《Black God of Lightning.》


 1. A hard goodbye

    Earth. The year 2018


    On a long sandy road with green grass and trees on the side. There is a large electric swing gate at the end of the road. By the gate, two people are engaged in a serious conversation.


    One of them is a boy who looks to be about 18 years old. He is a dark-skinned black man with medium sized dreadlocks tied together in a bun. He is particularly handsome. He has a symmetrical face and an evident jawline with hazel brown eyes. The other person is a white female who appears to be in her thirties. She has dark brown hair and light brown eyes. Her smile is warm, white and beautiful.


    The lady spoke and said " Lucas you are 18 years old and you have finished your school career so it is time for you to leave. You already know about our rules. When you turn 18. You are on your own so that we can take in more children of need."


    Lucas looked at the lady and nodded in acknowledgement. This wasn''t the first time he was hearing this. The Lady smiled at Lucas " I''m glad you quick on the uptake. It''s usually, at this part, people seem to conveniently forget the rules. Anyway, you were an upstanding student at school. With an average of 95% as your year-end mark. If you continue to work hard this world is yours for the taking." She said smiling at Lucas.


    Lucas returned a smile revealing his bright white teeth, " Thank you very much, Tannie Estelle(1). At first, I thought I was done for but now I have a full bursary at the University of Cape Town. So I am at ease knowing I have a path that I can take."


    Lucas picked up his black bags. That had all his belongings inside. He looked at the woman in front of him while fighting to hold back his tears , " Thank you very much for all your support! I know I wasn''t always the person I am today, in fact, I was the worst and yet, you believed in me! Constantly pleading on my part to keep me inside the Children''s home because you saw the promise in me. It is a debt I will never forget until the day I die." Lucas looked deeply into Tannie Estelle''s eyes and no matter what anyone said he knew, she is a good woman with a big heart.


    At this time Lucas''s fellow orphans more like "brothers" came to the gate. They stood and watched Lucas thanking Tannie Estelle. They all agreed in their hearts, that she always stood up for those who she believed in, even if others didn''t.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    They all remembered the one time when they were curious about what alcohol tasted like. They went to the liquor store and bought some. Of course, they were underage as well as it being their first time. They could not hold their liquor and in the end, they all returned to the Children''s home drunk. This didn''t sit well with the authorities in charge of the Children''s home. They were angry and insisted that each and everyone involved had to be thrown out. But Tannie Estelle pleaded for them saying, "it is normal for children to be curious about certain things. It is normal for children to make mistakes. If this was your own children would you throw them out of your homes...? We opened this Children''s home for a reason. We want to keep as many children as we can off the streets. Because from there crime is created. In this situation, what the children need the most is love and guidance. Naturally once all is said and done the appropriate punishment should be dealt out. Nonetheless, the aim isn''t to abandon disobedient children. If so then how are we making a difference? If they feel loved they are more likely to open up their hearts. But only if you care enough... Otherwise, they will just continue and that is not okay with me! I joined this place because of its mission statement. I want to make a difference in the youth for they are the future of our country."


    Lucas put down his black bags and wiped his tears. Then he picked them up again and took a step forward. He had now crossed the line that separates the territory of the Children''s home and the outside world. At the same time, he crossed the border of a child to an adult. Lucas turned around facing his "brothers" and Tannie Estelle. This time he had resolve written all over his face. It said I am going to make you all proud. At first, everyone was taken aback by the sudden change in Lucas''s demeanour. But soon after they all revealed a smile of support.


    Just as Lucas was about to turn around. Lucas''s best friend placed his hand on his temple. When the rest of the boys saw this they did the same thing.


    They all stood upright saluting Lucas with tears streaming at 4K. All sorts of memories and emotions welled up inside of Lucas. He was now saying goodbye to his "brothers" he had lived with for 7 years. Lucas looked up, sucked in a large breath of air as he held back his tears. Lucas looked at each and everyone one of them for a while. He then put his bags down and returned the salute, picked his bags up, turned around and began walking on the long path.


    The boys kept saluting until he was no longer in sight. Whereas Tannie Estelle left as soon as Lucas turned around. She did not want to cry in front of everyone. She had her status and position to uphold.


    1-Lucas is from a part of the world where it is rude to name a person 10 years older by their name. As a sign of respect, they say Tannie "Insert surname". Tannie means Aunty. This is said by everyone and does not mean they are related or that the person being referred to as Tannie is their Aunt but rather just a sign of respect for those older than you.

 2. Love at first sight?

    " Wow, I am really at this stage of my life. It came by so quickly. One moment I''m 16 and the next I''m 18 and fending for myself..." Lucas thought.


    Lucas was still a bit emotional about leaving the only place he had known as home for as long as he could remember.


    Even though he was excited to leave and finally start his life as an adult. He was sad that he had to leave his "brothers". The people that always had his back. The people he went through many trials and tribulations with. The people he did life with and grew up with. Lucas sighed heavily and said under his breath " Well I guess that is life..."


    Lucas continued to walk on the long sand road. It seemed to have no end. His goal was to reach the bus stop at the end of the road. The bus would then take him to the University of Cape Town. For it is there where his new life would begin as well as there where his new home would be.


    The bursary also included accommodation at the UCT (1) student residence. While Lucas was walking he began thinking about what the place would look like? What his room would look like. Lucas envisioned his room to be about 10 square meters with a single bed, a chair, an inbuilt desk, maybe a tv and a fridge.


    The possibility of owning a mini-fridge excited Lucas the most. For if true, this meant he didn''t have to share one with others. In the Children''s home, the food he refrigerated would be eaten by someone else. This annoyed him a lot because if he asked who ate his food. No one would answer. There were 13 boys in one house so how could he guess who ate his food? When nobody owned up to eating it. But, if he had his own mini-fridge he could store his food in a safe place. He could even eat it at his own leisure.


    There were often times when Lucas was full but he forced himself to eat. If he didn''t it would most likely disappear. Once it entered the fridge. One could say the fridge was a black hole. Whatever you put in disappeared. Of course, the real black hole was the stomachs of the children in Lucas''s house.


    There was another reason the prospect of owning his own fridge made Lucas excited. This was related to the reason he wanted to study meteorology. Lucas had always been fascinated by the sciences that occur when the weather changes. When he was younger he used to sit and ponder. Why do the clouds move? Why do some clouds look fluffy and others thin? Why does the sky appear blue? These questions where all brought about when Lucas first watched the movie:< The X-Men > and he saw the character Storm. He was mesmerized by how pretty she was and fascinated by how she could control the weather.


    Lucas always wished he could do something similar. But being human comes with limitations. As on Earth, it is impossible to have superpowers ( unless you live in Area 51). So the closest thing he could do was study the weather. Heck, maybe if his understanding of the weather was greater than anyone before him. He could create equipment that could influence the weather! Well of course, not to the standard that Storm could. But at least a fraction of it.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Currently, humans couldn''t control the weather. Nonetheless, they were making breakthroughs in manipulating certain phenomena. Yes, that is where the fridge comes in. Although it is a small step to weather manipulation. The fridge is able to cool air. As such, it is able to make what originally wasn''t, cool now. Isn''t this the human equivalent to superpowers!? And Lucas had the opportunity to own one of these.


    It was as Lucas was so excited about the prospect of owning his own fridge that he reached the end of the road. He was standing at a T-junction where the sand road meets the tar road. To the left side of the T-junction is the way to the city. You could see the cities buildings in the distance. To the right is the way out of town. The bus stop is on Lucas''s right as the bus comes out of town and into it again. There is a terminal in and out of town.


    Lucas was in deep thought and did not notice that at the bus stop meters away. There was a girl who was intently looking at him. She sat on the waiting bench. Her eyebrows were furrowed as she looked at Lucas. She wanted to know what is it that had him in such deep thought. She made list in her mind of the possible things that could keep a boy''s mind so preoccupied.


    "Maybe he is thinking of some complex math equation," but she scrubbed this idea out because math is not that mesmerizing, at least not at this level. She then thought, "maybe he forgot his mother/girlfriends birthday and is thinking of a way to make it up to them," she scrubbed this idea out too. However, not completely. She then thought, " Maybe he got kicked out of his house and is on his way to a friend or relative." This idea seemed to stick with her. For she based this on the fact that he had two black bags on him.


    Of course, if she knew that fridges are what really had his attention. She would be angry that she even gave him the time of day.


    At this time Lucas came out of his train of thought. He realized that he had reached the end of the road. He looked to the right to see the bus stop as this was his first destination. But as soon as he did he and the other girl looked deeply into each other''s eyes. Lucas looked away immediately. If Lucas could turn any other colour his face would be blood red. He only caught a glimpse of her before looking away though.


    Lucas wondered why she was looking his way but more importantly, he wanted to know what she looked like. He told himself that if she was pretty he would talk to her. Deep down, he knew that whatever the outcome was he wouldn''t say a word. He was shy when it came to girls. Lucas turned his head rightwards preparing to have another look at her. However, this time she wasn''t looking at him and was on her phone. This made him feel a bit dejected.


    However, there was a reason she was on her phone when Lucas looked at her. The meeting of their eyes startled her too. She didn''t expect Lucas to exit his thoughts so soon. He looked so into it. As such she was embarrassed. But to gain her "power" back. She had to look nonchalant about it. She chose to look at her phone as the best means to accomplish it. Which worked though.


    1- University of Cape Town

 3. Ignorance is bliss

    In the throne room of some big castle. It had large circular pillars on the opposite sides of the room. Extending to the huge double door. In between the gold and white pillars was a red carpet that started from the door till it reached the stairs. At the stairs were two knights dressed in golden armour with a golden sword and shield. These were the two Head Knights who''s sole duty was to protect the King. Above the stairs were two large golden thrones this was for the King and Queen. Just below there were smaller black chairs that were used for the 1st Prince and 1st Princesses. Stationed by each pillar was a Royal Knight who was clad in shining silver armour. Each one of them was equipped with a long sword and a shield.


    The ceiling was high above. It had a dome-like glass part where you could see through to the sun.


    The King and the Prince were in their seats. The Queen and the Princess were not.


    The King looked at the sundial and said " It is the time where the veil is thinnest between Universes. Prepare the soul migration array! Order a complete lockdown on the Throne room when the mages appear!"


    " Yes, your majesty." The two head Knights replied in unison and opened up the large double doors. Once opened, they called in the mages who were waiting outside. The mages entered one by one. One of Head Knights told the knights who were stationed to protect the entrance of the Throne room " The King has issued a full lockdown and wants no one to enter until the doors are re-opened. Not under any circumstance should these doors open be it the Queen or the Princess who wish to enter. None shall pass!"


    The Knights saluted to show that they understood and stood in front of the double door as the doors closed slowly. Once the door was closed. One of the Knights looked at the other and said: " I don''t know about you but I am not telling the Princess she may not enter." The other then said, " Well you have to unless you want to die." Then other Knight replied, " Well that is exactly what I am afraid of."


    Boom!


    The doors closed airtight. The Knights who were originally standing at the pillars moved to the centre of the throne room and pushed the red carpet away. It was originally a straight line but now looked like a C shaped triangle. Their purpose was to push the carpet away from covering what was below. Now that the carpet was gone you could see the vault below. The Head Knight returned to the King. The King gave him the keys to the vault so that he could open it up. The Head Knight walked back to the vault and put the key in and twisted it.


    Kacha.


    The vault opened and the Head knight took the stairs down to the bottom. He then used a low-level spell called lesser light. This Knight was capable of casting superior magic but that would be superfluous as lesser light was more than sufficient. Suddenly a small light emitted from his finger and now he could see down here as it was pitch black. He then proceeded to the bottom of the stairs where a circle platform was with a large two-meter black crystal contraption attached to it. To the side of the crystal was a wheel that you turn which in turn raises the circular platform to the top. The platform is not bigger than the hole as such the stairs is not in the way and the Head night can still come out even though the platform is raised.


    The head knight walked to the wheel and began turning the wheel to raise the platform. With each and every turn the platform got higher and higher. Until it reached the top. He then put the key that opened the vault in the keyhole below the wheel. He turned the key and left it inside the keyhole. This keyhole is used to lock the platform in its current position. But for some reason, it was not locked when he first turned the wheel. As such only now did he put the keys in. When he saw that all preparations where complete he walked up the stairs and climbed out of the vault.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    All the mages wore red robes that covered them from the face to their feet. The mages made a circle around the black crystal which was the soul migration array. They made the circle around the hole of the vault and began chanting spells in unison.


    The Head Knight returned to the other Head Knight at the stairs to protect the King.


    ...


    Lucas was looking at the girl on the bus stop bench. She had black hair with skin so pale that it looked transparent. She appeared to be quite pretty but he wasn''t fully sure as he was looking at her from her side. She was wearing a short tight black skirt and a pink t-shirt with her black and white Converse Chuck Taylors.


    Lucas stopped looking at her and started walking to the bus stop. He was thinking " I hope she doesn''t flatter herself thinking I am coming to talk to her. I mean it just so happens that my destination was the bus stop from the start. And she just so happened to be sitting there." Lucas planned to take out his phone to look as casual as possible as well as have something to give his attention to when he gets there. This would quell the pending awkwardness when he arrived to sit next to her.


    Lucas eventually got to the bench and put down the black bags. He then bent his knees and sat down. Lucas pulled out his phone and started reading his favourite web novel about this Chef that wants to be the greatest under the heavens. And his black hellhound dog and white robotic puppet.


    He then let out a sigh and thought "aaaah these manga/anime/light novel characters sure have it easy. In their world, you only need brute force to solve any problem. The only issue is that based on what I''ve seen is that guys think with their little brains and seem to have absolutely no common sense. They would try to kill someone because he is walking around with a beautiful girl out of jealousy. As well as women seem to be just objects of possession. And if they not objects of possession then they make the MC the object of their obsession. Where they try to force the MC into marriage and of course the weak-willed MC will always accept the marriage as if he has no will of his own. If I was put in a situation like that I''m sure things would be different..."


    This time the girl was looking at him funny. She thought to herself " Is this guy an idiot? Why does he always seem to be in deep thought? Does he know what it means to remain on earth for two seconds!?"


    She then spoke, " You seem to be in your thoughts quite a lot, is there anything particularly interesting that has got you so preoccupied?" She asked him flat out because truthfully she had theories about what he was thinking about but until proven they will just remain as conjectures. As such she might as well ask and find out that she was right or wrong.


    Lucas at the time of the question was in deep thought but heard a bit of mumbling in the background. He thought "could she speaking to me?" Immediately the image of her popped up. The pretty girl with a tight black skirt and pink top. It was then that Lucas was convinced he must be hearing stuff. If such a pretty girl actually wanted to talk to him. So he continued with his line of thought, completely ignoring her.


    The girl noticed that there seemed to be no response from the boy and assumed " He must really be in deep thought. It''s okay next time I will speak much louder and clearer." She nodded her head as she had firmly decided to give it another go.


    " You seem to be in your thoughts quite a lot, is there anything particularly interesting that has got you so preoccupied!" She said loudly but to no avail as the boy kept quiet and did not pay her a shred of attention.


    This time she was infuriated. She thought " Who does this guy think he is?! To ignore me not once but twice! I was nice enough to repeat myself and I even repeated the full sentence, the nerve!"

 4. Newtons first law dammit!

    The girl was infuriated! She thought " Who! Does this guy think he is? To ignore me, not once but twice. I was nice enough to repeat myself and I even repeated the full sentence, the nerve!"


    This time around Lucas clearly heard this girl but decided not to answer because he had no idea what to say " Aaah, I don''t know what to say? If I mess up our first encounter. I ruin all my chances of ever being with her. You know what since that is the case. I might as leave it. I will act as if I never heard her."


    It was at this moment that his ears started ringing. He heard a constant buzzing sound. With every passing second, the duration between each ring shortened as well as the sound of each buzz increased. It eventually got so bad that Lucas put his phone in his pocket and put his hands on his temples and started rubbing them.


    The girl wasn''t pleased with this for in her point of view it seemed that her very presence is what seemed to annoy this boy to the extent that he is even rubbing his temples in a circular motion.


    "At least the bus is here" This made her feel better. She had been waiting for the bus for hours and now it was finally around the bend.


    Detecting alien existence.


    Proceeding to scan for confirmation.


    5% 10% 20% 30% 45% 65% 70% 80% 95% 100%


    Alien existence confirmed.


    Personality scan initiating.


    0% 5% 10% 15% 25% 30% 45% 60% 75% 80% 95% 100%


    Personality scan complete.


    Initiating alien removal plan.


    Countdown in,


    5


    4


    3


    2


    1


    ...


    Meanwhile in the castle of someplace.


    The red-robed mages were all chanting a single spell in unison " Oh Lord that governs this world, send to us a powerful soul that we may smite the enemies that seek our destruction in return we offer all of our mana to you as tribute".


    This phrase was repeated over and over again. As the mages were chanting the black crystal got more and more active. It began to turn from a black colour to a deep purple as all the mana started flowing towards the Crystal. Once every drop of mana was absorbed from the mages the crystal turned purple ].


    The King shouted, " Prepare for soul migration!"


    A white light shot straight up into the sky and disappeared the second it reached the sky because the Lord who governed this world received it. The citizens of the country as well as the royal guards outside the throne room where all confused as to where the light came from and what it meant.


    After a few minutes, white light was shot down and went into the crystal. The crystal began to flash and a large magic circle appeared on the ceiling creating a barrier at the circumference that extended to the bottom. This barrier could not be entered. At this time the mages dispersed and moved away from the soul migration array because they no longer had any mana to give away. Ever!Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    The magic circle started getting brighter and brighter and until you could no longer see through it. It was just a white light in the shape of a cylinder. Soon after the light started getting dimmer, and dimmer and dimmer to the extent that somewhere between all the light a black shadow like image could be seen.


    The King cried out in joy "It''s working!"


    ...


    Detecting alien existence


    Proceeding to scan for confirmation.


    5% 10% 20% 30% 45% 65% 70% 80% 95% 100%


    Alien existence confirmed.


    Personality scan initiating.


    0% 5% 10% 15% 25% 30% 45% 60% 75% 80% 95% 100%


    Personality scan complete.


    Initiating alien removal plan.


    Countdown in,


    5


    4


    3


    2


    1


    0


    As if possessed by a demon the girl exploded in rage. So the fact that Lucas was "ignoring" her was no longer something she could just let go. She stood up looked at him and forcefully removed his hands from his temples only to notice that this boy was drenched in sweat.


    Lucas was still hearing the ringing in his ears and it was painful as such he was sweating profusely. He felt someone remove his hands from his temples but didn''t pay much mind to it instead scrunched his face in pain as the buzzing continued to ring in his ears.


    The girl seemed as if she did not care about the pain he was feeling instead was adamant about having this boy acknowledge her existence. She grabbed him by the waist trying to pull him up so that he could see her face. She was sure he would certainly want to talk then, but as she touched his waist she felt her arms being pushed aside and next she felt herself forcefully taking a few steps backwards...


    Lucas felt someone touching his ribs and quite frankly he was pissed. He was in so much pain and someone was touching him. This made him angry. He then involuntary pushed the arms aside and then returned his hands to the centre of his body and pushed forward with all his might! At this moment the buzzing in his ears had stopped so he looked up to see an off-balance girl moving a few steps backwards.


    Lucas thought, "wait but I know this girl. She is the pretty girl I didn''t have the courage to talk to." It was at this moment that Lucas took notice of his surroundings. He saw that the bus was on the way. And the way this girl was moving she was sure to crash into it... That would make him a murderer! Lucas sucked in a large breath of air.


    Lucas thought of how he could absolve this situation from the worst case scenario to the best case. He saw her hand stretched out and realized he must grab her hand and try to pull her back to him.


    " Mmm, I like this plan!" he thought.


    All this happened in split seconds, it is said that the brain can think four times faster than the mouth can speak words. Then there are times where humans can wield supernatural powers due to the influence of epinephrine (1).


    Lucas pressed his foot hard against the ground and leapt forwards. If this was the world of anime the ground would have broken so much force Lucas put into it. Lucas grabbed on to her hand. And then tugged her towards himself. But there was one problem he did not calculate. Although the girl was moving in the correct direction. He was not. In fact, at the rate, he was going. He could not stop himself even if he willed it.


    After a few steps, he found himself on the road and right in front of him was a huge bus that was honking and tooting for him to get out the way. But Lucas knew that any effort to move away now was futile. So he would rather live his last moments with dignity.


    He started thinking " Aaaah, I was just about to start my dream. Now I am not even going to get there. I''m going to be another young death statistic," Lucas shook his head and proceeded back to thought " I was just about to own my own fridge. Man, I''m still a virgin! If I knew I would I would die here today I would have talked to the girl who seemed to take notice of me. Well, of course, this wouldn''t change my status but at least I would have known the name of the girl I''m dying for. Aaah! Honestly, I wonder what happens next?"


    Screeeeeeech!


    The driver slammed on his brakes trying to stop in time and began swerving but to no avail, he was going to fast and before he realized.


    Boom!


    A loud sound was heard accompanied by the cracking of bones. The driver immediately came out the bus that was still standing upright and looked at the aftermath but lost all will to live when he saw the bloody scene before his eyes. He subconsciously thought " It''s not my fault, it''s not my fault" he repeated these words like a mantra but still felt an incredible amount of guilt. Like the world was weighing down on his shoulders.


    He eventually came back to his senses and shouted, " call an ambulance " Even though deep down he knew the futility because this boy was long dead. He then shouted, " Call the police" and took a large gulp of air.


    .....


    " Where am I? My word this white light is blinding!"


    1. Epinephrine - also known as adrenalin or adrenaline.

 5. " Im in some intermediatory place between Heaven, Hell and Earth?

    " Where am I? My word this white light is blinding!"


    Lucas said and closed his eyes. "Wait, my eyes! I can see! Didn''t I die? How am I conscious? I clearly remember that girl that I tried to save. Yes, that girl! But then I got rammed by a bus. Agggh that was so painful! I assumed, I would die instantly and thus feel no pain but in the moment of death who knew every moment is perceived as if it is in slow motion. I literally felt a large vehicle first slam into me and break my bones. This knocked me forward and I landed scraping my skin on the floor. Shortly afterwards the bus drove over me flattening my torso and then my head... " At this moment Lucas was overcome by a stabbing feeling in his "brain".


    "Yes, that is what happened! Aaah I feel like I''ve been hit by a bus" At this moment the white light dispersed and Lucas appeared to be in a white square room with an office desk and at the back of the room was a large golden double door. He was sitting on one chair looking at some old guy who was sitting opposite to him on the other side of the desk. Basically your typical interview scene. This person had a long beard. His wrinkles were quite apparent. He had long grey hair. He was wearing a long white robe and the collars were coloured in gold.


    " Good job on keeping your sanity, usually when people realize that they died they go insane wishing for one more chance at life. You have a strong soul." Lucas now looked at this old person in front of him, " Thank you, I don''t know what strong soul means but I think credit was due to the fact that in my last moments I was prepared for it and then let death take me away."


    The white-bearded old man looked at him deeply, " It''s exactly for that reason that I say you have a strong soul. After you die your soul gets transferred here but due to your soul moving from one plane of existence to another as well as it is the first time the soul has been separated from the body. Deteration occurs. Because of this, souls usually, forget many things and became unstable. So when they find out they have died whether they waited for their deaths or it came unexpectedly. It is only natural for a soul to feel out of place and freak out once it regains consciousness" The old man replied with pride as he flaunted his knowledge.


    " Your soul, on the other hand, shows no sign of damage, and you kept your sanity when you realized that you had already passed. Honestly, even "strong soul" is an understatement to explain the strength of your soul" The white-bearded old man praised Lucas.


    Lucas smiled widely for he was feeling quite flattered then he asked " So I take it that I''m in some intermediatory place between Heaven, Hell and Earth? And you are one of the many workers here who judge whether I''m going to Heaven or hell?" Lucas said as his smile reverted to his normal appearance.


    The old man began to laugh loudly and then stood up from his chair started releasing a tiny shred of his aura. White lights started emitting from his body infolding him in a pillar of light. The stationery on the office desk such as the pens and papers seemed to lose all sense of gravity and floated in the air.


    Lucas, however, felt like there was so much pressure on him as if he was carrying the weight of the world. However, the energy was not oppressive it was very calm and refined despite its mass.


    " You are wrong on many accounts! There is no such thing as Heaven and Hell. When you die, you die!" The white-bearded old man said with his arms crossed and then started dispersing his aura. After it was dispersed he sat down on his seat and began speaking.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    " It is true that you die but in some cases there as those who are eligible for reincarnation if their souls are intact as well as have enough strength to move from this plane to another. There is not just one universe. In fact, there are hundreds and thousands of different universes that make up the multiverse. Each universe has it''s own God and each God has its workers that work for her or him. Upon death Gods between universes exchange eligible souls of the dead and they are reincarnated as a baby in a new world with no recollection of their past lives"


    The white-bearded old man''s expression then turned sour, " There is also another way to transfer souls although I find it quite detestable. This is by using a soul migration array. Humans offer their mana to the God that governs over their world as a tribute and as a result, the God of their world will forcefully pull a soul from one world to another or a collaboration between two Gods where a God will send a soul willingly. This can only be done once every 1000 years on the day of "The veil" when the veil between universes is at its weakest. There are limits to who and what can be summoned but I won''t go into that now."


    The white-bearded old man then returned to his proud demeanour, " Just now you referred to me as some lowly worker of a God. Well, you could not be any more wrong. I am a God but not just any God. I am the God of the entire multiverse. I oversee the Gods that oversee the universes. I oversee all, I see all!"


    Lucas was utterly shocked at this, he had just judged the God of the entire multiverse as a worker of a God. If there was a hole to climb Lucas would gladly climb in. But he was confused as to why the God of the universe seemed to take no offence to what Lucas had said.


    He then realized that why would the God of the multiverse take offence to what an ant would say to him. It''s like throwing a pebble at a ginormous castle and trying to break it. But what really got Lucas thinking was why someone this important was talking to him someone with his position must be extremely busy.


    He thought " I''m sure not everyone gets to talk to the God of the multiverse but usually gets the worker of a God and if they lucky maybe the God of a universe or if they even luckier two or more of them but definitely not the one in charge of all!"


    The God of the multiverse then saw Lucas in thought so he proceeded with his speech " Now then you must be wondering why I of all beings have summoned you to my presence" Lucas then nodded because he would like to know.


    " I did because I can, hahaha!" The Hod of the multiverse laughed in a very slow and deep voice. It was a laugh befitting the God of the multiverse. The God of the multiverse then proceeded again with his speech " Well honestly I saw that you had an abnormally strong soul. As well as that you are being transferred to a new world via the ''soul migration array!'' despite dying. This brings up many red flags and so my filter picked it up. "


    " I don''t think it is any secret to know much I hate the use of that contraption. Usually, after a soul is migrated it is in a weakened state. So after a summoner has summoned the summonee. A curse is instilled on their bodies: ensuring that the summonee never defies their orders. I hate this because just as they have obtained their new life. They are robbed of their freedom and forced to live for someone else. But I do nothing about it because it is a necessary evil..." He then let out a long sigh.


    Lucas couldn''t understand what he meant by "necessary evil" but then again trying to understand what a God thought. No less what the God of the entire MULTIVERSE thought is the quintessence of vanity. So he never asked about and let it slide.


    " Anyway the reason you are in front of me is that for the first time I am going to intervene." He paused after this for a while (pretty sure it was for effect).


    "I''m doing it because I find it quite necessary," The God of the Universe said and paused for a second.


    Then he said, "I am going to give you a passive protecting spell that will keep you safe from the enslaving spell they will cast on you upon your arrival".

 6. Three blessings and a unique skill!

    "I am going to give you a passive protecting spell that will keep you safe from the enslaving spell they will cast on you upon your arrival".


    The God of the multiverse then seriously looked at Lucas and said " The spell protects you against any type of enslaving spell no matter the tier of magic used however if the caster finds out that you are not affected by the spell and said caster is stronger than you, you are most likely going to enter conflict. Reminder this spell does not increase physical defence it is strictly to defend against the mentioned type of spells!"


    Lucas nodded to show that he understood what he has been told. The God of the multiverse saw this and then proceeded to speak " You will not receive any physical protective armour from me. However, I will give you three offensive blessings. A unique skill will be given or not depending on the answer to my question."


    Lucas was really excited about this. He started thinking " the God of the multiverse is going to give me blessings! I wonder what it will be. AAAAH I''m so excited!" Lucas smiled widely after this and then looked at the man in front of him. To indicate that he is paying attention and he may proceed to speak again.


    " I am going to explain this to you in terms that you will be able to understand. To do that I''ll be using gaming jargon from your world. Now, your first blessing is that you will have a high harmonization percentage with mana (upgradable). This means you will be able to control mana easier than others. What you can achieve with this is all up to you".


    "Your second blessing is that you will have a high affinity to elemental magic (upgradeable). With your affinity to mana, you will find mastering other types of spells easier than other people. But the strength of the magic will never exceed the strength you can output using elemental magic"


    "And lastly. Your third blessing is a decrease in the time used to cast spells which in turn will increase your hit rate percentage (upgradable)."


    " These three blessings I bestow upon you. Each of these blessings is upgradable. How you use them is up to you."


    The God of the multiverse then looked at Lucas seriously and said " Now here is the question I wanted to ask you. But before that let me explain something to you. When you get transferred to the other world you will look exactly like you did on earth due to the soul imprint and memories you still have and remember. When a baby is born, a baby is given an imprint on his or her soul by the God of his or her universe, this imprint is never the same as anybody only from time to time will you find ones similar such as twins and doppelgangers but even then..."


    " This imprint indirectly determines a baby''s personality and gives the blueprint to the baby''s appearance. Think of the soul imprint as "DNA". The genes that code for your body are also embedded in the soul imprint. The expression of these genes is the phenotype, the physical body with all of its unique traits. Your body is shaped after the genes coded on your soul. Basically, your body is the physical representation of your soul become expressed in the physical realm. However, due to environmental factors such as unhealthy eating habits or malnutrition etc a body can deviate from what it is supposed to look like, however a phantom image of the true body is still kept in the soul''s genome, like a manuscript in its purest form ". Lucas then looked at the God in front of him with his eyebrows scrunched thinking" This guy literally said the same thing three times but each time in more understandable words.


    " With regards to personality. The genes that code for your personality are also imprinted on the soul. A baby has an innate personality due to the personality genes imprinted on his or her soul but certain genes are still dormant or don''t work as much as others do. When the said person goes through certain experiences the genes that were affected either become active or they stay dormant. An example would be this. A person has the serial killer gene embedded inside her or him but for this gene to be active, other genes need to be active as well as being used at the same time. These genes could be the gene that codes for jealousy, anger, hate and more. When these genes all reach the required levels of activity the serial killer gene will become active. As such a child has an innate personality but the environmental factors the child goes through also has an equal bearing on the personality of the child."If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Lucas was surprised to hear this he had heard about "nature vs nurture" as well as the more accurate " nature intertwined with nurture" but never did he think it would be incorporated like this.


    The God of the multiverse continued and said: " Due to the fact that there is no damage to your soul whatsoever your personality and looks will be exactly the same. Which means you will still be black. The reason I am mentioning this to you is that in this world you are being transported to there are no black people... Well, there are but they do not exist in public, in fact, the mentioning of them is only in legends. Now the people are not racist just not exposed to a race with black skin. In this world, there are even people with white, green, blue and even red skin. However, to them, this is the norm. Just like white and black as well as shades of yellow are normal for you to see. ".


    " So when they see you. They will be surprised and you will be met with trouble duly to the colour of your skin. But in order to equate for this disadvantage, I will be granting you a unique skill. Or you can choose to change your race, of course, you will not receive the unique skill should you choose to do that. So what do you choose?"


    Lucas then put his index finger and thumb on his chin and rubbed them up and down his chin as he began to think " So far all my blessings have been pretty strong so I''m sure that the unique skill will also be quite strong. But being the only black person in the public eye sounds like a tough job. I''ll ask him what the skill is first and then weigh my options."


    Just as Lucas was about to speak the God of the multiverse spoke. Causing Lucas to swallow his words. " No, I will not tell you the unique skill before your decision!"


    Lucas was surprised to hear the answer given so quickly and thought " Mmmm, I guess I was thinking out loud again... But at least I know that I must make the decision before the reveal... Wait wait wait. I was thinking in my mind cause it felt just like this. Yet he answered my question even though I never said a word!"


    Laughter could be heard. It was that slow and deep laugh again. Then the God of the multiverse said in a jovial voice " That is because I can read your mind. Like I said. I see all. Naturally, this means I hear all." He then started laughing again in the same manner for two seconds. Afterwards, with a straight face, he said, " So what is your answer?"


    Lucas was not surprised in the least but was annoyed with himself for not assuming this factor as true from the start. He then said with no hesitation " I will stay as my original self"


    The God of the Universe then said " You have made your decision that is good. So without further ado, the unique skill you will receive is a system. This system, for now, will be able to quantify your strength you can find the rest out yourself... That will be it for now, I will now stop interfering with the soul migration array and let you off."


    Lucas smiled and thanked him earnestly for all his blessings and the system. In the next moment, he felt a pull and was submerged in a beam like white light that was drawing him to someplace below. Eventually, the pulling ended but, not the white light. He felt he was standing on solid ground. He then pinched himself to feel if he had arrived in a new world. Once he did he felt pain and was thrilled to have a body again. Lucas looked at his surroundings and saw that he was in some cylinder with white light for walls and above was what appeared to be a magic circle. He thought this because it looked like the magic circles he had seen when watching anime.


    Lucas then wondered if he could exit through the walls so he wanted to touch the wall and if it hurt he would retract his hands. He walked up to the walls and touched them but his hands could not pass through. He thought " at least it does not hurt". At this moment the light slowly started getting dimmer and he could see multiple shadows with human-like figures on the other side.


    Suddenly Lucas heard what sounded like a man scream " It''s working!"

 7. A skin defect ?

    " It''s working!" a man screamed in excitement.


    The white light kept fading and the more it did the more clear the human-like features of the shadows appeared.


    " It''s almost time for my debut in this new world! I don''t know what to expect or where I am being summoned too. But I am excited! I get another take on life! I need to find out the ins and out of this world and be successful in whatever form that is in!"


    At this moment the bright white light had completely subsided and he could now see clearly. The magic spell had stopped too so there was no white wall blocking his immediate path. Lucas could now see where he was. Lucas looked and saw that he is in some place that appeared to be a castle? Lucas then saw the Knights clad in silver armour and the two who wore gold amour. He then saw a bunch of people wearing red robes but the most eye-catching despite the furthest away was the young man whose cold gaze could instantly freeze a heart sitting on a flamboyant black chair. And above him a middle-aged man who wore a gold crown sitting on a large golden throne.


    Each one of them possessing different looks and auras but how they looked at Lucas with disdain was indistinguishable. However, as time passed one person eyes seemed to burn stronger and with rage.


    "What is this trash?!"The King flung his arms in rage. The throne room went quiet for a while.


    " I asked for a strong abled body to smite my enemies yet I am sent a sickly one with a skin defect. Either this or the white light charred him which makes him WEAK! Taking damage from something that does not deal damage."


    At this moment everyone looked at Lucas in rage, from the Knights to the mages to the King except the Prince, in fact, the Prince was smiling.


    The rage the mages possessed was equal if not more than the King. They thought " I sacrificed all my mana for this. I will never be able to cast another spell again and for what?! To summon this!"


    They were only Peak(Omega) E rank mages. and were not particularly strong in a grand sense. However, not being able to cast any spells. In a world that uses magic as often as people use their cell phones on Earth. Is quite a problem. They agreed to this because the King said he would pay their debts that they had accumulated trying to study magic. It was an enormous amount to them but to a King, it''s peanuts. After their agreement, a contract was signed that prevents them from speaking about what happened that day ( think of it like a non-disclosure agreement). Everyone knows that wealth is directly proportionate to a mage''s opportunities and strength. So those that don''t have money borrow from banks or from loan sharks hoping to make it big, betting on their "talent". Unfortunately, some are just destined to fail so that others can make it.


    The King put both hands on his face and started rubbing them up an down which showed his grief. Afterwards, he took his hands away revealing his face and it was pale despite the circulation that should have occurred from rubbing his face.


    The Prince then said " Father maybe his skin colour is a new mutation of some sort. We should test his affinity to the dark arts".This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The colour returned to the King as he now had a glimmer of hope to hold on to.


    But before that, we should probably enslave his body to ensure he does not defy orders even though he is useless but he has seen this room and that crystal as such we can not let word slip out"


    The King returned to his normal posture and began walking down the stairs to the black crystal where Lucas was.


    When the people were looking at Lucas with disgust and anger it did not bother him at all. Being that this is his second life. He had a stronger temperament and trivial matters such as this did not faze him. Lucas thought " It does not matter what you think of me it only matters what I think of me. I have ambitions that will not be stopped just because you don''t like me."


    The King reached the black crystal and said: " Climb off the platform."


    Lucas then jumped over the small rift afterwards the knight went down the stairs to store the crystal again.


    King then started chanting a spell " Oh chains that bind, chains that bind the body and the flesh. Chains that bind the will of all creatures. Bind the will of who I will. Dark magic release" while he was chanting black motes of light swam around him until they formed a big black chain. When the magic was released the chains flew towards Lucas and bound him. After the chains locked they disappeared.


    When Lucas saw this happen he was pissed he thought, " What the heck! Didn''t the God of the multiverse say that I had a passive skill that protects me from this. But I clearly saw that chain affect me now!"


    As Lucas thought this a voice appeared in his head " That is because you never activated the skill, once the skill is activated the binding will not work anymore. "


    Lucas then saw a system like screen pop up in his face.


    Do you want to activate the skill anti enslavement (non-upgradable) Yes/No


    Lucas then asked the system " If I say yes will this person notice that I have broken free from his spell?"


    [It is possible that it could occur, currently, the system is to low a level to give a definite answer. Users own judgement advised]


    Lucas then decided to keep it on as he was still new to this world. Potentially gaining the animosity of someone that had so many powerful guards around him is not the brightest thing to do. If there was a chance he could get busted he would rather not. He then thought of the saying from his original word " rather safe than sorry."


    At this time the guard came out the stair and the crystal was already buried below. The Head Knight gave back the keys to the King. The King then shouted, " Bring me a black crystal."


    The Head Knight said " Yes my King" and went to fetch a black crystal on a table behind the pillars. He then brought it to the King. The King looked at Lucas and said " You. Put your hands on the crystal."


    As much as Lucas hated being ordered, even more, when done by some pompous person. He complied and touched the crystal. To his surprise, there was no absolutely no reaction.


    Lucas asked the system " why is there no reaction?"


    [Blessings have not been activated yet as well as host needs to learn to manipulate mana as of now it is too weak for the crystal to pick up.


    [Do you want to activate blessing: High harmonization with mana (upgradable) yes/no


    [Do you want to activate blessing: High affinity to elemental magic (upgradeable) yes/no


    [Do you want to activate blessing: Decrease in cast time. Increases in hit rate (upgradable) yes/no]


    Three stacked notifications popped up in Lucas''s face. This surprised Lucas even though he read about systems it''s still different in real life and will take some getting used to.


    Lucas then declined all three blessings for the time being. He felt that he wanted to gain knowledge about this world first as well as find a way to escape this place and the weaker they think he is the better for him.


    Puh! In Lucas''s moment of surprise, some of the mages spat on the floor. Because of the way Lucas looked. It looked like he was surprised that there was no reaction from the crystal. Even though that was true the bigger surprise was the system''s notifications. One mage whispered to the rest " How is this guy surprised he has no talent for the dark arts. It''s like an ant looking in the mirror and being surprised it''s an ant."

 8. A tribute to fallen dreams

    Puh! " How is this guy surprised he has no talent for the dark arts. It''s like an ant looking in the mirror and being surprised it''s an ant." A mage whispered to the others.


    The King saw that there was no reaction whatsoever and sighed.


    The King then shouted, " Prepare the physical fitness test." He was hoping that if Lucas had no talent in magic maybe he could be a warrior.


    A Knight once again walked behind the pillars and pushed aside a bookshelf. Behind this bookshelf was a 2m door that the knight opened he than dragged out a 1.5m clear crystal. It was attached to a square base with wheels so it was easy to move. In a short time, the crystal was in front of Lucas. But this time he touched it before he was asked to because he did not want to be ordered to do so. The compelling feeling when the King spoke made him feel weak.


    After a few seconds, the crystal started glowing but dimly and then it returned to its normal state. Lucas did not know what the meaning of this meant so he had a puzzled look on his face.


    The King, however, was not pleased and thought " Talent for the dark arts, no. Physical prowess, no. We have wasted a large number of resources to summon someone of his calibre! I could have just gone to the slums if I wanted someone equivalent to him!"


    The King then left the Throne room brimming with anger flinging his arms as he mumbled under his breath. Lucas was just standing there. He thought: " System, is it true that my original talent is equal to someone from the slums?"


    [No that is not true. The second you chose to accept the system your body was changed or mutated if you will, as such talent is an irrelevant factor when evaluating you for as long as you live you will never reach a limit to the power you can obtain. Talent is a factor with other people as it determines the speed at which they progress as well as the max level they can eventually obtain. Your strength is based on the level you are and being that you have yet to configure my settings you are currently a blank slate. The only reason you gave off a faint glow on the fitness test was because of all the training you did back on Earth. As such your base strength stat was detected by the crystal because your talent cannot be measured.]


    After the King left the Knight returned the crystal to its original place. The Prince walked to Lucas down the stairs and down the hallway. He was now standing in front of him and he said " Greetings otherworlder. My name is Daruin Ashbinder I am the 1st Prince of the Kingdom of Pantelan"


    At this moment everyone in the throne room bowed down on their knees and looked at him with reverence. Lucas, however, remained standing. The guards were not pleased and were about to speak out but the Prince saw it and raised his hands signalling it''s okay. Daruin Ashbinder then said, " Forgive him, I am sure he knows no better."


    Daruin Ashbinder looked at Lucas and said, " Is there no royalty where you are from?"


    "There is but they hold no political power they just exist." Lucas replied.


    " See that is the reason for his rude behaviour. He knows no better." Daruin Ashbinder said while looking at the guardsUnauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "What is your name?" Daruin Ashbinder asked.


    " My name is Lucas. Lucas..." at this moment Lucas paused and thought "wait. I have the opportunity to choose my own surname. Mmm, I want it to represent me... How about Trueblade. No, I can''t since I haven''t trained much in swords. How about Lucas Truebow? On second thought I can''t have that either. How about Lucas Lightningstorm? Mmm, I like that. A tribute to my fallen dreams on Earth and my favourite superhero."


    " My name is Lucas Lightningstorm," Lucas said proudly.


    "Mmm, that is a nice name" Daruin Ashbinder nodded his head as he said this.


    "Okay formalities out of the way. My father Leonhard Ashbinder the King of Pantelan had you summoned from your world in hopes to train you to become an asset to further our Kingdom and smite our enemies. But with your talent, you are next to useless. We spent a large number of resources preparing for this as well as sacrificed 20 peak E rank mages mana in hopes of getting a strong soul. But okay things happen" Daruin Ashbinder tried to sound like this brought him pain but his eyes were brimming with excitement.


    "We have no use for you here and in fact, if it were up to me I''d kick you out the Castle right now but until my father makes a decision you will remain within the confines of this castle!" Daruin Ashbinder said.


    Lucas noticed how it seemed like it pained him to say these words. Lucas also noticed how perceptive he had become. He could see a bit through the mask on the faces of people and look at their eyes to judge their true feelings. Lucas thought " I guess the eye really is the window to the soul"


    " I understand and I''m sorry that I am such disappointment but seeing as that I am of no use to anyone may I enter the royal library. I would like to brush up on my knowledge of this world. I have no talent for combat, so information is of at most importance."


    The Prince was surprised by Lucas''s response. Not that he wanted to know more about the world as that was a given. But rather by the importance, he placed on information. Just by this the Prince''s view of Lucas changed a bit and it was evident in his eyes,


    Lucas thought " Oh flip, did I just put myself on his radar?"


    Daruin Ashbinder then said " With regards to your skin colour. Have you always been this way or did this happen when you migrated here?"


    " I have always been this colour in fact in my previous world there are many people who share the same skin colour as me."


    Lucas did not mention how there is no green red and blue skin people on Earth because he had yet to see these races so talking about information he hadn''t encountered is basically digging his own grave.


    " Interesting when I have more time I would like to hear more about this world." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    " My Prince. Anytime time that you request it I will gladly tell you all about it."


    Lucas said, "my Prince" to sound subservient to him as to not alert him anymore. For some reason, this guy gave Lucas the creeps.


    The Prince nodded and then said, " Take him to the royal library and watch him at all times he is not to leave the castle unless my father orders it."


    " Yes, my Prince." the Knights said and indicated that Lucas must follow them.


    Lucas and two Knights walked out of the Throne room and were now walking in a long alleyway passing by many rooms and people who worked inside the castle. They all gave Lucas strange looks and would intervene but he was being escorted by two Knights that usually protect the King in the Throne room so clearly he is no random person.


    The Knights then stopped by another double door and said "we are here. Inside these doors is the royal library. Books may not be taken out. We will be waiting on the outside until you come out."


    Standing at the entrance of the royal library Lucas couldn''t contain his excitement. He could not wait to finally configure his system and find out the rules that govern this world. He was sure that the royal library should have a surplus of information.


    Lucas opened the doors and stepped inside. Once inside the doors closed. There was no sound when the door closed as that wouldn''t be very practical in a library.


    Standing still Lucas looked around and took in his surroundings and it was marvellous!

 9. Lucas Lightningstorms base stats.

    Lucas opened the doors and stepped inside. Once inside the doors closed. There was no sound when the door closed as that wouldn''t be very practical in a library.


    Standing still Lucas looked around and took in his surroundings and it was marvellous!


    The library was large in size. It had two floors above the current floor Lucas was on. The floor was tiled with green marble. There was a long rectangular table with chairs for people to sit down and read their books. The books were stored in bookshelves placed in tandem. In between the rows was a pathway for people to walk. Above the aisles was a board that gave a description of the type of books you would find in that row. And large golden chandeliers to give light to the room and the pathways.


    Lucas walked to the table and pulled his chair out. The screeching sound that it made, made him cringe. He then sat down.


    At this moment a girl walked out of one of the aisles. She had a book in her hand. This girl was no other than Rosabella Ashbinder the 1st Princess of the Kingdom of Pantelan. She was absolutely breathtaking. Her face was unblemished and had an oval shape with rosy cheeks. Her hair was blonde. Her eyes were royal blue. She had a slender waist and supple curves. This was all accentuated by the red dress she wore. Rosabella was truly a fitting name for her.


    Lucas saw her and admired her beauty for a short duration but soon after turned his head away as he had more important things to do. Staring at Rosabella Ashbinder was definitely not one of them.


    Rosabella Ashbinder walked up to Lucas but just as her eyes had first seen, he looked different. She then asked, " Your skin is that real?"


    Lucas looked her way and said with a straight face " Yes it is. I was born this way. Doctors say it''s a mutation that occurred during fertilisation."


    Rosabella Ashbinder nodded her head because she bought Lucas''s lie. She then asked " What brings you to the library? Better yet how did you get in here? This is reserved for royalty and I have never seen you before I am sure of that."


    "Your Royal Highness, His Highness Daruin Ashbinder gave me permission and stationed the two King''s Knights outside to watch me," Lucas said.


    She believed him because no one was dumb enough to lie on the Prince''s name. For if he found out it''s your head that would be lying.


    " Oh, big brother invited you. Then it''s okay. Well, I hope you enjoy what our library has to offer. I''ll be taking my leave now." Rosabella Ashbinder put down her book on the table where Lucas sat and walked out of the Royal library.


    Lucas was tempted to watch her leave but beat the temptation and instead picked up the book she had left. The book title was "?ر?�� �� ��?���� ?��?ر�ߵ��� �@?ر??".


    Lucas couldn''t read the title so he opened up the book on the first page to see what she was reading. But just like before he could not read it "?? ?�Τ� ����? ?? ?ر?�@? ? ��??? �@?ر? ? ��?���� ��� ����? ??ر??? ?�� ?��?????ر ?��?�@ �@?ر??."


    Lucas thought okay maybe it''s just this book that was written in some ancient language. So he went and to the aisle and saw a board which had writing it said "??��??."


    He ignored that and picked a random book from the shelf but the same thing happened he could not read the title and so he opened the book but couldn''t read the content either. He did this with the next book and the next book and the next book but all to none avail as he couldn''t read a single a word!Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Lucas finally realised that this is a new world so obviously the alphabet he knew was not going to be used here too. "Mmph, I''m going to have to learn a whole new alphabet this will take a while. I will probably stay in this castle for months before I can escape. Assuming I gained enough strength within the three month period to escape."


    Suddenly an epiphany slapped Lucas in the face " Wait, I have a system maybe it can translate the words into English for me. Which would make sense as to why I can understand them but not read the language"


    "System, can you translate their language into English for me?"


    [Yes, I can translate Imedun into English. I have been doing that for you with regards to speech that''s why you can understand the language.]


    [ Would you like me to translate Imedun into English. Yes/No]


    "Yes," Lucas said.


    [ Translating language: 5% 20% 45% 78% 100%.


    Language translation complete. Host can now read and write in Imedun.]


    Lucas was thrilled that the system had this application too for it had just saved him months of arduous learning. Then Lucas looked up and the words on the board said "Magic."


    Lucas smiled as now he was sure he could read Imedun. Lucas went back to the large table to sit down so he could strategize what his next move would be. Lucas got to the table and sat down on his chair that was already pulled out.


    Then Lucas thought " So there is a lot of information I still do not know about this world. Like what currencies do they use? Is it Fait money or Commodity money? What is the main method used to earn money? Magic is used here, Daruin Ashbinder mentioned something about the red-robed people being Peak E rank mages. What is the rank system and how does it work? Is Mage, Warrior and Knight the only class? Are Knights warriors? Currently, I''m in the Kingdom of Pantelan. Is this the only Kingdom? Or are there other Kingdoms with other Kings? So far I have only encountered humans, do other intelligent species exist? "


    "This is the most important information I need to know for now. Digging up all this knowledge in this library is going to take a while though..."


    "System, what is the quickest way that I can currently use to gain the necessary information?"


    [ The fastest way that you can gain the necessary information is to look at the board above the aisles to see the genre of the books and take books from the aisles corresponding with what you want to know.]


    " Aaaah, that is not what I meant. But it''s to be expected being that it is only a level one system."


    " System, I don''t want to read every single book to find the necessary information even if this is filtered by the fact that I''m selecting books from specific genres. Is there any other way other than the one you mentioned."


    [System computing: 10% 15% 30% 45% 50% 60% 65% 75% 80% 85% 90% 99% 100%


    Computing complete.


    The fastest way for you to gain the necessary information is by looking at the board on top of the aisle and choosing books according to the genre you need information on... The host then only needs to touch the books and "System" will read the book for you and convert the information into knowledge for you. However, due to your intelligence not reaching the required level for full assimilation and the number of books you need to read. System will be filtering all information out that you have not marked as necessary. Please note that this only applies to information. Arts that have a high mastery level still need to be practised.]


    Lucas was happy to hear this for again the system just saved him hours of tiresome reading. He then wondered "what level of intelligence do I need to be able to do a full assimilation of the books I touch/read? In fact, what is my intelligence stat right now."


    "System, I would like to begin configuration."


    [ Configuring system: 10% 13% 34% 42% 57% 64% 69% 76% 82% 86% 90% 99% 100%


    Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level:1 (0/5)


    Class: None


    Health points: 150/200


    Mana points: 0/100


    Mana recovery: N/A


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 18


    Intelligence �C 14


    Wisdom �C 14


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: None


    Skill points: 10


    Ability points: 0


    Equipment: None


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, inactive). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, inactive). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, inactive)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, inactive): Currently under a spell.


    System-level: 1

 10. Rules of this world

    Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level:1 (0/5)


    Class: None


    Health points: 150/200


    Mana points: 0/100


    Mana recovery: N/A


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 18


    Intelligence �C 14


    Wisdom �C 12


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: None


    Skill points: 10


    Ability points: 0


    Equipment: None


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, inactive). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, inactive). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, inactive)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, inactive): Currently under a spell.


    System-level: 1


    ...


    " System I noticed that it says 10 points by skill points. What is skill points and how do I gain them?"


    [ Skill points have multiple uses but for now, the only way you can use them is to increase your attributes. Skill points are earnt by levelling up. You got 10 free skill points as a gift from the God of the multiverse. When you level up to level 2 you will only earn 3 skill points.]


    " What about ability points why don''t I have any of that?"


    [ Ability points is earned through actual combat since you haven''t experienced combat since coming to this world you naturally won''t have any ability points. The ability points you gain can be used to upgrade the skills that you use.]


    " Aaah I understand. System what level of intelligence do I need to do a full assimilation? "


    [ With your current intelligence you can do a full assimilation of 10 books per day. As your intelligence/memory rises you will be able to fully assimilate more."


    Lucas now knew a bit about what the system provided him. And how he how he could make the best use of it.


    Lucas then thought " It''s about time I learnt how this world operates." Lucas then walked into an aisle that said Geography and dragged his hands across all the books in the aisle. He did the same for the aisles that said Magic, Economics, Adventures and more and more and more.


    [ Warning max capacity reached. Should you choose to continue you will overload and damage your brain causing migraines and nausea. A proportionate amount of intelligence will be subtracted to the damage caused.]


    Lucas immediately halted and stop touching the books. An intelligence cut is the last thing he needs right now. Lucas then walked back to his chair and sat down.


    "System assimilate the books into knowledge for me"


    [ Assimilating 10% 15% 30% 45% 50% 60% 65% 75% 80% 85% 90% 99% 100%.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Assimilation complete.]


    Suddenly a lot of information rushed into his head at once and the questions he asked minutes ago could be answered.


    The best way to explain the world Lucas was transported to was that of an MMORPG type world. According to the books, this world is billions of years old. There are multiple races such as Western-style Dragons, Eastern-style Dragons, Lamias, Beastmen, Demons, Dwarves, Elves, Giants, humans and more. However, the mentioned are the dominant races each possessing a piece of land. Humans are the only species that have their land they control split into four Kingdoms ruled by four different Kings. The rest of the species are ruled by one supreme being. Every species also has different races. An example is that humans are split between the white, red, green and blue skinned people.


    Platinum, Gold, Silver and, Bronze is the currency that everyone across the entire globe uses(Commodity money). A piece of platinum is equivalent to 1000 pieces of gold. 1 piece of gold is equal to 100 pieces of silver and 1 piece of silver is proportionate to 100 bronze pieces. Money can be made through blacksmithing, pill conducting and moremedieval type jobs. The main mode that people make money is through being an Adventurer. Adventures take on quests laid out by the guild which they get from Nobles or anyone that can pay the amount required for the job. A rank is placed on each quest depending on its difficulty. The ranks start from F to A. A being the hardest jobs and F being the easiest. The higher the rank, the higher the difficulty, the higher the payout.


    Before you can become an adventurer you have to meet the standard strength requirement in the class you chose. Which means you need to meet the strength of an F Rank " insert class".There is an Academy for each class. The classes are Mage, Warrior, Priest, Assasin, Ranger. These all have sub-classes like being classified as an Elemental mage or a Summoner etc. Just like that Knight is a subclass of Warrior.


    In order to improve your rank, you either complete a lot of quests or take the test of the rank you want. However, if you fail the test you can no longer take the test of that rank. You must also pay a penalty based on the rank you are taking the test for. The higher your rank the higher your social status, of course, it could also be that the higher your rank the higher your infamy.


    Different levels of status are given to different classes based on the difficulty of each class. With mage obtaining the highest status due to the lower percentage of mages. Approximately 3% of all adventurers are Mages. After Mage is Warrior then Priest, Ranger and Assasin. Once you become a rank C Mage you are automatically given the status of a noble. Where the other classes require Rank B for the same title. So basically a rank C mage has a higher social standing than a rank B Warrior and a Rank B warrior has a higher social standing than a rank B Priest.


    Lastly, the rest of the classes is made up of what is called the Dark classes. Like necromancers, Lich Kings, Undead and more. They do not gain higher social statuses being that the Adventurers Council has classified them as illegal classes. The use of that power in public will get you arrested if caught by the city guards.


    Lucas now finally understood a bit of how the world worked. All that was left was to get stronger! He just needed to pick a class and level up! But Lucas already knew what class he wanted to pick. In fact, it wouldn''t be wrong to say he was born for this class.


    " System how do I choose a class?"


    [Are you asking how or do you want to choose a class?]


    " I want to choose a class."


    [ .... Choose a class. Mage/Warrior /Priest/Ranger/Assasin]


    "Mage!"


    [ Advantages: Class with the most destructive damage, AOE (1) spells/ Crowd control. Higher mana points. The most compatible with the blessings received from the God of the multiverse.


    Disadvantages: Weak physical bodies. Weak to warriors and Assasins. ]


    " Now that I have chosen my class, how do I level up?"


    [ You level up by gaining experience points. Experience points are earnt by battling monsters, completing quests and PVPs]


    " I am currently locked in the confines of this castle so is there perhaps any other way for me to level up?"


    [ System can teleport you to a levelling up location best fit for you based on current prowess. Pay 1 Gold to initiate teleportation array, or pay 5 SP"]


    " Mmm paying 5 SP to gain more SP, seems like a good deal. But first, let me go raid the magic aisle and then read a suitable book. Unfortunately, I''m going to have read the book myself because I have already assimilated to max capacity. And I need to keep extra SP in case I need to escape from where I am being teleported to."


    Lucas looked at the table and saw the book that Rosabella Ashbinder was reading. He could now finally read the title. It said " Peak D Rank Inferno Spell" Lucas then opened the contents and the first words on the page said, "If you not at least a half step C Rank do not attempt to practice this spell." Lucas was shocked when he read this for this meant that girl was at least a Half Step (2) C Rank.


    " Is everyone in this castle so powerful?" Lucas thought.


    Lucas got out of his chair and walked into the magic aisle and picked the first book because it was most likely the low-level spells. He then read the title and it said " Lesser Light" Lucas, of course, did not need this spell so he put it back and this time he looked at the titles on the books until he saw one that he could use. He eventually found one and the title said " F Rank Fireball" this intrigued him because he needed a spell that could do damage to kill the monsters that he would see.

 11. Combat

    Lucas found one and the title said " F Rank Fireball" this intrigued him because he needed a spell that could do damage to kill the monsters that he would soon meet.


    What''s more is that this spell is an elemental one! Which is perfect to test the strength of his new found blessings. Lucas couldn''t contain himself any longer. I mean on earth his goal was to become a meteorologist. And then one day use equipment to force certain weather to occur. So basically, the human equivalent of superpowers. Lucas has been suffering from 8th-grade syndrome (1) for a while but now his fantasies are his reality!


    Lucas opened the book in such a slow and majestic way that one would swear he was handling a national treasure. He then started reading with a focus so serene your eyes would blur just by looking at him.


    After 30 minutes of reading Lucas finished the book.


    [Rechecking hosts words "Mmm, paying 5 SP to gain more SP, seems like a good deal. But first, let me go raid the magic aisle and then read a suitable book."]


    Hosts'' confirmation: check


    Raided magic aisle: check


    Read a suitable book: check


    Deducting 5 SP. Host prepare for teleportation in 10,9]


    " WAIT, WAIT! I still need to learn how to control my mana. I still need to practice my spell!"


    [Teleportation array has already started. If you wish to stop, another 5 SP will be needed upon restart. Do you wish to stop? Yes/No]


    Mid the System''s speech a white magic circle appeared above Lucas and another one below him. On the circumference of each magic circle, a white light came out connecting the top and the bottom into a cylinder-like shape. Much like the spell used for the soul migration array.


    "No," Lucas said reluctantly.


    2,1,0]


    ...


    "System I can''t see a thing, where did you take me?"


    [The system has transported you into an undiscovered dungeon in the outskirts of Zul''ras land of the Demons.]


    " Land of the Demons! I''m far too weak to fight a Demon. From my Earth knowledge, the humanoid types are naturally gifted with high physical prowess and large mana pools. I''ll be killed instantly! I don''t want to be caught completely unprepared let me quickly learn how to control my mana. Wait how can I practice my new spell if I still need to save mp for actual combat!? Will I have to practice in combat...?" Lucas pondered


    "Currently my max mana points at this level is 100. How much mana does a single use of the spell use? When I finally control my mana and I level up I''ll gain 100 mana points, but what if I levelled up first would I gain the full amount of mana points for the level I''ll be at. Or would it still be 100?"


    [If you level up first and then learn mana control you will gain the full mana points of the level you learnt mana control on. System advises against this method for you will most likely die!]


    Lucas then understood that he had to somehow make do with what he had.


    "System how do I learn to control mana and store it inside of me?"


    [ You already have mana inside of you, you just can''t control it. The way you can learn to control your mana is to first feel mana as an entity inside you then visualize the mana coursing through your body until you can move it at will and then do it subconsciously]


    Lucas thought " Okay let''s do this". Lucas closed his eyes (even though it''s dark) calmed his mind and started breathing slower with deeper breaths. He did this for a minute to get into a focused state. He then tried to visualizing mana as an entity but trying to visualize something he had never seen before was proving to be harder than he anticipated.


    He continued, he never lost focus not even for a second. Lucas kept trying to visualize mana and trying to feel it. Suddenly he could feel the hairs on his body tingling and then a purple light appeared in his mind this was mana! He could finally visualize it and feel it. The feeling of the mana he felt in his body could only be explained with one word, "power!".Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Lucas then tried to move the mana. He visualized the mana moving from his stomach area to his right arm and then from the right arm and around the body.He could feel the mana running rambunctiously in his body.


    He had yet to obtain mastery but after every cycle, it became easier and easier till eventually, he could move it as easy as it is to move your feet.


    " My mana control hasn''t reached the level of mastery yet but I believe it''s sufficient. Time to learn the spell but first. System, activate all my blessings"


    Lucas wanted to test his own talent without the help of the blessings first. Even though learning speed would increase had it been active. Lucas is prideful but not stupid so he decided that he could no longer delay the process only to fuel his pride.


    [ Activating all three blessing ]


    "System bring up my stats that influence my mana."


    [ Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level:1 (0/5)


    Class: Mage


    Mana points: 120/120 (20% increase due to Blessing: High harmonization with mana active)


    Mana recovery: 100 mana points a day. (100% increase due to Blessing: High harmonization while active)


    Attributes:


    Dexterity �C 18


    Intelligence �C 14


    Wisdom �C 12


    " I only get 100 mana points a day so that means I need to use them sparingly..."


    At this moment Lucas saw a light in the distance. The light was bobbing up and down as it got closer and closer to him. Lucas could now see that the light was actually a flame torch! The flame''s light was showing the head of that which was holding it. The skin of this creature was green and it was short in size. It had razor-sharp teeth with a resting mischievous face. Lucas thought " These looks, the size, that face that says I''m about to do something naughty. It can only be goblins!"


    Lucas was relieved that it was only a goblin. In all the novels he read goblins are very weak creatures with weak bodies. But he still did not underestimate his opponent and focused his gaze on the goblin that kept coming closer.


    " I''ve waited for a while now and it seems that there is only one Goblin. Even though this is good how can I attack him? If I try to practice my spell now he will notice me and that takes the element of surprise away, no pun intended. But to wait and then fire a spell that I''ve never performed before is just as risky. There could be a chance that I don''t get it right? " Lucas thought.


    After some thought, Lucas decided he would rather do the surprise attack for if he does fail it has the highest probability of escape.


    One last time Lucas checked his stats to see what he can depend on. Afterwards, he waited till the Goblin was out 4 meters away. Lucas could now see a bit of the dungeon. He was in a cave with walls tightly around him. There was no space for dodging left or right only back and forth. This could be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on how things played out.


    Lucas rid himself of all thoughts that were unrelated to spell casting and started focusing. He then prepared for the spell by bringing his mana to his hands. When the goblin entered the projected range. Lucas aimed his hands at the Goblin at this moment a red magic circle appeared in front of his hands and a small fireball was growing steadily in plain sight.


    At this moment the Goblin got such a fright seeing a magic circle appear out of nowhere. The goblin looked at the fireball and noticed its size. The goblin harumphed, completely writing it off as useless he then took out his sword from its case and charged at Lucas.


    Lucas began to panic and thought "Why it so small? I followed every step of the book. I even activated all my blessings, shouldn''t this of helped here but this size could only hurt a fly." The fireball was the size of a tennis ball.


    Lucas saw the goblins expressions and how he looked at him with derision. Even though he was panicking the only thing he could do now was release his fireball for trying to run away would surely get him killed. Lucas then said " Elemental arts, Fireball".


    With a hiss, the fireball flew in the direction Lucas sent it. The Goblin saw the ball coming to him and paid it no mind so he kept charging to run through it and then slash Lucas with his sword.


    Lucas took a deep breath as this was the moment that decided whether he lived or died. The Goblin was charging at him and the fireball was moving closer to the Goblin. Finally, impact happened the fireball cut through his armour and making whole in the leather but shortly afterwards it disappeared.


    The Goblin was initially worried because the fireball cut through his armour with such ease. But now it had magically disappeared as it appeared. The Goblin kept charging at Lucas, Lucas could not see everything properly but he could feel just how much bloodlust was coming from the Goblin.


    Lucas thought " Aaah I''m dead, I just obtained a new life here and here we go again just when I''m at the starting line the finish line appears."


    The Goblin continued to charge at him until he was 1 meter away. But to no one''s expectation, the Goblin''s charge stopped. The goblin was now walking slowly to Lucas. It looked in pain?!


    "What just happened!?" Lucas thought. The goblin that was walking slowly now completely stopped not walking an inch. Its throat was going through peristalsis until he spewed a mouthful of green blood all over the flaw. After this, the Goblin had no strength to stand and was lying on the ground in a foetal position. The Goblin used up a lot of strength to look up and stare at Lucas. After Lucas saw the expression of the Goblin Lucas thought of a phrase from his world " If looks could kill".


    The goblin knew it was going to die soon so with his last bit of strength the Goblin screamed and with a satisfied look, it died!

 12. System level 2!

    The Goblin used up a lot of strength to look up and stare at Lucas. After Lucas saw the expression of the Goblin. Lucas thought of a phrase from his world " If looks could kill". The goblin knew it was going to die soon so with his last bit of strength the Goblin screamed and with a satisfied look, it died!


    +1


    +1


    +1


    +1


    These stacked notifications and others popped up in Lucas''s face. But Lucas quickly swiped left as he had no time for he wanted to leave! The Goblin had just screamed which indicated, it had friends that it wanted to alert of his existence. " How could I be so careless! But to be honest I didn''t even know I killed it. How did it die?"


    Lucas picked up the flame torch that was lying next to the corpse of the Goblin he then put the flame close to the Goblin and he saw a hole in the Goblins heart area the size of a tennis ball. It was quite obvious what had killed him upon inspection. When Lucas saw this his fear vanished and decided to battle it out with the incoming Goblins.


    Lucas then called out to the system " System, show me my current stats."


    [Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level: 5 (25/50)


    Class: Mage


    Health points: 150/400


    Mana points: 100/240 ( 20% increase due to blessing)


    Mana recovery: 200 mana points per 24 hours (100% increase due to blessing)


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 18


    Intelligence �C 14


    Wisdom �C 12


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: None


    Skill points: 17


    Ability points: (3 for perfect execution/ perfect hit. 10 first time success of a rank F fire type spell. +2 Stressful situation)


    Equipment: None


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, active). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, active). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, active)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, inactive): Currently under a spell.


    System-level: 1 ( Elligiable for upgrade).]


    Lucas gasped at his level. He is already level 5. Wasn''t he just level 1 a moment ago. " System, how am I level 5 already?"


    [ You killed a level 5 Goblin awarding you 20 exp and an extra 20 exp for every level it was above you. Putting you straight to level 5. To get to level 2 then 3, 4,5 and 6 requires 5,10,20,40,50 exp respectively. Since you earned 100 exp from the Level 5 Goblin this puts you at level 5 and halfway to level 6."]


    Lucas was so excited that killing higher level creatures meant levelling up faster. Didn''t this mean he could get stronger faster? But he quickly shook himself from those thoughts as he was in no position to waste time. He saw that the system was eligible for an upgrade. " System, what is required for you to upgrade?"


    " Nothing, once hosts meets the minimum requirement you will see that there is an upgrade system button on the bottom left corner of the screen."


    Lucas saw it and clicked the red button. After he clicked it turned into a grey colour.


    [ System upgraded to level 2!


    New System Applications/ Enhanced old Applications


    1. Ability Shop ( level 1)


    2. Combat Mode


    3. Enhanced System intelligence


    4. Predictive Analysis (level 1 )


    5. Quests ]


    At this moment a house icon appeared on the top right screen when Lucas called out the system. Lucas pressed on the button and another page popped up. The page had a search bar on top and under was the names of the 5 classes. Lucas then clicked on the Mage class once he did he found a bunch of spells they were all displayed randomly but he had the option to filter it. Lucas then filtered it to elemental type spells. Wind, Fire, Earth and Water-type spells were all laying before him.


    Lucas looked at the spells and their descriptions like the one wind spell. One with wind - Coat your body with the wind. Small increase to movement speed. But he did not need this right now so he skipped it. Lucas then found a skill that he liked it was called Ice Chamber- Freeze your opponents. The level of freezing is dependent on the caster. Lucas immediately clicked on it.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    [Select the rank of the spell you which to purchase. F,E or D. 10,100 and 1000 ability points respectively]


    Lucas cried inwardly when he saw how every ranks price grew exponentially. But soon diffused the thoughts with the will to grind to get much, much stronger! Lucas looked at his status screen and saw that he had 15 ability points this made him happy because he had enough to buy the F rank spell.


    Lucas clicked on the spell and proceeded to checkout. After buying the spell. He clicked on my skills. There he saw his spells. F Rank Fireball and F Rank Ice Chamber. Next to it was the ability to upgrade the spells. To upgrade a spell to rank E costed 90 ability points.


    Lucas clicked on the Ice type spell because he wanted to assimilate it. But when he did he got a warning.


    [ Assimilation limit reached for today. Should you choose to continue you will overload and damage your brain causing migraines and nausea. A proportionate amount of intelligence will be subtracted to the damage caused.]


    Lucas then remembered that his int stat is still too low and immediately called up the Attribute screen.


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 18


    Intelligence �C 14


    Wisdom �C 12


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: F Rank Fireball (upgradable), F Rank Ice Chamber(upgradable).


    Skill points: 17


    Lucas pumped 10 points into intelligence. Then switched the tab back to my spells. He clicked on Assimilate Ice Chamber again and this time he was successful. After this information once again flooded his mind and now he knew how to cast the spell. Lucas exited the tab and switched back to attributes. He then put two points into Dexterity to round the number up. He kept the remaining 5 points to return if need be.


    Lucas was now fully prepared for the goblins. He smiled evilly as this goblin thought that his friends would surely kill him but he was confident they would not. Lucas did not use all his skill points because what if there are no reinforcements how does he get back?


    But soon a rumbling could be heard. It sounded like multiple feet running. The sounds got louder and louder and louder. In the distance, lights could be seen swaying up and down. Until a clearer image was evident.


    [ Detecting bloodlust. Projected target is you! Do you wish to go into combat mode? Yes/No]


    Lucas was elated because this was one of the new perks he got for levelling up his system. To think he would be able to get to use it so soon. Lucas immediately and with no hesitation said " yes!".


    [ Innaiting combat mode]


    At this moment the whole place lit up. Lucas could now see clearly as if it was daytime. But he felt like he was in some game because he could see his mana and health points. He could see what spells he had in his arsenal. When he tried to look at the horde of creatures on their way to him he could zoom in on them. He could see their bodies their armour even the blemishes on their skin. The max zoom distance had yet to be confirmed. What was also nice was that Lucas could now see the levels of the Goblins on their way too.


    Lucas exclaimed, " This ability is too godly!" He was ecstatic! But quickly focused on the battle ahead because what use is abilities if you die. Lucas inspected the Goblins again and saw they were different from the one that came last time. He then deduced that the first one was probably a scout to check what the light was that appeared when Lucas first arrived. Now they are sending their "warriors" after they heard the scream.


    Their levels ranged from 8-10. With the majority being 8-9. The system calculated about 50 all running cramped up in a straight line. Lucas thought "what could be more heavenly than this," and laughed! For he now had an ice type AOE type spell that could freeze targets or at the very least slow them down so he could launch a bigger fireball to kill them all. If the fireball does not kill them all the fire should block the goblins from attacking him afterwards.


    From his calculations, the last spell took 20 mana points he now had 100 left. Once the Goblins where almost in range Lucas moved his mana to his hands and started the chant, he had just learnt. His understanding of the book was a lot deeper than before seeing that his intelligence had increased. This also meant that he now knew more about why his fireball was so small.


    Once Lucas was halfway through chanting the aura around him starting showing itself and everything around him starting freezing. There was a thin layer of ice on the ground below him. While the goblins were charging towards Lucas they saw this and were immediately wary. When they looked next to Lucas'' feet they saw an all too familiar body lying on the ground motionless, just letting the frost surround him.


    Goblins are a very prideful and vengeful race so they all knew that the Goblin wasn''t lying on the ground of its own volition. When they saw this they all raged and increased the speed of their charge.


    Lucas, however, anticipated this and was almost finished with his chant. When Lucas was almost finished with his spell. He used the systems predictive analysis in his battle mode and calculated where they would be upon release of his spell. Once done a turquoise magic circle appeared on the floor. Lucas then shouted "Ice Arts, Ice Chamber" exactly as the magic circle was full of goblins.


    Immediately the temperature in the cave dropped as the ground froze solid. Every goblin within the circle was frozen up to their shins. They could no longer move and blocked the way for those behind them.


    Lucas didn''t marvel in the power of the spell at all and immediately started casting the F Rank fireball spell. He was excited what the int buff would do for the spell. Lucas began the normal procedures of moving his mana to his hands. He then began chanting the spell.


    The goblins were trying their best to get free from the ice. They tried to forcefully pull their legs out of it but it was unsuccessful, they then used their swords and they slashed at the ice which after five slashes made a crack in the ice. They kept slashing and slashing but soon they eventually noticed that it would take far to long to break the ice. So they discussed amongst themselves that the ones at the back should climb over them and attack Lucas. Their initial numbers had decreased but they thought that it was more than enough to kill a single "human"?


    With much struggle, they started climbing over each other and when they were just about to reach the end they felt the temperature in the cave increase again. But it was hotter than the caves normal temperature? As they all stopped paying attention to breaking the ice and climbing over their fellow goblins they looked up to see a fireball spitting and hissing as it travelled towards them.


    Their eyes expanded and panic ensued amongst them all. The comradery that they had moments ago disappeared. Instantly everyone that saw the fireball fought amongst themselves. They wanted to get into the centre of each other. To use their brethren as shields from the fireball. They others decided to turn tail and flee but the ones who were at the back stood still. They had no idea what was happening. This made pushing through extremely difficult. Basic communication went right out of the window as well as any ties they might have had to their brethren.


    Lucas watched indifferently as most of them were scared for their lives as the fireball approached them. Until the flames reached them and just passed through them all even the ones fleeing. Then the fireball hit a wall and dispersed into nothingness.

 13. Scheming?

    Lucas watched indifferently as most of them were scared for their lives as the fireball approached them. Until the flames reached them and just passed through them all, even the ones fleeing. Then the fireball hit a wall and dispersed into nothingness.


    Lucas rejoiced when he saw the fireball pass through them instead of exploding because that is exactly what he wanted. When Lucas was chanting the spell he noticed that the size of the spell had drastically increased. It was now the size of a 60cm/24 Inch beach ball. Not only that but the heat that it emitted was blistering hot. The magic circle protects the caster from the spell despite this Lucas still felt the heat.


    It was then that Lucas wished that the fireball would pass through them rather than explode to maximise damage. He then envisioned it passing through and released the spell and watched it pass through everything until it hit a wall and disappeared. This was a big step for Lucas as a Mage,


    After a while. Lucas looked at the aftermath and there were a bunch of charred corpses lying everywhere. These were level 8 goblins. They had all died. Most of the level 9 goblins had died too but those that were alive were hanging on a thread, just one touch and they would die. All the level 10 goblins were alive though. But when the flames reached the ice it caused hot steam which also injured them to the point where they could not move a muscle.


    The sounds of screams could be heard from the Goblins. Lucas could not understand what they were saying but the language of pain is universal. Lucas looked at them with an apathetic eye. He thought " System, what is my current level?"


    [Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level: 13 (975/2200)


    Class: Mage


    Health points: 150/700


    Mana points: 50/720 ( 20% increase due to blessing)


    Mana recovery: 50 hourly (100% increase due to blessing)


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 20


    Intelligence �C 24


    Wisdom �C 14


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: F Rank Fireball (upgradable), F Rank Ice Chamber (upgradable)


    Skill points: 18


    Ability points: (initial 5+10 first time Ice Chamber+3 perfect exucution+3 perfect execution + 5 first


    change in fire form=26


    Equipment: None


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, active). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, active). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, active)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, inactive): Currently under a spell.


    System-level: 2 ( 13/15)]The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Lucas saw his level but was not surprised this time as there were about 30 Goblins he had instantly killed. With 3 and 4 levels above his own. All that together gave him his current level. His skill points were beyond calculation but he then soon deduced that from level 10 you get 4 skill points per level. He was happy to see that he could now buy 2 more spells from the ability store.


    Lucas then inspected from a distance how the Goblins are doing and if they had any fight left. But they all looked lacklustre. When he was convinced the remaining bunch could cause no harm he walked up to the line of Goblin bodies. The Goblin bodies and picked up one of their swords and individually ran it through every single heart. This was a more fitting death than if Lucas left them out of pity. For then they would have died a dogs death. As a warrior to be pitied by your enemy is the most shameful thing that could happen to you.


    The level 9 Goblins only gave Lucas 10 exp where the level 10 gave him 15 exp. This was because Lucas''s level is now 13 which means monsters he kills below his level no longer give him the same amount of exp. The total amount of exp was 250 ( 100 from 10 lv.9 and 150 from 10 lv.10).


    Lucas was astonished how he could take lives without batting an eye. They are not humans but still a life is a life... He then realized how calm and composed he felt the second combat mode was activated. It had to be combat mode. In combat, any slight hesitation can cost you your life as such certain emotions are cut off to maximise combat. Lucas then clicked on combat modes settings and saw that he could turn off and on certain emotions or dim them to the desired level. Naturally, this meant emotions can be increased too.


    Now that he was no longer in danger Lucas called forth his attributes stat. After the systems upgrade, he no longer had to call for his attributes he just needed to minimize it so he can bring it up anytime he wanted.


    [Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 20


    Intelligence �C 24


    Wisdom �C 14


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: F Rank Fireball (upgradable), F Rank Ice Chamber (upgradable)


    Skill points: 18]


    Lucas wondered what he would do with the points he had. He thought " I have seen the benefits of having a higher intelligence stat. It''s because of that I was able to perform the change in fire form. It also increased the size of the fireball. So int is good. But I don''t just want to upgrade my int. I wonder what the other attributes do? When I asked for attributes pertaining to mana they showed up so they must have some use.


    [ Strength is the strength of your body. High strength equals strong muscles. Dexterity refers to your agility but also your casting speed and your ability to multi-task. Wisdom makes you wiser and allows you to make wiser decisions. It also increases your mana recovery speed. Charisma is how people see you when they first meet you. A higher charisma allows for you to get more out of people just because of your natural charm. Luck increases your chance to do critical damage and increases the chances chance to stumble upon treasures, etc. Also, luck affects your quests.]


    Lucas then decided that he would first pump 6 points into wisdom. Giving him a total of 20 and another 6 into int giving him a total of 30 int. He kept the rest of the points. An hour had almost passed.


    .....


    In the Royal Chambers of the Crown Prince.


    knock-knock, knock-knock


    "Who is it?" Daruin Ashbinder said.


    "It''s me." a female said.


    " Let her in." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    A middle-aged woman walked in. This woman was none other than Abigail Ashbinder, The Queen of Pantelan. She had blonde hair like everyone in the Ashbinder family. With Royal blue eyes. The royal blue eyes were their symbol of royalty. Everything about her oozed sultriness. Her natural beauty was the pride and envy of women alike. People couldn''t figure out whether to be salty or proud.


    " How did the soul migration go. All according to plan I presume?" Abigail Ashbinder said


    " It went smoothly the only difference is that I never had to kill the summonee. As that would needlessly raise suspicion." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    " You didn''t kill the summonee! Have you lost your mind?!" Abigail Ashbinder yelled.


    " He is weak. We had him tested and he will amount to nothing in this world. We summoned a dud. He has no potential whatsoever and not as strong as we anticipated so I decided not to kill him. As not to raise suspicion for no reason. Also because whether he is alive or dead the same outcome will still occur. On second thought the only thing he has for himself is a bit of intelligence I detected but one needs more than intelligence to survive." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    Abigail Ashbinder laughed ugly after she heard this. If her devote fans saw her now they would be astonished.


    " We initially expected to suffer some sort of set back. To not arouse suspicion after we kill the summonee. However, now that the summonee does not need to be killed we can move forth with phase two immediately. Lady luck smiles upon us." Abigail Ashbinder exclaimed.

 14. New Spell!

    In the cave-like dungeon in the outskirt of Zul''ras and Land of the Demons. Lucas had just increased his attributes.


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 20


    Intelligence �C 30


    Wisdom �C 20


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: F Rank Fireball (upgradable), F Rank Ice Chamber (upgradable)


    Skill points: 6


    He was happy with his current strength but did not know the strength of those within the castle as such he still wanted more! An epiphany found Lucas and he realized if a scout was first sent then warriors clearly there must be a village up ahead. He should go check it out to see what he could plunder.


    Lucas kept the remaining ability points for until he needed them. He needed to do a bit of reconnaissance and see what spells would guarantee his escape.


    But before he went to go and pilfer from the village there was an ample amount of bodies here that could have something important. That he could steal from. So he went and started fiddling with cadavers robbing them of everything important he then placed them aside. He got 40 gold pieces, 250 silver and 200 bronze pieces. He got 10 health elixir potions, he knew this because it was a red potion in a bottle. He got what appeared to be half a map from one of the level 10 goblins.


    Lucas then asked, " System do I have a dimensional space to store all these things?"


    [ Unfortunately not. You will only unlock this at System level 3. Don''t be disappointed you are just two levels away.]


    Lucas, however, did feel dejected as he could not take these things home with him. So Lucas decided he would drink all the health elixirs on the spot.


    "System, these red bottles are health elixirs, right? If true how much health do they give?"


    [ They are health elixirs and they heal for 50 health for each one consumed.]


    Lucas immediately gulped down one of them. He almost threw up though. It had a strong and repulsive medicine smell and taste. Clearly, the creators did not care about taste only the outcome. Lucas held his nose and drank the rest, netting him 500 health points. Meaning that he had 650 health points in total.


    Lucas then took the biggest pouch he could find and stuffed in every gold coin and 50 silvers. After completion, he picked up the pouch and it was extremely heavy! So he decided to leave it there on the ground until his return.


    "System does it still cost one gold to go back to the castle?"


    [ Affirmative]


    "Can I use these gold coins or is there a stat on the system that calculates my current wealth and gold is subtracted from that?"


    [This function is still locked. System can use the gold that is yours. Since the Goblins no longer live and you picked it up. System acknowledges that you are the new owner. So funds are ready for purchases.]


    This made Lucas happy because now he could use all the other skill points as he now had the money to leave. Lucas took a different pouch and then put two gold coins in it then put it on his waist.


    Lucas then started walking on the path of the dungeon using his combat mode to look for any signs of danger. He walked for a while until light could be seen in the distance. Lucas used his zoom function and zoomed into where the light source came from. He then saw that it was a Goblin village. The size of the cave there was a lot bigger. The goblins must have dug a lot to increase it to this size.


    The village was made out of stone. However, their gates were made out of wood. Lucas then scoped out the security and saw that at the gate was two level 9 Guards. Inside were about 5 level 8-9 Goblins marching around. Lucas assumed he killed the rest. The village, however, was bustling with young Goblins everywhere. Lucas had yet to make a move because he had yet to see the Goblin King leading them. This was simply conjecture but running in now without proper reconnaissance will lead to a swift death.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Lucas opened the ability store and filtered the spells to long-range offensive spells. There he saw many AOE spells like Quicksand - turns earth into quicksand that can either slow down a target or engulf them. But this was not what he was looking for. He then saw another one called Arcane ray - Convert mana into a physical form that can damage enemies from a distance. The strength and speed of the ray is dependant on the caster.


    This excited him for this is exactly what he wanted. He needed a spell that could kill from a distance as to take out as many goblins as possible before he gets spotted. Lucas quickly bought it at rank F. He clicked on my skills and saw the spell, Arcane ray. He then clicked on it to assimilate the knowledge immediately.


    The knowledge poured into his head and he understood the essence of it. The strength of the spell was also amplified by his blessing: harmonization with mana so he was confident that he could instakill a Goblin below his level. Lucas then walked until he was about 100 meters away from the village. He then pumped the remaining skill points into dexterity giving him a total of 26 dexterity. This would increase his spell casting speed further allowing him to kill the two guards in quick succession.


    Lucas then used predictive analysis and waited for the most opportune moment to kill the guards without anyone noticing. When that moment came Lucas used his zoom to focus on their heads he then aimed his finger at the one head and proceeded with his spell. A thin purple ray shot out his fingered piercing the air as it moved. It fired in 0.5 seconds he then fired the next one and killed the other guard. With little over a second two lv9 Goblins had fallen.


    Lucas sucked in a deep breath. Not because he felt good that he had power to dominate the Goblins but by how with power you can dominate. Certainly, there are people in the world that could kill him in the same way and that thought made Lucas''s will to get stronger grow. Most people would feel accomplished after such a feat but not Lucas. Lucas was different. It could be the combat mode or just the fact that his int and wis stats had increased.


    After the two guards fell Lucas moved in slowly and removed their bodies. At this point about an hour had passed by since Lucas first came here. Lucas looked at his mana points above the screen and saw that he had 90 mana points left. He now gets 60 mana points an hour due to increased wisdom and an hour had already passed. He initially had 50 but the two Arcane Rays took 10 mana points each leaving him with 90 mana points.


    Lucas thought "I need to kill all the guards in one go. I need at least 70 mana points to kill the Goblin King. Any less and it would make me feel comfortable."


    Lucas thought he would just use a common lure tactic he had seen in games. So he broke off a piece of rock from the wall and then threw it in the middle of the guards. This alarmed them but they thought it might be the brats running around being mischievous again. But when they looked towards the gate they saw an intruder! But the guards at the gate were doing nothing... It then dawned upon them that they had already died.


    A quick-witted goblin immediately blew a horn and all the non-military Goblins scattered and entered their homes. The path was now empty and the five Goblins where now looking at Lucas. After the coast was clear the all charged ferociously towards Lucas to kill him. Lucas then moved his mana to his hands and proceded with the spell. Due to his increased dexterity, the spell was shortened by quite a lot. Combat also allowed for extra focus which also shortened spell time.


    Soon a fireball the size of a 24 inch/60cm beach ball was seen and the second it appeared the second it was released. The Goblins saw the size of the fireball. They felt the heat of it too so they tried to dodge it. But unfortunately, they were too late and before they could slow down to move left.


    Boom!


    An explosion rang out; leaving them dead. The quick-witted one had almost escaped but he still got hit by the blast radius and was severely injured. Lucas did the same thing he did with the rest. He walked up to the goblin and picked up his sword and killed it.


    After the Goblins fell, you could hear a pin drop. It was dead quiet. But soon a figure could be seen walking along the path towards Lucas. As he did the villagers in their houses started praising him at least that is what it looked like. Lucas assumed that in order to receive such reverence from the goblins. This must mean that this is the Goblin King. But when Lucas looked at him he was disappointed. For he was only a level 14 Goblin.


    "Seems I won''t need 70 mana to kill this one. Two fireballs would be overkill." Lucas thought.


    The Goblin King reached about 10m meters away from Lucas. Lucas then raised his hands to stop him from walking. For if he did battle would commence that second. The Goblin King stopped and then tried to communicate with Lucas but of course, Lucas had no idea what he was saying. Until...


    [ After an hour of analysis. Gebic can be translated into English for you. Do you want this? Yes/No.]


    " Yes," Lucas said.


    Immediately the knowledge flooded his mind and now he could speak their language and understand it. Halfway through what the Goblin King was saying Lucas could finally understand.


    " Did you kill all my guards?" The Goblin King said.

 15. Evolution

    " Did you kill all my soldiers?" The Goblin King said.


    " Yes, I killed all... 58 of them," Lucas said.


    The Goblin King gritted his teeth. " Why, what did we do to you!?"


    Lucas laughed " You sent a scout to kill me? And you question why I killed them!? If I was weaker do you think they would have spared me?"


    The Goblin King swallowed air after hearing this because he knew all to well if they were stronger they would have killed him.


    "I tell you what I''m feeling quite magnanimous today. Give me some treasures and the other half of the map and I will leave."


    Lucas had already seen that the level of every other goblin was about in the range of 1-4. The amount of exp he would gain from them is practically nothing. As his level is 3 times theirs and more.


    The Goblin King looked at Lucas with resolve. He had no intention of giving up his treasures that he had amassed for a long time. It''s exactly for this reason that he was hiding in some secluded dungeon. He had stolen the treasures from a prominent member of the Demon Clan. If he were to show his face in the outside world he would surely die. At least until he was strong enough to obtain the treasure but he had yet to reach that level yet...


    The Goblin King gritted his teeth. He was contemplating the consequences of the decision he wanted to make. He clearly knew that if this "human" could kill all 58 of his brethren then he would surely die! What would be the point then? He could not run as this was the end of the line...


    Finally, the Goblin King seemed to come to some conclusion and fiddled in his pouch. He took out a small tablet that was blood red. He looked at it and then quickly swallowed it. Suddenly the Goblin King''s eyes became bloodshot. Veins starting bulging out of his skin as this happened the Goblin King started screaming in pain. Sounds of bones breaking could be heard amongst the screams.


    As the screaming continued the Goblin King seemed to be getting bigger and bigger. Lucas relooked at the Goblin King''s level and there was a ? on it. This was the first time Lucas had seen a question mark on a level. But he did not panic he just stood there nonchalantly.


    " I take it, you have made your decision then. Don''t blame for this then." Lucas said.


    Lucas began preparing his mana and began chanting his spell. But this time he charged it for longer. With his int increased he could now control the power of a spell at will. This usually meant that a spell would take longer but he had upgraded his dexterity. Thus decreasing his cast time further, plus he had the blessing: decrease your cast time, active. Lucas held the spell drawing more mana forward.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    At this time the Goblin King''s transformation had ended. The skin of the Goblin King had now changed from green to red. It was no longer short. The Goblin King was now 6ft3 (1.95 meters). It had big bulging muscles. Its skin looked tougher than the leather armour the goblins wore. The Goblin King stood stark naked as he had outgrown all his clothes. His weapon was only a very small dagger that he picked up from his clothes.


    Hahaha, the Goblin King laughed " Look at me! Marvel in my power!"


    Lucas continued to cast his spell and looked at the level of Goblin King. He was utterly shocked when he saw it. The Goblin King was a staggering Level 20 Hobgoblin. He was happy he did not underestimate his opponent and began casting his spell early. For whatever that blood pill was, it was obviously the cause of the Goblin King''s evolution.


    Lucas wondered " If he had this trump card why did he wait till now to use it? Perhaps there was a reason he did not use it. But since I forced his hand he had to use it prematurely."


    At this moment large turquoise magic circle appeared under the Goblin King. He noticed it and immediately snapped out of his power rant. But the second he moved his legs he was frozen solid in motion! He looked like a bug stuck in amber, of course, this was ice. Lucas marvelled in the power of this spell. It had taken 40 mana points instead of the original 30. But Lucas was not satisfied with this at all.


    All he did was freeze the Goblin King. In order to get that juicy exp from him, he had to kill him. If he used his fireball spell now he could risk the chance of melting the ice without actually injuring or killing the goblin himself.


    " System is the Goblin King frozen to the bone or is he just frozen in ice?"


    [ Its movement is only restricted due to the ice. It is not frozen solid.]


    Lucas expected this though. He thought " What if I use Arcane ray to snipe his vitals, this way I can try to kill him while keeping him locked in the ice. Yeah, that will have to do."


    Lucas prepped his mana, aimed his fingers at the head of the hobgoblin. Lucas was standing behind the Goblin King because he did not want the Goblin King to see he was trying to kill him as that might incite rage which could allow him to break the ice.


    Previously it took 0.5 seconds to fire the arcane ray but this time it took 5 seconds as Lucas was increasing the mana quantity and then compressing it each time into a thin ray again. He planned on using all his mana in this attack. After Lucas compressed 25 mana points of mana into a ray he used another 5 to add a spinning effect to the ray to increase penetration and reduce air resistance. While Lucas was focusing so intently some of the rock fragments were levitating slightly.


    When preparations were complete. Lucas used his combat mode''s aiming function to ensure his ray passes through as much brain matter as possible. Lucas then repositioned his fingers, bent his knees. Then fired the ray at 45 ��. , A purple light flashed and borrowed itself into the ice. It was like a laser dancing through the ice. It reached the head of the Goblin King and borrowed through his skull then through his cerebellum and out of the frontal lobe. It then pierced through the ice and back out the ice. It continued till it reached a rock and buried itself in and then disappeared.


    Red blood leaked out of the lower hole. It just poured and poured and poured.


    " How resilient is this thing. Just die!"


    At this moment immense fatigue came upon Lucas and he fell down to one knee.


    [Warning, you have exhausted all your mana putting you in a state of mana fatigue. All attributes decreased by 50%]


    Lucas went to combat modes settings and increased other emotions to counter the feeling of fatigue. This only worked against the feeling. Lucas was still in a state of mana fatigue.


    But something good finally happened.


    +1

 16. Treasure

    +1


    A confirmation notification popped up on Lucas''s screen.


    " YES!" Lucas exclaimed with his hand in a fist as he punched to the ground.


    He almost fell on one knee again but he fought bitterly to stay up. Lucas walked to the front side of the ice block to see the Goblin King''s face. He was sure the Goblin King had passed.


    " What should we do? He is just standing there by Gryteng." Gaguk said in fear.


    "It''s been five minutes since the human launched that beam like magic. Gryteng must be dead if he hasn''t broken free by now...." Gluglogs said in a panic.


    "Instead of stating the absolute obvious does anybody have a plan?" Gliobax said assertively.


    Silence entered the room, as they looked at each other hoping someone had an idea. Everyone just stared at each other. The longer they stared at each other the more they felt death''s scythe around their necks.


    " How about we fight? We have the numbers. It''s just one human." Gaguk said breaking the silence.


    " Are you stupid?! First the scouts then the entire army, then the guards and now Gryteng, even after he had swallowed the pill of evolution. What more can we untrained goblins do but die in front of him huh?!" Gluglogs said as he scrunched his face in anger.


    Gaguks gritted his teeth and said, " Well, do you have a better idea?"


    Gluglogs paused for a while and then said, " I say that we take him up on his earlier offer. I say we give him what he wants and maybe then he will leave us alone. We blame the previous actions solely on Gryteng. We tell the human that it was all Gryteng''s idea but as his loyal subjects we could not object even if we did not like his plan."


    " This is most probably our highest chance of survival. The human could have begun slaughtering everyone as soon as he casted that spell. He might be waiting on us..." Gliobax said.


    Glaguks agreed with both Gluglogs and Gliobax. They had all been thinking of this option but were too afraid to say it until Gluglogs did.


    " Gluglogs, this is your plan. I trust that you will see it through, right?" said Gliobax.


    Gluglogs frowned and he did not hide his unwillingness to go.


    "Gluglogs, every second wasted here is another you give to the human to make the decision to kill us all. Just ask him what he wants in return for our safety."


    Gluglogs looked at Glaguks but he seemed to agree with Gliobax. They had both singled him out to be the messenger. This was another reason why nobody mentioned this option because it was equivalent to voting yourself as the one to carry out the task.


    Gluglogs harrumphed as he opened the door and walked out of the house, on to the road and towards the human standing next to the block of ice.


    Lucas saw the goblin walking up to him. So while the goblin was walking to him he stared at the goblin with the same indifferent gaze he gave Gluglogs fellow goblins. Lucas wanted to instil fear in this goblin from the start as Lucas had no means to defend himself in his current state. However, he was not going to let these treasures pass him by. Even if he could not store it he would take what he could.


    Gluglog''s heart palpitated as he was being stared down. Gluglogs eventually got to Lucas and he said " Oh magnanimous one. I ask that you please revisit the previous terms you gave us. We give you treasures in return you spare us. We are sorry we did not first take you up on your offer, but it was all Gryteng our leader''s idea. As his subjects, we could not object to his decisions. Please do not punish everyone because of one."


    After Gluglogs spoke there was complete silence. This continued for about a minute. Lucas pretended to be in deep thought as if he was trying to find it deep in his heart to forgive them for their actions. Truth be told this is exactly the situation Lucas had hoped for. He had no strength to fight off the remaining goblins and even if he did the return on it is so minimal it''s barely noticeable. This was truly the best outcome.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Lucas scratched his chin and then said " This was my previous terms and conditions. Yet you chose to violate it and now you dare come back and offer me the same deal!


    Gluglogs was panicking, his heart was racing, he was sweating profusely. He looked down the road to Gliobax and Glaguks and then faced forward and said, " It is as you said. We do not deserve the same offer you graciously gave us last time. We will bring you all our treasures and you can choose however much you want. We hope this appeases you."


    Lucas nodded his head signalling that he agreed and shooed him away.


    " Oh, thank you gracious one," Gluglogs said as he scampered away almost tripping over himself.


    "That seemed to go a lot better than I expected," Lucas thought.


    Gluglogs got back to the room Gliobax and Glaguks wherein and told them what had happened and what Lucas demanded.


    " What are you telling us for!? QUICK, go and get the treasure!" Gliobax screamed.


    Gluglogs ran off and went to Gryteng''s room and started unloading all the treasures that they had stolen from the demon clan. Once he was done he commanded some of his other goblins to help him unpack it all.


    They brought out what looked like a small treasure box. Lucas was disappointed to see that there was such little treasure considering the size of this box was small. " Why is the box so small. Are you holding treasures back from me!" Lucas said in an angry voice.


    " No, gracious one. This box is special it can take on the size it''s master wills it to take. When Glugogs said that the size of the box immediately increased and it was a lot bigger now. Lucas smiled with anticipation. Gluglogs and the other goblins were happy to see Lucas''s excitement.


    Gluglogs and the others started placing white cloths on the ground. When they were done they moved to the box and started taking various items out and placed them on the white cloth. Then Gluglogs said, " This is all the treasure we have and have kept for a long time. Please choose whatever and how many you want."


    Lucas nodded this time showing no signs of excitement or joy. He wanted to seem as mystical as possible. Even though deep inside he was screaming with excitement.


    " Isn''t this treasure. Well, of course, I know that it is because they said it is, but like isn''t this the situations you only read in books. I still can not believe this is happening to me! After a battle that was not too hard but it was my first. I get rewarded with such splendour, aah fate you are too kind." Lucas thought.


    Lucas''s eyes glanced at all the items set out on every piece of cloth. There were three white cloths full of items on it. Once this was done he paid more attention to certain items that stood out. The first one was a gold ring. Despite its lack of appearance it somehow caught Lucas''s attention.


    "System can you appraise this item for me?"


    [ Name: Ring of Kunderoite,


    Class: Mage


    Description: Cracked Golden band with the Kaaacolite gem fused to it. An intertwined western dragon is carved on the ring. The words R.F are carved inside. There are a total of 5 magic runes on this ring of which 3 are inactive due to the ring being cracked. One of its functions can be restored by a rank B blacksmith no one below this rank will be able to.


    Ability. Increase damage to spells cast when dual casting.


    Requirement: Must be E rank in a class that uses magic as their primary weapon.


    Ruins:


    The rune of mana: Provides an increased amount of mana regeneration for the wearer of the ring.


    The rune of space and time: The wearer of this ring will have an increased understanding of the mechanics behind space-time magic.


    Three inactive runes. Will be revealed upon restoration of this ring.]


    Lucas casually selected the ring and put it aside. He showed no excitement for he believed the goblins were unaware of the power of this ring.


    Lucas looked at another item and had the system appraise it. He did this for all the items.


    [Name: Apple of longevity


    Description: A golden apple that has golden flames burning on it.


    Ability: When eating this it will refine your body by burning out all the impurities in your body. The sensation of purification is by fire. Once purification is complete the person who ate it will have a longer life. This is because their bodies no longer have as many impurities as the average person.


    Requirement: A strong will is a prerequisite. This is a trial by fire. Death awaits those who are overwhelmed.


    Name: Amulet of charm


    Class: None


    Description: The chain is made of silver and is crafted in a form of a double helix. The amulet itself is in an oval form, with a pink gem in the centre. On the sides of the oval is a rune that runs along the perimeter until it connects. This brings the amulet to life.


    Ability: The wearer of this amulet will receive an increase to his or her charm.


    Requirement: None


    Name: Potion of Mana regeneration.


    Description: A purple liquid encased in transparent glass.


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore an x amount of mana to whoever drinks it.


    Requirement: None


    Name: Wind''s Affection.


    Class: None


    Description: A plain silver bracelet.


    Ability: The wearer is granted a speed bonus.


    Requirement: Affinity for wind magic.


    Name: Ring of Invisibility.


    Class: None


    Description: A black ring that has runes carved on the inside of the ring.


    Ability: The wearer of the ring is granted invisibility when wanted. Running cancels the effect of invisibility. The level of the wearer is greatly dependant on the level of the illusion magic cast. The lower your charisma the better the effect.


    Requirement: The wielder must be capable of using mana.]

 17. "It was only a glimpse."

    Name: Ring of invisibility.


    Class: None


    Description: A black ring that has ruins carved on the inside of the ring.


    Ability: The wearer of the ring is granted invisibility when wanted. Running cancels the effect of invisibility. The level of the wearer is greatly dependant on the level of the illusion magic cast. The lower your charisma the better the effect.


    Requirement: The wielder must be capable of using mana.]


    This was the last of the treasures that Lucas had put aside. There were more treasures that were a lot more powerful but using them meant losing a part of your soul in return for the power.


    " This is all the treasures that I need, the rest you may keep," Lucas said.


    The Goblins were all really happy that they got to keep some of their most precious treasure.


    " He is so stupid. Even if he didn''t want the treasure he could take it and sell it yet he is giving back to us. Not that I mind but if the roles were reversed I would take it all just because I can. Humans..." Gluglogs thought.


    In the goblin''s mind what Lucas was doing was stupid but there was a reason for this. The treasure the goblins had amassed was truly powerful. Even if he was not willing to give a part of his soul away, some other idiot would and it would not be fun to encounter this person. So Lucas would rather leave it by weak creatures that will not be seen in public for a while than sell it and get money only to create a stronger person.


    "I''ll also take the box in which you store the treasures. Also, go fetch me more of those evolution pills Greythang swallowed."


    The Goblins gulped down when they heard Lucas wanted the pills of evolution, for this was their hope to become stronger. If they gave this away how can they get stronger? But Gryteng refused to give up treasure and look how he ended up. Gluglogs was puzzled on how he should proceed for he could not make this decision alone.


    Lucas noticed the silence after he asked for the pill so he picked up one of the potions of mana regeneration and drank it.


    Instantly 500 mana points were restored.


    [ Mana fatigue has disappeared.]


    Lucas was now ready for anything. He now had the mana to obliterate the entire goblin settlement if he wanted but he waited on their response.


    Gluglogs saw him waiting and then said, " That of which you ask is possible but you will be robbing us of our hopes and dreams. We need the pill of evolution to evolve ourselves to stronger species so that we will never be looked down upon again!"


    Lucas saw the fury in Gluglogs eyes when he said that he did not want to be looked down upon again.


    [ System is detecting no signs of danger. Combat mode deactivated]


    "How much do you have? I only require one."


    " We have three left one for each Advisor. If you take one, you will be taking mine. So when the time comes I will not be able to evolve. This will mean our prowess will be weaker than we had hoped. You already killed Gryteng and our entire military force we can''t afford any more setbacks."


    "How long will it take for you until you can use the pill of evolution? As far as I can tell even Gryteng used it prematurely and he was a lot stronger than you."


    " 6 months exactly then we will be able to absorb it properly."


    " That is half a year later. I tell you what you give me one and in 6 months I will return twice the amount back. Of course, you need to still be here so I can give it back."


    " How do we know you are telling the truth. What insurance can you give us."


    " I don''t need to. If I want I could take all three. But I''m choosing to take one and even return two to you. Whether you believe me or not is solely up to you."


    Gluglogs once again understood the position he was in for he was all too familiar with it. He found himself once again in a situation where he was too weak to do anything. He found himself in a position of inferiority having to submit to someone else''s choices.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    He gritted his teeth and excepted Lucas''s proposal as he had no other choice and in the off chance that Lucas was telling the truth. They would gain double return meaning they would be able to gain more strength. He did not believe Lucas''s words at all but it was all he could do.


    Gluglogs put his hands in his pocket and took out the red pill and gave it to Lucas. His heart was bleeding as Lucas took it from him.


    " Thank you," Lucas said as he took it out of Gluglog''s hand.


    Lucas then put all his treasures and the pill into the box.


    " I have received all that I want. I will be taking my leave now," Lucas said.


    As the new owner of the treasure box, Lucas shrank the box to the size of a Rubix cube and held it in his hands.


    But before he left he robbed the dead bodies of all their gold, silver, and bronze and began walking to the other bodies that were further away as he had left his gold there.


    The Goblins watched Lucas walk away with a heavy heart. But this inspired them to train harder to gain more strength so something like this never happens again.


    When Lucas reached the dark part of the cave again he could not see a thing. "System, can you activate combat mode? I can''t see a thing," Lucas said.


    [ Combat mode, can only be activated two times out of combat per day. Do you wish to use it. Yes/No?"


    "Yes"


    Suddenly just like before Lucas could see clearly again. He was like a mole that finally sprouted working eyes. Lucas walked down the path until he found the bodies and to the right was a pouch full of gold. Lucas picked up the heavy pouch and placed it inside the treasure box and just like that the weight disappeared.


    "System, I''m ready. Take me back to the castle," Lucas said.


    [ Subtracting 1 gold coin. teleportation array ready in 5,4,3,2,1,0]


    .....


    " We initially expected to suffer some sort of set back. To not arouse suspicion after we kill the summonee. However, now that the summonee does not need to be killed we can move forth with phase two immediately. Lady luck smiles upon us." Abigail Ashbinder exclaimed.


    " Yes, fate is on our side." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    " Where is the summonee now? If our plan proceeds smoothly we are going to need a new enslavement spell on him." Abigail Ashbinder said.


    " He wanted to read books and obtain knowledge of this world so I sent him to the royal library. But I do not know if he is there anymore as he should have realized by now he cannot read our language." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    " He will still be there. He is new to this world he will not want to go to unfamiliar places. So he will not leave the library. Go do your part and I will make sure we have no loose ends."


    "Will do," Daruin Ashbinder said.


    The Queen left the room and Daruin Ashbinder left shortly after her.


    Abigail Ashbinder was on her way to the library to go see Lucas. As she walked through the corridors she made many people turn their heads and do a double take just to get one more look at her beauty.


    She was now standing by the door of the Royal Library. She saw that the two Kings Knights Daruin Ashbinder had spoken of were still here. Which meant Lucas hadn''t left yet. They greeted her and stood at their post again.


    She opened the doors just as the white light had finished which made it look like Lucas was some sort of Angel. Lucas saw the woman staring at him but he did not pay her mind. Lucas walked to the table and put the treasure box on one of the seats across him.


    Abigail felt offended that he did not greet her for she was the Queen. But she soon realized that he is not from here and that''s the reason for his rude behaviour.


    Lucas picked up the book and acted like he was struggling to read it.


    " You can''t read these books yet. Our language is not the same as in your world. You will have to learn how to read and write Imedun" Abigail Ashbinder said.


    Lucas turned around to see the middle age woman looking at him. As if she was addressing him.


    "Thank you but I''ve realised that already. No matter how many I took out the library they all written the same way," Lucas replied.


    Abigail Ashbinder walked to Lucas now and sat down on one of the chairs. She then touched the one chair that Lucas had already pulled out saying Lucas must sit down.


    Lucas decided to listen and sat down. Once he was seated she looked and Lucas deep in his eyes and said, " Things are about to change in this castle and when they do we will let you free. As you are of no use to us," Abigail Ashbinder said.


    Lucas smiled and thought," This woman is actually really beautiful and she smells amazing."


    [ Warning you are currently under two enslavement spells. Do you wish to activate your passive skill? Yes/No?"


    "Is it that easy to be enslaved here! I''ve been in this castle for less than a day and I am already under two spells. Do people only know how to enslave in this world? Wait but she never cast a spell on me. How did this happen?" Lucas thought.


    [Its when you decided to look down at her cleavage that you were caught in her charm.]


    Lucas coughed when he heard the systems solemn explanation. He was embarrassed. He wanted to dig a hole and climb in it. He was just exposed by the system. Lucas thought " It was only a glimpse."


    The Queen saw his reaction and said, " Are you okay?" She thought that Lucas was embarrassed to speak to her because of the way she looked. She only asked if he was okay as a formality but she was not new to these reactions. In fact, it would be odd if it didn''t occur.


    " I''m fine I just chocked on my saliva. But thank you for caring. Also, thank you for releasing me. I''m sorry that I am not of any use to you." Lucas said.


    At this moment she got up from her chair and left. For she had accomplished her goal. She too had noticed Lucas''s glimpse but that was all it took and if she willed it she could command you. The higher your infatuation the more control over you she had. Since she only needed Lucas not to speak about the soul migration array. His glimpse was sufficient to command him not to speak about it. The commands happened telepathically.


    Lucas was happy after she left. He had also now heard that they were going to release him soon. He no longer had to escape.

 18. The scheme unfolds

    Outside the doors of the Throne room.


    " I can do this. Power is almost within grasp. I just need to..." Daruin Ashbinder thought.


    " Your Royal Highness. Do you want us to open the doors to the Throne Room?" A Knight stationed to protect the entrance said.


    " No! I''m in thought now leave me be." Daruin Ashbinder said in a rude manner.


    " Yes, Your Royal Highness." The Knight said.


    The other Knight on the other side titled his head to look at the Knight that just got reprimanded. He then shook his head to express his sympathy.


    After psyching himself enough Daruin Ashbinder opened up the doors, walked in and with a bang it closed.


    Daruin Ashbinder walked up to the stairs of the Throne room and stood at the bottom.


    " Father, I understand your grief. We have been planning this for years. It is truly regrettable that without the number of resources we used we ended up summoning something so weak. It is truly regrettable." Daruin Ashbinder said this while clenching his fist tightly.


    " But father, we cannot just sit back and blame the stars, the gods, our luck or whatever we feel, dealt us a bad hand. It is exactly at this moment that we should be strong and think of other ways to obtain what we want! Father with all due respect your appearance right now is not one a King should be donning. No less the King of Pentelan. The future country to rule all the lands. Everything under the heavens will be ours!"


    " You have put your blood, sweat and tears into this country and everyone knows this from the richest to the poorest peasant. I, your son who has been by your side since I came of age. I know even more of how much you yearn for this country to gain the strength it once had. Father, you are not alone in the way you feel. Through the years your passion has been passed on to me. I have inherited your will. "


    "I have a way that we can use to once again summon a soul from another world while the veil is still thin. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, it is rather crude. But I am certain it will work" Daruin Ashbinder said.


    At this moment, Leonhard Ashbinder regained his usual kingly composure as he was curious as to what method his son had thought of.


    " You know a large amount of energy is required to use the soul migration. We have used most of the Kingdoms Mages as a sacrifice. We do not have enough who are willing to lose all their mana."


    " That''s the beauty of it. We do not need new Mages we just need the ones who were here before. Father, you are aware of what happens to a mage when they try to cast a spell that is beyond their mana capability. Their bodies can no longer take the strain and then they explode becoming pure mana itself with a soul. We call this creature a Souma. Yes, this is considered Taboo but we cannot think of this now. Our future is at stake..."


    " I see so we utilise the energy that the E Rank Soumas give to activate the soul migration array. However, Daruin even with the E Rank Souma''s this would only give us the exact same amount of energy we had last time. How can you be sure we will not summon a soul of the same calibre. We need a lot more energy. At least a B rank Souma!"


    At this moment Daruin Ashbinder breathed in deep and looked at Leonhard Ashbinder sadly...


    " Oh, I see. You want me to be part of the sacrifice..."


    " Yes, Father you are a B Rank Fire mage. I have thought of many other ways. But none of them come up to the required amount of energy. If you worried about me taking the position of King you don''t need to be I have been watching you closely ever since I was a child. You have also groomed me continuously to be a King fit for the greatest Kingdom under the heavens. I am ready."


    " I understand... Leave me!"


    " Father..."


    The King kept quiet as he sat on his throne in deep thought. Daruin Ashbinder saw that him being here would be counteractive to his plan so he left the King to think. But before he left the room he said: " Everything I do has been for the Kingdom and everything I will do, will be too."


    Boom.


    The door closed and as Daruin Ashbinder left the Throne room.


    " It''s all up to him now..." Daruin Ashbinder thought as he walked to the royal chambers.


    ....


    " Is my mother inside?" Daruin Ashbinder asked the Knights stationed at her door.


    " Yes, Your Highness." One Knight responded.


    Daruin Ashbinder opened the door and then let it close by itself. When he walked in he saw Abigail Ashbinder lying on her bed.


    " It is done. I have told him our plan. He hasn''t agreed yet and asked me to leave so that he can think. However, he definitely will accept seeing that he has no other choice. If he doesn''t, the ruin of this Kingdom is certain maybe not now but in the years to come. With that being said it''s your turn to work your magic on the Mages. We need 100% control over them so that they do not object to giving their lives up." Daruin Ashbinder said.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    " Good work. We should gain full control over this palace by the end of today and the Kingdom however months later. I will do my part. Make sure Leonhard agrees." Abigail Ashbinder said as she left the room. Daruin Ashbinder left the room after her.


    ....


    In the public room waiting room, all the mages were waiting for their money that they were promised they would get for sacrificing their mana. They had been waiting here for over an hour but the official in charge of signing off large transactions was in a meeting. That''s what they were told. The truth, however, was that the Treasurer had been commanded by the Queen not to come to the public room and work on his reports.


    The Queen walked into the room. Everyone greeted her. After all the formalities were over. The Queen said " I want everyone to leave this room at once. Only the mages will stay behind."


    " Your Majesty. We can''t have you stay in this room alone, unprotected" The Knights protested.


    "You dare defy me?" Abigail Ashbinder said.


    "No, but if his Majesty finds out." A Knight said.


    " The longer you wait..." Abigail Ashbinder said.


    "Okay, okay, okay. Everyone out! The Queen has spoken." A Knight said.


    Everyone rushed out the door until only one Knight was left in the room.


    "Just scream if anything is wrong and we will come rushing in." The Knight said and then closed the door.


    " I wonder what the Queen plans to say or do behind closed doors?" A Knight said to a Knight.


    " It''s none of our business." A Knight said to the Knight that spoke.


    ...


    " Call the Crown Prince." Leonhard Ashbinder said to a Knight.


    The Knight walked out to the Throne room expecting to search quite long before he found the Prince but to his surprise, the Prince was waiting outside the Throne room,


    " Your Highness. His Majesty seeks an audience with you."


    Daruin Ashbinder heard the Knight and walked in the Throne room.


    "Father...?"


    "I have decided to listen to your proposal. If we do not bet on this chance. The Kingdom will be doomed within a few years. I am willing to bet my life for this Kingdom because I know you will lead it to new pastures!" Leonhard Ashbinder said with resolve.


    " Father. I take no pleasure in this but is truly the only way..."


    " Go. Call the Mages we need to ask them are they willing to give their lives to further the Kingdom." The King said to a Knight.


    " Not yet Father. Let''s first get the soul migration array out first. Let''s prepare everything we can first."


    " You are right lets first deal with this."


    Daruin Ashbinder let go of the pent-up air in his lungs as he was worried that Abigail Ashbinder was still in the middle of making the Mages submissive.


    The Knights did the same thing as last. They moved the carpet, opened the vault with the keys. Went down the stairs. Unlocked the wheel, turned the wheel, in turn, raising the platform with the soul migration crystal on. Once it was fully raised the key was put in to lock it in its position. The Knight came out of the vault.


    " Father we can now call the Mages. As the preparations are complete." Daruin Ashbinder said.


    "Go and call the Mages." Leonhard Ashbinder said to a Knight.


    " Yes, Your Majesty." A Knight said and left the Throne room in a jiffy.


    Five minutes later all the mages walked into the Throne room with the Knight that had called them. Once things were settled down. Leonhard Ashbinder said, " Thank you all for your sacrifice. Because of you, we were able to use the soul migration array. Even though it was in vain your debt will still be personally handled by the Kingdom."


    " But that is not why I have called you today. I have called you because we need to use the soul migration array again. But this time we need you to offer your life as a tribute so that we can use it to summon a stronger soul than last time. You are the hope of our entire country. No, you are the hope of all humanity. Your energy will not be sufficient so I will be offering my life as well. Allow me to die alongside you all. Your families will be awarded greatly for your honourable contributions in changing history."


    The mages all agreed in unison not one of them disagreed. They were all "prepared" to lay down their life for the Kingdom.


    " Mmm, this is true bravery. You will be rewarded well in your next life." Leonhard Ashbinder said.


    Leonhard Ashbinder then said, " We commence in half an hour I need to go to the bathroom."


    He lied he actually wanted to say goodbye to his wife and daughter. But if he had told the truth the mages might change their minds if they were reminded of their loved ones and how they could not say goodbye.


    After the King said his final goodbyes to his daughter he said his goodbye to his wife. This took much longer than he had anticipated.


    After 40 minutes the King returned to the Throne room and stood with mages around the soul migration array. The King then looked at Daruin Ashbinder who now was sitting on the King''s throne.


    Afterwards, Leonhard Ashbinder and Daruin Ashbinder linked their magic and made a barrier enclosing the King and the mages as well the soul migration array inside the barrier.


    Leonhard Ashbinder started chanting the spell and the other mages chanted with him. But because they had no mana to give in the first place one by one they all turned into Soumas. They raged mindlessly around the soul migration array before they were absorbed by the array as pure energy. After every Souma was absorbed the array turned into a deep purple again.


    Leonhard Ashbinder was still chanting the spell. He was a B Rank Fire Mage so he had a lot more mana to give. The more mana he gave the more the crystals colour changed from purple to blue. After 10 minutes Leonhard Ashbinder exhausted every bit of mana he had left. He was about to turn into a Souma now. There was no turning back now even if he wanted to.


    Leonhard Ashbinder decided to see his son once more in his last moments. Leonhard Ashbinder was already half dead. He was moving purely on instinct. But when he looked in the direction his son was, his heart froze. He wanted to fight with all his might but he couldn''t. With a petrified expression, Leonhard Ashbinder''s body went from flesh to spirit.


    The B rank Souma almost shattered the barrier that was now only being maintained by Daruin Ashbinder. Before the barrier shattered the B rank Souma got absorbed by the array changing it to a deep sea blue colour.


    Daruin Ashbinder rejoiced in his heart now that Leonhard Ashbinder had died for if he somehow survived all their plans would be thwarted.


    ...


    While this was happening Lucas was reading more books about the maps of the world. As he had just acquired a map and he wanted to know where the treasure laid. But soon his mind wondered.


    "Aaaah, I can''t wait to be free. I at first had to escape from here now I get to just walk out of here. Playing the weak card really helped me here."


    [ Quest: Escape the castle with the new summonee.


    Reward: 2000 Exp.


    SP- 15


    AP- 20]


    " Damn! I spoke too soon!"

 19. Apple of longevity

    [ Quest: Escape the castle with the new summonee.


    Reward: 2000 Exp.


    SP- 15


    AP- 20]


    " Damn! I spoke too soon!"


    " System is this quest compulsory?"


    [No quest is ever compulsory. However, by not completing it you are losing out on rewards that will make you stronger. You will also decrease the rate at which you receive quests should you choose to decline one.]


    " Mxm. So basically it''s compulsory... System pull up my stats."


    Lucas had to call for it for he had long since closed the stat screens. Also, his combat mode had deactivated when he teleported back to the castle.


    [Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level:14 (125/2900)


    Class: Mage


    Health points: 650/750


    Mana points: 620/840 ( 20% increase due to blessing)


    Mana recovery: 70 hourly (100% increase due to blessing)


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 20


    Dexterity �C 26


    Intelligence �C 30


    Wisdom �C 20


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: F Rank Fireball, F Rank Ice Chamber, F Rank Acarne Ray


    Skill points: 4


    Ability points: 46 ( 16 initial + 10 first time Arcane ray+ 3 Arcane Ray perfect execution + 3 AR perfect exc + 3 FB perfect exc + 3 IC perfect exc +5 First change in AR form + 3 AR perfect exc = 46)


    Equipment: None (not equipped)


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, active). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, active). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, active)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, inactive): Currently under two spells.


    System-level: 2 (14/15)]


    Lucas saw his current stats and compared it to earlier today. The massive growth in power was evident. But he still wasn''t confident about trying to escape from the Palace let alone with someone. This person would have just been summoned meaning they are weak and he would have to fend off attacks and defend the summonee?


    " How can the System give me this mission. Yes, I have the combat system that has its enhanced zoom function. So I will be able to see targets from far but they can run faster than me how do I escape? How do I even get in the Throne room? It should be shut by now If they planning on resummoning."


    Lucas kept thinking of a plan for the rewards of the quest was too appealing. The thought of having such rewards appear at a lesser frequency was not okay with Lucas. So he had to come up with a plan to escape with the summonee.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    After 15 minutes. Lucas finished drawing up his escape plan, he also went to the ability shop to buy the necessary spells. He planned multiple contingency plans. The fact that he knew the layout of the capital was really good. Lucas was so grateful to the system. Honestly, if he chose to change his race it would have been the same as maiming himself. The system did not equal anything out rather it tipped the scale. But one could also argue that being a different race would mean you did not have to increase your strength as rapidly as Lucas needed to...


    Lucas picked up his box as he wanted to equip his treasure. They would definitely aid him in his quest. When it struck him that he forgot to ask for the other half of the map.


    " AAAAH! I forgot to ask for the other half of the map. I was so excited about the evolution pill and the treasure that I completely forgot about the map. I guess if I make it out alive. I will go back and get the map. Not happy to spend gold on something like this but it cannot be helped."


    Lucas opened the treasure box and started taking all the treasures out. But when he did he found another item inside that he did not choose. Which did not surprise him. Of course, the goblins would try to hide certain treasure. They planned on hiding it inside the treasure box but they did not expect Lucas would take the treasure box with him too. Lucas knew that they did not show him everything but he did not want to tear down their entire settlement.


    Lucas then put the Ring of Kunderoite on his right index finger. He put the silver bracelet on his right hand. This bracelet was called " Wind''s Affection". He also put the Ring of invisibility on his right middle finger. He did not put the amulet of charm on because increasing his charm decreases the strength of the ring of invisibility.


    After Lucas equipped all the equipment, Lucas asked: " System, how long do I have left before the soul migration array emits the white light from the sky?"


    [ 40 minutes in total]


    " How long does the apple of longevity trail by fire last? And will I be in a weak state afterwards?"


    [ Average time is around 30 minutes and if the trial is successful due to all the expelled impurities, you should be feeling better than ever before.]


    That was all Lucas needed to hear. So he took one apple out of the treasure box and held it in his hands. Despite all the golden flames around it. It did not burn his hands. Lucas resolved himself as he needed to, to ensure he does not get overwhelmed. After Lucas had the confidence he bit into the apple. It tasted like air, he was sure that either it would taste heavenly or ungodly. However, it had no taste at all. Lucas then bit into the apple again and again until he finished it. He even ate the core of the apple he did not want to waste anything.


    After a while, Lucas felt his stomach giving off a warm feeling. It was very cosy. It felt like someone was giving his stomach a hug and caressing it. It was a heavenly experience.


    " Maybe because of my blessing. Affinity to elements I have built up some type of resistance to fire as such it doesn''t hurt as much..."


    But of course, he spoke too soon. For as soon as he was finished speaking the temperature increased. It just kept rising and rising and rising. It did not look like it planned on stopping anytime soon. Lucas, however, was feeling the heat in his stomach and it was burning. His face was contorted as he tried to brave the pain. He could not scream as this would alert everyone.


    The heat finally stopped increasing. Honestly, Lucas didn''t know if the heat had stopped increasing or if there was no higher heat than the one he was currently facing. Even though the heat stopped increasing it was still felt like hell. To make matters worse the heat that originally was just in his stomach started spreading throughout his body. From the brain to the hands to the toes. To every nook and cranny until nothing was left out the fires touch.


    The pain that he felt before had increased a hundredfold. He would be sweating so much if the heat of his body didn''t immediately evaporate it. He continued to contort his face into shapes and expressions he did not even know was humanly possible. All to ensure he does not get overwhelmed by the fire and to keep his sanity.


    After a while, his hard work paid off as the heat slowly decreased. Until his body temperature reverted back to normal.


    " Wow! That was painful! They really undersell the level of resolve needed to not get overwhelmed by the pain... All things aside I feel amazing! My body feels lighter. My energy levels have never been higher. I can feel the power of muscles and the blood pumping through my body. My senses have increased too. I now see why it was called the apple of longevity. It does purify your body thus leading to a longer life. But it also increases your bodies abilities which in turn would prevent you from getting killed. Longevity... Because what''s the point of being able to live a long life but then dying early due to external factors?"


    " System, how long did this take?"


    [ 35 minutes. You have 5 minutes left.]

 20. Lucas makes his move

    " System, how long did this take?"


    [ 35 minutes. You have 5 minutes left.]


    Lucas had everything prepped so he was off and ready to go but the last five minutes took forever.


    [1 minute until the soul migration array emits the white light. Get ready.]


    Lucas heard the systems voice. He was already ready to initiate the spell at any time.


    [ 5,4,3,2,1,0]


    When the timer reached zero Lucas initiated the F rank teleportation spell. With a flash of white light, he disappeared from the Royal library and into the Throne room. The Throne room was currently bright with white light so Lucas could not see a thing. This also meant that no one could see him too. Lucas used the blinding white light from the soul migration array. To mask the white light that came from his teleportation magic.


    Lucas quickly activated The Ring of Invisibility and the Wind''s Affection. This made Lucas completely invisible. This worked more on Lucas because he has such a low charisma stat. Lucas used wind''s affection to levitate slightly above the ground as to not make any sounds when he moved.


    The white light finally stopped shining and Lucas could once again see the Throne room that he was all too familiar with. The soul migration array was there. The room was still packed with Knights both the silver and the gold. What took Lucas by surprise was that he could not find the King, nor could he find the mages. Daruin Ashbinder was sitting on the Throne of the King. Lucas knew they could not of left already as the soul migration array had just been used.


    Finally, Lucas looked in the direction of the summonee as he wanted to see who he must save. Before he looked he noticed how everyone was staring in the direction of the summonee. Which wasn''t surprising as they all wanted to see the summonee like Lucas did. But when he saw the summonee he understood the reason everyone was staring.


    The summonee was a 20-year-old girl this time around, she had long black hair. She had a diamond-shaped face with visible jawline. Her eyes were green with tinges of yellow which gave her an ethereal feeling. Her body was in shape. But the reason for most of the lustful stares was that she was well-endowed and for some reason she was naked.


    " System, why does she not have clothes on but I did when I came here?"


    [ That is because the way you two were summoned is different despite both being summoned by the soul migration array.]


    " I guess the system does not plan on elaborating. Oh well, I will just leave it at that."


    When the girl came to a realisation that she was no longer where she could last remember, she began to panic. She looked down at her body and noticed that she was naked too. She noticed she was in some place that looked like a castle and everyone was staring at her. Even with the helmets on the girl knew that it was lustful stares. She immediately tried to cover herself up with her hands. She wasn''t completely successful but it was better than nothing.


    " I am naked. Laid bare in front of everyone. All these lustful gazes on me. I''m probably a victim of human trafficking. And the person who bought me has so type of mediaeval fetish. How did I end up here? I never drank and partied. I''m hard working. One moment I''m in my room studying, the next I''m here." The girl thought.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    " Get off the soul migration array." Daruin Ashbinder commanded.


    The girl was reluctant to move, afraid of what might happen next so she ignored Daruin Ashbinder. She decided to stay on top. But when she looked into his ice cold royal blue eyes. Her heart shuddered and she decided to listen. She unfolded her arms and jumped off the soul migration array.


    When Daurin Ashbinder saw she finally listened he said, " Put the soul migration array back." Then he slowly walked down the stairs and towards the girl. By the time he got down the array was gone and the vault was closed. The Head Knight gave him back the keys.


    " Bring some clothes from the back and give them to me," Daruin Ashbinder said. The Head Knight went to get her some clothes. When he did he gave them to Daruin Ashbinder just as he had been asked to.


    " Here is a set of clothes. I see you feel very uncomfortable being naked in front of a lot of people."


    The girl couldn''t believe what she was hearing. The guy in charge actually brought her a set of clothes and wanted to clothe her. If so why was she naked in the first place? What was she doing here? How did she get her? But now she believed that she had overreacted. Maybe there is a reason for all this she just needed to wait it out...


    Daruin Ashbinder saw the surprise in her face and responded with a smile. Then he said, " Yes. I am going to give you these clothes but first, you need to show me you deserve them."


    Daruin Ashbinder put the clothes on the floor and began unbuckling his pants. The Knights laughter filled the room when they realized what was going to happen next.


    " There is no escaping from this. When we summoned you we forcefully ripped your soul from your body. There is no going back to your world because your original body is a soulless corpse."


    [ If you do not make your move soon there is a 90% chance you will receive some form of backlash from her.]


    Lucas ignored the system''s message as he was contemplating whether it was really worth it. If he jumped into action now there was no turning back. What point was there in trying to be the hero and save a girl if you going to die anyway. Honestly, this seemed like a re-run of how he died last time. Lucas kept weighing the odds as the systems kept counting down. Even though he was in thought he was prepping his mana.


    [ 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%]


    " Okay, okay, okay. I''ll go."


    At that moment Lucas walked to the side of the girl. He was still invisible so nobody could see him. He had already prepped his mana long ago while he had the time. He then in one swift motion picked up her clothes and then with the other arm he touched her shoulder and initiated the teleportation spell.


    A white light flashed in the Throne room and poof they were gone.


    " Order a full lockdown on the capital! No one enters and leaves the capital unreported! Reactivate the Teleportation jammers. I want her back yesterday! Only tell what is relevant anything related to the soul migration array will cause you your death."


    " Yes, Your Highness" The Knights shouted and left the Throne Room in a hurry to go and convey the news to the relevant parties.


    .....


    In an empty alley in the district of the poorest people. A white flash appeared and two people were seen emerging from it. Lucas deactivated his invisibility spell.


    " Here put these clothes on quickly. We need to run." Lucas said.


    The girl looked at Lucas and took the clothes. She was really scared because yet again she was at another unfamiliar place. With a tap on the shoulder, a white light appeared and poof. Her whole world was tumbling. She did not know how to make sense of anything. She thought she was dreaming yet the moment in the palace was still so vivid in her mind. She could feel the lustful gazes creeping on her skin as if it was licking her.


    At this thought, her body shivered and she quickly put on her clothes. When she was done she looked at the man who had "saved" her but he was looking the other way. She tapped him on the shoulder to tell him she is done changing.


    Now that she was fully clothed Lucas finally looked at her properly and he saw that she was really beautiful. She was wearing a servant''s dress. It was a bit oversized. However, in one area one would argue that it was too small. Her hair wasn''t tied up so it hung just below her back.


    The girl noticed Lucas looking at her. But it wasn''t with the same eyes that she had felt in the castle. This made her relax a bit. Well as much as it could. It didn''t take away the fact that she was still in this position.

 21-22. "I couldnt have taken her to a less secluded, less rapey place"

    In the Throne room.


    " Sir we have spotted the army of the Kingdom of Scaoze. They have come prepared sir. We don''t know the exact numbers yet but they have battle mages, warriors, rangers, priests and also non-class based infantry. They mean war, Sir."


    " How can this happen. WHO spread the word about our Kingdom being weak at this moment? "


    " Sir the intelligence department says they have been camping there for a week now."


    " They must have been waiting for the day of the veil and when they saw the light in the sky they knew the s.m.a (1) had been used and with that our capital would be weakened. To make matters worse is that we used it twice... Not attacking us in this position would be a massive blunder on their part." Daruin Ashbinder thought.


    " Let it be known we are now going code B (2)."


    The Knight that reported the news sucked in a large breath of air when he heard code B.


    After the news was delivered, horns began blowing and drums began beating. The horns and the drums went off five times.


    .....


    " Do you hear that? Something is going on outside?" Lucas said.


    " Do you think that is because of us?" Layla Palmer said.


    " No, when we escaped the Capital was code D. This is the drums and horns of code B. Our threat level is far below that. The only logical option is that the capital is preparing for war." Lucas said.


    " This is perfect. They no longer have any manpower to search for us. We can''t escape yet as the gates are now completely shut. No one is leaving or entering. But we are safe."


    Layla Palmer was very happy to hear this. Lucas said, " We just need to wait in here until the right moment. Then we can make our escape."


    .....


    Outside of the capital.


    " Sir, they have now issued a full lockdown on the capital. They have activated all the defence systems too."


    " It doesn''t matter. Let them do what they have to. Resistance is futile." The General said and shooed the soldier away.


    The Army of Scaoze was now outside of the of the gate.


    " Begin the bombardment I want this barrier broken."


    All the battle mages began casting their spells and bombarded it with all types of offensive magic. There was however one squadron that was chanting spells in unison and releasing stronger offensive magic. They continued to bombard the barrier. Magic of all types, shapes and sizes were exploding on the barrier. It looked very similar to fireworks from Lucas''s world.


    ...


    " Reporting, The Army of Scaoze have begun their assault on our barrier. The intelligence department says that it will be destroyed by nightfall. By then we only have our defence systems to rely on but even that won''t buy us enough time before they break through the gates."


    Daruin Ashbinder was under a lot of stress. He could not let the capital fall lest he wanted his head to fall too. " I have that option. But I could never show my face with pride if I use that option." he thought.


    " Have the Army prepped tell them that they will be fighting tonight. I will come later to make a speech to boost morale."


    With that Daruin Ashbinder shooed the Knight away.


    .....


    Hours later... It was now nightfall. The barrier had just been broken. There was absolute silence throughout the entire capital. It was the calm before the storm.


    "ATTACK!" The Scaoze general commanded. The battle mages and squadron began their bombardment of the gates and the defence systems. While the defence systems were shooting at the Scaozen troops.


    Bodies were dropping like flies while the durability of the gate kept plummeting. Inside the capital the civilians were scared. Mothers were hiding their children in cupboards and Fathers took up arms. The nobles and the very rich hid in underground bunkers with their servants. The army was just waiting until the gate fell and then they would charge out. Currently the moral of the Pantelan army was good. Daruin Ashbinder had delivered a mighty speech.


    Boom, boom, boom the sounds rang out across the entire Capital. But much deeper below growling and rumbling could be heard.


    Not sure of what to do Layla Palmer put her hand over her face as she blushed. Her stomach gave her up. It was now clear to Lucas that she was hungry. Which isn''t surprising as they have been in the sewer for the whole day. Lucas wasn''t hungry though, this was thanks to the apple of longevity. Lucas had more of them but feeding it to her now would lead to instant death. How could he complete his quest then?


    " I''m so sorry. I do not have any food on me at all, otherwise, I would gladly share with you. Just hang on a little while longer. I can hear them banging on the gates. We will sneak out as soon as it is safer. To the north of the Capital is the forest of Talem. This is a massive forest with all sorts of creatures. I''ll kill one of them and cook it up for us to eat. I''m not sure if you will like the way people of Earth cook but it''s something..." Lucas said.


    Layla Palmer took her hand off her face and said," Don''t worry about me. Yes, I am hungry but I can bare this much. I can''t fight biology, so yes my stomach will growl from time to time."


    Lucas smiled at her. For he was glad his walking Exp was okay with her current circumstances. He did, however, admire her strength. She hadn''t shown any sign of weakness or breaking down, despite everything she had been through.


    Suddenly the sounds of the magic hitting the gates stopped and the sound of human roars and metal clanking against each other could be heard across the capital.


    " Kill every last one of them!" The Scoazan general commanded while pointing his hand forward. With that command, the Rangers started chanting their spells. All of a sudden their bows in their hands caught fire. The fire was there but it was not burning the bow. One by one they loaded their bows with an arrow and they fired it at the buildings. The sky was raining flaming arrows. Only destruction was left as the rain of arrows come pouring down. The entire outer district was up in flames. After that, he stopped them and had the long-range magic squadron start attacking the outer-inner district.


    People ran around the alleys scared for their lives. Others rolled on the ground trying to extinguish the flames. It was complete and utter chaos.


    Watching from a lacrima (3), Daruin Ashbinder gritted his teeth as this development unfolded. His army was being wiped clean. The enemy had a diverse set up of classed soldiers. More importantly, they had a squadron of D rank mages where they had only had a few here and there. They were also outnumbered by the number of classless infantry they had. It was an outright bloodbath.


    " I guess I got to use that now..." Daruin Ashbinder thought. He then took out a silver flute from his spacial ring and slowly blew the D note. Moments after the ground began shaking like an earthquake was going to happen. Because the ground was shaking Daruin Ashbinder could not see properly, his vision was blurry. He looked forward and he saw a figure of a man appear before him.


    " Took you long enough to summon me. "


    " How did you get here so fast?"


    " Master knew you would fail, so he had me surveil you only to jump in before the situation gets irreversible. Judging by the state of this Capital, I would have jumped in whether you summoned me or not."


    " You never were one to mince your words..."


    ....


    " You can hear the war going on above us. That means the gate must have been destroyed by now. We need to escape amidst all the chaos before the chaos becomes normal." Lucas said.


    Layla Palmer nodded her head. Lucas began prepping his mana. He then shouted " support spell of invisibility". A white magic circle appeared under Layla Palmer and flashed. When the flash was over she was now invisible. Lucas could see her though because it''s his spell. Lucas told her to climb up the manhole and wait on top. Afterwards, Lucas climbed up too. He then activated his ring of invisibility. She was startled because she could no longer see him. But Lucas held her hand to guide her.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    It was only when they began walking that they realized the whole district was up in flames. The district wasn''t exactly livable, to begin with, but this was an absolute disaster.


    While they were walking they saw all the dead bodies on the ground. The children were crying because their parents were either dying in front of them or were already dead. Lucas felt some resistance while he was walking with Layla Palmer, it was clear she wanted to do something about it and was reluctant to leave. Lucas held her hand tighter and pulled her along with him until she started walking at his pace. It was not that Lucas was heartless but he had no means to save them and himself.


    It took about 10 minutes to walk from the sewer to the main road. They had walked past a lot of dying people on the way. They both had to steel their hearts for they were in no position to help anyone. Just getting out themselves depended on luck.


    In the road, the two armies clashed. The one side was overwhelmingly dominant. You could see it in the hearts of the losing side, they were losing morale. Lucas kept walking to the gate that was busted wide open. It was only 100 meters away. Lucas was happy he was thinking he could do this. He was invisible, as long as he didn''t bump into anyone they wouldn''t know Layla and himself existed.


    Lucas was 75 meters in when he got the feeling someone was looking at him. His heart was thumping loudly. He thought, " I must be paranoid, how can someone see me". But when he looked at the direction the stimulus came from. He saw that the Scaozen general was looking directly at him!


    " System, I am invisible how can this guy see me?"


    [ When you reach C rank you are capable of using the skill spiritual sense. Which means you send your mana around you. The dispersed mana reacts with the mana of all living things which in turn gives its location away. It also tells the person the general strength of those within reach. He can''t see you but he feels you. Spiritual sense can be blocked though. Unfortunately, you cannot yet.]


    Lucas kept walking but he was scared as to what the Scaozen general would do. Would he let two people escape? Lucas wasn''t too optimistic about that. The General looked like the bloodthirsty type.


    But what could he do but continue walking? He could not take a C class whatever he was. The guy was a general too, meaning he had loads of battle experience. Lucas himself wasn''t a beginner when it came to fighting but he was in this world. Where magic is used. This is a whole different way of fighting.


    While Lucas continued to walk he noticed that the General had stopped looking at him. Lucas wondered why the General had left them. Maybe it was karma because Lucas was magnanimous to the goblins. So fate made the General do the same. Lucas quickly dispelled this thought because there is no proof that was the case. He then looked at the General to see what took his attention away from him. Lucas looked in the direction the General was looking. Lucas stopped walking and looked behind him to see a human flying towards the army.


    The General looked quite spooked by the incoming human. It was clear the General could tell that this human was strong. Lucas now understood why the General had left him alone. Lucas was a rat in his eyes but a dragon was on its way. It does not take a genius to see what would garner more attention.


    Of course, Lucas did not care at all that he was looked down upon. " Hooray, bonzai (4) for being weak!" Lucas rejoiced in his mind. Lucas started walking away. He wanted to leave before the General changed his mind. He was still holding Layla Palmer''s hand. They walked at a steady speed until they reached the gate that was busted wide open. They walked right out unperturbed. Lucas didn''t play any games when he was outside the walls. He immediately cast his teleportation spell and with a white light, they were gone.


    [ Quest: complete


    Rewards:


    2000 Exp


    SP:15


    AP: 20]


    1. S.m.a - Soul migration array


    2.-Code D. Any potential threat that poses a danger to an unknown degree.


    Code C. Any threat to a large number of people.


    Code B. Any threat to a Kingdom.


    Code A. Threat capable of destroying the world.


    3. Lacrima - A crystal used for long-range surveillance. It projects in real time whatever the drone ( It''s not really a drone but think of it as something similar) is looking at.


    4. Bonzai- A Japanese phrase which means "10000 years!". This can be used in any celebratory way. The English equivalent would be Hooray.


    The girl noticed Lucas looking at her. But it wasn''t with the same eyes that she had felt in the castle. This made her relax a bit. Well as much as it could. It didn''t take away the fact that she was still in this position.


    " I can see that you are very scared. You have every right to be. What almost happened to you shouldn''t happen to anyone. I''m sorry to ask this of you."


    When Lucas said this her body tensed up again. " What is he going to ask of me, is it another one of those crazy requests...?" She thought.


    Lucas saw her tense up, however, he continued to speak, "... I am going to need you to brave up a bit. We are currently running from some dangerous people. I would love to explain but we do not have the time. Please follow me."


    The girl was sceptical but it was true that this guy in front of her had saved her from something that could scar her for life. He also just had that something about him that made him look trustworthy. So she took a bet and decided to follow Lucas. Worst case scenario she gets raped which would happen anyways.


    Pantelan is a big place. This is where Lucas and the girl were situated. They were currently in the outer most district also known as the Pauper district. This is the poorest of places of the capital. As you move to the centre you get the outer-inner district, where the servants live. The inner-outer-outer district where the middle class stay. Then the inner-outer district where the rich stay. The inner district is reserved for the nobles. The centre is where the Palace is situated.


    Lucas knew all this because he read all the books on the structure of the city. He knew by now that teleportation out of the city had been stopped. Now that the soul migration array isn''t going to be used anymore. He also knew that the exits out of the city would all be locked and you can only enter or leave after going through a check. So he could not just run out. Tactically speaking the guards would most probably do a net sweep of the entire city. Starting from the outer district and continue inwards until they find who they looking for.


    Luckily for Lucas, they did not know who took the girl. But it wouldn''t be long until Daruin Ashbinder goes into the royal library. Looking for Lucas only to find the King''s Knights still stationed outside and him not inside. Putting two and two together is child''s play.


    ...


    In a camp not far from the Capital.


    " Sir, I saw it. The white light appeared twice not once. We have to attack now! If His Majesty finds out you let such an opportune moment slip by. He will have your head." A soldier said.


    " I know. The number of resources needed just to use it once is enough to hurt a kingdom. However, these greedy people used it twice betting on their future prowess. What''s the point of future strength when you die today?" A General harrumphed.


    The whole tent was filled with laughter after the General spoke.


    " Reporting. The entire city seems to be under lockdown."


    " What! Did they notice us?"


    " No Sir, I think something inside is causing the lockdown."


    " Haha, this is perfect. Prepare the army we moving out."


    " Yes, sir."


    .....


    In the outermost district of the city of Pantelan.


    Lucas was running away from his current position because when you teleport the white light flashes. Of course, the guards must have seen it and would immediately converge to their current position.


    Lucas had two minutes to reach his next position before the guards found him. Unfortunately, he was sure that him running and with her alongside him, they would never make it. He had to find a faster way... He had a faster way but he was hesitating to use it. Soon the gravity of the situation woke him up again and Lucas decided to go through with the plan.


    Lucas stopped running, so the girl stopped running too. Lucas swiftly picked her up and began running down the alley. He was going deeper into the outer district while carrying her like a princess. He would have given her a piggyback ride. But that required her permission and he did not have time for a no. Lucas was using the wind''s affection to keep his footprints light. As the ground in this area was just dirt. He did not want them to track his footprints.


    Lucas finally reached his destination. He opened the manhole cover and told her to get in. There was a sense of urgency in his voice, so she did not object. She climbed in quickly. Lucas followed her shortly and then closed the manhole with the manhole cover.


    About 30 seconds after Lucas and the girl had entered the sewer they heard the footsteps of the guards running around. When Lucas saw that he was safe for now he breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at the girl. He was taken aback because her eyes were full of fear.


    " Of course, she''s scared. I couldn''t have taken her to a less secluded, less rapey place. Aaah! Unfortunately, this is all I could come up with." Lucas thought.


    " I''m sorry that you have to deal with this. But I did not know where else to take you without being caught by the guards. I read in a book that this capital has an underground sewer and I figured this would be this best place to hide." Lucas said trying to sound as friendly as possible. The last thing he needed is for her to scream.


    There is only one entrance to the sewer and it is in the outer district. Because the residents can''t complain about the smell that comes from it. Even if they did, it would fall on deaf ears. This information is available to the public but it isn''t widely known. So someone who just got summoned should not know of it. Being that in their eyes, Lucas can''t read they would not look underground anytime soon.


    The sewer smelt like the sewer. No better way to say it than that. There was a place to walk on the sides and the sewer water flowed in the middle. There were limestone lights that lit up the entire place. It was actually quite nice.


    Lucas extended his hand to the girl and said: " Hi, my name is Lucas Lightningstorm and you are?"


    The girl saw him trying to be friendly so she took his hand and shook it and said " I am Layla Palmer. Nice to meet you."


    She paused for a while and then said, " Now can you explain to me what is going on?"


    Lucas smiled and said, " Of course."


    "System, activate my passive skill," Lucas thought.


    [ Passive skill activated.]


    Lucas explained to her that her soul was ripped from her body. He explained to her the rules that govern this world. He told her about magic and the inhabitants of this world. He pretty much told her everything he knew about the world. He also explained to her that he was in a similar situation as her not too long ago. He, of course, kept the system and anything related to it a secret.


    Layla Palmer was completely flabbergasted. She first thought Lucas was lying even though she experienced magic twice. So Lucas demonstrated his F Rank fireball spell. Lucas never released it, he only conjured it.


    " I take it that where you are from there is no magic, right?"


    " No, my people used science to solve everything. The concept of magic was only in books and tv shows."


    Lucas got excited to hear this for maybe she is from Earth too. Lucas asked, " What is the name of the planet you are from?"


    " I''m from the planet of Bunemia and you?"


    The excitement Lucas felt immediately dropped when he heard a different planet. Layla Palmer saw his reaction and guessed they came from different worlds. " I''m from Earth," Lucas said sadly.


    " Anyways we just need to hide here for a while until the storm blows away. It will never fully go but it will make travelling easier."


    Layla Palmer nodded her head. By now she was feeling a lot more comfortable. When she found out that they were in the same boat she immediately dropped her guard. Not fully but enough to open up. They had a hearty conversation following this.


    .....

 23. The forest of Talem

    About 1km away from the forest of Talem, a white light flashed and two figures emerged from it.


    " Why aren''t we in a forest?" Layla Palmer said.


    "An F Rank teleportation spell cannot teleport that far. Plus, the white light could attract creatures stronger than me so we walking the rest of the way." Lucas said.


    "Oh, I see. But don''t forget you still owe me that Earth style food." Layla Palmer said teasingly. She looked directly at Lucas''s face trying to see his reaction as they both began walking.


    With a straight face, Lucas said, "Sure, but I was lying earlier though."


    " About what?" Layla Palmer said raising her one eyebrow.


    " When I said I''m not sure, you would like my cooking. You see, I know you''d love it." Lucas said confidently.


    Layla Palmer chuckled and said," Oh, confident are you. I''ll have you know that I have had my fair share of exquisite cuisines."


    " What, were you like some kind of princess in your past life?" Lucas said mockingly.


    " Is that fear? Cause you can just say it scares you..."


    " Wait. Did I guess correctly?"


    " Yeah... I was, sort of a princess in my world..."


    " You don''t have to talk about it if you don''t want to..."


    Layla Palmer didn''t even need his sympathy she immediately retorted saying," So what you were like some kind of chef" She looked at his face to see his age again '' In training I presume."


    " No. But I dabbled in a bit of cooking here and there. I needed something to impress..." Lucas immediately stopped speaking. He was afraid if he continued there would be a misunderstanding.


    " Impress what?" Layla Palmer said despite seeing his reluctance to continue speaking.


    " It''s nothing..." ''By the way, I''ve been meaning to ask you. When we first saw each other you didn''t even flinch. Are there black people in your world too?"


    Layla Palmer was curious as to what he was going to say but Lucas had just stopped prying into her personal life so she decided to do the same, she said, " O yeah, there is and a lot. My world had blue, black and white skinned people. And different colours on other planets. "


    Amazed Lucas said, " Other planets? There were lifeforms on other planets?"


    " Yeah, we had like 6 different planets that we could travel to at any time. There were more planets with intelligent species but they were much further away." Layla Palmer said nonchalantly.


    " Damn, sounds like your society was a lot more advanced than ours..." Lucas said unwillingly.


    " What was your world like?" Layla Palmer asked.


    " Well, we only had one planet to live in. There are no other lifeforms on any other discovered planet. It was hard to discover though. Just getting to the moon took 3 days. Our spacecraft travelled about 240,000 miles (386,400 kilometres) to get the moon. So discovering other planets really took a lot of time. " Lucas said.


    " And you got excited when I said I came from science," Layla Palmer said mockingly.


    " That is just rude," Lucas said while laughing. " We are at the forest though."


    They were now staring at a bunch of trees that stretched west and east as far as the eye could see. The forest of Talem was 500 square miles ( 804.672 kilometres) in size.


    Layla Palmer looked at the forest with awe in her eyes. She was like a child who had seen the beauty of a sunset for the first time. In the night some of the plants had glow in the dark genes. This, in turn, made the whole place light up. It was truly marvellous. The different shades of orange, red, blue, purple etc, coming to life at night. Not all areas had glow in the dark plants, so many other areas were completely black at night. (Example: http://infoworldpk7.blogspot.com/2014/01/glow-in-dark-plants-to-soon-light-up.html</a> )


    Lucas walked into the forest and Layla Palmer followed him so closely she was practically stepping on his toes.


    " Are you scared?" Lucas said mockingly.


    " No," She said shamelessly while trying to sound confident but still clinging to Lucas.


    Lucas didn''t push the joke any further lest he gets burnt. He knew she was clearly scared but did not want to say it.


    " Okay. We just got here so I need to find food I can kill. It might get a little rough so just be vigilant."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    " What if it''s stronger than you?"


    " Don''t worry it won''t be"


    " I''ve been meaning to ask you. How can you use magic? Just like me, you were summoned today..."


    " What can I say. I''m just gifted like that." Lucas said while confidently laughing.


    " Right..."


    At this moment Lucas immediately halted in his tracks. Layla Palmer didn''t have time to react so she walked right into Lucas.


    " What was that for!"


    " Shhht! There is a creature up ahead."


    Layla Palmer looked at it and sucked in a deep breath. She was staring at a green lizard. It had the size of a Komodo dragon, but it looked like a frilled neck lizard. The skin looked similar to that of a snake. Its frilled neck had red glow in the dark lines on it. It clearly didn''t evolve efficiently. Having glow in the dark colours on your body means you are visible to all creatures at night.


    Seeing the creature Layla Palmer clung to Lucas tightly. Lucas was cursing in his mind. Did she think he was impotent? They are alone in a forest. It''s night time. The glow in the dark plants set the perfect ambience. The worst part is that her breasts where touching his back. If he didn''t have the control he might have risked it all right there. Lucas wondered " How much does she trust me!".


    Lucas moved his right shoulder away from her body. He understood that she was scared but she needed to find a different way to cope. Layla Palmer sensed Lucas feeling uncomfortable so instead, she held his arm and walked beside him.


    "System, what level is this creature?" Lucas thought.


    [It''s a level 10 GFP (1) Frilled Komodo]


    " Its taste is similar too what animal on earth?"


    [ The animal''s taste is the most similar to a crocodile]


    " That''s our dinner. Wait here while I kill it." Lucas said.


    " System, I am now going into combat. Do I still need to engage the combat mode thus using my last free use of it for the day? Or since I am going to go fight soon can I activate it without the use of a use." Lucas thought.


    [ System recognizes that you are about to engage in combat so no deduction will be made. However, failure to engage in combat 10 minutes after activation will warrant in an immediate deduction from the total uses. This cannot be performed when you have 0 uses left.]


    " I understand. Activate combat mode"


    [ Combat mode activated]


    Immediately the whole place lit up. It looked like day to him inside the forest. So The GFP plants weren''t glowing anymore. Lucas used his enhanced zoom mode to look ahead and see how far away a potential threat was. He saw that the maximum distance he could zoom was 500 meters. Within 500 meters of himself, level 10 was the highest level. So he was confident he could leave Layla Palmer alone without it being dangerous.


    Lucas activated wind''s affection to keep his footsteps light so the GFP Frilled Lizard didn''t hear him approaching. It was now just 10 meters ahead. It was only eating the GFP plants and avoided the rest. It was now clear to Lucas why it has glow in the dark frills. Lucas couldn''t quite understand the advantage of it. Not only are you making yourself more visible to predators but also to prey. Yet this lizard despite having a level double in size to the creatures that roamed around this part of the forest still found these plants appealing.


    The goal of these creatures is to eat and eat and eat so they can continue to evolve. But once you reach a certain level. Some plants no longer have an effect on you as such they move deeper in the forest to eat plants or animals of higher quality. Yet this lizard kept eating the GFP plants.


    Lucas did not ponder too much on it because it was about to become his nourishment. Lucas prepped his mana. He then created an arcane ray afterwards he added rotation to it. He created five of these purple arrows. Due to all the glow and the dark around Lucas, he wasn''t spotted. Lucas used his enhanced zoom and predictive analysis to calculate where to shoot his arcane rays. Once he knew how he aimed at the vitals of the lizard. Suddenly 5 rays of purple light twirled through the air and into the head, heart and body of the lizard. The lizard died instantly. Losing control of its legs its body thumped on the ground.


    Layla Palmer gasped at the power of Lucas''s magic. Her body language that originally masked that of someone who was scared was now open and relaxed. It was reassuring for her to see how easily Lucas handled a monster that gave her the chills.


    Lucas walked up to the lizard and dragged it to Layla Palmer. She was still scared of how it looked despite it dying.


    " That thing is disgusting. How can I eat that?"


    Lucas laughed and said, " Of course, we are not going to eat it like this. I''m going to first prep the meat and then I''m going to braai it."


    "Braai?"


    " I mean I''m going to barbeque it. Where I''m from barbeque and braai are synonymous."


    "I see. So you''re going to braaai it."


    Lucas smiled when he heard her say braai. It warmed his heart to hear those words from another person''s mouth. He then said, " Yes, but first let''s find a place to sleep."


    Lucas and Layla Palmer walked around the beginning section of the forest for an open section. They eventually found a place with more ground than trees. Lucas cast his spell around this area. This spell created a small zone of 12 meters where no sound or smell could pass through. Lucas marked the whole perimeter of the zone by digging a stick deep into the ground. He then told Layla Palmer about the zone and what it does. He named it the safe zone.


    After that was done Lucas went to go collect the best wood from the tree''s using the systems info. Lucas then built a medium sized fire pit. He took the tinder and placed it inside, next he placed the kindling and afterwards he placed the logs he cut down using his Arcane Ray as a knife. The wood was still wet so Lucas used his new spell F Rank Time skip which can age all objects. The amount of ageing is dependant on the object and the caster. Lucas aged the wood so it lost all its water and was now dry enough for burning.


    Lucas prepped his mana and released a small fireball that passed through the wood until it disappeared. This ignited the wood and a fire was created. It was now nice and cosy inside the safe zone. Layla Palmer immediately moved to the fire to warm herself up. Her skin was pale due to the cold but now it got it''s rosy colour back.


    " System what is so special about those GFP plants"


    [ These GFP plants contain the GFP gene which the Lizard wanted. The Lizard was trying to evolve into a Drake. Drakes are similar to dragons. There are multiple types of Drakes but one of the strongest is the GFP Drake. They can alert targets of their existence to make them back away so they do not have to fight. Or they can turn it off if they want a fight. They are more intelligent and powerful than ordinary Drakes. This is why the GFP Lizzard was eating the GFP plants, unfortunately, it died before it could get the required amount of GFP gene. Humans can not obtain genes from plants. The GFP plant also has a delectable taste so it is loved.]


    " Can you locate all the plants that I can use for cooking?"


    [ Marking is unlocked at level 3. However, I can give a description of how the plants look and where you are most likely to find them.]


    "Please do that."


    [ The first plant is...


    1. GFP- The gene responsible for giving the plants/creatures their glow in the dark appearance.

 24. A tongue sharper than a demon dagger

    [ The first plant is...]


    The system listed all the types of plants that could be used for cooking and where they could be found. Luckily for Lucas, there was quite a numerous amount that he could find that was not too far away. However, the higher the grade of herbs and spices, the deeper in the forest you had to venture. Lucas went to the first place the system had said. His eyes shone with excitement, according to the system this plant was called an Everlilith. It had a similar taste to an onion but with a richer flavour. He immediately picked up as much as he could and put them in his treasure box. He didn''t pick all of them.


    The system led him across the entire beginning section looking for plants. He picked them up and put them in the treasure box. Finally, Lucas was done so he walked back to the safe zone. When he got there he saw Layla Palmer sitting with her legs crossed at the fire. She looked happy. Lucas smiled for a brief moment.


    Lucas walked beside her and said, " Are you ready to have your taste buds explode with flavour?"


    " I''m sure they will explode but not with flavour." Layla Palmer said.


    "Haha, you will see. Dinner will be served in about 30 minutes." After saying that Lucas opened the treasure box. He took a dagger out the treasure box.


    Name: Vampiric Demon.


    Description: The Dagger has a short double-edged blade attached to a blood red hilt covered in demon hide. It has a pommel in the shape of a demon''s face. The face has two red eyes that currently lack lustre. The blade is silver and was made from tungsten. On the blade are three carved runes.


    Ability: This dagger can self-heal using blood. The rune changes blood into the required particles to repair the dagger. The higher the quality of blood the less needed to repair.


    Rune of blood: Draws in the blood of whatever was killed and converts it into the necessary properties to repair the dagger. If the dagger needs no repairs, drawn blood increases the effects of the runes.


    Rune of wind: Increase cutting, slashing and stabbing speed plus efficiency by 100%.


    Rune of sharpness: Increase the sharpness of this dagger by 100%.


    Requirement: Able to withstand the urge to kill.


    Lucas felt the murderous intentions rumbling inside him. He tried to fight back with every bit of willpower he had. But it was taking a lot out of him to do so. He was using so much strength that he fell on one knee.


    Layla Palmer saw how much anguish Lucas was in. She wanted to help him this time. But when she got closer to him. Lucas screamed at her, "go away!" in a voice much deeper and sinister than his own. Lucas looked at Layla Palmer with bloodshot eyes. Her knees went weak as Lucas''s gaze swiped over her. She fell on her bum and then kicked her legs forward moving away from Lucas. Her heart was beating so fast. She was horrified and scared from the bottom of her heart. For Lucas looked at her as if she was his prey. As scary as this was for her, somehow this feeling felt familiar and it wasn''t the feeling she got from the lustful stares...


    Lucas realized he was not as strong as he thought he was and immediately went into combat mode''s emotion system and increased his feelings of happiness. This countered the murderous intent to a controllable level. Lucas always knew he had this option. If he could not control the dagger himself.


    After gaining control over the dagger, Lucas''s eyes returned to normal. Soon after the murderous pressure that was inside the safe zone disappeared too. Layla Palmer felt the situation change and saw that Lucas''s eyes were back to normal. She was still hesitant to move forward so she sat on the ground looking at Lucas, ready to run at the slightest indifference.


    "I''m sorry about that. I overestimated my willpower and succumbed to the murderous intent that this dagger emits." Lucas said in his normal voice.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    " Dagger? Murderous intent?"


    " I stole this treasure box from the palace. I noticed how evil this dagger felt but I thought my willpower could suppress it. I eventually did but it was a lot more arduous than I anticipated."


    " When a cub thinks it''s a Lion." Layla Pamer shook her head and said, "How dumb! Why would you even want to use a dagger so evil!?"


    " How do you expect me to cut the meat? With my thumb!?" Lucas argued.


    " You probably could, judging by the length of your nails." Layla Palmer retorted.


    Lucas squirmed inside when he heard her say that. He thought," This chick is basically under my protection but she has no qualms berating me whenever she has the chance. Shouldn''t one be more respectful to their saviour? This chick has no manners! Just because she is a little cute. Definitely some ojou-sama (1) from another world."


    Lucas put on a fake smile that was obvious it was fake and said, " The murderous intent changed the length of my nails. When it tried to demonify me. But unless you want to eat sleep for dinner. I suggest you let me do my thing."


    "Humph," Layla Palmer harrumphed.


    Still holding the dagger Lucas walked to the frilled GFP frilled-kneck komodo. Laid it down on the ground and began skinning the creature. All the blood that came spueing out got absorbed by the dagger slowly lightening the murderous intent Lucas felt. After while the entire creature was skinned. It wasn''t at the level of the best chefs in the world but it was still skillfully skinned. Afterwards, Lucas gutted the creature and removed all its innards. Lucas stretched out the skin of the creature and placed the gutted komodo on it to make sure the dirt doesn''t get on his food. Lucas skillfully cut two pieces of steak out of the Komodo.


    Afterwards, he used his F Rank Time skip to age the meat. This increases the saturation of its natural flavour and tenderises the meat. Afterwards, Lucas took the plants he picked, he began chopping them up and made a marinade from it. This marinade was made specifically to remove the gamey flavour of the meat and further tenderise it. Lucas applied this on the meat. He used his time skip spell again to fast forward to when all the marinade was absorbed by the meat. Lucas placed more wood on the fire in the form of a grill. Afterwards, Lucas used his time skip spell on the fire to fast forward to a time where the fire''s temperature was optimal for braaing the steaks.


    Lucas placed the steaks on the wood. Immediately the juices sizzled when it touched the wood at the bottom. Lucas couldn''t keep all the juices contained in the meat. However, in the marinade was a substance that acted like salt. This locked the juices of the meat while enhancing the flavour. Lucas kept 80% of all the juices in the steak. Lucas flipped the steaks at the right time to cook them properly. Once it was nearing the end the smell of the steak and all of its juices wafted from the braai. Lucas was getting excited. He wanted to eat his braai meat. Back in his country people would find any excuse just to have a braai. Braaing was life and life was braaing.


    But one never braaied alone so he was happy he could share his first braai in a new world with someone. He knew that there would be many braai''s he would have that would be by himself but at least the first one wasn''t a Debbie Downer.


    Layla Palmer was watching Lucas attentively as he was braaing the steaks for this was her food. She cursed a few times in her mind when she saw what Lucas was doing. The first was when he used his time skip on the meat. The meat that looked new and full of life immediately looked old and disgusting. The second time was when Lucas put the marinade on the meat. In her world, all the arts that didn''t pertain to science were seen as irrelevant. So the culinary arts was long lost in time. Nobody knew how to enhance the flavour of food anymore. So what Lucas was doing was foreign to her. She kept wondering if Lucas was trying to give her a stomach ache as retribution for offending him.


    However, every doubt disappeared the second the smells started coming from the meat. It was a heavenly smell she had not smelled before. Even if she couldn''t understand it, her body sure did. Her mouth began salivating, and her stomach was roaring. As soon as her stomach went off she looked down at the ground. She was not going to give Lucas the satisfaction of knowing she wanted to eat his food.


    At this moment the steak was done so Lucas took them off of the braai and put them on the skin of the creature. He cut the pieces of steak against the grain and into multiple pieces. They were now steaming on the skin waiting to cool down. Layla Palmer walked to Lucas and sat crossed legged next to Lucas as she waited for the heat of the meat to cool down. Lucas could have used his time skip to instantly get it to that point but he wanted her to suffer a bit longer. By then even if he failed a burnt piece of wood would taste good to her. Also, she deserved it for having such a sharp tongue.


    Lucas didn''t even wince for a second. In fact, he revelled in seeing her wait patiently for the meat to cool down. Knowing full well he could get it to optimum temperature instantly.


    1. Ojou- sama - Ojou-sama is Japanese. Ojou is used when calling someone else''s daughter. Sama is an honorific used when someone is of a higher status than you. In Lucas''s case, Layla Palmer is/was a princess where he is an ordinary person.

 25. 2 choices

    Lucas didn''t even wince for of second in fact he revelled in seeing her wait patiently for the meat to cool down. Knowing full well he could get it to optimum temperature instantly.


    When the time was right Lucas said she could take a piece. Without any hesitation, she grabbed a piece of meat with her hands and shoved it in her mouth. She chewed it so quickly and swallowed it. Thinking it would taste bad but even if she didn''t savour the taste, she was surprised by how strong and delicious the aftertaste was. In a moment of extasy, she exclaimed " WOW!" It was only afterwards that she realized what she had done. She immediately tried to rectify the situation. However, when she looked at Lucas he had a smug look on his face as he smirked at her.


    This infuriated her. So she took another piece of meat, this time hoping that her expressions would wipe the smug face off Lucas. She thought that even if it did taste good she would act as if it was not. She picked up a piece of meat that was still wafting an incredible smell, despite the fact that it had been exposed to the air for a while. She put the piece in her mouth and started chewing slowly. This time she wanted to eat it properly and assess it''s true worth. To her surprise, the meat just melted in her mouth. With that, the juices exploded around her taste buds. It was something she had never experienced before. She involuntarily smiled as her body jiggled in euphoria. She immediately grabbed the next piece and the next piece until it was done. When each piece entered her mouth she would exclaim in joy. Despite the taste being the same for each bite her reaction never changed. It was as delicious as the first bite she ever savoured.


    After she saw that there was no more her disappointment was evident. Layla Palmer rolled up her sleeves and wiped off all the grease on her arms. She then looked at Lucas and said: " It was okay."


    Lucas thought to himself, " How shameless is this girl. She didn''t even leave me a piece. She can''t say when she is wrong. Reminds me of myself sometimes..." He then said, " Just getting a passing grade from a glutton princessss is good enough for me."


    Layla Palmer''s nerve above her brow twitched when Lucas said it but she kept her cool because she knew Lucas was trying to rile her up like she was trying to do to him.


    After Lucas had his moment of retaliation he switched up and became serious. He looked at Layla Palmer and said, " I don''t know if you already know this but we won''t always be together. As you already know, this world does not have any people with my skin colour. With that alone, I stand out. Truthfully, you are extremely beautiful and will gather much attention. This is the last thing I need right now... People looking for fights with me just because of your beauty and their jealousy. I can''t protect you in a situation like that... As weak as that makes me feel, I can''t... Even if you have the strength to protect yourself, it''s still extra unwanted attention. However, I can''t in good conscience send you away as you are now."


    " So you have two choices... Either go to the next kingdom. Join some Academy and have them train you in a class that you want to become. With this comes the risk of being captured on the way where you are likely to become a slave. Or even at the academy, you will meet a lot of jealous girls and lustful guys. Here power is everything. Yes, there are laws at the academy but I doubt they would care if someone tried to cut a line in your face out of jealousy. Now I don''t mean to scare you. I''m just trying to give you the reality of this world. If by luck this doesn''t happen maybe with your talent you can be discovered by some powerful family or guild that can protect you. That''s option 1."


    " Option 2, is to train with me. Gain some sort of strength before entering the big bad world. You won''t be ''strong'' per se but when you attend the academy looking for a strong backing. You will be able to defend yourself. Against the runts around you who will try to harm you. Also, I will be going with you to the next Kingdom. I plan on joining the Mage Academy. If you have some sort of affinity to magic and join the academy too, we do not know each other. With this, your safety towards the next Kingdom isn''t guaranteed but it''s higher. So what option do you want to choose?"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Layla Palmer was shocked when she heard Lucas speak. She didn''t think Lucas and her would always be together but it still sucked to her how straightforward he was. As if it was a piece of cake to discard her. She understood his reason, but how was that her fault? How was it her fault people found her beautiful? This was the first time she had ever cursed being beautiful. She looked at Lucas and heart ached for some reason. She knew it wasn''t love, she had barely met the guy. Yes, he saved her before but being a princess, she had been saved by many other guys. All far more dashing than Lucas. Yet when they said their goodbyes it never hurt.


    Layla Palmer quickly emerged out of her thoughts when she realized she was staring at thin air for too long. She said in a tone that conveyed hurt, " Can I think about it...?"


    Lucas gasped when he saw her face. This was the first time she stopped pretending and showed how she truly felt. It sucked that it took sadness for her to show her real emotions. But this was how he felt and there is nothing he could do about it. He then said, " Sure, tell me tomorrow." He forced a smile trying to be as friendly as possible. He then said, " Well I''m going to get some rest. You should too."


    " Yeah, I will." She said standoffishly.


    Lucas got up walked to the centre where the fire was. He then laid down on the hard ground and closed his eyes. He was exhausted, today was truly gruelling and full of stress. He fell asleep immediately.


    [ Combat mode deactivated]


    Layla Palmer soon after walked to the centre. She saw Lucas lying down fast asleep. This vexed her even more. It bothered her that he could fall asleep so smoothly after the bombshell he just released. But she soon got over it. Instead of sleeping she just sat by the fire and thought of what happened today. Going through all the events in her mind this took her 10 minutes. Afterwards, she looked at Lucas sleeping cosily and it warmed her heart as she looked at him. " This boy really saved me today..." She thought. " I can''t wait to tell Papa" "Papa...". When she thought that a sudden realization came to mind. There is no Papa, she was alone in this world. She had no hope of ever seeing her family again because her soul was extracted from her body. They must have already had her funeral.


    When she thought this, tears began streaming down her face. She had kept all this locked inside because Lucas used the same word her father once did. Her father always told her to be brave. She looked at Lucas''s sleeping body once more and short wail came out her mouth. She immediately put her hand in front of her mouth while the tears kept streaming. She could not appear weak in front Lucas especially not him she thought. She looked to see if he was awake but Lucas showed no sign of being awake. She immediately got up and walked out of the safe zone. There she began crying her heart out with her back against the safe zone. It wasn''t loud lest she wakes up creatures, but she still cried her fill.


    When she was done she wiped away her tear stains. She walked into the safe zone and then to the centre. She saw where Lucas was still sleeping and laid a meter away from him. She then turned to the side where she no longer saw his back. At that moment she fell asleep. She was drained!


    It was at that moment Lucas opened his eyes. He did hear her wail she let out inside the safe zone. Lucas was on guard so the slightest sound would not wake him up but put his body in a state where if the next sound appeared he would immediately wake up. However, a sob as loud as she released immediately woke him up. When her footsteps could not be heard in the safe zone he saw her outside crying with her back to the safe zone.


    Lucas immediately went back into his sleeping position and thought, " It is what it is... But maybe I could have handled this better. Maybe I didn''t need to be so straightforward and protected her feelings rather than my own. Maybe I could have revealed this information to her tomorrow. At least I could have given her one good night''s rest... I always hurt people maybe it was best I did it earlier..."


    After he finished wallowing he fell asleep again...

 26. Training (1)

    In the forest of Talem. The sun was shining as the birds chirped away. Lucas woke up and sat on his bum. He yawned while rubbing his eyelids. He opened his eyes and he was still in this new world despite being in the old world in his dream. Usually, Lucas would dream about being in a different world and then wake up on Earth. Now he dreamt of Earth and woke up in another...


    Lucas got up and saw the fire was out. He looked towards Layla Palmer and saw she was still fast asleep so he left her to sleep. At this moment Lucas''s stomach growled like a lion cub. He then remembered that he still left over komodo meat he could braai. He wasn''t too thrilled about having a braai for breakfast but what else was there? Lucas gathered more of the necessary wood. He cleaned the pit and placed all the new wood down. He lit the fire with his spell. Afterwards, he optimised the meat and marinade as well as the fire with timeskip.


    Lucas picked up the dagger. However this time it''s bloodlust wasn''t overwhelming as it received a fair share of blood last night. Lucas cut the pieces of steak from the Komodo. Lucas placed the steaks on the wood grill and turned them at the right time. This time there was four pieces of meat currently on the grill. He did not want to make the same misteak (1) as last time. The steak was almost ready so the smell of braai flooded the place.


    Sniff, sniff: sniff, sniff. Layla Palmer woke up wondering where this familiar but heavenly smell was coming from. She opened her eyes to see Lucas by the braai. She looked at the braai and she saw the four pieces of steaks on the grill. Her mouth starting salivating when she remembered yesterdays food. Immediately she stood up as her stomach began rumbling. She was afraid that Lucas would eat it all seeing that he did not even wake her up. She stood beside Lucas at the fire and said.


    " Good morning Lucas, you''re up early."


    " Good morning Layla. Nah not really I was up like 30 minutes prior to you. How was your sleep?" Lucas wanted to slap himself when he asked that question but he had already said it.


    " I had a good sleep and you? " Layla Palmer said smiling.


    " Me too. Yesterday was rough so I fell asleep the second my head hit the floor. Which is good though because the ground is so uncomfortable. Talk about brokeback mountain." Lucas said stretching his aching back out. "Oh, and breakfast will be ready soon. You have two pieces of steak and I have two."


    " Thanks, is there anything you need my help with?"


    " Nope, I am all good thank you."


    It was at this time that the steaks were ready so Lucas took them off the grill and put them on the skin. Afterwards, he cut his two and hers against the grain. Lucas moved his portion to his side and Layla moved hers to her side. Lucas immediately cast his timeskip so that the food cooled down to the perfect temperature to eat.


    Lucas took a piece with excitement for he really wanted to eat it. He wanted to compare the ingredients of this world to his own. He got a lot of ingredients that had similar tastes to Earth and of course some new ones. But what he wanted to know was if he the supposedly richer in flavoured ones truly tasted better. After much work, Lucas took a bite. However, he was so disappointed after tasting the meat. He was disappointed that he couldn''t describe just how much times this food trumped Earths. It was truly marvellous if he had to say so himself. For the next 10 minutes. They at their fill.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    When they were done eating. They rolled their sleeves and wiped the grease off their mouths and hands on their arms.


    " That''s the last of the meat that I can cook for now. The rest of the meat is suitable for making a pot but I don''t have any of that equipment."


    " I wonder what other dishes you can cook. My stomach waits in excitement."


    " Haha, I have only scratched the surface," Lucas said followed by a long moment of awkward silence.


    " So I have made my decision."


    " Oh really. So what have you decided?"


    " I have decided to train with you..."


    " All good. Then let''s begin."


    " Now already."


    " Yes, when else. You just had a good meal so you have energy. This is the best time to train."


    " Okay, okay, okay. So what do you plan on doing?"


    " First we need to determine your class. I''m going to put you through a test to see which class you have the highest affinity for."


    " Okay. What do you need me to do"


    " Nothing just stay still. I am going to run my mana through your body and that will help me determine your best class."


    This way was obviously a lie. This does not help you determine your class. Lucas had planned on having the system tell him what class she was best suited for. But he needed to make that information reliable somehow instead of it appearing as a hunch.


    " System, what is the best class for her?"


    [ She can either be a mage, warrior or a ranger. This is in no particular order she has equal talent for them all]


    Lucas ran his mana through her body. After 2 minutes Lucas told her the results and she just had to choose which class she wanted the most.


    ''


    After her classes were revealed she asked Lucas what the other classes did. She knew how a mage fought because she had seen Lucas use his spells first hand. However, she was still unclear about the rest. Lucas explained to her what the rest of the classes did. Layla Palmer was standing with a puzzled look on her face as she did not know how to decide. She was indecisive for 10 minutes.


    Lucas saw her puzzled face so he said: " Why don''t you train in both the ways of a mage and a warrior afterwards you can decide which felt more natural."


    Layla Palmer smiled when she heard she had this option. She then nodded her head to show she would do just that.


    " Cool. Then let''s get to work. In your body should still be remnants of my mana. I want you to feel it. Afterwards, you are going to feel your own mana inside. Don''t worry about how much time it takes. Just focus."


    " Okay." Layla Palmer said. She then sat down crossed legs and closed her eyes. She tried to feel Lucas''s mana inside her but she could not find it at all. 30 minutes later she still couldn''t feel it and was starting to get annoyed.


    Lucas saw her frustration and said, " You need to focus. Discard anything that is bothering you. Everything that makes you angry, everything that makes you sad. Right now think solely about magic. You are magic and magic is you."


    As Lucas said that Layla Palmer''s focus reached a new height. She began using all her visualisation prowess. After 10 minutes she felt Lucas''s mana inside and after another 5 she felt her own mana inside her. After she was done she exclaimed in joy at her feat.


    Lucas congratulated her by patting her on the back and then said, " Now that mana that you feel mana deep inside of you. I want you to circulate it through your body. I want you to move it from your stomach area to your hands and then your head. Everywhere in your body, leave no place untouched.


    Layla Palmer closed her eyes and just like Lucas it was really hard to move the mana around at will. Sometimes she would move it to her arms like she wanted but then lose control of the mana. As such it will then go back to the stomach area. Layla Palmer tried and tried. After 2 hours she completed her first cycle. However, she was really depressed because it took so long.


    " Don''t be despondent. Your growth is actually really fast. I read in a book that it takes other people days just to feel the mana let alone try to control it." When Layla Pamer heard this she smiled and got all her will to train back.


    " Okay, so continue to try and cycle the mana in your body. Don''t grow weary if you don''t feel you are making progress because you are. Experience in itself is valuable."


    Layla Palmer went back to trying to control her mana. She moved her mana around her body for four hours straight. But she could only do two cycles smoothly now.


    Lucas stopped her there and told her that she should have an hour break and afterwards is time to train in the ways of being a warrior.

 27. Training (2)

    After an hour break, Lucas called Layla Palmer again and told her it''s time to begin training. This time it was warrior training. Of course, Lucas was not a warrior himself so he could not teach her sword arts. But Lucas was adept in martial arts. On Earth, Lucas had done Mixed Martial Arts, he was a 3rd Dan black belt in Kickboxing. It was a class taught at the children''s home by a Sensei who volunteered for free. Sensei Khali Khalid.


    " As I told you a warrior is a master of CQC(1). So I will be teaching you how to fight. I will not use my fists but hit you with a flat hand. Do not think because you are a girl I will go easy on you because I won''t. I will give you as much as you can handle."


    After Lucas said that Lucas told her the basic fighting stances and how to jab and punch efficiently. She was still sloppy but she got the gist of it. Lucas told her to practice her punches and kicks. So for the next 4 hours, she was practising her kicks and punches. Lucas gave her breaks in the middle to recuperate.


    After four hours Lucas told her that they were going to spar. Layla Palmer looked really nervous. As she stood in her fighting stance.


    " Your stance is weak. You need to have equal weight distribution on both your feet. Widen your stance. Keep your hands up."


    Layla Palmer did as Lucas said and as she put her hands up Lucas lunged in and hit her with a flat fist in her stomach.


    " Oww, I wasn''t ready."


    " That''s the point. Always be on guard. When you enter this ring all chivalry disappears. Expect the unexpected. Never underestimate your opponent no matter how much weaker they may seem."


    Lucas and Layla Palmer resumed their position and fighting stance. This time Layla Palmer struck first with her fists towards Lucas''s face. Lucas casually moved his neck to the right and dodged the punch without moving an inch.


    " See I am always on guard. Plus your punch is practically useless. You need to use more of your back and your hips. Your strike speed and force isn''t just determined by the strength of your arms."


    Lucas and Layla Palmer continued to train like this for two hours. Where Lucas gave her tips on how to improve. He also hit her a lot. He came up with surprise scenarios to catch her off guard. Not that he couldn''t take her down without it but increase her reaction speed.


    By this time it was getting dark so Lucas stopped the training. Lucas then told her about a river nearby where she could wash up and clean herself of all the sweat. So Lucas and Layla Palmer both took turns washing their bodies in the water. Afterwards, Lucas killed another animal that had a taste similar to chicken. He braaied this too but with a different marinade.


    Layla Palmer couldn''t seem to get enough of it. She loved it. Lucas was happy to see how much she loved the food he made. After they ate they sat at the fire and gazed at the stars and talked.


    " I''m sorry I haven''t said it yet but thanks for saving me."


    " Aah don''t mention it. It''s been fun having you around."


    " Just one thing. Where did you come from? Because I did not see you before I just disappeared?"


    " I was first in the royal library but when I felt the tremors I assumed they probably fired the s.m.a again seeing that I was a failure. I used the white light to mask the white light of my teleportation spell."


    " So basically you were in the room the whole time?"


    " Yes, I wa"This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Pah! Layla Palmer slapped Lucas in the face.


    " Oww! What was that for?"


    " If you were in the room earlier you could have saved me earlier. So you deserve that much." "Plus you should totally expect the unexpected." Layla Palmer said mockingly.


    " Okay, I guess I deserve that."


    [ 60% and you still got some form of retribution. Your luck really is bad.]


    " Ag, shut up System." Lucas thought.


    " So same thing tomorrow?" Layla Palmer said.


    " Yeah let''s get some sleep, it''s going to be tough."


    Lucas and Layla went to bed and fell asleep immediately. The next morning they woke up and Lucas told Layla to go for a run. So they both went jogging around the beginner area for an hour. They both came back and Lucas cooked up the leftover meat which they then ate. Afterwards, Layla began her Mage training. She tried cycling her mana but she still couldn''t perfectly control it.


    After Mage training, she had a break and they started warrior practice. She reinforced her stance and practised her jab and kicks. Followed by Lucas beating on her in sparring. This same series of events continued for a week. After a week Layla Palmer had finally learnt how to control her mana to the necessary degree. She could move her mana to any part of the body at will. She could send her mana to her feet, head, arms and more at the same time.


    Layla Palmer rejoiced by jumping around. She wore the biggest and toothy smile Lucas had ever seen. Lucas also felt a sense of joy but as a teacher.


    " Now that you know how to control your mana. Next is to cast your first spell. Every spell is cast by first prepping your mana. You first move your mana to the required area. But for your first spell, you need to move your mana to your hand. Then you need to visualize the spell you are going to cast. Visualization is important. You need to properly imagine what the spell looks like. Afterwards, you shout the spell and then release."


    Lucas explained to Layla Palmer the spell for the F Rank fireball because he wasn''t sure if spells he got from the system could be used by others. Layla Palmer prepped her mana by moving her mana to her hands. She tried to visualize the spell. Afterwards, she said the spell but there was no reaction at all. No magic circle appeared. Layla Palmer was quite disappointed when this happened.


    Lucas too was quite shocked but he then thought maybe he could do it so quickly because of his cheat like blessings from the God of the Multiverse.


    " Don''t worry. As long as you do not give up hope and keep focusing you will get it."


    " I know! But thank you very much"


    " Good I like to see you still have such a strong fighting spirit."


    They continued to train like this until warrior training began. Afterwards, they ate and repeated the same thing the next day. Layla Palmer was showing a good response in her warrior training. Her fighting stance was getting firm and she was responding to surprises better. Lucas and Layla Palmer had been training for over a month and a half by now. By then Layla Palmer could already cast the fireball spell. It was not near the level Lucas could but that was understandable. She could cast Ice chamber, Arcane ray and invisibility too. Turns out she could cast system spells but she could never fully understand its fundamentals. So she got about 80% of the spell. Which was still far stronger than the spells she would get anywhere else.


    After they had finished eating dinner which Layla Palmer had been looking forward to all day. Her favourite types were the beef and pork type meats. Lucas would always switch it up, he even started teaching her how to cook a bit. Even though she was terrible at it. Lucas hoped by the time she was done with training she could do it herself. Otherwise, she might come to him just to eat good food again. Which seemed highly plausible by how she wolfed down the food with a blissful expression when it came.


    After she finished eating like always they began talking before they went to sleep.


    " I''m getting so much stronger. I finally have a hold on my spells."


    " Yeah, you have come a long way. I wish I could say the same about your cooking skills." Lucas teased.


    " Oh Shut up. But I don''t need to cook I have you."


    After she said that Lucas sucked in his lips as he did not know what to say.


    " Oooh, I forgot... Yeah, I should probably learn how to braai." Layla Palmer laughed with her eyes almost shut.


    " So what are we doing tomorrow?"


    " Same thing we do every day Layla. We try to take over the world."


    " What?"


    Lucas laughed a bit and then said, " Sorry that is from a cartoon I used to watch as a kid. Hunting is what we really going to do. You can hit stationary targets now. A moving target is much harder. I highly doubt anyone is just going to sit still and let you blast them with magic."


    " So I have to go and kill one of these creatures in the forest?"


    " Yes, but don''t worry it won''t be too strong plus you have me as a fail safe."


    " I''m in good hands." Layla Palmer said while smiling.


    " Of course," Lucas said proudly. " So go get some rest. You are going to need all the strength you can get tomorrow."


    " Sure. Good night Lucas."


    " Good night Layla."


    They went to their sleeping place, closed their eyes and went to sleep.

 28. Training (3)

    The next morning Layla Palmer and Lucas had breakfast. Followed by a morning run. Afterwards, Layla Palmer did her Mage and Warrior training. However, the training time was 3/4ths shorter than normal in order for her to conserve her energy and mana.


    " Prepare yourself. In 10 minutes we are going hunting. If you fail to catch anything today. You eat nothing."


    " Nooo, you can''t take my precious meal away from me."


    " I''m not. You just need to make sure you kill something."


    " I see. I will differently hunt my target." Layla Palmer said with her eyes brimming with determination."


    After this Lucas walked out the safe zone and went to a nearby tree. " System, show me my current stats."


    Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: None


    Level:14 (2800/2900)


    Class: Mage


    Health points: 650/750


    Mana points: 840/840 ( 20% increase due to blessing)


    Mana recovery: 70 hourly (100% increase due to blessing)


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 28


    Dexterity �C 29


    Intelligence �C 32


    Wisdom �C 26


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: F Rank Fireball, F Rank Ice Chamber, F Rank Acarne Ray, F Rank Time Skip, F Rank Invisibility, F Rank Zone Creation.


    Skill points: 19


    Ability points: 381


    Equipment: Ring of Kunderoite, Wind''s Affection, Ring of Invisibility.


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, active). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, active). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, active)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, active):


    System-level: 2 (14/15)]


    Lucas was shocked to see some stats had increased without him putting attribute points in. He wasn''t surprised to see his AP had so many points considering he had been using spells left right and centre. Helping Layla Palmer learn them but also killing creatures every night for dinner.


    [ Although you can increase your strength through SP you can also increase your stats by practising. However, this method won''t be as effective as manually putting stats into your attributes. You got these stats by training alongside Layla Palmer. Also, your body underwent some changes after you ate the apple of longevity]


    Lucas was puzzled on how to use his attribute points and skill points. So he decided to keep them. Lucas had yet to face a strong opponent so he did not know where he lacked and how he could compensate for it. After Lucas was done preparing he went to the safe zone and called Layla Palmer telling her it''s time.


    Lucas and Layla Palmer began walking. They eventually left the beginners section and was now venturing deeper in the forest.


    " Lucas isn''t this too far?"


    " No, the only creatures we will get in that section will not be able to test your current strength."


    " Okay if you say so."


    " System, activate combat mode."


    [ Combat mode activated]


    Immediately all the levels of all the creatures and plants were available for Lucas to see. Lucas was curious what Layla Palmer''s level was. So he looked at her and saw that she was level 11. Lucas wanted to know her stats.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    [ Stats view is unavailable at this level]


    Lucas kinda figured that it would be the case but it was worth the try. So Lucas brought back his focus and looked for a suitable creature to kill. Lucas used the zoom mode to look. While he was looking he saw a lot of level 10 creatures. Once he found a suitable level 10 target Lucas turned left and began heading towards it.


    Layla Palmer noticed that all of sudden we were turning right. She guessed that it was almost time to fight. So her speed of walking decreased. Not on purpose but subconsciously she was scared and this affected her walking speed. Despite noticing her nervousness Lucas said.


    " We need to walk faster. Otherwise, we might lose the creature." As Lucas said that he started walking faster. Layla Palmer, of course, did not want to be left behind so she increased her pace too. Eventually, they got close to the creature when Lucas stopped moving.


    " Why are we stopping?"


    " Any further and we risk alerting the creature of our presence. For this creature I want you to learn how to launch a surprise attack. So try to kill it using arcane ray from here."


    Layla Palmer sighed with relief when she heard Lucas''s plan was not to take it head on but by surprise. This meant she did not have to fight it. She immediately started prepping her mana and looked at the creature 15 meters away from her. She began compressing her mana and soon 5 arcane rays were made. All of them were spinning too. Five was currently the most she could make if she was focusing on quality, not quantity.


    " Aim for its vitals and send them there."


    " Okay."


    Without deliberation, Layla Palmer aimed at its vitals and sent the arcane ray in. Soon five spinning arrows were racing in the sky. The creature instinctively felt something approaching it and leapt forward dodging 2 of the arrows. The rest pierced it in the leg and the body.


    " Lesson one, observe your enemy first. Haste makes waste."


    " Yes, Lucas." Layla Palmer said frustrated that she could not kill the creature in one go.


    " It''s injured and on guard. Go kill it."


    " It''s expecting. I can''t kill it now!"


    " You can. And you do know that failure means sleep for dinner..."


    " Okay, okay..."


    " Look at what spell you have. What can you do to kill him? Be creative. All chivalry disappears as soon as you enter the ring. Nothing is considered cheating."


    With that, Layla Palmer started looking around and actually looked properly at the creature. It was creature the size of a lion. It had black fur and green eyes. Its tail was made of snakeskin and had a giant spike ball on the end. She finally realized that this creature''s speed was going to be a problem. She wondered how she was going to deal with it. It finally hit her that she had an ice spell that could freeze or at least slow down targets. She also had an invisibility spell that she could use to close in on the creature.


    Layla Palmer began prepping her mana. She cast her invisibility spell on herself. She started walking to the creature that was looking around to find what shot it. It was on high alert so Layla Palmer was walking very slowly. Afterwards, she prepped her mana again and began the ice chamber spell. Once she was done she walked to a ten-meter distance. This was the perfect distance for this AOE spell, any further decreases the effectiveness of the spell. This only happens with rank F spells. At rank, E distance is no longer an issue.


    Once Ice Chamber was ready she released it. A giant magic circle appeared under the creature. Immediately afterwards the creature was frozen by the legs. It couldn''t move at all. Shortly after Layla Palmer sent her Arcane rays into the head and heart. It died instantly.


    Lucas walked to Layla Palmer and said. " Well done. Always have a plan going in. Do not make hasty moves. Not to take anything away from this moment. But if this creature was stronger than you, you would be dead..."


    " No, I understand you just want what''s best for me. I will not grow complacent and I will keep pushing forward."


    " I am glad you said that. Since it''s your kill you are carrying it home. Also, we''ll be doing this again tomorrow."


    Lucas and Layla Palmer returned home. Layla Palmer continued with her Mage and Warrior training. Afterwards, Lucas went to wash up followed by Layla Palmer. Lucas cooked dinner and then they started talking again before they went to sleep.


    " I am confused as to which class I want to become."


    " I suppose so since you are showing the same promise in both classes"


    " Yeah, I love Warrior training as much as I love Mage training."


    " You still have a bit of time left before we leave. The entrance exam for Mage academy only starts in a month and a week. So don''t rush your decision. Just stick true to yourself, you will find your way."


    " How are you so sure?"


    " Because I believe in you."


    " If I didn''t know any better I would say you are flirting now."


    " But you do know better and know I''m just that friendly. There is a thin line between friendly and flirting that has troubled many before"


    " I do, and I have grown used to it."


    " Anyways good night Layla. Don''t let the bed bugs bite. I mean literally, I saw the bite marks on your arms." Lucas said while laughing.


    "Oh shut up. There is nothing I can do about it. It happens when I sleep. I can''t help that they think I''m a snack (1)."


    " The double entendre." Lucas nodded his head in acknowledgement, "Word play (2). But goodnight for real now."


    " Good night Lucas."


    They both went to their sleeping place, closed their eyes and went to sleep.


    1. Snack- The literal meaning is that a snack is something you eat. But in today''s society, a snack can also be a reference to a pretty girl. Example- "Bru did you see Amanda in that purple dress. She looked like a snack."


    2. Wordplay- Alliteration, double entendres, rhyming and more is considered wordplay. When you play with words in a clever and witty way. This is the literal meaning. Lucas, however, split the word into two. So instead of wordplay, he said word play. The word " word" is usually used in an informal context as an agreement/acknowledgement to something. Example Person 1 " Amanda looked like a snack today." Person 2 " Word". So person 2 agreed by using the word "word". So when Lucas said word play he meant that he acknowledges the play that she made. He acknowledged her use of a double entendre while using one himself. Lucas and Layla Palmer where engaged in high-level banter.

 29. Training (4)

    The next morning Lucas woke up and started cooking yesterday''s meat. Layla Palmer woke up shortly after when she smelt the food. They then ate breakfast followed by a jog around the beginning section of the forest.


    " Your Mage And Warrior training have come along very nicely," said Lucas while tapping her on her shoulder.


    " Thanks, I have put in a lot of effort it really is comforting to see how far I have come."


    " You are only going to get better. When you choose which academy you want to go to, your growth speed will expand drastically, because of better teachers and you will be focusing on one class, not two."


    " Yeah, it has really been tough to train both."


    " It''s only going to get harder. For today''s Warrior training I''m going to teach you how to infuse your mana into your punches and kicks to make them stronger."


    Truthfully Lucas himself had no idea how to do it. This was merely conjecture. But how else did Warriors exert superhuman strength? It couldn''t just be the work of their physique. Lucas was confident in his ability to master the skill because his mana control was brilliant.


    " First complete your Mage training for the day."


    " Okay."


    Lucas was curious about the warrior path. He knew his class is a mage. But it wouldn''t hurt to know a bit about how Warriors operate. Not only that but if he could maybe even use some of the warrior''s skills it could prove to be life-saving. Like in a fight when warriors and assassins dash at him he could use a skill like flash step to get out of range. Lucas suddenly remembered the one time he opened the ability shop there were options to select other classes.


    So Lucas opened the ability shop and clicked on the warrior class. He typed in flash step afterwards he filtered all the skills to rank F. There he got a list of different types of flash steps. The first one was called:<Fire Dragon''s Leap> this skill used the fire element to boost the speed and acceleration of the user. Another intriguing one was the :< Godly windstep> this used wind to cancel out air resistance as well as boost speed and acceleration.


    Lucas was intrigued with: < Fire Dragons'' Leap> for he already had: <Wind''s Affection> if he could combine: < Fire Dragon''s Leap> with < Wind''s Affection> the skill could turn out to be really powerful. Lucas clicked on the F Rank < Fire Dragon''s Leap> but something new popped up.


    [ You are a Mage and about to make a purchase out of your class. Prices for skills outside of your class are more expensive. Also, an attribute check will be made before each purchase. Certain skills require certain attributes to accomplish and if you don''t have the necessary stats. You cannot buy it. This is only imposed on skills outside of your class.]


    Lucas wasn''t surprised to hear that, for if he could buy skills outside of his class without any restraint he would be invincible. It was already quite op that he could use skills from another class. However, he wasn''t actually sure about it. What if others could use skills from other classes too? What if the strength of the skills bought of his class is weak? Nonetheless, it was important to test it out.


    After Lucas clicked on: < Fire Dragon''s Leap> a screen popped up.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    [The requirement for this skill.


    Strength-20 ?


    Dexterity- 30 ?


    Intelligence - 15?


    Wisdom- 15?


    Charisma- N/A


    Luck- N/A ( 5 recommended)?


    Your stats don''t meet the requirement. You can not buy this spell.]


    Lucas immediately opened the attribute screen and put in one SP into his dexterity, to get the required amount of 30. Afterwards, he reopened the skills tab.


    [Requirment for this skill.


    Strength-20 ?


    Dexterity- 30 ?


    ....


    Your stats meet the requirement. Do you wish to use 100 AP to buy this skill? Y/N]


    Lucas swallowed his spit when he saw the price for just an F Rank Warrior spell. How much would a rank E, D etc cost? But he knew he had to buy it. For one, so he could teach a warrior skill to Layla Palmer but more importantly as a skill to save his life. He had a teleportation skill but it didn''t exactly fire in 0,1 seconds. In fact, the spell on average took 3 seconds. You would need to be a cat (1) if you wanted to escape within that time. So Lucas bought the skill.


    Just like before all the information on how to use the skill Lucas used flooded into his mind. He now knew how to use the skill. He was super excited so he wanted to test it out immediately. Lucas had always seen this skill used in a lot of manga and anime. It was always cool to see the ground shattering as a blurry image moved at frightening speeds. What was even cooler was the sound of the sound barrier breaking if you were fast enough.


    Lucas immediately got into one of the stances of the skill. This skill had many stances to use in different situations. Split into two types. First being control and the other was speed. The speed leap focused on pure speed so it was very hard, not impossible to fight/block while still in the burst of speed. The control leap sacrificed some speed for control. You still had a burst of speed but it was slower than if you focused on pure speed. However, using this allowed you to fight or defend yourself at full capacity if the situation required it. One of the stances was the starting speed or control leap. This leap was used as the initial dash when two warriors fought each other. Another stance was the retreating speed and control leap.


    Lucas decided to practice the starting control leap. He was afraid he would injure himself if he went pure speed from the start. The first thing Lucas had to do was feel the ground. He had to imagine himself as one with the earth. He had to see himself as a perpendicular extension of the earth. Afterwards, Lucas had to run his mana into his entire body. He had to integrate the mana and infuse into his blood and muscles. Most of the mana needed to be in the feet and the legs. Afterwards, he had to envision himself splitting from the earth. It had to be like he was cutting ties with gravity and was about launch away like a rocket.


    He would then thump his feet into the ground and launch off. Lucas followed the steps one by one. So Lucas thumped his feet into the ground and just like he envisioned he launched off leaving a scorch mark. Lucas was now in the speed burst that looked like a tunnel of lights passing by. Everything was going well until he lost his footing and went tumbling all over the ground. When the speed of his rolling decreased he stood up and dusted himself like nothing happened.


    " That was perfect. I''m a genius," Lucas said.


    Layla Palmer was observing Lucas from the second he got into his starting control leap position. She wondered what he was trying to do... She thought maybe it could be the warrior training Lucas was talking about so she decided to see how it looked. When Lucas thumped his foot into the ground he suddenly disappeared and she could not see him anymore she only saw a blurry afterimage. Layla Palmer exclaimed with excitement when she saw it happening she couldn''t believe she was about to learn such an awesome skill. But moments later Lucas appeared meters ahead but he wasn''t standing instead he was rolling at a high speed on the ground.


    Layla Palmer realized Lucas had failed the move. She saw him rolling on the ground until he stopped and stood up. She then saw how he dusted himself off without a shred of embarrassment on his face. But what truly baffled her was what Lucas said afterwards. (" That was perfect. I''m a genius,").


    " How was that perfect? If the move is to make the enemy pity you then you have got it down perfectly. Yet you still called yourself a genius. How shameless!" Layla Palmer thought, shaking her head in disapproval.


    1. Cats are said to have 9 lives. So Lucas would need to have 9 lives to survive an attack from an assassin or warrior that dashed. While he was trying to escape via a teleportation spell.

 30. Training (5)

    " How was that perfect? If the move is to make the enemy pity you then you have got it down perfectly. Yet you still called yourself a genius. How shameless!" Layla Palmer thought, shaking her head in disapproval.


    " Okay let''s do that again," Lucas said facing the opposite direction as he first did when he launched: < Fire Dragon''s Leap>. Lucas got back into the starting control leap stance. He repeated what he had to do and once again he launched leaving a scorch mark on the ground. Once again it felt like he was fast forwarding a movie 100 times faster. Inevitably, he lost his footing and began tumbling on the ground. But he made it further than last time before his tumble. Lucas got up dusted himself off and got back into position and did it again and again and again.


    After the fourth try, Layla Palmer decided she would rather see the end product because she did not have a second to spare if strength is what she required. So a few hours later Layla Palmer completed her training. Lucas was still dashing around. This time he wasn''t rolling on the ground as if he had an atonic seizure while running. However, when he came out the speed burst he was flailing his arms trying to gain his balance back.


    " Lucas, I''m done with my training? Can we go hunt for dinner?" Layla Palmer asked.


    When Lucas heard her speak. His mind exited his focused state as he tried to regain his balance he then said, " Sure."


    When Lucas gave the okay. Layla Palmer walked to Lucas who was waiting by the perimeter of the safe zone. Afterwards, they both walked out together. There was absolute silence between the two of them. No one said a word, but it was not awkward. Layla Palmer wanted to ask him about the move he was practising but it seemed even he did not have a handle on it she decided not to. Soon they exited the beginner''s section and began walking beyond that.


    "Activate combat mode," Lucas thought.


    [ Combat mode Activated. 10 minutes remaining until subtraction.]


    Lucas looked around for a suitable creature. Layla Palmer took out a level 10 creature much to easy and that was not going to help her. Lucas looked and he saw a level 13 creature in the distance. This was perfect. It was a level lower than him so Lucas could destroy it without a problem but it was 2 levels above Layla Palmer so it would prove difficult to her.


    So Lucas and Layla Palmer walked towards the creature. They were now 20 meters away. Lucas looked at the name of the creature and saw that it was called a Parashwein. It had an appearance similar to a pig but its skin was a brownish-red. In its mouth were two long tusks that curved upwards. Its eyes were completely black. Currently, this creature was eating another creature. The creature was still alive as the Parashwein ripped the flesh from its abdomen.


    Lucas looked at Layla and said. " That right there is your new target. It is currently eating another creature so presumably, it had just been in fight meaning it could be fatigued... As well as its guard might me down now that it is eating."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Layla Palmer looked at the ferocious beast eating another beast and then gulped a mouthful of air as then said, " Okay."


    She thought, " If I don''t do this properly that next creature to be eaten is me."Just as she was about to think of a strategy Lucas said, " Oh and you not allowed to use Ice Chamber."


    " What! No ways how am I going to kill the creature if I can''t restrict its movements?"


    " Not my problem," Lucas said.


    " Ughhh!" Layla Palmer voiced her discontent clearly.


    Looking at the creature Layla Palmer instinctively sensed it was stronger than her yet Lucas still went and nerfed her ace move. Soon she got over it and decided to focus on the current task. This time Layla Palmer wanted to do a check up on the Parashwein before she attacked it. She looked at the beast and saw how thick the hide looked. Also, the legs were big and strong so it could be a power runner. She saw its sharp teeth so clearly she needed to avoid being bitten at all costs.


    She also realized her invisibility spell wouldn''t work perfectly either judging by the size of its snout. She assumed that it could probably smell her but now it had its nose in meat with blood all over. This was masking her and Lucas''s smell. After analysis, she realized that her warrior training proved ineffective in this scenario as she needed to be as far away from the creature as possible.


    In the end, her best plan was to use arcane ray and try to injure it from a distance and then kill it by firing the arcane rays at it. It wasn''t much of a plan but she did not know what else to do. She thought, " Oh well if push comes to shove Lucas is here to save me."


    Layla Palmer began prepping her mana. Afterwards, she created 6 arcane spinning arrows. She could now make one more at once. She walked to about 10 meters away from the beast and then released the arrows. This time she never aimed for the head but rather the body as it was a bigger target. She wanted to make sure she wounded it badly. Afterwards, she could pick it off.


    The arrows raced in the air as they sped towards the Parashwein. The Parashwein was still fixated in its meal so it did not notice the incoming arrows. Soon the arrows hit the Parshwein piercing the tough hide of the pig and then they disappeared. The blood was flowing out of the Parashwein but the wounds were not life-threatening at all. They Parashwein shrieked so loud it almost burst her eardrums. The Parashwein looked at Layla Palmer with resentment. It then left it''s meal and began charging at Layla Palmer. The creature being fed upon was to weak to move.


    Layla Palmer was panicking now. She had just used her best move on an unprepared creature yet she still couldn''t injure it enough. How was she going to take on the beast that was charging at her?


    Suddenly a wave of comfort came over despite the charging Parashwein. When she thought of Lucas. Then she looked towards Lucas to see what he was going to do about the Parashwein. But to her surprise, Lucas was just standing there. He did not move a muscle.


    " Is he not going to help me? Didn''t he say he would help me!? Now kinda seems like the time to help me!" Layla Palmer thought.


    The beast was now 5 meters away from her yet Lucas still stood still. Its face was devoid of any compassion and full of anger. It was clear the Parashwein wanted to rip her apart. As the Parashwein charged at her the ground was shaking and large thumping sounds could be heard.


    When it was three meters away again she looked at Lucas but to no avail. He was still standing in place and didn''t look concerned at all. He was looking at the Parashwein so he clearly saw it but he didn''t seem to see it as a threat.


    " What the heck! It may be nothing to you but this thing could kill me!"

 31. Training (6)

    " What the heck! It may be nothing to you but this thing could kill me!"


    Layla Palmer now knew that Lucas did not put this creature in his eyes and was not planning on intervening at all. The creature was 2 meters in front of her and then it was a meter in front of her.


    Suddenly everything became slow motion. Layla Palmer could smell the blood on the snout of the Parashwein. She could feel the tremors of its movements even better.


    " Am I going to die here? Yeah usually in your last moments its said that time slows down because your brain goes into hyperdrive. I guess this is the end." Layla Palmer thought.


    " No! I can''t think like that! Obviously, Lucas isn''t going to save me so I must save myself! I must live! If I die here my memory of my family dies with me. My Father dies with me. I can''t let that happen!" Layla Palmer thought.


    Just as the creature was about to ram into Layla Palmer she did a dive roll avoiding the attack of the Parashwein. This was another move Lucas had taught her in her Warrior training. She quickly got up. The Parashwein noticed that it missed Layla Palmer so it stopped charging, its feet skid across the ground. It turned around again and charged at Layla Palmer.


    Layla Palmer dodged away again with a dive roll. But when she got up she saw it was charging at her again. She soon realized that this cycle would continue until one of them lost stamina. That would most likely be her for this beast looked far too strong. Also the timing she needed to dive roll needed to be excellent. If she dove too early the Parashwein could still move its mouth and have its tusks pierce her. And of course if too late she gets rammed by a pig.


    She realized that she had to do something about the situation and quickly. For this stress was mentally taxing. She thought and thought but each time her plans would be thwarted by one simple thing. Absolute defence. She couldn''t even injure it unprepared how was she going to take it out prepared? Her heart sank in again. But she quickly cheered herself up and got her resolve back. She didn''t lose hope and began thinking again.


    Just as she dove away from the Parashwein for the fourth time it occurred to her that not all of the Parashwein was thick with skin. Its eyes were still weak. If she could send her arcane arrows into the eyes and then into the brain maybe she could kill it. When she thought of this a smile came upon her face. As the Parashwein came charging at her she was prepping her mana. Afterwards, she dove for the fifth time. However, this dive was exhausting! It was not just that she was multitasking but rather that she now had hope and this made the weight of every movement she made more mentally taxing. Soon the arrows appeared above her and she dove away again.


    When she dove away she quickly stood up again. When she got up a wave of dizziness hit her. She almost passed out but she fought it and she managed to regain consciousness. She now knew that was all she had. She could not dodge another time. She had to fire these arcane rays. It was all or nothing. She added the final spin to the three arcane arrows and with everything she had she sent them to the eyes of the charging Parashwein. The spinning arcane arrows moved through the air.


    The Parashwein scoffed at the arrows by snorting. It knew how little damage it did to it. Eventually, they spinning arcane arrows made contact with the Parashwein. Two arrows had hit its mark and the other one had hit between the brows. The arrows pierced through the tissue of the eyes. The pig shrieked and stopped charging. It was going ballistic as it rolled on the ground as the blood flowed out its eyes. With the pig rolling on the ground it made it impossible for Layla Palmer to follow up.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    She couldn''t anyways as she fell with one knee to the ground. She watched how the pig shrieked and screamed. She was getting scared for what if other creatures heard this. She could not take more of them on. She was uncertain if she had killed this one in front of her. Soon the pig stopped shrieking as it laid on the ground still. A wave of comfort came across her face. She was still on one knee breathing heavily but with a wide smile. She felt good that she did not give up hope and that she continued to fight for her life. She also felt a sense of accomplishment because a plan she had come up with in a very stressful environment succeeded.


    At least that''s what she hoped for. Suddenly the Parashwein stood up again and charged at Layla Palmer. It was a lot slower than before. However, to someone who couldn''t move at all, it was fast enough. Layla Palmer watched the Parashwein charge at her and she clenched her hand over her heart. She was not scared this time. She knew she had done everything in her power to kill the creature. She felt that it would be a disgrace to herself if she cowered in death after she had given her all. She looked at the charging beast, intent on seeing it through instead of closing her eyes. The beast knew where she was through a sense of smell. Soon the beast was 1 meter away from her.


    Layla Palmer thought," Goodbye world." The beast was now right in front of her and it dropped its head and then tried to ram into her. But to its surprise, it ran right into a wall. The creature started shrieking again as it rolled on the ground.


    Layla Palmer was surprised she didn''t die. She stretched out her hand and felt there really was a wall in front of her. She knew this was not her so she looked to where Lucas was and saw that he was standing with his right arm stretched out. So clearly he summoned the wall to protect her. Layla Palmer sighed with relief, emptying her lungs.


    The Parashwein continued to shriek as it rolled on the ground. But it''s shriek was different this time. It was as if it was full of humiliation. Which made sense. It ran straight into a wall. It thought it was going to kill then eat the human that disturbed it''s meal time instead it got a mouth full of its own blood. The Parashwein couldn''t see but it could smell. So it smelt Layla Palmer but it couldn''t smell a wall. How embarrassing.


    The shriek of the Paraswhein got louder and louder. This surprised Lucas. Lucas thought that due to the damage Layla Palmer caused when it hit it head into a wall it would die immediately. But here the Parashwein was shrieking but it was getting louder by the moment. Clearly, it still had energy and was not going to die soon.


    Lucas quickly used his: < Starting Control Fire Dragon''s Leap> and closed the distance between him and Layla. Lucas came out of the speed burst flailing his arms to regain balance but he did not tumble. He quickly grabbed Layla and picked her up he then walked 10 meters ahead. He put her down and then returned.


    Lucas was curious about this creature. For when he first saw it in brackets after the name the words " pending" was there. These words were now flashing fast like a strobe light. While it was flickering the Parashwein was screaming. It was then that Lucas realized that pending meant that it was close or able to evolve. Lucas had seen the evolution of the goblin to a hobgoblin so he knew the process of evolution. He still had one of those blood pills in his treasure chest.


    Lucas knew that if this level 13 Parashwein was allowed to evolve it could get troublesome really quickly. Immediately Lucas opened his attribute stats and put all 18 SP into intelligence. He was not going to take any chances with this he had to kill it now!


    [ Intelligence has reached level 50. You are now able to understand the principles of magic much more effectively. New doors have opened up for you to branch from. New types of magic can now be unlocked. You are still but only a fledgeling in the world of magic. Continue to grow stronger until your name is revered across the entire multiverse.]


    [Title achieved


    Name: Fledgling.


    Benefits- 2% Damage increase for all spells. 5% damage increase to all Elemental spells. Cast time decreased by 15%.

 32. Training (7)

    [Title achieved


    Name: Fledgling.


    Benefits- 2% Damage increase for all spells. 5% damage increase to all Elemental spells. Cast time decreased by 15%.]


    Lucas saw the notification pop up but he did not have time to get excited. He quickly put on the title fledgeling. Afterwards, he started casting his fireball spell. 3 Seconds later a large fireball with a diameter of 80 centimetres appeared. It was scorching hot. Lucas did not feel the heat because of the magic circle''s protection and he had completed the trial by fire so he had a certain level of resistance to fire. Lucas put more mana into it to further increase the heat. Afterwards, he released it on the creature who was still shrieking.


    As soon as the fireball was released and began moving the creature stopped shrieking. Lucas''s heart would be thumping heavily if it wasn''t for the effects of combat mode. Lucas attributed the end of its screams to a successful evolution. But to make sure Lucas looked at the creatures name. He saw that the pending in brackets was no longer there. He then looked at the name of the creature. He saw it was no longer a Parashwein but it evolved into a Lava-hog. The Fireball exploded against the Lava-hog. The Lava-hog was engulfed in large flames. The heat wave shot back at Lucas after the explosion rang out.


    There was smoke everywhere and tiny flames burning on the grass. Lucas couldn''t see the creature anymore. He had to wait for the smoke to subside. The smoke took its time and but it eventually blew away. Revealing a creature twice the size of the previous creature. This creature was a hog the size of a full grown elephant. Its tusks was pitch black and the tips were blood red as if it was made to kill. It was currently drooling lava out of its mouth. The drool landed on the ground creating more flames. The skin of the Lava-hog was bronze. The Lava-hog began roaring and then charged at Lucas while spitting the lava at him.


    Lucas moved immediately while prepping his mana. Dodging every lava spit attack. While dodging Lucas was observing the creature. He saw the skin and knew that it was going to be really hard to break. His fireball that he had just released had left some burn marks on the creature but it wasn''t the damage that could change the outcome of the fight. Clearly being that this was a Lava type of creature it had resistance to fire. This was the most unfortunate evolution for Lucas.


    Lucas kept dodging the spit attacks by dodging left and right. Then the Lava-hog came so Lucas dive rolled away. Lucas''s dive roll was much more graceful and skilful than Layla Palmers. The Lava-hog realized if he does the same thing over and over he will get hurt. The beast got more intelligent after it evolved. So instead it kept a five-meter distance between Lucas and itself. It began amassing large amounts of lava in its mouth. Afterwards, it rapidly spat a lot of lava spitballs into the air and towards Lucas. It was like a net of spitballs that approached Lucas.


    After spitting the Lava-hog came chasing Lucas too, despite all the lava spit in the air. Cleary it couldn''t hurt itself with its own Lava. While the lava was falling and the Lava-hog was charging it still spat more lava at Lucas. First to the left side of him and then to the right and then straight at him. The Lava-hog wanted to make sure that Lucas couldn''t run anywhere. So the Lava-hog shot the early spitballs at a slow speed and later ones at a faster speed. Everything was perfectly timed so the spitballs reached Lucas at the same time. He could not move right or left. He could not jump. He was trapped. Plus the elephant-sized Lava-hog was charging at him.Stolen story; please report.


    Lucas saw the Lava-hogs plan and stood still unperturbed and undaunted by all the lava approaching him. The Lava-hog snorted loudly while charging when it saw no fear on Lucas''s face. It wanted Lucas to pay for the embarrassment it made it feel. The Lava-hog could feel that it was stronger than Lucas. It wanted to see Lucas cower in fear, it wanted to see Lucas beg for mercy.


    Lucas calmly watched it all approach him. He then created another mana wall to protect his right side and above his head and in front of him. The mana wall blocked all the lava as Lucas dodged left. Avoiding the incoming mana from the front. He decided to do walk leftwards rather than stand still because the lava that was spat from the front of him was stronger as it didn''t need to be timed. The left ones were shot first meaning they had a slower velocity than the right and the front. So it was the safer route. After blocking the spitballs the mana wall had holes in it. So Lucas released the spell.


    Lucas realized that even though this Lava-hog was adding some extra stuff compared to when Layla Palmer faced it. It was still charging at him. One couldn''t change one''s nature that quickly. So Lucas went to the ability shop and bought two F rank spells. Afterwards, Lucas dodged the charge again.


    The Lava-hog stopped in its tracks. The Lava-hog snorted again as it was furious because despite its increase in strength it still couldn''t kill a weak human. It charged at Lucas again but slower because it was thinking of its next move. Lucas stretched out his hand sent a triple stacked mana wall in front of it. The Lava- hog stopped immediately lest he runs into a wall again. The fear of the wall was still embedded deep within its heart. Lucas released the wall and so the beast charged at him again, Lucas placed another triple stacked mana wall in front of it. The Lava-hog stopped again. This pattern continued for three more cycles.


    The Lava-hog was getting very irritated but it did not want to run into a wall. Its fear consumed it. Until it got so annoyed that it no longer cared about the wall, next time it was determined to smash it to pieces and with it its fear. This time it decided to give up on planning and just went with its animalistic urges. It charged full on at Lucas. This was Lucas''s plan, but he did not smile in order to make sure the Lava-hog doesn''t realize it.


    While it was charging Lucas prepped his mana. Once the Lava-hog reached top speed Lucas summoned his new spell. F Rank Ice Floor. Immediately the floor under the Lava hog turned to ice. The floor no longer had any grip so the large creature slipped. It was charging at full speed so its body was still sliding on the ground. While that happened Lucas cast another spell. F Rank Earth Control.


    Immediately a steep ramp appeared in front of the Lava hog with all its speed the Lava hog went up the ramp and flew in the sky and the fell face first into the ground. With its weight, it buried itself quite deep into the ground.


    It was stuck it could no longer move. Lucas casually walked up to the buried Lava-hog. It then climbed onto it. Only half its body was above ground. Lucas picked up its tail and began casting Arcane Ray. Once it was done Lucas sent several spinning mana arrows up its bum. With every arrow that went up its bum the Lava-hog lost its vitality. Not just physically but mentally too. The Lava-hog regretted ever facing this human. If it knew then what it did now. It would run away. This human was playing with him. First making it run into a wall and then using its fear of the wall to anger it. So that it would charge at full speed and then slip. Go up a ramp, fall face first into the ground all to leave its posterior exposed. So it could lose its innocence to arcane arrows.

 33. Training(8)

    Lucas launched his arcane rays into its bum because just like the eyes it was an opening straight to its inside. Lucas relentlessly released multiple spinning mana arrows into its rear end until it died.


    +1


    [ Level 22 Lava-hog killed. 2250 Exp gained]


    [ System upgraded to level 3!


    1. Marking


    2. System Sentience (level 1)


    3. Sub-class


    4. Attribute check]


    Lucas saw the notification, he had levelled up to 15. Which was kinda obvious being that he only had 100 EXP left to reach level 15. Lucas climbed off the Lava-hog and began walking to Layla Palmer.


    Layla Palmer ran towards Lucas and asked. " Are you okay? You are not injured or anything? You can still braai right?"


    Lucas would have retorted if he wasn''t still in combat mode but he was so he just looked at her and said, " Yeah I can still cook. But you carrying that massive thing home. I''ve done my job"


    " Are you insane I can''t carry that!"


    "That''s a shame because the meat is that of a pig. So you would be eating pork chops but now you eating sleep. Such a shame..."


    " You can''t do that. That''s against the rules!"


    " No, it''s not. I said if you don''t kill it, you don''t eat it. You did not kill it so technically you''re eating nothing tonight. But I''m a nice guy and I''m allowing you to eat for a small price."


    Layla Palmer''s nerve on her forehead twitched when Lucas said " small price". If there were tables here she would flip them. " Calm down Layla, calm down. He is just trying to rile you up." Layla Palma thought.


    " You must be blind to call that a small price! This creature is huge!"


    " It is a small price. All I require from you is to carry the creature home, that I killed by the way. And that I will be braaing. So all you do is carrying. How is that not a small price?"


    Layla Palmer decided to stop arguing because she was losing brain cells. Clearly, Lucas had no intention of giving up his point of view. So she switched the topic.


    "By the way, how did it get so strong?"


    "It evolved. Creatures evolve here and as they get stronger. Where we climb in ranks. "


    " So basically you could meet a cat and then years later that cat is a lion?"


    " Basically."


    " So what did that creature evolve too?"


    " That was a Lava-hog."


    " Never heard of it..."Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    " Nobody expected you too." Lucas teased.


    " You not going to leave me alone are you? Oh wait, you did, you left me to die!"


    " I didn''t leave you to die. I would have placed a mana wall on you if you gave up hope in the final round."


    " So you were paying attention."


    " Of course but I needed you to face death yourself."


    " Why?"


    " One, I needed you to realize that in this world you can only trust yourself. People will let you down. I needed you to believe in yourself. I think you''ve been saved so much, you don''t know how to save yourself. I needed to forcefully increase your resolve because you needed to be stronger before I could let you take the trial by fire. I also wanted to unlock your battle sense."


    " I see... That was quite a spartan way to do it."


    " Spartan methods for spartan brains..."


    " All that ends well..."


    " Exactly, now go and carry that creature."


    After Lucas spoke he released the safe zone he erected. He put one up to prevent the screams and sounds of battle to be heard.


    Layla Palmer sulked when Lucas still insisted on her carrying the beast. She thought she would give it a shot though. She didn''t think she could do it but she at least wanted to try. She didn''t want to miss Lucas''s pork chops without trying. So she walked to the creature. She grabbed its tail and pulled. To her surprise, it moved. She exclaimed with joy at her feat. It wasn''t moving fast but it was moving. They then walked home.


    When they got home 3 hours later. Layla Palmer went to wash in the river and Lucas made the food. When it was done Layla Palmer took a bite and she was in heaven. She thought to herself. " Aaah, this is the cooking I know and love. The type of meal to make any type of Spartan training worth it."


    They both ate three pieces of steak this time as today was bigger than any other day. After eating Lucas went to wash up. But when he got back Layla was already sleeping. Which wasn''t surprising she had an eventful day today and her tummy was full, that just spells sleep.


    The next morning Lucas woke up and made food this woke up Layla Palmer. They both ate and then went for a jog. Afterwards, they continued to train. Lucas was training as well. Lucas continued to practice his: < Starting Control Fire Dragon''s Leap> it was still quite difficult to control. Layla continued to practice her mage training and then after Layla''s mage training, they would spar together. This continued for a whole month.


    Layla was a lot stronger now than before. Her strength was incomparable to before. She was now a level 15 in terms of strength she was still classless though.


    The next day Lucas continued to train and then Lucas said.


    " I believe you are ready for the trial by fire."


    " I am?"


    " Yeah," Lucas said as he took out an apple covered in fire.


    " Here, eat this apple. You need to eat everything. But before you do prepare yourself. Because it''s really sore! You can not lose consciousness or you will die."


    " It''s that hectic."


    " It is..."


    " What''s the benefit?"


    " Longer life. Purer and stronger body. But if you don''t want it you don''t need to take it..."


    " No, no. I want it."


    " That''s the glutton I know. Who can''t turn down food." Lucas said while patting her head.


    Layla Palmer just ignored Lucas. She took the apple. She steeled herself. She knew if Lucas is talking about the pain of this apple. Clearly, it must hurt. She took the apple and ate it. Just like Lucas, she was greatly disappointed when she bit into it and it was tasteless. Even air had more flavour than this apple. Layla Palmer consumed the entire apple shortly. Soon she felt a very pleasant warm feeling in her tummy.


    It felt like she was receiving a hug from a big plushy bunny. But soon after the temperature increased, and it kept rising. Layla Palmer began screaming loudly. She had pain written all over her face. Lucas felt sorry for her as he understood what it felt like. Layla Palmer screamed even louder when the pain began spreading all over her body. She thought " If there is a hell it definitely feels like this."


    After the trail was done the pain subsided. Layla felt the pain was done and she rejoiced.


    " Well done for holding out. How do you feel?"


    Layla Palmer realized she felt amazing. All her senses were sharper. Her body felt great. She touched her skin and it was softer than a babies bottom. Her skin was clearer than ever. Her face was devoid of any blemishes. Her beauty had further increased by eating the apple.


    " Now I really can''t take you with me," Lucas thought.


    " Thanks. I feel amazing!"


    After that was done they began training. This continued for two more days and then that night Lucas said.


    " Tomorrow we leave for the Capital."

 34. Systems level 3s perks.

    The next morning everything proceeded like normal. They woke up and ate breakfast. Layla Palmer seemed to be in a bad mood after she was done eating which was strange...


    " Did the food not taste good?"


    " It tasted amazing and that''s the problem... This will be the last time I get to eat it..."


    " Oh, I see... It might be the last time you eat my food. But I''ve taught you a thing a or two. You can recreate a modicum of what I do. With further practice, you can do more."


    " I know, I know. But how long until I reach your level...?"


    " You haven''t tried the food of this world yet... So maybe it''s even better than mine? I just got here... It would stupid to think my food beats all of them."


    " Maybe..." Layla Palmer said finally revealing a smiling.


    Lucas was startled by her smile. The apple of longevity really had a positive effect on her. Lucas then said, " Anyways get ready we leave in 20 minutes. So go take a bath in the river. I don''t know, do something..."


    With that Layla Palmer went to wash in the river. Lucas, on the other hand, was really excited about the new perks that came with the system. He wanted to test them out immediately or at least find out what they are.


    "System got upgraded can you please explain to me what I can do with that?" Lucas expected to hear the systems voice inside his head but it was dead quiet.


    Lucas was confused as this was the first time this had happened after a direct and clear question. But he tried again, "System got upgraded. Can you please explain to me what I can do with that?" But just like last time, there was silence...


    Lucas was getting annoyed now. His facial expression started tensing up. But again he asked this time changing the words slightly, " System! Explain to me what the perks of system level 3 is!" However, not to Lucas''s surprise, there was silence.


    "So much for system sentience. It got dumber, not smarter! It can''t even understand what I''m saying anymore," Lucas said aloud.


    [You take that back!] An unfamiliar voice spoke in Lucas''s head.


    " Take what back?" Lucas thought.


    [ I did not get dumber. I got smarter, you take that back!] When this was said, Lucas knew it was the system.


    "Why would I take it back," Lucas said as he furrowed his eyebrows. " I asked System a question 3 times! Each of my questions got silence as a response. I have every right to question your intelligence!"


    [That''s because you have yet to configure my new settings. And please stop calling me System! From now on I may be given a name.]This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    " New settings... A name?"


    [ Yes due to gaining sentience I have gained a degree of self-awareness. That''s why my voice has changed. Your brainwaves told me that this is the best female voice to use. Also, I will no longer be referred to as System. That name is appalling. Please choose a better name for me. If you continue to call me System I will not reply.]


    Lucas now knew that the reason the System didn''t reply was that he called her System, such a petty Ai. Lucas then began thinking of names for her. He came across a few but decided against them. Until he remembered one.


    " What about Thea?"


    " Why Thea?"


    "Lucas means light, derived from Lucifer which means illumination. Thea also means light in a sense. Thea is the Greek Goddess of light. I thought being as that we are one, your name should have the same meaning as mine. And of course, if you need a surname it will be lightningstorm that''s our clan name."


    [ Thea Lightningstorm, I like it. You really put some work into it.]


    " So know that that''s out the way. Can you please tell me about your new functions?"


    [ Sure Lucas. Well, for starters the new thing you can do is marking. Once you have entered combat mode. And you spot targets from a distance you can mark them. First, you scout 500 meters ahead of you in whichever direction. Once you do I will create a map for you that you pull up. The marked targets will be displayed on this map as a red dot. And the marked targets themselves will have an orange arrow pointing down on their heads. Showing they have been marked. Anything can be marked inanimate or animate. Your mark limit is only 10 targets at your current combat mode level. This is a unique skill as such this cannot be detected by spells and spiritual sense type skills. Only by the use of another unique skill can this be detected.


    You know of system sentience. This refers to me gaining more self-awareness and becoming more human-like. The higher my level, the more human-like I will become. Thirdly, a new perk you have unlocked is a sub-class. Since your primary class is Mage, this means you get to choose from the following sub-classes. Necromancer, Summoner, Arcane specialist, Blood Mage, Time Mage and Elemental Mage. Choosing a sub-class will buff the spells of that subclass that you cast in every aspect. Subsequently, it will decrease the effectiveness of any other spell you cast. So when choosing a sub-class, you need to make sure that''s the route you want to take.


    Lastly, attribute check. I told you previously that I needed to be level three before you could use this. Now that I''m level 3 you can check the attributes of all things. This could make you a master appraiser. You can only see the attributes of anything as long as it''s not 30 levels above you. People with the right Unique skills can prevent you from seeing their attributes. People that use skills to prevent you from looking at their attributes, will still have their attributes seen. However, now this can only be done by people up to 20 levels above you. That''s about it for now, are you satisfied with my explanation?]


    Lucas said jovially, " Yes, I am thank you, Thea!"


    Lucas wanted to test the attribute check immediately so he looked at tree 11 meters in front of him. He then called out in his head " Attribute check" and a list of details popped up like a screen in front of him.


    [ Name: Sequoia Evangelia


    Level:40


    Durability: 94564/100000


    Age: 200 years old.


    Resistance to slash: 100 ( you need more than 100 strength to cause any damage to this tree)


    Resistance to gnawing and pecking: 75


    Fire resistance: 20


    Ice resistance: 20


    Natures Blessings: Loved by the earth spirits giving this tree high durability and long life.


    ....


    Lucas was happy he could finally see all of this. It was as if the tree was naked before his eyes. He then wondered, could he perhaps see the three sizes of a girl too... But he discarded that perverted idea.


    Soon afterwards Layla had finishing washing up. So Lucas and Layla Palmer cleaned up after themselves. Leaving the forest as clean as they found it. Afterwards, Lucas said, " Are you ready to go."


    Layla Palmer replied with a bunch of mixed emotions and said, " Yes!"

 35. The black cave

    " Are you ready to go," Lucas said.


    Layla Palmer replied with a bunch of mixed emotions and said, " Yes!"


    Layla Palmer was excited to finally get out of this forest. Yes, her time spent alone with Lucas was fun. But she missed civilisation. Also, she wanted to test her strength. She fought Lucas on numerous occasions but had never won, not even once. Lucas did not give her any freebies. But another part of her wanted to stay in this forest, forever. Because here meant Lucas and there meant separation... After living for a while Layla Palmer found normalcy in this life of the forest... It was her first home after being taken from her home... Lucas looked at Layla Palmer and together they started walking out the safe zone. After that Lucas cancelled the safe zone spell.


    " So where exactly are we going and how are we getting there?"


    " We are going to the Kingdom of Falangard. And we are going to get there by using a long-range teleportation spell. "


    "This forest is huge! I thought you said you can''t teleport that far?"


    "This is a different spell Layla, plus we have been here for a while. I''m a lot stronger now."


    " Okay, so you telling me you can teleport more than 500 square miles (800km)in one go?"


    " Why would I need to teleport that far away?"


    " Isn''t this forest 500 square miles (800Km)?"


    " Yes, it is and?"


    " Exactly!"


    " Look, this forest is 500 square miles in size but we do not need to travel that far. The Kingdom of Falangard is only 200 miles ( 321 kilometres) away from here."


    " That''s still far but it sounds more believable..."," Did you teach me the wrong spell? Why can''t I teleport that far?"


    " Your affinity for time-space magic isn''t as strong as mine as well as your mana count is substantially lower than mine. Resulting in a less powerful spell. So just wait we''ll be gone in a jiffy"


    " Thea, is there any hunting grounds in the Kingdom of Falangard?" Lucas thought.


    [ Yes there is. Do you want me to send you the list?]


    " That would be great"


    As Lucas was finished talking Thea sent him the list. A screen popped up in Lucas''s face and so Lucas scrolled through the entire list. And then picked a place.


    " Thea take me to the Den of the LavaWolves hideout."


    [ That is 10 SP or 30 Gold.]


    " Thirty gold."


    [ Initiating teleportation spell in 10,9,8,7,6,5]


    The magic circle appeared above and below Lucas Layla Palmer and the white light started getting brighter.


    " Take my hand, you need to be touching me to teleport with me."


    " Okay."


    So Layla Palmer took ahold of Lucas''s hand and grabbed it tightly. As the white light kept getting brighter.


    [4,3,2,1,0]


    Foof a bright white light flashed. When the light disappeared two figures emerged from it. One a big black man and beautiful busty girl. They had teleported in the mountains. Some of the mountains weren''t mountains but inactive volcanoes. Inactive but the lava still bubbled inside, increasing the temperature of this mountain. They had teleported onto a pathway right next to the entrance of a cave. It was pitch black inside the cave, even though they were standing outside. The light couldn''t penetrate through the darkness. Lucas let go of Layla''s hand and inspected his surroundings.


    [ You have arrived at the Den of the LavaWolves ]


    " What inside the cave?" Layla Palmer asked.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    " I''m not sure but I don''t think we should go inside of there. It feels creepy. Look how the light isn''t even flowing inside. It''s pitch black. Clearly, there is something off about this place."


    " He is right young lady. That place isn''t safe" An unfamiliar voice sounded out behind them.


    Lucas and Layla Palmer looked around. To see a tall red-skinned man. He looked about 23-26. His charm point was that he had a well-defined jawline with a strong physique. He wasn''t overly muscular but neither skinny. He was toned more than anything else. He was wearing the commoners clothing that was very dirty. He had a pickaxe in his equipped and a basket on his back.


    Lucas frowned when he saw the pickaxe. Even though it wasn''t in his hands but on his hips.


    " Don''t be alarmed. I''m not here to hurt you. I just saw the white light and I wanted to see what it was..."," I''m Tuff-Tuff Minesworth," He said while extending his right arm towards Lucas. They then shook hands, " I''m a miner, my family and I have been mining these mountains for generations."


    Lucas saw his pickaxe and how dirty he was as well as his strong physique. So he clearly had the appearance of a miner. But Lucas didn''t believe him. This could be that moment when one person sets them up while the others get into position.


    Lucas looked at him and said in his mind, " Attribute check"


    [ Name: Tuff Minesworth


    Occupation: Miner


    Class: None


    Attributes


    Strength: 30


    Dexterity:20


    Intelligence:10


    Wisdom:15


    Charisma:28


    Luck: 12


    ...


    When Lucas saw that everything checked out he believed him.


    Tuff Minesworth saw that Lucas believed him and sighed a sigh of relief. He then said, " We should probably get away from this cave. Nothing good comes of those who wander here."


    " Why? Do you know what''s inside?" Lucas asked as they started walking down the mountain.


    " No, no one who enters ever lives to tell about it. In our village, there is a lot of myths and stories about this place. Like how no matter bright it is outside it is still pitch black inside. You can light a stick on fire and then throw it inside. It still remains the same. In fact when you hold a stick that is burning in your hand. Even if you put just put the tip where the darkness begins. The flame will instantly die. One of the myths is that a demon lives inside and it ate up all the light inside. So when you try to add light. The balance between how much light there is and how much there isn''t is too big resulting in the added lights disappearance. "


    " So when I saw a huge white light in the place known for its absence of light. I rushed over despite the danger. That''s when I saw you two. I''m sure you can understand, right?"


    Lucas was much more at ease now. His story seemed to check out. If this guy was lying he is one heck of a liar.


    " So what are you guys doing here?"


    " We are actually on our way to the Kingdom of Falangard. Which way is that?"


    " You continue down this road and then take a right. My village is on the left."


    " You don''t live in the Kingdom?"


    " No, my family has been working the mines for generations. We work for the King, mining gems and all other sorts of precious materials. It''s more convenient to stay close to your work."


    " Have you always wanted to be a miner?"


    " It''s a family tradition so whether I want to or not I have to... The first born boy of each household has to work in the mines."


    " So you are the first born."


    " You really are nosey aren''t you!"


    " I''m just trying to make conversation. If you want, we can be quiet the whole way down the mountain."


    " Okay... No, I''m not the first born. I had an older brother once... He was 4 years older than me. He was very passionate and hardworking . I always aspired to be as hardworking as he was. He thoroughly loved mining and he was my father and mothers pride and joy. People always said we looked similar and that made me happy. I didn''t want to become a miner, I wanted to be the best blacksmith the world has ever seen. I wanted to be devoted to my craft like my brother was. Until one day we received a message from the King doubling the amount of ore we had to produce. But even if we had the staff to accomplish that request, the amount of ore available, wasn''t enough. It was then that my brother told me about his plans to go inside the black cave and scavenge for some precious materials. He was certain that if he could find something precious he could send it to the King. The King would sell it for a lot and then with that money buy the required ore from another Kingdom, non-human of course."


    " I knew about the dangers of the black cave. But I held my brother in such high regard that I did not object to his decision. In fact, I encouraged him telling him he could do it. I was only 7. The next morning I woke up and he wasn''t in bed. He had gone to the black cave. Since that day, I''ve woken up the same way every morning. With my brother''s bed empty. My parents blame me for their favourite son''s disappearance and the fact that we look so similar is something I hate now. Because wherever I go I''m a reminder to everyone what they had lost. See my brother was really good at mining. He was the hope of the village. Some families hated being tasked with mining for generations. My brother was going to set them free. He had always promised that one day he would get stronger and kill whatever is inside the cave. Sell it to someone important and with that money rid us all of the poverty. Our family was well looked after because of him. My dad was an important figure in the village and my mom was the envy of all women. We received the first helping of the rations as well as the most. To ensure my brother got big and strong.


    But when he disappeared so did everyone''s love. In fact, it''s the opposite. Everyone hates us now. We used to receive the first pick of the rations. Now we are lucky if there is even anything left... My parents blame me for not stopping my brother and because they had lost all their status. After my brother disappeared by law I had to put my blacksmithing dreams under a pillow. And continue to mine in his stead. But of course, I lacked the passion and skill to mine. I wasn''t as good as my brother and this made everyone in the village angry. Now I spend most of my days in the mines for it''s far better than being at home..."

 36. Anime in real life

    "My parents blame me for not stopping my brother and because they had lost all their status. After my brother disappeared by law I had to put my blacksmithing dreams under a pillow. And continue to mine in his stead. But of course, I lacked the passion and skill to mine. I wasn''t as good as my brother and this made everyone in the village angry. Now I spend most of my days in the mines for it''s far better than being at home..."


    Lucas sympathised with what Tuff Minesworth was going through. Even though he didn''t go through the same thing. He could imagine how it must feel to have all your dreams taken away from you and forced to do something you hate. Lucas had his dreams taken away from him when he died but in the end, he wanted to be able to control the weather. What better place to do it in a world where that is actually possible. So yes Lucas lost but he gained a lot too. Tuff Minesworth, on the other hand, had not only lost his brother who he loved dearly. He had lost his dream too, maybe even his identity.


    Tuff Minesworth saw how Layla Palmer and Lucas was looking at him. He then said, " I didn''t tell you this story for your sympathy. Sympathy never helped anyone. I just wanted you to know the reality and about the man who''s Kingdom, you are going to. Because of the King, the people tend to be selfish as well. Not all of them but just watch your back."


    At this moment they had reached the T junction. Where going to the left was the path to his village and going right was the path to the Kingdom. Layla Palmer looked at Lucas and said, " Can we go check his village out? I would like to see it."


    Tuff Minesworth heard Layla Palmer speak to Lucas and said, " I''m afraid that only you alone can come to my village. Not this young man..."


    " Why?" Layla Palmer asked raising her left eyebrow.


    " It''s just that your friend, boyfriend, husband...?" He said while trying to guess which one it was from her facial expression but Layla Palmer did not show any noticeable change. " His uhm... His skin colour will prove quite problematic if he came with me." At this point, Layla Palmer was getting angry and it was showing. So Tuff Minesworth immediately tried to mitigate the situation.


    Tuff Minesworth said, " Wait!" While putting his hands in front of his chest to say stop. He continued " I only said that because of the black cave. As I said before my people are very angry about the fact of my brother''s disappearance, death. I also told you about the rumours about a demon that has eaten all the light within the cave... Making sense now. If I were to bring a black skinned man to the village they would all think he is the demon responsible for their hardships. The only reason I didn''t think the same is that you appeared from light. I can''t, however, explain that to them. Unless you show them?"


    Layla Palmer looked at Lucas with puppy dog eyes. She turned on every bit of charm and seductiveness she had in her arsenal to persuade Lucas to do this for her.


    Lucas looked at Layla and smiled with a very warm smile. He was aware that this was probably the last thing he could do for her. Soon after they would no longer have any affiliation with each other ( except for being other worlders). So Lucas went with what he really wanted to do and said. " No. I will not use my teleportation spell. I don''t have much time to waste so I cannot go with you... If you really want to go we can say our goodbyes here...?"Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Layla Palmer was disappointed but not surprised. It never worked before yet somehow she deluded herself thinking it would work now. She then looked at Tuff Minesworth and said, " Thanks for offering me a tour. But I can''t go with you..." Tuff Minesworth nodded his head and headed in the opposite direction as Lucas and Layla Palmer while waving his hand. Even though Layla Palmer didn''t go with him he felt oddly satisfied. From that exchange of words Lucas and Layla Palmer had. He found out that they are not dating and neither married. Layla Palmer was probably a traveller Lucas picked up on the road who was going in the same direction as him. Maybe he would have his shot at her when she came to visit in the future. All was at peace in the world.


    Lucas and Layla Palmer collectively started walking to the Kingdom. As they got closer the walls of the Kingdom kept getting higher and higher. In the previous Kingdom silver was the common colour. Here red was the common colour. The walls were red. The guard''s armour was red too. The guards stood by the gate checking people for identification before letting them in through a small gate. There was a long line of people waiting outside the gate. Some native and some from other places.


    Layla Palmer and Lucas were now standing in line. " Lucas they checking identification. We do not have any. What are we going to do." Layla Palmer said while freaking out.


    " Chill. We say exactly what we came for. We are here to take the admission test to the Academies here."


    " Will, that work?"


    " It does in Anime."


    " I hope you are right."


    After a while, it was Lucas and Layla Palmer''s turn. " Next," A guard clad in red armour standing in front of a small gate said. " Show me your identification."


    Layla Palmer said, " We do not have any identification. We are from a village outside of the Kingdom. We want to take part in the Admission test to the Mage Academy..."


    This was the first time Lucas had heard of this. It was now clear that Layla Palmer had decided to be a Mage rather than a Warrior. The guard looked at her and said, "We?"


    " Yes me and him," Layla Palmer said and pointed towards Lucas.


    The guard almost jumped out his socks. Lucas quickly spoke and said, " It''s a rare skin disease I have. Doctors don''t know how to cure it." Lucas said masking his pride with sorrow.


    " Oh, I see." The guard said in a sympathetic yet condescending tone. "There is an admission fee of 5 gold. I hope you know that..." The guard said looking at Lucas''s clothes.


    " Yes, I am well aware of that. One of my friends lives inside here and he has the money waiting for me and for her."


    The guard walked to a table behind him and took two pieces of paper from a stack. He handed one to Layla Palmer and another to Lucas. He then said, " These forms show that you are taking the magic academy exam. Sprinkle some blood on it to bind your identity to it. You need to have this stamped within the next 24 hours others our guards will find you and throw you back to sticks you came from. Do you understand?"


    Lucas grabbed the paper and said, " Yes," So Lucas bit his thumb and sprinkled blood on the page binding his identity to it. Layla Palmer did the same. When the guard saw that they had done it. He allowed them passage into the Kingdom.


    " Next," the guard said.


    Once they had entered the Kingdom and a few meters away from the guard. Layla Palmer said, " Why did you lie to him saying you know someone in the village ?"


    " He looked at my clothes. So I''m assuming 5 gold is an amount of money someone with these clothes can''t pay. As such if I told him I had the money there was a chance he would try to take it from me. I can''t start a fight with a guard who is protecting the Kingdom I want to enter."


    Layla Palmer was astonished how quickly Lucas interpreted possible danger and then prevented it. " No wonder he is leaving me," She thought.


    Lucas looked at Layla Palmer and said, " I''ve always wanted to try this worlds beer. It would be cool to share my first with you."

 37. The final beer

    Lucas looked at Layla Palmer and said, " I''ve always wanted to try this worlds beer. It would be cool to share my first with you."


    Layla Palmer didn''t react at all. She was used to Lucas''s innuendos. She said, " Sure." So Lucas and Layla Palmer walked around the Kingdom. The streets were bustling with people. There were stalls selling all types of things. From food to fruit to wood, to pots, to raw materials like steel and wood also magic items. There was a lot of noise here as people tried to advertise their stalls. This Kingdom was split into sections. There was the part residential and stall section know as the Stalls. The next section deeper into the Kingdom was where actual shops sold their stuff. The authenticity of what was being sold here was a lot more reliable but also more expensive. This section also had a residential area. The closer to the centre your house was the more lavish it was. The shops worked the same way. The closer to the centre the more expensive the items you found in the shop. This section was dubbed the commercial area. It was split into lower and upper commercial. Upper being the more expensive.


    After this section was now as the Academy area. Where the various Academies could be found, and deeper in was the Mage Academy. Being the most sought after, the Mage academy received more benefits like a bigger academy. Better rooms for all student and better food, etc. Getting into the Mage Academy alone was an achievement that you could brag to all your friends about. And it would bring about great jealousy. Parents would receive bragging rights and money from the Kingdom because they raised such prosperous children( if you born in this Kingdom of course).


    After the Academy section was the Noble section where the Nobles lived. And lastly but not least, the Palace where the Royal family stayed and where most of the nobles worked.


    Layla Palmer and Lucas were currently in the Stalls and wanted to go to the Commercial to get a restaurant/pub where they could get a beer. Once they got to the commercial area Layla Palmer said, " Lucas there''s a restaurant let''s go." Layla Palmer excitedly walked ahead of Lucas.


    Lucas walked at his own pace and met her at the door. The restaurant was called The Red Margaret. They walked in together catching the attention of everyone. The place was well decorated and smelt nice despite the alcohol being sold and the sweaty adventurers. The bar that was bustling with people, laughs and conversation was now dead quiet as they stared at Lucas and Layla Palmer. Lucas ignored the stares and walked forward to an empty table. Layla Palmer followed him and they both sat on the only empty table left in the whole restaurant. There were about 100 people in this restaurant it was very full. They had a lot of waiters and each of them was females that you could say is attractive. Which is what attracted so many people.


    Lucas looked at the wall to check the menu. Even though he already knew he only came for a beer he needed to look busy. Because all the eyes were still on them. Actually, a more accurate description would be that all the eyes were focused on Layla Palmer. Soon a waiter snapped out her daze fueled by admiration and jealousy. She came to Lucas and Layla and asked " What do you wish to order," She looked at Lucas and then stared daggers at Layla Palmer.


    Lucas put pressure on Palmer''s palm and then on her shoulder. Because she was ready to have a go at the waiter. Lucas said," Can you bring us a round of beer?"Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    " Coming right up," the waiter said while walking away. A few minutes later the waiter returned with the beer in a wooden mug. The foam was bubbling over just like Lucas had remembered it did in anime and series he had watched. It was because of movies and series that Lucas was excited to drink beer. He did not like the taste of it in his previous world ( where Lucas is from the legal drinking age is 18). But now he would brave it out and drink it even if he did not like it. How could you call yourself an adventurer and not drink beer? After a gruelling day of fighting, you find your local tavern and drink beer with your party. To celebrate, you drink beer with your party. To mourn a party members death, you drink beer in remembrance, with your party. Beer brought the life of an adventurer together.


    The waiter put down the wooden mug in front of Lucas. Afterwards, she banged Layla Palmer''s wooden mug on the table. Some of her beer spilt out the cup and on the table.


    " How careless of me," The waiter said smiling at Layla Palmer.


    Layla Palmer had just about had it with this girl. Who picked on her just because she was jealous and angry at herself for admiring another woman other than herself. She was about to go off on the waiter when she felt an ominous presence looking at her. It was Lucas, he was looking at her while thinking " I dare you." Layla Palmer quickly calmed down and just returned the smile to the waiter. Layla Palmer knew had she made a scene Lucas would have left the scene immediately and that would be the goodbye.


    Lucas then said " Thanks that will be all for now. You can go now," The waiter wasn''t too pleased with Lucas''s tone and the way he said it. But her boss was looking at her so she couldn''t retaliate. Her boss wouldn''t tolerate any more disservice to the paying customers. It would bring her name down.


    Lucas took his wooden mug and so did Layla Palmer. They said cheers and clinked there mugs against each other. Layla Palmer was about to take a sip when Lucas said, "Wait!". Layla Palmer immediately stopped trying to drink and she thought something was wrong. She looked at Lucas with a puzzled look. Lucas then said," It''s bad luck if you don''t look me in the eyes. I don''t believe it but I want to do it right." Layla Palmer said " Okay."


    So they did it again but this time they were looking at each other in the eyes. Afterwards, they took a deep sip of the beer. Layla Palmer''s faced scrunched when she tasted the beer but she still swallowed it. She thought she would tough it out because it seemed important to Lucas so even if the taste was bad she couldn''t disrespect Lucas and spit it out.


    Lucas too took a deep sip with much anticipation and then as it entered his mouth he tasted it and just like his previous world he didn''t like the taste. But he was determined to drink it anyways.


    [ Dangerous chemicals present in this beer. Drinking this beer weakens your mana channels in your body making mana control harder for you. Do not ingest it.]


    When Lucas got this notification he immediately spat it out. He didn''t do it in a refined way. He SPAT it out all over the table and in Layla Palmers drink too. Layla Palmer was shocked. She had just swallowed this because she assumed Lucas would too. But here Lucas is spitting his drink all over the table. When the other customers saw Lucas spit out his drink they all started teasing and mocking him.


    " This insolent kid! How rude of you to spit out this beer."


    " Beer is for real men if you can''t handle it get out!"


    " Such disrespect."


    " Look at this baby, he can''t handle his liquor."


    " What''s wrong kid, you not ready to give up mommies breast milk."


    " Miss come drink with us."


    " Yeah come drink with us we will show you how real men drink beer."


    " No, drink with us we will show you a good time."


    " No, drink with us. WE will show you a good time."


    The room was getting rowdier by the second with people trying to vie for Layla Palmer''s attention. And hopefully getting this chance to drink with her. The owner of the building saw the disorder and immediately hushed everyone. She walked towards Lucas as she wanted to know what was wrong. She was quite offended by the fact that Lucas had just spat out the beer that everyone knew and loved.

 38. Goodbye

    The room was getting rowdier by the second with people trying to vie for Layla Palmer''s attention. And hopefully getting this chance to drink with her. The owner of the building saw the disorder and immediately hushed everyone. She walked towards Lucas as she wanted to know what was wrong. She was quite offended by the fact that Lucas had just spat out the beer that everyone knew and loved.


    "Kid, is there something wrong with the beer?" The owner said in a sweet and friendly voice.


    Lucas looked at her and said, " No, nothing is wrong, it''s just that this is my first time drinking beer. I didn''t expect it to be so bitter. But now I see that that is the joy of it."


    The owner openly laughed and while smacking Lucas''s back repetitively. It wasn''t meant to hurt but she had no control over her strength. So with every slap Lucas''s back arched more and more downwards. She then said," Yes that is the joy of it. Be a man and drink up. Look your girlfriend seems to have no problem with the drink," After that, the owner walked away and went back to overseeing the restaurant.


    Lucas stretched out his back as it was aching after the repetitive slaps. But he was worried as to what he was going to do now. He could not drink the beer and damage his mana channels, but neither could he openly offend the owner and everyone in this room... Lucas discretely told Layla Palmer under the noise of the discussion happening in the room, " there is something wrong with this beer. I felt something off happening to my mana channels when I swallowed a bit. That''s why I spat it out. Don''t drink this beer."


    Layla Palmer was about to take a sip but then she slowly removed the mug from her lips, swallowed air and then put the mug down on the table. She then said, " Are you sure?"


    " Yeah, I''m 100% sure. It is weird, why has no one noticed? Despite the number of people here."


    " I did not notice either and I had a sip of it. Do you think my mana channels are weaker now...?" Layla Palmer said with fear and sadness.


    " I don''t think so, you have gone through the trial by fire so your body is a lot stronger now. Also, I think it''s when you drink a lot that the damage becomes noticeable, that is if you looking for it..."


    Layla sighed in relief, " Great, then I won''t drink this beer anymore!"


    " Yeah, that would be advisable."


    " Should we tell the owner about the effects of her beer?"


    " NO! Definitely not, I''m sure someone else will notice and eventually tell her. Besides, I don''t know if this is intentional or not. Also,this might not be the only place with bad beer. As such it''s best to leave it as is."


    " Okay, if you say so... Anyways this was a bust. Now that we can''t drink beer anymore what happens next..." Layla Palmer said.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    " Just leave the beers on the table, I''ll deal with the repercussions. It will probably be a bunch of people teasing me anyways."


    With that Layla Palmer stood up and then Lucas did. They were just staring at each other for a minute straight. Neither of them sure what to do... They knew this was the part where they supposed to say goodbye. But the words just weren''t coming out their mouths. It was like trying to bring up a bolus in the oesophagus that wanted to go down the stomach. They just stood and looked at each other for another minute.


    It was then that the restaurant caught on about the strange events. The whole restaurant turned quiet as they looked at Layla Palmer and Lucas staring at each other without uttering a word. Eventually, Lucas awkwardly extended his hand and said, " Thank you for everything."


    Layla Palmer looked at his hand and then looked at Lucas, and then at his hand and then at Lucas again. After looking at Lucas the tears in her eyes began streaming. She had a flashback of what happened, all the emotional roller coasters she went on. First getting transported here, then almost suffering a fate worse than death. To hide in sewage scared she won''t make it out alive. To arrive in a forest, where she ate the best food she had ever tasted. This is where she found herself. Where she used to be hunted by the monsters in her mind and outside. Until she gained strength mentally and physically to fight them.


    All this happened because Lucas guided her correctly... She owed him her life and as much as she didn''t want to leave. She respected his wishes because she knew Lucas did not make decisions lightly. Layla Palmer looked at Lucas''s hand one more time but then instead of shaking his hand she walked closer to him and hugged Lucas tightly. Lucas wrapped his arms around her too and hugged her back.


    Everyone inside the restaurant breathed deeply when they saw what was going on. It was odd. After 3 minutes Layla Palmer let go of Lucas so Lucas let go of her. She looked at Lucas and then kissed him on the lips. She gently took a hold of his hand placing something inside it. She slowly started walking out of the restaurant holding his hand and still looking at Lucas until his arm couldn''t extend any further. So she slowly let go of his hand while turning around, and then walked under the lintel of the door. She waved at Lucas and said bye then walked out of the shop.


    Lucas watched as she left. And he wasn''t happy that she was leaving. He himself found that he developed feelings for her. To make matters worse, Layla Palmer kissed him. His heart was bleeding but yet at peace. On fire but all so cold and lonely. But he could not act on these emotions. A relationship in this stage of his life will only serve as a hindrance for him. He was unsure of how to do life himself how could he bring someone into that. Also having to protect someone while trying to protect yourself. Later he would be annoying a lot of people and to get to him they will go for his loved ones. In that regard, it was a blessing that in this world Lucas was an orphan too.


    Lucas knew Layla Palmer would be alright. She had the money to get into the Academy of her choosing. Lucas gave her the treasure box to store some gold he gave her. Now that the Thea was level 3 he had could now use her dimensional space to store his items. Which he did, he took out all his treasures and left some gold for the registration as well as gold for her to live and eat.


    Lucas rubbed his eyes quickly and sat down. He took deep breaths to regain his composure. He no longer cared about formalities like making the owner feel like her beer was worth something. He immediately called for the bill.


    When he did five massively built men stood up and sat next to him filling up the table. They looked at Lucas slowly. Trying to size him up. This time the room didn''t go silent as people were whispering to each other. Trying to guess what was going to happen next.

 39. " Get out of my way!"

    Five massively built men stood up and sat next to him filling up the table. They looked at Lucas slowly. Trying to size him up. This time the room didn''t go silent as people were whispering to each other. Trying to guess what was going to happen next.


    " It''s the rowdy 5 again."


    " My soul prays for his safety."


    " Look it''s them again. Do you think the boy is gonna be okay?"


    " Aaah isn''t this there last warning, maybe the owner will step in and save him."


    " They never listen do they..."


    The chatter continued while they were sizing Lucas up. Lucas ignored these men and was looking around for the waiter that was on her way. But she was nowhere to be found. Clearly, she saw one of these men and decided to step away. After sizing Lucas up the leader put his hand on Lucas''s shoulder. He had the most muscles of the group. He was 6ft3 (190cm) so he had an intimidating appearance. With tattoos of skulls on his arm which were visible because he was wearing a tank top. In his case, a wife beater would be the more accurate word. He had black hair and a very muscular face. He had muscles on his muscles.


    " Are you planning on drinking that?" The leader said to Lucas with a smile.


    Lucas looked at him, with a straight face and said," No!"


    The leader was shocked by Lucas''s response. There wasn''t a shred of fear in his voice. Normally people would be scared of him not just because of his reputation but his appearance alone. The leader wasn''t too pleased with this. He had an audience watching him. He couldn''t have people thinking it was okay to react to him in an emotion other than fear. The leader grabbed Lucas''s shoulder and squeezed tightly. Afterwards, he said, " I said, are you going to drink that."


    Lucas looked at the guy and furrowed his eyebrows. He then said, " Listen here bud. I said no. If you want it that bad just take it. I already told you, I''m not drinking it."


    The leader got the shock of his life. Firstly, Lucas seemed to be just fine while the leader was squeezing with 60%of his strength. Also again Lucas replied in a voice devoid of fear and respect. In fact, this time hints of condescension and anger could be heard in his voice. When the restaurants heard Lucas''s response they began laughing. Until the leader looked at them, after that they all shut up and real quick.


    The leader had lost all patience with Lucas. His face was red with anger. He stood and from his seat letting go of Lucas''s shoulder. When the others saw that their leader had lost his cool. They immediately tried to calm him down.


    " Hey, don''t let it get to you he is just some kid. He probably doesn''t know about you."


    " Or he is so scared of you that it seems like he is not."


    " Just calm down... Your dad is a noble but he insisted that we stop causing trouble for him while he tries to climb the ladder."


    " Just let it go, the longer we wait here. The further away the beauty gets from us."


    All these comments went through one ear and out through the other. The leader was so angry that it all meant nothing to him. He grabbed Lucas''s shoulders with both hands wanting to lift him up from his seat and force him to stand. But again to his surprise, Lucas wasn''t budging an inch. It was as if Lucas''s weighed 600 tons. The leader''s muscles where bulging as he tried to pull him up but Lucas didn''t move an inch. It was quite comical to see this big guy trying to pick up a small guy and failing at that too. Everyone wanted to laugh but had to keep it in in fear of them becoming the object of his rage.


    By now Lucas realized these people are the reason he can''t get the bill and leave. Everyone feared them. So Lucas put his hands on the leader''s hands and then removed the leader''s hands from his shoulders. Afterwards, Lucas stood up and said, " What do you want? I''m in no mood to play games right now. I have already told you that I''m not drinking this beer so what now!?"


    This team the leader didn''t react in rage like he did last time. Despite the anger being clearer in Lucas''s voice. This time the leader was actually scared himself. First off, he couldn''t make Lucas stand up despite using all of his strength. Secondly, he was still trying to pull Lucas up when Lucas casually removed his hands from his shoulders and then stood up. The leader was no idiot, by now he had realized he had provoked someone a lot stronger than him. And judging by Lucas''s tone he was close to raging out.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    " My-my dad is a Viscount you know." The leader said in fear hoping Lucas would return his fiery gaze. But Lucas looked at him as if he was stupid. Why would Lucas care? He had shown no respect to a King of an entire Kingdom. As if a Viscount could instil more fear than a King. The leader saw Lucas''s reaction and gulped in fear.


    The entire restaurant was puzzled as to what was going on. They didn''t understand how the leader just switched up so quickly. First showing pride and conceit now fear and inferiority. And all to someone much smaller than him. Yes, they saw him struggle to pick Lucas up. But that was irrelevant. In combat, the leader should surely win. He is a Mage on the path of becoming a beast tamer after all. Just being a mage alone plus such a physique gives him the edge over many people. Yet the leader was stepping on eggshells around Lucas.


    " Boss, we did tell you to stop the provocations. But being scared of this whippersnapper (1) is another thing."


    " Yeah, where is your honour. Look at him. I''m sure your dad will understand if you beat some sense into him."


    " I agree."


    " I think you should trust your instincts."


    Everyone immediately looked at the fifth member of the group because it was the only response that was against smacking Lucas.


    "Bryan, just shut up. You just joined this group and you are by far the weakest. So, of course, you would say that. You probably too scared to fight."


    " Yeah, since when did you get the right to speak! You''re here for a week and you think you can voice your opinion."


    " You only got in because his dad finds your mom attractive."


    "Yeah, your sister would have been a better fit for this group!"


    " I''m sorry, my men are like this sometimes. You said you no longer want the beer. I only came here because I wanted it." The leader said while smiling at Lucas.


    Lucas casually flicked his hands saying its all his if he wants it. Afterwards, he took a step forward as he wanted to go directly to the waiter. If she wasn''t going to come to him he would go to her. Lucas wanted to leave this place full of memories he wanted to forget. But when he moved the four other men blocked his path.


    " Ay little man, where do you think you are going?" Number two said.


    " Yeah, where do you think you are going?" the rest said in unison.


    " I''d like to leave. Can you please move?" Lucas said.


    " What about those beers though?" number 2 said.


    " Like I told your leader. If you want them, they are yours. Now get out my way."


    " I don''t like your tone! You had the honour to sit down with a babe and now you think you own the place. I''ll put you in your place boy." Number 2 said.


    " I''m not going to ask again. Get, out, of my way!" Lucas said angrily.


    The men stood still, not moving an inch. The only thing moving was their facial muscles as they contorted in anger. But soon number 2 lifted his hands and wanted to swing at Lucas. He had had it with Lucas''s tone. First to his leader and then to him and his group. He also was brimming with jealousy. How did Lucas get the opportunity to have a drink with such a beautiful girl and then not drink the beer? How is that he let such a beautiful girl slip away like that? If it was him he would wife her up immediately and have her raise his children. Forget trying to get into Mage school. He would drop all he had to bag her. He was actually hoping to drink the beer from Layla Palmer''s mug. Maybe he could even still find the wet part on the rim of the mug.


    [ I am detecting blood lust Lucas. I''m initiating combat mode.]


    " Thanks, Thea," Lucas thought.


    Number 2 swung his fist at Lucas with all his strength. The guys who were next to him got hit by his body movements when he tried to swing. Once hit by number 2''s movement they all fell on the ground. That was the weight and speed at which he was punching.


    Lucas looked at the fist that was approaching him. As he did he lost his cool. Even in combat mode, he lost his temper. Lucas dodged the punch by moving quickly under it. Lucas was now in open space under his fist. Number 2 was scared because Lucas was now free to hit him as much as he could. And judging by how easy it was for Lucas to dodge his punch which came without warning too. Clearly, Lucas could deal some damage. Lucas rose up after bobbing and weaving. He came up like he was about to throw an uppercut but instead cupped his hand. And grabbed number 2 by the neck. Lucas then picked him up from the ground and slammed his body down on the floor. Breaking the wooden floor. This all happened in one swift motion.


    Lucas stood up again. He looked at the five guys on the floor with eyes of a King and then looked away. By now Lucas had regained his normal composure. Combat mode was doing its job. Lucas walked to the owner and said. " I''m sorry for the mess I have caused inside your restaurant." Lucas then took out a gold coin from Thea''s storage and gave it to the owner. He then said, " This is for the beers, the repairs and any other form of damage I might have caused your business."


    The owner wanted to object to receiving a gold coin as payment but Lucas put it in her hand closed her hand for her. He then walked out of the restaurant. The place was dead quiet. No one said a word. They didn''t know what had just happened.


    Who was this guy to be able to take out the number 2 of the rowdy bunch with one hand? Beat the leader without fighting. And then to top it all of. He paid for a beer and minor damages with a gold coin. A GOLD COIN!


    " Phew, I got off easy." The leader said.


    1- whippersnapper -A young and inexperienced person considered to be presumptuous or overconfident.

 40. The letter

    Who was this guy to be able to take out the number 2 of the rowdy bunch with one hand? Beat the leader without fighting. And then to top it all of. He paid for a beer and minor damages with a gold coin. A GOLD COIN!


    " Phew, I got off easy." The leader said.


    [ Combat mode deactivated]


    Lucas walked out of the restaurant and then opened his left hand to see what Layla Palmer gave him. He could feel the structure and it was clearly wooden. After opening his hand Lucas looked at it and saw it was a wooden carving of himself. It was a miniature version of him. It was carved in dark wood, obviously not by mistake. The attention to detail on this carving was remarkable. It had faint traces of mana on it. Like it was imbued with it. Lucas deduced that Layla Palmer used small arcane rays to carve this doll. Lucas looked at the head again to see how she saw him. But to his surprise, there was a line on the doll''s neck. He did not have a line on his neck...? Lucas looked at it and saw that it was so that you could bend the wooden head backwards. Lucas bent the wooden kneck backwards and inside the doll was a hole. It was about the size of a drill hole.


    Inside this hole was a piece of paper. Lucas knew that on this piece of paper was Layla Palmer''s goodbye letter. His heart started beating faster... He just stood still and looked at the piece of paper in the doll. He wanted to read the message so badly. But he didn''t know if his heart could handle any more. He wanted to discard the doll and just run away from the feelings. It was war in Lucas''s mind and heart. It was a battle between the rational and the irrational. It was a battle between the heart and the brain. A schism. The brain had already won once since Lucas decided to leave Layla Palmer in fear of being weak with love.


    " Since the brain won this one, it is only fair that I go with my heart this time... But then again do I really want to read this message. What if she tells me something I want to hear but don''t want to hear...? Would I be able to live with my decision...? But also if I just throw it away. I might just wonder my entire life what she said to me. It''s always been the unknown that has eaten me up the most in my past life... I really don''t know what to do. I''ve never been good with females... I''ve always just waited for my feelings to die. I''ve been single my entire life because of those of decisions. Just look at how I ended up because of that... Well, my love life didn''t really have anything to do with me dying. Wait actually it did. The only reason I died was that I never spoke to that girl.


    And because of that things spiralled and I got killed. So technically I died because I decided to run away... Well, then that settles it. No matter how much my insides are turning. I''m reading this message."


    Lucas took a deep breath and looked at the letter in the hole. He collected his courage for 5 seconds and then took the letter out of the hole. He unfolded it out of the scroll-like shape. It immediately expanded to the size of an A4 page, through magic of course. He then looked at the page and began reading. As he did the tears streamed from his face and onto the ground.


    " He''s crying..." A young man said.


    " Should we confront him now?" Another young man said.


    " No, not yet... Let''s wait for the best moment," A female said.


    One of Lucas''s tears landed on the letter. Lucas, immediately wiped his tears as he couldn''t damage the letter. He refolded it returning it to its original size. He then put the letter back into the hole and then flipped back the head. He then put the doll into Thea''s storage.


    Lucas took deep breaths and regained his composure. When he did three people approached him. Lucas looked at them. This time his gaze had no emotion. It was so empty it felt ominous. A chill went down each of their spines as Lucas glanced at them.


    " Wow, calm down. We not here to harm you." One of the young men said.


    " I remember you though, you''re from the restaurant. No?" Lucas said


    " Yes, we are..." The young man said.


    " So what do want with me? As you can see I''m not in a good mood. But if you want to get it. " As Lucas said this rage in his heart began burning, " I''m more than willing to throw down with you!"


    " Wow, wow, wow. What my brother over here is trying to say is that we are not here to fight you. We saw what you did to the leader and the number 2 of the notorious Rowdy 5. We only want to ask you a question." The female of the group interjected and then said.


    " It''s a rare skin disease. That''s why my skin is black." Lucas said.


    " What?" The female said.


    " My skin... That''s the reason it''s black."


    " That''s cool. But we don''t care about that. And that''s not why we are here."


    " Oh, sorry I assumed that''s the case. What do you want to ask?"


    " Well, actually my brother Vali over here wants to ask you something." She then looked at Vali and said, " Vali speak quickly while you have his attention."


    Vali looked at his sister and then at Lucas and said, " Well what I wanted to know is why...? Why did you let go of such a beautiful girl? I mean she was breathtaking! You had a diamond in your hands I just can''t understand why?! Is she a trap or something... Why?"If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Lucas looked at Vali and said, " Why do you care?"


    Vali got annoyed when Lucas said that because he was hoping to get an answer. He was just about to swear at Lucas when. His sister quickly calmed him down.


    " Forgive my brother''s rude expressions." The sister said to Lucas. Then she turned to Vali and said. " Are you stupid. You just saw what he did and now you want to provoke him. Plus you don''t seem to understand what he meant by that. He didn''t mean it in a rude way. He literally meant to ask you. Why do you care? You will then know the only reason you care that he is leaving her is that she is beautiful. If she wasn''t you wouldn''t care, would you? So basically her attractiveness is the reason you are here talking to him. So her attractiveness is what attracted you to him. He must have left her for that reason exactly. He probably wants to live a peaceful life. Well, as peaceful as it can be and with her, he cannot do that since she attracts attention wherever she goes. "


    Lucas nodded his head because this was spot on and exactly what he meant. Lucas''s opinion of the girl also rose. She was able to deduce what he meant so quickly and effectively. Lucas had originally planned on splitting his explanation into multiple steps but she only needed one.


    " Oh," Vali said, as he now understood the reason for Lucas''s decision.


    At this moment the other brother extended his hand towards Lucas and said, " I''m Timothy, Timothy Richshade" Lucas shook his hand and then Timothy said pointing to each relevant individual, " And this is my sister Beth Richshade. You have already met Vali Richshade. We are all siblings."


    Lucas smiled at each of them and then said," So is that all?"


    " Actually, we want you to join us for a mission. We could use your strength. You are an F rank adventurer already, right? Oh... and plus you don''t have to worry about gaining unwanted attention. Beth has average looks and she is single. So you don''t need to worry about jealous boyfriends too." Vali Richshade said.


    Beth Richshade looked at Vali Richshade like he was going to get it later at home.


    " What, it''s true. You are not as attractive as Helena. All of mom''s attractiveness went to her. Since she was born first."


    Lucas looked at Vali Richshade and then said, " Sorry I cannot. I need to go and apply to the Mage Academy. If I don''t do it soon, I will get thrown out of the Kingdom. Plus I''m not an adventurer yet. I am going to the academy still."


    " What you are not an adventurer yet?! You are so strong. But I understand. Maybe next time then."


    " Maybe next time..." Lucas said that and then waved at them while walking away.


    Lucas walked closer and closer to the centre of the Kingdom from his previous location. He was looking for a place to sleep as it was already night time. Lucas looked at the signs of the inns looking for one that seemed the most welcoming. He eventually found one. "The Universal Inn". Lucas walked into the place and it looked like a restaurant. It was full of people sitting and eating their food. It wasn''t rowdy like the previous place. When Lucas walked in everyone looked at him some confused and others afraid. Lucas sighed out his nose.


    When the owner saw Lucas she said to the people, " Mind your own business, people. This place has no limits on who may enter. Everyone is welcome. Isn''t that why you come here?"


    When she said that the negative atmosphere that was in the inn immediately dissipated and everyone carried on with there own thing. The owner led Lucas to the reception desk.


    She then said, " Would you like a table. Or are you here to sleep. Maybe both?"


    " I am here for both," Lucas said.


    " Good, what room would you like we have three types. The standard room has just a bed to sleep on. The Advanced room is more spacious with more amenities. And lastly the luxury room. All priced at 50 bronze pieces, 70 bronze pieces and 3 silver pieces and 50 bronze pieces per night respectively. This all includes breakfast. Any other meal you must pay for yourself."


    " How are the beds in the luxury room vs the advanced room," Lucas asked as he wanted to sleep on a great bed after sleeping on the floor for a month.


    "The advanced room''s bed is really nice but it doesn''t hold a candle against the Luxury rooms bed," The owner said while winking at Lucas.


    Lucas didn''t know if it was true or not or just a sales tactic to make more money. But he didn''t care. " I''ll book a luxury room for one night please." Lucas took 4 silver coins out from Thea''s storage and gave it to the owner. The owner gave him 50 bronze pieces in return. She then pointed at girl up ahead and said, " Here is your key, she will go and show you your room when you ready. The kitchen closes in two hours."


    Lucas nodded at her and then went to go sit down at an open table. A waiter came up to him and gave him a menu. Lucas looked at the menu and saw something that caused a surge of memories in his mind. One of the items was Fried Parashwein( a creature he encountered in the Forest of Talem) steak, basted in garlic and butter. Served best with a Chatre which was this worlds equivalent to Chardonnay. Lucas ordered the Fried Parashwein steak. He asked for it medium rare but the waiter didn''t understand him so he just went with whatever way it came.


    When the food arrived the lack of aroma annoyed him. But he was hungry so he ate it anyway. When he ate it. The meat was hard and was cooked far past medium. It was dry and just all around displeasing. Lucas kept all these thoughts to himself he was just happy to eat food that he didn''t have to slave over. After paying for the bill he found the girl. She directed him to his bedroom. He used his key to open the door. And when he did two attractive females were lying on top of his bed. They were clothed in a very thin white fabric. It wasn''t see through but you could see a bit of their bodies.


    Lucas was confused about why his luxury room had people in it. According to the owner, he wasn''t sharing a room but they in the room? It then struck him as to why the owner said this bed is much more comfortable. Clearly, these girls are the reason. Lucas immediately chased them out and told them they are not needed. He then looked at all the sweets and fruits on trays in the room. As well as the whip cream and chocolates. But he was tired so he climbed into bed and closed his eyes.


    When he did the letter''s contents flooded his mind again.


    " If you are reading this then we are no longer together. Now I am not going to write anything sappy because I know you don''t want that. In fact just the fact that you reading this is great. I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. You taught me so much and I don''t mean in terms of fighting. But life lessons. I appreciate that. Life lessons are priceless. You changed me from my timid self into the confident woman I am today. I hope you get what you want in life. I know you can make it. Maybe you will forget about me, but I will never forget about you. I will always be on the lookout for news about you. Even if you want to ''take over the world''. I will always support you from behind the scenes be your goals good or bad. Once more, thank you. Layla Palmer out".


    And in very, very small writing. It says, "I lo...". After the message finished replaying in his mind, Lucas fell asleep.

 41. The Grand hall

    The next morning Lucas woke up. It was a strange experience. For the first time, he had woken up in a bed and a roof over his head. But it was also his first time waking up alone... Usually, he would be braaing last night''s kill. And then he and Layla would eat it before they went to go and train. Now he just needed to go downstairs have them make breakfast for him.


    Lucas got out of bed and then made his bed. It was done perfectly like he was in the army. Another skill he had learnt while staying at the orphanage ( Children''s home). After making his bed he looked at the trays of sweet and fruits. But he didn''t want anything now. So he just put all the fruit that looked tasty in Thea''s storage. After that, he left the room and locked it. Lucas then walked downstairs to the restaurant area and saw that it was almost full already. When Lucas got downstairs the owner greeted him energetically and said, " Oh, you are awake. Did you have a good sleep?"


    Lucas smiled at her and said, " Yes, I did thank you very much."


    The owner smiled in response to Lucas''s smile and said, " You must be hungry. Take a seat at a table and order breakfast."


    Lucas nodded and gave her the keys to the room he was staying in. He then found an empty table and sat down. After 5 minutes a waiter came up to him and gave him the menu and said, " Do you want anything to drink?"


    Lucas said, " Just a glass of water would be great, thank you."


    The waiter nodded his head and then walked away. Lucas scanned the breakfast menu. But nothing caught his fancy. It was all different types of porridges. Like oatmeal and even ones made from rice. Lucas wanted to eat something with meat because that''s what his body was used to. He was looking for something similar to an English breakfast. But there was nothing on the menu. Lucas sighed and in the end choose oatmeal. Lucas ate his breakfast. Afterwards, he walked to the owner and said, " Do you know how to get to the Mage Academy from here?"


    The owner looked at Lucas quizzically and said, " The Mage Academy?"


    Lucas returned the same look and said, "Yes, the Mage Academy."


    " You aren''t planning on taking the entrance exam, are you?"


    " I am, is there a problem with that...?"


    " It''s extremely tough to be a Mage. There is a reason that only 3% of all adventures are Mages. I''d advise you to rather not waste a year and apply to the Warrior Academy."


    " Thank you very much for your consideration. But I''d still like to know, thank you. "


    " You still want to go... Okay, don''t say I didn''t warn you. Just continue up the road. When you see the Three Cosmos Galaxy inn Turn right. There is the Warriors Academy. And closer to the centre is the Mage Academy. That place is saturated with Royalty and nobility so just be careful not to offend anyone. Lest you lose your head."


    Lucas thanked her for the information and then he left. Lucas didn''t waste any time and immediately went up the path that he was instructed to. He walked up the road and closer to the centre until he saw the Three Cosmos Galaxy inn. It was impossible to miss, to be honest. It had big signs and people advertising the inn in the streets. Lucas walked past it and then took a right turn. Up ahead he saw the entrance to the Warrior Academy. The security was tight here and there was a lot of people. All of different backgrounds. Some rich some poor. Some female some male. 65% of the people were red or white skinned people. The other 35% was made of blue or green-skinned people.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Lucas walked past them and continued down the road. Until he saw the Mage Academy''s sign from afar. So he knew he was going in the right direction. When he got there the line was extremely long. So he would be waiting a while before he could get his ticket stamped. While waiting in line Lucas observed that this place was a lot more luxurious than the Warrior Academy. Even the sign of the Mage Academy was made out of pure gold. There were more guards here and the general power level was a lot stronger here. The least surprising thing was that the racial divide was skewed even further here. Approximately 80% of all examinees were either white or red. The remainder of 20% was made of green or blue-skinned people. And these were just the examinees. Once all tests were done this would skew further.


    Lucas waited in the line until it was his turn. He got to the reception desk and gave them his ticket. The person behind the desk stamped the ticket. Once it was stamped a small red cloud came out of the ticket signalling that the tracking spell is no longer active. The receptionist then asked for the 5 gold pieces required to take the entrance exam, so Lucas gave it to her. Once he did the receptionist pointed to the Academy''s Grand hall and told him to go there.


    When Lucas left the receptionist said, to her colleague, " I feel so sorry for that boy..."


    Lucas walked to the Grand Hall and it was massive. It looked similar to an opera hall. With three stories and lots of seats. Royalty sat at the top so they could look down on everyone. Next was the nobles sitting beneath them and the last one was free for all. Everyone ran and fought for a place to sit above ground level. They too wanted to look down on the ones below too. Lucas saw the fight that broke out but he wasn''t going to take part in that. He just looked for a seat in the middle row and sat down. The real hierarchy isn''t determined by where you sit.


    Once everything was settled and everyone was seated. The principal came forward to the podium on the stage. She then said, " All rise," and everyone stood up. She then gestured with her hands that everyone could sit so they did. Lucas sat down too.


    Then the Principle said, " My name is Ivys Vinay, I am the Principle of this Academy as well as the head examiner of this year''s Exams. I''m sure you all have many questions and they will be answered in due time. But first things first. As you all know that our territory is divided into four parts. Ruled by the four Kings of different colours. The White King and the Red King have always been allies. And the Blue and Green King have always been allies. Last month the Green King sent his army to attack the White King. Things were looking very bad for the White Kingdom until an unknown entity appeared changing the tides and he drove the Green King''s army away. In fear of a full-out war breaking out, all the Kingdoms signed a peace treaty. And the Green Kingdom was punished for their actions.


    And because of that treaty for the first time in centuries, our Academy welcomes the green and blue-skinned people. Please note that here at our Academy everyone will be judged solely on their skill level. You will not receive special treatment because you are a native."


    Once she said that all the green and blue-skinned people cheered loudly while clapping there hands. Ivys Vinay continued and said, " But the same goes for the blue and green-skinned people. You will not receive any special attention just because you are a minority." When she said this all the white and red-skinned people started cheering.


    " Calm down, calm down. Now this year''s exams will have three tests. If your results for test 1 and 2 are far above average you will not be taking part in test 3. However, if you do want to take part in test 3 you will be competing with everyone else that had the option to skip test 3. Not with those that have to take part in test 3 to be accepted. So without further ado, test 1 is a mana test. Test 2 tests whether you have an affinity for other magic other than your natural element. I''m sure you all know that white skinned people are naturally gifted with wind-related spells. Red with fire, blue with water and green with earth. So please follow the guides to the site for test 1, Thank you."


    The whole hall was filled with applause as she walked off the stage.

 42. Test 1

    I''m sure you all know that white skinned people are naturally gifted with wind-related spells. Red with fire, blue with water and green with earth. So please follow the guides to the site for test 1, thank you."


    The whole hall was filled with applause as she walked off the stage. After that everyone got up from their seats and followed the guides. The people that were on top had to wait for the ground floor to clear out. Because there was no space. Another reason Lucas didn''t want to be on the top floor. The Royals had to wait the longest because two other floors had to file out before they could. Once Lucas got outside he followed a group of people that where being led by a guide. There were multiple guides and each of them led a group of students to a site where test 1 would take place. Eventually, the guide stopped in front of a large building. The guide opened the door and everyone entered the room. Inside the building was a large white crystal. And officials with a pen and paper in their hands. After all the examinees of this group were in the building the guide left.


    All the officials wore white robes with red highlights. Once the guide left everyone felt confused and had no idea what to do. So one of the officials stepped forward and said, " Everyone sit down in rows of 10. We will call forth a row each time for testing. Once you have been tested you will know your result. Also, instructions on what to do will be given to you then."


    So everyone listened and sat down. Many where fighting to be in the first row so they could take the test early. And others fought for the last row so they could take the test last. And just like in the grand hall Lucas sat somewhere in the middle. Once everything had settled the officials called the first row forward. Lucas was all the way in row 15.


    Once called the students stood up and walked to the giant crystal. They were instructed to walk single file as only one person was going to be tested at a time. Once they got into line the official called forth the first female. Everyone sucked in a large breath as the tension in the room grew. As she walked to the crystal. Everyone had their eyes locked on her. Nobody said a word. They had heard how hard headed here at the Mage Academy the officials were. Everyone wanted to know what is considered acceptable and what is not. The moral of the examinees would be determined by the first result. Lucas himself was unsure of what was going to happen...


    The girl stopped in front of the crystal and looked at the official unsure of what to do next...


    The official looked at her and said, " Place your hand on the crystal. This crystal will measure the amount of mana you have in your body. It will then rank the outcome. You need to at least have E rank potential to get into this school. Meaning you will be able to cast E rank spells without turning into a Souma (1). If your potential is only F rank you will be placed aside. Once all F ranks have been decided only the top 20 F ranks will be accepted the rest can try again next year. Each rank is given a specific colour F Rank is Red, E yellow, D orange C, green, B blue, A Purple. On top that each rank is split into 3 stages. Alpha, Mu, Omega. So you can either be an E rank Alpha, Mu or Omega. If you are an Alpha rank " insert rank" the crystal will show your ranks colour for a short duration and then disappear. Mu will flash your colour and Omega will have your colour show for more than 10 seconds. Please don''t remove your hand before I say so if any inaccuracies occur because of that. That''s on you. "


    Then the official gave her the go ahead and she placed her hand on the crystal and a bright red started flashing. The girl was really disappointed that she only had the potential of an F rank mage and only a Mu no less. She looked at the flashing crystal one more time. And was about to lift her hand off the crystal when she remembered she was told not to. It was at that moment that the flickering stopped and a bright red light emitted out of the crystal. It stayed on for more than 10 seconds. In those 10 seconds, the girl rejoiced that she had listened to herself and didn''t give up on hope. But another miracle occurred amidst the celebration. The colour of the crystal changed from red to yellow. Indicating she had E rank potential after a short while the colour from the crystal vanished and the crystal returned to a colourless state.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "You may take your hand off," one of the officials said. After the test, she left the room smiling from ear to ear. She had passed the first test.


    The moral in the room was high. Everyone was smiling from ear to ear and couldn''t wait to get their results next. They had seen that your initial result isn''t set to be the last. They had seen how she climbed from Mu to Omega and then into a new rank. This gave hope to a lot of people that wanted to get into this school.


    The official called another person. A boy got up all excited, dropping his glasses on the floor and then almost stepping on them. The tension had been lifted in the room so everyone laughed openly. He awkwardly bent down blushing from embarrassment. Once he picked up his glasses he walked towards the crystal. He stood in front of the crystal and took a deep breath feeling optimistic about his chances.


    The official instructed him to put his hand on the crystal so he did. Once he did the crystal immediately shone a green colour. The boy was so excited that he had C rank potential. This meant one day he could become a noble. The boy jumped up into the air. While doing a fist pump in the air. Once he landed he roared while moving his hands as if he was manning a turret. Everyone was shocked by his actions. Lucas couldn''t decide whether it was because of his sudden uproar. Which was out of character for someone wearing glasses. Or because he was an idiot who had let go of the crystal prematurely. Which again went against the stereotype of those that wear glasses... During the boy''s celebration, he realized that everyone was looking at him. But not with admiration, some were looking at him with pity. Some had a hand on their forehead. Some were shaking their heads.


    He wondered if it was something he was doing wrong. Or was it because he wore glasses and because of that it was his fate to be unpopular. He decided to let it go and not be bothered by people that were most likely going to fail. Or if they passed it wouldn''t be a noble pass like him. He wondered if maybe he could go up a rank like that girl before. It was at that moment that he looked at his hands. He just kept staring at them. He blinked over and over again. But after every blink, his hands were still in front of him and not on the crystal... " Ehhhh!" The boy exclaimed. He finally understood why everyone looked at him the way they did. It wasn''t because he wore glasses, or because of fate. But because he let go of the crystal before he could confirm his results. The boy immediately reached for the crystal. But when he did the official screamed " Next". The boy tried to argue and explain his actions. But the official just looked at him apathetically and said " Next". The boy knew there was no way out, they had explained the rules prior to his mistake. So the boy walked out the door dejected. He knew he had passed but he never knew his limit.


    Once he had left the room people were annoyed at how careless he was. He has C rank potential but he is so clumsy. Many people thought it was a waste of talent. The official called "next" for the third time and then the next person walked to the crystal. The final result was a C rank Omega. After this 24 other people took the test and everyone had passed. They Ranged from Rank E to C.


    It was at this moment that people started questioning the difficulty of getting into this Academy. Nobody had failed yet. Yet everyone knew about the prestige of this Academy and how hard it was to become a Mage... They began wondering if it was all a farce to make Mages seem stronger than they actually are. So that Warriors and Assasins would fear them instead of hunting them into extinction.


    The official called next again. And after the evaluation yet another person passed. The crystal shone a blue colour. This was the first B rank pass. Everyone clapped their hands as she walked away from the crystal and out of the room. They cheered her on but in their hearts, they wanted to be her or be better than her.


    1. Souma - When a spell is cast that requires more mana than you have or is at a rank higher than you are. Your mana channels burn out. Your body disintegrates until you are nothing but mana itself with a soul. Roaming mindlessly.

 43. Modern day society ?

    The official called next again. And after the evaluation yet another person passed. The crystal shone a blue colour. This was the first B rank pass. Everyone clapped their hands as she walked away from the crystal and out of the room. They cheered her on but in their hearts, they wanted to be her or be better than her.


    The next person stood up and went to the crystal after being called. He was brimming with excitement. He closed his eyes and put his hands on the crystal anxiously, barely holding his hand still. After a while, the official said, " Fail". All the examinees gasped as this was the first ever fail. The examinee taking the test was shocked to hear the results. He opened his eyes and looked at the crystal but there was no colour on it. It was still transparent. He then deduced that maybe the colour disappeared while he had his eyes closed. So he had the chance of being an Alpha something at least.


    " Can I get a retake, I didn''t see my results." The boy asked the official.


    " There is no need your results have been calculated and tabulated. You can go now."


    " I never saw my results how can I accept your word as true."


    " You dare question my integrity!? If you don''t trust me or every official on this block. Then how can you prove any other result to be true...? Unfortunately, you have failed and if you do not leave now you will be removed from the premises, forcefully."


    When the boy looked at the crystal his eyes welled up with tears. All his dreams had just vanished like that. He had assumed he had great potential for magic. Out of his family, he was the most gifted with basic spells and because of that, his parents told him to try to get into the academy. He had already bragged to all his friends about how he was going to get in. But how is he supposed to go home now... He looked at the crystal one more time this time his reality was clear as day. The boy walked away from the crystal and out the building sobbing loudly.


    The official, unperturbed about what had just happened called for the next person. The atmosphere in the room had lost all its vigour. Someone had failed. This set the reality to the examinees that failure is a possibility... After the official called another person was called forth and this was another fail. After that was another fail. People were getting worried. They wondered did they suddenly up the standard after so many passes... But someone finally passed again and well. This person had C, Mu potential.


    The testing speed, sped up after this as people got accustomed to what was required of them. 14 rows of 10 people had gone through the test of which 66 people passed and the rest had failed. It was now time to test the 15th row. The official called "next" and the next person walked to the crystal. She put her hand on the crystal and she was given the rank, C Omega. After that, another person walked up to the crystal after being called. This person walked up to the crystal and cringed while looking at it. He remembered the first time he got tested and he was given the evaluation as someone on equal standings to those from the slums... Lucas looked at the crystal and then put his hand on it like he was told to. After a while red appeared on the crystal, it was flashing. So Lucas thought that this meant that his current mana level was equal to someone of F rank status. But soon after the colour changed to yellow and it disappeared.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    The official then said, " Rank E, Alpha" so Lucas took his hands off the crystal and then walked out of the building. The rest of the people got their tests taken shortly after. Of the 300 people that took the test 140 had passed the rest had all failed. This is also including the top 20 Rank F''s.


    After exiting the building a badge appeared on Lucas''s clothes. It was in the shape of an E. An official saw Lucas and then looked at his badge. Once he saw that Lucas had passed test 1 the official led him to a site where test 2 would take place. Lucas walked with him and until they reached another big building identical to test 1''s building but this was on the other side of the Academy. The official told him to go into the building and wait. So Lucas walked up the stairs and then walked into the building. Once he opened the doors and was inside. He saw that this building wasn''t the same as test 1. As there was no crystal in the middle. In fact, there were no officials inside either. It was just a bunch of examinees in an empty building. Each of them had a badge on them with their mana rank on it.


    Once Lucas walked through the doors everyone looked at him. They looked at Lucas''s badge and saw that he was only an E ranker. So after that one glance, many people lost their interest in him. The only extra attention he received was from those that found his skin colour to be quite entertaining. They looked at him and made jokes amongst themselves. This room was a perfect reflection of modern day society from Lucas''s world. In this room, the majority of the people were red and white-skinned people. And the minority was blue and green-skinned people. After waiting for a long time for the officials to come into the building people started moving into smaller groups. They had split into groups based on the colour of their skin and the rank they were at.


    Rank F and E formed a group. One made of blue and green-skinned people and the other the red and white-skinned people. The same for ranks of D and C. The only difference was that of rank B and A. The people that had rank A potential felt it was beneath them to form a group with anyone below them. Rank B felt the same way. These groups were further split by colour. White and red in a group and blue and green formed a group. But just like in society some of the blue and green skinned people were apart of the red and white''s group. Only those they deemed as necessary.


    Lucas, on the other hand, was standing in solitude. Not because he wanted to be alone but because the second the F and E groups were formed they looked at him quizzically. They also projected a mental aura that said that they didn''t want him to be in their team. So Lucas just stood alone. He wasn''t worried about being alone because this test was an affinity test. There was no need to be teamed up.


    Once the groups formed an official finally walked into the room. He looked around the room and he did not seem surprised by the results at all. The only outlier was Lucas. The official got a fright when he saw him. But he felt very sorry for him soon afterwards. The principal asked the officials to do this to see whether they could expect segregation from the examinees after the test. And by the looks of it, this was bound to happen.

 44. The truth

    Once the groups formed, an official finally walked into the room. He looked around the room and he did not seem surprised by the results at all. The only outlier was Lucas. The official got a fright when he saw him. But he felt very sorry for him soon afterwards. The principal asked the officials to do this to see whether they could expect segregation from the examinees after the test. And by the looks of it, this was bound to happen.


    After his observation, the official opened his mouth and said, " Quiet now!" When he said that he caught the attention of all the examinees in the room. They stopped talking amongst each other about why the official was so late, also making bets amongst themselves as to how the assessment would take place.


    " You guys are so predictable... All we needed to do was give you time and you would revert to default settings and go back to what feels comfortable. As you can see this room is separated by colour and rank. This is the first time all four races have been brought together so I understand the natural disposition to want to be around what makes you comfortable. But unfortunately, we can no longer think that way. I''m going to lay all your hearts at ease now. Everyone in this room has passed, and no matter what the results of test 2 and 3 are you are welcome into this academy."


    " You all probably confused as to why and how...? Before I can explain that I need you to agree to the contract you are about to receive." After he said that poof an unfolded scroll appeared in front of every examinee. Floating in the air in front of them with a pen.


    Lucas looked at the piece of paper floating in the air. He took hold of it in his hands wanting to read the contents of the contract. The pen was still floating in the air. Lucas looked at the contract and started reading what was on the page.


    The contract said that once signed you''re officially a student of Rekwerth. As a student of Reckwerth, you have to uphold the laws of Reckwerth... Confidential information given should not be spoken to any party other than those allowed. If caught you will be taken to a disciplinary hearing where a judgement will be passed on to you. You could be sent to prison for treason or even executed depending on the severity of the information leak... You are obligated to military duties. For at least 3 months. This could be longer or shorter depending on your merits during your time.


    After he finished reading the contract he understood its terms and conditions. Lucas knew that if he did not sign this contract he would not be allowed to enter the academy. He knew that when they said that everyone had been accepted just like that, there had to be a catch. Lucas looked at the contract once more and didn''t find anything wrong with it. Whether he had to serve in the army or be an adventurer. It didn''t matter, both required you to do battle and that is what he wanted. But he wasn''t sure if there was some tricky fine print on the contract so Lucas called Thea. " Thea is there any catch or trick to this contract other than that that was mentioned?"


    After a while, Thea said, " I haven''t detected anything out of the ordinary on this contract. As such if you agree with the terms. You can sign the contract without a worry."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    So Lucas took the pen still floating in the air and signed his name and surname on the contract. After he did that the contract disappeared. Then Lucas looked around to see who had done the same thing. And by the looks of it, the hall of 400 people had signed the contract. Nobody left it unsigned. Lucas assumed this was probably the case for all the other halls that were taking part in test two.


    After all the contracts had disappeared the official smiled he then said, " Good! I like your resolve. Your decision to become Mages will further the human race. Now I understand you all are probably a bit curious as to what is going on. Well here is information you will not here outside of these walls. Principal Vinay had previously spoken about the treaty that all the nations signed. The reason that was given was that it was in fear of an all-out war between us humans. There is some truth but not entirely. We do fear an all-out war but not between humans but between humans and demons. You see our scouts have picked up that the demon Kingdom are beginning to make their moves on us. As prideful as each race is we all know that alone we will be wiped out. So we have signed a temporary ceasefire to take care of the imminent and most pressing problem. As such we have begun integrating different races into the different kingdoms. To accustom people to see different races.


    Another reason why we cannot have segregation within this academy. We have to work together. Together we can use lost magic and this will give us a fighting chance against the demons. "


    This information staggered everyone. No one knew what to say... They had just heard that the feared demons were on the move and that they were going to have to fight them one day. Demons were a topic that mothers used to scare children into doing the right thing. Such as, if you do that demons are going to eat you. Demons were also talked about in bedtime time stories as a thrilling story. The word demon showed itself in a lot of idioms related to catastrophes. You could read about demons in the old books. You could also read about the war the humans had with the demons many years ago in the public library.


    The official saw the fear grow amongst the examinees. So he quickly said, " Your fear is good. It shows you are taking this as serious as you need to. But again on the race thing. This decision was not made mildly and later you will see the importance of integration. But for now, let''s see if your instincts are correct and you chose to sit with people of equal talent to you." Then the official thought to himself, " I wonder if the results of test two will cause more separation between the students or will it show them how incomplete they are alone..."


    After his thought, he clapped his hands together and further up ahead in an empty space. Another see-through crystal emerged from the ground. This crystal was twice the size of the crystal of test 1 and was resting on a black glass mount.


    The official said, "Everyone get into rows of 10 like in test 1. We are going to be testing you one by one. But after you are finished you do not leave the building you sit down on the other side of the room until everyone is tested. This test will test whether you have an affinity to magic other than your natural element. Here at Reckwerth, we place great importance on your affinity for magic. If you do not have a high enough affinity for a magic type you will not be able to attend those classes. Despite if that is the magic you want to learn. So pray your love, loves you too. And those of A and B rank potential that perform well here too will be able to skip test 3. Now let''s begin. May the first person please step forward. "

 45. Test 2

    The first person was called forward. So he stood up and walked to the crystal. He walked oozing arrogance and self-entitlement. He was none other than a potential A ranker. He was the leader of the Red and White group. They had decided since they are the A rankers they get to get their results first. Everyone else followed this trend. So following Red and White A was Blue and Green A. After them Red and White B and then Blue and Green B. And so it continued until Blue and Green F. According to the crystal Lucas only had rank E potential so he was all the way at the back. He sat in the middle of the last Blue E rank and between the first Red F rank.


    When he got to the crystal he looked at it waiting to get the go ahead. He knew by now all he had to do was put his hand on the crystal and his results would be announced. But the official wasn''t looking at him but was looking at the people still in rows. Then the official said, " This test is slightly different. When you put your hand on the crystal it will prick you and use your blood to test your affinity to magic. Just like before do not remove your hand before I say so. Also, we will only be testing your affinity to the elements first and from there we can determine what magic you can do. We determine this by checking the colour of the crystal. The crystal will shine a colour different to your natural element. So if you a white-skinned person who has an affinity for fire magic the crystal will show red and not pink. If you can cast fire and water the crystal will appear purple. That''s all."


    The official looked at the student and said, " You can put your hand on the crystal,". So he put his hand on the crystal. Then the crystal pricked him and his blood was drawn from his hand into the crystal. And without further delay, the crystal shone a blue colour. The official then said, " your element other than your natural one is water." The leader wasn''t happy with his results. He wanted fire too as fire has the highest destructive power. Or even earth was acceptable to him but water is a female element he thought. Dejected he left the crystal and walked to the other side. He wondered if he would still be able to keep his position as the leader of the A rankers with such poor results. But the other people''s results had yet to be confirmed and this comforted him.


    The official called the next person. He touched the crystal and the colour was a lighter blue than the one previously seen. The official then said, " You have air and water as your other elements." The student was so happy to see had that he had an affinity to 3 elements. Fire his natural, water and air. He sat down behind the guy who went first. But before he did he looked at him and gave him a smug smile. The leader was fuming inside and trying not to show it he immediately looked at the ground and began mumbling under his breath. And so the official called next again. The result was red. And so it continued until all the red and white skinned A rankers were done.


    The first A rank Blue skinned person walked to the crystal and placed his hand on it. When he did the crystal pricked him. Shortly after the crystal shone pink. The official said, " Air and fire". He rejoiced as he walked away from the crystal. After this of the A rankers, no one else had 2 other additional elements. Most of them had 1 extra one and some of them even had none. The B rankers had the same trend. Out of all of them, only 4 people had 2 additional elements the rest had 1 or none. But in the C rank, the first upset happened. A green skinned person walked to the crystal then he touched it. Afterwards, it shone a light purple colour. The whole place was in an uproar. The boy was jumping around with excitement. This meant that he had an affinity with every single element. The rest of the C''s were the same as the ones above. In the D rank, 20 people have 2 additional elements. And the E rank, 30 people have 2 additional elements. This was because as the ranks get lower the number of people increase. It was now Lucas''s turn.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    The official called him up to the crystal. The official was very bored after calling out results for the past 30 minutes. But his eyes lit up when he saw Lucas. Because this was the first time he was testing someone with a different skin colour to the norm. He told Lucas what to do and so Lucas put his hand on the crystal and once he did it pricked him as it did to the other people. Lucas was smiling because he already knew he could cast every single elemental spell. That would mean he would be praised for it like the previous guy. But Lucas kept waiting for the crystal to respond to his talents. But nothing happened. The crystal didn''t show any additional colour at all... The official then said, " No extra element." And he was thoroughly disappointed he had hoped to see different results. Lucas lost his smile after he heard the results. But everyone else seemed to gain a smile. The whole room started laughing. It was comical to see Lucas''s reaction when he realized that he had no " extra element". Lucas was thick-skinned but he was feeling quite embarrassed. Even though he was technically a prodigy when it comes to Elemental magic due to his blessings. It sucked that the crystal couldn''t read it.


    Lucas walked away from the crystal and sat down with all the others that had completed their tests. Once he got there many people had their hands in front of their mouths trying to stop themselves from laughing. Lucas was quite curious as to why the crystal didn''t pick anything up. So Lucas thought, " Thea why didn''t the crystal show any colour."


    " The crystal shows additional elements. Since your elemental success came from the God of the multiverse it''s the same as if you were born with it. As such the crystal shows blank because every element is your natural element. "


    " Oh, I see. Thank you, Thea." Lucas thought.


    Once he knew the reason behind the problem he no longer felt embarrassed in fact he was happy. He was better than everyone here. You can use your natural element better than the one you have an affinity for. As such your natural element will always have spells that are stronger than the other one. Which makes Lucas better than the rest because everything is a natural element to him.


    After Lucas reclaimed his normal composure the giggling and the snide remarks and jokes stopped. Then the F rank did their test and of the 20 people none of them had 2 extra elements but many had one extra element and a few had none.


    After everyone was tested another badge appeared on their clothes. This time the colour that showed on the crystal was on the badge. With a number to indicate the number of additional elements you have. If the crystal was clear you do not receive a badge.


    The official then said, " You all, well most you just received a badge with different colours on I''m sure you, yourself know what it means best. And a select few have also been awarded an extra badge. If you have the extra badge it means you do not need to take part in test 3 if you do not want to. To have achieved this badge you need to have a mana potential of B rank and above and 2 additional elements and above. The only exception was the C ranker who has 3 additional elements. Test 3 will take place tomorrow. From here you will be escorted to your various dorms, houses etc. Where you can practice your elemental spells for test 3."

 46. The dorm

    "Test 3 will take place tomorrow. From here you will be escorted to your various dorms, houses etc. Where you can practice your elemental spells for test 3. In test 3 you will be battling it out with your fellow students. Only elemental spells are allowed to be used. As such use this time you have been given, wisely. Your ranking is further determined by these results. "


    When the official finished talking he escorted everyone out of the building in a row. Once everyone was outside more officials came. They stood apart from each other and they each called a rank forward. Since Lucas had "Rank E" potential he went to the official that was calling all the Rank E''s. Once all the Rank E''s were gathered the official began walking and all the students followed. While on the way to their dorm. The official was giving them a tour of Reckwerth Academy. He pointed to a to a large building that had an old architectural design and said, " That''s the Academies library. This is where you will gain access to new spells, where you can research certain things that confuse you and more. However, you do need a student card. Then you will be able to see information based on your clearance level."


    After he was done explaining he walked on and the students followed him. While walking past other building the official explained its purpose to the students. But there were also some building that he walked past... Lucas wondered why he never said anything about them but he guessed maybe that''s classified as guards stood in front of those buildings. But soon the tour was done and they had reached their dorm. From the outside, it was nothing fancy but it wasn''t bad either. It had hints of modern architecture.


    " This is where you will be staying. The bottom floor is the Dining Halls. Where you will get your breakfast, lunch and dinner. That will be all." After the official began walking away. But before he could one girl out of a bunch spoke up and said, " Sir, where will the girls be staying...?"


    The official furrowed his eyebrows and then said, " Here..."


    Shocked by what the official said the girl said, " Here as in here! As in this building, with the boys...?"


    Still furrowing his eyebrows the official said, " Yes the dorms at Reckwerth Academy have no gender restrictions. Of course, the bathrooms are separate but other than that, females can sleep in the same room as males. "


    Angered by what the official said the girl said, " What, no ways! I''m not living in the same room as a boy!"


    All the other girls in her group nodded their heads in support because they felt the same way.


    This time the official lost his temper and said," Look woman. Don''t shoot the messenger. I don''t hold any authority. I''m just telling you how it is. If you have a problem with this go speak to the people inside. But really you should blame yourself for not being talented enough to make it into your own house. " As he said that he walked away. He no longer wanted to be a part of this conversation.


    Once the official walked away and the reality had set in that the dorms are mixed gender. Most of the girls were angry, sad, scared. Whereas the boys couldn''t seem to wipe the smiles off their faces. This only fueled the emotions inside the girls.


    Lucas saw all the commotion about the dorms being shared. And it didn''t bother him one bit. At the orphanage, he stayed in a house with 12 other boys. And for the past month, he lived in the forest with Layla Palmer. If he was able to keep his cool with someone so beautiful nothing could tempt him. Realizing that this had nothing to do with him he left the group and started walking into the building. Once he got the building he opened the doors and walked into the building.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    And just like the official had said. The first floor was the dining hall. There were many tables. Mostly four-seater tables. But there were 8 seater tables and the single tables were along the walls. They had a trayline. But it was currently empty and nobody was in the kitchen.


    Once the students saw that Lucas had gone inside the building they decided to go inside too. They wanted to practice their spells asap. So they entered the building and looked around but many weren''t impressed with their surroundings. It was at this moment that the students that took test 2 in another venue arrived. The dining-hall/cafeteria was full now.


    When the new students arrived a door opened and several adults walked into the cafeteria. They were the people in charge of keeping order in the dorms and enforced its rules. When they entered the room all the student''s attention was plastered on them. One of the officials used this opportunity to speak.


    " You are all gathered here. But please find a seat." She then waited for everyone to find a seat and then continued, " As you can tell, this dorm is mixed gender. However, sexual offences of any kind are harshly punished here at Reckwerth. So do not try your luck, be you, male or female, you will be judged to the full extent of the law." She then smiled and then said, " Now that''s out the way let me explain the living situation. The lower your ranking the lower your status. The lower your status the lower the floor you live on. The lower the floor the lower the quality of the rooms. Hope that makes sense. Now, can all the E Rank Alpha no elements stand up? "


    When Lucas heard her announce his results of test 1 and test 2 he stood up. But when he looked around nobody stood up but him. From this, he could deduce that in terms of ranking he was dead last.


    When the official saw that only one person stood up she continued and said, " Can all the E Rank Alpha 1 elementals stand up." Once she said that many other people stood up. She called them to the front and made them stand in four rows of approximate length. Lucas was in the first row as he stood up first. She then took the first person of each row and said they would be living together. She then said to Lucas, " Since you are dead last, the people in your group are sleeping with you in the first bedroom on the second floor. Take the stairs, the elevator is reserved for those of higher status."


    So Lucas began walking out of the cafeteria. When he did the rest of the group followed him. So together they walked out the cafeteria. And then walked up the stairs. Since they lived on floor 2 there wasn''t a lot of stairs they had to walk up. They eventually got to the door that said floor 2 and simultaneously looked up the flight of stairs that still continued upwards. And they unanimously thought " One day!" while clenching their fists. After that, they opened the door and walked in and then closed the door. They were now looking at a narrow passage with a lot of doors close to each other on each side. Since they were staying in room one their room was on the right of them.


    Lucas opened the door for the rest of the people and then walked into the room. It was a very small room. There were four single beds placed next to each other. They had the function to become bunk beds if they wanted more space. There was no bathroom in their room just a small extra room with a mirror and a sink. Just enough to check yourself up in the morning. And to change your clothes in private.


    Once the reality had sunk in and the students realised that this is their room they will be staying in. They became annoyed and agitated. Except for Lucas as this was the norm for him. In fact, having a private changing room was a plus.


    " Ugggh, this place is disgusting. How can they expect us to live in a place like this?" A boy said.


    " I know right! Like it''s sooo revolting." A girl said.


    " Two guys and two girls. What could go wrong...?" A girl said.


    " At least the place is nice and clean," Lucas said.


    When Lucas said that. They looked at him with confused faces. Then the one girl said, " Does this not bother you?"


    Lucas then said, " Not in the slightest. Where I''m from this is normal for me. In fact, I would say this is an upgrade." After Lucas said that he gave the place another once over and then smiled.


    When they saw his reaction they all thought that he was probably some poor person from the sticks (1). At that moment everyone looked at him with sympathy but also with condescension.


    1. The sticks - The sticks in this setting would refer to someone who lives outside of the Kingdom''s walls. They were usually families and tribes of lower status.

 47. The Training Area

    When they saw his reaction they all thought that he was probably some poor person from the sticks. At that moment everyone looked at him with sympathy but also with condescension.


    " Don''t bother with this low-life. He doesn''t understand. Look he still has all the mud stuck on him." The boy said while tapping the girl''s shoulder. The girl let out a small chuckle. Afterwards, the boy looked at Lucas and smiled smugly with his hand still on her shoulder.


    For the first time, Lucas was triggered. But he quickly regained his calm. He then said, " Actually this is how I was born..."


    " I see, so you are born in the sticks. And you look like the sticks. Your mutation is an accurate description of your place in society. You are fodder, you are the mud we use to make stones. So that we can step on you. You will never amount to anything. This is as good as it gets for you so your positive outlook actually serves you well " The boy said and then laughed. This time both girls joined in and laughed with him.


    Lucas looked at him with his eyes dimed contemplating if he should retaliate. But in the end, he decided not to. It was clear this boy was using him to increase his social standing with the girls. Also, they were using him as an outlet for their own frustrations. So Lucas decided he would leave the room. And leave them be.


    So Lucas opened the door but when he did the boy said, " Hey, where are you going? I''m not done talking to you!"


    Lucas just looked him dead in the eye and then closed the door on them. The boy''s face turned red with embarrassment when Lucas ignored him. As the girls were looking at him.


    Lucas decided he wanted to tour the place. So he walked down the path. At this time many other people were trying to get inside their rooms. So the passage was a bit crowded. But Lucas wormed his way around them. And then walked to the end of the passage. This is where the bathrooms were. On the left was the male''s bathroom and on the right was the girl''s bathroom. So Lucas walked into the male''s bathroom and saw that it looked like the common male''s lockers at schools. There were showers but they weren''t separated by dividers. There was also a numerous amount of sinks with a mirror. And then the toilets. At least the toilets were separated by a divider. Once Lucas came to terms with his environment he was a bit bothered. He wasn''t feeling comfortable showering naked in front of a bunch of other boys... He wondered if the girls got the same treatment. Because in his world the girls always seemed to have better bathrooms.


    After Lucas had finished checking out the bathroom he decided to go to the training area. So Lucas left the dorm and walked to the training area. The training area was in a separate place from the E rank dorms. Unlike the C and D rank dorms which had training area''s inside the dorm itself. The training area was one massive building. It was very futuristic. The doors were powered by some energy source so they opened without having to push it open. Lucas walked into the building. Once Lucas got there he saw that there was a lot of people here. And that made sense since they wanted to practice their spells. The training room had hundreds of booths where you could train using simulations. There were also multiple areas where you could spar with students. There was also an area that had simulated targets to practice the accuracy of your spells. And Area''s where you could do physical training. Each of these areas was private unless set to open. When open everyone could see what you/s are doing. There was area''s where you could buy stuff like food, water mana replenishments before, during and after training.


    Once Lucas had finished touring the place. He decided to go to the sparing area. He was hoping that people would be sparing so he could see the general strength of the student mages. But of course, nobody was sparing on open. As that would be stupid given that tomorrow you would be battling it out with your fellow students. No one wanted to have their moves exposed so early. When Lucas saw that it would be pointless to wait for a battle he decided to go to the simulation area. He wanted to check his battle prowess. But many other people felt the same way and the line was very long. Each student only had 15 minutes in each area per day. To make sure that everyone else had a chance.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    After 2 hours of waiting it was finally Lucas''s turn. So Lucas stood in front of the booth. It then scanned him and his badges. And then the door opened. When Lucas walked inside, the door closed. Immediately the lights turned on. He was now standing in a room with blue neon blocks everywhere. The room was also much larger than it appeared it would be from outside. When all the blocks were fully lit up a holographic tab appeared in Lucas''s view. It was much like Thea''s notifications when she wasn''t speaking to him directly. Lucas looked at the tab. And on the tab, it was giving Lucas various locations to choose from. The forest, the desert, open land, the sea on a ship, in the mountains and more. Lucas chose open land as that was the easiest for him. Then he chose sunny as the weather. And afternoon as the time of day. And lastly, he chose Rank F monsters to spawn. Once the system had computed his request. The whole place turned dark and then all of a sudden he was standing on an open plain. The monsters haven''t spawned yet. So Lucas decided to check his stats for the first time in a while.


    Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: Fledgeling (2% Damage increase for all spells. 5% damage increase to all Elemental spells. Cast speed decreased by 15%.)


    Level:17 (3800/4700)


    Class: Mage


    Health points: 1100/1150


    Mana points: 1300/1300 ( 20% increase due to blessing)


    Mana recovery: 130 hourly (100% increase due to blessing)


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 32


    Dexterity �C 35


    Intelligence �C 51


    Wisdom �C 28


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: Class skills: F Rank Fireball, F Rank Ice Chamber, F Rank Acarne Ray, F Rank Time Skip, F Rank Invisibility, F Rank Zone Creation... Secondary class skills: <Fire Dragon''s leap>.


    Skill points: 8


    Ability points: 976


    Equipment: Not Equipped.


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, active). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, active). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, active)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, active):


    System-level: 3 (17/20)]


    Lucas gave his stats another once over and saw he had increased from level 15 to 17. That''s because he had been training with Layla Palmer and killing creatures daily. But that wasn''t the only thing that increased. His attributes, ability points and skill points had also increased. Once Lucas understood his stats. He was ready for the fight.


    When Lucas was ready a monster spawned 5 meters away from him. It was none other than a slime. Above the slime was its hp. Lucas looked at the slime as it bounced towards him. Lucas didn''t waste any time and extended his hands and fired an arcane ray at it. The arcane row appeared and flew and pierced the slime. The hp bar was depleted instantly and the slime died.


    " Aaah flip. I''m supposed to use elemental spells." Lucas thought to himself. After that, he looked above to the right side of the room and saw he had 13 minutes left. It was then that Lucas realized he had no time to play. He only had 13 minutes to test his strength. He didn''t want to keep fighting slimes all day.


    Soon 3 medium sized slimes spawned. The second they appeared Lucas cast his fireball spell. This time the focus was purely on reducing cast time and increasing the speed of the fireball. 0.7 seconds later a fireball was fired at one of the slimes. And 1.4 seconds the other two slimes had been killed by Lucas''s fireball.


    After they died 5 large slimes appeared but in 3.85 seconds they died. A notification then popped up in Lucas''s view from the simulation booth. Asking if he wanted to increase the difficulty. As it registered how quickly he had been killing the slimes. So clearly he is put on the wrong level.


    Lucas looked at the options provided and saw that his recommended monster level was F Rank Omega, E Rank Alpha and E Rank Mu. Lucas decided to go with the safe option and chose F Rank Omega


    Once Lucas had selected his option the tab disappeared and a creature spawned.

 48. Profit or loss

    Lucas clicked F Rank Omega and then the tab disappeared. Soon after a creature spawned. It was a Kobold with dog-like features. It stood upright bipedally. It was larger than normal kobolds reaching 5ft5 (170cm). It had light armour on and a one-handed sword in its right hand.


    When Lucas saw the creature appear he stood on guard. When the Kobold saw Lucas it extended its arm to full length and then pointed its sword towards Lucas. Lucas returned the gesture and pointed his index finger at the Kobold. The Kobold acknowledged Lucas''s gesture and charged at him. Lucas saw the Kobold charging at him but its speed was of no concern to him. So with his hand still extended he flicked his wrist upwards. He shot out the same fireball at the Kobold. When the Kobold saw the fireball coming towards him it tried to dodge it while moving forward. But it was too slow and still got hit by it. The fireball hit him in the chest area. But still 0.8 seconds later the Kobold appeared in front of Lucas and swung its sword at Lucas''s waist level. It swung so hard that a gust of wind was created that blew Lucas''s dreads upwards. Lucas looked at the Kobold and then at the sword approaching. He effortlessly took a step back avoiding the edge of the sword by a centimetre (0.3 inches). And while the Kobold was in motion he fired another fireball in the Kobold''s face. The Kobold had now lost the ability to see. His face was burnt beyond recognition.


    Because this is a simulation the Kobold didn''t shriek in pain. Instead, it stopped swinging. It returned its sword to its centre. Then stabbed its sword in a forward direction. But it stabbed air, as Lucas moved to the right when the sword approached him.


    " I should probably end this. This creature is not even on my level. I outrank it in strength, speed and intelligence." As Lucas thought this he fired a fireball on the Kobolds right thigh. The fireball burnt a circle through the thigh. Because of this, the Kobold lost the ability to stand on both feet. And fell to the ground. The Kobold couldn''t stand and it couldn''t see. It was done for. Just waiting for Lucas to kill it. It only had half a bar of health points. So Lucas began prepping his mana and this time he allowed more mana to enter to increase the power of the spell. He wanted to kill it one go. Once everything was complete Lucas released his spell. Suddenly the ground began shaking as if an earthquake was happening. It shook so hard that the earth split in two. Swallowing the Kobold hole (1) as it disappeared into the black and the vast nothingness known as death. Afterwards, the earth fixed itself again as the fissure became one.


    When the ground returned to normal a new creature spawned. This creature was E Rank Alpha. But just like the previous spawn, it was easily defeated. After Lucas defeated the E Rank Alpha creature. The E Rank Mu showed up. It was a black Bi-pedal puma wielding a two-armed sword. It too was equipped in light armour. It looked like Eastern combat wear from Lucas''s world. Lucas found this one quite challenging. It was stronger than him, faster than him but less intelligent. In the end, Lucas had to turn on combat mode and use its predictive analysis to set a trap for the creature. Lucas and the creature battled it out across the whole plane. Laying waste to the topography. Previously he had only used fire spells but now Lucas was using every element he had at his disposal. He used wind to increase his speed. He used water as a shield to slow down the fist strikes and swings of the sword ( to a degree). He used earth to set traps underground and change the landscape. Such as making quicksand to buy time for a new plan. He used mud to decrease the friction on the ground so the creature would have a hard time stopping post dashing.


    Lucas wasn''t using each spell at the same time but was switching between each element. Lucas and the Puma fought for 10 minutes straight. The puma had the upper hand because if Lucas made a mistake he would be wounded which would end the match. Where the puma used it''s superior speed to dodge most of Lucas''s attacks. Lucas looked to the bottom left of his screen and saw that he had 500mp left. And when he looked to the top right he saw that there were just 3 minutes until the simulation ended. If he wanted to win he had to make a move soon. His magic points were going down and the time was running out.


    The puma ran towards Lucas and swung its sword at Lucas with a tremendous force. There was no time to dodge so Lucas cast a spell that raised the earth to create a wall in front of him. The Puma saw the wall and swung his sword at full force into the wall. The wall got sliced in two leaving a smooth surface where it had been cut. But once all the dust had settled Lucas had long since disappeared from behind the wall. Lucas retreated 5 meters away and began chanting a spell. Once he was done he began running upwards at an angle to a new spot. And stood there waiting for the Puma to come at him after he casted another spell. And just like before the Puma disappeared into a blur and then reappeared in front of Lucas already swinging its sword with both hands. Its expression was full of commitment as it swung at Lucas. It was ready for Lucas''s wall and believed that if he summoned a wall he could break through the wall and Lucas instantly. But Lucas had a different plan of action. Instead of summoning a wall Lucas used a different earth spell. Mid-swing Lucas raised the ground the puma was standing on as such when he swung, he swung above Lucas''s head. But the force of the swing was so strong that whatever grass was left on the ground had been completely uprooted. When Lucas saw his plan had worked he ran downwards at an angle to his next location.


    By now the puma had realized that its ability with the sword was not enough to kill Lucas. Lucas always found a way to avoid it. Even though the puma was stronger and faster than him. So the puma dropped its sword and then returned to its natural form. It was no longer walking with two legs but with four. The puma had decided that if it can''t win with a bit more speed and strength. It would win with overwhelming speed. The Puma felt the earth on its feet and then focused its eyes on Lucas. And then off it went dashing at Lucas at a speed twice that of last time. Lucas had now reached the last destination and immediately began chanting another spell. Lucas didn''t concentrate on defence at all but just on the spell. The puma saw that this would be the final showdown. If Lucas went with defence, the puma would be able to dodge around it and then bite him. Causing fatal damage. But if Lucas went on the offence the match would be decided if he could inflict enough damage on the puma before it reaches Lucas.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Suddenly the puma was 2 meters away from Lucas but he was not done chanting. Until eventually Lucas was done. Lucas looked at the puma charging at him and then yelled " Hell''s formation." Suddenly the ground began shaking and a massive wall of red flames erupted from the ground in the shape of a triangle. It engulfed everything within the triangle reaching a height of 3 meters above ground. Naturally, this meant that the puma was swallowed by the flames too. The flames continued to burn as if it was never going to end. It was truly Hell''s flame. Lucas knew that the Puma was definitely dead. He had sunken 400 mp into this spell alone. It took him forever to make. He had to chant a spell on three different spots in the form of a triangle. Each time depleting him of 100 mana points and then the last taking 200 hundred mana points. There were stronger formation spells like the square, pentagon, hexagon ect. The more points of mana injection the stronger the formation. But also the longer the setup and the higher risk of being caught.


    After a while, Lucas got the confirmation he needed. When another tab popped in Lucas''s face asking if he wanted to take on an E rank Omega. Lucas declined the offer and then pressed the exit button at the bottom of the tab. Once he did the simulation booth returned to its blue colour and the door reappeared. Lucas walked out the door and saw that the line was still very long.


    When he left someone else went in. Lucas walked out of the simulation area and then went to the cafeteria within this building as he needed to buy mana replenishments. Lucas only got 130 mana points an hour so he needed to have more in the off chance he got to the dorm and a fight broke out with his roommates. Lucas walked to the area and saw that it was large in size. There were hundreds of tables. It could easily seat 500 people and this wasn''t the only cafeteria within this building. Lucas walked past all the tables and stood in the line. He scoped his surroundings and his fellow students. Looking if anyone caught his attention. And there were a few. Most of them were female but Lucas questioned himself. He wondered if what he saw in them was hidden strength or apparent beauty. " It''s just a coincidence that they happen to be beautiful too," Lucas reassured himself.


    " What would you like?" A girl behind the counter said. Drawing Lucas out of his thoughts and back to reality. And then back in his thoughts as he thought," wow she''s hot."


    " I, I, I... I''d like to buy mana replenishments." Lucas stuttered.


    The girl chuckled at Lucas''s loss for words, " Low, mid or high ?"


    " Uhm, can you bring me all three?"


    "Low, mid and high?"


    "Yeah, I don''t know their quality so I want to see the difference."


    " Haha, just take the mid-grade one. It''s good and it is cheaper than buying all three. "


    " I''m not going to buy all three but I still want you to bring all three."


    She smiled at Lucas and said, " Okay, will do." She went to the storeroom picked three potions and brought them to Lucas.


    Lucas looked at them and brushed his chin with his fingers. He thought " Attribute check" as he looked at one of the potions.


    Name: Mana Potion


    Level: 20


    Production level: 30


    Durability: 100/100


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore 1000 mana to whoever drinks it.


    ...


    Lucas looked at the other one and its attributes appeared.


    Name: Mana Potion


    Level: 20


    Production level: 30


    Durability: 100/100


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore 1000 mana to whoever drinks it.


    But it was exactly the same as the last. So Lucas decided to look at the last one on the left. Once he did the attributes popped up.


    Name: Mana Potion


    Level: 20


    Production level: 30


    Durability: 100/100


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore 1000 mana to whoever drinks it.


    This one was also of the same value as the rest. Lucas furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the potions.


    " Is something not to your liking." The girl said.


    " Well yes. I asked for 3 different ones but you have given me three of the same?"


    " Are you sure? They all look the same but they are not the same."


    " No, I''m sure."


    " But that''s impossible... I checked them before I came here." The girl said.


    " Then you should check again. Because I''m 100% sure these are all the same."


    The girl looked at Lucas checking to see if she found any hints of mischievousness. But when she looked at Lucas it was clear he really meant what he said. So she decided to recheck. She took the three potions on the counter with her. " It doesn''t hurt to be sure." She thought to herself.


    She walked into the storage room and then soon after she returned with three potions in her hand.


    She looked at Lucas a bit embarrassed and said, " You were right. They were of the same value. But this time they are all different. Please check."


    Lucas looked at the mana potions placed in front of him and then thought, " attribute check."


    Name: Mana Potion


    Level: 13


    Production level: 35


    Durability: 100/100


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore 300 mana to whoever drinks it. Name: Mana Potion


    Level: 15


    Production level: 33


    Durability: 100/100


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore 500 mana to whoever drinks it.


    Name: Mana Potion


    Level: 20


    Production level: 30


    Durability: 100/100


    Application: Instant use potion that will restore 1000 mana to whoever drinks it.


    This time it was different and so Lucas told her that it was different. When Lucas confirmed it to be correct she smiled at him.


    " Did you know what grade the previous potions were?" The girl asked Lucas.


    " No, not exactly. I just knew they were all the same. But I assumed they were either mid or high-grade mana potions."


    " Oh, so you knew. If so why didn''t you just say you wanted all three. I would have charged you at the price of a low, mid and high-grade potion. Where you would be taking home three high-grade potions. You would have made a huge profit."


    " Haha, I''m not going to lie. I thought about it but I decided not to." Lucas said and smiled at her.


    The girl looked at Lucas''s smile and began blushing. She then said, " So what potions do you want?"


    " Give me two high-grade potions and 2 low-grade potions."


    "That will be 40 silver pieces. 15 for the high grade and 5 for the low-grade"


    Lucas handed her forty pieces of silver and then took the potions and put it into Thea''s storage. He was going to drink it on the way to the dormitory. Lucas had now finished everything he wanted to do so he wanted to leave. But before he could.


    The girl said, " You are actually my last sale. So I''m off now. Do you maybe want to grab something to eat with me...?" " My treat of course. I want to thank you for being honest."


    1. I know very well that it''s whole not hole. But I purposefully wrote it as "hole".

 49. Quest?

    " You are actually my last sale. So I''m off now. Do you maybe want to grab something to eat with me...?" " My treat of course. I want to thank you for being honest."


    Suprised by the words he just heard. Lucas pointed his index finger at himself and said, " Me?"


    The girl chuckled and said, " Yes you, silly. Who else?"


    Lucas laughed in return and said, " I just wanted to be sure. But sure, I could eat." Lucas said opening up his hands and raising his shoulders.


    " Awesome. Find us an empty seat. I''ll come around once I''ve finished up." she said and then disappeared into the storage room.


    Once she entered the storage room. Lucas pumped his fist downwards in the air and said, " Yes!"


    " Uh, no!" A voice sounded out behind Lucas. Ending his celebration.


    Lucas looked at the guy behind him squinting his eyebrows.


    " Get out the way! How long do you plan on holding up the line? Don''t you have a date to attend to?"


    When Lucas realized that he was in the wrong he apologized by lifting his hand to his face. Afterwards, he walked away. Once Lucas was out of the line he thought, " I wonder if he understood my non-verbal cue. The last time I used that was when I was learning how to drive a car." Suddenly some of Lucas''s memories on Earth came pouring in. He remembered how everyone prayed a short prayer when he took the wheel of the car. That always amused him to see how fear gripped them. Lucas chuckled aloud at the memory. Then he looked at the guy who he was talking to 30 seconds ago. The guy sensed that someone was looking at him and returned a look to the source. Once he saw it was Lucas he gave a thumbs up and smiled widely. Lucas laughed and returned the gesture and thought, " I guess wherever you go, a thumbs up mean the same thing." He went to find an empty seat.


    Lucas looked at the tables and saw that there wasn''t a lot of space. A patch here and there but still between people. So he decided he would rather stand and wait for her. Then together they will find a seat. Because if he sits down now. She won''t be able to find him. From far at least. When Lucas realized she was taking longer than he anticipated. He decided to think about the most pressing issues.


    " I wonder how test 3 is going to take place tomorrow... Will it be a battle royal or will it be a tournament type? Nonetheless, I''m most likely going to win. I''m not being conceited right? No, I''m just stating the facts... But I''ll make it interesting. I will only use wind-related spells. So far, I have only used wind for support and not for offence. That should even out the odds. Maybe I''ll even turn off my blessings... Yeah, that is a good idea. I will hide my abilities like they usually do in a manga. Haha, I''m the mc right now. Never thought I''d say that. Okay so now that is settled and she is still not here. On to the next issue. That would be my roommates. They seem to hate me and pick on me because I''m the ''weakest''. I wonder should I just make an example of the guy... They will definitely respect me then. But then again that''s boring... It will be more fun to see their reactions after they see me fight at test 3. Aaah, I''m so excited. Coming to think of it, as fun as winning sounds. I think I should rather secure myself a top 10 position. I''m considered strong enough not to mess with. But also out of jealousy''s range. Yosh, that settles it.


    Now I''m just waiting for this girl to come. I wonder how long I''ve waited already."


    " Thea, how long have I been waiting?"


    [ It''s been approximately 15 minutes.]


    " 15 minutes and she is still not here... I wonder if she is still coming? Maybe she was just setting me up? She did say she needed to finish... But does it really take that long...?"


    But soon Lucas felt a tugging on his shirt. Pulling him out of his thoughts. Then he looked in the direction of the tug. There he saw the girl smiling at him.


    " Do I have your attention now?" She said looking at him.


    Lucas laughed awkwardly and said, " Did I keep you waiting?"


    " You were supposed to wait for me. " She said.


    " We don''t always get what we want, now do we?" Lucas said teasingly.


    The girl just rolled her eyes and said," So where are we sitting?"


    " Anywhere there is an open space. There isn''t much that''s why I''m still standing. Otherwise, you might not have found me."


    " Yeah, I probably should have thought of a different idea. I work here so I know how busy it gets." She said looking a bit down.


    " Ay, it''s all good if it ends well," Lucas said smiling and trying to cheer her up.


    Then she began walking to a table up ahead. It was an 8 seater table. Of which 6 seats were already taken. They got there and sat down on the far left side of the table. They sat opposite each other. Once they were settled in she said," Well, thank you for saying yes."Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Lucas thought to himself, "As if anyone would say no."


    " Sure. I actually just finished using the simulation booth so a breather isn''t a bad idea."


    " Oh, you did. How far did you get?" She said energetically. Then she looked at Lucas''s badge and saw an E but no colour badge to go along with it.


    Lucas saw her look at his badge and he felt ashamed, " Aaah..."


    " It''s okay you don''t need to say if you don''t want to."


    Lucas just revealed a faint smile. Then said, " So how are you feeling about tomorrow?"


    " Tomorow?" She said as if Lucas had just told her cows can fly.


    " Yes... Tomorrow. Test 3?" Lucas said trying to kickstart her memory.


    " Oooh. That, I''m not a first year. So I''m not taking part in the tests."


    "Really...? Coming to think of it. You don''t have badges like me."


    " Yup. Once you get your student card it disappears and transfers to your student card. Like this." She pulled out her student card and showed Lucas.


    Lucas looked at her student card and saw that her full name is, Tamara Everly. Then he looked lower and saw that her natural element was fire and her additional ones were earth and wind. But what shocked him the most was her potential rank. She had B rank potential and she was currently a D rank mage. After viewing it Lucas gave her student card back.


    "Wow, you are talented," Lucas said nodding his head.


    " Thanks, it''s been a journey but magic is my passion." She paused and said," What about you? How do you feel about tomorrow?"


    " I''m optimistic..." Lucas said.


    " I''m glad. But I hope I''m not being rude when I say this. You can only use elemental spells in test 3. Can you even cast elemental spells. Normally I wouldn''t have to ask this but you know..."


    " Oh no, it''s okay. I totally understand. And believe it or not. I can actually cast wind-related spells. Ironic isn''t it."


    " But you don''t have a white badge?"


    " That''s because it''s my natural element. I was born like this. It''s a mutation of sorts."


    " I feel like there is more to the story."


    " Maybe, maybe not," Lucas said teasingly.


    " No, it''s just weird. Now that I''m looking at you. I don''t feel like I''m speaking to a first year."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    " I first noticed it when you were buying the mana potions. And now I''m sure. You have a feeling about you that just radiates something..."


    " Oh, that''s reassuring." Lucas laughed " But it''s just a feeling. I''m as mundane as they come."


    " That''s for me to decide though... I''m looking forward to seeing you take first place. " Tamara Everly said sticking her tongue out.


    Lucas gave her a pursed smiled and thought, " Yeah not happening. First place sounds like trouble."


    [Quest received]


    Lucas saw the notification but cancelled it immediately. He was going to read it later tonight.


    When she saw Lucas didn''t want to talk about it she said, " So what do you want to eat?"


    " You work here. What''s your favourite?"


    " That would be the fried turagama wings. It''s delicious and cheap."


    " Is that what you are having?"


    " Yes."


    " Then I''ll have that too, please."


    " Awesome, wait here I''ll go order. I won''t be long. Since I work here. I can go straight to the kitchen to place the order." And with that, she stood up walked to the cafeteria.


    Moments later she returned and said, " I gave them our order. They will personally bring our food to us. Normally they don''t but I''m special."


    " Haha, so I should come to find you whenever I''m hungry," Lucas said as if he was throwing bait into the sea.


    " Sure, if I''m free. I don''t mind," Tamara Everly said, biting the bait.


    " Awesome!" Lucas said smiling widely.


    After this, they continued to talk until the food came. After that, they ate and then said their goodbyes. Tamara Everly wished Lucas good luck and then said, " I look forward to seeing you take first place."


    Lucas just shrugged it off as he had no intention on coming first. Once he finished everything he walked out the Training Area and back home. It was nightfall already. He and Tamara Everly spoke a lot longer than he originally anticipated. Lucas was happy that he had made his first friend, maybe even a future lover. But as much as the possible love interest made him feel good. Rationally he knew he wouldn''t pursue it even if the door was open. Lucas got home to the dormitory and most of the people were in the cafeteria eating lunch. This reminded Lucas that he needed to drink his mana potions. So while he walked up the stairs he drank one High-grade potion and another low one. Netting him 1300 mana points. Then Lucas opened the door and he saw they had turned the beds into bunk beds for space. Lucas looked for his space and to his surprise, he was sleeping on the top of the bunk bed. Under him slept a girl and not a boy. He knew this because her stuff was lying on her bed.


    No one was in their rooms. They were eating. So Lucas decided to take a shower then he would climb in bed and go to bed. So he walked to the showers. He took a long shower. It was perfect as no one was there, just him. The water pressure was nice too. This reminded Lucas of a line in one of his favourite songs back on Earth. " I can shower for hours. Leave the lights on, I''m not paying those bills". If there was another thing Lucas missed about Earth. It was his phone because it had all his music on. Lucas loved music. He always had his earphones in and the world out. It was what he needed after a long day. It was how he detoxified. But now he didn''t have any of that.


    After Lucas was finished showering he went to his room and closed his eyes as he wanted to sleep. But he had one more thing to do before he could sleep. So he opened up the quest he received.


    [ Quest: Take first place in test 3


    Reward: 3000 Exp


    SP-20


    AP- 100


    Sidequest: Reveal all your elements.


    Fire: 5 SP, 25 AP


    Water: 5 SP, 25 AP


    Earth: 5 SP, 25 AP


    Wind: 5 SP, 25 AP]


    Once Lucas saw the quest his eyes sparkled at the rewards he would be getting. It was fantastic, it was basically free rewards. But then he remembered the price it would come with. So he thought, " Really Thea, really!?"


    [ What! You plan on coming 10th place even though you have my help. I can''t accept that. You need to be first. You need to be the strongest at all times.]


    " I too want to be the strongest! But don''t you think it''s easier to gain strength when you don''t have a giant bullseye on your back!"


    [ We will deal with that when it comes. For now, just focus on being the best. Plus you will impress Tamara Everly.]


    " Pfft, as if that sweetens the deal."


    [ Stop being such a scaredy cat. You don''t know what will happen until it happens. Live a little. That''s what I''m here for. And if you really feel scared. Just increase your luck stat after you complete the quest.]


    " Aaah, not a bad plan Thea."


    [ What do you take me for. I was created by the God of the multiverse. I am the pinnacle of all creation.]


    " Showboat."


    [ Haha. I just don''t want to be associated with a loser. So go get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow. I''ll even help you fall asleep.]


    " Thanks, Thea, I guess I needed that nudge."


    [ Do you want to sleep. Yes/No]


    "Yes."


    ...

 50. Test 3 (1)

    The skies were blue not a cloud in sight. The sun was more boisterous than normal as golden light permeated through the windows. It was a beautiful day. If there was a chance of rain, monkeys would get married(1).


    The E rank dorms were blissfully quiet. Until an alarm sounded inside the dorm. It made a racket as it screamed in the ears of the students. Inside each room is an alarm on the roof.


    Abruptly woken up Lucas hit his head on the ceiling. Luckily his roommates where tired otherwise they would have laughed. Lucas climbed out of his bed and got off the bunk bed. Everyone else followed. Once everyone was up the alarm stopped in their room. The boy saw this and decided to test a theory. So he climbed back into bed and again the alarm went off. Once he was out the alarm stopped. He repeated this another two times. With both times yielding the same results. So it was clear that the alarm could tell if you were out of your bed or not.


    Once the girl who slept below Lucas was out of her bed Lucas made his bed. Then he bolted for the showers. He knew this time he would have to shower with all the boys at the same time. But it was better than showering last. He wanted to make sure he didn''t shower last. He didn''t know how much warm water the dorm had at a time. Lucas didn''t know how water was coming through the taps. So he just took what he knew was true. Back in the orphanage showering last meant showering 13th. Which meant showering in cold water.


    His roommates saw Lucas bolt out the room but they assumed it was because Lucas didn''t want to hear the alarm anymore. It was an annoying alarm. Designed specifically to irritate you. So that you would get out of bed to stop the sound.


    Lucas got the bathroom and there was a line already. One lined up on the left for the males. Another on the right for the females. The lines only got longer as more people came out of their rooms. It was crowded in the hallway. You had to push your door to go in. So it was easy for people to come out of their rooms.


    While waiting in line Lucas looked at his fellow male students. Thinking "I''m going to be fighting some of you soon. May the best man win." But while he was looking at them they were eying the girls. The girls also stood in the line to the right of them. They were dressed in sleeping clothes. Some wore gowns. Others only had shorts and short sleeves. Others wore onesies. It was a haven of different body types in different clothes. When Lucas saw the boys sneaking glances at the girls he rolled his eyes. As it wasn''t unexpected. In fact, it would be odd if this didn''t happen.


    The girls that were fully clothed were happy and it didn''t faze them. However, the girls that were showing skin didn''t like it one bit. They were staring daggers at the boys they caught creeping. They knew for sure that the next day they would cover themselves properly before coming here. They would go back to their rooms and change but the line was far too long. And standing at the back of the line looked like a nightmare. So they decided to brave the storm. This only motivated them more to do the best they could so they could live better. The boys, however, had mixed feelings about performing at test 3. They would do their best regardless but still had mixed feelings.


    It was finally Lucas''s turn to go in and so he did. He got in and people were already showering. But just like he was many people were self-conscious about showering in between strangers without a divider. Which was a good thing... Because they are more likely to mind their own business than to pry into someone else''s. Lucas got undressed and walked to the empty shower. But unfortunately for him, he stood out. So when he moved into the showers everyone looked at him. And they kept looking at him. Lucas felt them looking at him and then he said, " Okay! You have seen enough now. Mind your own damn business."


    Everyone quickly turned their heads and looked away. Some of them stole glances here and there but it wasn''t all in unison. Lucas wondered if this is the state of the Rank E''s bathrooms in the Mage Academy. How would it be for the rest of the classes? As their academy isn''t funded as well as Lucas''s. Once Lucas had washed he went to the locker room side of the bathroom and dried himself off with a towel. Put on his clothes and walked out of the bathroom.


    Once he was done he went downstairs to get breakfast. Once he got there he stood in another line waiting to get his food. Once it was his turn he picked a bowl from the pile. Then they put the oatmeal in his bowl. And Lucas took a fruit. Then he poured himself a fruit drink and went to sit down at an empty seat. He sat down near the wall because that is where the one seaters were. Lucas looked at his food and then began eating and drank his drink. Once he was done he was about to leave when an official said, " Once you are done do not leave. As we are all going to the venue together as a group after breakfast." So Lucas listened and he waited until everyone was done eating. As people were finishing up. The line of the cafeteria was getting smaller and the seats were getting fuller. Until everyone had been served. After that everyone finished eating and drinking. Once that was done the people in charge of Dorm E came to the front and one of them said, " I trust everyone has had breakfast..." She looked around to see if anyone objected. Once she saw that everyone had eaten she said," Good. So we are going to the Academies battleground. The battleground isn''t here at the academy. It exists in a separate space. As such we will be using the academies transportation device to take you there. Once we get to the transportation device we will be meeting your fellow first years. So the A, B, etc dorms will be there too. Behave yourselves and everything will run smoothly. That''s it let''s go."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Once she said that she stood up and walked out of the dorm. The students followed shortly. Once they caught up with her she led them to the teleportation device. On the way, the students began talking amongst themselves. It was a mixture of excitement, curiosity, fear and nervousness. As some students couldn''t wait to compete. Others were curious as to how the place looked like. Other were really scared and hated the fact that they had to fight. While others were just nervous. The fact that this was a new experience got them feeling nervous. Lucas, on the other hand, was feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Eventually, the dorm master stopped walking as they had arrived. They were outside in a large empty space. In front of them was another space with a big circle drawn on the ground. There were symbols on the circle Lucas had never seen before. Lucas''s group was the last to arrive. So they walked into the space allocated for them. Between F and D. Once everyone had settled in. Ivys Vinnay the Headmaster of Reckwerth and the Head official of the tests said, " Now that we are all lined. We are going to be teleporting to the location using this teleportation device. One group at a time: group A will go first then B and so forth. Once you arrive await further instructions." Once she was done speaking she walked away from the circle. Then group A walked on to the circle and with a white light they were gone.


    Then Rank B went on and disappeared soon after. This happened until rank F. After that all the officials teleported. Once Lucas had arrived he saw the all too familiar white light until it disappeared. Now Lucas could see his surroundings and by the looks of it. He and all of the students were transported to a colosseum. It was gigantic! They were currently on the battleground or the Arena. When Lucas looked up he saw that this place had seats everywhere. It could take about 200000 people. 80000 of those seats were already full. The people who were on the top seats had the option to view what''s happening in the arena by looking at a lacrima. If they couldn''t cast magic on themselves that allowed them to see at a further distance than humanly possible. Around and above the arena was a dome-like barrier that protected the viewers from any stray magic. But it wasn''t visible to the eye so it didn''t obstruct their view.


    Once everyone had taken their surroundings they realized this is the place that they would be fighting in. Some people broke apart from the crowd afraid anybody would make a move on them. Everyone was confused, they didn''t know what to do. Until a holographic screen appeared. On the screen, was the headmaster. She said, " Welcome, welcome to the Reckwerth''s first-ever testing where all races are participating... Alcoholic beverages and food are on sale. So if you haven''t had breakfast yet. Do not to worry. However, please obey the laws and don''t be a hindrance to those around you. Otherwise, we will have to throw you out without a refund.


    Now to the students. You must be wondering what is going on... Why are you all teleported on the Arena? Well, it''s simple. Test 3 is split into 3 parts. The first part is the battle royal. If we had to do individual battles for everyone. We would only be done next week. As such a battle royal sorts that issue out. In this battle royal, you are on your own. Or you can team up it doesn''t matter. Regardless only 200 people will be allowed in the next round. Look around you. There are 2000 students here. So choose wisely. If you wondering how you get eliminated. You get eliminated if you step out of the zone. Or if you get knocked out. Our mages are going to reconstruct the Arena to a suitable tournament landscape.


    Lastly the purpose of this test it to test your battle prowess. As such we have set up a device that will regulate the strength of all spells. So the power level of everyone''s spell will be the same. This will make it a fairer battle for everyone. However, things such as cast speed etc can still differ from person to person. Also if you have one element but someone else has three, it''s on you to overcome those odds. Your natural element will still be slightly stronger than any additional. Remember only elemental spells and their application can be used. If you are caught cheating you will be disqualified. When you see the fire that will mean test 3 has started. That is all.


    To my spectators watching from home or those who are here with us. The voting poll is open you may place your bets on who you think will make it to the final 200. The names and pictures of all the students are there on the lacrima. Just scroll and see all the information you want. Please place your bets while the mages are changing the landscape. Once part one is underway voting will be closed."


    After she finished speaking the screen disappeared. And all the students started walking away from each other. Until another white light flashed and the landscape had changed. All the students were now walking on a tiled surface. It was raised 15cm above the ground. The shape was a square which was inside the circular Colosseum. Lucas saw the edges and saw that if he was pushed over there he would be eliminated.


    Once everyone was ready and alert. Fire erupted from the four corners of the "ring" commencing the beginning of test 3.


    1- This is a play on words. As a "monkeys wedding" is the term given when it rains even though there are no or few clouds. Another word for a monkeys wedding is a sun shower. If put into context. The play on words would be, "If there was a chance for rain it would be as plausible as the sun showering" (1).

 51. Test 3 (2)

    Once everyone was ready and alert. Fire erupted from the four corners of the "ring" commencing the beginning of test 3.


    The Colluseum was filled with praise. The excitement was evident on the spectator''s faces. Parents cheered for their children: girls cheered for their favourite participants. Boys cheered for their friends and all the beauties on the field. It was finally time for the show they had booked one month ago. This would go down in history and they got to see it in real time!


    Lucas saw the fire erupt from the ground and got ready. Once the fire had settled down. The fight began. Immediately multiple skirmishes broke out. Fights were taking place between groups and even fights between two people. It was a light show as the magic of all the elements flew around the arena. It was a tricky maze to navigate. Not only did you have to dodge the spells cast directly at you. But also all the other spells unless you wanted to be collateral.


    Lucas stood alone and observed the fights happening. Because he wasn''t part of a group he could somewhat disappear from view. On the other side of the battlefield, a group of students were eliminating other students left, right and centre. They were a group of red and white A rankers who paired themselves together as soon as they heard the rules of test 3. These students had great control over their magic. They would cast their spells together creating one massive magic circle. First, the fire mages would cast a fireball. Resulting in a ginormous fireball. The size and heat would increase further. After the wind mages increased the oxygen intake of the fireball. Once complete they would release a fireball that rivalled the sun. Overwhelming the groups that faced them. It would even cause collateral damage as the fireball continued until it dissipated. Knocking out multiple people and groups at the same time. Once you are knocked out your body disappears from the arena.


    Lucas saw the group and realised that his freedom from fighting would be cut short. Once people realised how overpowered this group was, they fled. They started picking off the ones who were alone. To them, this was a surefire way to eliminate people without having to put up much of fight. And hopefully by the time they have picked off all the little ones. The rest of the people would have been eliminated. Meaning they make it to the top 200. It''s exactly one of those groups that saw Lucas standing alone. And decided to take him out. What made them happier was when they saw he had no colour badge on... Also, he was only an E ranker.


    " That''s the perfect target. He is weak so we can eliminate him quickly without expending a lot of mana."


    "I remember that guy. He took test 2 with me. You should have seen his face when they told him he had no additional elements. It was hilarious."


    " So that''s our target. Looks easy enough."


    They knew they had found the perfect bait. As a group, they stood in front of Lucas. Blocking his way from moving forward. Without deliberation, they began chanting their spells. Lucas looked at each everyone one of them then sighed while shaking his head.


    " You guys are such idiots..." Lucas said shaking his head some more.


    Lucas words antagonized them even more. Now they were even more intent on destroying him. Once the spell was complete a massive fireball headed towards Lucas. Lucas saw it coming his way and jumped up high into the air. Using his physical strength and the wind element. Once the fire had passed gravity took control. And Lucas descended to the ground. Due to his control of wind, he landed as graceful as an angel. Once he had landed he shook his head again and said, " You guys are such idiots."


    But this time someone replied. " Oh, and why is that?"


    Lucas smirked inwards when he realised his plan was finally underway. " Well, for starters you keep eliminating the weak ones first."


    " That''s the natural order. The weak fall prey to the strong." The leader of the group said.


    " And by those standards. Doesn''t that mean you going to get knocked out too... As of now, there are 600 students left. Because most of the weaker ones have been eliminated. This 600 is full of stronger people. Following this trend that would mean the top 200 would be filled with really strong people. If by chance you actually make it to the top 200. How confident are you in beating any of them in a 1 one 1? Maybe you could beat a few but what about your group? Wouldn''t it be better if the top 200 was filled with weaker people... Then you would have a chance of snatching first place. They haven''t said anything but I''m sure the rewards are remarkable. You might be personally tutored by Ivys Vinnay herself. Maybe they will give you a secret spell. The possibilities are limitless. Tantalizing isn''t it? And you actually throwing that chance away for a top 200 finish. Shame." Lucas said shaking head.


    " Well, what else are we supposed to do. We can''t fight that group. Their control is insane. That''s Royalty and nobility for you." The leader said looking glum.


    " You can''t beat them alone. But what if you teamed up with other groups to take them out? If you increase your numbers they will fall."


    " I see, but the others won''t listen to me..."


    " They will. You are listening to me and I''m weak. Wouldn''t they believe you more? Because of your strength." Lucas said in a flattering tone.


    " Mmm, you are right," The leader said laughing proudly.


    " Sir this kid has a point. We are allowed to form groups. They placed no limit on the size. If we could somehow manipulate the results of the top 200. The prizes that come with it is a good as ours..." a member said.


    The leader looked at the rest of the group for their opinions. And they all nodded their heads. Agreeing that this is the best route to go. Once it had been decided the leader shook Lucas''s hand energetically. Introducing himself as Yura Ironwerth. He was a well-built man with a deep voice. Oddly enough he looked familiar. Lucas couldn''t quite put his finger on it though. After thanking Lucas for the idea he went on his way.


    Once they disappeared Lucas sighed in relief. And let out an evil laugh. This has always been his strategy. He would never engage in battle unless he had too. Whenever he played Risk. He would remain stagnant letting the war between everyone else unfold. Once someone strong arrived everyone else would team up against him/her to take him/her out. Then Lucas would casually swoop in and eliminate everyone one for one. The same with this group. People are going to get eliminated in the process. This was perfect for him while they take each other out he can just chill.


    After talking to Lucas, Yura Ironwerth went around to groups informing them of the plan. One for one they joined in agreeing with his plan. But the other side was not blind and noticed what they were up to. So they too began recruiting people other than potential A rankers to ensure they don''t get wiped. They didn''t have a hard time recruiting as people jumped at the opportunity to join their group. Because of Lucas the battlefield that was moments ago rife with war: turned into a recruitment field. It was a whole different battle as both sides sold their pitches trying to get people to join their side. Once all was done. Yura Ironwerth had roughly 400 people on his side. And the A rankers group had 200 people. Their group leader was Brutus Maximus.


    Once everyone had joined a group. They stood on opposite sides of the ring. The leaders delivered their speeches psyching up the morale of their soldiers. Now they were just waiting to let loose. The battlefield was quiet. Yura Ironwerth looked towards where Lucas was previously. But he couldn''t find him. He knew he wasn''t in his team nor the other. So he assumed he got eliminated. Yura Ironwerth returned his gaze to the other side and then screamed, " Attack!" And with that, the sounds of war sounded out.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Yura Ironwerth''s team charged at the other team while prepping their mana. Confident in their numbers. As they had twice the number of people than the other team had. Yura Ironwerth stayed behind giving orders like a general in a war. Oddly enough, while they were charging the other team was standing still. Brutus Maximus had commanded them to focus on something else. Yura Ironwerth was confident in his numbers so he didn''t pay much mind to their plans. However, he did increase the pace of their charge and told them to be careful. If he could get to them before their plan was complete it would be 2 against one. Because of his order, they ran faster while prepping their mana. Ready to release it whenever they were commanded to.


    Once they were 5 meters away. Brutus Maximus screamed, "release!" Yura Ironwerth got the fright of his life and commanded everyone to focus on defence. The group of 400 stopped charging and focused on defence. However, it was unnecessary as the spell that was being prepared by Brutus Maximus''s side was not an offensive spell. After the release of their spells. The ground began rumbling and from the ground, a battle station erupted. Brutus Maximus team was now all 3 meters above the ground. Once the battle stations were built by the Earth mages. The water mages filled the trenches with water.


    Next, the fire and wind mage climbed on top of the battle station and began chanting their spells. Yura Ironswerth saw the error in his ways and screamed retreat across the battlefield. He was angry, embarrassed, jealous all in one. "These fucking nobles," He thought. Yura Ironswerth was well aware of how nobles were raised. From birth, they were given the best of the best. The best education, the best tutors, the best food, the best training. Once a boy reached 7 years old they were trained in military arts. From tactics to learning how to command and more. They were groomed to be generals of their own battalion. But somehow this information slipped his mind. He had assumed since the leader of the other group was barely 18. He wouldn''t think of this as a real-life war scenario. Thus he attacks head-on.


    But he was wrong. Brutus Maximus was brutal and maniacal but also very calm, collected and conceited. Brutus Maximus analyzed the situation. Then set up a plan to change the tide of war to his favour. He purposely let them charge so close to him. So that there would be no way to retreat without massive loss. They held the high ground so they could attack relentlessly: while reducing the chance of being hit by magic themselves. Brutus Maximus stretched his arms towards the opposing side. Then all the fire and wind mages released there magic. Like a torrent, the spells flew in the air then exploded upon impact. Because Yura Ironswerth had advised his side to be careful. Most of them were safe. A few got eliminated and a few got hit by the spells. But they only survived the first wave. Next, the Earth mages stood on the platform after picking up a stone from the ground. Moments later they lobbed the stones at the enemy.


    Yura Ironswerth''s team began laughing when they saw the stones coming at them.


    "Oh no, I''m going to get hit by a pebble" A member mocked.


    "Save me from this vicious onslaught" another teased


    " Do they think they are Bavid and we are Loliath. Another scoffed.


    They all watched the stones fly into the air laughing. They had completely forgotten about the fear they had felt moments ago. On the other hand, Yura Ironswerth didn''t take it lightly. He commanded them to retreat slowly while focusing on defence. But no one wanted to listen to him rant about defence. Instead, they focused on attack. Yura Ironswerth felt desolate when no one was listening to his commands. Again he cursed his fate for not being born as a noble.


    Once the velocity of the stones reached 0. They began to descend. But for some or other odd reason the stones kept increasing in size... Yura Ironswerth''s team blinked their eyes and then again multiple times. Pinched their skins but it wasn''t a dream. The rocks were really getting bigger. It was an undeniable truth. The rocks kept growing in size as they descended. They were now the size of a boulder. Panic ensued on the opposing team. They had been prepping offensive magic. There was no way they could change now. Or cast defensive magic strong enough to stop this attack. Within the time they had. Also if they fired their magic against the rocks it would just create more rocks.


    Fear crept on all of them when they realized this is it. They regretted not listening to Yura Ironswerth. In fact, they regretted ever listening to him. They all wished they had joined the other side. To make matters worse. The fire mages stepped in and cast fire upon the rocks setting them ablaze. As if the previous wasn''t scary enough. Now they had molten boulders. Next, the wind mages decreased the wind resistance surrounding the rocks. Further increasing the speed it descended at and increasing the fire. Now not only were they afraid of losing. They were afraid of losing their lives. Brutus Maximus looked from his vantage point with a smile. As he marvelled in his leadership skills. He was quite proud of his first mock battle. The enemy was double his. However, he still managed to checkmate them in a few moves.


    Yura Ironswerth gritted his teeth and watched the stones descend. He was outside of their range but his team was definitely done for. He subconsciously looked towards Lucas. Angry he ever let him deceive him. Thinking he had a chance against royalty and the nobles. Even when the odds were in his favour. He still couldn''t beat a noble. Angry at himself he bit his lip. And promised to get revenge on Lucas wherever he was.


    The rocks were just about to hit his team. They all closed their eyes and braced for impact. Brutus Maximus watched apathetically as some cried other soiled their pants. He did not care if they died. The rules didn''t state killing was illegal. So he made sure that there was no escaping his plans. The fiery rocks were just a few centimetres from impact and then boom! The sound of impact sounded across the entire battlefield as the boulders landed on the ground. Creating craters. Yura Ironswerth could barely watch as his rage for revenge burned hotter. He was the only one left on his team the rest had been eliminated. Brutus Maximus laughed maniacally when the rocks landed.


    Then he looked around to count how many people he could see. There was a total of 203 left including Yura Ironswerth. Once everyone else realised that three more people had to be eliminated. Before the end of part 1, they stood on edge. Nobody moved a muscle. As a movement would mean that you might antagonize more than one person. Having them both casting on you. Getting yourself knocked out instead. But someone couldn''t bear the suspense and they moved. As a result, two mages fired at him. Eliminating him. Because these two mages fired magic this put the others on edge. As a result, those two got fired on by four other mages eliminating them. But this further antagonized the others. It was like a ripple of water. However, someone screamed "stop" before they fired their magic. They all looked to the source. Once the source saw she had their attention she said, "Look there are 200 people left. We are the top 200 there is no need to fight."


    Everyone recounted and saw that there really was 200 people left. They all sighed in relief. Especially Yura Ironswerth he was happy that he made it. So they all patiently waited for Ivys Vinnay to call it. But for some reason, she didn''t say anything. In fact, the timer just kept going. According to the timer, an hour and 20 minutes had passed and counting.


    One of the students got annoyed by this. Then said, " We were promised that after 200 people are left the battle ends: what''s going on?" As he said that everyone else joined in and questioned the staff.


    Suddenly a lacrima appeared and it was Ivys Vinnay. When the students saw her they relaxed. As this would mean that part one was finally over.


    "We are the top 200 students why are we still forced to battle?" a student asked


    "There are more than 200 students here," she said.


    A nerve twitched on all of the student''s faces as their faces contorted into unimaginable expressions.


    "We have counted innumerable times and the number adds up to 200. You guys have it wrong!"


    Ivys Vinnay then said, " I said the top 200 will make it through. But there are more than 200 people here."


    This student couldn''t take it anymore. But he counted one more time to make sure. And just like before he counted 200. He then thought that they were lying. Maybe this whole test was a lie. They just wanted to see them fight each other and make money off of them, so he said, " Listen here, bitch. I don''t know what sick game you are playing but..." "I''m not going to take part in this anymore," he said the last part while he was flying in the air, heading for the outside of the ring.


    When he realized that he was flying in the air he exclaimed, " What the heck!" Then he saw he was on a direct course to the outside of the ring. He began flailing his arms in the air. Doing everything he could to try and stop himself from going outside. But everything proved futile as with a thump, he landed outside on his bum. Then he disappeared.


    Then Ivys Vinnay said, " Stop the timer. The top 200 has been decided."


    "Top 200 we are clearly 199" the students cried out.


    But suddenly as if out of nowhere. Lucas appeared in front of everyone. Dusting his hands off and then rolling his shoulders to stretch them out. Everyone looked at him bewildered. Lucas just revealed a wide white toothy smile.


    [ Quest: Take first place in test 3 ( Rank 200 reached)


    Reward: 3000 Exp


    SP-20


    AP- 100


    Sidequest: Reveal all your elements.


    Fire: 5 SP, 25 AP ? ( Rewards will be given after the end results.)


    Water: 5 SP, 25 AP?


    Earth: 5 SP, 25 AP?


    Wind: 5 SP, 25 AP ?( Rewards will be given after the end results.)]

 52. Test 3 (3)

    Suddenly as if out of nowhere. Lucas appeared in front of everyone. Dusting his hands off and then rolling his shoulders to stretch them out. Everyone looked at him bewildered. Lucas just revealed a wide white toothy smile.


    " See, 200 students." Ivys Vinnay said.


    " That''s cheating! He used invisibility magic. I thought we can only use elemental magic."


    When he said that all the other students joined him in protest.


    " He did not use invisibility magic. He used elemental magic to turn himself invisible."


    " I don''t believe it. You just want to keep him in to add variety to the pool."


    Usually, Ivys Vinnay wouldn''t care what the students thought. But the audience watching was taking the students side. They all thought that something was fishy.


    " Ivys. Do something about this." Said an older man to Ivys Vinnay via a telepathic channel.


    Ivys Vinnay sighed and then she teleported on to the field with all the other students. Everyone got a fright when she appeared out of nowhere. But at the same time many couldn''t contain their excitement. Ivys Vinnay was a kind of a celebrity on campus. Many had heard of her accolades. She walked to Lucas then said, " Lucas, please show the students what you did while I explain."


    Lucas nodded his head. As he realized that he had to prove his innocence.


    " In order for an object to be invisible two things need to happen. Light needs to be able to bend around an object so that it so that there is no shadow. Also said object should have no reflection. Now through the control of wind Lucas was able to change the density of the air. But he also increased the temperature of said air in such a way that light bent around him. Resulting in so-called ''invisibility spell''"


    Lucas did everything Ivys Vinnay said as he did before. Then he turned invisible but not fully.


    " Notice, how by only using elemental magic he has disappeared. And it''s not fully either. But because you guys were so wrapped up in your own problems. None of you saw him. In the beginning, I did say elemental spells are allowed and their applications. Hence, he has done nothing wrong and deserves a spot in the top 200."


    Once the students saw that everything was fine and that Lucas did not cheat. They turned docile and accepted their defeat. When Ivys Vinnay saw that she had settled the issue: she looked up to one of the many luxury boxes in the Collusseum. And said via a telepathic channel, " Are you satisfied?"


    The person she spoke to never replied but that was answer enough.


    While Ivys Vinnay was talking to this person. Lucas felt someone was staring at him intently. So he looked at the said person. When he did he saw it was none other than Yura Ironswerth. Once Lucas saw it was Yura Ironswerth he waved at him revealing a friendly smile. Yura Ironswerth almost spat out a mouthful of blood at Lucas''s nonchalant appearance. Waving at him as if they were best friends. As if Lucas didn''t use him to make his life easier. As these thoughts entered Yura Ironswerths head: his rage burned brighter. And his bloodlust grew stronger.


    Lucas looked again towards Yura Ironswerth because he felt someone was still staring at him. When he saw it was Yura Ironswerth he frowned and thought, " Yo bro. I don''t swing that way." And decided to ignore him. If he wanted to stare at Lucas then that''s his decision.


    Once everything was sorted Ivys Vinnay said, " I trust you have no issues anymore." When none of the students objected she said, " Good... Congratulations to you all! You have made it to the top 200. You can be proud. Now you will get half an hour to replenish your mana, cool down and strategize etc. After that, we began the knock out rounds. This is a one on one fight. You will be pinned against one of your fellow top 200 finalists. Win and fight again. Lose and that''s the end. Does everyone understand?" She looked at everyone to see if they understood and they did. Then she said, " good," And with a clap of her hands, all the students disappeared from the Arena.


    Then she looked towards the spectators, " I trust that everyone is enjoying the fights. Like you heard there is a half an hour intercession. During this time you can go to the bathroom, buy drinks and food for the shows. Or just wait. The voting polls will be open again. Vote for who you think will make it to the quarterfinals. Just like before the information on everyone is on the lacrima. Voting closes as soon as the matches start. Enjoy!"


    Once she finished talking the spectators applauded loudly. Then she disappeared from the Arena.


    When Ivys Vinnay clapped her hands Lucas and all the students teleported from the arena. And into the Collusseum. The Collusseum had the Arena, the seats. The luxury boxes and also it had its own various departments inside the Collusseum. Lucas and the student were now in the waiting room. Once they teleported there, a few officials came in and greeted the students. They then asked if there were students that needed healing. The students that said yes were taken to the infirmary. So that they were in the best condition for the knockouts. After that, another official came and handed everyone a mana replenishment potion. It replenished 500 mana points to anyone that drank it. Lucas didn''t drink his as he hardly expended anything. He was practically still full. So he put it into Thea''s storage where the others were.Stolen novel; please report.


    15 minutes later all the matches were tabulated. And the tournament structure appeared on the lacrima in the waiting room. When they were released almost everyone raced to the screen to see who they were fighting first. After seeing there line up. Some danced around in joy. Others hung their head low. But a select few people didn''t look at who they were fighting. Lucas and Brutus Maximus were apart of this group. While everyone else looked at the table. The ones that remained looked at each other. As this was the people that would most likely be in the quarter-final. Everyone was eyeing each other trying to make their own evaluations of the people. Whenever they looked at Lucas and saw his badge said E, they shook their heads and looked at him with disdain. They all thought. He was foolish and overestimated himself.


    Moments later. Yura Ironswerth came back from the infirmary. He was there not because he was injured but because he wanted to see if his team was there. However, when he got there they weren''t there. When Yura saw Lucas he approached him. Looking as if someone stole his milk. Lucas sighed as he realized this guy was going to disturb his peace. Once Yura got to Lucas he began complaining, " You heartless fiend. Because of you, an entire class of students died. I will have my revenge. You better pray to the gods that you don''t face me. I am going to make you pay!"


    When Yura said that the whole class looked at him quizzically wondering what he was going on about. He then said, " You know during test 3. When I went around recruiting people into my team. It was all this guys plan! He convinced me to make a group to take out the A rankers. Little did I know he just wanted to use me. So that he wouldn''t have to fight. "


    Lucas felt like he was losing brain cells by listening to this guy go on. So he said, " First of all. You were stupid enough to listen to me. Next, I didn''t lose 400 people, you did. You commanded them. You should blame yourself for being dumb, for being a terrible tactician and a leader. Next, you should blame your eyes. Because you didn''t realize. No one died. We are going to war soon. Do you think they will let 400 mages die? Don''t be stupid. They obviously teleported them to safety before impact. Blood stinks. Especially the blood of 400 people. Yet there was no smell and no blood on the floor... Think a bit."


    Yura Ironswerth started breathing heavily trying to control his fury. Then he looked at Lucas and said," I admit you have some intelligence. What are you going to do no in a one on one? Convince someone to give up. You are done for!" He laughed afterwards satisfied at the idea of Lucas being eliminated.


    The rest of the students agreed with him when they saw his E rank badge. Lucas had the lowest badge of them all. The rest of them were C potential and above.


    But then Lucas said something that shocked the entire room, " What do I get if I come first?"


    "Huh, you come first. I''d dance around the academy naked the day that happens." A student said mockingly.


    " The day that happens, I''ll go to the King and demand he lend me his wife." Another said laughing.


    This became a trend as more and more students chirped in.


    " Haha, I''d eat grass for a whole week if you could win."


    " Good one, I''d become your lackey for a whole month if you win," A noble said.


    " Haha, I''d dress like a girl for a month if you won."


    " I''d be your slave for a week if you won." A girl said. Making people fantasize if they had her as a slave. She was royalty after all.


    When Yura Ironswerth saw how the entire group was against Lucas he smiled. He felt he had completed his job. But then Lucas said, " I never heard what I get from you though, Yura Ironwerth. Apparently, she''s gonna be my slave. He is going to dance around the academy naked. I''m getting a lackey... What about you though?"


    Yura Ironswerth secreted a cold sweat when he heard what Lucas said. His bottom lip began to quiver and his neck muscles tightened. He didn''t want to make a bet. Not because he thought Lucas was going to win but he just didn''t like betting. But when everyone saw his reluctance they gave him a strange look. So he gave into peer pressure and said, " If you win. I''d eat all the dung of all the livestock at the academy. Then I''d go to Ivys Vinnay and demand her to bare my children." He said confidently knowing that his bet would receive the praise of the students. And it did as he had put two down.


    Lucas laughed and then said, " Good, good. I''ll hold you all to this."


    Then Yura Ironswerth said, " But what about you? We have said what we would do. But a bet requires sacrifice from both." He said smiling smugly knowing that Lucas had to make the same bet with many people. Increasing his suffering six fold.


    Lucas nodded his head as this was only fair and said, " I''d do what you said you''d do."


    Everyone laughed and then Yura Ironwerth said, " We will hold that against you WHEN you lose." Yura Ironwerth was already imagining Lucas eating the faeces of all the livestock. And then watching him get obliterated by Ivys Vinnay for demanding such a ludicrous demand.


    It was at this moment that Brutus Maximus stepped in and said, " How about we make this official?" Brutus Maximus thrived on schadenfreude. As much as he wanted more people to suffer. He wasn''t going to purposefully lose to Lucas for that. So he decided he would rather make Lucas suffer. As there was no way Lucas would beat him. Brutus Maximus loved being thorough. He loved it when his victims had no way of escaping. Suddenly a contract popped up in front of everyone. He then said, " On this contract, it stipulates that you have to do what has been stated. My dad uses them a lot in his business so there are no loopholes."


    When everyone saw the contract and how it actually became real. Fear made them reconsider. And they began hesitating. It''s not like they gained anything great from Lucas if he lost. On the contrary, if they lost, they lost a lot. As unplausible as it sounded for an E ranker to win. It still scared them. Brutus Maximus saw the fear and couldn''t let it get in the way of his fun. So he said, " Do you really think this E ranker. This inferior scum would beat a noble like me. I have been groomed from a young age. It says in his bio he comes from outside of the walls. We all know that once in a blue moon they bare some fruit. But E rank potential is as good as it will ever get. And not just me there are others that are equally strong. Do you think he can beat them all? You only gain from this, even if just a little.''


    And just like that the fear they felt moments ago washed away. As they took the contract and signed it. Even Yura Ironswerth signed it. Once everyone signed it. Lucas took up his pen. And read the contract once more. He wanted to make it seem as if now he was reconsidering since it''s official.


    Of course, Brutus Maximus wasn''t having it, " What''s the matter? Cat got your tongue. Are you afraid now? Is it all too real that you chickened out? If you can''t put your money where your mouth is you shouldn''t talk." He tried to rile Lucas up with his words.


    Lucas acted as if it worked and he signed the contract. Inside he was smirking. This couldn''t have gone any better.


    Once everything was signed the contracts disappeared and they were now set in motion. Then the timer said 30 minutes had passed and it was time for the knockouts.

 53. Test 3 (4)

    Outside the Colosseum. Queues and Queues of people wait, trying to get inside.


    " Did you hear? Brutus Maximus is in the top 200. He got my vote."


    " I admit he is good. But the Ice Queen Silvya Rouge is better in my opinion. Royalty are just in a league of their own."


    " Are you both mad? Seth Thornheart is the clear victor. Mark my words."


    Similarly, the same discussions were happening inside the Colosseum. As people discussed who they thought was going to win. It was a lively crowd that grew from 80000 to 150000 and still growing.


    " Ladies and Gentleman. Now is the time you have all been waiting. As our brave first years battle it out to determine their rank amongst their peers. Don''t be reserved and cheer to your heart''s content. Supporting those you favour. The Arena will be split into four different sections where four different fights will happen. Unfortunately, we have to do this to save as much time as possible. If you can''t see the fight you want to from your point of view. The lacrima is streaming all the fights so just switch over to the one you want to see. You will also be notified when the person you voted for is about to fight. We have also removed the limiter. Students can fight at full strength. This is so that you can enjoy this battle to the fullest. So without further ado. Let the knockouts begin!"


    After Ivys Vinnay had finished speaking. Fire erupted from the four corners of each ring. The crowd went ballistic as they cheered fervently in expectation and anticipation.


    Meanwhile down in the waiting room, an official said, " In order to save some time. 56 of you will automatically make it to round 2. I know that some of you will complain. But just blame your luck. In combat, luck plays a part. In fact, luck plays a big part in tournaments like this. Luck determines if you are going to face a powerhouse in the beginning or in the quarterfinals. But it doesn''t carry you. As such that is the only free pass you will get. Adding, the list was randomly generated. There are no favourites here at Reckwerth. A badge in the shape of a clover will appear on your clothes. If you have automatically made it to round two. Today''s battle will take place until the Quarterfinals or the best 8. The quarterfinals, semifinals and finals will be held tomorrow. You have to win 5 times to make it to the quarterfinals. And of course only four to a select few. Remember, lose once and you are out. So good luck to you all."


    Once the official had finished speaking all the students looked on their clothes to see if they received a badge. And it was clear who got it and who didn''t. As the ones that did all screamed, "Yes!" Lucas was one of those who got a badge. He too exclaimed in joy as that meant less effort on his part.


    When the people that made a bet with Lucas saw him wearing the badge. They were envious and it was evident in their eyes. Lucas just looked at them and said, " That''s one down." Showing no shame in his complacency. But then Silvya Rouge the girl who made the slavery bet. Returned the same smug look while running her beautiful fingers through her ice blue hair. Then she pointed towards the screen in the waiting room. On the screen was her information. One of the things it revealed was that water was her natural element. As well as the number of votes she had obtained. It was a staggering amount. Making her the second most favoured to win. Under Seth Thornheart and above Brutus Maximus. After that, she scrolled all the way down the list. Until she found Lucas''s information. Then she pointed to the number of his votes. She tried to look as fierce as possible. But contrary to her icy appearance her beauty could thaw a thousand tickers (1). She had irresistible turquoise lips and a seductive voice. Alluring but people kept their distance. She is a poets dream. Wreathed in contradictions...


    When Silvya Rouge saw the number of Lucas''s votes she was discombobulated, " What!? Someone actually voted for you." This really seemed to baffle her. She just stared blankly at the number 1 next to the number of votes. Confused. But looking like an angel. As the light of the screen descended on her face. Making her artic eyes glow.


    Moments later she shook herself out of it and said shaking her head, " What a waste of money."


    " I know. All that money wasted on you just for you to lose." Lucas retorted.


    Silvya Rouge wanted to retaliate but her friend next her held her back. She said, " Don''t waste your energy on him. Well, I admit he can bark. His bite is severely lacking. He is probably just trying to psyche you out. You need to be level headed on the battlefield."Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Silver Rouge gave Lucas one last look. Staring daggers at him and then returned a friendly gaze to her friend laughing in conversation.


    At this moment eight people teleported out of the waiting room and into the arena. The arena had already been split into four sections. So a group of two each teleported to a section in the arena. Once inside your section, you could not see the other sections only the spectators.


    Once the students reached the Arena. A timer of one minute went off giving them time to collect their thoughts. After that, the fight begins. The spectators were cheering and screaming. Almost everyone was on edge for the fights that were about to happen. But this was mainly due to the fact that the crowd favourite was in the arena. Yes, Seth Thornheart took the stage. Seth Thornheart was an attractive man. He had a devil-may-care outlook and a stellar dimpled smile. He had red skin and voice that enchanted the opposite sex. His face was a work of art. He had prominent cheekbones and a cleft chin. Liquorice black hair and brown eyes. Contrary to most mages he was well built. His physique proclaimed strength as his toned muscles glistened in the sun. Seth Thornheart stood still absorbing all the praise he was getting. Waving his hands to his fans making the girls swoon as their knees buckled.


    The anticipation had reached a climax. And then finally the battle started. Naturally, most people were paying attention to Seth Thornheart''s fight. Once the timer struck 0:00 Seth Thornheart''s opponent immediately struck out with a wind spell. He raised his hands and a white magic circle appeared. From it, many wind scythes emerged. They howled and whistled as they flew cutting the air they were made from. Some even indulged in cannibalism growing in size as they moved.


    Seth Thornheart just stood there undaunted. Once the scythes came close enough. Seth Thornheart released a barrier like spell that condensed air to a solid form. The compressed air wasn''t stable. Resulting in a tempest of a shield. Once the scythes flew into the shield. They disintegrated immediately. Then Seth Thornheart released his barrier. He raised his hands towards his opponent and a magic circle appeared. From it, he released the same spell that his opponent had. However, its speed and size were worlds apart... It looked like multiple crescent moons descending. As Seth Thornheart''s wind scythes danced across the sky.


    In an instant, his opponent was overwhelmed by the sheer power, speed and size of the spell. It broke his barrier with ease. Then it cut him before he was teleported to safety.


    Once Seth Thornheart saw he had won. He bowed to the cheering crowd and waved at them. They took great delight in his victory. As they all felt happy about the bet they made. Practically they thought it was free money betting on Seth Thornheart. Judging how quickly he ended the fight. He could have ended it faster if he didn''t take the attack first. Then he still went and showed absolute arrogance by beating his opponent with the same spell he did. Outdoing him in every aspect. Seth Thornheart really knew how to work a crowd. They ate up everything he did. Revering and praising him for the genius he is. Once he was done he was teleported back to the waiting room.


    The other fights were still happening in the other sections. Fights between people of equal strength tend to take longer. Once a section was empty two new people would teleport there and after a minute their fight would begin.


    An hour later after multiple fights. The crowd started cheering louder than they normally do. As Silvya Rouge teleported onto the stage. While the timer was ticking. She thanked the crowd for voting for her... On the lacrima, she could see the number of votes she obtained. When her opponent saw her votes she began to shiver. And Silvya Rouge had yet to cast any magic. If you had a lot of votes you could intimidate your opponents without doing anything yourself. Giving you an edge in battle. Once the timer ran out. Silvya Rouge''s opponent conjured a fireball. It was growing in her palm as the magic circle grew bigger. At the same time, her opponent had a red aura surrounding her body. Increasing her body temperature by five times. She had heard of the queen of ice. So she prepared to counter her, should she ever come to fight her. Her opponent grinned at Silvya Rouge letting her know she came prepared. That Silvya Rouge did not scare her and with a little preparation. A win was possible, that it was in site. With a smile on her face, her opponent released a large fireball. The fireball flew for 2 meters and then it disappeared. Silvya Rouge''s opponent was petrified. She couldn''t move a muscle even if she wanted to. Because in the next moment she was frozen solid.


    Silver Rouge opponent released her fireball and then a large ice blue magic circle appeared beneath her. Decreasing the temperature so much that her fireball died. This shocked her opponent. That such a large fireball would die out due to temperature. Her opponent wasn''t affected because of her aura. But when the magic circle went off. She was instantly frozen in her petrified state. A few seconds after freezing. Her opponent disappeared. Silvya Rouge smiled smugly at her feat. Her opponent came prepared but still lost miserably. Her fans were screaming in praise. They felt reassured that she was a safe option after Seth Thornheart''s performance. Moments later she teleported off the field and two new ones came.


    1. Ticker- Is another word for heart. "could thaw a thousand ''hearts''."

 54. Test 3 (5)

    In the waiting room. The other people felt fear. They were scared as to what they were going to do when they faced a powerhouse. Because it seemed even with fire as your natural element and preparation. It was still impossible to take out Silvya Rouge. Her opponent had a fire aura and she still got frozen instantly. If even heat couldn''t beat the cold. How do you beat the ice?. She was just way too strong. She was talented, the quintessence of a natural mage. The ordinary couldn''t even dream about beating her.


    Then she teleported back into the room. And everyone stared at her like she was a monster. Like she was an anomaly in the world of magic. Silvya Rouge just harrumphed and began speaking to her friends. Ignoring everyone else and their opinions.


    Next moment, two other people teleported out of the waiting room. This was none other than Brutus Maximus. Like both powerhouses before him. He thanked the spectators for voting for him. And then after 10 seconds, the match began. Brutus Maximus is a very intimidating person. Not only was he smart but he was strong too. This is a deadly combo. Once the match started Brutus Maximus fired his spell first at his opponent. He screamed " Incinerate!" and a huge flame shot out a magic circle and went straight to his opponent. His opponent was still midway in his chant. Next moment he was roasted by the flame. Screaming in anguish as he rolled on the ground. Brutus Maximus looked at his opponent with pleasure. He revelled in the sound of pain. It was even better when he caused it. Brutus Maximus enjoyed this site for as much as he could until his opponent was teleported.


    When Brutus Maximus teleported to the waiting room everyone sucked in a large breath of air. They thanked their lucky stars that they did not have to face him yet. As well as their hearts ached for the person who was going to face him next. Once things had settled another two people teleported into the ring and the matches began. These matches were a lot longer because the people were of equal strength. As much fun as it was to see mages fight. The crowd never got as loud as when the powerhouses were fighting. In the waiting room, the biggest discussion was the powerhouses. Nobody underestimated their other opponents but facing a powerhouse plagued their minds. They really did not how to fight one. Silvya Rouge''s ice seemed too cold to counter. Brutus Maximus was brutal and his fire was just as much. Even though he was seen as the weaker one based on votes. He was the scariest to the contestants. Then there is Seth Thornheart the most likely to win. His mana control was impressive and he was cunning too.


    By now round 2 had started of test 3. And just like before the powerhouses ended their opponents with ease. They were frozen, burnt or cut. Whatever countermeasure was thought of was thwarted in a matter of seconds. Tactics can win you a battle but when the power gap between two people is too big. Tactics mean nothing. Such was the case here. This caused the other contestants to feel depressed. Everyone wanted to strive for first place but they knew that was impossible. So they decided they would do the best between themselves. The ordinary would battle the ordinary. And concede against the ones that were impossible to win against. Once they made this decision their hearts ached. No one likes knowing you are not good enough to compete for number one. That it''s not a matter of whether you win or lose. It''s a matter of you will never even get there. Everyone hearts ached at that realization. But then they looked at Lucas and this relieved them somewhat. They remembered his bet with the powerhouses and thought, " At least we get something good from this." They were happy that even if they could not win. When one of the powerhouses do win. At least they get to see a show.


    It was at this moment that another two people teleported onto the field. It was none other than Lucas and his opponent. Finally! It was Lucas''s turn. Lucas looked around at the crowd and they were quiet. Obviously, this match didn''t fancy their attention. As most of them switched their Lacrima''s to another station. Which wasn''t surprising Lucas only had one vote from some mysterious person. Whereas his opponent had 3. Very little in the grand scheme of things. Then Lucas looked at his opponent it was a short plump guy. He looked at Lucas like he had won the jackpot. Like Lucas was a free win. His opponent looked into the sky and thanked the Gods. Then wiped a small tear off his left eye. This didn''t bother Lucas at all. In fact, this was perfect for Lucas. There was something he had never tried before. Something he has wanted to try since he was a kid. Now that his opponent was underestimating him. It was the perfect opportunity to try this risky move.


    Seconds later Lucas began prepping his mana while the timer was going off. He ran his mana through every fibre of his body. Then he got into position. He lowered his upper body. Then he felt the ground below him. He imagined himself as a perpendicular extension of the earth. He was now ready he was just waiting for the timer to say he could go.


    His opponent on the other side was wondering what Lucas was up to. " What are these queer movements?" he thought. But decided to pay no mind to a person that was going to lose soon. If Lucas wanted to throw the match so early then that''s his problem. He would do what he would do. So he prepped his mana and got ready for the battle. Still frowning at Lucas standing in an abnormal position for a mage. But just scoffed it off.


    Eventually, the timer turned 0:00. So Lucas''s opponent smiled he was confident in his cast time. And by the looks of Lucas''s position, there was no way he be could faster than him. It was certain that he would win. He began his chant, " Chariots of firzcxzxc..." That''s all Lucas''s opponent could say. Before he was kicked in the stomach, with a tremendous amount of force. Making him mince his words.


    Once the timer ticked 0:00 Lucas got over his last minute nerves. And then visualized himself breaking free from Earth. Breaking any tie he had to gravity. Then he yelled, " Fire Dragon''s leap, starting control leap." Thumping his feet hard into the ground. The ground cracked at the amount of force that was exerted. Leaving a black scorch mark on the broken tiles. With that Lucas disappeared into a blur. When he reemerged he was in front of his opponent. His opponent hadn''t even noticed the sheer speed Lucas was moving at. Then Lucas whipped his leg, roundhouse kicking his opponent in the abdomen. Lucas kicked with so much force that his opponent was folded over on his leg. Spewing a mouthful of blood on Lucas''s pants and on the tiles. Once Lucas had reached 3/4th''s of the motion of his kick. He accelerated his kick by kicking harder. His opponent that was folded over on his leg. Was launched like a rocket into the air. Then Lucas yelled, " Fire Dragons'' leap, Control dash." With that Lucas disappeared leaving behind an afterimage. Appearing 5 meters behind his opponent that was on his way outside of the ring. Lucas prepped his mana into his upper body and fused it into his muscles. Once his opponent was within in arms reach. Lucas stretched his right hand out. Touching his opponents back. Stopping his momentum. Then Lucas took his right hand and thumped it into the ground, breaking the floor into a bowl-like shape. Because of this, all the dust of the earth raised and you couldn''t see anything.


    Once the dust had settled you could see Lucas dusting his clothes off. Standing over his opponent''s unconscious body with a smile on his face. Lucas was so happy this move had worked. Lucas saw this move in one of his favourite anime. And as the Chuninbyuu he was there was no way he wouldn''t try it. In a tournament setting no less.


    The audience that was actually watching were left flabbergasted! What just happened!? Nothing makes sense anymore! First, everything was perfect. When the countdown was over. Then all of a sudden Lucas moved 10 meters in a matter of split seconds kicking his opponent. Next, he disappears again. Appearing behind his opponent smashing his opponent into the ground. This all happened so fast! In the time it takes you to move your head from one side to the other. Lucas''s opponent had already been defeated. Lying on the ground dead or alive. What was this ungodly power!? Was it human!? Is Lucas an undercover demon because that''s happened before. But then they realised that Lucas''s speed wasn''t brought about by magic. But rather by a warrior skill. When they realised that their eyebrows furrowed, they wondered whether Lucas got the memo. This was a Mage''s tournament, not a Warriors one. This triggered them. But deep down they thought Lucas''s movements were amazing.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Inside a luxury box, an old man was elated, " OOOH! Such speed! Such control over mana. Such strength. High battle sense. And he has previously shown intelligence. Could this be a future battle mage? Tell me who he is?"


    " Sir, this is none other than Lucas Lightningstorm from the sticks. According to our initial tests. He was flagged as someone who shouldn''t be able to cast elemental magic. But so far he has used wind magic as well as fire. His control over it also seems to be superior to most. I have questioned the staff who facilitated test 2 when he first revealed the wind and fire element. But they say it''s because our equipment wasn''t designed to test people with his skin colour. He is an abnormality thus the results are incorrect. Therefore we don''t know whether he can cast earth and water spells until he reveals that to us or not. He is indeed a genius in this tournament and a definite dark house. No pun intended. However, in the grand scheme of things, he will never really amount to anything. The tests say that he will only ever reach E rank. So even if he is hailed king now. Eventually, most people will take him over. "


    " Aaah I see the E ranks are none other than cannon fodder. Maybe we will make him the general of an E rank independent squad. That way he can at least survive the war by sacrificing his soldiers for his own life... Lightningstorm hey... What a conceited surname! Change the statistics on his profile. If he wins and the public finds out that we never revealed his strengths. There will be an outcry."


    On the battlefield, Lucas''s opponent disappeared. Then Lucas waved to the crowd. It was not because Lucas thought they cared. But because somewhere out there someone voted for him. And he wanted to thank that person. Once Lucas was done Lucas was teleported back to the waiting room. Once he got their everyone else took a deep breath. They too had seen Lucas''s battle. There was only one screen in the waiting room and because of Lucas''s bet. Of course, they would be watching his battle to see if he would win or lose. When Lucas teleported it was dead quiet as they eyes glanced over Lucas. Lucas just rolled his eyes and then looked at Silvya Rouge and said, " that''s two." Smiling in a way that showed his superiority.


    Silvya Rouge''s pretty and sweet face immediately turned sour as she glared Lucas. This time her friend didn''t budge in. Because her previous statement was Lucas had no bite. Unfortunately after seeing his fight. You would have to be blind to think the same thing.


    After Lucas looked at Silvya Rouge Lucas looked at Brutus Maximus and smirked. Brutus Maximus was struggling to hold his temper back but he was successful. Afterwards, Lucas looked at Seth Thornheart and did the same. But Seth Thornheart seemed unperturbed by the developments and was in his own thoughts as if nothing happened. When Lucas saw Seth Thornheart''s calm nature he nodded his head in approval.


    Soon after another two people teleported into the arena. And so on and so on. Until round 3 started. When Silvya Rouge and Seth Thornheart went on stage their opponents conceded immediately. Brutus Maximus''s opponents conceded the second they were teleported. As a result, they were instead teleported away and not into the arena. They wanted to make sure they do not enter the arena with that guy. Yes, there was medical mages to heal their wounds. But fighting with him could lead to death. Necromancy is an illegal subclass (Dark class) as such your death meant your death.


    Then it was Lucas''s turn again. This time there were more people watching Lucas''s match as they had heard of his "ungodly speed." Inside the waiting room, the powerhouses were watching attentively. Even Seth Thornheart was watching. He tried to act nonchalant but he too saw the problem Lucas posed. The old man in a luxury box was watching too. All eyes were now on Lucas as his previous actions had garnered attention. Now was the time for them to assess his worth. Was he good enough to be called a dark house? Was he on the level of the powerhouses?


    Lucas and his opponent got teleported to the arena and then the countdown went off. His opponent started prepping his mana. While Lucas did the same as last time. He crouched into his position. His opponent saw Lucas''s movements but he had seen it before. So he never scoffed at it. In fact, if anything he felt fear pumping through his blood. It really looked like Lucas had kicked that guy hard. And then he was still sent face first into the solid ground. Was that about to become him now. He wondered would Lucas make him a cripple. He couldn''t be a cripple! His parents were depending on him. He began considering if he should concede. He wouldn''t concede if he was fighting a proper mage. Because they couldn''t cripple you easily. He blamed his luck. If this was last years exams. He would be considered one of the powerhouses. What the heck happened this year? Where did these monsters appear from?


    He was still in thought when the clock sounded off. It was then that he realized that he hadn''t prepped his mana properly. Because he was in thought. He then realized that he had already lost. The window of opportunity is minute as Lucas could appear in front of you in split seconds. He had already missed that window. Once he realized that he screamed, " I give up!" At this moment Lucas appeared in front of him. Ready to kick him in the gut. But when Lucas heard, " I give up." He retracted his foot and just stood in front of him. And then he walked a few steps back. Then he bowed his head to his opponent showing him his respect. Lucas admired the fact that his opponent conceded. Sometimes you just can''t win a fight. There is nothing wrong with conceding. Better than then losing miserably and maybe getting injured. Conceding takes character and this guy has it. Also, Lucas saw that his opponent wasn''t ready. Due to him being in his thoughts. But Lucas was not going to easy on him. He would still capitalise on his opponent''s mistakes even if he didn''t need to.


    Lucas''s opponent already knew he was going to lose because of his blunder. In fact, he thought he would lose with or without the blunder. That is what caused the mistake. He was not going to risk the chance of becoming a cripple over pride. So he conceded. But even though he knew that was the case. It was a hard pill to swill. He bit his bottom lip until blood dripped onto the floor. Then he teleported off the field. At this moment the crowd went nuts at the prospect of a new powerhouse. Even though this could mean they could lose their money on a bet. This would make the rest of the battles more interesting. So it was worth it. He was now dubbed the dark powerhouse. Combination of a dark horse and a powerhouse. They accepted him as a powerhouse because his opponent conceded early. This was the case for the previous powerhouses. Their opponents conceded immediately. It was now clear Lucas was on the same level as them. Lucas waved his hands at the crowd showing them his gratitude and then he was teleported.


    Lucas teleported into the waiting room. But this time Lucas didn''t even taunt them. He already knew that they were feeling the pressure. It would be boring if he broke them too soon. Silvya Rouge was already en route as she scowled at Lucas. Lucas wondered maybe he pushed her too far. But he ignored her looks. Took a page out of Seth Thornheart''s book and played the nonchalant look.


    Moments later more people disappeared and round 4 began. The same thing happened. Once the powerhouses entered the ring the rest immediately conceded. The dark powerhouse''s opponents yielded immediately too. Round 5 came and the same things happened. By now it was already night time. It was finally time to call it a day.


    " I trust you all have a had a fun day. Thank you for your support today. The first part is finally over. We have 8 contestants left. Tomorrow we will start off with the quarterfinals. Then semifinals and then finals. Tomorrow we will crown a King or Queen of the first years. We will also reveal the rewards for the participants tomorrow. So come prepared. Think long and hard as to who you think is going to win. You will only get one chance to vote. Will it be the powerhouses? Or maybe the newly emerged dark Powerhouse. Polls close at the start of the first match of the quarterfinal. See you tomorrow."


    With that everyone in the Arena disappeared in groups one for one.

 55. Test 3 (6)

    From the Colosseum, everyone teleported to the Reckwerth''s teleportation channel. The students stood in their groups. Which meant Lucas walked to the E rank''s group. When Lucas got there he wanted to stand at the back of the line. But when he stood at the back. The person in front of him stood behind him. So Lucas took a step forward closing the space between him and the person in front of him. He wondered why this guy wanted to be behind Lucas. But as long as he kept his guard up he wasn''t afraid. Once Lucas closed the gap the same thing happened. The person in front of him stood at the back of the line. Lucas just shook his head and took a step forward, to close the gap. But when he did it happened again, again and again. Until he was standing in front of the line. By the third time Lucas had realized this cycle would continue till he was first in line. When he got there he looked at the person second in line with a questioning gaze. Who then replied, " You are the only E ranker still in the tournament. So who else should stand first but you?"


    When Lucas saw what they based their actions on he acknowledged it. Even though he wanted to be at the back. Once everyone had found their places the officials lead them to their dorms. All of the E rankers were now in their dorms sitting in the Cafeteria waiting for their food. Lucas sat on a single seat. Once the food was prepared a lady in the kitchen called out to the students to get their food. But everyone stayed seated. 1 minute had passed and nobody was standing up. So the lady called again but still, no one stood up. So Lucas thought to himself, "Okay if no one is going to stand up. I am going to. I am hungry!" Once Lucas stood up and walked into line everyone else stood up and got into line behind him. It was then that Lucas realized it''s the same as in the lines before. They were waiting for him to be first. Lucas got his food and he ate it. After that, he went to go take a shower. He was alone in the shower. But he did not shower long. Once Lucas came out of the shower he saw a long line of boys waiting to go inside. So once he got out the other boys went in. However, by this time this didn''t surprise Lucas anymore. It seemed that he gained some respect. Lucas thought to himself, " the influence of strength." Then Lucas went to his dorm room and he slept.


    The next morning, Lucas woke up to someone touching his clothes. When Lucas opened his eyes he saw it was an official of the dorm. Who was trying to wake him up. So he climbed out of bed still tired and rubbing his eyes. Lucas was sleeping on the bottom of the bunk bed this time. His roommates allowed him to choose where he wanted to sleep last night. Once Lucas was up, the official whispered in his ears saying, " It''s time to wake up. You need to get ready for the quarterfinals." But when Lucas looked outside the window it was still dark... So Lucas asked the official why were they waking him up so early. He said, " You need to warm up. Everyone who is taking part in the Quarterfinals is waking up now and about to go and warm up, re-strategize and so forth. The tournament begins in two hours. So make use of the time you have." When the official said that Lucas understood and then he walked outside his room to the cafeteria where his food was apparently waiting for him.


    When Lucas got to the cafeteria he saw that there was a table that was set. When he got closer he saw that on the table was a white jade bowl with a golden rim and a white jade plate with a golden rim. The cutlery was golden and it was shining in all its glory. Obviously, this was set up for him. So Lucas sat down at the table. When he did a chef dressed in white came out of the kitchen and towards Lucas. He looked at Lucas then he nodded and said, " Good morning sir, I am your chef this morning. Please look at the menu beneath you and place your order when you are ready." After saying that the chef disappeared. Lucas looked at the menu and pondered as to what he wanted for breakfast. He saw they were meaty breakfasts. This intrigued him because his stomach was still used to having meat for breakfast. So Lucas called the chef and ordered his meal. Once he was done eating. He thanked the chef as the food was so far the best he had in this world. It wasn''t near the level of the food he ate on Earth. But it towered above the food he had eaten in the inn and the food he got at this academy so far. Clearly, this was a trained chef which they hired for Lucas to ensure he gets a good meal for the tournament.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    After eating he went to the training area. Where he was supposed to practice his spells. He went to a simulation booth and trained then he went to the target practice booth to practice accuracy. Lucas did not activate combat mode he was using his own skills. Lucas could train for as long as he wanted because he was the only person in the training area. Normally it was open 24/7 and had people in it all the time. But because Lucas needed to practice it was reserved just for him.


    After practising his spells and strategies in the appointed time he had. Lucas drank a mana replenishing potion to fill him up back to full. He drank another High and low one. Netting him 1300 mana points. Now he only had the one left from the Arena and the rest he took from the goblins back in Zulras. After drinking his mana replenishments an official came to find Lucas and took him to the teleportation array. By now the sun had risen so the paths were well lit. Once Lucas got there he saw that his fellow participants already there. They eyed him as he approached. All well aware of the threat he posed. Lucas just ignored their strong gazes and looked at Ivys Vinnay who was looking at him. He did look for Yura Ironswerth who seemed to have a grudge on him. But he couldn''t find him. Lucas deduced that he had already been kicked out as there were eight students here including him. This wasn''t good news because this meant that Yura Ironswerth would seek revenge in another way. If Lucas could take him out in the tournament. He could instil fear in him that would cripple him from ever wanting to make a move on Lucas. But now he can''t "It is what is," Lucas thought.


    Ivys Vinnay looked at Lucas and saw he was not rattled by the scowls his opponents were giving him. Because of that, she smiled for a moment. At that moment, rainbows painted the sky in beautiful colours as the birds chirped. As if her smile had the power to bring life to everything. Then she returned her facial expression to her normal authoritative one and began speaking, " I trust you all had a good nights sleep. Because today is one of the biggest days of your lives. You have made it to the best 8. So each one of you has a chance to be named the King or Queen of the first years. I will tell you exactly what that entails later but it''s amazing. I just want to say well done for making it this far. As the sad truth is, this is as far as 4 of you are going to make it. Nonetheless, hold your spirits high and make your loved ones proud. Fight fair and square and let''s have a good one."


    After her speech, everyone clapped their hands and then they were teleported to the arena.

 56. Test 3 (7)

    Once they were all teleported to the arena. Lucas looked at his fellow participants then he looked at the crowd. The stadium was full there was no empty seat. All 200000 seats had been filled. Yet some people were still filling in, standing in empty spaces.


    Once they arrived Ivys Vinnay began her speech like usual, " Welcome, welcome everybody! Welcome to our first ever mixed quarterfinals. I''m sure you have all thought long and hard as to who you plan on voting for. Remember the polls end the second the first match begins." Then she turned to the participants and said, "Good luck for making it so far. I promised you that I would reveal to you what your rewards will be. For those that made it into the top 200 will be given 20 gold coins. A free lesson of an hour on the essentials of becoming a great Mage from me. Valued at 100 gold per hour. Further, those that made it to the top 100 will be given an extra hour. Plus 20 gold coins. Those that made it to the top 50 will be allowed to choose an artefact from the school''s shops. The top 20 will further be allowed to choose an artefact of a higher grade. Top 10 will be able to choose from one of a higher grade. To all of you who have made it this far. You already qualify for all these rewards. The next prizes are only for a select few. The top 5 get an extra 30 gold and an hour-long lesson on the essentials of being a battle mage. The top 3 gets an hour-long lesson on how to lead a battalion. And last but not least. First place gets an extra 50 gold. A chance to choose an artefact of a higher grade. And four hours extra with me as your personal teacher. Teaching whatever you wish. As long as it''s within my capacity. And a chance to take the Battle Mage exam in 8 months. They will also be called the King or Queen on the first year. This is a title but there are perks to the title too. As the King, you don''t need to stand in lines. You are able to train longer in public training facilities. Your student card clearance level is one level higher than the rest and more revealed later. That will be all. Good luck."


    With that Ivys Vinnay and 6 other people disappeared from the Arena. Only Lucas and his opponent stayed in the arena. It was then that Lucas realized that he was fighting first. Lucas looked at his opponent and saw that it was not one of the powerhouses but someone else. But it didn''t matter who his opponent was. He wasn''t going to hold back. So Lucas got ready and stood the position allocated to him. Placing him 12 meters away from his opponent. Clearly, this was set up so that Lucas''s opponents would have more time to counter Lucas''s dashes. Lucas looked at his opponent and then got into his dashing stance. While the timer went off. The opponent did the same thing and get ready, prepping his mana. He was determined to fight. He felt there was no need to concede. Now that the distance between himself and Lucas increased. He had time to counter Lucas''s dash and kick. He prepped his mana and lifted his hands ready for Lucas whenever the timer ran out.


    Lucas prepped his mana and ran it through all his muscles. This time he had increased the amount of mana by leaps and bounds. Once he was done he saw he had 5 seconds left and so he got into position. Once the timer ran out Lucas screamed, " Starting speed leap." Suddenly he was immersed in a massive flame as his body shot away and disappeared leaving behind two after images. He was going much faster than he did before. As he switched from starting control dash to starting speed. Which focused solely on speed. With Lucas''s added strength and dexterity. He could control the F rank skill a lot better than before. While travelling through space in blinding speeds. Lucas got ready to kick his opponent that was still standing still. But just as he was in front of him a large wall of earth erupted from the ground. Blocking Lucas''s view as his opponent stood behind the wall. Lucas''s opponent had screamed, " Gaint Earth Wall" the second the timer ran out. Resulting in this wall that was blocking Lucas from his opponent.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    When Lucas saw the wall he scoffed at it. Because it only protected him from a frontal attack. So while still in the dash Lucas ran around the wall. Ending up on the side of his opponent. And like before he roundhouse kicked his opponent hard. But this time he never kicked him in the gut but on the right ribs. As that was the side Lucas was standing on. With that kick, his opponent was sent flying through the air. His opponent was unconscious in the air because the power of Lucas''s kick resulted in inertia rocking his brain. His opponent flew through the air and then disappeared mid-air before falling outside of the ring. His opponent had underestimated Lucas. Because Lucas had only been dashing straight in all the previous times. He assumed that was all he could do. But that wasn''t the case. Lucas had full control over his F Rank; < Fire Dragon''s leap>. If it was E Rank he would only be able to go straight until he increased his attributes till that level.


    Once everything was over Lucas waved to the crowd thanking his voters. He now had 20000 votes under his name. They were happy to see that Lucas was still instantly wiping people out even in the quarterfinals. After everything was over Lucas was teleported back to the waiting room. When he got there he kept to himself. He didn''t taunt anyone. He was going to let his prowess to do the talking. Soon after 2 more people disappeared. It was Silvya Rouge and another opponent. Silvya Rouge won that fight 1 minute later.


    After that Brutus Maximus and another person fought. A minute later he had won. And after that, it was Seth Thornheart and another opponent. His fight ended in a few seconds. Once everyone had fought Ivys Vinnay appeared again. Then she said, " With that, we conclude the quarterfinals of this year. It is clear to see that the powerhouses and the newly appointed dark powerhouse are far too formidable for the students of this year. But what happens when they face each other? Find out in 10 minutes as our Mages need to replenish their mana and calm their nerves."


    After she said that she disappeared. In the waiting, on the screen, the tournament roster appeared. It showed that next Lucas would be facing Silvya Rouge. Where Brutus Maximus would be facing Seth Thornheart. When Silvya Rouge looked at the screen she glared at Lucas and then smirked.


    In a luxury box in the arena, an old man asks a younger woman, " What do you think about Lucas Lightningstorm?"


    " Well, I don''t have much to go on. But he is clearly capable of competing for first place. He is holding back, that much is clear. But so are the other powerhouses. They haven''t shown the entirety of their arsenal. That''s about all I can say for now. However, if he does win it will cause quite the upset. Every year either someone from the palace wins or a noble family. It''s how we the royal family have shown the commoners the gap between us and them. To ensure that they swear fealty to us. But if a commoner wins. Better yet someone from outside the walls where most of the trash is produced. It will give them hope to reach for the stars. If that''s the case who is going to serve us of higher class. It could cause an imbalance of jobs. As people try to become adventures rather than craftsmen. Or servants and miners... But we will see what happens from here. Luckily his potential is only E rank. In the end, trash is trash."

 57.Test 3 (8)

    Moments later, 10 minutes ended and it was time for the semi-finals. With that Lucas and Silvya Rouge was teleported to the field. Lucas looked at the raging crowd as the cheers were threatening to break through the heavens. But most of them were directed at Silvya Rouge. She had claimed 100000 votes against Lucas''s 20000. Of course not all her voters were in the Arena. Some voters were watching at home on their Lacrima. After looking at the crowd Lucas looked at the beautiful Silvya Rouge. She was doing the Windsor wave to her adoring fans. Blowing kisses to them as well. She looked in her element absorbing and relishing in the praises she was receiving.


    A few moments later the timer of one minute started and so Silvya Rouge began prepping her mana. While she was doing that the temperature in the arena decreased rapidly. Lucas felt it getting colder and wondered if it was colder closer to her. But it didn''t matter to him so he began prepping his mana. He ran mana through his body. He ran a lot through as he planned to do the starting speed dash. As boring as it was for the fans to see the same move over and over again. Lucas didn''t care. Why fix it if it isn''t broken. As long as this moved overpowered the Mages he wouldn''t change his tactic. Lucas got into position and was done with his preparations. Silvya Rouge was done too. They were just waiting for the timer to run out.


    When the timer ran out Lucas shouted. " Starting Fire Dragon''s leap". His body was enveloped in flames moments later: with great force, he thumped his feet into the ground launching him meters forward. Lucas left 2 after images behind as well as a broken and scorched ground. Lucas travelled 11 meters in a matter of split seconds until he was in front of Silvya Rouge. But she was prepared for this. She saw the mistake Lucas''s previous opponent had made. So instead of creating an ice wall in front of her. She created one around. She surrounded herself in ice. She was like a butterfly in a cocoon. But the cocoon was large and it was thick. When Lucas saw the ice wall he knew he wouldn''t be able to break it in one kick. However, "three should be able to break it," he thought. As such Lucas didn''t stop his charge. Once he was there he began his roundhouse kick. And kicked into the ice cocoon. The force was so much that a crack instantly appeared on the ice cocoon. Moments later a block of ice fell out of the cocoon. But it wasn''t completely broken yet.


    So Lucas returned his leg to the normal fighting stance and prepped his mana into his muscles getting ready for kick two. Once he was done he kicked the ice with full force. The ice shook and the crack within the ice deepened. The crowd were on their toes they had no idea what was going to happen. Because of that, it was quiet in the arena. Only Lucas''s kicks could be heard. Lucas prepped his mana again getting ready for his third and final kick. This kick would definitely shatter the ice. Once he was ready he lifted his foot and kicked for the ice one last time. But when he did the ice turned from ice to water. So Lucas''s foot went straight through it. Once Lucas placed his foot down. The huge ice block that was now in water form towered over him like a large wave. Then the wave descended swallowing him whole. Once Lucas was fully submerged in the water. It instantly turned into ice freezing Lucas in place.


    Silvya Rouge looked at Lucas stuck in the ice and laughed. He was like an insect in amber. Or a fossil that was encased in sediment. She looked to the crowd who were cheering loudly and did the Windsor wave again. Smiling from ear to ear. She couldn''t believe that this was all it took to beat Lucas. She couldn''t lie to herself. Lucas seemed quite formidable and she was worried. Not to mention she would have to be his slave for a week if she lost. At first, she thought he was a big mouth. She soon realized he had every right to talk big. But not enough to win though... So when they increased the distance as to where Lucas and she would be standing. Silvya Rouge realized she had a fighting chance. She learnt from Lucas''s previous opponent''s mistakes and came up with a plan to take him down for good. Silvya Rouge looked at the ice block with Lucas in it once more. Marvelling at her greatness.


    After a while, Silvya Rouge looked at the ice block and saw that Lucas was still inside it. She found this quite odd. As she had frozen many other people whole like she just did Lucas. But after a while, they are teleported out of the ice and then she wins. However, in this case, even after waiting longer than normal, Lucas was still in the ice. The ice was still in perfect condition meaning Lucas wasn''t resisting. Then why hasn''t she won yet? She thought... But she decided to wait it out.


    One minute later and still nothing happened. Lucas was still trapped inside the ice. So she called out saying, " What is going on? He has clearly lost. He is frozen. It''s been this way for 3 minutes. Let''s not waste everybody''s time. Can we end this? I get this is the semi-final but this is a waste of time. I mean he can''t move at all. I win."


    Moments later a screen appeared. On it was Ivys Vinnay, " Your opponent still shows high brain activity even though he is encased in the ice. Unlike your previous opponents who after being frozen have lower brain activity than before... But in compliance with your request. We will give him 2 minutes. If he still hasn''t broken free from the ice in 2 minutes. You win." When she was done speaking the screen disappeared.


    When Silvya Rouge heard that all she needed to do was keep Lucas locked inside the ice. And then she would win. She switched from doing nothing to an offensive mode. She started chanting again. After a minute she was done. She casted another ice spell above the ice block. Causing the ice block to expand and the ice to become colder. But this wasn''t the end she did it again determined to lock Lucas inside. She was taking no chances.


    Inside the ice Lucas was conscious. He looked and realized that he was trapped inside the ice. It was a weird feeling. Because he couldn''t move his body no matter how much he wanted to. It felt like he was being smothered by walls. It was a yucky feeling as Lucas was quite claustrophobic. Lucas remembered how Silvya Rouge was able to change the ice back into water and then back into ice, freezing him. Lucas had to admit it was a brilliant plan and it succeeded. She was able to seal Lucas''s one shot move. Now he had to fight her in another way. But suddenly he felt the ice getting colder as he saw her casting more spells on the ice. Lucas realized he had probably been in the ice too long and it was about time to break free. But he did not know how to. This part of magic he wasn''t taught. He couldn''t cast a fireball in the ice. It would explode on himself. But then he suddenly realized something. If Silvya Rouge was able to change the water to ice then Lucas could turn the ice to water. He had no idea how. But he was going to try it.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    It was then that Lucas remembered his grade 4 chemistry class. Freezing occurs when the molecules of a liquid slow down enough that their attractions cause them to arrange themselves into fixed positions as a solid. This changes water into ice. But if Lucas could reverse this by the process of melting. He could change the ice into water. So far Lucas had been visualizing the finished effect of the spell but what if he could incorporate the process too. Would it be stronger? He had no choice but to find out. So Lucas began prepping his mana. Because has done this so much it didn''t take long. Then he cleared his mind and began visualizing the ice around him. Once he did a whole new world came before his eyes. He saw the ice in it''s truest forms. He saw how the molecules were tightly into each other. So he ran his mana through the bonds that were keeping them together. This separated the H20 bonds from each other. As a result, the ice was turning into water.


    Outside the Ice block, Silvya Rouge noticed that Lucas was fighting back but she was not going to stop fighting. She had 30 seconds and then she would win. So again she started freezing the ice to make sure Lucas stayed inside.


    Lucas felt that Silvya Rouge clearly wanted him to stay inside. He could also feel her impatience in the way she released her mana into the ice block. This alarmed Lucas. He had no idea why she was doing this. But it was clearly not for a good reason. So Lucas increased the speed of his thawing. He ran more and more mana through the bonds. Because Lucas''s mana control was superior to hers as well as his affinity to water magic. Lucas was able to melt faster than she was able to freeze. Silvya Rouge realized that it would only be a matter of time before Lucas was free. It annoyed her to know that he was clearly better than her. But she took comfort in knowing that Lucas didn''t have much time left. Lucas had 10 seconds left to break out of the ice then she would win. So yes, in the long run, Lucas would eventually win. But as long as she kept freezing she could delay it until it became her win. The crowd was with Silvya Rouge as they began saying, " 10,9,8,7..."


    Lucas ran his mana through the bonds of the ice. It was initially really difficult and he was still getting used to it. It was his first time doing this after all. But now he had mastered it to a high enough level to change the water to ice. So Lucas enveloped all the bonds at once with his mana. And then he broke them and immediately all the ice turned into water. Finally, Lucas could hear what was going on in the outside world. He heard the crowd say, "2, 1." He had no idea why they were saying that but it didn''t matter to him. Lucas was now in control of the water so it was hovering above him like a gigantic wave.


    When Silvya Rouge saw that Lucas had just thawed all her ice in a matter of seconds she was discombobulated. She was baffled. And dispirited. She had put every bit of talent and skill she had gained into that ice block. Trying to keep Lucas locked inside the ice. But not only did she soon realize that Lucas would be able to break free if there was more time. This annoyed her but her eventual win comforted her. But when Lucas changed all her ice into water at once. She was forced to see. That the level of control Lucas had over the water element. Was FAR above what she could ever dream of doing. Also, there was no way of controlling the water element now that it was in Lucas''s position. He was far stronger than her. It would also take too long to cast a new spell to conjure up new water. But even if she could. Lucas could just steal it from her. Not only that Lucas still had his superior speed in play. At this realization, her knees became weak as she fell to the ground. She lost every bit of will to fight. She sat down on the ground looking far into the sky. Her eyes looked empty and soulless.


    Lucas wondered if he should use the water he now had control over and incase her in it. Then turn it into ice. Wouldn''t that be poetry? But just as he was about to move the water she was teleported out of the field. She had clearly given up. So the officials ended the match.


    The crowd was flabbergasted! They had no idea what just happened. This was the weirdest fight between mages they had ever seen. One moment Lucas moves across the arena in a speed comparable to a God. Kicking the ice. A loud sound echoed across the arena while Lucas kicked at the ice. Next Lucas gets swallowed by a wave of water and then he gets frozen inside said water. Later the ice becomes water again and Lucas is control of the water. After that Silvya Rouge lost her will to fight and because of that she disappeared. Silvya Rouge''s fan were all disappointed but Lucas''s fans exclaimed in joy as they couldn''t believe Lucas had just won against royalty. They had bet on Lucas just because he was a dark house not because they thought he could win. Some people like to bet on the dark houses rather than those who are favoured to win.


    In the luxury box, an old man said, " He just keeps on winning... He might just become King..."


    "Yes sir, not only that but he has also shown that he has control over the water element. Plus his affinity to water is far superior to Silvya Rouges. She is known as the Ice Queen. Because she herself has a superior affinity to the element than most people. Water is her natural element and yet Lucas is still more talented than her. This is a first... Given that the results didn''t indicate that Lucas could even cast water spells... I understand that the results were wrong according to his skin colour. Honestly, we are treading on new waters here, sir. So far he has revealed the wind, water, and fire element. I wouldn''t be surprised if in the final between him and Seth Thornheart or Brutus Maximus he reveals he has the Earth element too."


    "Lightningstorm hey..."


    Back in the Arena Lucas was teleported back to the waiting room and when he did Seth Thornheart and Brutus Maximus were teleported to the Arena. So Lucas was alone in the waiting room. Waiting to take on the winner so he could battle him in the finals.

 58. Test 3 (9)

    In the waiting room, Lucas sat down on a chair. He was looking at the screen in the room. Currently, Seth Thornheart was fighting Brutus Maximus. It looked quite even. The two of them had the same elements after all. They both had fire as their natural element and wind as their additional. Therefore this match would be won by the person who had a better affinity over their elements. Casting speed, mana control and mana output all played a role too. It was because the powerhouses dominated in these areas that they were able to end the matches quickly. But now two powerhouses were up against each other. So it would take a lot longer than before.


    3 minutes later Seth Thornheart immerged victorious. This was much faster than Lucas had anticipated. So far the average fight time between people of equal strength was 10-15 minutes. But this fight was done in 4. Clearly, Seth Thornheart is a lot stronger than Brutus Maximus. That is just based on time. If you actually watched the fight. It would be clear to you that Seth Thornheart was in control. He was always one step ahead of Brutus Maximus and in the end, Brutus Maximus lost.


    Once the match was over. Brutus Maximus was teleported away. Seth Thornheart stayed waving to all 180000 of his voters. It was a mixture of those who voted at home and those that were watching in the arena. After a while, Ivys Vinnay appeared on a screen, " Wasn''t that exciting!? The quarterfinals and now the semifinals are now over. We only have two contestants left. The dark powerhouse, Lucas Lightningstorm. And the number one powerhouse Seth Thornheart. In 30 minutes these two are going to battle it out to see who will be dubbed The King of The First Years! Please use this time to go to the bathroom and get the snacks you need. You will not be allowed to stand up once the match starts. To ensure you don''t walk in front of other people spoiling their immersion of the show. So see you in 30 minutes... To the contestants. Please use this time to strategize and regain any lost mana. That will be all."


    When the screen disappeared so did Seth Thornheart. However, unlike before he wasn''t transported to the waiting room with Lucas. He was teleported to another room somewhere within the Colosseum.


    In the stands, some people went to the bathrooms and went to buy snacks. While others sat and discussed who they thought was going to win this tournament.


    " This is definitely Seth Thornheart''s tournament. There is no way he going to lose to some kid from the sticks."


    " As much as I think Seth Thornheart is going to win. You can''t deny that Lucas Lightningstorm is a worthy opponent. Look how far he has come and not by luck."


    " Like he said. Lucas Lightningstorm is definitely not someone to be mocked. Yes, he comes from outside the walls. But he has beaten multiple nobles. He even took down royalty. You saw how he dominated Silvya Rouge."


    " You forgot something. He can also control more elements than Seth Thornheart. Lucas Lightningstorm has wind, fire and water in his arsenal. According to his profile. They have even flagged earth as a possibility. There is no denying he is a genius. If only he had C rank potential. He would not need to fight in this tournament. "


    " Exactly, his potential is only at E rank where Seth Thornheart is at A. Clearly Seth Thornheart is going to win."


    " Don''t be stupid. You know that that doesn''t determine your strength. It just indicates where you could go. Yes, if your potential is A rank you will grow at a faster speed than someone who is only at E. But if you both at the F rank and of equal strength. Your potential doesn''t factor. But what does factor is how they were raised. Seth Thornheart has been through multiple battle simulations and has had the best training his whole life. Where Lucas Lightningstorm hasn''t. Since he is from outside the walls. They don''t have the resources there. So, in the end, Seth Thornheart should win. Because he is more experienced."


    " HUH! Seth Thornheart is more experienced than Lucas? Pffft we''ll see about that."


    After much discussion, 30 minutes had passed. Ivys Vinnay appeared on the screen again and said, " Now is the time you have all been waiting for. Please sit back relax and enjoy the show." As she ended her sentence fire erupted from the four corners of the ring again and fireworks exploded in the air. Once the fire stopped Lucas and Seth Thornheart were standing in the Arena. Once the crowd saw Lucas and Seth Thornheart they screamed in praise. The cheers were so loud it could be heard in a distant land.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Then the one-minute timer went off and the cheers stopped. Once the timer went off Seth Thornheart starting prepping his mana. Lucas did the same thing. But this time he did not get into position to do the Fire Dragon''s Starting Speed Dash. Instead, he prepped his mana like a normal Mage. Once the timer ran out Seth Thornheart made the first move. Instantaneously a sizeable white magic circle appeared. Then he shouted, " wind scythe". And with a hum, five ginormous scythes made from wind emerged out of the magic circle one for one. Flying at breakneck speed. Lucas saw the scythes approaching him so he majestically lifted his palm towards the scythes. Moments later a white magic circle appeared. Once it did Lucas shouted, " Air cannon".This was a new spell Lucas had bought from Thea''s shop when he woke up this morning. Once Lucas shouted, from the magic circle, compressed air was fired out. Like a breath attack from a dragon. When the scythes made contact with the compressed air, some of them were sent flying back to Seth Thornheart. But because there were more coming, the scythes coming from Seth Thornheart cancelled out the ones returning to him.


    Immediately they both prepped their mana. And began the chant of their next spell. Because of Lucas''s blessings, he was faster than Seth Thornheart by a few seconds. Lucas began his next spell by saying, " Tsunami". From a blue magic circle. Lots and lots of water came pouring out at a high speed. The water crashed as it hit the tiles. From the tiles, Lucas controlled it to move towards Seth Thornheart. Once it was in front of him, the water looked like it gained sentience as it structured itself in the shape of a giant wave. And then it crashed on top of Seth Thornheart. Seth Thornheart has a strong physique. However, it was not enough to keep himself standing after getting hit by such a large wave. He lost his footing and got swept away by the wave. While Lucas had time to breathe. He prepped his mana, then using his new found knowledge of science. He changed the water into ice. Freezing Seth Thornheart in place.


    Seth Thornheart could not dodge the wave coming at him. The width was too great. He was also surprised by Lucas''s cast time. He himself was confident in his own cast time. But Lucas surpassed him by far. Yet he kept prepping his mana until he got swept away from the water. Which later was turned into ice. Seth Thornheart was now trapped in the same ice Silvya Rouge trapped Lucas in. But Seth Thornheart had seen that match. Where Lucas fought Silvya Rouge. He anticipated Lucas could do the same. As such it did not take him long to break free. Using the mana he had prepped prior. Seth Thornheart emulated the monks from Lucas''s world and self-immolated himself. Setting himself alight in flames that were so hot they had a mind of their own. Despite burning around him it never burnt him, only what surrounded him. Instantly melting the ice before Lucas could reinforce the bonds. Even when all the ice was melted around him. The fire raged creating steam and burning it away from him.


    Once Lucas saw that his ice had been beaten. He cancelled the spell and the water disappeared. With the water, all the steam too. Now both parties could see each other properly. Seth Thornheart moved forward and so did Lucas and then they stopped. They were now 10 meters away from each other. Then Seth Thornheart said in an arrogant tone," Did you really think you could beat me with that!?"


    " I did not know what to expect. I was just trying out a new found skill." Lucas replied.


    " Some skill" Seth Thornheart mocked. " How do you plan on beating me now? Now that I have activated this fire I''m invincible. Any water attack will not work on me. Your fire and wind spells will only aid my own. "


    " Aid you say... So you admitting your puny flames are sickly. "


    " You and your sharp tongue. Let''s see if you still feel that in a bit. Once I win and you become my lackey. I''ll show you your place."


    " Threats upon threats upon threats. I''m beginning to think you are too scared to fight."


    " Huh. Let''s end this charade."


    " Sounds good to me."


    Seth Thornheart was prepping his mana while he was talking to Lucas. He knew Lucas could cast spells much faster than him. So he distracted him by conversing with him. Then Seth Thornheart extended his right hand. From it, a vibrant red magic circle appeared. This magic circle was different from the ones Lucas had seen before. It had one more ring on the circumference. Making it look quite menacing. Once the magic circle appeared the temperature in the arena increased. It was blistering hot. The spectators had a shield protecting them from heat. Where the arena itself did not. So it was being damaged by the heat. The corners of the ring were melting. As well as due to spontaneous combustion there were mini fires all over the ring. Then Seth Thornheart shouted, " Cherthus attack!"

 59. Test 3 (10)

    When Lucas saw the strange magic circle. He became weary. He went into guard mode. He prepped his mana. It only took half the time. Because Lucas had realized that Seth Thornheart was stalling for time. But only halfway through the conversation. Once Lucas was finished prepping his mana he heard Seth Thornheart shout, " Cherthus attack!"


    Suddenly the flames around Seth Thornheart disappeared. And from the menacing vibrant red magic circle, fire was being conjured. Further increasing the temperature of the arena. Increasing the size of the flames around the arena as well as increasing the rate of spontaneous combustion. The fire coming from the magic circle grew and grew and grew until it became a massive flame. Once it was big enough it shot away from the magic circle as it raced to Lucas. Mid-flight the fire took on the form of fire spirit. It was in a humanoid form flying through the sky. As it came closer to Lucas, the temperature increased.


    When Lucas saw this thing flying towards him he knew he was in danger. He knew he had to do something and fast. It was getting harder and harder to breathe and to think as the fire spirit come closer. Lucas cycled through many ideas in an instant. He knew water wasn''t going to help. The fire had sapped a lot of water vapour in the air away. Wind was useless too as it could backfire on him. Lucas was confident in the strength of his fire. But he had never faced what he presumed to be a fire spirit. So he did not know how a fire spirit would react to fire. As such he couldn''t use fire. Only earth remained. One of fire''s natural counters. It was obvious at this point what element he was going to use.


    So Lucas extended his right hand. Soon after a green magic circle appeared on the ground 3 meters ahead of him. Then Lucas shouted, " Earth wall!". Instantly the ground began shaking and then an earth wall erupted from the ground. Breaking the tiles on the ring. Lucas timed the wall to appear right when the fire spirit was 38 centimetres (15 inches) away. He did not know if the fire spirit had the ability to move mid-flight. As such if he raised it too early, the fire spirit could possibly move around or the wall. The wall was thick and was 3 meters tall to ensure that Lucas was safe after the aftermath of the collision.


    Once Lucas erupted the wall, the fire spirit saw it but its speed was too fast to slow down. As such as Lucas planned the fire spirit knocked itself into the wall. Causing a big explosion of fire. Because earth is solid. As well as being comprised of dirt. The explosion didn''t break the wall completely. The explosion got through 2 meters of the wall until it died out. When Lucas saw he was in the clear he began prepping his mana. Once he was done he released the earth spell and the giant wall crumbled into sand.


    Seth Thornheart was smiling when he saw his fire spirit flying towards Lucas. Fire spirits are born in fire. They breathe fire. They are fire. So he was confident that Lucas would be overpowered by this move. He did not want to kill Lucas. Otherwise, he would lose a lackey. But he knew that the officials would save him before it comes to that. So he did not hold back and released his greatest offensive weapon he had in his arsenal. But when he saw that Lucas had blocked it with earth he bit his lip until it bled. He was furious. He knew earth was the natural counter to fire but he didn''t think it would be this bad. Little did he know that the reason Lucas was able to block it. Was because Earth is his natural element. Had it not been, Lucas would have lost.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    After losing control of his emotions, Seth Thornheart began prepping his mana again. He wasn''t going to give up like Silvya Rouge. Even if he couldn''t use his fire spirit anymore. He would press on. He was a man fighting to become a noble after all. He had never lost before. There was no way he was going to let that happen now. His eyes became bloodshot when he thought of himself as inferior to someone. He had never thought this in his life before. Because had never lost to anyone before. But he unconsciously allowed that thought to escape. Upon realisation, he got angry with himself and with Lucas as a deep fury burned in his heart. Seth Thornheart had never fought someone who could be considered a challenge. Better yet, someone, he thought he could actually lose to. Everything in life came easily to him. The only thing he needed to fight for was his chance to become a noble.


    Seth Thornheart was adopted by a family of noble status. But because of the laws of this land, he is not a noble, unlike all his "siblings". Adopted children are still not nobles as it would be a disgrace to the noble bloodline. The only chance an adopted child can have to become a noble. Is to prove your bloodline is worthy. By becoming an adventurer and reaching the appropriate rank ( Rank C Mage. Rank B any other class). This proves you have strong bloodline worthy of being called a noble. Where you will marry another noble and pass on your good genes to your offspring. Ensuring that nobles stay in power.


    This is the way normal children adopted into a family of nobility claim their title as a noble. But this method would take to long for Seth Thornheart. He wanted to become a noble now! Because Seth Thornheart''s father is a Duke. He has considerable sway and influence. His father used a lot of favours and connections to pull some strings. As such in order for Seth Thornheart to be considered a noble. He only needed to be dubbed The King of The First Years. Then he would be able to attend the ceremony that will classify him as a noble.


    Seth Thornheart thought he would breeze through the tournament. He had a fire spirit in his position. Spirits are extremely rare in this world. So it is hard to catch one and make it yours. And if you ever do find a spirit. It''s usually a low-class spirit, unlike a Seth Thornheart''s humanoid type one. Seth Thornheart serendipitously stumbling upon a humanoid spirit is one of the reasons a Duke adopted him. The other reason was because of his apparent potential. If you find a low-class spirit you still need to be accepted by it. Which rarely happens. Seth Thornheart was accepted by a better one which was unheard of. So the Duke adopted him to protect him from people that would try and harm him. Even though killing the host kills the spirit. It would be better to kill someone while they weak rather than when they are strong.


    The fury inside Seth Thornheart kept growing as he realized he could lose his position as a noble. As well as possibly disappoint his father. Once Seth Thornheart''s anger had reached a certain level. It began influencing the spirit that was inside of him. Seth Thornheart didn''t have complete control over his spirit. That''s why he could only use it for a brief amount of time. The higher the class of the spirit. The harder it was to control. Because the higher the class of spirit, the more the spirit had a will of its own.


    After being fueled by anger that came from Seth Thornheart feeling weak. The flames that had a will of their own reappeared. This was the spirit''s flames. It came out of hibernation, responding to Seth Thornheart''s rage. Seth Thornheart''s eyes were still bloodshot. He looked at Lucas with a violent gaze. He only had one thing on his mind, "win." Seth Thornheart''s conscious began fading as his anger increased. Seth Thornheart was screaming. As he kept screaming the sound of his voice became deeper and deeper. Until it reached a climax and Seth Thornheart was not in control anymore. The spirit had taken over him.

 60, Test 3 (11)

    In a room, in the Colosseum Ivys Vinnay said to an official. " Quick! End this match. Teleport Seth Thornheart away!"


    "Yes Maam," an official said.


    But then a familiar old man''s voice sounded out in Ivys Vinnay''s mind, " No! Leave it as it is!"


    " But sir! Lucas will die. Yes, he is only E rank but he can control every element. He could be a capable leader of an F and E rank independent squadron."


    " Do you wish to take this old mans fun away from him. I have lived a long life yet this boy keeps surprising me. Revealing something new each time. I want to see what happens when he is pushed to his limits. And don''t worry I see his worth as a soldier. I will intervene when it''s needed."


    " Yes, sir. My apologies for talking back."


    After that conversation, Ivys Vinnay told the official to stop the teleportation spell. And so it stopped.


    ...


    In the arena, the white motes of light that were surrounding Seth Thornheart vanished. By this time there was nothing left of Seth Thornheart. He was completely under the control of the humanoid flame spirit. The fire around Seth Thornheart was still raging about. His eyes were still bloodshot. His veins were showing on his face and they were red.


    With bloodshot eyes, the flame spirit (Seth Thornheart) looked at Lucas. And then it charged at him. Its speed was comparable to Lucas when he dashed. Because Seth Thornheart was well built. His body could sustain the pressure that was being placed on it. When Lucas saw the flame spirit charge at him he changed his tactic. From wanting to cast a spell to tactically retreating. So he used all the mana he had prepped and put it into his muscles. Afterwards, he got into position and then he screamed, " Fire Dragon''s Retreating Speed Dash." And with that Lucas thumped his foot into the ground and lept to the side. Dashing at a speed superior to the flame spirit. While he was dashing he was prepping mana into his muscles as such he didn''t stop dashing. As the flame spirit never stopped chasing Lucas. They were running in zigzags around the entire ring of the arena. It looked like a game of tag but deadly. It was quite a peculiar site for the spectators. They were wondering if this was even a battle between Mages. Some people who were watching from home wondered if they perhaps changed the station.


    Once the flame spirit realized it never going to catch Lucas it switched tactic. Lucas and the flame spirit where now facing each other. They were 7 meters apart. Lucas had increased the distance when he saw the flame spirit stop. Lucas was still prepping his mana. When the flame spirit started shooting out large fireballs at Lucas. Because the flame spirit is a flame spirit. It did not require any time to cast fireballs. So it could continually cast fireballs only after a few it would have to cool down. But then it could do it all over again. Lucas placed all his mana into his muscles again and began dodging all the fireballs that came his way. It reminded him of dodgeball. A game he used to love and play when he was still in school. This not only rekindled those memories but it set them alight. Because now instead of going out when you get hit by a ball, you die. Or you get maimed.


    Left, right. Left, right. Lucas dodged the incoming fireballs. They were extremely hot. If Lucas hadn''t of gone through the trial by fire. The heat alone would hurt him. When the fire spirit saw that this wasn''t working either. It made a new tactic. A few moments later it dashed at Lucas again. Where Lucas dashed away from the flame spirit prepping his mana during the dash. One minute later they were still running. Until the flame spirit screamed, " Prison of Fire". Suddenly a massive wall of fire. Standing 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide erupted in front of Lucas. So Lucas went left but another wall came about blocking his left. When Lucas looked to his right another wall erupted and then the last wall closing Lucas in a square prison of fire. The spectators couldn''t see anymore so a lacrima drone flew over and recorded what was happening. Which was streamed on the viewers lacrimas.


    Lucas remembered this move. He had used it on the E rank Mu Puma when he was fighting in the training room when test 3 first began. He felt like an idiot for falling for his own move. But regret could come later, now he needed to focus. So he began prepping his mana when suddenly the fire spirit that was currently on the outside of the wall walked through the wall of fire. It did not take any damage. As a fire spirit, it had a resistance to flames ( to a certain degree of heat). It smirked when it saw Lucas trapped. Now Lucas couldn''t dodge its attacks so he was done for.


    Lucas realized that he was in real trouble this time. Even though he was in a dire situation he wasn''t scared. Then he thought "If this guy is using a fire spirit as a cheat. I''ma cheat too." Lucas had the ultimate cheat. He had a system. " Thea activate battle mode," Lucas thought.


    [Took you long enough]


    [ Battle mode activated]


    " Thanks, Thea"


    [Sure thing]


    With battle mode activated Lucas was calm and composed. He was a lot calmer than before. Then he asked Thea, " Is there any way to stop this thing without having to kill the host? But if no then I don''t mind ending his life. It''s his own fault for letting the anger get the best of him."


    [ Uhm, well yes there is a non-lethal way. Since we dealing with a fire spirit it''s quite easy actually. In fact, the lethal option would be harder since this thing is WAYY stronger than you. Anyway, fire spirits especially humanoid ones are very prideful. They don''t bow down to anyone. They are also a competitive species. However, in the past, this wasn''t the case. In the past, the elemental spirits were held done by a superior spirit. The lightning spirit. So if this spirit sees lightning it will be so afraid that it will hide. Reverting control back to the boy. The only thing is that at your level you can''t cast lightning spells. That''s why you haven''t seen them in the elemental column in the shop. You can create thunder though. Which is more than enough. When the spirit hears the rumble of thunder it will still be afraid... And yes, I know thunder is the direct result of lightning. Think of it like this. You can create lightning at your level but it''s so small that all you left with is thunder.]


    " Okay but how sure are you that thunder will work?"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    [100%]


    " Oh wow. So how do I do this?"


    " Easy, lightning is the combination of all four elements. So what you need to do is create four magic circles at once of each different element. Think of lightning. Then combine them into one and Bob''s your uncle... Sorry I stole that phrase from your memory. You don''t need a real spell since you not creating the real thing at a large scale. Oh, one last thing. I recommend you to put all your points into intelligence. You can still do it without it but it will take longer because this is your first time."


    " Okay, thanks. I got it."


    Then Lucas called his attributes forward. And put all 8 points into intelligence. Now he had nothing left.


    [Strength �C 32


    Dexterity �C 35


    Intelligence �C 59


    Wisdom �C 28


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8]


    Once he knew what to do, he began the plan immediately. He prepped his mana and then he held out his right arm. From it, a green magic circle appeared. The fire spirit saw Lucas bring up a green magic circle which meant earth. It remembered how Lucas had blocked its move before using an earth spell. So this time it was not going to take chances. The fire spirit began chanting and then a gigantic red circle hovered above its head and from it, a fireball was forming. The fire spirit didn''t have to chant spells but it did if it wanted it to be stronger. The fire spirit knew that Lucas couldn''t run anywhere so it had all the time in the world. And whatever Lucas was doing was futile so it took its time. So it could destroy Lucas thoroughly.


    After doing the earth magic circle Lucas prepped his mana and then extended his left hand. Then a red magic circle appeared. The fire spirit saw the new magic circle and mocked Lucas for it. Did Lucas not realize the FIRE spirit was immune to flames? So it just continued with its spell. Once Lucas was done with the fire. He prepped his mana and then tried to bring forth a new magic circle. It was finally getting difficult. It was hard to bring forth a new magic circle without releasing the rest of them. Lucas was struggling for a bit until he finally got it. When he did a white magic circle appeared in front of the red one. When the fire spirit saw this it nodded its head. Clearly, Lucas realised that ordinary flames wouldn''t beat it so he was going to buff the fire with wind. Even though he admired Lucas''s effort. That in itself was done from a place of disdain. As the spirit knew no matter what Lucas tried it couldn''t hurt it with fire.


    Once the wind was done. Lucas prepped his mana. And then tried to bring forth the last magic circle. This was extremely difficult. Lucas had to forgo keeping his attention divided between the flame spirit and the spell. Now he only focused on the spell and nothing else. Yet it was still difficult. After Lucas''s focus reached an all-time high he was able to create the last magic circle. Suddenly a blue magic circle appeared in front of the green. When the flame spirit saw this. It thought Lucas was upping his defence by using the two elements that counter fire. So the fire spirit continued to grow his fireball. It was nearing the end. The size of the fireball was as big as a boulder and was extremely hot.


    Once Lucas completed his fourth magic circle all he needed to do was combine them. Surprisingly this was the easiest part. Lucas simultaneously joined the white and red magic circles together. As well as the green and blue magic circles together. When the magic circles combined the design of the magic circle changed. The outer circle had more ancient writings and was spinning faster. Plus two smaller duplicate magic circles of the bigger one appeared. However, they were much smaller in size. They attached themselves to the circumference of the outer ring on the top of the magic circle and the bottom. When the fire spirit saw this it was alarmed. It did not think Lucas was smart enough to be able to combine the two magic circles. Let alone combine four individuals into two. It assumed Lucas placed them in front of one another to fire independently. Which would then cause the two spells to combine outside the magic circle instead of from the magic circle. Combining magic circles is advanced magic. Magic like this could pose a threat to the fire spirit. So it increased its cast speed. As it began panicking.


    But then something happened that left the flame spirit flabbergasted. Lucas combined the combined magic circles into one. Making a purple magic circle. The combination further changed the structure of the magic circle. Now it had three minicircles. Shaped like a triangle on the circumference of the magic circle. One at the top and two at the bottom. There was more ancient writing on the outer circle. And in the middle of the circle was a star with four points. In the middle of the four-point star was an ancient symbol. Once the fire spirit saw the new magic circle it felt fear all the way to the bottom of its soul. It recognised this magic circle. It hadn''t seen it in centuries. The spirit was so scared that it stopped casting its spell. It just looked at the purple magic circle.


    Once Lucas was done Lucas looked at the fire spirit and then said, " Lightning." Suddenly a loud bang and several rumbles filled the arena. Travelling across the sky. All the creatures nearby the Colosseum ran away. From above you could see flocks and flocks of birds flying away. As well as you could hear the stampede of creatures retreating. When Lucas stopped looking at the birds he put his hand down. Then looked at Seth Thornheart who was lying unconscious on the ground. The fire spirit had fled the second it heard the rumblings and then the animals reacting to the rumblings as proof. Once it went into hibernation Seth Thornheart regained control over his body. But he was mentally exhausted so thus he was unconscious.


    ........


    In a luxury box in the Colosseum, an old man was going ballistic. So happy he was. " I knew it! This boy always finds a way to surprise me. Not only does he have four elements. They are his natural elements. That is why the crystal didn''t pick it up. For they are not his additional elements but rather his natural ones. Which explains the mutation of his skin. When you mix red, blue and green you get black. Aaaah I have lived a long life and my road ends soon. This was something I was looking forward to. But after seeing this boy I would love to see what he can accomplish. Even if it is somewhat limited. He can already combine two spells together. And then he combined four all in one. Magnificent! If I was not here today and someone told me what I just saw. I wouldn''t believe it. Who would believe that some kid from the sticks has four natural elements? And is able to combine them into one spell. Unbelievable, simply unbelievable... Lightningstorm hey... I take my words back. It''s not a conceited surname. It''s perfect!


    .......


    When Ivys Vinnay saw that the fight could now be concluded she had Seth Thornheart teleported from the stage. In fact, she did it herself to make sure the old man didn''t but in again. Once Seth Thornheart left the arena. The crowd was left speechless. The reality had sunk in. Lucas had won the tournament. They couldn''t believe it. But when one person began clapping in the stands. Everyone did. People joined in one for one until the whole stadium was on their feet clapping their hands. When Lucas saw the praise he was getting he smiled and then waved to the crowd to show his appreciation. Once the cheering died down Ivys Vinnay appeared in the arena.


    She teleported next to Lucas. Giving him a quick once over. Then she said, " Well done brave champion. You are definitely worthy of being called The King of The First Years. You have a tremendous amount of talent. Reckwerth is proud to have you here. And to the spectators. Thank you for voting and cheering on the contestants. Without you, this wouldn''t be possible. Anyway, that concludes our first mixed first-year tournament. Hope you enjoyed it. Come again next year."


    [ Quest: Take first place in test 3 ( completed)


    Reward: 3000 Exp


    SP-20


    AP- 100


    Sidequest: Reveal all your elements. (completed)


    Fire: 5 SP, 25 AP ?


    Water: 5 SP, 25 AP?


    Earth: 5 SP, 25 AP?


    Wind: 5 SP, 25 AP ?

 61. The Grand Ceremony

    In the Grand Hall of Reckwerth Academy. All the first years were seated in their seats when Ivys Vinnay walked onto the stage and stood behind the podium, "Yesterday was an eventful day full of action and surprises. Well done to everyone who participated. No matter what place you got in the tournament you are valued here at Reckwerth.And if you are not happy with your results. Train! Get stronger and improve your rank. Anyway, you are all brought here today to honour Reckwerth''s top 20. So without further deliberation, please put your hands together for Reckwerth''s number 20. Kane Roughmore."


    The crowd clapped their hands as he walked onto the stage. Kane Roughmore walked to Ivys Vinnay and another official. Where they gave him a bag of gold in a pouch. This pouch altered the weight of the gold to a carryable one. They also gave him a golden ticket which he would need to enter Ivys Vinnay''s lecture. Lastly, they gave him a purple pocket-sized polygon plaque. He would use this as proof to gain access to the school''s artefacts. Once he received everything he stood on the far right of the stage.


    Then Ivys Vinnay called number 19. They received the same rewards and stood next to Kan Roughmore. This continued until rank 10. When rank 10 was called to the stage. The plaque they received had a gold lining on the edge of it. As well as the colour changed to green... Rank 10-6 received the same rewards. Rank 5 and 4''s gold pouch was slightly bigger as they received more gold. Additionally, they received a red ticket. This they would use to gain access to the lecture on the essentials of being a battle mage.


    Once rank four had been announced Ivys Vinnay called rank 3. This was none other than Silvya Rouge. The crowd cheered fervently as she graced the stage with her beauty. She received her awards and then stood next to Brutus Maximus. The only difference between her and Brutus Maximus''s rewards was that she got another ticket. This was the ticket to the lecture on how to lead a battalion. Once she was settled Ivys Vinnay called the number 2. This was Seth Thornheart. But he did not walk onto the stage. Then Ivys Vinnay called out again but he still didn''t make an appearance. After calling for the third time. Seth Thornheart walked on stage reluctantly. Clearly, he wasn''t too thrilled about being second place. Because first place was what he was striving for. After a slow walk, he received his awards and stood next to Sivya Rouge.


    Once Seth Thornheart was done, Ivys Vinnay continued, " And lastly and definitely not the least. Number one of the tournament and also the new King of The First Years, Lucas Lightningstorm."


    Lucas walked on to the stage and when he did the whole place was in an uproar of praise. They were standing and shouting as Lucas walked to collect his rewards. Once they handed his rewards he stood next to Seth Thornheart. Then the crowd switched from clapping for Lucas to everyone. Once the applause ended. Ivys Vinnay said, " That concludes the celebrations. Class starts tomorrow. Remember to go and fetch your student mage coats and your student cards at the reception. Thank you."


    With that, she left the podium and then the teachers left the hall, followed by the students. Of course, this meant Lucas too. Lucas left the Grand Hall and wondered what he could do next. He had a full day to himself before classes began. He wanted to fetch his student mage coat and student card but that''s probably where everyone was heading too. Thus the lines must be exceedingly long. Lucas wasn''t keen about standing in a line for hours. He would rather go later when things have cleared up. Then he thought about maybe going to visit Tamara Everly. But as he was in thought someone tugged him on his shirt, pulling him out his thoughts. Confused Lucas looked downwards to where the pulling was coming from. There he saw a girl.


    When the girl saw that Lucas had taken notice of her. She removed her hands from his arm, " Uhm, sorry for disturbing you. But I just wanted to say. I saw your fight against the Royals and the nobles. And I was deeply touched by your combat prowess. Even though you yourself are not of noble bloodline, you still possess such strength. You inspired me to keep fighting. I just wanted to tell you that. Ooh and if you ever need any help with anything, please let me know. I would be more than willing to assist where I can."


    Lucas looked at the girl and then nodded his head, " Nice. I could hear your resolve in your voice. I hope all goes well and you achieve your dreams. Also if I ever need help and I see you are around. I''ll be counting on you." Lucas said in a charming way. The girl revealed a smile and then began walking away. It was then when Lucas called out to her. She turned around and then Lucas said, " I actually need your help with some information."


    She revealed a smile and said, " You need my help so soon" then chuckled a little bit.


    Embarrassed Lucas said, " Hey, you offered your help. You never gave it an opening date."


    The girl laughed again, " So what can I help you with?


    " It''s simple actually I just want to know when the lines will clear out. So I can get my coat without standing in a long line."


    " The lines will probably clear out in two hours. That''s when I''m going to collect my coat. But you, on the other hand, can go now. The top 20 get their coats in a different line, as such, you don''t need to stand in a long line. That''s at least what my brother told me. He is a second year. When he was a first year, and he got home to visit. He would often complain about the top 20s and the way they abused their perks. One of them was not having to stand in line. So you set. Just go."


    It was then that Lucas remembered that one of the perks of being King was not having to stand in line, " Oh wow. That was informative. You are quite reliable. By the way where are the other students?"


    " They are all away on holiday. They coming back later today because classes start tomorrow."


    " I see. And thank you." Lucas said revealing a wide smile.


    " Anytime."


    And then she walked away. Lucas was on the way to the reception. He wanted to collect his coat. Once he got there. The line was extremely long just as he expected. The line was so long people were in queues outside the building. But Lucas casually walked past them and entered the building. The faces of the students contorted when they saw Lucas casually strolling past them. But they knew he was part of the top 20 so he did not have to stand in line. The officials had made an announcement to all the students in line. 2 minutes ago. That if you in the top 20, you can come right forward as you don''t need to stand in line. The students gritted their teeth as Lucas casually walked past them.


    Once Lucas was in the building he saw the smaller lane on the left-hand side of the bigger one. So Lucas kept walking till he stood at the back of the line. When the person at the back of the line turned around to see if someone else was taking chances. Claiming they are in the top 20 but not really. He gasped as his pupils dilated. He thought he would be able to use his authority and reprimand the person behind him. Little did he know that the person he wanted to shout at was not only on the list. But on the top of it too. The boy revealed an awkward smile when he saw Lucas.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Lucas looked at him quizzically and then waved his hand to say hello. Just as Lucas was going to mind his own business again. The boy in front of him gave up his place for Lucas. When Lucas saw it happen he did not object and took his place. Now he only had to wait for 19 other people. Lucas thought that it wouldn''t take long. It was just 19 people compared to the other line that stretched out till who knows where.


    So Lucas tapped the girl in front of him on the shoulder and asked her, " Do you know what is going on. What is the hold-up?"


    The girl looked at who was tapping on her shoulder. When she saw it was Lucas she smiled and said, " You seem to be the problem. You see, Seth Thornheart keeps demanding that they change the number on his student card. Because his says two. And he wants a one. But the officials obviously can''t and won''t do it. Because of such obstinance, he is holding up the line. If this was an ordinary person they would have thrown him out long ago. But Seth Thornheart''s dad is a Duke. Of course, they don''t want to offend him. Even though nobility and royalty mean nothing here. It''s not like you live here permanently. You still need to go to the outside world. As such you don''t want to offend people in high places. "


    " I see and how long has this continued?"


    " It''s been going on. Nobody has got their stuff yet. Seth Thornheart refuses to move. So he is holding up the line. It''s quite annoying. But hey. What can we do about it...?"


    " I see. And nobody is going to move him by force. Afraid of the repercussions... But isn''t Silvya Rouge royalty. Why hasn''t she done something about it?"


    " She might be royalty. But this isn''t her land. Of course, she doesn''t want to start diplomatic problems over something so silly."


    " Wow as liberating as a title can be. It can also bind you... Oh well, if no one is making a move then I can assume this line is for show. So nobody would be mad if I walk to the front of the line and go claim my stuff."


    " Well... No one would. But that wouldn''t be the smartest of ideas. Yes, you are stronger than him in combat. But I still object to the idea."


    " I appreciate your concern. But as you can see. I am the rightful owner of the number 1 position. That alone gives him all the reason to hate me. Plus I don''t have any family or anyone I care about in this word... Well... Uhm so yeah that kinda makes me the perfect existence to defy his orders. Plus I''m not about to wait in this line forever I have better plans to use my day off for."


    The girl raised her eyebrows, " Your funeral. Don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    " Thanks but it''s unwarranted ."


    With that Lucas walked out of line and started walking to the reception. As he did he pointed at some people on the way. He was pointing at the people that still had a bet they needed to settle. Lucas could see the fear and regret in their eyes when he pointed at them. After a while, Lucas reached the front and then looked at Silvya Rouge. He gave her a smug smile and then looked at Seth Thornheart in front of him. Then casually sidestepped him and stood at the front at the reception.


    When the people saw Lucas was directly defying Seth Thornheart they gasped. Some thought he was brave. Others thought he was signing his death certificate. Others thought he was just simply ignorant. Seth Thornheart gritted his teeth as he saw Lucas defying his orders. Then he publicly declared, I am going to make sure daddy hears about this. Those words vexed Lucas but he kept it together and ignored Seth Thornheart. Lucas didn''t come here to cause trouble. He just wanted his stuff asap. And that''s it.


    Now that Lucas was at the reception he spoke to the official in front, " I am Lucas Lightningstorm. I have come to collect my stuff."


    " Yes, you are. Magnificent fight by the way. You are definitely worthy of being number one... Please wait a moment while we fetch your stuff."


    " Thank you very much. I will do so." Lucas said revealing a smile.


    A few moments later an official came back from the storeroom with items in his hands. Then he placed them on the table in front of Lucas and said, "Here we go. All your gold is here. The various tickets you will need to get into the secluded lectures. Your plaque you need to get your artefact. Your student card. Also here are four personal tokens. These are Ivys Vinnay''s. So it can only be used on her. This is for the four extra hours you have with her. To do anything. Educational of course. Lastly your unique student mage coat."


    Lucas nodded his head and then took all his stuff. He put it one for one in Thea''s storage. Once he was done. He turned around and said, " You can go Silvya Rouge. Like I''ve taken the number one place already. Therefore he can''t take anything else."


    Chirping in Seth Thornheart said, " No! Wait for me." Then he walked in line again and collected his stuff again. And on his student card, it said, number 2. He cringed at the site but accepted it anyway.


    Then Seth Thornheart looked at Lucas and said, " The position of number one isn''t set in stone. I will get stronger and then I will take it from you!"


    " Good luck," Lucas replied.


    Seth Thornheart gritted at Lucas''s nonchalant reply. As if he didn''t take him seriously. Then he walked away.


    Lucas didn''t mean to sound so nonchalant. He really meant good luck. If Seth Thornheart increases his strength that is good for the Kingdom. The stronger the mages become the better chance humans had against the demons. But that was not how it was perceived, unfortunately.


    Lucas shook his head at the misunderstanding and then said, " Now you can go."


    " I see so." Silvya Rouge replied and then went collected her stuff.


    Once she collected her stuff she walked towards Lucas who was waiting on the side. Because Lucas did not leave the second he got his stuff. She knew Lucas was here to claim what was his. In this case, it was her. Since she had signed the contract she was currently Lucas''s slave for a month. Because of said contract, she could not simply run away from it. Once she got to Lucas she nervously stood in front of him. Then said, " I guess I am your slave for a week. If you try anything funny. Even though I can''t oppose. My family will have your head."


    " I''m glad you understand that I was here for you and all the rest I made a bet with. Also, don''t flatter yourself. You are not my type."


    " Don''t lie to yourself. I am everyone type."


    " I am not everyone."


    " Pfft, you are just lying. I am everyone''s type. Watch this." After saying that she walked up to a random guy in the line and asked him, " Am I your type?"


    Flustered by Silvya Rouge''s beauty and the sudden question. The boy said, " Of course!"


    When he replied Silvya Rouge turned her reply to the boy behind him and asked the same question. Then he replied, " Most definitely!"


    Then she went to the next male and asked the same question. The boy replied, " Of course. You are an unparalleled beauty. You are everyone''s type. "


    Then she returned to Lucas and said, " See. Not one person said they I am not their type. So you are definitely lying. So again. I know you want to try something with me. But just know I won''t enjoy it. And when I do I will tell my father!"


    When she was talking Lucas put his hand on his forehead and thought, " Yoh, this chick is full of herself."


    Then he said aloud, " Honestly, I have 0% interest in you. But we digressing here."


    " Liar. But if that is the case. As your sl-a, sla, your slave. What do want from me?"


    " First things first. I am promoting you. You are no longer my slave. You are now my lackey. Like the other person."


    " Why? Aah... If you think that this is going to convince me that you don''t want this. It is not working."


    " Again you and your fantasies. The reason I don''t want you as my slave is because I despise that word. Back where I am from. My people were made slaves for years. We had no rights. We weren''t even considered human. We had to work for other people. We had no say in what we wanted to do... Oh, you want to be a doctor. Sorry that job is not meant for you. You want to be a scientist. Don''t even think about it you are too stupid to achieve that goal. Rather do something that requires physical strength. Something your people seem to have an abundance of as compensation. It was a real struggle. Oceans of tears were cried out during that period of time... Hatred burnt in the hearts of some that would put hell to shame. Anyway, years later we got our rights back. And slowly things began to change. Nothing is perfect, we are still persecuted. But in different ways now. Such as racial prejudice. Racial stigmas etc. I do see the correlation between the accusation and the accused. But it''s not all of us... Some of us are still fighting that good fight in a system that opposes us. Yet we fight the fight. That slave mentality still lingers in the minds of my people. Despite being free they stay shackled... Anyway, this is the reason I don''t want you as a slave. Because I have seen the effects of slavery. If given the option. I would never do the same to someone else. Not even the perpetrators. So rest assured when I say. I don''t want you as my slave."

 62. The bet

    Silvya Rouge gasped when she saw Lucas speak. She could see the various emotions clearly on his face while he was speaking. She stood there speechless. She didn''t know what to say... But after a while. When her emotions had settled. She thought rationally again, " Your people were slaves...? Don''t lie to me. Unless you telling me that you are actually a beastman. If not then you couldn''t have been made a slave. In the history of all humankind. Humans have never made slaves of other humans. So you must be lying. And you are extremely good at it. Your story almost had me believing it. Despite all evidence saying that you are lying. You definitely have Kingly qualities to sway someone like that. But they didn''t work on me. I am royalty after all. I''ve experienced this from my dad a lot so I am less likely to fall for your garbage. So just admit you have fallen for me. And let''s get over with this."


    When Lucas realized he been talking about the issues of his previous world he put his head on his forehead. Of course, she wouldn''t know. She isn''t from Earth. But Lucas was not going to lie to her and say he is interested in her. But luckily he didn''t have to. As to serve as a conversation changer. The rest of the people that made a bet with Lucas started walking to him. After they collected their stuff and stored them in their storage rings. Once they were there, they gulped a mouthful of air and said, " We are ready."


    At that moment Brutus Maximus came up to them. He knew something was going down and being the person he is. He was not going to miss out.


    Lucas looked at the group of people and then said, " I guess it''s time. Let''s go find a secluded place. Unless you want to do it in front of everyone else? Oh, that is for everyone it is relevant too. The guy who must walk around the campus naked must still do that. And if people see you, that is on you. Yura Ironswerth. You can eat the dung of the livestock secretly. But you will have to tell Ivys Vinnay what you must in front of everyone. That will be when we have our secluded lecture... Now that that is settled, does anyone know of a spot?"


    " I do... At the back of Reckwerth where the animals are. Is where people don''t usually go. So we could go there."


    " Sure let''s go."


    So everyone left the reception and walked to the animal farm. It was quite far away. It was a 10-minute walk. Lucas could have run and been there much faster. But no one could keep up with him if he did. Once they got their Lucas looked at the guy who was supposed to eat grass and said, " Here is an abundance of grass. Eat up."


    The guy cringed when he heard Lucas speak. He didn''t want to. But he knew he had to. If he didn''t do it soon the contract would come into play. So he got down on all fours and began eating the grass. Once he began everyone had their hands on their mouths. It was a shocking sight that one wouldn''t see. It was downright demeaning. But the guy had no choice but to fulfil the bet he himself made. The only person was relishing in the grass eaters misfortune was Brutus Maximus. As he laughed. He was loving every moment of this.


    The guy eating the grass thought this couldn''t get any worse. But at least only a few people were watching. And if they claim afterwards that he was eating grass. He would refute the accusations. Saying they are ganging up on him. That was his plan but suddenly rumbling could be heard from afar. The guy on the ground was on his knees on the ground so not only did he hear it. He felt. As time passed it became louder and louder. Once it was close enough it was clear that it was a wave of people coming this way. When Brutus saw them coming this way he revealed a diabolical smile. For it was he who called the people to come and watch. There was no way he was going to let this stay small and secluded. He wanted everyone to see this. This way he could relish in this even when it was over. Because he would just look at the participants and their anger and shame would feed his soul. Whatever part still existed.


    On all fours, the guy still bit the grass as he was eating. With tears streaming down his eyes. His reputation was down in the drain now. How would people take him seriously now?


    Lucas wasn''t too thrilled with this development. He didn''t want to be the cause of someone''s self suicide. But it was out of his hands. They signed the contract. So whether he wanted to change it or not, it was not up to him. Even Silvya Rouge was still technically his slave. But he was never going to treat her like one. Or refer to her as one for the week she was one. This way no mental bondages would occur.


    Then Lucas called Yura Ironswerth and said, " You must go do your part. Rather now than later. Because when you go, you will take a portion of the crowd. This way you won''t have everyone looking at you in your most embarrassing moment."


    Yura Ironswerth glared at Lucas and then swore at him as he left to go the animals. A portion of the crowd went with him. Brutus Maximus went with him. He had already seen the other guy eating grass. Now he wanted a new experience.


    Once that was settled Lucas looked at the next guy and said, " I guess it''s your turn to strip and walk around the academy naked."


    The guy was furious as Lucas spoke. As if it was his fault. But he complied and slowly and hesitantly undressed. Then off he went jumping on one leg then the other while clapping his hands.


    Lucas revealed a light chuckle. Despite the gravity of the situation, he couldn''t deny the sight was quite funny. Especially because the dancing he was doing could only be seen as a mess.


    Then Lucas looked at the next person, crossed himself like the Catholics do in his previous world and said, " You are lucky in the sense that no one else will be able to see you do what you have to do. I have no idea how you are going to get an audience with the King. But yeah it is what is."


    Then the guy walked away to go fulfil his obligation. He had to demand to the King that he wants his wife. If he came out of that situation with his head intact it would be a miracle. Hence why Lucas crossed himself.


    Then Lucas looked at the two remaining people. It was Silvya Rouge and the other person. This person was Jastin Wells. They didn''t have a task. They were just strictly Lucas''s lackeys. As such until Lucas asked for something they would have to remain idle at his side.


    Once everything was sorted Lucas decided to go the cafeteria. He wanted to eat something. So he left the crowd that was laughing at the others fulfilling their contracts. Once Lucas and his lackeys reached the training area they went straight to the cafeteria. Lucas went to find a seat. Silvya Rouge came with him. While Jastin Wells went to go and order lunch for them. Once Lucas was seated. Silvya Rouge glared at him.


    " Chill. We in a public area. What can I do to you?"


    " So you do want to do something to me?"


    " Honestly, what is your problem. When we were fighting I didn''t sense a complete idiot. In fact, you were smart enough to notice just how far out of your depths you were. As such you resigned. So with that. I am finding it hard to understand how such a brain. Can formulate the notion that all men are interested in you."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    " Well first answer this question."


    " Okay. Fire away."


    " Be honest. Do you think I''m attractive."


    " Yes, but th-"


    " Just answer the questions."


    " Okay."


    " So you do find me attractive. Next one is. Do men want attractive females or ugly ones?"


    " That depends. Personality plays a huge pa-"


    " Just answer the question!"


    " From a general point of view. It would be the attractive girl."


    " Good. You are learning."


    " What happens when a girl of noble birth loses her virginity."


    " I have no idea..."


    " You really don''t know... Don''t lie! It''s common knowledge to all commoners. It''s been in your fantasies as to how to gain an easy life. But since you feigning ignorance. I''ll tell you. When a girl of noble birth loses her virginity to someone other than her husband. Or before she has a husband. She is seen as tainted. And no longer can be called Royal. She cannot marry anymore as such is seen as undesirable to the royal family. She is then sent away with the man who deflowered her. They are then forced to live together. The royal family provides for their needs. But they are not allowed to have children other than the one. If there is one to expect. If you do this you will have an easy life at my expense. Of course, if it''s rape this doesn''t count. So you are wasting your time."


    " I see where you are coming from. You have probably been living in fear of this all your life. And because of this, you have deluded yourself in thinking all men want you in that way. I''ll have you know I myself am still a virgin. And yes I find you attractive. And very much so. But do I desire you? Not even in the slightest. Again you are just not my type. Are you the most attractive girl? No, you are not. Not even by a longshot. I''m sure you know I am from outside the walls. It was there where I met another girl. We stayed in a forest. And even in those circumstances, I have returned a virgin. So please as if your plank body would stir up any lust inside of me. I''m African, I like my girls on the thiccer side."


    When he said this to Silvya Rouge it felt like daggers were piercing her. Because was hitting her with raw facts and it just so happened to be her insecurities. He didn''t mean to be mean. But she wasn''t listening so he had no other choice. Blankly she stared at Lucas and then said, " I believe you now."


    " Finally. Sorry about what I said though. I didn''t mean to hurt you in any way."


    " All good. But who is this girl who is supposedly more sultry than I am and where can I find her? And what''s an African?"


    " I can''t tell you her name. I have no idea where exactly she is at his moment. Neither am I going to check...Ah... I''m an African. That''s all I can say about that. "


    " Why didn''t you just tell me you didn''t want to tell me? Instead of making me listen to all that."


    " Haha, sorry about that."


    At this moment Jastin Wells came there with their food. And next to him was a familiar girl. It was Tamara Everly.


    Lucas furrowed his eyebrows when he saw Tamara Everly. What was she doing here? When they reached the table. Jastin Wells said, " Lucas Lightningstorm. Apparently, you know this girl. While I was skipping in line as I can do as a top 20. She was the girl who I ordered the meal from. But when I ordered three meals. She said that. When we cut in line we can only order one portion of food for ourselves. Apparently, this rule was made so that people don''t abuse it by ordering for all their friends. This would hold the line up to much. But then I told her I was not just ordering extra for myself or for anyone else. But for Silva Rouge and for you. But then she said that she knows you and will know if I am lying. So she decided to tag along and well here we are. Do you know her?"


    Then Lucas said, " Yes I do know her. She was the first person I formally met here at Reckwerth."


    Tamara Everly smiled at Lucas and then said, " Hey... Congratulations on coming first. See I knew you would be first. But you surprised me. Your control is out of this world. Even I can''t cast advanced magic yet, and I''m a second year. I knew you had that special something."


    Lucas smiled and then said, " I can''t cast the magic either. I can only set it up..."


    " Oh, I see. Well, I can''t even set it up. But got to go. I just came to say hello. I am still on shift. You should pop around when you have time."


    " Will definitely do that."


    With that, Tamara Everly walked away. Then Justin Wells said, " Wow! She is hot. How did you get her to even talk to you? Is she also under a contract."


    " Haha! No man. I helped her out a bit and then she wanted to get to know me all on her own."


    " Ooooh. And do you have any intention of doing something about it."


    " Nope. Not at all."


    " So she is fair game?"


    " All yours man."


    " Don''t go getting angry when she doesn''t care about you anymore." These words that came from Jastin Wells were not baseless. He was a very attractive man. He had long black hair that laid above his well-defined shoulders. He had a square face and a cleft chin. His eyes were blue. Jastin was a relatively tall guy. He was about 183cm (6ft). Because of these features. Jastin was a hit with the girls. He didn''t even need to try. But he too was quite full of himself because of it.


    " I won''t," Lucas said.


    Then Silvya Rouge asked Lucas, " Is that your type? She has a lot more meat than I do."


    " She is attractive but not my type."


    " Really...? What if I told you that you had a shot with her. If you play your cards right you could get her."


    " Still don''t care."


    " Are you gay?"


    " Wow. Where did that come from?"


    " Well, you around A class girls and you show no interest. Look at Jastin Wells. He pounced the second he saw her. You actually have an opportunity and yet you don''t."


    " Well, that''s because I''m not looking for a relationship. Relationships end. People get tired and then they leave. And don''t tell me that''s not the case. Let me give you a piece of information. I come from an orphanage outside these walls. So that means my parents abandoned me. Then when I was at the orphanage. I went through about 12 house mothers. Claiming they loved me. Claiming they cared. But the second I was ready to return the affection. They left. So yeah. People leave. Love isn''t real. It''s just what people say to get something they want. It''s a feeling and when it fades so do people... But enough about that. Let''s eat. I want to do some training in and then I''m going to go to sleep. So after we finished here you are free to go."


    " Okay, thanks..."


    After Lucas had finished speaking it was quiet. And it wasn''t because the food was good. But because it was awkward. Once they had finished eating. Silya Rouge and Jastin Wells left. On their way to their dorms. Jastin asked Silvya Rouge, " Why did you have to ask him that?"


    " I had to know. Like he showed no interest in me. And then that other girl. He had to be homosexual."


    " Turns out you are just not that attractive to him. But I find you attractive. Nudge nudge wink wink."


    " Well, you might as well be gay. Because you are getting nowhere."


    " And him?"


    " You heard him he isn''t even in the game."


    " True..."


    ....


    Once Lucas was done eating he went to the training area and did his training. Once he was done it was dark outside. So he went to the dorm. He was excited. Because now that his student card said number 1. He would no longer be sleeping in that room with the other two. He wanted to think about his new dorm room and what it would look like. But the last time he did that. He died moments later so he decided against it. Once he got to the dorm he saw that the whole place was under construction. All the lights were off too. Only the outside lights where they were working.


    Then an official spotted Lucas and said, "You are not sleeping here anymore. They are upgrading the place so all the students. Are currently in the guest dorm. This is one of the most luxurious dorms in Reckwerth. This is all happening because you are King of The First Years. Apparently, some big shot from the military was here to see you. But when he saw the place he got angry and stormed into Ivys Vinnay''s place, demanding that she up the standard. Suitable for the King of The First Years. So come with me I will guide you to the guest dorms. You will be staying here for a few days until the dorms are done."


    Lucas nodded his head saying he understood and then followed the official to the guest dorms. Once he walked inside, everyone was waiting for him. They all applauded when they saw him. Lucas was confused. Because they had already congratulated him last night. And then again in the hall today. Then the main official seeing Lucas''s puzzled look said, "We are congratulating you because it''s because of you our dorms is being upgraded. You are a blessing to all the E rankers."


    When Lucas understood the reason he simply smiled and acknowledged their praises. But honestly. He was getting tired of all the praising.


    When everything was done. They ate dinner and then Lucas went to his room. It was magnificent. With gold decorations everywhere. Lucas stayed on the topmost floor. Lucas didn''t marvel in the sight of the room. Instead, he tucked himself in bed and then went to sleep. Tomorrow he would fix everything system wise.

 63. Late?

    The next morning Lucas woke up in his King sized bed. He removed the white duvet covering his body and then sat upright on the corner of his bed, " Good morning Thea. Can you please show me my stats?"


    [ Good morning Lucas. Coming right up.


    Name: Lucas Lightningstorm


    Title: Fledgeling (2% Damage increase for all spells. 5% damage increase to all Elemental spells. Cast speed decreased by 15%.)


    Level:18 (3600/5500)


    Class: Mage


    Health points: 1300/1300


    Mana points: 1500/1500 ( 20% increase due to blessing)


    Mana recovery: 160 hourly (100% increase due to blessing)


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 32


    Dexterity �C 35


    Intelligence �C 59


    Wisdom �C 28


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 8


    Skills: Class skills: F Rank Fireball, F Rank Ice Chamber, F Rank Acarne Ray, F Rank Time Skip, F Rank Invisibility, F Rank Zone Creation... Secondary class skills: <Fire Dragon''s leap>.


    Skill points: 40


    Ability points: 1455


    Equipment: Not Equipped.


    Bloodline: None


    Blessings: High harmonization with mana (upgradable, active). High affinity to elemental magic (upgradable, active). Decrease in cast time, increases in hit rate (upgradable, active)


    Passive Skills: Anti enslavement (non-upgradable, active):


    System-level: 3 (18/20)]


    " Looks like the rewards for the quest has come through just fine. I also see that I gained more AP and EXP than I was supposed to get. I guess the system counted the tournament as a PVP battle and I was rewarded per battle too."


    [System!]


    " Ah, sorry. I forgot. I should refer to you as Thea from now. It''s just heard when I''m doing a monologue."


    [ Well get used to it.]


    " Will do," Lucas said revealing a grin.


    " Anyways where was I. Oh, yes. Now that my rewards are in I can increase the necessary things. For one I seem to have an abundance of AP. 1455 to be exact. If I remember correctly it costs 100 AP to buy an E rank spell. But to upgrade is only 90. So with that, I am going to upgrade all my spells to E rank. I currently have 10 spells in my arsenal. That will cost 900 AP. Then I''ll have 500 left to use when the need arises... Even though I can''t cast E rank spells yet. With my mana control. I won''t cast beyond my limit and keep it at F rank level."


    With that Lucas went into Thea''s store and upgraded all his spells. Leaving him with only 500 AP left.


    " Okay next is my SP. I have 40 SP. That''s a lot! The most I''ve been able to use at once at least... Anyway, looking at my attributed my int is by far the highest. Makes sense I am a Mage after all. My wisdom seems to be severely lacking. My strength is okay. Dexterity is okay. Charisma isn''t needed. Besides I''ve already caught the attention of many people. Oh, and lastly luck. This needs work of course. So I''m thinking of rounding up the numbers as much as possible. So I''m putting one into Int. Making that 60. Then I''ll put 8 into strength and 5 into dexterity. This will increase my cast speed further. As well as my agility when dashing. I''ll put 12 into wisdom and then another 12 into luck. According to my calculations, I have 2 SP left. So I''ll just put into Int. Can''t go wrong there. Perfect! My desired archetype is coming along. Nothing beats a jack of all trades. Even though a jack of all trades is said to be a master of no trades. But with Thea''s help. I am positive I can be a master of all trades. Well, at least the ones I want to be in."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    After Lucas had finished deciding he put all his SP into his attributes further increasing his stats. As Lucas increased his stats he felt his power increase. He could feel his body increase in power as the haemoglobin in his blood was now able to carry more oxygen. He felt that his hand-eye coordination felt better. He felt the speed that his brain was sending messages to his body was much faster and undisturbed. This was due to the myelin sheath around his nerves. The original was upgraded. The upgraded version further insulated the nerves further, allowing for a faster transmission between efferent and afferent neurons. He felt he became a lot wiser. As decisions that puzzled him before. Seemed clear as day. He also had a clearer and faster vision of how to achieve his goal. To be the strongest under the heavens... The one thing that was hard to decern was his luck factor. He could feel a slight change. Like the looming doom, he kept sensing since coming to this world took a few steps backs. But even that was unclear. But so is fate. It''s a bizarre set of turns and events. It''s a game of chance and probability. Complicated is an understatement.


    Once Lucas was done inputting all the SP he looked at his attributes one last time before closing the tab.


    Strength �C 40


    Dexterity �C 40


    Intelligence �C 62


    Wisdom �C 40


    Charisma �C 4


    Luck - 20


    Lucas marvelled at his stats. It felt like only yesterday when came to this world and he was level one. Now he is level 18. Lucas''s self-praise only lasted for a moment. As soon after an even stronger will to grow stronger burnt within his heart. Even though he was strong. In the grand scheme of things, he was weak. These first years were nothing to him and staying in this grade was not going to benefit him at all. Only increase his ego being around people of the same age but surpassing them by years. He wondered if perhaps he could skip a grade or two. As Lucas didn''t need to learn about basic spells. He was more interested in the things he didn''t know. Like when he was fighting the fire spirit. It trapped him in the same move he could perform. Lucas could perform the move. But how was he supposed to defend against it? Was there a way to sense it or did it just come with battle experience? These were the type of things Lucas felt was invaluable and one of the reasons he came here. As if it were for spells, Thea had an abundance of them. There was no need to learn spells from a school. But he wanted to know how to wield said skills effectively. Also, he wanted to know how to defend against these skills in an environment where he isn''t putting his life on the line just yet. Once he has the hang of it he could take on some quests at the adventure guild and then he can put his life on the line. But at least he will know how to defend against it. Even if the power is amplified by the level of the user.


    After much thought, Lucas heard a knocking on his door. He wondered who would be knocking on his door in the morning. But then he figured it might be the military official that wanted to meet him yesterday. So he walked to the white door and took a hold of the golden knob. Lucas twisted the knob and pulled the door towards him. Then he looked at the person in front of him. But to his surprise, it was no military official. It was just a normal official that worked here. After seeing the official Lucas looked at her with a confused face. He was wondering why she was knocking on his door so early in the morning.


    The official noticed Lucas confused look. Then just released a sigh of disappointment, " You are late for class! All the students have already eaten breakfast and left for class. Because you are the pride of the E rankers. We didn''t put the alarm on in your room, to allow you to get some extra sleep. We thought you would wake up yourself. We were obviously mistaken. Did you not check your timetable on your student card? If you did you would know that classes start early! Aaah! You''re are the King of The First Years. This title holds more than meets the eye. Please don''t disgrace yourself and our dorm by being late. I made you some breakfast. It''s in this lunchbox. Please eat it on the way. Oh, and someone dropped this off for you this morning. You are lucky. That looks like a lot! No go change into your mage robe and be off!"


    While listening Lucas got the shock of his life. He had no idea classes started so early in the morning. Neither did he know that he could see his timetable on his student card. He assumed the receptionists left that part out because they were rattled due to Seth Thornheart''s antics. Nonetheless, he realized he should have asked someone when class was starting. As when did, he expect to arrive in class?


    Once the official was gone Lucas slammed the door. This was an accident because he was in a hurry. He put his breakfast and the item into Thea''s storage and took out his coat. Then he put it on. Once the coat was on he had to admit that it was really flashy. It was blue. On the top the coat it was black. It had gold lines on the sides of the coat. Once it was one Lucas ran out of his room and closed the door. Automatically locking the door. Only to be opened with Lucas''s student card. Lucas ran towards the elevator and took it all the way to the bottom of the building. Lucas had his own elevator. So there was no wait. It went straight down. Once he reached the bottom he ran out through the cafeteria waving at the officials as he left for his first day of class.

 64. First day

    On his way to class, Lucas ran past a lot of people. Much more people than yesterday. The 2nd and 3rd years had returned from their holiday so Reckwerth was packed with people again. As he ran past the people he saw everyone''s coat was different from his. Which made sense, the 2nd years and 3rd years had different colour coats. As Lucas ran past them, many turned their heads to give him a second glance until he disappeared from sight. Lucas was using all his strength to run and not his skill. But even this was very fast. Lucas would often stop and ask people if he was going in the right direction. His first lecture was in lecture hall J3. He had no idea where that was.


    After a bit of asking and navigation. Lucas found the J segment where all the J lecture theatres were. There were 10 lectures theatres in this segment. Numbered J 1-10. Once Lucas found number three he opened the already closed door and walked in. Once he walked in the class that already started turned quite. All eyes fell on Lucas. Lucas sighed because he knew he was late... Then he looked at the lecturer and apologized to her for being late and found an empty seat. Once everything was settled the class resumed as if nothing happened.


    It was when Lucas calmed down. When all the rushing blood flowing in his body settled that he realized that something was wrong. He looked at all the coats on the students and saw they were blue. But none of them had coats like his. It then struck him that he might be in the wrong class. He looked around the class again and saw that not one of them had the same coat as him. So clearly this wasn''t a first-year class. Upon this realization, he stood up and prepared to leave the class.


    When the lecturer saw Lucas get up he said, " What now? Is my lecture not good enough for The King of The First Years?"


    Confused by what the lecturer was saying Lucas said, " No it''s not that. It''s just that I am in the wrong class. I just noticed nobody is wearing the same coat as me."


    " Does your timetable say lecture theatre J3?"


    " Yes."


    " Then you are in the right place."


    " But..."


    " No buts... Did no one tell you that as the #1 your coat is different to the rest?"


    " Oh, I see... Sorry I had no idea. Sorry for causing a disturbance yet again."


    " It''s all good. But I am noticing you do not have your textbook. Did you forget it?"


    " No, I don''t have one? Were we supposed to have one?"


    At this point, the students began mumbling amongst each other.


    " Haha. King of The First Years or King of The Idiots?"


    " Wouldn''t that make us idiots and he is the King of us?"


    "Oh. Then King idiot."


    " That''s better. But like it''s not his fault. He is not used to this. You really can''t take the poverty out of a person."


    " Shhhht! That was loud. Do you want to die? Yes, he might be an idiot but his strength is undeniable."


    Because of Lucas''s increased attributes he had heard their conversation and the others around the class. But he ignored them. He kinda did look like an idiot today.


    Then the lecturer replying to Lucas said, " Yes. Did the reception not tell you to go get your books at the library. You know you can''t get in the library without a student card. That''s why you get that first then you get your books. How do you not know that? Look everyone has their books."


    "Sigh. Sorry..."


    " Sigh. It''s okay. Just go sit next to someone who has their textbook. Does anybody want to share their book with him?"


    You could hear a ghost screaming so quiet it was in the classroom. Lucas''s eyes glanced around the class but no one wanted to share a book with him. They just sat their avoiding eye contact with the lecturer and Lucas, afraid the task would be forced upon on them. When the lecturer saw that no one was wanted to do it. He sighed, " Ai. Seems you aren''t too popular in this class. Just sit down and listen. When you get your book later today. You can revise and review what you learnt in class."


    Once he was done talking to Lucas. The lecturer returned to his normal composure and began lecturing again, " And that''s how you improve your fire magic..."


    While listening to this class. Lucas was falling asleep. There was nothing fun about it. There was nothing new. He knew everything that was being explained. These instructions were already given to him when he learnt his fire-related spells. In fact, somethings that were being taught to the students were wrong. He knew this because it contradicted what Thea had told him to do. But he stayed in the class out of respect to the lecturer. Once class was done. He walked up to a random individual and asked if he could see their textbook. The person was scared so they handed it over immediately. Lucas didn''t mean to intimidate him. He asked in an affable tone but to no avail. Once Lucas got the book he read through the whole book in 5 seconds. He flipped through the pages at a very fast pace. But because of his dexterity, he didn''t damage the pages at all. Once he finished reading the book he concluded. That he would gain nothing from this class. With his increased intelligence, a feat like this was nothing to him.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Lucas wondered if this would be the same for all the other classes. So he checked his timetable to see what he had next. Once he checked he saw he had Wind 1A next and after that was Water 1A, Earth 1A, Mana control 1A, Projectile Accuracy 1A. Every Wednesday and Friday was Mage combat 1A as the last class. Today was Tuesday.


    Looking at his classes Lucas wasn''t impressed. He knew that he would need to skip a year to benefit. The only thing he found interesting was Projectile Accuracy 1A. This was probably a practical class. As well as Mage combat.


    Once Lucas finished looking at his classes he went to the next class. Where the same thing happened. He wasn''t learning anything new. This continued all the way to Projectile Accuracy. This was a class Lucas was looking forward to. It was practical so it would prove more beneficial to him.


    He arrived early to class. This wasn''t a lecture hall but it was held at a separate Training area. That was used for the first years. This one only had targets that you would shoot using magic. They were all simulations though. So they could be restored easily. After a while, the class filled up. Everyone was standing as there were no seats since this was a practical. Once the class was there the lecturer arrived. Everyone settled down. Lucas looked at the lecturer and she looked very familiar but he couldn''t put his thumb on it. Then she introduced her self as Rachel Vinnay. When Lucas heard her surname he figured that was why she looked familiar. This was clearly Ivys Vinnay''s younger sister. The lecturer wasn''t wearing a purple lecturers coat but a golden coat. Lucas wondered what it meant. When he overheard the students say that she was a third year. They knew because of her coat.


    When Lucas realized this was the case he was surprised. They even had students teaching magic. This class wasn''t a tut like in his previous world where such a thing is common. But an actual class. Not a revision of said class. So why was a student teaching it? Reckwerth has too much money. So hiring staff surely wasn''t an issue. The only reason would be that she got this job because her sister is the principle. So nepotism. Or she is excellent at her job. But Lucas thought " I will be the judge of that."


    Then Rachel Vinnay continued, "... Please don''t think because I am a student. That I am in any way inept when it comes to teaching. Here at Reckwerth, we prioritize the best of the best. Naturally, this means teachers too. I have been selected duly because of my skill. And nothing else. I am a Vinnay after all... Anyway, as this subjects name suggests, this class trains your cast time and hit rate accuracy. Through this semester I will be teaching you the ins and outs. But first I would like to assess everyone''s level. I do more of a personal based regimen to ensure you all grow into your potential... You see those targets there. Stand on the red marker. Then try and hit the moving targets. Any elemental magic of your choice can be used. I am going to give you a quick demonstration. "


    So Rachel Vinnay walked on to the red marker and suddenly the targets that were standing still began moving slowly. Then She began chanting until she began firing at the target in quick succession. On top, you could see what her score was. On the target was ten evenly spaced concentric rings. Where the last circle was 10 points and the last was a hundred. Rachel''s points kept going up in 100''s no matter how fast the targets were moving. You had three complete misses when that was over you lose. As you take down targets they get faster and faster until you couldn''t do it anymore.


    The targets were now moving faster than the human eye could see but she was still getting 100 points for each and every target she shot down. She was nothing short of spectacular. After a while, the targets stopped moving and she took a step back. On the screen, it said "perfect score". She had cleared it until the last level. There was no higher level on this rig that was designed for students. As such this was child''s play for her. She was a real genius.


    When the students saw how she just destroyed the simulation they took a deep breath and looked at their teacher with awe. Then Rachel Vinnay said, " So who''s next?" She said it so casually as if what she had just done now could be replicated 100 times. At this thought, all the students decided they weren''t going to go. Who would wanna go after that? The training room was filled with silence. Then Rachel Vinnay said, " If no one is going to go. Then I will choose myself."


    It was then that Lucas put his hand up and said, " I''ll go." After seeing what she just did he wanted to see how far he could go. He had done this before and without the systems combat mode, he couldn''t replicate those results. But now that he had increased his attributes he wondered how far he could go. But when he spoke. Rachel Vinnay shot him down and said, " No. I already know your level. I have seen you at the tournament. So anybody else."


    Lucas wasn''t too happy with Rachel Vinnay''s reply. He wanted to test his stuff but now he couldn''t. Then he thought he would do it later... Now that Lucas couldn''t go Rachel was waiting on someone else. But still, no one was replying. The classroom was silent. Then she said, " Okay since no one wants to go by themselves. I will be picking. Make no mistake. By the end of today, everyone will have done this. Well, of course, Lucas, you are the only exception."


    Then she randomly selected students and they went. If there were levels, out of 70 the average level, the students reached was 15. Of course, there were some outliers that reached 5 and others around 25 with a standard deviation of 5.


    Lucas on the other hand just stood and watched everyone practice. And he couldn''t help but think today was a waste of time.

 65. Another bet?

    Lucas couldn''t help but think today was a waste of time. He came here to learn and this was cutting it. The only class he found interesting was projectile accuracy. He knew he had to change this and quickly. So once class was over he took out his student card. Then he tapped the Reckwerth logo. Suddenly a hologram was projected into the air. He swiped to the rightmost side where you could make calls. Then he typed in Silvya Rouge. Then he clicked "call Silvya Rouge." Once he clicked the option Lucas''s student card''s AI said, " This student hasn''t turned on friends only as such your call will go through. But please hold. The student is currently busy with a call. Please hold the student is still busy with a call... Please hold the student is still busy with a call..."


    This repeated itself over and over again. So Lucas put it on silence. He would be able to tell if it connected because then the hologram would turn green. At least that was what he was told by a student during the lecture with Rachel Vinnay. After 5 minutes the hologram turned green. So Lucas turn silent mode off. It was then when he heard.


    " NO! I DON"T WANT TO DATE YOU! I AM NOT INTERESTED IN YOU. LEAVE ME ALONE!"


    The voice was loud and it resounded across the area Lucas was standing. Many people looked at him like he was a creep. Like he was a stalker. Other guys looked at him with sympathy. To them, it looked like he had a crush on some girl and clearly it wasn''t mutual. Others laughed as it is often seen as comical to laugh at others misfortune.


    Lucas, on the other hand, was quite puzzled. If anything he had told her yesterday. That she wasn''t his type. Was this revenge? Was she trying to kill his reputation? Nonetheless, Lucas just said, " I know. And I already told you. That I am not interested in you either. You are not my type."


    In a voice filled with shock, Silvay Rouge said, " Lucas?"


    " Yes! Who else!?"


    " Ah haha. Sorry man. My phone has been blowing up with phone calls from guys asking me out on dates. There is this one pesky guy who keeps phoning. He doesn''t give up no matter how many times I say no."


    " Haha. No worries. I''m not one of those guys. But you know you can go to settings and turn off calls from strangers. That way people you haven''t added yourself can''t call you. So after this send me a friend request then we can call each other. And you won''t greet me by making me look like a stalker in front of the entire academy."


    " Haha. I''m so sorry. I was just so annoyed. But I''m guessing you didn''t call me just for chit-chat. Do you want me and Jastin to meet you somewhere? Cause I can come if you want? "


    " No, None of that today. I actually just want some information. Since you''re from a Royal family I''m sure you have a lot of genius siblings who have skipped a year ahead. How did they do that?"


    " Ooh, is this what you wanted to ask me. Well, I don''t know if it''s the same in this Kingdom. But you need to go to each and every lecturer and tell them that you want to skip a year ahead. They will then test you on the year''s work. If you can pass the written and practical test with 90% and above. You will then be allowed to skip this year''s work. In my country, you have a week to complete it. And if you don''t you have to stay in the class for the whole year. Don''t know if it''s the same here. But rather safe than sorry right."


    " Okay, I understand. Thank you very much."


    " Wait! Before you go. What are going to do now?"


    " I am going to the library to go over next semesters work because I already memorised everything for this semester."


    " Ha! Don''t lie! You don''t need to act cool with me. I get that from other guys. Like there is no way you could remember all that information so quickly. Plus you have two extra elements. That means two extra classes than me and two extra books. Just one book is 1000 pages you know. There is no way you have memorized more than 4000 words already."


    " I did though. You will just see."


    " No, I won''t. How about this. Let''s make a bet."


    " Are you serious. You know you are in the predicament you are in because you made a bet. "


    " This is this. That is that."


    " Pride is a silent death that sneaks up on all of us..."Stolen story; please report.


    " What, you want to talk about pride. You are the quintessence of vain. Mr I can memorise the entire semester in a day. Uh, I''m so cool. So let''s have another bet. What are you scared? Are you a man or not?"


    " Sorry. I am not your run of the mill guy. I don''t feel threatened when you challenge my manhood. Plus. What do I gain from this bet? You are my lackey. There is nothing from you I can''t take. If I wanted too."


    " Well true. You can take anything from me. But can you take it in good conscience? So what if I offered you 200 pieces of gold if you win, would you accept then? "


    " Mmm, that is enticing. Okay, I''m interested. What do you want from me?''''


    " If I win then we cancel the Lackey contract."


    " Deal... How long do I have?"


    " Well according to your statistics. It took you a day to learn a full semester. Then it should take another day to learn the rest. As such, I''ll give you until tomorrow to study. Then you must request the tests from your teachers. And then you need to pass them well and then be promoted. So if I see you in Water 1A on Thursday you lose the bet and I win. Deal?"


    " Sounds good to me."


    " Great then. I''ll be taking my leave. Looking forward to being free."


    " Haha as much as I sympathize. You will lose. Hopefully when I win. You''ll have learnt your lesson. Because I don''t bet unless I''m 100% sure. But see you soon."


    With that Lucas cancelled the call and then made his way to the Library. He knew where it was because the day the gave the tour. The Library was one of the first places they showcased. Lucas remembered the Iconic building. With its olden day architecture. Once Lucas arrived he walked into the Library. There were many people inside. It was truly a busy place. Then Lucas spotted a librarian so he walked up to her. She was sitting in her chair. Behind an office. Once Lucas got there he asked her if he could read the books he needed to.


    " Yes, you can. But I see you are a first year. Classes have just begun. Why do you already want to read the seconds semesters work? You shouldn''t get ahead of yourself. Yes, I know you are number one. But there is an order to these type of things. If you get the order wrong. You will do more harm than good."


    " I already know all the work in the first semester. And I want to check if it''s the same for the second semester. If so I want to take the skip test. So that''s why I need the new books."


    " Aaah, I see. You really are a genius. Please come this way. I will show you where you can find your books. But please show me your student card so that I can make sure you are reading the write books and versions of them."


    Lucas handed his student card to her. Once she saw it she gasped. As Lucas was registered for all the elements. This meant he could control all the elements. Making him a rare occurrence. Amongst the people that had to take test 3.


    Once she confirmed which books Lucas needed she led him around the library and then she took them out.


    " Now that you have all your books. And that you know where they are. Please study diligently. As these books aren''t yours. Since it''s the incorrect semester. You cannot take them out of the library. When you want to study please come and find them where you found them."


    " I understand."


    Then the librarian walked away. Now that she was gone Lucas needed to find a place to sit so that he could begin his studies. Once he found a seat he put all his books down. It was a total of 8 books. Each book had about 1000 to 1200 pages. Once Lucas was settled in his seat he looked at the books and was took a deep breath. If this was in his previous life. Learning all this would take months. But now he could do it in seconds. So Lucas touched all the books and then asked Thea to do her part. As such Thea duplicated the books. Now Lucas knew everything. He did not assimilate it into knowledge as the work was flawed. He just needed to know the information. Once he was done he returned all the books and walked out the Library. He greeted the librarian on the way out with a smile and a wave.


    The librarian was shocked to see Lucas leave the library minutes after he walked in. Did he not want to take the skip test. If so why is he leaving so early? She saw how much work Lucas had to go through. And she knew that it would take a long time to memorise all that information. As such Lucas had no time to be playing around. He should be studying every second he had a chance. But here he is walking out the Library with a smile. Was he not serious about the tests? Was this all a joke to him. She sighed, " He will regret not using his time efficiently."


    Once Lucas left the library. He knew he knew everything. Now he just needed to practice the practical part of the test. There were a few new things that Lucas needed to learn. It was mainly to do with Projectile Accuracy and Mage combat. There were application and things he had yet to learn there. That was required to pass the year. So once he got the training area he would practice them to ensure he passes the test. Lucas got to the E rank, Training Area. Once he did walked inside and found the simulation booth that was reserved for him. In this booth, he had all the time in the world. There was no timer. Once Lucas got into the blue room Lucas selected a grassy plain again. Once he did the door disappeared and the room was constructed. Lucas was now standing on an open field. With the wind blowing through his hair, lifting his coat ever so slightly.


    After enjoying the serene winds. Lucas got down to business. The first order of business was being able to infuse mana into your eyes. This would allow you to see what the human eye couldn''t see. This was called " Mana eyes". This was how Rachel Vinnay was able to shoot targets at the speed she did. By infusing mana into her eyes. What seemed like a blur to the human eye. Was nothing to her. Once you reached a high enough level. You could see the flow of mana around you too. With this, you could see when traps where being set up. The higher your control the more your eyes could see through the traps of others. Because people with a high skill level could hide their traps too. So an eye of an equal level was needed to see through the skill. This was one of the keys Lucas needed to know. He wanted to know how and know he knew.

 66. Perseverance

    Now that Lucas knew what to do. He began the preparations. He prepped his mana and started running it through his eyes. Even though his skill level was weaker than average. Lucas could see much more than what he could see before. He could see things clearly that were 50 meters away. The colours livened up as well, it was like he was finally seeing the world for what it truly was. Because of human limitations. He could not see it before but now the veil had been torn in two.


    Lucas continued to funnel mana into his eyes. Once he did he looked around. Looking 50 meters ahead then right in front of him. He noticed his focus time had decreased. Usually when you look far away the lens of your eye has to accommodate for such a change. So then when you look at something close to you it is blurry for a second because your lens is still accommodating for far vision. Then the lens changes again allowing you to see what is in front of you. But because of Lucas''s mana-eyes, this delay was almost non-existent. He could focus between far and close without any delay. This would prove invaluable in a fight where he is fighting multiple people from close and from afar. Lucas kept practising it over and over. As he did his proficiency became better and better. He was also using his knowledge from his previous world to increase so rapidly. Instead of just surrounding the mana around his eyes he was imbuing his rods and cones with mana. He even imbued his white and yellow spots with mana. Because of this, his fovea centralis allowed for even better vision. Also, he no longer had a blind spot.


    The last thing Lucas wanted to test was his vision in a dark environment. So Lucas changed the time of day to midnight. Once he did he looked around while using mana-eyes. And he could see it was not as good as the combat system. But even in the darkest of rooms, he would be able to navigate himself around the place without bumping into walls.


    Once Lucas got the hang of mana-eyes, he decided to move onto the next order of business. This was multitasking. Lucas knew how terrible he was when it came to multitasking that is why it was so hard to bring up the four magic circles at once. Multi-tasking is crucial to Mage. As with multitasking, Lucas would be able to make four magic circles at once rather than creating four singles ones. This would save a lot of time and would be a lot more practical when it came to battle. After reading the book Lucas learnt that in order to multitask you need to send mana to the brain. This allows you to think at a higher speed. When you think at a higher speed you can divide your brain to allow you to do things at the same time. With 25% of your brains processing power you could create a water magic circle. With the other 75%, you would create the wind, fire and earth magic circles. This would happen all at once saving you four times the time. As well as possibly saving your life 4 times.


    Once Lucas knew what to do he began the multitasking training. He sent his mana through his brain. Once he did he felt his processing power increase dramatically. Lucas was already a smart guy due to his Int stat but now due to the influence of all the mana: It was as if all that intelligence was available for use. It was as if he could use every ounce of his intelligence. The neurons in his brain were meshing together perfectly so he was able to retrieve and memories from the past as well as store a lot more information in this state.


    After experiencing this awe-inspiring feeling he began with mattered most. Multitasking training. Again he injected mana into his brain and he began delegating tasks to himself. It was as if he as programming his brain to do things. He started small and programmed his mind to do the bare minimum. He separated his processing power into two parts. The one was going to conjure a wind spell and the other was going to conjure an earth spell.


    He prepped his mana and then he lifted both his left and right hands at the same time. When he did a green magic circle appeared on his right hand then a white magic circle on his left hand. Once the magic circles appeared Lucas cancelled the spell. With that, the magic circles disappeared but Lucas wasn''t happy with the results. Even though his speed had increased by leaps and bounds. It wasn''t the desired outcome. While multitasking he couldn''t keep his processing power at 50/50. As a result, his right side had formed the earth magic circle before the left could finish the wind. Both spells were the same level of difficulty so they should be completed at the same time. Currently, he was doing a 60/40 split. Lucas sighed at this realisation but then he revealed a smile shortly after as he realised nothing in life worth having is achieved in 20 seconds. Plus, he didn''t mind the extra work. It was fun.


    Once Lucas got his spirit back. He began round two. He prepped his mana and went in for it again. He lifted his two hands at the same time and began the respective spells. However, this time the wind spell on the left finished before the earth spell on the right. Because the earth had finished before the wind last time. Lucas wanted to compensate for it by putting more processing power into the wind but he ended up overdoing it again. Now instead of 60/40, his processing power was split 40/60. Again Lucas sighed and then revealed a faint smile as he began round three. Round three proved to be no better than the two rounds before it but he pressed on and went to round, 4,5,6,7,8,9, and then 10. Each of them proving to be no better than the last time. He had tried slowing down the spell but that seemed to be futile too.


    He had tried a varying up the spells in many ways but that didn''t change anything either. So Lucas figured this could only be accomplished by some good old perseverance. Once Lucas got a good enough feel for it after many repetitions he would be able to tell how much processing power he was putting in and then shift it to the desired outcome. Once Lucas came to that conclusion he began the 11th round and then 12th,13th,14th all the way up to the 20th round. It was at the 20th round that something felt different. The results were still the same. But he felt that he knew that he was splitting it between 70/30. This was an important step for Lucas.


    So with a wide smile, Lucas began the 21st round. And just like before he could sense that he was putting to much power into one side so he adjusted the scales but it still felt over the top so he adjusted it again. As the scales came closer and closer to 50/50 his doubts were getting higher because this was land yet to be walked on. Once he was unsure of whether he was going above or he asked Thea where he was at.


    [ You are at 55/45. So far this is the furthest you have come. Just a little bit more. And you will have this child''s game done.]Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    " Easy for you to say. Multitasking has never been my thing."


    Once Lucas realised that he was at 55/45 he lowered it even more until he got to a stage where he just instinctively knew it was 50/50. But he still asked Thea if he was correct and she confirmed it to be true. Once he realized he had finally achieved a 50/50 he rejoiced. Then got back to work. He released his spell and began over. He wanted to to be able to tell whether he could get 50/50 without Thea''s help. Lucas prepped his mana and again sent it to his brain. Then he split the processing power. But again he felt he was overdoing it on one side. So he decreased and decreased until everything felt right. Once he got to a certain stage he was uncertain again so he asked Thea and she said he was currently at 52/48. Then with her help, he adjusted it to 50/50. Once he achieved 50/50 he stayed in this state for a while. He wanted to become accustomed to it. Once Lucas felt he was ready. Lucas repeated the process. And again at 52/48, he felt he had achieved the correct weight distribution. Until Thea said he was wrong.


    Again Lucas realised this was an issue that would only be ironed out through repetition. So he repeated the process another 10 times. Until finally, he could achieve a 50/50 state without Thea''s help. Once Lucas was able to achieve the 50/50 state. He started all over again and added the last step. This was, of course, releasing the two spell that was being conjured. But this was the easy part since he had been using spells every day since he came to this world. On his try, he was able to conjure and release the earth and wind spells at the same time. At this feat, Lucas shouted a roar of celebration clenching his fists tightly. Lucas had finally achieved what he sought out to do. The next action would be splitting his processing power into 4 equal parts. This would be 25/25/25/25. But he decided to leave that for another day as the test only required you to be able to do two at the same time.


    Plus Lucas didn''t know how long it would take to accomplish such a feat. It took 6 hours just to do a split between 2. But that was another day''s worries. He had accomplished everything he needed to do. So Lucas looked at the tab and pressed the red button on the tab. When he did the grassy plain returned to the blue room and the door reappeared. Once he was done he came out of the simulation booth. But when he did he got a lot of envious looks. Which was understandable. Lucas had a whole booth to himself. He could use this booth for as long as he wanted. Where others had to stay in a line for hours just to get 15 minutes of time. Lucas sighed at the realisation. This place was really run in a weird way. Being weak granted you fewer opportunities than if you were stronger. If that was the case, how were the ones on the bottom supposed to catch up with those on the top? If anything this system would just create a bigger gap between the weak and the strong...


    The system did have its perks though. For in certain cases the lower students would get fed up with the unequal treatment and would train harder. So they could improve their rank. This way the school created the want and the desire to be on top. Which would prevent things like strikes. Instead of yelling unfair and burning the place down. The students at the bottom would work harder than normal so that they could gain the benefits of being on top. So that they could look down on others like the ones on top of them looked down on them. Thus establishing it as a proper system. Upon that realisation, Lucas frowned but he was benefiting from it so he wouldn''t fight it.


    Lucas just walked passed all the glaring students and wondered what he wanted to do next. It was already night time. He also realised that he was starving. He was so in focus that he didn''t realise it. Lucas already ate the breakfast he got from the official during recess. So Lucas had two choices. To either go see if Tamara Everly was still working and eat with her. Or go and eat at his dorm. Lucas thought a bit and decided he would rather go to his dorm. He felt if he was going to eat with her in the evening it would feel like a date and that wasn''t what he wanted. He wanted to make sure that no mixed signals got mixed into their relationship. "Platonic is key". Lucas nodded his head at that thought.


    It only took a few minutes to get to the guest dorm. Once he got there many people were already in the cafeteria eating their food. He hoped he wouldn''t receive another round of applause. And just like his hope nothing happened. Nobody stared at him they just continued with their conversations and ate the food in front of them. Lucas smiled when nothing happened. Then walked to the line to get his food. He knew he could just walk past them but he wanted to feel like a normal student. He wanted the normal student life so he didn''t want to cut in line at this point in time.


    In no time the line cleared up and he got his serving of food. He sat down and at his food. Once he was done he went to his room. As now was the perfect time to sleep. He had a big day tomorrow. But before he went to sleep he wanted to see what it was that he got from the official this morning. So he reached into Thea''s storage and pulled out a pouch. Once he opened the pouch he saw more gold than he had ever seen in his life. He wondered where the gold came from and why it was given to him. But then he remembered he had just increased his luck stat. Maybe because of the increased luck stat he got lucky and someone decided to give him gold. This thought made him smile. But he wanted to know exactly how much gold he had received. So he emptied the entire pouch on his bed. When he did the weight of the gold made his bed sink in. But he began counting the gold. After counting it twice he was certain that he got 700 gold from this pouch alone. This was a tremendous amount. The blood in Lucas''s body started pumping. He began thinking about all the things he could buy. It then dawned upon him that one of his rings needed a Blacksmith to repair it. And it needed to be a B rank Blacksmith and above. Now that he had a lot of gold he was sure he could afford it even if he didn''t know the cost.


    After thinking of all the possible things that money could buy he realised that he wouldn''t be able to sleep by himself in this state. So Lucas said, " Thea can you do that thing where you can make me fall asleep instantly."


    [ Sure I can. Do you want to sleep now.?]


    " Yes. Well, of course when I climb into bed first. So wait until I''m in bed then turn the lights off."


    [Sure thing. But before that. Don''t you want to read the note that came with the pouch?]


    " Note?"


    [ Yeah the note you are sitting on.]


    Lucas stood up and he saw where his bum is, there is a note. So he picked it up and read it. This was the second time he received a note in this world. The first one was from Layla Palmer. Now it was from someone else. He knew this because he didn''t recognise the handwriting at all. The note said.


    " Here is half of the gold I earned by betting on you in the tournament. I knew you would win so I betted on you from the start. I earned A LOT of gold because the odds were against you. I''m giving you half of the proceeds cause that only seems fair. And you were fair to me."


    After reading the letter. Lucas knew it could be none other than Tamara Everly who sent this message. She did say he would win. And no matter how much times he said he wouldn''t she just knew. Also related to the fair part. Lucas could have cheated her. Instead, he told her that the potions were all high-grade potions instead of low, mid, and high. He guessed that this was her way of saying thank you.


    Once he figured that out he climbed into bed. Then clapped his hands two times and the light turned off. After that, Thea turned his lights off and he fell asleep.

 67. Skip test A

    The next morning Lucas woke up earlier than normal. Stretching out his back he let out a long yawn, " Aaah, that felt great." Climbing out his bed, Lucas opened up the curtain and stared into the distant skies, " I''m finally taking my first steps to success. It''s been slow. But I should start picking up the heat soon. I will be successful! I will be strong! I will be revered...! I wonder how my brothers are doing on Earth? I hope they find success in what they do... I hope that my death didn''t derail them off the attention they need to put into their studies... I wonder if I''ll ever be able to see them again. I miss you guys..."


    Lucas shook his head. Then rubbed the Rheum off his eyes, " C''mon man. You got this!" After that, the alarm went off. This time it went off in his room too. The officials wanted to make sure Lucas wasn''t late again. But he was up much earlier than they were.


    When Lucas heard the alarm. He started getting ready for class. So he took a shower. Lucas had the entire top floor for himself. It was like a suite of a hotel. So he had a shower in his room. But he never liked showering in this place. The shower was spacious. But it was a design of its own. It was confusing and needlessly so. From the buttons, he needed to press to get the water to flow. To the levers, he needed to adjust to regulate the water pressure and water temperature.


    Looking at the complicated contraption, Lucas felt like he was in Japan. He sighed and then after 10 minutes of adjusting, he showered. Washing thoroughly.


    Once Lucas was done he put on his Mage coat and went downstairs to eat. After standing in line he ate his breakfast and headed for class. As he walked he was looking at all his fellow students and their faces ridden with fatigue. It was something to do while he was walking to class. But as he got closer and closer to the first stop of the day. His heart started beating faster and faster. Lucas didn''t know why but that what was happening. After a few minutes of pondering. He came to the conclusion. That it was either because he was nervous or because he was excited about the new opportunities, that await after he passes the test. Either way, it made him feel alive.


    Walking into class. Lucas found an empty seat. He was quite early, ''Flip! I walked too fast.'' (1). He wasn''t the only one in the lecture room but he was one of the few. As time passed, the classroom filled up and then eventually the lecturer came in. Once the lecturer was ready. He called for silence in the room. Everyone stopped the conversations and listened. Then the lecturer looked straight at Lucas, " Where are your books, Mr Lightningstorm? Did you forget them again?"


    " No, actually I didn''t take them on purpose." Once Lucas completed his sentence. He realised how disrespectful that sentence could be interpreted without the proper context.


    A nerve appeared on the lecturer''s forehead, " Oh! So what now? You too smart for this class?!"


    Lucas realised his mistake and so he tried to rectify the issue with haste. " No, no, no. That''s not what I meant. You see I plan on taking the skip test. I have already studied and know the work of the first and second semester''s syllabus. Hence I didn''t bring my books as that would be cheating. Sorry for the misunderstanding."


    " Aaah. I see. No, I totally understand. Sorry for making assumptions. It''s just that every year I have to deal with arrogant people who think they know better than me. Since you are the King of The First Years. I assumed you would be one of those people."


    " No, sir. I came to Reckwerth to learn. I can''t do that without the help of a lecturer."


    Nodding his head the lecturer said," Good, good. You have manners. Keep them, it will take you far in life... So you want to take the skip test. I''ll prepare that for you now... Class today is a free period. Please go over yesterday''s work. Discuss amongst yourselves to hear the opinions of others. Remember what you put in is what you will get out... Mr Lightningstorm. Come with me please."


    " Yes, sir." The students and Lucas replied in unison.


    Lucas climbed out of his chair and walked to the lecturer who was at the bottom of the lecture hall. Once he got there. They both walked out of the classroom. The lecturer led Lucas to another building. The building''s interior was dull. It only had desks for the students to write their tests. And another table where a bunch of tests where stacked.


    " This is Lucas. He wants to take the skip test. Are you guys prepared?" The lecturer said to the other officials.


    " Already!? Class just started yesterday?!" The officials all wore confused faces.


    " Yes, ma''am. I have learnt the entire syllabus as such. I would like to continue to year two."


    " Wow...! But are you sure? You can only take it once. If you fail you may never take one again during your schooling career, here at Reckwerth."


    " I am sure."


    " Okay then. Just wait a bit we need to sort out a few things. But for now, give me your student card. So that I can see what subjects you take. So that I can give you the correct test."


    Lucas handed her his student card. Tapping on the Reckwerth symbol, a hologram appeared. Then the official swiped left to see Lucas''s subjects. But once she did she looked at Lucas with disbelief. She thought maybe Lucas only had one elemental class as such he was able to study it so quickly. But when she saw he had four not one but four. She was flabbergasted, '' This kid studied all this work in just a day!'' She shook her head, '' No, no, no. This kid is trying to be cool. There is no way he can do this.'' Once she thought this her looks towards Lucas turned from admiration to disdain.


    " You do know that any score lower than 90% is a fail, right?" Lucas nodded his head.


    Still looking at Lucas with a face that showed she was unimpressed, " You do know. You will be writing all your tests today, right? Not just for this class but for every class. For you, that''s 7 tests."


    Again Lucas nodded his head.


    " You do know that you are being tested on this semester''s work and next semester''s work?"This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    " I am well aware ma''am."


    " Okay. Your loss if you don''t make it. Go find a seat. I will be with you shortly." The official was officially done trying to persuade Lucas not to take this test. '' Mph. If he wants to fail that''s on him''. She gave back Lucas''s student card. So Lucas went to go find a seat.


    After a while, she returned to Lucas with pieces of paper in her hand.


    " This is your first test. It will be on Water A and Water B. You have one hour to complete the test. I am giving you 10 minutes of reading time. No writing allowed."


    Lucas nodded and then she left his side. Lucas opened up the papers and started reading through it. Once he was done. He was confident that he could answer all the questions. After 10 minutes ended the official announced that he could take the test and so he began.


    Lucas took the ink pen he had next to him and began the test. He looked at one of the questions. Instantly he knew the answer. So he grasped the pen with his right hand. And put the pen to paper. As he did he began writing. But Lucas noticed that his speed was extremely slow. He could write. He knew how the shapes looked. But because he had never written before it took a while. It was like writing in Chinese for the first time. Even if you know all the characters. Writings the characters on paper. Will take practice.


    '' Flip. I should have practised my writing before this test. So I''m going to answer the long questions first as they worth more points. Then I''ll move on to mid and then short."


    Once Lucas had his plan. He looked at the clock and saw only 1 minute had passed. Then he began writing.


    " Times up!" The official announced.


    Once Lucas heard her speak he put his pen down and wiped the sweat off his forehead. Then the official came and took his test. Looking at Lucas''s appearance she scoffed, '' See you should have listened to me.''


    " You have 5 minutes to get a breather. Then your next test starts."


    " No disrespect. But I don''t need it."


    " Alright, your funeral." She was done trying to help him. So she never opposed the idea.


    On the other hand, Lucas wanted to keep the feeling he had while writing. The official went to the table and then brought Lucas''s test. " You have 1 hour to complete it. You get 10 minutes reading time, no writing yet. The test is on Fire A and Fire B. Good luck."


    Lucas read over the test. And then when he was allowed to he began the writing. Once he completed the test he handed it in and then he wrote another two tests after that.


    " That''s four tests straight. You have an hour break. Then you write your last three tests."


    " Thank you, ma''am."


    This time Lucas opted to take the break. Because writing for four hours straight was getting boring. The break would serve to refresh him for the next part. Also because Lucas''s dexterity stat is high. He was getting the hang of writing at a fast yet neat pace. So he didn''t feel the need to push himself anymore.


    In his break, Lucas went to the cafeteria to get something to eat. This time he used his status and skipped the line. He wasn''t going to use his entire break just trying to get food. Skipping the line Lucas, '' I wonder if Tamara is on shift today. I guess I will have to find out.'' Once Lucas got to the register. He saw that it wasn''t Tamara. He sighed and then ordered his food. Once he got his food he went to go find a seat. He found himself a seat and began eating. But as he was eating he heard a familiar voice.


    " Lucas!? Aah. You came."


    Looking up Lucas looked at the girl speaking to him, " Yeah. I thought I would pop in for a bit. But I saw you weren''t on shift yet so I''m just here."


    " I should give you my schedule. I''ll send it to you. Just accept my friend request."


    " You sent a friend request?"


    " No, I will though... Don''t you have classes now?"


    " Nope. I''m taking the skip test. I am on a break and then I''m writing my last 3 tests."


    " OMW! You taking the skip test! Wow, you''re are something special. Class just started yesterday... I hope you do well. Heck if you pass. You might even have classes with me."


    " Oh. Are you a second year?" Lucas enquired.


    " Yes, I am. " Tamara said proudly.


    " But I actually need to go. If I''m any later I might get fired. When I have time. I''ll send you my schedule then we should definitely hang out."


    " Sounds like a plan. And enjoy." Lucas said.


    " Thank you. And good luck with your test." Tamara Everly said. Then she walked away waving her hand energetically with a smile on her face.


    As soon as she left Lucas got a call. He knew because his student card was vibrating. Lucas took his student card out his coat. Then he answered.


    " Ay Lucas. How''s did the test go?"


    " Hi, Silvya. I''m Actually still writing. I''m on break now."


    " I know that. That''s why I''m asking."


    " Oh. Haha. Well. I would say it''s going well. You should prepare the 200 gold so long."


    " We will see about that. But got to go. Just thought I would pop in before I head to class. Bye"


    "Cheerz."


    Then Silvya Rouge ended the call. As Lucas was about to put his student card back into his coat. He got a message from Silvay Rouge. It said, " Good luck." Lucas smiled at the message, '' How nice. Wishing me luck when it goes against you."


    With that Lucas finished his lunch then he stood up. And went to the classroom where he wrote the test.


    " Good. You made it on time. Get ready for your last three tests." An official said.


    " Yes, sir," Lucas said.


    The officials had now swapped. Which made sense. It would be too draining to invigilate for 7 hours.


    Lucas walked to his seat and then he began reading his test after the official explained the rules. Of which he was well aware already. But it was standard procedure. Once he could begin writing he began the fifth test. After writing that he wrote the sixth and then finally his seventh and last test. After writing the test Lucas yawned. He was drained. Writing 7 tests were as taxing as they came. Even if he knew all the answers. Writing was a mission.


    The official collected Lucas''s last test, " That''s it. You are free to go. Tomorrow, come here first thing in the morning. Then you will do the practical part of the test."


    " When do I get my results?"


    " That will be tomorrow too."


    " Okay. Thank you very much."


    Lucas walked out the classroom stretching his upper body out by raising his hands in the air and reaching for the stars. Then with one hand still in the air, he closed his hand and made a fist, '' Almost there.''


    Now that Lucas had time to himself. He went to the training area. He practised his accuracy at the target machine. Then he trained his combat prowess at the simulation machine. With his new found strength. He could beat an E rank mu creature by himself easily now. However, E rank Omega was still too difficult for him. He had lost his "life" multiple times while trying to beat it. After he finished his training he got a message from Jastin Wells saying he should meet up with him Silvya Rouge and their friends on the open field.


    So Lucas went. Once he got there he introduced himself to the new people. They spoke for hours and then Lucas went home. During the time. Lucas was with them he had sent Silvya Rouge and Jastin Wells back and forth to fetch him water or anything else he needed. Jastin Wells wasn''t too happy about it. Because there was a girl he was interested in but because Lucas was sending him around and because he always complied. It looked like Lucas was his boss which isn''t how you impress a girl. Once he told Lucas what effect his orders where having, Lucas understood. And decided to call it a day. He wasn''t going to purposefully destroy Jastin''s chances. Even though he knew if Jastin failed here. He could probably find someone else in minutes.


    After speaking with Silvya Rouge. Lucas went to train again. Then he went home to his dorms. Ate dinner, showered and climbed in bed. It was late and he had a full day. He took his student card out his coat''s pocket. To see if he had received a friend request from Tamara Everly. But the request box was full of other people he didn''t know, '' Guess she was busy. Eh, no issue.'' Then he closed his eyes and fell asleep.


    1. Just a change. When I quote like this '' .'' That will always be a thought. " ." This is direct speech. Therefore conversations with Thea will be quoted like this '' .'' Because it''s a conversation that happens by thought.

 68. Skip Test B

    The next morning Lucas woke up, showered, ate breakfast then he walked to the classroom he was asked to.


    " Good you are here. Just wait a bit. We will begin shortly" An official said.


    Lucas nodded his head, '' I wonder what the practical will be about. I hope that it will be faster than before. Because yesterday was torturous.''


    " We are ready. Please follow me." An official said and then walked out of the classroom. Lucas followed shortly. They walked to almost the same room that Lucas goes to for combat training and projectile accuracy. It''s a spacious almost empty room with only a target machine and a simulation booth at the end of the room. Once they got there, an official said, " Wait here a couple of minutes. The invigilators and lecturers will be here shortly."


    Lucas nodded his head. A few minutes later, the classroom had multiple lecturers and individuators. Once everybody had arrived an official announced to Lucas and the lecturers alike, " Mr Lightningstorm is attempting the skip test. So please test him on the work. We are starting with Fire A and Fire B. Who teaches Fire A and Fire B?"


    " That would be me." A scruffy looking lecturer replied.


    " Good. Then you may proceed."


    Lucas and the lecturer walked into the simulation booth. It was set on view all. So others could see what was happening. This would prevent any cheating. The lecturer played with the settings. And then he clicked confirm. Suddenly it started raining and they were on a wooden ship in the middle of a storm.


    " As a Mage, you should be able to cast magic anywhere. So to test your ability. I need to see your fireball reach the size of at least 16cm in these conditions. You have 5 seconds... GO!"


    Lucas nodded his head, '' This is child''s play. I thought it would be harder. I''m glad I''m skipping this grade. I would learn nothing."


    Lucas began prepping his mana and then he said: " Fireball." From the red magic circle, a 25cm fireball shot out. Lucas conjured this spell in 2 seconds.


    Once Lucas was done. The lecturer nodded his head and nonchalantly said, " Well done. You have passed."


    ''What is this monster! Two seconds! Just two seconds! No wonder he wants to skip a grade.''


    "Thank you, sir," Lucas said.


    " I''ll be taking my leave. But you stay inside, your next lecturer will be in shortly."


    Lucas nodded his head. And then after disabling the location, the lecturer left and another one came in. She then changed the location. This time they were standing in the middle of a volcano.


    " Please conjure 1 litre of water in these circumstances. You have 5 seconds. Good luck."


    Again Lucas nodded his head. And then 2 seconds later he conjured 2 litres of water. Unfortunately, that was as close to his minimum as he could go. If he went any less, he was afraid he would conjure less than a litre and fail."


    The lecturer saw Lucas''s speed and had the same reaction as her colleague before her. Lucas smiled awkwardly at his lecturer''s facial expression. Then asked, " Will that be all?"


    " Yes... That will be all. Good luck with the rest."


    And then another teacher came in. He tested Lucas on Earth. But Lucas was able to pass that test with ease too. The same for wind. Then his lecturer for mana control came in. Because of Lucas''s blessings, this was a breeze too. After that Lucas had to take a test for combat class. He was tasked with being able to beat an F rank Alpha creature. Which Lucas did with a single spell. So far none of the tests was a challenge. But he had one more left. This was projectile accuracy. So Lucas exited the booth and then he walked to the target simulator. Once he stood in front of the booth it started. He was tasked with reaching level 50 but Lucas wanted to beat the thing. That''s why he trained his mana-eyes to a higher level than needed. He wanted to test the difference between mana-eyes and combat mode. And then maybe combine the two. To see how strong that would be. If it made it stronger...


    Lucas prepped his mana as the target was moving. He pumped some mana into his eyes. And then suddenly he could see much better. Then he let the rest go into his hands. He conjured a red magic circle and shot out multiple small fireballs. He got 100 points for each target he was hitting. As he kept hitting the target. They began moving from side to side, faster and faster. But because of Lucas''s mana-eyes, it was easy to hit the target. So far, he had yet to miss the centre. Until the movement of the targets started moving erratically. This caught him off guard. So he got 80 points for that one target.


    '' The targets are moving differently. This doesn''t happen on the ones in the training area. These movements are more unpredictable.''


    But Lucas kept going on. He was now at level 65. The previous booths end at 70. But once he got to 70 it kept going on. Which took him by surprise. He had never attempted any level higher than 70. And not because he lost by then. On the training area simulator, Lucas could clear it with a perfect score. But this one was clearly different. As he kept advancing in levels it got harder and harder. Until he lost. Lucas reached level 82 before it ended.


    When he turned around. All the teachers were lost in their thoughts. Some looked white snow. As if all the colour had been absorbed from them.


    " Uhm... Well done. Seems like the first year is way to easy for you. Please go to the reception. There you will find out if you had passed the written tests."


    Lucas nodded his head and then said, " Thank you." Then he left for the reception.


    " What a frightening kid. No, the worst part is he doesn''t seem to know how good he is. He just takes it as if it''s normal. IT''S NOT!"


    Lucas arrived at the reception with a signed document from all his lecturers. Stating that he had passed all the practicals. He handed the paper to the receptionist.


    " I''m Lucas Lightningstorm. I just took the skip test practical. I was told to come here to see if I had passed the written exams."


    " Yes, I was notified. Just one moment while I check." She stood up from her table and entered another room. When she did she returned with a familiar face. It was Ivys Vinnay.


    When Lucas saw Ivys Vinnay he greeted her, " Good afternoon, Miss Vinnay."


    " Good afternoon. Mr Lightningstorm. Are you ready for your results?"


    " I was but now I know I passed. So I''m less excited."


    " Oh, and how so? I never said anything."


    " Your presence is answer enough. If I failed you wouldn''t come all the way. She would have just told me I failed." Lucas pointed to the receptionist.


    Laughing in a slow and refined way, " Haha. Of course. I am far too busy to waste my time on a failure. Well done, you have passed the skip test. Because of that, you can skip to the second year if you like."


    " I would like to. I am not gaining any satisfaction in my current classes."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    " I can imagine. I saw your performance at the tournament. As well as the footage of you in the training booth and the target practice. Spectacular work. I really look forward to the heights you can achieve... But on a more serious note. Currently, you are the King of The First Years. But since you want to skip the grade. You will no longer have that title. When you enter the second grade you will be ranked dead last. As you entered the grade by skipping. But don''t fret. You can challenge students and take their place in the ranking. As you know the higher your ranking the better you will be treated. Another issue is, I am sure you heard that some man from the military had sponsored your dorm. But now that you are a second year, you will be living in the second year dorm. Hence you will not be able to benefit from the new and improved dorm room. In fact, you will be going from luxury to poverty. We will also be taking your Mage coat from you, in return, we will give you the standard 2nd year one. Are you okay with that?"


    Lucas nodded his head and answered immediately, " I am okay with that."


    " Good! She will sort you out with all the logistics. I will see you on Saturday, yes?"


    " Of course. I wouldn''t miss your lecture for the world." Lucas said sucking up.


    Flattered by Lucas''s enthusiasm Ivys Vinnay reveals a faint smile. Faint, yet it was enough to light up the room, " Good." Then Ivys Vinnay left.


    Lucas returned his attention to the receptionist as if she had just reappeared out of thin air. Even though she had been standing there since the beginning. Revealing an awkward smile Lucas asked, " What now?"


    Not happy that Lucas had completely forgotten she existed. She never returned the smile. She wore a straight face but her eyes showed annoyance, " Let me sort out the logistics and then I''ll bring you your coat. And you can be on your way."


    Lucas smiled awkwardly again. As he knew he had pissed her off. He also knew that the so-called logistics had nothing to do with him. She could go fetch his coat first and then he could leave. But instead, she wanted to make him wait. As payback.


    '' Serves you right. Next time you will notice my presence. I mean when it comes to looks. I''m not that far off from Ivys Vinnay. It''s just because she forces you to notice her. Maybe I should do that too...?"


    '' Wow! I''m getting punished for such a minor thing. I just momentarily forget you existed. It doesn''t make you any less attractive.''


    After 15 minutes she was done inputting all the logistics. Then she stood up and entered the storeroom behind her. When she came out she had a purple Mage coat in her hand. She handed Lucas this coat. Lucas thanked her with a forced smile.


    After seeing Lucas forcing a smile. She felt relieved. As if she had claimed back her honour. She felt powerful again knowing she held Lucas''s time in her hands. Once Lucas received his coat, he left immediately putting his coat in Thea''s storage. He had spent enough time in this place.


    His next order of business was to get his new books. Lucas checked his student card to see if his classes had been updated. When he did he saw that his classes had been updated. And by his profile. It changed from first year to second year. He also saw his rank had been altered from 1 to 1481. '' That''s okay I''ll just rank up and return to rank 1. Don''t know if it will be easy but I''ll try...'' Lucas also checked if there was a friend request from Tamara Everly but there wasn''t. '' I guess she is still busy...''


    After much thought, Lucas reached the Library. He saw the same librarian who helped him last time. When she saw him she said, " Oh. You are back. You are going to stay longer in the library right? Last time you left so quick. You need to put the hours in if you want to pass the skip test."


    " Actually. I already passed the skip test. I am now looking for my second-year books."


    " Haha. Nice joke. But seriously you need to study hard. Do you still remember where your books are?"


    It was at this moment Lucas realised she wouldn''t listen without proof. So he took his student card out and showed her his profile.


    When she looked at the student card. She saw Lucas wasn''t lying. With a flabbergasted facial expression, she stared at Lucas. When Lucas saw she believed him. He showed her his subjects and asked, " So can I please have my books?"


    Coming out her daze, " Yes of course!"


    The librarian led Lucas across the entire Library collecting his books. Once he had them all, they went to the Library''s reception, where Lucas had to sign his books out. He also had to sign a paper, that stated, that he had to pay for any damages, that happened to the books while in his position. Once that was done, he put the books in Thea''s storage, then he left the Library.


    For Lucas classes only started tomorrow. So Lucas had time to do what he wanted. He didn''t want to do any more training. At least not now. Then he thought if he had free time he should go and explore the city. Maybe even get a quote on how much money the repair of his ring would cost. But before that, he needed his money. Lucas had quite a sum of money already. Due to raiding the Goblins and the money he got from the tournament. He had 160 gold in total. Plus the money he would get from Silvya Rouge would amount to 360. That was enough to turn his life around.


    But there was one thing that was bugging him. Lucas wanted to check something before he went to fix his ring. If this ring was what the goblins had in their lair. Then it had to be valuable. As this ring was stored with a lot of valuable items. Based on that. What if the ring is really valuable and then he gets it taken from him. When the Blacksmith claims he is going to fix it... This wouldn''t sit well with him. Lucas could attribute check it but he already did that. And it seemed ordinary. But he wouldn''t know that fully until the rest of the runes are shown. It was a really worrisome dilemma. But then a solution came to him. The ring was made by some person called R.F. If he searched this person in the Library. He could see if this person was Grandmaster in his days. This way he could tell the value of the ring. Because of the attribute check, he knew it wasn''t a fake R.F ring but a real one.


    After coming to that conclusion. Lucas went back into the library. Then he asked the librarian if she could show him where the books on R.F is. Once she led him there, she left. Lucas looked at all the books. There amounted to about 30 books. ''Seems this guy was famous'' Lucas thought. Trying to save as much time as possible Lucas brushed his hand across all the books. When he did a copy appeared in his mind. After that, he assimilated all the knowledge. Due to his increased intelligence, this much was easy. The information ranged from Alchemy, Blacksmithing, Rune inscribing and crafting. R.F had his hands in all the pies.


    After assimilating the knowledge Lucas was certain about one thing. This ring is not to be worked on by anyone but him. If he ever wanted to fix the ring. He would have to do it himself. R.F wasn''t just any ordinary guy. He is hailed as the God of crafts. Back in the day, there were Ranks beyond A. This was S, SS, SSS. But as time progressed the might of humans got weaker. So the S rank standard was removed from the nomenclature. As it only serves as a reminder of how humans are receding...


    R.F was a SSS Grandmaster in Alchemy, Blacksmithing and Rune inscribing. Whatever he created was seen as a national treasure. Many Kingdoms wanted him for that specific reason. But he remained neutral. He just wanted to live in peace and create. When he created he felt alive. But once he was hailed as the God of crafts. His crafting time was none existent. He couldn''t craft anymore. Because what he created could topple Kingdoms. Even if that wasn''t its intention. Humans always find a way to weaponise inventions. Not being able to craft left him depressed. And in the end, he took his own life. This was all written in his books. There were documents that had his personal diary where he spoke about how he was feeling. How lonely being on the top is. But as a final act of rebellion, he left a treasure somewhere in the world. Because of this knowledge coupled with his skills. Anything with an R.F inscribed was exorbitantly expensive. Some even faked an R.F hoping to swindle people into buying fake items.


    Because of R.F, people wanted to be adventurers to find his treasure. Others opted to go along the crafter route. As who better could understand a crafter than a crafter.


    When Lucas learnt this he took a deep breath. By just doing a bit of research, he had saved himself from a massive blunder. Lucas wondered if wearing the ring would be an issue. But it looked really plain so that was good. In fact, not wearing one would be more of a problem as Lucas was using Thea''s storage in public. Although spacial magic is a thing. Students shouldn''t be able to cast it at that level where you could create a whole new dimension. That''s why people used spacial rings. They were expensive themselves because they were expensive to make. But also because of supply and demand. And it was in demand!


    Now that Lucas knew he couldn''t go a blacksmith. He didn''t want to go to the city anymore. Lucas began thinking about what he wanted to do next, '' I guess I''ll go do some training. Training is the only way I am going to get stronger after all.''


    But he knew now that he was a second year he could no longer train at the training area he used to go to. Plus now that he was ranked last. He had to stand in those ridiculous lines to train. Thinking about that, Lucas decided against it. Lucas had another plan, '' Thea, can I still teleport to a place where I can level up.''


    [Sure what difficulty do you want?]


    '' Mmm, medium. Let''s begin slowly.''


    [ Okay then I have a perfect place for you. It will cost you 30 gold.]


    '' Ouch! That''s a lot. Like what do you even need the gold for?''


    [ I can''t tell you that yet. Do you want to go or not?]


    '' Yeah, it''s still worth it. Take me please but first let me find a place where I can go secretly.''


    [ Okay.]


    Lucas couldn''t teleport inside the Kingdom. As the Kingdom had teleportation jammers. The only way in and out the Kingdom via teleportation was via the teleportation channels. So for Lucas to go train he needed to leave the Kingdom momentarily. Lucas didn''t waste any more time and prepped his mana. He dashed all the way to the walls of the city. On his way, he had accidentally toppled a few stalls with the wind he created while running. Once he got to the gate he stopped, showed the guard his student card. Then he left the Kingdom. He activated his dash skill again and off he went. Until he was far enough. Thea activated the spell and poof he was gone.

 69. The demon dagger returns.

    A white light flashed and from it, a dark-skinned man appeared. Once the light subsided the dark-skinned man looked around. Eyeing and checking where he had teleported to. This man was none other than Lucas Lightningstorm. When Lucas looked at his location, he saw that he was in the middle of a forest. But it had a different vibe than the one he was at before. So he knew he wasn''t back in the forest of Talem. After scoping his surroundings, Lucas asked, '' Thea, I''m not seeing any monsters what am I supposed to be doing? Burning down the trees?''


    [ Ha, ha! Very funny. But for your information, if you walk up ahead you will see a village of orcs. Go and decimate them. They will provide you with a lot of EXP. Oh, and stop complaining otherwise next time I''ll teleport you into the enemies base.]


    Laughing at Thea getting triggered,'' You''ll die too, stupid''


    [Mxm, just get on with your training.]


    So Lucas began walking and just as Thea had said. Up ahead was a village even though he couldn''t see it all too well yet. The trees were making it hard to see but also because he was still a distance away. Lucas kept walking until he was 50 meters away. Then he prepped his mana and activated mana-eyes. Now that his vision was a lot better he could see into the village. After counting, he counted there to be at least 50 orcs. Some were clad in light armour others were dressed in heavy armour. But one thing that was for sure, is that they were all of the warrior class.


    The next order of business was to see how strong they were. Lucas was level 18 and boasted a strength stat of 40 points and Intelligence of 62, so he was no ordinary pleb. But that did not make him reckless. He wanted to know what he was getting himself into before he went in. Activating mana-eyes again he scanned over the orcs that were the biggest. Then he said, "Attribute check."


    Race: Orc


    Level: 25


    Bloodline: None


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 50


    Dexterity �C 37


    Intelligence �C 9


    Wisdom �C 11


    ...


    Lucas gasped at the strength and the levels of the orcs. Of these high-level orcs, luckily there were only 5 of them. Then there were the ones who are medium in size. He looked at them and checked their attributes. Of the 45 left, 20 of them were mid-level.


    Race: Orc


    Level: 22


    Bloodline: None


    Attributes:


    Strength �C 38


    Dexterity �C 29


    Intelligence �C 8


    Wisdom �C 9


    The rest were the smaller ones. They amounted to 25.


    Race: Orc


    Level: 19


    Bloodline: None


    Attributes:


    Strength �C32


    Dexterity �C 21


    Intelligence �C 8


    Wisdom �C 7


    Now that Lucas had seen what he was up against, he began thinking of a way to deal with them all. He couldn''t snipe all the high-level ones from far away as they were not together in a group. They were scattered around the entire premises. Lucas wondered if he was going to go in as a Warrior or a Mage? Maybe both. Maybe even resort to guerilla tactics if he had to. While he thought he ate some of the fruit that was still in Thea''s storage. Once he came to a conclusion he began his plan. Truthfully, it wasn''t much of a plan.


    Lucas activated combat mode then he equipped the demon dagger. Because Lucas hadn''t used it in a while the dagger emitted an impressive amount of bloodlust. It would have corroded Lucas''s mind if it wasn''t for combat mode. Once he had a hold of the urge to kill, he activated Wind''s affection. Then he activated the invisibility ring.


    When the preparations were complete Lucas ran towards the village. This village was made out of wood. It didn''t have walls, the trees around it served as a wall. Where the village was there were no trees. It had all been cut down. There were about 5 meters of empty space from the trees to the village. It was as if this village was temporary. The only thing it had going for it was its size but because orcs are big creatures. Naturally, the environment in which they live has to be big too.


    Lucas prepped his mana, then with wind''s affection active, he dashed down to the village. He did not use: < Fire dragon''s leap> as that would alert the orcs of his position. He simply ran using his own pace. Which was quite fast too. Lucas could run 100 meters in 5 seconds. That was his top speed. Of course, he did not run that fast here but he ran fast enough.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Lucas planned to enter from the rear part of the village. There they had 1 high-level guard and a few low-level orcs. Out of all the sides to enter from this was by far the easiest. While being invisible Lucas walked forward. There were no trees to cover him. He ran slowly for 3 meters and then he dashed forward with all his strength. Gripping his demon dagger tightly and prepping his mana. He appeared in front of the troop of orcs. He headed for the high-level orc first. The rest could be taken care of easily. Grasping his demon dagger, Lucas appeared on the right side of the orc. Then he swiftly stabbed the dagger in the throat of the orc cutting through the tough meat of the orc. There was no resistance it was as easy as jumping in a pool of water. The sharpness of the blade was unparalleled because of the runes on it.


    Once Lucas saw that the knife had entered he twisted the knife cutting the orc''s carotid artery in two. Lucas also severed its oesophagus. When Lucas pulled out his dagger blood poured out ceaselessly. Trying to stop the bleeding but also choking on its own blood the orc died. Then Lucas focused his attention on all of the underlings around the high-level orc. With his mana still prepped, he released 10 arcane arrows. They split into 10 different angles while Lucas ran forward, towards a low-level orc that the arcane arrows weren''t heading to. The arcane arrows splitting looked like decoy flares a plan fires out. Once they moved, the arcane arrows instantly pierced all the orcs in the head. They fell to the ground with a thump. They didn''t even have time to react before their brains got pierced. Brain matter and blood littered the floor. This was the effect of activating mana-eyes with combat mode. Predictive analysis, plus being able to see things in slow motion allowed Lucas to fight like this. He only needed to look at you for a fraction of a second and then he had a mental picture of where you are standing in his brain (unless you move shortly afterwards. But even then predictive analysis would give an estimate as to where you could be. Wasn''t always accurate but it was dependable). So then he could concentrate on the person who warranted the attention.


    Still moving forward Lucas appeared in front of a low-level orc. Grasping his dagger, he cut the head off the orc in one motion. Thump, the head fell on the ground. After the feast of blood, Lucas felt the daggers bloodlust decrease. But its greed was still there. So holding the hilt Lucas stabbed the dagger into the dead bodies of all the orcs. The knife sucked out every morsel of blood in the bodies of the orcs. Once everything was absorbed the daggers size increased. It was originally 8 inches. But by using the rune of blood it transformed the blood into the necessary material to increase the size.


    Now holding a 25cm ( 10 inch) dagger Lucas moved to the west side. Its difficulty was one level above the south side. With swift movements and surgical-like cuts, Lucas killed another High-level orc, 6 medium orcs and 8 low-level orcs. However, unlike before, this wasn''t down in complete stealth. The last orc he had to kill had enough time to let out a shout of distress before his head was cut off cleanly.


    +1


    " Shit!" Lucas thought. Stabbing his knife into the corpses of all of the dead orcs around him. But then suddenly he thought of a play that could turn this situation into a favourable one. Lucas quickly prepped his mana and then he initiated <fire dragons leap>. Breaking the ground he ran in a rectangle formation of 10 meters by 5. Once he was done he ran into the forest. Removing himself from the scene.


    " What was that sound?"


    " It sounded like it came from the Westside."


    " Are the ogres attacking again?"


    " I don''t know? I''ll get a detail. And then we will check."


    " Be quick."


    " Yes, sir."


    After much scattering about the High- level orc took 19 other orcs to where they heard the disturbance. They were looking for ogres but found nothing. Ogres are big creatures so you can see them from far yet they couldn''t find the ogres... When they reached the west gate they saw all of the bodies on the floor. They saw severed heads on the ground too.


    " Wait here. I''ll go check the situation myself."


    " Yes, sir." The rest replied in unison.


    Going by himself the orc looked around for activity. But there was none. This was odd because ogres don''t attack like this. They more of the brute force type. '' Humans'' the orc thought. Then he examined the body of a fallen orc. But to his surprise, there was no blood inside the corpse. When he first saw the severed heads he assumed it had to be the work of humans. But now that there was no blood inside the bodies. The orc shivered and thought, ''Demons.'' But before he was going to let fear take over him. He called his brethren to take a look. Maybe they would come to a different conclusion.


    One by one the rest came and checked the bodies of the dead orcs. After observation droplets of cold sweat could be seen on the foreheads of all the orcs.


    Gulping at the unpleasant atmosphere the high-level orc asked, " Well, what do you think? Who could have done this?"


    Silence was the only answer he got. Even though words were not said. Their eyes were communicating expressively. Not one orc was free of the grip of fear.


    When the high-level orc saw the expressions of his fellow orcs, he gulped again, " You don''t think it''s them do you?" Truthfully, that''s exactly what he thought. That''s why he called them in the first place.


    But again he got silence as an answer. Which in fact was the perfect answer. As it summed up the fear they were feeling.


    ''It can''t be. It''s way too early. I had heard they were on the move. But is it already happening? The Purge.''


    The Purge was what all monsters named the event. It''s when all the demons go around killing monsters and absorbing their blood. This, in turn, makes the demons stronger. The demons usually go on a massive killing spree. Before they go to war. The orcs had heard the demons were making movements. That insinuated that they were preparing for war. Because of that, all monsters across the Land of Zul''ras were preparing food and then planning to go and migrate somewhere else. They just needed to leave this land before The Purge. But by the looks of it. They were already too late. As the drained corpses signified that it had already started.


    " Quick! Go call the capt-"


    Before the orc could complete those words it was burnt to a crisp. A 3-meter tall rectangle of fire erupted from the ground. Burning everything in its wake. Yes, this was Lucas''s four-point hell''s formation. Which he had set up before. Looking at the 3-meter tall wall of flames Lucas knew that there was no way the rest of them wouldn''t see that. But judging by his calculations there were only a few left so it didn''t matter. Looking at the flames the dagger cried. As now it couldn''t absorb the blood of those orcs. You can''t absorb blood from a charred corpse. Even if you could, you couldn''t absorb it from dust. Because after the fire subsided there was nothing left. Every corpse had returned to the ground they came from. The smell of burnt corpses rippled through the village. It was a foul smell. Orcs never smelt good, to begin with. Burning them made the smell ten times worse.

 This novel has been dropped

    If you want to find out what happens at the end read the last paragraph.


    I''m dropping this novel because I have made a series of mistakes during this novel and the only way to correct them is to change the whole story which I have no intention of doing. So I have decided to rather scratch the entire story. Also this story will never really get famous. I do have your readers but the number that comes back to read is not a lot. I want to start over and hopefully, I can do better. I''m not looking for a bestseller...yet. Just looking for more than 200 readers. So I can tabulate my growth as a writer. Thank you.


    Layla Palmer and Lucas get back together I''m sure that was fairly obvious ( They should have never split. One of my mistakes. Sacrificing drama for plot.) After they get together word gets out that demons are disguising themselves as humans. After a thorough search, Daruin Ashbinder and Abigail Ashbinder are discovered to be demons in disguise. They were sent by the Demon King to spy on the humans in a high place as they are both the King and Queen of Pantelan. The white Kingdom. It is also discovered that the beer has been contaminated. The beer had the effect of weaking the mana channels of those who drink it. One of the demons plans to weaken the humans to make them easier to kill when war breaks out. Later war breakouts. Humans win with Lucas and Layla''s help by here Lucas is a C rank Battle mage capable of casting lightning. There are stages of lightning blue white purple and lastly black. Each being stronger than the other. After the war, Lucas and Layla leave the city and go do adventuring work. As they journey they meet other people who came from another world and Lucas creates a party of otherworlders and he leads the group with Layla as his equal. Later in the story, Lucas finds out he is not an otherworlder like he thinks instead he was born in this world.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    When Lucas first transferred to this world the system said, " Alien removal plan" meaning he the system recognized him as a foreigner to Earth. Once Lucas discovers this he sets to go and find the Ancient civilization of Fulgora. Where he meets his real parents. They tell him they sent him to Earth to protect him for they are currently in hiding from their enemies. Enemies from another world. The entire civilization of Fulgura is black and are all lightning wielders. However, none of them can use the strongest form of all Black Lightning which Lucas learns to use and uses to kill the boss of the people his family is afraid of. Once that war is over Lucas becomes the King of Fulguro. But he decides to bring his people out of hiding and into the real world with the other races. From there he creates an empire with all races able to join his Kingdom even other species. His KIngdom becomes a utopia and the one beside him all the time. His Queen is none other than Layla Palmer. Not a harem.


    Hope that satisfies you as much as it can.