not that hed resort to such invasive methods, especially when Lillie might reveal the truth in her own time. Mentor, what will you teach Lillie next? she asked, tilting her head with a childlike curiosity. Victor pondered briefly before handing her a memory crystal. Use this to study the meditation technique contained within. Ill guide you through the process. Since ascending to the rank of Elemental Adept Magus, Victor had gained the ability to craft memory crystals. However, as the academys sole official Magus (excluding Roland), producing these crystals in large quantities for the players was both impractical and inefficient. In Lillies case, as she had yet to become a true acolyte, she lacked the ability to wield magic. This meant she couldnt activate the crystal on her own, and Victor had to channel his infused mana into her body to help her activate the memory crystal. Without hesitation, he placed a hand gently on her shoulder, guiding his mana through her, allowing the crystals knowledge to flow into her mind. Lillies eyes widened momentarily as the influx of foreign knowledge filled her head, but she quickly composed herself, closing her eyes to focus. The advantage of the memory crystal over the Shadowlink Mark was its ability to provide instant comprehension. Unlike the players, who relied on trial and error or additional guidance, Lillie would be able to dive straight into the meditation practice with precision. In his hand, Victor intended to turn her into a monstrous genius, unmatched by any. Mentor, Lillie fully understands the Myriad Elements Method, she said with a bright, earnest look while gazing up at Victor expectantly with her small hands clasped tightly in her lap. Victor nodded with a satisfied smile. Mm-hmm. He gently reached out and stroked her head. Youve done well, Lillie. This apprentice of mine is really talented. Just then, the door swung open with a faint creak and a fairy flew inside. Oh, so this is where youve been hiding, Master, said Lizbeth, crossing her arms. Setting me aside to fawn over your little student. She harrumphed, bloating her cheeks. Victor coughed. Liz, its How about this? Why dont you try teaching Lillie a bit? Lizbeth had gained experience as an assistant in classes, so she should be more than capable. Besides, Victor had something important to do. You want me to teach her? She then grinned, straightening up. Sure. Ive just finished guiding those knuckleheads on the new missions, so I have some free time. Why do I feel that asking for her help was a mistake? Lillie tilted her head. Is Miss Lizbeth going to teach Lillie? What will Miss Lizbeth teach her? Lizbeth winked. Oh, dont worry. Ill teach you how to have fun. Something Master will not teach you. Hehehe. Liz Oh, relax. She waved him off. Ill make sure your precious apprentice sticks to the rules. Mostly. What do you mean mostly? was what Victor wanted to say but he kept it to himself and sighed. Whatever, he was going to let Lizbeth have her fun. In addition, it was better to see if the two of them got along since Lillie could be said to be his successor. Even Lillie looked excited about this as she exclaimed, Lillie will do her best! and held her hands together. Not minding them further, Victor quietly exited the room. However, he had barely taken a few steps when Lizbeth told him that there was a new mission, so he checked the Headmasters Journal on the way out. As he read through the description Mission: Investigate the Eerie Rumor There have been rumored sightings of an abominable monster lurking in the depths of the Thornwood Forest. As the headmaster, you must ascertain the truth of these rumors yourself in order to keep the academy safe. Type: Side mission Reward: Bet-tier {Indomitable Will} spell book This Chapter 176: Strange Sighting Investigation Soaring above the Thornwood Forest, Victors robe billowed in the wind as he surveyed the sprawling canopy below. The sun had gone down, replaced by a crescent moon in the sky that cast a faint, silvery glow across the treetops, where dark clusters of foliage swayed gently. From this vantage point, the vast forest seemed peaceful serene, even so much so that it gave Victor goosebumps, considering this was supposed to be a dark forest filled with creatures. He had cast {Demonic Eye}, summoning spectral eyes to sweep through the forest for traces of the rumored abomination. Faint wisps of residual corrupted elemental particles glimmered faintly in certain areas and strange carcasses lay scattered throughout the forest. Yet, nothing substantial stood out. Above all, the supernatural phenomena that were supposed to haunt the forest seemed to have vanished, as if deliberately avoiding this region. Strange. After circling the area for some time, Victor descended gracefully, landing in the middle of a clearing. His boots touched the soft earth with barely a sound. The atmosphere felt wrong eerily devoid of the sounds that should have been there. It was too quiet. Far too quiet. A sense of discomfort crept under Victors skin. A feeling of being watched by some unseen entity gripped his heart. How can I feel scared, even as a Magus? Victor frowned. No matter how much he scanned the surroundings with his mana sense, he couldnt detect anything. Whatever this thing is, its trying to avoid me This unsettling feeling was strangely familiar to Victor. He recalled playing a pixelated game as a child and setting the difficulty to peaceful mode. With the monsters gone, exploring places like fortresses that should have been crawling with enemies felt unnervingly wrong. Questions like who kept the place running and tidy without a single soul made it worse. And when the eerie background music struck, Victor would get chills down his spine, wishing to quit immediately. This felt exactly like that. The oppressive sensation of being watched by an unseen, unknowable entity was all too real. Victor was sure it wasnt just his imagination. His heightened intuition as an Elemental Adept Magus screamed warnings at him, an incessant alarm that refused to quiet down. Still, I cant just return empty-handed, Victor muttered under his breath. The side mission didnt tell him to find or even slay the monster, so he only had to investigate it, and the task should be done. But it was ambiguous enough, wherein he couldnt stop until there was a mission accomplished notification. It was akin to a wild goose chase. Redoubling his courage, Victor moved toward the half-eaten carcass that hed located through the spectral eyes. Crouching beside it, he examined the remains closely. Hmm It looks like a corpse of a Thornback Boar. But The body wasnt simply torn apart or gnawed on, as one might expect from a beast. Instead, the carcass was hollowed out from the inside. The cuts around its orifices were unnatural, as if something had burrowed into the boar and consumed it from within. What kind of abomination am I dealing with here? Victor went into his soliloquy, his brows furrowing deeply. No matter how he analyzed it, the pieces refused to fit together. A thought suddenly surfaced in Victors mind, something hed read long ago. Beings from beyond Seraphia were said to defy the natural laws of life, their forms and existence vastly different from anything typical. Terrifying beings of all kinds of shape did exist. One such example was the minions of the Outer Gods. At the time, Victor had dismissed it as fanciful nonsense, likely penned by some over-imaginative writer seeking fame, much like the Lovecraftian stories on Earth. But What if the entity watching him was something as horrifying as that? All of a sudden, a melodious chime rang out, jolting Victors body as if struck by lightning Eep! [Mission Accomplished!] [Congratulations on passing the mission. You have successfully ascertained the truth behind the rumors of the abominations existence.] [The reward (Bet-tier {Indomitable Will} spell book) has been issued.] Fuck! You scared me for nothing! Victor shouted, stomping the ground in frustration as his eyes fixed on the glowing holographic screen. Then it hit him the mission had been marked as complete, so his conclusion must have been correct. Oh, shit! I need to get out of here! Now! Without wasting another moment, Victor shot into the sky, leaving the eerie forest and its oppressive silence far behind. As the cold wind whipped past him and the immediate danger faded, Victor couldnt help but think about Lumen. It had been weeks since he last saw her, that magical mount of his. What had she been up to all this time? This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. It wasnt unusual for Lumen to disappear for a week or so, but she would always return with the carcass of a magical beast in tow. But ever since their confrontation with the twin overseers, she had been missing entirely. Quite a curious thing. Could it be that Lumen is chasing after this abomination? The more Victor considered it, the more plausible it seemed. As a Celestial Moonhowler, Lumen was sensitive to evil beings like the minion of an Outer God. And with the connection Victor shared with her, he could pinpoint that Lumens location wasnt far from this part of the forest. In any case, he decided to return to the academy first before making any further plans. The advancing undead army was a more immediate concern. Reports from the players indicated the horde was drawing dangerously close to the academy. By their estimates, it would be no more than three or four days before the undead were knocking at the academys gate. Victor had already activated the academys magic barriers, but the enemys ability to pinpoint its location was troubling. Perhaps it had something to do with SuperNovas disappearance Troubles never seem to end Victor muttered, shaking his head. *** The Land of the Dead. At first, players thought it was merely the name of the expansion. But once they ventured to the source of the undead horde, they realized the title must have been meant for the place itself. Thick with decay and an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to gnaw at the edges of their resolve this was how every player described it. William tightened his grip on his staff as he scanned the lifeless landscape ahead. Thick, ash-gray soil stretched all around, broken only by jagged, decayed remnants of trees and scattered bones. It looked like an apocalypse had been unleashed in this area. Ahead of him, Storm brandished his dual swords, which gleamed faintly in the dim light. To his right, Mike hefted his newly favored sword-and-shield combination, a combo he had recently picked up to balance offense and defense. Zero flanked Williams side, holding his crossbow steady, ready to cast a spell at a moments notice. In this game, there were no restrictions on weapon choices, leaving players free to experiment with whatever suited their style or looked the coolest. This flexibility had become second nature to William and his group since they wanted to prioritize magic use for critical moments. After all, if their infused mana pools were used up, they would be no different than stronger mortals and become sitting ducks. Still, there was something different in their party composition. There was actually a female player holding a magic wand with them, standing at the rear. She was RainbowUnicornUWU, a newly recruited healer and a temporary replacement for the missing SuperNova. Surprisingly, despite being part of the earlier batches of players, she had been under the radar, spending most of her time in the game as a humble berry seller. Her status as a second-stage Initiate Attunement player and one of the few Bio-elemental healers would have been reason enough to recruit her, but it was her appearance that sealed the deal. What group of male players wouldnt want someone with long, flowing blue hair and a pretty face in their party? Of course, practicality played a role too. All the other high-ranking female players, like MsMelody and MariaC, were already committed to other parties, leaving Rainbow as one of the few options available. Everyone, be careful, Zero cautioned, stopping in his tracks. This place feels dangerous. Although we havent spotted any undead just yet, who knows what will happen. Its too quiet, Storm added. Feels like somethings waiting to ambush us from all directions. Hey! Dont jinx it! William retorted. Mike, however, stepped confidently in front of Rainbow, offering a reassuring smile. Dont worry, missy. Youre safe with us around. Rainbow, for her part, seemed utterly uninterested in the tension building around her. Instead, her attention was fixed on the barren ground. Hmm, she muttered, crouching to inspect a patch of ashen dirt, more accurately the shriveled clump of what might have once been grass. Not a single berry or mushroom can be picked around here What a waste. The group exchanged incredulous glances. Even in the heart of enemy territory, Rainbows scavenging instincts seemed to take precedence over everything else. Well, the plants werent just dead they were rotting. It was like life in this land had been warped beyond recognition. Finding any living flora here wouldve been more unsettling than the decay itself. After another half hour of searching, William stopped and commented in frustration, This mission just says to investigate and find clues about this place, but theres nothing remotely interesting as far as the eye can see Unfortunately, SuperNova, the only one who possessed a scouting spell, was not there. Thus, it became more challenging to search around. After all, none of them had expected him to be missing at such a critical juncture. I dont like this Storms voice dropped a notch. Has anyone ever played Resident Evil 4 before? Quiet usually means one thing: somethings about to go horribly wrong. As if summoned by his words, a low, guttural growl echoed from the surroundings. Then, with a sickening crack, the scattered skeletal remains began to move. Bones clattered together as if guided by an unseen hand, forming into horrifyingly humanoid shapes. At the same time, patches of earth erupted as decayed hands clawed their way free, announcing the emergence of rotted figures with lifeless eyes. Skeletons! Zombies! The party froze, disbelief filling their eyes. Ambush! Zero shouted, raising his crossbow as he spun to face the nearest threat. William groaned, clutching his head as the skeletons and zombies began closing in. Damn it, Storm! You really did jinx it this time! Nows not the time! Storm yelled as he swung his dual swords at a zombie nearby, trisecting it. Everyone! Focus on staying alive! Mike raised his shield, positioning himself between Rainbow and the advancing undead. Missy, stick close to me! Ill keep them off you. Really, Mike? Arent you in some sort of a relationship with the village NPC girl? William thought as he prepared to cast a spell. Rainbow tilted her head curiously, seemingly unfazed by the rising undead. Tch. They really ruined the soil here. No wonder theres nothing good to scavenge, she muttered, drawing a small, glowing staff that pulsed with Bio-elemental energy. The party quickly formed a loose defensive circle. Weapons were drawn, spells ready to be shot. Their fate would be decided in this battle.