《Tales of An Arcane Student》


 Prologue

    You know, at one time some things just fall into place. Like a puzzle that suddenly ''clicks''.


    Suddenly you see the bigger picture, you start to understand things on a deeper level because you see the picture clearly.


    Not just random pieces of a puzzle, but the whole that you''ve missed before.


    Yes, I hate my life. That is the only thought I can wholly support as my life flashes by like an old school picture movie.


    God, they even show my birth in third person view. It''s horrible to see myself getting born. I don''t mean the endless pain, the trauma or the blood and gore that come with a birth. I meant that no one in this room wanted me to live.


    How do I mean that? Well, when your ''mom'' and ''dad'' are 16, and then decide one night, that they want to learn more about biology, specifically the human anatomy...They play doctor and patient, and apparently, that entails full-on intercourse.


    I''m trying to put this in a friendly, not weird way, but basically, they fucked and forgot to use a condom or other forms of protection.


    Then they went on to become stellar parents. Joke. They''re the classic example of what parents should not be. First, they decide to ''keep'' and ''raise'' the child and then go into drugs and criminality. In this period I learned a lotabout abuse and housekeeping. Basically, run the household or get smacked for being an ''ungratefulchild''. My father, who I will from here on out call sperm donor, got drunk once or twice a week and smacked my mom and me. You''d think I would develop a good relationship with my mother, whom I will from here on call egg donor, right? Well, could''ve if she wasn''t always on heroin.


    As I grow up, child care services took me away from home. And I can literally hear you say "Yes, now things are going to get better!". Well, tough shit, not happening. Police took me away from home and a social worker started looking for a foster home. Then a hearing by the police and later followed by a court case. The judge was actually rather nice and after hearing out the statements of my ''donors'' he decidedthat Ireally needed to be separated from my ''donors''really quickly. Even the judge was fuming as my ''sperm donor'' said he ''hadn''t signed up for this piece of shit''.


    The judge eventually took me in as his foster child. All happy days right? Guess what - still no luck. He took me in when I was11 and raised me religiously. He taught me science was humankind exploring the laws of God. He died when I was 15. Only 4 years after he took me in. Before he died he had done all the paperwork to have me adopted and make me his only heir.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Social workers left me one by one, as they felt I could handle myself. I had serious anxiety and couldn''t bond with any of my peers. I was pretty damn lonely. I passed the days in the library and in church. Asking God why he took away the one good thing in my life, while science was my way of searching for eternal truths... An explanation...


    In the end, I easily passed exams with the highest national scores. My GPA was to die for. Still lonely. No feeling of accomplishment or anything. Studying was simply a way to relieve boredom, to drive away the loneliness.


    In the end, I died; 22 years of age. The newspapers reported the death of ''A Genius in the making'', ''A great loss to the future''.


    Teachers praising my accomplishments but not a single peer had anything to say about me. I was a loner, that didn''t fit the paper''s description of a 21st-century genius.


    The film was short and in my opinion not a second too long. There were no gains down the road for me.


    There was no goal to live for. I lived for the sake of another day.


    "Pretty unfortunate life there young fellow."


    O great, now I''ve got someone spectating my tragic life. Dying wasn''t enough, now people get to grab their popcorn as they watch the failing surgeons try and save me. They know it''s hopeless, being hit by a truck and surviving was never going to happen with my luck.


    Waaaait. I''m dead. I know I am. Then what is up with the voice? Do I get a lame voiceover, like we''re watching a nature documentary? I''d prefer Morgan Freeman or Sir David Attenborough. But no, I get this unrecognisable voice. Just my luck.


    He even seems somewhat cheery as he''s going on about my life.


    "... And that brings me to the following; you''re getting reincarnated. Any questions?"


    WAIT. Stop. WHAT did HE just SAY.


    "Reincarnated?"


    "For someone who thinks he''s all that, you''re not that quick on the uptake aren''t you?"


    I swear I could hear an audible sigh right now.


    "I''ll explain one, last time, I''m not answering any more questions after this."


    He seems annoyed, I should listen, I have a feeling I need to.


    "I just told you, the cosmic balance of the planes is kept in order by balancing the energy of souls between the planes. Your astral body is just a lump of energy that is either positively or negatively charged. The sum of all parts must be more or less equal between the planes to keep it stable. Normally we''d wipe away your memories and gain a state of nirvana for your soul before we launch you into a new life on a different plane. But a dark mage found a certain magic tome, learned some forbidden runes and decimated half a continent as a result, all because a certain god forgot he left the tome in his world as he went exploring..Well anyways, time''s up. Good luck."

 Chapter 1 : The Setting

    During my childhood, I was carefully raised as the second son of Baron Easton. In 1611 Eaonan Kalender my 4th great grandfather was awarded a baronet, a hereditary title - not peerage, after outstanding services in the military during "the first great war". The first great war was fought between 1607-1611 after a dispute over the north-eastern border with Constantia. After him in "second great war" only 30 years later my 3rd great grandfather repeated the steps of his father in the military, at that point on the decree of the King our family was raised to the status of Baron. Ever since our family has managed lands in the north-east of the country.


    This all was taught to me in the early years of my life. The reason why I''m recounting these tales is that they become ever so important to my life.


    "First entry in the diary of Warren Easton",


    Facts: The first great war was fought between 1607-1611 after a dispute over the north-eastern border with Constantia.


    The Second great war (1629-1630) was fought over a princess of Constantiathat was famously betrothed to the 2nd Prince of Aerth. However, the 2nd Prince renounced this arrangement as he publicly vowed his heart belonged to PrincessAria of Romula - a very small nation neighbouring Aerth.


    __________________________________Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Every family with a title of nobility has the right to administer a single child to the Royal Arcane Academy. The Academy was established in 1620 in order to bring more power to the crown as the nobility after the war were scrambling for merits and power. It was basically a form of child abduction; sign your kids over to the royal family their care.


    The official reading of the crown was to establish a powerful generation that would lead our country to more peaceful times. As they say; in order to keep the peace you must prepare for war. The Academy would teach Arcane magic, history, politics, army tactics, ethics, horse riding - anything that was deemed necessary in the upbringing of a splendid generation. Even knowing the plot of the king, the chance to have successors learn the coveted arts of arcane magic that had been kept within the confines of the Royal family had every nobleman register his heirs to the academy. Even though not everyone can be a successful arcane mage, the greed for such a successor was more than enough stimulus. During the second great war, King Leonard Lionheart the fifth of Aerth was praised for the founding of the academy as the alumni had a substantial contribution to the victory over eastern neighbour Constantia. As a result, many noblemen started to actively support the academy. During this time the Academy grew in influence and started to register alumni in the Arcane Society. Hereby extending their reach of influence to even the kings'' court.


    "An unbiased reading on the establishment and influential expansion of the Academy",


    By Norman Greenman, Historian, Greater Arcane Mage of the 4th ring.


    ____________________________________

 Chapter 2

    As I was looking at the journal at my desk I started to once more overthink what happened to me. To find logic in my situation I must reflect upon my experiences. My memories are that of two lives. One sad, past life, that seems so distant now and one of the here and now. My former life was really too sad for words. However, my guess is that it''s a former life. The memories are so hazy that it feels like it''s been ages ago.


    Thing started to change for me when I was five years old. My nights suddenly became filled with these nightmares.


    Strange buildings, moving vehicles, a father that hit me and a mother on drugs. Every morning I woke up with sweat dripping from my brows. Only after months, I could somehow feel the connection to these nightmares, as I could remember the scenes more vividly I started to remember more and more. I have solemnly sworn to leave behind these nightmares.


    After that somehow the nightmares stopped, I could recall them if I wanted to but I deeply suppressed the memories. However, I did start writing a journal from that moment on. I wrote down all of my ''former'' self as if I could lock it away in the journal. After skipping a few pages I started my first entry on this ''new'' life. I can tell these events changed. The jokes of my brother sound more silly, the people feel more distant, I feel more disconnected with my surroundings.


    My father, however, has been greatly supportive of my apparent changes, says that I grow up quicker than the rest. As a result, I started getting private education from teachers together with my brother. My brother, however, was 4 years older than me at the time. Mr Rudolf educated us on math, philosophy, geography and history. Ms Hoff taught etiquette and horseriding whilst captain Hirsch taught us warfare tactics as well as how to wield the bow, spear, sword and shield.


    It was an all-round education that ingrained us the values of nobility and military. Our family was promoted to a baron house after our great-elders performed well in the two great wars. The lands around Erlon had since belonged to us.


    My father was proud to raise two wonderful sons. My brother performed well in physical subjects, he was practically strong as a bull. However, my father was stunned to learn that I quickly overtook my brother in all other studies. Mathematics came as easy to me as counting.


    Because of this instead of sending my brother to the Royal Academy he had chosen me to represent the Easton family at the academy. It had been custom to send the heir to the Academy for as much as a century; however, becoming an arcane mage meant having great intellect and talent, therefore my father pinned his hope on me. Even though I''m just eleven now I can see how important this is for the family. Ever since my great great great father became an Archmage of the 6th circle and performed well in the military our family had been in steady decline.


    Because of the decline father had many worries; our lands were rather rich and bountiful. Our forefathers always had been ruling fair, trying to improve life for their subjects as best as they can. However, with no Arcane Masters in the family, our political situation was far from good. Other barons around were eager to take a piece of the cake that was the Easton family. In order to turn the table father had been selling many heirlooms in order to raise his standing army. He even used his old military contacts to strengthen his foothold; eventually, our family gathered enough forces to keep a steady standing. For now.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Currently, I''m lodging in an inn at Craven town, about 7 days travel away from the capital. From the moment my father told me he had enrolled me in the Royal Academy I had tried as much as I could to prepare. My guts tell me that even though father thinks I''ll do fine I should be far behind from the top students. I couldn''t help but feel the urge to learn more, and quicker. As I think about this, this might be my former life''s pride to at least be considered smart. A small smile cracked through my cramped up face. I know I worry too much, but I can''t let this feeling go.


    My father had given me various books to prepare me for my stay at the Royal Academy. He specifically recommended to read up on the prestigious history of the Royal Academy. Afterwards, he gave me a list of students that were enrolling this year; among the list were various prestigious families and even Prince Charles the 2nd would be attending in the same year as me. After Ms Hoff learnt that I would be attending the Royal Academy her teachings became even harsher than before... Ms Hoff was a kind but strict teacher, she would scold me if I goofed off but she would also encourage me if I was interested in a topic. She taught me the family crests of many prestigious households, their emblems, their history and in particular she stipulated the etiquette when interacting with either the prince or one of the 4 greater Duke''s sons.


    It seemed that my years class would be attended by all kinds of hotshots. Ms Hoffs told me that the greater Dukes would always try and have children in the same age as the princes, this would increase their chances of making better connections or even marrying into the royal family. Next to the various important nobles attending the Royal Academy she also told me about a few very influential merchant families that had an heir walking into my 1st years class.


    Even though the Royal Academy was founded by the king in order to gain more influence over the various ruling nobles after the alumni contributed greatly to the 2nd war it became a very well respected institution that via their alumni became a very reputable force. Because of the close ties with the king, the king could sit a little more comfortable in his seat as the nobles understood how important it was to have a good relationship with the academy.


    Not everyone attending the Royal Academy would become an Arcane Archmage or even close to it, however, their studies were profound in many fields. Even if you were rejected for their arcane studies you could still become a scholar and even an influential political figure. Therefore the boon was simply too big for the nobles to resist. It also became a very important way to determine the future power balance between the greater families, as their heirs would all compete in the Academy.


    All of this information that had been drilled into my brains passed through my mind as I sat quietly in my hotel room, both excited by the future as well as curious and nervous whether I would be accepted for the Arcane Studies. Regardless of whether I would be picked, the competition would be fierce. I sighed as the thought crossed my mind that at this point I couldn''t influence the results anymore... All I could do was to be well rested and await the ''glorious'' day that I would enter the academy. I decided to get a good rest as I would continue my journey to the capital tomorrow again.

 Chapter 3

    I am woken up by the soft daylight breaking tot the windows in the small inn''s room I''m currently staying in.


    As I rub my eyes I take a look around me to adjust to the morning light that is slightly irritating my eyes.


    I quickly acclimatise to the brightness of the light as I walk to the sink to get some water. As always I''m intrigued by the way the water comes flowing from the faucet. My curiosity has been peaked by many similar things like this ever since I was born. The sink works based on a water gem. The gems are naturally formed in places with high amounts of mahra.


    The gems are simply a manifestation of solid mahra. Back in the old days, they were called Mahra stones, but since they''ve become common due to various inventions to make them artificially they are now called gems.


    The gems are a source of power, an arcanist then places a ''simple'' inscription on them to give them a specific use; like drawing water from air, or to generate light. Our house always has a steady supply of gems delivered by a merchant who is a long time friend of father, so I had asked him about how they make the product.


    "Obviously" it would be expensive to have an Arcane Master inscribe each and every one of the gems. So the arcane master simply made a set low-level talismans. Even someone with the lowest levels of mahra could still activate them as it was made with the intention the be very easy. Since they would make life much easier on people, the king bought the rights to the product and has been selling them for a low price to the factories. The talismans are simple to create and have about ten uses before they disintegrate.


    My mind had once more appreciated the ingenuity of the product as I sipped water from my glass, washed my face and hands as I prepared to get dressed to get breakfast. As I was getting ready I heard a familiar knock on the door.


    As the son of a baron, I would naturally not travel by myself. I was accompanied by a steward, 12 guards and a coachman. Usually, I would also have 2 handmaidens travelling with me. However, as I grew up I did not appreciate their help too much; it was somewhat embarrassing to be washed and dressed by two ladies. My father kept telling me that it was their job, but I never got used to it. So in the end, I refused their services and since they''ve been serving my mother.


    The familiar knock was from Steward Regus. Our house managed quite some lands, so our administration was run by three stewards, Regus was the kindest among them and he was responsible for managing the personnel. As I would be settling in at the Arcane Academy Regus would handle all trivial matters for me. Arranging furniture, setting up my administration, hiring personnel etcetera. Regus would also handle the contacts that had to be made for attending social events and he likes. My father had never mingled much with politics, but the face of a noble was very important.


    Regus and I got along just fine, he was steady and capable steward and he had immediately accepted his position as my personal stewards without hesitation. Even though he''d be away from the main family, and I wasn''t first in line to inherit the barony he had no problems in following me. On the road, I had asked him why he would accept so easily.


    Regus had simply explained to me, that there were many ifs and maybe''s but he felt that I would be doing great things in the capital. His guts told him that he should follow me. He even said he believed that I would be accepted in the Arcane studies. He also told me even though he had been serving my father for 15 years, he had never been promoted or had been given additional responsibilities. Though he loves his job and felt he was rewarded plenty, the challenge of something new had him excited.


    "Good morning young master, did you have a satisfying sleep?" Regus said as he came through the door after having heard Warren''s acknowledging "enter".


    "Good morning Regus, sleep was decent. What is the planning for the day?" Even though I knew we would be travelling by coach the entire day, I responded with an automatic question. It was simply routine to go through the planning each morning with Regus.


    "If the young Master is ready, breakfast will be served in 10 minutes. We will then proceed to travel towards the capital. I have made arrangements last night to join a merchants caravan. As we are closing in on the capital it would be a great opportunity to learn more, young Master. The merchant''s name is Hugo Twiggs. He mainly deals in salt, spices and valuables. He also told me there are two other nobles joining the travel towards the capital." Regus then stopped in order to have me acknowledge that I''ve heard him and then proceded with more information.


    "Both nobles are going to attend the Royal Academy, and they are very familiar with each other. The taller one is Reis Kindler, he is a son of Baron Kindler. The shorter, blond one is Yuriy Voronin, son of Count Voronin. His elder brother Anthony is actually a 4th circle Archmage and one of the genius alumni of the Academy. Because of his brother''s exemplary results, the younger Yuriy has also been invited to the Royal Academy." Regus said matter of factly. Another great quality of Regus is that he always gathers information about everything that is even remotely important. Therefore I''m not that impressed with his report. I know he probably mingles with the Count''s staff in order to get the information.


    Along the road, Regus had been constantly updating me with facts and knowledge about the surrounding or people that he came across during his various activities. Because of this particular skill father had also told me to heed his words when he would recommend things. Apparently, Regus has a good perspective on important matters so father holds a decent amount of faith in Regus.


    After quickly confirming the route and some other minor details I went downstairs to get my breakfast that by then had already been prepared. Between our conversation, Regus had already signed one of the guards to deliver the message to the inn''s kitchen.


    After a simple, but well-prepared breakfast I headed out to the carriage that had already been waiting in front of the inn to head to the west gate, where we would meet up with the rest of the caravan. Regus was handling matters smoothly as expected and without a hitch, we met up with the merchant''s convoy. As I was the young Master of a baron''s house I was quickly greeted by a rather pompous figure wearing rather expensive clothing. Hugo Twiggs was a merchant that knew how to enjoy life, so I thought as I put up my best fake smile and responded to his greetings.


    "Ah, Young Lord Easton, it''s a pleasure to welcome you to my caravan - I assume you are travelling to the capital to join the Royal Academy?" Twiggs'' face smiled ear to ear, trying to come across amiable to me. As I saw his smile I could softly hear ms Hoffs voice ring through my mind, telling me to be a proud and dignified noble. However, she had also more than once told me all merchants were snakes; say one thing, probe for another - profit was their only motivation.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "Ah, Mister Twiggs I assume? I must thank you for your kindness in allowing us to join your caravan whilst travelling towards the capital. Having company makes the lonely road much more amiable, wouldn''t you say?" I said as I gracefully exited the carriage to extend my thanks to Mr Twiggs. I couldn''t be bothered much with his overly amiable way of talking however, even father told me: having ties is important, even an annoying person can be an important pion.


    "Ah yes, well said young Lord. I am grateful for your kind words. Traveling with kindred spirits makes the journey much more pleasant. I''ve travelled far and wide in order to find products for my trade, but the capital is truly something different, have you ever been their young Lord?" Twiggs asked whilst sizing me up as if I was a piece of meat.


    Perhaps some wouldn''t have noticed but the quick look he threw made it absolutely clear he was assessing me as a customer. Perhaps judging whether or not he could make a profit off of me...The mention of his travels and products might have made someone else interested but my only interest was getting to the capital at this point.


    Merchants were just these kinds of creatures. They would even sell cow dung if a profit could be made. Even though the casual glance didn''t have any disapproving in it, I could feel he was somewhat disappointed somehow.


    "No, I haven''t Mr Twiggs. I have been residing in our manor since birth, not going out much other than to inspect our own lands. Therefore I''m very interested in what you could tell me about the capital?" I asked as I knew gathering information was a very important thing to me. I might come across as a bit of a country bumpkin now, but I would rather be a country bumpkin now then when I enter the capital. It would also give Mr Twiggs something to talk to me about; this way even though I ignored his products he would still feel appreciated. Slapping someones face should not be done to easily. Giving face was simply part of being a noble. You could act superior at any time, but you should still appreciate people when they can do something for you.


    "Ah, well, you will surely come to love the capital. Though the outstretched lands of farms and hills are beautiful to behold in their own right, the capital is too a very special sight. All streets are paved, there are more people than you can possibly imagine an architecture is simply magnificent. Even the wall surrounding the capital is simply of a different category than any other city wall - it stretches almost up to the sky.


    Most districts are flourishing but you should still beware of the back alleys in the northeastern part of the capital, various underground forces are running around there, even thou the garrison is trying its best to stop the criminal activities they are somewhat stretched thin in such a big city. There are many many pretty sights, most can be found near the city centre. Most nobles are housed in the western part of the city, hence its also called the wealthy district. The Academy is located just outside the capital. As it''s located on a great hill, local''s also call it the Hill Academy or simply Hill." Mr Twiggs kept rattling on about various famous locations, famous sights in a manner to show that he was very well known with the area.


    As my mind started to daze of from the conversation I decided to put a halt to the rattling.


    "Ah yes Mr Twiggs, the capital sure sounds like it''s an amazing place, your introduction was very lifelike and has made me very excited to go touring through the city when I have some time on hand. Since you are well known with the city, could you tell me if I can get a map of the city somewhere to help me navigate perhaps?" I said calmly, taking control of the conversation in an instant. Even though I somewhat interrupted Mr Twiggs he shows no sign of being annoyed.


    "Ah of course Young Lord, I beg your pardon for rattling on like this, it''s a habit of mine. Maps of the general layout of the city, with markings of various important buildings, are being sold through the Royal Office. They hold an office in various location; their map is definitely of high quality. However, the general store also sells maps for the many visitors. If you wish you can also buy one of my copies of the maps." Twiggs offered, knowing he might have overstepped his boundary with a Baron''s son.


    "That would be most appreciated Mr Twiggs, my steward Regan will handle these matters with you. If you feel I might have need of some other products, do inform him. If you can offer those products he will surely come to an agreement with you over such matters." I pointed to Regan, who nodded with a knowing smile. Even though I was sorry to dump this waterfall of words onto Regan, having him deal with it was definitely for the best.


    Before Regan went with Twiggs to discuss business, Twiggs pointed towards 2 luxury coaches surrounded by intimidating guards.


    "Those are our other esteemed guests; young Lord Voronin, whose father is a Count and young Lord Kindler who hails from a barony."Twiggs added their respective titles, knowing that this information was crucial for my interaction with the two other nobles. Even though Regan had already told me about this, I still appreciated the gesture and smiled politely whilst turning and gently making my way over to the two young lords who by now have also noticed my appearance.


    As my family was lower ranked than the Count it was only appropriate if I went over to introduce myself. Ever since we had arrived our guards had been in their best formation, trying not to lose face for their young master. My captain of the guard, Evan noticed my goal and immediately joined a step behind me. Now that Regan had gone off for business purposes it was his job to be my direct assistant as well as my bodyguard.


    Image was very important to nobles, so he wouldn''t want to make his young master lose face even though it was evident that the counts guards were better trained. So he straightened his posture, even more, put up his most intimidating gaze and put even more energy in his strides. The differences between his usual laid-back manner were so big that I chuckled a bit after looking over my shoulder. However, father had assured me that Evan was most certainly not a miser. And now I could also feel why, as he had grown slightly more serious an intimidating aura started to spread from him. Definitely not a simple person... Even the guards of the Count had felt the changes and had were standing on attention.


    The count noticed the difference too as I saw him peek over my shoulder with a slightly shocked gaze. However, this moment of shock was overcome as quickly as a blink. Truly worthy of a count''s house. His face was relaxed as he looked at me amiably, a small smile plastered on his face. For me, however, I knew there were thousands of thoughts running through his mind. This was the stage where we would determine whether we would have a friendly relationship.. a competitive relationship... no relationship or an adverse relationship.


    As nobles, we would represent our house, so these meetings were always filled with plays on words. Trying to gauge each other''s objectives and goals. If they were in line a relationship could be formed. Since the three of us obviously came for a spot at the royal academy a slight tension was rising as well, even before we had spoken. It would be greatly beneficial if I could maintain a positive relationship with them before entering the academy. The academy was of some sort also a social gathering of the elite of the next generation. Therefore having the right connections would make life a lot easier. However, as house Easton hardly interacted with other nobles, I would have to start from scratch.